Security

How Secure is Health Tech?

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How Secure is Health Tech

For example, 100% of mobile health apps tested by Approov were found to expose “full patient records including protected health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII).”  Luckily, there are simple ways to safeguard your practice. Read on for tips from the cybersecurity experts at Nerd Crossing.  Secure Your Email  Working from home creates juicy opportunities for criminals to access patient data. For example, your house or apartment network is probably shared with others who should not be privy to patient information. Phishing is the most common cyberattack facing healthcare professionals like you today. And emails are the most common area of weakness. Always think before you click! Hover over links in your emails to make sure they point secure websites. Also, never download files or executables without verifying the source of a message!   Browse Safely  An easy way to keep safe is to access your work email on a private network (VPN) and verify that the websites you are visiting use HTTPS. You should also be using an anti-virus software and avoid creating weak or recycled passwords. Our favorite password managers include Dashlane, LastPass, and Password Safe.   Update Legacy Systems  Before jumping on the health tech bandwagon, a bit of housekeeping might be in order.   Processing data with a legacy system is a huge security risk. The top suspects include Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows XP.  You should also check whether login information and credentials are truly stored securely. These include computer systems as well as medical devices and facility controls. To manage dozens and up to thousands of devices and endpoints at a time, consider using a mobile device management (MDM) software. This will help your IT team allow for the use of personal devices while keeping patient data safe by locking up or even completely wiping devices if a breach occurs.    Contact Our Health Tech Nerds Feeling lost at exactly what to prioritize when it comes to cybersecurity? Our HIPAA certified Nerds are here to help!   Schedule a Free Consult



Why has Apple put its password manager on Chrome?

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typing on laptop

By Robert Davis, Network and Systems Engineer, Nerd Crossing Apple is getting in on password management for the big bucks — and to make password security an actual priority for customers. However, today’s in-browser password managers are still insecure.   Why? It’s simple — if you’re not prompted to provide a secret to verify your identity, then that means it’s available to anyone who is on your device during a given session.   Nerd Crossing still highly recommends using a third-party password application like LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane.    My other tips include never providing admin access to your personal password manager, not saving passwords in your browser, and using a strong complicated password for all accounts.  As for *online* passwords password manager solutions, those accounts definitely benefit from rotation as websites have their password databases leaked regularly.   Though they are encrypted, once leaked hackers will start to brute force the weakest passwords first, and if they are still current, gain access.   Need tips on more than password managers?   Contact the Nerds Today



Tackling IT Headaches for Charter Schools

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Tackling IT Headaches for Charter Schools — Nerd Crossing Blog — 10.16.20

Are you a teacher who is overwhelmed by having to be tech support and an educator at the same time? It’s hard enough getting your students to pay attention — much less use technologies you may have never used before.   Across the country, millions of educators just like yourself are adjusting to the challenge of teaching remotely. And the Nerds at Nerd Crossing want you to know that you’re not alone.  With over 25 years of experience helping educators, we can help you navigate this fundamental shift in teaching with ease.  Why IT is Critical for Schools  As a professional educator, you may be aware that the digital divide has gotten much worse during the pandemic. Studies show that students of color and young children are especially prone to falling behind. The friendly experts at Nerd Crossing can address common problems you may be having right now — from wireless access to device updates.   Is your Charter School Tech Savvy?   Can all teachers and administrators implement tech without connectivity issues?  Do you have an on-going plan to deploy devices to your students and to keep them updated? Do you have a 12-18 month IT and Cybersecurity Roadmap? Is funding readily available for necessary tech upgrades?  If your answer is “no” to any of the above questions, your charter school might need an IT consult.   Nerd Crossing Services for Educators  Are new tech and personnel training not covered in your current budget? No worries! With Nerd Crossing, you can request a free one-time consultation to get your IT needs in order.   Our IT for Schools Offers  BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Nerd Crossing helps schools maintain a secure BYOD policy that deters viruses from overloading the network.  Educational Apps and Software: Integrate the latest software for real-time student and parent collaboration, including RenWeb, Zoom, and much more.  iPads and Chromebooks: We manage mass rollouts of common devices for diverse remote learning needs.  Security and Web Filtering: Help students navigate the web without viewing unwanted content — while also preventing the theft of their personal records.   Locking Down Systems: Prepare for the unexpected with a clear protocol for shutting down networks and computers if necessary.  Reliable Wi-Fi: Ensure that students are always connected and prepared for remote learning. Eliminate dead zones and ensure uptime, allowing for maximum student and staff productivity.   Robust Infrastructure: Boost your technology stack for seamless office management and student services.   Data Storage: Manage data in the comfort of your home office, efficiently and cost-effectively. [wc_button type=”primary” url=”https://nerdcrossing.com/contact/” title=”Get A Free IT Roadmap” target=”” url_rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=”” position=”left” class=””]Get A Free IT Roadmap[/wc_button] With Nerd Crossing, you don’t need to make a huge upfront investment or slow down operations at your charter school to get your IT and web needs in order. We’re here to help you grow and be successful!  Contact the Nerds today if you are ready to start protecting your critical data and want to train your staff on the latest tactics to stay secure, wherever they are.   [wc_button type=”primary” url=”https://nerdcrossing.com/contact/” title=”Contact Nerd Crossing” target=”” url_rel=”” icon_left=”” icon_right=”” position=”left” class=””]Contact Nerd Crossing[/wc_button]



The Importance of Technology in Schools

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technology in schools
At Nerd Crossing, we specialize in information technology for a variety of schools and educational programs. Whether you're looking to completely outsource your IT support or in need of supplemental IT services for your staff, Nerd Crossing can work with you to provide your school with its exact education technology needs. 
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The Importance of Encryption

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the importance of encryption
Many companies with 1099 independent employees have recently mandated that business devices must be encrypted to safeguard customer and company data. Encrypting and protecting this data is imperative to keeping your business, customers and job safe. Even if the company you work for has not mandated this policy, what would happen if your work computer, laptop, phone, tablet, or storage device was stolen? What if your confidential customer data got into the wrong hands?
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