Did you know that over 90% of companies outsource IT services? Choosing an IT support business is one of the most crucial business decisions you can make. With the complexity today’s technology brings, it’s best to call in specialists when experiencing IT issues — rather than someone who’s simply familiar with computers. You need a go-to person, and that “person” is an outsourced IT support service.

So, what is an IT support business, and what specialized services do they provide that make them essential to your organization? In this guide, we discuss what IT support services do, how you can benefit from them and how to know when you should use one. 

IT Support Business: Defined

An IT support business includes a team of various IT support specialists and security experts who act as an extension of your team. Along with ensuring that your technology is functioning efficiently, they offer high-grade operational strategies and maintain the security of your work devices. Additionally, their services may include guiding employees through equipment installation, setup and configuration.

An IT support company can be one of the most important contributing factors to how well your business functions and its ability to maintain its revenue. Primarily, IT services are there to support you and step in when you face potential cyber threats and help prevent incidents like these from occurring in the first place.

What Does an IT Support Business Do? 

More specifically, IT support services offer support to businesses with computers, mobile devices, cloud services, email, cybersecurity, servers, telecommunications and software. IT services can be a great asset to you, whether you need them for the sales team managing calls or computers required for day-to-day business operations.

If you have or plan to incorporate more technology into your company, an IT support business can usually help you by offering the following services: 

• Hardware and software support: IT services can support organizations in helping them maintain their technology. IT businesses know exactly which hardware and software will suit your business, which ones will handle your needs well and whether certain options suit your budget.
• Cybersecurity: An excellent IT company will offer organizations various security measures, such as phishing and cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability scanning, disaster recovery and business continuity, HIPAA compliance audits, and so much more to ensure the protection of your network.
• Technology implementation and management: An IT support business will handle updating and monitoring your network technology to ensure the infrastructure stays reliable for users. 
• Cloud services: Many IT services set up cloud computing so businesses can store and access their business data in one place and on any device to improve work efficiency.
• 24/7 remote support: Alongside being able to call IT support at any time when you experience tech issues ensures you address problems immediately, helping you avoid costly downtime and other effects. This is ideal for businesses that operate around the clock, such as those in the healthcare industry.
• Software development: If you plan to create software down the line, some IT support businesses have teams qualified to help you develop unique software to meet your business needs. 

Importance of IT Support Services 

As the use of technology grows, so does the chance of cyber threats. Statistics show that close to 40% of small businesses in the United States have experienced a cyber attack, and only 14% of small businesses are ready to handle these breaches. Some services IT support businesses offer include increased protection from phishing, adware and password hacking.

On top of this, many companies use various software and hardware to improve their business operations and deliver the best service possible. Companies need IT professionals to manage these systems and maintain their ability to keep up with the workload.

Aside from cybersecurity assistance and software and hardware management, some benefits of leveraging help from an IT support business include:

• Reduced costs: One of the many reasons organizations outsource IT services is the reduced costs. Businesses can access a fully trained IT team from an IT support business without the cost of onboarding and training these professionals.
• Higher skill levels: IT support companies also employ teams with high skill levels and various training, so clients can rely on them for their various IT needs.
• Higher-level equipment: IT businesses already provide their IT professionals with all the equipment and software they need to perform their jobs effectively.
• Monitoring and analytics: IT support services can help companies see how effective their operations are so they can implement helpful solutions.
• Increased productivity: IT professionals can help companies streamline their system processes and even improve the quality and speed of software to enhance productivity.

Should You Use IT Support Services? 

All organizations are different and have specific needs they’d like IT support businesses to fulfill. Below are a few considerations you can take into account to understand whether a third-party solution will be valuable to you. If any of the situations below apply to your company, contacting an IT support business might be an ideal choice.

• You often experience malware attacks, intrusions and network disruptions. 
• You want remote and mobile devices to connect with the company network. 
• You want the resources and expertise to help you streamline processes so your employees can complete projects. 
• You want data protection and recovery in case malware intrusions occur.
• You want your customer support models to work more efficiently on high-volume days.
• You need easier processes for executing tasks within the business.
• You need new, high-quality hardware and software to meet the needs of an evolving industry.

Boost Your Business With Reliable IT Support Services 

Leveraging an IT support business is a great way to renew your organization’s efficiency, maintain data safety and help improve the quality of your services. At Prelude Service, we understand the importance of this. That’s why we offer reliable IT support, security and management services to keep healthcare companies in the U.S. secure. 

Our experienced IT professionals support over 700 senior living facilities, nonprofit organizations and healthcare services that need protection assistance in more than 40 states. We invite you to contact us at Prelude Services today if you need the personnel and software to improve business operations. 

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When caring for older adults, post-acute care is a reality. More than 40% of Medicare beneficiaries are discharged to post-acute facilities — an essential step in their recovery. The post-acute care programs’ efficacy dictates patient health outcomes in many ways, so IT services and post-acute care go hand in hand.

Access to current information and the most effective IT tools can improve patient care and streamline information sharing. Focusing on improving care transitions can help ensure older adults receive the post-acute care they need. With the proper care, they can take positive steps in their recovery. IT services for post-acute care facilities are a critical consideration.

Types of IT Services for Post-Acute Facilities

For patients to achieve the best possible health outcomes, post-acute care facilities must have the capabilities to coordinate and manage high-quality healthcare specific to each individual. Much of this care depends on the reliable transition of information, internally and externally.

Access to critical health information allows post-acute care facilities to provide better quality care to patients, whether identifying patients at risk of injury or having access to indicators of their recovery timeline to make further adjustments. Caregivers can provide preventive care and stay current with patient needs.

Types of IT Services that can augment post-acute care include the following:

Network Management for Post-Acute Care

Most businesses use computer networks, and monitoring and managing them is essential to maintain optimal performance and care for patients. Upgrading your IT systems is vital for data safety and backup in the event of a critical failure. Your post-acute care facility will still have access to valuable patient data so you can continue to provide high-quality care.

Management tools can keep your facility providing optimal patient care by outlining upgrade requirements. The accompanying design tool tailors your network infrastructure to your facility’s needs, ensuring you can expand your networks and perform as needed to meet your specific requirements.

Security is necessary for any business that holds data. Network management tools identify malicious software entering your network and resolve the problem before you experience data theft or damage.

Cloud Computing for Post-Acute Care

Managing, processing, storing and communicating patient data is crucial in a post-acute care environment. When caregivers can access up-to-date patient data from web-based applications, they have flexibility and confidence in their work, knowing they can tailor their approach to specific patients. Storing your data in the cloud can help you achieve this.

Anyone with authorization can access patient data with this simple cloud solution as long as you have an internet connection. It’s easy to expand and upgrade and saves you money and space on physical infrastructure.

Service Desk for Post-Acute Care

Your IT systems must work for you to provide quality post-acute patient care. A 24/7 service desk may be the answer, as you can contact professionals whenever an issue might affect your ability to provide patient care. There is no need to compromise what you do best with expensive downtime.

Hardware and Software Support for Post-Acute Care

Both hardware and software are necessary to keep your IT systems performing well. Choosing the right equipment and hosting your applications can be daunting without an IT service that provides hardware and software support. IT services can help your team stay productive and focused on providing the best care for your patients.

Why Post-Acute Facilities Should Outsource IT Services

Providing superior patient care is a top priority for post-acute facilities. There can be a disconnect when patients are transferred, compromising their care, as you lose access to vital information about their treatment. Outsourcing specialist IT services can bridge that gap and provide your facility with access to information, data protection and faster processes.

Some of the many benefits of outsourcing IT services for post-acute facilities include the following:

• Elevated patient care: Providing quality patient care is the primary goal of any healthcare facility. IT services and patient care are linked, and patient care improves when healthcare facilities can access their data immediately. This is especially important with post-acute facilities, where caregivers exchange data from one facility to another. Outsourcing IT services streamlines this process so caregivers can focus on patients.
• Enhanced scalability: Outsourcing IT gives you more flexibility for growth and change, as these professionals provide full scalability for your business. Instead of investing in static IT solutions, you can update your services as your needs shift. If you need to expand, for example, your IT partner already has the infrastructure to streamline the process.
• Efficient billing: Healthcare professionals rarely have time to focus on complex coding and billing procedures. Outsourcing medical billing can decrease billing errors, provide accurate medical insurance claims and reduce the risk of denied claims.
• Improved cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is crucial for businesses. If you handle patients’ data, it needs to be protected. Outsourced IT services provide that protection with innovative security solutions.
• Increased productivity: Removing the focus on IT challenges allows your staff to focus on their core competencies and give acute-care patients the full attention they deserve. They also have access to the data they need in real time, and with the information at their fingertips, they can make informed decisions about patient care without delays.
• Decreased costs: Partnering with a professional IT service means saving on the high costs of an in-house IT team. Outsourced IT services also have up-to-date equipment and resources at your disposal. IT service providers can work within your budget to help you accomplish your goals.
• Advanced compliance: The healthcare industry is bound by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rule concerning data protection. Meeting these requirements can be challenging, but outsourced IT services have vast experience in data security compliance.
• Streamlined operations: IT challenges can be disruptive, especially for patient care. Outsourced IT teams can help prevent downtime and elevate your customer service — there is less chance of data breaches or inaccessible websites with professionals on your side.
• Enhanced access: Partnering with an outsourced IT provider gives you access to professionals in their field who can provide you with their specialized skills.

Contact Prelude Services for Post-Acute Care IT Services

Post-acute care facilities rely on IT services to provide patients with the highest standard of care. Prelude Services is here to assist you by providing IT services focused on helping healthcare providers navigate the rapidly changing industry landscape. Our innovative technology solutions are the perfect choice for post-acute care providers looking to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary costs.

Our vast industry experience can strengthen your cybersecurity, manage your electronic medical records system and networks, and support your hardware and software. Our 24/7 service desk will help you reduce downtime, so you can focus on what you do best — caring for patients. We have a wide range of reliable options tailored to your specific need. Please reach out today to learn more about how Prelude Services can help you.

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Senior living communities use a wide range of technologies throughout daily procedures. From digital records and recorded voice alerts to motion sensors and security alarms, many forms of technology are used by residents and employees alike. These tools help with residents’ health and safety.

It’s crucial for these technologies to remain online. Without them, residents might not receive the care they need. One way to ensure your technical tools stay protected is with a 24/7 IT service desk. These services offer support for various technologies at any time of day, allowing you to solve issues before they become significant. Whether you need help recovering a lost file or have a question about security protocols, a 24/7 service desk can help.

Discover more benefits of 24/7 service desks for senior living communities.

What Are 24/7 IT Service Desks?

A 24/7 service desk provides a source of ongoing technical support for companies and organizations. This customer service strategy is available during all hours of the day so customers, residents and other patrons can get support whenever they need it. 

Providers might offer 24/7 support through tools like:

• Live phone calls: Most service desks employ IT-certified technicians who have been trained in particular software, hardware or web-based applications. These technicians can respond directly to phone calls from users. Then, they can diagnose and resolve the problem over the phone. If the technician cannot solve the issue, they can escalate it to more senior officials.
• Online submissions: Another form of IT 24/7 support is through online submissions, sometimes called “tickets.” Users can submit questions or concerns through an online form, and technicians respond in writing instead of over the phone. These forms are often intended for issues of lower priority rather than emergencies.
• Online knowledge bases: Many services make knowledge bases available for 24/7 access. These interfaces often contain frequently asked questions, instructions for basic setup, common troubleshooting answers and other useful information. Users can access these bases at all times, allowing them to resolve their problems on their own.

For senior living communities, a 24/7 help desk can assist with the various forms of technology used in the center. For instance, administrators might call or submit a question about record-processing software. With 24/7 support, you can solve technical problems no matter what time they occur.

4 Benefits of a 24/7 Service Desk for Senior Living Communities

Investing in a 24/7 IT service desk can bring many benefits to senior living communities. Here are four examples:

1. Enhanced Safety

The safety of senior residents in living communities is a top priority. Various forms of technology, from security systems to electric wheelchairs, keep residents safe during their stay. Many senior residents rely on technology for their care, making the tools crucial for their well-being.

With a 24/7 IT service desk, you can access support for your community’s technology at all times. With immediate support, you can diagnose technology issues right away. In turn, your community can continue to provide the highest support possible.

For instance, many senior living communities use online software to manage health records and emergency contact information. If a technical malfunction blocked your access to these records, employees would be unable to use them for residents. You could call the 24/7 IT help desk, and they could help you get your files back online. In turn, you can keep your residents safe. 

2. Resident-Centered Approach

As mentioned, technology is a crucial component of senior living communities. By committing to an IT service support line, you can ensure these vital tools stay online and in the best shape possible. You invest in the residents’ well-being and make sure their security remains the highest priority.

From older adult care facilities to hospitals, most healthcare practices use digital solutions to store sensitive data. While these solutions are convenient and streamlined, they also present the threat of cyber attacks. Data breaches at your senior living facility could be extremely harmful, because attackers could gain access to medical records, financial information or other vital documents.

By investing in a 24/7 IT support service, you can add more protection against attacks. You can call the support line if you notice any suspicious activity, preventing large-scale cyber attacks. Many IT support technicians can also help with disaster recovery. In this service, your IT support will help you recover lost files or retrieve other stolen information. 

Overall, the enhanced security of 24/7 IT services helps you focus on residents, from protecting their information to providing the best care possible.

3. Increased Efficiency

Another benefit of a 24/7 security desk is enhanced efficiency. IT support can help you keep your devices and software online. With their help, you can reduce downtime and move through daily tasks more efficiently. You can provide high-quality care to residents without delays due to malfunctioning technology.

For instance, a facility might rely on digital records to know what medications each resident uses each day. If their software was delayed and employees couldn’t access these records, they wouldn’t be able to complete this procedure. With a 24/7 support line, IT service professionals could resolve the issue and allow residents to receive care more quickly.

4. Analyze Responses

You can also use your IT services to analyze your current technology systems. You might notice that you have to call about a particular service more commonly than others. If you realize an application or piece of equipment constantly needs assistance, it might be time to replace or upgrade it. Your IT services can suggest alternatives or help diagnose a larger problem that might need to be addressed. 

Making any suggested updates, repairs or replacements can help your facility’s systems avoid downtime and service delays. IT professionals who have experience with senior living communities can make suggestions tailored to your specific needs.

Contact Prelude Services for 24/7 IT Support

A 24/7 service desk for senior living communities can solve many technical issues. At Prelude Services, we understand the importance of reliable technology in your practice.

Our 24/7 IT support service can help your senior living community stay secure and efficient. We can help with hardware issues, software problems, potential cyber attacks and other technical problems that arise. Our expert technicians provide high-quality advice that resolves your issues quickly. Prelude Services can help senior living communities of all sizes and needs.

To get started with Prelude Services, contact us today.

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Technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives, from the smallest starting businesses to the biggest multibillion-dollar corporations. Computers are used for business emails, PR and advertisements, inventory and more, while mobile phones are crucial for contacting employer and employee alike. Without modern technology, our current business models would fall apart, leaving us unable to carry out once-simple tasks. What’s more, for businesses involved in critical services, such as the healthcare industry, these delays can be a matter of life and death — quite literally. 

Unfortunately, technology isn’t infallible. Chances are that you’ve experienced a technological malfunction at least once in your life, whether it be a crashing computer or a phone that refused to turn on. Tech issues can put the breaks on what would otherwise be a productive workday, costing you, your employer and your clients valuable time and money. Depending on the severity of the issue, you can even lose important files that are impossible to replace. 

Information technology (IT) services have become as crucial a part of our technological world as technology itself. IT support staff help you solve technology-related problems, saving you the time, money and stress of getting a replacement device. Even better, they can help you learn how to prevent those issues from happening again. IT services are crucial in minimizing the damage caused by inevitable technological troubles, and since those troubles can strike at any time, it’s important that your IT support is available 24/7. 

What is 24/7 IT Support? 

24/7 IT support is exactly what the name implies — IT support available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year. Whether you’re having an issue at two in the morning or on Easter Sunday, a 24/7 IT service will be available and ready to help. They manage this by either utilizing a steady shift rotation or by using staff located in multiple time zones. 24/7 IT can include a variety of IT services, such as:

• Backup and recovery: Backing up important files is an important step for anyone handling vital information. IT services can guide you on how to back up your files and where best to store them. They can also assist you if you need to recover important files. 
• Analyzing logs: If you’re unsure of how to access logs or other management data, IT support can help you through the process. 
• General troubleshooting: If you’re having issues with your device and you aren’t sure what the cause could be, IT will help you root out the issue. It can be malware, software that hasn’t been updated properly, a misplaced file and more. 

These are just a few of the available services. In general, if a service is performed by standard IT, it will also be performed by a 24/7 IT service. 

Benefits of 24/7 IT Support 

At first glance, 24/7 IT support may seem like overkill — after all, how many businesses really need to operate around the clock? Your computer isn’t going anywhere, so you might think that you can afford to wait until morning to call about your issue, or even put it off until the next business day. However, there are several benefits to having access to constant IT service: 

• Reduced waiting time: Having access to 24/7 IT support means being able to tackle technical issues as soon as they appear. While it’s true that not every issue needs to be handled the instant you discover it, for businesses that depend on technology, the sooner the better. In addition, the fact that the IT service is able to take clients at all hours means that clients are less backlogged. This reduces the amount of time you have to spend waiting to see your consultant. 
• Better customer reach: One of the benefits of modern technology is that it allows people to connect with each other regardless of distance. However, this means that you won’t always be doing business with someone in your time zone. 24/7 IT support removes this issue, meaning you won’t have to call at a late hour because it falls into the standard 9-5 cycle where your IT service is located. 
• Increased customer satisfaction: Very few customers enjoy businesses that make them wait. If you’re familiar with business phone calls, then you can probably think of at least one time you were left on hold — and you can also probably remember how irritated that made you feel. 24/7 IT services cut down on customer waiting time, which in turn cuts down on customer stress. You won’t have to wait as long to hear back or to have your issue resolved, which means you can spend more time thinking about other things. 

In short, 24/7 IT services help customers solve their problems faster and at more convenient times for them. This, in turn, leads to happier customers. 

How do You Know if You Need 24/7 IT Support? 

Even knowing the benefits, you may still view 24/7 IT support as unnecessary. You may think that, while your business wouldn’t be harmed by having access to around-the-clock support, it doesn’t necessarily need it. So you may wonder, How can I tell if my business will benefit from 24/7 IT support? Here are a few indicators:

• Your business is active 24/7: There are many jobs that need to be done regardless of the time of day or what day that is, such as jobs in the healthcare industry. There are also jobs that, while not time-sensitive to an extreme degree, benefit from being done quickly. For example, if night shift employees in a nursing home discover an issue with their computer, it would be better for the issue to be resolved that night instead of them having to wait for the day shift workers. If you have clients demanding your services around the clock, you can’t afford to wait for your IT support’s hours of operation. 
• You want to serve a wider demographic: Depending on how big your business is, you may be serving clients in multiple time zones. Having access to 24/7 IT support means that you can solve issues that occur during their hours of operation as well as yours. 
• You want customers to have a better experience: One of the best ways to show your clients that you care is to be available for them around the clock. If you run into technical difficulties, you won’t be able to serve your clients until the issue is sorted out, and every second you wait is another second your client grows more irritated. Being able to solve tech issues quickly will save both you and your clients time and stress. In situations where you encounter your clients regularly, such as in a nursing home, ensuring their satisfaction makes interactions easier for everyone involved. 

Common IT Problems 24/7 Support Addresses 

Now that you understand the larger benefits of 24/7 IT support and know it’s right for your business, you may be wondering what specific problems it can help with. There are all sorts of technological malfunctions and mishaps, but some of the more common ones are included on this list. If you’ve experienced one or more of them, then you’ll understand how they can disrupt your workday and how important it is to have them solved as quickly as possible: 

• Slow performance: When your computer’s performance slows down, it can take much longer to perform simple tasks. While computers slow down naturally with age, there plenty of other causes for sudden loss of performance speed. These can include too many programs being open at once, a lack of space on the disk, or malicious software. If you aren’t sure what the cause is, then contacting IT can be useful. 
• Slow connection: Similarly to a slow performance speed, a slow internet connection can drastically increase the amount of time it takes for you to perform work-related tasks. Slow connections can be caused by overloaded wifi routers or a blocked wifi connection. Before contacting IT, be sure the issue isn’t the physical location of your computer, such as a thick wall between it and the router. 
• Lost password: A strong password is important for your digital security, as it serves as the first line of defense if your device is compromised or physically stolen. However, this security can easily turn against you if you forget or lose your password. Many programs have ways to recover or reset passwords, but if they don’t work, IT may be able to help you regain access. IT may also be able to help you if you’ve lost access to the device itself. 
• Lost files: Losing business-related files can be catastrophic, especially if the files housed critical information or contained work necessary for an approaching deadline. In the best-case scenario, you’ll have to regather and re-enter the information — in the worst-case scenario, you’re left without it permanently. In the healthcare industry in particular, losing information can be disastrous. It’s not always possible to regain lost files, but if it is, an IT support service will help you do so. 
• Printer issues: While plenty of work-related information and paperwork can be stored digitally, there are times when a physical copy is necessary. Obtaining one, however, is only possible if your printer is working. Aside from not printing, some printer issues can even slow down connected computers. Printers count as work devices, especially the more sophisticated ones, so don’t be afraid to contact IT when they malfunction. 
• Overheating: This issue is exactly what it sounds like — your computer’s temperature gets too high, forcing it to shut down. In some cases, overheating can permanently damage your computer. While it can be caused by placing your computer in the sun or in places where the fan is blocked, or by the accumulation of dust inside the case, it can also be a deeper issue that you’ll need IT to solve. Even if you think the issue is physical, it’s advised to contact IT before taking your computer apart. 
• USB Issues: Even the most spacious of computers can’t hold everything. In those cases, a USB drive is useful for storing additional files, but only when the drive works. USB issues don’t always come from the computer — sometimes they come from the USB device itself. However, there are times when the computer’s USB driver is the issue, making it a job for IT. 
• Malware: Malicious software, or malware, is software specifically designed to damage, slow down or otherwise interfere with your computer. With the advancement of modern technology, malware is becoming more and more subtle in its infiltration. Even if you’ve avoided clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files, you may still end up with malware. If a malware program has made its way on to your computer, IT services can help you locate and remove it. 

Even if your issue isn’t listed here, IT services are there to help, so don’t be afraid to call. 

Why is 24/7 IT Support Essential? 

At this point, it’s safe to assume you have a decent grasp on the benefits of 24/7 IT services. But you still may be wondering — are they truly essential? 

The answer is yes. In today’s modern world, technology is a more important part of keeping businesses running than ever before. For example, in the healthcare industry, computers are used to store important patient files. Hardware failure, network connection issues and malware are just a few of the problems that can interfere with modern technology. 

24/7 IT support means that you can get these problems fixed as soon as possible. Gone are the days of waiting for the next business day, for the holiday to be over, or for the service to open up in the morning. With 24/7 IT support, you can contact an IT team about your problems as soon as they occur. Not only will this minimize the losses caused by these problems, but it will save you and your clients both time and stress. You can spend less time worrying about when the issue will be fixed and more time focusing on your work. 

If you still aren’t quite convinced, think back to the last time you were put on hold for IT services. Think about how long you waited for tech support. Now ask yourself this — How much time could you have saved if that support line had been open 24/7?

Contact Us for 24/7 IT Support 

Technology has become a crucial part of the modern business experience. Without functional computers and mobile phones, many business practices would grind to a halt. Unfortunately, breakdowns and malfunctions are an inevitable part of any machine, meaning businesses do grind to a halt until the issues are fixed. In order to keep your business running, it’s crucial to have access to IT support when you experience technical difficulties. 

If you’re a healthcare company, long-term care provider, or small business in need of IT support at all hours, consider Prelude Services. We’re a SSAE SOC Compliant business dedicated to improving your security and functionality. We offer specific IT services for senior living care, nursing homes, retirement home services and assisted living, including 24/7 IT support. If you want to know how Prelude can help you, contact us today!

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Phishing attacks are still around and are just as concerning as they’ve always been. In fact, phishing attacks have grown more sophisticated, targeting high-value victims as hackers attempt to trick users into divulging important information or downloading malware. Both businesses and individuals must take phishing seriously to avoid detrimental effects on data, finances and business assets.

Since phishing scams can be so intricate, you need to have a strong understanding of what they look like and what you can do to prevent them. To make it easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to phishing scams. Let’s dive into the details of phishing, how to avoid phishing scams, and what to do if you’ve clicked on a phishing scam link.

What Is Phishing?

Phishing can come in several forms, but all forms of phishing are methods of exploiting human behavior in order to gain access to sensitive, valuable information. Phishing attacks may come through emails, social media accounts, workplace programs and other systems that are prone to human access and error.

After the global events and digital transformation of the world in 2020, phishing attacks increased. They were found in 36% of breaches in 2021, up from 25% in 2020. The end goal in many phishing scams is to get hold of a victim’s credentials to gain access to their accounts, which might include everything from personal financial information to confidential work data.

Types of Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks will vary in who they target and how they operate. Some common methods of collecting data are to outright request information from the victim or to insert malicious links into legitimate-looking emails that place malware on the victim’s device to collect the desired data. These links could also insert ransomware that encrypts data and holds it hostage until the victim provides the information the hackers want.

The different types of phishing attacks include:

• General phishing: These attacks may be sent out broadly and indiscriminately. They’re not targeting anyone in particular — just anyone who’s willing to take the bait. Often, they’ll attempt to make emails that look like they’re from commonly used websites and send them to everyone, whether the targets use the site or not, to get someone to bite. It’s not going to be the route with the most clicks, but it casts a broad net.
• Spear phishing and whaling: Spear phishing focuses on a specific person or organization. It involves research on the target, such as through social media or company websites, before sending personalized emails designed for them. Whaling is another type of spear phishing that focuses specifically on senior management. These attacks are often more sophisticated and disguised in corporate language. They may even attempt to impersonate the “whale” and use its authority to convince other employees to reveal sensitive information or complete certain tasks.
• Vishing: Vishing is done over the phone. These calls might be a recording or a real person and generally include vague threats and a false sense of urgency to convince the person to disclose sensitive information. As with emails, they may attempt to impersonate other organizations, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a bank or law enforcement agencies. The caller typically spoofs their ID so the call appears to come from a trusted source or a local area code.
• Smishing: Similar to traditional phishing, smishing occurs over text messages. These attacks also call for immediate action and might be vague, prompting the victim to click a malicious link to get more information.
• Clone phishing: A clone phishing attack directly copies a legitimate email from an organization and replaces links with ones that redirect to a malicious website. They might impart malware or trick the user into thinking they’re entering their login credentials into the legitimate company’s website. In fact, they’re sending them over to the hackers.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A PHISHING EMAIL

Phishing attempts can vary greatly, but most emails will have at least a few characteristics in common. Always be on the lookout for the following hints:

• A mismatched domain name: If an email says it’s from “Prelude Services” but the sender is “prs728@gmail.com,” you’re not looking at a legitimate email. Business emails will generally come from private domains — in our example, atlasinformatics.in — and will have professional phrases before the @ symbol, such as “information” or “sales.” Be sure to click on the name of the sender if you can’t see this right away. Some email clients will show a display name instead of the full email address.
• Mismatched URLs: A link may look like it leads to one place and then take you somewhere entirely different. Look out for these URLs by hovering over them. The real link should appear, either by your mouse or on the bottom left-hand corner of your email client. Be especially wary of links that are shortened, such as through a “bit.ly” URL or those that look very similar to the real thing. Hackers might swap two letters or use similar-looking combinations to trick you, such as “rn” instead of the letter “m” in a URL.
• Requests for personal information: Most legitimate companies are not going to ask you to share your personal data. This kind of request almost always signifies a phishing attempt. Internal business information should also never be shared over email. If someone in your company requests it, follow proper policy to get the right information to the right people without complying with a phishing request.
• Spelling and grammatical errors: These errors quick way to spot phishing emails. They’re often rife with spelling errors and grammar mistakes that native speakers wouldn’t make. Real emails from reputable companies generally go through a strict editing process that will catch typos.
• Overly generic greetings and sign-offs: When you’re already signed up with a company, they typically have your name on file. So, you can expect an email to say something like, “Hey [Name].” If you get an email that starts with something like “Hello customer,” that’s usually a hint that it is not legitimate. You can also expect illegitimate emails to have generic sign-offs. Instead of the name and title of an employee, the email might be from a generic customer service agent.
• Suspicious attachments: Many times, phishing scams attempt to plant malware on the user’s computer. If your computer asks you to change your security settings or grant permission, do not open the attachment. Be especially wary of .zip files.
• Urgent language: Phishing scams will typically try to make their victims feel like they have to take action right away or risk significant consequences. They want you to act quickly and not think things through. These scare tactics are typically used by hackers, who sometimes ramp up their efforts in times of stress.
• Incorrect information: If you look up the company’s information and spot inconsistencies, such as the wrong location for their headquarters, that’s another clue that you’re looking at a fake.

How to Prevent Attacks

Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to prevent phishing attacks. Implement the following practices to keep phishing attacks to a minimum and put a stop to them when they come through.

1. STAY VIGILANT

Be aware of the characteristics listed above and make sure you’re able to spot a phishing email. You must carefully inspect every email that comes your way and get in the habit of checking URLs and attachments for integrity before clicking on them. If you’re in charge of a team, make sure they are well-informed on what to look for in a phishing email, too.

If you’re ever unsure of an email, there are easy ways to confirm its authenticity. Access the official website of the organization or find their phone number through trusted channels, such as a saved bookmark on your web browser — not the information provided in the email. If you know the person who sent an email, such as someone in your company, you could give them a call, too.

2. KEEP SOFTWARE UPDATED

Although software updates can seem like a nuisance in the moment, they’re essential for keeping your cybersecurity methods up to date. These updates often include patches that were specifically designed to address vulnerabilities that may have appeared in your software. One of the largest cyberattacks in history occurred in 2017 because Equifax, a massive credit reporting agency, failed to fix a well-known vulnerability in its software. That vulnerability was addressed in a patch, but lax security processes meant that they did not install it, leaving them open to hackers.

Include software updates in your regular maintenance practice or set up automatic updates to ensure your security software stays functional. Phishing methods can evolve quickly, so you need to make sure your software offers up-to-date protection.

3. USE PASSWORD BEST PRACTICES

Credentials are the most sought-after type of data involved in breaches and are present in about 60% of them. Users can take a few different approaches to their credentials and follow best practices for passwords:

• Don’t repeat passwords.
• Make long passwords with varied capitalization, special characters and numbers, and do not include information that’s easy to find about you, such as a birthday or child’s name.
• Start using a trusted password manager. 
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds extra protection by confirming your access from another app or device.

Businesses can help their employees by enabling MFA on all work programs.

4. INSTALL SECURITY SOFTWARE

Security software is another excellent way to prevent the worst effects of phishing scams. These programs can offer various support structures, such as:

• Email screening: Security programs integrated with your email client can do everything from scanning emails for potential phishing characteristics to evaluating attachments for viruses and hidden files. These services can keep phishing attacks out of the picture entirely by sending them straight to spam with little room for human error. 
• Web browser security: Web browser security can offer alerts upon visiting a risky link and block potentially dangerous downloads. Even if a user clicks a suspicious link, these programs can help keep the user from submitting their information or downloading potential malware.
• Firewalls: Firewalls block malicious packets of data that cross a network, preventing users from downloading viruses and malware.

5. CLEAN UP YOUR ONLINE PERSONA

Make sure that you don’t have a wealth of information about yourself posted online. Hackers shouldn’t be able to retrieve personal details about you that they could then use to impersonate or deceive you in a phishing attack. Do a sweep of all social media profiles and evaluate the information you have available, removing it if necessary.

6. BACK UP YOUR DATA

One method of phishing is to install ransomware that keeps your data encrypted until you provide the requested information. To ensure that these attempts don’t hold your important data hostage, you can keep your data copied onto a safe, secondary location such as a cloud service or an external hard drive. This consideration is especially important for businesses, which might face significant interruptions if hacked.

What to Do if You or Your Employee Responds to a Phishing Email

If a member of a business has responded to a phishing email, you’ll need to take appropriate action related to the kind of attack. If they clicked on an unsafe link or accidentally downloaded malware, update their security software and scan the system. Ideally, this process will catch the malware, but backing up your data is also a good idea. If a user has accidentally submitted their credentials to a scammer, they should immediately reset their password and check for any suspicious activity.

Individuals who gave out their personal information should visit IdentityTheft.gov and follow the listed steps. 

What to Do if You Suspect a Phishing Attack

When a phishing email does make its way to your inbox, you should know where to send it to shut down the operation.

Businesses should have a process in place to investigate phishing emails so workers can forward any suspicious messages to the IT department. One common practice is to send out fake phishing emails to detect the employees’ abilities to catch them and their overall compliance with the forwarding program.

While individuals don’t have their own personal IT departments, they can still send any phishing emails to a higher authority. In these instances, and for businesses that don’t intend to start a phishing prevention program, users can forward emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), an international coalition dedicated to the fight against cybercrime, or to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Contact Prelude Services for IT Services to Protect Against Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks can be sophisticated, and preventing them requires a multifaceted approach. If you’re in the business of healthcare, the experts at Prelude Services can help you find and implement the right phishing prevention plan for your needs. We have a skilled team dedicated to IT with specific considerations for healthcare organizations. 

Keeping your patients’ data safe to the best of your ability is key to staying compliant with industry regulations, and phishing poses a threat to that data. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can protect your business and your patients with phishing prevention strategies.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Phishing Attacks & How to Avoid Them appeared first on Prelude Services.

As the information technology (IT) industry advances, the need for outsourced IT management and support increases. In 2019, experts projected the IT outsourcing market to total about 413.7 billion U.S. dollars by 2021. With a number like that, it’s hard to deny that more companies are relying on outsourced IT services, and your company might want to as well.

As you start and grow your business, your goal should be to keep up with competitors and core business responsibilities. However, you may be stretching yourself a bit thin if you’re also juggling an IT department. Managing an in-house IT team can be time-consuming and costly, and you may not have access to adequate technology, expertise or other valuable resources. Outsourcing your IT duties and tasks to a capable company like Prelude can be an effective way to balance all the responsibilities of a small- to medium-sized company in any industry.

Outsourcing vs. In-House IT Services

Let’s start with the basics – what’s the difference between outsourcing and in-house resources?

Providing in-house IT services means the existing employees of your company complete IT-related projects or tasks and ultimately run the IT department. Some companies may want to create their own IT department so the team can specialize in that business’s specific systems and operations. Having in-house resources can be helpful when there is a problem that can be better handled in person.

While having in-house resources might make the most sense to you, the reality is that sometimes it just isn’t possible. You’ll likely find that the cons outweigh the pros. If you’re establishing your own IT department, you may spend more time and money than you want getting it started, and finding highly specialized professionals can be costly. Most realistically, your employees can’t know how to do everything. If your company is a small or medium-sized business (SMB), you may not be able to put together the necessary resources to provide the high-quality services your customers expect.

This is where many businesses turn to outsourcing. Outsourcing means you hire a person or company outside your own to complete tasks or projects on your behalf. You can outsource whole departments of your company or ask an expert to assist on a single project. There are many advantages to outsourcing IT services, most of which stem from teaming with outsourcing companies that can provide you access to world-class IT specialists. Outsourcing allows you to hire outside help so you can streamline workflows, saving your company time and money.

Offshore Outsourcing vs. Local Outsourcing

Two types of outsourcing are offshore outsourcing and local outsourcing. Offshore outsourcing means that you’re outsourcing to a company or agency in another country, often overseas. Offshore outsourcing provides you with access to global talent and lower costs. Ultimately your company can get quality work at a low price.

Although cost-efficient, offshore outsourcing can come with language barriers and differing work hours, making communication a challenge. When this happens, operations may slow down, which won’t be effective or productive for your company.

Local outsourcing is a bit different. When you locally outsource, you’re using resources within the same state or country as you. With local outsourcing, communication becomes less of a challenge because the other company is likely to understand your time frame and needs.

Who Should Outsource?

Anyone can outsource! Outsourcing is common for companies of all sizes, especially smaller to medium-sized businesses that may not have the large staff required for big projects. In-house efficiency will vary depending on your team’s capabilities and workload. Your whole operation can slow down without the necessary level of knowledge and skill. So, how can you determine when to outsource services like IT?

When Should You Consider Outsourcing IT?

Customers have come to expect smooth, hassle-free IT services. Outsourced IT companies offer high-quality services to your business. If your in-house resources are limited, you might get backed up or run the risk of providing inadequate IT services to your employees. We’ve compiled a list of common reasons to outsource IT operations to help you consider when outsourcing might be right for your business.

1. YOU NEED CYBERSECURITY

With an in-house IT team, your business is limited to the level of cybersecurity that the staff has experience utilizing. Outsourced IT services offer your business cybersecurity experts who provide faster detection and stronger protection against emerging security threats. To gain access to increased knowledge and better resources for defending your business against security risks, outsource your IT department.

2. YOU NEED A HIGHER LEVEL OF TALENT

Like we said earlier, your employees can’t know everything, and that’s okay. The training required to keep in-house IT departments on top of their game can be time-consuming and costly. When a project requires a higher level of expertise, turn to outsourced talent. Working with a remote IT company can provide you with the skills you need to complete a project and make it stand out above the competition.

3. YOUR IN-HOUSE RESOURCES ARE MAXED OUT

When in-house teams are attempting to juggle IT services with limited knowledge on top of their daily responsibilities, it’s no surprise they can quickly become burnt out. If you start to see your team reaching their maximum capacities, you may want to outsource some projects to give your employees more time to focus on key business goals. Everyone has their limits – find and evaluate what your business can handle and where it would be more effective to outsource.

4. YOU’RE TACKLING A COMPLEX PROJECT

When you’re working on a complex project, there can be several moving parts — many of which might require specific technical knowledge and skills. Outsourced IT specialists are experienced and have likely already tackled similar complex projects, so they can provide you with valuable advice and assistance. Keep the parts of the project your team can confidently complete, and outsource the parts that need a little more expertise. Doing so will limit in-house downtime and maximize your team’s efficiency.

5. YOU WANT TO BE COST-EFFICIENT

When companies try to set up an in-house IT staff, they can spend thousands of dollars in hiring costs, equipment and training. Outsourcing your IT services eliminates the cost of hiring and maintaining an in-house team. Remote IT companies can provide the same — and often better — services than an in-house department at a lower price. When you outsource technical support, you can put more money and effort into other tasks to run your business.

6. YOU HAVE TIGHT DEADLINES TO MANAGE

If you have upcoming deadlines and you’re falling behind, consider outsourcing parts of the project. You don’t need to outsource the whole thing, but getting help on one or two components that require more time than you have can help you meet deadlines. Outsourcing part of a project can give you and your team time to focus on the aspects of the project where your team excels. If you find outsourcing to be helpful, you can continue to use it in the future to focus on your core strengths long-term.

Why Outsource Your IT Department?

In the world of ever-changing internet services and programs, it can be challenging to keep up with new or best practices. SMBs can lack the time and experience it takes to provide the full spectrum of necessary IT services, especially if a complicated problem arises. When you outsource your IT department, any issues are usually taken care of before you even know about them. Outsourced IT companies keep their employees well-trained and up-to-date on methods and techniques so you can focus on running your business.

How Does Outsourcing Improve Your IT Services?

Outsourcing your IT services is the best way to improve them. Often, when companies try to in-house their IT services, they’re limited in terms of advanced knowledge and resources, and this can reflect poorly on the quality of their services. Outsourced IT companies have the best resources and specialists for the job to help you fully optimize your business. This expertise will be reflected in the quality of your IT services. With access to worldwide talent, you ensure that your team members get the IT help they need when they need it.

Benefits of Outsourced IT Services

We’ve seen where outsourcing IT can be helpful for the overall operations of your business. In addition to improving the quality of your IT services through advanced technology and expertise, outsourcing can provide your company with many other benefits. Common advantages include cost reduction, access to specialized talent and continuous support for you and your teams. Consider how the following benefits of outsourcing can help your company.

1. OUTSOURCING REDUCES COSTS AND INCREASES EFFICIENCY

In the United States, outsourcing IT services can reduce costs for a company by 60%. Outsourcing is efficient because of how much money and time it will save you. Without having to pay for your own IT department’s salaries, benefits, training and equipment, you save your company significant amounts of money. You can use this money to develop and improve internal operations. Outsourcing also saves you the time of having to complete routine tasks and maintenance. Outsourced companies have specific teams for this, which means you can spend your time on internal projects.

2. OUTSOURCING PROVIDES ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED TALENT

One of the biggest reasons businesses choose to outsource their IT services is the access to superior talent. As we mentioned before, in-house IT teams can often be limited in the resources available to them. Outsourced IT companies make it a priority to find the best expertise for your business. You benefit from the knowledge of IT specialists and technology from all over the world without the cost of hiring personnel or purchasing new systems.

3. OUTSOURCING INCREASES CYBERSECURITY

With access to specialized talent comes an increase in cybersecurity. Security experts can detect, monitor and prevent risks before they affect your business and disrupt your workflow. When you outsource your IT services, you put the responsibility of handling security risks in the hands of a professional – this will save you time, money and stress. Keep your business and client information safe when you outsource your IT services.

4. OUTSOURCING MEANS RELIABLE SUPPORT

Outsourced IT companies make it their business to support you and your team members’ IT needs. Their levels of expertise make them reliable resources for knowledge and support for your IT services. It only makes sense that you’d want the best for your business, so let the experts of an outsourced company provide reliable support and services to you. You’ll appreciate it when you find yourself needing their skills!

5. OUTSOURCING MEANS 24-HOUR SUPPORT

Along with reliable support, you also get constant support when you outsource IT services. With an in-house IT department, you may not be able to pay or even find someone to provide overnight support. Outsourcing enables you to provide around-the-clock services to your employees and ensures your data is secure from hackers and all systems are operating properly.

6. OUTSOURCING PROVIDES SUPPORT DURING DISASTERS

IT plays a significant role in the function and support of most business processes, so it’s critical that your IT services can quickly bounce back after a disruption. Outsourcing can provide off-site data storage, data recovery and backup systems, all of which the outsourced company is responsible for in the event of a disaster. This support allows you to keep your operations running and reduces the risk of lost data.

7. OUTSOURCING INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY

Outsourcing can increase overall company productivity exponentially. Without having to worry about the pressure of handling an IT task without the experience for it, your in-house staff will have more time to spend on the core responsibilities you hired them to do. With this increased level of productivity, your team will be able to produce a larger amount of high-quality work.

8. OUTSOURCING PROVIDES ACCESS TO PROVEN SOLUTIONS

Outsourcing is beneficial because it provides you with access to people who can view a problem from a different angle. Outsourcing companies work with many people, so they’ve likely already seen the challenge you’re facing. This experience allows them to offer you proven solutions that you may not have considered.

9. OUTSOURCING IMPROVES BUSINESS FOCUS

Ultimately, you benefit from outsourcing your IT services because you no longer have to put your own time and effort into running them. IT experts can provide your business with the services you hired them for. Let an outsourced company run your IT services, and turn your focus back to the primary operations of your business.

How to Outsource IT Services

Now that you understand how beneficial outsourcing can be and a few instances of when you might start considering outsourcing IT services, you’ll want to know how to outsource. Here are some common IT services businesses outsource, as well as the steps you can take to find an outsourced IT company to work with. Some commonly outsourced IT services include the following:

• Customer service or help desk: This service consists of specialists responsible for answering questions and fixing user and system issues promptly and professionally. These specialists can provide technical support to your internal team as well as your clients.
• Application management and support: An application manager is an IT professional responsible for maintaining the operation of software applications within a business. They find applications that can improve business functions, and then they oversee installing and upgrading of the software and provide support to your team members using the application.
• Web hosting: This service provider provides you with the necessary technology and resources to post websites and web pages to the internet.
• Software development: A software engineer will design and test new software for your business. They also monitor and evaluate your system’s performance to ensure it’s running efficiently.
• Telephone customer services: Similar to a help desk, telephone customer service specialists offer support to your clients and team members via telephone. They can provide help or general information about your business.
• Infrastructure management: An IT infrastructure manager will oversee policies, processes, data and equipment to ensure these areas are operating effectively.
• Cybersecurity: Leaving your cybersecurity to a professional can reduce vulnerability to a cyberattack, keeping your privacy and data intact.

You may choose to outsource any combination or all of these services depending on your business’s capabilities and needs.

Now that you know some service options, you might be ready to find a company that offers the services you’re interested in outsourcing. Before you commit to an outsourced IT company, you should create a list of goals to help you determine what you want to gain from outsourcing. Ask yourself questions like:

• What kind of budget do I have?
• What are my timeline expectations? When does this project need to be done?
• What level of expertise do I need?
• Do I want to outsource a project or two or my entire IT department?

Once you have the answers to those questions, you can begin researching service providers to find companies that offer what you’re looking for within your budget. Finding the right company to work with is a critical step, so you’ll want to consider several factors when choosing a company to outsource your IT services to.

How to Choose the Right Company

Choosing the best fit for your business can be overwhelming, as there are thousands of companies that offer outsourced IT services. Finding the right company to represent your IT services will be beneficial in the long run, so take your time choosing the right one. The best company for you will make you feel confident that your services are in the best hands. How can you determine which one will be right for you? Find out if they offer the services you need and want by asking the following questions to help you evaluate your options:

• Do they have standardized security protocols? The need for cybersecurity has increased as the internet becomes more prevalent in our daily lives. Look for an IT company with up-to-date security protocols, and make sure you understand how they will protect your information.
• Can they provide a full range of services? Your business needs will probably change over time. Choose a company that provides the services you need now and can anticipate what you may need in the future.
• Are you getting top talent? Outsourcing gives you access to the best in the IT business. Make sure the company you choose can provide the level of expertise you need so you get the best service.
• Will you be able to communicate clearly? It may seem obvious, but make sure the service provider of your choosing can speak the same language as you and your customers. Having fluent communication and similar workflows will ensure you stay on the same page.
• What kind of experience do they have? Gain insight into a company’s performance and quality of service by checking references, reviews, past clients and completed projects. This helps you find an IT service that knows what it’s doing.

Prelude’s Outsourced IT Services

At Prelude Services, we know how important it is to have reliable IT services. Our experts provide a wide range of services, and you can rely on us to handle all your IT needs so you can focus on running your business. We’re located in Pennsylvania, so our clients enjoy the benefits of locally outsourcing, including our hands-on support. Additionally, we are an SSAE-compliant company, which shows you that we have strong controls protecting our customers’ data. Trust us to handle your company’s IT needs, including the following services:

• Around-the-clock desktop support
• IT vendor management
• Network management
• Data management
• Cloud computing
• Hardware and software support
• Website design and development
• Cybersecurity
• Enterprise reporting

Contact Prelude Services for IT Services

If you’re ready to outsource your IT services to optimize your business’s time, money and resources, explore your options with us at Prelude Services. We’re eager to hear about your IT needs and share with you how we can tailor our services to offer you the best solutions. We understand what it takes to run a business, so trust us with your IT services and support so your time and effort are better focused on your business. Contact our experts today.

The post Guide to Outsourcing IT Services appeared first on Prelude Services.

Technology is essential for effective communication within the senior care industry. Fully functional technology enables workers to do their jobs more efficiently and allows residents to connect with off-site friends and family members better. To keep digital devices up and running, senior community and assisted living technology support is crucial.

In this article, we’ll look at why onsite technical services are important for senior living communities and the benefits of working with a professional IT provider for senior living technology support. 

Onsite IT Services for Senior Living Communities

Because technology is constantly evolving, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest advancements and solutions. The overwhelming nature of technology combined with the consistently changing HIPAA standards for healthcare providers can put senior living and care organizations under an extreme amount of stress. However, onsite IT services can help those in the senior healthcare community avoid technical troubles and continue offering the highest quality of care.

Having a team of IT experts who can quickly identify and neutralize the matter is oftentimes more efficient than having regular staff troubleshoot the issue. Working with an IT service provider can help senior living communities create a safe, comfortable environment equipped with the technology necessary for delivering the care residents need. A professional IT service will also be able to help set up devices and solve technical troubles for residents.

Here are the top five advantages to working with an onsite IT services team:

• Cybersecurity: Many organizations are unaware of the specific steps they need to take to keep their network and data secure. With reliable onsite IT support, any potential data security issues can be addressed quickly to avoid any major data breaches or future network failures.
• Speed: Devoting hours to trying to figure out a technological problem on your own can be frustrating. Instead, call a professional and have the issue repaired faster than it would take to figure out the solution by yourself. In addition to getting an efficient fix, leaving the IT services to the professionals can save an organization from accidentally worsening a tech issue.
• Reliable Wi-Fi: Nowadays, Wi-Fi is essential to running a successful organization. A large senior living community can be intricate, with multiple facilities in need of total Wi-Fi coverage at all times. An onsite IT service can help develop a wireless strategy for your organization that will provide the mobility your staff needs to serve residents best.
• 24/7 IT support: Whenever technology is involved, some issues are bound to come up, often at the most unexpected times. Because technical issues within the healthcare field can be urgent, it’s crucial to have a solid IT support system. Partnering with an IT service will ensure your senior living community receives dependable IT help any hour of the day.
• Customized solutions: When it comes to technology, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution because every organization has slightly different needs. An onsite IT service will provide IT plans to address your senior living community’s specific needs, then help you implement those plans to keep your technology running smoothly.

Technology Support Setup for Senior Living Communities

Setting up IT support for a senior living community provides your facilities with protection against potential IT issues as well as a reliable help center for future IT problems. When dealing with new devices, it’s important that they are set up well to ensure all of the programs necessary for running your senior care center are fully functional. From computers and laptops to tablets and printers, be sure to work with an IT support service to securely connect to the Internet and install software properly.

For senior living communities with older PCs and technology, the programs can be brought up to date, excess data can get cleaned up and the overall operating power can be increased. An IT support service will also help eliminate any viruses harming your computers and install security software to fend off future attacks at the first support setup meeting for your facility.

When initially setting up nursing home technology support, a good IT support company should also offer these four fundamental services:

• Cloud computing: As cloud-based software applications continue to steadily grow in popularity, cloud computing services will be key to keeping a senior living community’s technology up and running smoothly.
• Network management: Your IT servicer should provide the network management your senior healthcare center needs to support your data, Internet, voice and video needs.
• Hardware and software support: Certified technicians can help you choose, install and continuously support the hardware and software for all of your devices.
• Enterprise reporting: Be sure to work with an IT service that offers enterprise reporting that will help your senior living community stay informed on all the latest data it needs to remain within HIPAA regulations and operate effectively.

Technology Support Repair for Senior Living Communities

Once your center’s tech network and all its devices have been properly set up, it will need to be maintained. Your tech is only as good as how reliable it is, so it’s imperative to keep it operating smoothly. To prevent residents from becoming frustrated with malfunctioning technology, your senior living community will need a source of 24/7 IT support to cover services such as repair and maintenance for computers, tablets and mobile devices.

Because technology has become such a big part of everyday life, your nursing home needs a dependable technological service that can properly set up digital devices to help prevent IT issues before they occur as well as get your technology back up and running when tech problems do arise. When you partner with a good tech support service, you will get expert advice about how to avoid unexpected breakdowns and a speedy, stress-free way to get devices repaired whenever needed.

A reputable IT support and repair service will provide these onsite tech solutions:

• Installing email and spam filters
• Setting up proxy servers with thorough cybersecurity protection
• Implementing the latest link analysis, URL and attachment sandboxing
• Conducting advanced malware analysis
• Overseeing penetration testing
• Updating plugins
• Backing up data or running file transfers
• Connecting external hard drives or multiple PCs for data transmission and file storage
• Managing the system’s network

When your senior living community’s technology is operating at its highest level, your entire facility will function more efficiently, and the residents can enjoy their personal devices to the fullest. Instead of continually dealing with irritating technology breakdowns, your senior living community as a whole can breathe easier thanks to reliable onsite IT support.

Contact Prelude Services for Onsite Resident Technology and IT Support

If you want the best onsite resident technology and IT support for your senior living community, contact Prelude Services to find out how we can help keep your tech performing at its best. At Prelude, we offer all of the previously listed IT services along with mobile, tablet and PC setup, repair, maintenance, Wi-Fi support and more. We streamline and standardize IT processes to minimize downtime and enhance the quality of your technology.

Make your senior living community a more technologically enriched environment by taking advantage of Prelude’s full installation and maintenance services today.

The post Resident Technology Support appeared first on Prelude Services.

Genacross Lutheran Services Objectives:

• Implement a holistic, management strategy for all of Genacross’ technology resource requirements which are reliable, secure and always up-to-date with the ever-changing technology of today.

Solutions Provided:

• Centralized IT hardware support
• Application support
• Application hosting
• Testing area for future development
• Data security
• VoIP Telecommunication services
• 24×7 Help Desk
• User training

Genacross Lutheran Services outsourced their IT management and support services to a local vendor. Their network became more unreliable as they continued to grow, their software licensing and updating was tracked using an outdated-manual method, and there were on-going concerns regarding network security.

Genacross Lutheran Services selected Prelude Services to provide their organization with a secure, reliable, and comprehensive technology management program. Because of this, Genacross is able to focus on their growing business needs.

Prelude’s IT solution ensures that each of Genacross Luthern Services’ five Senior Living communities, and 13 affordable housing properties continues to function at the highest level on a 7 x 24 x 365 basis. Prelude IT services for Genacross Luthern Services include network management, secure data hosting, application support and user training.

Genacross Lutheran Services also identified a need to easily manage census reporting. Prelude’s Enterprise Reporting (PER) consolidated all of their reporting needs in one place.

By partnering with Prelude, Genacross Lutheran Services is now able to focus their attention on their growing business. They know they have a reliable and trusted partner who will manage their IT needs and provide a high level of security for all of their critical data and information.

“Prelude has brought us into the 21st Century. Our annual technology and industry strategy sessions enable us to partner with Prelude, so we are more up-to-date and efficient in our daily operations at Genacross.” -Lorinda Schalk, VP of Finance & Accounting/CFO at  Genacross Lutheran Services

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Retirement Housing Foundation Objectives:

• Upgrade IT infrastructure
• Increase 24×7 IT support
• Increase ability to fully implement EHR
• Ensure HIPAA compliance
• Implement a disaster recovery plan

Solutions Provided:

• Partnered with RHF to manage IT
• Implemented critical upgrades to systems, hardware and IT infrastructure which enabled RHF to transition to electronic health records
• Integrated 24×7 Service Desk for IT support
• Developed a disaster recovery plan and increased the level of network security

Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) is one of the largest non-profit providers of housing and healthcare services for seniors, the disabled and low-income families. There are over 20,500 RHF residents living in 185 communities across the United States. In 2015, they realized the need to improve their IT support in order to maintain the quality of services they provide. Upgrades to IT infrastructure, systems, and security services were necessary.

RHF determined they should consider outsourcing and hired Prelude to become a part of their team to keep up with the pace of their growth. The first phase of Prelude’s IT plan was to manage all IT responsibilities. IT infrastructure, software and systems were evaluated and a conversion plan was put in place to upgrade all IT systems and support. This included upgrades to the Data Center, servers, workstations, wireless access, desktops, printers and software.

Prelude completed all critical upgrades within a few months enabling RHF to fully transition to electronic health records. RHF and their employees gained access to Prelude’s 24×7 Service Desk. They no longer had to wait for weekday business hours to troubleshoot issues. They now rely on Prelude’s 24×7 IT support for software applications, desktop, hardware, kiosks, mobile devices and more.

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National Church Residences Objectives:

• Outsource IT systems and services in order to be able to focus on business needs and day-to-day services for the organization.
• Obtain a simplified solution for their financial and clinical reporting needs.

Solutions Provided:

• Outsourcing
• Network Management
• Cloud Computing
• Hardware & Software Support
• New IT infrastructure
• 24×7 service desk
• Prelude Enterprise Reporting (PER)
• Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ)

National Church Residences is the nation’s largest, not-for-profit provider of senior health care, housing, and services for over 340 communities throughout the United States. In 2012, they realized the need to partially outsource their IT healthcare services in order to keep up with the demand of their growing business. Partially outsourcing continued to be problematic. In 2014 the Vice President of IT decided that the best solution would be to outsource all of their IT needs to Prelude Services. 

One of Prelude’s first priorities was to give National Church Residences the opportunity to be able to focus their efforts on their growing business without having the time constraints of managing their own IT systems. Prelude assumed the responsibility for managing all of their IT services, which included networking, software, hardware, data security, and hosting.

Prelude identified and prioritized projects in order to bring National Church Residences to a reliable and secure level of functionality. We upgraded their network equipment, server technology, and migrated all of their applications and data to our compliant and highly secure data centers.

National Church also realized the value and benefits of our unique Prelude Enterprise Reporting (PER) and Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) solutions. They have started to use these applications for many of their financial and clinical reporting needs. They have been able to minimize their manual efforts by consolidating their clinical, financial, and employee data into our simple application solutions.

As a result of the many improvements implemented in our partnership, National Church Residences is well-positioned for the future of healthcare, and focusing on their growing organization.

“In working with Prelude, whose core competency is IT services for senior living, we’re provided with the tactical and strategic services required for our business. So we’re confident that Prelude can help us get to where we need to be.” -Mark Ricketts, President and CEO of National Church Residences

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