Managed IT services involve outsourcing your IT management to a third-party provider who takes responsibility for monitoring, maintaining, and securing your technology systems. There are many benefits to engaging with a managed services partner, and they can significantly improve your company's overall efficiency and bottom line. In this blog post, we'll explore the key advantages of using managed IT services, focusing on four key aspects: access to reliable experts, predictable IT costs, proactive patching, and the ability to focus on growing your business.

1) Gain Access to Reliable Experts Ready to Address Any Issues That Arise

One of the primary benefits of managed IT services is having a team of reliable experts at your disposal. IT systems can be complex and challenging to manage, especially when something goes wrong. Whether it's a server crash, network downtime, or a cyberattack, IT issues often require quick resolution to minimize disruptions to business operations. Add the ever-changing technology landscape and it can be difficult to keep up.

With managed IT services, you gain access to a team of experienced professionals who specialize in various areas of IT. These experts are equipped to handle any issues that arise, ensuring your systems stay up and running smoothly. Instead of scrambling to find solutions when problems occur, you can trust that your managed service provider (MSP) will handle the monitoring and troubleshooting for you.

MSP providers offer around-the-clock monitoring of your systems. This means they can detect potential issues before they become significant problems, often preventing downtime before it happens. This proactive approach not only reduces the number of disruptions to your business but also ensures that your IT infrastructure is always operating at its best.

2) Predictable IT Costs: Budgeting for the Future

Managing IT costs can be a headache for businesses, particularly when unexpected expenses arise. The need for equipment replacements, software upgrades, and emergency fixes can quickly drain your budget, leaving little room for other investments. However, managed IT services offer a solution to this unpredictability.

By outsourcing your IT needs to an MSP, your IT expenses become a predictable line item in your budget. Instead of facing surprise costs for unplanned technology upgrades or repairs, you pay a fixed monthly fee for ongoing support and services. This approach allows you to manage your IT spending more effectively and ensures that your business is always prepared for future technology needs.

Additionally, an MSP will work with you to forecast your IT requirements based on your business goals. Whether you plan to expand your workforce, open new locations, or launch new services, your managed IT provider can help you develop a strategic IT budget that aligns with your objectives. This helps you make informed decisions about when to invest in new technologies, and it ensures that your IT systems grow alongside your business.

3) Proactive Patching: Keeping Your Systems Secure

Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. Hackers are constantly developing new methods to exploit vulnerabilities in software and operating systems, putting your company’s data and reputation at risk. One of the most effective ways to protect your business from cyber threats is through proactive patching and patch management.

Proactive patching involves regularly applying updates and security fixes to your business’s servers, operating systems, and software. These patches help address known vulnerabilities, ensuring that your systems are secure and up to date. Failure to apply these updates leaves your systems exposed to the latest security threats, which could result in costly data breaches or system compromises.

With managed IT services, patch management is handled on your behalf. Your MSP will ensure that all necessary updates are applied promptly, so you never have to worry about falling behind on critical security patches. This proactive approach to cybersecurity not only protects your business but also saves you the hassle of manually managing updates or worrying about security risks.

4) Focus on Growing Your Business, Not Your IT Needs

One of the most significant advantages of outsourcing your IT management to a third-party provider is the ability to shift your focus from technical issues to more strategic business matters. When you're not bogged down by IT problems and maintenance tasks, you have more time and energy to focus on what truly matters—growing your business.

Whether it’s expanding your customer base, improving your products or services, or exploring new markets, the less time you spend thinking about IT, the more you can invest in the future of your company. With managed IT services, you can rely on a team of experts to handle the day-to-day management of your technology systems, freeing you up to focus on your core business activities.

Additionally, your MSP can offer valuable insights and advice on how to leverage technology to improve your business processes and achieve your goals. Whether it's recommending software tools to streamline operations or helping you adopt cloud-based solutions to increase flexibility, a good managed service provider acts as a trusted technology partner who can help guide your business to success.

The Strategic Advantage of Managed IT Services

In today’s competitive business landscape, having a robust and secure IT infrastructure is essential to success. Managed IT services offer businesses of all sizes a range of benefits, including access to reliable experts, predictable IT costs, proactive security patching, and the freedom to focus on strategic growth. By outsourcing your IT needs to a trusted provider, you can ensure that your technology systems are always running at their best, while also freeing up valuable resources to focus on what really matters—taking your business to the next level.

Whether you're looking to reduce IT headaches, improve security, or develop a long-term technology strategy, managed IT services offer a solution that can help your business thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Why Outsourcing IT with DMC Technology Group Transforms Your Business appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

User and computer accounts lie at the heart of an Active Directory Domain, controlling who can log into the domain, from which computers, and with access to which resources. The Domain Controllers silently direct all of this traffic and do such a good job of staying "out of the way" that it's sometimes easy to forget about the underlying accounts and systems involved. As computers get replaced with new ones, the older computer object may remain in Active Directory for days, weeks, months or even years. In some cases, those computer accounts may be disabled, as happens when a computer is removed from the Domain. In other cases, the objects may simply continue to exist, untouched and forgotten about.

Similarly, user accounts may be disabled when people stop working for a company, but this is not always an automatic process, and it can sometimes be overlooked. This can lead to user accounts existing in the Domain for some time, often with a static password and with very little attention being paid to it. In cases where Entra Connect is being used to synchronize on-premises user and computer accounts with Entra ID, this can be particularly troubling. An enabled, but disused, user account can provide a possible entry point for malicious behavior.

Often flying even further under the RADAR, Group Policy Objects may be created for initial testing or used to perform a specific task, then forgotten about and left in place long after they've become irrelevant. In many cases, the settings contained in those policies are benign and unimportant, but a large number of applied and unnecessary Group Policy Objects can slow down Group Policy Processing on client computers and add unwanted network traffic between client computers and Domain Controllers. Group Policy issues become more likely, and potentially more disruptive, over many years as network administrators come and go. The combined efforts of several administrators over many years, combined with a reluctance to make changes to policies that are not fully understood, can lead to sprawl, complexity, and the potential for configuration issues on client computers and servers.

This can also be true of login scripts, which can "hide in plain sight" for years, without doing anything of any benefit. A legacy login script may be directing computers to map drives to servers and shares that no longer exist, or printers and print servers that haven't be in production for years. These scripts may be written to prevent error messages from appearing to the end user, but the time it takes to process invalid login script commands may increase login times.

Many companies also have a standard procedure for deploying new servers and computers, and this often involves the use of a standardized password for the local Administrator account. If that account is compromised on any one of the computers on the network, those same credentials can be used to remotely access other computers with the same username and password on them. This lateral movement can allow malicious software or hackers to move rapidly across the network, wreaking havoc and causing devastation as they go.

DMC Technology Group can help identify user and computer accounts that have not communicated with the domain for some time, which can help to identify those accounts that can be disabled or deleted from Active Directory. We can also assist with the implementation of Microsoft Defender for Identity, which can monitor the behavior on the local Domain, and alert administrators when dangerous or anomalous behavior is detected. We can help determine which Group Policy Objects and login scripts are still being used, and which are no longer relevant and can be removed from the network. To help prevent lateral movement, we can help install and configure the Local Administrator Password Service (LAPS) either on-premises using Active Directory or in the cloud, using Entra ID.

It's truly a testament to the longevity and effectiveness of Active Directory that we spend so little time thinking about the accounts, protocols and services that make it all work. But a little "Spring cleaning" now and then can help reduce the complexity of an Active Directory environment and streamline the communication process between client computers and their Domain Controllers. A few hours spent on this kind of tune-up now can yield benefits for months or years to come.

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Why Active Directory Domains Still Matter: The Overlooked Maintenance Tasks That Could Cost You appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

The Upgrade Process: Is Your System Ready?
Windows 11 introduces stricter hardware requirements compared to Windows 10. Before upgrading, devices need to be evaluated to ensure they meet the minimum system requirements. While modest, the system requirements include:

• Processor: A compatible 64-bit CPU with at least 1 GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores.
• RAM: 4 GB or more.
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Display: A high-definition (720p) display, 9” or larger, with 8 bits per color channel.

Microsoft provides a PC Health Check tool to verify system compatibility. This tool is very handy for taking the guesswork out of matching up requirements, especially on shop floor systems, or newly purchased hardware that seems as though it should be compatible. If your device fails the PC Health Check tool, its clear checklist style readout will tell you where things went wrong, so certain issues can be addressed, such as insufficient disk space. However, for some errors, like an incompatible TPM chip or CPU, you simply won’t be able to upgrade that system to Windows 11, and you’ll need to plan for purchasing new hardware.

CPU Compatibility: A Major Roadblock
One of the most significant hurdles for users upgrading to Windows 11 is CPU compatibility. Windows 11 requires a relatively modern processor for compatibility with its newer security features, which excludes many CPUs that were perfectly capable of running Windows 10. For example, Intel 7th Gen processors and older, as well as AMD Ryzen 1st Gen processors, are not officially supported.

This has left some users frustrated, as their otherwise functional systems running Windows 10 perfectly fine, are deemed incompatible. For those systems that can’t be upgraded, but are considered business critical, Microsoft Extended Security Updates may be an option for the short term.

Increased Security in Windows 11
One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade to Windows 11 is its enhanced security features. Microsoft has made significant improvements to protect users from modern threats, including:

• Hardware-Based Security: Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which work together to protect against firmware-level attacks and ensure that only trusted software runs during startup.
• Windows Hello: Improved biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition) for secure and convenient login.
• Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: Enhanced protection against phishing and malicious websites.
• Virtualization-Based Security (VBS): Isolates critical system processes in a virtualized environment to prevent malware from accessing sensitive data.
• Zero Trust Architecture: Windows 11 is designed with a Zero Trust approach, ensuring that users and devices are continuously verified before accessing resources.

These security enhancements make Windows 11 a more robust choice for both individuals and businesses, especially in an era of increasing cyber threats.

Legacy Software: The Hidden Pitfall
Another critical consideration is legacy software. Many businesses rely on older applications that may not be compatible with Windows 11. This is especially true for specialized software for interfacing with hardware like PLCs, or an aging ERP system that is no longer actively developed or maintained.

Before upgrading, businesses should work with a trusted IT Partner to assess their readiness for the upgrade to Windows 11 and do the following:

Check Software Compatibility: Verify with software vendors whether their applications are compatible with Windows 11, or if not, what the timeline for compatibility may be, so you can accurately assess business impact.

Test in a Virtual Environment or New System: Run Windows 11 in a virtual machine or on new hardware to test critical applications before committing user systems to the upgrade.

Explore Alternatives: If legacy software is incompatible, consider finding modern alternatives or running the software in a virtualized Windows 10 environment. Leverage the experience and technical expertise of your IT Services Partner to build a solution that keeps business running with minimal impact.

Failure to address legacy software compatibility can result in disrupted workflows, lost productivity, downtime, and unforeseen costs for software upgrades or additional vendor support.

Windows 10 End of Support: The Clock is Ticking
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14th, 2025. After this date, the operating system will no longer receive security updates, leaving systems vulnerable to new threats. This deadline underscores the importance of planning your upgrade to Windows 11 sooner rather than later.

For businesses, the end of support means they must either upgrade to Windows 11 or invest in extended security updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, which can be costly. While it may seem like October is a long way away, the reality is that there’s no better time to start working with your IT Partners on a plan for upgrading your hardware.

Extended Security Updates for Windows 10
For organizations that cannot immediately upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft is expected to offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, similar to the program provided for Windows 7. These updates will provide critical security patches for up to three years after the end-of-support date, but they come at an additional cost. Businesses should weigh the cost of ESUs against the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 to determine the best course of action.

Key Considerations Before Upgrading

• Backup Your Data: Always back up important files before performing a major upgrade. OneDrive folder syncing and a robust backup platform help to curb fears of a catastrophic loss of user files during an upgrade gone awry.
• Check Hardware Compatibility: Use the PC Health Check tool to ensure your device meets the requirements.
• Evaluate Software Dependencies: Identify and test critical applications for compatibility.
• Plan for Hardware Upgrades: If your system is incompatible, budget for new hardware that supports Windows 11.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Microsoft’s announcements regarding updates and support deadlines.

Conclusion
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is a significant step that requires careful planning. While the new operating system offers many benefits—including enhanced security, a modern interface, and innovative features—the stricter hardware requirements and potential compatibility issues with legacy software can pose significant challenges. With the end of support for Windows 10 looming, now is the time to evaluate your systems, address any roadblocks, and prepare for the transition. By taking a proactive approach, you can ensure a smooth upgrade process and continue to enjoy a secure and efficient computing experience.

By addressing these key points, businesses can make informed decisions about upgrading to Windows 11 and avoid the pitfalls that come with these forced upgrades.

Failing to plan is always planning to fail, and DMC is here to partner with you as your trusted advisor in the perilous process of upgrading to Microsoft’s latest operating system. Please reach out and the DMC Technology Group experts can get to work!

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11: What You Need to Know appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Recently, I found myself deep in conversation with my Managed Service Provider (MSP) customers as we prepared for M365 license renewals. It struck me how much digital clutter accumulates over time, and how important it is to regularly step back and clean house.

Unnecessary Licenses

Take, for example, a client I worked with last year. They had dozens of unused M365 licenses assigned to former employees, shared mailboxes still hosting outdated project emails, and a web of transport rules so tangled it was a wonder any emails reached their destination at all. Sound familiar? If so, it might be time for a little IT spring cleaning.

The first step? License assignments. It is easy for organizations to accumulate unnecessary licenses, driving up costs without adding value. By reviewing and reallocating these, we were able to optimize spending and ensure every user had exactly what they needed—no more, no less.

Unused Mailboxes

Next, we turned our attention to user accounts. Over the years, old accounts piled up like digital dust bunnies, often with permissions still lingering long after their owners have moved on. We combed through active directory, removing or disabling inactive accounts, and tightening access controls to improve security.

Then came the mailboxes. You would not believe how many standalone and shared mailboxes we found that had not been accessed in months, sometimes years. We archived what we needed, deleted the rest, and refined permissions to keep things lean and manageable.

But the real revelation was in the group structures. So many teams had created ad hoc groups for one-off projects that never were cleaned up, leading to confusion and misrouted emails. By streamlining these groups, we restored clarity and efficiency to their communication workflows.

Updates to Email Security 

And of course, no IT cleanup is complete without a deep dive into email security. We reviewed forwarding rules and transport policies, shutting down any unauthorized forwarding and ensuring phishing protections were properly configured. SPAM filters got a tune-up, and unnecessary rules were pruned to prevent disruptions.

By the end of this process, my client’s M365 environment was running smoothly—no excess, no confusion, just a clean, efficient system ready for the months ahead. 

It was a reminder that IT hygiene, just like home cleaning, should be a regular habit rather than a once-a-year scramble.

So, when was the last time you gave your IT setup a good spring cleaning? If you have not done so recently, now’s the perfect time to start. 

Need help with your IT spring cleaning? Please reach out and the DMC Technology Group experts can get to work!

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Spring Cleaning for IT: A Fresh Start for Your M365 Environment appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

The Threat: What You Need to Know

The vulnerability affects multiple generations of SonicWall firewalls (Gen 6 and Gen 7) running older firmware versions. Exploitation could allow attackers to bypass authentication, gaining unauthorized access to network resources. SonicWall has strongly urged customers to update their firmware to mitigate this issue.

Affected Firmware Versions:

• 6.5.4.15-117n and older
• 7.0.1-5161 and older

Recommended Firmware Updates:

• Gen 6 / 6.5 hardware firewalls: SonicOS 6.5.5.1-6n or newer
• Gen 6 / 6.5 NSv firewalls: SonicOS 6.5.4.v-21s-RC2457 or newer
• Gen 7 firewalls: SonicOS 7.0.1-5165 or newer; 7.1.3-7015 or higher
• TZ80 firewalls: SonicOS 8.0.0-8037 or newer

Additional Risks

The firmware updates also address other vulnerabilities, including:

• CVE-2024-40762: Weak pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) in the SSL VPN authentication token generator.
• CVE-2024-53705: Server-side request forgery (SSRF) vulnerability in the SSH management interface.
• CVE-2024-53706: Privilege escalation flaw in Gen 7 SonicOS Cloud NSv for AWS and Azure.

SonicWall's Recommendations

• For SSL VPN vulnerabilities:
  • Restrict access to trusted sources.
  • Disable internet access entirely if not required.
• For SSH vulnerabilities:
  • Limit SSH management access.
  • Disable internet access to SSH management if possible.

How DMC Technology Group Can Help

At DMC Technology Group, we understand the critical importance of network security and proactive threat mitigation. If you’re a SonicWall user concerned about this vulnerability, we can:

1. Assess Your Network Vulnerabilities:
   Conduct a thorough review of your network to identify risks and ensure all firmware is up to date.
2. Implement Patch Management:
   Apply the latest SonicOS firmware updates to secure your firewalls against known threats.
3. Enhance Security Policies:
   Configure firewall rules, restrict management access, and implement best practices for SSL VPN and SSH security.
4. Monitor and Respond:
   Provide 24/7 network monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activity in real time.
5. Train Your Team:
   Offer training and resources to ensure your IT team can maintain a secure and resilient infrastructure.

Staying Ahead of Threats

Cybersecurity threats evolve rapidly, and vulnerabilities like this highlight the importance of vigilance. With our expertise, DMC Technology Group ensures that your organization is protected against the latest risks.

Contact us today to secure your network and safeguard your business, or download our Security Checklist to see if you're vulnerable.

Stay protected. Stay proactive. Stay connected.

The post Protecting Your Network: Addressing the SonicWall Firewall Authentication Bypass Vulnerability appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

While granting access to social media sites on company networks and devices can support employee engagement and productivity, it also exposes organizations to significant cybersecurity risks and reputational challenges.

At DMC Technology Group, we understand the complexities of balancing workplace flexibility with the need for robust security measures. In this blog post, we explore the risks of allowing social media access on corporate networks and devices, and how creating a comprehensive social media policy can bolster cybersecurity and mitigate potential damage.

Understanding the Risks of Social Media Access

When employees access social media platforms on internal networks and devices, they inadvertently create potential vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Here are some key risks to consider:

1. Phishing Attacks

Social media platforms are prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals. Employees may click on malicious links disguised as harmless posts or direct messages, leading to phishing attacks that compromise sensitive company information.

2. Malware and Ransomware

Social media advertisements, downloads, or unauthorized apps can harbor malware or ransomware, which can infect an organization’s network, resulting in financial loss and operational downtime.

3. Data Leakage

Employees may unknowingly share sensitive company information on social media. For example, an innocuous photo of a workstation could expose confidential data on a visible screen.

4. Reputational Damage

What employees post on social media, whether intentional or accidental, reflects on the company. A poorly thought-out post could harm the organization’s brand image or expose it to legal liabilities.

5. Reduced Productivity

Unmonitored access to social media can lead to distractions, reducing overall employee productivity and focus during work hours.

Creating a Social Media Policy: A Key Step Toward Security

A well-crafted social media policy is essential for addressing the risks associated with employee social media use on company devices and networks. Here’s how an effective policy can help:

1. Define Acceptable Use

Clearly outline which social media platforms employees may access during work hours and the scope of acceptable use, such as professional networking on LinkedIn versus personal browsing on Facebook.

2. Set Security Guidelines

Educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts, avoiding suspicious links, and understanding the risks of downloading unauthorized apps. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for work-related social media accounts can also add a layer of security.

3. Address Content Sharing

Provide guidelines on what employees can and cannot share online, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding company data, client information, and proprietary content.

4. Monitor and Control Access

Consider using network filtering tools to restrict access to certain platforms or implementing monitoring software to track usage and detect potential threats in real time.

5. Promote Personal Accountability

Encourage employees to think before they post. What may seem harmless to them could have unintended consequences for the organization.

6. Detail Incident Response

Outline procedures for reporting suspected security breaches or inappropriate posts, ensuring swift damage control and mitigation efforts.

How Technology Can Support Your Social Media Policy

Technology solutions play a critical role in enforcing your social media policy while maintaining a secure network. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Endpoint Security: Deploy endpoint protection software on all devices to detect and block threats originating from social media use.
• Firewall Configuration: Use firewalls to limit social media access to specific times, locations, or groups within your organization.
• Network Monitoring: Implement tools to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity related to social media use.
• Employee Training Programs: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity training to keep employees informed about the latest social media threats and best practices.

DMC Technology Group: Your Partner in Cybersecurity

Allowing social media access at work doesn’t have to be a cybersecurity nightmare. With the right balance of policy, education, and technology, you can create a secure environment that supports productivity while mitigating risks.

At DMC Technology Group, we specialize in helping businesses design and implement robust cybersecurity strategies tailored to their unique needs. From policy creation to advanced endpoint protection, we ensure your organization remains secure in an increasingly digital workplace.

If your organization needs help navigating the challenges of social media security, reach out to DMC Technology Group today. Together, we’ll craft a solution that safeguards your business while empowering your workforce.

Contact us now to learn how we can fortify your organization’s defenses and support your journey toward smarter, safer social media use.

The post Navigating the Risks of Social Media Access in the Workplace appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Holiday-season cyberattacks are a very real threat. Cybercriminals know that as companies wind down for the holidays, they have an opportunity to exploit overlooked security gaps. The stakes are high, and failing to secure company systems can have serious consequences, including job loss. Here’s how you can protect your company—and your job—by securing systems when everyone else is winding down.

Why the Holidays Are Prime Time for Cybercrime

During holiday seasons, most businesses run on reduced staff, with many team members out of office. This creates several issues:

• Lower Surveillance: Fewer people on duty means attacks are less likely to be quickly noticed and stopped.
• High Data Traffic: End-of-year financial data and large volumes of customer activity mean cybercriminals have a lot to gain if they successfully breach a system.
• Delayed Incident Response: When key people are away, response times can lag, allowing attackers more time to exploit systems without interference.

Cybercriminals love the holiday lull, and they’re counting on unguarded systems. Don’t give them that opening.

The Top Steps to Protect Your Company (and Your Job) Over the Holidays

By taking these proactive steps, you can keep your company secure and avoid becoming the unfortunate face of a cybersecurity failure.

1. Implement Strong Authentication Protocols

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This extra layer requires more than just a password, which can thwart attackers who manage to steal login credentials.
• Password Hygiene: Encourage everyone to use strong, unique passwords for each system. Weak passwords are an easy entry point, so make sure all team members are using secure passwords and possibly a password manager.
  

2. Complete System Updates and Patch All Software

• Vulnerabilities are often addressed in software patches, so make sure all updates are completed before the holidays. Cybercriminals are quick to exploit known flaws that haven’t been patched, especially during times when IT teams are thinly staffed.

3. Educate Employees on Recognizing Holiday Scams

• Many breaches start with business email compromise through phishing scams. Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a cybercrime where scammers impersonate trusted figures via email to steal money or sensitive company information. Common tactics include requesting fake bill payments or obtaining data for further scams. BEC incidents are increasing, with nearly 20,000 complaints reported to the FBI last year, partly driven by the rise in remote work.
  
• Educate your team on common holiday scams, like fake shipping notifications, “urgent” donation requests, and deal offers from suspicious sources. Even if most employees are out, training them beforehand reduces the chance of anyone clicking a dangerous link while away from work.
  
• Criminals adapt to seasonal trends, so watch out for holiday-specific scams:
  • Phony Promotions or “Holiday Deal” Phishing: Fake emails promising discounts or gift card promotions are a common tactic for spreading malware.
  • Bogus Shipping Updates: With increased online orders, cybercriminals send fake shipping notifications with malicious links.
  • Emotional Charity Scams: Appeals for urgent donations can lure employees into giving out financial details or clicking harmful links.

4. Set Up Continuous Monitoring and Alerts

• Automated monitoring tools are essential for spotting unusual behavior, like unexpected login attempts. Set up real-time alerts for suspicious activity and ensure there’s a plan to address alerts if IT staff are out.

5. Limit Access to Critical Systems Temporarily

• Consider limiting access to sensitive systems during the holidays, especially if staff don’t need regular access to them. Temporarily deactivating access for unnecessary users can minimize risk during low-activity periods.

6. Conduct a Security Audit Before the Holidays

• Do a thorough check for open vulnerabilities, from unused accounts to outdated software. This proactive approach reduces the chances of falling victim to opportunistic attackers.

7. Back Up Important Data and Test Your Backup Process

• Make sure all critical data is backed up and that your restoration process is tested. Should a ransomware attack occur, you’ll want a secure way to recover without paying attackers.

8. Develop a Rapid Incident Response Plan

• Ensure there’s a clear protocol for handling a security breach even if key people are out. Know exactly who to contact, and make sure every team member understands the process, no matter where they are.

Don’t Start the New Year with a Pink Slip

Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting company assets—it’s about protecting your own job. Failing to secure systems over the holidays could lead to more than a reprimand if an attack costs the company financially or damages its reputation. 

The team at DMC Technology Group are Toledo’s local cybersecurity experts. Prevention is your best defense; whether a DMC security audit, or a full penetration test, a small investment in holiday cybersecurity can keep the holiday spirit—and your job—intact.

The post Protect Your Job Over the Holidays by Safeguarding Your Company’s Security appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

The world is changing fast with rapidly transforming industries, evolving economic drivers, and technology at a pivotal point. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining the way we conduct business. Twice as many leaders now believe that AI will increase productivity, not reduce headcount. Employees say they are 70% likely to “delegate” work to AI. 

Rather than fearing AI, more businesses can and should adopt, learn and leverage this robust and quickly advancing technology. 

AI can give organizations a competitive edge, with 87% of businesses surveyed by Microsoft affirming that generative AI’s capabilities will help move the needle for performance and profitability. Because 64% of employee respondents indicated a lack of time and energy to effectively perform their jobs, AI can provide a layer of support and even boost morale. AI tools can give team members the traction to perform at higher levels on targeted tasks while assigning mundane roles to AI.

Enter Microsoft 365’s Copilot, a business AI companion now available in the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. Our experienced IT engineers and specialists believe that Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an organizational transformation that can unlock productivity, foster creativity and integrate AI into daily workflows.  

Here, we’ll address how your business can capitalize on the technology and answer your questions Copilot for Microsoft 365:

• What is Copilot for Microsoft 365?
• What is the value of Microsoft Copilot for businesses? 
• How can different job functions in my business benefit from AI with Microsoft Copilot?
• How secure is Copilot for Microsoft 365?
• How do I prepare to integrate Copilot for Microsoft 365 AI companion? 

What Is Copilot for Microsoft 365? 

Think of Microsoft 365’s Copilot as your ultimate productivity tool that works across Microsoft applications to streamline communications, integrate data and provide real-time intelligence. The AI companion allows your people to enhance their creativity and skills. Here’s a snapshot of how Copilot for business functions in apps you use daily.

Copilot in Outlook: The AI tool helps clean up your inbox and messages, streamlining the amount of time dedicated to inbox management and email communications. For example, you can ask Copilot to summarize emails missed while you were on vacation. Or, request a thank-you draft response in a professional tone. You can also initiate emails, such as inviting everyone in a group to the conference room for a meeting. 

Copilot in Teams: Organize discussion points before a meeting and summarize action steps afterward. You can ask Copilot, “What decisions were made during the meeting and what are suggested next steps?” From creating pro-con lists to summarizing missed meetings, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is the sharp assistant you’ve been missing. 

Copilot in Word: Need to create a proposal for a vendor or client? Editing a document for a presentation? Seeking perspective for an outline so you can write a project draft? Copilot’s writing, editing and summarizing capabilities allow you to focus efforts on the creative side, which delivers more value to an organization. 

Copilot in PowerPoint: You have an idea, and you need a PowerPoint presentation. Copilot for Microsoft 365 allows you to automatically create a slide presentation based on content in a Word document and include stock images that align with each thought. You can ask the AI companion to consolidate a lengthy presentation and repurpose it for a different audience. 

The Bottom Line: Copilot works across Microsoft 365 business applications to save time, drive productivity, increase accuracy and improve systems. 

What is the Value of Microsoft Copilot for Businesses? 

Not sure if your business will benefit from Copilot for Microsoft 365? Let’s take a look at the potential time savings, workflow advantages, quality output, financial gains and employee well-being. 

We know that aside from talent, time is the most precious and finite asset a business has, and maximizing how time is spent directly impacts the bottom line and employee morale. So, how much time can people save with Copilot for Microsoft 365? According to Microsoft’s Early Access Program survey results, 67% of respondents said the AI tool, “Saves me time so I can focus on more important work.” Then, 77% said they would not want to give up Copilot after using it, and 30% noted that access to Copilot would influence their choice of employer. 

Every month on average, employees saved 10 hours of time using Copilot for Microsoft 365 because of its impact on workflow. That includes conducting more effective meetings, analyzing data, creating content and email processing. All of this improved productivity translates to financial gains, and employees are more satisfied at work because they can stay in the flow, spend less time on rote tasks like filtering email and searching for information, and simplify complex tasks. 

The bottom line: Time savings realized from implementing Copilot for Microsoft 365 weeds out waste and, as a result, improves quality and overall business outcomes. 

How Can Different Job Functions in My Business Benefit from AI with Microsoft Copilot?

No matter your industry or job function, AI with Copilot for Microsoft 365 advances your competitive edge and performance. Let’s address various departments in a typical organization and how the AI companion for Microsoft can save time and drive more focused, effective work. 

HR: Job descriptions and employee manuals are ever-evolving documents that easily collect dust because of the time and effort required to update them. You can ask Copilot to write draft job responsibilities, create training materials or respond to job applicants’ emails. 

Marketing: What relevant market trends and segments should your business target? AI can help identify these “hot spots” so you can align marketing efforts with a warm audience. Copilot can summarize a marketing campaign’s results with visuals you can present to the team. Another opportunity: creating the first draft for a project, saving time and innovation for the final product. 

Sales: Looking for a conversation starter or need to develop a case for a potential customer to buy from your business? Copilot can research industries, providing key data and negotiation points to close more deals. Analyze sales data to track performance and set goals, and create proposals. AI from Microsoft 365 can help you finetune sales skills by assisting with time-consuming legwork, allowing sales professionals to focus on more relationship-centric activities. 

IT: From staying up to date on project calls to identifying data patterns, trouble-shooting and communications, IT professionals benefit from added support that Copilot for Microsoft 365 provides. 

Finance: Take the complexity out of financial reporting and planning, and ask Copilot to identify areas for improvement. Rather than spending time generating charts to communicate data, reassign this task to your AI “assistant.” 

The bottom line: Every aspect of your organization can benefit from implementing Copilot by Microsoft 365, freeing up your people to focus on what they do best. 

How Secure Is Copilot for Microsoft 365?

Our team at DMC Technology Group believes that Copilot for Microsoft 365 is a transformative technology, and whenever implementing any IT tool, we focus on security first and foremost. Let’s evaluate how AI will impact your IT environment from a vulnerability perspective. Copilot’s best-in-class security controls provide tremendous peace of mind because of a few key features. Those include user/session risk and access controls, and automatic sensitivity labels for non-Microsoft products that mean your IT systems are “on alert” when operating apps and programs outside of the Microsoft 365 suite. 

Copilot allows your IT team or managed services provider like DMC to discover and evaluate the risk of more than 400 AI apps and implement controls so you can work securely. With Copilot, you can receive automated, ready-to-share reports on security investigations along with guidance to increase your IT security posture. You can also customize Microsoft 365 Copilot’s access and interactions with internal documents by assigning sensitivity labels. 

The bottom line: We appreciate how Copilot allows us to help you set the boundaries for the AI tool with settings controls that allow you to integrate the AI companion as you choose.

How Do I Prepare to Integrate Copilot AI for Microsoft 365?

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is designed to work with commercial business and enterprise New Commerce Experience (NCE) subscriptions such as Microsoft Business Premium or Standard, Microsoft 365 E3 or E5, and Office 365 E3 or E5. DMC Technology Group can resell Copilot licenses for your organization because of our Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) status as a Solution Partner for Modern Work.

Ready to enter the AI revolution with a tool that will measurably impact the way your leadership and employees work? 

At DMC Technology Group, we are committed to doing the right thing for our clients and providing best-in-class IT solutions. We take pride in our talented staff of engineers and IT specialists with strong communication skills that allow us to develop long-term relationships with clients, who see us as a vested partner in their success. 

Let’s talk about how Copilot can add value to your organization. DMC’s expertise and industry knowledge can help your Toledo, Ohio-based organization develop and execute a robust IT strategy that drives growth and innovation.

Contact us to learn how.

Posted by Greg Gomach, Business Unit Manager at
DMC Technology Group

The post The AI Evolution: How Microsoft 365 Copilot is Transforming the Way We Work appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

There are several common challenges we hear when discussing the role of a managed services provider (MSP). Some of these scenarios will probably sound familiar.

A Toledo-based business has 50 employees, and the sole on-site IT manager whose primary role isn't tech support, is responsible for managing IT affairs. This IT manager, who also serves as a software developer, carries a substantial workload that includes help desk-related duties like troubleshooting issues related to email and printers.

“But we have someone on staff, we don’t need IT managed services.” We hear this sometimes, too. 

Then there is the security question. The business lacks 24/7 monitoring, so threats can quickly escalate into full-blown cyber attacks that cause financial and reputational damage. 

What if an IT manager wants to take a vacation? 

What if a Chief Information Officer (CIO) finds a job opportunity elsewhere and leaves your business? Who will fill in while you search for a replacement, and how will you train this new person? 

As for cost, can you afford additional IT support staff on payroll with benefits, plus the cost of resources like disaster recovery backup, software licensing, storage, cyber monitoring and end-point detection? 

There can be gaps that exist even with an IT manager on staff, which can expose organizations to significant liabilities. Especially if that person is the only one on staff that understands technology. There are no checks and balances!

In fact, a managed service provider supports your internal IT staff with technical expertise and resources, giving you the flexibility to scale up or down as your IT needs evolve. Yes, an MSP can serve as a single source for support and IT leadership. But in most cases, we work as an always-on, around-the-clock go-to for everything from server support to network management, troubleshooting, proactive patching and cybersecurity. 

Does your company need an IT managed services provider? Here are some factors to consider. 

How IT Managed Service Providers Support Your Business 

Can your internal IT staff provide instantaneous alerts and threat detection 24/7/365? What about offering employees a help desk so tech problems do not prevent productivity? When your IT manager goes home, even if it’s late evening, who’s watching over your IT infrastructure and devices for nefarious actors, phishing attacks, ransomware and a growing list of cyber threats? 

If your company employs an IT manager, this is one person. They have strengths and weaknesses in different IT disciplines, and probably a family at home and a life outside of work. “Always on” with one person just isn’t possible. 

Plus, keeping up with the latest, most secure IT best practices is a struggle for most businesses, let alone an individual. 

Across industries, every business has IT needs. Most are underserved because there is no way to cover all of your IT bases with a single employee, no matter how talented. 

Tech Support: Fulfilling Help Desk Needs

We hear it all the time. IT managers and CIOs for Toledo, Ohio regional businesses often get bogged down with support requests when their focus is supposed to be on IT strategy, development, process improvement, engineering and other big-picture endeavors. There are not enough hours in a day to do it all. 

When an IT manager is distracted with help-desk inquiries, tech support takes away from profit-driving initiatives. Meanwhile, productivity and revenue-driving activities decrease because a team member’s system is “down.” Even technical questions or adding new software becomes a burden when there is one or no IT staff member on site. 

At DMC, we offer efficient, responsive, always-on IT diagnosis and support. A reputable MSP should offer communication options, including in-person support if necessary or preferred. Around-the-clock IT support solves IT problems and prevents business interruptions. 

An MSP to Protect Servers and Workstations 

The threat is real. And it’s growing. Today’s dynamic cybersecurity environment is introducing sophisticated attacks, and often the “open door” to your data occurs because of network security vulnerabilities, and expired antivirus protection and licenses. We get it. You have other mission-critical tasks on deck to manage for your operations. 

This is where an IT managed services provider like DMC can step in and ensure there are no gaps in protection with license renewals, server antivirus software and installation management. We suggest that every business have real-time scanning to detect and block threats. Are these tasks you want to pile on to in-house IT staff? 

Also consider that not all MSPs include the cost of tools in the fee, but DMC does include these costs so you are not paying extra.

Along those lines, when maintenance agreements for hardware and software expire, this leads to more downtime and a loss of return on your tech investments. An MSP can oversee and manage agreements so you can focus on running your business. 

At DMC, we handle agreement procurement, documentation and expiration date tracking. Have questions about which vendor can provide the best value? A trusted IT managed services provider can offer consultative advice, including evaluating new and current vendors. 

IT Managed Services Elevates Cybersecurity 

The single most in-demand IT career right now is cybersecurity, and the reason is because this is the number one demand among businesses that recognize the risk and vulnerability. At DMC, we implement 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring across all devices and are constantly watching for suspicious behavior. Alerts are triggered and response is immediate. 

In one case, in less than 10 minutes we identified a threat for a client and contacted their on-site IT manager, who disconnected the at-risk workstation and prevented a potential disaster. 

If you plan on monitoring your systems in-house, what happens if an IT manager is out sick, on vacation or sound asleep? Who’s detecting? Who’s responding? Also, are you aware of the latest cybersecurity tools designed for today’s sophisticated threats? 

We recommend partnering with an IT managed service provider that includes monitoring as part of its package, not as an add-on (this is often the case, so ask the question). At DMC, we partner with a specialist in security endpoint monitoring for an even more secure experience. 

Weighing the Cost of IT Managed Services 

Can your business afford an IT managed services partner? Cost is always a consideration, and we recognize that businesses of all sizes operate on a budget and must steward dollars wisely. But there are some common misconceptions related to the cost of working with an MSP for IT services and support. 

If you add the cost of an IT professional’s salary along with critical IT tools, there is a significant savings when you partner with an IT managed services provider. 

Another cost factor is insurance. Cybersecurity coverage is essential for businesses, and insurers are now also requiring organizations to put cybersecurity frameworks in place. The Federal Trade Commission suggests finding out whether your cyber insurance provider will defend you in a lawsuit, provide coverage beyond existing insurance, and offer a breach hotline that is always available. DMC works with clients to identify ways to ensure compliance to cybersecurity insurance policies so you don’t find out after the fact that a requirement is missing that will void your coverage. 

We recommend looking for an MSP that employs engineers and IT specialists with a range of expertise. This way, you’re hiring the power of 10 or more high-level technical experts for one monthly fee that is almost always less than an IT manager's salary. When you have a consultative partner on your side who is dedicated to advancing your IT posture, you can focus on your clients, your bottom line and your growth. 

IT Strategy and Planning for Upgrades 

How could generative artificial intelligence (AI) benefit cybersecurity and help desk support at your business? This is a question more companies are asking as AI is a major headliner that is escalating. Aside from AI, what other technological advances could drive profitability and efficiency in your business? These are questions you can ask an IT managed services provider with a multi-disciplinary, experienced team. 

A proactive MSP will arrange IT strategy meetings with your company, along with annual business reviews and budget planning sessions. When an IT managed services provider is involved in critical short and long-term strategic planning meetings, they can bring innovative solutions to the table that align with your goals.

The Best IT Managed Services Provider for Your Business 

We recommend asking these questions when comparing IT managed service providers for your business: 

• What is your price structure? If you charge per user, what exactly is included? 
• Are there co-management options? 
• What cybersecurity measures do you use? 
• What is your discovery process to customize an IT solution based on my needs?
• What hardware and software do you recommend?
• How often is the contract renewed?
• Who are your vendor partners and how do you vet them? 
• What accreditations and certifications do you have? Are you a Gold Microsoft Partner, IBM Business Partner or Dell Technologies Gold Partner? 
• Can you provide a referral so I can talk to other companies that have worked with you?
• Do you charge extra service fees for break fixes or is this included in a per-user fee? 
• Do you offer IT budgeting and strategy consultation? 

At DMC Technology Solutions, we are committed to doing the right thing for our clients and providing a high level of services that meet their needs 24/7/365. We take pride in our talented staff of engineers and IT specialists with strong communication skills that allow us to develop long-term relationships with clients, who see us as a vested partner in their success. 

With an IT managed services partner, you can focus on your business and delegate IT responsibilities with the peace of mind that our team is on the same page and coordinates seamlessly with on-site IT staff if you have personnel in this role. 

Let’s talk. DMC’s expertise and industry knowledge can help your Toledo, Ohio based organization develop and execute a robust IT strategy that drives growth and innovation. Contact us to learn how.

The post Does Your Business Need an IT Managed Services Provider? appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

We are deep into a new world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its capabilities are vast, evolving and soon to be ingrained in every business across industries. Chatbots are handling customer service requests. AI-powered machines are taking over low-skill manual labor jobs. AI can detect fraud for financial services firms, predict retail purchases and play a role in national defense, the list goes on. 

A Brookings Institute report illustrates how AI has escalated from unfamiliarity to dinner table conversation. When 1,500 U.S. senior business leaders were asked about AI in 2017, only about 17 percent knew what it was.

Fast forward to today – Accenture's "The Art of AI Maturity" report states that machine learning models suggest that the share of AI Achievers will increase rapidly and significantly, more than doubling from the current 12% to 27% by 2024.

This includes using machine learning for cyber security. And there is good reason why. 

First, there is a demand for skilled cybersecurity experts and a growing talent gap across the globe. We need more security support and intelligence than the industry can currently fulfill. Also, a surge of cyber threats and increasingly sophisticated attacks are increasing organizations’ vulnerability. 

Generative AI, when deployed by an experienced IT managed services provider, can empower cyber security teams. AI can improve an existing end-to-end security system and fast-forward the response time should an incident occur.

The bottom line: AI can help detect, prevent and respond to cyber threats before they cause irreversible reputational and financial damage. 

Let’s explore how AI can elevate IT security services. 

Harnessing Generative AI to Enhance End-to-End Cyber Security 

As a longtime IT managed services provider, we know that anticipating cyber security threats and staying ahead of market evolution is essential. What works today could be improved for tomorrow, and what you expect for tomorrow could change the day after that. 

Our approach is beyond proactive. It’s operational preparedness. 

The leading business partners and vendors we align with share this philosophy and are invested in AI-powered tools to bolster cyber security, as well. For example, in March 2023, Microsoft introduced Security Copilot, the first generative AI security product. It is a ready assistant that builds on the latest in large language models and 65 trillion daily signals to inform security teams so they can outpace today’s sophisticated cybercriminals. 

By working with a managed-services security provider (MSSP) or IT managed services provider such as DMC, security experts can support your team with the latest, transformative technology designed for high-level threat intelligence. (Microsoft offers a “Bring Your Own MSSP” option.) 

Artificial intelligence in cyber security can perform a number of mission-critical tasks to protect an organization, including: 

• Threat detection and analysis — AI systems learn network and user behavior, so they can identify deviations and anomalies that could indicate a cyberattack. The sooner you know, the faster you can respond. 
• Intrusion detection — Every minute of every day, increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals find new ways to breach even the tightest security systems. AI can detect and respond to unauthorized access and suspicious activities in real time, which prevents data breaches and helps ensure “always on” security. 
• Social media monitoring — Through national language processing (NLP), AI can analyze text and speech sentiment for monitoring social media and other sources for potential threats. 
• Email monitoring and filtering — AI-based systems can identify phishing attempts and malicious emails before they damage an organization. 
• Automating security tasks — Routine patching and security updates are essential, and security breaches occur during lapse times before an organization realizes it. While working with an MSP for end-to-end cyber security like DMC lifts this burden, a security expert who deploys AI-powered tools adds one more layer of protection for improving response times. 

AI Is A Cyber Security Support, Not an MSP Replacement 

AI will augment security, whether your organization has an in-house IT professional, a team that is supported by an MSO, or you rely on an IT managed services provider as a turn-key cyber security arm of your business. But cyber security intelligence requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. 

Because AI can help automate repetitive tasks and analyze large volumes of data from IT infrastructure, MSPs can more efficiently gather this information to help inform business decisions. Predictive maintenance can decrease downtime, giving managed IT services advanced notice for upgrades, repairs and updates so they can respond immediately. 

MSPs also can leverage AI-driven analytics to optimize resources and aid in IT planning and strategic budgeting, as well. Along those lines, AI-generated reports can provide real-time status updates on system performance and other key metrics. 

Not sure how artificial intelligence in cyber security could benefit your organization? A knowledgeable MSP can identify cases where AI could enhance your offerings, along with implementing trusted AI cyber security tools that elevate your security posture. Keep in mind, involving an MSP in AI-security-related tools is critical because machine learning models can also be susceptible to cyber-attacks. They must be skillfully deployed and protected. 

Safely Deploying AI Cyber Security Tools 

Position your business for success by staying on top of the latest artificial intelligence cyber security tools that are enhancing the way we monitor, detect and respond to adversarial attacks. At DMC, we are invested in and committed to continuous learning so we can offer clients advanced solutions, including AI cyber security tools, to futureproof their organizations. 

How could AI improve your cybersecurity posture? Let’s talk. DMC’s expertise and industry knowledge can help your organization develop and execute a robust IT strategy that drives growth and innovation. Contact us to learn how.

The post Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Security appeared first on DMC Technology Group.