PORTLAND, Maine (PRWEB)
September 18, 2019

Information technology is—more than ever—a business-critical component of the operations of small to midsize businesses. However, even while recognizing the vital role information technology plays, businesses are under-investing in IT, according to the 2019 Small and Midsize Business IT Study, commissioned by Logically, the leading provider of Managed IT Services to small and midsize organizations.

The survey revealed a staggering number of IT problems that companies struggle with—and what they’re doing (or not doing) about it. Probably the most shocking result, though, was that 60 percent of business decision makers (“BDMs”) would rather lose half their company’s revenue growth for next year than lose half their company’s data.

The majority of business decision makers recognize that IT is strategically and operationally critical, yet two-thirds of BDMs (66%) agree their companies’ investments in IT are not keeping pace with their growing technological needs.

Businesses are focused on implementing cloud technologies to streamline processes wherever possible, however the lack of expertise in specialized IT areas often is a major problem, particularly for businesses that have smaller staffs. Nearly half of BDMs (45%) agree their company does not have people with the right skills to get to where they want to be in cloud adoption.

The critical shortage of uniquely skilled professionals in the labor pool only magnifies the challenge of maintaining an internal IT staff. Business decision makers cite difficulty retaining IT staff (59%), difficulty recruiting and hiring IT staff (57%) and lack of time for strategic focus due to day-to-day technology issues (46%) as the biggest IT challenges. More than a third of BDMs (34%) see lack of IT skills in emerging areas such as cloud, mobility and security among the biggest challenges facing their IT staff.

In addition, the lack of IT expertise is a major problem for small to mid-size businesses when it comes to keeping their organizations running smoothly. Nearly half of companies (46%) admit it has taken 3 or more days to resolve an IT-related issue, due in part to the lack of specialized staff and deficient IT processes.

Based on the survey results, it’s also clear that businesses are exploring outsourced options to increase IT capabilities. Specifically, a third of companies (33%) currently outsource some of their IT activities and another 40% have plans to do so. The reasons cited in the study include the need for improved data security (58%), the reduction of system downtime (57%), along with reduced operation costs, improved customer experiences, improved productivity and increased revenue.

“Small and Midsize organizations are struggling to keep up with today’s business-critical information technology.” said Jeff Loeb, CMO of Logically. “Companies are searching for cost-effective ways to find qualified IT talent to handle the complexities of cloud migrations, explosive data growth, regulatory compliance and data security. That’s why businesses are increasingly turning to trusted IT managed service providers like Logically.”

Among the reasons that businesses have or plan to outsource IT activities, BDMs cite increased cyber security protection and reduced risk as the top benefit. Followed by more reliable system performance and uptime, and access to expertise. The survey also showed that 52% of BDMs are concerned about cloud security and 50% are worried about computer viruses and malware impacting their organizations.

To review the full 2019 Small and Midsize Business IT Study, click here.

For more information on Logically and their managed IT services for small to mid-sized businesses, please visit: http://www.logically.com

Methodology

The Logically Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (http://www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 250 business decision makers or owners at small and mid-sized businesses, defined as those with annual revenue of $5m to $50m.

About Logically

Logically is the leading Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) to small and midsize organizations, and is the ChannelFutures 2019 Digital Innovator of the Year. We take care of your Information Technology, so you can take care of business. Since 1999, we have made IT management easy and secure for hundreds of corporations, healthcare organizations, nonprofits and public sector agencies. We set the standard for responsiveness and operational excellence for organizations seeking to augment existing IT teams or outsource IT completely. Logically, powered by OpLogic™, our unique Intelligent MSP platform, cost-effectively amplifies our customers’ competitiveness. We strategically implement and manage the right balance of mature and emerging information technologies that improve collaboration, security, cloud adoption, customer experiences, productivity and business results. Coupled with the support of our dedicated Care Teams, we deliver deep and complete technical expertise and customer service. As your trusted IT ally, we will run through brick walls for you. Visit http://www.logically.com to learn more.

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Matrix Experts Provide Tips for National Cyber Security Awareness Month

“Cybercriminals continue to be creative in their attacks, turning their attention to industries such as manufacturing to retail, and using cloud technology and software like common mobile apps to their advantage.” said Nathan Stallings, president of Matrix Integration.

INDIANAPOLIS (PRWEB)
September 20, 2019

Click here for Cyber Security video

Cybercriminals are in it for the money – and their ever-shifting targets and tactics require continuous vigilance. Although overall ransomware attacks decreased by 20 percent, ransomware directed towards large enterprises rose by 20 percent, and ransomware targeting mobile devices rose by 33 percent. Supply chain attacks, which are used to gain private payment information from individuals or corporate entities, also increased by a massive 78 percent. 1

To help consumers and businesses protect their data and privacy, Matrix Integration, a strategic IT infrastructure partner for more than 1,000 businesses in Indiana and beyond, is offering practical tips for October’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

“Cybercriminals continue to be creative in their attacks, turning their attention to industries such as manufacturing to retail, and using cloud technology and software like common mobile apps to their advantage,” said Nathan Stallings, president of Matrix Integration. “All these threats mean that businesses need to cast a wide net and use a variety of tools to keep their businesses and their customers safe.”

Malware, ransomware, phishing scams and password attacks are all different means of gaining access to information and financial resources for criminals. Matrix Integration works with companies to create security plans that protect their most important and vulnerable data, as well as help everyone from IT leaders to front-line employees identify and protect their information from hackers.

In addition to company-and enterprise-wide security systems, everyone should know how hackers attack, and how to keep themselves from being an easy target.

Matrix Integration’s Top Five Tips for October’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month:

1. Create strong, complex passwords. Cyber criminals want access to corporate information, account numbers and private data. People shouldn’t reuse the same passwords for different sites and devices. One easy option is to create a complex phrase. For example, instead of “Ilovedogs,” people should try “Ilovemydalmation.”

2. Take a closer look at that email. One of the most common ways to hook a victim is through “phishing” – personalized emails that look like they are from a friend or colleague. Attachments often look like common Microsoft Office documents. Once a person clicks on a malicious link or attachment in that email, they could deploy malware or divulge sensitive information. Consumers should question everything and look closely at return addresses, scan for typos, and compare suspect emails to legitimate ones they have received in the past.

3. Watch social activity. Cyber criminals are now targeting citizens through social media like Facebook and Twitter. Ads or personal messages encourage users to play games or click on links to photos, which could lead them to malware or other scams.

4. Use public Wi-Fi with caution. Free Wi-Fi in public spaces is a major benefit to anyone who needs connectivity on the go. But some of these hotspots may be operated by cybercriminals who can easily steal the data users’ transmit while on their networks. People should not connect to wireless networks that aren’t recognized, especially those with “free” in the name or those defined as an “unsecured computer-to-computer network.”

5. Take care with mobile apps. The majority of applications people download to their phones are perfectly safe. However, in the past year, cybercriminals have been developing more apps that contain malware and ransomware for individual phones. Symantec found one in 36 mobile devices had high-risk apps installed1, so to stay safe, consumers should keep their phones’ operating systems as updated as possible, and only download apps from primary app stores.

For Hacks That Are Harder to Detect

No matter how cautious users are, hackers can still gain access to networks and systems. In addition to malware and ransomware, criminals still find ways to hijack passwords and steal information. For businesses and their employees, Matrix Integration collaborates with clients to identify the assets that are most important to them, come up with a plan to protect and detect those assets, and provide tools to discover and respond to attacks before they can cause damage. Types of solutions include robust identity management systems so passwords are harder to steal, data encryption software, and staff training.

Click here for Matrix Integration’s Cyber Security video

About Matrix Integration

Matrix Integration is a trusted information technology solutions provider that has been in business for 40 years. Winner of the 2019 Indiana Economic Development Center Small Business Impact Award, and the 2018 Indiana Women’s Business Enterprise of the Year, Matrix Integration continues to be recognized on numerous industry lists including Diversity Business Top Business, CRN Solution Provider 500, CRN Managed Service Provider Elite 150, CRN Women of the Channel, and CRN Tech Elite 250. Strategic partners include Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Aruba, Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Meraki, VMware, and Veeam. With multiple locations in Indiana and Kentucky, Matrix Integration works closely with businesses and institutions to provide professional services, networking, data center, collaboration, computing, and security.

1 Symantec’s 2019 Internet Security Threat Report

Media Contact

Beth Strautz

(773) 895-5387

beth@vaguspr.com

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