Jessa Erickson - ThinkSpace IT

Feb 01

Recommended Best Practices to Reduce Cyber Supply Chain Risks

What exactly is a supply chain attack and how does it impact your organization? A supply chain attack is a type of cyberattack that targets an organization’s external suppliers and vendors. This can have significant consequences for the organization, such as financial losses, damage to reputation and costly recovery efforts. The process of identifying and mitigating potential risks to your supply chain is known as cyber supply chain risk management. This includes assessing third-party vendors’ security, ensuring that their products and services meet the necessary security standards and putting measures in place to protect against potential cyberattacks. As we navigate through today’s competitive business world, it’s essential to understand how to manage cyber supply chain risks. Failing to do so could mean the difference between maintaining order within your daily operations and facing the chaos of ruthless cybercriminals. Implementation of best practices can go a long way in minimizing the impact of a supply chain attack and can protect your bottom line. Recommended security practices Prevention is always better than cure, especially when you are managing data, systems, software and networks. By proactively adopting best practices, it is certainly possible to address supply chain risks. Some of these practices include: Having a comprehensive cyber defense strategy This involves taking a proactive and holistic approach to protecting your business from threats that may exist within your supply chain. For that, you need to focus on identifying and assessing potential vulnerabilities, implementing robust security measures to prevent attacks and developing contingency plans in case of a breach. Conducting regular security awareness training You must educate all employees about how even a minor mistake on their part could severely compromise security. Since employees are usually the first line of defense against cyberattacks, they must be trained to identify and avoid potential threats, especially when they come from within your supply chain. Remember that drafting and implementing an effective security awareness training program should not be a one-time affair. It should take place regularly to ensure all stakeholders are on the same page. Implementing access control Enabling an access control gateway allows verified users to access your business data, including those in your supply chain, and helps minimize the risk to sensitive data. Both authentication (verifying the user’s identity) and authorization (verifying access to specific data) are crucial in implementing a robust access control strategy. Additionally, you can restrict access and permission for third-party programs. Continuously monitoring for vulnerabilities Continuously monitoring and reviewing the various elements and activities within your supply chain can help identify and address potential security threats or vulnerabilities before a cybercriminal takes advantage of them. This can be achieved with tools and technologies, such as sensors, tracking systems and real-time data analytics. Continuous monitoring can also help you identify and address any bottlenecks or inefficiencies in your supply chain, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings. Installing the latest security patches This practice enhances security by ensuring that all systems and devices are protected against known vulnerabilities and threats. Usually, software updates that fix bugs and other vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit are included in security patches. By installing these patches promptly, you can help safeguard your business against potential attacks or disruptions and reduce the risk of other negative consequences. Developing an incident response strategy An incident response strategy is a plan of action that outlines ways to handle unexpected events or disruptions, including those resulting from a supply chain attack. This strategy helps ensure that your organization is prepared to respond effectively to any potential security breaches or other issues that may arise. Some components of a supply chain incident response strategy may include identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, establishing clear communication channels and protocols, and identifying key stakeholders who should be involved in the response process. Partnering with an IT service provider Partnering with an IT service provider can help reduce supply chain vulnerabilities by providing expert support and guidance in areas such as cybersecurity, data protection and network infrastructure. This can help reduce the risk of data breaches and other cyberthreats and ensure your systems are up to date and secure. Plus, an IT service provider like us can help you implement and maintain robust security protocols and processes to help you strengthen your supply chain security and protect your business from potential threats. Adopt these best practices before it’s too late Supply chain security is a complex and multifaceted issue, and the best practices mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you should be doing to avoid security incidents. It can be overwhelming to try and implement all of these measures on your own, especially if you already have a lot on your plate. One effective way to begin is by partnering with an IT service provider like us. We have a wealth of experience and expertise in this area and can provide the support and guidance you need to ensure a secure and safe future for your business. Don’t go it alone – get in touch with us today and let us help you take the first steps towards a safer tomorrow.

Jan 01

End of Life (EOL)Software

The Dangers of Running Outdated Software

Your software is only as good as its last patch. Reaching End of Life (EoL) or End of Service (EoS) means critical patches and updates are no longer available, leaving you vulnerable to various problems. Some make the mistake of not rushing to upgrade the software because it is still functional. However, outdated software can lead to security risks, data loss, compliance issues and more. In this blog, we will discuss the primary implications of running outdated software and explain why it’s crucial to take action when your software reaches EoL or EoS. Implications of using outdated software The implications of running outdated software can be divided into three categories: Security implications Using outdated software can have severe security implications, such as: You no longer receive security patches from the vendor, leaving your system vulnerable to known exploits. Threat actors may have already reverse-engineered the software and developed exploit code, making it easier for them to compromise your system. Running outdated software may cause compatibility issues with other software and hardware, leading to data loss or corruption. Using outdated software may violate your organization’s security policies, hindering a secure future and operational excellence. Privacy implications Privacy implications of using outdated software can be severe. If the software is no longer supported by its vendor and contains sensitive information, you could be at risk of receiving a data privacy fine. For example, in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission is taking action against Chegg Inc. for failing to patch vulnerabilities that exposed sensitive information about millions of its customers and employees, such as Social Security numbers, email addresses and passwords. Chegg allegedly couldn’t address problems despite four security breaches over a five-year period. According to the FTC’s proposed order, the company must immediately address vulnerabilities and take additional steps, such as limiting the amount of data it can collect and retain, providing users with multifactor authentication to secure their accounts, and allowing users to access and delete their data.* Productivity implications Outdated software can have severe productivity implications for a business. For example, if the software runs slowly, crashes frequently or is otherwise difficult to use, it can frustrate employees and disrupt workflows. This can, in turn, lead to a poor customer experience, damaging a company’s reputation and bottom line. Therefore, it is important to keep software up to date to avoid these problems. Collaborate for success You’ve already taken the first step toward securing your company by recognizing the dangers of using outdated software. However, mitigating the above implications may be a heavy lift for you since you’ll have to set aside extra time and effort while running an organization. Partnering with an IT service provider like us can ease your worry. To protect your business, we can help you identify outdated software and hardware. We can keep you up to date on the latest security threats and how to mitigate them. We can also update your systems to the latest versions to ensure the best possible protection. For a consultation, feel free to contact us. You can learn more by downloading our infographic “What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?”. Source: * www.ftc.gov

Jan 01

End of Life (EOL)Software

Did you know hardware and software expire too?

We are all aware of the term “use by date.” It is regularly used when talking about food and medications and refers to the date after which the product is no longer safe to consume. However, did you know that your software and hardware can expire too? This is because technology is constantly evolving and advancing. What was once cutting-edge can become obsolete in the blink of an eye. While many people may not think twice about using outdated technology, it has security and privacy implications for your business. Obsolete technology is often less secure than newer versions because it doesn’t receive modern security features or patches from the manufacturer’s support team. This can leave your device and your data less impervious to attacks. Plus, outdated technology may not be compliant with current privacy regulations, meaning your data could be at risk. So, what does this mean for you and your organization? Staying up to date with the latest software programs and hardware is crucial. To protect your business from the downfall of outdated technology, you need a plan for when your systems reach their expiration date. End-of-support for Office 2013 In April 2023, Office 2013 will no longer be supported by Microsoft. This lack of support means you will not receive any technical assistance, bug fixes or security updates from Microsoft to cover any potential vulnerabilities. Even if all your Office 2013 apps continue to function after the specified time, you run the risk of being exposed to security vulnerabilities such as malware, phishing, ransomware and data theft. To keep your business safe, the best option is to migrate to Microsoft 365. As a cloud-based service, it can increase employee productivity and collaboration without the risk of using unsupported software. In its subscription-based model, Microsoft automatically patches vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. More significantly, your workflow is unaffected by these updates because they take place in the background and your systems remain protected from sophisticated threats. End-of-support for Windows 10 After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. At this point technical assistance and software updates will no longer be provided. If you have devices running Windows 10, we recommend upgrading them to a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release. If devices do not meet the technical requirements to run a more current release of Windows, we recommend that you replace the device with one that supports Windows 11. Much like with Office 2013 end-of-support, after October 2025 you will be at risk for security vulnerabilities if Windows 10 is not updated. A stitch in time saves nine If you follow the news, you’re probably aware of the upsurge in data breaches and cyberattacks. These attacks have targeted businesses of all sizes and industries. As a result, there is a greater acknowledgment of the importance of cybersecurity globally. However, many organizations are still not taking adequate precautions to defend themselves. One of the biggest mistakes a business can make is presuming that its cybersecurity measures are sufficient. Nothing could be further from the truth than this misconception. Investing in supported technologies is one of the most advantageous ways to protect your business. Supported technologies have routine internal security measures in place, and their support teams create and release updates and patches to make the product more secure and helpful. In the event of a data breach or cyberattack, supported technologies will also have a team of experts who can assist you in recovering from the incident. Always remember that prevention is better than cure. Need help? If you’ve read this far, then you must be determined to protect your organization by ensuring that no outdated software or hardware is being used by your team. However, this can be a heavy lift without expert assistance. Fortunately, we’re here to help. We can use our experience and skills to show you the right way to secure your business and provide you with the necessary tools so you won’t be caught off guard by outdated software or hardware. If you’re interested, please reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation. In addition, to help you learn more, download our infographic “What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?” by clicking here. *updated April 2025 to include Windows 10 EOL

Jan 01

End of Life (EOL)Software

3 Technology End-of-Service Myths

It’s crucial to keep all software and hardware up to date to maintain optimal security. If you don’t, cybercriminals can easily infiltrate your network and the chances for downtime increase significantly. However, many businesses don’t realize that expired software/hardware can actually be one of the most prominent security risks hindering their success. If you are among those who continue to use unsupported software and hardware until it literally doesn’t work anymore, remember that it could be a severe hurdle to your organization’s daily operations and reputation. We know there are many myths surrounding End of Service or End of Life that create a great deal of confusion for businesses like yours. This blog is intended to help you clear things up. Debunking the myths Without further ado, let’s debunk the most popular myths. Myth #1: If it’s not broken, don’t fix (or replace) it The adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is popular, but it would not be wise to follow it when it comes to software and hardware. The truth is that if you fail to update your software and hardware when the time comes, you expose your network to security vulnerabilities, bugs and other issues. There are several reasons to keep your software and hardware up to date. Newer software and hardware versions are usually more stable and less prone to crashes and bugs. Moreover, new updates frequently include security patches that keep you safe from cyberattacks. Finally, updates may include new features and enhancements that can make your life easier. Next time you’re tempted to skip an update, remember you could be kickstarting a chain of events that’s not good for your organization. Myth #2: End of Life means the product will no longer exist Although the product will still be available, it will no longer receive security updates, new features or tech support from the manufacturer. This means that it will become increasingly vulnerable to security risks and may be unable to keep up with your workload. It also implies your IT team will find it harder to keep your IT network and devices secure from cyberthreats. If you’re using a piece of hardware or software that has reached the end of its life cycle, you should consider upgrading to a newer model or investing in a new software license. Myth #3: End of Service means I can still use the product until it breaks While the software or hardware might still physically work, being in End-of-Life and End-of-Service state means there’s no longer a team of people working to not only improve the product but also look after, communicate, create and release patches should a new security vulnerability arise. This could leave you prone to attacks, as well as unable to use new features and capabilities that are released. Knowing the End-of-Service dates for your software and hardware can help you plan ahead and ensure you’re not left in the dark when support ends. Join hands for success It’s probably your top priority to keep your software/hardware up to date so your business doesn’t suffer avoidable consequences. However, it can be too much to handle if you try to do it alone. This is where an IT service provider can be of assistance. We can support you by offering vital guidance and expertise so you can decide what steps to take to keep your IT systems running smoothly and securely. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to reach out for a consultation. You can also dive deeper into this topic by downloading our checklist, “How Technology Reaching End of Service Can Impact Your Business,” by clicking here.

Jan 01

End of Life (EOL)Software

4 Practical Steps to Take When Hardware and Software Expire

When a software or hardware product reaches its End of Life (EoL) or End of Service (EoS), it’s no longer supported by the manufacturer. This can be a cause of concern for organizations like yours because unsupported technologies have no routine internal security measures or support from the manufacturer. The good news is that there are steps you can take to mitigate the risks that come with EoL software/hardware and protect your business. Read on further to learn about them. Practical steps Although there may be a sufficiently large list of practical steps, the four most impactful ones are: Prioritize security Organizations need to prioritize security immediately after identifying EoL software/hardware. Work with a reputable vendor who can provide essential security protocols and tools to keep your data safe. Also, create a plan to keep any potential security risks at a minimum. This might include implementing additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication or increased monitoring of high-risk areas. By taking these precautions, you can ensure your organization’s data is protected against threats. Measure productivity As your software/hardware nears the end of its life, it’s crucial to measure its productivity so that your organization doesn’t suffer. Here are a few things you can do to minimize any negative impact on your organization: Keep track of the software/hardware performance. This will help you identify if any issues escalate. Ensure employees who use it are aware of its status. This will help them be more receptive if there are any problems. Have a contingency plan in case the software/hardware completely fails. This will help you avoid any major disruptions to your organization. Evaluate long-term needs When planning for the future, it’s critical to consider the long-term viability of your essential systems. What are your objectives, and which systems are crucial to achieving them? Evaluating the risks of using EoL systems is a vital step when deciding whether to upgrade. What are the consequences of continuing to use an outdated system? What are the chances the consequences will happen, and how severe would they be? Taking these factors into account can assist you in making the best decision for your organization, ensuring you have the right systems in place to support your goals. Test compatibility before migration The EoL date for a system can be months or years in the future; however, planning for the migration should begin well before that date. By doing so, you can avoid any disruptions that may occur during the migration process. Testing compatibility is one of the first steps in migrating to a new system. You must ensure all your data and applications can be transferred to the new system. Setting up a test environment and running some tests is the best way to accomplish this. Collaborate for success It must be clear by now that EoL/EoS software and hardware can pose several risks to your organization. Implementing all the practical steps listed above to avoid these risks can be overwhelming if you don’t have assistance. This is where an IT service provider like us can come in handy. We can help you protect your company from the dangers of EoL/EoS software and hardware. To learn more, feel free to contact us today. Meanwhile, you can go through our infographic “What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?” which you can download by clicking here.

Dec 28

Backup the Cloud

4 Practical Steps for Vendor Cloud Backup

When you entrust your business data to a cloud-based platform, you expect it to be safe and sound. However, most cloud platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and Salesforce acknowledge their backup shortcomings and recommend having an additional backup and recovery solution for your cloud-based data. This is because cloud-based platforms often have limited data restoration capabilities, which can lead to data loss in the event of an outage or data corruption. Unfortunately, many organizations like yours realize a backup is necessary only after their valuable data is lost. Don’t hesitate to deploy a robust backup and recovery solution to safeguard your cloud-based data. Before you get started, knowing best practices can help you get the most bang for your buck. The four best practices Here are four practical steps that you can use to ensure your backup journey is smooth: Set your expectations When you subscribe to a cloud-based platform, you generally get some level of backup and recovery baked into it. However, will that be sufficient? The best way to find out is to read through the vendor’s terms and conditions (T&Cs) to see what type of backup they have in place. Even if a vendor says that backup is included, you need to know what they actually mean. For example, some cloud-based service providers may only back up data once per day, while others may back up data in real time. To reiterate, reading through your vendor’s T&Cs is the first step to ensuring your valuable data doesn’t vanish into thin air. Fine-tune your backup You should customize your backup to meet your needs; otherwise, you run the risk of using the solution either insufficiently or excessively. To successfully fine-tune your backup, you may need to consider several factors. For instance, you must know how quickly data changes to decide how frequently to back up data. Other factors must also be taken into consideration when deciding the frequency of data backups, such as the amount of data and the data type and importance. Test your backup regularly Anyone who has ever lost data understands the importance of backup. However, having a backup isn’t enough unless you test it on a regular basis to ensure it’s working properly and that you’ll be able to access your data when needed. By testing it regularly, you will be able to catch issues early and fix them before it escalates into something severe. So, how often should you test your backup? The answer may vary depending on your backup system and how crucial your data is, but as a general rule, it’s a good idea to test your backup at least once a week. Stay up to date on the security landscape As the digital world becomes increasingly complex, so does the security risks landscape. With the vast array of devices and applications we use, it’s crucial to be aware of the different ways your data could be compromised and have strategies in place to prevent them. This is critical for both survival and competition. If you’re ready to deal with any threat that may arise, your organization’s chances of survival increase significantly. This strategy will also give you an advantage over your competitors because you are now far more resilient than you were previously. An IT service provider can help If you’re working alone, following the above best practices may be difficult since you have a lot of organizational matters to handle. This is where an IT service provider can help. We can collaborate with you to create a backup plan that meets your needs and budget and provide support and maintenance to keep your data safe. Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Want to learn more? Download our “Why Your Cloud-Based Data Needs a Backup Solution” eBook by clicking here.

Dec 21

Backup the Cloud

4 Core Benefits of Cloud Backup for SaaS Platforms

Businesses like yours are increasingly adopting cloud-based solutions to keep up with the rapidly changing technological landscape. According to a recent study by Gartner, cloud adoption will not slow down anytime soon.* Many of these organizations, however, are unaware of the critical importance of having a backup for their cloud-based data. If data is lost or deleted, it can be tough—or even impossible—to recover it without a backup. You don’t want to be in a situation where your data is accidentally deleted and you attempt to retrieve it from the cloud, but realize it hadn’t been backed up in a month. If you rely on cloud-based solutions, use a good backup—and use it frequently. In this post, we’ll look at some of the core cloud backup benefits so you can see why it’s such a vital tool for your business. 4 cloud backup benefits Although cloud backups can benefit you in a variety of ways, the four most important ones are: Security If you own an organization, you understand the importance of data security. You can’t afford to take any chances with your data when so much is at stake. This is where cloud backup comes into play. Cloud backup is a secure, off-site data storage solution. With cloud backup, your data is stored remotely—in the cloud—and can be accessed anytime, from anywhere. Even if your information is lost or stolen, you can be confident that it is fully recoverable. Cloud backup is key to the success of your data security strategy, so if you haven’t implemented it yet, now is the time. Scalability As your business grows, so does the data it produces. Without the right tools, this can quickly become unmanageable. If you’re dependent on on-premises backup systems, you’ll have to make a substantial initial investment in hardware that you might not utilize to its full potential. On the other hand, cloud backup is scalable. This means that cloud backup can easily adjust to your changing needs. You never have to worry about outgrowing your backup solution—it will always be able to grow with you. Manageability Cloud backup is highly manageable. The fact that you can easily manage backups remotely can save a lot of time, especially when you’re already stretched thin with other business matters. However, what exactly is manageability? How can it help your organization? Here’s a quick overview of manageability in the context of cloud backup. Manageability lets you centrally operate and monitor your backup system from a single location. This means you can quickly and easily see the status of your backup, identify any issues and make changes as needed. Manageability can also help you set up automatic backups and give you the flexibility to restore only the data you need. Recoverability One of the most important benefits of cloud backup is recoverability. In the event of data loss, cloud backup can help you recover your data quickly and easily. You can thus resume normal operations and avoid costly downtime and lost productivity. If you are seeking a dependable backup solution for your business, cloud backup should be at the top of your list. It can help you safeguard your data and keep your organization running smoothly. An IT service provider can help If you’ve read this far, you’re probably using cloud-based solutions and want to have a good backup in place. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help. We can assess your needs and suggest the best backup solution for your cloud-based applications. We can also help you in implementing and monitoring the backup solution to ensure it is functioning correctly. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. Want to learn more? Download our eBook “Why Your Cloud-Based Data Needs a Backup Solution”. *Gartner IT Symposium

Dec 14

Backup the Cloud

99 Problems but Cloud Backup Isn’t 1

Data loss is a genuine threat to all businesses. Not only can it cost a lot of time, money and other resources to fix, but it can also be a huge pain to deal with when you have other pressing business matters to handle. While there are plenty of reasons data can be lost, such as hardware damage, software malfunctions and natural disasters, the most frequent cause is something as simple as human error. That’s why it’s so important to have a data backup strategy in place. By backing up your data regularly, you can protect yourself from the devastating effects of data loss. So, what are you waiting for? If you don’t have a data backup strategy in place, now is the time to create one. Otherwise, you could be putting your organization at risk. Pros of cloud backup There are many benefits to backing up your data to the cloud. Here are four of the biggest pros: It’s cheaper to rely on cloud backup than to build and maintain an in-house backup method The most compelling reason to consider cloud backup is cost. Cloud backup services are typically subscription-based, which means you pay a monthly or annual fee for a certain amount of storage. This is significantly cheaper than building and maintaining your own physical backup infrastructure. Also, since cloud backup is often pay-as-you-go, you only ever pay for the storage that you use. Plus, you usually get discounts on cloud backup services by signing up for a long-term contract. Cloud backup is scalable and can grow with you As an organization grows, so does the amount of data it needs to save. With a traditional on-site backup solution, this can become a severe problem. You either need to purchase and set up additional hardware or start deleting existing data to make room for new data. However, with a cloud backup solution, you can effortlessly add more storage as required. This makes it easier to keep your backup up to date without stressing about insufficient space. Cloud backups are generally more secure against ransomware attacks In the wake of a surge in ransomware attacks, many businesses have been scrambling to beef up their security measures. One area that has come under scrutiny is data backup. Some organizations have been moving their backups to the cloud to take advantage of the increased security that cloud providers offer. There’s no doubt that cloud backups are more secure than on-premises backups. Cloud backup providers have numerous security measures to protect data, and they are always working to improve their defenses against new threats. Additionally, cloud backups are often stored in multiple locations, making it much more difficult for attackers to delete or encrypt all backup copies. Although cloud backups are more secure, you should still strive to protect your data. Cloud backups are not immune to attack, and you should take steps to secure your data, such as encrypting backups and restricting unauthorized access. Data backed up in the cloud is accessible from anywhere Local data backups are not the answer if you need to access your data from a different location. On the other hand, cloud backup allows you to access your backed-up data from anywhere, making it much more convenient than local backup. This is a significant advantage for businesses whose employees work remotely. Cloud backups not only enable you to access data from anywhere, but you can also share it for collaboration with a few clicks. There is no doubt that cloud backup is the future of data storage. It’s more secure and accessible than local data backup and is an excellent way to ensure your data is always available when you need it. Join hands for success If you’re like most businesses and rely on cloud-based applications and services, it’s crucial to have a robust cloud backup and disaster recovery plan in place. However, it could be a heavy lift if you are doing it alone. This is where an IT service provider like us can help. We can play a vital role in helping you protect your data by providing guidance and expertise throughout your cloud backup journey. To learn more, download our infographic “Your Cloud-Based Data Is Your Responsibility”.

Dec 07

Backup the Cloud

Myths About Business Cloud Backup Platforms

Your data is essential for your business’s success. There’s no doubt about it in the modern digitized era. However, not having a backup for your cloud-based service provider can result in the loss of this valuable data. This is where the confusion begins because you must now decide how to back up your data. There are numerous options available and choosing one can be difficult. Most importantly, if you’re not careful, you may fall for some myths that are more harmful than beneficial. The problem with believing the myths about cloud backup platforms is that you eventually end up losing data, wasting money and harming your organization. As a result, it’s critical to be aware of the falsehoods to make an informed decision about whether a solution is right for you. In this blog, we’ll help you cut through the clutter so that you can develop an effective backup strategy. Myths debunked Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the most common cloud backup myths and dispel them, once and for all. Myth: My cloud platform provides comprehensive backup Truth: There might be a certain level of backup baked into productivity solutions like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, but it is often not enough to fully protect your organization. Many vendors even recommend adding a more robust backup solution. While the built-in backup may be adequate for some data and applications, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive plan in case of a major disaster. This is especially true for businesses that rely heavily on email and other cloud-based services. A robust backup solution can help protect against data loss due to hardware failures, software glitches, user errors and malicious attacks. Myth: Backup protects me against ransomware Truth: Backing up your data is critical in protecting your organization from ransomware and other cyberattacks. However, a backup cannot prevent your data from being stolen or encrypted in the first place. A robust backup and recovery solution ensures you can quickly and easily restore your lost or stolen data. However, you may still be at risk of further harm if the cybercriminal decides to use your already stolen data against you. Myth: Any backup solution will do since all backup is the same Truth: When it comes to data backup and recovery solutions, businesses of all sizes have numerous options. There is a backup solution to meet the needs of any organization, ranging from simple solutions that create a copy of your data to more robust enterprise-level solutions that include integrations with productivity applications and advanced security measures. The first step in choosing the best backup solution for your organization is determining your specific requirements. Do you require a simple solution or a more robust enterprise-level solution? Knowing your organizational needs will help you choose wisely from the available options a solution that is best suited for your business. Let’s collaborate to make sure your business succeeds An IT service provider like us can proactively help protect your organization from the consequences of falling for backup myths. We can help create and implement a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan tailor-made for your needs. We can also help test your backups regularly to ensure their effectiveness and address any issues that arise. We can even provide training to your employees on proper backup procedures. By working side-by-side in implementing these steps, we can help you avoid the pitfalls of backup myths and succeed. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. Want to learn more about cloud backup? Download our infographic “Your SaaS Data Is Your Responsibility,” by clicking here.

Nov 23

Budgeting

How an IT Service Provider Can Simplify Budgeting for Small Businesses

Do you find budgeting for IT challenging? If so, you aren’t alone. While the IT budgeting process can be tricky for small businesses, it can be especially difficult for those trying to do it all by themselves. With so many aspects to consider, such as routine/ongoing IT services, projects, refreshes and accidents/incidents, it can be tough to prioritize each and everything and still have funds left over for other crucial matters. One solution is to partner with an IT service provider like us. We can help you budget for all your IT needs — both big and small. We can also help you find ways to save funds on your IT budget, in turn freeing up financial resources for other areas of your business. How we can help We can support you by: Assessing your business Through assessments, we’ll understand your business’s technology requirements and recommend solutions that improve efficiency. We can provide support and maintenance for your business’s IT infrastructure. Our services may include making sure your systems are up and running smoothly and helping with any technical problems you may experience. Also, we can help you plan for future growth by studying your business’s long-term needs and suggesting solutions based on that vision. Partnering with us means you can rest assured that you have the right tools and support to be successful. Developing an annual technology plan based on your needs and goals We can tailor-make an annual plan based on the needs and goals of your business. This plan can help determine which technology solutions are best suited for your company as well as how to implement them in ways that meet your budget and time constraints. We’ll even assist with troubleshooting issues and ensure your technology infrastructure is constantly functioning adequately. Facilitating compliance with a cyber insurance policy If you have cyber insurance or are interested in receiving coverage, we can help you comply with your policy to increase your chances of receiving a payout in the event of an incident. By partnering with us, you can understand what your policy covers and what it doesn’t. We can help you decide what measures you need to take to be in alignment with your policy. We can monitor and manage your policy compliance on an ongoing basis. Offering a flat monthly price for everything We can offer a fixed monthly rate for our services, helping you create a budget and estimate your monthly IT expenses. This matters because, like in any industry, you might find service providers who underquote their prices and later charge you additional fees. Let’s join forces to make sure your business succeeds Technology is constantly evolving and keeping up with the latest trends can be difficult. A technology budget can help ensure your company has the required resources to stay ahead of the curve. Our team can help plan your technology budget for the upcoming year by identifying your needs and putting together a budget that meets your specific business goals. Contact us today to set up a consultation. Our checklist “IT Services You Should Consider” provides a list of critical IT services that should be included in your IT budget. Download it by clicking here.

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