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...
Tag: cybersecurity
Cyber Treats: The Cybersecurity Crystal Ball
Cybersecurity Crystal Ball We don't have one... but we can get pretty close by examining the top cybersecurity concerns of business and IT leaders as we enter the new year. Why gen-AI tops the list of technology concerns: The rise of generative AI has resulted in...
Cyber Treats: “We’ll Get to It Later?”
Paying a premium? Make sure you qualify for the payout. Cyber liability and data breach insurance policies can protect your business in a cyber attack, but only if you have the required protections in place. Picture this: A mid-sized manufacturing company felt their...
How Private is That VPN?
And should your business use a VPN? The Truth About Some Popular VPN Apps “Thanks so much to (insert VPN provider here) for sponsoring this video.” Sound familiar? VPNs bill themselves as a safeguard against getting your identity stolen on the internet, but many...
Cyber Treats: Ready for a Quiz?
CONGRATULATIONS to the winner of the October Popcorn Giveaway, Jenni of JM Industrial Supply! Watch for our next drawing in November--you could be our next winner! Ready to put that cybersecurity knowledge to the test? We've put together a Halloween-themed...
Cyber Treats: Cybersecurity, IRL
More than software stacks and complex passwords. Some cybersecurity vulnerabilities are surprisingly simple—and visible. These tips go beyond the virtual. Let’s go irl! A goofy desktop background is the best-case scenario here… Before you step away from your desk,...
Cyber Treats: QR Codes and How to Scan for Scams
QR codes are convenient, but cybercriminals use them for scams, too—usually to get you to download malware or reveal sensitive information. Protect yourself from QR phishing scams with these quick tips: Inspect the source: Only scan codes from trusted entities. Check...
Cyber Treats: Afraid of the Dark (Web)?
Welcome to our new subscribers who we met at this week’s ILA conference! What exactly is the dark web? The internet is comprised of layers. The surface web, or what we most likely think of when we imagine “the internet,” is only the tip of the iceberg. Beyond that,...
Cyber Treats Weekly: The Truth About Vendor Cybersecurity
Practicing good cybersecurity takes effort and buy-in across your company. Cyber fatigue is real (read our blog on that phenomenon and how to fight it) and it effects every kind of company. New research from Gartner estimates that 45% of organizations will experience...
Need a Business Continuity Plan? Start Here
In case of disaster, what’s your safety net? Regulations from the government and insurance companies are making business continuity a hot topic. If you find you’re suddenly in need of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), working with a managed service provider might be...
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What Does 24/7 IT Support Actually Mean, and What Should Your SLA Include?
24/7 IT Support Around-the-clock IT support means a real person is available to respond to your technology emergencies at any hour, any day of the year. But "24/7 support" is one of the most overused and under-defined promises in the managed IT industry. Some...
The True Cost of IT: What Peoria Businesses Actually Pay for Managed Services
A Guide to Managed Services Pricing for Peoria and Central Illinois Managed IT services in the Peoria and Central Illinois market typically cost between $100 and $200 per user per month. Nationally, that range stretches from $110 to $400 depending on what's included,...
Managed vs. Co-Managed IT: Which Model Fits Your Business in Peoria?
Managed IT means an outside provider handles all of your technology — helpdesk, security, monitoring, planning, and vendor management. Co-managed IT means that provider works alongside your existing internal IT person or team, filling gaps in coverage, expertise, or...
Switching IT Providers in Peoria: What to Expect When You Move to Facet
Switching IT providers does not have to be painful — but it does require a plan. In our experience, the vast majority of transitions are completed within 30 days for small and mid-sized businesses across Peoria and Central Illinois. The only time it runs longer is...
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...
