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Technology Advice for Small Businesses

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Cut your cloud costs without cutting corners

Editor May 7, 2025

It’s easy to go over your cloud budget if you’re not careful. With so many factors that can affect pricing, it’s important to have a strong strategy in place to keep your expenses under control. With the right mix of smart planning, tools, and a little creative thinking, you can cut costs and still get top-notch cloud performance. Here’s how.

Track budgets with cost management consoles

Start by using the built-in cost management tools offered by cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. These consoles let you set spending limits, track usage, and get alerts so you don’t blow your budget.

You can then use detailed reporting and analytics to break down where your money is going. Tag resources by department, project, or workload, and review spending regularly. The better your visibility, the faster you can spot unnecessary expenses.

Identify unutilized and idle resources

Companies often waste money on unused or idle cloud resources, like virtual machines, storage, or services. Temporary servers may be left running, or storage linked to terminated instances can go unnoticed, continuing to rack up costs. Similarly, idle resources, such as servers running at only 10% CPU utilization, waste both computing power and money.

To avoid these inefficiencies, conduct regular audits to identify and remove unused resources. For idle ones, consolidate workloads to improve utilization and lower costs. Automated tools can flag underused assets, making it easier to cut expenses without losing flexibility.

Right-size the services

Bigger isn’t always better — or cheaper — when it comes to cloud resources. Right-sizing allows you to analyze and adjust your compute, storage, and database services to the most efficient size. Overprovisioning leads to unnecessary costs, so it’s crucial to match your resources to actual demand.

Since manually sizing instances can be complex with countless combinations of memory, graphics, storage, and throughput options, right-sizing tools can help. These tools provide recommendations across instance families, reducing costs, optimizing usage, and ensuring you get peak performance from your existing resources.

Use spot instances

Spot instances, also known as preemptible VMs, are unused cloud resources offered by providers at a discount. They’re a cost-effective option, often 70–90% cheaper than on-demand instances. Ideal for noncritical workloads, batch jobs, or testing environments, spot instances can offer substantial cost savings. However, because these resources can be reclaimed by the provider at any time, it’s vital that your workloads are able to handle interruptions and automatically scale in case of termination.

Choose more affordable providers

Not all clouds are priced equally. Depending on your needs, switching from a premium provider to a lower-cost competitor — or even using a mix of providers — can unlock big savings. Do some price comparisons and negotiate with vendors; you might be surprised how much you can save.

Move workloads elsewhere

Some workloads may run better on private clouds, colocation centers, or even on-premises hardware. Hybrid cloud strategies let you place workloads where they make the most financial sense, optimizing costs across the board.

Go serverless

Serverless computing takes the cloud’s pay-as-you-go model to the next level, billing down to each transaction or millisecond of use. This makes it ideal for unpredictable traffic or event-driven applications, allowing businesses to significantly cut costs. For example, side projects or proofs of concept can run for just pennies a month until demand scales up, making serverless perfect for businesses that want to minimize costs while remaining ready for growth.

Offload cold data

Why pay top dollar to store data you rarely access? Move infrequently used “cold” data to cheaper storage tiers or archival services. Many cloud providers offer options such as AWS Glacier or Azure Blob Storage Cool Tier specifically for this purpose.

Managing cloud costs often involves highly technical solutions and constant monitoring, but we can help simplify the process. Contact our cloud experts today to see how we can optimize your cloud infrastructure and reduce costs while keeping your business agile and scalable.

Simple strategies to save big on the cloud

Editor May 7, 2025

Many businesses are often surprised by how much their cloud costs can add up, but the good news is that there are easy ways to bring those numbers down. In this piece, we explore cost-saving hacks that will help your budget breathe easier.

Track budgets with cost management consoles

Start by using the built-in cost management tools offered by cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. These consoles let you set spending limits, track usage, and get alerts so you don’t blow your budget.

You can then use detailed reporting and analytics to break down where your money is going. Tag resources by department, project, or workload, and review spending regularly. The better your visibility, the faster you can spot unnecessary expenses.

Identify unutilized and idle resources

Companies often waste money on unused or idle cloud resources, like virtual machines, storage, or services. Temporary servers may be left running, or storage linked to terminated instances can go unnoticed, continuing to rack up costs. Similarly, idle resources, such as servers running at only 10% CPU utilization, waste both computing power and money.

To avoid these inefficiencies, conduct regular audits to identify and remove unused resources. For idle ones, consolidate workloads to improve utilization and lower costs. Automated tools can flag underused assets, making it easier to cut expenses without losing flexibility.

Right-size the services

Bigger isn’t always better — or cheaper — when it comes to cloud resources. Right-sizing allows you to analyze and adjust your compute, storage, and database services to the most efficient size. Overprovisioning leads to unnecessary costs, so it’s crucial to match your resources to actual demand.

Since manually sizing instances can be complex with countless combinations of memory, graphics, storage, and throughput options, right-sizing tools can help. These tools provide recommendations across instance families, reducing costs, optimizing usage, and ensuring you get peak performance from your existing resources.

Use spot instances

Spot instances, also known as preemptible VMs, are unused cloud resources offered by providers at a discount. They’re a cost-effective option, often 70–90% cheaper than on-demand instances. Ideal for noncritical workloads, batch jobs, or testing environments, spot instances can offer substantial cost savings. However, because these resources can be reclaimed by the provider at any time, it’s vital that your workloads are able to handle interruptions and automatically scale in case of termination.

Choose more affordable providers

Not all clouds are priced equally. Depending on your needs, switching from a premium provider to a lower-cost competitor — or even using a mix of providers — can unlock big savings. Do some price comparisons and negotiate with vendors; you might be surprised how much you can save.

Move workloads elsewhere

Some workloads may run better on private clouds, colocation centers, or even on-premises hardware. Hybrid cloud strategies let you place workloads where they make the most financial sense, optimizing costs across the board.

Go serverless

Serverless computing takes the cloud’s pay-as-you-go model to the next level, billing down to each transaction or millisecond of use. This makes it ideal for unpredictable traffic or event-driven applications, allowing businesses to significantly cut costs. For example, side projects or proofs of concept can run for just pennies a month until demand scales up, making serverless perfect for businesses that want to minimize costs while remaining ready for growth.

Offload cold data

Why pay top dollar to store data you rarely access? Move infrequently used “cold” data to cheaper storage tiers or archival services. Many cloud providers offer options such as AWS Glacier or Azure Blob Storage Cool Tier specifically for this purpose.

Managing cloud costs often involves highly technical solutions and constant monitoring, but we can help simplify the process. Contact our cloud experts today to see how we can optimize your cloud infrastructure and reduce costs while keeping your business agile and scalable.

8 Smart ways to slash your cloud costs

Editor May 7, 2025

Cloud expenses can spiral fast but with smart strategies, you can rein them in. This article breaks down nine simple yet clever ways to slash your cloud costs, from setting budgets with built-in consoles to using spot instances and offloading cold data. Whether you’re running a startup or an enterprise, these tips will help you cut waste and get the most bang for your buck.

Track budgets with cost management consoles

Start by using the built-in cost management tools offered by cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. These consoles let you set spending limits, track usage, and get alerts so you don’t blow your budget.

You can then use detailed reporting and analytics to break down where your money is going. Tag resources by department, project, or workload, and review spending regularly. The better your visibility, the faster you can spot unnecessary expenses.

Identify unutilized and idle resources

Companies often waste money on unused or idle cloud resources, like virtual machines, storage, or services. Temporary servers may be left running, or storage linked to terminated instances can go unnoticed, continuing to rack up costs. Similarly, idle resources, such as servers running at only 10% CPU utilization, waste both computing power and money.

To avoid these inefficiencies, conduct regular audits to identify and remove unused resources. For idle ones, consolidate workloads to improve utilization and lower costs. Automated tools can flag underused assets, making it easier to cut expenses without losing flexibility.

Right-size the services

Bigger isn’t always better — or cheaper — when it comes to cloud resources. Right-sizing allows you to analyze and adjust your compute, storage, and database services to the most efficient size. Overprovisioning leads to unnecessary costs, so it’s crucial to match your resources to actual demand.

Since manually sizing instances can be complex with countless combinations of memory, graphics, storage, and throughput options, right-sizing tools can help. These tools provide recommendations across instance families, reducing costs, optimizing usage, and ensuring you get peak performance from your existing resources.

Use spot instances

Spot instances, also known as preemptible VMs, are unused cloud resources offered by providers at a discount. They’re a cost-effective option, often 70–90% cheaper than on-demand instances. Ideal for noncritical workloads, batch jobs, or testing environments, spot instances can offer substantial cost savings. However, because these resources can be reclaimed by the provider at any time, it’s vital that your workloads are able to handle interruptions and automatically scale in case of termination.

Choose more affordable providers

Not all clouds are priced equally. Depending on your needs, switching from a premium provider to a lower-cost competitor — or even using a mix of providers — can unlock big savings. Do some price comparisons and negotiate with vendors; you might be surprised how much you can save.

Move workloads elsewhere

Some workloads may run better on private clouds, colocation centers, or even on-premises hardware. Hybrid cloud strategies let you place workloads where they make the most financial sense, optimizing costs across the board.

Go serverless

Serverless computing takes the cloud’s pay-as-you-go model to the next level, billing down to each transaction or millisecond of use. This makes it ideal for unpredictable traffic or event-driven applications, allowing businesses to significantly cut costs. For example, side projects or proofs of concept can run for just pennies a month until demand scales up, making serverless perfect for businesses that want to minimize costs while remaining ready for growth.

Offload cold data

Why pay top dollar to store data you rarely access? Move infrequently used “cold” data to cheaper storage tiers or archival services. Many cloud providers offer options such as AWS Glacier or Azure Blob Storage Cool Tier specifically for this purpose.

Managing cloud costs often involves highly technical solutions and constant monitoring, but we can help simplify the process. Contact our cloud experts today to see how we can optimize your cloud infrastructure and reduce costs while keeping your business agile and scalable.

How to accelerate your organization’s digital transformation

Editor May 5, 2025

Digital transformation is vital for businesses to stay ahead. So how can you accelerate the process? This article breaks down 10 impactful strategies to help you move faster. Whether you’re upgrading your tech stack or shifting your organizational mindset, these approaches will make your transformation more efficient and effective.

Focus on agility and flexibility for faster adjustments

Agility — the ability to quickly adjust plans and actions as circumstances evolve — is a vital driver of successful digital transformation. One proven way organizations build this agility is through agile software development, a flexible and collaborative approach that prioritizes speed, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Rather than committing to a long, rigid development process, agile teams break projects into smaller, manageable parts and deliver them in short cycles. This allows for rapid testing, faster feedback, and the ability to make adjustments on the fly. Whether responding to market shifts, customer input, or internal changes, agile development keeps digital initiatives aligned with evolving business needs, minimizing delays and maximizing impact.

Modernize legacy systems to remove bottlenecks

Legacy systems, or outdated software or hardware, often can’t keep up with modern business demands. Their poor performance and limited compatibility with newer technologies can create inefficiencies, increase maintenance costs, and hinder growth. Replacing or integrating these systems with modern solutions removes critical bottlenecks and helps your organization keep up with the competition.

Leverage cloud solutions for speed and scalability

Shifting to the cloud removes the constraints of traditional infrastructure, enabling businesses to scale efficiently and adapt to changing needs. Cloud services such as Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) give businesses the flexibility and tools needed to innovate and establish more efficient processes.

Adopt automation and AI technologies to streamline transformation

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are essential for accelerating digital transformation. Automating routine tasks frees up time for higher-value work, while using AI tools provide insights that support faster, more informed decisions.

For instance, AI-powered chatbots offer real-time customer support, while analytics tools uncover patterns that help businesses stay ahead of customer expectations. Together, these and similar technologies reduce manual effort, boost efficiency, and improve the overall quality of service, keeping transformation efforts moving forward.

Create a culture of innovation to embrace change

Encouraging teams to experiment and explore emerging technologies greatly speeds up your digital transformation efforts. That’s because when innovation is embedded in your culture, adopting new tools and strategies becomes faster and more effective.

Prioritize data-driven decision-making to avoid waste

Data is the cornerstone of every effective digital transformation journey. Analyzing cross-department data helps businesses shape strategy, improve customer experiences, and optimize operations. Without this approach, decisions are more likely to be misinformed, leading to inefficiencies, wasted resources, and delays that can derail progress.

Strengthen cybersecurity to prevent disruptions

As more operations are digitized and moved online, strong cybersecurity becomes even more critical. Installing advanced network security, end-to-end encryption, endpoint protection, and access management systems safeguard sensitive data and reduce the risk of breaches that could derail timelines and disrupt progress.

Equip employees with the right tools

Equipping employees with modern software, platforms, and collaboration tools is key to accelerating digital transformation. When teams have access to the right technology, they work more efficiently and are more willing to adopt new solutions, driving transformation forward with greater speed and effectiveness.

Invest in specialized talent for faster implementation

Specialized skills, such as AI, cloud computing, data science, and software development, are essential for implementing new technologies effectively. Hiring and retaining qualified talent helps businesses transition faster without compromising quality.

For quicker results, many organizations also choose to partner with external experts in digital transformation. This gives them immediate access to the skills they need without the delays of building in-house teams.

Continuously measure and optimize to maintain momentum

Sustaining digital transformation depends on consistent evaluation and adjustment. Tracking performance and collecting feedback helps organizations identify what’s working (and what isn’t) so improvements can be made without delay. This ongoing optimization ensures efforts stay focused on business goals and drive steady progress.

Connect with our experts to explore the right strategies for your digital transformation journey. Contact us today.

Transform fast: 10 Key strategies to fast-track your company’s digital evolution

Editor May 5, 2025

The urgency for digital transformation has never been greater, and businesses must act quickly to keep up. This article offers 10 proven strategies to speed up your digital efforts. From streamlining operations to leveraging AI, these practical tactics will boost efficiency and help you transform faster.

Focus on agility and flexibility for faster adjustments

Agility — the ability to quickly adjust plans and actions as circumstances evolve — is a vital driver of successful digital transformation. One proven way organizations build this agility is through agile software development, a flexible and collaborative approach that prioritizes speed, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Rather than committing to a long, rigid development process, agile teams break projects into smaller, manageable parts and deliver them in short cycles. This allows for rapid testing, faster feedback, and the ability to make adjustments on the fly. Whether responding to market shifts, customer input, or internal changes, agile development keeps digital initiatives aligned with evolving business needs, minimizing delays and maximizing impact.

Modernize legacy systems to remove bottlenecks

Legacy systems, or outdated software or hardware, often can’t keep up with modern business demands. Their poor performance and limited compatibility with newer technologies can create inefficiencies, increase maintenance costs, and hinder growth. Replacing or integrating these systems with modern solutions removes critical bottlenecks and helps your organization keep up with the competition.

Leverage cloud solutions for speed and scalability

Shifting to the cloud removes the constraints of traditional infrastructure, enabling businesses to scale efficiently and adapt to changing needs. Cloud services such as Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) give businesses the flexibility and tools needed to innovate and establish more efficient processes.

Adopt automation and AI technologies to streamline transformation

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are essential for accelerating digital transformation. Automating routine tasks frees up time for higher-value work, while using AI tools provide insights that support faster, more informed decisions.

For instance, AI-powered chatbots offer real-time customer support, while analytics tools uncover patterns that help businesses stay ahead of customer expectations. Together, these and similar technologies reduce manual effort, boost efficiency, and improve the overall quality of service, keeping transformation efforts moving forward.

Create a culture of innovation to embrace change

Encouraging teams to experiment and explore emerging technologies greatly speeds up your digital transformation efforts. That’s because when innovation is embedded in your culture, adopting new tools and strategies becomes faster and more effective.

Prioritize data-driven decision-making to avoid waste

Data is the cornerstone of every effective digital transformation journey. Analyzing cross-department data helps businesses shape strategy, improve customer experiences, and optimize operations. Without this approach, decisions are more likely to be misinformed, leading to inefficiencies, wasted resources, and delays that can derail progress.

Strengthen cybersecurity to prevent disruptions

As more operations are digitized and moved online, strong cybersecurity becomes even more critical. Installing advanced network security, end-to-end encryption, endpoint protection, and access management systems safeguard sensitive data and reduce the risk of breaches that could derail timelines and disrupt progress.

Equip employees with the right tools

Equipping employees with modern software, platforms, and collaboration tools is key to accelerating digital transformation. When teams have access to the right technology, they work more efficiently and are more willing to adopt new solutions, driving transformation forward with greater speed and effectiveness.

Invest in specialized talent for faster implementation

Specialized skills, such as AI, cloud computing, data science, and software development, are essential for implementing new technologies effectively. Hiring and retaining qualified talent helps businesses transition faster without compromising quality.

For quicker results, many organizations also choose to partner with external experts in digital transformation. This gives them immediate access to the skills they need without the delays of building in-house teams.

Continuously measure and optimize to maintain momentum

Sustaining digital transformation depends on consistent evaluation and adjustment. Tracking performance and collecting feedback helps organizations identify what’s working (and what isn’t) so improvements can be made without delay. This ongoing optimization ensures efforts stay focused on business goals and drive steady progress.

Connect with our experts to explore the right strategies for your digital transformation journey. Contact us today.

10 Strategies to speed up your digital transformation

Editor May 5, 2025

Digital transformation is essential for businesses to stay competitive and grow in today’s fast-paced market. The sooner you act, the better. This article outlines 10 practical strategies to accelerate your digital journey. From adopting new technologies to fostering a culture of innovation, these tactics will help you modernize your business and move forward with confidence.

Focus on agility and flexibility for faster adjustments

Agility — the ability to quickly adjust plans and actions as circumstances evolve — is a vital driver of successful digital transformation. One proven way organizations build this agility is through agile software development, a flexible and collaborative approach that prioritizes speed, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Rather than committing to a long, rigid development process, agile teams break projects into smaller, manageable parts and deliver them in short cycles. This allows for rapid testing, faster feedback, and the ability to make adjustments on the fly. Whether responding to market shifts, customer input, or internal changes, agile development keeps digital initiatives aligned with evolving business needs, minimizing delays and maximizing impact.

Modernize legacy systems to remove bottlenecks

Legacy systems, or outdated software or hardware, often can’t keep up with modern business demands. Their poor performance and limited compatibility with newer technologies can create inefficiencies, increase maintenance costs, and hinder growth. Replacing or integrating these systems with modern solutions removes critical bottlenecks and helps your organization keep up with the competition.

Leverage cloud solutions for speed and scalability

Shifting to the cloud removes the constraints of traditional infrastructure, enabling businesses to scale efficiently and adapt to changing needs. Cloud services such as Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) give businesses the flexibility and tools needed to innovate and establish more efficient processes.

Adopt automation and AI technologies to streamline transformation

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are essential for accelerating digital transformation. Automating routine tasks frees up time for higher-value work, while using AI tools provide insights that support faster, more informed decisions.

For instance, AI-powered chatbots offer real-time customer support, while analytics tools uncover patterns that help businesses stay ahead of customer expectations. Together, these and similar technologies reduce manual effort, boost efficiency, and improve the overall quality of service, keeping transformation efforts moving forward.

Create a culture of innovation to embrace change

Encouraging teams to experiment and explore emerging technologies greatly speeds up your digital transformation efforts. That’s because when innovation is embedded in your culture, adopting new tools and strategies becomes faster and more effective.

Prioritize data-driven decision-making to avoid waste

Data is the cornerstone of every effective digital transformation journey. Analyzing cross-department data helps businesses shape strategy, improve customer experiences, and optimize operations. Without this approach, decisions are more likely to be misinformed, leading to inefficiencies, wasted resources, and delays that can derail progress.

Strengthen cybersecurity to prevent disruptions

As more operations are digitized and moved online, strong cybersecurity becomes even more critical. Installing advanced network security, end-to-end encryption, endpoint protection, and access management systems safeguard sensitive data and reduce the risk of breaches that could derail timelines and disrupt progress.

Equip employees with the right tools

Equipping employees with modern software, platforms, and collaboration tools is key to accelerating digital transformation. When teams have access to the right technology, they work more efficiently and are more willing to adopt new solutions, driving transformation forward with greater speed and effectiveness.

Invest in specialized talent for faster implementation

Specialized skills, such as AI, cloud computing, data science, and software development, are essential for implementing new technologies effectively. Hiring and retaining qualified talent helps businesses transition faster without compromising quality.

For quicker results, many organizations also choose to partner with external experts in digital transformation. This gives them immediate access to the skills they need without the delays of building in-house teams.

Continuously measure and optimize to maintain momentum

Sustaining digital transformation depends on consistent evaluation and adjustment. Tracking performance and collecting feedback helps organizations identify what’s working (and what isn’t) so improvements can be made without delay. This ongoing optimization ensures efforts stay focused on business goals and drive steady progress.

Connect with our experts to explore the right strategies for your digital transformation journey. Contact us today.

Ransomware tops the threat list for US critical infrastructure

Editor May 2, 2025

According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, ransomware poses a persistent and growing threat to US critical infrastructure, which includes sectors such as healthcare, communications, energy, and financial services. Experts warn that phishing and social engineering are key tactics fueling these attacks, underscoring the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.

The alarming surge in ransomware attacks

In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 4,800 cyberthreat reports from critical infrastructure firms, with ransomware topping the list. Notably, ransomware incidents within this sector grew by 9% compared to 2023.

Hospitals and emergency care centers are some of the most vulnerable entities, frequently targeted by ransomware groups. Attacks on healthcare facilities often result in more than financial losses; they threaten lives and disrupt essential services, creating ripple effects that insurance payouts can’t fully address.

Despite notable victories by the FBI and international law enforcement, including the takedown of LockBit’s infrastructure, ransomware remains a pervasive problem. In 2024 alone, 67 new ransomware variants were identified, including FOG, Lynx, Cicada 3301, DragonForce, and Frag. Moreover, the number of successful ransomware attacks rose, and reported losses jumped by 33% compared to the previous year.

Phishing and social engineering: The real threat

Ransomware attacks often start with phishing emails or other social engineering tactics designed to trick employees into granting attackers access to critical systems. These methods, which exploit human error and trust, account for over half of all ransomware incidents. Clicking on a malicious link or downloading an attachment can compromise entire networks.

Given this, the real danger isn’t just the ransomware itself; it’s the tactics attackers use to infiltrate systems in the first place. Phishing emails, social engineering scams, and unpatched software vulnerabilities create openings for attackers to gain access, enabling them to spread ransomware or steal sensitive data. Without taking proactive steps to address these issues, organizations leave themselves exposed to significant risk.

Yet, many organizations allocate less than 5% of their IT security budgets to counter social engineering or patch system vulnerabilities. This underinvestment leaves critical gaps in cybersecurity defenses and is one of the main reasons ransomware attacks continue to thrive.

How small businesses can fight back against ransomware

To protect your business against ransomware, it’s crucial to focus on both human defenses and technical safeguards. Start by prioritizing regular security awareness training sessions to equip employees with the knowledge to identify and thwart phishing attempts. Simulated phishing exercises can further prepare your team to react appropriately in real-life situations, significantly reducing the likelihood of a successful attack.

In addition to training your workforce, leverage advanced tools and resources to strengthen your overall cybersecurity posture. Frameworks such as the Institute for Security and Technology’s Blueprint for Ransomware Defense provide a practical and actionable guide to building robust defenses. Using them can help your organization identify vulnerabilities, implement best practices, and create response plans to mitigate potential damage. By combining education, strategic investment, and reliable tools, small businesses like yours can take proactive steps to combat the growing threat of ransomware.

If you’re unsure where to start or need help strengthening your defenses, reach out to our cybersecurity experts today. Together, we can protect your business from the growing threat of ransomware.

Ransomware is the leading threat to US critical infrastructure

Editor May 2, 2025

The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report reveals that ransomware attacks targeting healthcare, financial services, communications and other critical infrastructure in the US are on the rise. Experts warn that phishing and social engineering remain key drivers behind these attacks, highlighting an urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures.

The alarming surge in ransomware attacks

In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 4,800 cyberthreat reports from critical infrastructure firms, with ransomware topping the list. Notably, ransomware incidents within this sector grew by 9% compared to 2023.

Hospitals and emergency care centers are some of the most vulnerable entities, frequently targeted by ransomware groups. Attacks on healthcare facilities often result in more than financial losses; they threaten lives and disrupt essential services, creating ripple effects that insurance payouts can’t fully address.

Despite notable victories by the FBI and international law enforcement, including the takedown of LockBit’s infrastructure, ransomware remains a pervasive problem. In 2024 alone, 67 new ransomware variants were identified, including FOG, Lynx, Cicada 3301, DragonForce, and Frag. Moreover, the number of successful ransomware attacks rose, and reported losses jumped by 33% compared to the previous year.

Phishing and social engineering: The real threat

Ransomware attacks often start with phishing emails or other social engineering tactics designed to trick employees into granting attackers access to critical systems. These methods, which exploit human error and trust, account for over half of all ransomware incidents. Clicking on a malicious link or downloading an attachment can compromise entire networks.

Given this, the real danger isn’t just the ransomware itself; it’s the tactics attackers use to infiltrate systems in the first place. Phishing emails, social engineering scams, and unpatched software vulnerabilities create openings for attackers to gain access, enabling them to spread ransomware or steal sensitive data. Without taking proactive steps to address these issues, organizations leave themselves exposed to significant risk.

Yet, many organizations allocate less than 5% of their IT security budgets to counter social engineering or patch system vulnerabilities. This underinvestment leaves critical gaps in cybersecurity defenses and is one of the main reasons ransomware attacks continue to thrive.

How small businesses can fight back against ransomware

To protect your business against ransomware, it’s crucial to focus on both human defenses and technical safeguards. Start by prioritizing regular security awareness training sessions to equip employees with the knowledge to identify and thwart phishing attempts. Simulated phishing exercises can further prepare your team to react appropriately in real-life situations, significantly reducing the likelihood of a successful attack.

In addition to training your workforce, leverage advanced tools and resources to strengthen your overall cybersecurity posture. Frameworks such as the Institute for Security and Technology’s Blueprint for Ransomware Defense provide a practical and actionable guide to building robust defenses. Using them can help your organization identify vulnerabilities, implement best practices, and create response plans to mitigate potential damage. By combining education, strategic investment, and reliable tools, small businesses like yours can take proactive steps to combat the growing threat of ransomware.

If you’re unsure where to start or need help strengthening your defenses, reach out to our cybersecurity experts today. Together, we can protect your business from the growing threat of ransomware.

US critical infrastructure faces growing ransomware threat

Editor May 2, 2025

The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report reveals a skyrocketing increase in ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure, which includes sectors such as healthcare, communications, energy, and financial services. With phishing and social engineering tactics enabling many of these breaches, experts urge organizations to bolster their defenses to mitigate this increasing risk.

The alarming surge in ransomware attacks

In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 4,800 cyberthreat reports from critical infrastructure firms, with ransomware topping the list. Notably, ransomware incidents within this sector grew by 9% compared to 2023.

Hospitals and emergency care centers are some of the most vulnerable entities, frequently targeted by ransomware groups. Attacks on healthcare facilities often result in more than financial losses; they threaten lives and disrupt essential services, creating ripple effects that insurance payouts can’t fully address.

Despite notable victories by the FBI and international law enforcement, including the takedown of LockBit’s infrastructure, ransomware remains a pervasive problem. In 2024 alone, 67 new ransomware variants were identified, including FOG, Lynx, Cicada 3301, DragonForce, and Frag. Moreover, the number of successful ransomware attacks rose, and reported losses jumped by 33% compared to the previous year.

Phishing and social engineering: The real threat

Ransomware attacks often start with phishing emails or other social engineering tactics designed to trick employees into granting attackers access to critical systems. These methods, which exploit human error and trust, account for over half of all ransomware incidents. Clicking on a malicious link or downloading an attachment can compromise entire networks.

Given this, the real danger isn’t just the ransomware itself; it’s the tactics attackers use to infiltrate systems in the first place. Phishing emails, social engineering scams, and unpatched software vulnerabilities create openings for attackers to gain access, enabling them to spread ransomware or steal sensitive data. Without taking proactive steps to address these issues, organizations leave themselves exposed to significant risk.

Yet, many organizations allocate less than 5% of their IT security budgets to counter social engineering or patch system vulnerabilities. This underinvestment leaves critical gaps in cybersecurity defenses and is one of the main reasons ransomware attacks continue to thrive.

How small businesses can fight back against ransomware

To protect your business against ransomware, it’s crucial to focus on both human defenses and technical safeguards. Start by prioritizing regular security awareness training sessions to equip employees with the knowledge to identify and thwart phishing attempts. Simulated phishing exercises can further prepare your team to react appropriately in real-life situations, significantly reducing the likelihood of a successful attack.

In addition to training your workforce, leverage advanced tools and resources to strengthen your overall cybersecurity posture. Frameworks such as the Institute for Security and Technology’s Blueprint for Ransomware Defense provide a practical and actionable guide to building robust defenses. Using them can help your organization identify vulnerabilities, implement best practices, and create response plans to mitigate potential damage. By combining education, strategic investment, and reliable tools, small businesses like yours can take proactive steps to combat the growing threat of ransomware.

If you’re unsure where to start or need help strengthening your defenses, reach out to our cybersecurity experts today. Together, we can protect your business from the growing threat of ransomware.

Essential Android apps to make your international trip a breeze

Editor April 30, 2025

Preparing for a trip abroad? Make sure your Android phone is equipped with these five essential apps to help with navigation, document storage, communication, organization, and currency management.

Navigation: Master your route

One of the first things travelers need is a reliable navigation app. Today, Google Maps is the go-to app for many, offering more than just directions. It’s equipped with a feature that lets you save maps for offline use. This is essential when traveling to areas where connectivity might be spotty or unavailable.

Before you leave, it’s also wise to familiarize yourself with the area. This preparation will help you identify landmarks and navigate confidently without always relying on your phone. Taking some time to explore your destination online beforehand can provide valuable insights that will make your trip smoother.

File storage: Organize key documents

Travel often requires access to important documents such as flight details, hotel reservations, or visa information. Rather than scrambling to find these details in your inbox or logging in to websites on the go, it’s best to store these documents on your phone. Take photos or scan paper documents before you depart.

For added security, upload all files to a cloud storage service such as Google Drive. While you can’t store entire folders offline, you can ensure that individual files are accessible without internet access. This way, even if something happens to your phone, you’ll still have access to your vital information on another device. Cloud storage not only provides backup but also keeps your important documents organized and easy to retrieve.

Communication: Break the language barrier

When traveling abroad, there will undoubtedly be moments when translation is essential deciphering road signs or having a conversation with a local. Google Translate can help bridge that gap.

It’s always a good idea to download the languages you’ll be using before your trip so that you’ll have access to them even when you don’t have an internet connection. Having Google Translate offline is invaluable when traveling abroad, whether you’re ordering food or negotiating with vendors.

Organization: Stay on track with notes and reminders

Traveling involves a lot of planning, and it’s easy to lose track of things you want to see or do. To help stay organized, use note-taking apps such as Google Keep. Whether you want to remember specific sights to visit, restaurants to try, or event schedules, Google Keep allows you to store and organize these ideas in one place.

Google Keep also offers a Wear OS app that can be accessed directly from your Android smartwatch. Keeping all your travel notes organized and easy to find ensures that you won’t miss out on anything you’ve planned. Other great options such as UpNote can offer additional features, but Keep’s simplicity and cross-platform capabilities make it a standout choice.

Currency: Convenient payment methods

Carrying too much cash can be a hassle, and travelers often find themselves wishing they had access to additional funds or a different payment method. For these situations, mobile payment solutions such as Google Wallet come in handy. Google Wallet allows you to make payments through your phone or smartwatch, reducing the need for physical cards or cash.

In addition to payments, Google Wallet can store loyalty cards, boarding passes, and even your passport, helping you travel light without sacrificing access to essential items. For those who prefer not to carry credit cards, this app offers an efficient, secure alternative for managing payments abroad.

Final preparations for your trip

The key to a successful trip lies in preparation. From familiarizing yourself with the area to ensuring you can communicate and access vital documents, having the right tools can make your travels more enjoyable and stress-free. Additionally, consider installing a VPN on your mobile device to protect your data while using public Wi-Fi networks.

Ready to make your next trip hassle-free? Download these essential apps today and start planning your journey with confidence. For more tech tips and advice, stay tuned to our blog.

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