Category Archives: Technology

Recognizing the IT Security Risks Facing Your Business Today

Cybersecurity, Manage Service, Technology, , , , ,

IT security risks

How many real or imminent cyber threats did your company encounter in the past month? These days, it’s not unusual for a business to face IT security risks daily since hackers are becoming increasingly creative. An unknowingly clicking on a link or download can cause bleeding losses before you know it.

Did you know that in 2023, over 75% of attacks on small businesses did not even use malware? Hackers mostly use phishing and other sophisticated social engineering scams nowadays, which prey on many unaware victims. Can you spot such threats before they materialize?

When it comes to business cybersecurity, awareness is a vital element for staying safe. You must have protective measures in place, like a firewall or an antivirus program. Moreover, having an expert to help you handle these vulnerabilities is the better option.

How will you mitigate the hazard when you are unaware of the cyber threats that can harm your business? With your staff’s level of awareness, how likely is it for your company to stop an attack? If these questions lead to more confusion, now is the time to learn about IT security risks.

Most Common Types of IT Security Risks Against Businesses in 2024

Online attacks come in all forms and from all directions, making it challenging to protect your business. Here are the most common cyber threats that could affect small businesses today.

IT Security Risks – Ransomware

Hackers use ransomware to control a company’s data, which ultimately freezes operations and does massive damage to the business. The culprit would then demand a ransom for the victim to retrieve the data. When faced with this dilemma, would you pay an exorbitant amount to get your valuable information back? Most companies would say a resounding yes.

Credential Stuffing

Cybercriminals can now break into your network by attempting various login credentials. Using automated tools, they can go through millions of username and password combinations in seconds. Isn’t it frustrating that the hacker can successfully pull your login information within a substantial number of chances? Would you like to see if your passwords are on the dark web? We thought so. Contact us here to pull your report. Mention this blog to waive the cost of the report.

IT Security Risks – Social Engineering

Social engineering is a very dangerous cyber threat based on human psychology. Hackers use manipulative tactics to trick people into divulging sensitive data, like phishing, pretexting, and quid pro quo. Anyone is a potential victim, more so if the person is misinformed regarding business cybersecurity.

Take Business Cybersecurity to the Next Level with Co-Managed IT

Implementing protective measures to combat cyber threats is the first step to mitigating risks. The right steps to take include tightening your grip on IT security.

Is your team regulating access controls stringently? Do you train your employees on cybersecurity regularly? Does your company have an efficient backup and recovery plan? These factors come together to form the defenses of your business.

Cyber security is a rapidly evolving area and new threats arise practically every day. Your internal IT team, regardless of how skilled they are, is still vulnerable. In this case, co-managed IT presents a viable solution.

By taking a look at this free Cyber Risk infographic, you can have a more accurate picture of the cyber threats your business is facing. It also illustrates how a co-managed IT partner can help your in-house team in enhancing your company’s cybersecurity strategy.

Going over this information and stats will only take a couple of minutes, but it can make a vast difference in the security of your business! Call us today for more information!

Can Your Business Benefit from Copilot for Microsoft 365?

Cybersecurity, Manage Service, Technology, , , , ,

Copilot for Microsoft

Do you need an AI assistant for your business? Many developers continue introducing AI-powered tools to the market, promising to make work much easier. However, can they deliver to consumer expectations, which are infinitely higher these days? We introduce to you Copilot for Microsoft 365.

While it’s tricky to speak for other AI applications, one is gaining a lot of buzz currently. Copilot for Microsoft 365 is a power-packed productivity tool boasting robust machine learning and natural language processing in one.

The result? A highly beneficial AI assistant that’s perfect for your business. Learn more about Copilot in this guide!

Copilot for Microsoft 365: an overview

Think of Microsoft Copilot as your go-to assistant for everyday tasks. Do you need to create presentations? Need to brainstorm new ideas for your next marketing campaign? This AI tool can practically do it all:

  • Word. Create, comprehend, translate, summarize, and analyze documents. Transform text into visualizations and incorporate data from a wide variety of sources.
  • PowerPoint. Analyze data and organize it into slides. Add media and content, animations, and guide rehearsals for better presentations.
  • Excel. Analyze data sets and suggest formulas, including task automation. Generate charts and tables, format templates, and program macros.
  • Outlook. Create, summarize, and edit emails, and organize inboxes and calendars. Improve email drafts and manage contacts.
  • Teams. Summarize discussions in real-time and analyze conversations. Task coordination and development of custom bots.

These super functionalities enhance the way you approach work tasks. Combined with an efficient managed IT service, you can rest assured that your business runs seamlessly every day. With Copilot for Microsoft 365 doesn’t that sound like an appealing dealmaker for you?

Benefits of Copilot for Microsoft 365

Rather than a one-track AI tool, Copilot is a multi-faceted suite of assistants to match different aspects of your company. There’s virtually a Copilot AI assistant to streamline your business.

Quick and comprehensive research

Microsoft Copilot revolutionizes the way you find information online and offline. It’s an excellent tool that pulls data from a vast array of sources, saving effort and time in the process.

Productivity boost with Copilot for Microsoft 365

This AI tool is intelligent and can automate tasks on your behalf. Doing so improves your workflow, especially when dealing with Microsoft apps that you use in the office. It allows your team members to invest their energy in achieving vital long-term and short-term goals.

Creative support with Copilot for Microsoft 365

The speed and accuracy with which this AI-powered assistant performs visualization and organization is extraordinary. You can create and edit presentations and content in minutes and receive effective suggestions to improve your creative processes.

The takeaway

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is the ticket to improving a great chunk of your work. With the right managed service provider and this AI tool in action, you can focus on more important business matters. Should you get it for your company? Yes, definitely!

Seamlessly Integrate Co-Managed IT with Your Current Team

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Integrate Co-Managed IT

If you have recently started a partnership to Integrate Co-Managed IT services with your business, congratulations! This decision can significantly enhance your IT capabilities and security. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where cyber threats are ever-present, such as the recent Microsoft attack, having a robust IT strategy is more critical than ever. Many organizations find that their internal IT teams are often stretched to their limits. By integrating co-managed IT, your staff can get some well-deserved relief while your business thrives like never before.

By combining the on-site presence and experience of your internal IT support staff with the extensive expertise of a Managed Service Provider (MSP), you can take full control over your IT infrastructure and make it work for your business. However, before you can reap the rewards of this decision, it’s essential to seamlessly integrate the two entities. While this might not happen overnight, it doesn’t have to be overly challenging.

Effective Tips to Integrate Co-Managed IT Seamlessly with Your Team

Bringing in a new set of professionals to work alongside your current IT team can present a few challenges. Similar to hiring new employees, there is an adjustment period for both parties. However, there are some simple strategies you can employ to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Communicate Openly and Regularly to Integrate Co-Managed IT

Open communication is key to eliminating confusion and fostering high-functioning collaboration. From the start, ensure that both teams maintain clear lines of communication. Regular meetings, often in an online setting, should be held where questions are welcome and robust idea exchanges are encouraged. This will keep everyone on the same page and help both teams adapt quickly.

Clearly Define Roles to Integrate Co-Managed IT Successfully

In an effective IT collaboration, your in-house team and the MSP must have well-defined roles and responsibilities. There may be concerns from your in-house staff, especially if they feel like they’re being replaced. It’s crucial to clarify that this is not the case. By ensuring that each team fulfills its specific roles, your IT infrastructure can function like a well-oiled machine, steadily propelling your business forward.

Delegate Routine Tasks to Your MSP

Routine IT work, while relatively straightforward, can consume a significant amount of time that your in-house staff could use on more critical tasks. Co-managed IT providers typically have teams dedicated to handling these repetitive tasks. Delegating such work to them allows your internal team to focus on strategic projects that drive innovation and growth.

Leverage MSP Expertise to Boost In-House Efficiency

While your internal IT team knows your business intimately, they might not always have the best solutions for every problem. On the other hand, MSPs maintain a vast pool of IT experts with diverse skills and resources. By giving your in-house team access to this level of expertise, their efficiency and problem-solving capabilities will dramatically increase.

Integrate Co-Managed IT to Strengthen Security Against Threats

In light of recent cybersecurity threats, such as the Microsoft attack, integrating co-managed IT into your security strategy is more crucial than ever. These breaches highlight the need for robust, proactive security measures. Co-managed IT can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring systems continuously, identifying vulnerabilities, and responding to threats swiftly. This partnership ensures that your IT infrastructure remains secure against emerging threats, safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining business continuity.

How to Integrate Co-Managed IT for Business Success

Integrating a third-party IT provider with your in-house staff may be complex, but it’s necessary for the continued growth and security of your business. By following the simple yet effective tips outlined above, you can build a smooth, reciprocal relationship between your internal and external IT teams. This collaboration will not only enhance efficiency but also bolster your defenses against cyber threats.

If you’ve recently partnered with an MSP or are considering doing so, now is the perfect time to read our Essential Guide to Co-Managed IT: Make Informed Decisions for Your Company’s IT Strategy. Download it for free right here. If you have questions about co-managed IT services or wish to explore how they can protect your business from threats like the recent Microsoft attack, we’re here to provide the answers you need. Call us today or view our library of free resources!

Why Co-Managed IT Is the Best Decision for Your Business

Cybersecurity, Manage Service, Technology, , , ,

Co-managed IT

IT is an integral part of any business today. It doesn’t matter if you are in an industry that seems to have nothing to do with IT, like retail, healthcare, or catering. In our technology-driven world, every business needs an efficient IT infrastructure to thrive with the help of co-managed IT.

Perhaps you have an in-house IT team, but do they have all the skills necessary to ensure your network stays in top condition? Will they be able to guarantee your data’s security amidst the rampant online threats? Can they handle specialized technology requirements? Your staff might be good but it’s unlikely they are adept in every single area of IT. This is why co-managed IT is a highly recommended choice.

Benefits of Co-Managed IT for Your Business

The list of co-managed IT benefits is quite long. Just to give you an idea of what you are missing out on, here are some of the most noteworthy.

Wider Range of Expertise

Partnering with an MSP for your IT needs gives you access to all kinds of skills and resources. These skills are things that your in-house staff might not have. When you switch to co-managed IT, you are not giving up your in-house team at all. You are simply getting external support to fill in the gaps and ensure that all technology issues are immediately fixed.

Reduced Expenses with Co-Managed IT

Adding co-managed IT services will cost your business extra. However, it won’t nearly be as much as that of fully managed services, and the payback is very much worth it. They can provide a range of cost-saving IT solutions, allowing you to allocate a bigger budget to other areas of your business.

Access to 24/7 Support

In-house staff normally work regular office hours. When something happens to your network or you need any kind of support outside these hours, you probably won’t even know until it’s too late. On the other hand, co-managed IT can include round-the-clock monitoring and support. With co-managed IT you and your staff can enjoy weekends and holidays without worrying about business matters.

Enhanced Network Security

The more layers of security your network has, the better protected it will be against cyber criminals. Your in-house team can provide the first line of defense against hackers. An MSP can take charge of deeper and more sophisticated security measures, which are sure to adhere to industry standards.

Final Thoughts on Co-Managed IT

With the right co-managed IT services provider, your IT team will have a skilled and reliable partner in managing your organization’s technology needs. Problems get resolved faster, security will be at its peak, and your business will be updated on IT advancements.

These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy. Discover the many other ways that co-managed IT can help your business by checking out our Essential Guide to Co-Managed IT. We can hook you up with a co-managed IT partner that’s perfect for your needs.