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Should You Resist Rapport Building from IT Providers?
Recently, I was dropping off donuts at a local business in San Antonio, and the receptionist/office manager told me that nobody there liked donuts. This struck me as a strange response, as it was hard to imagine that there wasn’t at least someone in the office who might enjoy a treat from Dunkin’ Donuts. After thinking about her response for a few seconds, it dawned on me that the situation was probably about trying to resist my rapport-building attempt. The Distrust of Salespeople The truth is that many people strongly dislike or distrust salespeople in general and often put up their guard to
Recently, I was dropping off donuts at a local business in San Antonio, and the receptionist/office manager told me that nobody there liked donuts. This struck me as a strange response, as it was hard to imagine that there wasn’t at least someone in the office who might enjoy a treat from Dunkin’ Donuts. After thinking about her response for a few seconds, it dawned on me that the situation was probably about trying to resist my rapport-building attempt. The Distrust of Salespeople The truth is that many people strongly dislike or distrust salespeople in general and often put up their guard to resist rapport-building attempts, so they won’t feel obligated to reciprocate. Just the other day, another business emailed me saying they were going to return the gift I had dropped off. I realized that this was probably the exact same issue. In fact, it might not just be resisting rapport building; some might even see dropping off gifts as an attempt to buy their business or as a bribe. Changing Perceptions You might be wondering what happened with the office manager who refused the donuts. After realizing that she might feel I was trying to bribe her and resist my attempt to build rapport, I decided to let her know that I had spoken with the partners, and they had told me their specific needs and the problems the firm was facing. They were in a pickle, caught between an IT rock and a hard place. I told her I thought I might have an alternative solution that could save the day. Suddenly, her demeanor changed, and I could tell she didn’t see me as a sleazy ‘salesman’ anymore. I had shown that I actually cared about the company more than just wanting to sell some IT stuff. After this happened, she gladly accepted the donuts and admitted they liked them.
Read full post on morristechnologysolutions.comMSPdb™ News
IT Helpdesk Best Practices That Keep Tickets, Access, And Approvals Moving
A hybrid employee is locked out of Microsoft 365 right before a customer call, while a manager waits on approval access and the office copier still is...
A hybrid employee is locked out of Microsoft 365 right before a customer call, while a manager waits on approval access and the office copier still is...
Read full post on 7tech.com
What Is RMM? The Backbone of Proactive IT Management
Discover how Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) transforms IT from reactive to proactive, ensuring seamless system performance and prevention.
Discover how Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) transforms IT from reactive to proactive, ensuring seamless system performance and prevention.
Read full post on rivell.com
Fixed Price IT Support That Keeps Costs Steady
Fixed price IT support gives Southwest Florida businesses predictable costs, faster help, and proactive protection for systems, data, and daily operations.
Fixed price IT support gives Southwest Florida businesses predictable costs, faster help, and proactive protection for systems, data, and daily operations.
Read full post on priscanova.com
The 3-2-1 Backup Rule: Still the Standard, With One Update
Learn how to enhance the 3-2-1 backup rule for better data protection against ransomware and ensure your backups are secure and effective.
Learn how to enhance the 3-2-1 backup rule for better data protection against ransomware and ensure your backups are secure and effective.
Read full post on mytekrescue.com
HIPAA Cybersecurity Requirements for San Antonio Medical Practices
Short version. HIPAA does not publish a checklist. It requires a documented risk analysis, then ... Learn More
Short version. HIPAA does not publish a checklist. It requires a documented risk analysis, then ... Learn More
Read full post on uprite.com
Cost of a Cybersecurity Breach for SMBs
For many small and medium sized businesses, cybersecurity is often viewed as a technical concern rather than a financial one. However, the cost of a cybersecurity breach for SMBs can be significant, far exceeding the investment required to prevent one. These costs are not limited to immediate expenses. They extend into operations, reputation, and long
For many small and medium sized businesses, cybersecurity is often viewed as a technical concern rather than a financial one. However, the cost of a cybersecurity breach for SMBs can be significant, far exceeding the investment required to prevent one. These costs are not limited to immediate expenses. They extend into operations, reputation, and long
Read full post on superion.ca
7 Benefits of Managed IT Services for Nonprofits
7 Benefits of Managed IT Services for Nonprofits Managed IT services benefit nonprofits by reducing technology burden, improving reliability and support, giving staff access to needed expertise, and helping people
7 Benefits of Managed IT Services for Nonprofits Managed IT services benefit nonprofits by reducing technology burden, improving reliability and support, giving staff access to needed expertise, and helping people
Read full post on 7tech.com
Momentum DevCon 2026: Software Security Session | October 15, 2026
Intrust recommends this Momentum DevCon 2026 session for organizations looking to better understand the growing risks of software supply chain attacks and the security challenges created by third-party and open-source software. From the SolarWinds breach to ransomware attacks affecting hospitals and automotive companies, software supply chain attacks are causing significant damage and creating national security…
Intrust recommends this Momentum DevCon 2026 session for organizations looking to better understand the growing risks of software supply chain attacks and the security challenges created by third-party and open-source software. From the SolarWinds breach to ransomware attacks affecting hospitals and automotive companies, software supply chain attacks are causing significant damage and creating national security…
Read full post on intrust-it.com
Why Ottawa Small Businesses Are Prime Ransomware Targets
A ransomware attack does not need a famous brand name to pay off. For criminals, a small Ottawa business can be attractive because it often has what attackers want: valuable data, busy staff, limited security time, and a strong need to get back online fast. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has warned that no organization is immune to ransomware. It also notes that businesses with fewer cybersecurity resources may struggle more when an attack happens. That matters for small and mid-sized...
A ransomware attack does not need a famous brand name to pay off. For criminals, a small Ottawa business can be attractive because it often has what attackers want: valuable data, busy staff, limited security time, and a strong need to get back online fast. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has warned that no organization is immune to ransomware. It also notes that businesses with fewer cybersecurity resources may struggle more when an attack happens. That matters for small and mid-sized...
Read full post on cleverdogit.com
Modern Microsoft 365 Security for Pittsburgh Small Businesses
Modern Microsoft 365 Security for Pittsburgh Small Businesses Most Pittsburgh businesses run on Microsoft 365. Email, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and business applications all rely on a single thing: user identity. That's why Microsoft's security strategy has evolved. Protecting the network is no longer enough. Today, identity is the new security perimeter. The good news is that many small businesses already own powerful security tools through Microsoft 365 Business Premium. The challenge is that these tools are often underutilized, leaving gaps that attackers can exploit. At Ceeva, w
Modern Microsoft 365 Security for Pittsburgh Small Businesses Most Pittsburgh businesses run on Microsoft 365. Email, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and business applications all rely on a single thing: user identity. That's why Microsoft's security strategy has evolved. Protecting the network is no longer enough. Today, identity is the new security perimeter. The good news is that many small businesses already own powerful security tools through Microsoft 365 Business Premium. The challenge is that these tools are often underutilized, leaving gaps that attackers can exploit. At Ceeva, we help organizations strengthen Microsoft 365 security by focusing on modern identity protection, threat detection, data security, and employee awareness. Why Small Businesses Are Being Targeted Cybercriminals aren't just targeting large enterprises. Small and mid-sized businesses are often viewed as easier targets because they typically have fewer security resources and less mature security controls. Attackers know that compromising a single Microsoft 365 account can provide access to: Business email Financial information Customer data Shared files Internal communications Cloud applications Many successful attacks begin with a stolen password or a phishing email. Once an account is compromised, attackers can move quickly throughout an organization. Identity Security Comes First For years, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) was considered the most important security improvement a business could make. While MFA remains essential, Microsoft now recommends a broader identity-first security approach using Microsoft Entra ID and Conditional Access. Modern security focuses on evaluating every sign-in attempt and applying security controls based on risk rather than simply requiring a password and a text message. Think of Microsoft Entra ID as the control center for your organization's identity security. With the right policies in place, access decisions can take into account: User identity Device health Geographic location Sign-in risk Application being accessed Security posture of the endpoint This creates a security model that is significantly more effective than passwords alone. Why SMS-Based MFA Is No Longer the Goal Many businesses still use text messages or phone calls for MFA verification. While these methods are better than passwords alone, Microsoft has increasingly shifted toward stronger authentication methods designed to resist phishing attacks and SIM-swapping scams. Microsoft has announced plans to move away from Microsoft-provided phone-based authentication services and further emphasize passkeys and passwordless authentication. Today, Microsoft's recommended authentication methods include: Microsoft Authenticator Passkeys Windows Hello for Business FIDO2 Security Keys These technologies provide stronger protection because they are far more difficult for attackers to intercept or bypass. For administrator accounts, phishing-resistant authentication should be considered a requirement rather than a recommendation. Conditional Access: The Most Important Microsoft 365 Security Control If there is one Microsoft 365 feature that small businesses should understand, it is Conditional Access. Conditional Access allows organizations to control when and how users can access business resources. Examples include: Requiring MFA for all sign-ins Blocking legacy authentication protocols Restricting access from risky locations Requiring company-managed devices Preventing high-risk sign-ins Enforcing stronger authentication for administrators Rather than trusting every login attempt equally, Conditional Access evaluates risk in real time and applies security policies accordingly. For many organizations, this is where the biggest security gains can be achieved. Protecting Your Business from Phishing Phishing remains one of the most common ways attackers gain access to Microsoft 365 environments. Modern phishing attacks often appear legitimate and can impersonate: Microsoft Vendors Customers Bank representatives Internal executives Microsoft Defender for Office 365 includes protections designed to detect: Credential harvesting attacks Business email compromise attempts Malicious links Malicious attachments Executive impersonation attacks When properly configured, these protections help stop threats before users interact with them. Device Security Matters Too Identity and endpoint security work together. Even the strongest authentication controls can be undermined if users access company data from unmanaged or compromised devices. Organizations using Microsoft Intune can enforce security standards such as: Disk encryption Operating system updates Antivirus protection Screen lock requirements Device compliance policies Conditional Access can then ensure that only compliant devices are allowed to access company resources. This significantly reduces risk while supporting remote and hybrid work. Security Awareness Remains Essential Technology can block many threats, but employees remain a critical part of every security strategy. Regular security awareness training helps users identify: Phishing attempts Social engineering attacks Suspicious attachments Credential theft attempts Business email compromise scams Organizations that combine employee education with modern Microsoft security controls are far better positioned to prevent cyber incidents before they occur. Don't Forget About Backup and Recovery One of the biggest misconceptions about Microsoft 365 is that Microsoft provides a complete backup solution. Microsoft delivers excellent platform resilience, but organizations are still responsible for protecting against: Accidental deletion Insider threats Malicious activity Long-term retention requirements Ransomware recovery scenarios A dedicated Microsoft 365 backup solution adds another layer of protection for Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams data. How Ceeva Helps Pittsburgh Businesses Secure Microsoft 365 Most businesses already own many of the security tools they need. The challenge is knowing which controls to implement first and ensuring they are configured correctly. Ceeva helps organizations: Assess Microsoft 365 security posture Implement Microsoft Entra security controls Deploy Conditional Access policies Strengthen administrator account protection Improve email security Secure endpoints with Intune Conduct cybersecurity awareness training Implement backup and recovery strategies Our goal is simple: help Pittsburgh businesses reduce risk while getting more value from the Microsoft licenses they already own. Key Takeaways Identity is the new security perimeter. Microsoft Entra ID should be the foundation of your Microsoft 365 security strategy. Conditional Access is one of the most effective security controls available to Microsoft 365 organizations. Passkeys, Microsoft Authenticator, Windows Hello for Business, and FIDO2 security keys provide stronger protection than traditional SMS-based verification methods. Email security, endpoint protection, and employee awareness must work together. Many of the security features small businesses need are already included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
Read full post on ceeva.com
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