Fastmetrics Business Blog

Author: Cody Miller

Tech News Today & Technology Updates

Tech News Today & Latest Tech Updates

All the latest tech news today and most recent updates from the world of technology, in this single tech news feed. Get up to speed in all things technology from local stories to worldwide breaking news. Featuring stories about AI, apps, virtual reality, the latest hardware updates, cloud computing, technological businesses and more. Do a quick check of all new global technology developments. If you’re not seeing today’s news stories, please reload the page to refresh the news feed.

Check our IT news feed for the latest Information Technology news.

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October 9, 2019
IT News & Information Technology Updates

IT News & Information Technology Security Updates

All the latest IT news and most recent updates from the world of information technology security, in this single news feed. Get up to speed in all things info tech and IT security. Do a quick check of all new USA and global IT developments. If you’re not seeing today’s IT news stories, please reload the page to refresh the news feed.

Check our tech news feed for the latest technology news updates.

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October 8, 2019
The Impact Of 5G On Mobile Payment Growth

How Will 5G Impact Mobile Payments?

5G or “fifth generation” cellular network technology is the latest development in the world of mobiles and smartphones. This upgrade from 4G promises better mobile speed, reliability and capacity. (Much like the recent development of the WiFi 6 standard). 5G offers advantages due to the use of MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) antennas, edge computing, smaller cells, beam forcing and better WiFi to cellular convergence.

Fifth generation (5G) technology is now live in many parts of the USA and the United Kingdom. It will be rolled out in many other countries in late 2019 and in 2020. Initially, 5G will be used for mobile connectivity through 5G enabled smartphones. It will also connect devices with limited mobility like modems and hot spots, which in turn connect to other devices over WiFi. 5G will also be enabled on fixed wireless access devices, with antennas permanently mounted on buildings. This provides broadband services to homes and businesses.

Different industries/businesses like driver-less cars and the Internet of Things are expected to benefit with 5G communications technology. In this article, we will specifically focus on how 5G will transform the day-to-day lives of consumers via improved mobile banking and mobile payments.

Growth Of Mobile Payments & Digital Wallets

Over the last few years, mobile payments and digital wallets have seen tremendous growth. This is due to the higher penetration of NFC technology. Also FinTech providers and of course, growth in the use of smart phones. Mobile payments are not only popular in cities where we can use it for daily retail transactions like groceries or a cup of coffee. They are also used by farmers in Africa and South Asia to receive payments for agricultural goods.

Mobile payments are especially popular among the millennial generation. Millennial’s have accepted this technology more easily, than more cautious older generations. In the US, mobile banking applications are the third-most used on smart phones after social media and weather apps. Social media applications like WeChat Pay and Facebook Messenger Payments have also included mobile payments through their applications.

With 5G, this brings with it the promise of super-fast uploads and downloads, ultra-low latency in transactions and better connectivity to the cloud. This is expected to promote real-time transactions. And also help to deliver new and innovative ways to provide consumer friendly mobile services.

Four Ways 5G Will Change The Mobile Payments Industry

The following are some of the ways in which 5G could potentially impact the mobile payments industry.

1. One-to-one payments: Mobile payments and mobile banking are expected to grow rapidly across the world. With 5G speeding up data up to 3 times faster than current 4G networks, the overall consumer transaction experience will be improved leading to more people relying on mobile payments. Even the exchange of a minor sum of money between friends. (Which was almost always a cash transaction earlier), will take place via mobiles.

2. Contact-less and retail payments: Facilitated by digital technology, retailers would be able to provide smarter and more customized payment processes to consumers both online and in-person. Due to the high speed of connections, consumers are able to browse online catalogues, apply filters, select and even try purchases virtually, before paying. All within minutes. This would lead to further growth in retail and online payments.

3. Big-ticket purchases: Purchasing big-ticket items like cars or homes, often require lengthy processes. 5G helps banks combine user data and artificial intelligence in real time to speed-up the end-to-end experience. High resolution streaming capabilities will enable customers to interact with financial consultants giving them more confidence before making decisions.

4. Transaction security: 5G will enable the use of multi-modal bio-metric authentication features that rely on different characteristics of a persons physiology and/or behaviour. Large amounts of bio-metric data are usually required for authentication. This data then needs to be sent to matching engines which analyse patterns in this data.

5G ensures faster uploads of this data thereby enabling faster verification. Even when multiple authentication factors are used. Bio-metric security is especially required when wearable devices are used for mobile payments. Improved security can lead to the increase in the use of such devices for mobile payments.

Overall, the impact of 5G on mobile payments is expected to be positive. 5G will take mobile payments and banking to new heights. It will increase the speed, versatility and security of transactions, making mobile banking truly ubiquitous.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

October 3, 2019
2.4 vs 5 GHz WiFi Frequencies

2.4 vs 5 GHz WiFi Frequency Bands – Which Is Better?

Short answer – it depends on your situation. When hunting for a WiFi signal, or when setting up a dual band router, you might have seen the option to connect or transit either a 2.4 vs 5 GHz WiFi frequency band. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but the major benefit to 5Ghz is less interference from other devices, which use the same frequency. So why are these two frequency bands provided? Which WiFi frequency will give you the best signal or connection speed from your dual band router?

Video: 2.4 vs 5 GHz WiFi – What Is The Difference?

We’ve found a nice explainer video for you from PowerCert Animated Videos to give you all the information you need about these two different WiFi frequency bands. Watch the short 5 minute video below to get answers to common questions about these WiFi frequencies.

Video transcript: Hello everyone. Have you ever purchased a new WiFi router and you noticed that the router has both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands or maybe your existing router has both of them? Have you ever wondered why some routers have these dual bands? So that’s what we’re going to talk about in this video.

Now a frequency band is how wireless data is transmitted between devices. These bands are radio waves that carry the data and these bands are either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Now a lot of WiFi routers will only transmit one of these bands, which would be the 2.4 band and that’s because it’s the most common frequency and these are called single-band routers. But a lot of newer WiFi routers will transmit both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands and these are called dual-band WiFi routers.

NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual Band WiFi Router

Now the 2.4 band works pretty well. It’s the standard band. But the problem is that it’s not just a standard band that’s used in WiFi routers. It’s also the standard band that’s used in a lot of other devices. Things like microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices and wireless cameras all use the 2.4 GHz band and this became a problem.

What Is The Purpose Of The 5GHz Frequency Band?

Because of the fact that so many other devices use the 2.4 band, the signal became overcrowded and was causing a lot of interference with WiFi signals and when this happens, it slows down the WiFi network speed and sometimes could cause you to lose connection to the WiFi router.

That is why the 5 GHz band was added. The 5 GHz band is a newer band and so it’s not as commonly used as the 2.4. It’s used by fewer devices and because it’s used by fewer devices, the 5 GHz is not as crowded. So there is no interference or minimal interference. Using the 5 GHz would relieve the problem related to slow network speeds and connection drops that will be caused by interference from other devices. Another reason why the 2.4 is more vulnerable to interference is because of the difference in wireless channels. Now if you’re not familiar with what a wireless channel is, a wireless channel is just a way to fine-tune and alter a frequency. Sometimes you might need to change to a different channel if you are experiencing interference from different wireless devices and changing to a different channel will give you that ability.

The 2.4 GHz band has 11 channels to choose from. But of these 11 channels, only 3 are non-overlapping. So basically you have 3 solid channels to choose from. But the 5 GHz has more channels. It has 25 non-overlapping channels. Some other differences between the 2.4 and 5 GHz band is the speed and the range that they cover. The 2.4 GHz band transmits data at a slower speed than the 5 GHz. But it does have a longer range than the 5 GHz. The 5 GHz band transmits data at a faster speed than a 2.4. But it has a shorter range. The 5 GHz has a shorter range because it has a higher frequency and higher frequencies have a harder time penetrating solid objects such as floors and walls in a building.

As you can see on this illustration, this dual band WiFi router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz band which is the green color and it’s also broadcasting a 5 GHz band, which is the red color. So as you can see, the 2.4 band has a longer range and the signal can cover most of this building and it can also penetrate the second floor and the walls. But the 5 GHz band has a shorter range. The signal doesn’t penetrate the second floor or the walls, which limits its range inside a building.

So The Question Is – Which Band Do You Want To Actually Use?

And that really depends on your situation. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of a 2.4 GHz is that it has a farther range and it can penetrate solid objects better. However the disadvantage that it has, is that it’s more vulnerable to interference. That’s because so many other devices use the same band and it’s also slower than the 5 GHz.

What Are The Advantages / Disadvantages Of Using 5Ghz?

The advantage of 5 GHz is that it has a higher transfer speed and it’s less vulnerable to interference. But at the same time, it does have a shorter range. And it has a harder time penetrating through solid objects. If you’re interested in getting a dual band WiFi router, I will put a link in the description of this video below. This is of a dual band WiFi router that I personally recommend. Thank you for watching.

Update: There’s a new kid on the block and it offers better coverage for multiple devices on a single WiFi network and much faster speeds. Read more about how everything changes with the latest WiFi 6 standard and compatible access points.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

October 3, 2019
DOCSIS Explained & New 3.1 Upgrade Video Guides

What Does DOCSIS Stand For?

DOCSIS is an abbreviation of;
Data
Over
Cable
Service
Interface
Specification

Basically, DOCSIS is a telecommunications standard developed in the late ’90s. It is now used worldwide by cable internet providers. DOCSIS 1.0 was developed by CableLabs and various other contributing companies in 1997. Over the years, it has been upgraded. Updated versions of the specification were released in 1999, 2001, 2006, 2013 and 2016. In October 2017, CableLabs released the latest DOCSIS 4.0 technology.

How Has DOCSIS Changed Over Time?

As newer and updated versions of the DOCSIS standard have been released, capabilities have improved. The main benefit to cable end users is the support of higher speed data transmission rates. DOCSIS 3.0 released in August 2006 was a major milestone, with both upload and download speed capabilities enhanced. Version 3.1 supports gigabit cable speeds!

Video: What Is DOCSIS & Do You Need A New Modem?

Watch the short video below from ThioJoeTech who explains what DOCSIS is. Joe also offers information to help you work out what version your cable Internet service modem might be using.

Video transcription: Hey guys. I’m Joe. You’re watching ThioJoeTech. In this video, I’m going to be talking about cable modems, specifically what DOCSIS is and thinking about whether or not you have to upgrade your modem or not. Basically DOCSIS is a protocol that allows internet traffic and data to be transferred over cable lines. So your cable company will typically give you a DOCSIS modem or you might buy one and in comes the cable line in your house. It splits between your TV and then your cable modem, which extracts the internet part of that channel and will then allow you to surf the web. So this is different than if you have a cable company that brings fiber directly to your house. If you just have fiber, then you obviously don’t have a DOCSIS modem because that’s just for cable. So you really only have to worry about this stuff if you have cable internet. Now in some cases, you might actually have a modem that’s too old to take advantage of some new higher speeds.

For example, if your Internet Service Provider simply boosts the speeds of everyone in your area, then you might go over the threshold for which your version is capable of and that’s going to depend on what DOCSIS version your modem has. The oldest version you probably would have is DOCSIS 2.0. This was released back in 2001 and this supports maximum speeds of 38 megabits down, 27 up. So if you have a DOCSIS 2.0 modem and you’re paying for speeds that are higher than that, you probably need to upgrade because you’re not getting what you’re paying for.

A more recent update to DOCSIS is 3.0 in 2006. This basically allows the modem to combine multiple internet data streams to add to the bandwidth. The 3.0 standard specifies that the modem must be able to be capable of having at least four channels each with 38 down, 27 up. So the minimum capability of a DOCSIS 3.0 modem is 152 megabits down, 108 up. But it is possible that it has more channels than that. Four channels is just the minimum.

So if you’re paying for speeds between 38 by 27 and 152 by 108, you need to make sure you have at least a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and if you’re paying for speeds higher than that, then you want to make sure that your DOCSIS 3.0 modem has enough channels to support your maximum bandwidth. If you bought the modem yourself, it would probably be listed on the box and the specifications. You could probably look it up, how many channels it has or if you rent it from your cable company, I’m sure you can call them and ask what the maximum speed is.

Now the latest version of DOCSIS is 3.1 and this specifies a minimum of 10 gigabits down and one gigabit upstream. This uses a signal scheme called “4096 quadrature amplitude modulation”. Not sure what that means but I’m assuming it basically is some fancy math that allows more data to be encoded into the limited signal capabilities of cable wires. But even though the DOCSIS 3.1 standard was released in 2013, the only modems that started to support it were actually first released in October of 2015.

So basically for most people, what you would want is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. Even if you don’t have necessarily those speeds, it’s good to future-proof it especially if you’re buying it yourself and you also want to make sure and be aware of the number of channels your particular modem has and that’s assuming you buy your own. If you rent one from your cable company, just make sure that the one they give you is capable as well and if your cable provider starts to offer very high speeds, you might actually see them offer some 3.1 modems and if you’re happy to be paying for internet and you’re not getting the full speeds consistently, you might want to check what kind of modem you had. It’s possible you have an old 2.0 or maybe a 3.0 that doesn’t have enough channels.

So that’s pretty much it. I hope you guys found this really informative. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think in the comments section below and if you did enjoy this video, be sure to give it a thumbs up so I know you liked it.

Video: DOCSIS 3.1 Technology Explained

DOCSIS 3.1 was a huge advancement in this technology, with gigabit up and down speeds via cable being supported. Watch the short video below from Netgear to find out more.

Video transcription: With the growing demand for faster and faster internet speeds, cable operators needed a new way to offer blazing speeds without the need to replace millions of miles of existing wiring. Now with DOCSIS 3.1 technology, this is possible. Cable operators will be able to offer gigabit speeds that were once only available over fiber networks. In fact, speeds with DOCSIS 3.1 standard could eventually reach up to 10,000 megabits per second. That’s 10 gigabits per second, which is over 10 times faster than the older version of DOCSIS.

For decades, older cable networks have used multiple frequency bands to allow simultaneous transmission of several signals through the same coaxial cable. You can think of it like lanes on a highway where you have space between lanes to avoid interference or collisions. Modulation techniques allow these signals to transmit data to and from the internet to your home. Think of it like a small vehicle carrying bits of data back and forth. But now with DOCSIS 3.1, new modulation techniques allow for even more bits of data to be packed in each transmission, so more data reaches your home faster.

Then in addition to that, DOCSIS 3.1 improves the transmission methods, so even more signals can be transmitted along the same cable. It’s just like packing more lanes on a highway without creating any interference. So, by improving both the way signals are transmitted and dramatically increasing the amount of data that can be carried, DOCSIS 3.1 technology brings you new, blazing, fast cable internet speeds to your home. That means now you can enjoy the fastest internet downloads, streaming, gaming and surfing speeds possible to all the devices in your home, all while using your cable company’s existing cable network infrastructure and wiring.

Comcast has already started rolling out their gigabit Xfinity internet service using DOCSIS 3.1. Other cable operators like Cox also have big rollout plans in 2017 and NETGEAR is leading the way with advanced new products like the CM1000 docsis 3.1 modem, certified by Comcast and Cox. Ultra fast download speeds, once a fantasy, are now a reality. Thanks to DOCSIS 3.1.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

September 12, 2019
Guide To Improving Mobile Device Security
Mobile Device Security Tips & Recommendations

The Internet is a great place where the possibilities are endless. From easily going online to search and buy or for your personal or business use, to creating a complete itinerary for an upcoming trip, the internet allows you to do almost anything. But using the Internet is not always secure. Hackers can steal your data from your Internet connected smartphone or tablet. Consider applying mobile device security measures, to help protect personal and private information on your device.

Five things you can do now to help keep your mobile device and maintain personal data security are;

1. Download & Install a VPN App

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service you can use to help you access the web both privately and safely. A VPN mobile app like VPNpro, routes your connection through a private server. As a result, it hides your online actions from people who might be spying on your Internet activities.

Many VPN apps are available for different mobile platforms. Android users can head to the Google Play Store to search for a reliable and well reviewed VPN application, while Apple iOS users can access the Apple App Store to browse security apps for iPhones. Use a VPN app for your different online activities. A VPN can help you keep your data safe and secure. A few example scenarios where the app becomes useful include;
- Accessing banking or share trading websites or any private browsing
- Watching restricted or IP blocked content when required
- Downloading apps unavailable in your country, due to IP address
- Masking online presence on a public WiFi network
2. Set Up Screen Lock Security

Mobile device security shouldn’t be restricted to only when connecting to the Internet or WiFi. Consider adding an extra layer of protection on your phone from people nearby. You may want to hide sensitive information from someone sitting next to you on public transport, or in another crowded public place.

Add a layer of security with the help of a screen lock, so info can not be seen when your phone is not in use or inactive. Modern mobile devices give users various options for screen locks and physical device security. Choose from locks like swiping across the screen or using a PIN code. You may even set up a custom alphanumeric password for specific devices.

Many mobile devices help increase data security with fingerprint or facial recognition technology. Today, there is even personal authentication via a wave of the hand. These functionalities are becoming mainstream, with more and more devices and apps requiring a fingerprint or facial features for access.

3. Be More Internet-Savvy

Easier said than done, but common sense goes a long way towards your personal mobile device security. The latest anti-virus software available for your mobile device can be helpful, but cyber criminals and ‘bad actors’ are always looking to bypass mobile security features. You can never be too careful when using your smartphone or tablet.

Improve your mobile device security by being aware of spam emails with those ‘too good to be true’ offers. Unclaimed prizes, inheritances or large sums of money and gift cards from unexpected senders are some examples of common spam or fraud attempts. Also note that financial institutions and most other service providers, will never ask for your personal information via email. So, be cautious of any email (no matter how authentic it looks) asking for those sorts of details.

Also, use caution when navigating the World Wide Web. If a website you are checking suddenly redirects you to an unknown website, (which you didn’t intend to navigate to), close the tab immediately. Specific websites may inflict a malware on your device, simply by visiting a web page.

Other safety procedures that don’t require apps include:
- Periodically deleting your mobile browser’s cookies and history.
- Finding and deleting unknown files on your device.
- Upgrade already installed apps or system upgrades, to ensure you have the latest security features and/or bugs removed.
4. Always Check App Permissions

Android and iOS mobile operating systems now ask for permissions regarding specific app features. For example, a camera app may ask for permission to access your device’s photo gallery. However, there might be apps that may ask for permissions which do not relate to the function of the app at all. For instance, a photo-editing app which asks for permission to access the contacts on your device. This access can be allowed or skipped by you. Also, it’s important to note that certain apps can still gain access to some of the data on your phone. Thus, only download and install apps from trusted sources.

5. Install Phone-Tracking Software

A lost or stolen mobile device is a huge inconvenience. Good Samaritans might give your device back, but don’t expect to have your device returned. Track your phone or tablet location by installing a phone-tracking app on your device(s), so any personal data or information saved can be retrieved when you recover your phone or mobile device. Secure your smartphone or tablet with these tips to help increase the security for your mobile device. Always pay attention to any unusual activities on your device. Consider asking the help of an expert to aid in “beefing up” the security of your gadget.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.
August 7, 2019
Pure vs Hybrid Cloud: Advantages For Data Analysts?

Pure vs Hybrid Cloud Models: Questions Answered For Data Analysts

There are landmark moments throughout history where innovations in technology have marked a change in how businesses operate. The creation of cloud technology is undoubtedly one of them. Now we have choices in the type of cloud services we can use. Comparing pure vs hybrid cloud models reveal there are pros and cons of each technology. Here on the Fastmetrics blog, we have already looked at how ushering in cloud technology created a new era in computing, affecting how many people work, across industries and across the world.

The cloud has made many tech professionals’ jobs much easier, from data analyst to data scientists. Having an easily accessible repository for big chunks of information, provides the necessary support for these professionals. This allows them to keep up with an increasingly fast-paced and mobile world.

In recent years, two different types of cloud models have emerged, with pure vs hybrid cloud models available. Each cloud model has its own set of benefits for data analysts. We’ll be looking deeper into the two types to determine what advantages each model has for data analysts.

Pure Cloud Model

A pure cloud model, also known as a private cloud model, has an on-premises cloud owned solely by a company or enterprise. Techopedia states that many opt for this model, because of the control and privacy it entails. Having a pure cloud model means there will be less risk of attack or a data breach. Data analysts who use this model prefer it because of the security and reliability it provides.

Using a pure cloud model means all aspects of the cloud are in your control. You decide on accessibility. The private cloud model is also very helpful for data analysts dealing with sensitive or high profile information or data.

Furthermore, Computer Weekly notes that “the key benefit of a pure cloud approach is that it is easy to implement, scalable and very well suited to organizations that don’t possess in-house IT department skills.” This means that analysts who are also filling other tech roles will be able to devote their time towards data analysis without worrying about troubleshooting.

Hybrid Cloud Model

A hybrid cloud model on the other hand is a mix of private and public cloud platforms. The creation of multiple service platforms has made it easier for companies to shift from the very rigid private cloud models and migrate towards locating their data and assets on public clouds. For analysts, this makes their data more accessible anywhere and at anytime.

The main advantage of the hybrid cloud is speed. As a data analyst, you need quick access to information in order to process it as fast as possible. And if you are using different types of software for the job, speed counts for a lot.

To be a competitive, data analysts must have skills across a multitude of software, including programming languages like Python and HTML. A hybrid cloud model will complement analysts dealings with multiple software, potentially increasing productivity.

There’s no concrete answer when it comes to the question of which of the two models work best. After examining the advantages of both, it’s clear to see that each has its own merits. In the end, it all depends on the nature of the business and how cloud technology can support processes and your output as a data analyst.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

July 12, 2019
Data Security & Personal Information
Personal Data Security: Protect Important Details Online

Being online is part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, cyber attacks and data breaches have also become commonplace in today’s connected world. With the growth of the Internet and the rise of digital technology, we often inadvertently share our information over the ‘net. This compromises our personal data security and leaves us open to identity fraud, hacking and other malicious online attacks. Identity fraud is now one of the most common white-collar crimes.

Recent studies show that most Americans do not trust modern institutions to protect their personal data. Further, we neglect cyber-security best practises in our daily lives. In our modern interconnected world, it’s even more important for us to take care what personal information we share online. From email addresses to social media accounts, we leave digital footprints wherever we go.

This article provides reasons why you should not give away personal details about yourself. It also states basic personal data that you should protect and safeguard.

6 Basic Pieces Of Information Not To Be Shared Online

There is a plethora of information that should not be shared online. 6 of the most important pieces of personal information to be protected for data security purposes include;
1. Personal Names: Not easy to avoid. However, there isn’t always a need to use personal names on social media profiles, for example. Your first, middle and last names are basic pieces of information, but also key to misuse by others. Never share your mother’s maiden name or your own maiden name online.
2. Personal Identity Numbers: All personal ID numbers like passport numbers, banking PIN codes or account details, social security numbers, and even your driver’s license.
3. Residential & E-mail Addresses: Never share your residential or private email addresses online. Be aware that all of this data is often stored and hard to remove on social networks.
4. Bio metric data: Retina and iris scans, fingerprints, facial geometrical patterns and voice signatures.
5. Vehicle Registration Numbers: Your automobile and or motorcycle registration numbers.
6. Phone Numbers: Personal landlines or cell phone numbers.
So why take personal data security so seriously?

Prevent Identity Theft: Identity theft is when somebody steals uses your personal credentials for their benefit (typically financial gain), leaving you in a vulnerable position. This mainly relies on taking your personal information and pretending to be you online. This might mean getting access to your personal finances. Even committing cyber criminal activities, which you will be held responsible for. Avoid this by limiting the personal information you share over the internet.

Protect Financial Data: It’s obvious you should not share your financial data with just anybody online. There are many ways in which you can safeguard your financial details. Some of these include not sharing your banking details, using strong and multi-faceted passwords to make it difficult for hackers to crack and using internet banking only when you are on a secure network.

Prevent Home Burglaries: Would be thieves want to break into your house when you are not there. If you spread the news of your vacation on social media, you are literally giving an open invitation to others to enter your house and steal.

Enhance Employ-ability: Your online image can make or break employ-ability. Many companies conduct thorough background checks on potential employees. Not discussing too much of your personal life in public (online) ensures you take your personal information seriously and will do so in the workplace too.

Enhance Business Reputation: Owners of businesses need to also keep data private from prying eyes. This is very important for maintaining corporate security as well as safeguarding trade secrets. Your business will suffer if you lose all your data at the hands of a malicious hacker. In case you do, consider this business reputation repair services.

University Admissions: Even renowned universities are checking social media profiles (old and new) in their admissions processes. Ensure you are on the safe side and don’t divulge too many details about yourself. Getting involved in controversial arguments can mar your chances of university admission.

Insurance Purposes: Even insurance companies check claims based on personal online data that is available.

In Court: Your online image can also be used in conducting legal proceedings against you. This can hold as evidence in a court of law.

The above are just some of the many reasons to keep on top of our personal data security. There are always new and unknown threats online. As technology evolves, so do attacks. As do options for better online security, such as a free VPN for private browsing or managed routers and firewalls. The only diligent way to maintain high levels of data security, are to remain vigilant and follow best practises as best as we can. It is also recommended to invest in network security training so you have all necessary knowledge to keep data secure.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.
January 22, 2019
Business WiFi Networks – 7 Things You Need to Know
Business WiFi Popularity Grows

For most small to medium sized businesses, a business WiFi network has become the order of the day. Running cables throughout an office space or retail location is not only time consuming, but costly if you need help to do it. A business wireless network is cost effective and also a lot less cumbersome to setup.

For a small business, a wireless network offers many benefits, the most prominent being;

Easy to setup and access

Scaling is easier and faster

Flexibility for employees

Ok, so let’s say that you do understand the usefulness of a reliable wireless network and are sold on upgrading to a wireless network. However if you do not have the experience, building one can be a little tricky. It is definitely not as simple as plugging in your router and connecting your device. Here are a few tips that will surely help you build the right network for your business needs.
1) PLAN YOUR NETWORK FOR GROWTH

One of the common mistakes that businesses make is not understanding the importance of access points. It is quite common that the network load is not considered when determining the number of access points required. You may think in terms of the number of users but users rarely operate a single device. Each user usually has multiple devices such as a laptop, smart phones, and a tablet. Additionally, other office devices must be considered such as printers, video conferencing equipment, and security cameras. It is therefore important to err on the side of caution by installing multiple access points.

This helps not only in preventing network congestion but also prepares you for additional network load coming from new hires in times of growth. Our rule of thumb is one enterprise-grade wireless access point every 1000 square feet. And don’t forget to professionally mount them on the ceiling in optimized locations.

2) GET BACKUP DUAL INTERNET ACCESS

Without high speed internet, your whole office probably comes to a stand still. You need internet for communicating with your customers, using web tools, research, reading this blog and much more. Unfortunately, internet service can go down from time to time. And when it’s your ISP that goes down, you need the peace of mind that comes with having a backup connection.

We are so much dependent on the internet that businesses cannot function with service disruptions. However, we can safeguard against this by signing up with two different internet providers. This way you have a fall back option when one of the ISPs goes down. Using dual internet access does not have to be a costly affair. You can have a more dependable ISP as your primary and keep a lower-tier plan from another provider as a backup. If the idea of managing two separate internet services is intimidating, ask for professional help to find a manageable solution.

3) CHOOSE THE RIGHT HARDWARE

The most important factor contributing to a reliable business WiFi network is hardware. It is important to understand that there is a limited spectrum available that is shared among various devices. This can be influenced by external interference, such as a neighbors’ wireless network. Choosing the right hardware should be top of your list, as it can help mitigate the influence of external factors that cause WiFi issues, outside of your control. (Fastmetrics techs use and recommend Ubiquiti or Cisco Meraki hardware, depending on Wi-Fi network needs).

Wave 2 802.11ac have become the norm when it comes to access points. Getting anything other than 802.11ac would not make any sense today. The access points come with 1×1, 2×2, 3×3, 4×4 radio/antenna chain. The 1×1 supports one receive stream and one transmit stream, while the 2×2, 3×3. and 4×4 support 2, 3 and 4 streams respectively. Therefore investing in a 4×4 is a worthwhile investment and will support your future expansions.

Update: this has now changed with the latest WiFi standard; 802.11ax (WiFi 6) compatible access points, such as the Cisco Meraki MS355-24X2.

4) CHOOSE THE RIGHT CABLES

A solid underlying wired network goes a long way in ensuring a fast wireless network. Your cables are responsible for delivering sufficient bandwidth to your access points without which your WiFi network will become sluggish. Using the recent cable standards such as CAT6 for your LAN wiring would be a good investment. This also allows you to connect certain devices such as printers, IP cameras, etc to the wired network thereby freeing the spectrum from wireless dependent devices such as laptops, and mobiles devices. Also plan on running two cables to each wireless access point because current and future standards will need the extra wired bandwidth.

5) SETUP GUEST WIFI

If you have customers, or other visitors that frequent your office, they would most likely want to use your WiFi to connect to the internet. If your network does not have a separate network for guests, it can pose a serious threat to your network security. Business grade access points on the other hand support multiple wireless networks also called SSID (service set identifier). This gives you significant flexibility as well as security. You can now give guests internet access without giving them access to your internal network. These SSIDs can also be assigned different policy, encryption, authentication, etc. in order to ensure added level of security.

6) CHOOSE THE RIGHT CHANNEL FOR YOUR BUSINESS WIFI NETWORKS

When you are setting up business wireless networks, you probably are in a great rush to finish things off. You may therefore be tempted to use the default channel on your router. This may work well if you are doing this for your home. However, if your office is located in a commercial or business area then you will be fighting with your neighbors for the same airspace, meaning frequent interference that hampers your wireless network. You can easily mitigate this by changing the channel when setting up your device.

Business grade access points also come with the capability to monitor neighboring wireless networks and dynamically manage channels. Having such a capability can be a great asset if you are working in high density WiFi areas.We find that if you’re constantly having to tinker with your channels manually, then you should probably upgrade to a more enterprise-grade option that can handle this for you automatically.

7) DON’T IGNORE THE DUAL BAND

Your router probably offers simultaneous dual band. This means you have 2.4 Ghz and 5 GHz bands available for use. It is advisable to use the 2.4 GHz band for IoT devices while reserving the 5 GHz band for laptops. This can help keep the 5 GHz band less congested. Further, as the 5 GHz band has shorter range, it allows you to use additional access points without the risk of interference in high density airspace. Most enterprise WiFi equipment will simultaneously use the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and will automatically steer your devices to the best option available.

Building robust and future ready business WiFi networks are quite a challenge, but it is certainly worth taking on. If you plan the entire project, use the right hardware and configurations, it will ensure that you have a fast, versatile, and capable network equipped for the unexpected. This is a crucial business requirement and if you have even a sliver of apprehension about your ability to set up and roll out a wireless network at your workplace, it is advisable to get professional help.

If you found this useful, you should also check out 5 IT Best Practices for Growing Businesses that is a great place for tips for managing the IT side of things for your business.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.
January 14, 2019
Top Reasons To Use A VPN For Private Browsing

Advantages Of Using A VPN

The Internet serves a variety of purposes today. Due to this, the use of VPN services has become more important. From researching specific information to streaming movies, TV shows and listening to music, we use Internet service for everything conceivable. People are totally dependent on Internet connectivity, to go about their daily lives.

However, the more we use the World Wide Web or stream content online, the more we expose ourselves to outside interference and dangers. These dangers include hackers, censorship, surveillance, fraud and exposing our personal details online. Using the internet without taking precautions can make you susceptible to countless cybercrimes, such as hacking. Potentially, this leads to identity theft or worse – fraud or loss of money. To get protection, this is where a VPN can come in very useful.

VPN is an abbreviation for Virtual Private Network. It enables you to ‘mask’ your IP address and physical location, as you do what you do on the WWW. Reputable VPN services can be completely free, or upgraded for a very small service fee. VPNs assist with protecting you from surveillance, data breaches and other dangers of the web. This includes hackers, who may want to steal your vital personal information.

What is a VPN?

A VPN or Virtual Public Network is a service that enables you to have a private network over public infrastructure. For example, when you connect to WiFi in a cafe or in a hotel, you are using public infrastructure. VPN services work by ‘cloaking’ your identity. This prevents others from seeing your IP address. This keeps your devices and personal info safer and more secure.

VPN services can prevent access to hackers and protect your device from potential harm. On the other hand, without a VPN on a public network, your devices and system may be vulnerable. Basically, VPNs help you stay safe and secure, for very little cost. In addition to the added level of security, the benefits are many, as we explain further below. Have a look at some of the best free VPN services available yourself. See in the detail the various advantages of each offering. Many of these services also offer paid tiers for additional features.

Below, we discuss the top reasons to use a VPN for private browsing. This makes it crystal clear as to why using a Virtual Private Network service should be coupled with general internet usage.

1. Streaming Content While Abroad

There are various streaming services around the world, which only allow streaming of content to an audience or subscribers in specific countries, based on your IP address. By using a VPN, you can change your local IP address to access content which is only available to those countries. This means that through a VPN, you can access countless content that’s ideally barred from your country. A VPN allows you to make the most out of the Internet as you’ll be able to access content that other people can’t. This is also handy if you are travelling overseas and want to keep watching your favourite content. If you’re traveling to Germany, for example, you can still access all of your favorite TV shows even those that are barred from Germany as long as you use a VPN.

2. Secure Public WiFi

Using public WiFi in cafes, hotels, restaurants, airports, and other public places can be very convenient. This allows you to work or browse content online whenever and wherever you want to. However, using public WiFi in cafes, hotels, restaurants, airports and other public places can leave you vulnerable to outside threats, because of potentially unsecured networks. Using WiFi in public places without a VPN leaves your laptop or device open to attacks from those within a particular network area. If you’re fond of using public WiFi when transferring funds or giving out personal information, you’ll be susceptible to cybercrimes.

On the other hand, activating a VPN adds a cloak of invisibility to your internet browsing experience. This makes it almost impossible for others to identify your IP address. You can then visit any website or watch anything, without the fear of others snooping. Even if a group has the intention of hacking your system or hardware, they will find they cannot pinpoint your location. This is how VPN services can secure the confidentiality of public WiFi.

3. Circumnavigating Overly Restrictive / Censored Environments

Some businesses and educational institutions restrict content that students and employees can watch or access online. For example, gambling, adult sites and other non-work related websites. There is a growing amount of content online that is definitely not safe for work (NSFW) or that can be legally monitored by employers in countries such as the USA.

However, there may be times when these restrictions block access to legitimate sites required for work purposes or educational research. Regardless of how informative an article is, if it’s restricted in your server, there’s no way you can access that content. This can prevent you from being productive at work or at school. Using a VPN can overcome such restrictive environments. Use your own discretion as to when using this facility is justified. This will help you get the information that you want, without getting into trouble.

Choose Carefully

Using a VPN can improve your browsing experience without compromising your safety and identity during the process. In fact, installing a VPN should be a necessity among people who often use the internet. If you’re still not using this, it’s best if you start scouting for options and purchase one right away.

The more you know, the easier it’ll be for you to choose the right VPN for your needs. All VPNs can provide the mentioned features but each has different price points, which is why it pays to do some research. It is clear that using a Virtual Private Network is advisable in today’s online world. Especially with so many free VPN service options now available. There really is no reason to not to add this extra layer of protection to your daily internet usage.

About Fastmetrics, Inc. Building & Business ISP

Since 2002, Fastmetrics is the Bay Area’s only dedicated business ISP. We provide telecommunication services in California and the San Francisco Bay Area. Reliable service – backed by better live and local support. From install to 24-7 proactive monitoring, get treated like a VIP customer. Not a number by a faceless call center. We specialize in managed business internet and phones, dedicated high speed business fiber internet, business WiFi, SIP voice solutions / UCaaS and managed network services. We are a Microsoft and Cisco Meraki Partner. Our team are Certified Cisco Specialists, Ubiquiti Enterprise Wireless Accredited and Polycom Authorized Solution Advisors. We take care of your business network, so you can focus on growth.

January 11, 2019