Blog Posts In Category: IT Strategy

How to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Microsoft 365

By Ryan Drake / July 9, 2025

Multi-factor authentication is one of the best security measures you can put in place to protect your Microsoft 365 accounts from unwanted access. To enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Microsoft 365, follow these steps: Rolling out MFA everywhere can feel like a headache, especially when you’re juggling user convenience and keeping things running smoothly. This…

Should my small business switch from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?

By Ryan Drake / July 8, 2025

Switching from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 can benefit small businesses that need advanced productivity tools, stronger security, and better integration with Microsoft services. Microsoft 365 offers familiar desktop apps (like Word, Excel, and Outlook), more robust compliance features, advanced security controls, and unified collaboration through Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. Key considerations when deciding to…

The best way to manage passwords for a small business team

By Ryan Drake / July 7, 2025

The best way to manage passwords for a small business team is to use a business-grade password manager. A password manager gives your team a secure, centralized vault for storing, sharing, and managing credentials. With features like admin controls, secure password sharing, and multi-factor authentication, password managers eliminate risky habits like using spreadsheets, emailing passwords,…

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Emails in Outlook

By Ryan Drake / July 4, 2025

Accidentally deleting important emails in Outlook can really make your heart race, especially if those messages hold crucial business details or personal info. A lot of people assume that once you clear out emails from the Deleted Items folder, they’re gone for good. But, actually, that’s not always true. To recover permanently deleted emails in…

Why does my small business Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?

By Ryan Drake / July 3, 2025

Small business Wi-Fi frequently disconnects due to network congestion, signal interference, outdated equipment, poor router placement, or too many connected devices. Other common causes include old router firmware, bandwidth limits, physical obstacles, and interference from neighboring networks or electronics. Top reasons your small business Wi-Fi keeps dropping: To fix unstable Wi-Fi, check for interference, update…

How to stop business emails from going to customers’ spam folders

By Ryan Drake / July 2, 2025

When your legitimate business emails end up in customers’ spam folders, you suddenly face communication barriers that can damage client relationships and hurt your bottom line. About 20% of real emails get filtered as spam, which means missed opportunities and frustrated customers who never see important messages about services, invoices, or project updates. To prevent…

When should a small business hire an IT support provider?

By Ryan Drake / July 1, 2025

Small businesses have to make a tough call on when to bring in professional IT support. That decision can shape how smoothly things run. A small business should hire an IT support provider when technology problems start causing frequent downtime, security risks become hard to manage, or employees spend more time fixing tech issues than…

How to set up a VPN for employees working remotely

By Ryan Drake / June 30, 2025

Remote work isn’t going anywhere, and with more people logging in from home, secure network access has become a major priority for businesses. To set up a VPN for remote employees, choose the right VPN solution for your business (remote access, cloud-based, or SD-WAN), deploy a secure VPN server, configure strong authentication (like multi-factor authentication),…

Do I need a firewall or VPN for my small business?

By Ryan Drake / June 27, 2025

Small businesses deal with constant cybersecurity threats, so network protection really isn’t optional anymore. Most small businesses need both a firewall and a VPN to protect against cybersecurity threats. A firewall filters incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking unauthorized access to your business systems. A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your company’s data as it…

workstations that need to be upgraded to windows 11

Prepare Your Business for Windows 10 End of Life: What You Need to Know

By Ryan Drake / November 20, 2024

The countdown is on: Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025. For businesses relying on this operating system, it’s critical to understand what this transition means and how to prepare. In this article, we’ll explain why the end of support for Windows 10 matters, the risks of sticking with outdated…