Eezit

Warehouse Wi-Fi Upgrade Done Right

We recently completed a full UniFi network deployment for a large warehouse operation where fast, reliable Wi-Fi is essential for daily workflows.

This wasn’t just about adding access points — the project focused on clean cable management, proper labeling, and a wireless design built for scale.

🔧 What we installed
• UniFi Dream Machine Pro
• 2 × USW-24 PoE switches
• 22 UniFi access points

📐 Why the design matters
Each warehouse aisle is approximately 250 ft long, with an overall depth of around 300 ft. Add metal racking, and Wi-Fi quickly becomes unreliable if not designed properly.

We deployed two UniFi U7 Long-Range access points per aisle, ensuring consistent coverage, strong roaming, and minimal congestion across the entire facility.

📱 The result
Before: slow Wi-Fi, laggy mobile scanners, delayed WMS updates
After: real-time scanning, stable connections, and smoother operations

🔁 Modernizing the network
The client transitioned away from a FortiGate firewall and legacy Aerohive wireless system, eliminating licensing costs and fragmented management. The new UniFi ecosystem provides centralized control, long-term cost savings, and easy scalability.

🔐 The network is also ready for UniFi Protect security cameras, which the client is already considering.

If your warehouse or commercial space struggles with Wi-Fi performance, we can design it right.

📍 Serving Calgary & Edmonton
🔗 eezIT.ca

Demystifying Cybersecurity Threats: Protecting Your Business

It has been a while since Cloud technology started being adopted by more and more businesses, expanding networks beyond the traditional LAN and WAN concepts to either hybrid or fully cloud-driven ones.

Resources are scattered between local and cloud network architectures, which increases the complexity of security orchestration due to the architectural diversity of these mixed platforms.

The Covid pandemic response has also moved many employees to working from home and needing access to corporate resources making it more difficult to manage user-owned devices in a secure way, with regard to individuals’ privacy.

All these factors have increased the corporate attack surface, leading to an average of 5.64 US million dollars cost per company that fell victim to a cyberattack in 2022, compared to an average of 4.44 US million dollars in 2019.

Understanding Cybersecurity Threats

Cybersecurity is the broad term used to describe the practices of securing systems, networks and programs from the numerous complex paths, and tools an attacker may use to gain access to a business’s sensitive information. We call these paths and tools ‘threats’ and we can categorize them based on their behaviour. There are numerous types of cyber threats, so we will only enumerate the most common ones out there.

Malware

Malware encompasses a spectrum of infections that infiltrate computer systems, comprising ransomware, trojans, worms, rootkits, spyware, and similar threats. It’s rare to find a user who hasn’t encountered an infected device.

Typically camouflaged, malware manifests as software or code, adept at evading detection on inadequately secured systems. Its impact ranges from destabilizing systems to stealthily capturing information, achieved through keystroke logging or complete encryption of data stored on the system.

Spam and Phishing

Spam refers to unsolicited emails, with or without malicious intent. Conversely, phishing involves emails that deceitfully present themselves as originating from a credible source. Both types of emails exploit established trust to coax staff into sharing sensitive information willingly. For instance, trust can be established through cleverly crafted emails, leveraging publicly available company information, such as through LinkedIn profiles.

Armed with this knowledge, threat actors can target key personnel, soliciting account password changes or access to local network resources and devices. Examples of phishing emails are ones containing ‘click here’ or ‘verify personal information’ hyperlinked action buttons, linking to fake forms that are connected to the hacker’s databases.

Spoofing

Spoofing, akin to phishing, occurs through various mediums like emails, websites, or phone calls. It’s essentially a form of identity theft where an entity impersonates a legitimate email address, an entire website, or a caller ID.

To draw a parallel with physical mail, just because an envelope bears the name ‘John Doe’ and an address of ’16 Rose Drive, AB,’ doesn’t guarantee its authenticity. While digital impersonation is more complex, and technologies like DKIM and DMARC are increasingly adopted by email providers to mitigate such threats, spoofing remains a prevalent and persistent threat across these platforms.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS attack)

A Distributed Denial of Service attack (DDoS) operates by inundating a host (such as a server) with an overwhelming volume of connection requests, surpassing its capacity and causing legitimate traffic to slow down significantly or cease entirely. Typically, attackers establish a network of compromised systems, known as a botnet, by installing bots on various devices, directing this collective force to flood the targeted server with requests.

This form of attack is often motivated by intentions to tarnish a company’s reputation or is instigated by competitors seeking to poach another business’s clientele. The prevalence of DDoS attacks is escalating, impacting even major industry players like Amazon Web Services, which faced a significant DDoS assault in February 2020, and GitHub, targeted in 2018.

Common Vulnerabilities and Risks

An organization’s most significant security vulnerability often lies within its own workforce. Employees serve as the human firewall, underscoring the critical need for continual education on maintaining security. This involves training on identifying phishing emails, refraining from sharing sensitive information through insecure channels and exercising caution before clicking on links. Addressing weak or unchanged passwords and advocating for dual-factor authentication are pivotal initial steps.

To strengthen security while streamlining account management, the implementation of single sign-on (SSO) solutions stands out as an optimal approach to fortify accounts.

Establishing robust protection across multiple levels within the company is equally imperative. While maintaining up-to-date security software on systems is essential, it’s just one component of a comprehensive strategy. Regular software updates, active firewall engagement on devices and networks, and the implementation of compliance policies are crucial.

Additionally, integrating Intrusion Detection Solutions (IDS), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solutions is proactive, pre-empting security threats rather than merely reacting to them.

Impact of Cyber Threats on Businesses

The impact of a cyber attack spans various dimensions, encompassing financial repercussions such as fines, expenses linked to repairing damages, and the potential ransom payout in cases of ransomware assaults. Moreover, companies often engage IT firms to restore and fortify their systems, offer complimentary services to affected customers, and incur additional unforeseen costs. Beyond these financial burdens, the assault severely tarnishes the company’s reputation, resulting in a loss of clientele and, in extreme cases, the complete cessation of business operations.

Recent research underscores the alarming trend of insufficient budget allocation for cybersecurity, especially among smaller businesses. Studies reveal that nearly half of enterprises with fewer than 50 employees do not designate specific budgets for cybersecurity initiatives. A collaborative report by IBM and the Ponemon Institute highlights that businesses with less than 500 employees face an average cost of $2.98 million due to data breaches, with each compromised record amounting to $164 in losses.

Strategies for Protecting Your Business

Immediate, concrete steps to bolster your business’s security:

Strengthen Passwords: Implement robust, regularly changed passwords across all user accounts and systems. Consider leveraging password managers for randomized, complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for added security layers.

Deploy Trusted Security Software: Install reputable third-party security software on all devices. Prioritize software with comprehensive features like email scanning and secure browsing capabilities.

Manage Wireless Connectivity: Avoid sharing Wi-Fi passwords among employees and regularly change them. Minimize reliance on wireless networks for accessing sensitive company data and resources.

Advanced measures requiring IT expertise:

Configure Hardware Firewall: Set up and optimize hardware firewalls to fortify network security and manage incoming/outgoing traffic.

Implement DHCP Restrictions: Control and limit DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to enhance network security by managing IP address assignments.

Deploy IDS and IPS Solutions: Implement Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) to detect and actively prevent potential threats and attacks.

Network Segregation: Segregate networks to compartmentalize and secure access, limiting potential exposure in case of a breach or attack.

These measures collectively fortify your business against various cyber threats, providing both immediate safeguards and more sophisticated layers of protection with the involvement of IT professionals.

Key Takeaways

Maximizing your business’s digital security involves focusing on two key areas: educating your employees to stay vigilant and implementing robust security tools across your digital infrastructure. Both are pivotal components within a comprehensive security strategy.

Entrusting cyber security to professional Calgary IT providers allows your staff to concentrate on their core work responsibilities. At EezIT, we specialize in a wide array of IT support services, with a specific emphasis on cyber security. Our team comprises accredited network and security experts, dedicated to tailoring solutions that align with your company’s unique profile.

Contact us today to schedule an in-person consultation with one of our professionals and fortify your business’s cyber defences.

Importance of Keeping Your Computer Updated

In today’s digital age, computers have become an integral part of our daily lives, both personally and professionally. From managing finances to staying connected with loved ones, our reliance on these machines is undeniable.

However, with great dependence comes great responsibility, and one of the key responsibilities of a computer user is to ensure your system is up to date. In this article, we’ll explore the crucial importance of keeping your computer updated…

What Are Software Updates?

Operating systems and software providers release updates to address security flaws and strengthen your computer’s defences. These updates contain patches that fix known vulnerabilities, making it significantly harder for hackers to breach your system. Neglecting these updates can leave you exposed to malicious attacks.

Reasons to Perform Your Updates Regularly

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, becoming more sophisticated and elusive. Hackers are relentless in their pursuit of exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems.

Outdated software, with unpatched security holes, is a prime target. When you neglect updates, you essentially leave the door open for cybercriminals to access your personal data, financial information, and even gain control of your computer. Here are some further reasons to perform these updates regularly:

Improve Performance

Software developers frequently release updates that optimize performance. Updates can make software run faster, use system resources more efficiently, and reduce memory leaks. This leads to a smoother and more responsive user experience. Our article on what to do if your PC is running slowly covers additional steps that can be taken to improve performance.

Increased Security

One of the most critical reasons to update software is to enhance security. Software updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities. By applying these patches, you can protect your computer from malware, viruses, and cyberattacks. Neglecting updates leaves your system exposed to potential threats.

Device Compatibility

The technology landscape is ever-evolving. New hardware components, peripherals, and software applications are continually being developed. To ensure your computer remains compatible with these advancements, you must keep it updated. Compatibility issues can lead to decreased functionality and limit your ability to harness the latest innovations.

Latest Features

Updates often introduce new features or improve existing ones. These enhancements can enhance productivity, offer new functionality, or make the software more user-friendly. Staying up to date allows you to benefit from these improvements.

Reduce Maintenance Costs

While software updates may incur some minor expenses, such as the time and effort required to apply updates and potential compatibility testing, the overall benefits of keeping software up to date typically outweigh these minor costs, leading to reduced maintenance expenses and a more secure, efficient, and reliable computing environment.

Can Fix Minor Issues

Software updates frequently include fixes for known bugs and glitches. These bugs can cause various issues, such as crashes, freezes, error messages, or unexpected behaviour. When developers identify and resolve these bugs, they release updates to address them, leading to a more stable and reliable software experience.

How to Check if Your Windows Software is Up to Date

Check Windows Updates:

Click on the Windows Start button.
Type “Windows Update” in the search bar and select “Check for updates” from the search results.
Windows will check for updates and display any available updates, including operating system updates. Click “Download” and “Install” to apply them.

Check Third-Party Software Updates:

Many software applications, like web browsers, antivirus software, and productivity tools, have their own update mechanisms.
Look for an “Update” or “Check for Updates” option within the software’s settings or menu. It’s often located in the Help or About section of the application.

How to Check if Your macOS Software is Up to Date

Check macOS updates:

Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
Select “System Preferences.”
Click on “Software Update.”
macOS will check for updates and display any available updates, including operating system updates. Click “Update Now” to install them.

App Store (for Mac App Store applications):

Open the App Store from the Dock or Applications folder.
Click on the “Updates” tab in the App Store.
You’ll see a list of available updates for Mac App Store applications. Click “Update” next to each app to install the updates.
Third-Party Software (for non-App Store applications):

Many non-App Store applications provide their own update mechanisms.
Look for an “Update” or “Check for Updates” option within the software’s settings or menu. It’s often located in the Help or About section of the application.

Should Auto-Updates Be Used?

Whether or not you should use auto-updates for your computer depends on your specific preferences and needs. Auto-updates have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to consider both sides before deciding.

While auto-updating your system is a convenient way of achieving improved security and reliability, you need to consider that it can also lead to potential incompatibilities and a lack of control over your computer during the update process.

Key Takeaways

Keeping your computer software up to date is crucial for security, performance, and overall reliability. Regular software updates, whether for your operating system or individual applications, offer significant advantages. They enhance security by patching vulnerabilities, address bugs for a more stable experience, optimize performance, and ensuring compatibility with newer hardware and software components. Additionally, updates often introduce new features, boosting productivity and user satisfaction.

Should you require any kind of assistance updating your computer, do not hesitate to reach out to EezIT. Our Calgary computer repair technicians can ensure your computer is fully up-to-date and working optimally.