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Stay informed on the latest news, cybersecurity threats, and tips in IT that affect your Chicagoland business.

The Smartest Way to Organize Shared Folders (and Stop Losing Files)

Let’s be honest — shared folders often feel like digital junk drawers. You open a drive to find 42 versions of the same file, a sea of unlabeled PDFs, and a folder name…

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The Smartest Way to Organize Shared Folders (and Stop Losing Files)

Let’s be honest — shared folders often feel like digital junk drawers. You open a drive to find 42 versions of the same file, a sea of unlabeled PDFs, and a folder name…

Cybersecurity, IT Consultant

Blueprints to Backups: How AEC Firms Can Protect Their Project Data

In architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), data is the foundation of every project. From CAD files and BIM models to project timelines and financial document…

Why One-Click Email Attacks Are Your Biggest Liability

It only takes a single click to trigger a devastating cybersecurity incident. One-click email attacks, where a user clicks a malicious link or opens a harmful attachmen…

How to Secure Donor Data Without Breaking the Bank

Nonprofits face a unique challenge. You’re mission-driven, resource-conscious, and focused on impact. But with limited budgets and lean teams, investing in high-end cyb…

The Secret to Predictable IT Costs

Ever opened an IT invoice and felt your stomach drop? One minute, you think everything’s running fine. The next, you’re staring at a bill that looks more like a surpris…

Why We Enforce Cybersecurity Training

Protecting People, Data, and Business Continuity Cybersecurity training might not generate headlines or boost sales, but make no mistake—it’s one of the most cost…

What’s a Patch, and Why Do We Keep Installing Them?

If you’ve ever been prompted to “install an update” or “restart to apply changes,” you’ve encountered a patch. While it might seem like just another minor annoyance, es…

How Long Should Business Laptops Really Last?

If your business laptops are starting to feel sluggish, freeze up randomly, or take forever to load basic apps, you might be wondering: How long are these things suppos…

Budget, Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity on a Budget: 6 Must-Do Steps for Small Businesses

Cybersecurity may seem like a luxury for organizations with deep pockets, but today’s threat landscape doesn’t discriminate based on budget. Small businesses are increa…

Hardware, IT Consultant

The #1 IT Problem That’s Wasting Your Employees’ Time Every Day

Your team is losing hours of productive time every week and it’s likely not from laziness or poor planning. It’s from slow, outdated, and poorly maintained computers. W…

7 Alarming Signs Your Business Is a Target for Cybercrime

Cybercrime is not a matter of “if” but “when” for many businesses. While large corporations dominate headlines, small and medium-sized enterpris…

Keyboard Shortcuts That’ll Make You Look Like an Office Wizard

Here’s a roundup of essential keyboard shortcuts to help you save time, streamline your tasks, and navigate your computer like a pro. Not only will they help you work m…

Hardware, Tech(know)logy

What to Do When Your Wi-Fi Acts Up

A Simple Troubleshooting Guide for Non-Techies Let’s be honest — nothing tanks a productive day faster than Wi-Fi issues. You’re on a Zoom call. You’re uploading a file…

What an IT Audit Really Tells You

As a managed services provider (MSP), we often see businesses focused on the day-to-day operations of their technology. While keeping the lights on is crucial, neglecti…

Sick of IT Headaches? Here’s Why Your Tech Keeps Breaking

If you feel like your business is constantly dealing with slow computers, crashing software, or never-ending password resets, you’re not alone. IT headaches are one of…

VPNs: The Right Way to Use Public Wi-Fi Without Getting Hacked

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it can also be a security nightmare. When you connect in places like coffee shops or airports, your personal information is vulnerable t…

Why Is Your Internet So Slow? The Hidden IT Issues You Didn’t Know About

Few things are more frustrating than slow internet, especially when you are trying to run a business. Video calls freeze, cloud applications lag, and employees lose val…

Windows 10 End of Support: A Looming Deadline for Your Business

The clock is ticking. Microsoft’s official end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. This means that after October 2025, your Windows 10 computers w…

4 Ways Hackers Can Infiltrate Your Business Using Email

Email, the lifeblood of modern business communication, is also, unfortunately, a prime target for cybercriminals. A successful email breach can cripple a business, expo…

How Much Should Your Business Spend on Cybersecurity?

Cyber threats are a big deal for businesses of all sizes. The average cost of a data breach has reached $4.88 million in 2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous…

Cybersecurity, News

The Largest Student Data Breach in U.S. History: What Schools and Parents Need to Know

The recent PowerSchool data breach, potentially the largest student data breach in U.S. history, has sent shockwaves through the education community. This incident, ste…

4 Phishing Scams You Won’t See Coming

Phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, posing significant threats to businesses of all sizes. In 2023, a staggering 94% of organizations reported bein…

Stop Paying for Emergency IT Support

Invest in Smarter Solutions When it comes to managing IT, many businesses take a “fix it when it breaks” approach, thinking it’s the most cost-effective option. On the…

How Your Business Can Outsmart New Phishing Tactics

“Dear Sir or Madam, I have an urgent business proposal for you.” Sound familiar? Once laughably easy to spot, phishing scams have transformed into sophisticated attacks…

Software, Tech News

Should You Upgrade Or Replace Your Devices? A Guide For Windows 10 Users

Windows 10’s end-of-life is looming, and with support officially ending in October 2025, it’s decision time for businesses and individuals still relying on the operatin…

Cybersecurity, Tech(know)logy

Why Are Password Changes Required?

Everything from your bank account to your pet’s vet records lives online, so keeping your data safe is beyond important. And yet, few things are as universally hated as…

Boost Your Business with AI: Top AI Tools for SMBs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a buzzword—it’s reshaping how businesses operate. In fact, 82% of companies are already adopting or exploring AI technolog…

Invest Smart and Save Your Business From Costly Losses With Scalable IT Solutions

How you invest in your business’s technology can make or break your bottom line. However, for most business owners, investing in technology can be overwhelming. W…

Don’t Take the Bait: How to Report Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are fraudulent messages designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account details. The…

Cybersecurity, IT Consultant

Resolutions for Business Security in 2025

How confident are you in your business’s ability to withstand a cyberattack? On January 1, 2025, many organizations will continue operating with the same outdated…

7 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your IT Provider

When it comes to IT support, most business owners assume “good enough” is just that – good enough. But what if your IT provider is actually putting your business…

Cybersecurity, Tech News

New Year, New Tech: Top IT Upgrades To Supercharge Your Business In 2025

January isn’t just for fresh starts and ambitious resolutions – it’s the perfect time to evaluate your business’s technology needs. As we step into 2025, staying…

5 Ways AI Can Help Small Businesses Compete with Big Corporations

Small businesses face a unique challenge: they need to operate efficiently and provide excellent service, often with fewer resources than large corporations. Artificial…

2025 Cybersecurity Predictions

Cyberthreats have evolved so quickly that what once seemed like science fiction is now reality. From AI-driven cyber-attacks to the power of quantum computing, the cybe…

Medical Identity Theft: Are You a Victim?

Medical identity theft is an escalating threat, as criminals increasingly exploit personal health information for fraudulent activities. In 2023, medical identity theft…

Unlocking Productivity: Copilot Features for Businesses

Productivity is directly correlated with time management. And that’s directly tied to profit. Great, productive IT service provider teams make their companies a lot of…

Maximizing Workplace Productivity With A Year-End Tech Refresh

Before the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the last 12 months and assess how technology is helping – or holding back – your business productivity. Ke…

Online Shopping Safety: 7 Essential Tips for Businesses and Employees

It’s a busy time of year. Employees are getting hammered with work. They are about to start taking some time off for friends and family. They’ve got gifts to buy. And p…

Cyber Insurance, Cybersecurity

Cyber Insurance For Small Business: Why You Need It And How to Get Covered In 2025

In 2024, cyberthreats are no longer just a big-business problem. In fact, large corporations with deep pockets are not the primary target for most cybercriminals. Less…

The Top 5 Reasons You Need to Switch to Managed IT for Business Growth

Managed IT services are becoming a crucial component not just for businesses looking to protect themselves but also for driving scalability and growth. In fact, the ave…

Is Your Social Security Number Leaked?

Here’s How To Find Out And What To Do Next By this point, most people’s Social Security numbers (SSNs), a.k.a. one of the most important pieces of data assigned to you…

Avoid A Holiday Tech Meltdown With Better IT

Ah, the holiday season – when everything gets festive, sales go up and your to-do list grows longer than your wish list. For businesses, this time of year can be make-o…

How to D.E.F.E.N.D Your Small Business Against Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your data, holding it hostage until a ransom is paid – hence the term ransomware. These attacks continue to be a sig…

Hardware, Software

5 Options If Your Windows 10 PC FAILS The Windows 11 Compatibility Test

As you likely heard, Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025. This means Microsoft will no longer offer free security updates, non-security updates an…

Was Your Information Compromised From The National Public Data Breach?

National Public Data confirmed in September 2024 that a hacker has compromised the personal records of millions of individuals. The information exposed includes the nam…

How to Choose the Best Hardware for Your Growing Business

Growing a business is an exciting journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to technology. As you expand, ensuring you have the righ…

Hardware, Tech(know)logy

6 Ways Your Phone Is Tracking You

Have you ever casually talked about a product or service while your phone was nearby and then suddenly started seeing ads for it on your social media feed? Your phone i…

The Top 5 Data Breaches Of 2024

This year has been a busy one for cybercriminals, with some massive data breaches making headlines and costing companies millions. From healthcare giants to project man…

5 Signs Your Business Might Need Managed IT Services

Running a business is tough enough without constantly battling IT issues. If you’re starting to feel like tech troubles are eating up too much of your time and sa…

9 Common Cybersecurity Myths That Could Be Putting Your Business at Risk

Think cybersecurity is just a game of cat and mouse? Think again. These common myths are luring businesses into a false sense of security, and cybercriminals are loving…

Microsoft Copilot Techniques To Boost Business Productivity

Even if you’re tired of hearing about AI, the reality is that those who embrace it, find the tools that work and learn how to use them efficiently WILL get ahead of tho…

5 Signs It’s Time To Update Your Software (And How To Do It Safely)

Software updates can feel like a nuisance, but skipping them is one of the easiest ways to leave your systems vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hackers are constantly lookin…

Budget, Hardware

Evaluating the Total Cost of Ownership in Hardware Procurement

When it comes to hardware procurement, many executives focus on the initial purchase price. However, a comprehensive evaluation should include the Total Cost of Ownersh…

The S.E.C.U.R.E. Method To Stop Phishing E-mails

Phishing attacks are the most common cybercrime attack for one reason…they work. Every day, over 3.4 billion spam e-mails reach unsuspecting users’ inboxes. Phishing e-…

Cloud, Cybersecurity

The Top 3 Cloud Security Challenges and How to Mitigate Them

You’ve probably seen dozens of cloud security incidents make headlines recently. However, the explanations are usually too vague or wrapped up in technical jargon that’…

Time’s Running Out: Windows 10 Support Ends in October 2025

Important News: Microsoft will NO LONGER support Windows 10 after October 2025! While these PCs will still work after the official end date of October 14, 2025, Microso…

6 Ways Cybercriminals Are Exploiting MFA Weaknesses

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) has long been touted as a robust security measure, significantly enhancing account protection beyond simple password-based systems. In…

Cybersecurity on a Budget: Essential Tools and Practices for SMBs

In the world of small business, every penny counts. As small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly finding themselves on the radar of cybercriminals, so d…

Understanding the Signs of a Phishing Attack

Phishing attacks used to be easy to spot — obvious, poorly written emails that practically screamed “fraud.” Now, not so much. Over time, these attacks have evolved int…

AI, Cybersecurity

How Can AI Be Used as Your Next Line of Defense?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is going through a tech renaissance. From college students using ChatGPT for assistance on their assignments; to social media platforms usi…

Understanding the Importance of Cybersecurity in Schools

Imagine the following: you’re a public school student. Every day you wake up, take the bus to school, go to classes, eat lunch in the cafeteria, attend an after-school…

Budget, Software

Out With the Old: Managing the Shift Away from Legacy Systems

Change is scary. But when it comes to securing the longevity of your business’s cybersecurity and general tech functions, it’s necessary. This is especially the case if…

Cybersecurity, News

What’s Causing the Wave of Healthcare Cyberattacks?

Healthcare institutions are hypervigilant when protecting their digital data—at least, they should be. Patients trust their providers to keep their information confiden…

An SMB’s Ten Step Guide to Cybersecurity Strategies

To keep your business’s operations running smoothly, you want to ensure you are on top of cybersecurity. Hackers, phishers, and data breachers alike are hungry to explo…

Data Breaches and Data Privacy: Keeping Your Information Safe

Cybercriminals view your company’s confidential data as a goldmine. Employee SSNs, medical records, and bank statements are just a few examples of information stolen an…

What Drives Cybercriminals To Do What They Do?

The year is 1989. Sir Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist working at a European particle physics laboratory known as CERN, just wrote the first proposal for an abstrac…

Making The Most of Your Tech Budget Through Goal Prioritization

Staying on top of the latest tech trends is a surefire way to keep your SMB on clients’ radars. It comes as no surprise then that 66% of businesses plan to increase the…

Protecting Your Business in a Hybrid Work Environment

Two things have been on the rise since March 2020, hybrid work environments and cyberthreats. With 74% of employers now offering hybrid work, businesses are more likely…

Insights and Strategies for Combating Top Cyber Threats to Local Governments

In recent years, cyberattacks targeting government bodies have surged drastically, with a staggering 95% increase since the second half of 2022. This trend should be se…

Understanding and Mitigating Third-Party Risks: Ensuring the Security of External Partnerships

Imagine shaking hands with a potential business partner, only to realize later they have a nasty case of digital plague. That’s the hidden danger of third-party r…

The Hidden Pitfalls of Cyber Insurance

Cyberattacks have become a crucial risk for any company, no matter its size: the global average cost of a data breach crested a record $4.35 million in 2023. As cyber t…

The 12 Best Questions to Ask Your IT Consultant to Ensure Tech Success

When it comes to finding an IT consultant, there are many variables to consider. You might ask questions like, “Does this company specialize in the services my business…

The Rise of Hacktivism: What Chicagoland Businesses and Government Agencies Need to Know

Hacktivism, the act of hacking, or breaking into a computer system, for a politically or socially motivated purpose, has shown that digital platforms are potent venues…

Cloud Solutions for Small Businesses: What You Need to Know

Cloud solutions provide businesses with affordable, flexible, and safe options compared to old-school IT setups. According to a 2023 SBE survey, 93% of small businesses…

Understanding the Impact of Recent PCI-DSS Updates on Your Business

Initially launched in 2004 by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and JCB, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) protects cardholder info…

Phishing in Focus: The Recent LastPass Incident

Recently, businesses have faced a troubling uptick in security breaches, with LastPass users finding themselves repeatedly in the crosshairs of sophisticated cyber atta…

Why Every Business Needs a Solid Cybersecurity Awareness Training Program

With the alarming rise of global cyber threats, businesses face unprecedented risks of data breaches and cyberattacks. In 2024, the United States has already witnessed…

Tips and Tricks to Maximizing Productivity With Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a handy program that’s improved our productivity since 1983 and is still going strong. When you think about word processors, Microsoft Word is probably…

The Ultimate Guide to Integrating AI into Your Business Operations

Incorporating AI technology into business processes can revolutionize the way organizations operate by fostering innovation, efficiency, and growth. Recent studies cond…

5 Innovative Ways to Leverage ChatGPT for Business Growth and Efficiency

Imagine a tool that knows your business almost as well as you do, one that anticipates your needs, streamlines your day, and empowers your growth. This might sound like…

Why Every Chicagoland SMB Needs an IT Consultant: A Guide to Elevating Your Business

Every Chicagoland small and medium-sized business (SMB) faces unique challenges that can either propel them to success or leave them struggling to keep up. This is wher…

Maximizing Your Microsoft 365 Investment With Managed Services

For years, Microsoft 365 has been a powerful cloud-based platform helping businesses of all sizes work smarter and more efficiently. With features like cloud storage, e…

Prepare Your Business for Success With IT Compliance Audits

In society, there are certain rules we abide by to ensure the safety and well-being of not only ourselves but the people around us. From traffic laws to health and safe…

A Guide to Implementing Effective IT Disaster Recovery Plans for Chicagoland Businesses

In Chicagoland, where unpredictable weather mirrors the unstable cybersecurity landscape, businesses encounter a unique set of challenges that can disrupt operations an…

The Essential Role of IT Partnerships in Managing Software Vulnerabilities

In the constantly shifting terrain of technology, the reality that no software is immune to vulnerabilities has become a cornerstone of cybersecurity strategy. These vu…

The Benefits of Long-Term IT Service Provider Relationships for a Robust Cybersecurity Infrastructure

Having a go-to company for technical mishaps is a must. Not only can it save you a ton of headaches, it creates a reliable IT support system that understands your syste…

Understanding What Happens When Passwords Are Compromised

Think of your passwords as the digital keys to your personal and professional life. Sure, they’re convenient, but they always come with a lurking risk – the threa…

The Best of Both Worlds: How Hybrid IT Can Fortify Your Business’s Cybersecurity

The rate of cyber attack attempts doubled last year, rising to 104%. Businesses are desperately seeking sanctuary. Enter Hybrid IT, an IT model that embodies the best o…

Securing the Future: The Strategic Importance of Routine IT Audits

Regular IT audits are not just a routine checkup; they’re a strategic view into the foundation of your business’s technological framework. These audits are…

People walking around office, LeadingIT, Cybersecurity

Revolutionizing the Workplace: The Impact of Microsoft Copilot and Generative AI

AI has been a game changer in the workplace, opening up new possibilities for productivity and creativity across all fields. One of the major players driving this chang…

Teacher in classroom with students, LeadingIT, Cybersecurity

Protecting Student Data: Cybersecurity Best Practices for Educational Institutions

Educational institutions are custodians of a wealth of sensitive information, making student data privacy a paramount concern. As these institutions increasingly integr…

Zero Trust, LeadingIT, Cybersecurity

The Rise of Zero Trust Architecture and What It Means for Your Business

True to its name, Zero Trust architecture follows a simple guiding principle ─ trust no one. As we enter 2024, it becomes imperative to reevaluate your existing cyberse…

Inside supply warehouse, LeadingIT, Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Challenges in the Manufacturing Supply Chain

Gone are the days when supply chains were simply a means of transportation and warehousing. Now, they have become an intricate network of digital components, with cyber…

Computer with code on screen, LeadingIT, Cybersecurity

Why Dark Web Monitoring Is a Vital Tool for Cyber Protection

Cybercriminals leverage the anonymity of the dark web to orchestrate attacks and monetize stolen information. And, despite a growing number of cybercrime services on th…

Public building, LeadingIT, Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Essentials for Municipalities: Safeguarding Public Data

Municipalities are sitting on a goldmine of sensitive data; from personal information to critical infrastructure details. Cyber-attacks pose an ever-looming threat to l…

Graphic Design, LeadingIT, Cybersecurity

Navigating the Top 10 Technology Challenges for Business Success

From the relentless threat of cyberattacks to the complexities of data privacy and compliance, businesses are confronted with a host of critical technology challenges t…

Graphic design, LeadingIT, Cybersecurity

How Microsoft Copilot Transforms Office Productivity While Aiding Small Business IT Support

Today’s business environment is more complicated than ever. While some workers are surrounded by their colleagues in an office building, others are logging in from home…

Computer laptop and money, LeadingIT, Cybersecurity

Why Break-Fix Small Business IT Support is Costing You More

What’s your go-to strategy when something breaks at work? If your answer leans toward reactive solutions, you might be practicing something we call break-fix IT. This a…

Ransomware Attacks, LeadingIT, Cybersecurity

Are Cybersecurity Breaches and Ransomware Attacks Preventable?

In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, the year 2023 has been particularly alarming, witnessing an unprecedented surge in ransomware attacks—a staggering 95.4…

Calculator phone, LeadingIT, Cybersecurity

Navigating IT Budgets: 7 Steps For Strategic Investments in 2024

The mantra for 2024 is clear: Targeted IT investments for maximized business impact. As businesses globally prepare to invest an astounding $5.1 trillion in IT—an 8% in…