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Tech Tip

7 Signs That an Email Is a Phish and How to Outsmart It CybersecurityPersonal Identifiable InformationSecurityTech Tip

7 Signs That an Email Is a Phish and How to Outsmart It

“Your Account Has Been Locked” Imagine that you’re catching up on emails when a “urgent” message appears with the subject line below: Subject: Action Required: Your Microsoft 365 Account Has Been Suspended Body Preview: Your Microsoft account has been temporarily locked. To restore access, please verify your credentials immediately by clicking the link below. It looks official, complete with the Microsoft logo, matching colors, and a footer that appears authentic. The message warns that your account will be disabled unless you verify your credentials immediately. There’s a bright blue button that says, “Verify Now,” which feels like the natural next…
Kyla Burdick
November 26, 2025
AI and Automation for Your Business: What You Need to Know Before You Start CybersecurityTech Tip

AI and Automation for Your Business: What You Need to Know Before You Start

When clients first bring up AI and automation, there's usually excitement mixed with uncertainty. Questions about where to begin, concerns about whether their business is "ready," and confusion about what these technologies actually do. Here's what I've learned while helping businesses navigate this terrain: you don't need a massive budget or a team of data scientists to get started. What you do need is a clear-headed approach to understanding where these technologies make sense for your specific situation. Let me share five practical insights that can help you cut through the hype and make smart decisions about AI and automation.…
Kyla Burdick
November 12, 2025
Before You Click: Recognizing and Preventing Phishing Scams CybersecurityPersonal Identifiable InformationTech TipUncategorized

Before You Click: Recognizing and Preventing Phishing Scams

If you received an email that appeared to be from your bank or a familiar contact, would you immediately recognize if it was fake? Chances are, you might be surprised. Phishing attacks are deceptively simple — yet incredibly effective. Just one convincing message can lead to compromised data, financial loss, or even a ransomware infection. These scams rely on social manipulation to trick individuals into taking harmful actions — like clicking malicious links, downloading infected attachments, or sharing sensitive information. From fake invoices and password reset requests to texts that look like they’re from a legitimate source, phishing continues to…
Kyla Burdick
October 22, 2025
The True Cost of a Cyberattack: Why Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore Security CybersecurityEducationSecurityTech Tip

The True Cost of a Cyberattack: Why Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore Security

In today’s digital world, cyberattacks are no longer a distant threat—they’re a reality business of all sizes must face. While many leaders think first about the financial loss, the hidden costs of a cyberattack often reach far deeper, leaving lasting damage to a company’s reputation, customer trust, and long-term growth. Let’s break down the real cost of a cyberattack—and why investing in prevention is always less expensive than the fallout. 1. Direct Financial Losses The most obvious impact of a cyberattack is monetary losses. From stolen funds and fraudulent transactions to regulatory fines and recovery expenses, businesses can see thousands—or…
Kyla Burdick
September 3, 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
Your Best Defense: Employee Security Training BackupBackup Disaster RecoveryCybersecurityManaged ServicesSecurityTech Tip

Your Best Defense: Employee Security Training

How often do you think about cybersecurity when opening your inbox or answering a quick text at work? Although many of us are aware that breaches are ever more common—as phishing campaigns evolve with AI—those risks often fade into the background amid life’s demands. When you’re juggling emails, meetings and deadlines, cybersecurity isn’t always front and center. A moment of inattention is all a hacker needs.   Why does Employee Security Training matter? Nearly 60% of breaches involve a human element. Whether through mistake or improper use a single click on a malicious link can lead to ransomware, financial loss,…
Kelle White
May 14, 2025
Windows 10 End of Life Is Coming: Why You Need to Upgrade to Windows 11 Now—Not Later ConsultingCybersecurityManaged ServicesTech Tip

Windows 10 End of Life Is Coming: Why You Need to Upgrade to Windows 11 Now—Not Later

When Microsoft first announced that Windows 10 would hit end of support in October 2025, it felt like we all had plenty of time. But here we are—March 2025—and the deadline is just seven months away. That’s barely two business quarters to assess your systems, acquire any necessary hardware, and complete the upgrade process. In my experience, this is when the real scramble begins. Companies that wait until the last minute often face backorders, rushed deployments, and unexpected costs. That’s why I’m telling clients now: it’s not early anymore—but you can still get ahead of the rush. Let’s step back…
Kelle White
April 1, 2025