5 Strategies to keep your business running during disruptions
Businesses are vulnerable to a range of disruptions, including server failures, unexpected power outages, and natural disasters. To mitigate the damage and ensure your company remains operational, it’s crucial to have a business continuity plan (BCP). This article outlines five key BCP tactics every company should implement — strategies that can save you time, money, and valuable resources when things go wrong. Back up your data regularly Think of regular backups as a safety net for your most valuable digital resources. If a system fails or data is lost, having both on-site and off-site backups lets you recover quickly, without scrambling for a solution. On-site backups provide quick access to your data in case of hardware failures or accidental deletions, while cloud-based solutions offer secure, off-site storage to safeguard against physical damage, theft, or natural disasters. Virtualize your IT infrastructure When disaster strikes, flexibility is key. Virtualization enables the creation of digital replicas of physical resources (e.g., servers and desktops), providing a more flexible way to manage computing infrastructure. If your physical machines break down or become inaccessible, virtual machines can be moved to new hardware with ease. This makes it simple to recover your systems and avoid prolonged downtime. Plus, virtualization offers unmatched scalability, so you can quickly adjust to any changes without missing a beat. Install an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) A power outage can wipe out data or cause significant delays. With a UPS, however, your systems can remain operational even during a power outage or an electrical surge. The UPS acts as a backup power source, providing temporary electricity to prevent disruptions, protect your devices, and give you time to save work or switch to an alternative power solution. Have an alternative workspace What would you do if your office suddenly became unusable? Whether it’s due to a fire, flood, or another emergency, having an alternative workspace guarantees your operations can continue without disruption. Setting up a temporary office or arranging a hot-desking plan with co-working spaces gives your team a place to work, even if your primary location is inaccessible. Note that you need to prepare this backup workspace in advance to avoid chaos when the unexpected arises. Leverage cloud solutions for remote work Cloud technology offers unparalleled solutions for business continuity. With cloud services, your employees can access key applications, data, and communication tools no matter where they are. Whether they’re at home or on the go, the cloud allows your team to keep working without interruption. If an emergency occurs, the cloud provides a secure, easily accessible backup, so your business can continue running smoothly. Life is full of uncertainties, and the business world is no exception. Need help setting up your BCP? Contact our team so we can help you handle whatever comes your way.
Think you can spot a phishing email? This new trick is harder to catch
Many people are getting better at spotting phishing attacks from outside sources. But what if the attack appears to come from within your own company? A recently discovered vulnerability in Microsoft 365 is being used to bypass traditional security, making it easier than ever for hackers to send you convincing fake emails that slip past your defenses. The sneaky trick, explained At the heart of this new threat is a Microsoft 365 feature called Direct Send. It was created for a simple, helpful reason: to allow internal office devices, such as printers and scanners, to send you emails — such as a scanned document — without needing to log in with a password. This feature is designed for convenience and is intended only for internal use. However, this convenience has created a security loophole. Because Direct Send doesn’t require authentication, hackers have found a way to exploit it to send phishing emails without needing to steal a single password or compromise any accounts. All they need is a few publicly available details and some guesswork to figure out your company’s email address format. Once an attacker has a valid internal email address, they can use the Direct Send system to send emails that look like they’re from someone inside your organization. And because these emails are routed through Microsoft’s own infrastructure and appear to be internal, they often bypass the very security filters designed to catch suspicious messages. In a recent campaign that affected over 70 organizations, attackers used this method to send fake voicemail notifications containing malicious QR codes, which tricked users into visiting websites that stole their Microsoft 365 credentials. What you can do: Stay alert While the technical fix is up to your IT team, everyone can help prevent these attacks by being cautious. Be suspicious of the sender – Even if an email looks like it’s from a coworker, be wary if the request is unusual. Question internal notifications – Employees are used to seeing notifications from scanners and printers, so they rarely question their authenticity. Think twice before opening attachments or clicking links in automated messages. Beware of QR codes – Be very careful about scanning QR codes you receive in emails, as they may lead you to malicious websites. Report, don’t reply – If you see a suspicious email, report it to your IT department immediately. For your IT department: The technical fix This attack exploits a misconfiguration, not an impossible-to-stop, zero-day threat. Your technical team can take several steps to shut this vulnerability down. Implement strict policies – Enforce strict DMARC and anti-spoofing policies to make it harder for fakes to get through. You should also enable “SPF hardfail” in Exchange Online Protection. Disable or reject Direct Send – Microsoft is working to disable Direct Send by default. In the meantime, you can enable the “Reject Direct Send” setting in the Exchange Admin Center to block this type of attack. Flag unauthenticated mail – Set up rules to flag any unauthenticated internal emails for review. Secure your devices – Treat all network-connected devices, such as printers and scanners, as fully fledged endpoints. This means putting them on segmented networks, monitoring their activity, and restricting what they are allowed to do. Don’t wait for an attack to test your defenses. Contact our cybersecurity experts today for help securing your email systems and for more information on how to protect your organization.
Essential Android apps for maximum productivity
Selecting the right productivity apps can significantly enhance your efficiency when working on an Android device. This article breaks down the best options for specific tasks — word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, storage, document scanning, and working with PDFs — so you can pick the tools that match your workflow. Word processor Whether you’re drafting a report, editing a resume, or jotting down notes, these word processing apps make it easy to write from your Android device: Microsoft Word: Microsoft Word on Android delivers a near desktop-level experience for mobile users, making it ideal for professionals who need reliable document formatting and compatibility. Features such as version tracking, commenting, and templates also allow for robust document editing on the go. Google Docs: Google Docs allows multiple users to collaborate on a single document simultaneously, featuring real-time editing, automatic saving, and an intuitive, user-friendly interface. Because it’s entirely cloud-based, there’s no need to manually save or manage versions; everything is handled behind the scenes. Spreadsheets For crunching numbers, tracking budgets, or collaborating on data with a team, these spreadsheet apps bring powerful tools to your fingertips: Microsoft Excel: Microsoft Excel on Android is ideal for remote employees who need powerful data tools. It supports complex formulas, conditional formatting, pivot tables, and charts, making it suitable for finance professionals and analysts. Cloud syncing with OneDrive and Excel’s desktop integration helps ensure your spreadsheets maintain their structure and formatting. Google Sheets: Google Sheets offers smooth, real-time collaboration and easy sharing options, making it a great pick for teams or classrooms. It includes essential spreadsheet tools such as formulas, charts, filters, and data validation. Even though it’s less powerful than Excel in terms of complex functions, it shines in ease of use and mobility. Presentation If you need to deliver presentations while away from your laptop, these mobile-friendly apps help you create, edit, and present slides on the move: Microsoft PowerPoint: PowerPoint’s Android version brings strong visual tools and familiar functionality to mobile devices. Users can create, edit, and present slides efficiently, even adding animations, images, and notes. Presentations can be shared via OneDrive and projected directly from the device, which is great for professionals who travel or need to give impromptu presentations. Google Slides: The Slides cloud-native app is great for quick updates, team presentations, and lightweight visual storytelling. It works well across devices, and co-editing makes it easy for multiple people to work on the same deck. Storage These cloud storage apps offer secure and flexible solutions to keep your documents accessible, backed up, and easy to share across devices: OneDrive: OneDrive provides smooth integration with Microsoft apps, enabling users to save, sync, and back up documents, photos, and videos. It includes automatic photo backup, robust file versioning, and seamless file access across devices. Business users benefit from tight integration with Teams and SharePoint, while individual users enjoy reliable syncing and document recovery features. Google Drive: Google Drive integrates seamlessly with Google’s suite of productivity tools, providing effortless access to Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It allows users to easily upload, organize, and manage files while offering flexible sharing permissions. Additionally, its built-in document scanning feature lets you digitize paperwork directly from your phone’s camera. Dropbox: Dropbox is known for its fast and reliable file syncing, which is especially useful for sharing large files such as videos or high-res images. Its mobile version supports file previews, comment threads, and shared folders, making it a great choice for creatives and small teams. Integration with third-party apps, such as Adobe and Slack, also adds versatility. Document scanning When you need to digitize paperwork, receipts, or notes, these scanning apps turn your Android phone into a portable document scanner: CamScanner: A long-time favorite, CamScanner uses auto-crop and optical character recognition (OCR) to turn paper files into searchable, shareable digital files. You can save scanned images as PDF, share to cloud storage, and export with decent quality, though the free version includes some ads and watermarks. Adobe Scan: Adobe Scan is focused on clean, professional-quality scans with powerful OCR. Users can scan multiple pages into one file, reorder pages, and save directly to Adobe Document Cloud or local storage. The app also connects with Adobe Acrobat, making it a solid option for those already using Adobe’s ecosystem for document management. PDF tools For reading, annotating, signing, and managing PDFs, these dedicated apps offer both basic and advanced functionality right from your phone: Adobe Acrobat Reader: Adobe’s mobile reader supports a wide range of PDF functions, including viewing, annotating, highlighting, and form filling. Users can also sign documents and store files in the Adobe Document Cloud. A paid subscription unlocks editing, file conversion, and more advanced features. Foxit PDF: Lightweight and fast, Foxit is great for reading and annotating PDFs on the go. It also includes document collaboration tools and cloud sync options. Xodo PDF: Xodo offers a full set of features with no subscription required. Users can highlight text, draw, sign documents, and sync with cloud services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. It also includes multi-user collaboration, allowing for shared annotations and comments. If you’re looking for more solutions to supercharge your workflow, we can provide expert recommendations. Contact us for personalized advice on the right tech stack to keep your business moving forward.
EP 278 Live from Pax8 Beyond with Rob Rae
What would a visit to Pax8 Beyond be without a conversation with the legendary Rob Rae? In this episode, Rob joins us to discuss the latest developments at Pax8 and trends shaping the IT services industry. We also dive into why this is the final Pax8 Beyond event in Denver. Full Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/wjb3-pSyUb8 ————————————————— 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/ Rob Rae from Pax8 https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtrae/
Master your Mac: Keyboard shortcuts to maintain momentum
For most people, using a mouse to navigate their Mac is second nature. But when you’re focused on a task, breaking your flow to reach for the mouse can disrupt your momentum. That’s where keyboard shortcuts come in handy. Whether you need to manage multiple apps, declutter your desktop, or navigate a dozen windows, these Mac device shortcuts will help you get it all done faster. For your convenience, we’ve organized the shortcuts into clear categories based on their function. Organize your workspace Too many open windows can slow down both your system and your brain. Fortunately, there are shortcuts that can instantly clear the clutter so you can concentrate on higher-priority tasks: Minimize current window: Command + M Tuck the active window into the Dock without closing it. Minimize all windows from the same app: Option + Command + M Clear your view when juggling multiple files or browser tabs. Close without quitting everything Sometimes, you only want to reduce the number of open windows or tabs without fully closing an app. The shortcuts below allow you to stay organized without losing your place or restarting the app: Close active window/tab: Command + W Use this when you’re finished with an active window or tab but want to keep the app open for other tasks. Close all windows (keep app open): Option + Command + W Use this when you’re done reviewing documents or browsing but still need the app open for later. Force an app to shut down Apps can freeze, causing frustration, or run in the background, slowing down your Mac’s performance. These shortcuts allow you to regain control over unresponsive apps: Quit an app completely: Command + Q Unlike clicking the red X in the corner of a window, this method is guaranteed to completely close an app. Force quit unresponsive apps: Option + Command + Escape Open a Window’s Task Manager-style menu to shut down frozen software. Instantly force quit the front app: Command + Shift + Option + Escape Shut down the currently active app immediately. Hide what you don’t need If you need to quickly hide sensitive data or simply declutter your screen without closing anything, this shortcut is handy: Hide the current app: Command + H Clear your screen without closing your work. Jump to key folders instantly Save time navigating through Finder. These shortcuts take you straight to the folders you use most often: Applications folder: Command + Shift + A Utilities folder: Command + Shift + U Desktop: Command + Shift + D Home folder: Command + Shift + H iCloud Drive: Command + Shift + I Computer shutdown If you’re in a rush or just want to power off without extra clicks, this shortcut handles it all at once: Full system shutdown: Control + Option + Command + Power or Control + Option + Command + Media Eject Either command closes apps, ends sessions, and powers down your Mac. Screenshot capture Screenshots are not only helpful for tech support, but also great for sharing ideas, keeping a visual record, or logging important information. Mac makes it easy to capture exactly what you need with the following commands: Full screen: Command + Shift + 3 Take a snapshot of your entire screen. Selected area: Command + Shift + 4 Transform your cursor into crosshairs that allow you to select specific areas on your screen. Specific window: Command + Shift + 4, then press Spacebar Take a screenshot of your current window (e.g., browser, Notes app, etc.) without altering its size. Other shortcuts for daily use These underrated keyboard combos streamline everyday Mac tasks: Open Spotlight Search: Command + Spacebar Quickly find apps, files, or even perform simple calculations. Hide/Show the Dock: Command + Option + D Maximize your workspace by hiding the Dock bar. Cycle browser tabs (Safari): Command + Shift + [ or ] Quickly switch between open tabs. Switch between open apps: Command + Tab Bounce between open programs as if flipping through pages in a book. View all browser tabs (Safari): Command + Shift Display all open tabs in a grid for quick navigation. Open app settings: Command + , Access a menu to customize how your apps behave. Reopen closed browser tab: Command + Shift + T Restore a tab you accidentally closed. By mastering these keyboard shortcuts, you’ll save valuable seconds throughout the workday — and that time adds up. Whether you’re using a MacBook, iMac, or Mac Studio, these quick key combos allow you to focus on what you’re doing, not how to do it. For more tips and insights about your Mac, consult with our experts.
The resurgence of private clouds: How advanced solutions are reshaping enterprise IT
The private cloud is experiencing a revival, especially as businesses recognize the benefits of a hybrid strategy. A new generation of private cloud platforms, equipped with advanced features such as automation, elastic scalability, and robust security, is now capable of handling cutting-edge workloads, including AI and big data. This article explores why the private cloud is no longer viewed as a legacy solution and how enterprises are integrating it into their digital transformation initiatives. Private cloud: The new security standard While public clouds offer essential security features, real-world complexities and regulatory challenges are pushing businesses to turn to private clouds for managing sensitive data. Today’s private clouds offer high-level security features, including zero trust architectures, AI-driven monitoring, and strong encryption, making them attractive to businesses with strict data protection and compliance requirements (e.g., healthcare, government, finance). The latest survey from Broadcom reflects this shift, showing that 90% of enterprises trust private clouds for managing their security and compliance. AI and innovation in the private cloud As enterprises look to leverage AI for everything, from advanced analytics to machine learning and real-time data processing, they need platforms that provide exceptional performance and control. The private cloud has increasingly become a go-to environment for these complex workloads. Private clouds today offer end-to-end automation, self-service provisioning, and dynamic scaling — features that were once considered exclusive to public cloud providers. By using private cloud infrastructure, businesses can deploy and manage AI models with lower latency, better control, and enhanced security, helping maintain strict control over sensitive on-premises data. Companies can now also build and manage next-gen applications on their private cloud platforms, benefiting from innovations that were previously available only in public cloud environments. In short, the modern private cloud has evolved into more than just a cost-efficient solution; it is now a robust platform driving digital innovation. Hybrid cloud: Balancing the best of both worlds Public cloud platforms are renowned for their scalability and flexibility. However, as organizations take on increasingly demanding tasks, such as handling big data and running resource-intensive applications, they often require more tailored and specialized environments to meet these challenges. This is where hybrid cloud solutions shine, enabling businesses to place workloads in the optimal environment for their needs. Private clouds are ideal for security-sensitive applications, keeping data under the organization’s control while still taking advantage of cloud capabilities. Public clouds, on the other hand, are perfect for general workloads where flexibility and elasticity are most important. By adopting a hybrid cloud, organizations gain the freedom to optimize their strategies for performance, cost efficiency, and resilience. Private clouds are making a powerful comeback. Is your business ready to embrace the hybrid future? Talk to our expert IT team today, and we’ll help you leverage the cloud and other technologies to meet your goals.
EP 277 Elevating MSPs with 5G: The Rythmz Advantage
In this live episode of MSP Unplugged, recorded at PAX8 Beyond, we sit down with Leonard Dimiceli, VP of Channel at Rythmz. Rythmz is opening up new opportunities for MSPs in the 5G space, helping providers deliver enhanced connectivity and better customer experiences in challenging environments. Leonard shares how their forward-thinking approach is empowering MSPs to expand their offerings and meet client demands in ways traditional solutions can’t. Full Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/dSYr4yEk-pA ————————————————— 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/ Leonard Dimiceli from Rythmz https://www.linkedin.com/in/ldimiceli/
Passkeys explained: The key to safer, smarter online authentication
As the digital world becomes increasingly complex, finding ways to protect personal and business information is more important than ever. Traditional passwords have long been the go-to solution for securing online accounts, but they come with a variety of vulnerabilities. Passkeys offer a more secure and streamlined alternative, reducing the risks associated with passwords and providing a more seamless user experience. What are passkeys? Passkeys are a modern form of digital authentication that uses biometrics (e.g., fingerprints or face scans) or device-based authentication (e.g., a PIN code) to verify a user’s identity. Instead of relying on a static password, passkeys leverage a combination of encryption and public key cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible for hackers to access your accounts. This authentication method is also often more convenient as it lets you sign in with a simple and instant action instead of having to manually type in a string of characters. Can passkeys be stolen? It’s incredibly difficult to compromise passkeys. Passkeys are securely stored on your devices in encrypted storage spaces and protected using private key encryption. The private key is never shared with anyone, meaning that even if hackers access your device, they cannot easily retrieve your passkeys. What happens if you lose your device? If you lose your device, your passkeys remain protected by device lock screens and encryption, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. However, it’s essential to take immediate steps if your device is lost or stolen. Most services allow you to remotely wipe your device or restore your passkeys to a new device so you can regain access to your accounts and data. You should also regularly back up your device and store the backups in a secure location so that if your device is lost, you can easily restore your passkeys. How to use passkeys across multiple devices One of the significant advantages of passkeys is the ability to sync them across multiple devices. Services such as Google Password Manager and iCloud Keychain allow users to store and access passkeys on any device they own, making it easy to maintain secure authentication even if you switch devices. How to create and use passkeys Setting up passkeys is simple, whether you’re using Google, Microsoft, Apple, or other services. Each platform provides step-by-step instructions to create and use passkeys, often through their respective password management systems. With just a few clicks, you can enable passkey authentication for your online accounts, making security simpler and far more effective. Where can you use passkeys? Passkeys are rapidly gaining traction and are now supported by the largest tech platforms. What’s more, crowdsourced platforms such as Passkeys.directory help users find services that accept passkeys, making it easier than ever to transition to this more secure form of authentication. As adoption grows, the list of supported apps and services will continue to expand. What key challenges should businesses watch out for? For businesses, adopting passkeys can improve security across the organization. However, there may be challenges in integrating passkeys with existing systems, particularly for businesses that rely on single sign-on (SSO) solutions — a common security practice for managing multiple accounts. While passkeys are increasingly supported, businesses must ensure their infrastructure can accommodate this new form of authentication. Additionally, there may be a learning curve for employees who are used to traditional password authentication methods. It’s crucial for businesses to provide proper training and support to seamlessly transition to passkeys. If you need expert guidance on how to implement passkeys and other advanced security measures for your business, our team of cybersecurity professionals is here to help. We specialize in creating robust security solutions that protect your accounts and data from evolving threats. Contact us today to learn how we can help you strengthen your digital security.
EP 276 Checking in with Checkpoint – Live from PAX8 Beyond
In this on-site episode of MSP Unplugged, we’re live from PAX8 Beyond with special guest Dave Meister, Global Channel Leader at Check Point Software Technologies. We sit down with Dave to talk about the evolving cybersecurity landscape, how Check Point is enabling MSPs to stay ahead of modern threats, and what’s coming next in partner enablement, AI, and threat prevention. It’s a candid, high-value conversation from the expo floor — packed with insight for today’s security-focused MSPs. Full Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/o6OebkAIETY ————————————————— 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/ David Meister from Check Point Software Technologies https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemeister1/
Why two screens are better than one: The business benefits of dual monitors
Do you find it difficult to stay focused because you’re frequently switching between multiple windows? Dual monitors offer a simple yet effective solution to enhance your workflow. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of dual monitors and how they can help create a more intuitive and efficient workspace.A more organized workspace A more organized workspace Dual monitors give you the ability to create a more structured and efficient workspace based on your workflow. For example, you can designate one screen for communication tools such as email, chat, or video calls, and use the other for focused tasks such as writing, data analysis, or research. By clearly separating tasks, you reduce clutter, minimize distractions, and improve overall organization, allowing you to manage your workload more effortlessly. Boosted workflow and seamless multitasking A Harvard Business Review study involving Fortune 500 companies found that toggling between applications and mentally reacclimating to each window cost the average user four hours per week, equivalent to five working weeks annually. Dual screens eliminate the need to constantly switch between windows; just a quick tilt of your head or glance is all it takes to access what you need. This seamless setup not only saves time but also minimizes mental strain, boosting productivity. At the same time, by cutting out the disruptions of toggling between windows and offering a clear view of all open applications, dual monitors make it easier to stay focused on multiple tasks simultaneously. For example, a software developer can dedicate one screen to their code editor and the other to the application they’re developing or debugging. This setup makes the debugging process more efficient by allowing the developer to view both the code and its output simultaneously. Enhanced team collaboration and communication Dual monitors create an ideal setup for video conferencing and team collaboration since you no longer need to constantly minimize and maximize windows. One screen can display video calls, while the other can show presentations or documents, leading to smoother, more focused discussions. Simplified comparisons Dual monitors are particularly useful for tasks that involve comparison. Having everything visible at once allows you to easily spot differences and make informed decisions without switching between windows or missing important details. For example, when working with spreadsheets — such as monthly budgets or performance reports — seeing them side-by-side makes it easier to identify trends and discrepancies at a glance. Improved ergonomics and comfort Traditional single-monitor setups often lead to awkward head and neck positioning as users twist or strain their bodies to view different applications or windows. This can cause discomfort and even long-term health issues such as eye strain, neck pain, and back discomfort. A dual-monitor setup allows you to position your screens more naturally, reducing the need for constant adjustments or uncomfortable movements. Work-life balance Dual monitors help establish a clear separation between work and personal activities, making it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By dedicating one screen to professional tasks and the other to personal activities such as social media, streaming, or shopping, you can stay focused on work when needed. You don’t need to be a tech expert to set up dual monitors. Modern computers, whether desktops or laptops, often support dual monitor configurations. If you’re unsure how to get started, consult with one of our professionals to help you choose and set up the right monitors based on your workspace.