Technology Advisor Blog

IT spending choices directly impact your bottom line, with cloud solutions offering clear ways to control costs while building capabilities. Your technology investments - from email systems to cybersecurity tools - keep your company competitive without creating budget surprises.  I recall a conversation I had with a client years ago - a local business owner with about 25 employees - he said; "Ann, I just need all my tech to work, and at a reasonable price".  A lot has changed over the years - tech is so much more pervasive everywhere, and managing cyber risk is now a big part of it.  But the bottom line is the same:  IT spending choices directly impact your bottom line.

February is here, and with Valentine's Day approaching, love is in the air - and online. But while people are searching for romance, cybercriminals are hunting for their next victim. Romance scams aren’t just a personal threat; they’re also a serious business risk. As employees blur the lines between personal and work device usage, scammers see an opportunity to infiltrate networks, steal credentials, and drain bank accounts. A single compromised account or financial scam can put an individual or an entire business at risk. Don’t let cybercriminals turn hearts - and your company’s security - into their next target. 

It's COLD outside! 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has implemented the Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule to combat deceptive practices in online reviews and endorsements. This new rule went into effect October 21, 2024.

Cybersecurity threats to Microsoft 365 accounts can be reduced by 99.9% through one simple, free solution: multi-factor authentication. Only about one-third of users currently implement this powerful security measure!

Did you know that Microsoft estimates that 99.99% of security incidents for Microsoft 365 involve accounts that don't have multi-factor authentication? (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/security/security-at-your-organization)  Microsoft 365 is one of the most targeted applications in the world by cyber criminals everywhere, and with a free and simple extra step, you can help safeguard your account.  

Cybersecurity threats are a major concern for small businesses, especially through phishing emails and ransomware attacks.  No! You're not too small.  These harmful strategies can result in severe outcomes, including monetary setbacks, business interruptions, and harm to your company's reputation.

Cybersecurity threats create unique challenges for small businesses. With smaller budgets and potentially weaker defenses, these companies often struggle to protect themselves against widespread attacks.  October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and this is a great time to step up your cybersecurity awareness training with your team!

Maybe you can relate to this: Your local business finally takes the plunge and starts getting serious about cybersecurity and suddenly things feel like they just got a lot harder for you. It’s the end of a long workday, and you go online to search for your favorite whiskey you want to enjoy over the weekend, and a security warning pops up that the site is blocked by your security. The website may be blocked because it falls into the broad category of “drugs and alcohol” but you’re not looking to abuse any substances, you’re just looking forward to enjoying a class of fine whiskey.