Technology Advisor Blog



Click Happens - Human Error Remains The #1 Cyber Risk

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 5/6/25 5:13 PM

Every year, Verizon publishes a Data Breach Investigation Report (DBIR). The Verizon DBIR is one of the most comprehensive reports illustrating REAL security incidents and breaches, not just hypothetical "this could happen" warnings.  The 2025 Report - the 18th annual report! -  was published on April 23, 2025 and as usual, its full of inciteful information for both small business AND enterprise. To generate the report, the Verizon DBIR team analyzed 22,053 real-world security incidents, of which 12,195 were confirmed data breaches. 

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Tags: small business technology advice., cybersecurity, ransomware, cybersecurity, data security, incident response, SecurityBreach





April 2025: A Wake - Up Call for Healthcare Cybersecurity

Posted by Sarah Carroll on 5/2/25 3:00 PM

With the start of the new month and Tax season now over, cybercriminals are beginning to shift their focus on to new trends. This time targeting tech and healthcare giants for patient sensitive information out by the millions.
I’m sure you all have heard it before ‘I’m just one person and keep my circle small, I’m not going to fall victim to a cybercrime. I’m so careful.’ Or even; “I just use the necessities and take what I believe are the cautionary steps”. Until you’re not. Even just this morning a colleague received a phishing text claiming they saw their ‘resume’ and had a job opening with no further context. They pointed out the message’s red flags, which included a high amount of compensation for said job, no description of position or company name and contact information did not match. As annoying as it is to receive these types of unwanted messages, the attempt likely came from the individual placing their email to receive newsletters & updates of a product and service of their choosing. Not expecting their email or any other additional information to be involved for phishing attempts.

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Tags: computer security, small business technology advice., cybersecurity, ransomware, cybersecurity, data security, incident response





15 Window Shortcuts to Boost Your Daily Productivity

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 4/15/25 5:42 PM

Keyboard Shortcuts – These are a few of my favorite things!

Keyboard shortcuts are one of the simplest ways to boost your productivity - yet they're often overlooked. These quick key combinations help you navigate, format, and multitask faster without ever taking your hands off the keyboard. Whether you're writing emails, managing files, or working in Microsoft 365, learning a few key shortcuts can save minutes every day and hours over time. It’s a small change with a big payoff!

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Tags: small business technology advice., cybersecurity, Computer Tip





Credit Card Fraud Is a Headache and Business Cybercrime Is a Full-Blown Crisis

Posted by Sarah Carroll on 4/11/25 9:10 AM

Did you know that 28% of consumers have fallen victim to credit card fraud in the last year? With nearly a third of people affected, it’s no surprise that 37% report feeling anxious about their credit card accounts being compromised. Families and career-driven individuals are especially on edge, with Gen X and Millennials (40%) sharing equally high levels of concern.

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Tags: phishing, small business technology advice., cybersecurity, ransomware, cybersecurity, Fraud





If You've Never Thought of Cybersecurity, You're Exactly Who The Cyber Criminals Want

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 4/9/25 9:26 AM

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.

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Tags: small business technology advice., Cybersecurity, email scams, cybersecurity training





Why Delaying a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) Could Be Your Business's Costliest Mistake

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 4/1/25 4:03 PM

A Written Information Security Plan (WISP)acts as your small business's shield against cyber threats, protecting both your data and financial health. Research shows 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses directly, making clear protocols and response strategies a must-have for your operations. Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report

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Tags: service, disaster recovery, small business technology advice., cybersecurity, security risk assessment, ransomware recovery, SecurityBreach





Regret to Resilience: What Small Businesses Learn After a Cyber Incident

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 3/25/25 3:11 PM

What to do after a cyber attack requires fast, strategic action to protect your business and stop further damage. A well-planned response can mean the difference between a brief disruption and a complete business shutdown that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Your response in the first 24 hours shapes your recovery path and impacts your ability to resume operations. This guide outlines the proven recovery methods that have helped businesses survive attacks and rebuild stronger, plus practical steps to prevent future incidents from harming your operations. You'll learn exactly which actions to take, who to call, and how to minimize both financial losses and operational downtime.

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Tags: small business, small business technology advice., cybersecurity, incident response





The CIO Effect: Transforming Small Business with Big Tech Strategies

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 2/2/24 3:11 PM

Large corporations have a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Operating Officer, a Chief Financial Office, a Chief Information Officer - and maybe some more "Chiefs" on the team.  Each plays a separate and vital role moving the business forward.   While smaller organizations can't afford to have so many full time employees at the top, there's no reason you can't benefit from the vital role the Chief Information Officer (CIO) can play in your organization - maybe just on a fractional or virtual basis.

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Tags: small business, small business technology, small business technology advice., vcio, cio





Ekaru Awarded ScalePad Partner Advisory Council Partner of the Year

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 1/22/24 4:15 PM

The award winners were hand-selected by ScalePad's Sales and Success teams as leaders in the industry.

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Tags: small business, small business technology advice., cybersecurity, award





2024 State of Cybersecurity: Convenience, Security, and Digital Transformation

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 11/20/23 2:19 PM

Cybersecurity is in the news just about every day!  The balance between cybersecurity and convenience is always tough, and sometimes cybersecurity can even get in the way.  

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Tags: small business technology, small business technology advice., cybersecurity, cybersecurity training





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