Technology Advice for Small Businesses

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What is cloud AI, and how can it benefit your business?

AI (artificial intelligence) is changing the way we do business, and cloud AI is making it simple for companies to incorporate this technology into their daily workflows. In this article, we dive into what cloud AI is, how it works, and how it offers businesses a cost-effective, scalable way to leverage AI.

What is cloud AI?

Cloud AI is the delivery of artificial intelligence services and tools through cloud computing platforms. Rather than investing in costly infrastructure and managing complex systems, businesses can access AI capabilities, such as machine learning, big data analysis, and automation, via the cloud. As a result, companies can integrate AI into their operations without specialized resources, making cloud AI a flexible, cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

How cloud AI works

Cloud AI operates through data centers hosted by cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. These centers house the powerful computing resources needed to run AI models that would be too expensive for most businesses to run on their own.

Key features of cloud AI include platforms for building and deploying AI models, data storage systems for managing large datasets, and prebuilt models that companies can use for various functions (e.g., customer sentiment analysis). Cloud AI also gives businesses access to inference engines, which process data in real time to enable quick, data-driven decisions.

When implemented strategically, businesses can use these features for predictive analytics, AI chatbots, client personalization, risk management, automated scheduling, and more.

How can cloud AI benefit businesses?

Cloud AI offers numerous advantages, such as:

  • Reduced need for in-house expertise: Cloud AI enables businesses to access advanced AI tools and prebuilt models, even without machine learning or data science expertise. That means companies don’t need to hire a team of experts or purchase expensive hardware to take advantage of AI.
  • Accelerated time to market: One of the most significant advantages of cloud AI is speed. Using pretrained models and cloud-based services, businesses can quickly implement AI-driven solutions without waiting months for development. Such speed is especially valuable in fast-moving industries, such as manufacturing and retail, where the ability to launch new products or features quickly can provide a competitive edge.
  • Cost efficiency: By leveraging cloud infrastructure, businesses avoid the high upfront costs of building in-house AI systems. Instead, cloud AI uses a subscription-based pricing model, allowing businesses to access advanced technology while keeping costs manageable.
  • Scalability and flexibility: Businesses can achieve unparalleled scalability with cloud AI, surpassing the limitations of on-premises systems. As the business grows, its AI needs can expand too, whether it’s handling more customers, processing more data, or adding new features. With cloud AI, scaling up doesn’t require additional capital expenditures; companies simply pay for what they use and adjust resources in real time.
  • Enterprise-level performance and security: Cloud providers invest heavily in infrastructure to make their systems reliable and secure. For businesses, this means uptime is maximized, and AI models can run efficiently. Cloud providers also take care of routine maintenance, ensuring that businesses can focus on using AI rather than managing servers.

Cloud AI is perfect for businesses that find the prospect of implementing AI into their operations overwhelming. If you want to experience the benefits of AI without the hassle of building it yourself, consult with us today. We’ll assess your business needs then recommend the best ways to integrate cloud AI into your operations.

How cloud AI helps businesses boost efficiency and save money

While AI (artificial intelligence) is rapidly becoming an essential tool for business operations, many small and medium-sized businesses are hesitant to adopt it, fearing high costs and technical complexity. Cloud AI solves this by offering an affordable, accessible way to harness AI without needing specialized in-house resources.

What is cloud AI?

Cloud AI is the delivery of artificial intelligence services and tools through cloud computing platforms. Rather than investing in costly infrastructure and managing complex systems, businesses can access AI capabilities, such as machine learning, big data analysis, and automation, via the cloud. As a result, companies can integrate AI into their operations without specialized resources, making cloud AI a flexible, cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

How cloud AI works

Cloud AI operates through data centers hosted by cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. These centers house the powerful computing resources needed to run AI models that would be too expensive for most businesses to run on their own.

Key features of cloud AI include platforms for building and deploying AI models, data storage systems for managing large datasets, and prebuilt models that companies can use for various functions (e.g., customer sentiment analysis). Cloud AI also gives businesses access to inference engines, which process data in real time to enable quick, data-driven decisions.

When implemented strategically, businesses can use these features for predictive analytics, AI chatbots, client personalization, risk management, automated scheduling, and more.

How can cloud AI benefit businesses?

Cloud AI offers numerous advantages, such as:

  • Reduced need for in-house expertise: Cloud AI enables businesses to access advanced AI tools and prebuilt models, even without machine learning or data science expertise. That means companies don’t need to hire a team of experts or purchase expensive hardware to take advantage of AI.
  • Accelerated time to market: One of the most significant advantages of cloud AI is speed. Using pretrained models and cloud-based services, businesses can quickly implement AI-driven solutions without waiting months for development. Such speed is especially valuable in fast-moving industries, such as manufacturing and retail, where the ability to launch new products or features quickly can provide a competitive edge.
  • Cost efficiency: By leveraging cloud infrastructure, businesses avoid the high upfront costs of building in-house AI systems. Instead, cloud AI uses a subscription-based pricing model, allowing businesses to access advanced technology while keeping costs manageable.
  • Scalability and flexibility: Businesses can achieve unparalleled scalability with cloud AI, surpassing the limitations of on-premises systems. As the business grows, its AI needs can expand too, whether it’s handling more customers, processing more data, or adding new features. With cloud AI, scaling up doesn’t require additional capital expenditures; companies simply pay for what they use and adjust resources in real time.
  • Enterprise-level performance and security: Cloud providers invest heavily in infrastructure to make their systems reliable and secure. For businesses, this means uptime is maximized, and AI models can run efficiently. Cloud providers also take care of routine maintenance, ensuring that businesses can focus on using AI rather than managing servers.

Cloud AI is perfect for businesses that find the prospect of implementing AI into their operations overwhelming. If you want to experience the benefits of AI without the hassle of building it yourself, consult with us today. We’ll assess your business needs then recommend the best ways to integrate cloud AI into your operations.

Unlocking the power of cloud AI: Transforming business operations

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become essential for modern business. Cloud AI makes it accessible and scalable, eliminating the need for dedicated infrastructure or advanced expertise. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, it accelerates growth and innovation without large upfront costs. This article explores how cloud AI works and helps businesses.

What is cloud AI?

Cloud AI is the delivery of artificial intelligence services and tools through cloud computing platforms. Rather than investing in costly infrastructure and managing complex systems, businesses can access AI capabilities, such as machine learning, big data analysis, and automation, via the cloud. As a result, companies can integrate AI into their operations without specialized resources, making cloud AI a flexible, cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

How cloud AI works

Cloud AI operates through data centers hosted by cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. These centers house the powerful computing resources needed to run AI models that would be too expensive for most businesses to run on their own.

Key features of cloud AI include platforms for building and deploying AI models, data storage systems for managing large datasets, and prebuilt models that companies can use for various functions (e.g., customer sentiment analysis). Cloud AI also gives businesses access to inference engines, which process data in real time to enable quick, data-driven decisions.

When implemented strategically, businesses can use these features for predictive analytics, AI chatbots, client personalization, risk management, automated scheduling, and more.

How can cloud AI benefit businesses?

Cloud AI offers numerous advantages, such as:

  • Reduced need for in-house expertise: Cloud AI enables businesses to access advanced AI tools and prebuilt models, even without machine learning or data science expertise. That means companies don’t need to hire a team of experts or purchase expensive hardware to take advantage of AI.
  • Accelerated time to market: One of the most significant advantages of cloud AI is speed. Using pretrained models and cloud-based services, businesses can quickly implement AI-driven solutions without waiting months for development. Such speed is especially valuable in fast-moving industries, such as manufacturing and retail, where the ability to launch new products or features quickly can provide a competitive edge.
  • Cost efficiency: By leveraging cloud infrastructure, businesses avoid the high upfront costs of building in-house AI systems. Instead, cloud AI uses a subscription-based pricing model, allowing businesses to access advanced technology while keeping costs manageable.
  • Scalability and flexibility: Businesses can achieve unparalleled scalability with cloud AI, surpassing the limitations of on-premises systems. As the business grows, its AI needs can expand too, whether it’s handling more customers, processing more data, or adding new features. With cloud AI, scaling up doesn’t require additional capital expenditures; companies simply pay for what they use and adjust resources in real time.
  • Enterprise-level performance and security: Cloud providers invest heavily in infrastructure to make their systems reliable and secure. For businesses, this means uptime is maximized, and AI models can run efficiently. Cloud providers also take care of routine maintenance, ensuring that businesses can focus on using AI rather than managing servers.

Cloud AI is perfect for businesses that find the prospect of implementing AI into their operations overwhelming. If you want to experience the benefits of AI without the hassle of building it yourself, consult with us today. We’ll assess your business needs then recommend the best ways to integrate cloud AI into your operations.

Key innovations reshaping healthcare in 2026

Once-experimental tools are now improving how healthcare organizations treat patients and operate, creating new opportunities for innovative companies. Let’s explore the novel technologies set to revolutionize healthcare in 2026.

Virtual hospitals‌

A virtual hospital is an online system that lets patients receive medical care without traveling to a physical facility. Doctors and nurses can use video calls, health-tracking devices, and secure digital tools to provide checkups, ongoing care, and other medical services. Because medical care teams can connect across different locations, patients — especially those in rural or underserved communities — gain easier and more consistent access to healthcare.

What this means for businesses

Remote care is becoming a routine part of healthcare delivery, creating a strong demand for companies that build telehealth platforms, monitoring tools, and the technology behind them. Virtual hospitals give healthcare organizations a practical way to reach more patients and expand services without adding new buildings or clinical space.

AI agents

AI (artificial intelligence) agents are digital assistants that can review patient information in real time, suggest next steps in care, and keep track of treatment progress. Letting AI agents handle these routine duties eases the burden on staff and gives clinical teams more time to focus on direct patient care.

What this means for businesses

Staffing shortages and rising administrative demands are driving healthcare organizations to seek reliable digital solutions. In response, AI companies are developing tools designed to help healthcare providers handle growing workloads and boost efficiency.

AI for early medical diagnosis

AI-powered diagnostic tools help clinicians detect cancer, heart disease, and neurological conditions at an earlier stage. They analyze medical images, lab results, and patient records to quickly and consistently identify patterns indicative of emerging health issues.

What this means for businesses

With healthcare providers increasingly prioritizing early detection, the demand for supportive AI tools is on the rise. Diagnostic AI companies are poised to play a crucial role, empowering healthcare organizations to enhance accuracy, expedite interventions, and advance preventive care.

Generative AI in drug discovery

Generative AI speeds up drug discovery by creating computer simulations that show how different chemical compounds might behave in the human body. Instead of running countless experiments in a lab, researchers can use AI models to highlight the most promising drug candidates earlier in the process.

What this means for businesses

As interest in generative AI grows among biotech and pharmaceutical companies, AI developers have a clear path for expansion. For these organizations, generative AI offers a way to accelerate treatment development and reduce costs associated with repetitive lab experiments.

Robotics

Robotics in healthcare covers a wide range of helpful tools and machines. For example, robotic arms give surgeons greater control during minimally invasive procedures, while mobile robots move medications, supplies, or even patients in hospitals. These technologies ease the physical workload for staff and help maintain steady, reliable care throughout a facility.

What this means for businesses

As labor shortages continue to challenge healthcare systems, the demand for robotic solutions will probably increase. That means companies specializing in surgical robotics, hospital automation, and caregiving support are poised to meet a clear and urgent need.

CRISPR and AI

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to make precise modifications to DNA, similar to editing text on a page. Combining CRISPR with AI gives researchers a clearer picture of how genetic changes might behave, helping them design treatments that fit a person’s unique genetic makeup.

Synthetic health data

Synthetic health data is computer-generated medical information that looks and behaves like real patient data but doesn’t include any personal details. AI systems learn from real medical records and then create new, artificial examples that researchers can use to test medicines, train software, and improve diagnostic tools without using sensitive information.

What this means for businesses

Using real patient data for research presents legal and logistical challenges. That complexity has created a growing demand for safe, accessible research data, leading to opportunities for companies offering synthetic datasets.

The latest innovations in healthcare technology represent opportunities for both healthcare providers and the businesses that support them. If you need help staying on top and adopting the latest technologies, contact us today. We’re here to help.

The future of healthcare: 7 technologies to watch in 2026

New technologies are reshaping healthcare at a rapid pace, changing how patient care is delivered and how IT systems operate behind the scenes. Over the course of 2026, these innovations are expected to improve patient outcomes and ignite new growth across the business side of the industry. In this article, we’ll examine these emerging technologies and why business leaders should be watching closely.

Virtual hospitals‌

A virtual hospital is an online system that lets patients receive medical care without traveling to a physical facility. Doctors and nurses can use video calls, health-tracking devices, and secure digital tools to provide checkups, ongoing care, and other medical services. Because medical care teams can connect across different locations, patients — especially those in rural or underserved communities — gain easier and more consistent access to healthcare.

What this means for businesses

Remote care is becoming a routine part of healthcare delivery, creating a strong demand for companies that build telehealth platforms, monitoring tools, and the technology behind them. Virtual hospitals give healthcare organizations a practical way to reach more patients and expand services without adding new buildings or clinical space.

AI agents

AI (artificial intelligence) agents are digital assistants that can review patient information in real time, suggest next steps in care, and keep track of treatment progress. Letting AI agents handle these routine duties eases the burden on staff and gives clinical teams more time to focus on direct patient care.

What this means for businesses

Staffing shortages and rising administrative demands are driving healthcare organizations to seek reliable digital solutions. In response, AI companies are developing tools designed to help healthcare providers handle growing workloads and boost efficiency.

AI for early medical diagnosis

AI-powered diagnostic tools help clinicians detect cancer, heart disease, and neurological conditions at an earlier stage. They analyze medical images, lab results, and patient records to quickly and consistently identify patterns indicative of emerging health issues.

What this means for businesses

With healthcare providers increasingly prioritizing early detection, the demand for supportive AI tools is on the rise. Diagnostic AI companies are poised to play a crucial role, empowering healthcare organizations to enhance accuracy, expedite interventions, and advance preventive care.

Generative AI in drug discovery

Generative AI speeds up drug discovery by creating computer simulations that show how different chemical compounds might behave in the human body. Instead of running countless experiments in a lab, researchers can use AI models to highlight the most promising drug candidates earlier in the process.

What this means for businesses

As interest in generative AI grows among biotech and pharmaceutical companies, AI developers have a clear path for expansion. For these organizations, generative AI offers a way to accelerate treatment development and reduce costs associated with repetitive lab experiments.

Robotics

Robotics in healthcare covers a wide range of helpful tools and machines. For example, robotic arms give surgeons greater control during minimally invasive procedures, while mobile robots move medications, supplies, or even patients in hospitals. These technologies ease the physical workload for staff and help maintain steady, reliable care throughout a facility.

What this means for businesses

As labor shortages continue to challenge healthcare systems, the demand for robotic solutions will probably increase. That means companies specializing in surgical robotics, hospital automation, and caregiving support are poised to meet a clear and urgent need.

CRISPR and AI

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to make precise modifications to DNA, similar to editing text on a page. Combining CRISPR with AI gives researchers a clearer picture of how genetic changes might behave, helping them design treatments that fit a person’s unique genetic makeup.

Synthetic health data

Synthetic health data is computer-generated medical information that looks and behaves like real patient data but doesn’t include any personal details. AI systems learn from real medical records and then create new, artificial examples that researchers can use to test medicines, train software, and improve diagnostic tools without using sensitive information.

What this means for businesses

Using real patient data for research presents legal and logistical challenges. That complexity has created a growing demand for safe, accessible research data, leading to opportunities for companies offering synthetic datasets.

The latest innovations in healthcare technology represent opportunities for both healthcare providers and the businesses that support them. If you need help staying on top and adopting the latest technologies, contact us today. We’re here to help.

The 7 technologies revolutionizing the healthcare sector

Emerging technologies are transforming healthcare in ways that benefit both patients and medical providers. By 2026, these new tools should improve patient outcomes, streamline operations, and create new paths for business growth. Below, we explore the trends changing healthcare and what those changes mean for the business side of the industry.

Virtual hospitals‌

A virtual hospital is an online system that lets patients receive medical care without traveling to a physical facility. Doctors and nurses can use video calls, health-tracking devices, and secure digital tools to provide checkups, ongoing care, and other medical services. Because medical care teams can connect across different locations, patients — especially those in rural or underserved communities — gain easier and more consistent access to healthcare.

What this means for businesses

Remote care is becoming a routine part of healthcare delivery, creating a strong demand for companies that build telehealth platforms, monitoring tools, and the technology behind them. Virtual hospitals give healthcare organizations a practical way to reach more patients and expand services without adding new buildings or clinical space.

AI agents

AI (artificial intelligence) agents are digital assistants that can review patient information in real time, suggest next steps in care, and keep track of treatment progress. Letting AI agents handle these routine duties eases the burden on staff and gives clinical teams more time to focus on direct patient care.

What this means for businesses

Staffing shortages and rising administrative demands are driving healthcare organizations to seek reliable digital solutions. In response, AI companies are developing tools designed to help healthcare providers handle growing workloads and boost efficiency.

AI for early medical diagnosis

AI-powered diagnostic tools help clinicians detect cancer, heart disease, and neurological conditions at an earlier stage. They analyze medical images, lab results, and patient records to quickly and consistently identify patterns indicative of emerging health issues.

What this means for businesses

With healthcare providers increasingly prioritizing early detection, the demand for supportive AI tools is on the rise. Diagnostic AI companies are poised to play a crucial role, empowering healthcare organizations to enhance accuracy, expedite interventions, and advance preventive care.

Generative AI in drug discovery

Generative AI speeds up drug discovery by creating computer simulations that show how different chemical compounds might behave in the human body. Instead of running countless experiments in a lab, researchers can use AI models to highlight the most promising drug candidates earlier in the process.

What this means for businesses

As interest in generative AI grows among biotech and pharmaceutical companies, AI developers have a clear path for expansion. For these organizations, generative AI offers a way to accelerate treatment development and reduce costs associated with repetitive lab experiments.

Robotics

Robotics in healthcare covers a wide range of helpful tools and machines. For example, robotic arms give surgeons greater control during minimally invasive procedures, while mobile robots move medications, supplies, or even patients in hospitals. These technologies ease the physical workload for staff and help maintain steady, reliable care throughout a facility.

What this means for businesses

As labor shortages continue to challenge healthcare systems, the demand for robotic solutions will probably increase. That means companies specializing in surgical robotics, hospital automation, and caregiving support are poised to meet a clear and urgent need.

CRISPR and AI

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to make precise modifications to DNA, similar to editing text on a page. Combining CRISPR with AI gives researchers a clearer picture of how genetic changes might behave, helping them design treatments that fit a person’s unique genetic makeup.

Synthetic health data

Synthetic health data is computer-generated medical information that looks and behaves like real patient data but doesn’t include any personal details. AI systems learn from real medical records and then create new, artificial examples that researchers can use to test medicines, train software, and improve diagnostic tools without using sensitive information.

What this means for businesses

Using real patient data for research presents legal and logistical challenges. That complexity has created a growing demand for safe, accessible research data, leading to opportunities for companies offering synthetic datasets.

The latest innovations in healthcare technology represent opportunities for both healthcare providers and the businesses that support them. If you need help staying on top and adopting the latest technologies, contact us today. We’re here to help.

Is your cloud security at risk? Issues businesses need to address now

Many businesses are unknowingly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to simple misconfigurations in their cloud environment and inadequate security measures. Find out where your greatest risks lie and learn how to fix them.

Why cloud security continues to fail

A recent report by the cloud security firm Tenable highlights an alarming trend: 74% of companies surveyed had storage settings configured incorrectly. In effect, these businesses accidentally left their digital doors unlocked.

While the cloud security solutions available today are more effective than ever, the teams managing the cloud infrastructure often lack the specific training to configure them correctly. As a result, businesses aren’t as secure as they think and often fail to fully maximize the cloud’s security features.

The toxic cloud triad of risk

The study points to three specific factors that, when combined, create a high risk of a cyberattack. Experts call this the “toxic cloud triad”:

  • Overprivileged accounts: Giving software or users more access rights than they actually need
  • Public exposure: Leaving sensitive parts of the network openly accessible to the internet
  • Critical vulnerabilities: Failing to patch known weaknesses within software systems

The overlooked danger of ghost keys

A significant yet often overlooked contributor to this heightened risk stems from the mismanagement of access keys, which are digital credentials designed for specific tasks. Alarmingly, the report found that 84% of organizations retain unused, high-level access keys, often referred to as “ghost keys.”
These dormant credentials present a critical vulnerability; if discovered by cybercriminals, they offer effortless entry into a system. Such an oversight can lead to security incidents — for example, the MGM Resorts data breach in September 2023.

The hidden risks in cloud infrastructure

Many modern businesses use a technology called “containers” to run their applications — think of these like digital packages that bundle software and its dependencies. They often use a system called Kubernetes to manage these containers.

The study reveals that 78% of organizations have left the control panel (i.e., API servers) for these systems accessible to the public internet. Even worse, many allow unrestricted user control. This is the digital equivalent of leaving your server room unlocked and unmonitored.

How to strengthen cloud security

You don’t need a technical background to improve your company’s security. By implementing stricter governance and fostering better security habits, you can transition your business from a reactive security stance to a proactive one. Follow this structured approach to get started:

Implement strict access controls

Controlling who can access your data is crucial. Regularly audit your digital keys, deleting any that are no longer necessary without delay.

Moreover, you can rotate these keys frequently to prevent old credentials from being exploited by cybercriminals. Think of it this way: if a key is stolen but you’ve already changed the lock, the cybercriminal can’t get in.

Enforce the principle of least privilege

This fundamental security rule dictates that employees and software should be granted only the exact level of access they need to perform their tasks, and nothing more. Use role-based access controls to enforce this; for example, a marketing employee shouldn’t be able to modify financial records.

Require independent audits

Testing your defenses before a cybercriminal does is paramount. However, relying solely on your internal IT team to evaluate their own work can be problematic. Internal teams often assess themselves too leniently or overlook issues, especially if performance incentives are linked to audit results. Instead, engage a third-party security firm to independent audits and penetration testing.

Automate your defense

Manual monitoring alone can’t keep pace with modern threats. Deploy automated tools that monitor your system 24/7 and can detect and neutralize threats in real time, eliminating opportunities for cybercriminals to launch attacks.

Prioritize software updates

Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software to gain access to systems. That’s why when a software provider releases a security update or patch, install it immediately to close known loopholes.

Invest in cybersecurity awareness training

Most cloud security breaches stem from human error. After all, technology cannot compensate for a lack of awareness. Provide ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for all employees to keep them updated on the current cyberthreats and apply security best practices to strengthen your company’s cyber defenses.

Get in touch with our IT experts today for more cloud security tips and robust protection for your business.

How to protect your business from cloud security breaches

Cloud security breaches are frequently caused by poor security practices and unaddressed vulnerabilities. It’s time to take decisive action before a breach hits your business.

Why cloud security continues to fail

A recent report by the cloud security firm Tenable highlights an alarming trend: 74% of companies surveyed had storage settings configured incorrectly. In effect, these businesses accidentally left their digital doors unlocked.

While the cloud security solutions available today are more effective than ever, the teams managing the cloud infrastructure often lack the specific training to configure them correctly. As a result, businesses aren’t as secure as they think and often fail to fully maximize the cloud’s security features.

The toxic cloud triad of risk

The study points to three specific factors that, when combined, create a high risk of a cyberattack. Experts call this the “toxic cloud triad”:

  • Overprivileged accounts: Giving software or users more access rights than they actually need
  • Public exposure: Leaving sensitive parts of the network openly accessible to the internet
  • Critical vulnerabilities: Failing to patch known weaknesses within software systems

The overlooked danger of ghost keys

A significant yet often overlooked contributor to this heightened risk stems from the mismanagement of access keys, which are digital credentials designed for specific tasks. Alarmingly, the report found that 84% of organizations retain unused, high-level access keys, often referred to as “ghost keys.”
These dormant credentials present a critical vulnerability; if discovered by cybercriminals, they offer effortless entry into a system. Such an oversight can lead to security incidents — for example, the MGM Resorts data breach in September 2023.

The hidden risks in cloud infrastructure

Many modern businesses use a technology called “containers” to run their applications — think of these like digital packages that bundle software and its dependencies. They often use a system called Kubernetes to manage these containers.

The study reveals that 78% of organizations have left the control panel (i.e., API servers) for these systems accessible to the public internet. Even worse, many allow unrestricted user control. This is the digital equivalent of leaving your server room unlocked and unmonitored.

How to strengthen cloud security

You don’t need a technical background to improve your company’s security. By implementing stricter governance and fostering better security habits, you can transition your business from a reactive security stance to a proactive one. Follow this structured approach to get started:

Implement strict access controls

Controlling who can access your data is crucial. Regularly audit your digital keys, deleting any that are no longer necessary without delay.

Moreover, you can rotate these keys frequently to prevent old credentials from being exploited by cybercriminals. Think of it this way: if a key is stolen but you’ve already changed the lock, the cybercriminal can’t get in.

Enforce the principle of least privilege

This fundamental security rule dictates that employees and software should be granted only the exact level of access they need to perform their tasks, and nothing more. Use role-based access controls to enforce this; for example, a marketing employee shouldn’t be able to modify financial records.

Require independent audits

Testing your defenses before a cybercriminal does is paramount. However, relying solely on your internal IT team to evaluate their own work can be problematic. Internal teams often assess themselves too leniently or overlook issues, especially if performance incentives are linked to audit results. Instead, engage a third-party security firm to independent audits and penetration testing.

Automate your defense

Manual monitoring alone can’t keep pace with modern threats. Deploy automated tools that monitor your system 24/7 and can detect and neutralize threats in real time, eliminating opportunities for cybercriminals to launch attacks.

Prioritize software updates

Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software to gain access to systems. That’s why when a software provider releases a security update or patch, install it immediately to close known loopholes.

Invest in cybersecurity awareness training

Most cloud security breaches stem from human error. After all, technology cannot compensate for a lack of awareness. Provide ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for all employees to keep them updated on the current cyberthreats and apply security best practices to strengthen your company’s cyber defenses.

Get in touch with our IT experts today for more cloud security tips and robust protection for your business.

Cloud security: The hidden dangers businesses can’t ignore

The cloud should be a secure place for business data, but cloud misconfigurations and lax security practices often leave the door wide open for cybercriminals. This article explores how to close those gaps.

Why cloud security continues to fail

A recent report by the cloud security firm Tenable highlights an alarming trend: 74% of companies surveyed had storage settings configured incorrectly. In effect, these businesses accidentally left their digital doors unlocked.

While the cloud security solutions available today are more effective than ever, the teams managing the cloud infrastructure often lack the specific training to configure them correctly. As a result, businesses aren’t as secure as they think and often fail to fully maximize the cloud’s security features.

The toxic cloud triad of risk

The study points to three specific factors that, when combined, create a high risk of a cyberattack. Experts call this the “toxic cloud triad”:

  • Overprivileged accounts: Giving software or users more access rights than they actually need
  • Public exposure: Leaving sensitive parts of the network openly accessible to the internet
  • Critical vulnerabilities: Failing to patch known weaknesses within software systems

The overlooked danger of ghost keys

A significant yet often overlooked contributor to this heightened risk stems from the mismanagement of access keys, which are digital credentials designed for specific tasks. Alarmingly, the report found that 84% of organizations retain unused, high-level access keys, often referred to as “ghost keys.”
These dormant credentials present a critical vulnerability; if discovered by cybercriminals, they offer effortless entry into a system. Such an oversight can lead to security incidents — for example, the MGM Resorts data breach in September 2023.

The hidden risks in cloud infrastructure

Many modern businesses use a technology called “containers” to run their applications — think of these like digital packages that bundle software and its dependencies. They often use a system called Kubernetes to manage these containers.

The study reveals that 78% of organizations have left the control panel (i.e., API servers) for these systems accessible to the public internet. Even worse, many allow unrestricted user control. This is the digital equivalent of leaving your server room unlocked and unmonitored.

How to strengthen cloud security

You don’t need a technical background to improve your company’s security. By implementing stricter governance and fostering better security habits, you can transition your business from a reactive security stance to a proactive one. Follow this structured approach to get started:

Implement strict access controls

Controlling who can access your data is crucial. Regularly audit your digital keys, deleting any that are no longer necessary without delay.

Moreover, you can rotate these keys frequently to prevent old credentials from being exploited by cybercriminals. Think of it this way: if a key is stolen but you’ve already changed the lock, the cybercriminal can’t get in.

Enforce the principle of least privilege

This fundamental security rule dictates that employees and software should be granted only the exact level of access they need to perform their tasks, and nothing more. Use role-based access controls to enforce this; for example, a marketing employee shouldn’t be able to modify financial records.

Require independent audits

Testing your defenses before a cybercriminal does is paramount. However, relying solely on your internal IT team to evaluate their own work can be problematic. Internal teams often assess themselves too leniently or overlook issues, especially if performance incentives are linked to audit results. Instead, engage a third-party security firm to independent audits and penetration testing.

Automate your defense

Manual monitoring alone can’t keep pace with modern threats. Deploy automated tools that monitor your system 24/7 and can detect and neutralize threats in real time, eliminating opportunities for cybercriminals to launch attacks.

Prioritize software updates

Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software to gain access to systems. That’s why when a software provider releases a security update or patch, install it immediately to close known loopholes.

Invest in cybersecurity awareness training

Most cloud security breaches stem from human error. After all, technology cannot compensate for a lack of awareness. Provide ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for all employees to keep them updated on the current cyberthreats and apply security best practices to strengthen your company’s cyber defenses.

Get in touch with our IT experts today for more cloud security tips and robust protection for your business.

Should you keep your phone plugged in? Here’s what you need to know

You may have heard that charging your phone overnight or frequently topping it off could damage the battery. But is that really true? This article breaks down the facts about phone charging habits in simple terms, helping you make smarter choices that can extend your phone’s battery life.

How do phone batteries work?

Modern smartphones use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are smarter and safer than older types, and your phone has built-in tools to help manage charging automatically. That means your phone can protect itself when charging.

For example, many phones now have features that slow down charging when the battery gets close to 100%, especially at night. This feature, commonly known as “optimized charging,” helps reduce wear and tear on your battery over time.

Is overnight charging bad?

Not really. Most phones stop charging once they hit 100%. They may “top off” now and then to keep the battery full, but it’s not the same as constantly pushing power into the phone.

However, leaving your phone plugged in overnight isn’t a good idea either. Over time, staying at 100% for too long and charging in hot environments can make the battery age a little faster. Still, the effect is minimal and won’t ruin your phone anytime soon.

To ease your mind, try these simple habits:

  • Don’t worry about unplugging the moment your phone hits 100%.
  • If your phone has optimized or adaptive charging, keep it turned on.
  • Avoid charging in direct sunlight or on soft surfaces that trap heat.

Do I need to let my phone drain to 0%?

Nope. In fact, it’s better not to. Letting your phone fully die before recharging it isn’t good for lithium-ion batteries. Instead, try to keep your battery between 20% and 80% most of the time. A full charge now and then is fine. Just don’t make it a regular habit to run your phone all the way down.

Is it okay to charge my phone a few times a day?

Topping up your phone several times during the day is perfectly fine. It’s actually easier on the battery to charge a little here and there instead of doing one big charge from 0% to 100%. So, if you plug in during lunch or while working at your desk, it won’t damage your battery.

Your phone battery isn’t as fragile as some myths make it sound. Modern devices are designed to manage charging on their own, and with a few easy habits, you can keep your battery in good shape for years.

If you’re having battery issues or need help choosing the right phone accessories, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help with all your hardware needs: smartphones, laptops, chargers, and more.