Businesses are using mobile devices more than ever to increase productivity and profitability. However, like desktops and laptops, smartphones and tablets are highly vulnerable to hacking, and some employees expose them to threats in ways they may not even be aware of. To protect your company from these threats, follow these tips on keeping mobile devices safe. Ensure mobile OS is up-to-date Apple and Android’s operating system updates improve overall user experience, but their most important function is to fix security vulnerabilities. You can reduce your business’s exposure to threats by installing updates for ALL devices as soon as they become available. Some people wait for a few weeks or months to update their device’s OS. This gives hackers ample time to exploit vulnerabilities on devices that run on outdated operating systems. Install business applications only Downloading apps seems harmless, but lenient mobile devices policies on what should and shouldn’t be downloaded on company devices could lead to staff downloading and installing non-business-related apps from third-party stores, most of which are notorious for malicious advertising codes and other threats. Be careful with public Wi-Fi networks Emergency situations might compel you to use password-free Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airport, cafes, or any public place. Connecting to an open network could expose your confidential information and sensitive company data to hackers connected to the same network. You can avoid this by providing a practical internet data plan, preferably one that includes roaming services, for remote workers. And if you really have to connect to an open Wi-Fi, don’t use the connection for transferring sensitive data. Enable phone tracking tools Losing a company-issued mobile device is a scenario many would rather not contemplate, but it happens. Devices can be misplaced or stolen, and enabling a useful app such as ‘Find my iPhone’ for iOS devices, ‘GPS Phone Tracker’ for Android, or any other device-tracking app in Apple’s App or Android’s Google Play stores helps users locate lost phones, or otherwise delete data in stolen devices. Downloading and setting up the app takes just a few minutes, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that even if your phone is lost or stolen, its contents will not be compromised. Screen SMS carefully SMS messaging may not be as effective as email phishing, but SMS phishing can also be used to trick users into clicking malicious links. Hackers send messages purporting to be from someone you know or a legitimate source that asks you to urgently send confidential data. You can either delete these messages, block unknown senders, or alert your IT department in case you encounter a possible scammer. Mobile devices are becoming more critical to operations. And with more devices open to attack, businesses must bolster their cybersecurity efforts. Hackers will exploit every possible vulnerability, and that includes those in unsecured smartphones and tablets. Get in touch with Multi IT on 011 435 0450 if you need comprehensive security solutions for your business!

You’ve invested in WiFi routers so you can access emails, collaborate in real-time, browse Facebook, and watch YouTube videos at blistering speeds. But when your WiFi refuses to work the way it should, the frustration sets in and you begin to contemplate smashing your router into pieces. Avoid the temptation with these easy ways to troubleshoot five common WiFi problems. Range constraints WiFi works via radio waves which are broadcast to all possible areas from a central hub, usually a piece of hardware known as a router. In order to avoid a weak signal in your office, make sure: Your router is placed in a centralized location and not tucked away in the farthest corner of your facility. Your WiFi antennae are either in a fully horizontal or vertical position for optimal signal distribution. Note that WiFi range constraints can also occur from interference, so if your office is situated in a highly populated area, try changing your router’s channel. Slow speed Despite having high-speed or fiber optic internet, slow load times can still occur for a number of reasons. To eliminate this, try the following: Make sure your router is located in the same room as your endpoints. Have more routers to better accommodate a high number of connected devices. Close bandwidth-intensive applications such as Skype, Dropbox, YouTube, and Facebook. Disable your router’s power-saving mode. Create a new router channel to avoid network bottlenecks. Connection issues We understand how frustrating it can be when the WiFi network shows up on your device but you just can’t seem to get it to connect. Before you give up, these solutions might help: Determine whether your WiFi connection is the problem or if your internet is down by plugging in your laptop directly into the router via an Ethernet cable. If you get a connection, then your WiFi is the culprit. Reset your router with a paperclip or a pen and hold down that tiny button for about 30 seconds. Try rebooting your device. Unstable connection Random drops in WiFi connection can happen from time to time. If this has become a constant nuisance in your office, try the following quick fixes: Move your router to a different spot or even a different room. Avoid having multiple routers in the same location as they can confuse your device. Network not found Glitches in the router can result in your WiFi network not appearing at all. Two solutions that can resolve the problem are: Disconnecting the router from the power source and waiting at least 30 seconds before reconnecting it. Checking to see how old your router is; if it’s over three years old, you’re probably due for a replacement. When you  experience WiFi issues, these tips will help you avoid serious downtime.  But if you’d rather have a dedicated technology provider take care of your hardware needs, give Multi IT a call on 011 435 0450 and we’ll be happy to help.

Whether you run a startup or a well-established corporation, there are always ways to improve how the business is managed. For some, introducing new corporate policies can streamline business processes, but if you want to see significant improvement, consider enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. What is ERP? Simply put, ERP software integrates various aspects of your business -- from accounting and human resources to production and sales -- into one system where you can easily manage tasks and process data. The key feature of any ERP system is a central database that gives users a complete summary of financials, sales figures, and other important metrics. In practice, this means employees in different departments can rely on the same information without your having to reenter that information into a different database. But simplicity is only one of many benefits. Enhanced reporting With business information consolidated in one location, you can generate comprehensive reports and analytics at any time. One of the most popular uses for this feature is financial reporting. General ledgers, revenue recognition, and tax reporting functionality are built into most ERP software solutions, allowing you to balance the books in seconds. In addition to this, ERP systems come equipped with business intelligence features that provide intuitive analysis into your operations and forecast the growth of your company. This helps you and other executives find fresh business opportunities and make better-informed decisions. Better customer service Access to up-to-date business information also makes it easy to provide high-quality customer service. Suppose a customer inquired whether or not an item was still in stock. Rather than wasting five minutes asking your supply manager, who then checks his or her own records, representatives can access the ERP database to provide the customer with information in half the time. Simplified compliance Until recently, most organizations were forced to rely on impractical spreadsheets and manual processes to meet compliance requirements; but with ERP, you can easily and consistently achieve this. ERP software generally comes with audit functionality, giving you full visibility into your processes. What’s more, it provides templates and guidance to help you meet regulations within your industry, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the International Financial Reporting Standards. Streamlined workflow Another key feature is automation. Repetitive tasks that eat a huge chunk of your time can be eliminated by programming automated workflows. For example, you can set your ERP to instantly reorder materials when stock levels have reached a certain threshold. This ensures that your shop never experiences out-of-stock or overstocked incidents. You can even assign workflows that route invoices and reimbursements to the right accountant to make sure tasks are handled quickly and efficiently. Rich integrations The beauty of ERP software is that you can integrate it with other services to extend its capabilities. If you need to track customer information and sales figures, you can combine it with customer relationship management software or pair it with e-commerce services to streamline web-based purchases. ERP systems can adapt to your ever-changing needs, which is incredibly valuable for your rapidly growing business. If you need more ideas or solutions that can add value to your business other than ERP, call Multi IT on 011 435 0450 today!