cmitsolutions.com

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# CMIT Solutions

Premier IT Solution and Cybersecurity Company

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://cmitsolutions.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/) - Read our blog to gain a wealth of information about the IT support industry and how CMIT Solutions is leading the way.
- [Hurricane season is here—are you ready?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/hurricane-season-is-here-are-you-ready/) - Prepare now before disaster strikes. The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1. Luckily, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a near-normal season, which runs through November 1. And so far, conditions have been unfavorable for storm formation. Meanwhile, climate-related news coverage over the last two weeks has focused on smoke
- [How to Prevent Cyber Attacks For Your Business in 14 Ways](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-prevent-cyber-attacks/) - To prevent cyber attacks for your business, consider a combination of partnering with a trusted cybersecurity provider, enforcing strong password policies & MFA
- [What is PKI in Cyber Security? Public Key Infrastructure Guide](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-pki-in-cyber-security/) - Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is the framework that creates, manages, and validates digital certificates to secure online communications.
- [What is Cyber Security: Ultimate Guide For Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-cyber-security/) - Cyber security is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks designed to access, change, or destroy sensitive information.
- [What is Pretexting in Cyber Security? Definition, Examples & Attacks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-pretexting-in-cyber-security/) - Pretexting is a social engineering attack where cybercriminals fabricate believable scenarios to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information
- [Small Businesses are Gearing up for Growth](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/small-businesses-are-gearing-up-for-growth/) - With the economy improving, firms get set to hire talent and invest in information technology. Evan Stein may be one of the best divining rods out there if you are searching for insight about the likely path of the small business economy in 2014. Mr. Stein, the owner of an IT sales-and-service franchise, CMIT Solutions
- [Managed IT Services vs Break Fix: Which is Right For Your Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/managed-it-services-vs-break-fix/) - Managed IT services offer proactive support, while break-fix provides on-demand solutions. Find out which IT approach best fits your business.
- [What is MFA in Cyber Security? Multi-Factor Authentication Explained](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-mfa-in-cyber-security/) - Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security method requiring users to provide two or more verification factors
- [What is CSAM in Cyber Security? A Guide For Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-csam-in-cyber-security/) - Learn what CSAM means in cyber security and how asset management helps businesses protect data, ensure compliance, and prevent costly breaches.
- [What is Phishing? Emails, Examples & Protection Explained](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-phishing/) - Phishing is a cybercrime where attackers impersonate trusted sources like banks, colleagues, or popular services to steal sensitive information.
- [What is Smishing and Phishing? Definitions, Differences & Examples](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-smishing-and-phishing/) - Phishing is a cyber attack that uses fraudulent emails to trick employees into revealing sensitive information, while smishing uses deceptive text messages to achieve the same goal.
- [What is a Brute Force Attack in Cyber Security?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-a-brute-force-attack-in-cyber-security/) - A brute force attack is a cybersecurity threat where hackers use automated tools to systematically guess passwords and usernames.
- [Vishing vs Phishing: Definitions, Differences & Examples](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/vishing-vs-phishing/) - The main difference between vishing and phishing is that vishing uses voice calls or voicemails & phishing relies on emails and digital messages
- [What is CVE in Cyber Security? Common Vulnerabilities & Exposures Explained](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-cve-in-cyber-security/) - CVE stands for common vulnerabilities and exposures, a standardized system that assigns unique identifiers to publicly known cybersecurity vulnerabilities in software and hardware
- [CHECKLIST: 16 Ways to Protect Your Business from a Cyberattack](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/checklist-16-ways-to-protect-your-business-from-a-cyberattack/) - Cyber threats are real. Are you prepared? In today’s digital landscape, small businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Did you know that 1 in 5 small businesses will suffer a cyber breach this year? With 81% of all breaches happening to small and medium-sized businesses, and 97% of these breaches preventable with today’s technology, it’s
- [BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Security Risks & How to Manage Them](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/byod-security/) - Your employees likely use personal devices for work tasks without proper security measures. This creates significant vulnerabilities that hackers are eager to exploit. Without robust BYOD policies, your company data is at risk of unauthorized access, malware infections, and data breaches that could cost thousands in recovery expenses and damage your reputation. Our cybersecurity support
- [How Bad Can a Data Breach Be?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-bad-can-a-data-breach-be/) - Lessons Learned from a Recent Ransomware Attack Data breaches affect businesses of all sizes, in every industry, across North America. But one sector that’s been particularly impacted is government, from local to county to state. These institutions often struggle to respond to ransomware infections, system intrusions, and cyberthreats, leading more hackers to target them. In
- [Is your data included in latest breach?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-your-data-included-in-latest-breach/) - Stay vigilant after 'The Mother of All Breaches.' Safeguard your data with CMIT Solutions. Update passwords, enhance monitoring, and secure your business.
- [AI Phishing Detection & Attacks: How to Protect Against Them](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ai-phishing/) - Uncover AI phishing attacks & learn to protect against them. Explore AI-driven phishing campaigns, from convincing AI-powered phishing to gen AI threats.
- [AI in Cybersecurity: Ultimate Guide for Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ai-cybersecurity/) - Unlock the power of AI in cybersecurity. This ultimate guide for businesses covers AI tools, threat detection, defense strategies, and the risks and benefits for security teams.
- [AI Endpoint Protection: Is it the Future?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ai-endpoint-protection/) - Discover AI's role in modern endpoint security. Can AI-based endpoint and next-generation defense detect ransomware? Explore artificial intelligence and machine learning in endpoint protection.
- [What is Tailgating in Cyber Security & How to Avoid It](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-tailgating-in-cyber-security/) - Tailgating in cyber security refers to unauthorized individuals gaining physical access to secure areas by following authorized personnel, creating vulnerabilities that can lead to serious data breaches and system compromises. Many small business owners focus heavily on digital security measures like firewalls and antivirus software, but overlook a critical vulnerability that's hiding in plain sight.
- [What is PII in Cyber Security?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-pii-in-cyber-security/) - Personally identifiable information (PII) in cybersecurity refers to any data that can identify, contact, or locate a specific individual, making it a prime target for cybercriminals
- [What is Hashing in Cyber Security & How Does it Work?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-hashing-in-cyber-security/) - Hashing is a one-way security process that converts data into a unique string of characters to protect your business information from cyber threats.
- [What is a Whaling Attack in Cyber Security?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-a-whaling-attack-in-cyber-security/) - A whaling attack is a sophisticated type of phishing attack that specifically targets high-level executives and senior management within organizations.
- [What is Spoofing in Cyber Security? Definition & Examples](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-spoofing-in-cyber-security/) - Spoofing is a cyber attack where criminals disguise their identity to impersonate trusted sources, stealing sensitive information or gaining unauthorized access.
- [What is DLP in Cyber Security? Data Loss Prevention Explained](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-dlp-in-cyber-security/) - Data loss prevention (DLP) is a cybersecurity strategy designed to prevent unauthorized access, use, or transmission of sensitive business data. With rising compliance requirements and increasing cyber threats, DLP has become essential for protecting confidential information and maintaining business continuity in today's digital landscape. Every day, businesses face the growing threat of data breaches that
- [What is EDR in Cyber Security? Endpoint Detection and Response Explained](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-edr-in-cyber-security/) - Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a cybersecurity solution that continuously monitors endpoint devices like computers, servers, and mobile devices for suspicious activities.
- [CMIT Connect Live! 2025: Where Innovation Meets Celebration!](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-connect-live-2025-where-innovation-meets-celebration/) - The countdown is on. This September the CMIT Solutions family will come together for the biggest event of the year, CMIT Connect Live! 2025. From September 17 to 19 in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, more than 300 franchise leaders, partners, and industry experts will gather for an unforgettable three days of learning, networking, and celebrating excellence
- [Hashing vs Encryption: Definitions, Differences & Examples](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/hashing-vs-encryption/) - The main difference between hashing and encryption is that encryption scrambles data temporarily, while hashing creates a permanent digital fingerprint to verify data hasn't been tampered with.
- [What Is Social Engineering in Cyber Security?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-social-engineering-in-cyber-security/) - Social engineering is a cybersecurity threat that uses psychological manipulation to trick people into revealing sensitive information or taking actions that compromise their business security
- [Why Is Cyber Security Important For Businesses?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-is-cyber-security-important/) - Cybersecurity protects your business from devastating cyber threats, costly data breaches, and operational disruptions that can destroy years of hard work.
- [What Is a DDoS Attack and How Does It Work?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-a-ddos-attack/) - A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack is a malicious cyber threat where attackers flood your business's website or network with overwhelming traffic
- [What is Smishing in Cyber Security & How to Defend Against It](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-smishing-in-cyber-security/) - Smishing is a cybersecurity threat that uses deceptive text messages to steal sensitive business data and compromise company networks.
- [What is Red Teaming in Cyber Security & AI?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-red-teaming/) - Red teaming is the practice of using expert security professionals to simulate real-world cyberattacks against your business systems and AI technologies.
- [Dark Web Monitoring: Ultimate Guide to Prevent Identity Theft](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dark-web-monitoring/) - Your company’s sensitive data—like employee credentials, client information, and financial records—is constantly at risk of exposure. That exposure can happen in many ways: through phishing attacks, malware, weak passwords, or even a misconfigured cloud service. But not all data breaches are immediately visible. In many cases, the real danger begins when stolen information ends up
- [Should I Upgrade To Windows 11? Our Expert IT Insights](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/should-you-upgrade-to-windows-11/) - Yes, most organizations should upgrade to Windows 11 now to avoid security vulnerabilities and maintain compliance when the end of support for Windows 10 arrives
- [Cybersecurity Checklist: Is Your Business Protected From Cyber Threats?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cybersecurity-checklist/) - Use this cybersecurity checklist to audit your security posture, improve business security, and strengthen incident response.
- [Small Business Ransomware: What is it & How to Protect Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/small-business-ransomware/) - Discover expert advice on ransomware attacks and learn how to protect your small business. Implement best practices to enhance your cybersecurity and safeguard your company.
- [Microsoft Rolls Out New Cybersecurity Protections](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/microsoft-rolls-out-new-cybersecurity-protections/) - How to Block Ransomware and Malware in Windows and Office Earlier this month, Microsoft announced two new security settings that prevent known vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system and Office productivity suite. First, an updated security default in Windows 11 will help block ransomware attacks that steal passwords and access remote desktop protocol (RDP) endpoints.
- [Don’t Ignore Software Updates and Security Patches](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-ignore-software-updates-and-security-patches/) - Software updates and security patch notifications often pop up at the most inopportune times. Instead of ignoring those irritating alerts, however, it’s critical to understand how important these fixes can be. In many cases, a software patch—a set of changes to a computer application designed to update or improve it—can save the day. Take the
- [Automated Incident Response: Transform Your Business Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/automated-incident-response/) - Automate your incident response process with cutting-edge solutions. Transform business security by leveraging machine learning to detect and respond to security incidents.
- [Will Cybersecurity Be Replaced by AI? An Expert Insight](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/will-cybersecurity-be-replaced-by-ai/) - No, AI will not replace cybersecurity professionals entirely, but it will transform how we protect digital assets.
- [It’s Hurricane Season—Is Your Business Prepared?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/its-hurricane-season-is-your-business-prepared/) - Hurricane season is here. Learn how to prepare your business with data backups, recovery planning, and cybersecurity to weather any storm.
- [AI Threat Detection: Is It the Future?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ai-threat-detection/) - Is AI threat detection the future of cybersecurity? Explore how AI-powered threat detection, detection and response, and AI-driven threat identification enhance mitigation.
- [AI Benefits and Risks in Cybersecurity For Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ai-benefits-and-risks-in-cybersecurity/) - Explore AI benefits & risks in cybersecurity. Understand advantages & disadvantages of AI adoption, how to mitigate potential risks, and best practices for security teams.
- [How Can Generative AI Be Used in Cybersecurity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-can-generative-ai-be-used-in-cybersecurity/) - Discover how Generative AI is transforming cybersecurity. Learn use cases for security teams, from detecting cyber threats to benefits against cybersecurity threats.
- [Average Cost of a Data Breach: How Much Could a Cyberattack Cost Your Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cost-of-a-data-breach/) - Data breaches can have a devastating financial impact on businesses. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million—a 10% increase over last year and the highest total ever. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable; Verizon reports that around 60% of small businesses close
- [Cybersecurity Training for Employees in 8 Steps: Protecting Your Business from the Inside Out](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/training-employees-on-cyber-security/) - Effective cybersecurity training goes beyond one-time sessions. Build a resilient security culture with ongoing education, phishing simulations, open reporting, and continuous reinforcement.
- [Cyber Security Risk Assessments: What Are They & How to Perform Them](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cyber-security-risk-assessment/) - Discover what cyber security risk assessments are, their importance, and the key steps to perform them effectively to protect your organization's cyber defenses.
- [Network Threat Detection & Response: Ultimate Guide For Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/network-threat-detection/) - Discover the ultimate guide to network threat detection and response. Learn how to effectively detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats with expert resources.
- [15 Cyber Security Vulnerabilities & Threats + How to Mitigate Them](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cyber-security-vulnerabilities/) - In our experience, the most common cybersecurity vulnerabilities include outdated software and missing patches, weak or reused passwords, & more.
- [Top 9 Network Security Threats for Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/network-security-threats/) - The top network security threats targeting organizations today include ransomware attacks, social engineering and phishing, insider threats, and more
- [Cyber Insurance Explained: Does Your Business Really Need It?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cyber-insurance-explained/) - Imagine waking up to find your systems locked, your customer data exposed, and your operations completely frozen. For small businesses, this isn’t just a nightmare—it’s a growing reality. ⚠️ According to CISA, small businesses are three times more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals than larger companies, with losses topping $2.4 billion in a single
- [First-Party vs Third-Party Cyber Insurance: Which Is Right for You?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/first-party-vs-third-party-cyber-insurance/) - Navigate cyber insurance options. Understand the difference between first-party and third-party coverage to protect your business from data breach costs.
- [Cyber Incident Response Plan: Ultimate Guide](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cyber-incident-response-plan/) - Cyberattacks are no longer a matter of if, but when. Many businesses discover this harsh reality only after suffering a breach. The aftermath can be devastating: compromised data, operational disruptions, damaged reputation, and significant financial losses. Without a structured response plan, your team will be forced to make critical decisions under extreme pressure, often leading to
- [How to Prepare for a Cyber Attack & Protect Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-cyber-attack/) - Preparing your business for a cyberattack requires immediate, proactive planning before a crisis by following the key steps like response planning, data protection, and backup strategies.
- [What to Do During a Cyber Attack](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-to-do-during-a-cyber-attack/) - During a cyber attack, act fast but don't panic, notify the relevant people, recover the situation, test & restore, and do a post-attack review
- [eBook - Enterprise Class Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ebook-enterprise-class-support/) - Why Enterprise-Class IT Isn’t Just for Enterprises Anymore What if your small or mid-sized business could access the same IT support, tools, and cybersecurity protections as the world’s largest companies, without the bloated cost or complexity? That’s exactly what CMIT Solutions explores in their new eBook, Enterprise-Class IT for Everyone. Whether you're managing a growing
- [These Emerging Cybersecurity Threats Are Hiding in Plain Sight.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/these-emerging-cybersecurity-threats-are-hiding-in-plain-sight/) - From fake job apps to TikTok malware and hidden tracking pixels, these emerging cybersecurity threats in 2025 could quietly put your business at risk.
- [How to Prevent Insider Threats | 6 Insider Threat Protection Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-prevent-insider-threats/) - Every organization faces six critical insider threat categories that can compromise security, incl. behavioral and personal factors driving employee actions, and access mismanagement creating security vulnerabilities.
- [15 Software Security Issues & Vulnerabilities & How to Mitigate Them](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/software-security-issues/) - The most common software security issues businesses face today include SQL injection and other input-based attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS) & broken authentication
- [20 Cybersecurity Myths & Misconceptions Putting Your Business at Risk](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cybersecurity-myths-and-misconceptions/) - Cybersecurity myths fall into four critical categories: misplaced trust in tools or policies, underestimating internal & everyday threats, misunderstanding responsibility & believing cybersecurity is "set and forget"
- [8 US Cyber Security Laws & Regulations For Business Compliance](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cybersecurity-laws/) - The major US cybersecurity laws and regulations affecting businesses include Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) & the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA)
- [Top 12 Cyber Security Best Practices for Employees](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cyber-security-best-practices-for-employees/) - The most common cybersecurity best practices include using strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication & recognizing phishing emails (SLAM)
- [Data Privacy vs Data Security: What is the Difference Between Them?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/data-privacy-vs-data-security/) - The main difference between data privacy and data security is that privacy governs how data is collected, shared, and used, while security refers to how data is protected.
- [How to Become HIPAA Compliant in 10 Steps](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-become-hipaa-compliant/) - Learn how to become HIPAA compliant in 10 steps and ensure your healthcare services meet essential HIPAA compliance standards for protecting health information.
- [9 File Sharing Security Risks You Need to Be Aware Of](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/file-sharing-security-risks/) - Discover common file sharing security risks you need to be aware of. Learn how to protect your data with secure file transfer and manage cloud storage effectively.
- [What Are the Benefits of Managed IT Services? 10 Reasons to Outsource](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/benefits-of-managed-it-services/) - Outsourcing IT services can save time and money. Explore key benefits that can transform your business operations. Find out how now!
- [Multi-Layered Security Strategy To Protect Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/multi-layered-security/) - Learn about multi-layered security, its benefits, and strategies to implement it to protect your business from cyber threats.
- [Why Cloud Security is Important (15 Cloud Security Benefits)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-is-cloud-security-important/) - Discover key reasons why cloud security matters to your business. Protect your data and compliance. Learn importance of cloud security today!
- [15 Tips for Choosing a Managed Service Provider (MSP)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/choosing-an-msp/) - Find the perfect managed service provider with our step-by-step guide. Simplify the selection process and boost your business efficiency now!
- [Top 10 Cybersecurity Tips for Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cybersecurity-tips/) - Discover essential cybersecurity tips to protect your business from cyber threats. Explore our top 10 cybersecurity tips for stronger security practices today!
- [The Importance of Cloud Computing For Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/importance-of-cloud-computing/) - Some of the benefits of cloud computing for businesses includes growth, efficiency, advanced security, better collaboration, business continuity & more!
- [What to Consider When Choosing a Cloud Provider: 11 Essential Elements](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-cloud-provider/) - Contact us to make sure your provider aligns with your business needs and goals, and learn what to consider when choosing one.
- [Cloud Server vs Physical Server: Which is Right For You?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cloud-server-vs-physical-server/) - The key cloud server vs physical server differences include access, backup, control, cost, disaster recovery, flexibility, maintenance, OS, and more
- [Cybersecurity Compliance: Ultimate Guide on IT Standards](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cybersecurity-compliance/) - Discover the essentials of cybersecurity compliance, including regulatory requirements, compliance standards, and how to establish an effective compliance program.
- [How to Stop Hackers in 12 Effective Ways](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-stop-hackers/) - Among the most effective ways to stop hackers is to invest in professional cybersecurity solutions, enforce strong password security & implement MFA.
- [Lessons Learned from 3 Major Data Breaches and How to Protect Your Business.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/lessons-learned-from-3-major-data-breaches-and-how-to-protect-your-business/) - Learn key cybersecurity lessons from recent data breaches at Ascension Health, Hertz, and VeriSource—and how to protect your business before it’s too late.
- [Remote Work Security: Risks & Best Practices For Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/remote-work-security/) - Remote work security has become essential for businesses of all sizes. With more employees working from home than ever before, protecting sensitive company data requires a thoughtful approach to cybersecurity. Here are the most effective best security practices to secure your remote workforce: Create or update your remote work security policy Mandate device-level encryption and endpoint
- [How Do I Know if My Email Has Been Hacked & What To Do Next](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-do-i-know-if-my-email-has-been-hacked/) - If you suspect your email may have been compromised, look for these telltale signs: You can't log into your email account Your contacts receive emails you didn't send You notice unusual account activity or login alerts You receive password reset notifications Your email settings have been altered Your email account shows unusual IP access Missing
- [Cyber Security Audit: Ultimate Guide For Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cyber-security-audit/) - A single security breach can lead to devastating consequences - compromised customer data, financial losses, operational disruptions, and irreparable damage to your reputation. Despite these risks, many businesses remain vulnerable due to unidentified security gaps and outdated protective measures. A comprehensive cyber security audit gives you the clarity you need to spot weaknesses, prioritize risks,
- [How Does Human Error Relate to Security Risks?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-does-human-error-relate-to-security-risks/) - In our experience, these are some of the most common causes of data breaches from human error: Clicking phishing links Weak or reused passwords Sending sensitive data to the wrong recipient Misconfigured access controls Poor patch management Falling for social engineering scams The impact of human error can lead to serious consequences for your business:
- [What is Shadow IT in Cybersecurity: The Hidden Risk in Your Workplace](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-shadow-it-in-cyber-security/) - Shadow IT is the use of unapproved apps or services, creating security risks and potential data breaches. Learn how it threatens your business.
- [Business Technology Upgrades: How Often Should You Look To Upgrade?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/technology-upgrades/) - Discover how often to upgrade your business technology in 2025. Boost efficiency and leverage cloud solutions for a competitive advantage and valuable insights!
- [Zero-Trust Security Model: Why Your Business Needs It](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/zero-trust-security/) - Cybersecurity threats have evolved beyond traditional network boundaries. Conventional security approaches that rely on firewalls and VPNs are no longer enough to protect your business data and systems. With remote work, cloud applications, and sophisticated cyber attacks becoming commonplace, businesses need a more robust security strategy. The traditional "castle-and-moat" security model is failing modern businesses. When
- [GUIDE: Internal IT vs. MSPs - A Cost Comparison for Multi-Location Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/guide-internal-it-vs-msps-a-cost-comparison-for-multi-location-businesses/) - Understand the true cost of managing IT in-house vs. outsourcing to a Managed Service Provider (MSP). Managing IT across multiple business locations can get complicated—and expensive. This guide breaks down how internal IT teams compare to external providers, especially when it comes to cost, scalability, and long-term value. In this guide, you'll learn: How internal
- [IT Outsourcing Due Diligence Checklist](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-outsourcing-due-diligence-checklist/) - Find the right IT partner for your hotels. Technology should enhance the guest experience — not get in the way of it. However, 71% of hospitality businesses say downtime affects guest satisfaction and revenue, 87% of hotels admit they struggle to evaluate IT providers' true technical fit, and the wrong provider can lead to brand
- [E-Book: Cybersecurity and the Trusted Advisor](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/e-book-cybersecurity-and-the-trusted-advisor/) - In today’s fast-paced digital environment, cybersecurity is top of mind because no business is immune to the growing threat of cyberattacks. Whether you run a small startup or work for a large corporation, every company faces risks from phishing scams, ransomware attacks, and data breaches. In our latest E-book: Cybersecurity and The Trusted Advisor, we'll
- [E-book: Local Owners, National Strength](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/e-book-local-owners-national-strength/) - Get the best of both worlds—personalized local service backed by a nationwide network. Your business needs IT support that understands the challenges you face right in your community—but also has the resources and expertise to tackle big-picture technology challenges. That’s exactly what CMIT Solutions delivers. Download our our latest E-book: Local Owners, National Strength to: See how
- [Managed Services vs Outsourcing: Which is Right For Your Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/managed-services-vs-outsourcing/) - Managed services provide ongoing IT support, while outsourcing offers task-based solutions. Learn which option best suits your business needs.
- [MSP Onboarding Checklist: Key Points Your MSP Provider Should Check](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/msp-onboarding-checklist/) - Streamline your MSP client onboarding process with our comprehensive checklist. Ensure best practices are followed for a seamless transition and a strong client relationship.
- [Outsourced IT Support Services: Key Benefits & Is It Right for You?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/outsourced-it-support/) - Explore the pros and cons of outsourcing IT support. Discover how it can reduce costs, meet your technology needs, and the role of external providers in your business.
- [Staff Augmentation vs Managed Services: Which is Right For Your Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/staff-augmentation-vs-managed-services/) - Discover the differences between staff augmentation and managed services. Learn how to choose the right outsourcing model to optimize your business goals.
- [IT Managed Services Contract: Comprehensive Guide For Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-managed-services-contract/) - Explore our comprehensive guide on managed service agreements (MSAs) to understand the key elements, level of service providers deliver, and tips for effective contracts.
- [IT Managed Services Plans & Pricing: A Pricing Guide For Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-managed-services-plans/) - Discover comprehensive IT managed services pricing for businesses. Learn how much managed IT services should cost your business, including tips and advice
- [What the 23andMe bankruptcy means for data privacy and healthcare cybersecurity.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-the-23andme-bankruptcy-means-for-data-privacy-and-healthcare-cybersecurity/) - The 23andMe bankruptcy highlights growing risks in data privacy and healthcare cybersecurity. Learn how to protect sensitive data before it’s too late.
- [IT Support You Can Count On](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-support-you-can-count-on/) - Every business is unique, and IT requirements vary across industries and locations. That’s why customized solutions for technology support and infrastructure are so important. For companies that operate in a blend of environments—say, a city office where hybrid employees work two days a week, with the rest of their hours spent at home or on
- [Finding an IT Partner: CMIT Solutions Plays Key Role in Wealth Management Firm’s Expansion](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/finding-an-it-partner-cmit-solutions-plays-key-role-in-wealth-management-firms-expansion/) - As local businesses expand, it becomes all the more crucial for them to find an IT company that supports their growth. It can present a challenge to find an IT company that will take the initiative to help maintain high-functioning equipment and systems in a manner that is both organized and sustainable. For Ballentine Capital,
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- [PowerSchool data breach: What parents and students need to know.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/powerschool-data-breach-what-parents-and-students-need-to-know/) - The PowerSchool data breach has exposed sensitive information of millions of students and teachers. Learn what happened, the risks involved, and how to protect your data with expert cybersecurity recommendations from CMIT Solutions.
- [The essential role of cybersecurity awareness in business today.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-essential-role-of-cybersecurity-awareness-in-business-today/) - Discover the critical role of cybersecurity awareness in protecting your business from phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. Learn strategies like phishing training, multi-factor authentication, and endpoint security to empower your team and secure your operations.
- [Proven IT Solutions Transform A Hotel’s IT Infrastructure](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/transform-your-hotels-it-infrastructure-with-proven-it-solutions/) - Is your hotel struggling with outdated technology, frequent network downtime, or security vulnerabilities? Discover how The Valley River Inn, a prominent 257-room hotel in the Pacific Northwest, revolutionized their operational efficiency, boosted staff productivity, and achieved full PCI compliance—all within four business days. In this case study, you will learn: Key Challenges: Understand the critical
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- [IT guidance you can count on for business success.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-guidance-you-can-count-on-for-business-success/) - Unlock productivity and security with trusted IT guidance. We’ve all been there before: a computer crashes just before you finalize an important report for a major client. Your inbox freezes while you’re trying to respond to a critical email. Or your network connectivity is severed right before you save work on a shared file. In
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- [What is Digital Employee Experience (DEX)?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-is-digital-employee-experience-dex/) - Discover how Digital Employee Experience (DEX) transforms workplace productivity, enhances employee engagement, and aligns technology with business goals.
- [Stay one step ahead of cyberattacks.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/stay-one-step-ahead-of-cyberattacks/) - Stay proactive in defending your business. Learn how cybersecurity awareness can safeguard data, reduce risks, and empower your team.
- [Thanksgiving tech tips you can use.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/thanksgiving-tech-tips-you-can-use/) - Discover essential Thanksgiving tech tips to enhance digital privacy, improve cybersecurity, and make your holiday season more secure and efficient.
- [How to block inbox-based threats and enhance email safety.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-block-inbox-based-threats-and-enhance-email-safety/) - Learn how advanced email security can protect your business from inbox-based threats and enhance your cybersecurity strategy.
- [Protect every device with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-every-device-with-endpoint-detection-and-response-edr/) - Protect your business with endpoint detection and response. EDR offers real-time threat monitoring, automated mitigation, and enhanced cybersecurity.
- [Don’t wait to address Windows 10 end-of-life.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-wait-to-address-windows-10-end-of-life/) - Prepare for Windows 10 end-of-life in 2025. Learn how to transition smoothly, avoid risks, and keep your business secure with CMIT Solutions' expert help.
- [Unified communications for workplace success.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/unified-communications-for-workplace-success/) - Why secure hybrid work solutions are essential for your business. According to Gallup’s 2024 Global State of the Workplace report, employee engagement plateaued in 2023—and overall employee well-being declined. Another indicator from North America’s most trusted public opinion polling firms shows that nearly all workers (91%) want to maintain a flexible hybrid and remote work
- [Hurricanes Helene and Milton highlight the need for disaster preparedness.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/hurricanes-helene-and-milton-highlight-the-need-for-disaster-preparedness/) - How disaster preparedness can save your business after a storm. Two major hurricanes devastated parts of the Southeastern United States in the span of two weeks. Hurricanes Helene and Milton both made landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Helene wreaked havoc across Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, triggering historic rains and floods in the Appalachian
- [How can IT procurement help your business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-can-it-procurement-help-your-business/) - Unlock IT procurement benefits, from cost savings to enhanced cybersecurity and scalability, to position your business for long-term success.
- [Cloud services are essential for business success.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cloud-services-are-essential-for-business-success/) - Discover how cloud services can enhance security, collaboration, and scalability for your business. Secure your data and boost operational efficiency.
- [From threats to protection: Cyber insurance 101 for SMBs.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/from-threats-to-protection-cyber-insurance-101-for-smbs/) - Learn how cyber insurance for small businesses can provide financial protection and mitigate risks in today’s complex cybersecurity landscape.
- [New cybersecurity guidelines could deliver positive impacts for your business.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-cybersecurity-guidelines-could-deliver-positive-impacts-for-your-business/) - Discover how CMIT Solutions delivers enterprise-level cybersecurity solutions with proactive IT support, multi-layered protection, and compliance for businesses.
- [Data privacy matters for today’s businesses.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/data-privacy-matters-for-todays-businesses/) - Learn how to strengthen your business’s data privacy strategy, protect customer trust, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
- [Get ready for changes to QuickBooks.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/get-ready-for-changes-to-quickbooks/) - Prepare your business for QuickBooks updates in 2024. Learn what changes are coming and how to keep your financial data secure.
- [Why your CPA and financial firm needs a WISP.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-your-cpa-and-financial-firm-needs-a-wisp/) - Discover why a WISP for CPA firms is essential to meet compliance goals and protect sensitive data. Learn how to develop a robust security plan.
- [10 ways to safeguard your personal data.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-data-after-a-breach/) - Learn how to protect data after a breach with these 10 steps. Discover ways to safeguard against identity theft and strengthen cybersecurity.
- [Boost your business efficiency with responsive IT help desk services.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/boost-your-business-efficiency-with-responsive-it-help-desk-services/) - Discover how responsive IT support and help desk services can enhance cybersecurity, improve operations, and empower your business success.
- [How to protect computers and technology from natural disasters.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-protect-computers-and-technology-from-natural-disasters-2/) - Learn disaster recovery strategies for tech. Safeguard computers, data, and technology from natural disasters and ensure business continuity.
- [Reduce cybersecurity risks by making these changes to your incident response plan.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/reduce-cybersecurity-risks-by-making-these-changes-to-your-incident-response-plan/) - An incident response plan is a vital set of instructions that helps your organization’s IT department handle network security incidents properly that could destroy your business. A few of these incidents include but are not limited to service outages, ransomware, data breaches, and cybercrimes like crypto-jacking. A robust plan should enumerate the steps your company
- [7 tips for improving network security.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/7-tips-for-improving-network-security/) - Learn how enhanced network security protects your business. Discover key tools to safeguard devices, data, and employees from evolving cyber threats.
- [Lessons learned from the recent worldwide tech outage.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/lessons-learned-from-the-recent-worldwide-tech-outage/) - Prepare your business for technology outages. Learn essential tips for business technology outage preparedness and enhance digital resiliency with CMIT Solutions.
- [Protect yourself from unwanted robocalls.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-yourself-from-unwanted-robocalls/) - Learn how to stop robocalls and protect your identity. Discover effective tips to block spam calls and avoid annoying scam calls with CMIT Solutions.
- [Comprehensive disaster preparedness for your business.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/comprehensive-disaster-preparedness-for-your-business/) - Learn why disaster preparedness for businesses is essential. Discover strategies to protect your data and ensure business continuity with CMIT Solutions' expert guidance.
- [Watch out for 1099 and W-2 phishing scams.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/watch-out-for-1099-and-w-2-phishing-scams/) - Learn how to protect yourself from tax season phishing scams. Understand the risks and adopt effective cybersecurity measures to safeguard your financial information with CMIT Solutions' expert advice.
- [Winter storms prove a point: Preparedness is critical.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/winter-storms-prove-a-point-preparedness-is-critical/) - Learn how to enhance your business's disaster preparedness with effective data backup strategies. Ensure your company survives and thrives during winter storms with CMIT Solutions' expert tips.
- [How to avoid common scams in 2024.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-avoid-common-scams-in-2024/) - Protect yourself from common scams in 2024 with these effective cybersecurity strategies. Learn how to identify phishing attacks, secure your email, and stay safe online with CMIT Solutions.
- [12 New Year's tech resolutions for 2024.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/12-new-years-tech-resolutions-for-2024/) - Kickstart 2024 with top tech resolutions. Enhance cybersecurity, boost productivity, and protect your digital identity with expert tips from CMIT Solutions.
- [How to turn on new Stolen Device Protection feature.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-turn-on-new-stolen-device-protection-feature/) - Protect your iPhone from theft with Stolen Device Protection. Learn how Apple's new feature secures your data and prevents unauthorized access.
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- [What to know in the wake of cyberattack on children’s hospital.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-to-know-in-the-wake-of-cyberattack-on-childrens-hospital/) - Discover the impact of a recent cyberattack on Lurie Children's Hospital, highlighting vulnerabilities in healthcare cybersecurity and solutions for protection.
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- [Another week, another healthcare breach.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/another-week-another-healthcare-breach/) - Explore the impact of a major healthcare cyberattack on UnitedHealth's Change Healthcare, revealing the industry's vulnerabilities and response strategies.
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- [Protect devices and data with EDR security solutions.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-devices-and-data-with-edr-security-solutions/) - Discover how EDR security solutions safeguard devices and data, offering strategic protection against digital threats.
- [Cyberattack disrupts car dealerships across North America.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cyberattack-disrupts-car-dealerships-across-north-america/) - Explore the recent cyberattack on CDK Global that impacted car dealerships across North America and learn how to safeguard your business against such threats.
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- [How to protect your information in the wake of the recent Ticketmaster breach.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-information-in-the-wake-of-the-recent-ticketmaster-breach/) - Discover effective strategies for the Ticketmaster data breach response. Learn how to protect your data and enhance security measures.
- [Secure your company with cybersecurity training.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/secure-your-company-with-cybersecurity-training/) - Explore how employee cybersecurity training enhances security and instills a culture of vigilance at your company.
- [Ransomware attack disrupts major American health system.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ransomware-attack-disrupts-major-american-health-system/) - Explore the impact of a ransomware attack on a major U.S. health system and learn key defense strategies.
- [Small business, big target—how to protect data and devices.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/small-business-big-target-how-to-protect-data-and-devices/) - Discover essential cybersecurity strategies for SMBs to safeguard against growing threats. Learn how to protect your data and devices effectively.
- [Firewall security for businesses: essential strategies to protect your network.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/firewall-security-for-businesses-essential-strategies-to-protect-your-network/) - Discover how firewall security for businesses can safeguard your digital assets from evolving cyber threats.
- [Understanding Brokewell malware: The emerging threat to Android devices.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/understanding-brokewell-malware-the-emerging-threat-to-android-devices/) - Learn about Brokewell, a new Android malware threat that steals data and controls devices. Discover how to safeguard your mobile security effectively.
- [Credit card skimmers: Protect yourself from password, PIN, and personal information theft.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/credit-card-skimmers-protect-yourself-from-password-pin-and-personal-information-theft/) - Learn key strategies to guard against credit card skimming and secure your personal information from theft. Essential tips inside.
- [When it comes to cybersecurity, free and easy doesn’t cut it.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/when-it-comes-to-cybersecurity-free-and-easy-doesnt-cut-it/) - Explore essential cybersecurity strategies to protect your business from risks posed by unmanaged devices and free applications.
- [4 Strategies for Long-Term Business Success](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-strategies-for-long-term-business-success/) - In the business world, preparation is paramount. No matter your industry, success doesn’t come easy. Short-term gains don’t just happen—and long-term stability isn’t a matter of chance. But some events are so rare and catastrophic that even robust preparation falls short. Take COVID-19, which evolved from a vague threat to a global pandemic in the
- [Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ready-to-take-your-business-to-the-next-level/) - How to Leverage Technology Solutions for Business Growth In September 2022, Microsoft asked 3,000 small to medium-sized businesses around the globe to rate their attitude toward technology and their thoughts on digital transformation. More than 70% of respondents said growth was their primary business objective. Those who leveraged and invested in technology were twice as
- [Watch Out for Hacks Both Old-Fashioned and Newfangled](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/watch-out-for-hacks-both-old-fashioned-and-newfangled/) - Hackers continue to try and find new ways to trick computer users, compromise business systems, and steal critical data. And they’re doing it with tactics both old-fashioned and newfangled. The FBI recently issued a security advisory alerting businesses to watch out for fake letters containing USB drives loaded with malicious software. These letters were delivered
- [Protect Your Information from the Dark Web](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-your-information-from-the-dark-web/) - Last week, cybersecurity experts revealed that the details of three million credit cards were exposed in a data breach that targeted Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the largest barbecue chain in the United States. The information was collected through a hack into the restaurant chain’s point-of-sale system, which processes credit card transactions. After digital watchdogs found the
- [Data breach shuts down Australian port operations](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/data-breach-shuts-down-australian-port-operations/) - Discover crucial cybersecurity measures after a major port cyberattack in Australia, safeguarding supply chain security worldwide.
- [Getting Serious About Data Security in the Wake of U.S. Government Breach](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/getting-serious-about-data-security-in-the-wake-of-us-government-breach/) - After a relatively quiet few months in the data breach world, June featured a surge in news surrounding the compromise of personal information. Relatively small breaches were reported in Texas, New Jersey, and a host of other states. But the biggest announcement came from the United States federal government, which revealed that cyberattackers had hacked
- [The gift of trusted IT support.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-gift-of-trusted-it-support/) - Empowering your business: Key characteristics of a trusted IT partner. We’ve all been there: a desktop or laptop crashes, bringing productivity to a halt. If you’re lucky, you have a tech-savvy friend or hard-working employee who will go the extra mile to try to keep computers in working order. The problem, though, is that when
- [23andMe data breach affects 7 million users.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/23andme-data-breach-affects-7-million-users/) - Unraveling the 23andMe data breach: Learn how hackers exploited passwords and discover crucial steps to safeguard your digital identity with CMIT Solutions.
- [What to know about new NameDrop feature.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-to-know-about-new-namedrop-feature/) - Explore the safety of NameDrop on iPhone: separating fact from fiction. Learn safeguards, protect your digital identity, and stay secure in the digital age.
- [Is your inbox safe from ransomware?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-your-inbox-safe-from-ransomware/) - Protect your business from ransomware with email security. Learn key strategies and cost-effective solutions for robust data protection.
- [Holiday tech for the Thanksgiving win.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/holiday-tech-for-the-thanksgiving-win/) - Elevate your Thanksgiving with tech! From smart kitchen gadgets to virtual gatherings, discover innovative ways to celebrate with joy and connectivity.
- [Will your data be there when you need it?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/will-your-data-be-there-when-you-need-it/) - Mastering data protection: safeguarding your business in the digital age In today’s fast-paced digital world, information storage is incredibly important. When, where, and how data is stored can often determine day-to-day success—especially since we all expect our files to be accessible, secure, and available on any device, any time we need them. But what happens
- [Don't let a data disaster impact your business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-let-a-data-disaster-impact-your-business/) - Safeguard your data from Halloween horrors with multi-layered IT protection, employee training, and secure data backup. Avoid frights, contact CMIT Solutions.
- [What’s the deal with dual-threat ransomware?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/whats-the-deal-with-dual-threat-ransomware/) - Guard against dual threat ransomware attacks with cybersecurity strategies, data backups, and phishing prevention. Strengthen your digital defense today.
- [Workplace productivity is changing. Here's what research says.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/workplace-productivity-is-changing/) - Unlock the secrets of workplace productivity! Discover effective strategies, remote work insights, and tools for maximizing efficiency.
- [How to stay safe while using AI.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-stay-safe-while-using-ai/) - Explore robust AI app security strategies for businesses. Safeguard operations with our expert tips. Stay ahead in the digital age.
- [The 3 P’s of Cybersecurity—How to Put These Basic Fundamentals to Work for Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/3-ps-cybersecurity-put-basic-fundamentals-work-business/) - Bob Lord, Chief Information Security Officer at Yahoo, headlined a panel at SXSW in Austin, TX, entitled The New Normal: User Security in an Insecure World.
- [It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. How safe are your systems?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/its-cybersecurity-awareness-month-how-safe-are-your-systems/) - Explore top cybersecurity tips during Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023. Learn how to secure your digital world with expert advice and proactive strategies.
- [Ransomware strikes MGM. Here’s what we know.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ransomware-strikes-mgm-heres-what-we-know/) - Discover top strategies for robust ransomware protection to safeguard your business from digital threats. Ensure data security today!
- [New Google Chrome ad privacy settings deserve attention.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/google-chrome-ad-privacy-settings/) - Discover the latest Google Chrome privacy settings updates and tips to enhance your online security. Stay in control of your privacy settings today!
- [5 Ways Technology Is Changing Education for the Better](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-technology-changing-education-better/) - Remember the old days, when “educational technology” meant fancy pencil sharpeners and clunky overhead projectors? Times have drastically changed, as any visit to a school will reveal. Students use iPads at their desks. Automated tutoring software complements the daily lesson plan. Teachers use online learning management systems to track assignments and hand out grades. And
- [5 Safe and Smart Strategies for Back-to-School Technology](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-safe-smart-strategies-for-back-to-school-technology/) - It’s an indisputable fact that kids are obsessed with technology. Look around next time you’re in a public place and you’ll see younger children playing games and watching movies on tablets, while older teens are surgically attached to their smartphones and all-important social media networks. It’s not all fun and games, though. Modern technology can
- [Compliance Matters—Here's Why](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/compliance-matters-heres-why/) - Protect Your Business with a Comprehensive Approach to Privacy and Security Regulations For many companies, compliance is nothing more than a nuisance—an annoying and often frustrating box that needs to be checked. But compliance isn’t just a list of demanding requirements that have to be met. In today’s complex cybersecurity world, compliance often equals safety,
- [CMIT Solutions Connect Live! annual conference charts the course for the brand’s five-year vision.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-connect-live-annual-conference-charts-the-course-for-the-brands-five-year-vision/) - CMIT Solutions highlights strategic initiatives to shape CMIT’s trajectory towards attaining $200 million in systemwide revenue in the next three to five years
- [Safeguarding your business with IT disaster preparedness.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/safeguarding-your-business-with-it-disaster-preparedness/) - Learn essential strategies for IT disaster preparedness to safeguard your business from downtime and data loss. Get expert insights from CMIT Solutions.
- [Back-to-school tech tips for navigating a digital classroom](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/back-to-school-tech-tips-for-navigating-a-digital-classroom/) - Get ready for a successful school year with our expert back-to-school tech tips. Enhance security, manage screen time, and more.
- [Is a slow computer holding you back?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-a-slow-computer-holiding-you-back/) - Unlock efficiency. Learn how to tackle a slow computer and enhance workplace productivity with expert tips and IT solutions. Boost your business today
- [Why digital resilience is so important.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-digital-resilience-is-important/) - Discover the power of digital resilience and NIST's latest cybersecurity guidelines. Elevate your business security with expert insights.
- [Stay safe in the wake of a ransomware attack.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/stay-safe-in-the-wake-of-ransomware-attack/) - Nationwide healthcare system hit by major cyber incident A ransomware attack targeting a major healthcare system forced the closure of hundreds of locations in California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island last week. Urgent care clinics, medical imaging centers, and blood labs were among those affected. More than 180 facilities in Prospect Medical Holdings’ network took
- [Is Your Computer Running Slow? Here Are 5 Reasons Why—And 5 Ways to Speed Things Up](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/computer-running-slow-5-reasons-5-ways-speed-things/) - The New Year is in full swing and everyone is motivated to work hard after persevering through the post-holiday lull. But as you race from task to task trying to knock out that to-do list before 5:00 PM, perhaps you’ve noticed that your computer can’t seem to keep up. First things first, don’t panic. Slow-moving
- [5 Steps to Archive Emails and Keep Outlook Running Strong](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-steps-to-archive-emails-and-keep-outlook-running-strong/) - Ever notice that your Microsoft Outlook account has slowed to a crawl? Basic email functions like Send/Receive acting a little funny? Consider checking the size of your mailbox. You might be shocked to discover just how bloated it is. For most versions of Outlook, clicking on File > Folder > Properties > Storage—or right-clicking
- [How to block annoying robocalls.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-block-annoying-robocalls/) - ​​​​​Protect your digital identity and keep your information safe. If you’ve ever received a phone call from an unfamiliar number, you know the drill: a voice asks about an auto warranty that’s about to expire or a financial offer that’s too good to be true. If you hang up, they’ll call back again from a
- [Newly detected malware could have far-reaching impacts.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/newly-detected-malware-could-have-far-reaching-impacts/) - Mysterious code found in networks that control communications and utilities. Government officials revealed last week that they are searching for malicious computer code embedded inside networks that control power grids, communications systems, and water supplies across the United States. The malware was first discovered in May when Microsoft detected unusual code hidden in systems on
- [Protect your systems from Microsoft Office vulnerabilities.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-your-systems-from-microsoft-office-vulnerabilities/) - Here's how to stay safe in the face of rising attacks. Last week, cybersecurity experts announced several different security flaws in the popular Microsoft Office productivity suite. The first unpatched vulnerability affects Office and Windows products, according to an urgent warning from the software giant. Microsoft documented “a series of remote code execution attacks” that
- [How to protect computers and technology from natural disasters.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-protect-computers-and-technology-from-natural-disasters/) - Recent flash floods highlight need for preparedness and continuity. Recent flooding in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York has devastated the area’s bucolic towns and tight-knit communities. The primary focus over the last two weeks has been saving lives and protecting property. But as floodwaters recede and businesses take stock of the damage, many will
- [What to know about the new truebot malware strain.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-to-know-about-new-truebot-malware-strain/) - How to protect your systems and safeguard your information. According to cybersecurity agencies in the U.S. and Canada, a new type of malware is affecting more than 7,000 businesses in both countries. Increasing attacks from the so-called Truebot strain have impacted organizations in the insurance, financial, healthcare, and legal sectors via a vulnerability in the
- [What's the big deal about cybersecurity compliance?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/whats-the-big-deal-about-cybersecurity-compliance/) - Build a strong foundation for future business success. Over the last few years, cybersecurity compliance has become a critical need for businesses of all sizes, in every industry, across North America. But what exactly is compliance? And why does it matter? Regulatory agencies responsible for compliance are based in local municipalities, cities, states, and countries.
- [Credential theft is the leading cause of data breaches.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/credential-theft-is-the-leading-cause-of-data-breaches/) - Protect your passwords with these cybersecurity tips. Earlier this month, Verizon released its 16th annual Data Breach Investigations Report. Containing information on nearly 1 million cyber incidents, it’s the most statistically significant set of data compiled to date. Verizon revealed that stolen credentials were the primary cause of data breaches, accounting for almost 45% of
- [Keep your business safe from new ransomware developments.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/keep-your-business-safe-from-new-ransomware-developments/) - Attack targets government agencies and private organizations. Last week, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced that a Russian ransomware group had breached the systems of several federal agencies and an unknown number of private organizations. The attack took advantage of a known vulnerability in MOVEit, a popular file transfer software. The U.S. Energy
- [Cyberthreats are changing. Is your protection keeping up?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cyberthreats-are-changing-is-your-protection-keeping-up/) - 6 key parts of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Recent revelations about malicious activity originating from a state-sponsored Chinese hacking group sent shock waves through the cybersecurity community. Last week, the United States and international authorities released a joint advisory about negative impacts on critical infrastructure, including military and government sectors. Alarmingly, the hackers have shown
- [Want to work smarter this week?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/want-to-work-smarter-this-week/) - 10 tips to turn post-holiday malaise into enhanced productivity. It’s the Tuesday after a long holiday weekend—and, with Memorial Day behind us, the unofficial start to summer. Many of us are ready to get back in the swing of things and jumpstart an abbreviated workweek. But many of us may feel tired and sluggish in
- [How to Stay Safe on LinkedIn](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-stay-safe-on-linkedin/) - New data highlights threat of popular social media application As cybersecurity risks continue to proliferate, experts point to popular social media applications as common threat vectors. Last week, new research from NordLayer highlighted the danger of LinkedIn. More than half (52%) of all businesses surveyed for the report experienced at least one LinkedIn scam, with
- [Security Gaps Exist — Here's How to Fix Them](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/security-gaps-exist-heres-how-to-fix-them/) - One Million Websites Affected by WordPress Vulnerability Last week, cybersecurity experts identified a critical vulnerability affecting 1 million websites hosted on WordPress, one of the world’s most widely used open-source content management systems. The lapse in protection was reported within the Elementor Addons plugin, a popular extension that adds creative capabilities to the WordPress platform.
- [What's the Cloud All About?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/whats-the-cloud-all-about/) - Clearing Up the Confusion Surrounding Cloud Solutions "Are you moving to the cloud?" This buzzed-about question has been on the minds of business owners for years. Once an abstract idea that didn't make much sense, today it's a must for any company struggling to figure out a hybrid work strategy. Since 2020, using the cloud has
- [Are Your Passwords Safe?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/are-your-passwords-safe/) - New Research Highlights Need for Complex Credentials New research published last month illustrates the changing nature of password security—and the need to strengthen your login credentials. Hive Systems’ annual password table study examines how long it would take hackers to “crack” a password using brute-force tactics, a trial-and-error approach that tests endless combinations of usernames
- [Protect Your Inbox with Advanced Email Protection](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-your-inbox-with-advanced-email-protection/) - Why Companies Need Comprehensive Communications Security Your inbox represents a treasure trove of private information that could be a target for hackers. Whether they’re trying to steal protected information, entice you to download malicious attachments, or trick you into clicking on infected URLs, email threats come in many shapes and sizes. That’s why email security
- [5 Tips to Protect Personal Information and Business Data](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-tips-to-protect-personal-information-and-business-data/) - Any Location, Any Device—These Security Strategies Can Help As the weather warms up across North America and spring travel kicks into high gear, the FBI is warning of travel-related scams that target unsuspected users with so-called “juice jacking” scams. This involves using public USB ports at charging stations to introduce malware and other illicit software
- [IT Support to Benefit Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-support-to-benefit-your-business/) - Strengthen Your Cybersecurity with Managed IT Services Cybersecurity challenges come in every shape and size these days. Email scams flood our inboxes with flagrant attempts to steal information. Data breaches occur without notice, often going unnoticed for months. And passwords are compromised by complex brute-force hacks that test millions of combinations each second. In this
- [World Backup Day Just Happened. Are You Prepared?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/world-backup-day-just-happened-are-you-prepared/) - Secure Your Data and Set Your Business Up for Success Data plays a critical role in the success of every business—large or small, no matter the industry, and in every location across North America. Without reliable data, companies can’t maintain day-to-day operations or make important decisions about what customers to focus on or what functions
- [Comprehensive Cybersecurity Protection for Every Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/comprehensive-cybersecurity-protection-for-every-business/) - The FBI Shut Down a Hacking Forum. Here's How to Keep Your Data Safe. Earlier this month, a significant data breach struck DC Health Link, a marketplace company that offers insurance plans to residents of Washington, DC, including members of Congress and their staffers. More than 55,000 customers—including nearly 20 current and former members of
- [12 Tips for Microsoft Excel Success](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/12-tips-for-microsoft-excel-success/) - Looking to Boost Your Use of Popular Business Software? Microsoft Excel debuted in 1985, and over the last 38 years, the productivity app has become a powerhouse for financial analysis and business productivity. Whether you’re organizing key client information, creating data-driven charts and graphs, or tracking financial transactions, no tool tops Excel. That explains why
- [New Research Highlights Ongoing Cybersecurity Threat](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-research-highlights-ongoing-cybersecurity-threat/) - Use Caution and Protect Your Business In 2022, 84% of businesses worldwide were hit with some kind of email-based phishing attack. Ransomware targeted three out of four, or 76%, of them—and nearly two out of three, or 64%, were infected. That’s the eye-opening highlight of Proofpoint’s new 2023 State of the Phish report, which surveyed more than
- [Protect Your Phone from Growing Threats](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-your-phone-from-growing-threat/) - Criminals Target iPhone Passcodes—and Data Protected by Them Recent news reports highlight ongoing security threats to iPhones. The twist is that they’re primarily related to the physical theft of the device itself. An in-depth Wall Street Journal feature detailed the low-tech way that thieves target unsuspecting iPhone users, stealing their devices and then wreaking havoc on
- [Are AI Chatbots a Cybersecurity Threat?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/are-ai-chatbots-a-cybersecurity-threat/) - ChatGPT and Other Tools Could Be Used Maliciously Artificial intelligence-powered language processing tools are capable of writing computer code, composing essays, and carrying on real-time conversations. But AI applications like ChatGPT and chatbots from companies like Google and Microsoft have also generated controversy by misinterpreting prompts, producing factual errors, and even reciting inflammatory content. ChatGPT
- [Every Business Deserves Stronger Cybersecurity Protection](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/every-business-deserves-stronger-cybersecurity-protection/) - Debunking 6 Common Myths to Mitigate Insider Risk External cybersecurity risks dominate the news. Ransomware, data breaches, social engineering schemes, and password hacks all negatively impact businesses of every size. But internal risks also represent a growing share of digital danger. That’s because cybercriminals increasingly view humans as the most vulnerable point of exploitation. And
- [8 Ways to Avoid New COVID-19 Scams](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/8-ways-to-avoid-new-covid-19-scams/) - Millions of people across North America have changed their daily work routines over the last few weeks. More emails and video conference calls. Less travel and trips to the office. Revised tax filing deadlines. Small business loan applications. Constant updates to news sites and CDC recommendations. And all the anxiety that comes along with such
- [Video: Is Your Wi-Fi Connection Secure?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-is-your-wi-fi-connection-secure/) - Would you believe that your wireless router might just be the most important device your company uses every day? Routers monitor all network traffic coming in to and going out from your business, acting as an initial line of defense to prevent unauthorized access—and protect sensitive information. Of course, gone are the days when every
- [Media Coverage Helps Generate Publicity about New CMIT Solutions Office in Reston, Virginia](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/media-coverage-helps-generate-publicity-about-new-cmit-solutions-office-in-reston-virginia/) - Thursday, July 10, 2014 The Fairfax County Times featured Hitesh Dev's new CMIT Solutions office in Reston, including an overview of his business venture and service offerings. The article highlights Hitesh's entrepreneurial background and his families' accomplishments This positive piece of publicity helped raise awareness and drive new business to Hitesh's office. Click here to
- [Nation's Top Finance Publication Spotlights CMIT Solutions Franchisee](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/nations-top-finance-publication-spotlights-cmit-solutions-franchisee/) - Tuesday, August 26, 2014 Money, the nation's top personal finance publication, recently spotlighted Tom Burtzlaff, owner of CMIT Solutions of Columbia (Maryland), for his impressive quick launch of a high-performing small business. Plus, Burtzlaff's early successes have now paid off in several ways. In addition to his office, Burtzlaff is also an area developer covering
- [Trends: Forecasting the Future of Mobility](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/trends-forecasting-future-mobility/) - Holiday shopping statistics and prominence of file sync and share drive interest Believe it or not, a strong indicator of mobility’s future came from a surprising place this year: holiday shopping statistics. Many experts called 2014 “the year e-commerce figured out mobile,” and the following statistics certainly bear that out. But those numbers are only
- [Trends: Why You Should Take Disaster Prep Seriously](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/trends-why-you-should-take-disaster-prep-seriously/) - Severe Spring Weather Highlights Need For Backup & Disaster Recovery Hurricane season officially started on Monday, June 1st. And although the NOAA estimates that this year will be a slow one for tropical formation in the Atlantic Ocean, the occasion still highlights the importance of disaster preparedness — especially in light of the devastating thunderstorms,
- [Trends: Windows 10 — Upgrade Now or Play the Waiting Game?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/trends-windows-10-upgrade-now-or-play-the-waiting-game/) - Microsoft’s New Operating System Offers Advantages and Drawbacks In July, Microsoft launched Windows 10 to the public. The operating system’s debut generated a lot of buzz, with many tech experts hailing it as a return to Windows’ classic form and a solid step forward thanks to several impressive new features. But many Windows users
- [Hacking For Good](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/hacking-for-good/) - Jake Izumi, an IT Specialist for CMIT Solutions, was recently featured in an article form Star Tribune about how his career got started. Jake describes himself at 10 years old as a hacker, but not the kind that steals information – he was on the good side. His interest in technology and security gave him
- [Expert Opinion on Cyber Threats](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/expert-opinion-on-cyber-threats/) - Many times, not understanding common security threats can leave you most vulnerable. As a leading provider of IT services, CMIT Solutions has many experts on what it means to have your technology secure. Bruce Newman, owner of CMIT Solutions of the Northeast Valley in Scottsdale, gives his perspective on the top five security threats
- [Trends: The Top 13 Benefits of Proactive Managed Services vs. Reactive Break-Fix](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/trends-the-top-13-benefits-of-proactive-managed-services-vs-reactive-break-fix/) - First, the Basics Small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) have to juggle many priorities and daily demands. Acquiring and retaining customers. Avoiding inefficiency. Delivering excellent customer service. Managing costs. Hiring employees. Meeting government regulations. Keeping current with industry trends. Technology can help SMBs streamline their processes, improve employee productivity, and maintain a competitive edge. But technology
- [The Future of Business Security With Evolving Technology](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-future-of-business-security-with-evolving-technology/) - As technology evolves, businesses are seeing a new wave of security breaches. These breaches can come in many forms, but the good news is that we are now able to combat these new breaches with technology of our own. Three distinct challenges seen by David Usher, president of CMIT Solutions of Wilmington, include malware, backups,
- [7 Tips to Boost Productivity in the New Year](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/7-tips-to-boost-productivity-in-the-new-year/) - Returning to work after a long holiday weekend is never easy. Add in the pressure of the New Year — resolutions to keep, a few hundred (or thousand) emails clogging up your inbox, more critical tasks than you know what to do with — and your day-to-day motivation can be stymied. So what can
- [How to Make Your Workplace Function Faster and Smarter](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/make-workplace-function-faster-smarter/) - Office Efficiency Are there any employers or employees out there who don’t want to work more efficiently or run their office a little smarter? Or maybe they aren’t longing for expertly organized inboxes, calendars, file systems, and print queues? Of course not. Achieving improved office efficiency means a lot more than just working harder
- [Affected by Hurricane Matthew? Be Careful with any Affected Computers or Devices](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/affected-hurricane-matthew-careful-affected-computers-devices/) - Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the Caribbean and the Southeast who has been impacted by Hurricane Matthew. If you have felt the effects of this Category 3 storm’s winds, rain, and flooding, check out the critical tips below to assist with recovery once the storm passes. If you have water-damaged
- [4 CRUCIAL DISASTER RECOVERY TIPS IN THE FACE OF HURRICANE MATTHEW](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-crucial-disaster-recovery-tips-face-hurricane-matthew/) - Our thoughts and prayers go out to our clients and everyone in the Caribbean and the Southeast who has been impacted by Hurricane Matthew. If you have felt the effects of this Category 3 storm’s winds, rains, and floods, check out the critical tips below to assist with recovery once the storm passes. This
- [Ransomware: 6 Reasons Why you Need to Protect your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ransomware-6-reasons-need-protect-business-growing-threat/) - 3 Ways to Protect Yourself from Ransomware Basic security protocols will keep you protected, but only up to a point — and ransomware architects are constantly working to sneak their handiwork past any and all systems working to stop it. But with stronger defenses like proactive monitoring, Internet traffic analysis, and content filtering, preventing ransomware
- [CMIT Solutions Franchisees Share Holiday Season Shopping Security Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-franchisees-share-holiday-season-shopping-security-tips/) - Holiday shopping provides many businesses with one of the biggest economic boosts of the year. But with so many consumers shopping on their smartphones — mobile devices accounted for more than 30% of online Black Friday sales and nearly 50% of Cyber Monday sales this year — caution is recommended. Online Holiday Shopping Tips -
- [The Most Important Tax Tip You Need To Know, According To Experts](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/important-tax-tip-need-know-according-experts/) - This article, written by Ann Brenoff, originally appear in The Huffington Post “In this day and age when so many identifies are being stolen online, as individuals the best thing we can do is file our taxes as soon as possible so we don’t give criminals the chance to file fraudulent taxes under false information,”
- [Doug Bates of CMIT Fayette-Coweta talks Franchise IT and Start Ups](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/doug-bates-cmit-fayette-coweta-talks-franchise-start-ups/) - Doug talks about how he came to own CMIT Solutions of Fayette-Coweta and why he loves their clients, their community, and the IT services and solutions that they provide Fayette, Coweta, and the Southern Crescent markets of Atlanta. IT is more important now than ever before, and investing in your IT solutions with a trusted
- [Cyber Threats and How to Keep Your Family's Data Safe](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cyber-threats-and-how-to-keep-you-familys-data-safe/) - Bill Zwicky, owner CMIT Solutions of Twin Cities SE, discusses the cyber security threats families should be aware of during back to school season. Online safety is becoming more vital when protecting our kid’s and family’s sensitive data. Bill outlines some helpful tips on how to stay safe. Check it out!
- [Cyber Security and Back to School Technology Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cyber-security-and-back-to-school-technology-tips/) - Ian Miller, owner of CMIT Solutions of Portland Central, shares valuable back to school technology tips. Adults are not the only ones who are exposed to cyber threats. Our kids also have access to smart devices and need to be protected. Learn how to keep your family's devices safe!
- [Darwin Smith, General Manager, Lake Stevens Sewer District](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/darwin-smith-general-manager-lake-stevens-sewer-district/) - Since partnering with CMIT, I can now not worry about whether or not my computers are working. I've got backups, monitoring, I can get reports, and I know where I'm having risks and threats. I now can rely on my IT people (CMIT) to take care of my IT problems and to keep that IT
- [Jason Westrope, Development Manager, Development Management Associates](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/jason-westrope-development-manager-development-management-associates/) - Jeremy and CMIT offer the best of both worlds. Jeremy is a real person, he has a name, and we know him. He's a guy you can actually talk to. This is not some anonymous off-shore help desk. By the same token, Jeremy has the national reach of CMIT to back him up. He has
- [Steve Hansen, Attorney, Hansen, McConnell & Pellegrini](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/steve-hansen-attorney-hansen-mcconnell-pellegrini/) - With other IT service providers, we felt that we only got assistance when we requested it, and we normally came up with any ideas for improvements on our system rather than them. I was not impressed with the service, the communication or the end product at that point. Our experience has really set CMIT and
- [Dan Frakes, VP & CFO Horan and McConaty Funeral Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dan-frakes-vp-cfo-horan-and-mcconaty-funeral-services/) - find an organization that is genuinely interested in becoming a business partner to a CFO’s business. I think they have very professional employees on staff who understand the issues of technology that must be addressed when configuring somebody’s network. They also have individuals who aren’t so tech savvy that they are not able to speak
- [Ryan Windsor, CEO, Alcatraz Media](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ryan-windsor-ceo-alcatraz-media/) - CMIT is helping us "mint" more money. CMIT came on board with all new computers on May 24th. After they installed the computers, it was an overnight success. The very next day after the computers were installed, we saw a 20% spike in sales. In June, we still saw a big increase, and the reason
- [Marc Mastrangelo, VP Operations, Tel-Instrument Electronics](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/marc-mastrangelo-vp-operations-tel-instrument-electronics/) - The way CMIT does business is just much more suitable for our type of business environment. We have deadlines and critical schedules to meet, and we need to be moving forward at all times. CMIT provides data on a monthly basis, which allows us to look at trends and be proactive with our decisions and
- [Paul Sloan, Owner, Small Vines Viticulture](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/paul-sloan-owner-small-vines-viticulture/) - So what Jim (CMIT) did was he came in and he evaluated our system, worked with it for a short period of time, and then made a recommendation. And of course the recommendation was a bit hard to swallow because it was, “Get a real server, buy some new software, and reboot everything. Break it down
- [Doug Loesel, President, Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/doug-loesel-president-loesel-schaaf-insurance-agency/) - So at one point in history, your backup may be reliable and up-to-date, but with the information being so critical and with it changing literally thousands of times a day, having that backup through the Guardian system, almost a minute-by-minute backup, makes me feel very confident that the information, if we ever had a disaster
- [Erik Baros, GIS Analyst, Wright Water Engineers](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/erik-baros-gis-analyst-wright-water-engineers/) - We use large aerial imagery that can sometimes be 30 or 40 GB in size. There would be times that I would wait 30 seconds to a minute and a half for an image to appear. CMIT Solutions helped us rehabilitate the computers on hand, put in a network infrastructure, and put in faster switches.
- [Bob Goldfarb, Managing Partner, Schoenfeld, Mendelsohn, Goldfarb LLC](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/bob-goldfarb-managing-partner-schoenfeld-mendelsohn-goldfarb-llc/) - When CMIT and Armando came in, he explained to me what files to look for in data backups and he showed me that they are being backed up not only on our internal systems but on external systems. We have a lot of internal backup systems, but if there is a flood or the hurricane
- [Nancy Dean, Director, Space Coast Endoscopy Center](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/nancy-dean-director-space-coast-endoscopy-center/) - We didn’t initiate offsite backups in the beginning, but with the start of the hurricane season we said, 'OK guys, we now have this wonderful system, but it's not really complete yet.' We're now able to back up our data, it's safely transported and stored offsite, and it’s all HIPAA compliant. And the NAS device
- [Ennis Flowers, Transportation Manager, Unified Consultants Group](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ennis-flowers-transportation-manager-unified-consultants-group/) - Before CMIT, we were in such a fog to just survive the day that we couldn't really move forward and be as effective as we needed to be. We needed to get out of that environment, and CMIT helped us get out of that environment. It is almost as if they put a bubble around
- [Frank Truatt, General Manager, WTBQ Radio](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/frank-truatt-general-manager-wtbq-radio/) - CMIT is all about peace of mind, and literally, it doesn't cost you anything because you are saving the money on me working on the computer when I'm losing business. In today's economy, you don't want to be late sending bills out, you've got to be out there because if you start falling behind you're
- [Jennifer Blundell, Vice President, Colchester Partners](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/jennifer-blundell-vice-president-colchester-partners/) - I can't think of any business issues we've had that been able to cover. I think they probably have provided above and beyond service to what I would have expected, and I think I made a comment to them about a year ago that I felt like we weren't paying them enough. The service that
- [Rose Morelock, VP Operations, Children's Lighthouse](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/rose-morelock-vp-operations-childrens-lighthouse/) - Whereas our systems were originally only getting backed up on a monthly basis, CMIT was able to come in and now they are automatically backed up to the server. We had a center in the DFW area that did lose everything. They made a phone call to CMIT, and CMIT was able to restore their
- [Linnea Goodrich, Owner, Firstat Nursing Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/linnea-goodrich-owner-firstat-nursing-services/) - I was very scared of having anything go wrong with my computers. All my financial information for the business is on my computers, all the medical information of every patient I’ve ever taken care of is on the computers, and yes, it concerned me a lot when I thought about something crashing, or if there
- [Wes Wenk, Wenk Insurance Agency](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/wes-wenk-wenk-insurance-agency/) - We get so busy around here that a lot of times no news is good news. Since we started working with CMIT Solutions, I'm not getting people running in saying "hey, this broke down" I'm getting a lot of fewer complaints about spam, and we haven't had to deal with our email breaking down the
- [Rona Reznick, President & CEO, Summit Management Specialists](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/rona-reznick-president-ceo-summit-management-specialists/) - We pride ourselves that we are the company that gives instant customer service. We were getting to a point where it was extremely difficult, and we didn't want to lose our customer base. We wanted to also expand. I said, 'I need somebody to do something to allow us to be the company that we
- [IT Operations Manager, Horan and McConaty Funeral Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-operations-manager-horan-and-mcconaty-funeral-services/) - If someone chooses CMIT for an outsourced IT company, they are really going to find someone who has a personal relationship with their business; that they try to understand the culture of their client’s business and do their work to that standard. We are not just paying them to fix things, we are really working
- [Aaron Spencer, President & CEO, Spencer Building Maintenance](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/aaron-spencer-president-ceo-spencer-building-maintenance/) - CMIT dealt with my local backup needs so that if I just need to get one specific piece of information, they can actually do it remotely from their office and get my people back and going. If I do have a catastrophic disaster that takes my entire building, I have laptops and everything else that
- [Trenton Harris, CEO, Via Seating](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/trenton-harris-ceo-via-seating/) - If we had some kind of earthquake or something here, which we certainly had our fair share of over the last year, it would have been quite devastating particularly on the technical side where all of our customer records and accounting information is. It would have been quite a devastating loss. Now, because of CMIT
- [Evelynn Montgomery, Operations Director, Atlanta Land Group](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/evelynn-montgomery-operations-director-atlanta-land-group/) - CMIT Solutions of Johns Creek, Duluth, Suwanee gave us the perfect solution to keep our business running. Guardian protects us if our server is stolen or breaks down or has some malfunction that actually halts business. The BDR can serve as an interim server. It can actually replace the server that we have now, so,
- [A Smooth Ride for Limo Company](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/smooth-ride-limo-company/) - Teddy’s Transportation System was one server crash away from catastrophe until Marathon and Guardian came to the rescue. When you run a growing 24/7/365 global executive ground transportation service, you can’t leave your IT infrastructure to chance. Unfortunately, that’s the situation Charles Wisniewski found himself in two years ago. Wisniewski, the president and CEO of
- [The Whole School Is a Hot Spot](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/whole-school-hot-spot/) - Park City Prep, an inner-city charter school serving low-income and minority students, had antiquated technology that worked poorly when it worked at all. CMIT Solutions of Central Fairfield County turned it into a model campus for mobility. These days, thanks in large part to CMIT Solutions, it’s common to see students at Park City Prep
- [CMIT Solutions of Monroe Relieves Local Business of IT Pain](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-monroe-relieves-local-business-pain/) - Rochester Surgical Associates was frustrated with incompetent IT services — so CMIT Solutions of Monroe stepped in to boost efficiency and increase productivity. Any functioning, modern office knows that if computers are down, trouble isn’t far behind. Rochester Surgical Associates’ office manager Sandra Berge had a full plate. Between facilitating the day-to-day operations of a
- [Economic Downturn Drives Opportunities for IT Overhauls](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/economic-downturn-drives-opportunities-overhauls/) - Consulting Agency’s Internal IT Department Crumbles in Wake of Great Recession; CMIT Solutions of San Marcos and New Braunfels Step In to Help Company Rebuild Sigma Breakthrough Technologies Inc. (SBTI), a leading global management-consulting firm specializing in business process design and implementation, was one of the many companies forced to downsize in the wake of
- [Providing a Safety Net for a Growing Start-up](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/providing-safety-net-growing-start/) - Planning Solutions, LLC underwent a period of trial and error before finding an IT service provider that could meet all of their technology needs. If there’s a way to find comfort before jumping off of a cliff, hang gliders have figured it out. Safety measures are taken, emergency plans are in place, a circle of
- [Helping Medical Practices Focus on Delivering Quality Care](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/helping-medical-practices-focus-delivering-quality-care/) - Behind every great medical practice is a hard-working office manager. Charged with handling the accounting, marketing, and operational needs of the healthcare practice, the office manager serves an important role in driving the growth and success of the business. Sandy Glaspell, the practice manager at Matthews Internal Medicine, a primary care facility specializing in internal
- [Helping Non Profits with Technology Upgrades](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/helping-non-profits-with-technology-upgrades/) - Long overdue for an updated computer system, including new hardware and software, as well as a modernized phone system, Washington Heights CORNER Project met CMIT Solutions at a critical juncture for the organization. At that first meeting between the two, Paul Okura, president of CMIT Solutions of Southern Westchester, assessed the organization’s needs in a
- [Capturing Value for Pharmaceutical Companies](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/capturing-value-pharmaceutical-companies/) - Jim Berwick, the former CFO of Insight Pharmaceuticals, a fast-growing consumer products company in the over-the-counter space, was in the market for a technology advisor. Jim needed help building a technology infrastructure that could meet his businesses’ heavy analytical needs, without adding fixed assets that could inhibit a future sale of the company. Bob Riesenbach
- [CMIT SOLUTIONS KEEPS CLIENT FROM TAPPING OUT](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-keeps-client-from-tapping-out/) - CLIENT: Tigear Fight Gear INDUSTRY: Apparel OBJECTIVE: To manage and monitor Tigear Fight Gear’s technology infrastructure with affordable, enterprise-level solutions and support. SOLUTION: Tigear Fight Gear (Tigear), a leading producer of high quality Mixed Martial Arts gear and training equipment, needed a strategic technology advisor to refresh and manage the retailer’s information technology systems. In July of
- [CMIT Solutions Helps Client Overcome Growth Challenges](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-of-east-and-west-nassau-helps-client-overcome-growth-challenges/) - Many small businesses in growth mode struggle to advance the processes and systems crucial to evolving into a much larger and more profitable venture. Scaling a business is a significant, whole-system, transformational change, which requires the introduction of new partnerships, systems, policies, and procedures. Take the example of Tunnel Hill Partners, which was embarking on
- [CMIT Solutions helps Speech and Language Pathology Center Expand](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-helps-speech-language-pathology-center-expand/) - Making a Difference for Individuals with Communication Disorders The Speech and Language Center in San Antonio’s Stone Oak community has been serving children and adults with communication disorders for nearly two decades. Office Manager Joanne Almeter has been managing the practice’s technology systems since the early phases of opening the center. In December of 2014,
- [CMIT Solutions of St. Louis Helps Nonprofit Streamline IT Operations](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-st-louis-helps-local-nonprofit-streamline-operations/) - As CMIT Solutions continues to expand across the U.S. and Canada with more than 150 offices, the footprint the brand makes on the communities it serves grows as well. With so many offices in different regions, CMIT’s small- and medium-size business clientele is increasingly diverse. Many of these businesses thrive because of the fast, efficient,
- [CMIT Solutions of Bellevue, Kirkland, & Redmond Helps Client Save Big Money](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-of-bellevue-kirkland-richland-helps-client-save-big-money/) - As small businesses continue to grow and evolve, their needs change as well. A budget that worked 15 years ago is probably not as in tune with the changing needs of a small business as it should be — but the added expense of taking on more technology costs can be more than some businesses
- [Achieving Great Results for Red Square Holdings](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/achieving-great-results-red-square-holdings/) - Turning Networking Opportunity into New Business Success Story Red Square Holdings, based out of Sunny Isles, Fla., specializes in lending, concierge, real estate brokerage, and legal services, catering to a specific clientele in luxury and medical tourism. Last year, Red Square approached CMIT Solutions of Hollywood with a unique proposition. They needed assistance building a
- [CMIT SOLUTIONS GUIDES BUSINESS THROUGH SYSTEM UPGRADE](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-guides-business-through-system-upgrade/) - CLIENT: Washington Heights CORNER Project INDUSTRY: Non-Profit OBJECTIVE: To upgrade the outdated information technology infrastructure for Washington Heights CORNER Project (WHCP) with affordable IT solutions and ongoing support. SOLUTION: Long overdue for an updated computer system, including new hardware and software, as well as a modernized phone system, Washington Heights CORNER Project met CMIT Solutions
- [CMIT SOLUTIONS UNLOCKS CLIENT’S GROWTH POTENTIAL](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-unlocks-clients-growth-potential/) - CLIENT: Poterack Capital Advisory, Inc. INDUSTRY: Finance OBJECTIVE: To manage the technology systems for Poterack Capital Advisory with secure, cost-effective solutions. SOLUTION: Poterack Capital Advisory, a fast-growing financial planning and wealth management company, was in the market for a technology advisor. The company needed help managing its preexisting technology infrastructure that would maintain security and efficiency without adding
- [Measuring the Impact of IT Downtime](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/measuring-the-impact-of-it-downtime/) - Technology failure is one of the most frustratingly common side effects of doing business in this interconnected age. It’s difficult to quantify the impact of such failures, although scary numbers like $9,000 per hour are regularly thrown around. But a 2014 Gartner survey of CEOs and business executives from 410 organizations worldwide produced some intriguing
- [CMIT Franchise System Uses Teamwork to Recover Lost Laptop](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-franchisee-system-uses-teamwork-recover-lost-laptop/) - At CMIT Solutions, you’re never alone. As the company continues to expand across North America — now with more than 150 offices across the continent — the network of the brand’s franchise partners grows as well. Each of these owners brings a unique background, career experience, and worldview that helps CMIT Solutions cultivate an exceptional
- [VIDEO: Meeting the Erie Real Estate Market’s Digital Needs](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-meeting-erie-real-estate-markets-digital-needs/) - The real estate market operates almost entirely on the Internet these days. So Marsha Marsh Real Estate, which has four locations and more than 50 agents, needed an IT provider that understood its 24/7 needs and could handle the digital workload. By eliminating downtime and forecasting technology problems… Having 24/7 Support Keeps This Real Estate
- [VIDEO: Automotive Repair Company Leans on Prompt, Responsive IT Support to Stay Running](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-automotive-repair-company-leans-prompt-responsive-support-stay-running/) - Jud Matthey, owner of Matthey Automotive, understands the importance of technology to his multi-location business. Without properly functioning computers, networks, and other systems, the critical job of getting cars, trucks, and fleet vehicles back on the road wouldn’t be possible. By handling all IT issues for the 16-year-old company — including a server that crashed
- [VIDEO: Technology Support Allows Erie Non-Profit to Serve the Community](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-technology-support-allows-erie-non-profit-serve-community/) - Paul Lukach, Executive Director of the Crime Victim Center of Erie County, is the first to admit it: he and his employees don’t pride themselves on being technology savvy. That’s why the company needed a trusted IT provider to help it reinvent its operations and ensure that computers and systems work seamlessly, allowing thus 44-year-old
- [VIDEO: Navigating New Digital Trends for Multi-Location Publisher of Philadelphia Magazine](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-navigating-new-digital-trends-multi-location-publishing-company/) - Metrocorp has been in business for 109 years. But Daniel Shimberg, Director of IT for the publisher of city and regional magazines, realized the need to stay ahead of the digital curve. In addition, CMIT Solutions’ nationwide infrastructure and focus on cloud-based support is perfect for Metrocorp, which operates in Philadelphia and Boston… Leveraging National
- [VIDEO: Theatre Company Maintains Dynamic Day-to-Day Operations with Efficient IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-theatre-company-maintains-dynamic-day-day-operations-efficient-support/) - The Philadelphia Theatre Company was looking for stable, efficient IT services that could allow them to thrive. Priscilla Luce, Executive Managing Director, and Sharon Kling, Manager of the Board and Administrative Services, both emphasize the fact that their dynamic day-to-day operations call for reliability, professionalism, and last-minute support… An IT Partner That Can Handle Any
- [10 Tips and Tricks to Become a Master of Microsoft Word](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-tips-tricks-become-master-microsoft-word/) - When it comes to word processing, Microsoft Word is the gold standard. As part of the Microsoft Office productivity suite, more than one billion computer users rely on the program every day. That’s nearly one in seven people on the entire planet—an impressive number unmatched in the technology industry. Even though so many consumers use
- [Top 10 Microsoft Outlook Tips to Maximize Efficiency](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-10-microsoft-outlook-tips/) - Two weeks ago, we presented 10 productivity tips to improve your day. But let’s be honest: most modern workers start and end their day with Microsoft Outlook, the industry standard for business email, calendars, and contacts. With hundreds of millions of users worldwide using Outlook (the global total for the Microsoft Office suite is 1.1
- [Looking for an Excel Boost? These 10 Tips Can Help](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/looking-for-an-excel-boost-these-10-tips-can-help/) - More than 30 years after its debut, Microsoft Excel remains the most widely used spreadsheet software on the planet. When you need to work with important business data, nothing beats Excel. Depending on your level of Excel expertise—and the knowledge your co-workers have with the program—problems can still pop up. In 2003, a spreadsheet
- [The 10 Step Checklist You Need for Day-to-Day IT Worries](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-10-step-checklist-you-need-for-day-to-day-it-worries/) - With summer in full swing and many fiscal years ending, it can be easy to overlook the most important part of your day-to-day work: technology. Chalk it up to the overwhelming wave of data breaches and software vulnerabilities, the ongoing threat of ransomware, or the targeting of high-level email addresses and decision-making processes through
- [How to Speed Up a Slow Computer](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-speed-up-a-slow-computer/) - In today’s digital environment, multi-tasking is a must. Over the course of an average business day, we bounce between different operating systems, software applications, and workflows, all of which require a standard of expertise and a powerful memory (both inside our computers and inside our brains). Even though we train ourselves to plow through
- [Should You Let Employees Use Their Own Devices at Work?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/should-you-let-employees-use-their-own-devices-at-work/) - There are now more gadgets and mobile devices than people. At the time of this writing, the world population is at 7.5 billion according to the U.S. Census Bureau, while GSM Association’s real-time tracker states that there are more than 9 billion connected devices in the world, with 5.1 billion unique mobile users. These
- [Speed Up Your Browsing with 10 Keyboard Shortcuts](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/speed-up-your-browsing-with-10-keyboard-shortcuts/) - Keyboard shortcuts provide a major boost to productivity and efficiency. Whether you use Windows or Mac operating systems, the simplest strokes can save a lot of time and effort in programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. What about web browsing, though? Did you know that, in most major browsers like Google Chrome,
- [Need a Post Holiday Boost? Try These 7 Productivity Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/need-a-post-holiday-boost-try-these-7-productivity-tips/) - Memorial Day in the United States and Victoria Day in Canada have come and gone, unofficially ushering in summer—even though the world may still feel like it’s turned upside down. But there’s one thing that holds true, even in a pandemic: it’s hard to get back into the swing of things after a holiday. Meetings might
- [Cybersecurity Expert Gives Advice After the Marriott Data Breach](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cybersecurity-expert-gives-advise-after-the-marriott-data-breach/) - Learn how to protect your digital identity in the aftermath of one of the worst cyber attacks of the past decade. Jeremy Treister, owner and president of CMIT Solutions of Chicago Downtown, discusses the recent Marriott data breach. Marriott released a statement saying as many as 500 million guests' data may have been breached.
- [Technology Security Advisor Speaks on Facebook Privacy Concerns](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/technology-security-advisor-speaks-on-facebook-privacy-concerns/) - Emory Simmons, trusted technology advisor and president of CMIT Solutions of Metrolina, discusses security concerns surrounding Facebook. The New York Times reported that the social media company shared user data with more than 150 businesses. The NY Time reported that Spotify and Netflix had access to read user private messages.
- [Tax Day Cybersecurity Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/tax-day-cybersecurity-tips/) - Stephen Paskel, owner of CMIT Solutions of Biltmore, discusses how to stay safe during tax season. In the first 3 months of 2018 cyber attacks were up by 32%. Cyber criminals exploit tax season as an opportunity to steal sensitive data. Stephen outlines how education and strong security practices will help you stay safe while
- [How to File Your Taxes Safely and Securely](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-file-taxes-safely-and-securely/) - CMIT Solutions cybersecurity and technology expert, Ed Cordiano, outlines how to stay safe during tax season. File your taxes safely and securely with these technology tips.That means no filing your tax return (or even working on it and saving the progress) while connected to public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, hotel business centers, airports, or other
- [How to Keep Your Tax Information Safe](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-tax-information-safe/) - Information security expert and owner of CMIT Solutions of Charlottesville, Thomas Beck lays out the best practices for keeping your information safe. Tax season is a sensitive time. Make sure you are staying secure with some of Beck's cyber security tips, "preparation and awareness is everything".
- [CMIT Solutions Appoints New Chief Executive Officer](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-appoints-new-chief-executive-officer/) - AUSTIN, Texas – CMIT Solutions, the nation’s leading managed service provider (MSP) of enterprise-level information technology (IT) services to the small and mid-market business community, has named Roger Lewis as its new Chief Executive Officer. This comes as Jeff Connally, the iconic CMIT Solutions leader who first joined the company in 2005 as a
- [Data Security Expert Defines Robocalls and How to Stop Them](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-stop-robo/) - Security Expert and President of CMIT Solutions of Capitol Hill, Anne Morrison, discusses the details of Robocalls and how to stop them. In 2017 approximately 5% of calls were attributed as robocalls. In 2018 it went up to 30% and in 2019 robocalls are expected to be close to 50% of all calls. What is
- [Technology Advisors Examine Ransomware After the Baltimore Cyber Attack](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/technology-advisors-examine-ransomeware-after-the-baltimore-cyber-attack/) - Technology Security Advisors, Richard Staton and David Warnick of CMIT Solutions of Upper Chesapeake, outline the current state of cyber threats after the Baltimore ransomware attack. Ransomware is one of the most popular and malicious cyber attacks. Ransomware is software that denies access to a computer system or data and demands that a ransom is
- [CMIT Solutions Awarded Continuum Alliance Partner of The Year](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-awarded-continuum-alliance-partner-of-the-year/) - AUSTIN, Texas – CMIT Solutions, the nation’s leading managed services provider of enterprise-level information technology (IT) services to the small and mid-market business community, has been named Continuum’s Alliance Partner of the Year. Partners since 2013, CMIT Solutions leverages its tight connection with Continuum today to monitor more than 50,000+ endpoints. Presented at Continuum’s annual
- [How to Keep Your Technology Safe While Traveling](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-technology-safe-while-traveling/) - Technology Security Advisor, Ravonda Cole of CMIT Solutions of Chapel Hill , provides helpful technology tips to take on your summer adventures. When you leave for vacation you make sure to lock your house. You might get a pet sitter for your dog or cat. You may purchase some travel insurance. Overall you make sure
- [CMIT Solutions Ends Year with Strong Results and Unveils Vision for 2022](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-ends-year-with-strong-results-and-unveils-vision-for-2022/) - Leading IT Services Franchise Announces Several Strategic Initiatives and Celebrates Franchisee Accomplishments AUSTIN – CMIT Solutions, a leading information technology (IT) managed services provider (MSP) and world class franchise serving small and mid-sized businesses in their local communities, closes out 2021 with strong performance. The company achieved 61 percent growth last year, demonstrating resilience during
- [CMIT Solutions Recognized on CRN’s 2022 MSP 500 List](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-recognized-on-crns-2022-msp-500-list/) - CMIT Solutions, the nation’s leading managed service provider of enterprise-level information technology (IT) services to the small and medium sized business community, announced this week that it has been named by CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, to the 2022 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Managed Security 100 category. CRN’s annual
- [5 FUN FACTS ABOUT CYBERSECURITY](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-fun-facts-about-cybersecurity/) - Is your password a combination of your children or pet’s name? Or perhaps your grandmother’s name? Everyone picks passwords that are easy to remember. Easy to remember equals easy to hack. Even Jimmy Kimmel did a segment showing how easy it is to get someone to reveal their password. Passwords should be like Fight Club.
- [5 Creative Ways to Focus on Cybersecurity (and Protect Your Business in the Process)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-creative-ways-to-focus-on-cybersecurity-and-protect-your-business-in-the-process/) - As the cybersecurity landscape continues to shift and change, new incidents occur with the speed of breaking news. Fresh data breach reports happen every day. Password hacks at one company lead to identity theft at another. New strains of ransomware continue to spread like wildfire. Most of us are doing all we can just
- [5 Password Security Musts to Keep Your Data Safe](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-password-security-musts-to-keep-your-data-safe/) - In today’s digital world, passwords are a necessary inconvenience—too important to overlook as a critical part of comprehensive security. Protecting your passwords means you’re protecting your data, which in turn keeps your most important identifiers—Social Security numbers, credit card information, home addresses, email accounts, and phone numbers—safe. Passwords are often the first option for
- [Don’t Be Tricked by Fresh Spin on Phishing Attempts](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-be-tricked-by-fresh-spin-on-phishing-attempts/) - Several new variations on existing email scams have attracted the attention of security experts in recent weeks. These represent another step in the evolution of phishing, most commonly defined as the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to convince users to reveal personal information, such as passwords
- [Marriott Data Breach Compromises the Data of 500 Million Customers](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/marriott-data-breach-compromises-the-data-of-500-million-customers/) - Marriott International disclosed a massive data breach centered on the online reservation network for its Starwood Hotels brand. The unauthorized access purportedly stretched from 2014 through this November, compromising the names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, and Starwood Preferred Guest account information of nearly 500 million customers. In addition, some credit
- [New Year, Better Security: Cybersecurity Practices Businesses Should Implement in 2019](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-year-better-security-cybersecurity-practices-businesses-should-implement-in-2019/) - A cyber attack against a business can be devastating. An article by USA Today reports that these attacks cost small businesses between $84,000 and $148,000.On top of that, 60 percent of these businesses close down half a year within the attack. While there is no guaranteed way of preventing your company from becoming the next
- [Ready to Protect Your Business from Ransomware Risk?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ready-to-protect-your-business-from-ransomware-risk/) - Last month, a joint advisory released by the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlined an ongoing threat aimed at hospitals and other healthcare providers. Security experts have identified one specific strain of ransomware aimed at stealing data,
- [VIDEO: OTC Marketer Rises to the Challenge Thanks to Reliable IT Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-otc-marketer-rises-challenge-thanks-reliable-services/) - Every day, Clarion Brands faces a tall order: taking legacy over-the-counter brands and reintroducing them to new clients. Jennifer Moyer, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, was looking for a technology company that could handle it all for Clarion, allowing its employees to focus on the job at hand by making sure computers, networks, and
- [VIDEO: Updating Technology Landscape for Erie’s only Independent School](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-updating-technology-landscape-eries-independent-school/) - Karen Tyler, the head of Erie Day School, needed help with interactive software and hardware leasing for students at the community’s only independent school. In addition, the International Baccalaureate setting required new bridges built between existing Windows computers and new Apple devices… Helping a Non-Profit School Save Money on New Technology. Identifying unmet needs and
- [VIDEO: Partnering with IT Provider Helps Erie Manufacturing Company Thrive in 21st Century](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-partnering-provider-helps-erie-manufacturing-company-thrive-21st-century/) - Berman Bedding, Inc. has been in business since 1912. But when this mattress manufacturer started producing medical pads in the 1950s, it realized the need for efficient technology solutions to keep its factories humming. Operations have changed drastically in the last 60 years, and when Berman President Robert Unger realized he couldn’t be the company’s
- [VIDEO: Addiction and Rehabilitation Non-Profit Thrives with Help from Appleton IT Firm](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-addiction-rehabilitation-non-profit-thrives-help-appleton-firm/) - For 40 years, Villa Hope has been providing support to adults struggling with mental health and addiction issues. But the non-profit’s 50 employees were struggling with inadequate IT service. Once they teamed up with CMIT Solutions of Appleton, however, Villa Hope has come to rely on cloud-based email and secure electronic medical records systems. But
- [VIDEO: National Research Laboratory Fulfills its Mission with Reliable IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-national-research-laboratory-fulfills-mission-reliable-support/) - In Silicon Valley, the competition for IT services is fierce. But Hanh Kent, Small Business Program Officer at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, believes that CMIT Solutions of Southwest Silicon Valley stands head and shoulders above the rest. Thanks to CMIT’s support, the oldest national lab under the Department of Energy can fulfill its mission to
- [VIDEO: Technology Helps Chicago-Area CPA Firm Excel at Client Service](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/technology-helps-chicago-area-cpa-firm-excel-client-service/) - Mooney & Thomas CPA serves mostly small businesses, which means that client service is of the utmost importance. Partner Ralph Mooney describes technology as “the only way to get work done” for his firm, meaning efficiency and productivity are critical to day-to-day operations. That’s where CMIT Solutions of the Tri-Cities comes in, offering trustworthy IT
- [VIDEO: St. Louis-Area Medical Clinic Averts Disaster with Proactive IT Solutions](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-st-louis-area-medical-clinic-averts-disaster-proactive-solutions/) - Without technology, Dr. Amy Davis wouldn’t be able to her job. And since her practice, Crossing Back to Health, serves St. Louis-area adults and children with practical, functional medical advice, an inability to perform basic functions would deprive the clinic’s patients of health and happiness. That’s why Dr. Davis was happy to bring CMIT Solutions
- [VIDEO: Streamlining IT Operations for Local Texas Economic Development Corporation](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-streamlining-operations-local-texas-economic-development-corporation/) - Tim Chase, CEO of Hutto Economic Development Corporation, joined the 20-year-old outfit 18 months ago. The citizen-supported non-profit did great work stimulating Hutto’s local economy, but its IT infrastructure was antiquated, leaving Chase and his employees searching for a local partner who could streamline operations and offer local customer service. That's when they called CMIT
- [US Subsidiary of International Space Propulsion Company Rockets to Success thanks to Reliable IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/us-subsidiary-international-space-propulsion-company-rockets-success-thanks-reliable-support/) - Reaction Engines, Inc. works with major corporations like Boeing and Lockheed, along with US government agencies like NASA and the Air Force, to pioneer the next generation of hypersonic rocket propulsion technology. As such, Dr. Adam Dissel, President of the US subsidiary of UK-based Reaction Engines, Ltd., and Elizabeth Dissel, Business Support Analyst, were looking
- [VIDEO: Clayton Consulting Firm Grows Business Thanks to Reliable IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/clayton-consulting-firm-grows-business-thanks-to-reliable-it-support/) - Joe Bottani, an Arch Brokerage Partner, tells how CMIT Solutions has helped their business get ahead of IT issues. Three years ago Arch Brokerage used to worry about IT only after something would break. Now with CMIT, they stay ahead of issues so they can concentrate on growing their business.
- [VIDEO: North Carolina Medical Practice Takes Off With Reliable IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-north-carolina-medical-practice-takes-off-reliable-support/) - Eugene and Eliza Sangmuah opened Matthews Internal Medicine with the goal of being able to provide better and more personalized care for their patients. However, they were spinning their wheels as they went through IT service after IT service...until they were introduced to CMIT Solutions. From there Matthews Internal Medicine has taken off and the
- [VIDEO: Monroe County Medical Society Makes One Call for IT](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-monroe-county-medical-society/) - The Monroe County Medical Society provides support to their physician members and in turn the hundreds of patients those physicians serve. With so much at stake, they turned to CMIT Solutions to handle their IT needs. CMIT not only created detailed plan to upgrade MCMS systems, but when an old modem died over a weekend,
- [VIDEO: Cherry Hill CPA Firm Stays Secure with Reliable and Proactive IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-cherry-hill-cpa-firm-stays-secure-with-reliable-and-proactive-it-support/) - Martin Abo, from Abo and Company, discusses his relationship with CMIT Solutions. Abo and Company is a CPA firm specializing in Litigation & Forensic Accounting. Martin discusses the security, responsiveness and value of CMIT services, saying unequivocally, "We're on the same page."
- [VIDEO: Design and Build Company Grows Thanks to Multi-Location Support and Responsive IT Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-construction-company-grows-thanks-to-multi-location-support-and-responsive-it-services/) - Katherine Ng of Wu & Associates, breaks down their relationship with CMIT Solutions. Wu & Associates provides general construction and design build services throughout the country. Kathrine says, "We service clients around the country... we need to make sure our teams on the ground can communicate in real time with our teams here in New
- [VIDEO: Recycling Company Grows Rapidly Thanks to Responsive Support and Custom IT Solutions](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/recycling-company-grows/) - Didion Orf, a Missouri recycling company, needed to streamline communication processes and expand their network. CMIT worked along side the company to create custom tailored solutions that supported business objectives. A reliable IT infrastructure was needed to support rapid growth as well as connect multiple facilities. The responsive CMIT team is why Didion Orf has
- [VIDEO: Media Company Benefits from Proactive IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-media-company-benefits-from-proactive-it-support/) - Josh Sommers, CEO of Focus Media, explains how establishing a partnership with CMIT Solutions helped his company grow.
- [This Valentine’s Day, Protect Your Online Identity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/this-valentines-day-protect-your-online-identity/) - Take Care of Your Digital Identity This Valentine’s Day On Valentine’s Day, we go to great lengths to show love to those around us: spouses, significant others, parents, children, family, and friends. But we often don’t give ourselves the same level of care. That’s particularly true when it comes to our online privacy, which is
- [Protect Your Information This Tax Season](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-your-information-this-tax-season/) - Increased Fraud Activity Targets Tax Professionals and Taxpayers W-2s and 1099s have been sent. The scramble to compile receipts and itemizations has begun. Tax professionals are gearing up for their busiest time of the year, even as free tax filing options become more available. And—surprise, surprise—cybercriminals are taking advantage. Cybersecurity experts and government agencies have
- [A Simple Way to Boost Your Business in 2022](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/a-simple-way-to-boost-your-business-in-2022/)
- [Comprehensive Device Protection to Meet Today's Cyber Challenges](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/comprehensive-device-protection-to-meet-todays-cyber-challenges/)
- [10 Eye-Opening  Data Loss and Recovery Statistics](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-eye-opening-data-loss-and-recovery-statistics/)
- [10 Eye-Opening Email Security Statistics](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-eye-opening-email-security-statistics/)
- [Hybrid Work Is the Future](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/hybrid-work-is-the-future/)
- [Grow Your Business and Plan for the Future](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/grow-your-business-and-plan-for-the-future/)
- [The True Cost of Downtime](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-true-cost-of-downtime/)
- [The Real Benefits of the Cloud](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-real-benefits-of-the-cloud/)
- [The True Cost of Compliance](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-true-cost-of-compliance/)
- [Network Security Infographic](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/network-security-infographic/)
- [Infographic: The Changing Face of Data Protection](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-changing-face-of-data-protection/)
- [Serverless Architectures: Upgrading Cloud Platform Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/serverless-architectures-upgrading-cloud-platform-services/) - More businesses invested in cloud computing and grew their cloud environments this 2018. In fact, out of 550 organizations, 73 percent said they have adopted cloud services for at least one application or a part of their computing infrastructure. “Serverless architecture” is one cloud-based service that has grown significantly recently, with 50 percent of surveyed
- [Is It Time to Start Planning for the End of Windows 7?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-it-time-to-start-planning-for-the-end-of-windows-7/) - Although 2020 is still more than a full year away, one anticipated date looms large on the calendar: the end of life for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. “End of life” describes the end of support for a hardware or software product, meaning the developer (in this case, Microsoft) will no longer issue security
- [Digital Care: How Smart Devices are Changing the Future of Healthcare](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/digital-care-how-smart-devices-are-changing-the-future-of-healthcare/) - Technology has always been a huge part of healthcare’s growth. We have radio tech to thank for accurate X-Rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Crucial but simple machines like the pacemaker have saved a lot of lives. We shouldn’t forget the automated processes in pharmaceutical plants that help provide enough medicine for the masses. Now, we’re
- [Strong Passwords Are Essential to Overall Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/strong-passwords-are-essential-to-overall-security/) - Add These Layers of Protection to Your IT Planning Conversations about password security tend to fall at either end of the spectrum. On one end is the optimistic belief that strong passwords can save the day, preventing cyberattacks and computer intrusions of all kinds. On the other end is the pessimistic belief that passwords are
- [Positive Developments on the Ransomware Front](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/positive-developments-on-the-ransomware-front/) - Enhanced Protection Still Required to Mitigate Today’s Threats Ransomware was in the news again last week—but for once a positive development made headlines. On Thursday, Jan. 26, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it had disrupted and dismantled a hacking group accused of stealing data. The FBI and its investigative partners in Europe discreetly
- [Boost Your Business with Solid IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/boost-your-business-with-solid-it-support/) - 8 Tips for Help Desk Support, Cybersecurity Protection, and More Small to medium-sized businesses face a lot of challenges. One of the most frustrating is when technology doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways: incorrect passwords, inaccessible files, improper upgrades, or poor connectivity. No matter what
- [7 Tips for Everyday Productivity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/7-tips-for-everyday-productivity/) - How to Work Smarter, Not Harder and Avoid Burnout Most of us assume that productivity is an intrinsic trait—you either have it or you don’t. In many industries, the busiest employees quickly rise to the surface, standing out by working long hours and subscribing to a grind-it-out ethos. But research tells us that productivity isn’t
- [October Is Over. Cybersecurity Awareness Isn’t.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/october-is-over-cybersecurity-awareness-isnt/) - 5 Ways to Respond to a Busy Month of Hacks Cybersecurity Awareness Month ended on October 31st, and it ended on a frightful note. In a single week, international media company Thomson Reuters announced that three terabytes of sensitive global data were accidentally leaked. The Indianapolis Housing Agency revealed that a ransomware attack shut down
- [How to Protect Your Digital Identity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-digital-identity/) - Recent Twitter Changes Amplify the Need for Online Protection Over the last two weeks, Twitter, one of the world’s most popular social media applications, has changed rapidly. After billionaire Elon Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion, he fired top executives and laid off half of the company’s 7,500 employees, announced a major drop in revenue,
- [9 Tips for Safe Online Shopping](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/9-tips-for-safe-online-shopping/) - Keep Your Data Safe from Common Digital Threats The holiday shopping season is nearly upon us. That means millions of North Americans will flood retail stores and e-commerce sites over the next few weeks in search of the perfect gift. As the ease of online shopping has increased, that convenience has become a double-edged sword.
- [Healthy Email Habits to Improve Your Day](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/healthy-email-habits-to-improve-your-day/) - Organize Your Inbox with These 7 Tips Whether you took off one day or five days last week, everyone can relate to this situation: returning to work and finding hundreds of unread emails in your inbox. Chances are you started checking those unread emails before the workweek even started, too. In fact, a recent survey
- [Don’t Let Your Apps Lapse](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-let-your-apps-lapse/) - From Microsoft Windows to Mobile MFA, Updates Are a Must Keeping applications updated is important—and not just because of convenience. Instead, outdated apps and obsolete software can represent a serious cybersecurity issue. For instance, Microsoft will end support for Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023—and, unlike Windows 7, no extended support will be offered
- [Lessons Learned from Ongoing Outage](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/lessons-learned-from-ongoing-outage/) - Extra Protection Is a Must for Email Accounts and Data Backups On December 2nd, cloud computing company Rackspace Technology reported an outage affecting the hosted Microsoft Exchange accounts of tens of thousands of companies. After two weeks, the outage continues, preventing users across North America from accessing their email inboxes, contact lists, or calendars. In
- [The Best QuickTips of 2022](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-best-quicktips-of-2022/) - Readers Respond: The Topics That Resonated Most with You As the end of 2022 draws near, we take this opportunity to look back on the eventful year behind us—and the exciting new one ahead of us. Over the last 12 months, we’ve experienced cybersecurity highs and lows, learning new tips and tricks while fending off
- [How to Protect Your Tech from Bad Weather](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-tech-from-bad-weather/) - Disaster Prep Lessons Learned in the Wake of Hurricane Ian Hurricane Ian made landfall along the Southwest Florida coast last week as a powerful Category 4 storm. After inflicting significant damage on the coastal areas around Fort Myers and Naples, the powerful hurricane brought torrential rain, strong winds, and dangerous flooding to Central and North
- [Why Is Data Backup So Important?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-is-data-backup-so-important/) - Protect Your Business Information with Trusted Support No matter the size of your business, the industry in which it operates, or its physical location, your information is incredibly important. Business data includes financial history, sales numbers, client contact information, digital analytics, and login credentials—all valuable assets that drive the success of most companies. That explains
- [Three Ways to Protect Your Business in the New Year](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/three-ways-to-protect-your-business-in-the-new-year/) - Password Strength, Software Health, and Cybersecurity Protection The new year has arrived, bringing with it resolutions and affirmations for 2023. For businesses across North America, this is the perfect time to assess past performance and plan for future success. But how long will such well-laid plans hold up—especially in the face of cybersecurity attacks and
- [Strengthen Your Online Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/strengthen-your-online-security/) - 5 Ways to Respond to Latest Leak of Information Twitter made significant headlines in 2022 after billionaire Elon Musk bought the popular social media platform. Within weeks, he undertook several rounds of high-profile layoffs and controversial content moderation, attracting the ire of everyday users, free speech advocates, and government regulators alike. Now, Twitter could face
- [Support Has Ended for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/support-has-ended-for-windows-7-8-and-8-1/) - Time to Make a Plan for Upgrading or Replacing Your Old OS Big changes occurred last week for PC users still running legacy versions of Windows. On Jan. 10, Microsoft ended all support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. In a press release, Microsoft urged anyone with a computer still using those operating systems to
- [T-Mobile Breach Impacts 37 Million Customers](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/t-mobile-breach-impacts-37-million-customers/) - 5 Ways to Protect Your Online Information Another week, another data breach: on Jan. 19, T-Mobile announced that the information of 37 million customers was stolen in a coordinated cyberattack. The second-largest wireless carrier in the U.S. said that mobile phone numbers, customer names, and birth dates were stolen. Although not as sensitive as account
- [4 Cybersecurity Tips for Every Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-cybersecurity-tips-for-every-business/) - Not Worried About Online Threats? It's Time to Reconsider Many small to medium-sized business (SMB) owners assume that cyberattacks only happen to bigger companies. But many cybercriminals view SMBs as easy targets—and may try to test their scams on susceptible mom-and-pop shops before scaling them up to larger targets. According to the 2022 Verizon Data
- [Ride-Sharing App Uber Hacked via Social Engineering Scheme](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ride-sharing-app-uber-hacked-via-social-engineering-scheme/) - Recent Breach Highlights the Need for Stronger Cybersecurity Two weeks ago, the popular ride-sharing app Uber announced a cybersecurity incident that affected a variety of company accounts. The breach reportedly originated within Uber’s internal Slack communication channel after a hacker tricked an employee into sharing their login credentials. Those credentials were then used to log Two weeks ago, the popular ride-sharing app Uber announced a cybersecurity incident that affected a variety of company accounts.
- [CMIT Solutions Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 List Ranking 2023](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-entrepreneur-magazine-franchise-500-list-ranking-2023/) - CMIT Solutions was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500®, the world's first and most comprehensive franchise ranking.
- [How to Prevent Password Resets](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-prevent-password-resets/) - ShareThis Several weeks ago we all read the headlines about a hacker accessing one of the vice presidential candidate's personal Yahoo! email accounts. It turned out the hacker didn’t even need to use fancy coding maneuvers or computer wizardry. Instead, he used one of the oldest tricks in the privacy-invasion book: he changed the password
- [The Snipping Tool Captures Screenshots in a Snap](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-snipping-tool-captures-screen-shots-in-a-snap-2/) - ShareThis In the past, people who had to take screenshots had several options, none of them great: paid software like Techsmith's SnagIt, which works well but costs a pretty penny; or Alt+PrintScreen, which captures full screens but not individual windows or selected areas. Now it's a different story, thanks to the Snipping Tool found in
- [How Will New Airport Security Procedures Affect Business Travelers?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-will-new-airport-security-procedures-affect-business-travelers/) - After the attempted bombing of an airliner headed from the Netherlands to Detroit on Christmas Day, many travelers were left wondering how (or if) heightened security measures would affect future flights. This question is particularly urgent for business travelers, who tend to travel farther and more frequently than anybody else. According to the TSA, increased
- [Five Nice Innovations in the Latest Windows Operating System (OS)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/five-nice-innovations-in-the-latest-windows-operating-system-os/) - Windows Vista never quite caught on the way that Microsoft had hoped. The User Account Control (UAC) feature, which was supposed to enhance security by prompting users before allowing many programs to open, instead proved such an annoyance that users simply shut it off—leaving them more vulnerable than when they started. The “simplified” User Interface
- [The Right (and Wrong) Way to Use Twitter to Market Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-right-and-wrong-way-to-use-twitter-to-market-your-business/) - When Twitter first came out, a lot of skeptics wondered how a microblogging service could possibly be of any use to small businesses. After all, a whole lot of people used Twitter to talk about incredibly dull and personal topics like where they ate for lunch, or what movies were coming up in their Netflix
- [Facebook Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/facebook-security/) - A colleague recently wrote on her blog about her own father’s experience getting hacked on Facebook—and it serves as yet another useful reminder of why and how we can take measures to keep our online identities secure. It appears in this situation that the hacker found his victim’s profile on Facebook, submitted a lost password
- [Don’t Work for Outlook–Make Outlook Work for You](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-work-for-outlook-make-outlook-work-for-you/) - Outlook is one of the most frequently used programs in the entire Microsoft Office Suite—and yet, sadly, it’s one of the least understood. It’s supposed to help you by keeping your email, calendar, contacts, and tasks in a single integrated program. But many users find it a burden because they try to bend their own
- [How to Finally Get Rid of That Stubborn Page Break](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-finally-get-rid-of-that-stubborn-page-break/) - Microsoft Word is full of what we might politely call “quirks,” and among the more irritating is the apparent occasional inability to delete a page break. It often happens when you’re editing a document. You’re zipping along, deleting here and inserting there, when you realize you have an extra page break in the middle. You
- [Do You Want to Grow Your Small Business Without Giving Up Your Life?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/do-you-want-to-grow-your-small-business-without-giving-up-your-life/) - The CMIT Summer Webinar Series is here! One of the biggest complaints of small business owners is that they don't get to spend enough time on their own professional development. CMIT is pleased to host business author and humor columnist Lisa Earle McLeod in a fun, free summer webinar series specifically designed for you, the
- [Is It Time for You to Move to the Cloud? 6 Pros and 9 Cons](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-it-time-for-you-to-move-to-the-cloud-6-pros-and-9-cons/) - While we have yet to see a major shift by larger companies to cloud computing, we do see more acceptance by smaller companies to move their computing environments to the cloud. With the growth of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, the movement of data and computing resources to the cloud looks like
- [Be Prepared for Disaster](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/be-prepared-for-disaster/) - We often see incredible disaster scenes from Hollywood Movies repeated in real life. Hollywood produced a movie called “The China Syndrome” and soon after the movie was released, we were all amazed to see the similarities between that movie and what happened at Three Mile Island. Recently Hollywood produced a movie called “Perfect Storm” that
- [7 Tips for Successfully Moving Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/get-your-move-on-seven-tips-for-successfully-moving-your-business/) - Nobody likes moving, nobody. So is it any wonder that people often become overwhelmed or agitated when moving from one home or building to another? This is compounded when you have to move your computer and networking equipment (i.e. printers, computers, and servers). Well, moving offices is not as bad as you may think. 7
- [Internet Access by Children](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/internet-access-by-children/) - As the school year begins, how their children access the Internet becomes a hot topic in the minds of parents. Many parents are concerned about the possibility of their children accessing inappropriate websites and some are concerned about the possible negative effect on children’s bodies from prolonged use of PC. There are also many studies
- [Complete Your Support Offering—Help Desks Complete the Picture](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/complete-your-support-offering-help-desks-complete-the-picture/) - An often overlooked component of a complete support model of a small or medium-sized business (SMB) is the use of a centralized help desk. We all know that large enterprises utilize help desks as a mandatory first tier of support. There are good reasons for it so why not extend that model to the SMB
- [Chasing the African Cloud](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/chasing-the-african-cloud/) - Kenyan telecom provider Safaricom has launched what it calls Africa's largest cloud service to help fuel "Silicon Savannah's" IT boom. Safaricom will provide cheap computing to individuals, entrepreneurs, and large companies alike, though Makori says small and medium-sized businesses, which sustain 80 percent of Kenya's GDP, might benefit most. "By empowering these through cloud computing,
- [How Powerful Is Video as a Promotional Tool?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-powerful-is-video-as-a-promotional-tool/) - With the majority of American homes having a broadband Internet connection (i.e., cable, DSL, or fiber optic), Web-based video has exploded. YouTube alone accounts for roughly 10% of all Internet traffic, and it’s not all just cute cat videos and annoying, nonsensical pop songs. Many businesses, especially web-based ones, are using streaming video to great
- [CMIT Solutions’ Cheryl Nelan Brings Fresh IT Support to Native Rochester](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-cheryl-nelan-brings-fresh-it-support-to-native-rochester/) - CMIT Solutions Franchise Ownership Helped a Native Daughter Reconnect to Her Roots, Find a New Career For years, Cheryl Nelan’s hometown of Rochester, N.Y., was a tough place to find work. Like so many northern industrial cities, Rochester shed jobs as its manufacturing sector withered, exemplified by the shrinking of Eastman Kodak Co., once the
- [Yes, Hard Drive Prices Have Skyrocketed. Here’s Why](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/yes-hard-drive-prices-have-skyrocketed-heres-why/) - Perhaps you’ve noticed the prices of hard disk drives (HDD) going through the roof in recent weeks. Flooding in Thailand has decimated the manufacturing facilities for Seagate and Western Digital, the two largest players in digital storage (they supply 80% of the SATA drives on the market). Seagate indicated through its most recent SEC filing
- [Western Digital Partially Resumes Hard Drive Production after Flooding](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/western-digital-partially-resumes-hard-drive-production-after-flooding/) - As we mentioned last week, severe flooding in Thailand incapacitated the production capabilities of storage giants Western Digital and Seagate. Computer hardware blog Xbit Labs reports: WD restarted production of hard drives this week in one of its buildings in Bang Pa-in (BPI), Thailand, one week ahead of internal schedules. This facility had been
- [Small Business Technology Spending Drives CMIT Solutions’ Growth](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/small-business-technology-spending-drives-cmit-solutions-growth/) - Recession, Rapid Tech Advances, Need to Do More with Less Fuel CMIT Solutions’ Record Same-Office Sales CMIT Solutions’ same-store sales figures rise consistently every year. Over the past year, from October 2010 to October 2011, revenues for CMIT Solutions franchises that have been open for two years or more rose an average of 36.5 percent.
- [Why Visual Collaboration Represents One Giant Leap for Small Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-visual-collaboration-represents-one-giant-leap-for-small-business/) - CMIT Impression: Visual Collaboration Made Easy Opens Up New Worlds for Small Business Owners What is visual collaboration? If you’re a small business owner, why should you care? More and more businesses are looking for ways to cut costs by reducing travel and using telecommuting freelancers rather than in-house staffers. This drives the need for
- [Handy Keyboard Shortcuts Using the Windows Logo Key](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/handy-keyboard-shortcuts-using-the-windows-logo-key/) - Power users of computers know that learning a few simple keyboard shortcuts saves time over having to point and click your way through every task. If your keyboard has a Microsoft Windows Logo Key on it (it looks like a window pane), consider learning some of these handy shortcuts to increase your efficiency: Windows Logo
- [Why a 55-Inch Tablet Is the Cornerstone of Visual Collaboration](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-a-55-inch-tablet-is-the-cornerstone-of-visual-collaboration/) - Why a 55-Inch Tablet Is the Cornerstone of Visual Collaboration People can’t seem to keep their hands off the giant tablet that serves as the central piece of hardware for CMIT Impression, CMIT Solutions’ new package that introduces high-end visual collaboration to the world of small business. The device not only looks great but offers
- [The Snipping Tool Captures Screenshots in a Snap](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-snipping-tool-captures-screen-shots-in-a-snap/) - In the past, people who wanted to take screenshots had several options, none of them great: paid software like Techsmith's SnagIt, which works well but costs a pretty penny; or Alt+PrintScreen (which captures full screens) or Alt+Shift+PrintScreen (which captures the active window), but require remembering keyboard shortcuts and don’t give you much control. In this
- [Why Monthly Subscription Managed Services Make Sense for Small Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-monthly-subscription-managed-services-make-sense-for-small-business/) - Through Monthly Managed Services, Businesses Solve Problems Before They Start When you’re running a small business, you want your monthly expenses as low as possible, of course. But mainly, you want them consistent. You’re already walking the razor’s edge of profit and loss, and nothing induces cold night sweats in the small business owner quite
- [Today Is "Change Your Passwords" Day](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/today-is-change-your-passwords-day/) - Tech sites like Gizmodo and Lifehacker, in the name of Internet security, have declared Feb. 1, 2012 "Change Your Passwords" day! There won't be any parades or barbeques, but consider taking a few moments today to change your passwords, especially the ones your use for your email, social networking, banking, and credit cards (you do
- [How Consumer-Grade Video Chat Paved Way for CMIT Impression](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-consumer-grade-video-chat-paved-way-for-cmit-impression/) - Video Chat Advance Driven by Consumer, Not Corporate, Applications Consumer-grade, high-definition video conferencing applications such as Skype, ooVoo, Apple’s FaceTime, and iChat may seem like commonplace features now, about as exciting as email. It’s easy to forget that just a few years ago, hi-def video conferencing was the province of corporations with their own systems
- [Are Free Email Services Worth the Price?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/are-free-email-services-worth-the-price-2/) - Security breaches of free, web-based email services like Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail, and Gmail are on the rise. Perhaps you’ve experienced the phenomenon yourself. Ever received odd messages or a single hyperlink in an email from someone you know? Spammers use fake return email addresses all the time, but if the return address belongs to an
- [Can You Guess What This Is?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/can-you-guess-what-this-is/) - That would be a 5MB hard disk drive, made by IBM, in 1956. In September 1956, IBM launched the 305 RAMAC, the first 'SUPER' computer with a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD weighed over a ton and stored a 'whopping' 5 MB of data. Do you appreciate your 32 GB memory stick a little more now?
- [CMIT Solutions Customer Review: Engage121 Chief Technology Officer Kurt Strumpf](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-customer-review-engage121-chief-technology-officer-kurt-strumpf/) - Software Firm’s Head Tech Guy Relies on CMIT Solutions of Central Fairfield County to Manage Company’s IT System As a software developer with more than a quarter-century of technology experience, Kurt Strumpf knows when an IT services provider is doing its job and when it’s not. So it’s telling that the chief technology officer for
- [Park City Prep Students Leap Forward with State-of-the-Art Classroom Technology Transformation](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/park-city-prep-students-leap-forward-with-state-of-the-art-classroom-technology-transformation/) - Inner-City Students at Charter School Benefit from Overhaul of IT System Michael, a sixth-grader at the science, math, and technology charter school Park City Prep, was having serious trouble keeping up with his class back in the fall. He’s a bright boy, but his reading comprehension and writing skills lagged behind his grade level. His
- [What Single Piece of Hardware Will Give Your Computer the Biggest Speed Boost?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-single-piece-of-hardware-will-give-your-computer-the-biggest-speed-boost/) - If your laptop or desktop computer leaves a bit to be desired in the speed department (assuming it's not due to malware or insufficient system memory), you may want to consider swapping out the original hard drive with a new type of disk—a solid-state hard drive. Solid-state drives (SSDs) differ from their conventional hard disk
- [7 Tips to Avoid Spam Filters](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/7-tips-to-avoid-spam-filters/) - Spam filters rank incoming emails using a point system according to the content of the message. If a message has enough red flags to cross a certain points threshold, off to the spam folder it goes. Don’t let your important emails languish in the recipient’s junk-mail folder. Avoid these red-flag items: 1. Don’t use sales-y phrases
- [On the Importance of Planning Ahead...](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/on-the-importance-of-planning-ahead/) - We've all heard the old cliche that proper prior planning prevents (ahem) pathetically poor performance. Just as you shouldn't put an unconscious bobcat in your car without a plan to get it out if it wakes up, failure to plan ahead in the realm of IT may spell disaster. Your computers generally won't warn you
- [Staying Secure in the Bring-Your-Own-Device World](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/staying-secure-in-the-bring-your-own-device-world/) - Nowadays, professionals in every line of business are using their personal devices—laptops, smartphones, tablets—for work. The phenomenon is often called “Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).” As one might imagine, having devices that are owned and maintained by employees connecting to your network raises all kinds of security concerns, especially since these devices tend to go
- [Facebook Timelines Are A-Changin’](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/facebook-timelines-are-a-changin/) - Facebook switched all users to the much-discussed timeline format for all pages on March 30. Perhaps the most obvious change is the inclusion of a “cover image,” the large banner-like graphic at the top of your timeline. The exact dimensions are 851x315 pixels. If you upload an image smaller than that size, it will be
- [Data Disasters: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/data-disasters-dont-wait-until-its-too-late/) - Recent tornadoes in Texas and the Midwest, along with other recent extreme weather events, remind us that catastrophic data loss is one of the most detrimental events that can happen to a small- or medium-sized business (SMB). According to The Underwriting Guide for Insurers, only six percent of mid-size companies that suffer catastrophic data loss
- [Don’t Get Hooked by Phishers Posing as the IRS](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-get-hooked-by-phishers-posing-as-the-irs/) - Phishers and Internet scammers are always coming up with innovative ways to separate victims from their money. One of their favorite tactics is to prey on victims’ fears about taxes by posing as the IRS, particularly around filing deadlines. Here are a couple of tax scams that, at first glance, might seem official, but don’t
- [Why Is Mobile Security so Important for Small Businesses?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-is-mobile-security-so-important-for-small-businesses/) - SMBs Can’t Afford to Lose Their Data, and Mobility Opens the Doors for Multiple Security Risks The much-discussed Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) movement that’s swept across the business world in recent years has also opened up data security risks that businesses are only now beginning to face. The trend started in 2007 or so
- [Navigate Windows File Explorer with These Handy Shortcuts](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/navigate-windows-file-explorer-with-these-handy-shortcuts/) - Most Windows power users will tell you that the key to speed is to forego the point-and-click of a mouse in favor of keyboard shortcuts. We’ve covered shortcuts using the Windows key, but this week’s QuickTip focuses on shortcuts to help you quickly navigate the file tree in Windows Explorer, the familiar file browsing interface
- [Using Public Wi-Fi with Virtual Private Networking](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/using-public-wi-fi-with-virtual-private-networking/) - Whether you’re leisurely browsing the headlines at your local coffee shop or catching up on emails while you wait for your flight to board, just about everybody likes taking advantage of public Wi-Fi hotspots. But did you know that if you don’t take precautions, just about everything you do on a public network is visible
- [Make Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/make-your-own-keyboard-shortcuts/) - We received a great deal of positive feedback regarding the “Keyboard Shortcuts” QuickTip we sent out recently. However, did you know that you aren’t limited to just the shortcuts that come pre-configured in Windows? Read on and learn how to create your own custom keyboard shortcuts for any program you choose! In this example, we’ll
- [IT Solutions Support from CMIT Solutions of Erie Transforms Mental Health Agency’s Technology](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-solutions-support-from-cmit-solutions-of-erie-transforms-mental-health-agencys-technology/) - Beth Burnside and team turn technology tar pit into a smoothly running machineLuAnn Gossett used to consider computers a necessary evil. As administrative assistant for the Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA, Gossett spent about 30% of her time troubleshooting computer problems in the 40-person office. Email would be out. Computers wouldn’t work. Service interruptions
- [CMIT Solutions of Long Island Will Show Off CMIT Impression Visual Collaboration at HIA-LI Trade Show](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-of-long-island-will-show-off-cmit-impression-visual-collaboration-at-hia-li-trade-show/) - Our local owners on Long Island are preparing to wow as many as 4,500 business leaders this week at the island’s biggest trade show. The occasion is the HIA-LI (formerly the Hauppauge Industrial Association) 24th Annual Business Trade Show and Conference. The centerpiece of the group’s display is CMIT Impression, our visual collaboration offering that
- [Why Managed IT Franchises Form Critical Backstop Against Cloud Computing Failure](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-managed-it-franchises-form-critical-backstop-against-cloud-computing-failure/) - The cloud is indispensable but still prone to outages—and MSPs can reduce the risk. We all know cloud computing is here to stay. It’s too easy to maintain, too flexible, and too cheap to not use—especially if you’re a small business owner with data storage needs and functions that strain your average on-site server. But
- [Facebook Switched Your Email Address Without Asking You. Here’s How to Fix It](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/facebook-switched-your-email-address-without-asking-you-heres-how-to-fix-it/) - Change isn’t always necessarily a bad thing, but if it has a detrimental effect on your ability to communicate, it’s hard to argue that it’s not. Especially when those changes are made without warning and without your permission. So what is this change? Last week, Facebook summarily decided that its users should be using their
- [Yahoo's Servers Breached Today. Over 400,000 Accounts Compromised, Including Some Gmail, AOL, and Hotmail Among Others](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/yahoos-servers-breached-today-over-400000-accounts-compromised-including-some-gmail-aol-and-hotmail-among-others/) - This has not been a good few weeks for the world of Internet security. Just over a month ago, the business networking site LinkedIn had the passwords of millions of its users posted to a hacker forum. Today, Yahoo! Inc. confirmed that a file containing what appear to be usernames and passwords for 453,492 accounts
- [That's No Moon...](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/thats-no-moon/) - A photo on Intel's Facebook page posted today shows a technician working on Telstar 1, the world's first telecommunications satellite, which was launched into orbit on this week in 1962. The 170-pound contraption successfully relayed the first television pictures and telephone calls ever transmitted through space. Telstar facilitated the first live transatlantic television feed. It's
- [CMIT Solutions Customer Review: Attorney Robert Getz of Everett, Wash.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-customer-review-attorney-robert-getz-of-everett-wash/) - Attorney Robert Getz Says CMIT Solutions of Everett Helps His Firm Serve Clients More Quickly, Efficiently, and Securely That’s because Getz never has to worry about his computers, data, and security anymore. He always has access to important documents and email while his clients are reassured that their personal information is safeguarded. That wasn’t always
- [Saving Money with VoIP: a Primer](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/saving-money-with-voip-a-primer/) - VoIP stands for “voice over IP (Internet protocol).” Sometimes referred to as “IP telephony,” “voice over broadband (VoBB),” or “Internet telephony,” VoIP describes communication serveries—voice, fax, voicemail, texting—that travel via the Internet, rather than the public switched phone network (PSTN, also known as “the phone company’s wires”). Internet and telephone communication have been intertwined since
- [Wi-Fi Speed Degradation in Detail](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/wifi-speed-degradation-in-detail/) - On Tuesday of this week, we published a picture on our Facebook wall about Wi-Fi performance. We got the image from the Wall Street Journal and it contained good information we thought would be relevant to our customers. But it sparked some internal debate. As you might guess, we here at CMIT tend to be
- [Tips for Working in a Virtual Team](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/tips-for-working-in-a-virtual-team/) - As the landscape of the modern office changes, so does the way we get work done. We often find ourselves closely interacting with co-workers who aren’t in the same physical location, whether they’re on a different floor or in a different hemisphere. Use these handy tools to stay on the same page as your team
- [Amazon Cloud Outage Highlights Importance of Choosing Cloud Provider with a Reliable Record](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/amazon-cloud-outage-highlights-importance-of-choosing-cloud-provider-with-a-reliable-record/) - On Oct. 22, 2012, Amazon’s Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) experienced an interruption of service lasting from approximately 10 am to 4 pm Pacific. The outage affected websites such as Reddit, Airbnb, and Netflix, among others. Details on the outage are sparse, but this is not the first time EC2 has gone offline. Parts of EC2’s
- [Apple Boasts Jaw-Dropping iPad Sales and Usage Numbers](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/apple-boasts-jaw-dropping-ipad-sales-and-usage-numbers/) - At Tuesday’s iPad Mini launch event, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed some impressive numbers about the full-size iPad’s success. Since the release of the original iPad on April 3, 2010, Apple has sold 100 million of them worldwide. That’s a rather staggering number for a new class of devices that, as little as three years
- [Fake Installer Targeting Mac Computers](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/fake-installer-targeting-mac-computers/) - Mashable is reporting on a Trojan targeting Apple’s OS X operating systems. The malicious program disguises itself as an installation package for a legitimate Russian-language application called VKMusic4 and makes unauthorized charges to mobile phone accounts. Mashable claims this Trojan is the first of its kind targeting Macs. OS X’s small but growing market share
- [Steve Wozniak, on What 2013 Holds for Business Technology](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/steve-wozniak-on-what-2013-holds-for-business-technology/) - Apple co-founder, tech enthusiast, and all-around swell guy Steve Wozniak recently penned a guest article for Forbes Magazine, in which he discusses the changes in business tech we can expect to see in 2013. It's well worth the read, and the Woz makes some interesting, if not exactly unheard-of, predictions. Among them: Business technology will
- [Android Virus Spreads via Fake Game Offers](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/android-virus-spreads-via-fake-game-offers/) - USAToday.com recently posted an item concerning a malicious mobile app that has been infecting Android-based mobile phones. Potential victims receive an offer to download free versions of popular games like Grand Theft Auto and Angry Birds Star Wars. If an unsuspecting user installs the software, the mobile phone then sends spam to people in that
- [Protecting Yourself from Java Exploits](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protecting-yourself-from-java-exploits/) - As one of the most ubiquitous platforms on the web, Java is of great interest to hackers due to its large user base (it runs on an estimated 850 million computers and mobile devices). Exploits seem to crop up at least every few months and, last week, the latest Java vulnerability came to light. This
- [Be Wary of Scammers Posing as Tech Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/be-wary-of-scammers-posing-as-tech-support/) - Phishing attacks aren’t just limited to fraudulent emails. We’ve recently heard reports of scammers calling people on the phone, claiming to be from Microsoft (or some other well-known company), and telling potential victims that their computer contains a virus. If the victim takes the bait, he or she is directed to a fraudulent website and
- [Quickly Prevent Unauthorized Use of Your Computer](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/quickly-prevent-unauthorized-use-of-your-computer/) - In past QuickTips, we’ve discussed how the human element is one of the weakest links in IT security. That’s why social engineering is such a well-used tool for hackers. Training and diligence are important safeguards against such external threats, but what about security holes within the walls of your office? How many times per day
- [Are Free Email Services Worth the Price?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/are-free-email-services-worth-the-price/) - Security breaches of free, web-based email services like Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail, and Gmail are on the rise. Perhaps you’ve experienced the phenomenon yourself. Ever received odd messages or a single hyperlink in an email from someone you know? Spammers use fake return email addresses all the time, but if the return address belongs to an
- [Quickly Lock Your Mac’s Desktop with This Simple Trick](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/quickly-lock-your-macs-desktop-with-this-simple-trick/) - We had a great response to the recent QuickTip entitled Quickly Prevent Unauthorized Use of Your Computer, where we showed you how to lock your PC using the Windows Key + L keyboard command. Several people asked if there was a similar trick for Apple’s OS X operating system. There is, but it requires a bit
- [Take Charge of Your Productivity with These Time Management Tools](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/take-charge-of-your-productivity-with-these-time-management-tools/) - “Lost time is never found again.”—Benjamin Franklin Often find yourself wondering where all the time goes? Much in the same way that keeping track of expenses reveals where your money goes, keeping tabs on your time can help you make more efficient use of it by identifying waste and opportunities for increased productivity. But first,
- [Your Server Was Down for an Hour. How Much Did That Cost?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/your-server-was-down-for-an-hour-how-much-did-that-cost/) - To one degree or another, the vast majority of businesses today rely on technology to operate. For those that depend on it, unscheduled downtime of critical network components results in more than inconvenience and frustration. Downtime equals lost profits. Many business owners don’t fully appreciate the costs associated with technical issues, so let’s see what
- [Jumpstart Your Productivity with These Three Methods](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/jumpstart-your-productivity-with-these-three-methods/) - Whether due to interruption by a coworker, technical problems with your computer, inability to focus, or just plain old procrastination, obstacles to your productivity come in many forms. As such, there’s no one easy fix for all of them. However, when you find yourself stuck in an unproductive rut, try one of these suggestions to
- [Keep Your Inbox Clean and Organized with Outlook Rules](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/keep-your-inbox-clean-and-organized-with-outlook-rules/) - Even if your spam filter does a great job of separating the wheat from the chaff, chances are the volume of legitimate emails you receive sometimes overwhelms your inbox. Fortunately, Outlook has a powerful “rules” filter to help keep your emails organized. To create a rule, launch Outlook. You must be viewing mail to configure
- [How Mobile Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems Can Improve Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-mobile-point-of-sale-pos-systems-can-improve-your-business/) - For many businesses, the days of the cash register and centralized checkout are over. Today, grocery store customers can scan items as they place them in their carts. Restaurant servers can run credit cards right at the table. Salespeople who are constantly in the field can process payments on their mobile devices. So how can
- [The Best Tech Gadgets for Summer Travel](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-best-tech-gadgets-for-summer-travel/) - As you pack your bag for your next adventure, here are some ultra neat-o tech gadgets that will make your travels even more enjoyable! Versatility to the Max Spiderpodium Nowadays EVERYthing seems to revolve around some form of a handheld electronic…If you’re going to take technology EVERYwhere you go, be sure you are getting the
- [10 Tips to Make Windows 8 Navigation a Breeze](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ten-tips-to-make-windows-8-navigation-a-breeze/) - Windows 8 was released in 2012. But if you’re still having trouble with the new operating system, don’t despair: Microsoft’s latest update represents the biggest redesign in the classic operating system’s look and feel since Windows 3.1 jumped to Windows 95. The evolution makes technological sense, though. The old Start menu is replaced with a
- [Is Your Small Business Prepared for a Natural Disaster?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-your-small-business-prepared-for-a-natural-disaster/) - Over the last six months, natural disasters have dominated the news. In the Northeast, recovery in the wake of Hurricane Sandy is still underway. Multiple tornado outbreaks in May devastated towns in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. Wildfires continue to rage in Colorado. And the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season is well underway, with one named storm
- [Harnessing Tablet Technology for Your Small-Business Needs](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/harnessing-tablet-technology-for-your-small-business-needs/) - If you’re a small-business owner considering a computer upgrade, chances are you’ve at least entertained a tablet. These portable and increasingly powerful devices are fast on their way to replacing desktop and even laptop computers. International Data Corporation reported in May that tablet sales grew 142% from 2012’s first quarter to 2013—and that PC sales
- [5 Tips for Maximizing Your Business’s New Work Computer](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/five-tips-for-maximizing-your-business-new-work-computer/) - Some people look at a new work computer as a blessing to be embraced. Some look at it as a challenge to be dreaded. But whether you’re a business owner buying a new desktop, or an employee procuring a new laptop, think of your fresh machine as just that—the opportunity for a fresh start. No
- [5 Tips for Making Your Email More Efficient](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/five-tips-for-making-your-email-more-efficient/) - We’ve got a favorite saying here at CMIT Solutions: “Email is the lifeblood of business.” Why? Well, after an early period spent toiling in the technological shadows as an intra-office messaging tool, email has become the communication backbone of companies small and large. Very little gets done without it—but very little can get done if
- [Get Your Back-to-School Technology in Order](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/et-your-back-to-school-technology-in-order/) - Any parent will tell you that kids love technology—young children playing games and watching movies on smartphones and tablets, and older teens using mobile devices to stay surgically attached to their social media networks. Modern technology can also cultivate in kids a lifelong love of learning, though. That’s particularly true as summer fades and the
- [5 Simple Steps for Maximizing Your Business’s Use of QuickBooks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-simple-steps-for-maximizing-your-business-use-of-quickbooks/) - For the last 20 years, Intuit’s QuickBooks accounting software has dominated the small business world. When it first debuted in the early 1990s, it quickly claimed up to 85% of the market, and subsequent releases have maintained and even increased that impressive share, with an estimated five million companies using the program today. Yet, so
- [Why Backup and Disaster Recovery Services Are More Important Than Ever](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-backup-and-disaster-recovery-services-are-more-important-than-ever/) - If the recent system crashes plaguing major international corporations like Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and the NASDAQ stock exchange tell us anything, it’s that redundant data backup and disaster recovery are more important than ever. On Aug. 16, four minutes of downtime across Google’s entire system, the source of which has still not been revealed,
- [5 Crucial Microsoft Upgrades That You Should Complete Now](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-crucial-microsoft-upgrades-that-you-should-complete-now/) - “Upgrade”—the mere mention of the word can strike fear in the hearts of humble computer users. But upgrading doesn’t have to be a dreaded deed, especially when the health and safety of your computers are on the line. Don’t believe us? Take a look at the recent changes announced by Microsoft. Along with the retirement
- [Texting and Driving: Solving Today’s Scariest Tech Problem](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/texting-and-driving-solving-todays-scariest-tech-problem/) - While technology has undoubtedly improved our lives in countless ways, the lesser-known reality is that it's made us less safe in many ways, as well. Consider recent revelations rocking the tech world: hackers breaking into “smart” home automation systems, and worries about the iPhone 5S’ fingerprint sensor putting individual privacy at risk. But one of
- [New Healthcare Rule Goes into Effect October 1 (Minus the Penalty)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-health-care-rule-goes-into-effect-october-1st-minus-the-penalty/) - With new HIPAA regulations going into effect on Sep. 23, and the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare,” beginning its official rollout on Oct. 1, the healthcare landscape has never looked more confusing. Two recent polls from the Pew Research Center/USA Today and the Wall Street Journal/NBC News bear that fact out. What’s all the confusion
- [How Your Business Can Upgrade Its Technology and Earn a $500,000 Tax Deduction](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-your-business-can-upgrade-its-technology-and-earn-a-500000-tax-deduction/) - Like everything in the tax world, the U.S. Internal Revenue Code’s Section 179, which allows companies to deduct UP TO $500,000 worth of qualifying equipment purchased in 2013, contains multiple shades of black, white, and gray. This accelerated depreciation deduction was implemented in 2008 specifically to provide much-needed tax relief for small businesses and encourage
- [5 Ways to Keep Your Computer Safe from CryptoLocker Ransomware Virus](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-to-keep-your-computer-safe-from-cryptolocker-ransomware-virus/) - CryptoLocker, a new “ransomware” virus, began making the rounds several months ago. But a particularly virulent strain of the infection popped up in mid-September, affecting individuals and business owners alike. The malware takes hold in a variety of ways: after a user clicks on a link or attachment in a spam email; via exploit kits
- [Top 10 Reasons Why Windows 8.1 Is Worth an Upgrade](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-10-reasons-why-windows-8-1-is-worth-an-upgrade/) - On Oct. 17, one year after overhauling its flagship operating system (OS) with Windows 8, Microsoft will release Windows 8.1. For Windows 8 users, the upgrade will be free; new converts can buy it as a stand-alone product or baked into new devices on Oct. 18. What does Microsoft hope to achieve with Windows 8.1?
- [How Remote Backup, Disaster Recovery, and the Cloud Can Save Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-remote-backup-disaster-recovery-and-the-cloud-can-save-your-business/) - One drawback of a timid hurricane season like 2013’s is that the critical importance of remote backup, disaster recovery (DR), and business continuity (BC) plans tend to recede from the spotlight. With no immediate motivation to implement something many business owners perceive as cost-prohibitive or complex, these essential strategies can get lost in the shuffle
- [How to Identify and Avoid Health Insurance Enrollment-Related Phishing Scams](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-identify-and-avoid-health-insurance-enrollment-related-phishing-scams/) - The Oct. 1 rollout of federal health insurance exchanges has suffered from numerous technological glitches. However, another negative outcome—phishing scams disguised as official-looking enrollment emails—isn’t the fault of the government or its IT contractors. Why Phishing, and Why Now? Periods of confusion provide great opportunities for scammers, and the current upheaval in health insurance delivery,
- [10 Tips, Tricks, Apps, and Add-Ins to Supercharge Microsoft Word](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-tips-tricks-apps-and-add-ins-to-supercharge-microsoft-word/) - In the word processing world, Microsoft Word is the platinum standard. As recently as April 2013, analyst and consulting firm Gartner estimated that Microsoft Office, the software suite in which Word comes packaged, still claims 80 to 96% of worldwide user share. And in a review of Word 2013, PCMag.com wrote, “After web browsers, Word
- [Decoding New FAA Rules Regarding Electronic Device Use on Airlines](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/decoding-new-faa-rules-regarding-electronic-device-use-on-airlines/) - Oct. 31 marked a triumphant day for the travel and technology industries. That’s when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released new rules loosening prohibitions on airline passengers using personal electronic devices from “gate to gate”—during taxiing, takeoff, landing, and flight below 10,000 feet. But the decision isn’t a blanket “use anything at any time” policy.
- [Update: CryptoLocker Virus Morphs into More Expensive Threat](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/update-cryptolocker-virus-morphs-into-more-expensive-threat/) - Last month, CMIT Solutions reported on the threat of the CryptoLocker ransomware virus, which asymmetrically encrypts data with a public and private key and then demands payment for decryption. The original version of the virus required infected users to pay anywhere between $100-$300 in MoneyPak prepaid debit cards within three days of infection or forever
- [Brining Brings Out the Best in Your Bird This Thanksgiving](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/brining-brings-out-the-best-in-your-bird-this-thanksgiving/) - How many of you will be roasting a turkey this Thursday? In honor of Thanksgiving, we thought we’d try something different with this week’s QuickTip. Instead of the usual tech-related information, CMIT Solutions wants to ensure you have the tastiest holiday possible. This brings us to the star of most Thanksgiving tables: the turkey. “Brining”
- [eCommerce Communication Best Practices that Directly Affect ROI](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ecommerce-communication-best-practices-that-directly-affect-roi/) - It turns out there’s a good reason sales representative chat you up when all you want to do is shop in peace–customers are much more likely to buy, and buy repeatedly, from a store they connect with. The same principle applies whether you’re a physical shop, talking with your customers face to face, or an
- [5 Steps to Avoid Getting Burned by Password Hacks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-steps-to-avoid-getting-burned-by-password-hacks/) - On Dec. 4, news reports emerged about nearly two million passwords for Facebook, Gmail, Yahoo, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other popular web services being stolen over the last few months. CNN Money reported that the passwords weren’t actually leaked by those services, however; instead, they were culled from individual computers infected by a malicious keylogging virus.
- [Data Breach Affecting 840,000 Individuals Highlights Importance of Encryption](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/data-breach-affecting-840000-individuals-highlights-importance-of-encryption/) - Another data disaster hit the news last week: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey had two Apple MacBook Pros containing personal information on nearly 840,000 subscribers stolen from its Newark, NJ, headquarters in November. The computers were cable-locked to workstations, but the data on the computers was not encrypted, meaning names, addresses, dates
- [Why Dedicated Email Archiving Is Crucial for Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-dedicated-email-archiving-is-crucial-for-your-business/) - Our QuickTip from Dec. 3 discussed the problems many small businesses experience firsthand when they use the archiving feature within Microsoft Outlook. Contrary to its name, “archiving” within Outlook doesn’t truly “archive” emails. When you use the archiving feature within Outlook, performance is still sluggish—think of sweeping the dirt under the rug and now you
- [CMIT Solutions' Most Popular 2013 QuickTips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-most-popular-2013-quicktips/) - The new year is nearly upon us. But before we usher in 2014 and wave goodbye to 2013, we thought we’d take a look back at the most popular QuickTips topics of the last 12 months. CMIT Solutions wishes everyone a happy, safe, and productive new year—see you in 2014! 5 Ways to Keep Your
- [High-Profile Data Breaches Reaffirm Need for Small Business Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/high-profile-data-breaches-reaffirm-need-for-small-business-security/) - December and January were dark days for data security. Just before Christmas, Target announced that credit and debit card info from over 40 million customers had been hacked over a three-week period of holiday shopping. On Dec. 28, German researchers revealed how cybercriminals had taken advantage of Windows XP security lapses to infect European ATMs
- [Top 10 Reasons Why HIPAA Compliance Should Matter to You](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-10-reasons-why-hipaa-compliance-should-matter-to-you/) - Rather than asking, “What has changed for your business in the healthcare realm this year?” the better question might be, “What hasn’t changed?” The Affordable Care Act, premium increases, existing policy cancellations, enrollment period confusion, continuing IT problems with the HealthCare.gov website…Each of these minor healthcare earthquakes has shaken the small business community to its
- [Turning the Death of XP into a Positive for Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/turning-the-death-of-xp-into-a-positive-for-your-business/) - On April 8, Microsoft will end virtually all support for its Windows XP operating system. If you’re still using the 13-year-old OS, this means security patches, service packs, and exploit fixes will end—and cybercriminals can renew their attacks on your now-vulnerable system. Just last week, Microsoft announced limited virus warnings for Windows XP through 2015—but
- [10 Tips, Tricks, Apps, and Add-Ins to Supercharge Microsoft Excel](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-tips-tricks-apps-and-add-ins-to-supercharge-microsoft-excel/) - For years, Microsoft Excel has represented the gold standard when it comes to spreadsheet software. Although firm market share figures specific to Excel use are hard to come by, Microsoft Office, the productivity suite in which Excel comes packaged, still claims approximately 80% to 96% of the worldwide user share. Still, there are countless ways
- [5 Technology Lessons Learned from Last Week's Winter Weather](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-technology-lessons-learned-from-last-weeks-winter-weather/) - Last week’s brutal winter weather should serve as a reminder for business owners: even the best-laid plans can be wrecked by natural and manmade disasters. Across the South and Mid-Atlantic, thousands of car accidents, at least a dozen fatalities, and untold numbers of stranded drivers and students were blindsided by the snow and ice that
- [What to Know If You’re Considering a New IT Provider](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/changing-it-service-providers-here-are-5-things-you-should-demand/) - Picture this: you’ve been stuck in IT limbo for years. On nights and weekends, a savvy friend helps you get your technology up and running. In her spare time, an office manager does her best to keep systems in working order. After a while, you realize the need for an IT professional to diagnose problems
- [Heartbleed May Have Compromised Your Sensitive Info—Here's How to Secure It](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/heartbleed-may-have-compromised-your-sensitive-info-heres-how-to-secure-it/) - The news about Heartbleed, a bug that exposed sensitive user information via a coding error in the commonly used online security protocol OpenSSL, shook the technology world to its core last week. The New Yorker called it “as bad as a security flaw can be.” The New York Times described it as “a stark reminder that the Internet is
- [Why Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication Are so Important](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-strong-passwords-and-two-factor-authentication-are-so-important/) - Because of the Heartbleed vulnerability that rocked the online world last week, security should be top of mind for anyone who uses a computer. But changing your passwords for ALL online portals—the extent of the Heartbleed bug isn’t entirely known yet, and any password used on numerous sites could have been compromised—shouldn’t be the only
- [Tax Day Is Over—Time to Celebrate! And Start Planning for Next Year](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/tax-day-is-over-time-to-celebrate-and-start-planning-for-next-year/) - April 15 might be the most stressful day of the year for business owners racing to get their taxes files—and certainly for accountants racing to make hundreds or even thousands of clients happy. Once the madness of Tax Day subsides, however, most of us put the thought of W-2s and 1099s and deductible expenses far
- [Major Internet Explorer Security Flaw Revealed by Microsoft](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/major-internet-explorer-security-flaw-revealed-by-microsoft/) - On Saturday, April 26, Microsoft issued a security advisory outlining the first significant security flaw since support for Windows XP ended earlier this month: a remote code execution vulnerability discovered in Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. According to cybersecurity firm FireEye, this vulnerability is being exploited by a sophisticated group of
- [How VoIP Can Help Your Business Communicate More Efficiently and Affordably](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-voip-can-help-your-business-communicate-more-efficiently-and-affordably/) - Internet-enabled connectivity continues to affect nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Quantifying the beneficial aspects of some online advances is difficult, of course. But one area that’s enjoyed undeniable improvement is telephone communications, which has been revolutionized in recent years by VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol. What is VoIP? At its most basic,
- [How Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Fix Reinforces the Need for Proactive IT Management](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-microsofts-internet-explorer-fix-reinforces-the-need-for-proactive-it-management/) - On Thursday, May 2, Microsoft issued an out-of-cycle security update to address the Internet Explorer security flaw publicly disclosed last week. The remote code execution vulnerability lured IE users, who make up over half of the Internet browser share, to click on malicious links, which potentially could have then granted hackers full control of individual
- [Critical Lessons Learned from Last Year's Target Data Breach](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/critical-lessons-learned-from-last-years-target-data-breach/) - In March, the United State Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation issued an analysis of last year’s massive data breach by Target, which affected upwards of 100 million customers, cut the company’s Q4 2013 profits by 50%, and resulted in the ousting of both its CIO and CEO. The main finding of the analysis
- [Forgot About HIPAA Compliance? Recent $4.8 Million Fine Should Serve as a Stark Reminder](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/forgot-about-hipaa-compliance-recent-4-8-million-fine-should-serve-as-a-stark-reminder/) - On May 7, the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights rocked the healthcare world by handing down $4.8 million in fines to New York and Presbyterian Hospital (NYP) and Columbia University (CU) due to a breach of HIPAA regulations dating back to 2010. This represents the largest HIPAA-related settlement to date—and
- [10 Tips, Tricks, and Add-Ons to Supercharge Your Use of Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-tips-tricks-and-add-ons-to-supercharge-your-use-of-adobe-acrobat-and-adobe-reader/) - The PDF, or portable document format, represents the gold standard in document sharing. PDFs come packaged with all text, fonts, and images embedded in the file, which allows them to be displayed independently of applications, operating systems, or hardware. They’re highly compressed files, which makes emailing, downloading, and printing them quick and easy. And their
- [What the Mysterious Demise of TrueCrypt Means for Your Data](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-the-mysterious-demise-of-truecrypt-means-for-your-data/) - The IT security world reeled last week from the revelation that the open-source encryption solution TrueCrypt is apparently no longer secure and will no longer be maintained. TrueCrypt was considered the gold standard in free, open-source encryption—NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden even raved about the software during a so-called CryptoParty in Hawaii in 2012—so the abrupt
- [7 Data Loss Tips to Get You on the Road to Recovery](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/7-data-loss-tips-to-get-you-on-the-road-to-recovery/) - As of June 1st, hurricane season is officially upon us. For those that live far from the East Coast, remember that you’re not out of harm’s way, either—multiple tornados have affected the Midwest so far this spring, while wildfires in California and mudslides in Colorado have also claimed homes, lives, and the blood, sweat, and
- [What Cloud Computing’s Evolution Means for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-cloud-computings-evolution-means-for-small-to-medium-sized-businesses/) - Last week, The New York Times gave prominent placement to an article called “The Era of Cloud Computing.” Of all the statistics presented, this one stood out the most: “Industry analysts at IDC figure that if largely cloud-based things like mobile apps, big data, and social media are counted, over the next six years almost
- [CryptoLocker Ring Broken up by International Police Action (but the Threat Still Remains)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cryptolocker-ring-broken-up-by-international-police-action-but-the-threat-still-remains/) - Finally, some good news on the cybersecurity front: after almost nine months of CryptoLocker infecting over 200,000 systems and extracting astronomical ransom payments from affected users, the cybercriminal ring responsible for the virus was broken up in early June 2014. The bust, spearheaded by private security experts, the FBI, the European Cybercrime Centre, and officials
- [5 Methods for Taking Industry-Specific Compliance, Cybersecurity, and Technology Requirements Seriously](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-methods-for-taking-industry-specific-compliance-cybersecurity-and-technology-requirements-seriously/) - While all small businesses require solid IT support and smooth-running systems to achieve success, certain industries have bigger needs that require a more integrative relationship with their technology partner. Those in the financial, healthcare, legal, and other industries have seen their computer, network, and data requirements significantly enhanced over the last few years. Increased regulation
- [Need Help Dealing with the Brave New World of Mobile Device Use?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/need-help-dealing-with-the-brave-new-world-of-mobile-device-use/) - With the 4th of July behind us and the rest of summer’s vacation season still ahead, consider how much your company now relies on mobile devices. Are you and your employees checking and answering emails while out of the office? Tracking orders or accessing critical data via the cloud? Managing workloads with customer relationship software?
- [Why You Should Take Disaster Preparedness Seriously](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/8-reasons-why-you-should-take-disaster-preparedness-seriously/) - When You Think of Disaster Preparedness, What Comes to Mind First? Boarding up in advance of a hurricane? Hunkering down in the face of a tornado? Cleaning up after a flash flood? Thawing out after a killer blizzard? Depending on what part of the country you live in, natural disasters can mean vastly different things.
- [15 Quick Keyboard Shortcuts to Supercharge Your Use of Microsoft Office](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/15-quick-keyboard-shortcuts-to-supercharge-your-use-of-microsoft-office/) - In late 2013 and early 2014, CMIT Solutions covered 10 tricks, tips, apps, and add-ins for Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. But the list of keyboard shortcuts and productivity boosters applicable to the Microsoft Office suite, which includes these two gold standards of word processing and spreadsheet databasing, along with slideshow software PowerPoint and email/calendar
- [Personal Data at Risk if You Don’t Wipe Your Old Mobile Device](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/personal-data-at-risk-if-you-dont-wipe-your-old-mobile-device/) - Over the last 12 months, the four largest mobile carriers in the U.S.—Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint—have all introduced slick new campaigns allowing users to affordably upgrade their cell phones far more often than the old industry standard of every two years. The biggest takeaway from this trend? More new phones = more old phones.
- [Who Can You Trust with Your Information? Recent Poll Says Not Many Institutions](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/who-can-you-trust-with-your-information-recent-poll-says-not-many-institutions/) - No technology trend has been more ubiquitous lately than online security (or the lack thereof). With major corporations, social media sites, old cell phones, and even Internet browsers getting hacked left and right, Facebook announcing ramped-up plans to sell user information, and the separation between private and public life continuing to erode, can the public
- [Russian Hackers Amass One Billion Stolen Passwords—Make Sure Yours Aren't Next](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/russian-hackers-amass-one-billion-stolen-passwords-make-sure-yours-arent-next/) - As last week’s QuickTip pointed out, many Americans are worried about information security and the safety of their online data. For good reason, too, news that broke last Wednesday indicates: a Russian crime ring has stockpiled the largest known collection of stolen credentials—1.2 billion username and password combinations and 542 million unique email addresses. That
- [Can USB Drives Pose a Serious Security Threat? New Analysis Says “Yes”](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/can-usb-drives-pose-a-serious-security-threat-new-analysis-says-yes/) - We all use USB drives, handing them back and forth like digital business cards and plugging unfamiliar ones into our computers all the time. But did you know these drives often serve as prime sources of malware and viruses? It makes sense—when a jump drive or thumb drive is shared between so many different users
- [Windows 7 vs. Windows 8 vs. Windows 8.1—Which Operating System Is Right for You?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/windows-7-vs-windows-8-vs-windows-8-1-which-operating-system-is-right-for-you/) - Microsoft’s current operating system offerings represent more choices than most consumers know what to do with. Windows 7 still leads the pack; according to July 2014 numbers from Net Market Share, its market share increased to 51.22% of computers worldwide. Windows 8 and 8.1, meanwhile—the former introduced a new tablet and hybrid device-friendly look, while
- [Just When You Thought the Data Breach Tide Was Receding…](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/just-when-you-thought-the-data-breach-tide-was-receding/) - The New York Times revealed last week that, in mid-August, at least five American banks (including JPMorgan Chase & Co.) were hit by a wave of cyberattacks that stole gigabytes of information such as savings and checking account details. JPMorgan said it hadn’t noticed any increased fraud activity in the weeks since the breach, leading
- [9 Reasons Why QuickBooks Still Rule the Accounting World](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/9-reasons-why-quickbooks-still-rules-the-accounting-world/) - In the small business world, Intuit’s QuickBooks accounting software continues to dominate, even as the cloud takes over. When QuickBooks first debuted in the early 1990s, it quickly claimed up to 85% of the market, and subsequent releases have maintained and even increased that impressive share, with an estimated five million companies using the program
- [3 Important Questions to Ask in Light of Recent Security Compromises](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/3-important-questions-to-ask-in-light-of-recent-security-compromises/) - Tuned in to any IT-related news over the last month or so? Then you may have noticed the avalanche of cybersecurity revelations. First, in mid-September, Home Depot admitted that a malware-based data breach had compromised the credit card information of more than 56 million customers—the largest retail data breach ever. Later that month, JPMorgan Chase
- [10 Ways to Make Technology Work for Your Business, Not Against It](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-strategies-to-make-technology-work-for-your-business-not-against-it/) - Technology is often heralded as the be-all, end-all of our existence. Upgraded smartphone models come out every few months. Fresh apps pop up every week. New methods of doing business—in the cloud, with Big Data, or on mobile point-of-sale systems—overtake old ones on a daily basis. Keeping up can seem impossible, especially for a small
- [What Can the Changing Face of Microsoft Office Do for You?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/can-changing-face-microsoft-office/) - We’ve written extensively in the past about detail-specific tips, tricks, apps, and add-ons for Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. But the powerful Office productivity suite, which still claims 80 to 96% of worldwide user share almost 25 years after its release, has undergone some major changes in the last couple of
- [10 Ways to Protect Your Business from Digital Retaliation and Employee Error](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-ways-protect-business-digital-retaliation-employee-error/) - Lost amidst the recent avalanche of news concerning data breaches, system insecurities, and other external cyberattacks was a joint Department of Homeland Security/FBI alert about insider digital retaliation. Defined as the destruction of data, theft of proprietary software, removal of customer information, restriction of access, and/or extortion by disgruntled current or former employees, federal agents
- [5 Ways Technology Can Make Thanksgiving Better](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-technology-can-make-thanksgiving-better/) - It’s that time of year again: turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, the presence of friends and family, and a reason to give thanks for all of our good fortune in the last year. If there’s one thing most of us want to NOT think about on Thanksgiving, it’s technology. Put the smartphones away,
- [4 Ways to Fend Off CryptoWall, the Latest Ransomware Virus Threat](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-ways-fend-cryptowall-latest-ransomware-virus-threat/) - A new virus is flexing its corrupting muscle on computers and users worldwide. CryptoWall first appeared in February, but attention surrounding the ransomware spiked this summer when researchers at Dell SecureWorks reported on it. In Oct. 2014, the UK Register revealed that 830,000 victims had been infected—a 25% increase since Aug. 2014. The scariest aspect
- [Recent Microsoft Azure Outage Makes the Case for Cloud Caution—and Finding a Trusted Partner to Lead the Way](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/recent-microsoft-azure-outage-makes-case-cloud-caution-finding-trusted-partner-lead-way/) - Last month, Microsoft’s Azure Storage cloud offering suffered what Forbes called a “catastrophic outage” that affected customers worldwide. Reports after the fact revealed that the 11-hour service interruption was caused by a glitch in a performance update. The exact cause, according to Microsoft CVP Jason Zander, was “an issue that resulted in storage blob front
- [What 2014 Holiday Shopping Statistics Mean for the Push Toward Mobility](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/2014-holiday-shopping-statistics-mean-push-toward-mobility/) - As many news outlets have reported over the last few weeks, the major trend in e-commerce this year has come from mobile device use. Over the three-day period encompassing Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday: 33% of Thanksgiving Day sales came from mobile devices, as did 52% of online shopping traffic. Mobile drove 50%
- [CMIT Solutions’ Most Popular QuickTips of 2014 (Part 1)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-popular-quicktips-2014-part-1/) - 2014 is almost a wrap. But before we dive into the promising opportunities of 2015 and relegate the last 12 months to the rearview mirror, let’s revisit the most popular QuickTips topics of 2014. CMIT Solutions wishes everyone a happy, safe, and productive holiday season, hopefully, enjoyed with love and laughter in the company of
- [CMIT Solutions’ Most Popular QuickTips of 2014 (Part 2)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-popular-quicktips-2014-part-2/) - 2014 is almost a wrap. But before we dive into the promising opportunities of 2015 and relegate the last 12 months to the rearview mirror, let’s revisit the most popular QuickTips topics of 2014. CMIT Solutions wishes everyone a happy, safe, and productive holiday season, hopefully, enjoyed over love and laughter with family and friends.
- [The Top 10 Tech Trends for 2015](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-10-tech-trends-2015/) - The new year is upon us, which means we all get a fresh opportunity to consider what’s important for the next 12 months. In the small to medium-sized business world, technology routinely tops that list—you can’t work well without technology, and technology that doesn’t work well will only hold you back. So while countless experts
- [How Proactive IT Services Can Help Improve Your Business’s Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/proactive-services-can-help-improve-business-security/) - If 2014 was “The Year of the Breach,” with a whopping 43% of North American firms telling the Ponemon Institute that they experienced a hack in 2014, then what lies ahead in 2015 for technology and security? Tech Crunch described our current state of awareness as “a tipping point for cybersecurity.” The FCC recently brought
- [5 Reasons Why Businesses Need to Migrate off Windows Server 2003](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-reasons-business-needs-prepare-end-windows-server-2003/) - Remember the build-up last year for the death of Windows XP? A similar scenario will play out in 2015, as Microsoft announced in November that it would end support for Windows Server 2003 and Server 2003 R2 on July 14. The most immediate impact of this announcement is that any system using Windows Server 2003
- [5 Ways to Secure Your Data and Protect Your Privacy Online](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-secure-data-protect-privacy-online/) - Data Privacy Day is celebrated each Jan. 28 by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), which leads an international effort that focuses on “respecting privacy, safeguarding data, and enabling trust.” Studies of North American consumers show that a large percentage of them are concerned about the privacy of their data; last year, CMIT Solutions cited a
- [How Mobility Is Making Work Better and Easier for Small Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/mobility-making-work-better-easier-small-businesses/) - Mobility routinely tops the list of hot trends upending the IT industry. At a certain point, however, we should probably upgrade mobility from a trend to the small business status quo—because today, who doesn’t use a laptop, tablet, or smartphone to make work better and easier? Recent studies bear this out. Forrester Research’s most recent
- [5 Ways to Protect Your Business Email from Cybercriminal Attacks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-protect-business-email-cybercriminal-attacks/) - In late Jan. 2015, the FBI and the Internet Crime Complaint Center released a public service announcement about the recent proliferation of the Business Email Compromise (BEC). Defined by the FBI as a “sophisticated global scam targeting small to large businesses,” BECs affected more than 2,000 victims worldwide in 2014 while inflicting upwards of $200
- [Health Insurance Hack Highlights Need for Encryption and Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/recent-health-insurance-hack-highlights-need-data-encryption-security/) - Earlier this month, an online data breach at Anthem Inc., the second-largest health insurance provider in North America, exposed the medical information, Social Security numbers, and email addresses of over 80 million consumers. No definitive answer has emerged yet about who was responsible, or what motivated them to steal so many records. But security experts
- [How to Transform Lenovo’s Recent Struggles into a Positive for Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/transform-lenovos-recent-struggles-positive-business/) - Chinese computer hardware giant Lenovo has had a rough couple of weeks. First, reports emerged about some of the company’s consumer notebooks, which since September 2014 have come pre-loaded with Superfish, a third-party adware that made customers vulnerable to so-called “man-in-the-middle” attacks that could de-encrypt or compromise secure data from banking and e-commerce sites—all in
- [5 Tips and Tricks to Supercharge your Everyday Use of Microsoft Windows](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-tips-tricks-supercharge-everyday-use-microsoft-windows/) - The Microsoft Windows landscape is scheduled to change again in mid to late 2015 when Windows 10 will be released. That may excite some early adopters who love to have the latest and greatest operating system on their computers. And many industry experts are thrilled that Windows 10, which is currently in its public beta
- [Why HIPAA-Compliant IT Support Is Critical for Business Success](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-hipaa-compliant-it-support-is-critical-for-business-success/) - No matter what business you’re in, information and technology management is important for success. But in the healthcare realm, the ability to keep data safe and secure is even more paramount. That’s because government regulations mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) state that all protected health information must be strictly protected—and
- [10 Tips and Tricks to Liven Up Your Next PowerPoint Presentation](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-tips-and-tricks-to-liven-up-your-next-powerpoint-presentation/) - Like its Word and Excel partners in the Microsoft Office productivity suite, PowerPoint is ubiquitous. As of 2012, Bloomberg Business estimated that the slide presentation software claims 95% of the market share, with installations on more than 1 billion computers and an estimated worldwide usage rate of 350 times per second. Despite PowerPoint’s prevalence, we’ve
- [5 Statistics and 5 Strategies to Consider on World Backup Day 2015](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-statistics-and-5-strategies-to-consider-on-world-backup-day-2015/) - Tuesday, March 31 is World Backup Day, which provides the perfect opportunity to take a serious look at the state of your systems. Is your backup drive located next to your computer? Are you entrusting your critical business data to a free (or cheap) backup option that isn’t built for the business world? Is your current
- [How to Keep Your Business Safe from Data Breaches](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-business-safe-from-the-continuing-rash-of-data-breaches/) - A month after Anthem announced that the personal information of 80 million people was breached, Seattle-area healthcare company Premera Blue Cross revealed that more than 11 million of its customers were similarly exposed. The company came under attack, though, for not disclosing the hack until March 17—even though it discovered it on Jan. 29. That
- [10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Microsoft Outlook](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-ways-to-get-more-out-of-microsoft-outlook/) - For many business owners and employees, Microsoft Outlook rules our day. We open it first thing in the morning to check and respond to waiting emails. We skim our calendars every hour to make sure we’re not missing any meetings, phone calls, or reminders. We search through folders when we need to find critical communications
- [Adobe Flash Exploit Highlights the Need for Strong Network Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/adobe-flash-exploit-highlights-the-need-for-strong-network-security/) - Earlier this year, flaws were discovered in Adobe Flash Player that could allow malicious banner ads running on legitimate websites to infect unwitting computer users. These “malvertising” exploits have been shown to produce a variety of consequences; some install malware that illicitly inflates ad click numbers, while others can immediately encrypt all files on a
- [PCI Compliance—What Does It Mean for Your Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/pci-compliance-what-does-it-mean-for-your-business-2/) - PCI compliance—sounds complicated, right? Here’s the most important thing to know on the topic: if your business accepts major credit cards as payment, you’re required to comply. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB created the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard in 2004 to improve protection for card issuers by ensuring that merchants meet
- [5 Tips for Beefing up the Security of Your Passwords](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-tips-for-beefing-up-the-security-of-your-passwords/) - In last week’s QuickTip, we talked about PCI compliance and the importance of enacting more stringent security measures around credit card transactions. Guess what? Two days later, CNN Money reported that Trustwave examined 120 retailers nationwide and found that 90% of their credit card terminals were made by the same manufacturer—and all had the same default password.
- [Critical Technology Takeaways from Recent Severe Weather](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/critical-technology-takeaways-from-recent-severe-weather/) - Over the last few days, severe weather has struck much of the Midwestern United States, with devastating tornadoes sweeping through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Iowa, and Colorado. The Dakotas saw the heaviest May snowfall in 110 years on Saturday and Sunday, while strong thunderstorms have stretched from the Canadian Great Lakes to the southern Gulf
- [10 Strategies for Maximizing Your Use of Microsoft Word](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-strategies-for-maximizing-your-use-of-microsoft-word/) - The world’s most popular productivity suite, Microsoft Office, has been in the news lately, with the consumer preview of Office 2016 debuting last week. But before you get excited about that shiny new upgrade, which won’t even be available for several months, remember that existing versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint still offer
- [What's Behind the Recent Increase in Microsoft License Verification Requests?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/whats-behind-the-recent-increase-in-microsoft-license-verification-requests/) - Microsoft is not shy about nudging its business customers into the future. Whether it was the all-out blitz of last year’s death of Windows XP campaign, or this year’s ongoing effort to ease enterprises away from Windows Server 2003, the message comes across loud and clear: when Microsoft stops supporting a product, you really don’t want to be
- [5 Strategies for Taking Disaster Preparedness Seriously](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-strategies-for-taking-disaster-preparedness-seriously/) - Hurricane season officially started on Monday, June 1. And although the NOAA estimates that this year will be a slow one for tropical formation in the Atlantic Ocean, the occasion still highlights the importance of disaster preparedness—especially in light of the devastating thunderstorms, tornados, and floods that struck a broad swath of the country in
- [Only 5 Weeks Left Until the End of Support for Windows Server 2003](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/only-5-weeks-left-until-the-end-of-support-for-windows-server-2003/) - Back in January, we wrote about Windows Server 2003, which Microsoft will end support for on July 14. Remember the build-up last year for the death of Windows XP? A similar scenario will play out in 2015, as Microsoft announced in November that July 14 would mark the end of life for Windows Server 2003
- [Recent Email Scheme Targets Business Executives and Financial Employees](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/recent-email-scheme-targets-business-executives-and-financial-employees/) - Cyberattackers are adept at finding new ways to ply their nefarious trade—some of the more elaborate scams we’ve detailed over the years include fraudulent Microsoft support calls, healthcare enrollment phishing attempts, and business email compromise. The latest email scheme to come to our attention concerns wire transfer requests, which target business executives and financial department employees via
- [Recent Canada-U.S. Cybersecurity Partnership Highlights Benefits of IT Collaboration](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/recent-canada-us-cybersecurity-partnership-highlights-benefits-of-it-collaboration/) - Two weeks ago, Canada took part in trilateral talks with the United States and Mexico to discuss ways to strengthen cybersecurity ties between the three North American countries. The meeting, which took place as part of the North American Leaders Summit, sought to improve the exchange of information on hacking threats, military cybersecurity tactics, and
- [5 Ways to Declare Independence from IT Stress This 4th of July](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-to-declare-independence-from-it-stress-this-4th-of-july/) - Before we fire up the grill and light off the fireworks this weekend, let’s remember that the 4th of July is all about celebrating the resolve of our founding fathers, who declared independence from Britain 239 years ago and set the United States on an unprecedented path to greatness. In the here and now, business
- [5 Smart Strategies for Password Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-old-are-your-passwords-5-smart-strategies-for-password-security/) - How Old Are Your Passwords? In a recent Dell Power More article, results of an online survey revealed that half of all passwords were more than five years old. The report, which was commissioned by TeleSign and conducted by Lawless Research, also found that 77% of consumers hadn’t changed their passwords in a year or
- [Technology Driving You Crazy? We Understand—and We Can Help](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/technology-driving-you-crazy-we-understand-and-we-can-help/) - Computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, printers, servers…We can’t live without them, right? But they sure are notorious for causing major headaches. Perhaps you heard about the 37-year-old Colorado Springs man who took his malfunctioning desktop out back last April and shot it eight times with a handgun, telling the Los Angeles Times that it felt “glorious”
- [3 Important Facts About Cell Phones, Telemarketers, and the Federal Do Not Call List](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/3-important-facts-about-cell-phones-telemarketers-and-the-federal-do-not-call-list/) - Every year, emails and Facebook posts circulate about how telemarketers are about to gain access to cell phone numbers and start inundating us with cold calls. Scientific and anecdotal evidence does tell us that sales calls to mobile phones have been increasing. But that’s not because telemarketers are suddenly gaining access to new numbers—it’s because,
- [10 Tips for Revving Up Your Use of Microsoft Outlook](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-tips-for-revving-up-your-use-of-microsoft-outlook/) - Although firm numbers are hard to come by, Microsoft estimated in 2014 that more than 500 million people currently use Outlook, its flagship email program. Microsoft Exchange Server accounts for a similar number of business mailboxes. This means Outlook is near ubiquitous—even if it’s not your personal email program of choice, you’ve probably got some
- [How to Avoid the Latest Spearfishing Email Scheme](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/spearfishing-email-scheme-ramps-up-heres-how-to-avoid-falling-for-it/) - Last month, we wrote about an FBI report that warned businesses to look out for an email scheme targeting executives and financial employees. But in recent weeks, these efforts, dubbed “spearfishing” by security experts, have intensified. CMIT Solutions was even called in to deal with several instances of the scam—one of which ended up costing
- [Top 5 Features of Windows 10 (and 1 Big Reason to Wait Before Upgrading)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-5-features-of-windows-10-and-1-big-reason-to-wait-before-upgrading/) - On July 29th, Microsoft launched Windows 10 to the general public. The operating system’s debut generated a lot of buzz, with many tech experts hailing it as a return to Windows’ classic form (see the reappearance of the Start button) and a solid step forward thanks to many impressive new features. The question most Windows
- [5 Tips for Smart and Safe Use of Back-To-School Technology](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-tips-for-smart-and-safe-use-of-back-to-school-technology/) - It’s an indisputable fact that kids are obsessed with technology. Look around next time you’re in a public place and you’ll see younger children playing games and watching movies on tablets, while older teens are surgically attached to their smartphones and all-important social media networks. It’s not all fun and games, though. Modern technology can
- [Malware Exploits Increase Need for Layered Network Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/malware-exploits-increase-need-for-layered-network-security/) - A new wrinkle in the ongoing battle against malware exploits emerged last month when security reports from Kaspersky Lab and Symantec revealed a hacking group responsible for targeted attacks on Twitter, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft in 2013 had renewed its cybercrime ways. The group, identified as Wild Neutron or Butterfly, has intruded on the systems
- [Jumpstart Your Daily Routine by Organizing Your Desktop](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/jumpstart-your-daily-routine-by-organizing-your-desktop/) - With the back-to-school frenzy behind us and a change of seasons on the horizon, there’s no better time to give your work life a reboot. And believe it or not, technology can play an important part in that. From embracing mobility to harnessing the cloud to preventing downtime through layered security, machines can make our
- [5 Must-Ask Questions When You've Outgrown Your Current IT Provider](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-important-questions-to-ask-when-youve-outgrown-your-current-it-provider/) - Picture this: you’ve been stuck in IT limbo for years. Relying on friends to get new technology up and running. Tasking a key employee with maintaining systems (in addition to fulfilling their other responsibilities). Perhaps every once in a while you even bring in an IT professional to diagnose problems and resolve major issues. But
- [How to Avoid 5 Major Security Risks That Could Affect Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-avoid-the-5-major-security-risks-that-could-affect-your-business/) - In today’s modern workplace, technology is the number one driver of innovation and efficiency. But without reliable IT support, technology can also represent the number one threat to your business’s security. That’s why we’ve identified five common vulnerabilities that are routinely overlooked by business owners. What do they all have in common? Nearly every company
- [10 Ways to Become a Spreadsheet Pro by Making Microsoft Excel Work Smarter and Faster](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-ways-to-become-a-spreadsheet-pro-by-making-microsoft-excel-work-smarter-and-faster/) - For years, Microsoft Excel has represented the gold standard when it comes to spreadsheet software. Although firm market share figures specific to Excel use are hard to come by, Microsoft Office, the productivity suite in which Excel comes packaged, still claims approximately 80% to 96% of the worldwide user share. As PCMag wrote in 2013, Excel
- [Why Protecting Your Business From Cybercrime Is More Important than You Think](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-protecting-your-business-from-cyber-crime-is-more-important-than-you-think/) - We’ve all heard horror stories about cyberattacks: CryptoLocker virus, spearfishing, and data breaches. What do all of these nasty things have in common? They can cost businesses big money if not properly guarded against. Here’s another reason why it’s so critical to deploy proactive IT services to protect against such crimes: if a cyber thief
- [5 Reasons Why File Sync and Share Is Critical for Business Success](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-reasons-why-file-sync-and-share-is-critical-for-business-success/) - In today’s digital world, file sync and share options are everywhere—even if we don’t always know what they are. Consider how essential it is for you and your employees to have the ability to access, edit, and collaborate on documents in an efficient way. But just because you can access a document on the cloud
- [Historic Floods and Near-Miss from Hurricane Joaquin Highlight the Need for Disaster Preparedness](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/historic-floods-and-near-miss-from-hurricane-joaquin-highlight-the-need-for-disaster-preparedness/) - Last week, historic rainfall devastated South Carolina, inflicting more than $1 billion in flood damage, breaching nearly 20 dams, and causing the deaths of 17 residents. After Hurricane Joaquin looked like it could land a direct hit on the East Coast, the Category 4 storm veered northeastward, leaving many unexpected by the storms that still
- [Critical Questions to Consider in Light of Ongoing Security Compromises](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/critical-questions-to-consider-in-light-of-ongoing-security-compromises/) - Although the pace of data breach stories seems to have slowed in 2015 compared to past years, the scary part is that could be because such incidences of cyberattacks have become alarmingly common. Last week, Travelers Insurance estimated that 50% of its small businesses have been the victim of an attempted security breach, while 60%
- [Want to Deduct $25,000 from Your Taxes and Invest in the Future of Your Business? Here’s How](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/want-to-deduct-25000-from-your-taxes-and-invest-in-the-future-of-your-business-heres-how/) - Like everything in the tax world, the U.S. Internal Revenue Code’s Section 179, which allows companies to deduct up to $25,000 worth of qualifying equipment purchased in 2015, contains multiple shades of black, white, and gray. This accelerated depreciation deduction was implemented in 2008 specifically to provide much-needed tax relief for small businesses and encourage
- [What the New Cybersecurity Bill Does (and Doesn’t Do)—Plus 4 Ways to Keep Your Systems Safe](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-the-new-cybersecurity-bill-does-and-doesnt-do-plus-4-ways-to-keep-your-systems-safe/) - Last week, the United States Senate passed the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act by an unusually bipartisan vote of 74 to 21. But tech experts have already said that CISA may be mostly ineffectual when it comes to preventing the cascade of cyberattacks that have come to dominate the news. Why? Because hackers make their techniques
- [5 Smart Disaster Prep Tips to Consider with Winter on the Horizon](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-smart-disaster-prep-tips-to-consider-with-winter-on-the-horizon/) - Yes, it might be a little early to start talking about cold weather and winter storms. But with the first widespread snowfall of the season affecting the Western United States last week, and a record-breaking Indian Summer finally giving way to seasonably cool temperatures in the Midwest and Southeast, now is the perfect time to
- [CryptoWall Is Back—Here’s How to Keep Your Systems Safe and Your Data Secure](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cryptowall-is-back-heres-how-to-keep-your-systems-safe-and-your-data-secure/) - It’s been more than a year since the CryptoWall virus first started wreaking havoc in cyberspace, and two years since state, federal, and international authorities broke up the related CryptoLocker ring. But in recent weeks, IT security experts have noticed an uptick in CryptoWall 4.0 infections. These operate in a nearly identical fashion to past
- [5 Strategies for Using Technology to Bring Family and Friends Together This Thanksgiving](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-strategies-for-using-technology-to-bring-family-and-friends-together-this-thanksgiving/) - More than any other American holiday, Thanksgiving is about spending time with family and friends—with the extra bonus of all that delicious food. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie…All of that is the proverbial icing on the cake of giving thanks for our good fortunes in the last year. As such, Thanksgiving should
- [How to Maximize Time Management and Boost Productivity After a Long Holiday Weekend](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-maximize-time-management-and-boost-productivity-after-a-long-holiday-weekend/) - Returning to work after a long holiday is never easy. On top of rediscovering day-to-day motivation in the wake of a relaxing weekend filled with Thanksgiving leftovers, chances are you had a few hundred (or thousand) emails clogging up your inbox on Monday morning. So what can you do to properly manage your time and
- [How Can You Satisfy the Emerging Need for Email Encryption?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-can-you-satisfy-the-emerging-need-for-email-encryption/) - In the early days of email, excited computer users embraced the new technology because of the freedom it entailed. You could say anything you wanted about any topic, at any length, and fire away. But once the world realized that all those messages would live on in perpetuity, the need to protect the security and
- [Continued Push Toward Mobility Reflected in 2015 Holiday Shopping Statistics](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/continued-push-toward-mobility-reflected-in-2015-holiday-shopping-statistics/) - Sometime in the near future, 2015 may go down as the year that Black Friday changed forever. And not just because of efforts like #OptOutside from outdoor retailer REI, which announced that it would close all of its stores on the busiest shopping day of the year so that employees and customers could instead spend
- [CMIT Solutions’ Most Popular QuickTips of 2015 (Part 1)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-most-popular-quicktips-of-2015-part-1/) - 2015 is almost a wrap. But before we dive in to the promising opportunities of 2016 and put the last 12 months behind us, let’s revisit the most popular QuickTips topics of 2015. CMIT Solutions wishes everyone a happy, safe, and productive holiday season, hopefully, enjoyed with love and laughter in the company of family
- [CMIT Solutions’ Most Popular QuickTips of 2015 (Part 2)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-most-popular-quicktips-of-2015-part-2/) - 2015 is almost a wrap. But before we dive in to the promising opportunities of 2016 and put the last 12 months behind us, let’s revisit the most popular QuickTips topics of 2015. CMIT Solutions hopes you have enjoyed a happy, safe, and productive holiday season, hopefully with love and laughter in the company of
- [What You Need to Know About the End of Support for Older Versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-end-of-support-for-older-versions-of-microsoft-internet-explorer/) - The New Year provides the perfect opportunity to take stock of what’s important in your work life. In the small to medium-sized business world, technology routinely tops that list—you can’t work well without technology, and technology that doesn’t work well will only hold you back. Only a week into 2016, one major issue deserves attention:
- [6 Tips for Cleaning Up Your Email Inbox](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/6-tips-for-cleaning-up-your-email-inbox/) - The email inbox—everybody uses it, everybody relies on it, and chances are most of us dread it. Especially after the New Year, when the holidays may have sapped our motivation to stay on top of incoming messages, and when the first week of January has everyone working hard to make up for the lost time.
- [4 Ways to Protect Your Business from Malware and Ransomware](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-ways-to-protect-your-business-from-malware-and-ransomware/) - After lying relatively low for a few months, malware and ransomware have once again reared their ugly heads. Last week, Google removed more than a dozen malware-infected apps from its Google Play store. And variations of the CryptoLocker and CryptoWall viruses, which plagued the IT world in 2014 and 2015, have started appearing as well,
- [How to Avoid Data Overages by Checking Your Smartphone Settings](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-avoid-data-overages-by-checking-your-smartphone-settings/) - Smartphone use shows no sign of slowing down—last April, the Pew Research Center estimated that 64% of American adults now own a smartphone, up from just 35% in 2011. And 10% of Americans own a smartphone but don’t have any other method of high-speed Internet access at home beyond their smartphone’s data plan. But recent
- [10 Strategies to Maximize Microsoft Office Productivity and Efficiency](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-10-strategies-for-maximizing-microsoft-office-productivity-and-efficiency/) - Microsoft Office highlighted several technology news reports last week, when the world’s most popular productivity suite announced enhanced cloud storage integration, more online-co-authoring and editing options, and an expanded palette of apps available to Mac users. Many tech experts even anticipate 2016 will be the year that Microsoft’s Office 365 consumer cloud offering will overtake
- [Frustrated with Your Office Phones? VoIP Technology Can Help](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/frustrated-with-your-office-phones-voip-technology-can-help/) - Internet-enabled connectivity has enhanced nearly every aspect of our daily lives. And one area that’s enjoyed undeniable improvement is telephone communications, which have been revolutionized in recent years by VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol. What Is VoIP? At its most basic, VoIP allows you to host your phone line on an Internet protocol network
- [What the Latest Data Breach Tells Us About Network Security, Data Integrity, and Social Engineering](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-the-latest-data-breach-tells-us-about-network-security-data-integrity-and-social-engineering/) - Another week, another data breach—at least that’s what it felt like when the federal government revealed last week that the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security had employee information hacked. Initial reports indicate that no sensitive information was stolen; apparently, the majority of the data breach concerned email addresses, phone numbers, and job
- [Important Information About Windows 10’s New “Recommended” Update Status](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/important-information-about-windows-10s-new-recommended-update-status/) - In early February, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would shift to a “recommended” update status in a “phased approach” meant to encourage upgrades. This means that those computer users still on Windows 7 and 8.1-powered machines could be automatically and regularly prompted to download the new operating system. For many computer users, a “recommended” update
- [5 Critical Components of Comprehensive IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-critical-components-of-comprehensive-it-support/) - In today’s integrated technology world, synergy is king. If systems in the office—servers, computers, networks, printers—don’t work in harmony, IT efficiency is impossible, which means employee productivity takes a nosedive. Similarly, if devices outside the office—laptops, tablets, smartphones—don’t seamlessly sync with information in the office, on-the-go employees might be taking one step back for every
- [Gearing Up for Spring Break? Here’s How to Do Your Out of Office Right](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/spring-break-out-of-office-done-right/) - The official beginning of spring is less than two weeks away, but depending on where you live, the weather might still be downright winter-like. Still, mid-March traditionally marks the beginning of the Spring Break season, when school closings allow many families to take their first extended vacations of the year. And as anyone who regularly
- [How to Keep Your Business Safe from Email and Phone Attacks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/keep-business-safe-increasing-email-telephone-attacks/) - Cyberattacks are on the rise—and they’re not just coming from one direction. According to recent news reports, phone calls claiming to be from the IRS are targeting elderly people. The caller states that money is owed and has to be paid by the end of the day, followed by personal questions intended to ferret out
- [Looking for a Spring Cleaning Boost? Start with Your Desktop](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/spring-cleaning-your-desktop-computer/) - The seasons officially changed on Sunday, and with warmer weather and more daylight comes a desire to get spring cleaning underway. One of the easiest ways to get that started is also one of the most overlooked: keeping the desktops of our computers clean and organized. Beyond the aesthetic value of actually being able to
- [5 Ways to Protect Your Business from HealthCare-Related Ransomware and Data Breaches](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-protect-business-health-care-related-ransomware-data-breaches/) - Ransomware, a type of computer virus that arrives via email attachments, website links, or other online exploits, continues to present a major problem for businesses. Once a virus infects a host computer, it connects to illicit servers, usually located in a foreign country, that then transmit personal information like your IP address, geographic area, system
- [How QuickBooks Can Provide an Instant Boost to Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/quickbooks-can-provide-instant-boost-business/) - If you’re like most business owners or managers, early April is a stressful time: you’ve just finished your corporation taxes, due each year on March 15, but personal income taxes are still due on April 15. With so many deadlines, hopefully, you’ve got a solid system for financial record-keeping in place to make all those
- [What Do New Windows 7 Guidelines from Microsoft Mean for Your Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-windows-7-guidelines-microsoft-mean-business/) - Last week, Microsoft announced new plans to extend support for Windows 7 operating systems on certain Intel processors until 2018. But the flip side of that announcement was a quieter alert that major PC producers like Dell would not be able to sell new PCs preinstalled with Windows 7 after Oct. 31, 2016. What does
- [Recent Severe Weather Highlights the Need for Solid Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/recent-severe-weather-highlights-need-solid-data-backup-disaster-recovery-solutions/) - With spring in full swing, severe weather has become the norm across much of North America. Heavy rains across whole swaths of the Plains, major flooding and large hail in Texas, wildfires in Kansas and Oklahoma, and even April snow in New England all remind us that the change of seasons also brings the potential
- [New Vulnerabilities Announced After Apple Ends Support for QuickTime for Windows](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-vulnerabilities-announced-apple-ends-support-quicktime-windows/) - Last week, Apple announced that it would no longer issue security updates or conduct software development for QuickTime for Windows, one of the most common video players around. The announcement came without warning after TrendMicro identified two critical vulnerabilities, considered “remote code executions,” which could allow hackers to remotely log in to a user’s computer
- [Social Engineering Rears Its Ugly Head Again—Here’s How to Avoid It](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/social-engineering-rears-ugly-head-heres-avoid/) - The passing last week of international musical icon Prince marks a sad moment for the American arts. But it also poses a serious risk to computer users: when a celebrity death of this magnitude occurs, hackers invariably twist it around into a scam to try and steal people’s personal information. But How, You Ask? Simple:
- [ADA Sends Out USB Drives Infected with Malware](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ada-sends-usb-drives-infected-malware/) - If you work in a dentist's office, pay attention to your mail—last week, the American Dental Association sent 37,000 malware-infected USB drives to its members. The drive arrived in a credit card-shaped form that was intended to contain a digital version of updated dental procedure codes that offices use for billing and insurance. Don’t Plug
- [Consumer-Grade Data Storage Products Prove That Free Isn’t Always Cheap Enough](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/consumer-grade-data-storage-products-prove-free-isnt-always-cheap-enough/) - Last week, Microsoft announced that it was changing the amount of free storage available through its OneDrive cloud offering from 15 GB to five GB. In addition, OneDrive will discontinue its 15 GB camera roll bonus—and a 50 GB plan will replace paid 100 GB and 200 GB options. Office 365 will also end its
- [4 Crucial Disaster Prep Tips with Storm Season Right Around the Corner](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-crucial-disaster-prep-tips-storm-season-right-around-corner/) - Starting June 1st, hurricane season is officially upon us. For those that live far from the East or Gulf Coasts, remember that you’re not out of harm’s way, either—severe storms have plagued the Midwest, Great Plains, and Texas this spring, while wildfires in Canada have devastated whole towns. What Does This Have to Do with
- [LinkedIn Revelations Highlight the Need for Stronger Network Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/linkedin-revelations-highlight-need-stronger-network-security/) - Last week, LinkedIn made a surprising announcement: data from a security breach that occurred at the social networking company in 2012 just now became available online—four years after that fact! Luckily, the only data revealed were member email addresses, passwords, and LinkedIn member IDs. But that information is often enough to execute the kinds of
- [10 Strategies for Supercharging Your Next PowerPoint Slideshow](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-strategies-supercharging-next-powerpoint-slideshow/) - So you have to give a PowerPoint presentation—time to stop worrying and start planning. Although many of us dread the time and effort required to build a good slideshow (and get downright anxious at the thought of presenting it in front of a roomful of coworkers), there is a better way. It sounds simple: take
- [3 Ways to Protect Yourself from the 2016 Tide of Ransomware](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/3-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-the-2016-tide-of-ransomware/) - If 2013 went down in IT history as the year of the data breach, then 2016 will always be remembered as the year of ransomware. In February, a Southern California hospital was forced to negotiate with hackers to recover its critical data; a week later, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services suffered a
- [Improve Microsoft Outlook Performance with These Archiving Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/improve-microsoft-outlook-performance/) - If you’re a Microsoft Outlook user—and market share statistics indicate that at least 20% of you are—you probably know the feeling: the program freezes up every time you start it. Basic tasks like Send/Receive or Sync This Folder often get jammed up. Depending on the number of messages in your account, sometimes a “Searching…” message
- [Surge of Password Resets Shines a Light on the Need for Stronger Online Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/surge-password-resets-shines-light-need-stronger-online-security/) - Have you heard about the wave of recent automatic password resets announced by tech companies and services like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Netflix, MySpace, LogMeIn, GitHub, and GoToMyPC? In the last two months alone, some reports estimate that nearly 650 million passwords became publicly available, with most of them being sold on the hacker black
- [Struggling to Catch Up After the Holiday Weekend? Here are 5 Ways to Get Focused and Motivated](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/struggling-catch-holiday-weekend-5-ways-get-focused-motivated/) - Feeling the drag today as you return to work after the 4th of July weekend? You’re not alone. Studies show that workplace productivity craters immediately after a holiday—and that workplace productivity can drop as much as 20% during the summer. Most of us use Monday to get caught up and set a plan for the
- [Fake Social Media Friend Requests Represent Latest Ploy by Scammers](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/fake-social-media-friend-requests-represent-latest-ploy-scammers/) - Received any questionable friend requests on Facebook or LinkedIn recently? Use caution before you click “Accept”—we have seen a recent uptick in reports of requests, many of which are sure to come from hackers looking to infiltrate your data or discover personal information about you that can be used in a phishing attack. Why Would
- [Free Windows 10 Upgrade Offer Ends on July 29th—but Is It Worth It?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/free-windows-10-upgrade-offer-ends-july-29th-worth/) - Last year, when Microsoft released Windows 10, it also announced an unprecedented opportunity to upgrade for free—but for only one year. And that anniversary falls on July 29th. Like all free offers, though, this one comes with caveats. First, although the free upgrade is a full version of Windows 10 Home—not a trial or introductory
- [How to Keep Your Business Safe and Data Secure from Hackers](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/keep-business-safe-data-secure-hackers/) - Surprise, surprise—another ransomware strain made the news earlier this month. Dubbed “Satana,” this new virus is a blend between classic file encryption malware and the Petya strain of ransomware, which can lock a computer’s Master Boot Record (MBR). But Satana then encrypts the MBR and replaces it with its own version, so that when a
- [5 Ways to Save Money by Increasing IT Productivity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-save-money-increasing-productivity/) - Did you know that, on average, 50% of all businesses suffer from daily IT issues? Or that 80% of tech-related failures repeat themselves after the initial incident? Or that 75% of businesses say the frequency of IT failures is either increasing or staying the same. Or that only 30% of companies ever try to study
- [How to Streamline Print Operations, Reduce Costs, and Go Green](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/sick-printer-frustrations-heres-streamline-operations-reduce-costs-go-green/) - In the business world, printing represents that rare middle ground: everybody needs to do it, but nobody really enjoys it. Think about it: how many times has a paper jam or empty ink cartridge tripped up your day? While traveling for work, how many hours have you burned searching for an easy-to-use printer? How many
- [The Next Data Breach? Tax Preparers Hit with Fake Phishing Emails](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/tax-preparers-fake-emails/) - In the latest cybercrime twist, the IRS recently reported that hackers are now targeting tax preparers by employing email phishing scams and hacking attempts. Why? For the same reason behind every breach: cybercriminals want to steal Social Security numbers, personal information, and financial data. Some hackers have filed fake tax returns with stolen identities, and
- [Severe Weather Highlights the Critical Need for Backup and Disaster Recovery Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/critical-need-for-backup-disaster-recovery/) - The 2016 hurricane season has been unusually quiet, but even without storms in the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, natural disasters continue to wreak havoc across North America. Devastating floods in Louisiana damaged 40,000 homes and necessitated more than 30,000 rescues, while wildfires in California destroyed dozens of houses and forced 80,000 residents
- [Weak Password=Data Breach? Why Password Security Is More Important than Ever](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/weak-password-data-breach-password-security-important-ever/) - In today’s digital world, password management isn’t just some abstract idea that might make your life easier. It’s a critical part of comprehensive security—passwords are often the first place that hackers look for easy entry into vulnerable computers and devices. A 2016 Verizon study found that 63% of confirmed data breaches involved weak, default, or
- [How Much Can a Fraudulent Attack Cost? For One Company, $44 Million](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/much-can-fraudulent-attack-cost-one-company-44-million/) - Last month, international corporation Leoni AG admitted something that no company ever wants to: they were fleeced out of $44 million. The cause of this massive mistake is a familiar one: business email compromise or “CEO fraud,” by which hackers use sophisticated social engineering strategies to entice employees to transfer funds for supposedly legitimate means. How
- [Believe It or Not, Fantasy Football Can Pose a Serious Online Security Threat](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/believe-not-fantasy-football-can-pose-serious-online-security-threat/) - *The image above is an example of how easy it is to download a virus through a free fantasy football website. The NFL season is back in action, and with it comes a surge in fantasy football participation The numbers are staggering: in 2013, the Fantasy Sports Trade Association estimated that 25 million American adults belonged to fantasy
- [Looking for a Boost? Try These 5 Fun and Useful Plug-Ins for Microsoft Outlook](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/looking-boost-try-5-fun-useful-plug-ins-microsoft-outlook/) - Microsoft Outlook continues its reign as the top business email client in the land. In 2015, estimates say that more than 1.1 billion users were running the broader Microsoft Office software suite, with half of them—approximately 500 to 600 million people—relying on Outlook to access their messages. Outlook boasts a number of industry-leading features: email,
- [Yahoo Hack Affects 500 Million Users in Largest Single-Company Data Compromise in History](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/yahoo-hack-affects-500-million-users-largest-single-company-data-compromise-history/) - Data breach announcements come and go with regularity these days. And password hacks happen so often we’ve become inured to the constant recommendations to “Change your password—and fast!” But it’s hard not to be shocked by Yahoo’s revelation that half a billion computer users had their names, email addresses, telephone numbers, birth dates, encrypted passwords,
- [How to Keep Yourself Safe from Increasingly Sophisticated Forms of Ransomware](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-keep-yourself-safe-from-increasingly-sophisticated-forms-of-ransomware/) - Today’s cyber threat landscape continues to evolve at an incredibly fast pace. So much so that even the best tools and policies are not always enough to protect your business and its data. Cybersecurity experts expect that we will continue to see more cyberattacks—and that the attacks will continue to grow more sophisticated. As the
- [Last Call! Want to Purchase New Computers with Windows 7? Do It Before November 1st](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/last-call-want-purchase-new-computers-windows-7-november-1st/) - Microsoft announced earlier this year that November 1st would serve as the final deadline for purchasing new PCs loaded with Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. After that, all new PCs will be required to come with Windows 10 automatically installed. Before you curse Microsoft for pushing a new OS on its customers, remember that the
- [Mobile Device Security Is Critical (Especially in the Wake of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Issues)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/mobile-device-security-critical-especially-wake-samsung-galaxy-note-7-issues/) - If you pay attention to the news, by now you’ve certainly heard about the fiasco surrounding Samsung’s latest mobile device, the Galaxy Note 7. Yes, it’s a crazy scenario: more than a hundred of the newly released devices, which were meant to compete with the fresh iPhone 7, spontaneously burst into flames after overheating while
- [Fed Up with Your Technology? 4 Ways to Put an End to IT Frustrations](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/fed-technology-4-ways-put-end-frustrations/) - Here’s an undeniable fact: properly functioning technology is one of the most important drivers of business success. If your computers are crashing, your servers aren’t working, your printers are jamming, and your mobile devices aren’t syncing, chances are you (and everyone you work with) are suffering in the productivity department. Here’s another undeniable fact: that
- [Thinking About a Hardware or Software Upgrade? Here Are a Few Things You Need to Know](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/thinking-hardware-software-upgrade-things-need-know/) - Last week, the federal government announced a $3.1 billion IT Modernization Fund, intended to further beef up the United States’ cybersecurity by retiring, replacing, and modernizing many legacy systems. These systems have become increasingly expensive to maintain and secure, especially as the landscape of digital security continues to shift. How expensive? A comprehensive 2015 review
- [New Adobe Flash Exploits Highlight the Need for Multi-Layered Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-adobe-flash-exploits-highlight-need-multi-layered-security/) - Last year, vulnerabilities associated with Adobe Flash Player led to malware infections delivered via banner ads running on legitimate websites. These “malvertising” exploits have proven to be quite prolific, spreading across the Internet—some install malware that illegally inflates ad click numbers, while others can deliver ransomware viruses that instantly encrypt files on a user’s computer
- [This Holiday Shopping Season, Beware of Fake Apps and Other Fraudulent Schemes](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/holiday-shopping-season-beware-fake-apps-fraudulent-schemes/) - We’re less than one week away from the biggest shopping weekend of the entire year—and you’ve probably noticed how many early Black Friday deals are already on offer. But for the many consumers who shop on their cell phones (last year, mobile devices accounted for more than 30% of online Black Friday sales and nearly
- [Yes, Technology Can Benefit Everyone on Thanksgiving—Here Are Our Favorite 6 Strategies](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/technology-can-benefit-everyone-thanksgiving-favorite-6-strategies/) - Only a couple of days are left until that most American of holidays, Thanksgiving, when friends and family gather to feast and give thanks for all that we are blessed with in life. The one thing everyone agrees on this Thanksgiving? That we should at least try to take a technology break. For once, wouldn’t
- [Overwhelmed with Emails This Week? Here Are 5 Easily Implemented Productivity Boosts](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/overwhelmed-emails-week-5-easily-implemented-productivity-boosts/) - For millions of workers, Cyber Monday unfolded something like this: you show up to work energized by a few days off and ready to tackle the new week’s obstacles, only to be confronted by an inbox bursting at its seams with unread emails. As the “new message” pings add up, your ability to be productive
- [Enhance Your Online Security and Privacy with These 5 Steps](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/enhance-online-security-privacy-5-steps/) - With the holidays upon us and a variety of popular tech items topping 2016 wish lists, it’s easy to overlook how frustrating these devices can be. New smartphone models spontaneously self-destruct–or hit the market missing key components. Software updates inadvertently delete precious data. Redesigned laptops suffer from basic compatibility issues. Printers, sadly, continue to jam.
- [5 Tips for Implementing One Last End-of-Year Productivity Boost in Your Office](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-tips-implementing-one-last-end-year-productivity-boost-office/) - The end of 2016 is right around the corner, which means most of us are thinking about spending time with friends and family for the holidays and getting a jumpstart on 2017. Studies show that productivity dips significantly in December when many employees are worried more about holiday shopping, family travel, and other stressors. But
- [Looking for a Last-Minute Tax Break? Upgrade Your Technology and Earn a $500,000 Deduction](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/looking-last-minute-tax-break-upgrade-technology-earn-500000-deduction/) - After fluctuating several times over the last few years, Section 179 of the IRS tax code was permanently increased in 2015 to provide a $500,000 deduction on qualifying equipment purchased and put into use during the tax year 2016. This accelerated depreciation deduction was originally implemented in 2008 as part of the broader stimulus package,
- [New Computer Virus Forces Victims to Do the Hacking](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-computer-virus-forces-victims-hacking/) - If you haven’t heard much about ransomware and malicious viruses lately, well, you may not be paying close enough attention. In November, a county government in Indiana paid $21,000 to cybercriminals after its systems were infected by a version of the Crypto virus that’s plagued the Internet for years. In February, a Hollywood hospital forked
- [CMIT Solutions’ 10 Most Popular QuickTips of 2016](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-10-popular-quicktips-2016/) - 2016 is nearly over, but before we turn our focus ahead to the promise of 2017 and put the last 12 months firmly behind us, let’s revisit the most popular QuickTips topics of the year. CMIT Solutions wishes everyone a happy, safe, and productive New Year season, hopefully, enjoyed with love and laughter in the
- [Get Set for the New Year with Our Top 5 2017 Tech Resolutions](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/get-set-new-year-top-5-2017-tech-resolutions/) - No matter where you live or what you do, the New Year serves as an inspiring moment. Want to commit yourself to achieving a personal goal or change the way you approach your career? The first few days of January are a great time to do it. But as historian and teacher Joseph M. Marshall
- [Less than Two Weeks into 2017, the Cybersecurity Landscape Is Already Shifting](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/less-two-weeks-2017-cybersecurity-landscape-already-shifting/) - The online security world made it just a few days into the New Year without a major revelation about cybersecurity. On Thursday, January 5th, the United States Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against D-Link Corp. The FTC accused the Taiwan-based manufacturer of technology equipment of neglecting the security of its routers and Internet-linked security
- [Elevate Your Next PowerPoint Presentation with These 10 Strategies for Slideshow Success](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/elevate-next-powerpoint-presentation-10-strategies-slideshow-success/) - If you’re like most people, the prospect of giving a PowerPoint presentation is downright petrifying. All that energy spent writing concise bullet points, making sure fonts, photos, and formats match up, getting the finished package to play properly…And that’s all before you have to stand up in front of a crowd and command the room
- [Staggering New Data Breach and Ransomware Numbers Illustrate Need for Enhanced Cybersecurity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/staggering-new-data-breach-ransomware-numbers-illustrate-need-enhanced-cybersecurity/) - Barely one month into 2017, cybercrime is already making headlines. Two major stories broke just this week: first, 2016 shattered all previous data breach records, with more than four billion records compromised worldwide. In the United States alone, more than 2,000 data breaches were reported—10 times as many as in the United Kingdom, which came
- [Get Your Accounting Software in Order Before Tax Season Arrives](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/get-accounting-software-order-tax-season-arrives/) - It’s only February, but every business owner and financial employee knows that tax season is about to arrive in force. With W-2s delivered per the IRS’ January 31st deadline, attention now turns to corporate taxes, many of which must be filed by March 15th, and personal taxes, which are of course due on April 15th.
- [Fresh IT Strategies Like the Human Firewall Are Critical for Countering Cybersecurity Threats](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/fresh-strategies-like-human-firewall-critical-countering-cybersecurity-threats/) - Last week, IT security experts revealed a sharp increase in so-called “fileless” malware—device and network infections that are not readily apparent since they’re embedded directly into a computer’s actual memory. These malicious agents can quietly infiltrate data for months or even years, as more than 140 companies in 40 different countries have learned over the
- [Beware Browser Auto-Fill—New Phishing Attack Can Steal Critical Information](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/beware-browser-auto-fill-new-phishing-attack-can-steal-critical-information/) - Browser auto-fill is one of the most convenient modern Internet features. Popular browsers like Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox save computer users time by automatically populating form fields and login requests with information that has been previously entered before. But the problem, as revealed last month by Finnish web developer and
- [10 Questions to Ask if You Want the Best IT Support for Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-questions-ask-want-best-support-business/) - In today’s fast-paced digital world, every business relies on solid IT support. But for companies on a budget, finding that kind of support can be difficult. Smaller IT firms often find themselves stretched too thin with break-fix work and too many clients, while bigger IT organizations are known for prioritizing their larger clients. It is
- [New Cloudflare Vulnerability Could Leak Passwords, Logins, and Other Protected Information](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-cloudflare-vulnerability-leak-passwords-logins-protected-information/) - Another major security flaw shocked the Internet world last week—Cloudflare, a service that optimizes the security and performance of more than 5 million websites, alerted customers that a recently patched software bug had exposed a wide array of sensitive information. From passwords to website cookies to login tokens, Cloudflare’s vulnerability represents a major hit to
- [Enhance Productivity and Efficiency by Becoming a PDF Master with Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/enhance-productivity-efficiency-becoming-pdf-master-adobe-reader-adobe-acrobat/) - The PDF, or portable document format, is a beautiful thing. No matter what kind of laptop, desktop, mobile phone, or operating system you use, it works. No matter how many different fonts, images, and other document components a PDF contains, they are all displayed together. The highly compressed nature of PDF files means they are
- [World Backup Day 2017: The Perfect Time to Assess Your Data Security Situation](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/world-backup-day-2017-perfect-time-assess-data-security-situation/) - Friday, March 31st is World Backup Day, and given the many recent instances of data loss plaguing businesses big and small, no question is more relevant than, “What would you do if you lost it all?” Data backups provide peace of mind by saving a second copy of important files: everything from client records to
- [Phishing Scams Proliferate Again with Tax Day Right Around the Corner](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/phishing-scams-proliferate-tax-day-right-around-corner/) - With tax day right around the corner, the targeting of payroll professionals, human resources executives, and tax preparers is again proliferating. Relying on illicit phishing emails that appear to come from a company’s actual chief executive officer—think ceo@mycompaany.com instead of ceo@mycompany.com—cybercriminals request lists of employees and their personal information in hopes of gaining access to
- [Mystified by Track Changes? These 5 Tips Will Have You Editing and Collaborating Like a Pro](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/mystified-track-changes-5-tips-will-editing-collaborating-like-pro/) - “Just turn on Track Changes.” If those words have ever struck fear in your heart and wreaked havoc on your to-do list, don’t worry—we know the feeling. Yes, Microsoft Word is the industry standard when it comes to word processing. And yes, Track Changes is the most popular collaborative tool out there. But that doesn’t
- [Microsoft Word Exploit Used to Install Malware on Computers](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/microsoft-word-exploit-used-stealthily-install-malware-users-computers/) - If you assumed that today's cyberthreat risk had gone down, think again: security experts revealed last week that hackers have figured out a way to exploit a previously undisclosed vulnerability in Microsoft Word. This allows malware to be surreptitiously installed, even on computers and networks that users thought were protected. This zero-day vulnerability, defined as
- [Dangerous Weather Highlights the Need for Strong Backup and Disaster Recovery Procedures](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dangerous-weather-highlights-need-strong-backup-disaster-recovery-procedures/) - They say April showers bring May flowers, but this week's severe weather delivered far bigger problems to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. A low-pressure system tracking up the Eastern Seaboard dumped much-needed rain on the drought-stricken region. But water rescues in Charleston, sewer overflows in Columbia, flash flooding in the Western North Carolina mountains, and mudslides
- [Did Facebook's “10 Concerts” Meme Steal Your Personal Information?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-concerts-facebook-meme-fun-steal-personal-information/) - The “10 Concerts” meme spread like wildfire on Facebook last week, with millions of users listing nine live performances they had actually attended and one they made up, then asking friends to guess which one was fake. But as The New York Times cleverly wrote, “It’s all fun and games until someone’s password security question
- [Hackers Go Phishing with Widespread Google Docs Scam—if You Were Affected, Here Are the Actions You Can Take Now](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/google-docs-phishing-scam-what-to-do/) - On May 3, 2017, a fresh email scam swept through millions of inboxes: millions of Gmail users received a message suggesting that a friend or colleague had shared a Google Doc with them. Early reports indicated that the scheme was geared toward journalists, with up to 150 illicit messages being sent per minute; Google eventually
- [Want to Give Your Inbox a Boost? Implement These Smart Microsoft Outlook Strategies](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/want-give-inbox-boost-implement-smart-microsoft-outlook-strategies/) - Although the manner and method of modern office work have changed dramatically in the last few years, one thing remains constant: email represents the lifeblood of communication. No matter how far you have to travel or how much time you spend in the field, keeping up with your inbox is a must, not a maybe.
- [As the WannaCry Ransomware Cyberattack Spreads Across the Globe, What Do You Need to Do to Protect Your Computers?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/wannacry-ransomware-attack-how-to-protect-your-computer/) - The most extensive ransomware attack in history spread around the globe over the weekend. Utilizing a Microsoft Windows vulnerability and the malicious software meant to exploit it, unidentified hackers used tools first revealed in April after classified information was stolen from the National Security Agency. Within hours, the cyberattack made front-page news around the world, inflicting damage
- [6 Ways to Protect Your Data, Your Devices, and Your Digital Identity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/6-ways-protect-data-devices-digital-identity/) - In the wake of last week’s massive global ransomware attack, a lot of people are asking similar questions: how can I protect myself from such an incident? And how I can enhance the security of my data and my digital identity? No question is more critical, especially with more than 200,000 computers infected by the
- [Recent Severe Weather and Start of Hurricane Season Make Disaster Preparedness a Must](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/recent-severe-weather-start-hurricane-season-make-disaster-preparedness-must/) - The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1st. But even if you don’t live along the East or Gulf Coasts, a significant outbreak of severe weather that swept through the Mountain West, Great Plains, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast just before Memorial Day brings one fact into sharp focus: businesses big and small must be
- [With Summer in Full Swing, Get Your Vacation Autoresponder Squared Away](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/summer-full-swing-get-vacation-autoresponder-squared-away/) - The official beginning of summer is still two weeks away, but with Memorial Day in the rearview mirror and most schools finished up for the season, summer is informally in full swing. Many families are planning their first extended vacations, getaways, and road trips of the year, which means that vacation autoresponses will start filling
- [Make Yourself a Microsoft Excel Master with These 10 Tips and Tricks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/make-microsoft-excel-master-10-tips-tricks/) - In today’s fast-paced digital age, it’s almost required that we work more efficiently while utilizing technology to solve complicated problems. And no computer program does a better job of that than Microsoft Excel. First introduced in the mid-1980s, many business experts consider Excel one of the greatest pieces of software ever developed—in 2013, PCMag called
- [Scams Abound in Mobile App Stores—Be Careful What You Download!](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/scams-abound-mobile-app-stores-careful-download/) - Digital scams come in a million shapes and sizes these days. But one place where they are proliferating is your smartphone’s app store. With more than 1.5 billion mobile devices sold in 2016, the opportunities for cybercriminals are massive. In January, the Federal Trade Commission issued a warning to consumers about phony shopping apps that
- [New Twist on Tax Preparer Phishing Attempt Highlights Need for Heightened Online Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-twist-tax-preparer-phishing-attempt-highlights-need-heightened-online-security/) - On June 23rd, the IRS released information from its latest Security Summit, highlighting the fact that cybercriminals and hackers are again targeting tax professionals. This attack is similar to past scams, arriving in the form of a phishing email that tries to steal important information. The difference, however, is that these emails look like they
- [Another Week, Another Ransomware Attack—Here’s How to Avoid It and Keep Your Data Safe](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/another-week-another-ransomware-attack-heres-avoid-keep-data-safe/) - Last week, less than a month after the WannaCry ransomware attack infected more than 250,000 computers in 150 countries, security experts announced new revelations about a new attack, which originated in Ukraine and spread to Russia, Poland, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and the United States, along with nearly 60 other countries. This attack began with
- [Video: How to Spot a Phishing Attack](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/spot-phishing-attack/) - In these email-dominated days, phishing attempts are a fact of life. More than half of all users who receive these fraudulent messages end up opening such emails—and many even fall for the scam. The aim of phishing emails is to gather personal information about you, generally related to your login credentials, passwords, or finances. Many
- [Enhance Your Microsoft Outlook Experience with These 10 Tips and Tricks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/enhance-microsoft-outlook-experience-10-tips-tricks/) - The way the modern office operates has changed significantly in the last few years, but one thing remains the same: email represents the lifeblood of communication. It doesn’t matter how far you travel or how much time you spend on the road—keeping up with your inbox is a necessity, not a luxury. Microsoft Outlook, the
- [Recent World Wrestling Entertainment Data Breach Highlights the Need for Enhanced Cybersecurity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/recent-world-wrestling-entertainment-data-breach-highlights-need-enhanced-cybersecurity/) - Earlier this month, another data breach announcement reared its ugly head, and this time it came from an unlikely source—the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). According to experts, the breach exposed the private information (birthdates, earnings, ethnicity, gender, and email addresses, among other things) of more than three million users thanks to two open and publicly
- [Is Your Computer Running Slow? 5 Reasons Why and 5 Ways to Combat a Slow-Moving Desktop or Lethargic Laptop](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/19677/) - Today’s digital world requires us all to be expert multi-taskers. Over the course of an average business day, we might bounce between different operating systems, software applications, and workflows, all of which require a standard of expertise and a powerful memory (both inside our computers and inside our brains). Even though we train ourselves to
- [What Does the Game of Thrones Hack Mean for the Average Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/game-thrones-hack-mean-average-business/) - Image: HBO Two weeks ago, unidentified hackers accessed 1.5 terabytes of data from the cable channel HBO, including scripts and a full episode of the wildly popular show Game of Thrones. Last week, Distributor Star India was forced to admit the cyberattack originated from their servers, releasing a statement that said, “We take this breach
- [The 5 Best Microsoft Outlook Plugins to Maximize Your Productivity in 2017](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-best-microsoft-outlook-plugins-maximize-productivity-2017/) - Microsoft Outlook continues to rule over the business email world—current estimates hold that more than 1 billion users run the broader Microsoft Office software suite, with at least half of them (or a cool 500 million users) relying on Outlook to access their messages. As the most widely used email program for businesses, Outlook boasts
- [Considering a New IT Provider? Consider These 5 Recommendations](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/considering-new-provider-consider-5-recommendations/) - Many of us know the feeling: a computer or laptop crashes, bringing productivity to a standstill. If you’re lucky, you have a tech-savvy friend or hard-working employee who will go the extra mile to try to keep systems in working order. Or maybe you know an IT professional who is available to diagnose problems and
- [Hopelessly Behind After the Holiday Weekend? Here Are 5 Ways to Boost Productivity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/hopelessly-behind-holiday-weekend-5-ways-boost-productivity/) - For many of us, September 5th is a day to return to work energized after Labor Day weekend. The kids are back in school, fall is right around the corner, and we feel confident about our ability to tackle the new week’s obstacles—only to be confronted by an inbox bursting at its seams with unread
- [Hurricane Harvey’s Devastation Highlights the Critical Need for Disaster Preparation and Safe Damage Assessment](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/19746/) - Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas coast last Friday night as a Category 4 storm with winds in excess of 130 mph. By Sunday, Harvey’s path of destruction spread inland, claiming at least five lives and flooding the Houston metropolitan area with record-breaking rainfall—in some areas, more than 30 inches and counting. That’s because Harvey,
- [Enhance Your Next PowerPoint Presentation with These 10 Tips and Tricks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/enhance-next-powerpoint-presentation-10-tips-tricks/) - For most of us, the prospect of giving a PowerPoint presentation is downright petrifying. All that energy spent writing concise bullet points, making sure fonts, photos, and formats match up, building transitions between slides, getting the finished package to play properly…That’s all before you have to stand up in front of a crowd and command
- [4 Important Security Steps to Take in the Wake of the Massive Equifax Breach](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-important-security-steps-take-wake-massive-equifax-breach/) - Last week, Equifax, one of the three largest consumer credit reporting agencies in the United States, reported that a massive data breach exposed the Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and other private information of more than 143 million US residents. Hackers were apparently able to access the company’s files for two months this summer,
- [VIDEO: The Evolution of the Computer Virus](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/evolution-of-the-computer-virus/) - In May 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack infected more than 230,000 computers in 150 countries, encrypting data, demanding Bitcoin ransom for its return, and disabling computer systems at the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, Spain’s biggest telecommunications provider, Russian banks, and much more. Economic losses from the cyberattack reached into the billions, even after a
- [New 2017 Compliance Standards Could Radically Change the Cybersecurity Landscape](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-2017-compliance-standards-radically-change-cybersecurity-landscape/) - Lost among all the recent news about data vulnerability—last month’s Equifax credit report breach, last year’s Yahoo password hack, and the Whole Foods payment card breach reported just the other day—are three new government cybersecurity programs. The FTC’s “Start With Security” initiative, New York State’s Department of Financial Services regulations, and the US Department of
- [VIDEO QUICKTIP: How to Prepare Your Hard Drive for Restoration](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-quicktip-prepare-hard-drive-restoration/) - After the recent string of damaging hurricanes that hit Texas, Florida, and the Caribbean, many businesses may be left with damaged computers, printers, and servers. All of the equipment above can be replaced—what can’t be replaced, however, is your company’s critical data. The safest way to protect your business data in the face of a
- [Protect Your Information in the Wake of Wi-Fi Security Hack](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-your-information-in-the-wake-of-wi-fi-security-hack/) - Last week, security experts revealed that WPA2, the most common security protocol used to protect Wi-Fi connections, was hacked. US-CERT, the Department of Homeland Security’s Computer Emergency Readiness Team, revealed that a team of Belgian researchers had deployed a proof-of-concept attack called c, short for Key Reinstallation Attacks, to exploit vulnerabilities that keep Wi-Fi connections
- [Don’t Let New Ransomware Attack Threaten Your Office This Halloween](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-let-new-ransomware-attack-threaten-office-halloween/) - Last week, security experts revealed a nasty new global ransomware attack: Bad Rabbit. But this is no Halloween trick—Bad Rabbit appears to be a variation of the WannaCry and Petya attacks, which infected hundreds of thousands of computers earlier this year and disrupted day-to-day operations for businesses around the globe. So far, the extent of
- [Enhance Your Microsoft Excel Skills with These Supercharged Strategies](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/enhance-microsoft-excel-skills-supercharged-strategies/) - When it comes to working with important data, no software dominates the business landscape like Microsoft Excel. Depending on your level of Excel expertise, however, you may dread that complicated spreadsheet with its confusing columns, rows, formulas, and tabs. Unless you look at Excel for its possibilities instead of its pitfalls—any manual task can be
- [5 Ways to Protect Your Business from Fake Friend Requests and Other Malicious Attempts](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-protect-business-fake-friend-requests-malicious-attempts/) - Have you gotten any questionable friend requests on Facebook recently? Received a suspicious email or verification code attempt claiming to come from Dell, Google, or Apple, perhaps? You’re not alone. But beware before you click “Accept,” visit a link, or start providing information—a recent uptick in such incidents has alarmed security experts, who worry that
- [Looking for a Lift This Thanksgiving? Let These 6 Tech Tips Lead the Way](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/looking-lift-thanksgiving-let-6-tech-tips-lead-way/) - Who’s ready to feast? Thanksgiving is upon us again, along with all the staples of this American holiday: roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Of course, the best part of Thanksgiving is being surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, who gather and give thanks for all that’s come and gone this
- [5 Secure Strategies for Safe Online Shopping](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-secure-strategies-safe-online-shopping/) - The 2017 holiday shopping season is officially underway, and experts predict that this Cyber Monday might be the biggest US online shopping day ever. According to Adobe, web traffic is up 12% over 2016, while smartphones and other mobile devices account for nearly 40% of all revenue. Sales, site visits, and promotional emails also increased
- [What Does the End of AOL Instant Messenger Mean for Your Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/end-aol-instant-messenger-mean-business/) - On December 15th, 2017, AOL will officially discontinue its free AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) service, ending a 20-year run for the free chat app. The end-of-life announcement came earlier this fall, and although the number of AIM users had dropped significantly, many still bemoaned the loss of their @aim.com email addresses, their chat histories, and
- [Overwhelmed by Day-to-Day IT Worries? This 10-Step Checklist Can Relieve Your Stress](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/overwhelmed-day-day-worries-10-step-checklist-can-relieve-stress/) - As 2017 comes to a close and all eyes turn toward the new year, one technology industry trend continues to come into focus: the way business managers and executives have had to get involved in day-to-day IT operations. Chalk it up to nonstop data breaches and software vulnerabilities. Or the ongoing threat of ransomware. Or
- [IRS Reports That New Email Scams Increasing in Number](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/irs-reports-new-email-scams-increasing-number/) - With the holidays here and a clear picture of the 2018 tax season up in the air, the IRS, state tax agencies, and national tax professionals have alerted consumers to be wary of fresh email phishing attempts related to next year’s filing. Even with increased cybersecurity and heightened awareness about such efforts, these scams continue
- [Top 10 of 2017—CMIT Solutions’ Most Popular QuickTips of the Year](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-10-2017-cmit-solutions-popular-quicktips-year/) - With 2017 on its way out and 2018 right around the corner, we thought we’d take a step back and assess the 52 QuickTips published last year. What a busy 12 months it was, too—data breaches and ransomware attacks galore, interspersed with promising cybersecurity developments, new technology releases, efficiency-enhancing productivity improvements, and good IT news
- [7 Cybersecurity Resolutions That Matter This New Year](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/7-cybersecurity-resolutions-matter-new-year/) - January 1st presents the perfect opportunity to build new routines and new habits. Whether your New Year’s resolutions include health-related goals, lifestyle changes, or other commitments, there’s one area we all should focus on in 2018: cybersecurity and the protection of our online information. Why? In 2017, 143 million Americans had their data compromised in
- [Meltdown and Spectre—Not the End of the World, but Action Is Required](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/meltdown-spectre-not-end-world-action-required/) - We’re only one week into 2018 and already computer researchers have identified not one but two major cybersecurity flaws: Meltdown and Spectre. These flaws exist inside computer processors and mean that hackers could steal passwords and other sensitive user data stored on almost any device manufactured in the last 20 years. The key word in
- [Top 10 Productivity Tips to Improve Your Day](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-10-productivity-tips-improve-day/) - If there’s one New Year’s resolution that can have a lasting effect on your day-to-day happiness, it’s the vow to work better, smarter, and faster. Increasing productivity and enhancing efficiency are always noble goals, but mid-January represents a great time to put that plan into action—especially if another ambitious New Year’s Resolution has fallen by
- [As Phishing Attacks Increase, so Must Vigilance](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/phishing-attacks-increase-must-vigilance/) - In 2018, nearly everyone has either heard of “phishing” or been targeted by it. If you haven’t, here’s a definition: phishing is the act of defrauding someone online by posing as a legitimate company or person. Even more simply put, phishing occurs when cybercriminals pretend to be someone or something they’re not to steal from
- [What the Strava App Revelation Says About Our Current State of Data Privacy](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-the-strava-app-revelation-says-about-our-current-state-of-data-privacy/) - Data privacy comes in many different shapes and sizes. But the recent conundrum surrounding the fitness app Strava and its location tracking highlights the delicate balance devices play in our daily lives. Like many exercise apps, Strava tracks its users’ workouts, building what’s called a global “heat map” that displays where users walk, jog, and
- [5 Ways to Securely File Your Taxes](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/five-ways-securely-file-taxes/) - Whether you’re paying your own taxes or working as a professional tax preparer this filing season, cybersecurity experts have issued several recent bulletins about hackers working hard to steal sensitive information. On the tax preparer front, the Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies, and the tax industry revealed a new round of phishing emails with
- [Confused by Track Changes? Turn It Around with These 5 Tips for Collaborative Editing](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/confused-track-changes-turn-around-5-tips-collaborative-editing/) - “Just turn on Track Changes.” It sounds so simple—until you try to tackle one of Microsoft Word’s most powerful productivity features. Since it’s also one of the most mystifying, we decided to collect a few of our favorite strategies to navigate this classic collaborative tool. Next time you get a marked-up Word document with hundreds
- [Thinking About Making the Switch? Here’s What You Need to Know About a New IT Provider](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/thinking-making-switch-heres-need-know-new-provider/) - We’ve all been there: a desktop or laptop crashes, bringing productivity to a halt. If you’re lucky, you have a tech-savvy friend or hard-working employee who will go the extra mile to try to keep computers in working order. Or maybe you know an IT professional who is available to diagnose problems and resolve major
- [Cybersecurity Defenses Save Internet from Largest DDoS Attack in History](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cybersecurity-defenses-save-internet-largest-ddos-attack-history/) - Last week, the largest DDoS (or distributed denial of service) cyberattack in Internet history struck GitHub, a large web-based hosting service for computer code. At 1.35 terabits per second, unidentified hackers sent the largest flood of traffic ever recorded via an online mechanism called “memcaching” to try and bombard GitHub and bring their web infrastructure
- [How GDPR Can Affect Your Business (and Your Data)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/gdpr-can-affect-business-data/) - On May 25th, 2018, the European Union’s new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will go into effect. Created to provide individuals with enhanced control over their personal information, GDPR standardizes data privacy laws across Europe while increasing the transparency with which organizations approach this hot-button issue. At its core, the GDPR makes a bold claim:
- [Get a Jump on Spring Cleaning by Organizing Your Computer Desktop](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/get-jump-spring-cleaning-organizing-computer-desktop/) - Tuesday, March 20th marks the official first day of spring, and with warmer weather and more daylight comes the desire to start spring cleaning. In the office, one of the easiest ways to do that is also one of the most overlooked: cleaning and organizing the desktops of our computers. Beyond the aesthetic value of
- [Data Breaches Are Back in the News—Here’s How to Keep Your Personal Information Safe](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/data-breaches-back-news-heres-keep-personal-information-safe/) - Just when you thought the nonstop wave of data breaches had slowed down, a flurry of activity made news the last 10 days. In Pennsylvania, a hack of the Department of Education’s website compromised the information of 360,000 teachers and staffers. The city of Atlanta suffered a ransomware attack that took down municipal services and
- [Master the Art of the PDF with These 10 Tips & Tricks for Adobe Reader and Acrobat](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/master-the-art-of-the-pdf-with-these-10-tips-tricks-for-adobe-reader-and-acrobat/) - The PDF, or portable document format, is one of today’s most ubiquitous file formats. No matter what kind of desktop, laptop, mobile device, or operating system you use, the PDF works. No matter how many different fonts, images, and other document components a PDF contains, they all display together. And the highly compressed nature of
- [6 Important Things to Know Before You Upgrade Your Technology](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/6-important-things-to-know-before-you-upgrade-your-technology/) - “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” This is one of the most common refrains in the business world, and in many situations, it’s the right answer. When it comes to technology, though, such an attitude can represent the potential for danger. Consider a few anecdotes: In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack spread rapidly around
- [Get a Gmail Password Reset Request on Your Phone? Read It Carefully](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/get-a-gmail-password-reset-request-on-your-phone-read-it-carefully/) - As cybersecurity threats multiply each week, a new version has cropped up—and many are claiming it’s the cleverest yet. This phishing scam works to try and throw a wrench in two-factor authentication, considered by many a necessary extra layer of password security. Here are the details of the scam: a potential victim will receive a
- [Disaster Prep Unfolds Across North America—but Is Your Technology Ready?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/disaster-prep-unfolds-across-north-america-but-is-your-technology-ready/) - Spring weather has finally settled across most of North America, which means emergency preparedness drills are also in full swing. Next month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will lead a major two-week exercise simulating a land-falling hurricane in Virginia. In our nation’s capital, the DC Health and Medical Coalition will run its own first responder
- [Need a Productivity Boost? Try These Technology Tips and Tricks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/need-a-productivity-boost-try-these-technology-tips-and-tricks/) - Many of us assume we’re either productive or we’re not—that there’s no way to dramatically increase efficiency, only to tinker around the edges. Research conducted by Bain & Company’s Organization practice found that the most talented software developers write code nine times faster than the average developer. That the best retail sales associate sells eight
- [Don’t Fall for Multiplying Spam Calls—Here’s How to Keep Your Business Safe](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-fall-for-multiplying-spam-calls-heres-how-to-keep-your-business-safe/) - If you feel like robocalls are increasing, you’re right. A recent article in the New York Times reported that 3.4 billion automated calls were placed to landlines and cell phones in April 2018—an increase of 900 million a month compared with April 2017. These calls run the gamut of scam attempts, from callers claiming to
- [Master Microsoft Word with These 10 Quick and Easy Shortcuts](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/master-microsoft-word-with-these-10-quick-and-easy-shortcuts/) - According to Microsoft’s most recent estimates, more than 1.2 billion people worldwide use Microsoft Word. This word processing gold standard serves as a common denominator in 140 countries and 107 languages, numbers unmatched by just about any other piece of software. Even though so many people use Microsoft Word, not everyone knows how to maximize
- [Slammed After the Holiday Weekend? Boost Your Productivity with These 5 Email Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/slammed-after-the-holiday-weekend-boost-your-productivity-with-these-5-email-tips/) - Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and summer is unofficially here. The last way you want to celebrate it, however, is with an inbox bursting at the seams with unread emails. As the “new message” pings add up, your ability to be productive decreases, until an hour into the day you throw in the
- [Do You Need to Worry About Your Router or Firewall? Security Experts Say Yes](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/do-you-need-to-worry-about-your-router-or-firewall-security-experts-say-yes/) - Last week, security experts discovered that hundreds of thousands of networking devices made by a variety of manufacturers could be infected by malware. This “VPNFilter” cyberthreat has been identified in Internet routers, firewalls, and network-attached storage devices, leading the FBI to request that anyone with a residential or consumer-based device reboot it by turning it
- [Is Your Business Prepared for a Hurricane or Other Natural Disaster?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-your-business-prepared-for-a-hurricane-or-other-natural-disaster/) - Hurricane season officially started on Friday, June 1st. The NOAA estimates that this year will see near- or above-normal activity in the Atlantic Ocean, while the second major hurricane of the Eastern Pacific Season has already formed off the coast of Mexico. That means the time is right to highlight the importance of disaster preparedness—especially in
- [10 Web Browsing Shortcuts to Speed Up Your Day](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-web-browsing-shortcuts-to-speed-up-your-day/) - Keyboard shortcuts provide a major boost to productivity and efficiency. Whether you use Windows or Mac operating systems, the simplest strokes can save a lot of time and effort in programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. What about web browsing, though? Did you know that, in most major browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft
- [Follow These 6 Steps Before You Write Your Next Out of Office](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/follow-these-6-steps-before-you-write-your-next-out-of-office/) - This week marks the height of the summer vacation season. With the 4th of July holiday falling on a Wednesday, out-of-town trips that normally take up one long weekend are now spread across a 10-day window that has already begun. This means we’ve already seen the classic out-of-office emails: “Off the grid for the next
- [6 Strategies for Data Protection This Friday the 13th](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/six-strategies-for-data-protection-this-friday-the-13th/) - Another Friday the 13th is on the calendar this week, and we thought we’d use the occasion to highlight a startling fact: data disasters can occur at any time. It doesn’t take a natural disaster to wipe away your critical business information. All it takes is one inadvertent click, one accidental deletion, or one data
- [Enhance Your Next PowerPoint Presentation with These 10 Tips and Tricks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/enhance-your-next-powerpoint-presentation-with-these-10-tips-and-tricks/) - Have to give a PowerPoint presentation? Don’t panic—and definitely don’t start cramming your slideshow with unnecessary content. Instead, channel your energy into the right kind of productivity boosters: concise bullet points, matching fonts, appropriate images, and subtle transitions. Knowing what to do and how to do it in this critical part of the Microsoft Office
- [How to Avoid Clicking on the Wrong Email](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-avoid-clicking-on-the-wrong-email/) - For most of us, emails are a fact of life. We receive them all day, we respond to them all day, and we write them all day. (We even work on emails at night and on the weekends, even though we probably shouldn’t). That constant pace and presence of emails mean phishing attempts continue to
- [Is Your Version of Internet Explorer Safe from Vulnerabilities?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-your-version-of-internet-explorer-safe-from-vulnerabilities/) - Microsoft revealed in last week’s Patch Tuesday update that it was fixing up to 60 vulnerabilities, including two dangerous zero-day vulnerabilities. One, which exists in Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 9, 10, and 11, reportedly “could corrupt memory in such a way that an attacker could execute arbitrary code” while disguised as an authorized user. A
- [Get Back to Work with These Post-Holiday Productivity Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/get-back-to-work-with-these-post-holiday-productivity-tips/) - With Labor Day behind us, summer is officially over, so now’s the time to start working smarter and faster. Boosting productivity and increasing efficiency are always noble goals, but the start of September and the beginning of fall provides the perfect opportunity to put that plan into action. Of course, it’s never easy to get
- [How to Prepare Your Business for an Approaching Disaster](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-prepare-your-business-for-an-approaching-disaster/) - Hurricane Florence, a powerful Category 4 hurricane, is threatening North and South Carolina with a direct hit this week. The rapidly intensifying storm also has the potential to stall near or just offshore, potentially impacting the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast with devastating winds, extreme storm surges, heavy rains, and extensive flooding. In many cases, these conditions
- [How to Build a Culture of Cybersecurity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-build-a-culture-of-cybersecurity/) - After the city of Atlanta suffered a major ransomware attack earlier this year, other municipal governments have started confronting a serious question: how will they respond if a cyberattack occurs? Scott Tousley, a cybersecurity director for the Department of Homeland Security recently called the Atlanta incident “one of those red blinking lights that people talk
- [Work Smarter and Faster with These Microsoft Outlook Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/work-smarter-and-faster-with-these-microsoft-outlook-tips/) - No matter what industry you work in, most modern workers begin and end their day with one program: Microsoft Outlook. This industry standard for business email, calendars, and contacts has hundreds of millions of users worldwide—along with just as many tips and tricks to make the program run faster. Below, we’ve identified 10 of our
- [Read This Now if You Were Affected by Facebook’s Security Breach](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/read-this-now-if-you-were-affected-by-facebooks-security-breach/) - Last week, Facebook announced that a hack on its network had exposed the personal information of nearly 50 million users. The largest breach in company history allowed cyberattackers to exploit part of Facebook’s code, taking advantage of three software flaws to compromise and possibly control user accounts. To make matters worse, two of the flaws
- [5 Tips and Tricks to Master Microsoft Word’s Track Changes](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-tips-tricks-to-master-microsoft-words-track-changes/) - If you’ve ever opened a Microsoft Word document that contains more red ink than normal 12-point type, you’ve worked with Track Changes. But how well have you mastered this powerful productivity tool? Since Track Changes can work well for advanced users but completely overwhelm novices, we decided to collect a few of our favorite tips
- [Want to Take a $1 Million Tax Deduction? Consider a Technology Purchase](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/want-to-take-a-1-million-tax-deduction-consider-a-technology-purchase/) - Yes, computer and technology purchases increase near the end of the year—and no, it isn’t just because of holiday sales. As businesses face the annual filing of their taxes, many consider ways to reduce their liabilities. And year-end equipment purchases allow companies to claim significant deductions—as long as the rules are followed. After fluctuating several
- [How to Stay Secure on Halloween](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-stay-secure-on-halloween/) - Here’s a cold, hard fact that’s no trick: data disasters can happen at any time. Wiping away your critical business information isn’t just the stuff of horror-film nightmares. All it takes is one inadvertent click, one accidental deletion, or one data breach for havoc to set in. Ransomware, malware, and spyware can infiltrate your computer
- [Here’s How to Protect Your School or Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/heres-how-to-protect-your-school-or-business/) - Schools might not seem like prime targets for hackers. But last month, the worst-case scenario struck a school district in New Jersey: 800 employees, including substitute teachers, were targeted in a breach in Galloway Township schools. Those staff members’ login credentials were stolen, and two fraudulent wire transfers were executed by cyber thieves. Luckily, the
- [6 Tech Tips for the Thanksgiving Win](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/6-tech-tips-for-the-thanksgiving-win/) - It’s that time of year again: Thanksgiving is almost here, family and friends have arrived, and menus are being planned. In an ideal world, no one is engrossed in their cell phones or laptops, emails are left unanswered until next week, and the only tech tip you need is to turn off your alarm on
- [Get Back to Work with These Post-Holiday Productivity Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/get-back-to-work-with-these-post-holiday-productivity-tips-2/) - Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are all over. Thanksgiving already feels like a faint memory, especially with December on the horizon. That means it’s time to get back to work—and to figure out the best way to work smarter and faster. Giving your day-to-day schedule a shot of productivity and a boost
- [How to Write an Honest Out of Office Before Your Winter Vacation](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-write-an-honest-out-of-office-before-your-winter-vacation/) - We’re fast approaching peak winter vacation season, with the holidays looming and breaks from school and work right around the corner. Several holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s, fall during the work week, which means out-of-town trips that typically take up a long weekend might now be spread across a 10-day window. That means classic
- [Top 10 QuickTips of 2018](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-10-quicktips-of-2018/) - With 2018 almost over and 2019 right around the corner, we thought we’d take a step back and assess the 52 weekly QuickTips published this year. It was a busy 12 months, too—data hacks and online breaches galore, interspersed with promising cybersecurity developments, new technology releases, efficiency-enhancing productivity improvements, and good IT news alike. Taking
- [Are You Protecting Your Data?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/are-you-protecting-your-data/) - With the arrival of a new year comes the motivation to focus on new approaches to the workday. For some people, that’s as simple as structuring your day differently—perhaps checking email only at specific times or limiting distractions from social media. For others, software or hardware upgrades take precedence come January. Still, others use the
- [The Difference Between MDM, MAM, and MIM](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-difference-between-mdm-mam-and-mim/) - Mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management (MAM), and mobile information management (MIM) are intertwined concepts that are wholly different from each other. However, they’re all important in today’s workplace, where mobile devices are quickly becoming a security risk. To keep your data secure, you need to know and understand the differences between these three
- [End of Support Is Coming for Windows 7](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/end-of-support-is-coming-for-windows-7/) - Last week, we passed a milestone: less than one year left until the end of Windows 7. As of January 14, 2020, the legacy operating system will no longer receive extended support or software updates from Microsoft, meaning any machine still running it past that date will be susceptible to security vulnerabilities. The number will
- [How to Collaborate Better with Microsoft Outlook](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-collaborate-better-with-microsoft-outlook/) - One of Microsoft Outlook’s greatest strengths is how it empowers users to collaborate. Sharing information can make day-to-day work faster, smarter, and more efficient. No matter which version we’re using—Outlook for Windows, Outlook for Mac, or Office 365—most Microsoft users begin and end their day with Outlook, toggling between inboxes, calendars, and contact lists. Mastering
- [Explaining the Ins and Outs of Email Spoofing](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/explaining-the-ins-and-outs-of-email-spoofing/) - We’ve all received scam emails from strange addresses and fake accounts. By now, these messages are easy to spot. What’s tougher and worrisome is email spoofing—defined as when a hacker purposely alters part of an email or email address to make it appear as though it was written and transmitted by someone else. Often, the
- [Why Is It so Important to Back Up Your Data?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-is-it-so-important-to-back-up-your-data/) - No matter what industry you work in, data probably drives the success of your business. That’s why hackers and cyber thieves have gone to great lengths to compromise data—from client records to financial information to passwords and other login credentials. Ransomware is the preferred weapon of many scammers. By infecting computers with particular strains of
- [Ergonomics Do More Than just Make Your Job Easy](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ergonomics-do-more-than-just-make-your-job-easy/) - If you sit at a desk during the day and use a computer, you know the feeling: a sore neck or back from hunching over. Achy wrists from clattering away on a keyboard. Pain in your legs when you stand up for the first time in hours. The good news is all of these ailments
- [6 Myths About Cybersecurity (and 1 Big Truth)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/6-myths-about-cybersecurity-and-1-big-truth/) - No industry changes more on a day-to-day basis than cybersecurity. New hacks, breaches, and viruses pop up all the time, while the methods that cyber thieves use to deploy such attacks evolve just as quickly. In January, a double-pronged attack highlighted these illegal and ever-shifting strategies. A combination of malware to steal data, followed by
- [Don’t Crash and Burn: Ensure Your Site’s Stability](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-crash-and-burn-ensure-your-sites-stability/) - The website is one of the most important aspects of running a 21st-century business. Online presence is vital nowadays, seeing as buyers do what is called ROBO or “Research Online, Buy Offline” approach. According to the ROBO Economy study, 56 percent of online shoppers consult online reviews before purchasing. Your website is also one of
- [How to Ace Your Next PowerPoint Presentation](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-ace-your-next-powerpoint-presentation/) - PowerPoint may get a bad rap, but Microsoft’s premiere slideshow software still works great at its intended purpose: as a visual presentation aide, not as the presentation itself. Admittedly, that’s hard for many of us to do. We’ve become inured to the PowerPoint deck as the star of the show. We rely on our slides
- [Good Reasons Your Clinic Should Implement Managed IT Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/good-reasons-your-clinic-should-implement-managed-it-services/) - Complete, accurate medical records are vastly important. Since 1928, when the American College of Surgeons (ACOS) aimed to improve the record-keeping standards in clinics and hospitals, health information technology (HIT) has played a vital role in healthcare. HIT improves medical care and public health, lowers costs, reduces errors, improves patient satisfaction, and increases efficiency, especially
- [Keep Your Data Secured: Protecting Company-Owned Mobile Devices](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/keep-your-data-secured-protecting-company-owned-mobile-devices/) - A survey shows that one in three organizations admits to encountering data breaches through mobile devices, indicating a five percent increase from last year. Mobile devices are prone to security threats like other devices. Despite that, many companies fail to protect their mobile devices as half of the survey participants admitted to sacrificing mobile security
- [What Do New Password Guidelines Mean for You and Your Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-do-new-password-guidelines-mean-for-you-and-your-business/) - At the end of 2017, the US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released new Digital Identity Guidelines concerning passwords. What was surprising about the announcement was the NIST’s shift away from password complexity and toward user-friendliness. That emphasizes the fact that passwords represent just the first layer of authentication security.
- [Block Those Spam Calls Once and for All](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/block-those-spam-calls-once-and-for-all/) - Yes, robocalls continue to increase—and there’s no sign of them slowing down. In 2017, such automated communications accounted for barely 5% of all cell phone calls; in 2018, that number rose to nearly 30%. And 2019 is on track to top 50%. Such calls fall into a number of different categories, from callers claiming to
- [End of Support Is Coming for Microsoft Windows Server 2008](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/end-of-support-is-coming-for-microsoft-windows-server-2008/) - January 14, 2020, might seem like a long way away, but a major deadline looms on that date: the end of support for Windows Server 2008. That means Microsoft will stop issuing security updates, support options, and technical content for the enterprise-class operating system. Once a leading-edge OS designed to share services with multiple users
- [The Most Notorious Cyberattacks of the Decade: Across the Various Industries](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-most-notorious-cyberattacks-of-the-decade-across-the-various-industries/) - Cyberattacks create consequences not only for the targeted company, but also for their customers. The effects are far-reaching, as information has become all the more powerful in today’s digital age. Here’s a list of the most significant data breaches of the decade: Yahoo! Yahoo, once a dominant Internet service company, was victim to two massive
- [How to Keep Yourself Safe Before Tax Day](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-keep-yourself-safe-before-tax-day/) - Whether you filed your taxes last week or last month—or plan to wrap things up for the 2018 tax in the final week before Tax Day 2019—cybersecurity experts have issued several recent bulletins about hackers working hard to steal sensitive information. On the tax preparer front, the Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies, and the
- [CIOs and CTOs: What Do They Do?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cios-and-ctos-what-do-they-do/) - In our modern business landscape, many organizations have a Chief Information Officer (CIO) and a Chief Technology Officer (CTO). While each post comes with different responsibilities, they are both positions that are rooted in technology, namely corporate software and IT management. The key difference between these two roles is in the areas of emphasis, whether
- [Don’t Let a Data Disaster Affect Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-let-data-disaster-affect-your-business/) - It’s 5:15 PM and you’re about to head home for the day. After answering those last couple of emails, you save any remaining open files and log off from your computer, confident that everything will be waiting for you tomorrow. But what would happen if your desktop didn’t turn back on in the morning? Or
- [5 Ways to Protect Your Business Against New Ransomware Strain](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-to-protect-your-business-against-new-ransomware-strain/) - Security experts recently discovered several new variants of ransomware, including one that worms its way into systems via hacked remote desktop protocols. Remote desktop protocols, commonly abbreviated as RDP, allow a user to remotely log in to and control a computer. This protocol is common among employees who work from the road or in the
- [Are You Getting the Internet Speed You’re Paying For?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/are-you-getting-the-internet-speed-youre-paying-for/) - The Internet has revolutionized the way many things operate, but most especially the workplace. If in 2000 only a little more than half of the American adult population used the Internet, now only 11 percent do not. As a result, having access to the Internet and a reliable IT network support are vital parts of
- [How to Organize Your Desktop and Laptop for Spring](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-organize-your-desktop-and-laptop-for-spring/) - Spring has been in full swing for a month now, with sunshine finally stretching into even the coldest parts of North America. Warmer weather and more daylight leads to extra motivation to clean and organize. In the office, one of the most efficient ways to do that is also one of the most overlooked: cleaning
- [Want to Supercharge Your Excel Expertise? Follow These 10 Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/want-to-supercharge-your-excel-expertise-follow-these-10-tips/) - Four decades after its debut, Microsoft Excel remains the most widely used spreadsheet software on the planet. Whether you’re organizing important business information, creating data-driven charts and graphs, or tracking financial transactions, no tool tops Excel. That doesn’t mean this key component of the Microsoft Office suite is easy to understand, though. Depending on how
- [Vishing (Yes, It’s a Thing) Explained](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/vishing-yes-its-a-thing-explained/) - There’s a new scheme in town: “vishing,” or voice phishing. A form of fraud that attempts to access private information via phone calls and voice messages, vishing reports have proliferated as robocalls continue to increase. Vishers rely on a standard script when a real person picks up one of their calls: they often claim to
- [Summer Travel Tips You Can Take with You](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/summer-travel-tips-you-can-take-with-you/) - This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, with Memorial Day kicking off another season of vacation and relaxation. Of course, that doesn’t mean work will necessarily slow down. Or that those important emails will stop arriving. Or that we’ll somehow be relieved of our need to remain connected. Instead, summer requires that we become
- [New Password Security Issues Could Affect You](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-password-security-issues-could-affect-you/) - Last week, Google revealed that millions of user passwords had been stored in an unencrypted, unprotected plain-text format—for the past 14 years. The bug is exclusive to G Suite, formerly known as Google Apps: Google’s collection of cloud computing, productivity, and collaboration tools designed specifically for corporate users. The password security issue wasn’t a huge
- [Baltimore’s Cybersecurity Crisis: What Happened and What’s Next](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/baltimores-cybersecurity-crisis-what-happened-and-whats-next/) - Last month, cybercriminals hacked into critical parts of Baltimore’s computer systems. City officials announced on May 7 that a ransomware attack encrypted important data, including email, voice messaging, the city-wide parking ticket database, and the payment system that citizens use for utilities and taxes. As of press time, the Maryland city was still struggling to
- [Should You Use Airport USB Charging Stations?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/should-you-use-airport-usb-charging-stations/) - The summer travel season is in full swing, which means many of us will spend time over the next few months in airports. Whether you like to read, stream, browse, scroll, or game while you wait, chances are at some point you’ll end up with an almost-dead device. Next, you’ll try to find the nearest
- [4 Ways to Protect Yourself from New Google Calendar Exploit](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-new-google-calendar-exploit/) - Last week, a new twist on traditional cyberattacks made the news. Gmail users were hit with fake Google Calendar notifications that, when accepted, led to an illicit website looking to steal personal information. Security experts, who first identified the new method in May, consider this fresh attempt particularly good at tricking users into clicking on
- [How to Master Microsoft Word in 10 Easy Steps](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-master-microsoft-word-in-10-easy-steps/) - Since its debut 36 years ago, Microsoft Word has remained at the top of the word processing world. With well north of a billion users typing in more than 100 different languages, Microsoft Word’s market share is higher than just about any other piece of software. But that doesn’t mean the word processing program is
- [Why It's More Cost-Effective to Employ a Proactive Approach for IT Infrastructure Maintenance](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-its-more-cost-effective-to-employ-a-proactive-approach-for-it-infrastructure-maintenance/) - When it comes to managing a business, it’s important to always think in the long term. Even though IT is just one cog in the machine of your company, it still should be managed carefully to ensure that it benefits your company. The traditional approach to IT infrastructure maintenance has always been a reactive approach.
- [How Hackers Are Taking Advantage of AI](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-hackers-are-taking-advantage-of-ai/) - Cloud migration offers numerous benefits for businesses in many industries, and it is steadily gaining traction among today’s modern organizations. Research company Gartner forecasts an increase in global public cloud revenue of as much as 17.3% in 2019. With the rising popularity of cloud hosting services, it is important to be aware of the disadvantages
- [Updating Your Smartphone Apps Is Important](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/updating-your-smartphone-apps-is-important/) - If you’ve got a few extra minutes this holiday week, consider taking a break from grilling, swimming, and celebrating to do something important: update the apps on your smartphone. Last month, Microsoft announced that it had released a new version of its Outlook for Android app that patched a critical security vulnerability. According to the
- [5 Warning Signs That Your Business Is at Risk](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-warning-signs-that-your-business-is-at-risk/) - Do you think that only big companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook are easy targets for hackers? Think again—according to the 2018 State of Cybersecurity study conducted by the Ponemon Institute, 67% of small and medium-sized businesses have experienced a cyberattack, while 58% have suffered from a data breach. Nearly half of all respondents to
- [Don’t Let Data Neglect Hurt Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-let-data-neglect-hurt-your-business/) - In today’s fast-paced digital world, data storage often gets short shrift. We assume our important business information will always be accessible. We assume it will always be backed up. We assume it can always be recovered. But what happens if your data suddenly disappears? How would your business survive the loss of such important information?
- [Outlook Organization Tips That Actually Work](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/outlook-organization-tips-that-actually-work/) - Forget social media or streaming video—the email inbox is the one thing we all rely on, day in and day out. But not all of us use that email inbox as efficiently as we could. Faced with a never-ending deluge of new messages, a disorganized drafts folder, or too many archived emails, many of us
- [Here’s How CEOs Can Take a Proactive Role in Protecting the Business’s Cybersecurity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/heres-how-ceos-can-take-a-proactive-role-in-protecting-the-businesss-cybersecurity/) - When it comes to cybersecurity, anyone can be a weak link. From your lowest employee to your biggest stakeholder, anyone with access to your organization’s virtual network can be compromised and bring serious damage to the company. Cybersecurity may be in the domain of the IT department, but it is very much an integral issue
- [10 Ways to Solve Your Day-to-Day IT Problems](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-ways-to-solve-your-day-to-day-it-problems/) - The height of summer can be the most distracting time of the year. Leaving an hour (or two) early on Friday quickly becomes a regular occurrence. Someone is always out of the office on vacation. Fiscal year turnovers can shift our focus up to the 30,000-foot view, forcing us to overlook day-to-day operations. All it
- [Capital One and Honda Hacks Highlight the Need for Strong IT Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/capital-one-and-honda-hacks-highlight-the-need-for-strong-it-security/) - On July 19th, Capital One revealed that the confidential information of more than 100 million customers was compromised. The hacker didn’t cover her tracks well and was quickly caught, but not before she exposed the flimsy cybersecurity defenses of an international financial giant. All that stood between the cyber thief and the names, email addresses,
- [6 Tech Tips to Ease the Back-to-School Transition](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/6-tech-tips-to-ease-the-back-to-school-transition/) - By the end of summer, there’s one irrefutable fact that all parents can agree on: kids spend a lot of time using technology. Have a look around next time you’re out shopping or running errands: small children using iPads to play games, older kids streaming videos, and teenagers with their smartphones perpetually attached to their hands,
- [3 Reasons Cloud Computing Is an Advantageous IT Solution for Healthcare](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/3-reasons-cloud-computing-is-an-advantageous-it-solution-for-healthcare/) - The healthcare industry is starting to move from products and services to solutions. Digital platforms, big data analytics, and other competitive IT solutions for the healthcare industry are now becoming popular, which is a dramatic change considering that the industry used to be dependent on manual labor, equipment, and hardware. As the focus of healthcare
- [A Quick Walkthrough on How Data Backups Work](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/a-quick-walkthrough-on-how-data-backups-work/) - The commercial landscape of the 21st century is incorporating digital technology at a rapid rate. In 2017, the digital economy accounted for 6.9 percent of the United State's gross domestic product, the equivalent of $1.35 trillion. Going digital and investing in online platforms is one of the best options for small-to-medium businesses to stay competitive.
- [4 Lessons Learned from Recent iNSYNQ Security Breach](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-lessons-learned-from-recent-insynq-security-breach/) - Last month, cloud hosting provider iNSYNQ was hit by a ransomware attack that targeted the critical data of thousands of business owners. The infection hit accounting firms particularly hard, causing many CPAs to lose access to their QuickBooks databases. How Did the iNSYNQ Ransomware Attack Happen? The same way that most ransomware infections strike:
- [Changing Cybersecurity Rules in Ohio Could Affect Entire Nation](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/changing-cybersecurity-rules-in-ohio-could-affect-entire-nation/) - As cybersecurity challenges continue to evolve, many government agencies have responded by passing laws to protect consumers and their information. In the last 12 months, the state of Ohio has implemented two new rules that pertain to data protection. The hope is that laws like these will help to create a rising tide of regulation,
- [Why Multi-Factor Authentication Matters](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-multi-factor-authentication-matters/) - Data breaches come in all shapes and sizes, as do the methods used to illicitly hack into important data. But one common thread running through a spate of recent ransomware attacks on county governments and dentists’ offices is all too familiar: weak passwords and the absence of multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, is defined
- [Millions Impacted by DoorDash Data Breach](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/millions-impacted-by-doordash-data-breach/) - Popular food delivery business DoorDash revealed last week that hackers compromised the private information of nearly 5 million clients, delivery drivers, and restaurant merchants. The data breach occurred earlier this year—DoorDash indicated it originated sometime before May 4th while informing customers who joined the service after April 5th that they were not affected by the
- [Time to Take Windows 7 Vulnerabilities Seriously](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/time-to-take-windows-7-vulnerabilities-seriously/) - In three months, Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 7, the legacy operating system that first debuted in 2009. Although announcements about this “end of life” milestone have dominated the news in 2019, the overall market share for Windows 7 still stands at 30%, meaning that millions of computers and computer users remain at risk.
- [10 Quick and Easy Keyboard Shortcuts](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-quick-and-easy-keyboard-shortcuts/) - Whether you use PCs or Macs, laptops or desktops, everyone is looking for a way to make everyday work quicker and easier. That’s where keyboard shortcuts come in handy—these tips and tricks can make common tasks a breeze, boosting productivity and efficiency so you can get more done. Many of the most common keyboard shortcuts
- [What Costs $8 Million and Threatens Your Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-costs-8-million-and-threatens-your-business/) - Last month, the FBI released an alert about the “high-impact” threat of business email compromise, a “sophisticated scam that targets both businesses and individuals who perform legitimate transfer-of-funds requests.” Although this type of cyberattack isn’t new, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reports that it has received an increased number of complaints related to payroll
- [Don’t Let a Data Disaster Disrupt Your Halloween](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-let-a-data-disaster-disrupt-your-halloween/) - With Halloween almost here, it’s time to face up to a scary certainty: data disasters can strike at any time. Losing your important business information because of a data breach, virus, ransomware attack, or human error isn’t a matter of if but when—kind of like when the villain finally shows up in scary movies. But
- [8 Office 365 Tips That Work for You](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/8-office-365-tips-that-work-for-you/) - Microsoft’s Office 365 productivity suite is a powerful tool for modern businesses. Combining traditional apps like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with more advanced cloud-based applications like Access, OneDrive, and Power BI, Office 365 can drive day-to-day success and long-term growth. But that’s only possible if you understand the robust capabilities of Office 365
- [How Do You Protect Your Data?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-do-you-protect-your-data/) - In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to neglect data storage. We expect our business information to always be accessible. We expect it to always be backed up. We expect it to always be recoverable. But what happens if your data suddenly disappears? How would your business survive the loss of such important information? And
- [New Phishing Attempt Targets Amazon Users](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-phishing-attempt-targets-amazon-users/) - Last month, a fresh spin on the tried-and-true email scam emerged that targeted Amazon’s more than 300 million active customers. Phishing messages that appeared to be legitimate notifications from the online retail giant attempted to trick users into sharing their account credentials, private logins, and financial information. The fake requests required a response within 24
- [7 Digital Tools to Help This Holiday Season](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/7-digital-tools-to-help-this-holiday-season/) - Whether you’re preparing for a Thanksgiving celebration this week or looking forward to quality time with friends and family over the coming holiday season, we all have one thing in common: trying to strike the right balance of technology use. It’s so easy to get caught up in our devices when we should be savoring
- [9 Ways to Protect Your Digital Identity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/9-ways-to-protect-your-digital-identity/) - Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the accompanying avalanche of promotional emails are finally behind us. This means it’s time to do two things: take a deep breath and assess the health of our digital identity. That’s easier said than done, of course. Strong passwords sure help. As do enhanced data security measures like two-factor authentication.
- [What the Heck Is an Uninterruptible Power Supply?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-the-heck-is-an-uninterruptible-power-supply/) - We’ve all been there before: a power blink, surge, or outage strikes in the middle of a busy work day, right after you’ve spent a couple of hours on an important document. If you’re using a laptop, your work will be preserved. But if you’re using a desktop, even a quick power blip or spike
- [New Orleans Declares Cyber State of Emergency](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-orleans-declares-cyber-state-of-emergency/) - Last week, New Orleans became the latest large American city to be impacted by a cyberattack. The Louisiana metropolis declared a state of emergency and took the majority of its computer systems offline after detecting ransomware delivered via email phishing, even though Mayor LaToya Cantrell said no ransom requests had yet been made—and that no
- [Take Control of Your Digital Identity in the New Year](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/take-control-of-your-digital-identity-in-the-new-year/) - With 2019 on the way out and the promise of 2020 ahead, it’s time to take a good, hard look at our digital identity. That means personal data, consumer information, financial details, social media presence, passwords, and more—the whole online package. Taking such a high-level view of our Internet activity seems daunting. But the alternative
- [Top 10 QuickTips of 2019](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-10-quicktips-of-2019/) - A new year and a new decade are right around the corner. And while anticipation is high for 2020, now's the perfect time to take a look back at 2019. At CMIT Solutions, our QuickTips column covered it all across a busy 12 months: data breaches and cybersecurity enhancements, new tech twists, and online privacy revelations
- [The New Year Hasn't Slowed These New Email Twists](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-new-year-hasnt-slowed-these-new-email-twists/) - With the new year here, many of us have resolved to take our email security more seriously. Maybe we’re unsubscribing from all those promotional messages, being more thoughtful with our replies to colleagues, or striving for that elusive state of inbox zero. Like most New Year’s resolutions, the extra attention we’re paying to the emails
- [6 Ways to Protect Your Company](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/6-ways-to-protect-your-company/) - In today’s busy digital age, new cybersecurity developments appear every day. At the end of 2019, Canadian health diagnostic testing company LifeLabs reported that the private information of 15 million patients had been compromised. In the first week of 2020, the geopolitical standoff between the United States and Iran raised the chances of a damaging
- [Here's What You Need to Know About Windows 7 Ending](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-windows-7-ending/) - Earlier this month, Microsoft ended support for Windows 7, the operating system that debuted 11 years ago. If you’re still using Windows 7, the most important thing to know is that the legacy OS will still function—but it won’t be backed by Microsoft’s technical support, software updates, or security patches. This means that any machine
- [The Hottest New Commodity? Privacy](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-hottest-new-commodity-privacy/) - Every January, experts speculate about what the most popular new product of the year will be. Fancy new wearables? Powerful smartphones? Efficiency boosting apps? But in 2020, the hottest commodity might just be privacy. Wave after wave of data breaches, password hacks, and information compromises has shifted the focus of consumers, tech giants, and government
- [4 Ways to Turn a Slow Day into a Productive One](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-ways-to-turn-a-slow-day-into-a-productive-one/) - Whether you love it, hate it, or don’t pay any attention to it, there’s no denying that the Super Bowl has an impact on office productivity. In 2020, human resources experts in North America estimate that nearly 20 million people took the Monday after the big game off. For those who do make it into
- [5 Ways to Protect Your Company and Its Information](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-to-protect-your-company-and-its-information/) - Think only big companies like Microsoft, Twitter, and Google are prime targets for online criminals? Think again. In 2019, the Ponemon Institute’s State of Cybersecurity study determined that more than two in five cyberattacks targeted small businesses—and that less than 14% of surveyed small businesses knew how to respond. Worse still, two-thirds of senior executives
- [Inbox Organization Made Easy](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/inbox-organization-made-easy/) - A decade ago, as social media began its ascent to the top of the digital food chain, many prognosticators predicted the end of email. More recently, instant communication channels like WhatsApp, Slack, and Microsoft Teams have threatened to make the inbox obsolete. But email keeps on kicking. In fact, more messages are being sent than
- [Tax Day is Coming. Here's What You Need to Know](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/tax-day-is-coming-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) - Tax Day is just over a month away. And whether you’ve already filed your taxes or plan to wrap things up at the last minute, it’s time to be smart with your financial information. The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies, and tax professionals continue to identify new phishing scams. Some find bad actors posing
- [Ready Yourself Now, for Remote Work and Other Requirements](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ready-yourself-now-for-remote-work-and-other-requirements/) - The coronavirus, formally known as COVID-19, has now affected 90,000 people in 65 countries on every continent except Antarctica. As of Monday, March 2, the flu-like virus had caused two deaths in the United States, with 88 reported cases nationwide, including the first in New York City, Rhode Island, and Florida. Some of those cases
- [Is Your Business in Compliance?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-your-business-in-compliance/) - This year, 11 states across the U.S. have enacted or plan to enact data security laws that require higher levels of administrative controls over customer information. In addition, many of these new laws (which cover some of the most populous states in the nation, like California and New York) now require more robust technical and
- [Resources You Need to Support Remote Work](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/resources-you-need-to-support-remote-work/) - As local, state, and national health officials across North America work to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), telecommuting and remote work have become the new normal. Given the gravity of the situation, business continuity is critical. CMIT Solutions is committed to helping companies across the United States and Canada enable their workforce to telecommute.
- [5 Tips to Keep Your Business Safe](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-tips-to-keep-your-business-safe/) - Coronavirus cases are steadily growing across North America while millions of people are getting used to the new normal of social distancing and self-quarantine. And guess what? Hackers are having a field day. On March 16th, cybercriminals tried to break into the Department of Health and Human Services’ website looking for network vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, phishing
- [12 Tips for Successful Teleconferencing](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/12-tips-for-successful-teleconferencing/) - Millions of North American workers have had one to two weeks to get used to telecommuting. That means mastering a handful of video conferencing platforms, instant message apps, and other tools—along with highlighting a set of standards of online communication. The basics are easy to grasp: Don’t be the person that refuses to turn on
- [Make Chat-Based Collaboration Apps Work for You](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/make-chat-based-collaboration-apps-work-for-you/) - The use of chat-based collaboration apps like Slack, Skype for Business, and Microsoft Teams has soared this spring. Millions of telecommuters across North America are logging on, interacting in real-time, and managing multiple workspaces—not to mention learning new platforms as they go. At CMIT Solutions, we’ve been helping clients stay productive while working remotely for
- [Make the World a Little Better with These 10 Tech Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/make-the-world-a-little-better-with-these-10-tech-tips/) - Over the last few weeks, we’ve all become a lot more familiar with our electronic devices. Whether using a laptop to work remotely, a tablet to connect to online education, or a phone to stay updated on news surrounding COVID-19, studies estimate that screen time has nearly doubled since the beginning of March—for kids and
- [Is Your Data on the Dark Web?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-your-data-on-the-dark-web/) - While the world’s attention remains fixed on the COVID-19 pandemic, data breaches quietly continue to affect companies of all sizes. From small businesses to the Small Business Administration, from Marriott International to Nintendo, stay-at-home orders and economic slowdowns haven’t stopped cyber thieves from swiping credentials and stealing information. But what is it that hackers actually
- [Data Security Is a Must in Today's Business Climate](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/data-security-is-a-must-in-todays-business-climate/) - Running a business these days is tough. Depending on your industry, you might be navigating the ins and outs of federal aid and emergency loans. You’re probably monitoring the well-being of your employees and the safety of your clients. And, like most of us, you’re pivoting between short-term worries and long-term planning—all in a business
- [Still Working From Home? Ready to Return to the Office? These Tips Can Help](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/still-working-from-home-ready-to-return-to-the-office-these-tips-can-help/) - As the balance shifts across North America between workers continuing to telecommute and returning to their offices, a new set of challenges will arise. Some will apply to cybersecurity as data hacks continue to escalate and cybercriminals attack vulnerable targets. Some will apply to physical infrastructure as office setups must be reconfigured to adhere to
- [Follow This 7 Step Checklist to Protect Your Online Identity](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/follow-this-7-step-checklist-to-protect-your-online-identity/) - Passwords serve as the most important layer of security protecting our digital identities and regulating access to our financial accounts, our social media platforms, our email inboxes, and our online purchases. And every May, World Password Day highlights the importance of better password habits. But no matter how much publicity surrounds major password hacks, many
- [An Uninterrupted Power Supply Can Save the Day](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/an-uninterrupted-power-supply-can-save-the-day/) - It’s happened to everyone: a power surge or outage occurs at the busiest part of the day, just when you’re almost finished working on an important project. If you’re using a laptop, like so many of us have been for the last two months, your work will probably be fine. But if you’re working on
- [Watch Out for a New Twist on Phishing Email Attempts](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/watch-out-for-a-new-twist-on-phishing-email-attempts-2/) - Microsoft revealed last month that its security experts had identified two new large-scale phishing campaigns that claim to include critical COVID-19 information. These messages started arriving in mid-May and use a variety of different email attachments to entice users to install remote access tools onto their PCs. Claiming to come from the John Hopkins Center
- [How Does Your Business Deal with Technology Problems?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-does-your-business-deal-with-technology-problems/) - For the last three months, we’ve all been focused on the day-to-day details of our technology. Does one videoconferencing platform work better than another? Will my laptop allow me to access files stored on an office server? Do I really have to reset that password, log in to a new messaging app, or answer emails
- [Keeping Your Applications and Programs Current Could Save Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/keeping-your-applications-and-programs-current-could-save-your-business/) - To many of us, a software patch is nothing more than an irritation. When a pop-up window prompts us to install a patch—a set of changes to a computer program designed to update, fix, or improve it—we view it as an inconvenience. But in reality, software patches are incredibly important. They correct problems and help
- [Confused by Those PDF Apps? Try These 9 Tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/confused-by-those-pdf-apps-try-these-9-tips/) - Over the last few months, millions of us have adjusted to enhanced online collaboration. From videoconferencing platforms to chat apps to track changes, the tools we use to work together continue to evolve quickly. But the PDF, or portable document format, remains a gold standard for common page layouts. On any kind of laptop, desktop,
- [Protect Your Passwords and Your Business with Enhanced Login Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-your-passwords-and-your-business-with-enhanced-login-security/) - The cybersecurity hits just keep on coming in 2020, with recent reports revealing ransomware attacks on mobile banking applications, international software companies, municipal governments, and private universities alike. According to technology news company CRN, victims of the 11 biggest ransomware attacks of the year have spent nearly $150 million mitigating the effects of these breaches.
- [Collaborate Better and Work Smarter with This Microsoft Word Tool ](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/collaborate-better-and-work-smarter-with-this-microsoft-word-tool/) - File collaboration is at an all-time high, with millions of workers across North America remotely sharing documents. Different platforms claim to solve the sync and share problem, but one of the most traditional and time-tested tools—Microsoft Word’s Track Changes—remains a reliable option. That doesn’t mean it’s easy to use, however. Everyone has encountered a Word
- [Still Working Remotely? Here's How to Stay Safe](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/still-working-remotely-heres-how-to-stay-safe/) - COVID-19-related phishing attempts and fraudulent emails have surged so far in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission, which received more than 125,000 complaints between January and June. With so many workers telecommuting, cybercriminals continue to target unprotected devices and unencrypted data. And security experts say that fraudulent activity around information already stolen in previous
- [Time to Prepare for Hurricanes (and Pandemics)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/time-to-prepare-for-hurricanes-and-pandemics/) - The 2020 hurricane season is off to a fast start. For the first time in recorded history, eight named tropical storms formed before August 1, with the first hurricane of the year, Hanna, making landfall along the Gulf Coast of Texas last weekend. That means it’s time to take a good hard look at disaster
- [Boost Productivity and Increase Efficiency with Microsoft's Powerful Suite of Applications](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/boost-productivity-and-increase-efficiency-with-microsofts-powerful-suite-of-applications/) - In April, Microsoft quietly rebranded Office 365 as Microsoft 365. What hasn’t changed is the powerful nature of the collaborative productivity suite. Combining standard applications like Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with new cloud-based tools like OneDrive and collaborative apps like Teams, Microsoft 365 is designed to meet the needs of today’s increasingly mobile
- [7 Ways to Prep for Back to School](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/7-ways-to-prep-for-back-to-school/) - Back to school looks quite different in 2020 than it has in years past. Millions of kids across North America will be returning to the classroom over the next few weeks—but many will be doing so virtually, either for all or part of the upcoming fall semester. If anything, that means kids will be using
- [New Email Schemes Target Small Businesses and Tax Professionals](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-email-schemes-target-small-businesses-and-tax-professionals/) - The cybersecurity world continues to evolve, with new warnings arriving about email phishing campaigns and targeted ransomware scams. The Small Business Administration released an alert this week about bad actors impersonating the SBA and its Office of Disaster Assistance. Meanwhile, the IRS and state tax agencies say tax professionals and taxpayers alike are being targeted
- [Take These Steps to Protect Your Mobile Device (and Your Personal Information)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/take-these-steps-to-protect-your-mobile-device-and-your-personal-information/) - For many of us, our smartphones have become the most important devices in the world. We stay in touch with colleagues and family members on our mobile devices. We navigate calendars, bank accounts, and shopping carts on our mobile devices. We download files, upload photos, and share locations on our mobile devices. And yet we
- [Block Those Spam Texts Once and for All](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/block-those-spam-texts-once-and-for-all/) - First came robocalls: those pesky and persistent calls purporting to be from charitable organizations, financial institutions, or customer service representatives that have increased exponentially over the past few years. Now robotexts, messages sent to mobile phones using an autodialer, are also proliferating. The 1991 Telephone Consumer Protection Act prohibits contact—even via text message—with consumers unless
- [This Office Accessory Can Protect Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/this-office-accessory-can-protect-your-business/) - A surge protector is one of the most basic office accessories. Affordable and easily available, they perform a critical function: serving as an extra layer of protection between electrical outlets and the electronic devices we rely on every day. These simple accessories can mitigate damage from power surges, enabling a steady stream of electrical voltage
- [Work Smarter with These Productivity Boosters](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/work-smarter-with-these-productivity-boosters/) - With Labor Day behind us, summer is unofficially over. Feeling refreshed after the long holiday weekend? Motivated by the first glimpse of fall? Ready to get back into your routine? Now’s the time to put that newfound inspiration into practice—by working in a smarter, more efficient way. Of course, boosting productivity and enhancing efficiency isn’t
- [Here’s How to Invest in Your Business Instead](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/heres-how-to-invest-in-your-business-instead-2/) - When you think about cybersecurity protection for your business, does a specific cost come to mind? Depending on a company’s industry, its IT infrastructure, and its technology needs, that cost can range widely. But the cost of insufficient cybersecurity can be high. Malware, ransomware, and other types of cyberattacks can inflict serious financial damage on
- [Work Faster with These 10 Keyboard Shortcuts](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/work-faster-with-these-10-keyboard-shortcuts/) - We’re all looking for ways to make our day more efficient. From major productivity strategies to quick workarounds, these can have a big impact, making everyday work easier while giving you more of your time back. Keyboard shortcuts offer the lowest barrier of entry for streamlining your day. Anyone can learn them, on any kind
- [How New Laws Change the Data Game for Businesses Across North America](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-new-laws-change-the-data-game-for-businesses-across-north-america/) - As the debate around data privacy increases, new legislation in North America and around the world could change the paradigm of information protection. In 2020 alone, more than 10 U.S. states passed laws requiring increased levels of administrative control over the personal data of their residents. Industry experts like Gartner project a major leap in
- [File Collaboration That Works for Your Company and Your Employees](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/file-collaboration-that-works-for-your-company-and-your-employees/) - Since telecommuting became a reality for millions of workers across North America, many challenges have arisen. There’s the ubiquity of video conferencing platforms. The difficulties of managing virtual school and online meetings. And the trials and tribulations of time management when personal time and work time overlap. But one topic doesn’t get as much attention:
- [5 Ways to Protect Your Company's Information](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-to-protect-your-companies-information/) - Many people assume that only big businesses serve as a target for cybercriminals. But the Small Business Administration begs to differ: according to a recent SBA survey, 88% of small business owners are worried that their company is vulnerable to a cyberattack. That reflects larger industry trends, which show that many small businesses lack a
- [Microsoft Outlook Tips That Can Make a Difference](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/microsoft-outlook-tips-that-can-make-a-difference/) - If you’re looking for a way to streamline day-to-day tasks, combine multiple workflows into one application, and increase productivity, your email inbox is an obvious place to start. So far, in 2020, the world’s four billion email users are sending an average of 306.4 billion emails per day—a 5% increase over 2019. Much of that
- [Enhance Cybersecurity with These Important Access Tools](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/enhance-cybersecurity-with-these-important-access-tools/) - No matter where you work or what you do, chances are that a significant portion of each workday involves signing in to different accounts and using different devices while keeping track of different passwords. But what happens when you forget your login or have to reset your password? Your workday slows down, productivity screeches to
- [Protect Yourself Before You Start Shopping Online](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-yourself-before-you-start-shopping-online/) - In normal years, the popularity of online shopping leads to an increase in cyber scams. This year, e-commerce is expected to surge even more than usual on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday—with an accompanying increase in phishing attempts, too. Cybersecurity experts have already identified an increase in spam emails containing common phrases
- [How Safe Is Your Digital Identity?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-safe-is-your-digital-identity/) - With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday behind us, online attention turns now to the extended Cyber Week shopping event. In other words, the promotional emails may have slowed down a little—but they haven’t stopped altogether. That means now is the perfect time to take a deep breath and reflect on the security
- [HDMI? DVI? VGA? DisplayPort? We've Got Answers](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/hdmi-dvi-vga-displayport-weve-got-answers/) - No matter where you work or what you do, chances are you spend a good portion of your day looking at a computer display. Maybe it’s just a small laptop screen. Maybe it’s a full-size desktop display or a dedicated monitor. Maybe it’s a dual-monitor setup primed for productivity. Either way, the right solution can
- [The Big Takeaway: Any Company Can Be Attacked](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-big-takeaway-any-company-can-be-attacked/) - Last week, FireEye, one of the world’s biggest cybersecurity companies, announced that a sophisticated team of cybercriminals hacked into its network and stole attack simulation, or “red team” tools. These testing tools then help “blue team” defenders assess the strength of an organization’s digital protection. Pointing to the tactics used to break in and steal
- [Turn Increased Screen Time into an Advantage](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/turn-increased-screen-time-into-an-advantage/) - As we near the end of a challenging year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of time we spent looking at screens in 2020. Many of us relied on a laptop to work remotely. Most of us stayed glued to our phones to follow the news. A significant majority of us also had
- [Top 10 QuickTips of 2020](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-10-quicktips-of-2020/) - A new year is right around the corner. While 2020 presented us with significant challenges, it was also an instructive and educational 12 months. New terms like "physical distancing" entered our everyday lexicon, while peripheral concepts like remote work went mainstream. Data breaches and privacy issues continued to dominate the headlines, while all of us
- [How to Fight "Caution Fatigue" and Stay Safer in 2021](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-fight-caution-fatigue-and-stay-safer-in-2021/) - The new year is finally here! The challenges of 2020 are behind us, and a renewed sense of hope means we can be confident about the future again. But here’s the thing: many of last year’s trials and tribulations will still be with us. The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over yet, even if a vaccine offers
- [Empower Your Employees and Protect Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/empower-your-employees-and-protect-your-business/) - Businesses across North America faced countless challenges in 2020. Many of those challenges will continue in 2021. But as cybersecurity threats continue to proliferate, the biggest challenge might just be managing and securing remote employees. Less than a year ago, most of us went to the office every morning, performing our jobs in person and
- [Video: 7 Tips for Enhanced Productivity and Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-7-tips-for-enhanced-productivity-and-security/) - On the one hand, email is critical—the most important source of communication in today’s interconnected world. But on the other hand, email is one of the biggest productivity drains around. According to Adobe, employees spend 209 minutes each day checking work email—almost three and a half hours. Add in another 143 minutes checking personal email
- [How to Spot and Stop Common Scams and Get the Tech Support You Deserve](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-spot-and-stop-common-scams-and-get-the-tech-support-you-deserve/) - Almost one full year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re all spending more time online. Most of us use a computer to get our work done. If we have kids at home, we’re helping them with online education. We rely on video and chat apps to stay connected with friends and family. We use e-commerce sites
- [Boost Your Day-to-Day Productivity and Efficiency](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/boost-your-day-to-day-productivity-and-efficiency/) - Last year, working from home became the norm for millions of employees across North America. That shift came out of necessity because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The real question is, will it remain a reality throughout 2021 and beyond? According to several surveys, the answer is a surprising yes. Last April, Gartner polled chief financial
- [4 Cloud-Based Advantages to Give Your Business a Boost](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-cloud-based-advantages-to-give-your-business-a-boost/) - A decade ago, desktop computers ruled the technology world. For today’s expanding virtual workforce, though, device flexibility is a must. After the seismic shift of 2020, many employees and managers expect telecommuting to remain constant. According to one widely cited Upwork Future of Workforce Pulse Report, 1 in 4 Americans will be working remotely by
- [Past, Present, and Future Achievements Commemorate Black History Month](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/past-present-and-future-achievements-commemorate-black-history-month/) - Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the critical contributions of Black Americans. It also reminds us that we should celebrate their achievements all year long—and highlight those making history as we speak. Despite many groundbreaking contributions to technology, Black Americans continue to make up a small percentage of the tech workforce. Many
- [Relief Funds Could Be Used for Software and Cloud Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/relief-funds-could-be-used-for-software-cloud-services/) - When you think about investing in your business, what comes to mind? For many, the first few ideas will be office space, equipment, infrastructure, or salaries. But before you jump to one of those conclusions, it’s also worthwhile to take a step back and consider bigger IT concerns. When you or your employees need help
- [Lessons Learned from Recent Windows 7 Hack](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/lessons-learned-from-recent-windows-7-hack/) - On January 14, 2020, Microsoft ended all support for the Windows 7 operating system. One year later, that means the legacy OS is no longer backed by Microsoft’s technical support, software updates, or security patches—and security experts have identified vulnerabilities in the software that are now being exploited. A recent joint cybersecurity advisory issued by the FBI,
- [Video: Watch Out for New LinkedIn Scheme](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-watch-out-for-new-linkedin-scheme/) - A new phishing scheme on the popular social media network LinkedIn has been revealed. This campaign uses compromised accounts to connect with mutual contacts via the app’s internal direct messaging system. Messages will then try to trick legitimate users into opening a “LinkedIn Private Shared Document.” The catch? “LinkedIn Private Shared Document” is not a supported
- [The PDF Explained in 10 Easy Steps](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-pdf-explained-in-10-easy-steps/) - The PDF, or portable document format, is one of the most resilient file formats ever created. Originally invented in 1993, PDFs can easily hold different fonts, photos, charts, and more. Best of all, PDFs can be edited on any operating system or device: Windows or Mac, laptop or desktop, mobile phone or tablet. Since its
- [Video: 9 Ways to Enhance Your Use of Microsoft Teams](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-9-ways-to-enhance-your-use-of-microsoft-teams/) - In 2020, the use of collaborative apps boomed, facilitating productivity and teamwork for millions of people forced to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s hard to predict what will happen in 2021—some businesses may incorporate hybrid in-person setups, while others may make telecommuting a more permanent part of their schedule. No matter what, tools
- [Six Ways to Extend Safety and Security to Your Email](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/six-ways-to-extend-safety-and-security-to-your-email/) - Earlier this month, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center released its annual Internet Crime Report for 2020. Unsurprisingly, the report documented a staggering increase in cybersecurity issues across the volatile year. At the top of the list are targeted email scams—often referred to as business email compromise (BEC)—which last year cost Americans a whopping $1.8
- [Spring Cleaning with Cybersecurity in Mind](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/spring-cleaning-with-cybersecurity-in-mind/) - The concept of spring cleaning typically applies to crowded closets, dusty cabinets, and cluttered shelves. After a long year spent leading much of our lives online, our digital identities deserve a little cleanup, too. Just like the forgotten corners of your house, it’s easy to neglect certain parts of your digital existence. Old accounts may
- [7 Data Backup Questions for Your Company](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/7-data-backup-questions-for-your-company/) - Running a successful business isn’t easy. Between financial considerations, client retention concerns, and employee well-being worries, there are a thousand issues to contemplate. Technology is one issue that keeps many business owners up at night. When technology is working well, we take it for granted. Even with all the challenges of remote work, we expect our
- [How to Prevent a Data Breach](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-prevent-a-data-breach/) - We all share an incredible amount of personal information on the Internet. And no matter how safe we try to be when we save passwords, enter bank details, and shop online, the risk of a data breach remains. In April 2021 alone, hundreds of different cyberattacks affected thousands of businesses worldwide—potentially compromising the information of
- [Struggling with Screen Time? These 7 Tips Can Help](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/struggling-with-screen-time-these-7-tips-can-help/) - As the world begins to emerge from a year and a half of online collaboration and virtual learning, many of us are thrilled about a return to in-person communication. But let’s be honest: we’re not all going to turn off our computers, throw away our phones, and never look back. It certainly isn’t going to
- [​​​​​​​Gas Shortages Highlight the Severity of Ransomware Threat](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/gas-shortages-ransomware/) - Until recently, many of us considered ransomware a distant threat—something that happened to others but never directly affected us. That may have changed after the cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline, which operates the largest fuel pipeline on the East Coast of the United States, carrying gas from the Gulf Coast to New York. On Friday, May
- [4 Ways to Leverage Managed IT Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-ways-to-leverage-managed-it-services/) - Cybersecurity challenges come in all shapes and sizes. Phishing emails flood our inboxes with flagrant misspellings and fake invoices. Malware strains sneak into our hard drives so insidiously that they aren’t noticed for months. Some passwords are stolen through complex hacks that test millions of combinations each second—and some passwords are sloppily exposed after being
- [Video: 5 Ways to Work Smarter This Week](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/video-5-ways-to-work-smarter-this-week/) - With the holiday weekend behind us, summer is unofficially here. And as the world emerges from 15 months of a global pandemic, what a summer it will be. As the school year finishes up and vacations become a normal part of reality again, our work lives may suffer. That’s particularly true after a long weekend
- [New Ways to Protect Your Business from Evolving Ransomware Threat](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-ways-to-protect-your-business-from-evolving-ransomware-threat/) - It’s barely been a month since a ransomware attack disrupted one of the most crucial gas pipelines in the United States. And yet the cyberattacks keep coming, most recently against an international food corporation responsible for major meatpacking operations in North America and Australia. Initial intelligence reports indicate that this most recent hack originated from
- [Concerned About Compliance? Read This Now](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/concerned-about-compliance-read-this-now/) - In the past, many companies considered compliance a nuisance—a box that needed to be checked or a list of requirements that had to be met. But in today’s rapidly changing digital world, compliance is becoming inextricably linked to cybersecurity. That’s because more and more businesses face a whole host of risks: moving data in and
- [Why Data Protection Is Paramount](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-data-protection-is-paramount/) - Whether you own, operate, or manage a business, the last 18 months have been incredibly tough. No matter your company’s size or industry sector, chances are you’ve had to navigate something: the impact of a global pandemic, the hardship of remote work, the suffering of natural disasters, or the ordeal of a cyberattack. Across North
- [Time to Take Password Security Seriously](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/time-to-take-password-security-seriously/) - We’ve all been there before: you’re trying to log in to an important email account or online application, but a forgotten password locks you out. You’re redirected to a change password page, but before you can enter a new one, you have to enter the old one (that you can’t remember). Passwords have held this
- [Disaster Preparation—This Is Not a Test](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/disaster-preparation-this-is-not-a-test/) - The 2021 hurricane season is off to a fast start. When Hurricane Elsa barreled through the Lesser Antilles last week, it became the first major storm of the year—and broke 2020’s record for the earliest recorded storm beginning with the letter “E”. As of press time, Tropical Storm Elsa was threatening the Southeast United States,
- [Protect Your Email—and Your Digital Privacy](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-your-email-and-your-digital-privacy/) - LinkedIn faced a dilemma last month. A hacker on the dark web offered up the personal details of 700 million users of the popular social networking application—employment histories, email addresses, comments on posts, and the geolocation records attached to all of them. But LinkedIn didn’t respond to this revelation as if the information came from
- [What’s Next in the Fight Against Ransomware?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/whats-next-in-the-fight-against-ransomware/) - Last week, the sites associated with the Russian hacking group REvil disappeared from the dark web. This represented a rare positive step in the fight against ransomware, which REvil deployed in two of the biggest cyberattacks of 2021: the attack on meat processing conglomerate JBS and the worldwide July 4th incident that stole the data
- [Time to Master Microsoft Word’s Track Changes](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/time-to-master-microsoft-words-track-changes/) - With millions of employees across North America working remotely for the last year and a half, new tools for collaboration have sprouted up everywhere. Along with everyday platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, more robust applications for file sync and share have enabled even greater collaboration. And once-complicated forms of connectivity like VPNs have become
- [How Safe Is Your Smartphone?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-safe-is-your-smartphone/) - Smartphones have almost become extensions of our bodies. Many of us have them in hand or within reach, 24 hours a day. According to survey results published by Reviews.org in April 2021, Americans check their phones 262 times per day—that’s every 5.5 minutes. In February, a Statista survey found that nearly half of all respondents
- [How to Optimize Remote Work](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-optimize-remote-work/) - Small businesses across North America have faced countless challenges over the last 18 months. Navigating the ups and downs of an unprecedented global pandemic isn’t easy—especially when it’s accompanied by a corresponding philosophical shift in the workplace. At the beginning of 2020, most of us went to the office every morning and performed our jobs
- [Use Microsoft 365? Read This Now](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/use-microsoft-365-read-this-now/) - Last month, Microsoft's Security Intelligence team alerted Microsoft 365 users and administrators about a clever new phishing attempt. This campaign uses spoofed sender addresses and names, supposed file share requests in SharePoint, and even approximations of Microsoft logos to try and slip through cybersecurity defenses. As with most phishing attempts, the goal is to convince
- [Real Talk on Ransomware](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/real-talk-on-ransomware/) - How do you know a once-niche topic has broken through to the mainstream? When late-night TV hosts start talking about it, injecting a little humor into a formerly staid conversation. On a recent episode of “Last Week Tonight,” HBO host John Oliver brought his signature mix of scathing wit and detailed reporting to the topic
- [Prep and Response for Natural Disasters Like Hurricane Ida](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/disaster-prep-in-the-wake-of-hurricane-ida/) - Hurricane Ida made landfall along the Southern Louisiana coast as a powerful Category 4 storm on Sunday. Rapidly intensifying over warm Gulf of Mexico waters and moving slowly as it delivered life-threatening storm surges, destructive winds, and torrential rains, the hurricane added insult to injury when it arrived exactly 16 years after Hurricane Katrina, which
- [7 Questions to Consider Before Using Free Software](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/7-questions-to-consider-before-using-free-software/) - Not sure how much of your business activity is conducted securely? Consider the types of applications and software you use. Many of us default to free options whenever we can—for email, word processing, productivity, payroll, and organization, among other things. But if you’re conducting important business for your company, it’s important to understand what you’re
- [What the Heck Is Smishing?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-the-heck-is-smishing/) - Cybersecurity experts are raising alarms about “smishing,” a unique form of phishing that attempts to deliver malicious links or infected applications to cell phones via text or SMS messages. The challenge with these types of cyberattacks is that a text or SMS message cannot be authenticated beyond the phone number it’s sent from. Hackers have
- [Answers to 8 Big IT Support Questions](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/answers-to-8-big-it-support-questions/) - Over the last 18 months of grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, our daily technology needs have been overwhelming. Will I be able to log in to my next online meeting? Can I find that file on my laptop, or will I have to sign into the company server? Do I really have to change my
- [Windows 11 Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/windows-11-is-coming-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) - Microsoft has announced its plans to release Windows 11 to the general public on October 5, 2021. The updated operating system won’t be available all at once, however. Instead, Windows 11 will start replacing Windows 10 in a phased rollout that will extend into mid-2022. It’s been six years since Microsoft released Windows 10—a relatively
- [Protect Your Business from Ongoing Cyberattacks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-your-business-from-ongoing-cyberattacks/) - Cyberattacks were reported in two very different industries last month, highlighting the ongoing risk of digital disruptions for businesses and consumers. First, Delaware-based Simon Eye Management, a chain of clinics that provides eye exams, eyeglasses, and optometry evaluations, reported a hack that occurred in May 2021 and exposed the private health information of more than
- [File Collaboration: Don’t Sacrifice Security for Efficiency](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/file-collaboration-dont-sacrifice-security-for-efficiency/) - In our mobile-focused world, syncing and sharing our files can feel like second nature: hit save on your local computer, upload to the cloud, and then download to keep working on a laptop or mobile phone. Apps like Dropbox and Google Drive have transformed day-to-day productivity—and with remote work a normal part of life, we
- [Inbox Security to Protect Your Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/inbox-security-to-protect-your-business/) - October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Sponsored for the last 18 years by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the non-profit National Cyber Security Alliance, this year’s theme is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness of ongoing online threats, including business email compromise, phishing, and ransomware.
- [How Can a Cybersecurity Assessment Help Your Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-can-a-cybersecurity-assessment-help-your-business/) - The cybersecurity landscape changes every day. New data hacks and information breaches impact millions of unsuspecting consumers. Fresh viruses and ransomware strains infiltrate our inboxes. Malicious web ads and fake security updates redirect everyday clicks to suspicious websites. Passwords are stolen, login credentials are compromised, and data backups are lost—and many of us never think
- [Does Last Week’s Hack Affect My Business?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/does-last-weeks-hack-affect-my-business/) - Last year, Russian cybercriminals targeted American IT company SolarWinds, deploying malicious code to target the government agencies and corporations with whom SolarWinds worked. Last week, early reports indicated that the same group—Nobelium—unleashed a similar attack on Microsoft, trying to disrupt the global IT supply chain. As Tom Burt, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Customer Security
- [Making Sense of New Microsoft Office Features](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/making-sense-of-new-microsoft-office-features/) - Last week, Microsoft announced a host of new options for its Office 365 productivity suite, including enhancements to popular apps like Word and Teams and rollouts of fresh tools like Stream. The news merged from the November 2021 edition of Microsoft Ignite, the company’s annual summit of technology leaders and practitioners. The digital event revealed
- [Vishing Attempts Ramp Up in Advance of Holidays](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/vishing-attempts-ramp-up-in-advance-of-holidays/) - As the holidays approach, a new type of malicious email is landing in inboxes. These fresh attacks—“vishing,” short for “voice phishing”—direct recipients to call a certain number and claim a refund or reimbursement. The supposed call center, though, will be staffed by hackers whose goal is to pilfer bank account or credit card details. It
- [How to Stay Safe and Celebrate This Holiday Week](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-stay-safe-and-celebrate-this-holiday-week/) - Thanksgiving is almost here, and hopefully, you’re spending quality time with your family, friends, and loved ones. Ideally, that means less screen time and fewer emails. Realistically, we’re all still connected—especially once Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday arrive. Even simple online shopping and social media scrolling can be dangerous, though. Email, web,
- [Ready to Get Back in the Swing of Things?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ready-to-get-back-in-the-swing-of-things/) - It’s the week after Thanksgiving, and many of us might be struggling with the same question: how can I bounce back after a long weekend celebrating with family and friends? It isn’t easy to immediately start working smart, hard, and fast again— particularly following a few lazy days off and with the rest of the
- [When Severe Weather Strikes, Will You Be Ready?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/when-severe-weather-strikes-will-you-be-ready/) - The severe tornados that swept through the Midwest and Southeast last Friday, December 10 left a trail of unprecedented devastation. In Kentucky alone, first responders fear the death toll may reach 100 people; in Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee, multiple deaths and hundreds of injuries were also reported. Across the entire region, thousands of
- [Recent Cyberattacks Increasingly Target Individuals](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/recent-cyberattacks-increasingly-target-individuals/) - Over the last few weeks, cyberattacks have impacted individuals and businesses around the world. A new technique called “HTML smuggling” allows hackers to embed malicious scripts inside innocuous-seeming emails. A recent attack on the web hosting giant GoDaddy exposed the email addresses of 1.2 million customers—most of whom manage WordPress accounts. Microsoft had to issue
- [Stay Cyber Safe This Holiday Season](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/stay-cyber-safe-this-holiday-season/) - With less than two weeks left in 2021, many of us are taking some much-deserved time off. Whether you’re celebrating with friends and family, challenging yourself to meet a year-end goal, or simply resting and recharging, remember to safeguard your business and your information—especially if you’re going to sign off for a few days. This
- [Top 10 QuickTips of 2021](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/top-10-quicktips-of-2021/) - As 2021 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the year behind us. Full of challenges, commemorations, obstacles, and celebrations, the last 12 months were certainly informative and enlightening, if also frustrating and excruciating. We learned how to live with hybrid work and new variants of COVID-19. We faced bigger data breaches and
- [5 New Year’s Tech Resolutions for 2022](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-new-years-tech-resolutions-for-2022/) - The new year is here, along with all the resolutions and big decisions that come with it. And technology plays a part in many of them. Maybe you’re focusing on a new health or wellness app. Maybe you’re trying to better manage your screen time. Maybe you’re finally going to organize your email inbox (seriously,
- [5 Ways to Boost Your Use of Microsoft Teams](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-ways-to-boost-your-use-of-microsoft-teams/) - Collaborative video and chat apps have grown exponentially over the last two years, with popular platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, and GoToMeeting attracting millions of users. These tools have helped remote workers remain productive while enabling seamless teamwork for users returning to a hybrid or in-person schedule. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers, it’s clear
- [Stay Safe as Tax Season Approaches](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/stay-safe-as-tax-season-approaches/) - With W-2s in the mail and tax season approaching, the IRS recently released several bulletins about tax security awareness. These apply to multiple groups: taxpayers and tax preparers, individual consumers and business owners, state officials, and software providers. Whether you’re ready to file your 2021 taxes now, or you’ll take full advantage of every day
- [How to Weatherproof Your Technology](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-weatherproof-your-technology/) - Winter storms have swept across North America over the last few weeks, bringing snow, ice, heavy winds, and frigid temperatures to nearly every corner of the continent. With these storms have come associated disruptions both predictable and surprising—highlighting the need for better preparedness. In mid-January, a powerful mid-Atlantic snowstorm buried Interstate 95, stranding some drivers
- [New Hack Tactics Target QR Codes and QuickBooks Invoices](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-hack-tactics-target-qr-codes-and-quickbooks-invoices/) - Last month, the FBI issued an alert about malicious Quick Response (QR) codes—square bar codes that can be scanned by a smartphone’s camera to launch a website. QR codes have exploded in use since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering touch-free ordering at restaurants and retail shops. Cybercriminals have also increased their use of
- [Sick of Your Slow Computer?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/sick-of-your-slow-computer/) - In today’s always-connected digital world, multitasking is a must. Throughout an average workday, most of us bounce between multiple applications, browsers, and even devices. As anyone who’s dealt with a slow machine or frozen program will tell you, not every computer can keep up. A confluence of factors can make a huge difference here: the
- [Cybersecurity Risks Surge as Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalates](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cybersecurity-risks-surge-as-russia-ukraine-conflict-escalates/) - Last week, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI issued a new advisory directing organizations of all sizes and industries—government and civilian—to increase protection as malware and other disruptive online activity increases. So far, state-sponsored Russian cyberattacks have been focused on Ukrainian government systems and banks. But cybersecurity experts and government representatives warn
- [Extend Cybersecurity to Apps Like Microsoft Teams](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/extend-cybersecurity-to-apps-like-microsoft-teams/) - Over the last two years, collaborative apps like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Slack have surged in popularity. In addition to connecting colleagues and teammates across continents and time zones, these tools have also facilitated productivity and enhanced efficiency. Now, with COVID-19 case counts dropping, mask mandates loosening, and millions of employees preparing to return to
- [Watch Out for Spam Emails That Capitalize on Current Events](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/watch-out-for-spam-emails-that-capitalize-on-current-events/) - Cybersecurity experts report a recent rise in phishing emails—particularly those that capitalize on current events and recommend “immediate action.” Specific examples of this include urgent alerts that play on fears about global instability, stating that unknown users have logged into an account from an IP address in Moscow or Kyiv. Many Twitter users report a
- [Transform Your Next Presentation](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/transform-your-next-presentation/) - Dreading your next team presentation? Not sure how to translate a virtual report into an in-person production? Or, vice-versa, struggling to transform a presentation you once gave to a room full of humans into a standout virtual performance? We’ve all been there—especially over the last two years when remote and hybrid work became the norm
- [10 Keyboard Shortcuts to Speed Up Your Day](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/10-keyboard-shortcuts-to-speed-up-your-day/) - Admit it: your daily to-do list is so long that you can never get everything done. Apps and platforms claim to make these things easier, but there’s actually a simpler way to complete more tasks. Keyboard shortcuts offer the quickest and easiest way to shave minutes off your day. Everyone can learn them, on any
- [5 Smart Strategies for Tax Season Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-smart-strategies-for-tax-season-security/) - Tax Day 2022—the deadline for filing your 2021 tax return—falls on Monday, April 18, and with an increase in last-minute filing comes a corresponding surge in tax-related fraud. Government organizations like the FBI and the Better Business Bureau have recently joined with cybersecurity experts to issue several recent bulletins about scammers trying to steal sensitive
- [5 Questions to Assess Your Company’s Cybersecurity Risk](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/5-questions-to-assess-your-companys-cybersecurity-risk/) - Prepare Now for Any Potential Threats Six weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine, cybersecurity concerns continue to make headlines. Although predictions of devastating attacks have yet to come to fruition, the United States has acted preemptively to protect infrastructure and business interests. Last week, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation
- [Protect Yourself Against Crypto-Related Scams](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/protect-yourself-against-crypto-related-scams/) - Government Alert Warns of North Korea's Involvement Earlier this month, several government agencies issued an alert about elevated cybersecurity concerns related to cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and online gaming. The FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Treasury Department jointly announced that state-sponsored hackers from North Korea had deployed malicious tactics like ransomware,
- [New Tactics Target Multi-Factor Authentication Apps](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-tactics-target-multi-factor-authentication-apps/) - Social Engineering Scams Evolve to Try and Compromise Accounts and Steal Login Credentials Social engineering has taken on a new twist, according to cybersecurity experts. This online tactic, which leverages personal details gleaned from the Internet to try and convince a user to take action, is now arriving in the form of multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- [Are You Ready to Defend Against Ransomware?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/are-you-ready-to-defend-against-ransomware/) - Recent Attacks on Education and Government Inflict Harm on Unprepared Organizations Digital threats come and go. But for the last five years, ransomware has evolved from a rare nuisance to a serious burden to a significant existential threat for businesses and organizations across North America. Defined as an infection that allows hackers to gain access
- [Traveling This Summer? Take These Tech Tips with You](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/traveling-this-summer-take-these-tech-tips-with-you/) - Stay Safe, Secure, and Connected While on the Road Although summer doesn’t officially arrive until June 21st, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the season. Travel experts at AAA expected nearly 40 million Americans to hit the roads and take to the skies, even with COVID-19 cases rising again and gasoline prices near
- [Enhance Your Everyday Work Experience](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/enhance-your-everyday-work-experience/) - Better Ergonomics No Matter Where You Work This Summer The shift to hybrid and remote work over the last two years has opened up new possibilities—and presented new challenges. Connectivity and cybersecurity are paramount, of course, with employees learning how to navigate virtual private networks (VPNs) and password-protected Wi-Fi connections while IT administrators implement multi-factor
- [Know the Risks of Sharing Your Location](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/know-the-risks-of-sharing-your-location/) - How Cybercriminals Exploit the Geolocation Features in Your Favorite Apps Mobile phone applications represent a major threat to everyday consumers. Map apps, social media accounts, and web browsers all try to access our locations regularly, claiming to offer convenience while collecting far too much information about our movements, purchases, and search histories. Last month, Canada’s
- [Don't Let a Data Disaster Affect You](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-let-a-data-disaster-affect-you/) - You Won't Believe the Details of This Embarrassing Privacy Breach Data loss has happened in hundreds of shocking, frustrating, and embarrassing ways. But a recent occurrence in Japan may take the cake for the most mortifying loss of personal information ever—and provide a clear lesson for any business, organization, or government body responsible for such
- [4 Tips for Sync and Share Success](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/4-tips-for-sync-and-share-success/) - Collaborate Better with Smart, Secure Document Sharing Prior to 2020, a reliable file sync and share solution was considered a nice addition to the normal day-to-day workflow. But with remote work a reality for two years and hybrid schedules now the norm, collaborative tools are a must. Apps such as Dropbox and Google Drive are
- [Is Your Software Properly Updated?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-your-software-properly-updated/) - Maintenance and Management Tips to Protect Your Business Software updates can be maddeningly inconvenient—and downright disruptive. Prompts pop up right when you need to open an important application like Outlook or Word. Patches install right when you need to log in to a video meeting. Or, worst of all, a system restart rolls out right
- [Watch Out for LinkedIn Scams](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/watch-out-for-linkedin-scams/) - FBI Warns of Increased Threats on Business Networking Platform LinkedIn is the third most popular social media platform in the world, boasting 830 million users working at more than 58 million registered companies. Because of that massive member base, the professional network has become an attractive target for cybercriminals, with scammers and phishers posing as
- [The Hard Facts About Phishing Attacks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-hard-facts-about-phishing-attacks/) - 5 Ways to Stay Vigilant and Protect Your Information Nearly everyone has been targeted by a phishing email at some point in time. Defined as the act of using messages, links, and appeals to trick or defraud a computer user by posing as a legitimate company, phishing most commonly occurs when a cybercriminal pretends to
- [How’s Your HIPAA Compliance?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/hows-your-hipaa-compliance/) - Federal Agency to Update Guidelines for Healthcare Cybersecurity Nine years ago, sweeping changes were made to HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. These changes, implemented by the Department of Health & Human Services Office of Civil Rights in the 2013 Omnibus Rule, enhanced privacy and security regulations and beefed up the
- [Be Careful with Unknown USB Drives](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/be-careful-with-unknown-usb-drives/) - Received a Thumb Drive in the Mail? Don't Plug It In Just when you thought that cybercriminals had reached a peak with their crafty attacks, a recent hacking incident proves that assumption wrong. Last month, a LinkedIn user posted photos of a package a family member received in the mail. Designed to look just like
- [Use an Apple Device? Read This Now](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/use-an-apple-device-read-this-now/) - New Apple Security Update Addresses Critical Vulnerabilities Last week, Apple announced several critical software updates intended to fix bugs in operating systems on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. In a press release, Apple was vague about the vulnerability, stating that “An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.” But the security
- [Safeguard Your Business Against Ransomware Attacks](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/safeguard-your-business-against-ransomware-attacks/) - Second-Largest School District in U.S. Impacted by Massive Hack Last week, the Los Angeles Unified School District announced that it was hit by a devastating ransomware attack. LAUSD—the second-largest school district in the country, with more than 1,000 schools and 640,000 students—suffered the disruption just two weeks after the start of the fall semester. Instead
- [Hurricane Season Is Starting Early. Are You Ready?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/hurricane-season-is-starting-early-are-you-ready/) - Get Your Business Ready with Proactive Disaster Preparedness Although the official start of the 2022 hurricane season is still a week away, the first tropical system of the year formed in the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. Upper-level winds prevented the system from developing into a named storm, but it still threatened to bring gusty
- [6 Tips for a Safe Back-to-School Season](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/6-tips-for-a-safe-back-to-school-season/) - How to Protect Data, Devices, and Digital Identities It’s August, which means back-to-school season is right around the corner. And while the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of receding, 2022 could mark the most “normal” return to the classroom for students since 2019. Still, the last few years of disruptions have radically changed the face
- [Is Your Disaster Prep Plan in Place?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/is-your-disaster-prep-plan-in-place/) - Hurricane Season Is Heating Up. Is Your Business Ready? Although the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season began on June 1st, the last two months were some of the quietest in recent history. For the first time since 1997, no tropical cyclones formed in the month of August. In fact, 60 full days passed between the development
- [What’s Next After Kaseya Ransomware Attack?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/whats-next-after-kaseya-ransomware-attack/) - Another ransomware attack has reverberated across the globe, forcing the shutdown of grocery stores, railways, and pharmacies in Sweden. Businesses in the Australia, Germany, and Brazil are trying to figure out how to access important data—all while United States cybersecurity experts weigh the appropriate response against a notorious Russian hacking group. REvil, a shadowy group
- [CMIT Solutions Hits Revenue Goal a Year Ahead of Target Date](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-hits-revenue-goal-a-year-ahead-of-target-date/) - Leading IT Services Franchise Reaches $100 Million Revenue Milestone AUSTIN – CMIT Solutions, the nation’s leading managed service provider (MSP) of information technology (IT) services to the small and medium-sized business community, has achieved a significant milestone. The company has reached $100 million in systemwide revenue. In 2019, CMIT Solutions had $68 million in systemwide
- [CMIT Solutions Enters Associate Partnership with New York City Football Club](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-enters-associate-partnership-with-new-york-city-football-club/) - Leading IT Services Franchise to Support Local Soccer Organization NEW YORK – In a joint effort, several CMIT Solutions located in New York and New Jersey announced today their Associate Partnership with New York City Football Club (NYCFC). As a leading provider of IT and cybersecurity solutions to local businesses, CMIT Solutions understands the importance
- [First Cybersecurity Apprentice Graduate in Wyoming](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/first-cybersecurity-apprentice-graduate-in-wyoming/) - LARAMIE – Sayer Hendrickson, the youngest apprentice in CyberWyoming’s Department of Labor approved Cybersecurity Technician Registered Apprenticeship, is also the first to graduate from the program. “In cybersecurity’s ever-growing climate I am grateful to have been provided a brand new set of ‘tools under my belt’ that I’m already experiencing the benefits of,” said Sayer.
- [PDFs and “Protected Mode”](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/pdfs-and-protected-mode/) - Submitted by Tim Roper on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 ShareThisWe’ve received more than a few user complaints about odd behaviors in Adobe Reader X, the PDF viewer from Adobe, Inc. Problems range from the program crashing while attempting to print, to inordinately slow load times. If you’re experiencing problems with Reader X, make sure you
- [Why CMIT Solutions New Automatic Patch Management for Adobe, Java, iTunes and Firefox Is Critical for Small Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-cmit-solutions-new-automatic-patch-management-for-adobe-java-itunes-and-firefox-is-critical-for-small-business/) - Submitted by Melanie Fricke on Thursday, April 26, 2012 ShareThis CMIT is nation’s first MSP to offer patch management service that small businesses need These days, the viruses and malware that can cripple business computer systems hitch rides on tools virtually every business uses: Adobe PDF and Flash files and JavaScript on websites. That’s in
- [Use CTRL+K to Add Hyperlinks in Gmail Messages](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/use-ctrlk-to-add-hyperlinks-in-gmail-messages/) - Submitted by Tim Roper on Thursday, March 01, 2012 ShareThisGoogle recently enabled a useful keyboard shortcut (CTRL+K for Windows, CMD+K in OS X) to add hyperlinks and clickable email addresses to the text of Gmail messages. Watch the video below for a demonstration: Thanks for watching this week’s video QuickTip!
- [Why Small Businesses Should Care About Mobile Device Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-small-businesses-should-care-about-mobile-device-security/) - Submitted by Melanie Fricke on Thursday, February 23, 2012 ShareThis Cybercriminals, hacktivists, malware on the rise -- and targeting smart phones, tablets Nowadays, professionals in every line of business are using their personal devices — laptops, smart phones, tablets — for work. The phenomenon is often called BYOD — Bring Your Own Device. It was
- [Use Email Signatures to Ensure People Have Your Contact Info](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/use-email-signatures-to-ensure-people-have-your-contact-info/) - Submitted by Tim Roper on Thursday, February 23, 2012 ShareThisEver received an email asking you to call the sender, but there’s no phone number to be found in the email? Frustrating, isn’t it? And, if that person is sending unsolicited email, it may even be illegal. To ensure your email recipients always have a simple
- [What Does Any-To-Any Mean?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/what-does-any-to-any-mean/) - Submitted by Melanie Fricke on Monday, January 16, 2012 ShareThisAny-To-Any means an entirely new range of visual collaboration options for small businesses Imagine a world in which people had to use the same wireless carrier to talk, text or email by mobile or smart phone. Only Sprint users could contact other Sprint users, only Verizon
- [Should you store your medical records on the cloud? a 10 point checklist](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/should-you-store-your-medical-records-on-the-cloud-a-10-point-checklist/) - Submitted by Devi Mazumdar from CMIT Solutions of San Antonio NE on Friday, July 15, 2011 ShareThisThe answer depends on whom you ask. For a physician in his late 60’s – absolutely not! It takes five years or more to realize the returns on investment. For others, the answer may not be that clear cut.
- [Are you doing everything that you should to protect yourself from malware? (or, How to catch a virus)](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/are-you-doing-everything-that-you-should-to-protect-yourself-from-malware-or-how-to-catch-a-virus/) - Submitted by Jim McGraw from CMIT Solutions of SW Rockland on Thursday, July 14, 2011 ShareThisRecently, it seems that there have been a lot of incidents in the news about major corporations who have been hacked into or exposed customer data to outsiders. You might well ask “If Apple or Sony can’t keep their systems
- [Go Multimedia with Windows Live Writer](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/go-multimedia-with-windows-live-writer/) - Submitted by Tim Roper on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 ShareThisMaintaining a company blog is a great way to engage your customers and raise your online profile (Google’s search algorithm loves good blog content), and you don’t need to hire a web developer to do it. Microsoft’s Windows Live Essentials provides several useful tools to help
- [CMIT heads to Oregon](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-heads-to-oregon/) - Wednesday, December 26, 2012 Think of CMIT Solutions as a “Geek Squad” that specializes in addressing business issues. An Austin, Texas, company wants to open as many as five IT service franchises in the Portland area. With the expansion, CMIT Solutions would add to its Oregon stable, which includes an office in Bend. The Portland
- [Don’t be a stranger: Many prefer face-to-face meetings](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/dont-be-a-stranger-many-prefer-face-to-face-meetings/) - Tuesday, December 18, 2012 Holiday time can bring you in contact with customers or clients you may not see the rest of the year. But if you’re expecting to be greeted with cheer you may be surprised. Frustrated business owners and senior executives say they are turned off by being the customers of a service
- [Veteran's business dream gets lift from patriotic donor](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/veterans-business-dream-gets-lift-from-patriotic-donor/) - Thursday, December 13, 2012 When Patrick Kelly recently retired from the Air Force after nearly 24 years of service, he knew he wanted to go into business. He liked the idea of owning a franchise. He'd be part of a team, just as he was in the military, and get "a complete package, so I
- [Disaster Averted after Fire at Parisi Insurance](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/disaster-averted-after-fire-at-parisi-insurance/) - Wednesday, December 12, 2012 CARMICHAEL, CA – (MPG) A natural disaster can be a crippling blow to a business. A fire, earthquake or flood can leave a business without access to vital information and communication with customers. One of CMIT’s long standing cli- ents, Parisi Insurance, is a perfect example of how a disaster does
- [CMIT Solutions targets BR, N.O.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-targets-br-n-o/) - Sunday, December 9, 2012 CMIT Solutions, of Austin, Texas, said it is targeting Baton Rouge and New Orleans for its 2012-2013 franchise growth, along with Las Vegas, southern California and Washington, D.C. CMIT Solutions provides information technology services and products to small and midsize businesses. Its president and chief executive officer is Jeff Connally. CMIT
- [CMIT Solutions looks to franchise information technology shop in Arizona](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-looks-to-franchise-information-technology-shop-in-arizona/) - Tuesday, December 4, 2012 CMIT Solutions Inc. is hoping to bring its brand of small business information technology services to Arizona with the potential for five or more locations in the Phoenix area. The Austin-based company is looking for franchisees to expand in the state where it currently has only one location. The company is
- [Should Your Business Go PC-Free](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/should-your-business-go-pc-free/) - Monday, December 3, 2012 Small businesses are starting to replace employee PCs with tablets and smartphones — and they're saving time and money, while helping employees be more customer-responsive. In the spring of 2010, when the Apple iPad was released with overwhelming fanfare, analysts and pundits across the board quickly dismissed its business relevance. True,
- [Business Briefs](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/business-briefs/) - Friday, November 30, 2012 Barbara Adams opened a CMIT Solutions franchise in Hallandale Beach and will service customers in the area including Hollywood, Dania and South East Fort Lauderdale. The IT monitoring and management service provider for small to mid-sized businesses also has a franchise location in South Palm Beach. Link: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-local-briefing-1129-20121129,0,2560430.story
- [IT outsourcing company CMIT plans franchise expansion in Sacramento](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-outsourcing-company-cmit-plans-franchise-expansion-in-sacramento/) - Friday, November 30, 2012 Austin-based CMIT Solutions is targeting the Sacramento area for five franchises of its outsourced information technology services business in the next few years. The company has added 17 new franchises across the country this year, bringing the company up to 137 locations, according to Sheri Vandermause, vice president of franchise development.
- [IT franchise looking to expand its Capital Region presence](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-franchise-looking-to-expand-its-capital-region-presence/) - Thursday, November 29, 2012 CMIT Solutions, a provider of information technology services to the small-business community, has plans to open three franchise stores in the Baton Rouge area. The Austin-based company currently has a shop operating in Tickfaw—CMIT Solutions of The Florida Parishes. Jason Gilbreth, a spokesman for CMIT, says each Baton Rouge location could
- [CMIT Solutions Opens Fourth Franchise in St. Louis](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-opens-fourth-franchise-in-st-louis/) - Tuesday, November 20, 2012 Technology services company CMIT Solutions Inc. has opened its fourth franchise in Eureka. The company has additional franchise offices in Chesterfield, Clayton and St. Charles. CMIT Solutions provides small- to mid-sized companies with IT consulting services and technology solutions. Nick LaRosa, president of CMIT Solutions of St. Louis Southwest, said each
- [Here's How to Survive a Business Disaster](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/heres-how-to-survive-a-business-disaster/) - Friday, November 16, 2012 Steps big and small are needed to prepare, local companies say Everyone hopes they won’t have to use a disaster plan, but local small-business owners who have suffered a major loss urge people to develop one nonetheless. Susan and Lawrence Crane of The Party Concierge are glad they did some disaster
- [Technology company aims to expand in Las Vegas](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/technology-company-aims-to-expand-in-las-vegas/) - Monday, November 12, 2012 Like so many business owners, Helen Feng left corporate culture to control her own destiny. With a heavy information technology background, Feng selected a CMIT Solutions franchise. Since June 2009, she has been the sole Las Vegas-area franchisee. Soon, she may have some company. CMIT Solutions aims to open four or
- [CMIT Solutions Introduces Automatic Patch Management for Adobe, Java, iTunes and Firefox on Business Computers](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-introduces-automatic-patch-management-for-adobe-java-itunes-and-firefox-on-business-computers/) - Tuesday, May 1, 2012 AUSTIN, TX — These days, the viruses and malware that can cripple business computer systems hitch rides on tools virtually every business uses: Adobe PDF and Flash files and JavaScript. That's in part because users, even those who religiously install security updates ("patches") for major software programs and operating systems, often ignore
- [CMIT Solutions expands in West Austin](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-expands-in-west-austin/) - Tuesday, April 17, 2012 Austin Business Journal by Christopher Calnan, Staff Writer Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 9:52am CDT Austin-based technology services company CMIT Solutions Inc. is opening an office in West Austin. Former IBM Corp. (NYSE: IBM) and BMC Software Inc. (Nasdaq: BMC) executive John Pullen is launching the information technology services franchise, officials said Tuesday. CMIT Solutions, founded in
- [Staying afloat in a tech disaster](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/staying-afloat-in-a-tech-disaster/) - Friday, May 24, 2013 The smoke was visible from 3 miles away on that cold Saturday four years ago, a sure sign that the fire would consume everything — including Bob Dorsey’s consulting and information technology business, R. Dorsey & Co. But thanks to good preparation, the data that was absolutely crucial to Dorsey’s business
- [Fast-rising company earns national honor](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/fast-rising-company-earns-national-honor/) - Monday, May 13, 2013 Happy Mother’s Day. Let’s start with a high-five to Cherry Hill’s CMIT Solutions, an IT services provider franchise recently recognized with a national honor. After only two years in business, CMIT Cherry Hill expanded its client base by 272 percent and surpassed a half-million dollars in revenue. The achievements earned the
- [The Essential Utensils for Sales](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-essential-utensils-for-sales/) - Monday, May 6, 2013 You wouldn’t expect a mechanic to repair an engine with his bare hands, and salespeople are no less dependent on tools to be effective. “Just hiring salespeople and expecting them to succeed is not enough,” says Peter J. Fasulo, president of PJF Sales Training Inc. “Having the right sales technology—like a
- [Founders: Sam Gupta](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/founders-sam-gupta/) - Thursday, April 11, 2013 Pretty much everyone in Sam Gupta’s family – his brothers and father especially – runs their own business. So after working in IT project management while his wife completed medical school and moved the family to Pittsburgh to take a job at the VA Hospital there, Gupta looked to jumpstart his
- [CMIT Solutions Selects Continuum as Its Exclusive Managed Services Solutions Provider for More Than 135 Franchises Nationwide](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-selects-continuum-as-its-exclusive-managed-services-solutions-provider-for-more-than-135-franchises-nationwide/) - Monday, April 8, 2013 Exclusive Agreement Includes Remote Monitoring and Management, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Mobile Device Management and Continuum's Network Operations Center CMIT Solutions, a Texas-based IT support company, today announced Continuum as the exclusive managed services software and services provider for its more than 135 franchises nationwide. The arrangement enables CMIT franchisees to
- [Behind the Counter: IT Management Business Opens Granby Office](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/behind-the-counter-it-management-business-opens-granby-office/) - Wednesday, March 6, 2013 Granby resident Paul Marzo, 50, began programming computers in the early 1980s. His father who started his own computer business 30 years before that. Now, Marzo has opened an office for CMIT Solutions in his Granby home offering IT management services to local small businesses. Marzo studied math and computer sciences
- [Granby's Paul Marzo opens computer business in Hartford](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/granbys-paul-marzo-opens-computer-business-in-hartford/) - Sunday, February 17, 2013 GRANBY — After years in the corporate world perfecting his trade as an information technology expert, Paul Marzo has settled down in Granby and opened up his own area firm in Hartford, working with small and medium-sized businesses. Marzo recalled working with computers back to his high school days, saying his
- [River Forest resident launches IT-help firm](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/river-forest-resident-launches-it-help-firm/) - Sunday, February 17, 2013 RIVER FOREST — Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and reliable computers are the backbone of small businesses. But what if that backbone develops a slipped disk? Xavier Matesanz and CMIT Solutions are there to help. CMIT is an Austin, Texas-based managed information technology franchise serving about 2,000 businesses;
- [Practically Human: Can Smart Machines Do Your Job?](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/practically-human-can-smart-machines-do-your-job/) - Thursday, January 24, 2013 ART Liscano knows he's an endangered species in the job market: He's a meter reader in Fresno, California. For 26 years, he's driven from house to house, checking how much electricity Pacific Gas & Electric customers have used. But PG&E doesn't need many people like Mr Liscano making rounds anymore. Every
- [AP IMPACT: Recession, Tech Kill Middle-Class Jobs](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ap-impact-recession-tech-kill-middle-class-jobs/) - Tuesday, January 22, 2013 Five years after the start of the Great Recession, the toll is terrifyingly clear: Millions of middle-class jobs have been lost in developed countries the world over. And the situation is even worse than it appears. Most of the jobs will never return, and millions more are likely to vanish as
- [PTSD suicide more deadly to American Soldiers than combat](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ptsd-suicide-more-deadly-to-american-soldiers-than-combat/) - Thursday, January 10, 2013 Roxann Abrams lost her son to military PTSD suicide. She founded Operation: I.V.,Inc to help combat veterans with PTSD. She says, “NBC news reports we have now lost more military to suicides than in combat! “In order for our Combat Veterans to get the help they need the general public needs to understand
- [Making a Living - A helpful career](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/making-a-living-a-helpful-career/) - Tuesday, July 23, 2013 On the wall of Kip Lynch’s office is a handwritten note that reminds him of his goal: Help someone today. The simple phrase has directed Lynch his entire career, from when he started as a research scientist developing tests for the AIDS virus to today, as president of the IT firm
- [CMIT Solutions of Fox Valley North earns 2013 President’s Award](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-solutions-of-fox-valley-north-earns-2013-presidents-award/) - Monday, June 10, 2013 ALGONQUIN – Scott Brennan, owner and president of CMIT Solutions Fox Valley North, received the 2013 President’s Award during the recent CMIT Solutions annual conference in Miami. CMIT Solutions of Fox Valley North is the first two-time recipient of the President’s Award. “Scott is an exceptional business owner, and he put together an outstanding technical support team,”
- [Couples Who Work Together and Make it Work](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/couples-who-work-together-and-make-it-work/) - Friday, August 30, 2013 Maitjian and Todd Welke, of Saratoga, are a devoted married couple going hand-in-hand through life and face-to-face at work. "Quite literally," Maitjian says, laughing. "We work in the same office and our desks face each other. So it's pretty important that we get along." Luckily, they do. Married for 18 years,
- [Why N. Texas businesses need to prepare for end of Windows XP](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/why-n-texas-businesses-need-to-prepare-for-end-of-windows-xp/) - Thursday, August 8, 2013 If your company hasn’t already started preparing for end of Microsoft’s Windows XP, now is the time to start, according to IT professionals at Fort Worth’s CMIT Solutions office. In July, Windows XP accounted for 37 percent of operating system market share, making it the second largest operating system on the
- [New CMIT Solutions Office in New Brunswick](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/new-cmit-solutions-office-in-new-brunswick/) - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 CMIT Solutions, a national provider of information technology (IT) services to the small and mid-sized business community, has opened a new office in New Brunswick. CMIT offers a broad spectrum of proactive computer maintenance, monitoring and virtual technology packages, along with quick-response services when unexpected crises occur. Prior to opening the
- [Local CMIT Named Franchise Of The Year](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/local-cmit-named-franchise-of-the-year/) - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Doug Bates, president of CMIT Solutions of Fayette/Coweta, was named CMIT Franchisee of the Year at the CMIT Solutions annual conference in Miami. “Doug is an extraordinary individual. His strengths go beyond business… as a person, as a friend, a family man and a mentor, he’s someone we can all look
- [Memos and Distinctions](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/memos-and-distinctions/) - CMIT Solutions of Charleston, a provider of information technology monitoring and management services for businesses, has opened at 295 Seven Farms Drive, Suite C-127, Daniel Island. Amy Justis is the owner. AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, owner of Select Health of South Carolina, has changed its named to AmeriHealth Caritas.Nelson Printing Corp. of Charleston has
- [IT-support franchise sees uptick in local business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-support-franchise-sees-uptick-in-local-business/) - Information technology franchise CMIT Solutions — which offers IT support to small and medium-size businesses — has concentrated several of its newer offices in the Washington area in response to an uptick in demand for tech help. The national franchise has 138 offices. In the past five months, franchise owner Tom Burtzlaff has opened four
- [OK to run XP after April, but experts say it’s risky](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ok-to-run-xp-after-april-but-experts-say-its-risky/) - BOULDER — For local businesses worried that their computers or operating systems are going to shut down at the stroke of midnight on April 8, Susan Bateman has some comforting words regarding the so-called death of Windows XP. “This is not going to be a Y2K,” said Bateman, franchise owner of CMIT Solutions in Lafayette.
- [How to Expense Your Technology Upgrades to Save Money](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/how-to-expense-your-technology-upgrades-to-save-money/) - As we enter the fourth quarter, now is generally the time that many small businesses begin evaluating their profit and loss statements with an eye to tax planning. These days, year end tax planning has become a tricky undertaking so it might be in your best interest to bring in an accountant and tax professional
- [She just does I.T.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/she-just-does-i-t/) - Not many women are the I.T. girl, but Beth Burnside is. Many small businesses can't afford to have their own technology departments, so Burnside, owner of CMIT Solutions of Erie, a licensee of the national company, can become yours. She is who you're going to call to make sure your small company doesn't have an
- [People and places: Chris Albright](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/people-and-places-chris-albright/) - Retiring from the military to launch a career in the civilian sector can be “a very difficult transition,” according Chris Albright, a former infantry machine gunner who served in the U.S. Marines Corps for more than two decades. A tight job market has made things even harder, he said. Albright began looking at employment options
- [The $500,000 Tax Break That's Disappearing By Year-End](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-500000-tax-break-thats-disappearing-by-year-end/) - Congress extended bonus depreciation and more robust Section 179 expensing through year-end 2013 as part of last January’s fiscal cliff deal, and now as the deadline is approaching, small business owners are looking anew at capital purchases. If you’re on the border line of whether you’re going to make some capital asset acquisition this year
- [Exeter man buys business to fix computer crashes that hurt small businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/exeter-man-buys-business-to-fix-computer-crashes-that-hurt-small-businesses/) - Information technology is essential to every business whether it is a one-man operation or a Fortune 500 company. As larger companies know, an IT staff is necessary to keep the day-to-day operations running efficiently. Technology is as important to smaller businesses, but often hiring even one full-time IT professional is too costly. Dan L. Canton,
- [Local entrepreneur opens Daniel Island office to enhance IT services and support for small and medium-sized businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/local-entrepreneur-opens-daniel-island-office-to-enhance-it-services-and-support-for-small-and-medium-sized-businesses/) - The nation’s leading provider of information technology (IT) services to the small and medium-sized business (SMB) community opened a new office on Daniel Island this fall. Local business owners and management now have an in-town trusted IT service provider backed by a nationwide support system to provide flat-rate, round-the-clock maintenance and monitoring solutions. “Small and
- [Get the Most from Your iPad for Your Small Business](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/get-the-most-from-your-ipad-for-your-small-business/) - Wednesday, February 20, 2013 Do you use your iPad primarily to check email or surf the web? Or perhaps you use it mostly to entertain yourself with books and movies while traveling for business? The iPad is indeed a great tool for keeping in touch with people and entertaining yourself. But you can also use
- [At the Watercooler ... Kalamazoo people are talking](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/at-the-watercooler-kalamazoo-people-are-talking/) - EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY The Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and others are working to put together a seminar on ways for businesses to protect themselves and their customers from cyber crime. The event is scheduled for noon to 1:30 p.m. March 5 at the Creekside Business Center, 8175 Creekside Drive
- [Port Chester's Don Bosco Center Launches New Computer Lab](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/port-chesters-don-bosco-center-launches-new-computer-lab/) - PORT CHESTER, N.Y. -- Port Chester's Don Bosco Community Center has launched a new computer lab to teach kids the digital skills they will need to compete later in life. The new computer lab was created using funds donated by Richard Cashin and Robert Niehaus and designed by CMIT Solutions of Southern Westchester, a local
- [Ex-Kodaker Cheryl Nelan turns back on corporate career to run her own local business.](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ex-kodaker-cheryl-nelan-turns-back-on-corporate-career-to-run-her-own-local-business/) - Proactively address IT issues, secure your assets from cyber attacks, and streamline operations with our Managed Services. Contact us today.
- [Ready for death of Windows XP? Grand Rapids tech firm offers 5 survival tips](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/ready-for-death-of-windows-xp-grand-rapids-tech-firm-offers-5-survival-tips/) - Explore cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions designed to fortify your digital defenses against evolving cyber threats. Contact us today.
- [The Washington Business Journal Spotlights CMIT Solutions' Area Developer](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/the-washington-business-journal-spotlights-cmit-solutions-area-developer/) - The Washington Business Journal featured Tom Burtzlaff who was recently awarded “Area Developer of the Year” by CMIT Solutions. Tom's achievements garnered impressive recognition and respect from premier media outlets. Click here to read more: http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/potmsearch/detail/submission/2779411/Tom_Burtzlaff.
- [Entrepreneur, the Nation's Premier Business Publication Spotlights CMIT Solutions Franchisees](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/entrepreneur-the-nations-premier-business-publication-spotlights-cmit-solutions-franchisees/) - Thursday, June 12, 2014 Entrepreneur, the largest publication for everything small business, featured Shirley Peterson, CMIT Solutions franchisee in Fort Worth Downtown, who received CMIT Solutions' prestigious 2014 Franchisee of the Year award. In a Q&A interview, Peterson shared advice and tips with small business owners around the nation. The article touched upon CMIT Solutions'
- [CMIT Franchisee Receives Prestigious Recognition as CRN Magazine’s "Woman of the Channel”](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/cmit-franchisee-receives-prestigious-recognition-as-crn-magazines-woman-of-the-channel/) - Monday, June 23, 2014 The Stamford Advocate announced Linda Kuppersmith's recognition as one of CRN Magazine’s “Power 50 Solution Providers,” as well as being named the brand’s “2014 People’s Choice” winner. The piece also gives great coverage for Linda's CMIT Solutions of Stamford office. Click here to read the full article: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/Stamford-area-business-people-5572831.php#photo-6481308.
- [Microsoft to drop Windows XP support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/microsoft-to-drop-windows-xp-support/) - If you're running Windows XP at home or at your business Wednesday, April 9, is an important day – and not necessarily a positive one. That's because Microsoft on Tuesday discontinued support for the operating system, meaning no security fixes, vulnerability patches or software updates, according to David Usher, who is opening the office of
- [Neither bang nor whimper expected April 8, as Windows XP retires](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/neither-bang-nor-whimper-expected-april-8-as-windows-xp-retires/) - After April 8, Microsoft is pulling the plug on technical support for Windows XP, the highly popular operating system that debuted 12 years ago. While most analysts say little will happen as XP retires -- there are no dire end-of- computer- system fears or anticipated desk or laptop explosions -- but there could be consequences.
- [Time has run out for Windows XP users](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/time-has-run-out-for-windows-xp-users/) - The end is near for Windows XP. Starting tomorrow, April 8, Microsoft Corp. will no longer provide upgrades or support for its Windows XP operating system that came out in October 2001. “Windows XP has been extended beyond the normal 10- year life cycle and Microsoft is ready to move on and start putting its
- [Alexander: Many at risk as end of XP security nears](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/alexander-many-at-risk-as-end-of-xp-security-nears/) - Microsoft isn’t relenting on its plan to end security updates for Windows XP on April 8, even though it appears that hundreds of thousands of XP PCs will be left vulnerable to hackers. Microsoft warned years ago that XP support would end and now says it won’t halt the shift. Despite being introduced in 2001,
- [IT the ticket for San Antonian](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/it-the-ticket-for-san-antonian/) - SAN ANTONIO — From a large screen in her small home office, Devi Mazumdar each morning scans the computer systems of some two dozen clients — doctors' offices, churches and small businesses in San Antonio and as far away as the Eagle Ford Shale. Color-coded alerts tell her when something's not quite right, letting her
- [Small businesses face end of Windows XP support](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/small-businesses-face-end-of-windows-xp-support/) - The end is near for Windows XP. Microsoft Corp. has said that after April 8, it will cease putting out security upgrades and providing support for the popular personal computer operating system. WIndows XP hit the market in 2001 and was for a time the backbone of multitudes of workplace computers across the globe. Microsoft
- [Shirley Peterson Recognized for Winning Franchisee of the Year Award](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/shirley-peterson-recognized-for-winning-franchisee-of-the-year-award/) - The Dallas Business Journal spotlighted Shirley Peterson, the owner and president of CMIT Solutions of Fort Worth, who received the prestigious Franchisee of the Year Award at CMIT Solution's annual convention. Peterson and her team exceeded in nearly every category that determines the award winner, including client satisfaction, retention, revenue growth, and the number of
- [Why Strong Network Security Is a Must in the Wake of the Shellshock Bug](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/strong-network-security-must-wake-shellshock-bug/) - In late September, cybersecurity experts discovered the latest in a long string of software bugs that threatened millions of operating systems, including Mac computers and Android smartphones. The bug, dubbed Shellshock by researchers from Kaspersky Labs and other firms, was initially compared to the Heartbleed vulnerability, only far worse — while Heartbleed stole passwords, Shellshock
- [Here's how to invest in your business instead](https://cmitsolutions.com/blog/heres-how-to-invest-in-your-business-instead/) - When you think about cybersecurity protection for your business, does a specific cost come to mind? Depending on a company’s industry, its IT infrastructure, and its technology needs, that cost can range widely. But the cost of insufficient cybersecurity can be high. Malware, ransomware, and other types of cyberattacks can inflict serious financial damage on a

## Pages

- [Homepage](https://cmitsolutions.com/) - CMIT Solutions® provides managed IT support for a variety of business sizes and industries. See how CMIT Solutions® can help your business stay connected.
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## Services

- [Cybersecurity Services For Small Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/cybersecurity-services-small-business/) - Tailored cybersecurity solution for small businesses from CMIT Solutions. Get business cybersecurity now!
- [Small Office IT Solutions](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/small-office-it-solutions/) - Expert small office IT solutions designed for your small business. We offer data backup, manage software, and more at a price to fit your budget.
- [Outsourced IT Services for Small Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/outsourced-it-services-small-business/) - Maximize your small business's potential with outsourced IT! Get managed IT services to monitor, protect, and manage your technological needs.
- [CMMC Compliance](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/cmmc-compliance/) - Achieve CMMC security compliance with CMIT Solutions. Simplify certification, protect CUI, and meet DoD requirements to stay competitive in the defense supply chain.
- [NIST Compliance Services | 800-171](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/nist-compliance/) - Achieve NIST compliance with our cybersecurity services. We guide your business to meet regulatory standards through our risk assessment.
- [Dark Web Monitoring Services For Businesses | CMIT Solutions](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/dark-web-monitoring-services/) - Protect your business from cyber threats with CMIT Solutions' dark web monitoring services. Get real-time alerts when your data is compromised. Call (800) 399-2648.
- [Secure AI](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/secure-ai/)
- [Cloud Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/cloud-services/) - Looking for cloud-based security solutions? Our services include industry-specific cybersecurity expertise to deliver the benefits without the risks. Contact us now.
- [Data Backup](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/data-backup/) - CMIT is a leading IT company that will protect you from online threats and accidents with complete data protection and backup services. Contact us today.
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- [Compliance](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/compliance/) - Every industry has different rules for data compliance and protection. Learn how CMIT Solutions helps you satisfy compliance requirements and keep your company safe.
- [Productivity Applications](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/productivity-applications/) - Empower your team with the tools they need to work smarter, not harder. From Microsoft Office, to Google Workspace, to remote programs, CMIT Solutions has you covered.
- [IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/it-support/) - CMIT Solutions is ready to help when bad things happen. We fix crashed computers, resolve network issues, prevent ransomware infections, and mitigate human error.
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- [Managed IT Services For Small Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/managed-it-services-for-small-businesses/) - Our reliable managed IT services for small businesses optimize technology infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, and boost productivity for peak performance.
- [IT Risk Management](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/it-guidance/risk-management/) - Do you have an IT risk management plan? In the digital age, companies need to tighten up their IT security now more than ever. See how CMIT Solutions can help.
- [Packages](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/packages/) - Choose from IT service packages offering everything from 24/7 IT support to cybersecurity. Our IT packages are designed to fit businesses of every size and budget.
- [Network Management](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/network-management/) - Network security, reliable internet connectivity, and cybersecurity can have a big impact on success. Let CMIT help with comprehensive network maintenance services.
- [Outsourced IT Help Desk](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/outsourced-it-help-desk/) - Save time and resources by outsourcing your help desk to CMIT. Get 24/7 support and expert assistance for all your customer queries and technical issues.
- [Data Recovery](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/data-backup/data-recovery/)
- [Managed Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/managed-services/) - CMIT Solutions provides managed IT services that keep your business running. From technology support to network monitoring, we can help. Contact us now.
- [Cybersecurity Solutions](https://cmitsolutions.com/it-services/cybersecurity/) - Keep your business protected with CMIT's comprehensive cybersecurity services and solutions. Our cybersecurity risk management protects all devices and networks. Contact us today.

## Industries

- [Hospitality](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/hospitality/) - Hospitality IT Services by CMIT Solutions — reliable IT support for hotels, restaurants, and hospitality businesses. Boost security, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
- [Manufacturing IT Services in Portland Oregon](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/manufacturing-it-services-in-portland-oregon/)
- [Manufacturing](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/manufacturing/) - See how managed IT solutions and support from CMIT Solutions can help your manufacturing business improve industry operations and communications. Contact us today.
- [Real Estate](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/real-estate/) - See how you can boost your agency with outstanding IT support services from CMIT Solutions—leaders in helping real estate professionals stay connected.
- [Professional Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/professional-services/) - Learn how to better achieve your clients’ goals and protect their important data with compete IT support services through CMIT Solutions.
- [Non-Profit](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/non-profit/) - Learn how your non-profit organization can benefit from IT services from CMIT Solutions—offering IT consulting, managed services, and IT support packages. Get a quote today!
- [Logistics](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/logistics/) - If you need IT services for your logistics business, CMIT offers tailored solutions to optimize your freight and transportation operations. Contact us now.
- [Law Firms](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/law-firms/) - Don't take risks with your law firm's data security and communications. Protect your law firm and clients with expert IT support services from CMIT Solutions. Get the best managed IT services for law firms today.
- [Government](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/government/) - CMIT Solutions offers reliable managed IT services for local government organizations. Contact us today to ensure your agency is secure and efficient.
- [Franchises and Multi-Location](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/franchises-and-multi-location/) - If you have two locations or 20, CMIT Solutions can keep you connected and your data secure across town or across the country. Learn how.
- [Finance and Insurance](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/finance-and-insurance/) - Learn how we can help your finance or insurance business stay connected and assist your clients more effectively with complete IT support services.
- [Engineering](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/engineering/) - Learn how CMIT Solutions provides complete IT support to engineering firms through comprehensive network support, network security and more.
- [Education](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/education/) - Trust CMIT Solutions for expert IT support for schools that keeps your students and data safe and secure. Get IT services for education that you can rely on. Contact us today.
- [Construction](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/construction/) - CMIT Solutions offers managed IT Services for construction firms. Keep your company on solid ground in the industry with reliable IT support. Contact us today.
- [Accounting](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/accounting/) - CMIT Solutions provides accountant IT services to help keep your accounting firm running smoothly. Learn more about our managed IT services for CPA firms by contacting us today.
- [HIPAA Compliant IT Services](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/hipaa-compliant-it-services/) - Ensure your practice is HIPAA compliant with our expert IT services. Safeguard protected health information (PHI) and trust our compliance experts
- [Startups](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/startups/) - Starting a new business? Get the IT services you need to ensure you get off the ground smoothly. Contact CMIT today for reliable IT support for startups.
- [Charities](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/charities/) - Get reliable IT support for your charity. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping nonprofits thrive by providing the technology solutions they need.
- [Dentists](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/dentists/) - Get top-notch IT services tailored specifically for dentists. Our team of experts understands the unique technology needs of dental practices. Contact us today.
- [Insurance](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/insurance/) - We offer a wide range of IT solutions designed to meet the unique needs of insurance companies. Let CMIT handle your IT so you can focus on your clients.
- [Architects](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/architects/) - Improve your IT infrastructure with CMIT's IT services for architects. Our experienced team will design and implement an efficient system tailored to your needs.
- [Banks](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/banks/) - Banks rely on robust IT systems to handle transactions, customer data, and security. Our tailored IT support for banks ensures smooth operations and peace of mind.
- [Restaurants](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/restaurants/) - Contact CMIT for reliable IT support services for your restaurant. We offer comprehensive IT solutions tailored to the unique needs of the restaurant industry.
- [Retail](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/retail/) - If you're looking for IT support for your retail business, CMIT Solutions can help. We handle all aspects of your IT, from setting up your system to maintaining it.
- [Healthcare](https://cmitsolutions.com/industries/healthcare/) - IT Services for Healthcare by CMIT Solutions. Protect data, stay compliant, and boost efficiency. Contact us today!

## Case Studies

- [How the right IT partner transformed a business.](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/franchises-helping-franchises/) - Running a franchise or multi-location business means wearing many hats. Compliance, productivity, and technology challenges can pile up quickly, and without the right support they can hold back growth. That is exactly what franchise owner Ted Barnhart experienced while running his home care agency in Bedford, Massachusetts. In this video, Ted shares his personal journey
- [Empowering Multi-Location Businesses with Seamless IT: The Optyx + CMIT Solutions Story](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/empowering-multi-location-businesses-with-seamless-it-the-optyx-cmit-solutions-story/) - See how CMIT Solutions helps multi-location businesses stay secure, compliant, and connected. Watch the Optyx client story now.
- [Keeping a Historic Landmark Running with Modern IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/keeping-a-historic-landmark-running-with-modern-it-support/) - Managing a one-of-a-kind property like Lakepoint Tower is no small task. In this video, Jim Stacker, General Manager, compares the iconic building to a classic car—a masterpiece that can’t be replaced, only maintained with care. But with aging infrastructure and evolving technology needs, keeping operations smooth requires more than just maintenance—it demands expert IT support.
- [Recycling Company Grows Rapidly Thanks to Responsive Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/recycling-company-grows-rapidly-thanks-to-responsive-support/) - Didion Orf, a Missouri recycling company, needed to streamline communication processes and expand their network.
- [Technology Helps Chicago Area CPA Firm Excel at Client Service](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/technology-helps-chicago-area-cpa-firm-excel-at-client-service/) - Partner Ralph Mooney describes technology as “the only way to get work done” for his firm, meaning efficiency and productivity are critical to day-to-day operations.
- [St. Louis Area Medical Clinic Averts Disaster with Proactive IT Solutions](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/st-louis-area-medical-clinic-averts-disaster-with-proactive-it-solutions/) - Without technology, Dr. Amy Davis wouldn’t be able to her job. That’s why Dr. Davis was happy to bring CMIT Solutions on more than eight years ago…
- [US Subsidiary of International Space Propulsion Company Rockets to Success](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/us-subsidiary-of-international-space-propulsion-company-rockets-to-success-thanks-to-reliable-it-support/) - Reaction Engines, Inc. works with major corporations like Boeing and Lockheed, along with US government agencies like NASA and the Air Force, to pioneer the next generation of hypersonic rocket propulsion technology.
- [North Carolina Medical Practice Takes off with Reliable IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/north-carolina-medical-practice-takes-off-with-reliable-it-support/) - Matthews Internal Medicine were spinning their wheels as they went through IT service after IT service…until they were introduced to CMIT Solutions.
- [Medical Society Makes One Call for IT](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/monroe-county-medical-society-makes-one-call-for-it/) - The Monroe County Medical Society provides support to their physician members and in turn the hundreds of patients those physicians serve. With so much at stake, they turned to CMIT Solutions to handle their IT needs.
- [Clayton Consulting Firm Grows Business Thanks to Reliable IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/clayton-consulting-firm-grows-business-thanks-to-reliable-it-support/) - Three years ago Arch Brokerage used to worry about IT only after something would break. Now with CMIT, they stay ahead of issues so they can concentrate on growing their business.
- [CPA Firm Stays Secure with Reliable and Proactive IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/cherry-hill-cpa-firm-stays-secure-with-reliable-and-proactive-it-support/) - Abo and Company is a CPA firm specializing in Litigation and Forensic Accounting. Martin discusses the security, responsiveness and value of CMIT services, saying unequivocally, “We’re on the same page.”
- [Design and Build Company Grows Thanks to Multi-Location Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/design-and-build-company-grows-thanks-to-multi-location-support-and-responsive-it-services/) - Wu & Associates has grown alongside CMIT since 2013. Kathrine discusses the value of working with a strong IT partner to continually challenge the norms.
- [National Research Laboratory Fulfills Its Mission with Reliable IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/national-research-laboratory-fulfills-its-mission-with-reliable-it-support/) - In Silicon Valley, the competition for IT services is fierce. But Hanh Kent, Small Business Program Officer at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, believes that CMIT Solutions stands head and shoulders above the rest.
- [Media Company Benefits from Proactive IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/media-company-benefits-from-proactive-it-support/) - Josh Sommers, CEO of Focus Media, explains how establishing a partnership with CMIT Solutions helped his company grow.
- [Rehabilitation Non-Profit Thrives with Help from CMIT Solutions](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/addiction-and-rehabilitation-non-profit-thrives-with-help-from-appleton-it-firm/) - The non-profit’s 50 employees were struggling with inadequate IT service. Once they teamed up with CMIT Solutions, however, Villa Hope has come to rely on cloud-based email and secure electronic medical records systems.
- [IT Provider Helps Manufacturing Company Thrive](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/partnering-with-it-provider-helps-erie-manufacturing-company-thrive-in-21st-century/) - When this mattress manufacturer started producing medical pads in the 1950s, it realized the need for efficient technology solutions to keep its factories humming.
- [Updating Technology Landscape for Independent School](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/updating-technology-landscape-for-eries-only-independent-school/) - Karen Tyler, the head of Erie Day School, needed help with interactive software and hardware leasing for students at the community’s only independent school.
- [Marketer Rises to the Challenge Thanks to Reliable IT](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/otc-marketer-rises-to-the-challenge-thanks-to-reliable-it-services/) - Every day, Clarion Brands faces a tall order: taking legacy over-the-counter brands and reintroducing them to new clients.
- [Maintain Dynamic Day-to-Day Operations with IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/theatre-company-maintains-dynamic-day-to-day-operations-with-efficient-it-support/) - The Philadelphia Theatre Company was looking for stable, efficient IT services that could allow them to thrive. Their dynamic day-to-day operations call for reliability, professionalism, and last-minute support…
- [New Digital Trends for Multi-Location Publisher](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/navigating-new-digital-trends-for-multi-location-publisher-of-philadelphia-magazine/) - In addition, CMIT Solutions’ nationwide infrastructure and focus on cloud-based support is perfect for Metrocorp, which operates in Philadelphia and Boston…
- [Technology Support Allows Non-Profit to Serve the Community](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/technology-support-allows-erie-non-profit-to-serve-the-community/) - Paul Lukach, Executive Director of the Crime Victim Center of Erie County, is the first to admit it: he and his employees don’t pride themselves on being technology savvy.
- [Repair Company Leans on Prompt, Responsive IT Support](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/automotive-repair-company-leans-on-prompt-responsive-it-support-to-stay-running/) - Jud Matthey, owner of Matthey Automotive, understands the importance of technology to his multi-location business.
- [Meeting the Real Estate Market’s Digital Needs](https://cmitsolutions.com/case-study/meeting-the-erie-real-estate-markets-digital-needs/) - The real estate market operates almost entirely on the Internet these days.

## Webinars

- [Compliance and Security: Implementing a WISP for CPA and Financial Practices](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/compliance-and-security-implementing-a-wisp-for-cpa-and-financial-practices/) - Did you know that 81% of data breaches target small and medium-sized businesses, and a staggering 97% of these breaches could have been prevented with better security measures in place? In today’s digital age, financial institutions face an ever-evolving threat landscape, with cyber-attacks projected to cause $9 trillion in damages by 2024. In this dynamic
- [Beyond the Firewall: Cyber Insurance as Your Last Line of Defense.](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/beyond-the-firewall-cyber-insurance-as-your-last-line-of-defense/) - As cyber-attacks are projected to cause $9 trillion in damages in 2024, the need for cyber insurance to protect your business's financials has never been more critical. Every business, regardless of size, faces the same sophisticated threats as larger enterprises. Cyber insurance is not just a safeguard; it’s a crucial part of your defense strategy,
- [Defeat AI-Powered Ransomware Attacks](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/defeat-ai-powered-ransomware-attacks/) - Ransomware threats are evolving — and AI is accelerating the danger. In 2025, 80% of ransomware attacks now involve artificial intelligence, including deepfakes and AI-generated phishing campaigns. These attacks are faster, more targeted, and harder to detect. They’re no longer just aimed at large enterprises. Organizations of all sizes are now vulnerable. Join us for
- [The Labor Behind the Breach: Insider Threats in the Modern Workplace](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/the-labor-behind-the-breach-insider-threats-in-the-modern-workplace/) - Insider threats are no longer a hidden danger — they’re a growing reality. While most organizations focus on external cyberattacks, nearly 32% of breaches originate from within, caused by employees who are negligent, malicious, or simply complacent. These internal risks often go undetected until it’s too late, putting sensitive data and business continuity at risk.
- [Translating Cybersecurity Risk: What SMBs Need to Know About Insurance](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/translating-cybersecurity-risk-what-smbs-need-to-know-about-insurance/) - You insure your building and your employees — but are you protecting your business from cyberattacks? The financial fallout of a cyberattack can devastate any small business. With the average ransomware payment reaching over $500,000 and recovery costs climbing even higher, insurance has become a non-negotiable part of any cybersecurity strategy. But here’s the challenge:
- [Disaster Recovery Readiness](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/disaster-recovery-readiness/) - Disaster can strike at any time. You already insure your building and your liability, but what about your data? The risks to your data, and therefore your business, are plentiful and undeniable. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report states that the global average cost of a data breach in 2023 was 4.45 million
- [What is AI? Practical Use, Hidden Dangers, and Robust Security](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/what-is-ai-practical-use-hidden-dangers-and-robust-security/) - Do you keep hearing about the potential gains and risks of using AI, but are unsure where to start or how to leverage it safely for your business? In this webinar we will review different types of AI integration in business, including direct use like bots and GPTs along with indirect use with AI-driven applications.
- [Business Risks That Can Make or Break Your Success](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/business-risks-that-can-make-or-break-your-success/) - During this engaging 45-minute session, "Business Risks That Can Make or Break Your Success," we’ll explore the most critical threats facing businesses today, from cybersecurity breaches and natural disasters to economic downturns and compliance challenges. Discover how unprepared organizations suffer devastating losses and learn proactive strategies to safeguard your business. Gain practical insights into mitigating
- [How to Defend Your Organization Against All 13 Email Threat Types](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/how-to-defend-your-organization-against-all-13-email-threat-types/) - Protect your organization from the top 13 email threat types, including the sophisticated ones designed to slip through your secure gateway. Don’t miss this webinar with an in-depth look at today’s wide range of evolving email threats, including their risks and impacts on businesses, and how machine learning and API-based inbox defense can address the
- [Understanding Cyber Insurance to Maximize Your Safety Net](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/understanding-cyber-insurance-to-maximize-your-safety-net/) - It’s time to protect your organization from cyber threats! There has long been a culture of complacency when it comes to Cybersecurity within the private sector, especially among small to mid-sized businesses. This is perfectly understandable given that headlines often feature distant corporate giants like Uber, WhatsApp, and Twitter, giving a perception that Cybercriminals are
- [How to Effectively Combat AI-Powered Threats](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/how-to-effectively-combat-ai-powered-threats/) - While artificial intelligence (AI) offers new benefits and exciting opportunities, it also brings unique challenges for businesses today. Since the fourth quarter of 2022, there has been a 1,265% increase in malicious phishing emails and a 967% increase in credential phishing, according to a report from SlashNext. These drastic changes reveal the importance of taking
- [Demystifying Cloud Communications](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/demystifying-cloud-communications/) - Strong communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of any thriving business. While separate solutions for business phones, video conferencing, chat, texting, and file sharing might seem manageable, they can be costly and cumbersome to integrate. During the webinar, you'll gain valuable insights on how to modernize business communications with Unite, a new cloud communications and
- [Ways to Protect Your Business from a Cyberattack](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/ways-to-protect-your-business-from-a-cyberattack/) - Businesses face many risks today, and cyberattacks are one of them. Join CMIT Solutions and Patrick Manning, Sales Engineer, for a webinar on how you can protect your business against cyberattacks with Managed Detection and Response (MDR). During the webinar, we'll discuss best practices, defense-in-depth strategies, and unlock the power of MDR to accurately identify
- [Small Business, Big Target: Cybersecurity Strategies for SMB Leaders](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/small-business-big-target-cybersecurity-strategies-for-smb-leaders/) - Did you know that 43% of cyber attacks target small and medium-sized businesses, and 60% of those affected go out of business within six months? (Yet, 51% of small businesses still don't have cybersecurity measures in place to protect themselves.) In a digital era where cyber threats are escalating, every employee plays a pivotal role
- [Protect Your Business in 2024](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/protect-your-business-in-2024/) - With cyberattacks now being an hourly threat, businesses need to protect themselves in more ways than one. In this session, we will cover cybercrimes from the past year, costing millions in ransom and downtime, that could have been prevented, if the correct systems were in place. This session will also discuss the need for a
- [How Hybrid Workforces Open Doors for Hackers (and what you can do about it)](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/how-hybrid-workforces-open-doors-for-hackers-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/) - In more recent years, hybrid workforces have become the norm, with workers even seeking out employers with remote work policies. With this evolution in the way we work, businesses are more reliant on SaaS and cloud-based technologies and there is no doubt that Hackers will try to find ways to exploit this before business owners
- [The Benefits of Outsourcing IT](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/the-benefits-of-outsourcing-it/) - Did you know that businesses that outsource IT services can save up to 60% on IT costs? In this webinar, learn how your organization can save time and money while providing solutions to protect your business.
- [Combatting the Ransomware Epidemic](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/combatting-the-ransomware-epidemic/) - The impact of Ransomware is widespread costing SMBs $75 Billion a year and hits every industry. 94% of people can’t distinguish between a real email and a phishing email.
- [Success in the Era of Hybrid Work](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/success-in-the-era-of-hybrid-work/) - Having a robust business communication and collaboration solution provides your employees with the necessary tools to work in an efficient environment whether in the office, at home, or on the go.
- [Prevent Complex Email Threats with AI and Domain Fraud Technology](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/prevent-complex-email-threats-with-artificial-intelligence-and-domain-fraud-technology/) - Prevent advanced email threats, such as ransomware and email impersonation, with an AI and domain fraud technology, securing all points of risk—not just the email gateway.
- [Efficiently Secure Your Customers' Microsoft 365 Data](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/efficiently-secure-your-customers-microsoft-365-data/) - As businesses rapidly adopt the cloud to accommodate remote work requirements and enhance productivity, a new risk has emerged—unprotected data in cloud applications.
- [Cybersecurity Best Practices for Today's Businesses](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/cybersecurity-best-practices-for-todays-businesses/) - The last few years have been one of digital transformation for businesses of all sizes. CMIT franchises have helped their clients navigate these changes.
- [Why Humans Create Security Risks](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/why-humans-create-security-risk-and-what-to-do-about-it/) - Your business could be one accidental click away from a devastating data breach, but with the right education in place, your employees can be transformed from liabilities into assets in your battle against cyberattacks.
- [Leveraging Co-Managed IT](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/leveraging-co-managed-it/) - Working with in-house IT teams vs. full outsource. Security issues, technical support and maintenance, increasing cost of IT, and compliance issues are just some of the challenges faced Today.
- [What You Can Do to Protect Yourself in This Cybercrime Landscape](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/what-you-can-do-to-protect-yourself-in-this-cybercrime-landscape/) - What every employee must know about the top two cyber attack methods for small businesses, and their role in protecting the company.
- [Business Continuity Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond](https://cmitsolutions.com/webinars/business-continuity-today-tomorrow-and-beyond/) - Ensure attackers don't have leverage over your business by learning about Intelligent Business Continuity and how a true virtualized production environment works.

## Press

- [Kaseya Joins CMIT Connect Live! 2025 as Leading Sponsor](https://cmitsolutions.com/article/kaseya-joins-cmit-connect-live-2025-as-leading-sponsor/) - We are proud to announce that Kaseya is the Diamond Sponsor of CMIT Connect Live! 2025, our annual conference where innovation, leadership, and collaboration come together to define the future of IT. Kaseya is a global leader in IT management and security software. Their partnership with CMIT Solutions reflects a shared commitment to empowering local
- [CMIT Solutions Acquires Wright Technology Group, Strengthening Presence Across Greater Providence Region](https://cmitsolutions.com/article/cmit-solutions-acquires-wright-technology-group/) - Nation’s Leading IT Provider Acquires Regional MSP Expands Presence Across New England PROVIDENCE, RI – CMIT Solutions, a leader in offering enterprise-class IT solutions at accessible prices to small and medium-sized businesses, has announced the acquisition of Wright Technology Group (WTG), a Southern-Massachusetts-based managed service provider. Howard Wright, WTG’s President, will remain on board, ensuring
- [CMIT Solutions Acquires Velox Systems to Bolster IT Services and Expand Regional Footprint in Oregon](https://cmitsolutions.com/article/cmit-solutions-acquires-velox-systems/) - Nation’s Leading IT Provider Adds Advanced Automation and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Expertise to its Corporate Portfolio PORTLAND – CMIT Solutions, a leader in offering enterprise-class IT solutions at accessible prices to small and medium-sized businesses, has announced the acquisition of Velox Systems, a Central Oregon-based managed service provider. Jordan Smith, Velox’s CEO, will

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