Top 5 Worst High-Tech Habits to Break in 2016

Admit it – you have some bad habits when it comes to maintaining the security and health of the high-tech tools your business depends on everyday. Since it’s a fresh new year, we thought this would be a great time to point out some of the most popular bad habits most businesses should be working on in 2016.

Bad Habit #1 – Not Backing Up Your Data

Funny how most people start their confession of not backing up their data with the words, “I know it’s bad, but…” If you know, then why aren’t you doing it?
I’ll tell you why… It’s because you’re busy. You don’t have the time to figure out how backup systems work. And you’re not sure which solution is best for you.
Here are a few tips to help you get started…
First, the best backup solutions store your data onsite, where you need it most AND offsite, in case something happens to your onsite data. This is the best of both worlds because it provides maximum protection for all your precious data, while giving you the flexibility to restore individual files or your entire computer or server whenever you need to.
Second, your backup solution should be easy to implement. It should work automatically so you don’t have to think about it. If you need to remember to do it, you won’t. While the data on your computer or server is critically important to you, it’s not something you’re likely to think about until you need to restore it.
Finally, you’ll want to choose a backup solution that verifies that your data is actually being backed up. After all, there is no point in investing in a backup solution, only to have it fail when you need it most. You’ll also want to do test restores at regular intervals to ensure your data backup is ready to go whenever you are.
Don’t want to go through the hassle of finding the best backup solution? An IT company with the right backup solution can help you setup a solid backup plan to make sure your business data is safe and secure. In fact, we have solutions to fit just about any size business!

Bad Habit #2 – Relying on Tape Drives to Backup Your Data

backup tape drive
If you were feeling a bit smug while reading #1 on our list because you’re using tape backup drives to backup your precious data, you’ll want to read this carefully. Why? Because tape drives have a failure rate of nearly 100%. No, that’s not a typo. Almost 100% of the time, your tape backup will fail to restore your data.
The fact is tape drives wear out over time and the software used to retrieve the data from tape drives is often clunky and unreliable. And what happens when someone forgets to take the tapes offsite and disaster strikes your building?
If you’d rather not gamble against the odds, a new backup solution is in order. It’s not a matter of “if” but “when” your tape drive is going to fail. Do yourself a favor and trash those drives in favor of more reliable backup solutions!

Bad Habit #3 – Using Weak Passwords

How to Create a Super Strong Password Infographic
Excerpted from: Entreprenaur.com

One of the biggest threats to your business’s security is using weak passwords to secure your systems or access accounts and information. If you’ve ever used “password” as your password, we’re talking to you!
A good password should be at least 8 characters long and contain a combination of numbers and upper and lowercase letters. If you want an even stronger password add a symbol or two like # or @.
Now, we realize you’ve probably heard this before and have ignored the advice. The fact is creating and remembering complex passwords is a pain. But there are ways to create strong passwords that are still easy to remember.
Try taking a common word or phrase and adding a twist. For example if you love football you might create a complex password by adding some symbols and numbers like this:

Ilovef00tb@ll!

By substituting the O’s in the word football with zeros and using the @ sign for the a, we’ve added some complexity to the password. Plus you’ll see that this password is also longer than 8 characters and contains an uppercase i, as well as an extra exclamation point at the end. Yet, despite it’s complexity, this password should be reasonably easy to remember and type when needed.
Start getting creative and you’ll find it easier to create strong passwords that are also easy to remember.
One final tip – don’t use the same password for everything. If someone gets a hold of one of your passwords, they will also have access to all the accounts that use that password! Create unique passwords for every login for rock-solid security.

Bad Habit #4 – Not Installing Software Updates and Security Patches

One of the best ways to keep your computers and server secure is by installing security patches and software updates regularly.
We know you’ve seen the screens that pop-up asking you to install updates. But these messages always seem to come up when you’re in the middle of something, so you hit cancel and keep working.
This is a very bad habit to get into because when those updates don’t get installed your computers and servers are vulnerable to the very threats the patches and updates are designed to prevent.
In fact, each time an update goes out, it acts like a green light for hackers who instantly implement viruses and scams designed to take advantage of those who don’t regularly update or patch their systems.
Don’t be a hacker’s next victim. Set your computers and servers to perform updates automatically. Or better yet, work with an IT company that can handle these updates for you, so you don’t have to think about them.

Bad Habit #5 – Printing and Storing Paper Documents

How to make your office paperless_ with dvd  Infographic
Excerpted from: PandaDoc

The dream of the paperless office is long overdue in most offices these days. But the truth is most of the paper you use everyday can be converted to digital files and its easier than you think. The latest advances in document imaging (aka document management) make it more cost-effective than ever to switch to a paperless office.
Plus, you’ll enjoy these benefits:

  • Saved storage space
  • Less time spent searching for documents
  • Instant access to all your documents via the Internet
  • Fewer lost files
  • Less chance of losing critical documents due to fire, water damage or wear and tear
  • Cost savings on paper and ink

With all these benefits, there really aren’t any excuses left to stick with an outdated paper filing system. Get started on your paperless filing system today!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our round up of the top 5 bad tech habits that could be impacting the security and health of your business. If you need help breaking any of these bad habits, now’s the time to act. Contact EZSolution today for a no-obligation, no-pressure consultation to get started on the right foot in 2016!