XFER Blog

We know how difficult it can be for a small business to make do with the time and resources it has. We see it every day in our work with local SMBs. The reality is that technology is ingrained in every part of the modern business, so you cannot risk it failing when you need it most.

Imagine leaving the physical doors of your business unlocked overnight. The thought is unsettling, isn't it? You wouldn't risk your assets, your hard work, and the trust of your clients like that. That's precisely the risk many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) unknowingly take by underestimating the importance of cybersecurity.

Let’s explore just how important proper cybersecurity truly is.

We dedicate significant attention to safeguarding your digital assets, but have you cast a similarly critical eye on the tangible security of your business premises? Nowadays, ensuring the safety of your physical office, its valuable assets, crucial resources, and most importantly, your dedicated employees, is paramount.

We want to highlight the range of options available to help you effectively manage your physical infrastructure.

Businesses used to think that it was worth waiting around for technology solutions to break before servicing them. In fact, it was such a commonplace practice that it’s still prevalent (although to a significantly reduced degree) today. We want to look into why it just makes sense to leave the old break-fix IT model behind in favor of a more proactive approach.

Today, IT tools and services are essential for businesses of any size. They provide the direction, stability, and connectivity needed to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape… but what exactly are these "IT tools and services," and why should they be a priority for your business, specifically?

Simply put, they encompass the hardware, software, and expertise that enable your business operations, from managing customer relationships and streamlining workflows to safeguarding critical data. Let’s talk a little more about why they need to be prioritized.

A strong cybersecurity posture isn't just about installing the latest software or ticking boxes on a compliance checklist. It's about building a culture of security where every member of your team is actively engaged and invested in protecting your collective digital well-being… but how do you achieve that buy-in, beyond simply mandating policies? 

It starts with illuminating the "why" behind the "what."

The password is the number one data protection strategy used in computing. It’s strange, however, how often a weak password ends up being the cause of data breaches and other situations that can seriously hurt a business. In today’s blog, we go through some of the best password creation tips that will help you better secure your individual and business data.

Artificial intelligence is becoming ubiquitous in the business technology sector and for good reason. It’s allowing small and medium-sized businesses to do more and compete with businesses that were previously just ahead of them.

Today, we want to go over some (reasonably) easy ways you can use AI in your IT operations to make your business more efficient.

Quick—how many passwords do you have to remember? Chances are, it’s more than you might expect… especially when you factor in both your personal ones and those you maintain for your business.

After all, it is risky to the point of irresponsibility to repeat your passwords across accounts, especially those you maintain for your business. This kind of repetition can easily lead to financial losses and reputation damage, as it facilitates a data breach.

If you’re a smart manager, you're always looking for ways to optimize spending and enhance your organization’s ability to be efficient. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) isn't just a trendy tech term; it's a strategic financial move that can significantly impact your bottom line. Today, we get into how VoIP translates to real cost savings.

Your desk can either help you get stuff done or totally drain your motivation. If your desk is messy, uncomfortable, or just boring, you might find yourself checking your phone every five minutes or suddenly deciding it’s time to reorganize your sock drawer. With a few simple changes, however, your desk can become your productivity power zone. Let’s break down how to set it up right.

Starting a new business is an exciting experience, but choosing the right technology from the beginning plays a big role in how successful and secure your business will be. A strong IT plan keeps your operations running smoothly, protects your data, and makes it easier to grow over time. This month, we’re sharing practical steps to help you build one.

Running a business today presents unique opportunities and challenges. For instance, safeguarding business information and systems—both physical and digital—is no longer just an IT department concern; it is fundamental to operational continuity and overall success.

The real question is whether or not you are prepared to deal with the threats you’re practically guaranteed to face.

While you want to believe the best of your business, including your IT staff, it’s important to recognize when they’ve reached their limit regarding knowledge and workload. To combat these limitations, you can work with an outsourced IT provider. Combining the two can help you meet your business’ technology needs.

Technology plays a critical role in how businesses operate today. From websites and servers to email systems and cloud applications, most companies rely on a wide range of digital tools to stay productive and competitive. But what happens when something suddenly stops working?

That’s where IT monitoring comes in; and it’s more important than many people realize.

Ransomware has evolved from a rare cybersecurity issue into one of the most damaging threats facing small businesses today. It’s no longer just a problem for large corporations with deep pockets. In fact, small businesses are increasingly being targeted because they often lack the sophisticated defenses of larger organizations. Ransomware doesn't discriminate, and for a small business, a single attack can be catastrophic.

There are a lot of ways that a business’ data is at risk. Hackers can inundate your network with malware, some kind of natural disaster can befall your place of business, you could be the victim of sabotage, or someone who works for you can just mistakenly delete a critical file. With so much risk, it’s a good idea to have a comprehensive backup and recovery plan in place so you have access to a copy of your data should any of these unfortunate situations come up.

Want to run a business without technology? You’re in the wrong line of work; technology is so deeply ingrained in business that it’s not going anywhere. From your communication platform to your point-of-sale software, you need technology, and where there’s technology, there will inevitably be a need for technicians.

Every day, cybercriminals wake up and choose violence. 

Whether it’s a nasty strain of ransomware demanding a king’s ransom or a sneaky little virus that just wants to watch your business burn, the threats never stop coming. That’s why locking down your business is as essential as putting cream in your morning coffee.

How much time and money do you spend wrestling with your business’ software? Between updates, license renewals, and that one employee who keeps accidentally deleting their email app, it’s enough to make you want to scream. Unfortunately, software is kind of non-negotiable. You need it. So, should you go old school and buy it outright, or should you consider moving to the cloud and employing Software-as-a-Service?