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.

1. AI and Machine Learning for Proactive Threat Detection

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are rapidly transforming the way businesses detect and respond to cyber threats. In 2025, we expect to see increased adoption of AI-driven tools that not only identify potential threats in real-time but also predict potential attacks based on behavioral patterns. These systems help organizations identify irregular activities and automatically respond to incidents, minimizing the need for manual intervention. However, cybercriminals are also using AI to develop more sophisticated attacks, so staying updated on the latest AI advancements is critical.

2. Zero Trust Security Architecture

The Zero Trust model is reshaping the cybersecurity framework, and its adoption will continue to grow in 2025. This security approach operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," requiring strict identity verification for every person and device attempting to access resources within the network. With the expansion of remote work and the increasing use of cloud services, Zero Trust Architecture has become essential for reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

3. Enhanced Cloud Security

As cloud adoption rises, so does the need for robust cloud security. In 2025, we expect to see organizations investing more in multi-cloud security strategies. Multi-cloud security emphasizes protecting data across various cloud environments with unified policies and management tools, as many businesses are now using a combination of private, public, and hybrid cloud solutions. Understanding and addressing potential vulnerabilities in the cloud is crucial for maintaining data integrity and ensuring compliance.

4. Increased Focus on Endpoint Security

The shift towards remote work has made endpoint security more important than ever. Endpoint devices such as laptops, smartphones, and IoT devices can be vulnerable entry points for cybercriminals. In 2025, the focus on securing these devices will continue to intensify, with many businesses adopting endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that monitor and analyze activities on endpoint devices to detect and respond to threats. This approach helps companies maintain control over remote devices and keeps their networks secure.

5. Ransomware Preparedness and Response

Ransomware attacks have become more frequent and costly. In 2025, businesses will place even greater emphasis on preparedness and incident response strategies to combat ransomware threats. Cybersecurity teams will be focusing on implementing regular data backups, comprehensive recovery plans, and robust access controls to limit the impact of ransomware incidents. Additionally, cybersecurity insurance is likely to play a bigger role, as organizations seek coverage for potential losses from ransomware attacks.

6. Strengthening Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Programs

Human error continues to be a major factor in cybersecurity breaches. Cybersecurity Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of employee training, and in 2025, we expect organizations to strengthen their efforts around educating their workforce. Ongoing security training will not only include awareness of phishing and social engineering attacks but also address new tactics and emerging threats. Investing in a culture of cybersecurity within your organization helps to minimize human errors and keeps everyone engaged in protecting digital assets.

7. Identity and Access Management (IAM) Advancements

In an age where identity theft and data breaches are common, identity and access management (IAM) will continue to evolve. As cybercriminals develop more sophisticated ways to bypass traditional authentication methods, organizations will adopt multifactor authentication (MFA) and biometric verification techniques to enhance security. IAM solutions in 2025 will focus on offering a frictionless user experience without compromising security, particularly for remote and mobile workforces.

8. Improved Data Privacy Compliance and Governance

Data privacy is increasingly becoming a critical concern as new regulations emerge globally. In 2025, businesses will need to comply with updated privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the U.S. Adhering to these regulations is not just a legal requirement but also a means to build trust with customers. Implementing a comprehensive data governance strategy that includes data classification, encryption, and regular audits is essential for compliance and protecting sensitive information.

Embracing Cybersecurity in 2025

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and proactive is the best defense. Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the critical role that cybersecurity plays in our increasingly digital world. At DMC Technology Group, we are committed to providing our clients with the latest insights, tools, and strategies to safeguard their business from cyber threats. Embracing these 2025 cybersecurity trends will not only help protect your organization but also contribute to a safer, more resilient digital ecosystem for all.

Are you prepared for the cybersecurity challenges of 2025? Contact DMC Technology Group today to learn more about our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. Contact Us to secure your business and protect your future.

The post Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Leading Trends in Cybersecurity for 2025 appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

This marks a considerable change in how companies can manage their software licensing agreements and is expected to provide more flexibility for organizations looking to optimize their IT operations. 

Let’s dive into the details of this new policy and what it means for businesses navigating today's complex cloud landscape.

The Background: Cloud Licensing and Lock-In Concerns

Historically, Microsoft’s licensing agreements have been somewhat rigid, tying customers to a specific cloud service provider or partner for the entire duration of their contract. This created what is often referred to as “vendor lock-in,” where businesses had limited options to switch providers even if their needs or preferences changed. 

For companies using Microsoft's popular suite of cloud-based tools, this could mean being stuck with a provider that no longer meets their performance or cost expectations, or simply being unable to adapt to shifting business strategies.

Vendor lock-in has long been a sticking point for businesses in the cloud space, and Microsoft’s move to allow mid-contract transfers of licenses is a significant step toward greater freedom and flexibility for its customers.

What Does This Change Mean for Businesses?

The ability to move licenses to another service provider mid-contract opens up a new realm of possibilities for businesses. Here’s why this development is important:

• Increased Flexibility and Agility: In today’s fast-paced business environment, agility is key. This new licensing policy allows businesses to pivot quickly, whether they’re seeking better pricing, superior service, or different technical capabilities from a competing provider. If a business realizes halfway through a contract that another provider can better support its evolving needs, they now have the ability to make that switch seamlessly without waiting for the contract to expire.
  
• Enhanced Bargaining Power: With the option to switch providers mid-contract, businesses gain more leverage in their negotiations with service providers. Providers will need to maintain high standards of service and competitive pricing throughout the entire contract period, knowing that customers can walk away if they are dissatisfied. This competitive pressure will likely drive innovation, better service delivery, and more competitive pricing models.
  
• Reduced Risk: Businesses are often wary of making long-term commitments due to the risk of market changes, technological advancements, or shifts in business strategies. Being able to reallocate licenses mid-term reduces this risk, as organizations now have an escape route if they need to realign their technology stack with their broader business goals.
  
• Simplified IT Strategy Adjustments: For companies undergoing mergers, acquisitions, or significant changes in IT strategy, this policy provides a simpler way to consolidate or reconfigure licenses across different environments. For instance, if a company is migrating from a hybrid cloud solution to a multi-cloud or single-cloud strategy, they now have the flexibility to adjust their licenses accordingly, reducing downtime and disruption.

Potential Challenges to Consider

While this change is largely seen as positive, businesses should be mindful of potential challenges that come with mid-contract license mobility:

• Compatibility and Integration Issues: Switching providers mid-contract could potentially lead to integration issues, especially if the new provider’s environment isn’t fully compatible with your existing system architecture. It’s essential to conduct a thorough technical analysis before making any decisions.
  
• Contract Terms with Service Providers: It’s important to read the fine print on agreements with your cloud service provider. While Microsoft may allow you to move your licenses, the contract terms with the service provider you’re leaving may have penalties or restrictions related to early termination or service cancellation.

How to Make the Most of This New Flexibility

To fully take advantage of Microsoft’s new policy, businesses should consider the following:

• Evaluate Current Providers Regularly: Don’t wait until the end of a contract to assess your cloud service provider. Regularly evaluate service performance, costs, and business alignment.

• Have a Migration Plan in Place: If you think you may switch providers, having a well-documented migration plan that outlines timelines, costs, and potential risks will help ensure a smooth transition.

• Leverage Expert Advice: Cloud licensing and migrations can be complex. Engaging with experts—whether in-house or third-party consultants—can help you navigate the potential pitfalls and make the best decisions for your business.

The Bottom Line

Microsoft’s decision to allow customers to move licenses mid-contract is a game-changer for organizations looking to stay agile in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing cloud environment. This flexibility can help businesses negotiate better deals, reduce risks, and ensure that their cloud solutions remain aligned with their evolving needs.

However, as with any significant change, it’s essential to approach these new options thoughtfully. Proper planning and understanding of the technical and contractual nuances will ensure that businesses make the most of this new flexibility while avoiding unnecessary pitfalls. Ultimately, this move by Microsoft empowers businesses to take greater control of their cloud strategies, leading to more dynamic, resilient, and cost-effective IT environments.

How DMC Technology Group Can Help

Microsoft's new policy allowing customers to move licenses mid-contract provides businesses with greater flexibility to switch service providers. Companies can now adapt quickly to evolving needs, optimize their IT strategy, and avoid being locked into long-term, rigid agreements.

DMC Technology Group can help businesses take full advantage of this new policy. With extensive experience in managed IT services, DMC offers seamless migration support, ensuring that companies move licenses efficiently without disruption. DMC also provides expert consultation to help businesses assess their cloud environment, identify potential improvements, and leverage the latest Microsoft technologies to maximize performance.

Whether you’re looking to switch providers, consolidate licenses, or optimize your current IT setup, DMC’s tailored managed services can simplify the process and ensure your business continues to thrive in a flexible and agile cloud environment.

Contact us for more information on moving your Microsoft License to a new provider.

The post Microsoft Now Allows Customers to Move Licenses Mid-Contract: What It Means for Businesses appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

That’s why DMC Technology Group has partnered with the Arctic Wolf platform to provide our clients with top-of-the-line cybersecurity coverage.

Even when all this information is accessible to an IT security team, existing systems often generate too many alerts and false positives, so alerts are ignored. This is how many high-profile breaches occur. Cyber alert fatigue and a lack of 24/7 IT security coverage amount to significant data breach risk. 

Here’s a statistic that proves how vulnerable many organizations are to cybersecurity threats. When we deploy the Arctic Wolf managed detection and response solution, its concierge security team finds latent threats lingering in 73% of business environments within the first 90 days of engagement. 

What you don’t know about your cybersecurity status will eventually damage your business. 

The good news is, an around-the-clock “security advisor” is within reach and can integrate seamlessly with your existing IT environment, so you do not necessarily have to invest in new systems or equipment. 

How Does Arctic Wolf Secure Your IT Environment?

Arctic Wolf is essentially a security advisor as a full-service incident response partner providing continuous risk management, detection and response. Its concierge security team works as an extension of your IT security team or managed services provider. 

What makes Arctic Wolf different than other incident response vendors? 

A lot of incident response companies will identify cyber threats. But, they do not analyze the root cause of security incidents or restore your business to pre-incident operations. Arctic Wolf stands out because it is a full-service wrap-around cybersecurity solution that provides comprehensive digital forensics and data recovery. 

Basically, Arctic Wolf is a three-legged cybersecurity solution that stabilizes your business IT environment with threat detection, incident response and recovery. We’ll explain how. 

Detect: Hunting Down Cybersecurity Threats

Today’s highly motivated, malicious cybercriminals use social engineering skills to trick your employees, or they simply slip through gaps in existing security controls. While you’re focused on running your business and serving customers, these bad actors are hard at work finding backdoors to feed on your data. Even IT environments with security solutions in place are prey for increasingly sophisticated breaches. 

We know, it’s frustrating and overwhelming to think you’ve got your IT environment covered only to discover there are many weak links. Detection is an integral part of a three-step, full-service cybersecurity risk management solution. 

There a number of essential risk detection actions your business needs to secure your IT environment. Some of those include: 

• Security risk scoring: You need to know if your secure posture improves or declines over time, so you know where you stand. 
• Account take-over risk detection: By scanning the dark and gray web for breached data, action can be taken to secure compromised accounts. Arctic Wolf provides details such as the source, data breach description and exposed emails. 
• Asset criticality and tagging: Arctic Wolf labels assets based on their importance, such as critical, high, medium, low or unassigned. This allows for prioritizing risks for hardened security. 
• Asset inventory: Your attack surface is ever-changing as you add IT assets to your environment. You need to be sure your managed risk platform identifies, profiles and classifies IT assets automatically and continuously. 
• Vulnerability assessment: Continuous scanning is essential for understanding your company’s digital footprint and quantifying business risk exposure. Additionally, audit reporting and security controls benchmarking elevate threat detection. 
• Advanced threat detection: Machine learning with adaptive tuning allows Arctic Wolf to detect advanced threats and provide forensic analysis. This improves efficiency and broadens the scale of threat detection. 

Cybersecurity threat detection is one aspect of a full-service risk management solution. But it’s not enough to identify the threats. How will you respond to incidents and strategically delete future risk? 

Incident Response — Now What?

When a threat is detected, how will your risk management partner investigate the incident and rapidly respond to the alert to contain the threat? This requires 24/7 monitoring, alert triage and prioritization. 

What your business needs is a team of digital forensics analysts, which is how Arctic Wolf determines the root cause of cybersecurity compromises and can determine if data was accessed, deleted or stolen. This intel allows for targeted incident response, recovery and future risk mitigation. 

When vetting managed risk vendors, we recommend partnering with a provider that can deliver these incident response services: 

• Dedicated Incident Director: Arctic Wolf assigns an Incident Director to every case. This expert has an intimate understanding of your cybersecurity situation and is a primary point of contact that is in constant contact. 
• Progress updates: Communication is key during incident response, with progress updates and milestone tracking. 
• Forensics findings: Clear explanations of forensics investigation findings will inform risk management strategies to prevent future attacks. 

Strategic Recommendations — Recover from Cybersecurity Incidents

Many incident response vendors drop the ball after detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats. But what was the root cause of the attack? What digital forensics were discovered during incident response that can inform your cybersecurity strategy? How is a provider working diligently to restore your business to pre-incident operations? 

Ultimately, what did you learn about your IT environment because of the security incident so you can prevent future data breaches? 

We believe a critical part of the incident recovery process involves remediation guidance and strategic recommendations to harden your security posture over time. It’s a full-circle cybersecurity approach that starts with understanding your “attack surface” and security posture, and continues with ongoing cybersecurity scans to maintain full visibility, measure progress and mitigate incidents.

Level Up Your IT Cybersecurity Profile 

At DMC Technology Group, we are committed to doing the right thing for our clients and providing a high level of hardware solutions, managed services and cybersecurity solutions such as Arctic Wolf. 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. Arctic Wolf + DMC Technology Group can create a secure business IT environment so your Ohio or Michigan-based business can focus on what you do best. Contact us to learn how.

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

The post Arctic Wolf Helps Manage Your Cybersecurity Risk 24/7/365 appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Windows Server 2012 (R2) Retirement & End of Support: What It Means

Windows Server 2012 (R2) retirement and end of support means that Microsoft will officially stop providing updates, patches, and technical support for the operating system. Here's what it means in practical terms:

1. No More Security Updates: Microsoft will no longer release security updates for Windows Server 2012 (R2). This leaves the operating system vulnerable to new security threats and exploits that may emerge in the future. Without regular security updates, your system becomes more susceptible to attacks, and the risk of data breaches.
   
2. Limited Technical Support: Microsoft will no longer provide technical support for Windows Server 2012 (R2) This means you will not have access to support options, including assistance with troubleshooting, configuration, or compatibility issues.
   
3. Compliance Concerns: Using an unsupported operating system may lead to compliance issues, especially if you are subject to specific industry regulations or data protection standards. Compliance requirements often mandate the use of supported software to ensure security and protect sensitive data.
   
4. Compatibility Challenges: As newer software and hardware technologies are developed; they may no longer be compatible with Windows Server 2012 (R2). This could limit your ability to install or run certain applications and drivers on your server.

What To Do If You’re Running Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2

To address these concerns, it is recommended to migrate to a supported operating system version, such as Windows Server 2022. Upgrading to a supported version ensures that you receive regular security updates, technical support, and compatibility with the latest software and hardware releases. It also helps maintain compliance with industry regulations and standards.

Is now the time to move to the Cloud?

If you are currently running Windows Server 2012 (R2) it’s a great time to look at the cloud. With a migration already required, some workloads could move to a more robust and secure environment. Here are six reasons why you might want to consider migrating to the cloud:

1. Extended Support: By moving to the cloud, you can take advantage of extended support provided by cloud service providers. They often offer extended support for older operating systems, such as Windows Server 2012 (R2), beyond their official end-of-life dates. This ensures that you continue to receive security updates and technical support for your server.
   
2. Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud platforms provide scalability, allowing you to easily adjust your server resources as your needs change. You can scale up or down based on demand, avoiding the need to invest in and manage physical hardware. This flexibility allows you to optimize costs and ensure optimal performance.
   
3. Enhanced Security: Cloud service providers typically have robust security measures in place to protect your data. They invest heavily in security technologies, including encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits. Migrating to the cloud can enhance the security of your IT environment compared to on premises infrastructure.
   
4. Disaster Recovery and High Availability: Cloud platforms often offer built-in disaster recovery and high availability features. You can leverage these capabilities to replicate your server environment across multiple data centers, ensuring business continuity in the event of a failure or disaster. This helps minimize downtime and data loss.
   
5. Cost Savings: Migrating to the cloud can provide cost savings compared to maintaining and upgrading on-premises infrastructure. Cloud services operate on a pay-as-you-go model, allowing you to pay only for the resources you use. You eliminate the need for upfront hardware investments, ongoing maintenance costs, and energy expenses associated with running your own data center. More savings may be available with 1- and 3-year contracts through Azure.
   
6. Access to Newer Technologies: By migrating to the cloud, you can leverage the latest technologies and services offered by cloud providers. This includes machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analytics, serverless computing, and more.

How DMC Can Help With Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 Retirement

It's important to assess your specific requirements, budget, and security considerations before deciding. We can help you plan and execute a successful migration to the cloud or transition your infrastructure to an updated version of Windows Server.

Want to learn more about help With Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 Retirement? 

Let’s talk. Call us any time at 419-535-2900. Or fill out this simple contact form and we’ll get in touch with you.

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

The post Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 End of Life appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

We need more women in tech jobs — to problem-solve, engineer, innovate, grow relationships and contribute to product development. After all, if about half of consumers are female and we’re designing software, hardware and tech tools without women’s voice at the table, aren’t we inherently missing the market?

Women in tech jobs bring a fresh perspective, diversifying the conversation. This is important for any business in every industry. A Harvard Business Review study found that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. And let’s face it, women and men are different. (This is a good thing!) When we invite a range of perspectives to the workplace, we grow a more creative talent pool. 

A range of perspectives sparks innovation. More voices at the table means more creativity, more skills and more experiences that contribute to creative problem solving. Studies prove that mixed-gender teams deliver more novel work than all-women or all-men teams. And diverse workplaces also tend to be more profitable. A McKinsey & Company report showed gender-diverse companies are 25 percent more likely to outperform competitors that lack diversity. And the more women represented, the better for a business’s bottom line – by up to 48 percent. 

It’s always the right time to showcase tech jobs for women, and in honor of Women’s History Month in March, we hope highlighting opportunities in IT and tech careers throughout the industry and at DMC Technology Group will inspire more women to pursue tech jobs. 

So, how do women thrive in tech jobs? Here are five qualities that make women an ideal fit. 

Women of Tech are Critical Thinkers

A study in Literacy Information and Computer Education Journal highlights creativity and gender differences, explaining that women naturally analyze and their minds are constantly at work. This is not to say men are not doing the same, but women plan, organize and multitask as a necessity of everyday life. And so it makes sense that in the IT workplace, these skills are valuable for solving problems, addressing challenges and designing new products. 

Sharing is Caring – Women are Communicators 

Explaining thoughts and verbal/written expression are a strength women bring to teams. So is listening. (Communication isn’t just about talking.) Women are effective at perceiving body language and feelings. Women in IT jobs can explain complex concepts to clients, interface with customers in a way that shows understanding and empathy, and listen to client requests and feedback so they feel heard. 

Overall, women are connectors, valuing relationships with each other, their families, friends and communities. In the IT workplace, this provides a rich client experience that is appreciated in VCIO, co-managed and managed service roles.  

Women In Technology Inspire Each Other

Women are patient, taking time to teach and explain. As mentors, women in tech jobs can encourage more females to pursue IT careers by setting an inspiring example. The IT sector provides rewarding, well-paying career opportunities, where women can excel as leaders. 

There’s a high demand for skilled workers in the technology industry, with expected continued growth. For women with the right skills, education and experience, this means many job opportunities. With the tech industry constantly evolving, there will also be opportunities for career growth and advancement. 

Workforce Diversity Attracts Talent

Diverse work environments attract talent in regions that value and support women in the workplace like the United States and Western Europe. Diversity can indicate that a company is competently run and values a range of perspectives. When workplaces recruit and promote women – including them at all levels and in the C-suite – they outperform in the hiring game. Case in point: When the job site Glassdoor surveyed job seekers, 67% of the 1,000 respondents said they evaluate workplace diversity when deciding if a company is a great place to work. Another survey revealed that 61% of women look at gender diversity when considering a future employer. 

Women In Tech Statistics

Even knowing that a more gender-diverse workforce outperforms others, is attractive to job candidates and is proven to be more innovative, women still only represent 26% of the tech workforce in the United States. Only 5% of tech leadership positions belong to women, and the percentage of women in all tech-related careers has decreased during the last couple of years. There’s a significant gap in women’s representation in tech given that women account for 47.7% of the global workforce. When you consider that women account for nearly 48% of the global workforce, it highlights the vast opportunity for companies to diversify their workforce and improve their bottom line. 

Our bottom line? The tech world needs more women in tech.

Want to learn more about IT careers? 

Let’s talk. Call us any time at 419-535-2900. Or fill out this simple contact form and we’ll get in touch with you.

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

The post Tech Jobs for Women – Inspiring Innovation appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

But can your business afford Chief Information Officer (CIO)? And is adding another executive to your C-suite the best way to funnel resources? 

For small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the answer is no. But the problem is, a clear tech strategy, stopgap cyber monitoring and IT support are mission critical for running a business. To remain competitive in today’s environment, digital transformation is essential. 

What Is a vCIO? vCIO vs CIO.

A great option is to employ the services of a vCIO. A virtual chief information officer (vCIO) can deliver managed IT services that align with your business’s needs and budget. Managed service professionals (MSPs) can implement and maintain IT software, hardware, cloud solutions and security measures. A virtual CIO can oversee your entire IT infrastructure, or help guide work alongside a small internal IT staff in a co-managed role. Basically, SMBs can gain a high level of technology and IT expertise without the financial commitment of paying a CIO salary. 

What Are The Benefits Of A vCIO?

Wondering what the Virtual CIO Services and Benefits are? A vCIO can act as an external IT department, performing duties like creating strategic IT goals, planning the IT budget, implementing hardware, software and cloud solutions, monitoring and addressing security concerns, and more. Basically, everything within your IT infrastructure can be managed and maintained by a vCIO, who also serves as an IT adviser to leadership. A vCIO can help a company align its technology strategy with its overall business goals. 

A vCIO can also identify opportunities to improve and innovate their clients IT infrastructure. We like to divide managed services into three buckets: support, optimize and secure. 

Support. IT managed services support ensures that your network and servers are always firing, with 24/7 access to help. It includes managing antivirus software and licenses, along with workstation antivirus and antispyware. This access to technology expertise may not be available in-house. Guidance on emerging technologies can provide opportunities that may otherwise remain unknown, and enable your company to stay up-to-date on the latest technology trends.

Optimize. A vCIO will optimize your IT infrastructure by participating in budget planning, managing hardware and software agreements, and proactive planning to replace and/or upgrade servers and workstations. A vCIO can help identify cost-saving solutions and negotiate better deals with vendors. Additionally, your vCIO can recommend tools and technologies to streamline processes that help employees work more efficiently, resulting in increased productivity.

Secure. Network and IT security for SMBs includes periodic assessments, incident detection and response, along with computer updates and security patches. A vCIO will monitor servers, networks and firewalls to keep your business safe. This type of comprehensive security is imperative to keeping a company safe.

With a vCIO you can access remote or in-person support, and a reputable IT managed services partner will also offer email support and a help desk for 24/7 access. A virtual CIO service includes all of the support you would expect from an in-house CIO.

Qualities to Look for in a vCIO for Outsourced IT

Like hiring any employee or management team member, you should look for a virtual CIO whose values align with your culture and organization. You must trust the vCIO to develop a strategy, plan, guide and protect your IT infrastructure.

Because you’ll include a vCIO in strategic planning and budget discussions, you want an IT managed services partner that works well with your team and organization. 

Some qualities to look for in a vCIO if you choose to outsource IT services include: 

• Open communication and processes. Your vCIO will be in constant touch with decision-makers and should provide multiple ways to communicate: phone, email, help desk and in person. Strong interpersonal skills are a must.
• IT strategic planning. A vCIO is so much more than tech support for your business. This IT professional should have the ability to think long-term about your growth and market opportunities to assure IT infrastructure aligns with business goals. 
• Ability to quickly adapt. You want a vCIO who understands that change is the nature of business and technology. Plans change, goals change and opportunities change. A vCIO should anticipate change, but also show flexibility and pivot when decision-makers need. 

Ultimately, the vCIO role is to be your technology and IT advocate. Your vCIO should develop relationships with your employees and key decision makers, and explain technical information in a way that’s easy to understand. 

Why Hire a vCIO? Is a vCIO Right for Your Business? FAQs

vCIO services are right for your business if you do not have the budget to add an executive IT leader to your team. vCIOs have a seat at the table in a SMB that can rely on the IT expertise for strategic planning, IT implementation, security monitoring and vendor management. A vCIO is also ideal in large companies where there is a CIO vacancy, or to manage IT projects on an as-needed basis.

Want to learn more about bringing virtual CIO services to your company? Let’s talk. Call us any time at 419.535.2900. Or fill out this simple contact form and we’ll get in touch with you. 

Posted by Christopher Ferguson II, Client Executive, DMC Technology Group

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A conversation with DMC Technology Group President, Patrick Sheehan

What do Zoom, eBay, Dell, Intel, Google, Microsoft and Amazon have in common? Aside from being household names, they join other global technology companies that have laid off a combined 95,000 employees since the beginning of 2023. The number is staggering, and yet we shouldn’t be all that surprised. 

In a conversation with Patrick Sheehan, president of DMC Technology Group, we learn what is driving massive layoffs in publicly held technology corporations, and why DMC’s approach has resulted in the opposite trend: actively recruiting tech talent. 

In a news spotlight on WTOL, I explained what makes our position in the market unique. Because of a culture built on long-term, sustained growth and success, we take a different approach to building our company. For publicly-held companies in the tech industry, the pandemic introduced tremendous opportunity. With people working from home, security concerns elevated as did the use of the cloud, Microsoft products, video conferencing and so on. 

DMC Technology Group is hiring client executives, engineers, and programmers. How is the company positioned to recruit tech talent when so many others are trimming down their staff?

In the WTOL interview, I shared this with the reporter: 

"These companies are publicly-held and that creates a very different dynamic. Their shareholders expect them to ride the wave of opportunity as it comes along and scale back during downturns. That results in mass hirings and, in the current environment, some heart-breaking layoffs. The leaders at these large companies are good people, but they’re required to direct their loyalty to their investors. We are a locally owned private business, so we are insulated from the expectations of outside investors.”

When you interview candidates applying for open technology positions at DMC, what do you want them to know about the company?

I tell the candidates I interview that I want them to retire from DMC. That might seem far-fetched, but it’s important for our company culture and clients to providing continuity and minimiz turnover. It’s my responsibility as an owner to fulfill this commitment by offering rewarding careers. Our clients depend on the consistency of working with engineers and programmers who truly know their operations. 

Publicly held companies, even if they wanted to, do not necessarily have this luxury. Their stakeholders and investors want them to ride the wave. And when that swell calms down or dips, they must respond accordingly. Unfortunately, that has resulted in widespread tech industry layoffs with a lot of displaced talent in the corporate sector.

One of my proudest moments as the owner of DMC was in 2009 when the bubble burst and the economy plummeted into a recession. Like many, we were having a tough time, and I met with our leadership team and said, “We have challenges ahead of us.” We didn’t want to lay off any of our people, so I suggested that we institute a temporary across-the-board, tiered pay decrease. The people at the top took the largest cut. 

Can you share an example of putting people first and avoiding layoffs, even in a tough economy?

This isn’t the type of message you want to deliver at a company meeting, but afterward, many of our team members approached me privately and said things like, “If we can avoid laying people off, I’m all for it.” There was a true sense of camaraderie and a cohesive spirit. We supported each other as a team.

We got through those tough times, ultimately growing out of the recession. Within about a year, salaries returned to their previous levels and we made up for lost wages. 

As a small business, we are nimble and can pivot quickly to put in place systems, procedures and plans that will help us succeed over the long-term. That’s a real benefit for our clients and our employees. We make it a point to emphasize to our team and clients that we are focused on sustainable growth and success for everyone. 

What opportunities is DMC Technology Group pursuing that will fuel long-term growth and create more jobs?

We strategically pursue opportunities that will fuel long-term growth that also allows us to hire and retain more talent. Namely, we are directing business development initiatives toward internet security, Microsoft Cloud, Microsoft 365 products and the subcategory technologies that go with them. Microsoft is a critical part of our business, and we may actually be the beneficiary of some of this talent now being available for hire. 

As companies’ demands for IT managed services, tech security, cloud-based technologies and Microsoft solutions continue, many do not have an in-house IT department or a Chief Information Officer. This is where DMC fills a critical void as a VCIO – Virtual CIO, or fractional CIO. When clients engage DMC as their VCIO, they gain the flexibility and bandwidth to scale up or back depending on their needs. This helps prevent a cycle of hire-and-fire in their own operations while delivering cost savings, so that they can direct resources to other important aspects of their businesses. 

The bottom line: In today’s dynamic environment, companies need more tech security measures in place to prevent breaches. They need support in place to operate in the cloud safely, to protect their clients’ privacy, and to run more efficient and collaborative businesses. 

Why might a technology professional who is used to the corporate world enjoy working for a family-owned business like DMC instead?

Those working in global tech companies who wonder, “Am I next?” might seek out careers at a place like the DMC because of the family-like environment and track record for stability. We are strategically recruiting Client Executives, Engineers, and Programmers. Recently, we  hired an Engineer and a Service Coordinator, and have engaged with a local Marketing Team to continue our strategic growth. 

For more information on our Toledo region IT jobs please visit our careers page.

Posted by Patrick Sheehan, Owner, DMC Technology Group

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