You might read the headline of this article and think, “That has to be an exaggeration.” Unfortunately, it’s not. Every single day, small businesses are targeted by cybercriminals. These criminals look for vulnerable victims, then attack.

We all know how easy it is to cut corners in business; we’ve all done it somewhere. But we also know we shouldn’t. You’ll eventually have to face the consequences, whether they’re small or large. The same applies to IT. When you cut corners, the consequences to your business can be major.

It’s the holiday season when I become reflective on the last year and look forward to the next one.

Certainly, Christmas has been a significant part of many of our lives for decades – definitely mine.

While traditions with family and friends, the cadence of the year, and the circle of life becomes more meaningful as I get older – the Christmas story holds special import to me.

Here are a almost a dozen Windows 10 tips that may help your productivity.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/tips/home/whats-new#keeppchealthy
I especially like:
2. Reduce (or brighten) screen brightness
3. Give apps a sleek new look
4. Add emoji from your keyboard
5. Automatically back up your precious folders
8. Make things on your screen larger
11. Make your pointer easier to see
 

First, people are shocked and amazed at the size of my pointer and its shadow trail.

This week, Mike Ritsema and Brian Abraham, i3’s CTO, hosted a webinar on 5 cybersecurity priorities every IT manager should address. Over the past year, there have been hundreds of cyberattacks targeted at businesses right here in West Michigan – we want to ask you: how is your current IT manager mitigating risks for your business, and are they addressing the following priorities?
1. Multi-factor authentication
2. Employee training & awareness education
3. User security permissions review
4. Patching & protecting
5. Backups

To learn more about each of the priorities, listen to the webinar below:

We are continuing to improve our security services in 2019 – learn more about i3’s Fortress security services here.

Last week, ThreeBestRated.com listed i3 Business Solutions as one of three top IT service providers in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

What is Three Best Rated?

Three Best Rated is an accredited online business reviewer where 1.7 million monthly users search for top, local businesses.

At the beginning of this year, i3 Business Solutions was honored to receive the Michigan 50 Businesses to Watch award. The award recognized the growth and success of local organizations here in Michigan. Last week, Mike Ritsema, i3 President, visited an awardee conference at the Edward Lowe Foundation… here is what he said about his experience:

“I am amazed by … Kitty Litter.

On Wednesday, Mike Ritsema and Dave Carey, i3’s CISSP, hosted a webinar on our new Fortress Security Services. In 2019, we have seen and heard of an overwhelming number of security threats. As we have discovered, at least two-thirds of SMBs have suffered a cyber-attack in the past 12 months alone.

This week, Mike Ritsema, president of i3 Business Solutions, shares insightful business tips on how to protect your business from cybersecurity threats and disasters. With 20 years of experience in the technology industry, Mike is well-aware of the risks your business is vulnerable to.

Last week, Channel Partners Insight, provider of analysis news for channel business leaders, talked with state-wide players to unpack key impact points for MSPs in Michigan. Mike Ritsema, President of i3 Business Solutions and a leader in the nationwide technology community, is quoted throughout this article.