The Make-Or-Break Factor Failing Business Owners Often Miss

The Make-Or-Break Factor Failing Business Owners Often Miss

by | Apr 1, 2025 | Newsletter

The Make-Or-Break Factor Failing Business Owners Often Miss
When it comes to running a business, most owners consider aspects like quality customer service, reliable products or services, and closely monitored P&Ls as reasons for company success or failure. Most never consider one other sneaky element that is often overlooked as a make-or-break factor because it’s “a boring necessity.” What is it?
Your technology.
The technology you choose to use to run your business shapes and drives your success. Dropped calls can affect sales performance. Poor collaboration tools can slow team communication. However, having effective technology and IT support isn’t just about fixing glitches or installing the right software. It’s about leveraging technology strategically to enhance productivity, secure sensitive data and drive growth in all areas of the business.
As we move into Q2, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how technology impacts your business, what updates you’ve made and how they’ve performed so far and, most importantly, whether your current IT support is helping you thrive or holding you back.
The Cost Of Outdated Or Inadequate IT Support
Many businesses settle for mediocre IT support, thinking it’s cost-effective. However, inadequate IT support can cost your business more than you realize:
  • Downtime And Lost Productivity: Poor IT infrastructure leads to frequent downtimes, impacting productivity and revenue.Consider a midsize company experiencing a server failure during peak hours.
This could halt operations, prevent employees from accessing essential applications and delay customer transactions. Even a one-hour outage can lead to significant revenue loss and damage to the company’s reputation.
  • Security Vulnerabilities: Outdated systems are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cyberattacks increased by 75% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching an all-time high in Q3, as companies experienced an average of 1,876 attacks per week! (eccouncil.org)
  • Missed Growth Opportunities: Companies using outdated systems struggle to keep up with competitors who leverage the latest technology for automation, streamlined communication and data analytics.
For example, take a retail business stuck with legacy POS systems that fails to integrate online and in-store sales data. As a result, they will miss out on valuable insights that could have informed inventory management and marketing strategies, leading to lost revenue opportunities.
  • Employee Frustration And Customer Dissatisfaction: Frequent IT issues can frustrate employees, leading to decreased morale and productivity. Persistent technical problems may cause staff to feel unsupported, potentially increasing turnover rates.
But that’s not all; it can affect your customers’ experiences too. Customers expect seamless interactions. System outages or slow response times can lead to dissatisfaction, negative reviews and loss of business.
Example: Imagine an e-commerce site during a flash sale experiencing downtime that leads to abandoned carts and lost sales opportunities, frustrating customers and damaging brand loyalty.
How The Right IT Support Boosts Your Business
Choosing the right IT support isn’t just about having someone to call when things break; it’s about strategically leveraging technology to optimize productivity, secure sensitive data and support your business growth. Here’s how the right IT support can make a measurable impact:
1. Enhanced Productivity And Efficiency
  • Automation Of Routine Tasks: By implementing automation tools such as Microsoft Power Automate or Zapier, repetitive tasks like data entry, customer follow-ups and invoicing can be streamlined, reducing human error and saving valuable time.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools: Utilizing platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack, along with cloud storage solutions such as SharePoint or Google Workspace, enables seamless communication and real-time collaboration, whether your team is in the office or remote.
  • Customized Software Integration: Integrating CRM systems (like Salesforce or HubSpot) with your e-mail, calendar and project management tools ensures your team stays organized and productive.
Example: A marketing agency that integrated Slack with Asana and Google Drive reduced project turnaround times by 20%, allowing their team to communicate, share files and track project milestones without switching between platforms. <<DELETE OR SWITCH OUT TO INCLUDE YOUR OWN EXAMPLE/TESTIMONIALS>>
2. Robust Cybersecurity Measures
  • Multilayered Security Approach: The right IT partner will deploy multilayered security solutions, including firewalls, endpoint protection and secure e-mail gateways.
  • Zero Trust Security Model: Implementing a zero trust security model with identity and access management (IAM) solutions so that only authenticated users can access company data.
  • Employee Security Training: Cybersecurity awareness training, including simulated phishing attacks, equips employees with the knowledge to identify and avoid security threats.
Example: After implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity plan, including two-factor authentication and endpoint protection, a financial services firm reduced phishing incidents by 70% in six months. <<DELETE OR SWITCH OUT TO INCLUDE YOUR OWN EXAMPLE/TESTIMONIALS>>
3. Strategic IT Planning And Growth
  • Scalable Infrastructure: Implementing scalable cloud infrastructure (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS) allows businesses to grow without the need for costly hardware investments. This ensures your IT environment can handle increased demand during peak periods.
  • Data Analytics And Business Intelligence: Leveraging tools like Power BI or Tableau helps you turn data into actionable insights, enabling data-driven decision-making.
  • Technology Road Maps: Strategic IT partners develop technology road maps aligned with your business goals, ensuring investments in technology that support growth and efficiency.
Example: An e-commerce company used Power BI to analyze sales trends, allowing them to optimize inventory management, which increased sales by 15% during peak seasons. <<DELETE OR SWITCH OUT TO INCLUDE YOUR OWN EXAMPLE/TESTIMONIALS>>
4. Cost Savings And ROI
  • Predictable IT Costs: Managed IT services offer a predictable monthly expense, covering everything from network monitoring and maintenance to security updates. This eliminates surprise repair costs and helps with budget planning.
  • Reduced Downtime Costs: Proactive maintenance and monitoring prevent system failures, minimizing costly downtimes and productivity losses.
  • Cloud Migration And Virtualization: Moving on-premises servers to cloud solutions like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services reduces hardware maintenance costs and energy consumption.
Example: A manufacturing company that migrated to Microsoft Azure saved 30% on IT infrastructure costs while improving system uptime and data accessibility. <<DELETE OR SWITCH OUT TO INCLUDE YOUR OWN EXAMPLE/TESTIMONIALS>>
Key Technologies To Consider When Upgrading
To stay competitive and secure, consider upgrading the following technologies:
  1. Collaboration And Communication Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom and VoIP systems for streamlined communication.
  2. Cloud Solutions And Storage: Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud for scalable infrastructure and storage.
  3. Cybersecurity Solutions: (It’s recommended NOT to DIY cybersecurity. Work with a professional who knows what you need.)
    • Endpoint Protection
    • E-mail Security
    • Multifactor Authentication
    • Identity and Access Management (IAM)
  4. Data Analytics And Business Intelligence: Power BI, Tableau for data-driven decision-making.
  5. Automation And Workflow Management: Microsoft Power Automate, Zapier for automating routine tasks.
  6. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Salesforce, HubSpot for better customer management and sales automation.
  7. Backup And Disaster Recovery: Having a hybrid backup plan is best.
  8. Network Security: Advanced firewall protection is important, but work with a professional to get what your company needs.
  9. Virtualization And Remote Access: So employees can work remotely securely.
  10. Hardware Upgrades:
    • Servers: Upgrading to more powerful, energy-efficient servers.
    • Workstations: Transitioning to SSDs for faster performance.
    • Network Equipment: Implementing Wi-Fi 6 routers and switches for improved connectivity.
Ready To Update Your Tech?
We’re offering FREE Network Assessment to help you evaluate your current IT setup and identify growth opportunities.
Ready To Transform Your Business With Better IT Support?
Call us at 216-800-7800 or click here to schedule and discover how the right IT partner can help you achieve your business goals.

A Rising Threat Every Business Owner Needs To Take Seriously

A Rising Threat Every Business Owner Needs To Take Seriously

by | Mar 24, 2025 | Newsletter

A Rising Threat Every Business Owner Needs To Take Seriously
Business e-mail compromise (BEC) is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous cyberthreats businesses face. While these scams have challenged organizations for years, the introduction of advanced AI tools has made them more sophisticated – and far more dangerous.
In 2023, BEC scams caused $6.7 billion in global losses. Even more alarming, a study by Perception Point revealed a 42% increase in BEC incidents during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period the year prior. With cybercriminals harnessing AI to refine their techniques, this trend is only accelerating.
What Are Business E-mail Compromise (BEC) Attacks?
BEC scams aren’t your average phishing attempts. They’re highly targeted cyberattacks where criminals exploit e-mail accounts to trick employees, partners or clients into sharing sensitive information or transferring funds.
Unlike generic phishing, BEC scams often involve impersonating trusted individuals or organizations, making them far more convincing and effective.
Why Are BEC Attacks So Dangerous?
BEC scams are alarmingly successful because they rely on manipulating human trust rather than malware or attachments, which can often be detected by filters. Here’s what makes them so destructive:
They can result in:
  • Severe Financial Losses: One convincing e-mail can result in unauthorized payments or data theft. The average loss per attack exceeds $137,000, and recovering stolen funds is nearly impossible.
  • Operational Disruption: An attack can grind business operations to a halt, leading to downtime, audits and internal chaos.
  • Reputational Damage: How do you explain to clients that their sensitive data may have been compromised?
  • Loss of Trust: Employees may feel less secure, knowing their organization was vulnerable.
Common BEC Scams To Watch Out For
BEC scams take many forms. Here are a few of the most common:
  • Fake Invoices: Cybercriminals impersonate vendors and send realistic invoices requesting payment.
  • CEO Fraud: Hackers pose as executives, pressuring employees to transfer funds under tight deadlines.
  • Compromised E-mail Accounts: Legitimate accounts are hacked and used to send malicious requests.
  • Third-Party Vendor Impersonation: Trusted vendors are spoofed, making fraudulent requests appear routine.
How To Protect Your Business From BEC
The good news? BEC scams are preventable with the right strategies in place:
  1. Train Your Team Like It’s Game Day
    • Teach employees to spot phishing e-mails, especially those marked “urgent.”
    • Require verbal confirmation for any financial request.
  2. Enforce Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
    • MFA acts as a safety net, even if a password is compromised. Enable it on all accounts, particularly e-mail and financial platforms.
  3. Test Your Backups
    • Regularly restore data from backups to ensure they work. A faulty backup during an attack could cripple your business.
  4. Get Serious About E-mail Security
    • Use advanced e-mail filters to block malicious links and attachments.
    • Audit access permissions regularly and revoke access for former employees immediately.
  5. Verify Financial Transactions
    • Always confirm large payments or sensitive requests via a separate communication channel, like a phone call.
Next Steps For Security
Cybercriminals are evolving, but you can stay one step ahead. By training your team, securing your systems and verifying transactions, you can turn your business into a fortress against BEC scams.
Want to ensure your business is protected? Start with a FREE Network Assessment to uncover vulnerabilities, secure your systems and keep cybercriminals out.
Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today!

Let’s stop BEC in its tracks – before it stops your business.

by | Mar 17, 2025 | Newsletter

Hackers Might Not Ransom You Anymore – They’ll Just Extort You Instead!
Think ransomware is your worst nightmare? Think again.
Hackers have found a new way to hold your business hostage – and it may be even more ruthless than encryption. It’s called data extortion, and it’s changing the rules of the game.
Here’s how it works: They don’t bother encrypting your files anymore. Instead, they just steal your sensitive data and threaten to leak it unless you pay up. No decryption keys, no restoring your files – just the gut-wrenching fear of seeing your private information splashed across the dark web and facing a public data breach.
This new tactic is spreading like wildfire. In 2024 alone, over 5,400 extortion-based attacks were reported worldwide, an 11% increase from the previous year. (Cyberint)
This isn’t just ransomware 2.0. It’s a whole new kind of digital hostage situation.
The Rise Of Data Extortion: No Encryption Necessary
Gone are the days when ransomware simply locked you out of your files. Now, hackers are bypassing encryption altogether. Why? Because data extortion is faster, easier and more profitable.
Here’s how it works:
  • Data Theft: Hackers break into your network and quietly steal sensitive information: client data, employee records, financial documents, intellectual property – you name it.
  • Extortion Threats: Instead of encrypting your files, they threaten to publicly leak the stolen data unless you pay up.
  • No Decryption Needed: Since they’re not encrypting anything, they don’t need to deliver decryption keys. This means they can dodge detection by traditional ransomware defenses.
And they’re getting away with it.
Why Data Extortion Is More Dangerous Than Encryption
When ransomware first hit the scene, businesses were mainly worried about operational disruption. But with data extortion, the stakes are much higher.
  1. Reputational Damage And Loss Of Trust
    If hackers leak your client or employee data, it’s not just about losing information – it’s about losing trust. Your reputation can be destroyed overnight, and rebuilding that trust could take years (if it’s even possible).
  2. Regulatory Nightmares
    Data breaches often trigger compliance violations. Think GDPR fines, HIPAA penalties or PCI DSS infractions. When sensitive data goes public, regulators come knocking with hefty fines.
  3. Legal Fallout
    Leaked data can lead to lawsuits from clients, employees or partners whose information was compromised. The legal fees alone could be catastrophic for a small or midsize business.
  4. Endless Extortion Cycles
    Unlike traditional ransomware, where paying the ransom restores your files, data extortion has no clear endpoint. Hackers can keep copies of your data and re-extort you months – or even years – later.
Why Are Hackers Ditching Encryption?
Simply put: It’s easier and more profitable.
While ransomware is still on the rise – with 5,414 attacks reported worldwide in 2024, an 11% increase from the previous year (Cyberint) – extortion offers:
  • Faster Attacks: Encrypting data takes time and processing power. But stealing data is quick, especially with modern tools that allow hackers to quietly extract information without setting off alarms.
  • Harder To Detect: Traditional ransomware often triggers antivirus and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions. Data theft, on the other hand, can be disguised as normal network traffic, making it much harder to detect.
  • More Pressure On Victims: Threatening to leak sensitive data creates a personal and emotional impact, increasing the likelihood of payment. No one wants to see their clients’ personal details or proprietary business information on the dark web.
No, Traditional Defenses Aren’t Enough
Traditional ransomware defenses aren’t effective against data extortion. Why? Because they’re designed to prevent data encryption, not data theft.
If you’re relying solely on firewalls, antivirus or basic endpoint protection, you’re already behind. Hackers are now:
  • Using infostealers to harvest login credentials, making it easier to break into your systems.
  • Exploiting cloud storage vulnerabilities to access and extract sensitive files.
  • Disguising data exfiltration as normal network traffic, bypassing traditional detection methods.
And the use of AI is making everything faster and easier.
How To Protect Your Business From Data Extortion
It’s time to rethink your cybersecurity strategy. Here’s how to get ahead of this growing threat:
  1. Zero Trust Security Model
    Assume every device and user is a potential threat. Verify everything – no exceptions.
    • Implement strict identity and access management (IAM).
    • Use multifactor authentication (MFA) for all user accounts.
    • Continuously monitor and validate devices connecting to your network.
  2. Advanced Threat Detection And Data Leak Prevention (DLP)
    Basic antivirus won’t cut it. You need advanced, AI-driven monitoring tools that can:
    • Detect unusual data transfers and unauthorized access attempts.
    • Identify and block data exfiltration in real time.
    • Monitor cloud environments for suspicious activity.
  3. Encrypt Sensitive Data At Rest And In Transit
    If your data is stolen but encrypted, it’s useless to hackers.
    • Use end-to-end encryption for all sensitive files.
    • Implement secure communication protocols for data transfer.
  4. Regular Backups And Disaster Recovery Planning
    While backups won’t prevent data theft, they’ll ensure you can restore your systems quickly in the event of an attack.
    • Use offline backups to protect against ransomware and data destruction.
    • Test your backups regularly to make sure they work when you need them.
  5. Security Awareness Training For Employees
    Your employees are your first line of defense. Train them to:
    • Recognize phishing attempts and social engineering tactics.
    • Report suspicious e-mails and unauthorized requests.
    • Follow strict access and data-sharing protocols.
Are You Prepared For The Next Generation Of Cyberattacks?
Data extortion is here to stay, and it’s only getting more sophisticated. Hackers have found a new way to pressure businesses into paying ransoms, and traditional defenses just aren’t enough.
Don’t wait until your data is on the line.
Start with a FREE Network Assessment. Our cybersecurity experts will evaluate your current defenses, identify vulnerabilities and implement proactive measures to protect your sensitive information from data extortion.
Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today!
Cyberthreats are evolving. Isn’t it time your cybersecurity strategy evolved too?

by | Mar 10, 2025 | Newsletter

Cybercriminals Love Tax Season – Here’s How To Protect Your Business
As tax season approaches, businesses are focused on preparing financial documents, filing returns and meeting tight deadlines. Unfortunately, cybercriminals see this busy season where business owners and employees are preoccupied as the perfect opportunity to strike.
Most hackers are looking for ways to exploit sensitive data, scam businesses and create chaos. In today’s blog we’ll share why tax season provides cybercriminals with a huge advantage and how you can stay one step ahead of them.
Why Tax Season Attracts Cybercriminals
1. Increased Exchange Of Sensitive Data
Tax season involves sharing sensitive financial and personal information – both within your organization and with external parties like accountants or payroll providers. This creates multiple points of vulnerability for hackers to exploit, especially through fake e-mails.
2. Tight Deadlines Lead To Mistakes
Under pressure to meet deadlines, employees may be less vigilant about double-checking e-mails, links or file attachments. This makes it easier for phishing scams and malware to slip through.
3. Higher Volume Of E-mails
During tax season, businesses handle a flood of e-mails related to forms, payment requests and compliance updates. Cybercriminals capitalize on this by crafting convincing phishing e-mails that appear legitimate to intercept that sensitive data.
4. Widespread Scams Targeting Taxpayers
Hackers often impersonate trusted entities like the IRS or tax preparation services to trick businesses into sharing confidential information or making fraudulent payments.
Common Tax Season Threats You Need To Watch Out For
  • Phishing E-mails: Fraudulent messages claiming to be from the IRS, your bookkeeper or a tax service, asking for sensitive information or directing you to malicious links.
  • Fake Invoices Or Payment Requests: Scammers send fake invoices or payment demands to trick businesses into wiring money.
  • Ransomware Attacks: Hackers may encrypt critical financial data and demand payment to release it.
  • Social Engineering: Phone calls or e-mails impersonating accountants, payroll providers or other trusted contacts to extract information.
How To Protect Your Business This Tax Season
1. Train Your Team
Educate employees about the latest scams and how to recognize phishing attempts. Teach them to:
  • Verify e-mail senders before opening attachments or clicking links.
  • Be cautious of urgent payment requests or unusual account updates.
  • Report suspicious e-mails immediately.
2. Secure Your Communications
Ensure all data exchanges are encrypted, especially when sharing sensitive tax documents. Use secure portals or file-sharing tools instead of e-mail whenever possible.
3. Implement Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Require MFA for access to financial systems, e-mail accounts and any platforms used for tax-related activities. This adds an extra layer of security, even if credentials are compromised.
We cannot stress the importance of this feature enough. If your password is compromised, this can help save you. If it’s an available feature on any account you have, please set it up.
4. Conduct A Cybersecurity Audit
Work with your IT provider to identify vulnerabilities in your systems before hackers can exploit them. Focus on:
  • Updating software and applying patches.
  • Securing network endpoints and devices.
  • Verifying data backup integrity.
5. Verify All Financial Requests
Double-check payment requests, especially those involving large sums or sensitive accounts. Confirm via a second communication method (e.g., a phone call) to ensure authenticity.
Don’t Let Hackers Score This Tax Season
Tax time doesn’t have to be open season for hackers. By staying vigilant, educating your team and implementing proactive cybersecurity measures, you can protect your business from becoming a victim.
Let’s make sure the only thing you’re filing this season is a successful tax return – not a cybersecurity incident report. Start with a FREE Network Assessment to uncover potential vulnerabilities and ensure your systems are ready to handle whatever comes your way.
Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment now!
If you and your employees’ credentials, passwords and private information are being sold on the Dark Web (I can practically guarantee they are, and the information we dig up will shock you).; IF your IT systems and data are truly secured from hackers, cybercriminals, viruses, worms and even sabotage by rogue employees.; IF your current backup would allow you to be back up and running again …
techspert-data.com

Spring-Clean Your Computer Network: Boost Efficiency and Security with Techspert Data Services

Spring-Clean Your Computer Network: Boost Efficiency and Security with Techspert Data Services

by | Mar 5, 2025 | Newsletter

Spring-Clean Your Computer Network
As Northeast Ohio’s premier IT solutions provider, Techspert Data Services understands that a well-maintained computer network is crucial for your business success. With spring in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to give your IT systems the attention they deserve. Let’s dive into how you can spring-clean your computer network to enhance performance, strengthen security, and drive productivity.
Why Spring-Clean Your IT Systems?
Just as you declutter your office and organize files, your technology infrastructure needs regular maintenance. A thorough spring-cleaning of your IT systems can:
  • Uncover hidden inefficiencies
  • Bolster your cybersecurity defenses
  • Improve overall system performance
  • Reduce costly downtime
  • Allow you to focus on growing your business
Techspert’s Top Strategies for IT Spring-Cleaning
1. Conduct a Comprehensive IT Audit
Start your spring-cleaning with a thorough review of your entire IT environment. Our expert team at Techspert Data Services can help you identify:
  • Outdated hardware nearing the end of its lifecycle
  • Underutilized software licenses
  • Redundant systems that no longer align with your workflows
Pro Tip: Partner with Techspert to prioritize impactful upgrades and maximize your IT budget.
2. Clean Up Your Active Directory
Your Active Directory is the backbone of network security and efficiency. Don’t neglect it during your spring-cleaning:
  • Remove inactive user accounts
  • Verify and adjust user permissions
  • Document all changes for future reference
Remember, a clean directory is a critical layer of protection against potential breaches.
3. Optimize Your Network for Hybrid Work
With remote and hybrid work models here to stay, ensure your network is up to the task:
  • Upgrade your VPN for enhanced security and scalability
  • Review and optimize bandwidth usage
  • Implement secure file-sharing solutions
Don’t forget to assess your third-party vendor relationships to maintain robust security across all touchpoints.
4. Test Your Backup Systems
Backups are essential, but when was the last time you tested them? As part of your spring-cleaning:
  • Perform a full restore to verify backup integrity
  • Document restoration times for critical systems
  • Evaluate if improvements are needed
Remember, a backup is only valuable if it functions when disaster strikes.
5. Reassess Your Cybersecurity Strategy
Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Use this spring-cleaning opportunity to:
  • Review and update endpoint protection
  • Refresh your incident response plan
  • Invest in advanced AI-driven monitoring tools
Stay ahead of the curve by adapting your cybersecurity playbook to address the latest threats.
Trust Techspert Data Services for Your IT Spring-Cleaning
At Techspert Data Services, we’re more than just an IT provider – we’re your technology partner. Our team of experts is ready to help you:
  • Conduct thorough IT audits
  • Implement cutting-edge security solutions
  • Optimize your network for peak performance
  • Ensure your systems are ready for whatever challenges lie ahead
Don’t let outdated or inefficient IT systems hold your business back. Experience the peace of mind that comes with having Northeast Ohio’s premier IT experts on your side.
Get Your FREE Network Assessment Today!
Ready to take the first step towards a cleaner, more efficient IT environment? Techspert Data Services is offering a complimentary Network Assessment to help you identify areas for improvement and optimization.
Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment with Techspert Data Services!
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into your IT systems. Let Techspert help you spring-clean your computer network and supercharge your business!
Ready to spring-clean your computer network and supercharge your business? Contact Techspert now – where technology expertise is in our name!