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Author: We Are OWG

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16 Oct

How Safe Is What You Type Into AI?

by We Are OWG
in Articles, Security
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AI tools, from virtual assistants to chatbots and productivity applications, have become integral to how businesses operate. These tools offer convenience, speed, and automation that can enhance customer service and operational efficiency. However, as we rely more on AI, it raises an important question: How safe is the information we input into these systems?

1. Data Retention and Privacy Concerns

Many AI platforms retain user data to improve the accuracy and performance of their algorithms. When you input information into an AI system—whether it’s customer details, financial data, or personal messages—that data may be stored on the platform’s servers for future reference. While this can enhance the AI’s capabilities, it also introduces risks related to data privacy and security.

In industries like healthcare, finance, and legal services, where confidential information is regularly handled, this can become a significant concern. Businesses need to be cautious about the types of data they input into AI platforms and must ensure that these systems are secure enough to handle sensitive information.

2. Risk of Data Misuse

Another issue is the potential misuse of data. If the AI platform is not sufficiently secure, sensitive information entered into the system could be accessed by unauthorized individuals. Hackers target AI systems because they store large amounts of valuable data. If a security breach occurs, confidential business information, customer data, and intellectual property could be compromised, leading to legal and financial consequences.

3. AI Compliance Challenges

Many industries have strict regulations about how data should be stored, accessed, and shared. For example, companies dealing with health information must comply with HIPAA, while businesses in the European Union need to adhere to GDPR. Using AI systems that are not compliant with these regulations can result in significant fines and penalties.

When adopting AI tools, it’s essential to ensure that they comply with relevant industry standards. Look for platforms that offer compliance features or work with providers who understand the regulatory landscape. This will help protect your business from the legal risks associated with improper data handling.

4. How to Protect Your Data in AI Systems

To safeguard the data you enter into AI systems, there are several steps you can take:
  • Choose Secure Platforms: Always use AI platforms that offer strong data protection features, such as encryption and secure data storage.
  • Limit Sensitive Data: Avoid entering highly sensitive information into AI systems unless absolutely necessary. If you must, ensure the platform is compliant with the relevant data privacy regulations.
  • Understand Data Retention Policies: Be aware of how long AI platforms retain your data and how they handle it after it is no longer needed. Choose platforms that offer clear data retention and deletion policies.

AI tools offer a wealth of convenience, but businesses need to be mindful of the potential risks associated with data security and privacy. By carefully selecting AI platforms with robust security measures and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, you can safely integrate AI into your operations without compromising sensitive information.

Need a partner in IT solutions? Contact us here!

06 Oct

How Having the Right IT Partner Can Be Part of Your Law Firm’s Success

by We Are OWG
in Articles
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In today’s fast-paced legal environment, staying competitive means more than just offering expert legal counsel. The right technology infrastructure can be a crucial factor in a law firm’s success, affecting everything from client communication to case management and data security. As law firms increasingly rely on digital tools and cloud-based platforms, having the right IT partner is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

But what does it mean to have the “right” IT partner for your law firm? Below, we explore the key ways in which an expert IT partner can contribute to your firm’s overall success.

1. Security and Compliance You Can Trust

Legal firms handle highly sensitive and confidential client data daily. Ensuring that this data is secure from cyber threats and in compliance with legal industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC is critical.

The right IT partner will implement robust security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption of data both at rest and in transit, and AI-driven threat detection to guard against data breaches. They’ll also work with your compliance team to ensure that your firm’s IT infrastructure meets all necessary regulatory requirements.

Additionally, they’ll provide air-gapped backups to protect against ransomware attacks and other disasters. This ensures that, even in the worst-case scenario, your firm will still have access to its critical information.

2. Maximizing Efficiency with Tailored Solutions

Law firms often face unique challenges that require customized IT solutions. Off-the-shelf products may not fit your firm’s specific needs, and a cookie-cutter approach can limit your efficiency. A good IT partner understands this and will provide solutions that are tailored specifically to your firm.

For instance, a cloud desktop platform (CDP) like Parallax Private Cloud Desktop is designed to offer a personalized environment that supports your existing legal applications, databases, and case management systems. With the right IT partner, this setup can be easily scaled as your firm grows and your needs evolve, allowing you to expand your resources without costly infrastructure upgrades.

3. Streamlining Remote Work

The modern law firm isn’t confined to a single physical location. Lawyers and staff often need the flexibility to work from multiple locations, whether in the courtroom, at home, or from a client’s office.

The right IT partner will make this possible with secure, cloud-based access to your firm’s applications and data from any device, at any time. With a robust cloud platform, your firm’s entire team can operate as efficiently as they would in the office, no matter where they are. This level of flexibility can directly contribute to your firm’s productivity and client satisfaction, making it a crucial part of your success.

4. Cost Control and Scalability

Investing in an IT infrastructure that is both secure and efficient can be costly, especially when relying on physical servers, traditional storage solutions, and on-site hardware. By partnering with an IT provider that offers cloud-based solutions, your firm can significantly reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining and upgrading in-house systems.

The right IT partner will provide a scalable solution that grows with your business, allowing you to add or remove resources as needed. Cloud platforms like Parallax Private Cloud Desktop allow your firm to pay only for what you use, keeping costs predictable and under control while ensuring that your IT infrastructure supports your evolving needs.

5. 24/7 IT Support & Proactive Maintenance

In the legal industry, downtime is not an option. Even minor IT issues can lead to delays that negatively impact case outcomes and client relationships. The right IT partner offers proactive maintenance and 24/7 support, ensuring that your systems run smoothly, and any issues are quickly addressed.

This constant monitoring and support mean your firm can focus on what you do best—serving your clients—without worrying about IT interruptions or unexpected downtime.

6. Supporting Data-Driven Decisions

As the legal landscape becomes more competitive, law firms are increasingly relying on data to drive their decisions, whether it’s for case management, client communication, or marketing strategies. The right IT partner can provide the tools and technology needed to collect, analyze, and manage data effectively, helping your firm make informed decisions that improve outcomes.

From business intelligence tools to client relationship management (CRM) systems, your IT partner should offer you the technological foundation to leverage data in ways that drive growth and efficiency.

7. Future-Proofing Your Firm

Technology continues to evolve, and the legal industry is no exception. New software, cloud platforms, and security threats emerge every day. Having the right IT partner means having a team that stays ahead of these trends, ensuring that your firm’s technology is always up-to-date and future-proof.

Whether it’s through regular system updates, security patches, or adapting new technologies such as AI and machine learning, your IT partner will ensure your firm stays competitive in an increasingly digital world.

Building a Foundation for Success

At the core of any successful law firm is a reliable, efficient, and secure IT infrastructure. The right IT partner doesn’t just implement technology—they work as an extension of your firm, providing customized solutions, expert support, and long-term strategic planning that drives your firm’s success.

At OWG, we specialize in delivering tailored IT solutions for law firms, from cloud desktop environments to cutting-edge security and compliance. We understand the unique challenges law firms face, and we’re committed to providing technology that not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations.

To learn more about how OWG can be the IT partner that helps your law firm succeed, you can contact us at partnerwithus@weareowg.com or schedule a Parallax Private Cloud demo here.

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman
23 Sep

Case Study: Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman

by We Are OWG
in Articles
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At a Glance

Situation:

  • A shared cloud system was leading to serious concerns and problems related to security, performance, and data access.
  • Excessive downtime and poor functionality was resulting in lost billing hours and poor client experiences.
  • Lack of assistance and communication from the MSP meant problems were going unsolved, and the law office was billed for every interaction. As a result, issues compounded while IT costs remained high.

Solution:

  • OWG’s Parallax Private Cloud Desktop

Results:

  • After OWG’s preparation, the client was able to seamlessly transition all of their data and their entire system to a new cloud desktop in eight hours. Employee system onboarding took just four additional hours.
  • The law firm experienced less downtime, enhanced performance, secure remote access, lower IT costs, and
    better overall efficiency.
  • With ongoing and responsive support, the law firm is able to get any IT- and cloud-related issues resolved
    quickly, further enhancing productivity and lowering downtime. It has also led to significant employee satisfaction.

Summary

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, a law firm in New Jersey, was dealing with a host of IT issues with their previous MSP, including poor security, limited storage, performance and scaling issues, dropped connections, little to no assistance, and more. As it began to impact their bottom line and clients, they sought a new private cloud solution with OWG and Brandon, the managing partner for OWG’s New Jersey office.

Challenge

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman was facing a number of IT problems with their previous MSP, Mindcore Technologies, and their supplied cloud platform, CloudNation. When it came to the cloud, the law office was on a shared environment. Data storage and credentials were held in the same back-end systems. This in turn led to severe security concerns and limited storage capacity. When a change was made to the system for one of the MSP’s clients, it would affect all clients on the shared platform, including Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman. They were unable to even get access to some standard security features, such as multifactor authentication.

Due to a lack of resources, the law office was also facing significant performance and scaling issues. User desktop environments were slow, and network connections were often dropping, resulting in missed meetings during remote access. Documents and emails were hard to find on the shared platform and printers were regularly down, which further hurt their workflow and efficiency.

In the midst of these issues, many help desk tickets weren’t being resolved. Those that were resolved took significant time and communication was lackluster at best. Because of the limitations with the shared cloud,
some issues simply couldn’t be fixed. In addition, the MSP was nickel and diming Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman. Problems would be solved one at a time, if they were solved at all, so the MSP could charge more per hour.

All told, this MSP and their cloud solution was costing Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman money. They were charged so much for the fixes, that the law office simply started living with the IT issues rather than contacting the MSP. With the loss of efficiency, lawyers also were losing money when billing their clients for their time.

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman felt they were being held hostage and wasn’t sure about the path forward.

Discovery

In the face of the need for remote work capabilities in 2020, it became clear that a new solution would be needed. Four years ago, a copy vendor led Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman to OWG. OWG, with their Parallax Private Cloud Desktop, seemed as if it could fix all of the issues they were facing, including the security concerns, connection issues, ticket resolutions, and performance problems.

Solution

Working with Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman, OWG got to work to implement the Parallax Private Cloud Desktop to help support their team and facilitate remote work. Data was migrated and enhancements were made for security measures and system performance. Steps were taken to ensure a smooth transition, for both the data and the system as a whole.

When it was time to make the move, the data and system transition took just eight hours and was done completely overnight. In the morning, OWG worked to get employees set up and up to speed in four hours.

Outcome

BusinessmanThanks to OWG’s private cloud solution, Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman saw efficiency, productivity, and workflow improvements overnight. Documents were easier than ever to access, and they were no longer regularly facing network disconnections. Tracy, the firm administrator, stated that the entire move was “seamless” and that it’s easier than ever to log in and use the system, from the office or from home.

As a result of the Parallax Private Cloud Desktop, Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman was able to reduce downtime, increase billable hours, and cut IT costs.

Reflections

In the face of the need for remote work capabilities in 2020, it became clear that a new solution would be needed. Four years ago, a copy vendor led Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman to OWG. OWG, with their Parallax Private Cloud Desktop, seemed as if it could fix all of the issues they were facing, including the security concerns, connection issues, ticket resolutions, and performance problems.

Reflections

“Nobody likes change. Everyone was leery in the beginning, but it’s seamless and people just have to make the leap.” – Tracy, Firm Administrator, Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman regarding the move to OWG’s Parallax Private Cloud Desktop

When law firms and other organizations work with MSPs, change can be hard – even in the face of mounting issues and costs. Getting employees on board with change can be an uphill battle. In addition, it can often feel like the organization is held hostage by the IT provider or that this is the experience, no matter the vendor. However, that’s not the case.

No matter how trapped an organization feels, there are paths forward and it doesn’t have to be painful. OWG was able to help Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman move on from their previous MSP that simply wasn’t working for them, their clients, or their bottom line. OWG assisted before, during, and after the transition to ensure a seamless move for everyone involved. Although the law firm’s employees were hesitant about change, it quickly became apparent that this new solution would benefit everyone, from the lawyers to their clients.

Conclusion

Choosing the right IT solutions is essential for business efficiency. Working with the wrong MSP and cloud solutions can result in serious concerns with security, data, remote access, performance, efficiency, and other problems.

Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman was able to quickly see tangible results from the transition to OWG’s Parallax Private Cloud Desktop. With ongoing support, they continue to enjoy enhanced efficiency, improved performance, better security, and more, today.

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Parallax by OWG
23 Sep

Introducing Parallax Private Cloud Desktop by OWG

by We Are OWG
in Articles
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At OWG, we’re excited to unveil the latest version of our Parallax Private Cloud Desktop, a revolutionary solution that has been improving our clients’ operations since 2019. Developed to meet the increasing demand for secure, flexible, and customizable IT environments, Parallax has been engineered to provide unparalleled security, scalability, and efficiency. Parallax remains at the cutting edge of cloud computing technology.

What is Parallax Private Cloud Desktop?

The Parallax Private Cloud Desktop is more than just a virtual desktop—it’s a fully customizable IT environment built exclusively for your business. The Parallax cloud desktop is built on a familiar Windows 10/11 OS which doesn’t have the limitations and compatibility challenges of a server operating system made to look and feel like Windows. Unlike many cloud desktop solutions limited by technical constraints, Parallax adapts to your needs, not the other way around. It supports a wide range of business applications, databases, and systems, providing the flexibility to integrate seamlessly into your existing operations. Whether you are migrating from an on-premise setup, a hybrid model, or another cloud platform, Parallax makes the transition smooth and largely seamless. Our structured process—Advise, Build, Secure, Support—ensures each migration is executed with precision, minimizing disruptions and maximizing efficiency.

Key Benefits of Parallax Private Cloud Desktop

Enhanced Security: Parallax is designed with a Zero Trust framework, integrating multi-factor authentication (MFA) and AI-driven threat detection to protect your data. Our platform can be customized to comply with various security frameworks such as ISO, SOC, and HIPAA, working collaboratively with your compliance team to ensure that your business effortlessly adheres to regulatory requirements.

Cost Efficiency: By eliminating the need for on-site servers, power backups, and expensive cooling systems, Parallax drastically reduces IT costs. This enables businesses to reallocate resources toward growth and innovation rather than routine IT maintenance.

Unmatched Accessibility: Parallax allows your employees to securely access their work environments from any device, anywhere. This capability supports remote work and flexible arrangements, ensuring your team stays productive regardless of location.

Scalability: Parallax is built to scale with your business. Our cloud-based platform allows you to expand IT resources seamlessly, without the need for additional hardware investments, ensuring your infrastructure grows with your business.

Expert Support: OWG provides 24/7 expert support tailored to the specific needs of your industry. Our dedicated team ensures the smooth operation of your systems, allowing you to focus on core business objectives with peace of mind.

Advanced Features of Parallax Private Cloud Desktop

Customized IT Environment: Parallax delivers a tailored IT environment that can be configured to your specific business requirements. It supports your line of business applications, databases, and other systems, allowing user populations to be defined with customized access to applications and data, ensuring the right tools are always available to the right teams.

VoIP and Collaboration: Parallax can seamlessly integrate Microsoft Teams, including video, voice, and Microsoft Teams Voice, effectively replacing traditional phone and VoIP systems. This ensures a rich, collaborative experience for your employees, whether they’re in the office or working remotely.

Data Backup and Recovery: Parallax includes air-gapped, encrypted automated backups and disaster recovery solutions, ensuring your data remains safe and accessible even in the event of a disaster. You can choose between geographically redundant or dissimilar backups to fit your business continuity strategy.

Self-Service and Business Process Tools: Parallax features user-friendly self-service tools that allow your team to solve common IT challenges independently. These tools automate tasks usually reserved for IT professionals, simplifying daily operations. Additionally, the OWG customer portal provides access to a suite of business process tools, enhancing operational efficiency and workflow management.

Industries We Serve

Legal: Parallax offers secure, compliant environments that protect sensitive client data, making it easier for law firms to manage information and streamline their operations.

Accounting and Finance: Parallax provides robust solutions for financial institutions, ensuring secure management of financial data and compliance with regulatory standards.

Healthcare and Pharma: Parallax is built to handle sensitive patient data securely. Our platform can be customized to comply with various security frameworks, including HIPAA, working collaboratively with your compliance team to ensure that your business effortlessly adheres to regulatory requirements. This customization ensures reliable, secure operations for healthcare providers while safeguarding patient information.

Entertainment: The entertainment industry benefits from Parallax’s scalable and flexible infrastructure, which supports creative collaboration, high-quality content delivery, and rapid project scaling.

Why Choose Parallax Private Cloud Desktop?

Since 2019, OWG has been at the forefront of cloud computing, offering flexible, secure, and efficient solutions. Parallax Private Cloud Desktop is a standout choice for businesses looking to modernize their IT infrastructure. Its vendor-agnostic design ensures seamless integration with existing systems, supporting a wide variety of business applications without the limitations of traditional cloud platforms. Our comprehensive process—Advise, Build, Secure, Support—ensures that migrations and ongoing IT management are handled expertly, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

Experience the Future of IT

Ready to transform your business operations with Parallax Private Cloud Desktop? Sign up for a free demo today and see how our innovative solution can streamline your workflows, enhance security, and modernize your IT infrastructure.

Try a Parallax Private Cloud Demo Today!

hand holding mobile phone displaying CrowdStrike advertisement
31 Jul

CrowdStrike Incident

by We Are OWG
in Articles, News, Security
Comments

Ensuring Business Continuity Amid IT Disruptions

As business owners, the thought of a sudden system crash disrupting operations, causing data loss, and potentially tarnishing our reputation is a nightmare we all share. The recent CrowdStrike and Microsoft incident is a perfect example of how even routine updates can lead to significant disruptions. Here’s what happened, how it could have been prevented, and why partnering with an It Support team can be your best defense against such digital catastrophes.

What Happened?

On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike, a renowned cybersecurity company, released an update to their Falcon sensor software designed to enhance security. However, this update contained a logic error that caused millions of Windows devices to crash, displaying the dreaded “blue screen of death” (BSOD). The error led to a system-wide disruption, affecting approximately 8.5 million devices globally. Businesses using BitLocker encryption faced additional challenges, as the recovery process required access to keys stored on the impacted servers. The timing of the update, during business hours across different time zones, exacerbated the situation, causing significant operational disruptions.

How It Could Have Been Prevented

While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks, several measures could have mitigated the impact of this incident:

Rigorous Update Testing

One of the critical aspects of maintaining a secure and reliable IT environment is ensuring that all updates undergo rigorous testing before deployment. The recent CrowdStrike incident highlights how a failure in the Quality Assurance (QA) process can lead to widespread disruptions.

Enhanced Monitoring and Backup Systems

Real-time monitoring systems can detect anomalies quickly, allowing for swift corrective action. Regular backups and accessible recovery keys, especially for encrypted systems, are vital for quick recovery.

Collaborative Incident Response

A comprehensive incident response plan involving collaboration between software providers and end-users ensures streamlined communication and remediation efforts during crises. Swift and transparent communication from vendors is essential to manage and mitigate the impact effectively.

Proper Evaluation of Tools

Choosing the right cybersecurity tools is crucial for maintaining business continuity and avoiding disruptions. While it’s tempting to go with popular choices like CrowdStrike, it’s essential to evaluate tools based on your specific needs and not just general consensus.

How Working with an IT PArtner Can Prevent These Issues

Partnering with an expert IT Support partner offers businesses the expertise and resources needed to prevent and manage such incidents effectively. Here’s how an MSP can help:

Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance

IT support teams provide 24/7 monitoring of systems, identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. Regular maintenance and updates managed by IT partners ensure systems are up-to-date and secure.

Robust Backup and Recovery Solutions

Support teams implement comprehensive backup solutions, ensuring data integrity and availability during unexpected outages. Efficient disaster recovery plans tailored to your business needs minimize downtime and data loss.

Expertise and Resources

Access to specialized knowledge and resources that small to medium-sized businesses may lack in-house. A comprehensive IT support team offer comprehensive security strategies, including the latest threat detection and prevention technologies.

Incident Response and Support

Immediate response and support during incidents, providing expertise to mitigate impact and restore operations swiftly. Regular training and updates to clients on best practices for system security and incident handling.

Strengthening Your Business Against Future IT Failures

At OWG, we understand the fears and frustrations that come with potential data loss, damaged reputation, and the risk of losing clients. Our proactive monitoring, robust backup solutions, and expert incident response can help safeguard your business against such disruptions.

Partner with us to ensure your operations run smoothly, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

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