Robin Powers Joins Bryley Systems!

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Robin Powers is the newest member to join Bryley Systems’ Business Development team.  In her role as Sales Support, Robin will assist with proposals, presentations, and general business development functions.  She will work closely within the team to further enhance client support and relationships.

Prior to Bryley Systems, Robin was employed at Stratus Technologies for 25 years as an Administrative Professional in their IT Department.  Bryley Systems welcomes Robin as she brings years of expertise in the technology field.  Ms. Powers has a BS from UMass Amherst.

Office 365 Changes

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Office 365 recently announced some updates to the platform.  Below is a list of changes taken from their Message Center:

 

Sept. 18th
Updated feature: Office 365 login screen
How does this affect me?
Any user logging into Office 365, from anywhere in the EU, will see a cookie disclosure banner. This banner will show the first time the user loads the page and will not show again for a few months, or until cookies are cleared on the browser. There is no action the user has to take on this banner and there is no change in workflow. This change is intended to meet EU regulatory requirements.   This process should be completed by the end of September.

Sept. 19th
Updated feature: Office 365 multi-factor authentication screens

How does this affect me?
If you have multi-factor authentication (MFA) turned on, users in your organization will see an updated experience for MFA screens that matches the new sign-in experience. This will only show when users opt-in to see the new sign-in experience, by clicking “try it now”. If users do not opt-in, they will continue to see MFA screens in the current experience. This change will start rolling out in the next few days.

What do I need to do to prepare for this change?
There is nothing needed on your end, but you may consider user training.

Sept, 20th

Known Issue: Email access in iOS 11
If you are using the native mail app on your iPhone or iPad, and upgrade to iOS 11, you may encounter issues.

How does this affect me?
Due to an incompatibility in the new release of iOS, users of the built-in Apple Mail app in iOS 11 may be unable to sync their Office 365 mailbox or login to their accounts. iOS 9 or 10 users are not affected.

What do I need to do to fix this?
Microsoft and Apple are working to resolve this issue.  In the meantime, it is suggested that you download the free Outlook for iOS client, available in the App Store.

Bryley is on the move!

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Some of you may know, but Bryley has outgrown our current location in Hudson and will be moving to Clinton. Our new building is a historic 1937 post office that was completely renovated and modernized in 2004.  It has more than 10,000 square feet, the majority of which we will occupy, and comes with glass-walled offices, broad sweeping staircases, an elevator, two kitchens, and more.
We expect to move in mid to late Fall.

Bryley Systems named to Top IT Service Providers by the Worcester Business Journal

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Each year, the Worcester Business Journal (WBJ) compiles and publishes a list of IT Service Providers throughout Central Massachusetts. The list, published on June 12, 2017, ranked Bryley Systems among the top 15 organizations surveyed. Rankings are determined based on survey results, federal filings and Web sites.

Bryley Named #14 By Worcester Business Journal

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We are excited to announce that Bryley Systems was recently named 14th for IT Service Providers by the Worcester Business Journal. It is a testament to our commitment to our clients and putting their interests first.

Each year, the Worcester Business Journal (WBJ) compiles and publishes a list of IT Service Providers throughout Central Massachusetts. The list, published on June 12, 2017, ranked Bryley Systems among the top 15 organizations surveyed. Rankings are determined based on survey results, federal filings and Web sites.

Bryley has consistently ranked well on the WBJ list for the last 3 years.

If you are looking for a business partner to help you navigate the ever-changing technology and cybersecurity landscape, we’re here for you. For more information about Bryley’s full array of Managed IT Services, Managed Cloud Services, and Cybersecurity Services please contact us at 978.562.6077 or by email at ITExperts@Bryley.com.

 

What you need to know about the OneLogin Breach

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OneLogin, a single sign-on service that allows users to access multiple sites and applications using just one password confirmed on June 1st that its systems had been breached and login information had been exposed. According to the firm, this breach affects “all customers served by our US data centre” and the hackers had “the ability to decrypt encrypted data”1. This is the second time within the past year that the firm had its security breached.1

So, how can you protect your data from a breach? One way is to have two-factor authentication, which is a method used to confirm a user’s claimed identity by utilizing a combination of two different components, generally something you know with something you have. For example, when you withdraw money from an ATM, only the correct combination of a PIN (something you know) with the bank card (something you have), will grant the transaction to take place.

One of the safest ways to ensure your data is protected is to encrypt it before placing it in the Cloud or with a single sign-on provider, such as OneLogin. Provided your encryption key has not been generated from a simple password, your data will be protected from any breach to your provider, as the provider does not have the password to gain access to your information.

It is vital that one stays vigilant when it comes to protecting your passwords and data. Even the most difficult password can be deciphered if given enough time. Therefore, it is important to regularly change your passwords and ensure they are strong. We have more information on the Do’s and Don’ts of Password management on our blog.

For more information on password and security, connect with Bryley’s cybersecurity experts by calling us at 844.449.8770 or emailing us at ITExperts@Bryley.com.

 

1 Fiveash, Kelly. Ars Technica. “OneLogin suffers breach – customer data said to be exposed, decrypted.” June 2017.

BBC News. “Password manager OneLogin hit by data breach.” June 2017

 

What you need to know about the “WannaCry” Attack

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On Friday, we learned that hackers had exploited malicious software stolen from the National Security Agency (NSA) and held many organizations’ data ransom. As of this morning, it is estimated that this cyberattack was felt by approximately 200,000 organizations in 150 countries including Britain’s hospital network, Germany’s national railway, “computers that run factories, banks, government agencies and transport systems in scores of countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, Spain, India and Japan, among others… Russia’s Interior Ministry and companies including Spain’s Telefonica and FedEx Corp. in the U.S.”1

While the exact scope of the damage is not fully known, it does appear to be the largest cyberattack on record. These cybercriminals demanded $300 in the beginning and later increased it to $600 before destroying the files hours after that.1 While the ransom amount won’t necessarily bankrupt a company, it is also no guarantee that a company will have its data returned or unlocked, which can have more dire consequences.

There are several steps you can take to avoid becoming the next victim:

  • Immediately update both desktop and Windows systems with the Microsoft patch MS17-010.
  • Do not open links sent from unknown sources. If you need to open a link, scan it for malware first.
  • Backup your files. It is always a wise decision to regularly backup your files to ensure your business can continue to function.
  • Keep your systems up-to-date. It is vital to check for updates on your machines to catch any vulnerabilities and perform patch updates.
  • Educate your users. They are the first line of defense against an attack so it is imperative that they are able to identify potential phishing scams and fraudulent emails.

These are but a few of the “Best Practices” that can be employed to safeguard your data and business. If you’re ready to protect your organization, it pays to work with a Managed IT Services/Managed Cloud Services company, like Bryley Systems, to ensure that you’re taking the right steps. Bryley will recommend solutions to eliminate weak links in your security chain, and help you develop an organization-wide policy to help prevent data loss.

Please contact us at 978.562.6077 or by email at ITExperts@Bryley.com. We’re here to help.

 

  1. Associated Press. “Monday morning blues as ‘WannaCry’ hits at workweek’s start.” May 2017.
  2. New York Times “Hackers Hit Dozens of Countries Exploiting Stolen N.S.A. Tool.” May 2017.

Team Bryley to participate in the Boston Brain Tumor Ride

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On Sunday, May 21st, a few Bryley employees will ride in a family-friendly bike ride to help find a cure for brain tumors. Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children 0-141. By participating in the Boston Brain Tumor Ride, Bryley employees are taking a stand in the fight against brain tumors.

Bryley’s own Jessica Giunta, Marketing Specialist, has been an active committee member assisting with numerous events and fundraising efforts for the National Brain Tumor Society since 2014.

1 American Brain Tumor Association

News, Events, and Promotions

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Nicole Sawitz Has a New Title!

Nicole Sawitz recently celebrated her first anniversary at Bryley Systems and earned a new title as Client Success Specialist. Nicole is a member of our business development team assisting clients by providing proposals and general business-development functions. Mrs. Sawitz has a BA from Goucher College and a Certificate for Program Evaluation from Tufts University.

 

 

Bryley Donates to the Assabet Valley Spring Fling Chamber Auction!

We are pleased to announce that we have donated a 23-inch HP ProDisplay monitor for the April 7th Spring Fling Chamber Auction. Cathy Livingstone, co-owner of Bryley Systems, added her creative touch by decorating the package – and, included a bottle of wine as part of the donation.

 

 

 

Pizza Party…

On Thursday, March 23rd, Bryley employees gathered together to enjoy a luncheon with our friends at TNS Communications. Thanks to John and Peter from TNS for the fabulous pizza!

Bryley Receives Prestigious Channel Partners 360° Award!

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April 11, 2017 — Bryley Systems is pleased to announce that it has been honored by Channel Partners, with the 2017 Channel Partners 360° Business Value Award.  We are one of only 25 technology-oriented companies worldwide to receive this award, which is one of the most sought-after in the industry.

This award honors service providers that are taking a holistic approach to technology solutions and creating business value for their clients and have a well-rounded portfolio.  Channel Partners started “as a simple idea to reward partners of all sizes for creating business value for their customers through telecom, IT, and cloud solutions…” and “rewards channel partners – agents, VARs, dealers, system integrators, MSPs and consultants – of all sizes for innovation, solutions-orientation and customer focus.”

Bryley’s President, Gavin Livingstone and co-owner, Cathy Livingstone, were on hand to accept the award stating “Bryley Systems works toward continuous improvement; we strive to manage, optimize, and secure our client’s information technology, which brings substantial business benefit and value to their organizations. Our team-focused, best-practices-oriented approach, coupled with high-value/low-risk service options, enables us to provide our clients with Dependable IT at a Predictable Cost™.

We thank Channel Partners for this prestigious Channel Partners 360° award!”

Award recipients were honored at a ceremony on April 11 at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.