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Office 365

Security in a Multi-Cloud Environment CybersecurityOffice 365

Security in a Multi-Cloud Environment

Challenges and Strategies As your organization embraces multi-cloud strategies, the need for robust security practices becomes increasingly critical. The appeal of multi-cloud lies in its flexibility. The ability to leverage the strengths of different cloud providers, avoid vendor lock-in, and optimize costs. However, this approach also introduces a new layer of complexity, especially when it comes to securing data, applications, and infrastructure across diverse platforms. One of the biggest challenges in multi-cloud security is the inconsistency of security controls. Each cloud provider—be it AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or others—offers its own set of tools, configurations, and terminology. This makes it…
Kyla Burdick
October 29, 2025
Windows 11: The Clock Has Run Out on Windows 10 AnnouncementsOffice 365

Windows 11: The Clock Has Run Out on Windows 10

We’ve been talking about this for some time now. We’ve shared upgrade guides, mapped out migration paths, and offered plenty of reminders. But the reality is here: October 14, 2025, is just 36 days away. If you’re still running Windows 10, it’s not “early” anymore, you’re at the final stage. The good news? You can still get ahead of the scramble if you act now. I’ve worked through multiple operating system sunsets, and the pattern is always the same. Early adopters move first. Careful planners follow. The cautious majority comes next. And now? We’re down to the last wave, where…
Kyla Burdick
September 18, 2025
Last Call: Windows 10 Support is Ending – Here’s What to Do Next CybersecurityOffice 365Uncategorized

Last Call: Windows 10 Support is Ending – Here’s What to Do Next

Windows 10 has been a reliable workhorse for nearly a decade, powering everything from home offices to enterprise environments. But as with all things tech, its time is nearly up. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10, no more security patches, bug fixes, or official assistance. For businesses that haven’t started planning, this isn’t just a future problem; it’s a present-day priority. Continuing to run Windows 10 beyond its end-of-life introduces real risks to your operations, compliance posture, and data security. The good news? We’re here to help.   What "End of Support" Means for…
Kyla Burdick
August 20, 2025
Disruptions of a Cyber Incident CybersecurityManaged ServicesNotificationsOffice 365

Disruptions of a Cyber Incident

Cyber threats are no longer a matter of if, but when.  We’ve seen firsthand how a single cyber incident can ripple through an organization, causing not just technical headaches but serious operational, financial, and reputational damage.  In July 2024, a faulty update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused over 8.5 million Windows systems to crash globally, disrupting airlines, hospitals, banks, and government services.  The incident is widely considered one of the largest IT outages in history, with estimated financial damages exceeding $10 billion. One of the most immediate and visible impacts of a cyber incident is the operational downtime.  The loss…
Kyla Burdick
August 13, 2025
Windows 11 and Your Applications: Like Swapping Your Race Car’s Engine Mid-Lap (But With Fewer Fireballs) CybersecurityOffice 365Tech Tip

Windows 11 and Your Applications: Like Swapping Your Race Car’s Engine Mid-Lap (But With Fewer Fireballs)

Alright gearheads, buckle up—because today, we're talking about software and speed. More specifically, the high-octane thrill (read: mild anxiety) of upgrading to Windows 11, especially when you’ve got a pit lane full of existing applications just itching to crash like it’s turn 3 at Monaco.  Now, I’m not just your average keyboard warrior; I’m on the pit crew for a race car driver. Which means I like two things: speed and stuff that works without exploding. And when Microsoft brought out Windows 11, it was like being handed a brand-new, shiny race car and told, “It’s faster, sleeker, safer—and you…
Kyla Burdick
July 9, 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
Enhancing Security with Windows 11 ConsultingCybersecurityOffice 365SecurityTech Tip

Enhancing Security with Windows 11

Windows 11 isn’t just a fresh coat of paint on your desktop, it’s a security powerhouse built to protect your business and personal data from modern threats. By requiring new safety checks at startup, isolating sensitive processes behind a “virtual wall,” and making strong encryption the default, Windows 11 helps keep hackers out and your information locked down. In this post, we’ll walk through the key features that make Windows 11 more secure than Windows 10 and show why upgrading now keeps you one step ahead of evolving cyber risks.   Understanding the Security Imperative Every device connected to the…
Kyla Burdick
June 9, 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
Microsoft’s Push Toward a Passwordless Future: Is Your Business Ready for Passkeys? ConsultingCybersecurityOffice 365

Microsoft’s Push Toward a Passwordless Future: Is Your Business Ready for Passkeys?

Passwords have always been a double-edged sword in the world of cybersecurity. They're essential, but also easy to guess, reuse, phish, or forget. That’s why Microsoft is ramping up efforts to eliminate them altogether with passkeys, offering what they call a simpler and more secure way to sign in. But as with most big shifts in technology, the move to passkeys comes with some fine print, and a few potential headaches. What Are Passkeys, and Why Now? Passkeys are a modern form of passwordless authentication that rely on cryptographic keys rather than typed credentials. Instead of remembering a complex string…
Kelle White
May 16, 2025
Staying Ahead in Cybersecurity: How to Keep Up and Get Involved CybersecurityEducationLeadershipManaged ServicesOffice 365Security

Staying Ahead in Cybersecurity: How to Keep Up and Get Involved

Cyber threats are constantly changing, and keeping up with them can feel overwhelming. As the CEO of DotStar, an MSSP partnering closely with OXEN Technology, People often ask me, "How do you stay on top of cybersecurity trends and actually be part of the community?" It's not just about reading reports or taking courses—it's about engaging, learning from others, and contributing back. I've been in cybersecurity for nearly 15 years, and one of the best parts of this journey has been the incredible people I've met along the way. From my early days troubleshooting security incidents to leading security teams, I've…
Kelle White
March 25, 2025