Tech Advisory

Technology Advice for Small Businesses

powered by Pronto Marketing

Recent Posts

How Microsoft Whiteboard brings visual collaboration to remote teams

Editor February 6, 2026

Modern work rarely happens in one place anymore. While emails and chat apps handle conversations well, they often fall short when teams need to brainstorm, plan, or visualize ideas together. That’s where Microsoft Whiteboard steps in. Let’s explore how businesses can use the app’s tools, templates, and sharing features to improve teamwork and turn ideas into action.

What is Microsoft Whiteboard?

Microsoft Whiteboard is a shared digital workspace that allows people to sketch ideas, organize thoughts, and collaborate visually in real time. Whether you’re outlining a new project, mapping out a process, or hosting a creative brainstorming session, Whiteboard gives teams the flexibility of a physical whiteboard without the physical limitations.

Getting started on any device

Microsoft Whiteboard is available on Windows, web browsers, and mobile devices running iOS or Android. Once you sign in, you’re taken to a dashboard that shows all your existing whiteboards in one place. From there, creating a new board is as simple as selecting the option to start fresh.

A new whiteboard opens as a blank, infinite canvas. Along the side, you’ll find a panel filled with tools you can use to build your board, while drawing tools are placed at the top for easy access. The layout is designed to be intuitive, even for less tech-savvy users.

Building your ideas visually

Adding content to a whiteboard is straightforward. You can type text directly onto the canvas, draw freehand using pens, or add visual elements such as shapes and images. Each item can be placed anywhere, giving you complete freedom over how ideas are arranged.

Drawing tools are especially useful for quick sketches or highlighting key ideas during meetings. If you’re not comfortable with freehand drawing, shapes provide a clean and structured alternative that keeps things easy to understand.

Editing and organizing content

Once elements are on the board, adjusting them is simple. You can move items around to reorganize ideas, resize them to emphasize key points, or remove anything that’s no longer relevant. Switching between drawing and selection modes lets you either sketch freely or arrange content without leaving accidental marks.

This flexibility makes Microsoft Whiteboard ideal for evolving projects, where ideas shift and layouts need frequent updates.

Using structure to improve clarity

While the open canvas is powerful, structure is what turns a cluttered board into a useful one. Sticky notes are a popular option for capturing ideas quickly. They’re color-coded, easy to move, and perfect for brainstorming sessions where input from multiple people is needed.

For more detailed planning, note grids offer a way to group related ideas into organized sections. These grids keep information aligned and readable, making them ideal for workflows, task lists, or categorizing feedback.

If you don’t want to start from scratch, Microsoft Whiteboard also includes a large collection of templates. You can use these templates for brainstorming, project planning, and design thinking. Each one provides a ready-made structure that you can customize to suit your needs, saving time and reducing guesswork.

Collaborating with others

Collaboration is at the heart of Microsoft Whiteboard. You can invite others to view or edit your board with just a few clicks. Shared boards update in real time, allowing team members to contribute ideas simultaneously, regardless of where they’re working from.

This makes the app especially useful during virtual meetings, workshops, or training sessions where visual input helps keep everyone engaged.

Sharing beyond your team

You may want to share your work without letting others edit it. In those cases, exporting your whiteboard as an image is a practical option. You can save the entire board as a PNG file and share it through email, presentations, or messaging platforms.

This approach is useful when working with external partners or when you need a snapshot of your ideas for documentation purposes.

Making the most of Microsoft Whiteboard

Microsoft Whiteboard isn’t just a drawing tool but a collaboration platform that supports creativity, planning, and teamwork. Used effectively, it becomes a central space where ideas grow, evolve, and come to life.

For more tips on leveraging essential business technology tools, contact our team today.

Why Microsoft Whiteboard is becoming a go-to tool for team collaboration

Editor February 6, 2026

With remote and hybrid work now the norm, visual collaboration tools have become essential for allowing teams to brainstorm, plan, and innovate together in real time. Learn how Microsoft Whiteboard helps distributed teams stay aligned, creative, and productive, no matter where they work.

What is Microsoft Whiteboard?

Microsoft Whiteboard is a shared digital workspace that allows people to sketch ideas, organize thoughts, and collaborate visually in real time. Whether you’re outlining a new project, mapping out a process, or hosting a creative brainstorming session, Whiteboard gives teams the flexibility of a physical whiteboard without the physical limitations.

Getting started on any device

Microsoft Whiteboard is available on Windows, web browsers, and mobile devices running iOS or Android. Once you sign in, you’re taken to a dashboard that shows all your existing whiteboards in one place. From there, creating a new board is as simple as selecting the option to start fresh.

A new whiteboard opens as a blank, infinite canvas. Along the side, you’ll find a panel filled with tools you can use to build your board, while drawing tools are placed at the top for easy access. The layout is designed to be intuitive, even for less tech-savvy users.

Building your ideas visually

Adding content to a whiteboard is straightforward. You can type text directly onto the canvas, draw freehand using pens, or add visual elements such as shapes and images. Each item can be placed anywhere, giving you complete freedom over how ideas are arranged.

Drawing tools are especially useful for quick sketches or highlighting key ideas during meetings. If you’re not comfortable with freehand drawing, shapes provide a clean and structured alternative that keeps things easy to understand.

Editing and organizing content

Once elements are on the board, adjusting them is simple. You can move items around to reorganize ideas, resize them to emphasize key points, or remove anything that’s no longer relevant. Switching between drawing and selection modes lets you either sketch freely or arrange content without leaving accidental marks.

This flexibility makes Microsoft Whiteboard ideal for evolving projects, where ideas shift and layouts need frequent updates.

Using structure to improve clarity

While the open canvas is powerful, structure is what turns a cluttered board into a useful one. Sticky notes are a popular option for capturing ideas quickly. They’re color-coded, easy to move, and perfect for brainstorming sessions where input from multiple people is needed.

For more detailed planning, note grids offer a way to group related ideas into organized sections. These grids keep information aligned and readable, making them ideal for workflows, task lists, or categorizing feedback.

If you don’t want to start from scratch, Microsoft Whiteboard also includes a large collection of templates. You can use these templates for brainstorming, project planning, and design thinking. Each one provides a ready-made structure that you can customize to suit your needs, saving time and reducing guesswork.

Collaborating with others

Collaboration is at the heart of Microsoft Whiteboard. You can invite others to view or edit your board with just a few clicks. Shared boards update in real time, allowing team members to contribute ideas simultaneously, regardless of where they’re working from.

This makes the app especially useful during virtual meetings, workshops, or training sessions where visual input helps keep everyone engaged.

Sharing beyond your team

You may want to share your work without letting others edit it. In those cases, exporting your whiteboard as an image is a practical option. You can save the entire board as a PNG file and share it through email, presentations, or messaging platforms.

This approach is useful when working with external partners or when you need a snapshot of your ideas for documentation purposes.

Making the most of Microsoft Whiteboard

Microsoft Whiteboard isn’t just a drawing tool but a collaboration platform that supports creativity, planning, and teamwork. Used effectively, it becomes a central space where ideas grow, evolve, and come to life.

For more tips on leveraging essential business technology tools, contact our team today.

From brainstorms to blueprints: A practical look at Microsoft Whiteboard

Editor February 6, 2026

New to Microsoft Whiteboard? This guide walks through how the platform works, from creating your first board to sharing it with others, helping teams collaborate visually without a steep learning curve. Whether you’re brainstorming with a remote team or organizing personal projects, Microsoft Whiteboard makes it easy to stay productive and connected in a visually engaging way.

What is Microsoft Whiteboard?

Microsoft Whiteboard is a shared digital workspace that allows people to sketch ideas, organize thoughts, and collaborate visually in real time. Whether you’re outlining a new project, mapping out a process, or hosting a creative brainstorming session, Whiteboard gives teams the flexibility of a physical whiteboard without the physical limitations.

Getting started on any device

Microsoft Whiteboard is available on Windows, web browsers, and mobile devices running iOS or Android. Once you sign in, you’re taken to a dashboard that shows all your existing whiteboards in one place. From there, creating a new board is as simple as selecting the option to start fresh.

A new whiteboard opens as a blank, infinite canvas. Along the side, you’ll find a panel filled with tools you can use to build your board, while drawing tools are placed at the top for easy access. The layout is designed to be intuitive, even for less tech-savvy users.

Building your ideas visually

Adding content to a whiteboard is straightforward. You can type text directly onto the canvas, draw freehand using pens, or add visual elements such as shapes and images. Each item can be placed anywhere, giving you complete freedom over how ideas are arranged.

Drawing tools are especially useful for quick sketches or highlighting key ideas during meetings. If you’re not comfortable with freehand drawing, shapes provide a clean and structured alternative that keeps things easy to understand.

Editing and organizing content

Once elements are on the board, adjusting them is simple. You can move items around to reorganize ideas, resize them to emphasize key points, or remove anything that’s no longer relevant. Switching between drawing and selection modes lets you either sketch freely or arrange content without leaving accidental marks.

This flexibility makes Microsoft Whiteboard ideal for evolving projects, where ideas shift and layouts need frequent updates.

Using structure to improve clarity

While the open canvas is powerful, structure is what turns a cluttered board into a useful one. Sticky notes are a popular option for capturing ideas quickly. They’re color-coded, easy to move, and perfect for brainstorming sessions where input from multiple people is needed.

For more detailed planning, note grids offer a way to group related ideas into organized sections. These grids keep information aligned and readable, making them ideal for workflows, task lists, or categorizing feedback.

If you don’t want to start from scratch, Microsoft Whiteboard also includes a large collection of templates. You can use these templates for brainstorming, project planning, and design thinking. Each one provides a ready-made structure that you can customize to suit your needs, saving time and reducing guesswork.

Collaborating with others

Collaboration is at the heart of Microsoft Whiteboard. You can invite others to view or edit your board with just a few clicks. Shared boards update in real time, allowing team members to contribute ideas simultaneously, regardless of where they’re working from.

This makes the app especially useful during virtual meetings, workshops, or training sessions where visual input helps keep everyone engaged.

Sharing beyond your team

You may want to share your work without letting others edit it. In those cases, exporting your whiteboard as an image is a practical option. You can save the entire board as a PNG file and share it through email, presentations, or messaging platforms.

This approach is useful when working with external partners or when you need a snapshot of your ideas for documentation purposes.

Making the most of Microsoft Whiteboard

Microsoft Whiteboard isn’t just a drawing tool but a collaboration platform that supports creativity, planning, and teamwork. Used effectively, it becomes a central space where ideas grow, evolve, and come to life.

For more tips on leveraging essential business technology tools, contact our team today.

5 Easy fixes for a website that isn’t bringing in business

Editor February 4, 2026

Getting people to visit your website is hard work, but getting them to actually buy something or pick up the phone is even harder. Plenty of small-business sites look great but don’t actually bring in sales. The good news is that you don’t need to be a tech wizard to fix this issue. We have identified five practical changes you can make today to stop losing sales and start getting more value out of your site.

Make sure your website works on phones

Most of your customers are likely looking you up on a smartphone while they’re on the go. Presenting a tiny, nonresponsive page usually results in lost opportunities.

Aim for font sizes that are clear and instantly readable. Buttons, especially Call Now or Buy buttons, need to be big enough for a thumb to click comfortably. Menus must be easy to tap without hitting the wrong link by mistake.

If a customer has to pinch and zoom to read your service list, they will get frustrated. Frustrated visitors leave. Search engines like Google also prefer sites that work well on phones, so a mobile-friendly design puts you at the top of search results, which helps new customers find you in the first place. Prioritizing the mobile experience ensures you capture the attention of people exactly when they are looking for you.

Keep the design simple and clean

“Less is more” is the golden rule of effective websites. A cluttered site confuses people. Ideally, anyone visiting your site sees and understands your business and next steps in five seconds or less.

Review your homepage and remove unnecessary animations, pop-ups, or dense walls of text. Leave plenty of empty room around your content to keep the design clean. It helps people read faster and highlights your key deals.

Simple websites also load faster. Slow websites make customers impatient; if your page takes too long to show up, users will exit the site before they even see what you offer. A clean, fast design respects your customers’ time and keeps them focused on your products.

Don’t send people away

Many businesses make the mistake of putting Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn icons at the very top of their website. It seems like a good way to show you are active, but it often backfires.

If a visitor clicks that icon, they leave your website and go to a social media platform. Once they’re there, they get distracted by notifications, news feeds, and cat videos. They might never come back to your site to finish their purchase.

Push your social media links down to the bottom section of your pages. You want visitors to stay on your site to make a purchase, not go scrolling through a social feed. Let your website do its job of selling your services first. Social media is great for bringing people to your site, but your site should keep them there.

Use real photos, not fake ones

Stock photos, or those generic pictures of people in suits shaking hands or laughing at a salad, look fake. The same goes for AI-generated images. They don’t build trust because customers know they aren’t real. Being a small business means you can leverage your genuine nature. You exist locally and are a real human, which counts for a lot.

Use photos of your actual team, storefront, and products. It’s okay if they aren’t Hollywood quality. Authenticity builds a connection that big corporations can’t match.

Knowing the seller builds confidence in the buyer. Seeing the smiling face of the owner or the inside of your shop creates an emotional connection. It proves you exist and that you care about your work. Replace the generic placeholders with images that tell your unique story.

Be easy to reach

It sounds obvious, but many websites hide their phone number on a Contact page or bury it in small text. If a customer is ready to buy or ask a question, you must remove every barrier standing in their way so they can reach you.

Place your contact number at the top right of the site. Set it up so a quick tap on a mobile screen starts the call. Clearly list your address and email as well.

Don’t play hard to get. Making your contact information prominent reassures customers that you are responsive and available. It invites them to start a conversation, which is the first step toward a sale.

A successful website isn’t just about pretty colors or fancy layouts; it’s about making it easy for customers to say yes. Don’t feel pressured to change your entire digital strategy immediately. Start small. Pick one of these five areas to improve this week, and you will likely see a difference in how people interact with your business.

If you have questions about business IT or need more tech-related tips, reach out to our team today.

Why people are leaving your website early and how to hook them

Editor February 4, 2026

You invest heavily in getting your name out there, but the calls just aren’t coming in. You don’t need to immediately blame your prices or what you sell; your site might be the real reason people are not buying. Small friction points, such as hard-to-read text or confusing menus, often cause potential customers to give up and check out a competitor instead. Eliminate those barriers with these five straightforward adjustments designed to boost your results.

Make sure your website works on phones

Most of your customers are likely looking you up on a smartphone while they’re on the go. Presenting a tiny, nonresponsive page usually results in lost opportunities.

Aim for font sizes that are clear and instantly readable. Buttons, especially Call Now or Buy buttons, need to be big enough for a thumb to click comfortably. Menus must be easy to tap without hitting the wrong link by mistake.

If a customer has to pinch and zoom to read your service list, they will get frustrated. Frustrated visitors leave. Search engines like Google also prefer sites that work well on phones, so a mobile-friendly design puts you at the top of search results, which helps new customers find you in the first place. Prioritizing the mobile experience ensures you capture the attention of people exactly when they are looking for you.

Keep the design simple and clean

“Less is more” is the golden rule of effective websites. A cluttered site confuses people. Ideally, anyone visiting your site sees and understands your business and next steps in five seconds or less.

Review your homepage and remove unnecessary animations, pop-ups, or dense walls of text. Leave plenty of empty room around your content to keep the design clean. It helps people read faster and highlights your key deals.

Simple websites also load faster. Slow websites make customers impatient; if your page takes too long to show up, users will exit the site before they even see what you offer. A clean, fast design respects your customers’ time and keeps them focused on your products.

Don’t send people away

Many businesses make the mistake of putting Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn icons at the very top of their website. It seems like a good way to show you are active, but it often backfires.

If a visitor clicks that icon, they leave your website and go to a social media platform. Once they’re there, they get distracted by notifications, news feeds, and cat videos. They might never come back to your site to finish their purchase.

Push your social media links down to the bottom section of your pages. You want visitors to stay on your site to make a purchase, not go scrolling through a social feed. Let your website do its job of selling your services first. Social media is great for bringing people to your site, but your site should keep them there.

Use real photos, not fake ones

Stock photos, or those generic pictures of people in suits shaking hands or laughing at a salad, look fake. The same goes for AI-generated images. They don’t build trust because customers know they aren’t real. Being a small business means you can leverage your genuine nature. You exist locally and are a real human, which counts for a lot.

Use photos of your actual team, storefront, and products. It’s okay if they aren’t Hollywood quality. Authenticity builds a connection that big corporations can’t match.

Knowing the seller builds confidence in the buyer. Seeing the smiling face of the owner or the inside of your shop creates an emotional connection. It proves you exist and that you care about your work. Replace the generic placeholders with images that tell your unique story.

Be easy to reach

It sounds obvious, but many websites hide their phone number on a Contact page or bury it in small text. If a customer is ready to buy or ask a question, you must remove every barrier standing in their way so they can reach you.

Place your contact number at the top right of the site. Set it up so a quick tap on a mobile screen starts the call. Clearly list your address and email as well.

Don’t play hard to get. Making your contact information prominent reassures customers that you are responsive and available. It invites them to start a conversation, which is the first step toward a sale.

A successful website isn’t just about pretty colors or fancy layouts; it’s about making it easy for customers to say yes. Don’t feel pressured to change your entire digital strategy immediately. Start small. Pick one of these five areas to improve this week, and you will likely see a difference in how people interact with your business.

If you have questions about business IT or need more tech-related tips, reach out to our team today.

Turning lookers into buyers: 5 Website tips for small businesses

Editor February 4, 2026

Imagine a customer walking into your physical store, looking around for five seconds, and then immediately walking out without saying a word. The same thing occurs on your site if it isn’t built to encourage sales. Traffic does not equal money if no one takes action. Fortunately, you can fix the most common issues without a complete website overhaul. These five strategies will help you create a site that encourages visitors to stay, browse, and eventually buy.

Make sure your website works on phones

Most of your customers are likely looking you up on a smartphone while they’re on the go. Presenting a tiny, nonresponsive page usually results in lost opportunities.

Aim for font sizes that are clear and instantly readable. Buttons, especially Call Now or Buy buttons, need to be big enough for a thumb to click comfortably. Menus must be easy to tap without hitting the wrong link by mistake.

If a customer has to pinch and zoom to read your service list, they will get frustrated. Frustrated visitors leave. Search engines like Google also prefer sites that work well on phones, so a mobile-friendly design puts you at the top of search results, which helps new customers find you in the first place. Prioritizing the mobile experience ensures you capture the attention of people exactly when they are looking for you.

Keep the design simple and clean

“Less is more” is the golden rule of effective websites. A cluttered site confuses people. Ideally, anyone visiting your site sees and understands your business and next steps in five seconds or less.

Review your homepage and remove unnecessary animations, pop-ups, or dense walls of text. Leave plenty of empty room around your content to keep the design clean. It helps people read faster and highlights your key deals.

Simple websites also load faster. Slow websites make customers impatient; if your page takes too long to show up, users will exit the site before they even see what you offer. A clean, fast design respects your customers’ time and keeps them focused on your products.

Don’t send people away

Many businesses make the mistake of putting Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn icons at the very top of their website. It seems like a good way to show you are active, but it often backfires.

If a visitor clicks that icon, they leave your website and go to a social media platform. Once they’re there, they get distracted by notifications, news feeds, and cat videos. They might never come back to your site to finish their purchase.

Push your social media links down to the bottom section of your pages. You want visitors to stay on your site to make a purchase, not go scrolling through a social feed. Let your website do its job of selling your services first. Social media is great for bringing people to your site, but your site should keep them there.

Use real photos, not fake ones

Stock photos, or those generic pictures of people in suits shaking hands or laughing at a salad, look fake. The same goes for AI-generated images. They don’t build trust because customers know they aren’t real. Being a small business means you can leverage your genuine nature. You exist locally and are a real human, which counts for a lot.

Use photos of your actual team, storefront, and products. It’s okay if they aren’t Hollywood quality. Authenticity builds a connection that big corporations can’t match.

Knowing the seller builds confidence in the buyer. Seeing the smiling face of the owner or the inside of your shop creates an emotional connection. It proves you exist and that you care about your work. Replace the generic placeholders with images that tell your unique story.

Be easy to reach

It sounds obvious, but many websites hide their phone number on a Contact page or bury it in small text. If a customer is ready to buy or ask a question, you must remove every barrier standing in their way so they can reach you.

Place your contact number at the top right of the site. Set it up so a quick tap on a mobile screen starts the call. Clearly list your address and email as well.

Don’t play hard to get. Making your contact information prominent reassures customers that you are responsive and available. It invites them to start a conversation, which is the first step toward a sale.

A successful website isn’t just about pretty colors or fancy layouts; it’s about making it easy for customers to say yes. Don’t feel pressured to change your entire digital strategy immediately. Start small. Pick one of these five areas to improve this week, and you will likely see a difference in how people interact with your business.

If you have questions about business IT or need more tech-related tips, reach out to our team today.

Cybersecurity for businesses: A simple defense plan for data loss

Editor February 2, 2026

Data protection can be tricky. While most businesses know it’s important, few have the tools or knowledge to effectively secure their information. We’ve broken down key strategies to help you safeguard your business against data loss.

Restrict access privileges to those who need it

Access control defines who can view, change, or share information inside your systems. When permissions align with job responsibilities, sensitive data stays confined to the people who actually need it. Considering that most data breaches stem from users gaining access to information they shouldn’t be privy to, implementing strict access control policies is one of the most crucial steps a business can take to protect their data.

To implement access controls, start by mapping roles to data requirements. A marketing employee may need campaign analytics but has no business touching payroll files or financial records. Group users by function and assign permissions at that level rather than individually. Identity platforms such as Active Directory enable you to monitor and determine access permissions for each role from a centralized console.

As roles change, you should also update permissions accordingly. This applies to both employee promotions and terminations.

Encrypt your data from end to end

Encryption serves as a digital lock on your data, scrambling information so it appears meaningless to anyone without proper authorization. Even if a device is stolen or a transmission is intercepted, encrypted data cannot be read or used without the correct credentials.

A strong encryption approach protects information both while it is stored and while it is moving. Data at rest should be secured with full-disk encryption on laptops, desktops, and servers, so files are protected if hardware is lost, stolen, or accessed improperly. Built-in tools such as BitLocker on Windows and FileVault on macOS handle this automatically once enabled.

Information in transit requires a different layer of protection. Secure communication standards like SSL/TLS encrypt data as it travels across the internet, preventing third parties from viewing or altering it mid-transfer.

Finally, remember that encryption is useless without the proper key. It’s therefore vital to keep your keys secure in hardware security modules or cloud-based services and update them regularly to prevent unauthorized access and limit internal risk.

Update your software as soon as possible

Over time, cybercriminals find new vulnerabilities in software and operating systems that can be exploited to gain access to sensitive data. It’s important to always install the latest updates as soon as they become available because they often include patches for security vulnerabilities.

If the idea of manually updating each piece of software sounds tedious, there are tools that can make the process much simpler. Patch management systems, in particular, take stock of all the software in your network, the version numbers, and what updates are available for each. With this information in hand, they can automate the process of downloading and installing updates across all company devices to maintain consistent security across the board.

Enable data loss prevention (DLP) settings

DLP tools monitor how information moves across your environment. Their job is to detect and block risky behavior before sensitive files leave your control. Once deployed, DLP policies can scan emails, cloud storage, and removable media for restricted data types. For example, DLP policies can be set up to prevent financial reports from being sent outside the company or block uploads to unapproved cloud platforms. Using these features correctly can significantly reduce the risk of data leaks.

Secure your physical devices

If someone gains physical access to your devices, they can steal data or install malware, compromising your business. The best way to avoid such scenarios is to secure your hardware. That means locking servers in restricted rooms, keeping an eye on laptops and mobile devices, and implementing biometric authentication for access to company devices. Businesses should also register all company devices into a mobile device management system, which allows for remote wiping of devices in case they are lost or stolen.

Always back up your data

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, cyberattacks and freak outages still occur. But even if they disrupt your operations, backups can still protect your business when systems fail or files are corrupted. Regular, automated backups stored both on site and off site (i.e., the cloud) give you a reliable way to restore operations quickly. More importantly, you should test those backups regularly to confirm that files can be recovered during a crisis.

Preventing data loss requires many technical security measures, but we can help. Contact us today to get effective tools, expertise, and strategies to keep your business data safe and sound.

Defending against data loss: 6 Strategies businesses should implement

Editor February 2, 2026

Cyberattacks, technical failures, or simple human error can creep up out of nowhere. And when they occur, businesses are often left scrambling to recover lost data. Fortunately, there are some simple adjustments businesses can make to safeguard their data and protect their operations.

Restrict access privileges to those who need it

Access control defines who can view, change, or share information inside your systems. When permissions align with job responsibilities, sensitive data stays confined to the people who actually need it. Considering that most data breaches stem from users gaining access to information they shouldn’t be privy to, implementing strict access control policies is one of the most crucial steps a business can take to protect their data.

To implement access controls, start by mapping roles to data requirements. A marketing employee may need campaign analytics but has no business touching payroll files or financial records. Group users by function and assign permissions at that level rather than individually. Identity platforms such as Active Directory enable you to monitor and determine access permissions for each role from a centralized console.

As roles change, you should also update permissions accordingly. This applies to both employee promotions and terminations.

Encrypt your data from end to end

Encryption serves as a digital lock on your data, scrambling information so it appears meaningless to anyone without proper authorization. Even if a device is stolen or a transmission is intercepted, encrypted data cannot be read or used without the correct credentials.

A strong encryption approach protects information both while it is stored and while it is moving. Data at rest should be secured with full-disk encryption on laptops, desktops, and servers, so files are protected if hardware is lost, stolen, or accessed improperly. Built-in tools such as BitLocker on Windows and FileVault on macOS handle this automatically once enabled.

Information in transit requires a different layer of protection. Secure communication standards like SSL/TLS encrypt data as it travels across the internet, preventing third parties from viewing or altering it mid-transfer.

Finally, remember that encryption is useless without the proper key. It’s therefore vital to keep your keys secure in hardware security modules or cloud-based services and update them regularly to prevent unauthorized access and limit internal risk.

Update your software as soon as possible

Over time, cybercriminals find new vulnerabilities in software and operating systems that can be exploited to gain access to sensitive data. It’s important to always install the latest updates as soon as they become available because they often include patches for security vulnerabilities.

If the idea of manually updating each piece of software sounds tedious, there are tools that can make the process much simpler. Patch management systems, in particular, take stock of all the software in your network, the version numbers, and what updates are available for each. With this information in hand, they can automate the process of downloading and installing updates across all company devices to maintain consistent security across the board.

Enable data loss prevention (DLP) settings

DLP tools monitor how information moves across your environment. Their job is to detect and block risky behavior before sensitive files leave your control. Once deployed, DLP policies can scan emails, cloud storage, and removable media for restricted data types. For example, DLP policies can be set up to prevent financial reports from being sent outside the company or block uploads to unapproved cloud platforms. Using these features correctly can significantly reduce the risk of data leaks.

Secure your physical devices

If someone gains physical access to your devices, they can steal data or install malware, compromising your business. The best way to avoid such scenarios is to secure your hardware. That means locking servers in restricted rooms, keeping an eye on laptops and mobile devices, and implementing biometric authentication for access to company devices. Businesses should also register all company devices into a mobile device management system, which allows for remote wiping of devices in case they are lost or stolen.

Always back up your data

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, cyberattacks and freak outages still occur. But even if they disrupt your operations, backups can still protect your business when systems fail or files are corrupted. Regular, automated backups stored both on site and off site (i.e., the cloud) give you a reliable way to restore operations quickly. More importantly, you should test those backups regularly to confirm that files can be recovered during a crisis.

Preventing data loss requires many technical security measures, but we can help. Contact us today to get effective tools, expertise, and strategies to keep your business data safe and sound.

Easy tips to keep your business safe from data loss

Editor February 2, 2026

Data loss can be fatal for businesses. Losing critical files can lead to financial loss, operational disruption, and irreparable damage to customer trust. To avoid this grim predicament, it’s crucial for businesses to implement the following preventive measures against data loss.

Restrict access privileges to those who need it

Access control defines who can view, change, or share information inside your systems. When permissions align with job responsibilities, sensitive data stays confined to the people who actually need it. Considering that most data breaches stem from users gaining access to information they shouldn’t be privy to, implementing strict access control policies is one of the most crucial steps a business can take to protect their data.

To implement access controls, start by mapping roles to data requirements. A marketing employee may need campaign analytics but has no business touching payroll files or financial records. Group users by function and assign permissions at that level rather than individually. Identity platforms such as Active Directory enable you to monitor and determine access permissions for each role from a centralized console.

As roles change, you should also update permissions accordingly. This applies to both employee promotions and terminations.

Encrypt your data from end to end

Encryption serves as a digital lock on your data, scrambling information so it appears meaningless to anyone without proper authorization. Even if a device is stolen or a transmission is intercepted, encrypted data cannot be read or used without the correct credentials.

A strong encryption approach protects information both while it is stored and while it is moving. Data at rest should be secured with full-disk encryption on laptops, desktops, and servers, so files are protected if hardware is lost, stolen, or accessed improperly. Built-in tools such as BitLocker on Windows and FileVault on macOS handle this automatically once enabled.

Information in transit requires a different layer of protection. Secure communication standards like SSL/TLS encrypt data as it travels across the internet, preventing third parties from viewing or altering it mid-transfer.

Finally, remember that encryption is useless without the proper key. It’s therefore vital to keep your keys secure in hardware security modules or cloud-based services and update them regularly to prevent unauthorized access and limit internal risk.

Update your software as soon as possible

Over time, cybercriminals find new vulnerabilities in software and operating systems that can be exploited to gain access to sensitive data. It’s important to always install the latest updates as soon as they become available because they often include patches for security vulnerabilities.

If the idea of manually updating each piece of software sounds tedious, there are tools that can make the process much simpler. Patch management systems, in particular, take stock of all the software in your network, the version numbers, and what updates are available for each. With this information in hand, they can automate the process of downloading and installing updates across all company devices to maintain consistent security across the board.

Enable data loss prevention (DLP) settings

DLP tools monitor how information moves across your environment. Their job is to detect and block risky behavior before sensitive files leave your control. Once deployed, DLP policies can scan emails, cloud storage, and removable media for restricted data types. For example, DLP policies can be set up to prevent financial reports from being sent outside the company or block uploads to unapproved cloud platforms. Using these features correctly can significantly reduce the risk of data leaks.

Secure your physical devices

If someone gains physical access to your devices, they can steal data or install malware, compromising your business. The best way to avoid such scenarios is to secure your hardware. That means locking servers in restricted rooms, keeping an eye on laptops and mobile devices, and implementing biometric authentication for access to company devices. Businesses should also register all company devices into a mobile device management system, which allows for remote wiping of devices in case they are lost or stolen.

Always back up your data

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, cyberattacks and freak outages still occur. But even if they disrupt your operations, backups can still protect your business when systems fail or files are corrupted. Regular, automated backups stored both on site and off site (i.e., the cloud) give you a reliable way to restore operations quickly. More importantly, you should test those backups regularly to confirm that files can be recovered during a crisis.

Preventing data loss requires many technical security measures, but we can help. Contact us today to get effective tools, expertise, and strategies to keep your business data safe and sound.

2026 Cybersecurity trends and predictions

Editor January 30, 2026

Cybersecurity experts Rob Wright (Dark Reading), David Jones (Cybersecurity Dive), and Alissa Irei (TechTarget Search Security) recently came together to discuss the future of online security. Let’s take a look at their insights on major trends and new risks to help businesses better navigate the challenges on the horizon.

The evolution of AI-driven threats: Securing autonomous systems

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity has created a double-edged sword. While organizations leverage these tools to boost productivity, cybercriminals are simultaneously refining methods to exploit them. The emergence of agentic AI, which refers to systems that can make their own decisions, creates a uniquely difficult problem. If not properly secured, these autonomous agents can be manipulated by attackers to execute malicious tasks without human intervention.
What’s worse is the weaponization of AI against human targets. Attackers are increasingly using deepfakes and synthetic media to execute advanced social engineering campaigns. These attacks impersonate executives and IT professionals with frightening accuracy, allowing them to bypass traditional technical defenses.

Identity is the new perimeter

With the rise of increasingly complex cyberthreats, businesses are moving away from traditional perimeter-focused security approaches and adopting more advanced identity and access management strategies. Experts predict that identity will soon replace the network as the core security perimeter, underscoring the growing importance of adopting zero trust frameworks.
However, with the growth of machine-to-machine communication, security protocols must extend beyond human users. Nonhuman identities, such as AI agents and automated systems, also need robust authentication. By rigorously validating every access request — whether from a person or a machine — organizations can protect their data and systems from compromise.

Supply chain vulnerabilities and third-party risk

Cybersecurity experts are bracing for a surge in supply chain attacks, where criminals exploit vulnerable, smaller vendors as entry points into major corporate networks. These breaches often result in catastrophic consequences, from paralyzed production lines to massive data leaks, much like the high-profile 2025 attack on Jaguar Land Rover.
To counter this threat, organizations must shift toward a proactive defensive strategy. Central to this approach is the use of software bills of materials, which allows security teams to verify software integrity and block malicious code before it penetrates the network.

From prevention to resilience

Businesses are pivoting toward cyber resilience, the ability to recover swiftly from attacks rather than solely trying to prevent them. The shift is driven by the realization that no system is entirely immune to cyberthreats, making rapid recovery essential for maintaining business continuity.
This evolution reframes cybersecurity as a matter of strategic risk management rather than an attempt to eliminate all breaches. By adopting a defensible and recoverable mindset, organizations are preparing for the unavoidable. They are implementing robust protocols designed to minimize damage and reinstate normal operations the moment an attack is detected.

Executive accountability and legal liability

Boards and executive leadership teams are increasingly treating cybersecurity as a fundamental business risk. This shift is happening because of mounting legal and regulatory pressures, especially concerning AI, which are expected to increase personal liability for executives.
With cybersecurity now a top operational priority, leaders are under immense pressure to prove their preparedness against cyberthreats. Boards will demand measurable outcomes, placing chief information security officers under greater scrutiny. Moreover, the evolving legal landscape means that executives who fail to adequately manage their organization’s cybersecurity risks could face personal legal consequences.
Need help staying ahead of evolving cyberthreats? Reach out to our IT experts for guidance and support.

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