What to look for in an IT support provider in Utah

IT support has evolved over the years. While back in the day, you had to wait hours or even days for a technician to come on site and fix your tech issues, you can now simply search online for a support team near you and have them troubleshoot issues in real time.

If you’re looking to streamline operations, reduce costs, and leverage specialized expertise, outsourcing IT services can be a strategic decision for your business. However, don’t just settle for any IT provider. When considering outsourcing, it’s crucial to find an IT provider that aligns with your business goals and can meet your specific requirements.

Here are the key qualities that Utah businesses should look for in an IT provider.

Expertise and experience

An IT provider’s level of expertise and experience should be on top of your list of criteria, as this is a good barometer of how well they can serve your needs. Look for a company that has a proven track record in delivering IT services, with experience in your industry.

Utah-based businesses may benefit from partnering with providers familiar with the local technology landscape and regulatory requirements specific to the state. For instance, if you belong to a regulated industry like legal, you may want to work with an IT provider that is familiar with Utah’s regulatory sandbox program, which allows businesses to apply for exemptions to regulation. Try to read reviews of the company’s services on local review sites and determine whether the service quality they delivered to previous clients is satisfactory.

Range of services

Ensure the IT provider can address all your specific tech needs, whether it be network management, cybersecurity, data backup and recovery, cloud computing, and/or software development. A managed IT services provider that can offer a comprehensive suite of services will allow you to consolidate your IT requirements with a single provider, resulting in efficiency and ease of communication.

Scalability

Your IT needs will evolve as your business grows, so you should also look for an IT provider that offers scalable services. Determine whether they have the flexibility to scale their services should you require additional support during peak periods or need to accommodate changes in your business structure.

Proactive approach to support

A reliable IT provider should be able to actively monitor your systems, identify potential issues before they become critical, and implement preventive measures to minimize disruptions. This proactive stance can help mitigate risks, enhance system uptime, and improve overall productivity. In other words, make sure to partner with a proactive, not reactive, IT provider.

Strong security measures

Data security is a great concern for any business today, so assess an IT provider’s capability to implement robust security measures that can protect your sensitive data from a variety of threats. They should have well-defined protocols for data backup, disaster recovery, and regular security audits, which are critical to bolstering your cyber defenses and the integrity of your operations.

Flexibility and customization

Every business is unique, so it’s best to team up with an IT provider that can tailor their services to your specific needs. An adaptable provider should be willing to understand your business processes and offer customized solutions that align with your goals, preferences, and budget constraints.

Related reading: 5 signs you require an MSP

Transparent communication

In every outsourcing partnership, effective communication is a must. Therefore, the IT provider you choose should have clear channels of communication and be responsive to your inquiries and concerns. They should provide regular updates on the status of ongoing projects, promptly address any issues or changes, and maintain transparency throughout the collaboration.

Local presence and support

Consider partnering with an IT provider that has a local presence in the state such as NetWize. This can be beneficial for several reasons, such as having easier access to on-site (and remote) support, a better understanding of local technology infrastructure, and familiarity with local regulations that may affect your business operations.

By considering the qualities mentioned above, you can find an IT support provider in Utah that can solve your daily IT woes and help drive your technology initiatives forward. Call NetWize today.

Zero trust security: Why companies need it for a hybrid work setup

If your company has a hybrid work setup, it’s critical that you implement zero trust security measures. Zero trust is a comprehensive approach to security that assumes no inherent trust, regardless of location or network boundaries.

Here’s what you need to know about zero trust security and why it’s vital for hybrid work environments.

What is a zero trust security framework?

Unlike traditional perimeter-based security, zero trust doesn’t presume that all users with access credentials are authorized to be in the network and can be trusted with all company data and resources. Instead, zero trust security operates on the principle “never trust, always verify.” This means it reduces risk and tightens digital safety by verifying identities, analyzing behavior, and granting access to resources based on specific user roles.

A key component of the zero trust approach to security is the use of multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA requires users to provide more than one proof of identity, such as PIN codes and biometrics, during the login process for systems or applications. This additional layer of verification makes it significantly more challenging for unauthorized individuals to breach security.

Implementing zero trust security also typically involves the use of microsegmentation. Microsegmentation technology can help prevent attackers from gaining access to larger parts of the network by breaking down larger networks into smaller segments with limited access privileges.

By incorporating MFA and adhering to other fundamental principles of the zero trust security framework, your business can establish a robust defense system that safeguards your sensitive assets. Even President Biden has set a goal for federal agencies to implement zero trust security in line with his Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity.

Why is a zero trust security framework vital in a hybrid work environment?

In a hybrid work environment, there are several cyber risks that can be best prevented with a zero trust framework, including the following:

Data breaches: Data breaches can be especially damaging in a hybrid work environment. This is because remote workers often have access to sensitive data, and they may not be using the same security measures as employees who are working in the office.

Phishing attacks: Phishing attacks can be used to steal sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. In a hybrid work environment, remote workers may be more likely to fall victim to phishing attacks because they may be less familiar with the security measures that are in place at their company. This is especially true in the case of new employees who may not have spent a lot of time in the office and have not received adequate information security training.

Malware: Malware is a type of software that can be used to damage or disable computer systems. It can be spread through a variety of ways: as email attachments, via malicious websites, and through USB drives. In a hybrid work environment, remote workers may be more likely to be exposed to malware because they may be using personal devices to connect to the company network.

Zero-day attacks: Zero-day attacks are those that exploit vulnerabilities in software that the software vendor is not immediately aware of. Zero-day attacks can be very difficult to defend against, and they can be especially damaging in a hybrid work environment because remote workers may not be using the latest security patches. While zero trust security cannot completely prevent zero-day attacks, it can help to mitigate the risk. That’s because with a zero trust security framework, organizations can make it more difficult for attackers to gain access to systems and data, even if such attackers are able to exploit a zero-day vulnerability.

With zero trust security, companies can mitigate these cyber risks and maintain a secure IT infrastructure that accommodates the needs of a remote workforce and ensures that sensitive data remains safe and secure.

To set up zero trust effectively and efficiently, partner with a managed IT services provider (MSP) like NetWize. Our experts have the knowledge, experience, and resources to navigate the complexities of zero trust implementation, tailor it to your organization’s specific needs, and provide ongoing monitoring and support.

Related reading: 7 Cloud security best practices to protect your data

By working with an MSP, you can confidently establish a robust zero trust framework that protects your hybrid work environment and enables your organization to operate securely. Call us today.