Information Technology

In today's business world, the health of IT hardware plays a critical role in daily operations. Even the most advanced systems experience wear and tear over time. Recognizing early signs of hardware failure helps IT professionals act before minor issues become major disasters. Here are 10 warning signs to watch for, plus strategies to respond effectively.

1. Unusual Noises From Hardware Components

IT hardware is designed to operate quietly. Unusual sounds like clicking, grinding or high-pitched whirring often signal trouble. Hard drives, in particular, are prone to making clicking noises when their read/write heads malfunction. 

The amount of information business partners need to share is greater than ever. Instantaneous access to analytics and in-progress projects is crucial for communications. Business-to-business (B2B) integrations are essential in modern companies prioritizing clarity and transparency. How does this look when implemented, and what advantages does it bring to warrant the urgency?

Businesses frequently handle sensitive customer information when collecting it for payments through credit card details and personal data. Ensuring customer info remains out of the hands of cybercriminals is crucial to a company’s reputation and how much people trust it. 

It's crucial to secure payments to maintain customer trust and prevent damage to the brand’s reputation. While most people understand a company isn’t necessarily responsible for a cybercriminal attacking its databases, they will want to know that the business did everything in its power to prevent it and have a plan for what to do should the worst occur. 

Integrating physical security principles into cybersecurity strategies can significantly enhance an organization's defense mechanisms. Just as businesses protect physical assets with layered barriers, controlled access and continuous monitoring, they must take similar steps to protect digital infrastructure.

Below are key physical security principles and their corresponding applications in cybersecurity, along with actionable steps to help IT professionals implement these best practices.

The rapid growth of e-commerce has created immense opportunities for businesses, but it has also introduced a host of financial risks. Online retailers face all kinds of challenges that can impact revenue and long-term stability. As digital commerce continues to evolve, so do the tactics that cybercriminals use. E-commerce companies need to implement various security measures to protect themselves from financial vulnerabilities.

Messy, unsightly cables are the bane of any IT tech’s existence, inspiring a desire to organize them for efficiency. They can also become safety hazards in the workplace and may cause unnecessary downtime when accidentally unplugged. Without proper management, troubleshooting can become a nightmare for industries that thrive on efficiency and organization.

Here are 10 essential management tips for IT professionals to improve their companies’ cable networks.

With increasing climate change impacts and growing stakeholder and consumer demand, sustainability is on every company's mind as they enter the new year. The information technology (IT) industry especially has the capacity to become more environmentally friendly. 

From energy- and water-guzzling data centers to massive amounts of electronic waste, IT teams should consider these six initiatives to enhance green operations. 

Biometrics are an increasingly common part of everyday IT functions. Facial or fingerprint scans offer a streamlined, reliable way to secure access to sensitive systems or bolster multi-factor authentication (MFA) practices, but they’re not without their controversies.

As cybercrime and digital privacy concerns have risen, the use of biometrics in the workplace can face scrutiny. Employers and IT managers should consider the potential drawbacks and create a formal plan to address them before implementing any biometric security measure.

Modern businesses cannot survive for long when relying on a single sales channel. In today’s hyper-competitive environment, organizations must coordinate their efforts across in-person, e-commerce and social media platforms to stay afloat. However, doing so effectively can be challenging.

Businesses thrive today thanks to technology’s efficiency, but this increasing reliance also poses new blind spots. Understanding shadow IT is crucial for brand leaders, especially when it puts their enterprises at risk.

What Is Shadow IT?

Shadow IT is when employees turn to unauthorized software, devices or cloud services without the IT department’s knowledge. Examples include employees using personal cloud storage to access corporate data from anywhere or unauthorized collaboration tools to transfer documents.