The Compliance Blind Spot: What You Don’t Know Can Cost You

Posted on July 9, 2025 by John Neibel

Think compliance is only for big corporations? Think again.

In 2025, regulatory agencies are cracking down on all businesses—especially small and midsized ones. If you’re collecting sensitive data, processing payments, or handling customer information, you’re already in the compliance game—whether you like it or not.

And if you’re not playing by the rules? It could cost you tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars.

🔍 Why Compliance Is No Longer Optional

Regulatory bodies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are now laser-focused on data protection and consumer privacy.

And they’re not just issuing warnings anymore—they’re issuing fines, and lots of them.

⚖️ Which Regulations Apply to Your Business?

Here are three major regulations that most small businesses don’t realize apply to them—until it’s too late:

1. HIPAA – Protecting Health Information

If you handle protected health information (PHI)—even indirectly—you must comply with HIPAA.

Recent updates now require:

Encryption of all electronic PHI
Regular risk assessments
Staff training on data privacy and security
A documented breach response plan

💸 Case in point: A small healthcare clinic was hit with a $1.5 million fine in 2024 after a ransomware attack revealed inadequate data safeguards.

2. PCI DSS – Handling Credit Card Payments

If you accept credit or debit cards, you’re on the hook for PCI compliance. That means:

Secure data storage
Ongoing network monitoring
Encrypted transmissions
Tight access controls

💸 Noncompliance fines? As high as $100,000 per month, depending on the issue and how long it’s been unresolved.

3. FTC Safeguards Rule – Financial Data Protection

If you collect any kind of consumer financial data, you’re expected to:

Create a formal security plan
Appoint someone to manage your program
Conduct regular risk assessments
Use multifactor authentication (MFA)

💸 Failure to comply can cost up to $100,000 per incident—and $10,000 per person held responsible. That’s not a typo.

💣 Real-World Fallout from Compliance Failures

One small medical practice thought they were too small to be a target—until ransomware locked their files.

$250,000 fine from the HHS
Weeks of downtime
Loss of patient trust and revenue

They weren’t just out money. They were nearly out of business.

✅ 5 Steps to Stay Compliant (and Protected)

Perform Regular Risk Assessments
→ Know where your weak spots are—before hackers or regulators find them.
Strengthen Security Measures
→ Use encryption, firewalls, endpoint protection, and MFA.
Train Your Team
→ Your people are your first line of defense. Make sure they’re prepared.
Create a Response Plan
→ What happens if you get breached? Plan now, not later.
Work with Compliance Experts
→ Don’t go it alone. Partner with IT and compliance professionals who know the landscape.

🚨 Don’t Wait Until You’re Fined to Take Compliance Seriously

Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about protecting your reputation, your data, and your business’s future.

🎯 Ready to See Where You Stand?

We offer a FREE Network & Compliance Assessment to help uncover gaps in your current security and compliance posture.

It’s quick. It’s painless. And it could save you thousands.

👉 Click here to schedule your FREE Compliance & Security Assessment

The Hidden Cost of “Cheap” IT — Especially in a Co-Managed Environment

Posted on July 2, 2025 by John Neibel

Why Cutting Corners on IT Support Can Undermine Your Internal Team (and Your Business)

If your business has an internal IT team, co-managed IT support can be a smart, scalable way to extend your capabilities without overloading your staff. But be careful: not all co-managed IT providers are created equal.

A low-cost co-managed agreement might seem like a win at first—affordable monthly pricing, supplemental support, a few extra tools. But dig deeper, and you’ll often find those “budget” providers are quietly cutting corners, leaving your internal team exposed, overwhelmed, and under-supported when it matters most.

Here are five hidden pitfalls we see time and time again with cut-rate co-managed providers—and how they can sabotage your IT operations and bottom line.

1. Security Gaps That Put Everyone at Risk

Your internal IT team might have a solid foundation, but true cybersecurity takes layered protection—and budget co-managed partners often stop at the basics.

We’ve seen providers install bare-minimum antivirus, skip multi-factor authentication, and offer zero guidance on endpoint security or user awareness training. That leaves your internal team holding the bag when something goes wrong—and in today’s cyber landscape, it’s only a matter of time.

Worse, without advanced protections, your cyber insurance claims could be denied. A good co-managed partner should strengthen your security posture, not leave it up to chance.

2. Incomplete Backup Strategies That Leave Data Unprotected

Your IT team might be backing up critical servers—but what about Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, CRMs, and third-party SaaS apps?

Most budget MSPs ignore those platforms entirely or rely on the default retention policies. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. Even worse, many don’t offer immutable backups—a non-negotiable for ransomware resilience and cyber insurance compliance.

In a true co-managed model, your partner should complement your backup efforts with comprehensive coverage and regular testing, not guesswork.

3. Unexpected Fees That Break the Budget

Budget co-managed IT providers often advertise low monthly rates—but then charge extra for after-hours support, on-site visits, or even emergency escalations. This creates friction, slows response times, and forces your team to think twice before calling for help.

That’s the opposite of what co-managed IT is supposed to be.

Look for a partner who offers predictable, flat-rate pricing and acts like a true extension of your team—not a metered vendor.

4. “Not Our Job” Mentality Around Vendor Support

When your team needs help troubleshooting phones, internet, or printers, a good co-managed provider should jump in—not point fingers.

Many cheap providers refuse to work with third-party vendors or charge extra just to coordinate on your behalf. That leaves your in-house team stuck in the middle, chasing down support for tech they didn’t even implement.

We believe in full-stack support. If it touches your network, it’s our job to help fix it—period.

5. No Strategic Oversight, No IT Roadmap

The most damaging shortcut of all? Lack of leadership.

Inexperienced co-managed providers often push tasks to junior techs without offering any real IT strategy. That leaves your internal team without a sounding board for big-picture decisions or long-term planning.

With the right co-managed partner, you should expect:

A dedicated technical account manager
Proactive reviews of your cybersecurity, compliance, and backup posture
Strategic guidance for future upgrades, projects, and budgeting
Collaborative planning—not reactive firefighting

Bottom Line: Co-Managed IT Should Make You Stronger—Not Weaker

Your internal IT team is already juggling a lot. A true co-managed IT partner should make their job easier, provide peace of mind, and cover the gaps—not create new ones.

If your co-managed support feels more like a cost center than a force multiplier, it’s time for a second opinion.

Want to know what your current co-managed agreement might be missing?
Let us take a look—for free.

We’ll review your environment, evaluate your risks, and provide honest feedback to help you strengthen your internal team with the right support (not just cheap support).

👉 Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment

Windows 10’s End-of-Life Countdown: The Real Price Of Waiting To Upgrade

Posted on June 25, 2025 by John Neibel

Support ends October 14 , 2025—every day you delay costs more than you think.

“We’ll Handle It Later” Is A Budget Killer

Post-EOL, Microsoft stops issuing security patches and bug fixes. That leaves you footing the bill for every vulnerability, crash, and compatibility snag. The longer you stay on Windows 10, the higher the hidden costs:

Hidden Cost	Why It Hurts Now—not Just Later
Security Gaps	Unpatched systems are hacker magnets. One breach can wipe out years of profit (and your reputation).
App & Device Incompatibility	Popular CRMs, accounting suites, printers, and security tools are already dropping Windows 10 support. Lost function = lost revenue.
Productivity Drains	Slow boots, random crashes, and “hang-ups” steal 10–15 minutes per employee per day. Multiply that by payroll—ouch.
Emergency Upgrades	Rush hardware orders + after-hours IT labor = 30–50 % premium over planned projects.
Compliance Risks	HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and other mandates require supported, secure OSs. Fines and lawsuits dwarf upgrade costs.

Smart Companies Are Acting Now

Inventory & Audit – Identify which PCs can make the jump to Windows 11 and which need replacement.
Consolidate & Streamline – Retire redundant software, tighten licensing, and trim support overhead.
Strengthen Cybersecurity – Pair the OS upgrade with multi-factor auth, next-gen AV, and robust backup testing.
Plan The 2025 IT Budget – Spread hardware purchases across quarters to dodge supply-chain spikes and cash-flow stress.

Your 4-Step Action Plan

Run Compatibility Checks – Confirm CPU, TPM, and RAM meet Windows 11 requirements.
Test Critical Apps – Verify each line-of-business tool runs flawlessly in the new environment.
Order Hardware Early – Laptops and desktops still face lead-time fluctuations. Secure your stock while prices are stable.
Partner With Proven Pros – Our team handles scheduling, data migration, and user training—so you skip downtime and surprises.

Don’t Wait To Panic In October

A smooth, budget-friendly transition takes planning time that’s disappearing fast. Book your FREE Network Assessment now—we’ll map the exact devices, apps, and security gaps to fix before Windows 10 turns into a liability.

👉 Schedule here: https://go.scheduleyou.in/hI54VnWs?cid=is:~Contact.Id~

Upgrade on your terms, not in crisis mode.

Out of Office, Out of Luck: How Your Auto-Reply Can Hand Hackers the Keys to Your Business

Posted on June 18, 2025 by John Neibel

It’s almost vacation time. You set your out-of-office auto-reply and start dreaming about beaches, road trips, or conference breaks. Your inbox begins to quietly respond on your behalf:

“Hi there! I’m out of the office until [date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Name] at [email address].”

Sounds helpful, right?

Unfortunately, it’s also exactly what cybercriminals love to see.

That friendly auto-reply can quickly become a hacker’s roadmap — giving them everything they need to time an attack, impersonate your team, and trick someone into clicking, wiring money, or handing over sensitive credentials.

Why Hackers Love Out-of-Office Replies

Even a short, well-meaning message can contain:

Your full name and title
How long you’ll be away
Who’s covering for you (with their email!)
Internal roles or team structure
Travel info or conference details

This creates two major risks:

1. Timing Advantage: Hackers now know you’re unavailable — meaning you won’t be checking your inbox or spotting fraud.
2. Targeting Precision: They know exactly who to impersonate and who to manipulate (often someone with access to money or sensitive files).

From there, it’s phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC) 101.

How These Attacks Typically Play Out

Your OOO message hits a malicious inbox.
A hacker spoofs your identity — or your listed backup.
An “urgent request” is sent to someone in your office:
- A wire transfer to a vendor
- Login credentials for a system
- Sensitive client documents
The team member, moving fast and trusting the name they recognize, follows through.
You return from vacation to a fraud incident and financial loss.

Who’s Most at Risk?

If your organization includes frequent travelers — especially executives, sales teams, or remote staff — and someone else is managing their communications (like an admin or assistant), the risk doubles.

Admins are often:

Fielding requests from multiple contacts
Authorized to send payments or access files
Trusting senders they think they recognize

One realistic-looking spoofed email can be all it takes.

How To Protect Your Business from OOO Exploits

The solution isn’t ditching auto-replies — it’s using them more strategically and reinforcing your security posture. Here’s how:

✅ 1. Keep OOO Messages Vague

Don’t list backup contacts unless absolutely necessary. Keep location or itinerary details out of the message.
Better:

“I’m currently unavailable. I’ll respond as soon as I return. For urgent matters, please contact our main office.”

✅ 2. Train Your Team to Verify Everything

Never fulfill urgent requests involving money or credentials over email alone.
Always confirm requests through a second channel — phone, text, or in person.
Assume urgency = red flag.

✅ 3. Enable Email Security Protections

Use anti-spoofing tools (like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC).
Implement advanced spam filters and BEC threat detection.
Segment email access and use role-based permissions.

✅ 4. Turn On MFA Across the Board

Multifactor authentication makes it much harder for attackers to access inboxes, even with stolen passwords.

✅ 5. Work with a Proactive IT & Cybersecurity Partner

A co-managed IT partner should be actively monitoring for:

Suspicious login attempts
Unusual email behavior
Phishing campaigns
Credential compromise alerts

If your current provider isn’t flagging threats while your team is offline, they’re not doing enough.

Want to Vacation Without the Cyber Risk?

Your OOO message shouldn’t become an open door for hackers. Our team helps businesses build layered security systems that work — even when your team is away.

Book a FREE Security Assessment Today
We’ll assess your email configurations, review vulnerabilities, and show you how to keep things locked down while you’re off the grid.

📩Schedule a call

Because your vacation should start with a plane ticket — not a phishing attack.

7 Critical Questions Internal IT Teams Should Be Asking Their Co-Managed IT Provider Every Quarter (But Probably Aren’t)

Posted on June 11, 2025 by John Neibel

If your only touchpoint with your co-managed IT provider is when something breaks — or once a year at contract renewal — it’s time to rethink the relationship.

Technology doesn’t sit still, and neither do the cyber threats targeting your business. That’s why quarterly check-ins with your co-managed partner aren’t optional. They’re essential.

But here’s the problem:
Most internal IT teams don’t know what to ask. Or worse — they don’t realize what their co-managed provider should be proactively bringing to the table.

That’s why we’ve built this cheat sheet. These 7 questions should be part of every quarterly conversation — to ensure your internal IT efforts are backed by a partner who’s not just filling gaps, but actively driving business continuity and security.

1. What Vulnerabilities Have You Identified in Our Environment?

Your co-managed provider should always have a pulse on your infrastructure. Ask them:

Are there systems that still need patching?
Is antivirus or EDR up-to-date across all endpoints?
Have there been any red flags or near misses in the last 90 days?

You don’t want to discover a vulnerability after it’s been exploited. A proactive partner brings this to the table before you even ask.

2. Have Our Backups Been Tested Recently — And Are We Backing Up the Right Data?

You might have local backups. You might have cloud. But if your co-managed provider hasn’t tested recovery in the last quarter, that’s a problem.

Make sure they’re answering:

When was our last full restore test?
Are we covering mission-critical systems and cloud data?
Are backups stored securely off-site?
What’s our RTO/RPO — and has that changed?

Your backups are only as good as your ability to restore them — fast.

3. Are End-Users Following Security Best Practices?

Even the best internal security stack can be undone by human error.

You should be reviewing:

Unusual login attempts or shadow IT behaviors
Whether MFA is enforced company-wide
Whether end-user phishing training is current and effective
Who clicked what — and how quickly it was caught

A good co-managed IT partner helps coach your team and close the human loopholes.

4. How Is Our Network and System Performance Trending?

Your internal team already fields enough tickets. Let your co-managed partner help solve the root causes:

Are recurring slowness or outages being logged?
Are we hitting capacity on any hardware or SaaS licenses?
Is there an optimization opportunity we’ve overlooked?

Better performance = fewer tickets and a more productive team.

5. Are We Still Compliant With Industry Regulations and Cyber Insurance Requirements?

Your compliance burden doesn’t disappear just because you share IT responsibilities.

Ask your partner:

Are we up to date on HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, or state-level laws?
Have policies or frameworks changed since last quarter?
Are we aligned with evolving cyber liability insurance requirements?

A strong co-managed partner helps keep you audit-ready and legally covered.

6. What IT Investments or Upgrades Should We Be Planning For?

You don’t need surprises. You need foresight.

Get insight into:

Licensing renewals or software nearing end-of-life
Hardware replacement timelines
Security tools worth budgeting for
Any project recommendations for Q2/Q3

If your partner isn’t helping you plan ahead, they’re not helping you grow.

7. What Cybersecurity or Tech Trends Should Be On Our Radar?

The right co-managed IT partner isn’t just filling support tickets — they’re thinking like a CIO.

Ask:

Are we falling behind on any emerging threats or standards?
Are there automation, cloud, or AI tools we should consider?
What are similar companies doing that we’re not?
Where could we be more secure — or more efficient?

It’s their job to keep your internal team competitive, not just reactive.

If You’re Not Having These Conversations, That’s a Red Flag 🚩

If your co-managed IT provider can’t clearly and confidently answer these questions — or worse, if they never bring them up — it’s time to reevaluate the partnership.

Co-managed IT isn’t just a help desk extension. It’s a strategic alliance. You need a partner who helps you stay ahead of threats, avoid outages, reduce internal workload, and scale smart.

✅ Want a 2nd Opinion?

We offer FREE Security Assessments designed specifically for co-managed IT environments. Whether you want to benchmark your current provider or validate your internal practices, we’ll show you exactly where you’re solid — and where you’re exposed.

🔍 Click here to book your free assessment today.

Let’s get your next quarter off to a smarter, safer, and more strategic start.

Out of Office, Out of Luck: How Reactive IT Can Wreck Your Summer (and Your Business)

Posted on June 4, 2025 by John Neibel

It’s a sunny June morning. Half your team is on vacation. The other half is juggling coffee shop Wi-Fi and spotty hotel connections.

And then it happens:

Your system crashes.
The printer won’t print.
Shared files vanish into the void.
A phishing email just slipped past your filters.

You call your IT person… but they’re out of office, too.

Now what?

Your business stalls. Your team scrambles. And your vacation just got hijacked.

Sounds dramatic? Maybe.
But unrealistic? Not at all.

Summer is Great for Vacations — Terrible for Reactive IT Support

Most business owners underestimate how much tech quietly holds everything together… until it all breaks. And when your only IT resource is on PTO, you’re stuck.

That’s the fatal flaw of reactive IT support:
It works fine — until it doesn’t.

The “Just call Bob if something goes wrong” approach might get you by during slower seasons, but summer? That’s when it all hits at once:

Servers still overheat.
Hardware still fails.
Hackers don’t take vacations.

And when no one’s available to respond, downtime and damage pile up — fast.

Reactive IT = Playing Catch-Up While Firefighting

If your IT plan is built around fixing things after they break, you’re signing up for:

Costly downtime while you wait for help
Security breaches slipping through unnoticed
Minor glitches turning into major repairs
Zero support when your “go-to” person is MIA

It’s not just inconvenient. It’s a liability — especially in June, when vacation calendars are packed and remote work is the norm.

Proactive IT = Peace of Mind, Even from a Beach Chair

A proactive IT partner doesn’t wait for disasters — they prevent them.

They monitor your systems around the clock, apply updates before vulnerabilities are exposed, and ensure your business keeps running… whether your team is on-site or on a surfboard.

Here’s what you get with a proactive approach:

24/7 monitoring and maintenance
Security updates before you’re vulnerable
Regular backups and tested recovery plans
A team of experts (not just one person)
Predictable costs with fewer tech surprises

No more scrambling. No more waiting. No more “out of office = out of luck.”

The Real Cost of Waiting Until It Breaks

Downtime can cost small businesses hundreds to thousands of dollars per minute. And if it’s a cyberattack? You could be looking at permanent reputational damage on top of financial loss.

Reactive IT doesn’t just cost money — it creates chaos.

Don’t Let Tech Trouble Crash Your Summer

This summer, protect your business and your PTO.

Let us assess your current setup and show you how a proactive IT strategy keeps your operations running smoothly — no matter where your team is.

🔍 Book Your FREE Network Assessment Here
We’ll identify your vulnerabilities and map out a plan to keep your systems secure, stable, and stress-free.

🕵️‍♂️ Shadow IT: The Hidden Security Threat Inside Your Business

Posted on May 22, 2025 by John Neibel

Posted May 21, 2025 by John Neibel

Your team might be using apps and tools that your IT department doesn’t even know about. It’s not sabotage. It’s Shadow IT — and it’s quickly becoming one of the biggest cybersecurity risks for businesses today.

🚨 What Is Shadow IT?

Shadow IT refers to any technology—apps, cloud services, software—that employees use without approval or oversight from your IT department.

It often looks like this:

Employees saving documents in personal Google Drive or Dropbox accounts.
Teams using unapproved tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to collaborate.
Staff installing unauthorized messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram on company devices.
Marketing departments experimenting with AI tools and automations without verifying their security.

They’re trying to get work done faster. But without knowing it, they’re opening the door to massive security vulnerabilities.

🔓 Why Shadow IT Is So Dangerous

When your IT team can’t see it, they can’t protect it. And that’s when trouble begins.

Here’s what Shadow IT can cause:

Unsecured data sharing – Sensitive information could be exposed in personal cloud apps.
Unpatched vulnerabilities – Unauthorized software may miss critical security updates.
Compliance violations – Tools outside your approved tech stack could trigger HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI penalties.
Malware exposure – Fake productivity apps can carry ransomware, spyware, or ad fraud.
Credential theft – Apps without MFA make it easier for attackers to hijack employee accounts.

🧪 Real-World Example: The Vapor App Scam

In March, over 300 malicious apps were found on the Google Play Store, disguised as health and utility tools. They’d been downloaded over 60 million times — bombarding users with invasive ads, stealing credentials, and even rendering phones unusable.

These apps weren’t on company-approved lists — yet they ended up on devices anyway.

This is the real-world risk of Shadow IT: employees install seemingly helpful tools that turn out to be Trojan horses.

🙋‍♀️ Why Do Employees Use Shadow IT?

Usually, they’re not trying to break the rules. They’re just trying to:

Be more productive
Avoid clunky, outdated company software
Save time while waiting for IT approval
Or… they simply don’t realize it’s risky

Unfortunately, good intentions don’t stop bad consequences.

✅ How to Take Control of Shadow IT

Stopping Shadow IT requires more than policies — it takes visibility and education. Here’s how to start:

1. Publish an Approved Software List
Maintain a regularly updated list of secure, IT-approved apps employees can use confidently.

2. Restrict Unauthorized Installs
Use endpoint policies and permissions to prevent unsanctioned apps from being installed on company devices.

3. Train Your Team
Help employees understand that Shadow IT isn’t just “bending the rules” — it’s a security liability.

4. Monitor for Unauthorized Tools
Use network monitoring or EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) to flag and block unapproved software in real time.

5. Strengthen Endpoint Security
Deploy advanced security solutions that detect risky behavior, malicious downloads, or unauthorized access attempts.

🛡 Don’t Let Rogue Apps Become a Business Crisis

Shadow IT is silent, sneaky — and often completely invisible to leadership until a breach happens.

Let’s fix that.

Start with a FREE Network Security Assessment.
We’ll help you identify unauthorized tools in use, uncover hidden risks, and lock down your network before a small oversight becomes a major incident.

👉 Click here to book your free assessment today

🖨️ Is Your Office Printer a Cybersecurity Time Bomb?

Posted on May 15, 2025 by John Neibel

Posted May 14, 2025 by John Neibel

If you were asked to list the biggest cybersecurity risks in your office, you might say phishing emails, ransomware, or weak passwords.

But would you think of your printer?

Most wouldn’t — and that’s exactly why it’s such an easy target.

Printers often sit quietly in the corner, unnoticed. But behind that hum and stack of paper is a powerful device that processes some of your company’s most sensitive information — and it’s often wide open to attack.

🚨 Printers Are Prime Targets for Hackers

In one real-world test, Cybernews attempted to hack 50,000 printers. The result? They gained control of 56% of them — over 28,000 machines. Why? Because most organizations overlook printer security entirely.

Let’s break down why that’s a problem.

🔍 Why Hackers Love Office Printers

1. Printers Store Sensitive Documents
Payroll reports, HR files, legal contracts — many printers have built-in memory or hard drives that store copies of everything you print, scan, or copy. If compromised, those files are exposed.

2. Default Passwords Are Still Common
“admin/admin” or “123456” — sound familiar? Many businesses never change the factory settings, making it laughably easy for hackers to gain control.

3. They’re a Gateway Into Your Network
Your printer connects to your Wi-Fi and internal systems. If breached, it can serve as an open door to install malware or move laterally across your network.

4. Print Jobs Can Be Intercepted
If your documents aren’t encrypted, hackers can intercept them before they hit the printer. That contract you thought was secure? Not so much.

5. They Can Be Used to Spy
Modern printers can scan to email, store digital files, and access cloud storage. A hacker with control could steal every scanned document or email sent through the device.

6. Outdated Firmware Is a Huge Risk
Like any other tech, printers need updates to patch vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, most businesses never update printer firmware.

7. Discarded Printers Can Leak Data
When you toss out an old printer without wiping its memory, you might as well hand over your company’s confidential files to a cybercriminal.

✅ How to Lock Down Your Printers – Starting Today

Change the Default Password
Use a strong, unique password just like you would for a server or admin account.
Update the Firmware
Regularly check for manufacturer updates or ask your IT provider to manage it.
Enable Secure Print / Encryption
Activate Secure Print and encryption to prevent interception of sensitive files.
Restrict Access
Use PINs or user authentication for sensitive print jobs. Limit who can access specific printers.
Wipe Stored Data
Manually clear memory where possible, and destroy or sanitize hard drives when disposing of old printers.
Put Your Printer Behind a Firewall
Treat it like any other endpoint — and secure it accordingly.
Monitor Printer Logs
Track usage and flag suspicious activity like after-hours printing or remote access attempts.

🧠 Still Think It’s “Just a Printer”?

Printers are no longer just basic office tools. They’re network-connected computers with storage, internet access, and security vulnerabilities.

And if you’re protecting your servers but ignoring your printers, you’re leaving a gaping hole in your defense plan — one hackers are more than happy to exploit.

🛡️ Don’t Let a Printer Be Your Weakest Link

If you’re unsure whether your printers are secure, we can help.

Schedule your FREE Network Security Assessment today — we’ll review your entire network, including printers, and identify hidden vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do.

👉 Click here to book now

✈️ The Fake Vacation Email That Could Empty Your Bank Account (Or Infiltrate Your Business)

Posted on May 8, 2025 by John Neibel

Summer travel is heating up — and so are cyber scams.

Posted May 7, 2025 by John Neibel

Cybercriminals are preying on eager travelers by sending fake booking confirmations that look incredibly real. These phishing emails impersonate airlines, hotels, or travel agencies and are designed to do one thing: steal your money, your data — or both.

Even smart, security-conscious users are getting fooled.

🎣 How the Scam Works

Step 1: The Fake Email Lands in Your Inbox
It might look like it’s from Delta, Marriott, Expedia, or Hertz. It may include:

Legit-looking logos and branding
A fake but familiar “customer service” number
A subject line meant to trigger urgency, like:
- “Flight Itinerary Updated – Action Required”
- “Your Hotel Booking Needs Confirmation”
- “Your Trip to Miami Is Confirmed – View Itinerary”

Step 2: You Click the Link
The email asks you to log in, confirm details, or update payment info. The link sends you to a fake website that mimics the real thing — and captures whatever info you enter.

Step 3: Your Info (or Device) Gets Compromised
From there, hackers can:

Steal your travel account credentials
Process unauthorized credit card charges
Infect your device with malware
Gain access to sensitive files or accounts

🧠 Why This Scam Works So Well

It looks authentic. The logos, formatting, and sender info are often spot-on.
It creates urgency. People panic over flight changes and booking errors.
It catches people off guard. Travelers are often busy, distracted, or excited — perfect conditions for careless clicks.

🏢 A Personal Threat — And A Business Risk

If your team books travel for conferences, sales meetings, or client visits, this scam isn’t just a personal threat — it’s a company-wide vulnerability.

A single click from your office manager, travel coordinator, or executive could:

Compromise corporate travel accounts
Expose your business credit cards to fraud
Introduce malware into your company network

✅ How to Protect Yourself and Your Company

Go direct. Don’t click links — log in directly at the airline, hotel, or travel site.
Check the sender’s address. Look out for subtle fakes (like @deltacom.com instead of @delta.com).
Train your team. Educate anyone who books or manages travel on how to spot these scams.
Use MFA. Multifactor authentication adds a layer of protection even if credentials are compromised.
Lock down email security. Deploy tools that filter phishing emails and block malicious links.

🚨 Don’t Let a Fake Email Become a Real Crisis

Cybercriminals are counting on you to be too busy — or too trusting — to spot their trap. Don’t give them that chance.

If your business handles team travel, expense management, or uses shared email accounts, you’re a prime target.

Let’s make sure you’re covered.

📅 Schedule your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today.
We’ll scan for vulnerabilities, check your defenses, and help protect your team from costly scams like this one.

👉 Click here to book your assessment now

The Most Common — And Costly — IT and Cybersecurity Mistakes Business Owners Make

Posted on May 1, 2025 by John Neibel

Posted May 1, 2025 by John Neibel

“What’s the biggest mistake business owners make with IT and cybersecurity?”

I get that question a lot. And honestly, there’s no shortage of answers.

After years of working with companies across industries, one thing is clear: too many business owners treat IT and cybersecurity like an afterthought — until it’s too late.

Here are the most common missteps I see time and time again — and how to avoid them.

1. Being Reactive Instead of Proactive

Most business owners only take cybersecurity seriously after something breaks, gets stolen, or goes offline. By then, the damage is done — and recovery costs soar. Taking a proactive approach isn’t just smarter — it’s cheaper. Prevention always costs less than remediation.

2. Relying on Free or Consumer-Grade Tools

Sure, free antivirus software and off-the-shelf routers might seem like budget-friendly choices. But they weren’t built to protect a business. One ransomware attack or data breach and those “savings” will vanish — fast. Think of it this way: if you wouldn’t run your business using a free spreadsheet app, why would you trust your entire network and client data to free or outdated tech?

3. Underestimating the True Cost of Downtime

It’s easy to say, “We’ll be fine if we’re down for a few hours.” But what happens when your systems are offline for a full workday or more? Employees can’t work. Customers can’t buy. Revenue stops. And reputations suffer. A smart IT strategy keeps your business running even when disaster strikes.

4. Failing to Plan for What’s Next

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. What worked last year may not protect you today. Many businesses fall behind because they never reassess their IT systems or update their defenses. Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time task — it’s an ongoing responsibility.

So What Should You Do?

Here’s the bottom line:

✅ Stop taking shortcuts. Cheap fixes now cost more later.
✅ Think long-term. Cybersecurity is a commitment, not a checkbox.
✅ Work with experts. The right partner can help you stay secure, efficient, and ahead of emerging threats.

If your IT and cybersecurity strategy needs a second opinion — or a total upgrade — we’re here to help.

📅 Book your FREE 10-minute Security Assessment today and let’s make sure your business isn’t one click away from a crisis.

👉 Schedule Now

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🔹 SHORTENED LINKEDIN VERSION 🔹

Title: The 4 Biggest IT & Cybersecurity Mistakes Business Owners Still Make

💻 Still treating IT and cybersecurity like an afterthought? You’re not alone — but that mistake could cost you everything.

Here are the 4 most common issues we see: 1️⃣ Waiting until something breaks to act
2️⃣ Relying on free tools that weren’t built for business
3️⃣ Underestimating the real cost of downtime
4️⃣ “Setting and forgetting” security instead of updating it

IT isn’t just about tech. It’s about keeping your business alive and thriving.

✅ Be proactive
✅ Use business-grade tools
✅ Review and adapt your defenses
✅ Partner with experts

Ready for peace of mind?
📅 Book your free 10-minute Security Assessment now → https://go.scheduleyou.in/NvSNiTs?cid=is:~Contact.Id~

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