May 8, 2024 | Managed Services, Network Administration, Server Administration
At Cowabunga Computers, we understand that technology plays a crucial role in the productivity of your employees. By choosing our managed services, you ensure that your technology infrastructure not only supports but also enhances the productivity of your team. Here’s how we make a positive impact:
- Minimized Downtime: Frequent tech issues can significantly disrupt day-to-day operations, leading to wasted time and frustration. Our proactive monitoring and maintenance services are designed to detect and resolve issues before they cause downtime, ensuring that your team can work efficiently without interruptions.
- Quick Resolution of IT Issues: When problems do arise, our expert team is quick to respond. With Cowabunga Computers, you have access to immediate support, significantly reducing the time your employees spend waiting for issues to be resolved. This means they can get back to their important tasks sooner.
- Optimized IT Tools: We help you choose and maintain the best tools for your specific needs, which means your employees are always equipped with fast, reliable technology that complements their workflows. Whether it’s faster hardware, streamlined software solutions, or robust collaboration tools, we ensure your technology is a booster, not a barrier.
- Training and Support: We don’t just fix problems; we also provide your staff with the necessary training and support to utilize IT tools effectively. This empowerment enables them to handle minor issues independently and make the most of the technology at their disposal, further enhancing their productivity.
- Customized IT Strategy: Our services include developing a strategic IT plan tailored to your business goals. By aligning your IT environment with your business objectives, we help create a seamless operation where technology accelerates your business processes rather than slowing them down.
- Security and Compliance: By ensuring that your systems are secure and compliant with relevant regulations, we help you avoid costly security breaches and compliance issues. This also reduces the time your employees might otherwise spend dealing with such problems, allowing them to focus on their core responsibilities.
With Cowabunga Computers managing your IT needs, your employees can enjoy a seamless, efficient, and more productive work environment. This not only leads to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover but also directly contributes to the growth and success of your business. Let us handle the technology so that your team can focus on driving your business forward.
Aug 1, 2023 | Computer Equipment Sales, Firewalls, Network Administration, Network Troubleshooting, Slow Internet
In today’s interconnected world, where businesses and residents rely heavily on the internet, ensuring network security is of paramount importance. A robust firewall is the first line of defense against cyber threats and unauthorized access. Among the myriad of firewall options available, Cisco Meraki firewalls stand out as a reliable and advanced choice. In this article, we will explore the significance of a firewall and delve into the key features that make Cisco Meraki a top contender for safeguarding networks.
The Importance of a Firewall: A firewall acts as a protective barrier, monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic and filtering it based on predefined security rules. Whether you are a small business or a resident, a firewall is crucial for several reasons:
- Network Security: Firewalls prevent unauthorized access to your network and protect your sensitive data from potential cyber attacks such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts.
- Traffic Management: A firewall ensures that your network resources are utilized efficiently by regulating and prioritizing traffic flow.
- Compliance: For businesses, certain industries require compliance with strict data protection regulations. A robust firewall helps in meeting these compliance standards.
Key Features of Cisco Meraki Firewalls: Cisco Meraki firewalls offer a wide range of features that cater to the needs of both small businesses and residents. Here are some of the standout features:
- Cloud-Managed Security: One of the unique aspects of Cisco Meraki firewalls is their cloud-based management. This allows easy and centralized control of multiple devices across different locations, making them ideal for managed services providers overseeing several clients.
- User-friendly Interface: The intuitive dashboard of Cisco Meraki firewalls simplifies the configuration and monitoring process. Even non-technical users can easily manage their network security effectively.
- Advanced Threat Protection: Meraki firewalls come equipped with intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and antivirus scanning to proactively identify and block malicious activities, providing an additional layer of protection.
- Content Filtering and Application Control: For businesses and parents alike, content filtering and application control features are valuable. These features allow users to restrict access to certain websites or applications, ensuring a safer online experience.
- VPN Connectivity: Cisco Meraki firewalls support Virtual Private Network (VPN) connectivity, enabling secure communication between remote offices or telecommuting employees.
Conclusion: In conclusion, selecting the right firewall is crucial for safeguarding your network and data from cyber threats. Cisco Meraki firewalls offer a compelling suite of features, making them an excellent choice for managed services providers and individuals seeking reliable network security. By embracing the power of Cisco Meraki firewalls, you can not only fortify your network but also build trust among your clients or family members by providing a secure online environment.
Remember, while we’ve highlighted the advantages of Cisco Meraki firewalls in this article, it’s essential to conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure the chosen firewall aligns with your specific needs. With the right firewall in place, you can stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
Apr 19, 2022 | Managed Services, Network Administration, Server Administration, Virus Removal
Microsoft has been recommending systems administrators to disable SMB v1 on their network for years now. SMB v1 is vulnerable to a number of exploits which include Man in the middle attacks, insecure guest authentication and security downgrade attacks. Even exchange is vulnerable to issues surrounding SMB v1.
A few of the major viruses circulating in the wild also take advantage of the flaws in SMB v1. These include, but are not limited to EternalBlue, EternalRomance, TrickBot, Emotet, WannaCry, Retefe, NotPetya and Olympic Destroyer.
Disabling SMB v1 is easy, but not without issues. Many old applications require v1 to function as they are not compatible with the newer SMB v2 or SMB v3. Migrating off of legacy applications and devices will make for an easier transition when Microsoft finally puts SMB v1 to rest permanently.