When we create a letter in the analog world, we take the time to seal that letter in an envelope to keep it safe from prying eyes — especially if that letter contains sensitive information. If it’s highly confidential information we might even resort to obfuscation such as using coded text, or making sure that it is delivered via secure channels such as by special messenger. Encrypting email is relatively easy with today’s software. Usually it involves the use of a public key and a private key. The public key is available to everyone, and if you want to send someone an email message you would use that person’s public key to encrypt that message. That person in turn would use his private key, to which only he has access, to decode that message. Software such as the latest versions of Microsoft Outlook supports this feature , and even flags you if the recipient’s email software does not support encryption. Some systems take it a step further by allowing you to digitally sign your emails, so that other people can verify that it is you who actually sent the email and not someone else. This is especially important since hackers sometimes spoof or impersonate the identities of others to fool unsuspecting users. If you are interested in finding out more about email encryption and security, contact us today to find out how we can help make sure your messages are safe and secure.

Here are some interesting facts about Social Security and saving for retirement that we thought you would find interesting as you file your taxes this year. “By 2037, all the social security reserves will have been drained and the income flowing into the program will be only enough to pay 75% of the schedule benefits. If that sounds tolerable, consider that two-thirds of seniors rely on Social Security as their main source of income. The average annual benefit is $14,000.” – Washington Post “Nearly eight in ten small business owners prior to the recession in 2007 thought they would have enough money to live comfortably when they retire. By 2010, fewer than two in three felt this way.” – Dennis Jacobe, gallup.com “The average life expectancy was only 63 years when Social Security was first created, and there were 40 workers supporting each retiree. We now have about 3.1 workers for each retiree. And by the time I reach my mid-60s, there will be about two workers supporting me – and I don’t think they’re going to want to do that.” – Ken Dychtwald, New York Times “56% of retirees had outstanding debt when they left the workforce, and 96% refused to delay retirement because of the outstanding debt. In addition, 59% had saved less than $50,000 towards retirement.” – Survey, nonprofit CESI Debt Solutions

Viruses and other forms of malware can wreak untold havoc in your computer systems, which causes productivity loss and problems that affect the service you deliver to your customers. This is why subscribing to a service that maintains and prevents the spread of viruses in your system and network can go a long way in ensuring that your IT-based operations continue smoothly and efficiently. However, viruses account for only a fraction of the problems your computer system can suffer. With many businesses such as yours relying greatly on the capabilities of their IT systems, it stands to reason that all steps must be taken to ensure that it is properly maintained and functions as effectively as possible. One very efficient way to do this that’s getting much attention these days is Managed Services. This is an affordable and cost-effective means of making sure that your IT continues to function at optimum levels at all times. Here’s how it works: Companies routinely experience IT-related problems that they have difficulty solving. Managed Services provides 24 x 7 proactive monitoring of your systems and ensures all systems are up to date, preventing problems from happening in the first place. Updating, patching, and constant maintenance to your system is important to protecting your system from a slew of potentially damaging problems. Improvements and upgrades help your system function better, which enhances your company’s capabilities and helps you achieve a higher level of productivity. Managed Services Providers help you stay on top of the game with little worries and predictable costs – especially in the long run. Thinking about checking out Managed Services? We’re here for you. We respond to all our clients’ concerns and deliver service specific to their particular needs. We keep ourselves up to date with the latest fixes, patches, and upgrades so you always have the best and the latest means to help increase your productivity and help you deliver your services better. We know the best ways to prevent viruses and other preventive maintenance methods that maximize your IT systems capabilities. We don’t just manage your IT – we make it better.