In the realm of IT infrastructure, certain devices are pivotal to the daily operations and success of businesses. These are known as business critical devices, and understanding their importance is key to maintaining smooth operations. Here's an exploration of what business critical devices are and why they matter.

Microsoft is once again finding ways to make life easier for your business with Windows 11. If you ever work on your phone as well as your PC, you’re going to love the new “Hand Off” feature that’s being tested right now. The idea is this:

When you store your data in the cloud, a common concern is, “Is my cloud data backed up?” Cloud providers typically employ built-in redundancy, meaning your data is automatically stored across multiple servers in various physical locations. However, it’s crucial to recognize that redundancy isn’t the same as a traditional backup.

When someone leaves your business, you might be so wrapped up in the rush of everyday tasks, you forget to delete their login details. It’s easy to overlook. You’ll get around to it later, right? But unused login details could be a ticking time bomb for security breaches.

The internet has come a long way since its inception, transforming from a military experiment into a fundamental part of our daily lives. Let’s take a journey through its history and see how it has evolved over the years.

A solid-state drive (SSD) is a data storage device known for its speed, reliability, and efficiency. Unlike HDDs that use spinning disks, SSDs rely on flash memory chips to store data. This key difference results in faster performance and enhanced durability.

Picture this: You come into work one morning, turn on your computer, and a message pops up: “Your files have been encrypted. Pay $50,000 to get them back.” This is ransomware—a type of cyberattack that locks you out of your own data until you pay a ransom.

As we head into 2025, the cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, with new threats and challenges emerging every day. From AI-powered cyberattacks to sophisticated phishing schemes, it’s critical that your business is prepared to defend itself against these ever-changing risks. But where do you start, especially if you're not an IT expert? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. 

CompTIA has long been a cornerstone of the IT industry, known for its certifications and training that have helped countless professionals build their careers. Over the past couple of years I’ve had the opportunity to participate in CompTIA’s committees developing support and materials for the MSP world.

With the always evolving cyberthreat landscape and increase in cyber attacks, how we store our data has evolved dramatically. Thanks to the rise of cloud computing, we now have multiple options for data storage. But now begs the question, what is the difference between cloud data storage and locally stored data.

The traditional way of securing a business network was to put a “wall” around it—like locking the doors to your office. But in 2025, with employees working remotely and data stored in the cloud, that’s no longer enough. That’s why more businesses are adopting a “Zero Trust” approach to cybersecurity. 

Cybercriminals have gotten smarter. Instead of just attacking your computer systems, they’re targeting the people in your business—using tactics like phishing and social engineering to trick your employees into handing over sensitive information. And the number of these attacks is expected to rise in 2025. 

As a business owner, you might not spend much time thinking about what version of Windows your computers are running. But here’s the thing: if you're still using older versions of Windows, it could soon put your business at risk. In 2025, several versions of Windows will reach “End of Life,” meaning they’ll stop receiving security updates. This could leave your systems vulnerable to attacks. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech giants anymore. In fact, it’s quickly becoming one of the most powerful tools for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to stay competitive. By 2025, AI will be essential for streamlining operations, improving customer service, and helping businesses like yours make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Running a business comes with risks and cyberattacks are becoming one of the biggest threats. That’s why many companies are turning to cybersecurity insurance—a type of insurance designed to protect you from the financial fallout of a cyberattack. But is it right for your business in 2025? 

As a business owner, you’re already juggling a lot—customers, employees, finances—but there’s something else you need to keep an eye on: data privacy regulations. These are the rules that govern how businesses collect, store, and use customer data. And if you don’t follow them, you could face hefty fines. 

The way we work has changed. In 2025, many businesses will continue to operate with remote or hybrid work models, where employees split time between the office and working from home. While this flexibility is great for business, it also creates new cybersecurity risks. 

Your business likely depends on other companies to supply goods, services, or technology. But did you know that a cyberattack on one of your vendors could impact your business, too? In 2025, supply chain cybersecurity will be a hot topic as more businesses become aware of this hidden risk. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping businesses in amazing ways—from automating tasks to improving customer service. But what happens when cybercriminals use AI to their advantage? In 2025, we’re going to see a rise in AI-powered attacks, making it harder for businesses to stay safe. 

Over the past couple of years, working from home has become incredibly important. In the past, everyone worked in the office, so that's where all the data lived. But now, with the big push for remote work and downsizing office space, how do we give people access to the data they need?