Understanding the Key Differences Between Microsoft Excel & Google Sheets Spreadsheet software plays a vital role in data management, analysis, and collaboration. Among the many available options, the two most popular are: Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. While both are powerful tools, they cater to different needs and preferences. This blog post will delve into…
In today’s digital age, the protection of sensitive data within organizations has never been more critical. Cyber threats are continuously evolving, and companies must stay ahead by implementing robust security measures. One of the most effective ways to enhance security is through Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This blog post delves into the significance of MFA, the…
Cyber security is a crucial aspect of modern business and personal safety, yet many myths persist about its importance and implementation. These misconceptions can leave individuals and companies vulnerable to cyber attacks. In this blog post, we will debunk five common myths about cyber security and provide insights into the realities of protecting your digital…
Understanding the Importance of Technological Safeguards Cyber insurance has become a necessity for businesses of all sizes. The thought of having a safety net in case of a cyber attack is reassuring. However, many companies are unwittingly wasting thousands of dollars on cyber insurance premiums because they fail to implement the necessary technological safeguards required…
Understanding the Implications and Taking Proactive Measures Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various sectors, and cybersecurity is no exception. For Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs), understanding the implications of AI on cybersecurity is essential for safeguarding against emerging threats. This article delves into how AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape and provides actionable steps SMBs…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we approach tasks, solve problems, and interact with technology. A critical aspect of leveraging AI effectively is crafting precise and effective prompts. Whether you’re a developer, content creator, or someone curious about AI, understanding the core elements of a good AI prompt is indispensable. Here are the six…
Steps to Ensure a Smooth Transition and Maximum Value Selling your dental practice is a significant milestone that requires careful planning and execution. Whether you’re looking to retire or transition to a new venture, preparing your practice for sale can maximize its value and ensure a smooth handover. Here are key steps to help you…
In today’s digital age, businesses must adapt to the changing preferences and expectations of their clients and prospects. One significant adaptation is offering the option to schedule services and meetings directly through your website. This convenience not only enhances customer experience but also streamlines your business operations. Below, we explore the importance of this feature…
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack the resources to implement comprehensive security measures. However, there are essential cybersecurity protections that every SMB should have to safeguard their data and operations. While this list is…
Protecting Patient Data in Today’s Digital Age In an era where digital technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the healthcare sector, including dental practices, must prioritize cyber security to safeguard sensitive patient information. Dental practices, often small and medium-sized enterprises, may sometimes overlook the importance of robust cyber security measures. However, given the sensitive…
Choosing between a break-fix IT approach and a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can significantly impact your business’s IT stability, costs, and overall productivity. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the differences: Category Break-Fix IT Guy Managed Service Provider (MSP) Service Model Reactive: Fixes issues as they occur Proactive: Continuously monitors, prevents, and…
When selecting dental practice management software, choosing the right tool can significantly impact your practice’s efficiency and patient satisfaction. Dentrix by Henry Schein and Datacon are two popular choices in the market. Here’s a detailed comparison based on features, security, pricing, ease of use, and other noteworthy factors. Feature Set Dentrix: Known for its…
In the realm of cloud storage solutions for businesses, three names stand out prominently: OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Workspace. Each of these platforms offers unique features tailored to enhance productivity, collaboration, and data security. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into comparing these three solutions across key parameters such as ease of use, cost,…
A guide to help you select the best device for your software and industry Introduction Computers are essential tools for many industries and professions, especially those that rely on CAD, 3D, video, and AI applications. However, not all computers are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to frustration, inefficiency, and poor…
How to attract more patients, reduce no-shows, and save time with online scheduling Introduction Online scheduling is a convenient and efficient way for customers to book appointments with various businesses and services. From restaurants to salons, online scheduling has become the norm for many industries. However, one sector that has been slow to adopt…
Introduction Do you ever feel like your business is just one of many in a crowded and competitive market? Do you struggle to attract and retain customers who are constantly bombarded with similar offers and messages from your industry peers? Do you wonder how you can make your business more unique and memorable? If you…
When your business needs a new application or software, finding the right solution can be a daunting task. Here’s a structured process to help you make an informed decision: Identify Your Needs Start by defining what you need the software to accomplish. This involves understanding the specific problems you want the software to solve,…
A Beginner’s Guide to the Benefits of Low Code/No Code Platforms for SMBs Introduction If you are a small or medium-sized business (SMB) owner, you might have heard of the terms “low code” or “no code” programming. But what do they mean and how can they help you grow your business? In this blog post,…
Learn how chatbots can help you improve customer service, increase sales, and streamline operations. What are chatbots and why are they useful for SMBs? Chatbots are software applications that use artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate human conversations. They can interact with customers, prospects, or employees through text or voice, on various platforms such as websites,…
Why Proactive IT is Better Than Reactive IT How we use our suite of monitoring tools and our customer service to prevent problems before they occur Many IT service providers operate on a reactive model, meaning they wait for problems to arise and then try to fix them. This can lead to downtime, data loss,…
What to do when Windows 10 support ends in 2025 Microsoft has announced that it will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Here are some options to consider for your PC. Why you should care about Windows 10 support ending Windows 10 is the most widely used operating system in the world, powering…
Why DSO Vendors Need to Upgrade Their Products to Enterprise Level As the dental and orthodontics industry shifts to the DSO model, vendors need to meet the higher expectations of their clients. What is the DSO model and why is it growing? The DSO (Dental Support Organization) model, or dental service organization, is a business…
Why You Need a DMARC Record for Your Email Security A simple guide to understanding and implementing DMARC for your business. What is DMARC and what does it do? DMARC stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance. It is a protocol that helps email senders and receivers to verify the authenticity and integrity of…
Crafting Effective Disaster Plans for Businesses: A Step-by-Step Guide Disasters can strike anytime, and unprepared businesses are hit hardest. This guide strips away the complexity and equips you with practical steps for developing robust disaster plans for businesses. You’ll find analysis techniques for identifying risks, strategies for continuity, and approaches for team assembly. Start fortifying…
Gmail vs Exchange Online: Which Email Service is Better for Your Business? Email is one of the most essential tools for any business, whether it’s a small startup or a large corporation. Choosing the right email service can have a significant impact on your productivity, security, collaboration, and cost. Two of the most popular email…
Surfer AI AI Tool Surfer is an innovative platform harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to streamline digital marketing efforts and optimize online visibility. To use AI Tool Surfer effectively, simply input your target keywords or phrases, and the platform will generate comprehensive insights and recommendations to enhance your SEO strategy. From content optimization suggestions…
ChatGPT ChatGPT is a powerful AI language model developed by OpenAI, designed to engage in natural language conversations and assist users in a wide range of tasks. Leveraging state-of-the-art deep learning techniques, ChatGPT can understand and generate human-like text, making it a versatile tool for various applications. To use ChatGPT effectively, simply input your query…
Steve.AI Embark on a journey of discovery with Steve.AI, a cutting-edge online video creation tool and AI video generator meticulously crafted to empower users in crafting captivating live videos and animations within mere seconds. The transformative potential of videos in today’s digital landscape is undeniable, and amidst the plethora of video generation options, we delve…
Mastering IT Budgeting and Cost Management: A Comprehensive Guide for Your Business In today’s digital age, where technology plays a pivotal role in every aspect of business operations, effective IT budgeting and cost management are more crucial than ever. Whether you are a startup or a well-established enterprise, optimizing your IT spending can significantly impact…
Unveiling the Power of Digital Transformation: A Roadmap for Success In the era of rapid technological advancement, embracing digital transformation has become imperative for businesses seeking to thrive in a competitive landscape. From enhancing operational efficiency to revolutionizing customer experiences, digital transformation holds the key to unlocking new opportunities and driving sustainable growth. In this…
Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365: A Feature Comparison Which cloud-based productivity suite is better for your business? Cloud-based productivity suites have become essential tools for many businesses, especially in the era of remote work and collaboration. Two of the most popular options are Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, both offering a range of applications and…
OneDrive vs. SharePoint: Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business In today’s digital landscape, efficient file management and collaboration are essential for businesses to thrive. Microsoft offers two powerful solutions – OneDrive and SharePoint – to meet these needs. While both platforms facilitate file storage and sharing, they serve distinct purposes…
Top Strategies to Prevent Cyber Attack in Today’s Digital Landscape Are you equipped to prevent cyber attack? Your search ends here. This article demystifies how to counteract these digital threats, offering you a concise playbook of proven preventative tactics. Anticipate insights into the realities of cyber attacks and straightforward tips to shield your systems effectively.…
The Importance of Advanced Notice for Engaging Services with Plus 1 Technology In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses rely heavily on technology to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and stay competitive. This reliance often involves engaging with various software and third-party vendors to fulfill specific needs or requirements. However, amidst these transactions, it’s crucial to ensure…
Unveiling the Predominance of Email as the Gateway for Cyber Threats In the digital age, where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the humble email stands as a fundamental tool for communication. However, beneath its seemingly innocuous facade lies a significant and pervasive threat – the majority of cyber threats infiltrate organizations through email…
Top Marketing Software for Small Business: Essential Tools for Success in 2024 In the search for marketing software for small business, simplicity and efficiency are key. Quick to implement, easy to use, and impactful in result – these are the hallmarks of the tools we recommend. Sidestep the overwhelm with this clear guide to the…
Is Your Tech Stack Winterized? In the modern era of rapid digital transformation, the seasonal concept of “winterizing” extends far beyond the traditional domains of housing and automobiles. Today, it is the technological infrastructure of businesses that demands a proactive approach to prepare for the unforeseen challenges of remote work, particularly in colder months when…
Why Customer Experience is Key to Success for Small Businesses In today’s competitive market, small businesses face numerous challenges, from managing resources to standing out in the crowd. Amidst these challenges, prioritizing customer experience (CX) emerges as a critical strategy for success. Regardless of the performance of your product or service, clients will come, or…
Securing the Supply Chain: Essential Strategies for a Robust Business Network Securing the supply chain has become an urgent imperative as industries face escalating risks ranging from sophisticated cyber-attacks to vendor security gaps and tangible threats like theft or sabotage. This article cuts through the complexity to offer precise, actionable strategies for fortifying your supply…
Phishing Attack Alert: Top Strategies to Shield Your Digital Life In the digital age, it’s no secret that our lives are intertwined with the cyber world. From banking to social interactions, we’ve embraced the convenience of the online realm. But have you ever pondered the lurking threat that threatens to shatter this convenience – a…
Securing Your Business with Microsoft Secure Solutions In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses of all sizes face an ever-evolving array of cyber threats. Staying ahead of these threats requires a robust, intelligent, and adaptable security strategy. Enter Microsoft Secure Solutions, a suite of AI-powered cybersecurity solutions designed to safeguard your organization and deliver peace of…
How Much Does ISO 27002 Certification Cost in 2023? Imagine having a complete set of best practices, guidelines, and control objectives at your fingertips, all designed to help your organization implement and maintain an effective information security management system. That is precisely what ISO 27002 offers. In this blog post, we will explore the ins…
How Do Small Businesses Create Effective Security Policies: Creating Effective Security Policies for Small Businesses In the digital age, small businesses face numerous challenges, especially when it comes to securing their sensitive data and systems. With cyber threats on the rise and a growing need for compliance with industry-specific regulations, creating and enforcing effective security…
What is Cyber Security Training? Definition, Benefits, and Importance In an increasingly interconnected world, protecting sensitive data and preventing cyber attacks are crucial for businesses and individuals alike. Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. So, what is cyber security awareness training, and how can one stay ahead of the curve and ensure…
10 Causes of Failed ERP Implementation and How to Avoid It ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems can revolutionize the way businesses operate, streamlining processes, and providing valuable insights. However, ERP implementations can be complex and fraught with challenges. Are you prepared to navigate the common pitfalls and set your business up for success? This blog…
An Essential Guide to Cyber Security Audit Checklist in 2023 In today’s interconnected world, cyber security is more crucial than ever. With the increasing number of cyber attacks and data breaches, businesses must stay vigilant and proactive in protecting their valuable assets. A comprehensive cyber security audit checklist plays a vital role in identifying and…
What is BYOD? A Comprehensive Guide to Bring Your Own Device. The workplace as we know it has evolved, and with it, the way we use technology. The rise of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies has reshaped how employees interact with technology, blurring the lines between personal and work life. But what exactly does…
Navigating the Offshoring Maze: Security, Compliance, Workflow, and Collaboration In today’s globalized economy, offshoring—outsourcing business functions to overseas locations—has become an increasingly popular strategy for firms looking to cut costs and leverage global talent. While the financial benefits are enticing, the decision to offshore comes with its own set of complexities, especially from a technological…
Harnessing Metrics and KPIs: The Technology Expert’s Guide to Monitoring a Growing Company As businesses scale, the complexity of operations invariably increases. Keeping track of multiple facets—like sales, employee performance, customer satisfaction, and more—becomes an intricate dance. This is where performance metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) come to the rescue. Utilizing data analytics and…
Stay Ahead of the Game: Enhance Your Business with Latest Technologies Today’s ever changing business environment, staying ahead of the competition means having access to the most up-to-date technological advancements. Companies must be able to optimize their process communication, have an effective supply chain management, and software solutions in order to stay successful and competitive.…
The Importance of Asset Management and Monitoring As an SMB owner, you understand the value of properly managing and monitoring your assets. From keeping track of software licenses to automating updates on crucial business servers, asset management and monitoring are key components to streamline workflows and ensure optimal performance. However, with countless tasks vying for…
Setting Expectations from the Start Fosters Better Client Relationships As an SMB owner, you know that success relies heavily on how well and efficiently you manage your clients. A key factor for successful client relationships is setting expectations with them from the start. Knowing what’s expected from both sides allows the relationship to blossom into…
Importance of Integrations Software integrations are becoming increasingly important when making decisions on which applications to utilize for your business. Integrations have quickly gone from features that were “nice to have” to requirements when considering new applications. We will explore 5 important types of integrations that SMBs should consider when looking to use a new…
What does a SOC (Security Operations Center) do? A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a team of analysts that analyze logging and audit information from a specific system. Plus 1 Technology uses a SOC to analyze, log, and audit user activity that takes place in Microsoft 365. The SOC team works 24/7/365 to spot and…
AI Revolutionizes Small Business – Unlocking Growth and Streamlining Operations Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing small businesses by streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and driving growth. In this article, we dive into AI’s transformative impact on small businesses, exploring its role in shaping jobs, workflows, customer service, and the emergence of private AI bots. Shaping Jobs:…
Enhance Your Business Mobility with Remote Computer Access: 5 Must-Have Tools for Productive Remote Work Summer has arrived and that means that leadership and employees are looking for ways to get work done from outside the office. Thankfully, remote computer access makes it possible for professionals to work from anywhere, any time. This article explores…
Crafting an AI Action Plan: A Guide for Small Businesses As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the business landscape, small business owners must adapt to stay competitive and capitalize on the benefits AI has to offer. Designing an AI action plan can help businesses identify areas where AI can augment or replace existing processes,…
Augmented Reality: Bridging the Gap Between Physical and Digital Worlds Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have both been making headlines for their transformative potential across various industries. While VR fully immerses users in a digital environment, AR enhances the physical world by overlaying digital information and elements. This article will explore how AR,…
Why “Almost Compliant” is Not Enough for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses In the world of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), compliance is crucial to maintaining a successful and reputable operation. However, many business owners mistakenly believe that being “almost compliant” is sufficient. In reality, partial compliance can be just as detrimental as non-compliance, exposing your…
Spring Cleaning for Your Inbox Spring is often associated with decluttering and organizing, and for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), this concept can be applied to digital spaces as well. One area that often gets overlooked but can benefit from a thorough “spring cleaning” is email management. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of…
Microsoft 365 offers a variety of mailbox types that can help you manage your email communications more efficiently. In this flyer, we will explore four main types of Microsoft 365 mailboxes: Exchange Email, Distribution Lists, Shared Mailboxes, and Archive Mailboxes. By understanding the differences between these mailbox types, you can choose the right one for…
ChatGPT: What is it and what are the benefits? ChatGPT, as a large language model, can be a useful tool for small businesses in various ways. Here are some uses and benefits of ChatGPT for small businesses: Customer Support: ChatGPT can be used as a customer support tool to provide instant responses to customer queries…
The importance of an Annual Risk Assessment Performing an annual security risk assessment is critical for small businesses for several reasons. A security risk assessment is a comprehensive review of an organization’s security posture, including its systems, processes, and policies, to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyber attackers. Here are…
Tax Scams: What you need to know. Each year, scammers come up with new and creative ways to scam taxpayers. Here are a few of the most common tax scams that have been circulating recently, and tips on how to avoid them: Phishing scams: In this scam, fraudsters send emails or text messages claiming to…
FTC Guidelines – what you need to know The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Safeguards Rule requires financial institutions, including accounting firms, to have measures in place to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information. This includes developing and implementing a written information security plan that includes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to…
How to create an effective employee handbook Employee Handbooks – Establish and Review with Ease with Nester Insurance A well-designed employee handbook is an invaluable asset for a company to have. It can provide a communication gateway between management and employees concerning employer expectations, policies and company background. In addition, a handbook provides a consistent…
Meeting compliance is important for businesses because it ensures that the company is operating within the legal and regulatory guidelines set forth by the government. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal action, and damage to the company’s reputation. Additionally, compliance with industry standards can also help to protect the company…
Here at Plus 1 Technology, we are eager to help our clients find quick and efficient solutions to any tech issues your business may have! SUBMITTING A TICKET Begin by E-mailing support@plus1technology.com OR Call 610-792-5660 and a dispatcher will create a ticket. You will then receive an email confirmation that a ticket has been created…
What is 2-factor authentication? Two-factor authentication is when an additional “factor” is required for you to login to a system other than just a password. This is typically a numerical code sent to either a text message or email. It can also be done via a phone call or a mobile app. These solutions can…
Today we are going to talk about cyber insurance. What is it and do you need it. Cyber Liability insurance is used to provide financial assistance in the event of a cyber-attack. Often your general liability insurance policy or professional liability will contain some basic cyber liability coverage but with the increased risks and potential…
Cybersecurity Horror Movies It’s October and that means there is only one type of movie you’re allowed to watch. That’s right, horror! Even the scaredy cats like a good horror movie near Halloween whether it’s Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street, Paranormal Activity, or, well, Halloween. But very few horror movies are realistic. People are always…
Recipe for Strong Cybersecurity Cookies. Cakes. Pies. Brownies. All fantastic treats to have when you’re feeling down. But you know what the easiest and most satisfying dish to make really is? Strong Cybersecurity! Let’s quickly go over what you’ll need and the steps you’ll need to take to have a truly cyber-safe digital presence! Ingredients:…
Doctor’s Visit – Cybercriminals I want you to take a second and imagine the thing you dread the most in the world. The thing that brings you the most anxiety when you know it’s coming up. Everybody has something. Got it? I bet at least a quarter of you thought of an appointment with your…
The Best Offense is a Good Defense It’s fall and for most of us, that means one thing: football season! Most Americans love sitting in front of the TV on Sunday to watch their favorite team battle it out on the gridiron. The touchdowns, the field goals, the interceptions, the big hits. It’s very exciting.…
Microsoft will be turning off Basic Authentication for E-mail for all tenants starting October 1, 2022. You can read the official announcement from Microsoft here: Microsoft Announcement This means that any device that is sending/receiving email must use modern authentication. Depending on the age and technical capabilities of your device it may or may not…
Almost every firm is experiencing staffing issues. Leadership must ensure they are maximizing employee productivity. I divide these productivity enhancements into three categories: hardware, software, and time management. Hardware improvements can be the addition of monitors, replacing aging hardware, and if applicable, providing remote work abilities. Adding just 1 additional monitor to workstations can boost…
Small firms are facing very difficult staffing challenges. Smaller firms are losing current employees and finding it hard to compete with larger firm’s dollars. I offer a couple of ways to retain your current employees and possibly attract new ones. Studies have shown that more and more workers are opting for flexibility over salary. This…
What is BEC? BEC is a Business Email Compromise. This basically means that a malicious actor has gained access to an email account. These attacks are typically the result of a credential being leaked on the dark web or a user falling for a phishing email and providing their credentials. In years past these attacks…
Having the right protections in place won’t alone protect you from today’s cyber attacks. Companies should also ensure they have the proper policies and procedures in place to protect against human mistakes. Some of these would be policies around money transfers, bank wires, and credit card activities. Also policies around sending passwords or other company…
Companies should not use Windows Home editions for business. There are many reasons why but the major highlights are: Windows updates can’t be properly managed in Home OS, they simply push all updates as they are released. Devices don’t come with BitLocker data encryption to protect your data in case of lost or stolen device…
During tax season we see a big up tick in tax scams. We suggest using the ARP method to protect from tax scams. Act Fast – File your taxes early and any attempts to trick you will be easily identified and protect you from someone trying to maliciously file with your social. Recognize – Educate…
Starting May 30, 2022, Google will no longer support the use of third-party apps or devices using only your google username and password. What does this mean? It means if you are using mail applications, older mobile phones, or using scan-to-email features on a copier they may no longer function. We have seen some firms…
Now that the craziness of tax season is over, it is a great time to get some strategic planning done. While tax season is still fresh of mind, we recommend you make a list with these items: What was the biggest frustration during the season? What was the one thing that you and your staff…
In a press release from the White House on March 22, 2022, the President states: “ I have previously warned about the potential that Russia could conduct malicious cyber activity against the United States, including as a response to the unprecedented economic costs we’ve imposed on Russia alongside our allies and partners. It’s part of Russia’s…
We all know things can be crazy and seem overwhelming during tax season. Here are 5 tips to keep you productive during the busy season: Clean your desk and your “virtual desk” regularly. While daily cleaning of your desk may seem like a dream, we should at least try to do it weekly. Get all…
Spear phishing is an email targeted towards a specific individual, organization, or business. The intent of these emails is to steal data for a malicious purpose. The information they are after can be many things such as: bank accounts, credit cards, social security numbers, EIN, or other sensitive information. Accountants are often the target of…
Who listening here has perfect employees? Can your employees make the right decision over 100 times a day? Without proper e-mail protection and training that is what we ask our employees to do. We have discussed training before, today we are going to discuss e-mail protection options. Good e-mail protection add ons can either help…
Are you still using a “Free” Email service for your business? You need to stop today! Gmail, Verizon, Comcast, Yahoo, AOL, and many others offer you a free email address. This is ok for organizing a golf trip, or sending cat videos to grandma but not for your business. Here are 5 reasons you shouldn’t…
We talked before about why we don’t want to hoard emails but today I want to talk about specifically why you shouldn’t use email as permanent storage for day to day business work flow. E-mail is great for communicating with your vendors and clients but it should not be the sole place we store items…
Welcome to the earliest emails in my inbox. There are soo many important e-mails here. Oh look it is a 20% sale on all Nerf guns at Jamesway next week. Here is another one from my uncle, if I don’t forward this email to 10 people in the next 10 minutes I am going to…
We see countless businesses still using a gmail, comcast, or other isp email address on their website and business cards. Domain names are so inexpensive, and security is such a priority, this is a mistake. Not only does it look unprofessional for you to be utilizing a free email service, IT IS! By using a…
Now that we are in tax season you should make your clients aware of multiple tax and IRS scams that will be circulating this year. Please make all your clients aware that the IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, test, or social media. There are two major types of IRS scams we see…
It is OK to delete an email. It is Ok and I know for many of us it goes against everything we feel in our bones, to delete an email. That email with the Kohl’s sale from last Christmas or dad jokes from Uncle Tommy from 2008, I think we can live without permanent record…
Fraud, account impersonation, and phishing scams are on the rise and every company should be looking at ways to combat this risk. Inky email protection helps users combat this risk by categorizing emails by risk. The inky protection puts colored banners at the top of every email to indicate risk level. The tool can help…
Over the past 10 years or so “the cloud” has become a somewhat vague technology term that often confuses business owners. One simple way to think about the cloud is simply “someone else’s computer”. Using the cloud simply means you are renting space or processing power on a server in a datacenter that isn’t located…
Cyber Liability insurance is used to provide financial assistance in the event of a cyber-attack. Often your general liability insurance policy or professional liability will contain some basic cyber liability coverage but with the increased risks and potential financial exposure a standalone policy should be considered. There are numerous attacks that can happen to a…
Creating an IT budget is something that every company should do, if you have no employees or 10,000 budgeting is important. The budget should include hardware replacements, subscriptions, support costs, and any other It related purchases. Your MSP should be providing these numbers to you but if not you can gather them yourself. We typically…
We are all installing smart devices in our homes such as thermostats, cameras, light switches, coffee makers, and smart hubs we talk to. How do we ensure these devices are secured and don’t threaten other devices on our networks? There are three things we believe are important when using these devices at home or office.…
When purchasing a new computer either from an MSP or retailer you are often offered a warranty. Should you purchase a warranty for your computer. A warranty is essentially a risk management to avoid large expenditures during a specified time. We typically do not recommend warranties on desktop or tiny computers because most of the…
As the holidays approach there are 4 types of phishing scams everyone should be on the lookout for. Fraudulent Shipping notifications – this is probably the most common attack during the holidays. The malicious actors will send you an email pretending to be from Amazon, Zappos, Apple, or more. The message may say there is…
We all want to send our prospects an email, postcard, flyer, or some other marketing and have them buy from us. Unfortunately, we all know it isn’t that easy. When we send our campaigns only about 1-2% of the prospects are looking to make a purchase for the products/services we sell. What do we do…
Using Technology to Maximize Employee Productivity Technology is a great tool to help improve the productivity of employees. Technology helps alleviate employees of menial, repetitive, and data entry tasks. The productivity gains from technology have been increasing every year for the last twenty or so years. We have seen an evolution from replacing people having…
Budgeting for IT: The Whole Picture You understand the importance of creating and using budgets for benchmarking company performance. How can you properly budget for IT spend. IT spending has evolved in recent years with the advent of subscription licensing, leasing, and more necessary services. In this article we will break the spending down into…
Phishing Scams don’t have to be complicated Today we are going to talk about a recent phishing scam to prove that anyone can not only fall for these scams but it doesn’t take a criminal mastermind to run them. During the early days of the pandemic, a 17-year-old British teenager pulled off a phishing scam…
Windows 11 Windows 11 was released on Oct 5th. We are still recommending that anyone using software for their work, check with the software manufacturer before updating. Also, check with your Managed Services provider before upgrading any equipment so they can ensure you won’t have any issues upon upgrading. Once you have the all-clear to…
Technology is a productivity tool not a people replacer The robot overlords we have been waiting for haven’t arrived yet. The conflict between human jobs and robotic automation is still in its infancy. The most important asset, technology or otherwise, companies have is their employees. Robots, automation, video conferencing, and cloud solutions are being used…
Marketing Minute: First Impressions Many people don’t realize it but initially the only comparison a prospect has between you and your competition is your marketing. If the prospect hasn’t received a referral from a trusted resource the only comparison tool, they have is your marketing. This includes your website, search reviews, printed material, and your…
Why Avoiding Cyber Security Training Could Cost You Your Business By now, most leadership has heard of cyber security training, but why is it so important? Cybercrime is up 600% due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Almost 90% of all data breaches are caused due to human error. Your company’s data is only as strong as…
Ransomware: Why Backups Are No Longer Protection We have all heard of the threat of ransomware and how malicious actors encrypt your files and demand a payment to provide access to your data. Until recently there were two major ways firms protected themselves from the threat of ransomware. The first protection was prevention by implementing…
Video Conferencing Today we are going to talk about Video conference tools. A quick note before we go much further, just because everyone now has video conference tools doesn’t mean what used to be a phone call now needs to be a video. I don’t need to see Mary’s cat or Little johnny running around…
Appointment Setting There are a ton of new options for setting meetings and appointments for your clients and prospects. Gone are the days of “what times are you available”, “that doesn’t work I have to pick up the kids” or “this guy thinks I want to meet at 3 on a Friday?” We recommend 365…
Password Hygiene Today we are going to discuss password hygiene and no we are not talking about a teenager not using deodorant. We are talking about not making stinky habits when it comes to your passwords. There are 3 big mistakes people make when managing their passwords. Number 1 is using the same password. Don’t…
Keeping Stakeholders in the loop Today we are going to discuss keeping your Stakeholders in the loop when making changes. For managed services providers that means obvious items such as new computers, networking, and new employees. Clients should also remember to keep their managed services provider in the loop for other items such as a…
Should I Allow My Employees to Work From Home? The pandemic has escalated the need for employees to be able to and their desire to perform their job or a subset of their duties away from the office. Should your firm allow employees to work from home? What are the risks of your employees working…
Marketing Minute: Define Your Target Market The pandemic has not only changed many of our workflows it has also changed the way we market. Companies can market to 1000s if not millions of people per day with the right marketing spend, but this can be a huge mistake. Companies should invest the time to building…
How to Select a New Computer Many of you who upgraded your computers during the initial Windows 10 launch may be again looking for a new computer. There are four major factors when selecting a new pc; chassis, features, specifications, and price. Chassis is usually pretty easy but it has expanded a bit in the…
Cloud Migration Mistakes More and more companies are migrating segments or the entire business to the cloud. The cloud provides great benefits such as the ability to work anywhere, enhanced security, mitigating risks pertaining to a physical building, and greater flexibility and scale. There are questions companies should be asking of our software and IT…
Small to Medium Business Mobility Business mobility has moved from “a nice feature” and seldomly used, to a requirement in today’s modern workplace. The ability for employees, management, and the executive team to transition seamlessly from the office to home and other remote locations is now critical to the viability of an organization. In this…
Ransomware is a malicious program that infiltrates your pc usually through a link in an email or an infected website. The program then encrypts all the files it can access on your pc and across the network. The program writes the decryption key to a hosted server. The program prompts the user to pay a…
OneDrive and SharePoint are a collaboration, file sharing, and management tools provided by Microsoft. The backbone of each tool is very similar. Each tool provides a central location to store and access files. The files are stored on Microsoft servers but can also be fully synced to your local machines. Both OneDrive and SharePoint provide…
Data is critical to every business. Businesses have multiple subsets of data such as; sales, client, employee, vendor, and various company data. In today’s world companies must use a combination of permissions, security, and policy to protect company data. Permissions Companies should take a holistic view of the data folder structure and determine what…
Email spoofing, what is it? I received a threatening message from my own email address! Is this real? How did they do it? Should I be worried? These types of emails are unfortunately commonplace in today’s world. We get at least one call a day about these types of emails. So how do they do…