August 2013 | Business Security & Protecting Your SMB

August 2013
In this issue:

■	The Latest on Business Security
■	7 Ways to Protect Your SMB from Fraud and Cybercrime
■	Is Cloud Computing Right for Your SMB?
■	August Certifications
■	HTS Referral Program
■	Business Continuity Tip
■	Just for Laughs and Quote of the Month

HTS Referral Program

The highest compliment you can give us is the referral of a new client. If you know of anyone who could benefit from any of the services we provide your company, please keep us in mind.

August Certifications

As part of our “Lifelong Learning” core value here at HTS, our engineering team is challenged to achieve one new certification each quarter, which allows us to continually serve the growing needs of our clients!

In July, we even had a few members of our sales team join in on the fun!

Bill Ramsey - Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013
Brady Osborne - Configuring Advanced Microsoft Windows Server 2012
Ken Gulick – Implementing HP Networking Technologies
Crystal Barngrover - Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuration
Kevin Tomlin – Dell SonicWALL Sales Certified
Bob O'Dell – Dell SonicWALL Sales Certified

Congratulations to all who achieved new certifications last month!

Free Webinar: The Latest on Business Security

Firewall, Anti-Virus, Backup, VPN, Anti-Spam. . . the list goes on and on. You are pretty sure that your business has all of the necessary levels of protection for today's security threats, but how can you be certain?

With the ever-changing attacks that hackers and criminals are throwing at businesses, it is vital that organizations take a proactive approach to ensure they are protected. Solutions that were capable of providing the right level of protection a few years ago may very well be irrelevant today.

Join us for this educational webinar on August 27th at 10 AM CST, presented by Donald Lupejkis from Ingram Micro. We'll take a look at the latest in business security technologies from the vantage point of the leading distributor of technology in the world – Ingram Micro. Ingram Micro works with hundreds of technology vendors and has the pulse on the trends of the technology world.

7 Ways to Protect Your Small Business from Fraud and Cybercrime
used with permission from SBA.gov
by Caron Beesley

How secure are your small business assets from fraud, identity theft and cybercrime?

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), companies with less than 100 employees lose approximately $155,000 as a result of fraud each year. Small businesses also have a higher fraud rate than larger companies and non-business owners. One of the most frequent sources of fraud is credit card abuse – largely due to the fact that few business owners actually take the time to go through every line item on their bill or choose to mingle business and personal accounts.

Other sources of fraud stem from an overall lack of security across the business – such as inadequate network and computer security and a lack of background checks when hiring employees.

Don't be a victim! Here are some tips you can take to better protect your business from some common forms of fraud and cybercrime.

Is Cloud Computing Right for Your SMB?

This is not a technical how-to – it's a discussion about where cloud computing is today for small to medium-sized businesses. Is it time for your business to move to the cloud? Where is cloud computing at today?

What drives this interest?

Why are small businesses interested in cloud computing? A major influencer is the need for lowering and fixing the cost of business, accessibility, safe and secure data storage, affordability versus on-site hardware, scalability, and compliance.

Continue reading »

Business Continuity Tip:
Beat the Heat

As we prepare for the heat waves of the summer, we're all reminded of the real risk and dangers associated with the rising temperatures. Here are some tips and resources to help you beat the heat, no matter where you live.

Stay Cool. Heat is one of the leading causes of weather related deaths in the U.S. To protect yourself and others, make sure you can recognize these symptoms of heat illness.
Slow Down. Stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity and exercise. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors. Check in with family and friends, especially the elderly living alone. Click here for more tips from the American Red Cross.
Prepare for Brownouts. Brownouts typically occur during heat waves due to heavy equipment coming online, short circuits, or electrical companies decreasing voltage to meet the needs of peak time. Use FEMA's free "Going Off the Grid" guide to prepare.