How To Defend Yourself Against Phishing Attacks

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Phishing attacks are evolving—and getting more precise. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting individuals with well-crafted messages designed to trick you into revealing sensitive credentials or even approving fake multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompts. Their goal? To infiltrate your company’s email, gain access to financial details like invoices, or extract private information.

With robust cybersecurity tools in place, you might feel secure—and that’s wise. Yet, without your vigilance, even the best defenses can fall short. At the end of the day, you are the most powerful line of defense.

What to Watch For

Phishing attempts often play on urgency and authority. A message demanding immediate action—like approving a request or submitting a password—should raise red flags. Slow down and question it.

  • Avoid clicking on links to login. These links could lead to fake websites designed to steal your credentials. Instead, navigate directly to known sites or use bookmarks.
  • Only accept MFA prompts if you initiated a login. If you receive a push request you didn’t expect, deny it. A quick glance and moment of hesitation can stop a breach.
  • Use unique passwords everywhere. Recycled passwords make it easier for attackers to compromise multiple accounts. Rely on password managers such as KeePass or LastPass for strong, one-of-a-kind credentials.

How to Handle Suspicious Emails

If something feels off, treat it as a security event—not a nuisance:

  • Don’t forward it.
  • Don’t click on anything inside it.
  • Don’t open attachments.
  • Don’t reply.

Instead, raise the alert through your organization’s proper channels or inform your IT team. Early reporting can prevent a wider issue.

Why Proactive Security Matters

Attackers are relentless, and their tactics are growing more sophisticated. Remaining aware, following proven guidelines, and trusting your instincts are your strongest tactics against infiltration.

iVenture Solutions: Your Strategic Cyber Ally

At iVenture Solutions, we merge cutting-edge security practices with personalized service to strengthen your defenses—and educate your team. Our mission is not just to protect your network, but to keep you empowered, so phishing attempts become easy to spot and stop.

iVenture Solutions is a Florida based managed service provider offering nationwide coverage.  Gain peace of mind with iVenture Solutions, where your technology needs are secure and expertly managed. Our team delivers seamless IT solutions that keep your operations running smoothly and position your business for future success. Contact us today to discover how our customized services can help you achieve more and worry less.

Co-Managed IT vs. Managed IT: What’s the Difference?

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When it comes to IT support, businesses no longer have to choose between handling everything in-house or outsourcing all operations. Today’s organizations can opt for a solution that matches their needs, budget, and internal resources. Two popular options are Managed IT Services and Co-Managed IT—but what’s the difference, and which is right for your business?

At iVenture Solutions, we specialize in helping businesses make the most of their IT investments. Here’s a closer look at both models and how to determine which is the best fit.

What Is Managed IT?

Managed IT is a fully outsourced approach. Your business relies on a dedicated provider like iVenture to manage every aspect of your technology environment. From day-to-day support to long-term strategy, the IT partner becomes your full-service team.

This model is ideal for companies without internal IT staff or for those looking to eliminate the burden of hiring, training, and managing a technical team. Managed IT ensures your systems are secure, supported, and scalable—without the overhead of building your own department.

With managed services, you gain 24/7 support, proactive monitoring, cybersecurity protection, and access to expert guidance—all for a predictable monthly cost.

What Is Co-Managed IT?

Co-Managed IT is a collaborative model. Instead of replacing your internal IT team, it strengthens it. iVenture works side-by-side with your staff to support your infrastructure, handle overflow tasks, and provide expert-level guidance where it’s needed most.

This partnership allows your internal team to stay focused on strategic projects while we fill in the gaps—whether that means monitoring systems, managing cybersecurity, or providing advanced technical support.

Co-managed services are especially beneficial for businesses with a small IT staff that may be stretched thin or looking for help with specialized areas.

Which Is Right for You?

If your business doesn’t have internal IT resources or needs end-to-end support, Managed IT may be the better fit. It offers simplicity, consistency, and peace of mind knowing your entire environment is handled by experts.

If you already have an IT team but need to expand capabilities, reduce stress, or tackle complex challenges, Co-Managed IT can deliver the right blend of control and support. You keep your team in place while gaining access to the tools, talent, and technologies of a full-service provider.

Why iVenture?

At iVenture Solutions, we understand that no two businesses are the same. That’s why our IT services are designed to scale with your needs—whether you’re starting from scratch or supplementing a growing internal team.

We offer more than just technical support. We become your strategic partner, helping you make smarter decisions that align with your goals and fuel growth. Whether you choose managed or co-managed IT, our mission remains the same: to provide world-class service and eliminate IT headaches for good.

iVenture Solutions is a Florida based managed service provider offering nationwide coverage.  Gain peace of mind with iVenture Solutions, where your technology needs are secure and expertly managed. Our team delivers seamless IT solutions that keep your operations running smoothly and position your business for future success. Contact us today to discover how our customized services can help you achieve more and worry less.

What businesses need to know about cyber insurance in 2025

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Cyber insurance was once an optional add-on for business. It’s now becoming a requirement.

With cyber incidents rising dramatically and the potential for significant financial loss, cyber insurance acts as a critical safety net. It’s no longer a question of if you’ll be hacked, but when you’ll be hacked. What you have in place today could be the difference between staying in business or shutting down tomorrow.

We’ve seen first-hand how AI can drive efficiency and innovation. But we also recognize that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Businesses need to critically look at their operational needs before deciding how AI fits into their strategy.

The biggest misconceptions about cyber insurance

Many businesses assume they are covered under their existing insurance policies, but cyber liability is often a separate item. They also assume that working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) means automatic coverage. It doesn’t. Each business needs its own policy.

Additionally, businesses often rush through cyber insurance forms, checking boxes without fully understanding the requirements. If you can’t prove you have the necessary technologies and processes in place, your claim may be denied. This is why reviewing your policy with an expert is essential.

How the cyber insurance market has evolved

In 2025, the total economic impact of cybercrime in the US is estimated to be $350 billion, according to industry projections. Reported losses alone are climbing to nearly $15 billion.

Since 2021, the number of businesses affected by cybercrime has risen by nearly 70%. This is caused by increasingly sophisticated attacks such as phishing. These scams have surged and are fuelled by AI which helps craft highly customized and convincing emails.

Obviously, this escalation has also led to a surge in cyber insurance claims, prompting insurers to enforce stricter requirements such as multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection, and regular training. Premiums are rising, coverage limits are tightening, and exclusions are growing, making it critical for businesses to stay proactive and informed in order to secure affordable protection.

Most common cyber insurance claims

The most common claims businesses are submitting for cyber insurance include:

  • Ransomware attacks: Demands for ransom payments after systems are encrypted.
  • Business email compromise (BEC): Fraudulent email schemes leading to unauthorized fund transfers.
  • Data breaches: Exposure of sensitive customer or employee information.
  • Phishing attacks: Social engineering tactics to steal credentials and gain access.
  • Third-party vendor breaches: Security incidents involving external service providers. These common claims highlight the critical need for businesses to implement strong cybersecurity measures to reduce risk and secure favorable insurance terms.

What to consider when choosing a cyber insurance policy

When selecting a cyber insurance policy, businesses should consider key factors such as:

  • Coverage limits: Ensure the policy covers the potential financial impact of breaches, including legal fees, recovery costs, and reputational damage.
  • Exclusions: Understand what is not covered, such as certain types of attacks, outdated systems, or inadequate security measures.

Incident response requirements: Some policies require businesses to have an incident response plan in place, including specific tools and processes for managing breaches. Evaluating these elements helps businesses choose a policy that not only meets their needs but also aligns with their cybersecurity posture and risk tolerance.

Proactive steps to reduce cyber risk

Cyber insurers spend millions researching the best software and services to mitigate losses. Even if you don’t have cyber insurance yet, adopting these guidelines which are easily accessible online can protect your business and prepare you for future coverage. Listening to the experts ensures your defenses are aligned with industry best practices.

How iVenture can support your business 

We work with clients to create comprehensive IT roadmaps, including cybersecurity protections that meet insurance standards. We also help clients ensure their forms are accurate and advise on cost-effective ways to meet insurer requirements.

We have an in-house Security Operations Center that is led by our Chief Information Security Officer. They ensure we stay up to date with industry changes and help our clients do the same. With a dedicated team of cybersecurity professionals, we can confidently provide guidance, protect our clients, and remediate incidents when and if they occur.

Invest in cyber insurance today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

AI for business: turning complexity into opportunity

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It’s not one size fits all with AI tools. These AI use cases demonstrate how to successfully integrate AI into your business.

AI has transformed our entire world. It has reshaped industries, enhanced productivity, and expanded human capacity. But with its immense promise comes complexity and uncertainty. For many businesses, AI feels like the early days of cloud computing. While it was an exciting opportunity, it was also full of questions about implementation, application, and impact.

We’ve seen first-hand how AI can drive efficiency and innovation. But we also recognize that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Businesses need to critically look at their operational needs before deciding how AI fits into their strategy.

A Modern industrial revolution

Similarly to how the Industrial Revolution expanded our ability to mass produce, AI is enhancing our capacity to process, analyze, and act. And while its potential is immense, businesses shouldn’t view it as the ultimate solution to every problem. It’s a tool – one that’s most effective when used thoughtfully and strategically.

Before jumping into AI, businesses should first evaluate:

  • Their current operational challenges.
  • The processes that could benefit from automation or enhanced analysis.
  • Whether AI is the most suitable solution or if other tools would suffice.

Off-the-shelf 

Many business applications are already incorporating AI functionality – knowing it’s vital to staying ahead. Here are two examples from our own experience:

  1. Ticketing
    Our team uses an AI-powered tool to streamline client interactions and ticket management. It categorizes and prioritizes tickets in real-time based on urgency and impact – following ITIL standards. It also auto-generates time entries and allows us to quickly filter through ticket histories. This task previously consumed hours of manual effort. The result is more time and ability to use our expertise in order to solve our clients’ problems efficiently.
  2. Learning  and development
    AI has changed how we create training materials. By uploading various types of content such as videos, PDFs, or images, and inputting specific prompts, the software can transcribe, analyze, and generate simple or comprehensive training courses with flashcards, quizzes, and more. This capability has dramatically increased the volume and quality of the training we produce. It has saved us a lot of time and increased our capacity to develop employees.

Custom solutions 

While off-the-shelf tools can address common challenges, some businesses need a more tailored approach. Custom AI solutions are incredibly powerful but require a clear understanding of the specific problem that needs to be solved. Their success depends on precise task definition and collaboration with experts to build and refine the solution.

For example, we’ve collaborated with a custom AI developer to track our ticketing data. Here’s how it works:

Customer sentiment analysis: The AI evaluates our interactions with customers to gauge sentiment and identify behavior patterns.

Proactive relationship management with AI insights: By analyzing historical ticket data, our AI identifies early signs of potential relationship challenges with clients. These subtle indicators, often unnoticed in day-to-day interactions, serve as early alerts, enabling us to intervene proactively.

With these insights, we can address concerns before they escalate, ensuring that small issues don’t grow into significant problems. This approach strengthens client relationships, enhances trust, and fosters long-term loyalty, all while improving overall customer retention. By catching and resolving relationship challenges early, we create opportunities to not only retain clients but also deepen their confidence in our partnership.

Beyond big-names

When most people think of AI, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini usually come to mind. While these tools are impressive and reputable, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. The real game-changer is how everyday business applications are integrating AI capabilities and allowing companies to stay competitive.

At iVenture, we specialize in guiding businesses through the fog of AI. We help them navigate its complexities and uncover its potential. Whether you’re exploring automation, enhancing efficiency, or gathering customer insights, we’re here to help.

Let’s get started. 

Protecting your business from cyber threats is non-negotiable

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Cybersecurity should be as important to your business as it is to the United States government.

Since 2004, Congress recognized its significance so much so that it declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Now in its 21st year, the initiative brings together the public and private sectors to promote safer online practices, reduce cyber risks, and spark conversations about threats on a national and global level.

How it started and where it’s going

When cyber attacks first emerged, they were typically pranks. Hackers just did it out of curiosity and to boast about their technical skills rather than for malicious intent. As the internet grew and became integral to business operations, hackers started targeting systems for financial gain. The focus shifted toward more structured attacks aimed at stealing company data and disrupting its services.

Then came the rise of viruses and worms, which replicated themselves and spread rapidly across networks, causing significant damage. The programs highlighted the vulnerabilities of computer systems and paved the way for more sophisticated attacks that could result in significant financial rewards.

Today, cyber attacks have evolved into more sophisticated operations, with ransomware and phishing scams being the most dominant tactics. Ransomware can paralyze organizations and require large payments to restore access to encrypted data, while phishing scams use social engineering to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information.

Looking ahead, cybercriminals are likely to leverage emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning, to develop more targeted and convincing attacks. As attackers refine their techniques, the attacks will create even greater threats to organizations – making it essential to stay vigilant and adopt proactive cybersecurity measures.

There’s so much that your business can do to protect itself

Following the recent CrowdStrike outage (yes, the one that brought airports, banks, and several industries to a halt), our team shared tips on the kind of conditions that might make a business vulnerable to cyber threats. More importantly, we explored ways to address and prevent them.

The general rule of thumb when it comes to protecting your sensitive data is to adopt a multi-layered approach. This includes using advanced security platforms, educating users on cyber threats, enforcing strong authentication methods, and keeping systems and software up to date. Additionally, backing-up data in separate locations, monitoring for vulnerabilities, and controlling access to sensitive information also reduces risks and improves overall security.

Here’s an expanded 12-step process that your business can follow to stay secure:

  1. Adopt a next-generation security platform: Take advantage of solutions that integrate multiple security features and provide advanced protection. This allows real-time monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activity, automatic blocking of known threats, and rapid incident response.
  2. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA requires users to provide two or more verification methods, such as a password and a one-time code. For example, Microsoft 365 accounts benefit from MFA because even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access is prevented by requiring a second form of authentication.
  3. Regularly update software: Keeping systems updated is important to fix vulnerabilities. For instance, the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack exploited a flaw in outdated Windows systems. Companies that applied the patch avoided the attack.
  4. Train employees on cybersecurity: Phishing emails trick employees into clicking harmful links. Regular training, such as teaching staff to identify suspicious emails, helps prevent these attacks. A company might run simulated phishing campaigns to assess and improve employee readiness.
  5. Segment data backups: Back up sensitive data in separate locations, such as the cloud and offline storage. If ransomware locks a company’s files, a clean, segmented backup ensures quick recovery without paying a ransom. For example, financial institutions often maintain multiple backup versions to avoid disruption.
  6. Monitor network activity: Continuous monitoring using tools like intrusion detection systems helps flag unusual behavior, such as unauthorized access attempts. For example, a sudden spike in network traffic could signal an attack, prompting immediate action to mitigate the threat.
  7. Implement application whitelisting: Restrict application usage to only those that are approved. For example, a company could use software to create a whitelist of applications that employees can install and run. By doing this, if an employee tries to download and execute a potentially harmful program, the system will block it, preventing malware from infiltrating the network.
  8. Enhance email and web filtering: Utilize strong filters to block phishing attempts and malicious websites. A business can implement a solution that scans incoming emails for known phishing patterns and harmful attachments. If a suspicious email is detected, the system can quarantine it before it reaches the employee’s inbox. Similarly, by using web filtering tools to restrict access to harmful websites, organizations can prevent employees from inadvertently downloading malware or falling victim to phishing schemes.
  9. Manage firewall settings: Ensure firewalls are properly configured and maintained to protect against unauthorized access. A company can set specific rules that determine which traffic is allowed and which is blocked. Regularly reviewing and updating these rules can help address new vulnerabilities and ensure that only trusted IP addresses have access to sensitive data.
  10.  Conduct dark web monitoring: Regularly check the dark web for compromised credentials related to your organization. If compromised data is discovered, the organization can quickly enforce password resets and implement additional security measures to protect accounts. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
  11. Admin access management: Monitor and control administrative access to sensitive systems and data – ensuring only authorized personnel can make changes. By defining user roles and permissions, the system can automatically restrict administrative access to only those who need it. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized changes and helps prevent insider threats.
  12. Utilize disk encryption: Encrypt the data that’s stored on local devices and servers. This means that if a laptop is lost or stolen, the encrypted data remains inaccessible without the correct decryption key. Additionally, encrypting sensitive data on servers ensures that even if a cybercriminal gains access to it, they cannot read the information without the proper authorization.

With new cyber threats emerging by the minute, the need for airtight cybersecurity systems is no longer optional—it’s essential. With the right strategies and controls in place, you can safeguard your business and stay one step ahead of the threats.

Protect every layer of your network with our cybersecurity services 

Now is the time to proactively manage risks – before it’s too late. Our expert cybersecurity services provide strong multi-layered protection, from managed networks to threat detection and everything in between. By understanding your unique needs, we deliver tailored solutions to secure your IT infrastructure. Don’t wait for a breach – contact us now to start building a safer future.

Practical steps and expert insights to integrate AI into your business

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Thinking about AI? Let’s compare two popular tools and review when and how to integrate them into your business.

Businesses typically innovate to increase revenue, reduce costs and mitigate risks. With the rise of AI, companies now have an even greater opportunity to achieve these goals. Because not only can the tool swiftly enforce improved processes, it can help organizations reach unprecedented levels of accuracy, efficiency and ultimately success.

Let’s explore how to integrate AI into your operations and workflow, and the best applications for your needs. We’ll dive into a comparison between two popular AI applications – ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot; share insights on how to pick the right AI projects; and feature real-life examples of businesses that have successfully implemented AI and the outcomes achieved.

A comparison of ChatGPT and Copilot
Understanding the differences between ChatGPT and Copilot is the key to deciding on how to use each tool and for what purpose. Let’s explore some of their features:

Copilot by Microsoft ChatGPT by OPenAI
Platform Integrated directly into Microsoft applications like Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, Word. Standalone AI, not limited to specific software; customizable and integrable into various applications.
Capabilities Automates tasks, generates content, analyzes data, summarizes emails and meetings. Drafts emails, creates content, provides customer support, ability to drag and drop attachments for summaries.
Ease of use Integrated within tools businesses use daily; contextual and easy to use in Microsoft products. More versatile and interactive; easier to interact with and get information from. Better at summarizing and analyzing documents and extracts data more effectively.
Customization Limited customization within Microsoft apps. Highly customizable; can fine-tune for specific needs and use in multiple software environments.
Interaction Not as fluid in terms of conversation style as ChatGPT. Human-like interaction; can act as a persona for specific tasks.
Data privacy Data remains within Microsoft’s secure ecosystem. Free version data is viewable globally; customized version keeps data local to users.
Prompts Requires specific prompts to be effective. Requires highly specific prompts for accurate output.
Cost $20/user/month for license $25/user/month for the team version (for data privacy)

 

In terms of security, Microsoft Copilot is generally more secure by default because it operates entirely within Microsoft’s infrastructure, thus benefiting from its strong security and compliance standards. ChatGPT can be secure in customized versions and offer better control over data privacy, but the free version includes more risk since the data can be accessed globally by anyone.

Overall, from a user standpoint, Copilot is easier to use because it is built directly into familiar tools like Word, Excel, and Teams that businesses already use- they don’t need to switch platforms or learn a new interface. ChatGPT, on the other hand, is easier for general-purpose tasks. It’s conversational, and offers natural, human-like interactions and a broader range of applications.

Deciding how and when to use each tool
Clearly think about where your business should spend its time and money in terms of AI. For example, businesses should use Microsoft Copilot for automating tasks and enhancing productivity within the familiar Microsoft Office suite, where it offers strong data privacy and seamless integration. It’s ideal for companies that prioritize workflow efficiency and security in tools they are already familiar with like Word, Excel, and Teams. ChatGPT is better for versatile tasks like customer service, content creation, and personalized communication, because it offers more flexibility and customization.

Establishing a clear AI policy is essential to ensure proper use, data security, and maximum benefit from both tools.

How to pick the right AI projects and when does it make sense for your business?
Businesses should prioritize projects based on impact versus effort. Select ones with high potential ROI and low implementation difficulty – such as off-the-shelf solutions that already exist. For complex, high-impact needs, consider custom AI development to tailor solutions for specific workflows.

Consider the following questions when deciding on whether AI can be integrated into your business:
1) Does the problem you’re trying to solve have a clear-cut answer that can be easily answered by AI?
2) Is the task time-consuming i.e. does something need to be summarized, automated, or analyzed?
3) Does the task include complex patterns that AI can analyze quickly?
4) Is the task repetitive?
5) Do you have enough data to automate this task?
6) Is there an off-the-shelf solution or should we consider a customizable one?
7) Who would the stakeholders be?
8) Are there obstacles to implementing AI?
9) What’s the potential ROI?

All in all, think about how much time you’re spending on a certain task and how much human expertise it takes. If it’s easy to train a person on the task, it will be just as easy to train a computer and will result in high ROI.

Case study on how an off-the-shelf AI solution helped:
The problem: Employees at a health center had to manually transcribe hundreds of thousands of patient phone calls every month.
Goal: Go from a 5% automation rate to a 30% automation rate without losing any content.
Results: Delivering 60% automation. Faster and more accurate than a human. Freed up 4-5 people from manual work.

Case study on how a customized AI solution helped:
The problem: A document processing software company needed to correctly process, and route submitted claims.
The goal: Automate 90% of forms with only 5% error.
Result: Automated and correctly routed 96% of forms without human intervention.

As you consider integrating AI into your business, remember that the right tools can be the difference between staying competitive and falling behind. Start by identifying processes where AI can help automate tasks, improve efficiency, or enhance the customer experience, and evaluate the expected business impact against the resources required. Of course, effective AI governance is crucial as is ensuring alignment between AI initiatives and business goals.

Now is the time to explore how AI can transform your business. We too recognize its power and have seen the benefits firsthand. We can help you choose the right solution, guide you through the integration process, and ensure your organization achieves the best results. Contact us for a thorough assessment.

A streamlined IT experience with our new customer portal

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Less hassle, better info, faster help—welcome to our new customer portal.

Our operations team and developers have been hard at work building out our new customer portal with one main goal in mind: giving you back valuable time by reducing the back-and-forth communication typically associated with IT management.

They delivered, and here’s how the new customer portal enhances your experience:

Real-time ticket status updates: Keep track of all your support tickets in one centralized location. See status updates, last actions taken, next steps, and provide immediate feedback, all in real-time. This transparency ensures you’re always informed and in control.

Simplify user provisioning: Avoid the usual delays with new user setups. Our built-in request forms gather the right information from the start, ensuring we get your setup right the first time. This means your team can get up and running faster, with fewer interruptions.

Easily request new equipment: New computers and accessories in just a few clicks, streamlining the procurement process and keeping your team equipped with what they need, when they need it.

View your full IT inventory: Access a comprehensive view of all your IT assets, from PCs and servers to network gear. Everything in our system is now visible to you, making IT management more transparent and straightforward. You’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips, making decisions quicker and easier.

Seamless integration with Microsoft 365: No need for yet another login. The new portal integrates directly with your Microsoft 365 account, carrying over all your existing security protocols. Just let us know, and we’ll activate it for you—quickly and at no cost. This integration ensures a smooth transition, with no extra steps for you or your team.

Full transparency with an intuitive dashboard: With a highly visual and color-coded dashboard, all your information, reports, and expenses are in a dashboard view. See the big picture at a glance, so you can focus on what matters most. This intuitive interface is designed to make your job easier, providing clarity and insight without the clutter.

More visibility in one place: A big part of a successful customer portal starts with having the right information. We’re meticulous about documentation—every incident is tracked as a ticket, updates are made in real-time, and we regularly scan and collect IT data across your network. The new portal brings all of this information to your fingertips in one place, making it easily accessible and actionable, so you’re never in the dark about your IT environment.

Free training resources: We’ve included free video training on common applications like Office products and Teams. Plus, we’re rolling out low-cost premium training options later this year to further empower your team. These resources are designed to help you get the most out of your IT tools, with minimal effort on your part.

Tailored onboarding experience: We recognize that every organization is unique, which is why our onboarding process is personalized to fit your specific needs. Whether it’s setting up user accounts, integrating existing IT assets, or providing training to your team, we’re here to ensure you get the most out of the customer portal from day one.

Client successes: Many of our clients have already seen significant improvements in their IT operations since adopting the new customer portal. For example, one client was able to reduce duplicative ticket inquiries entirely, while another streamlined their equipment ordering process for new employees, saving hours each week in their HR onboarding process. These successes highlight the portal’s ability to adapt to different business needs and deliver tangible results.

Future enhancements: We’re committed to continuously improving the customer portal, with new features and enhancements planned based on your feedback. This means you can look forward to even more ways to optimize your IT operations and keep your business running smoothly.

Performance analytics: The customer portal also offers powerful analytics tools that help you track the performance of your IT operations. From monitoring ticket resolution times to managing the lifecycle of your IT assets, these insights enable you to make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement.

Security and compliance: Your security is our top priority. With seamless integration into your Microsoft 365 environment, the portal inherits all your existing security protocols, helping you maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations. This means you can manage your IT with confidence, knowing that your data is protected.

Having the right information in a frictionless manner is crucial for successful IT management. Our new customer portal simplifies access, management, and control of your IT environment, enabling you to work more efficiently and effectively. It’s all about making your experience as smooth and seamless as possible, so you can focus on what truly matters.

If you’re not already using our new customer portal, reach out to your account manager today. We’ll be happy to activate your account and give you a personalized walk-through to help you get started.

Understanding the recent technology outage: key insights and recommendations

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Last week the world experienced an unprecedented technology outage, and its impact is still affecting businesses, small and large. Many people were left stranded in airports, unable to access their finances, or without needed healthcare and medications. For all affected businesses, productivity came to a halt.

In the wake of this outage, our team has provided guidance and advice to our clients including insight into what conditions might make a business vulnerable and how to address them. We’ve summarized the key takeaways and provided a list of recommendations below to help you understand the risks and navigate them effectively.

What caused the outage?

The outage was triggered by an automatic update released by a software product called CrowdStrike, a popular security platform used by many companies globally. The automatic update interfered with Microsoft Windows operations, causing the notorious “Blue Screen of Death.” The fix required manual intervention to roll back the update and reboot the computers.

Are you at risk of a similar outage?

If you use a security product like Heimdal®, SentinelOne, Sophos, or Cyclone, you were not impacted by the recent outage. However, a similar outage could affect your system. It’s important to understand the precautions taken by the security solution you use and whether it has built additional risk mitigation into its architecture and controls. If you’re unsure about your exposure to a similar outage, our team is here to help.

Should you hold off on installing or updating your security products?

No, we don’t recommend delaying the implementation of best-practice security products. The risk of a security incident without the recommended suite of security products and services is far greater than the risk of a system crash like the one we just witnessed. In fact, many cyber experts fear that hackers will capitalize on this event as companies may opt to lessen security measures. We strongly advise against this course of action.

What else can you do to make your business more resilient?

Maintaining a strong, proactive approach to managing your security is key and must include rigorous testing. But beyond testing, your critical response processes should be reviewed to enhance your team’s ability to reduce downtime and mitigate risks.

Key takeaways

In short, don’t underestimate the effectiveness of a managed update process. But more importantly, refine and test business continuity plans, both from a technical and operational standpoint.

If you are a business that was impacted by the CrowdStrike outage, we empathize with your situation. While deeply unfortunate, businesses affected by the outage can learn from it. Use this opportunity to assess and refine your critical response plans to help prepare for the unexpected.

These assessments should be part of every business’s ongoing IT management program. If you would like to evaluate your security products and protocols or test your critical response plans, our expert team is ready to assist.

GET STARTED

CYBER INSURANCE READINESS AND RISK MITIGATION CHECKLIST

Follow these guidelines to manage your exposure to a security incident or widespread outage.

  • A next-generation security platform.
  • Automated user awareness training: Most security incidents can be mitigated through strong user training with tracking.
  • Application whitelisting: Block all applications except what is allowed.
  • Multi-factor authentication: The password alone isn’t enough anymore.
  • Segmented backups: Keep a separate backup of server and cloud data in a different location or with a different service provider.
  • Updating systems: Despite recent events, keeping systems up to date remains one of the most effective ways to stay safe.
  • Strong email filtering: Phishing emails are a favorite tool of cyber attackers.
  • Web filtering: Block access to known malicious websites.
  • Firewall management: Ensure systems are updated and configured securely.
  • Dark web monitoring: Monitor the dark web to ensure passwords for key executives are not published.
  • Administrative access management: Monitor key administrative level groups to ensure only authorized users are included.
  • Disk encryption: Ensure data stored on local PCs, servers, or cloud services is encrypted.

Gray Mabry on the Status Go Podcast

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Catch the latest “Status Go” episode with Jeff Ton and guest Gray Mabry, CEO of Venture Solutions, as they discuss revolutionizing tech leadership, tackling talent shortages, and maximizing cloud integration for strategic advantage.

Click here to listen to the full episode.