What's Up With Shadow IT? Sounds cool; is not cool. So you’ve got a document you need to send to your accountant yesterday… but the file’s too big to attach in an email. What’s there to do? The correct answer is to contact your IT team (us!) so we can...
About the Author
Ellie Shaw
Cyber Treats: ClickFix Attacks
Forget Everything You Know About Ransomware Well, don't do that exactly, but keep this in mind: Interlock ransomware doesn't necessarily arrive in your inbox disguised as a fake invoice or urgent payment request. This threat lurks on legitimate websites that have...
How To Plan For A Ransomware Attack (Avoid Losing Everything and Paying Massive Ransoms)
Why Having a Plan Pays Off How To Plan for a Ransomware Attack (and Avoid the Worst-Case Scenario) "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." I've seen this Chinese proverb recently adapted to describe business continuity:...
In-House vs. Outsourced IT: Total Cost Analysis for Peoria Businesses
A comprehensive guide to understanding the true costs of IT staffing decisions for Central Illinois organizations Executive Summary Bottom Line: For most Peoria businesses with 25-150 employees, outsourcing IT to a managed service provider costs 40-60% less than...
Cyber Treats: Three AI Tools We Love
Listen to the Cyber Treats podcast below, made with AI, then learn how to make your own! AI tools are everywhere these days, but which ones are actually worth your time? Here are three that our team swears by—and some crucial security tips for using them safely....
Cyber Treats: How Hackers are Stealing Millions With Zero Coding Experience (Inside the RaaS Economy)
Play Cyber Treats Trivia We've made a short trivia quiz to test your cybersecurity knowledge! Click here to play on Interacty or paste https://interacty.me/projects/7328b43acd252461 into your address bar. Ransomware-as-a-Service: When Hackers Get...
Cyber Treats: Firewalls, and Why Your Business Can’t Go Without One
Ever wonder what stands between your sensitive data and hackers? It's not just antivirus software. Say hello to my little friend. Firewalls are small boxes that filter network traffic, providing security and control over what’s allowed into your system. Hardware...
Got a Digital Lucky Charm?
Luck is Not a Cybersecurity Strategy. While lucky shamrocks and leprechauns make for charming tales over a pint, they make dangerous cybersecurity strategies. Protect your data with more than wishful thinking. Many businesses operate with the "luck of the Irish"...
Protecting Against Cyber Attacks
What makes a business a target? Cybercriminals are scanning for targets across every industry and every size of business. Let's explore who they're targeting and, more importantly, how to keep your organization off their radar. Industries Commonly Targeted by...
Cyber Treats: Tax Time Tech Tips
What was it Ben Franklin said?Maybe that the only two certain things in life are phishing scams and taxes? Something like that... According to IRS data, tax scams spike in January and February and intensify through April. Last year, scammers targeted numerous business...
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Recent Posts
CMMC 2.0 Compliance for Manufacturers: What Central Illinois Defense Contractors Need to Know
The Time for Adoption is Now CMMC 2.0 certification is now required for manufacturers bidding on Department of Defense contracts in 2026. Phase 1 implementation began November 10, 2025, which means self-assessments are already appearing in new solicitations across the...
Why Central Illinois Manufacturers Are Prime Targets for Cyber Attacks in 2026
Central Illinois manufacturers face growing cyber threats because they combine high-value intellectual property, operational technology that's difficult to update, and connections to larger supply chains. Attackers know that production downtime costs manufacturers...
AI-Fluent Leaders: A Practical AI Webinar Series for Business Owners and Executives
AI isn't waiting for you to figure it out. It's already in your business—whether you've approved it or not. Your employees are experimenting with ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and automation tools right now. Some are saving time. Others might be exposing sensitive data...
How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Provider in Peoria, IL: A Central Illinois Business Owner’s Guide
The recent rise in ransomware attacks targeting Central Illinois businesses has made one thing clear: cybersecurity is no longer optional. Whether you're running a manufacturing facility in East Peoria, a medical practice in Bloomington, or an agriculture business in...
Cyber Treats: AI is Changing the Game for Business Leaders and Hackers Alike
Phishing emails sound human. Deepfake voices clone your CFO. Malware adapts mid-attack.AI attacks are getting scarier. But here's the other side: AI also powers business growth. Automation accelerates operations. Intelligent tools sharpen decision-making. The...
