Understanding the Difference Between Shared Internet Access (SIA) and Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)
Posted on Author ecorey Categories Business Fiber, IT Consulting, VoIP Phone

Understanding the Difference Between Shared Internet Access (SIA) and Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the quality of your internet connection can significantly impact the efficiency and productivity of your business. Companies often face a choice between Shared Internet Access (SIA) and Dedicated Internet Access (DIA). Understanding the differences between these two types of internet services is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your business needs. Below is a guide to help you navigate these options.

What is Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)? Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) is the digital fortress of the business world, a private conduit to the web that’s reserved solely for your enterprise. It’s the steadfast guardian of your online operations, providing a consistent and unflinching speed that doesn’t waver, no matter the hour or the surge of the digital tide. DIA is the bedrock for businesses that demand a reliable and stable internet connection for critical operations like VoIP, video conferencing, hefty data transfers, and cloud-based services.

What is Shared Internet Access (SIA)? In contrast, Shared Internet Access (SIA) is the unpredictable ocean of connectivity, where your internet speed is at the mercy of the collective. It’s the shared resource of the residential realm and some small businesses, where the bandwidth ebbs and flows with the usage patterns of the masses. During the internet’s rush hours, SIA can leave you adrift in slower currents, hindering your voyage through the web.

Key Differences Between SIA and DIA

  1. Bandwidth Consistency:
  • SIA: Speeds can vary greatly depending on the collective usage patterns of all users on the network.
  • DIA: Provides consistent speeds that are not affected by the usage patterns of others.
  1. Cost:
  • SIA: Generally more cost-effective, making it a popular choice for residential and home office use.
  • DIA: More expensive than SIA due to the dedicated resources, but the investment can be justified by the superior service and reliability.
  1. Scalability:
  • SIA: Scaling up can be limited and often still subject to the shared nature of the connection.
  • DIA: Easily scalable, allowing businesses to increase bandwidth based on their growing needs without degradation of service.
  1. Service Level Agreements (SLAs):
  • SIA: Typically comes with more basic service agreements without stringent performance guarantees.
  • DIA: Often includes comprehensive SLAs that guarantee uptime, bandwidth, and quality of service, which is crucial for businesses.
  1. Usage Requirements:
  • SIA: Suitable for users with moderate to low bandwidth requirements and where occasional slowdowns are acceptable.
  • DIA: Ideal for businesses that require constant connectivity with guaranteed speed for critical services.

Choosing the Right Service for Your Business

Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) is not just an option but a clear commitment to excellence and consistent online presence for businesses. While the choice between Shared Internet Access (SIA) and DIA depends on your specific needs, DIA is particularly beneficial for businesses where reliable internet is critical. It enhances productivity and gives you a competitive edge. Although SIA may work for some with limited internet needs and budgets, DIA is the best choice for ensuring high-speed and reliable connections that are crucial for daily operations.

How celito Can Help

If you’re in Raleigh or the surrounding areas and considering which internet service best fits your business needs, celito is your local expert in business connectivity. With years of experience in providing both fiber internet and VoIP services, our team is well-equipped to help assess your needs and choose between SIA and DIA. We offer tailored solutions designed to elevate your business’s connectivity and efficiency.

For more information or to discuss your internet service options, reach out to celito. Contact us at (919) 852-1238 or visit our website for a consultation. Elevate your business connectivity with celito, your trusted local partner in digital solutions.

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Posted on Author ecorey Categories Business Fiber, IT Consulting

Why Your Business Needs a Business Internet Plan

Slow internet is a thorn in everyone’s side, personally and professionally. Yet, internet connectivity can significantly impact businesses more than you may think, making the difference between poor productivity and streamlined operations. That’s why it’s crucial for businesses, big and small, to consider the benefits of a dedicated business internet plan. This post aims to clarify the need and advantages of such a plan, helping you assess if it’s essential for your operations.

Speed and Stability

In today’s digital age, a reliable and high-speed internet connection is as essential as running water and electricity, especially for businesses. Slow or intermittent internet can lead to increased frustration, decreased productivity, and decreased customer service, among other issues. Unlike traditional home internet plans, business internet services cater to a company’s specific needs, offering faster speeds, greater bandwidth, and higher reliability due to a dedicated connection.

The Downside of Downtime

Downtime can be extremely costly for any business. Whether due to maintenance, network outages, or data cap limitations, interruptions to your internet service can halt essential business operations, such as point-of-sale transactions, customer support, or online transactions. A business internet plan minimizes these risks by offering superior uptime guarantees and, in some cases, faster response times for troubleshooting.

Specialized Services for Specific Needs

Business internet packages can be tailored to meet the unique demands of different industries and business models. For instance, if you regularly need to transfer large files, a business internet plan with symmetrical upload and download speeds is vital. Similarly, if your company revolves around virtual communication, having services that prioritize VoIP traffic ensures clear and uninterrupted phone and video calls.

The Power of Fiber Optics

Fiber optic internet has become the gold standard for business connectivity. It offers faster speeds and more reliable service than traditional copper or cable internet. With the increasing shift to cloud-based operations, the advantages of fiber optics, such as virtually unlimited bandwidth and low latency, are more important than ever.

Strengthening Security Measures

Business internet plans often have enhanced security features that protect your company’s data and network from cyber threats. Standard features may include advanced firewalls, network monitoring tools, and secure VPN services. These not only safeguard your business’s sensitive information but also help maintain compliance with industry regulations.

VoIP for Enhanced Communication

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make voice calls using an internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. VoIP services are often included in business internet plans, offering more flexibility and potential cost savings compared to traditional phone services. They also come with additional features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcription, and managing calls through an online portal.

Making the Transition

If you’re considering making the switch to a business internet plan, the first step is to assess your business’s current and future connectivity needs. Consider the volume of internet traffic, the number of devices connected, and the critical nature of your services. Then, research providers in your area to find one that offers the services, speed, and support that align with your business objectives.

Remember, your choice of internet plan can impact every aspect of your business, from daily operations to your long-term strategic plans. Investing in a reliable, high-speed internet connection tailored to your business needs is an investment in your company’s success.

Contact celito for Your Business Internet Solution

If you’re in Raleigh or the surrounding area in North Carolina and are considering upgrading to a business internet plan, celito is your local partner for all things related to business connectivity. As experts in fiber, VoIP, data centers, and IT consulting, we are well-equipped to assess your needs and offer tailored solutions to elevate your business to the next level of connectivity and efficiency. Reach out via phone at (919) 852-1238 or visit our website for more details.

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Posted on Author ecorey Categories IT Consulting

How to Protect Yourself from Cyberattacks: Tips and Best Practices

With data hacks and breaches becoming more and more common, learning to protect yourself proactively is key. Here, we’ll share actionable tips and best practices to safeguard your personal information and devices against cybercrime.

  1. Always Update Your Software and Systems

Regularly updating your device’s operating system, software, and applications is one of the most effective preventive measures against cyberattacks. Software updates frequently include critical security patches, addressing known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit. Enable automatic updates for the latest operating system, apps, and drivers to ensure that your system remains current.

  1. Use A Trusted Antivirus

Installing a trusted antivirus program on your devices is essential to detect and remove malware, spyware, and similar malicious software that could compromise your system. Make sure your antivirus software is set to update and scan your device regularly and automatically.

  1. Beware Phishing Scams

Beware of phishing, a common tactic cybercriminals employ to deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information. Exercise caution with unsolicited emails, particularly those containing suspicious links or attachments. Always verify emails, especially when they solicit personal or financial details. If you’re unsure, reach out to the organization directly instead of clicking on any provided links.

  1. Raise Your Awareness

Inform yourself about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. Understanding cybercriminals’ techniques can help you recognize potential threats and avoid falling victim to them. Numerous online resources, webinars, and courses are available to increase your cybersecurity knowledge.

  1. Protect your Wi-Fi Network

Protect your home Wi-Fi network against cyberattacks by taking these steps:

  • Set a strong password and change the default admin credentials.
  • Consider hiding your network’s name (SSID) to increase security.
  • Check regularly for firmware updates on your router.
  • Enable encryption, such as WPA3, to prevent unauthorized access.

This way, you can ensure the security of your network and keep your data safe.

  1. Create Backups Regularly

Regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or a secure cloud service. Doing so can safeguard your important files and protect yourself from potential ransomware attacks or data loss. Remember to keep your backup disconnected from the network when not used, as certain malware can target backup files. It’s a good practice to have a backup because your device’s internal hard drive can fail, and recovery might be impossible if your data isn’t backed up elsewhere.

  1. Stay Away From Public Wi-Fi for Information-Sensitive Activities

Using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking can expose you to risks. Cybercriminals may intercept data on unsecured networks. Employ a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection to enhance security. It adds an extra layer of protection. Also, avoid entering credit card details on public Wi-Fi. Save purchases and online banking for home or a private network.

  1. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication can give you an extra layer of security. It combines your password with a second verification form, like a one-time code sent to your mobile device. Enabling MFA whenever possible is crucial. It reduces the risk of unauthorized access significantly, even if your password is compromised.

  1. Check Social Media Privacy Settings

Protect your privacy on social media by reviewing and adjusting your account settings. Limit the public disclosure of personal information and exercise caution when sharing details online. Cybercriminals frequently exploit social media for phishing attacks and identity theft. Stay one step ahead by safeguarding your information.

  1. Install Device Tracking and Remote Wipe Software

Consider installing tracking and remote wipe applications for smartphones and other mobile devices. These powerful tools help locate your device if lost or stolen and allow you to erase your data remotely, safeguarding your personal information from unauthorized access.

Safeguard Your Online Activity Today

To protect yourself from potential cyberattacks, staying vigilant and proactively safeguarding your personal information is crucial. These simple practices help keep your information and online activity away from cybercriminals.

We value your success and consider you an integral part of our shared journey towards progress and prosperity. Experience the difference of choosing celito – your trusted local partner – by contacting us at (919) 852-1238.

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Posted on Author Shawn McClafferty Categories IT Consulting

In 2021, a business will be attacked by ransomware every 11 seconds

There was a time when antivirus software was enough protection. This is not the case any longer! Consider some of the modern threats we face:

  • Weaponized Documents: These documents are seemingly harmless PDFs or other attachments that execute attacks upon entering your network.
  • Fileless Threats: These threats execute from memory, making them difficult to detect.
  • Zero-Day Threats: These threats exploit system vulnerabilities rapidly—before updates can be issued.

You might think your antivirus software will already be looking for threats such as these. Sadly, that is not always the case.

Did you know your antivirus software only looks for yesterday’s threats? Stop using the rearview mirror to navigate the security landscape for your business. Let celito drive your security forward with managed endpoint detection and response (also known as managed EDR).

Managed EDR

It is easier to begin by describing how managed EDR does not work than by describing how it does work. It does not use out-of-date signatures (also known as digital fingerprints) to find threats, like antivirus programs do. It does not rely on lengthy daily or weekly scans.

What managed EDR does is monitor threats in real-time using artificial intelligence. This helps you to detect and prevent attacks. In the event that your system’s defenses are breached, you can also roll back infected devices to their pre-infection state.

Roll Back Your Devices

In addition to continuous monitoring, managed endpoint detection and response allows you to simply click to restore machines to healthy, pre-infected versions of themselves. It does not matter what caused the infection—you can roll back the machine to better times, as if the infection never happened.

Antivirus programs slow down your network with lengthy scans. They fly blind during execution, too, exposing your system to threats. Managed endpoint detection and response monitors processes before, during, and after execution, preventing new threats from emerging. Another bonus is the system will pull the device off the network if it is compromised, thus stopping any potential spread of the threat. This feature is something traditional AV didn’t have built-in.

Win the Ransomware Battle

There’s no need to pay expensive ransoms to cyberattackers. Our managed EDR service pays for itself by helping to keep you safe and secure.

Increase employee productivity and eliminate threats that evade traditional antivirus solutions. Achieve faster device performance, along with fewer distractions from scans and updates.

Let us manage this complex process for you. You don’t need to spend time and energy supporting your own systems and security. With ongoing support as your managed services provider, we make things easy.

Contact Us

Reach out to celito to get started with managed EDR today! 919-852-1238 |  sales@celito.net

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