Searching for IT experts?
Discover leading Managed IT Service Providers across USA, Canada & the United Kingdom.
- 100s of leading MSPs
- Find a MSP near you
- Latest IT news for SMBs
The Evolution of Customer Support in IT
The realm of Information Technology (IT) has witnessed several pivotal changes over the years. Among the many facets influenced by these transformations, customer support stands out. This article examines the evolution of customer support in IT, delving into its origin, development, current trends, and future prospects. The Past: Unix and Mainframe Support Modern IT customer ... Read more
The realm of Information Technology (IT) has witnessed several pivotal changes over the years. Among the many facets influenced by these transformations, customer support stands out. This article examines the evolution of customer support in IT, delving into its origin, development, current trends, and future prospects. The Past: Unix and Mainframe Support Modern IT customer ... Read more
Read full post on avidpractice.com
MSPdb™ News
Top 10 Cybersecurity Priorities for Financial Services Orgs in 2026
Top 10 Cybersecurity Priorities for Financial Services Organizations in 2026 Why Financial Services Firms Remain a Prime Target Banks, wealth management firms, mortgage companies, insurance agencies, accounting firms, credit unions, and financial advisors continue to be among the most targeted organizations for cybercrime. They manage sensitive financial data, personally identifiable information (PII), payment systems, and regulatory obligations, making them attractive targets for ransomware groups, business email compromise attacks, credential theft, and third-party supply chain attacks
Top 10 Cybersecurity Priorities for Financial Services Organizations in 2026 Why Financial Services Firms Remain a Prime Target Banks, wealth management firms, mortgage companies, insurance agencies, accounting firms, credit unions, and financial advisors continue to be among the most targeted organizations for cybercrime. They manage sensitive financial data, personally identifiable information (PII), payment systems, and regulatory obligations, making them attractive targets for ransomware groups, business email compromise attacks, credential theft, and third-party supply chain attacks. Financial regulators continue to emphasize cybersecurity, resilience, and vendor oversight as foundational business requirements rather than optional technology initiatives. At Ceeva, we believe cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern. It is a business risk management function that must align with organizational strategy, compliance requirements, operational resilience, and customer trust. 1. Strengthen Identity Security and Multi-Factor Authentication Most breaches still begin with compromised credentials. Financial institutions should focus on protecting identities through Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Conditional Access policies, passwordless technologies, privileged account management, and continuous monitoring of account activity. Identity has become the new security perimeter. Ask yourself: Would a stolen password alone allow an attacker into your environment? 2. Implement Continuous Security Monitoring Cyber threats don't operate on business hours. Organizations need 24x7 monitoring of endpoints, servers, cloud environments, and Microsoft 365 environments. Modern Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services provide human-validated threat detection and rapid containment before small incidents become major business disruptions. Ceeva's approach emphasizes ongoing visibility rather than annual security reviews. 3. Prepare for Ransomware Before It Happens Ransomware remains one of the biggest threats facing the financial sector, with recent reports showing both ransomware activity and vendor-related attacks increasing across financial services organizations. Effective preparation includes: Immutable backups Disaster recovery planning Incident response procedures Security awareness training Recovery testing The question is no longer "Will we be targeted?" but "How quickly can we recover?" 4. Focus on Third-Party and Vendor Risk Many financial institutions have strong internal controls yet remain vulnerable through external vendors, software providers, consultants, and managed service providers. Recent financial-sector incidents demonstrate how one compromised vendor can impact dozens of organizations simultaneously. Vendor risk management should be part of every cybersecurity program. Evaluate: Vendor security practices Cyber insurance coverage Business continuity planning Regulatory compliance Access permissions 5. Align Cybersecurity with Compliance Requirements Whether you're subject to FFIEC guidance, SEC requirements, GLBA, FINRA, PCI, state privacy laws, cyber insurance requirements, or client security questionnaires, compliance expectations continue to rise. Organizations that treat compliance as a once-a-year project often struggle. The most successful firms build compliance into daily operations through documented policies, regular assessments, and ongoing governance. 6. Train Employees Continuously Technology alone cannot stop phishing, social engineering, and business email compromise. Employees remain both the greatest vulnerability and the strongest defense. Effective security awareness programs should include: Phishing simulations Ongoing education Executive training Incident reporting procedures Real-world threat examples Ceeva consistently sees employee training deliver one of the strongest returns on cybersecurity investment. 7. Protect Microsoft 365 and Cloud Platforms Financial organizations increasingly rely on Microsoft 365, cloud productivity tools, and SaaS applications. Unfortunately, many firms assume Microsoft automatically secures everything. Cybersecurity best practices should include: Conditional Access MFA Security monitoring Data retention policies Backup solutions Privileged access controls As cloud adoption grows, cloud security maturity must grow with it. 8. Develop and Test an Incident Response Plan The middle of a breach is not the time to figure out responsibilities. Organizations should have documented incident response plans covering: Detection Containment Communication Recovery Regulatory reporting Post-incident review Tabletop exercises and leadership participation are critical components of an effective response program. 9. Connect Cybersecurity to Business Continuity Cybersecurity is not solely about prevention. It is also about maintaining operations when disruptions occur. Financial firms should regularly evaluate: Backup integrity Recovery objectives System dependencies Client communication procedures Operational resilience The organizations that recover fastest are typically those that planned long before an incident occurred. 10. Make Cybersecurity Part of Strategic Planning The highest-performing financial organizations treat cybersecurity as a leadership initiative. It belongs in strategic planning discussions, board meetings, budgeting conversations, merger evaluations, and growth planning. At Ceeva, this is where our vCIO and strategic advisory services provide the greatest value. We help organizations align technology, cybersecurity, compliance, and business goals into a practical roadmap that reduces risk while supporting future growth. Cybersecurity should never be reactive. It should be part of how your organization plans for success. Final Thought Financial services leaders face an increasingly complex threat landscape. Ransomware, credential theft, regulatory pressure, vendor risk, and evolving cyber insurance requirements are creating challenges that can no longer be solved with technology alone. The organizations best positioned for the future are those that approach cybersecurity strategically, align it with business objectives, and invest in the right combination of people, processes, and technology. That's exactly where Ceeva helps our clients succeed.
Read full post on ceeva.com
The AI Tool That's Leaking Your Business Data Is Probably the Free One
The AI tool leaking your business data is probably the free one. Here's how to use AI safely without creating new security risks.
The AI tool leaking your business data is probably the free one. Here's how to use AI safely without creating new security risks.
Read full post on cnwr.com
This Week in Microsoft, Security & AI: September 8, 2026
New Every Monday This week in Microsoft, security, and AI: what changed and what it means for your business Welcome back to This Week in Microsoft, Security, and AI. We are publishing one day later this week in observance of Labor Day, with gratitude for the people behind every organization we support. The theme this
New Every Monday This week in Microsoft, security, and AI: what changed and what it means for your business Welcome back to This Week in Microsoft, Security, and AI. We are publishing one day later this week in observance of Labor Day, with gratitude for the people behind every organization we support. The theme this
Read full post on covenant-tech.net
The Flexible Arena Has a New Website. And the Ice Is Coming Back.
The Flexible Arena Has a New Website. And the Ice Is Coming Back. Somehow the summer is almost over already. It has been a busy few months at the Flexible Arena, and with roller season wrapping up and ice season right around the corner, this felt like a good time to catch everyone up. There
The Flexible Arena Has a New Website. And the Ice Is Coming Back. Somehow the summer is almost over already. It has been a busy few months at the Flexible Arena, and with roller season wrapping up and ice season right around the corner, this felt like a good time to catch everyone up. There
Read full post on flexibleit.com
How Much Do Managed IT Services Cost in 2026?
Technology is essential for modern businesses, but managing IT systems has become increasingly complex and expensive. Companies need reliable infrastructure, cybersecurity protection, cloud management, and ongoing technical support to remain competitive. One of the most common questions businesses ask before partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) is: how much do managed IT services cost?
Technology is essential for modern businesses, but managing IT systems has become increasingly complex and expensive. Companies need reliable infrastructure, cybersecurity protection, cloud management, and ongoing technical support to remain competitive. One of the most common questions businesses ask before partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) is: how much do managed IT services cost?
Read full post on desertitsolutions.com
Why More SMBs Are Moving to Layered Cybersecurity | All Covered
The Five Layers of Cybersecurity Protection Thanks to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and a determined and growing group of criminals, cyberattacks are evolving dramatically. The stakes are particularly high for SMBs, which face unlimited threats with limited bandwidth. In fact, the question isn't if an attack will happen or even when it will occur, it’s how bad will it be? The answer isn’t good. Security breaches cost small and medium businesses over $6 billion in 2024 alone. That’s why a growing number of organizations understand the need for layered cybersecurity, al
The Five Layers of Cybersecurity Protection Thanks to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and a determined and growing group of criminals, cyberattacks are evolving dramatically. The stakes are particularly high for SMBs, which face unlimited threats with limited bandwidth. In fact, the question isn't if an attack will happen or even when it will occur, it’s how bad will it be? The answer isn’t good. Security breaches cost small and medium businesses over $6 billion in 2024 alone. That’s why a growing number of organizations understand the need for layered cybersecurity, also known as "defense-in-depth." These organizations don’t just ward off more attacks. They also reduce the severity if a breach does occur. According to a study by IBM, organizations with layered security saved an average of $1.49 million per breach compared to those without, while resolving incidents 54 days faster. These savings stem from faster response times, better containment and reduced legal exposure. What is layered cybersecurity? Think of it as a strategy that includes adding protection at all your windows and doors as a starting point, with increasing layers to prevent or reduce damage should the bad actors get inside. Each layer has its own specialized defense mechanism. Should an attacker breach one, backup layers stand ready to intercept, block and neutralize threats. In the physical world, it’s like a high-security building: There's a gate, required badges, surveillance cameras, motion sensors, locked doors and windows and additional security measures. and people inside. Each complements the others’ ability to deter and defend against intruders. In cybersecurity, this concept protects against increasingly sophisticated threats like ransomware, business email compromise, insider threats, and zero-day exploits. Here at All Covered, a trusted managed security services provider, a layered approach is not just recommended — it's considered essential. By integrating diverse tools and strategies across multiple fronts, businesses can dramatically decrease vulnerabilities and increase resilience. Breaking down the layers #1 Your People (Identity): Cybersecurity begins with people, since employees represent the first line of defense and, unfortunately, one of the greatest vulnerabilities. Verizon’s 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report notes that 62% of breaches included in the study involved a human element. Phishing attacks, weak passwords and accidental data sharing are some of the common pitfalls. In fact, there has been a notable shift to cyberattackers using known credentials (credentials available on the dark web) to gain access to trusted systems. Regular cybersecurity training can significantly reduce these risks by building awareness and teaching practical skills. This should include ongoing training simulations, phishing tests and behavior analytics to identify potential insider threats. One key takeaway is that establishing a robust security culture is not a once-a-year webinar. It’s a mindset, reinforced with continuing education, tools and accountability. Security solutions that specifically protect identities are gaining popularity as businesses realize that identities are the new target, before the threat reaches an endpoint. Example: In 2026, the ShinyHunters cybercriminal group has successfully targeted multiple organizations through voice phishing attacks, impersonating IT support staff or employees to gain access to internal systems. One notable victim, education technology provider Instructure, suffered a breach of its Canvas platform that exposed data belonging to more than 30 million students and staff, and when a ransom was initially refused, the attackers launched a second disruptive attack during school finals, ultimately leading the company to pay the ransom. #2 Endpoint security: Every endpoint is a common point of entry for attackers. Security solutions such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools and mobile device management protect devices from compromise … if they’re properly configured and monitored. This became more difficult with the remote work and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies that continue today. A provider that offers managed endpoint detection and response (MEDR) can continuously monitor behavior and isolate suspicious activity while also enabling real-time remediation, even if the device is offsite. Thus MEDR is a winning cybersecurity strategy. Example: Colonial Pipeline, which operates the largest refined petroleum products pipeline in the US, suffered a ransomware attack at the hands of the DarkSide ransomware group, causing fuel supply shortages in the southeastern US. The company paid a ransom, reportedly $4.4 million, to recover access to its systems. #3 Network and perimeter security: Tools at this layer include firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). They can all stop attacks before they even enter your network. But to ensure thorough, layered coverage, perimeter strategy should incorporate geo-blocking and threat intelligence to manage evolving risk profiles, especially for distributed workforces. Further, if attackers breach the perimeter, network security measures help contain and limit damage. This can include network segmentation, regular monitoring for anomalous activity and secure communication protocols like HTTPS and SSH. With these measures in place, threats can quickly be identified and isolated. In addition, smart segmentation, i.e. separating finance, guest and operations networks, limits lateral movement by attackers. Combined with zero-trust access principles, this can keep your internal environment controlled, visible and safer. Example: According to a report in the HIPAA Journal, the most common initial access vectors in ransomware attacks compromised perimeter security devices such as a virtual private network or firewall, which were involved in almost 6 out of 10 ransomware attacks. #4 Application security: Software applications can present vulnerabilities if not adequately secured. This can include third-party SaaS platforms teams use daily. Regular updates, vulnerability scanning, vulnerability remediation, penetration testing and secure coding practices help protect against application-level exploits. However, without visibility into how those tools are configured, attackers may exploit them. One answer is a robust layered approach, which helps SMBs assess the application security posture, enforce strong integrations and maintain best practices. Example: In 2025, attackers used compromised OAuth credentials tied to the Salesloft Drift integration to gain access to Salesforce environments and exfiltrate large volumes of sensitive customer data, including account, contact, case, and opportunity records. The attackers also appeared to search the stolen data for credentials that could enable further compromise and used anti-forensics techniques to hide their activity, prompting recommendations for organizations to review logs, investigate potential exposure, and rotate any potentially compromised credentials. #5 Data security: Data protection is paramount. Sensitive business information requires encryption, rigorous access controls, data masking, and regular backups. A strong data security strategy ensures that even if attackers breach your defenses, critical information remains inaccessible and recoverable. Thus, data classification, knowing what’s sensitive and where it lives, is step one. Encryption at rest and in transit, MFA on critical systems, and immutable imaged backups also form part of the modern data security playbook and ensure resilience in the face of ransomware attacks. The right layered-approach cybersecurity provider will support businesses in defining roles, automating encryption, and enforcing least-privilege access across environments (cloud, hybrid, and on-premises). Example: A British government agency responsible for overseeing billions of pounds worth of legal funding was recently hit by a cyber security incident and admitted that “it is possible that financial information relating to legal aid providers may have been accessed by a third party." Defense-in-depth approach is essential to trust and compliance When it comes to compliance, an essential ingredient to trust, adherence to a security framework is also important. NIST CSF and CIS 18, for example, are both frameworks that help improve security posture through adherence to and monitoring compliance with best practice. Layered defenses also align with most compliance frameworks, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). All organizations, including SMBs, need to prove security maturity to clients, regulators, and partners, so a layered strategy and adherence to security frameworks must work hand in hand. The importance of offense-informed defense It’s also vital to combine the strengths of a layered cybersecurity approach with application and network penetration testing. Application penetration testing helps identify and address security flaws in software applications (e.g., web, mobile, APIs). Network penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities in an organization's internal and external networks by finding weaknesses like open ports, outdated software, or poor configurations attackers could use to get in. All Covered’s comprehensive cybersecurity services All Covered offers full-stack managed security services, including vulnerability assessments, email security, endpoint protection, security awareness training, and compliance consulting. These expertly managed cybersecurity solutions are specifically tailored for SMBs, including: Managed Detection and Response (MDR): Combines technology with expert human analysis for proactive threat detection and response. Think of it as your digital security guard, patrolling 24/7. 24/7 Security Operations Centers (SOCs): Continuous monitoring means threats are detected and addressed in real time—not hours or days later. Security & Compliance Consulting: Assists with cybersecurity governance, including aligning your business with security frameworks, and ensures your business meets regulatory requirements, avoiding fines and reputational damage. Cloud Solutions: Robust, secure cloud services for safely storing data and applications, supporting scalability and remote work. Our primarily cloud security solution is SIEM, along with identity and access management, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and secure virtual desktops. Vulnerability Management and Remediation: Strengthens security and business resilience by continuously identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, closing gaps that could lead to breaches, downtime, or compliance issues Managed Security Awareness Training Email Defense Partnering with All Covered means tapping into decades of cybersecurity expertise, ensuring every security layer is robust and reliable. Unlike smaller providers, All Covered blends cutting-edge technology with a human-led approach and a deep understanding of business operations. Next steps A proactive, layered cybersecurity posture is critical for business survival in today's digital environment. Don’t wait for a breach to expose your weaknesses. With cyber threats growing in sophistication and frequency, the time to act is now. Whether you're starting from scratch or enhancing an existing program, All Covered can help you build a tailored layered strategy that works. Our end-to-end services are designed with your budget, industry, and growth goals in mind while unlocking the full potential of your cloud environment. Ready to fortify your cybersecurity? Download All Covered’s NIST Cybersecurity Checklist today and take a decisive step toward a secure business future. Better yet, schedule a free consultation with one of our security experts to see how your current setup measures up.
Read full post on allcovered.com
The Hidden Cost of Poor IT Support on Active Job Sites
Construction companies make money when projects keep moving. When technology works the way it should, your crews stay productive so owners and project managers make faster decisions. When technology struggles to keep up, the impact is felt far beyond the IT department. Poor IT support slows communication and creates the kind of confusion that makes it harder for teams to deliver projects on time. Companies that invest in reliable and proactive IT support are better equipped to protect productivity and reduce risk in the long run.
Construction companies make money when projects keep moving. When technology works the way it should, your crews stay productive so owners and project managers make faster decisions. When technology struggles to keep up, the impact is felt far beyond the IT department. Poor IT support slows communication and creates the kind of confusion that makes it harder for teams to deliver projects on time. Companies that invest in reliable and proactive IT support are better equipped to protect productivity and reduce risk in the long run.
Read full post on blog.centretechnologies.com
Synergy IT Solutions Appoints John Ende as Chief Executive Officer
Accomplished Executive and ESOP Leader to Guide Company's Next Phase of Growth
Accomplished Executive and ESOP Leader to Guide Company's Next Phase of Growth
Read full post on synergyits.com
Microsoft Publisher End of Life is October 2026: What Small Businesses Must Do Before They Lose Access to Their Files
Microsoft Publisher is not simply reaching end-of-support. It’s being removed. That’s a critical distinction many small and midsize businesses have not fully recognized. On October 1, 2026, Microsoft 365 subscribers will lose access to Microsoft Publisher, and organizations relying on Publisher files (.pub) may find themselves unable to open or edit years of business-critical documents if they
Microsoft Publisher is not simply reaching end-of-support. It’s being removed. That’s a critical distinction many small and midsize businesses have not fully recognized. On October 1, 2026, Microsoft 365 subscribers will lose access to Microsoft Publisher, and organizations relying on Publisher files (.pub) may find themselves unable to open or edit years of business-critical documents if they
Read full post on itology.com
Zero Trust vs Least Privilege
Cybersecurity teams often use zero trust and least privilege interchangeably. While the two concepts are closely connected, they are not the same thing. Both are designed to reduce unnecessary access and limit the impact of…
Cybersecurity teams often use zero trust and least privilege interchangeably. While the two concepts are closely connected, they are not the same thing. Both are designed to reduce unnecessary access and limit the impact of…
Read full post on thrivenextgen.com
Just Added to MSPdb™
MSP Jobs
All Jobs
MSP Marketplace
View All
Popular MSPs
View All
