Cybercrime is one of the most costly and dangerous threats to small businesses. If you have business insurance, that means you’ve already taken a step in the right direction but will your policies cover any losses incurred after a data breach? Cybercrime has also increased by 600% since the beginning of the global pandemic. Chris Cummings, CEO of Petra Technologies Chris Cummings from Petra Technologies explains how having cyber security coverage can help protect against these types of situations – so make sure it’s added before any major incident occurs! Ransomware attacks can come at any time, take a proactive approach by working with an IT firm that can help protect your business. Do you need help protecting your business from cybercrime…

Proper hand hygiene is one of the most essential habits a child can learn. In a world filled with germs and bacteria, teaching your kids how to wash their hands effectively is a valuable skill that can significantly contribute to their health and well-being. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to teach your kids the importance of washing their hands. Start Early Introducing handwashing to your children at an early age is crucial. As soon as they reach the sink on a stool, begin incorporating handwashing into their routine. Make it a fun and positive experience, associating it with good health and cleanliness. Lead by Example Children often learn by observing their parents and caregivers. Demonstrate the correct handwashing technique yoursel…

Nominate & Win! Got a favorite local business in Salem that's close to your heart? Give them a shout-out! Nominate them for the "We Love Local Holiday Give Back Giveaway," proudly presented by Petra Technologies.Deadline Alert: Hurry, nominations close on December 3, 2023!Your Reward: By simply nominating, YOU could win a $250 Roth's Fresh Markets grocery gift card!Voting Time: Cast your vote between December 5 - December 11, 2023. Remember, just one vote per person!Top 3 Businesses: The three businesses with the most votes will be featured in a WhirLocal "Sponsored Spotlight" - a fantastic opportunity to get in front of thousands of Salem area consumers (a  $597 value)Don’t wait! Nominate your favorite Salem small business today a…

Urban Grange Coffee and Bakery Celebrates 10 Years in Business Celebrating 10 years in business is a BIG DEAL! That's why we stopped by the Urban Grange Coffee and Bakery to take part in their customer appreciation event in West Salem on Friday, November 24, 2023. When we arrived, the coffee shop was buzzing with the sounds of happy customers enjoying themselves over steaming hot coffee and delicious homemade pastries. We were greeted at the door and given a thoughtful gift of an Urban Grange Coffee "Slippy" that slips on every cup and protects your hands from hot or cold drinks; made in the USA from plastic collected off the coast. How amazing is that?! Then we had our opportunity to spin the prize wheel for a chance to win fun prizes. Wit…

When you are putting together a cybersecurity plan for your business you must consider the three pillars of cybersecurity: People, Process, and Technology. Most businesses will invest in the technology of their cybersecurity plan by working with a trusted managed IT firm (like Petra Tech). They will put processes in place to maximize the efforts of their technology. But what about people and the potential for human error? A well designed security architecture not only considers security risks and mitigations but it also includes the blending of all these three things: The people, the process, and the technology. Chris Cummings, CEO of Petra Technologies Chris discusses three common myths and what businesses can do to align their technology…

Infertility can be one of the most frustrating, heartbreaking issues for couples looking to start a family. Different factors can lead to this problem in either partner. Though infertility affects around 1 in 5 women in the United States, the reasons why can vary and sometimes be difficult to pinpoint. However, there are treatments and alternative options available. What Is Female Infertility? Female infertility occurs when a specified or unspecified problem prevents a woman from conceiving. A woman may be experiencing infertility issues if she is younger than 35 and has been unsuccessful in trying to get pregnant after one year of trying. For women older than 35, it is recommended to consult a doctor after six months of trying. Risk F…

Do you know the difference between a private and public network? Which type does your business need? Petra Technologies’ CEO Chris Cummings gives us an overview of three types of networks, their differences, why they’re used for. You’ve got the private and the public [networks], those are the bare minimums. Sometimes you have an IoT network that is how we keep everything inside of your organization safe. Chris Cummings, CEO of Petra Technologies In today’s modern world navigating this balance is important to keep in mind as we continue on the quest for convenience and efficiency without compromising security! Do you need help setting up your networks to be safe and secure for your business? Contact us today! This post was first publish…

Watching your baby grow and hit new milestones is an exhilarating experience. Among these significant milestones is the introduction of solid foods, the beginning of food adventures for your little one. But like any new phase, this also comes with its own questions and concerns for many parents. 1. Recognizing the Right Time for Solids Each baby showcases their readiness for solids in unique ways. Many pediatricians suggest the six-month marker as a guideline, but babies often provide their own set of signals either slightly before or after. These indicators include being able to hold their head upright, sit up (with or without support), putting hands or toys in their mouth, or being interested in food. 2. Infusing Variety in Your Baby’s Me…

Are hackers lurking in your inbox? Would you even know if they were? BEC stands for Business Email Compromises, which is a broad term for when a hacker gets access to your business email account, and then pretends to be you, either to gain access to private information or money transfers often with a sense of urgency. The hackers can be patient threat actors and they lay dormant in compromised email accounts watching and learning everything about what you do until they identify an opportunity to execute an attack. Chris Cummings, CEO of Petra Technologies Petra Technologies offers resources to help your staff recognize and combat BEC. Email [email protected] or contact us today.  This post was first published on…

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, often called GERD, is a condition that causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing several uncomfortable symptoms. Adults often experience GERD, but children can be troubled by the problem also. Untreated GERD can lead to erosion of the tissues in the esophagus and may even lead to the development of cancer of the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD Regurgitation of food back into the mouth is one of the more uncomfortable symptoms of GERD. Adults may have severe heartburn, coughing or chest pain. You may experience a feeling of food stuck in your throat or sudden vomiting. Asthma symptoms can occur. In children, GERD symptoms may include frequent episodes of vomiting in small amounts. Not wanting t…

If you work in an office or are a business owner, I’m sure you’ve gotten a prompt from your computer to download the latest update. Let’s face it, most people don’t want to take time out of their day for these pesky computer updates. While waiting can seem harmless these updates are often for critical security patches and other important fixes! Chris discusses the best way to handle updates besides ignoring the problem or waiting till an issue occurs. Do you need help keeping your devices updated? Contact us today! This post was first published on petretechit.com

This article discusses subjects that may be sensitive or uncomfortable for some readers. Please read with discretion. Children are exposed to a variety of stresses and pressures in different aspects of their lives, which can impact their mental health. Parents often find it difficult to identify mental struggles in their children since childhood development is a dynamic process. Parents may only begin to look for solutions when these issues persist and worsen over time. Here are five significant signs that indicate your child may need to visit a mental health professional. Behavioral Changes Certain changes in personality traits, behaviors, and interests are part of normal childhood growth. However, if these changes do not appear to be part…

Influenza, more commonly referred to as the flu, is a respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness. For people who are pregnant, the flu can be especially dangerous because their bodies and immune systems are going through many changes. The Flu: A Serious Threat During Pregnancy Pregnant women are more likely to have serious complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death if they catch the flu. Their babies are also at risk for serious complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. The Flu Shot Is Safe for Pregnant Women The seasonal flu vaccine is safe, effective, and highly recommended to protect pregnant women and their developing babies during any trimester of the pregnancy. The flu shot is mad…

File sharing through email is a frequent occurrence in most businesses, but have you thought about how secure your methods might be? The solution: a cloud-based file sharing method with extra layers of security. Chris Cummings discusses how this type of file sharing works and why it’s a more secure way to run your business. Are you ready to implement these data privacy measures in your business? Contact Petra Tech today!

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect individuals throughout their lifetime, although it’s typically diagnosed in childhood. However, many adults who were not diagnosed with as children are realizing certain challenges that affect daily functioning and well-being may be attributed to ADHD after all. Recognizing the signs of ADHD in adulthood and taking the step to seek a diagnosis can be transformative, offering individuals clarity, understanding, and access to strategies for managing their symptoms. What are the Signs and Symptoms of ADHD? There are three main types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive, and combined, which is a mix of the first two types. It’s important…

Does your backup plan need a backup plan? If you are familiar with or use cloud backups for your personal or business needs, you are already on the right track! Having your backups in another location is a critical part of a healthy disaster recovery plan. Chris Cummings, CEO of Petra Technologies However, a singular cloud backup cannot always ensure that your data is secure or recoverable in the case of ransomware or other security breaches. So what can you do? The short answer: work with a managed IT firm to cloud back up your backups.  Learn more about the benefits of this service. Are you ready to get your business data secured? Talk to the professionals at Petra Technology today! This post was first published on petratechit.com.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of breast health. Breast cancer affects many lives, making regular breast exams and screenings essential for early detection and effective treatment. Catching Problems Early Saves Lives One of the most significant reasons for prioritizing regular breast exams and screenings is the ability to detect issues at an early stage. Similar to fixing a small problem in a car before it becomes a major issue, identifying breast cancer in its initial phases greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. Early detection increases the likelihood of recovery, allowing individuals to resume their daily lives. Simple Self-Exams Matter Performing se…

Every good information security program is based on three essential principles: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. One of the most common-sense security methods an organization can use to fulfill these principles is the concept of “least privilege” (which is closely related to group policy objects). Simply stated, this means “fit the permission to what the user needs on a daily basis.” Chris goes into greater detail about how “least privilege” can prevent issues within the network and fulfill the essential information security principles. Do you need assistance implementing the right user permissions for your business? Contact Petra Technologies today!

Dyslexia, a common learning disability that affects language processing, can present unique challenges in a child’s educational experience. Recognizing the signs of dyslexia early on is crucial for providing the necessary support to help the child thrive. Before School Age The average age for speech and language development in most children is around age 2, but some children may have delayed speech. If your child has trouble forming words correctly, they may have dyslexia. In some cases, a child may not talk until a later age. Other early warning signs of dyslexia include issues with memory. Your child may struggle with numbers, colors, and nursery rhymes. They may even face challenges with words that sound similar. This means they may face…

Miller's BBQ celebrates grand opening of their new cafeCongratulations to our friend Matthew Miller on the grand opening of his new Miller's BBQ & Cafe in North Salem. Located in the Capitol City Business Center at 4600 25th Ave NE, Salem, OR 97301, the new cafe provides a wonderful spot to grab some amazing BBQ. As evidenced by the huge crowd at the ribbon cutting, Matthew and has team have invested into their community by building great relationships. Once again, congratulations and job well done! 

When it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT) you must be careful to consider the pros and cons. While it can be convenient to control your home’s temperature or alarm system through an app, you have to consider the security of that network connection. The ability to connect to the network is the “internet” part of the “internet of things”. Businesses and other organizations also use IoT devices and should carefully put plans in place to protect their networks while utilizing these tools. Chris gives an overview of the scope of this global threat. This includes the recent attack volume, current trends, and solutions. While the situation may seem dire there are things to do to mitigate risk. Taking advantage of tech in the home or the workpl…