Technology Advisor Blog

Cybersecurity and AI have become inseparable forces that create immediate risks to local businesses, regardless of size. Small organizations are now prime targets for criminals who use artificial intelligence to automate attacks, making every business vulnerable.

Major corporate breaches grab headlines, yet the silent wave of cyber attacks on local companies goes unreported, leaving many business owners with a dangerous false sense of safety. Your organization needs basic protective steps that could prevent most attacks, along with cost-effective solutions to shield your business from financial losses and reputation damage. The stakes are high - companies that fall victim to these attacks often struggle to keep their doors open.

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.