Relationships can sometimes be uncomfortable. Whether it is in the workplace or at home, sometimes people find the need to take advantage of other people. To get control over their situations, solutions have been invented to help parties monitor endpoints for information.
Security Monitoring
One of the most popular monitoring technologies, is security monitoring. Typically it is done through the use of a dedicated surveillance system. It can also include access control and intrusion detection systems to keep physical structures safe, and to decrease liability for businesses of all types.
Network Monitoring
Network monitoring software allows IT technicians to see what is happening on your business’ network. Network monitoring typically deals with function. Is your network and infrastructure functioning as intended? Technicians will use monitoring software to ensure that endpoints, networking equipment, and servers are all functioning properly; while also monitoring the network for known threats and inefficiencies. Businesses depend on their technology and through the monitoring process, they can get a thorough view of the network and infrastructure to keep small issues that are found from becoming larger, more costly problems that could cause operational downtime.
Some network monitoring software also provides technicians the ability to view how each person is using their network-attached devices. Do you see productivity wane from time to time? Once you can ascertain what employees are doing on their computers that keep them from being productive, you can take the steps necessary to keep them on task and productive. This also allows you to ensure that they aren’t unwittingly putting your business at risk by visiting risky websites, and being otherwise unsavory on your network.
Application Monitoring
Some applications provide IT administrators the ability to view logs of application use. Whether these be self-hosted or cloud-hosted apps, keeping tabs over how your staff uses the applications you deploy can provide information that could work to your business’ favor. Some applications, like instant messaging and Voice over Internet Protocol, come with built-in reporting that allows administrators the option to view/listen to communication between staff and clients alike. This feature provides a positive effect on an organization’s customer service as the frequent review of correspondence can provide perspective on how projects and services are planned, carried out, and supported.
Additionally, cloud-based applications often keep statistics that provide some clarity to how a solution is used, and what users need to do to use it more effectively. In being able to see how users are using solutions, decision makers can make the most cost-conscious decisions, reducing an organization’s software overhead, and efficiently providing the types of solutions that help build sustained profitability.
Mobile Device Monitoring
Mobile devices are extremely useful, but they can also be a gateway to distracted and nefarious behavior. For a business, decision makers have to come up with a fair, but thorough plan in which to monitor the devices that access data on their network. Employees, however, aren’t all that supportive of giving their employers full access to the information held on their personal smartphones. This creates some consternation between the two sides. That’s why, if you don’t have plans to outfit your staff with company-owned devices, you have to develop a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy that outlines what IT administrators can view, what they can’t view, and how the policy works to benefit the organization’s mobile device management policy.
Most employees, especially if they feel that their phone is being monitored, will work within the confines of the BYOD policy. They just have to know that you are unable to access, and alter, their personal information. People depend on their smartphones, and if they need to sign off on a BYOD policy so that their company can ensure that nefarious entities are not being brought in, most will need some assurance that their personal files stay personal.
Monitoring is a proactive way to save your business a lot of time and money. If you would like to learn more about monitoring your business’ end points, contact the IT professionals at Succurri today at (206) 590-3312.
Want to learn more about what a Managed Security Services Provider is? Listen to Succurri partner, Grant Eckstrom, and Fractional CMO, Tony Lael, discuss the topic in more depth in this video.
