With shifting dynamics in the way today’s workforce operates, a prime asset is any technology that increases productivity and the level at which a business functions. Organizations frequently struggle to find a no-nonsense, easily managed solution that improves collaboration, communication, security, and workflows. The integration of SharePoint with Office 365 is the answer many business owners are seeking. A tool for document management and collaboration, Microsoft SharePoint effectively accommodates the control and management of internal documents and business content.

In our modern technology-centered work environment, businesses often operate from multiple locations. Operating hours and a tool for delivering on-time work must be flexible. With Office 365 and SharePoint, users are able to share and store documents in a tightly integrated data management system that has the needed flexibility.

Top Office 365 and SharePoint Business Solutions

It’s always an added benefit when business solutions cover multiple challenges, which is why Office 365 and SharePoint are a popular option. Whatever your business goal, there is a good chance you will find in SharePoint a helpful tool toward that end.

Accommodates Remote Access and Mobility of Employees

BYOD is when employees of an organization are allowed to use their own electronic devices for work purposes, including smartphones and computers. Most organizations have adopted BYOD, remote access, and mobility, putting demand on vital business applications that can be accessed round-the-clock from any geo-location. SharePoint Online makes it easy to coordinate with other team members and access company files from anywhere in the world that has an Internet connection. The fact that no one has to wait until they return to a physical office to open, edit, or review any document improves productivity and business performance.

Self-Service BI Capabilities

Business Intelligence (BI) is a reference to applications, practices, and technologies for the presentation, analysis, integration, and collection of business information. Office 365 is rich with features that include self-service BI capabilities. The integration of multiple applications can be effortlessly leveraged to garner knowledge from various systems. This capability enhances the competence to gain ready-to-use insights and make cognizant decisions.

Improve Processes and Workflows

With manual handling of approvals and handoffs, productivity is slowed and time is wasted. Automizing business workflows with Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint cuts down the time required to complete business processes. Involved individuals receive instant notifications that make them aware of activities awaiting their attention. Ultimately, organizations are better equipped to focus on their core expertise as resources are released.

Improved Integration

Certain capabilities that are lacking in many document management programs are easily integrated with Office 365 and SharePoint. For instance, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), which help to increase an organization’s overall profitability, can be integrated with SharePoint. Workflows, administrative systems, and planning can all be linked through the SharePoint platform.

Contact Aperio IT to learn more about the benefits of integrating SharePoint with Office 365 today.

With trillions of losses caused by cybercrime, increasing cybersecurity is a must for businesses nowadays. Organizations can prevent more devastating, headline-making breaches by improving their network security.

The first half of 2019 has been marked with massive cyberattacks. The US Customs and Border Protection’s data breach exposed 100,000 people’s license plates and photos. A ransomware attack targeted manufacturing and industrial firms. Wired Magazine also cited the American Medical Collection Agency’s breach involving millions of healthcare patients’ records as one for the records this year.

Cybersecurity breaches have lasting negative effects on a business and its relationships. Follow these best practices to help improve your network security:

1. Pinpoint Potential Threats in the Organization’s IT infrastructure

Everything that is connected to the network must be outlined. This can help the IT department identify potential weaknesses in the devices’ connectivity. For instance, there may still be those with outdated software or default passwords. For organizations with a Bring Your Own Device policy, every device must have updated antivirus software and firewall. Unidentified external hardware must not be connected to company devices too.

2. Develop a Tight Network Security Policy

Even small businesses are cyber targeted, so security standards must be in place. Put these in writing in the organization’s security manuals and brief each employee about them. Conduct regular checks of the employees’ awareness about these network security protection standards. Review these standards regularly and update the employees about them. Cyber threats are fast evolving, so network security protocols in place must change as well.

3. Teach Employees about Cybersecurity Vigilance

Train employees to check security certificates, URLs, and email addresses every time before providing their private information or credentials. Encourage them to identify potential threats and compensate them for it.

Phishing attacks still prove to be one of the biggest cybersecurity threats this year. It helps to teach employees how to spot phishing attempts. Some organizations used the following tips to help employees pinpoint phishing attempts:

• Showing them sample phishing emails
• Identifying the red flags in these emails
• Reminding them to always check the email address of the sender
• Telling them not to open email attachments from unknown sources
• Conducting an actual test to see who among the employees still fail to identify phishing emails.
• Give them more training until they get it

4. Monitor the Entire Network regularly

Anyone in the network can be a target so you have to be vigilant. This is why privilege management is important. It limits access to sensitive information based on the employees’ job requirements, not their position in the organization’s hierarchy.

Regular network audits are also a must to maintain network security. This can identify vulnerable access points, especially the ones that do not screen traffic. Fortify these points with an access policy. This may include restricting unknown devices from accessing the organization’s network. Filtering Media Access Control (MAC) addresses is a solid first step. It denies access to any devices with MAC addresses that are not in the company’s whitelist.

A good network security policy may also require employees to go through a heavily monitored virtual private network to access the organization’s network.

5. Augment Cybersecurity Support

Cybersecurity departments often point to the lack of support as a hindrance to implementing a strong network security plan. Aside from hiring an in-house team of IT staff, external support may be necessary at times. It could be in the form of a Managed Service Provider (MSP) implementing customized solutions based on the needs of the organization. This is the go-to practical solution for small businesses and organizations with a limited budget.

Network security affects every part of the organization. It should not be dismissed as a cost but instead a benefit when it means protecting the business, its consumers, and its overall integrity as an organization. A study shows that data breaches have forced around 60% of businesses into bankruptcy in as fast as six months.

6. Use Up-To-Date Hardware and Software

Be keen on monitoring and downloading the latest patches. Regularly check for potential weaknesses and threats and fix them. Protecting network security should not only fall on the shoulders of the IT staff. End users should also be involved by giving them constant security policy education.

Conclusion

Contact Aperio IT if you need help managing your computer systems and network security. Our team will implement innovative solutions to protect your network from cyber criminals while ensuring compliance and driving workplace efficiency.