Why YOU Need to Get a Microsoft SharePoint Certification

85% of Fortune 500 companies use SharePoint in their daily business operations. This is a clear indicator of how efficient and effective SharePoint really is and explains why the demand for it is constantly on the rise. Microsoft certifications, including SharePoint certifications, can help you create a competitive advantage and provide you with advanced skills. These certifications are not only very advantageous for you, but for the company you work for as well.  

Benefits for Specialists 

• Verification of Skill Possession: Employers can recognize that by you having this certificate you are well trained in SharePoint and know about the software at a more advanced level than if you just mentioned that you are proficient in SharePoint in your resume. 

• Competitive Advantage: According to Microsoft, 86% of hiring managers prefer job applicants with an IT certificate, and 64% of IT managers prefer Microsoft certifications to certifications from other training institutions. This statistic shows that with the possession of this certificate you have a better chance of being hired than if you did not have a certificate. This can also potentially lead to a higher salary. 

Benefits for Businesses

• Increases Credibility: If an HR manager or an employer needs to validate and verify the legitimacy of your certificate, it is very easy to do so. Hence, the possession of a certificate holds a high value.

• High Productivity: 63% of hiring managers say certified individuals are more productive than their non-certified counterparts. And Microsoft-certified developers are 90% more productive.

3 Levels of SharePoint Certifications 

1.Fundamental 

The first level is aimed at individuals who are making their initial steps in SharePoint Server or SharePoint Online or even thinking about changing their career path.

2.Associate

This level assumes 2 years of comprehensive working experience with the platform. The Fundamental level is optional for individuals who opt for the Associate level.

3.Expert

This third level assumes 2-5 years of deep technical experience in SharePoint. And it is obligatory to gain the Associate level prior to getting the Expert level.

Microsoft 365 Fundamentals Certification Path 

Exam MS-900 (Microsoft 365 Fundamentals): This certificate measures the understanding of various cloud concepts, core Microsoft 365 services and concepts, security, compliance, privacy in Microsoft 365, and Microsoft 365 pricing and support. 

Microsoft Certified Associate Certification Path 

Exam MS-300 (Deploying Microsoft 365 Teamwork): Measure Exam MS-301 (Deploying SharePoint Server Hybrid): Configuring and managing SharePoint on-premises, hybrid scenarios, and Migrating to SharePoint Online.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert Certification Path 

Exam MS-100 (Microsoft 365 Identity and Services): Measures designing and implementing Microsoft 365 services, Managing user identity and roles, Managing access and authentication, and Planning Office 365 workloads and applications.

Exam MS-101 (Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security): Assess skills in implementing modern device services, Microsoft 365 security and threat management, managing Microsoft 365 governance and compliance.es skills related to SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, Teams, and Workload integrations. 

Exam MS-301 (Deploying SharePoint Server Hybrid): Configuring and managing SharePoint on-premises, hybrid scenarios, and Migrating to SharePoint Online.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert Certification Path 

Exam MS-100 (Microsoft 365 Identity and Services): Measures designing and implementing Microsoft 365 services, Managing user identity and roles, Managing access and authentication, and Planning Office 365 workloads and applications.

Exam MS-101 (Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security): Assess skills in implementing modern device services, Microsoft 365 security and threat management, managing Microsoft 365 governance and compliance.

Conclusion 

To aid in the preparation of these exams, there are free micro training modules available for Microsoft Learn. Even if you do not plan on completing the certifications and paying $165 to take each exam, you are still able to learn the same material through these numerous helpful and detailed modules. Overall, there are many benefits to earning these certifications and can help to differentiate yourself from others. To get more familiar with software, visit ISU Corp.

Why Outsource IT Services?

The need for information technology services impacts all businesses, small to large-scale, on a daily basis. A task can be as simple as installing Microsoft Office 365 onto a company computer, or as complex as integrating a customized e-commerce platform into your business. ISU Corp can be that liaison that helps minimize your stress while being a cost-effective software solution. 

The Cost of In-House IT Departments

You may be thinking about the physical cost on your company of attempting to equip a whole IT department, but I encourage you to think about the additional costs and burdens on your company. Your company will have to allocate a significant amount of time and energy to create a strong information technology department. The potentially lengthy staffing process will mean you have to technically test and ensure your potential future employees have the necessary skills to be an asset to your business. What if your IT needs are not long-term? Your department would not be utilized to the highest capacity. This is a waste of resources and can be easily combatted by outsourcing your IT services. 

The Flexibility of Outsourcing 

Instead of expending all that time and energy, companies like ISU Corp provide flexible services. IT services can be provided at your discretion; you can have one task in mind or an entire project you are hoping to complete. Not only is that cost-effective for your team, but you know an expert is on the task and entirely dedicated to what your business hopes to accomplish. 

4 Benefits of Outsourcing: 

1.Cost-Effective 

An in-house IT department can prove to be a stress point for your business. Added salary costs, technology costs, and staffing concerns make creating a department within your business a difficult task. The ease of outsourcing can replace and significantly minimize costs as outsourcing is at your company’s discretion as opposed to on an unbending day-to-day basis. 

2.Expert Knowledge

Creating your own team means needing to ensure they have the skills to complete your goals. Outsourcing eliminates these concerns as companies have that expert knowledge before entering any company to complete their IT goals. 

3.Dedicated to Fulfilling your Goals

The team coming in is there to support and build your IT needs. Instead of being whisked away by daily IT concerns or working on minimal tasks, they are dedicated to tackling your significant needs. An outsourced company is there to tailor your IT services to your business goals and wants to be an asset for your company’s growth. 

4.Outside Perspective Can Allow You to Take a Step Back 

Often times when we have a problem, we narrow in so close that we stop ourselves from taking a step back and seeing the solution in the bigger picture. Having an outsourced team come on, they are able to grasp your business, its problem(s), and have that ‘big picture’ frame of mind. Outsourcing IT services can be so refreshing for you, and once you also take that step back, you can help ensure the team is catering as strong of a solution for you as possible.  

Conclusion: Is Outsourcing Right for You?

Ever questioned if your company needs more hands-on expert knowledge regarding anything in the realm of IT and software? Reach out to ISU Corp for more information and how we can help grow your business. 

3 Ways to Protect Your Information From Zero-Day Virus Attack

It is no secret that computer viruses are a complete nuisance to all users. After all, that's what they were created for. Over time, cyber attacks have become more sophisticated and difficult to detect and that is why in many cases cybercriminals have escaped after causing a lot of damage.

Currently, there are many antiviruses that reduce the negative impact of cyber attacks. Many of them are well recognized like Norton, McAfee, and Avira. But what sometimes happens is that antivirus programs tend to recognize threats that already exist, and in cases where they are faced with zero-day viruses, it may happen that they won't identify the new malware.

In this blog, I will be writing about 3 ways to protect your information from zero-day virus attacks.

What is a zero-day virus?

When a virus is discovered and cannot be detected and/or eliminated by the existing antivirus, it is called a zero-day virus. In the same way, you can come across zero-day malware and worms. Regardless of the type of virus, it is, if not treated promptly it can cause serious damage.

After a security expert identifies the flaw, the race between the expert and the hackers begins. It's about developing a patch as soon as possible while hackers exploit that vulnerability. Security experts will try to find the solution in a short period of time to compromise as little confidential information as possible.

Zero-days attacks in history

• Sony Pictures Entertainment

In 2014 Sony suffered an attack by hackers who identified a vulnerability that allowed them to access relevant information exchanged between senior executives of the film studio through emails. They also stole business plans, contracts, and scripts. In addition to the complete copies of five unpublished films that aspired to win prizes.

• National Democratic Committee

In 2016 the DNC suffered one of the best-known attacks in history. Hackers of Russian origin were reported to have identified around six vulnerabilities in Java and Flash programs. As a result, they accessed emails exchanged between well-known political figures in the United States. The stolen information was later published on the Wikileaks site.

How to protect your information from a zero-day attack

There is no perfect solution to avoid being a victim of a zero-day attack, but there are some actions you can take to reduce the risks of finding yourself in that situation.

1. Keep all the programs on your computer updated. Outdated software can present greater vulnerabilities and will end up exposing your information to hacker attacks.

2. Use good antivirus software, paid software is usually better at identifying and removing threats.

3. Firewalls offer protection too. But you should include enabling regular updates of databases and virus definitions so that you have a better chance of being protected against the newest threats.

While being a victim of virus attacks is sometimes unavoidable, you should always try to ensure that the opportunities for hackers to invade your privacy are as few as possible.

If you need any support, feel free to contact us.