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Business Productivity

Enhance your business productivity with the latest insights, tips, and strategies from our blog.

Why Your Business Needs a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) Business ProductivityCybersecurity

Why Your Business Needs a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP)

In today’s digital landscape, the phrase "it won't happen to me" is no longer a strategy; it’s a liability. Cyber threats are evolving faster than most internal IT teams can keep up with. Hackers aren't just targeting Fortune 500 companies anymore - they are targeting "Main Street" businesses, local organizations, and small to medium businesses that often hold valuable data but lack the massive defense budgets of global corporations. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of cybersecurity (EDR, SIEM, SOC, MFA), you are not alone. This is exactly where a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) comes in.…
Kyla Burdick
December 30, 2025
Turning Microsoft 365 Security Insights into Action with OXEN Technology Business ProductivityCybersecurityOffice 365Tech Tip

Turning Microsoft 365 Security Insights into Action with OXEN Technology

In today’s hyperconnected environment, Microsoft 365 remains a linchpin for productivity—and a prime target for attackers. That’s why DotStar has partnered with OXEN Technology to shift Microsoft 365 security from a passive data exercise into a proactive, score-driven operational strategy. From Secure Score to Strategic Execution Our engagements begin by analyzing Secure Score telemetry across identity, device, and content protection. However, true impact occurs when OXEN activates this intelligence—translating Secure Score findings into practical, measurable improvements that mitigate business risk. Key examples include: Conditional Access Enforcement: OXEN enforces detailed access policies to ensure users access cloud resources solely under trusted…
Kyla Burdick
June 25, 2025
Reliable IT Consulting
2025 OXEN Retreat: A Vision for Connection and Innovation Business ProductivityConsultingLeadership

2025 OXEN Retreat: A Vision for Connection and Innovation

Where Minds, Ideas, and Opportunities Converged In an atmosphere brimming with excitement and inspiration, the 2025 OXEN Retreat was a transformative experience for OXEN employees. Taking place last week in Council Bluffs, Iowa, near the Ameristar Casino, this annual gathering proved once again to be a cornerstone event where vision and strategy flourished, connections deepened, and collective growth became a vibrant message. What Made the OXEN Retreat Unique? Each year, the OXEN Retreat curates a blend of thought-provoking discussions, and dynamic networking opportunities exclusively for OXEN employees. This year encapsulated the spirit of a new vision from our new President…
Kyla Burdick
June 16, 2025
Why You Need an IT Budget Business ProductivityOffice 365Tech Tip

Why You Need an IT Budget

Ever find yourself staring at an unexpected bill for remediation labor, or realizing your critical server is on its last legs with no replacement plan in sight? If so, you're not alone! Many businesses, especially small to medium-sized ones, view IT spending as a reactive expense – something you pay for when it breaks. But what if I told you that shifting your perspective from reactive spending to proactive budgeting could be one of the smartest moves you make for your business's long-term health? Today, I want to chat about why having a dedicated IT budget isn't just a good…
Kyla Burdick
May 28, 2025
Windows 11 Upgrades For Your Organization AnnouncementsBusiness ProductivityCybersecurityManaged ServicesTech Tip

Windows 11 Upgrades For Your Organization

As you may be aware, the end of life for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, and many businesses are looking to upgrade their systems to the latest Windows 11 operating system. Our team has recently held a discussion to determine the best approach for handling these upgrades, and we wanted to share the key points with you. Upgrade Approach: For machines that meet our recommended hardware specifications, we can perform the Windows 11 upgrade for a fee. This will ensure a smooth and reliable transition to the new operating system. Our team can discuss the exact cost if you'd…
Kelle White
January 8, 2025
Cybersecurity Insurance in 2025
Top Reasons Why Cybersecurity Insurance in 2025 is Important Business ProductivitySecurity

Top Reasons Why Cybersecurity Insurance in 2025 is Important

Cyber threats will continue to grow in complexity and frequency in 2025. Attacks targeting businesses of all sizes require companies to prioritize robust cybersecurity strategies. Yet even strong security practices may not fully protect against the financial impacts of a breach. This is where cybersecurity insurance will become essential in 2025, offering financial protection and resources to aid recovery. Here’s Why Cybersecurity Insurance Is Crucial For Businesses In 2025 1. Rising Frequency and Sophistication of Attacks Cybercriminals use advanced tactics, like phishing and ransomware, to breach secure systems. Cybersecurity insurance helps manage the financial fallout, covering data recovery, business interruption,…
Kelle White
November 6, 2024
Benefits of Cybersecurity Insurance
Critical Benefits of Cybersecurity Insurance Business ProductivityManaged ServicesSecurity

Critical Benefits of Cybersecurity Insurance

If knowing little to nothing about the value and benefits of cybersecurity insurance is a crime, are you guilty? While there’s nothing grave about it, a lack of knowledge can potentially cause massive losses for your business. It’s like knowing that an earthquake may happen but not having protective measures against the damage it causes. Cyber threats can shake up your operations and leave you bleeding. Therefore, you need cyber liability insurance to cover any unexpected incidents. Learn about the benefits of cybersecurity insurance and why you absolutely must get coverage for your business by reading this guide. Can the…
Kelle White
October 24, 2024
Challenges Cybersecurity Insurance
Overcoming Common Challenges for Cybersecurity Insurance Approval Business ProductivitySecurityTech Tip

Overcoming Common Challenges for Cybersecurity Insurance Approval

Many businesses that have yet to be hacked underestimate the value of cyber insurance. What if, one day a data breach or ransomware incident happens? Do you have the solutions to mitigate it? Are you sure you won’t go through any challenges when getting Cybersecurity Insurance? Cyberattacks continue to surge and become more sophisticated. Last year, IBM reported all-time high costs of data breaches. Symantec also recorded a $3 billion loss in 2023 because of a business email compromise. Nowadays, your business is more vulnerable than ever, making it ideal to partner with an insurer. However, are you confident you won’t…
Kelle White
October 16, 2024
Domain Hacks
Preventing Domain Hacks: A Guide for Business Owners Business ProductivitySecurity

Preventing Domain Hacks: A Guide for Business Owners

One precious possession a person can own is their name. It identifies who you are—everything from private to financial to legal matters requires this information. As we all know, a business domain name is a vital representation of the company on the Internet. That is why we must do our best to prevent domain hacks. Unfortunately, domain security is one vulnerability that businesses face in the current IT landscape. Your ‘simple’ online address does so much more than guiding prospects to your website. An impactful domain name enhances your visibility and brand reputation, boosting your company’s credibility. The issue is…
Kelle White
September 25, 2024
Cybersecurity Insurance
How Co-Managed IT and Cybersecurity Insurance Protect Your Business Business ProductivitySecurity

How Co-Managed IT and Cybersecurity Insurance Protect Your Business

Cyberattacks pose a real threat to businesses, potentially inflicting irreversible damage and leading to bleeding losses. Gaps in your IT protection can cause a loss of data, downtime, irate customers, and stain your reputation. Ultimately, it could make your finances crumble if you are unprepared. Based on your current setup, how would you rate your company’s cybersecurity insurance? Following the loss of clients and decline in sales, the terrifying thought of applying for bankruptcy is more real than ever. Can you bounce back from these financial mishaps? More importantly, does your company have business security solutions to make sure these…
Kelle White
September 18, 2024