Now is the time to make sure your have the proper internet bandwidth in the home so it can be shared with the family members using it while connected to the router/internet. Virtual meetings, video calls, streaming media, and other services can consume bandwidth. Make sure you work with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to ensure you have subscribed to a suitable internet service package to support your internet coverage and bandwidth demands.

There’s nothing more frustrating than PCs, tablets, Smart TVs, Rokus, smartphones, iPhones, thermostats, security systems, doorbells, and other connected technologies fighting over bandwidth which can cause service interruptions during critical business or school times.

Our IT Consultants would like to offer a few tips:

• If your internet signal is weak or lagging, restart your router.
• Proximity can impact Wi-Fi – moving closer to the router should improve connectivity.
• Run internet speed tests to compare your download/upload speeds to the service speeds you are subscribed to.
• It’s possible you may need to upgrade your router, your subscription, or add additional hardware to get the speeds and coverage your home demands.

Technology has become increasingly important and Edelstein is here to provide IT solutions for you. Call Mike Bisso directly at (617) 478-3486 or email him at mbisso@edelsteincpa.com to find out how our IT Consulting Services team can assist you.

Here are a few tips while shopping this holiday season:

1. Never use a debit card that is linked to your cash to make purchases.  Always use a credit card or a credit card service to make purchases like PayPal and Venmo.
2. Take advantage of using store credit cards to make purchases at their stores such as Amazon, Macy’s, Home Depot etc.
3. Always, always, always use multi-factor authentication when possible with your banking and financial websites, social media, email etc.  Make them prove it’s you.
4. Turn on alerts especially on your banking and financial websites for transactions.
5. When shopping online at not-so-mainstream stores be leery and look for clues such as a phone number, address etc. so you can get in touch with them if there is an issue.  If an online website only offers an email address for contact, you should consider skipping the purchase.
6. Never, ever, ever make an online purchase on Free, Public, Open Access Wi-Fi.
7. Ship and track packages to a secure location!  Package thefts increase substantially around the holidays.
8. Monitor your bank and credit card statements.
9. Create secure passwords for all accounts and NEVER share passwords.
10. Be careful before you click on promotional email links…they may not take you where the link says you are going!

Edelstein offers IT Consulting Services and can help your business with Security Awareness and IT Security.

Learn about the ways we can work with your business here.