VoIP services every modern business should know about
As more companies embrace remote and hybrid work, reliable communication tools have become essential. Traditional phone systems often limit flexibility and add unnecessary costs. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions bridge those gaps, providing a secure, cloud-based way to manage voice, video, and chat from anywhere. Below are the VoIP services shaping the future of workplace communication. Core communication services VoIP makes communication easier by delivering multiple tools through a single internet-based system: Voice calling with clear, reliable connections that rival traditional phone lines Video meetings that enable live collaboration across locations Instant messaging for quick, real-time communication Unified messaging that merges voicemail, email, and even fax into one interface These essential tools streamline day-to-day communication and eliminate the need for separate apps or devices. Cloud-based phone services A hosted, internet-based phone system gives businesses flexibility and cost control without the burden of managing physical infrastructure. Popular cloud VoIP options include: Hosted PBX systems that come with advanced features such as auto-attendants, voicemail to email, and call forwarding — without on-site hardware SIP trunking that connects existing phone systems to the internet, reducing costs while improving call quality and scalability Cloud extensions that allow remote or hybrid employees to access the same features available to in-office staff By moving your phone system to the cloud, you simplify maintenance and ensure your communication tools grow alongside your business. Mobile connectivity services Work happens everywhere today, and mobile VoIP enables your team to stay connected no matter where they are. Benefit from: Mobile VoIP apps that turn smartphones and tablets into fully functional business phones Virtual business numbers that let employees take calls on personal devices while keeping their privacy intact Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) support that allows for secure, managed use of personal devices for company communication Cross-device syncing that keeps call logs, messages, and contacts consistent across platforms Mobile VoIP solutions extend flexibility to your workforce while maintaining the professional standards your customers expect. Smart software and device services VoIP technology integrates seamlessly with both software and hardware, allowing businesses to customize their communication setup. Some common solutions are: Softphones that let employees make calls directly from their computers or mobile apps VoIP desk phones that provide high-definition sound, programmable keys, and easy integration with other systems Call center software with intelligent call routing, analytics, and CRM integrations for better customer engagement Conference systems that support multiparty meetings and screen sharing over secure connections With these tools, teams can collaborate effectively and stay connected through any device or workspace. Integrated collaboration services The real power of VoIP lies in how it unifies communication across your organization through: Unified communication platforms that merge voice, video, chat, and file sharing into one system CRM integration that connects communication data with customer records for more personalized service Interactive voice response (IVR) menus that guide callers efficiently or provide self-service options Call analytics that give managers real-time insight into call performance, response times, and service quality These capabilities simplify internal communication and create smoother, more responsive customer interactions. AI-driven communication services Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining how businesses use VoIP, enhancing productivity, streamlining workflows, and delivering more responsive customer experiences through: AI voice agents that handle routine tasks such as scheduling, lead capture, and support calls with natural, human-like speech Conversational IVR systems that understand spoken requests and route callers automatically Real-time transcription and translation that support multilingual and global teams Agent assist tools that provide on-call insights and recommendations to help staff resolve issues faster Smart call routing that uses context and sentiment to connect customers to the right representative By integrating these intelligent tools, companies can automate repetitive tasks, reduce wait times, and offer seamless, around-the-clock service. Ultimately, switching to VoIP isn’t just about upgrading technology. It’s about transforming how your business communicates. By consolidating voice, video, and messaging into one reliable platform, VoIP reduces costs, improves scalability, and strengthens collaboration across any location. Invest in smarter communication today and equip your organization with the VoIP solutions that drive connection, efficiency, and long-term success.
Copilot Chat now part of Microsoft 365: What you need to know
Microsoft has officially embedded Copilot Chat into its 365 suite — free of charge. It now lives as a side panel in your documents and spreadsheets, ready to help with writing, number crunching, and brainstorming on demand. Let’s unpack how this integration works, what’s new inside the free tier, and why it matters for modern workplaces. What’s changing with the Copilot Chat Integration? Previously, access to Copilot Chat required a separate application or a paid add-on. Under that model, users or businesses needed to purchase an upgrade, leaving many unable to access AI features without an extra expense. Earlier versions of Copilot also operated in separate windows or standalone apps, forcing users to switch windows. Now, the assistant appears as a built-in side panel inside familiar apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. This contextual interface means Copilot can “see” what you’re working on and respond accordingly. For instance, it can suggest rewrites or summaries in Word, analyze selected data in Excel, and draft quick responses in Outlook. Capabilities and features of Copilot Chat The free integration offers a wide range of intelligent features, including: Drafting and editing: Compose, rewrite, or refine content directly inside your document. Summarizing: Condense long text, emails, or notes into digestible summaries. Analyzing data: Identify trends, generate formulas, or create charts in Excel. Transforming content: Turn text into lists, tables, or slides instantly. Brainstorming and ideation: Generate ideas or outlines for reports, projects, or presentations. Image upload support: Ask Copilot to interpret charts, diagrams, or screenshots. Capacity for larger prompt inputs: Type longer, more natural questions and requests. Upgraded model performance: The integration leverages ChatGPT-5 for improved accuracy, fluency, and contextual understanding. What remains behind the paywall While current Microsoft 365 users can access a wide range of Copilot Chat features, certain high-level functions remain exclusive to premium tiers: Cross-app intelligence: Paid versions allow Copilot to pull insights across multiple Microsoft 365 apps and shared data sources. Advanced automation and agents: Custom workflows and AI-driven task sequences stay premium-only. Priority processing: Faster response times and larger usage limits are reserved for paid subscribers. Enterprise-grade compliance and data governance: Businesses needing deeper audit trails and control features will still require a premium plan. Extended memory and conversation history: Free users get shorter context windows, while premium users benefit from persistent memory across sessions. How this shift can transform workflows Embedding Copilot Chat directly into Microsoft 365 lowers the barrier to everyday AI adoption. Users no longer need a separate app or license to get meaningful AI assistance. That means faster document drafting, quicker insights, and smoother collaboration across teams. For businesses, it gives an immediate productivity boost built right into the tools they already use. If you’d like to learn more about how Microsoft 365’s new Copilot Chat can streamline your operations or boost productivity across your team, contact us today for expert guidance on setup, adoption, and actionable steps.
Microsoft OneDrive for Web, simplified
For business owners, Microsoft OneDrive for Web is a game-changer in managing files online. However, if you’re unfamiliar with its interface and functions, getting started can be overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the basics of OneDrive and show you how to upload, organize, and share your files. What is Microsoft OneDrive for Web? OneDrive for Web is a cloud storage service from Microsoft that enables seamless file storage, access, and sharing online. With OneDrive, your team can upload documents, photos, videos, and more, then easily access them from any device with an internet connection. How to use OneDrive for Web Here’s a quick guide to getting comfortable with the OneDrive for Web interface: Getting started To use OneDrive for Web, you need to set up a Microsoft account. If you’re an existing Microsoft 365 user, setting up OneDrive is as simple as logging on to onedrive.live.com and signing in. Upon login, you should be able to see the OneDrive home screen. At the top of the main pane, you’ll see cards highlighting key files, such as documents you’ve recently worked on, files shared with you, or projects you’ve been tagged in. Click any card to open the files in its corresponding app, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, within a new browser tab. In the navigation pane on the left, below your username, you’ll find the Home section. It displays recently opened files, your own and those shared with you. Below Home, you’ll find additional sections for navigating your files: My files: View all your files and folders. Click to open a folder and manage its contents. Recent: Return to files you recently accessed. Photos: Review the photos stored in OneDrive. Shared: Access files shared with you, or ones you’ve shared with others. Recycle bin: Find files you’ve deleted temporarily. Uploading, creating, and organizing files To upload files, start by clicking + Add new at the top-left of the interface. From the dropdown, click either Files upload to add individual files or Folder upload for entire folders. After selecting the files or folders from your device, click Open to begin the upload. You can also create new Microsoft 365 documents directly in the interface. Click + Add new, then pick the type of file you want to create, such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. These newly created files will automatically sync to your OneDrive account. To keep things organized, you can also create folders. Click + Add new, then choose Folder. Give your folder a name and optionally assign it a color for easy identification, then click Create. Once created, you can move files into folders by simply dragging and dropping them into place. Sharing files for real-time collaboration To share a file, hover over it and click the Share icon. You can invite specific people via email or create a shareable link. Set permissions for viewing or editing, and, with Microsoft 365, you can add expiration dates or passwords for extra security. For wider access, share files with everyone in your organization. Once a file is shared, others can collaborate in real time, with changes visible instantly. Accessing files anywhere With your files stored in the OneDrive system, you’ll be able to access them anytime as long as you’re online. But even when you’re offline, your work can continue uninterrupted — files marked for offline access in OneDrive are always available to view and edit. To make them accessible offline, right-click the desired folder, then click Always keep on this device to download it to your device. Managing permissions and stopping sharing To manage file sharing, click the three-dot menu next to a file or right click it, then select Manage access. From there, you can stop sharing or adjust permissions. Note that, with Microsoft 365, your IT admin may restrict certain sharing options for security. If you need further guidance on how to maximize OneDrive for Web or want to explore other cloud solutions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
The viral video playbook: Dominating TikTok, Reels, and Shorts
The playbook for video marketing has been completely rewritten. A modern strategy now focuses on TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Discover how to develop content that grabs attention instantly and use the algorithm to grow your brand at scale. The modern video blueprint: Speed, authenticity, and engagement Success on today’s most popular online video platforms is built on three pillars: Speed: You must deliver a hook (i.e., a compelling message or captivating visual) within the first three seconds. The primary goal is to give viewers a reason to stop scrolling right away. Authenticity: Online viewers crave genuine, unpolished content. A video shot on a smartphone that shows the real people behind your brand will often outperform a slick, high-budget studio production. Engagement: The goal has shifted from passive views to active conversation. This requires leveraging trends, using interactive features, and creating content that people feel compelled to share, save, or comment on. Proven video marketing strategies, reimagined for the scroll Timeless video marketing strategies evolve rather than disappear. Below, we explore how traditional concepts have adapted to fit today’s vertical-video platforms: Micro-explainers and animated content Explaining a product or complex idea remains a vital marketing goal, but the method has changed. The era of long explainers has been replaced by microexplainers. Using quick cuts, bold, animated text, and trending audio, you can highlight a key product benefit or feature in under 30 seconds. Testimonials through user-generated content The most effective customer testimonials are those that come directly from your audience. Encourage your community to share their experiences through unboxing videos, product reviews, or by showing how they use your service in their daily lives. This user-generated content provides a level of authenticity and social proof that a scripted video simply cannot replicate. Behind-the-scenes glimpses People connect with people, not just brands. Offering a glimpse behind the curtain is a powerful way to build trust and community. Use Shorts and Reels to post raw, day-in-the-life clips of your team packing an order, brainstorming ideas, or celebrating a milestone. These moments humanize your brand and make your audience feel like they’re part of your journey. How-to videos and tutorials Educational content is one of the fastest ways to establish your brand as an authority. On the vertical feed, the most effective how-to video is a quick hack that offers practical solutions. Frame your tutorials as high-value tips that help your audience overcome a common challenge. Live streaming Live video on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok is a versatile, engaging tool for building community. Go live to host Q&A sessions, unbox new products with your audience, or ask for real-time feedback on a project. This unscripted, interactive format fosters a direct and personal connection with your followers. Mastering the new tools: Trends, audio, and algorithms Creating great content is only half the battle. True success comes from mastering the digital ecosystem in three ways: Use trending audio to boost your reach: TikTok and Reels algorithms prioritize videos featuring popular songs or sound clips. By incorporating trending audio, you can tap into a large, preexisting audience, increasing your chances of being discovered. Leverage interactive features: Make use of interactive features such as poll stickers, Q&A boxes, and Duet/Stitch options to encourage audience collaboration. These tools transform passive viewers into engaged, active members of your community. Feed the algorithm: To succeed on these video platforms, you need to post consistently. It’s more effective to share a short, simple video every day than a perfect one once a month. The key is to regularly provide the algorithm with fresh content to share with new audiences. The era of passive video consumption is over. The businesses that win today are nimble, authentic, and deeply engaged with their community. It’s time to stop thinking like an advertiser and start thinking like a content creator. Our IT experts are ready to help you navigate evolving technology trends, providing actionable insights you can implement in your business today. Get in touch with us to get started.
From malware to phishing: Protecting your business from today’s cyber menaces
Malware, phishing, and DDoS attacks are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to digital threats facing modern businesses. This guide breaks down these risks and explains how to protect your business from them. Whether it’s using strong passwords, monitoring your network for suspicious activity, or educating your employees, taking these steps will help fortify your business against cybercriminals. Malware Malware refers to any malicious software designed to steal data, disrupt operations, or damage computer systems. This umbrella term covers various cyberthreats such as: Viruses – self-replicating programs that spread from computer to computer Spyware – software that secretly monitors and collects personal information Adware – programs that display unwanted advertisements Trojan horses – malicious software disguised as legitimate programs Ransomware – software that blocks access to your data until you pay a ransom To safeguard your business from malware, you should have top-notch anti-malware protection in place. You also need to educate your team about common malware types and emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious links, websites, and files to prevent infection. You can implement these and other security measures yourself, or you can team up with a managed IT services provider (MSP) who can handle all this for you, easing the burden of managing your cybersecurity and giving you peace of mind. Phishing Phishing is a deceptive practice where cybercriminals send fraudulent messages that appear to come from trustworthy entities to trick victims into revealing personal or financial information. Such scams often lead to identity theft, financial loss, and data breaches. You can protect your business against phishing scams by conducting employee security awareness training where you can teach your team to spot common phishing signs, including: Urgent requests for personal information – Keep in mind that legitimate businesses rarely ask for sensitive data through email. Suspicious links or attachments – Hover over links to check the actual URL before clicking. Avoid opening attachments from unknown senders. Poor grammar and spelling – Phishing emails often contain grammatical or spelling errors. Generic greetings – Emails that address you as “Dear Customer” or “Dear User” are likely phishing attempts. Imitation of trusted brands – Cybercriminals often mimic well-known companies to gain trust. By teaching your employees to recognize these red flags, you can significantly reduce your business’s risk of falling victim to a phishing attack. Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) A DDoS attack happens when cybercriminals bombard your servers with overwhelming amounts of traffic, causing these to crash or become inaccessible. This disruption can significantly impact your business operations, making it difficult for customers to access your services and employees to do their jobs. DDoS attacks can be difficult to defend against because they can come from multiple sources at the same time. The effects can be long-lasting, with recovery sometimes taking days or even weeks. An MSP can help protect your business from DDoS attacks. They can continuously monitor your servers, swiftly identify and counteract malicious traffic, and create a detailed response plan to minimize downtime if an attack occurs. Password attacks In a password attack, cybercriminals try to break into your systems by stealing or cracking passwords. They may use brute-force methods (i.e., trying countless password combinations) or use social engineering tactics to get people to reveal their passwords. Using weak or repetitive passwords makes your business an easy target for these attacks. Once in your systems, cybercriminals can steal data, install harmful software, or cause other damage. To protect against password attacks, require your employees to use strong, unique passwords. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA requires users to provide more than just their password to access systems. This means even if a cybercriminal gets hold of an employee’s password, they’ll still need another form of identification to get in. Understanding these common cyberthreats is the first step to safeguarding your business. To better boost your company’s security posture, partner with a trusted MSP like us. We can provide expert guidance, implement security measures, and respond to incidents effectively.
One simple app that gives you back control of your Android screen rotation
Ever found yourself wrestling with your phone, trying to get the screen to stay put? Perhaps you’re reading an article in bed, and a slight shift of your hand flips the screen sideways, or you’re trying to show a photo to a friend, and it just won’t orient correctly. This free app puts the power back in your hands, giving you precise control over when and how your screen rotates. Why Android’s built-in rotation still falls short Android has always offered auto-rotation controls; either you let your phone decide when to flip the screen or you turn that feature off completely. But let’s be honest: neither option really gets it right all the time. Too often, your phone flips the screen when you don’t want it to, or refuses to rotate when you need it to. It’s clunky, inconsistent, and doesn’t account for context. Enter Rotation Control, an app so straightforward and smart, it might just become your new must-have. What this app actually does Rotation Control gives you complete authority over how and when your screen rotates. It lets you: Set a default rotation: Establish a primary orientation for your device’s screen. For example, you can lock your phone in portrait mode as the standard setting. Create exceptions for specific applications: Override the default rotation for certain apps. You can permit applications such as YouTube or your camera to rotate automatically to landscape mode while all other apps remain locked in the default orientation. Customize by scenario: Assign distinct rotation behaviors for different situations, such as when your device is charging, during a phone call, or when connected to a Bluetooth speaker. How to set up Rotation Control To begin, simply download the Rotation Control app from the Google Play Store. Upon installation, grant the required permissions to ensure optimal functionality, then select your preferred default rotation mode. For most users, “Forced Portrait” is the best place to start. This setting locks your screen in vertical orientation at all times, regardless of how you tilt your device. From there, you can set up exceptions for specific scenarios. For example, you might allow your phone to automatically rotate only when using landscape-friendly apps such as YouTube, Google Maps, or your camera. Dive into the “App Orientation” setting to customize screen behavior on a per-app basis, letting media apps rotate while keeping communication apps (e.g., Messages or Gmail) locked in portrait. Once configured, the app runs quietly in the background, keeping your rotation preferences exactly as you’ve defined. Pro tip: Long-press the rotation icons during setup to get a quick explanation of what each symbol means. Is it free? Yes, the core features are completely free and functional. However, the $4 premium upgrade for Rotation Control removes all ads and unlocks extra features such as on-demand manual rotation, floating controls for quick access, and Tasker or Locale integration for automation. It also adds the ability to back up and restore your settings, so you can save your setup or switch devices seamlessly. Rotation Control: A surprisingly big quality-of-life upgrade Rotation Control isn’t flashy, but it’s the kind of background tool that quietly saves you from daily annoyances. Once it’s set, it just works — no micromanaging, no pop-ups. Looking for more technology tips to simplify your daily life? Reach out to our team today.
iOS 26 camera updates: How to make the best of the flash feature
Apple has redesigned the camera interface with iOS 26, placing the flash control in a more accessible location for quicker use and smarter photography. However, if you’re finding the update a bit confusing, this guide breaks down the flash feature in iOS 26, covering its various modes and when it’s best to apply them. Finding the flash in iOS 26 In iOS 18, the flash button was positioned in the upper-left corner of the screen. Now, in iOS 26, the flash control has moved to the right corner when in portrait mode and to the top-left corner in landscape mode. To toggle between Off and Auto, simply tap the icon. To turn the flash on, long press this icon. Alternatively, to make sure you’re on the right setting, you can press and hold the flash icon until a list of options appears. Then you can tap your choice instead of cycling through them. When you’re done, simply tap anywhere else on the screen to close the menu. For a more deliberate selection, follow these steps: Open the Camera app. Tap the menu button — two rows of three dots in the top right corner of the screen in portrait orientation or the left in landscape mode. Tap the Flash icon to cycle through On, Off, or Auto. Flash settings explained: What they do and when to use them Learn how each flash setting works and when to choose the right one for your photos. Flash On: Force the flash to fire This setting forces the flash to activate with every shot, regardless of the lighting conditions in your environment. The Flash On mode is most effective in the following situations: Dark indoor settings: In places such as clubs, basements, or poorly lit rooms where there’s little or no natural light, the flash provides essential illumination. Backlit scenes: When your subject is in front of a bright background, such as a window, the flash helps reduce shadowing, ensuring a well-lit subject. Moving subjects: In low light, the flash can momentarily freeze motion, minimizing blur caused by movement. However, avoid using the flash when you’re too close to the subject, as it can overexpose and flatten features. Flash Off: No flash, no matter what With Flash Off, the flash is completely disabled, allowing you to maintain natural lighting and avoid distractions, perfect for well-lit environments. Flash Off is most effective in the following scenarios: Atmospheric lighting: This mode is ideal for intimate settings such as candlelit dinners, cozy corners with lamps, or golden-hour sunsets where the flash would ruin the ambiance. Shiny or reflective scenes: In scenes with glass, mirrors, or glossy surfaces, turning off the flash helps prevent glare and lighting distortion. Places where flash is discouraged: Flash Off is essential in environments where flash photography is either prohibited or considered disruptive, such as museums, theaters, and concerts. Auto Flash: Let your iPhone decide The Auto setting uses onboard sensors to evaluate the lighting conditions in real time, activating the flash only when necessary. Auto flash is ideal for the following situations: Mixed lighting: Use Auto in environments with fluctuating light, such as indoor/outdoor spaces, shaded areas, or cloudy days. Everyday photography: Auto is perfect for quick, spontaneous shots of friends, pets, or food, especially when you don’t want to worry about manual adjustments. Fast and easy mode: If you’re unsure whether the flash is required, Auto eliminates the guesswork, letting the camera handle the decision for you. Additional flash tips To maximize your flash usage, consider these additional tips: Use flash for fill light: Even in outdoor settings, the flash can help reduce harsh shadows, particularly under eyes or hats. Avoid red eye: To prevent red eye, try stepping back slightly and avoid shooting directly head-on; angling your shots can make a big difference. Experiment: In tricky lighting situations, take one shot with the flash and one without to compare the results. Use a diffuser trick: Soften the harsh light from the flash by holding a tissue or white card in front of it (just be sure not to block the lens). The iOS 26 Camera app makes using the flash simpler and smarter, but understanding when to take control is key to getting the best results. Whether you choose to set the flash to On, Off, or Auto, making the right choice can significantly improve your photos. For more tips on using your iOS 26 device or other Apple products, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help.
Getting your calls answered: How businesses can rise above the scam call noise
Scam calls have become so common that many people avoid picking up their phones altogether. That puts businesses in a tough spot, as even legitimate calls get ignored. This article explains why customers hesitate to answer, the hidden costs for businesses, and practical steps you can take to rebuild trust and get your calls through. Why customers don’t answer calls anymore Phone scams have grown into a daily nuisance, making people instinctively cautious about answering unknown numbers. Every time a fraudulent caller poses as a bank, government agency, or delivery service, it chips away at trust. Over time, customers stop picking up altogether just to stay safe. What makes the situation worse is caller ID spoofing. which allows scammers to disguise their number so it looks familiar or local. This makes it nearly impossible for the average person to separate a real call from a fake one. When customers hesitate to answer, businesses pay the price. Each missed call could be a lost appointment reminder, service update, or delivery confirmation, potentially leading to lost sales, operational issues, and customer frustration. How businesses can use VoIP services to get calls answered Modern Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services provide tools and features designed to help your business stand out from scam traffic and build customer trust. Use these strategies to get more of your calls answered: Partner with a provider who filters scams: A quality VoIP provider actively screens and blocks suspicious traffic, making it less likely that your outbound calls are lumped in with high-volume robocalls. When your number isn’t being routed alongside shady activity, it’s far less likely to be flagged as spam. Register your numbers: Telecom carriers and industry databases allow businesses to register official numbers. Doing so signals to networks that your calls are legitimate. For example, a business sending out payment reminders could avoid being mislabeled as a scam if the number is properly registered. Use branded caller ID: Instead of appearing as “Unknown” or just a ten-digit number, a branded caller ID displays your business name and even your logo. Customers immediately recognize who’s on the line, reducing doubt about whether it’s safe to answer. Send contextual previews: Adding a short description such as “Appointment Reminder” or “Delivery Update” to the caller display gives customers context before they even say hello. A clear preview reassures people that your call has value and relevance to them. Mix in other channels: Calls are more effective when they’re supported by other forms of communication. A quick text or email with a heading that says “we’ll be calling shortly to confirm your installation” primes the customer and sets expectations. Instead of a surprise, the call feels like a continuation of a conversation, which improves the odds of someone picking up. With the right VoIP features and strategies, businesses can stand out from the competition and provide a more personalized and convenient experience for their customers. For more advice on how to better use VoIP to your advantage, call us today.
Inside the MSP Summit: Kelly Danziger on Informa’s Vision for the Channel & MSP Summit
In this exclusive interview, Kelly Danziger—General Manager and VP of Channel at Informa Tech—shares her journey into the tech space and the strategic direction Informa is taking to elevate the Channel Partners Expo and MSP Summit. 🎙️ Topics Covered: Kelly’s path to leadership in the channel space How Informa is shaping the future of MSPs through innovation and collaboration Highlights from the MSP Summit 2025, including AI, platform strategy, and cybersecurity The importance of open platforms and integration for MSP success Insights from top industry leaders and what’s next for the channel community 📍 Recorded live at the MSP Summit in Orlando. 🔗 Learn more about the summit: MSP Summit 2025 Overview: https://themspsummit.com/ Full Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/WrepddH8eM4 ————————————————— Connect with us! ————————————————— MSP Unplugged https://mspunplugged.com/ Paco Lebron from ProdigyTeks Email: paco@mspunplugged.com Rick Smith from Renactus Technology Email: rick@mspnplugged.com Corey L Kirkendoll from 5K Technical Services https://linkedin.com/in/coreykirkendoll/ Kelly Danziger from Informa Tech https://linkedin.com/in/kelly-danziger/
Goodbye passwords: Why biometric security is the future of mobile protection
As our world becomes more digital, mobile security has never been more crucial. While passwords have traditionally served as the foundation of device protection, biometric authentication is redefining how we safeguard personal information. Using unique identifiers such as fingerprints or facial features, biometrics deliver stronger security and a smoother user experience, surpassing traditional passwords in both convenience and effectiveness. Why passwords are no longer enough The digital age has made passwords a universal necessity. From unlocking our phones to accessing social media and banking services, they are an integral part of daily life. However, this constant reliance has led to password fatigue and poor security habits, such as reusing the same password across multiple platforms or opting for simple, easy-to-guess combinations. These practices create significant security risks, including: Phishing attacks: Scammers trick users into divulging sensitive information or performing specific actions. Brute-force attacks: Hackers use automated tools to test millions of password combinations in seconds. Credential stuffing: Stolen passwords from one data breach are used to gain unauthorized access to other accounts. It’s clear that passwords are now an outdated and fragile defense. The time has come to embrace more secure and innovative solutions. The biometric advantage: Security meets convenience Unlike passwords, biometrics leverage your unique, inherent biological traits to authenticate your identity. These characteristics are incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to replicate, making biometric security far more robust. Biometrics eliminates the risk of someone shoulder-surfing your PIN or using keyloggers to capture your password. It also strengthens financial security since even if a phone or credit card is stolen, transactions requiring a fingerprint or face scan cannot be completed, cutting fraud off at the source. Mobile technology has made biometric authentication widely accessible. Modern smartphones feature advanced biometric tools such as under-screen fingerprint sensors and 3D facial mapping cameras, making secure authentication quick and effortless. Unlocking your device or authorizing payments is as simple as a touch or a glance. A common concern: Protecting user privacy in a biometric world The convenience of biometric authentication raises an important question: if my fingerprint is stolen, I can’t just “reset” it like a password. How is my biometric data protected? Device manufacturers have addressed this security concern by keeping biometric data on the device itself. When you register your fingerprint or face, the information is converted into a mathematical template and stored in a secure, encrypted chip. Your biometric data never leaves your phone, keeping it safe from cloud-based breaches. The next wave: What’s ahead for biometric security Fingerprints and facial recognition are only the beginning. The future points toward more advanced methods such as iris and retina scanning, as well as voice recognition. As mobile devices continue to integrate with the Internet of Things — controlling our homes, cars, and workplaces — biometrics will serve as the unified key to digital security. Stay ahead with advanced biometric solutions designed to safeguard your business data. Reach out to us today to explore how these innovative technologies can benefit your organization.