Cyber Clarity
Straight answers, smart advice, and zero fluff. Because confusion is the hacker’s best friend.

Every organization in 2025 faces the same challenge: doing more with less. Budgets are tight, cyber threats are escalating, and customers, members, and employees all expect fast, reliable services. Many organizations still rely on a single in-house IT employee, or a small IT staff, to handle everything from resetting passwords to defending against ransomware. The reality is, that model simply isn’t enough anymore. Here’s why organizations should look to a Managed Services Provider (MSP) in 2025 instead of relying solely on staff IT: 1. Cybersecurity Has Become Too Complex Cyberattacks against organizations of all sizes are on the rise. Hackers no longer just target large corporations, they increasingly go after small and mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, schools, and professional practices because defenses are often weaker. A single IT staffer cannot monitor systems around the clock, implement enterprise-grade protections, or keep up with evolving threats. An MSP brings an entire team equipped with Security Operations Center (SOC) monitoring, endpoint detection, intrusion prevention, and advanced security tools. These are resources most organizations could never afford on their own, nor would they know how to assemble into a security stack strong enough to defend against modern threat actors. 2. 24/7 Support and Monitoring A staff IT person clocks out at 5 PM. Hackers don’t. MSPs provide round-the-clock monitoring and response. That means ransomware attacks at midnight get caught early, servers that crash over the weekend get worked on before monday, and your operations don’t suffer long outages that damage your reputation. 3. Scalable Expertise IT staff often wear too many hats: networking, cybersecurity, backups, compliance, user support, and more. No one person can be an expert in all areas. With an MSP, organizations gain access to a team of specialists in different areas of technology. That expertise scales as you grow, without the cost of recruiting, training, and retaining multiple full-time employees. 4. Budget Predictability Budgets are often set years in advance. Unexpected IT costs, like replacing servers after a failure or paying for emergency breach recovery, can wreck financial stability. MSPs provide predictable, fixed monthly pricing that covers proactive maintenance, monitoring, and support. This helps organizations plan more effectively while avoiding expensive surprises. 5. Compliance and Data Protection Organizations of all kinds handle sensitive data: financial records, health information, member databases, or intellectual property. Regulations around data handling and privacy are becoming stricter every year. An MSP ensures that data is encrypted, backups are tested, and compliance requirements are met, protecting both your organization and the people who trust you. 6. Focus on Your Mission When IT issues consume staff attention, leaders and employees can’t focus on what matters most: serving customers, members, or the community. By outsourcing IT management to a trusted MSP, organizations free up time and resources to grow, innovate, and serve more effectively. 7. Future-Proofing Technology Technology is advancing quickly: cloud solutions, AI-driven services, remote collaboration, and industry-specific applications are becoming essential. An MSP helps organizations adopt new technologies smoothly and securely, ensuring they don’t fall behind while competitors modernize. Who Needs an MSP? The truth is, every type of organization is a target for cyberattacks and can benefit from professional IT management. Whether you are in: Municipalities and Local Government Financial Services (banks, credit unions, investment advisors, insurance firms) Healthcare and Medical Practices Education (K-12 schools, colleges, training centers) Nonprofits and Community Organizations Manufacturing and Industrial Companies Professional Services (law firms, accounting, CPA, engineering, etc.) …a Managed Services Provider can deliver the protection, reliability, and expertise you need. Final Thought IT is no longer just about fixing computers. It’s about defending against cyberattacks, keeping essential services running 24/7, and planning for the future of digital operations. In 2025, a single staff IT person simply cannot carry that responsibility alone. By partnering with a Managed Services Provider, your organization gains the expertise, protection, and scalability it needs to safeguard data, maintain uptime, and grow with confidence, without blowing the budget.

Anthropic’s latest threat report confirmed what cybersecurity professionals have feared: the barrier to launching ransomware attacks has collapsed. Who is Anthropic and why should we believe them? Anthropic is one of the world’s leading AI companies, founded by former OpenAI researchers and backed by Amazon and Google. Their AI, Claude, is a direct competitor to ChatGPT. When Anthropic issues a threat report, it’s not hype, it’s insider intelligence from a company building the very technology now being weaponized. In one documented case, a single individual with no coding skills used Claude Pro to: Research and select targets Develop custom malware Automate extortion campaigns The attacker successfully executed 17 ransomware incidents , demanding ransoms between $75,000 and $500,000 . Why This Matters Until now, ransomware required specialized technical knowledge, underground criminal networks, and months of preparation. That barrier to entry is GONE . Today, all it takes is an AI subscription and basic English skills . Artificial intelligence has compressed the learning curve from years to weeks. That means: Attacks will multiply — What one unskilled attacker pulled off, thousands more can replicate. Small businesses are in the crosshairs — Automation makes “smaller targets” profitable at scale. Cyber insurance costs will spike — Actuarial models are based on yesterday’s risks, not today’s reality. The Dangerous Window We’re In The defense industry will adapt, but there’s always a lag between new attack methods and effective countermeasures. Right now, we’re in that gap. This is the most dangerous time for unprepared organizations. What Businesses Should Do Immediately If you’ve been putting off security upgrades, the clock just ran out. Here are urgent steps every organization should take: Audit your current security posture — Identify vulnerabilities before attackers do. Upgrade your incident response plan — Assume a breach is possible and plan accordingly. Harden email and endpoint security — Most ransomware campaigns begin with phishing or weak endpoint protection. Invest in employee training — Humans remain the easiest entry point for attackers. Review your cyber insurance coverage — Premiums and exclusions are about to shift dramatically. The Bottom Line Cybersecurity risk has changed permanently. If one person with no technical background can launch automated ransomware campaigns, the floodgates are open. Doing nothing is no longer an option. The question isn’t if attackers will find your business, it’s whether you’ll be ready when they do.

The recent Drift by Salesloft breach is a reminder that even tools we think of as harmless, like chatbots or small integrations, can open the door for hackers. In this case, attackers got into Drift and used that connection to steal data from big companies through Salesforce. While the headlines are about large organizations, the real lesson is that every business is at risk if they don’t stay on top of third-party apps and connections. This is why regular security assessments and having a trusted cybersecurity partner are so important. This post is a bit more technical and detailed than usual. I just wanted to make sure all the information was clear and available, so thanks for bearing with me. 1. The Anatomy of the Breach: How It Happened Origin in GitHub Access Threat actors associated with the group tracked as UNC6395 gained access to Salesloft’s GitHub account between March and June 2025 . This foothold allowed them to extract sensitive credentials including AWS keys, passwords, Snowflake tokens, and more Token Theft and Lateral Movement Between approximately August 8 and August 18, 2025, attackers exploited the SalesDrift integration, which connects Drift’s AI chat features to Salesforce, to steal OAuth (Authentication) and refresh tokens. These tokens were then used to access customer Salesforce environments and exfiltrate data. Scope of Impact Hundreds of organizations were affected, including cybersecurity giants such as Palo Alto Networks, Cloudflare, Zscaler, Proofpoint, CyberArk, Tenable, and Workiva. Notably, exfiltrated data typically included business contact names, support case metadata, job titles, and occasionally credentials like AWS keys and Snowflake tokens. Broader Credential Harvesting Beyond Salesforce, the “Drift Email” integration may have compromised small numbers of Google Workspace accounts , though core Google systems remained untouched. Sophisticated Attack Tactics The attackers displayed operational stealth, deleting query jobs to erase evidence and avoid triggering alerts. 2. Why Primarily Larger Enterprises Got Hit Heavy Reliance on SaaS Integrations Organizations like Salesforce customers often rely on complex ecosystems of integrated tools, SalesDrift and Drift for CRM automation included. These dependencies expand attack surfaces. High-Value Targets Big companies tend to store extensive customer data and internal sales intelligence, making them lucrative targets for supply chain attacks. Broad Token Privileges OAuth tokens used in integrations can grant broad access. If not properly scoped or monitored, they act like skeleton keys, especially in environments with weak visibility. 3. A Wake-Up Call: Why Every Business Needs Third-Party Security Assessments Even if you're not in enterprise-level security, the Drift incident spotlights universal threats: Hidden Vulnerabilities A breach in a small third-party app, like a chatbot, can bypass traditional perimeter defenses, especially in SaaS-oriented workflows. Inadequate Monitoring and Logging The breach revealed lagging detection systems and weak audit trails. Proactive logging and anomaly detection could have spotted unusual OAuth token behaviors sooner. Token Persistence and Privilege Creep Stale or overly broad tokens, particularly in integrations with powerful tools like Salesforce, become a liability if not effectively revoked or rotated. 4. Why a Strong Cybersecurity Partner Matters A trusted cybersecurity partner can bring in forensic readiness, real-time monitoring , and incident response maturity to detect, contain, and mitigate breaches quickly. Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) frameworks help organizations: Visualize interconnected integrations (not just direct but also fourth-party risk). Tag high-risk integrations and enforce strict privileges. Monitor OAuth/API activity patterns for anomalies. In the Salesloft case, external assistance from Mandiant and Google’s GTIG was critical to containment; without such partners, the breach could have wreaked even more havoc. 5. Key Takeaways and Actionable Advice Audit all third-party integrations - Detect unknown or outdated integrations that carry token privileges. Revoke and rotate credentials promptly - Blocks persistence if a channel is compromised. Enforce least privilege - Limit what each integration can access. Implement robust logging & monitoring - Detect stealthy behaviors like deleted query jobs. Engage in continuous TPRM - Visualize both direct and indirect risk across your tech stack. Partner with cybersecurity experts - Be ready for rapid response, forensic investigation, and containment. Conclusion: A Silent Breach, A Loud Reminder The Salesloft Drift breach u nderscores a harsh reality: even integrations perceived as innocuous, like AI chatbots, can become entry points for high-impact supply chain attacks. While major firms bore the brunt, the same vulnerabilities apply to organizations of every size. Now is the time to deeply evaluate third-party risk and increase defenses via continuous assessment, strong oversight, and reliable cybersecurity collaboration. We live In a world where trust is transacted through tokens, being vigilant is your best safeguard.

Cybersecurity headlines have been buzzing about the Salt Typhoon hack, but many small and medium businesses (SMBs) are still asking: what does this mean for me? What is Salt Typhoon? Salt Typhoon is a name used to identify a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group. Unlike random hackers who spread malware for quick profit, Salt Typhoon is strategic and deliberate. Their operations often involve breaking into telecommunications networks, which is obviously a critical backbone for global communication. Once they compromise telecom providers, they can: Monitor phone calls, texts, and data traffic. Identify high-value targets. Stealthily move into other connected businesses. This isn’t a smash-and-grab cybercrime. It’s a patient, methodical infiltration designed to give attackers deep access to communication systems and the organizations that rely on them. Why This Impacts Small and Medium Businesses At first glance, it may sound like only large telecom companies or government agencies need to worry. But here’s the reality: If your business relies on phone systems, internet connectivity, or cloud-based communications, you’re indirectly connected to these networks. If telecom carriers are breached, attackers may pivot to businesses downstream. SMBs are stepping stones. Salt Typhoon and groups like them often use smaller organizations as an entry point into larger ecosystems. Data is data. Even if you’re not handling classified information, customer records, billing data, and employee communications all have value on the black market. Think of it this way: if attackers can intercept communications through a compromised telecom provider, they don’t need to target your business directly, THEY ARE ALREADY LISTENING! The Risks for Your Business The danger isn’t just about stolen data. A breach through telecommunications networks can mean: Intercepted customer calls and emails leading to fraud or impersonation. Loss of privacy as sensitive business discussions are monitored. Targeted spear-phishing attacks that appear even more convincing because attackers have inside information. Business disruption if your communications are tampered with or taken offline. For a small business, these outcomes can be devastating both financially and reputationally. How We Can Help At ABT Solutions, we take threats like Salt Typhoon seriously. Protecting SMBs against advanced cyberattacks requires layered defenses, including: Advanced threat detection to spot unusual behavior that could signal an attacker is in your network. Regular patching and updates to close off the vulnerabilities these attackers exploit. Penetration testing and assessments to identify weaknesses before hackers do. Employee training to ensure your team knows how to recognize and report suspicious activity. And much more! Cyber threats are evolving, and if attackers are patient enough to go after global telecom networks, they won’t hesitate to target smaller businesses that depend on those networks every day. π Don’t wait until your communications are compromised. Reach out today for a complimentary security assessment and let’s make sure your business is prepared.

π What Just Happened On July 21, 2025, Microsoft confirmed widespread active exploitation of a critical zero-day vulnerability in on-premises SharePoint Server (not affecting SharePoint Online/Microsoft 365). Hackers have leveraged this under-the-radar flaw, CVEβ2025β53770 (and related CVEβ2025β53771), to compromise approximately 75 servers, including those at U.S. government agencies and leading companies. β οΈ Why It Matters Remote Code Execution & Spoofing : The attackers gain deep access by impersonating trusted sources, potentially enabling full server takeover. High Stakes : Exploits targeting mission-critical infrastructure mean that once accessed, attackers can exfiltrate data, deploy malware, or disrupt services. Not Just Theory, It’s Happening : With at least 75 servers confirmed breached, this is no drill. π What Microsoft Is Doing Emergency Patches Issued (July 8, 2025): Security updates released fo r SharePoint Server 2019 and Subscription Edition u nder KB5002741, KB5002751, and related KBs. Fixes Still Pending : Patches fo r SharePoint Server 2016 exp ected soon, as of now, they're unavailable. Recommended Defensive Actions : Apply patches immediately. If patching isn't pos sible, disconnect vulnerable servers from the internet or enable advanced malware protection. π
Timeline of Key Events January–May 2025 : Microsoft patched several SharePoint vulnerabilities (CVEβ2025β21344, CVEβ2025β30382, CVEβ2025β49701, and others). These included remote code execution (RCE) and spoofing flaws that hinted at deeper risks within on-prem environments. July 8, 2025 : As part of Patch Tuesday, Microsoft rele ased emergency security updates for SharePoint Server 2019 and Subscription Edition (KB5002741, KB5002751). These updates addressed a newly discovered zero-day vulnerability, CVEβ2025β53770, be ing actively exploited in the wild. July 21, 2025 : Microsoft publicly conf irmed that at least 75 servers had been breached using this f law. The attackers leveraged spoofing to gain deep access, triggering widespread concern in both government and private sectors. A patch for SharePoint Server 2016 is still pending at this time. β
Immediate Mitigation Steps Patch Immediately : On βprem SharePoint 2019: Install KB 5002741. Subscription Edition: In stall KB5002751. Isolate If You Can’t Patch : Remove public access or enable robust malware scanning. Monitor & Audit : Keep an eye on logs for unusual activity or spoofed traffic. Plan 2016 Update : Track Microsoft’s upcoming 2016 patch and be ready to deploy once available. π Broader Patch Landscape July 2025’s Patch Tuesday tackle d 132–137 security flaws across Wind ows, Office, SQL Server, and SharePoint, including another publicly disclosed zero-day in SQL Server (CVEβ2025β49719). While only one zero-day involved SharePoint this month, the sheer volume and severity of bugs underline the importance of timely patch management. π¨πΌ Final Take This isn’t a drill, an actively exploited zero-day in SharePoint Server dema nds urgent action. ο»Ώ Your top priorities: Patch immediately if you're running on-prem SharePoint 2019 or Subscription Edition. Isolate vulnerable systems if patching isn’t yet possible. Stay alert for forthcoming patches for 2016. π Thinking Ahead Ensure robust change control, backup validation, and incident response readiness. Consider internal segmenting of SharePoint servers and stricter access policies. Stay informed: This may not be the last critical vulnerability in SharePoint this year.

When you’re running a business, every decision you make should reflect professionalism, security, and compliance. Yet one of the most common mistakes we see, especially among small businesses, is using a free Gmail account (like yourbusiness@gmail.com ) for business communications. It might seem harmless, but if you care about protecting your data, building trust, and staying compliant with industry regulations, it’s a risky move. Here’s why using a Gmail account for business is a bad idea and why it could actually cost you. 1. It’s Not Professional Perception matters. Customers, vendors, and partners take you more seriously when your email address matches your domain name (e.g., you@yourcompany.com ). A free Gmail address comes across as amateurish or temporary, and that’s not the message you want to send if you’re handling sensitive data, insurance, healthcare, or financial services. 2. It’s Not Secure Enough for Business Use While Gmail includes decent security for personal users, it lacks critical business-grade protections unless you're using Google Workspace or another secure platform designed for business such as Microsoft 365. With a standard Gmail account, you don’t get: Administrative control over who can access what, Security policies like enforced 2FA or device management, Advanced threat protection tailored for business environments, Activity logging and audit trails. If an employee’s Gmail account is compromised, there’s no central control to shut it down or revoke access. That’s a huge risk. 3. It’s a Compliance Nightmare If you operate in a regulated industry, like finance, insurance, healthcare, or legal, you’re likely subject to regulations like HIPAA, FINRA, GLBA, or others. A personal Gmail account isn’t compliant with those standards. Here’s why: No signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA) from Google unless you use a paid Workspace account with the right plan, No data loss prevention (DLP) or archiving controls, No eDiscovery or retention policies, No centralized user management or access revocation, No encryption assurances for compliance-grade protection. Even if you think you’re just emailing “simple stuff,” the law may still consider it protected or sensitive data. And ignorance is no excuse in the event of a breach, audit, or class action lawsuit. 4. You Don’t Own the Account If an employee creates a Gmail account like yourbusiness@gmail.com , they control it, not you. If they leave, they could walk away with all your customer emails, files, and contacts. There’s no way to reclaim or shut down the account unless you’re using a business-grade email system with proper user controls. 5. You Need a Business-Grade Email Platform, Set Up and Secured by Professionals Business email isn't just about sending and receiving messages, it’s about protecting your organization from threats, maintaining compliance, and presenting a trustworthy image to clients. That’s why you need a business-grade email solution that’s not just purchased but also properly configured, secured, and monitored. When you partner with us, you get far more than just email: Professionally hardened Microsoft 365 environment, Ongoing security monitoring and proactive threat response, Phishing protection and anti-malware filtering, User access controls and compliance-ready policies, Ongoing support from a team that specializes in securing business communications. This isn’t something you “set and forget.” It takes expertise and continuous oversight to ensure your email system isn’t the weakest link in your cybersecurity posture. Final Thoughts: Free Email Isn’t Free, It’s a Liability Using a personal Gmail account may seem easy, but it leaves your business exposed on all fronts, security, compliance, and reputation. If you rely on email for business (and who doesn’t?), then it’s time to treat it like the mission-critical asset it is. That means using a secure, business-class email platform and trusting professionals to manage and monitor it the right way. Let’s get your email system secured, compliant, and working for you, not against you. Reach out today and we’ll help you do it right from day one.

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Disclosure & Patch Status Publicly disclosed on July 8, 2025, as part of Microsoft’s July Patch Tuesday. Affects SQL Server 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022 (various x64 builds prior to the July 8, 2025 cumulative updates). Fixed in the July 2025 cumulative security updates, such as KB5058713 for SQL Server 2019 and KB5058721 for SQL Server 2022. π Vulnerability Description This vulnerability is categorized as Improper Input Validation (CWEβ20). A flaw in how SQL Server handles crafted network input can allow an attacker to retrieve uninitialized memory, which may contain sensitive information such as connection strings, login credentials, or internal schema data. π― Attack Characteristics Access Vector: Remote (network) Authentication Required: No User Interaction Required: No Privileges Required: None Scope: Unchanged Confidentiality Impact: High Integrity Impact: None Availability Impact: None CVSS v3.1 Score: 7.5 (High) Exploitability: Less likely (per Microsoft), but proof-of-concept code is already public β οΈ Risk & Impact An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive data from memory. While the attack is passive (it doesn't directly alter or destroy data), the leakage of credentials or internal configurations can lead to significant compromise, including further lateral movement within the environment or targeting of dependent applications. β
Mitigation & Remediation Apply the July 2025 security updates: SQL Server 2022: KB5058721 SQL Server 2019: KB5058713 SQL Server 2017: KB5058714 SQL Server 2016: Apply the latest GDR or CU from July 2025 Update OLE DB drivers to version 18 or 19 Restrict SQL Server network exposure to only trusted hosts and segments Monitor logs for unusual login attempts or memory-related errors (e.g., error 701, 17803) Rotate any credentials or connection strings potentially exposed Enforce network segmentation and least-privilege access to minimize impact π Summary CVEβ2025β49719 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft SQL Server that allows unauthenticated attackers to extract memory content remotely. While classified as “less likely” to be exploited, the availability of public proof-of-concept code means organizations should prioritize patching, restrict access to database servers, and monitor for suspicious activity.

In today’s digital world, healthcare organizations like dental offices, chiropractic clinics, and small medical practices are prime targets for cybercriminals. While many believe that using HIPAA-compliant software is enough to keep patient data secure, the truth is that compliance does not equal security. At ABT Solutions, we help healthcare providers go beyond basic compliance and implement real-world protection against the growing threats facing the industry. Here’s why that matters now more than ever: 1. HIPAA Is Only the Starting Point HIPAA sets important rules for safeguarding patient data, but it was never designed to stop modern ransomware, phishing, or nation-state-level threats. Compliance ensures that you meet a baseline requirement, but that does not mean your systems are secure. Cybercriminals do not care if your software meets HIPAA standards. They are looking for weaknesses they can exploit. If they find one, they will not hesitate to lock your systems, steal your records, or disrupt your entire practice. 2. Small Healthcare Practices Are a Big Target Many small healthcare providers think they are too small to be attacked. Unfortunately, that is exactly what makes them appealing to hackers. You store valuable data such as patient records, insurance details, and billing information, and attackers know that small clinics often have weaker defenses. ABT Solutions provides the kind of cybersecurity protection that is typically reserved for large enterprises, but customized to meet the needs and budget of smaller offices. 3. Downtime Can Be Disastrous If your systems were locked down today, how long could your practice operate without access to your scheduling, billing, or patient records? A cyberattack can halt operations for days or even weeks. The cost of recovery, legal liability, and lost patient trust can be overwhelming. It is far more affordable to prevent a breach than to recover from one. 4. Cyber Insurance Now Requires More Than HIPAA Compliance Insurance providers have raised their standards. To qualify for cyber insurance or even to maintain your policy, you now need more than HIPAA compliance. Many providers now require: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) Endpoint detection and response (EDR) Email encryption Around-the-clock monitoring Timely system updates and patches Security training for employees If you are missing any of these, your insurance may not cover you in the event of an attack. 5. We Make Cybersecurity Simple and Affordable At ABT Solutions, we are passionate about helping healthcare practices stay safe from cyber threats. Our services include: βοΈ Secure email and encryption βοΈ Managed endpoint protection βοΈ 24/7 monitoring by real cybersecurity experts βοΈ Firewall and network security βοΈ Employee security training βοΈ Safe remote access for telehealth βοΈ Reliable backup and recovery solutions We do more than just meet compliance requirements. We help build confidence and true resilience for your organization. Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late If your practice uses digital records, email, or internet-connected tools, you are already a potential target. HIPAA compliance is a good starting point, but it will not protect you from the wide range of threats that exist today. Let’s build a cybersecurity plan that fits your clinic. We even offer a free introductory risk assessment to help you understand your current security posture. Reach out to ABT Solutions and let us help you stay ahead of the threats that could put your practice at risk.

If your business still runs on Windows 10, time is running out. Ignoring this deadline could cost you more than just a few updates. What’s Happening? Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its official End of Life (EOL) on October 14, 2025. This means there will be no more security patches, no bug fixes, and no support. For businesses, this is more than a routine update. It is a major compliance and cybersecurity concern. Why It Matters for Business Owners If your company is still using Windows 10, here is what you need to know: π No More Security U pdates Means Increased Risk Once Microsoft stops releasing security updates, Windows 10 machines become easy targets for hackers. Even with antivirus and firewalls in place, outdated systems leave doors wide open for cybercriminals. βοΈ Compliance Violations Businesses that fall under regulations like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or FINRA must stay compliant. Running unsupported operating systems often breaks those standards, potentially resulting in fines, legal action, or loss of certifications. πΈ Higher Costs in the Future Delaying the upgrade might feel convenient now, but it will likely cost more later. Older hardware may need to be replaced, software could break, and emergency IT fixes are often more expensive than a planned upgrade. π« Software Compatibility Issues As developers move on from Windows 10, your critical business software may stop working or lose support. This could create serious disruptions to your operations. What You Need to Do Now Audit Your Devices Create an inventory of all systems still using Windows 10. Identify which ones are eligible for upgrade and which need to be replaced. Plan and Budget Accordingly You do not need to upgrade everything at once, but you do need a clear plan. Spreading the cost over the coming months can reduce the financial impact. Partner with a Trusted IT Provider A knowledgeable IT partner (like us) can help manage the upgrade process, ensure compliance, and keep your business secure throughout the transition. The Bottom Line Continuing to use Windows 10 after support ends is not just a technical risk. It is a serious business liability. As a responsible business owner, protecting your data, your customers, and your operations should be a top priority. This is more than an IT update. It is a matter of protecting your business future. Don’t wait until a cyberattack or audit forces your hand. ο»Ώ Contact us today to schedule a Windows 10 upgrade assessment and make sure your business stays protected.

Whether you're a small business, a municipality, or a large enterprise, if you're still running Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 or 2019 , there's a major deadline looming: October 14, 2025 - End of Life. After this date, Exchange 2016 and 2019 will no longer receive security updates, patches, or support from Microsoft. And if you're on something older? You're already living dangerously. Let’s break down why continuing to use Exchange after EOL (end of life) is one of the riskiest moves ANY business can make . π¨ 1. No Security Patches = You’re a Sitting Duck Once Microsoft ends support, any new vulnerabilities in Exchange will go unpatched, FOREVER . That means: Hackers can exploit known and unknown bugs without resistance. Your business email becomes an easy target for ransomware, phishing, and data theft. Past Exchange vulnerabilities like ProxyLogon and ProxyShell were exploited within hours, a nd these were while still under support. Imagine what happens when nobody’s watching your back. π 2. You’re Likely Violating Compliance, Even If You Don’t Know It Running outdated, unsupported software often puts you out of compliance with: Cyber liability insurance policies Industry standards (like HIPAA , CJIS , PCI-DSS, FTC Safeguards, etc. ) State and federal cybersecurity laws Most businesses don't realize that insurance claims can and WILL be denied if you're running unsupported systems. One missed update could be the difference between protection and a six to seven figure recovery bill. π― 3. You’re a Target, Even If You’re Small There’s a dangerous myth that only big companies get hacked. This is simply NOT true. Hackers don’t discriminate; they automate . They scan the internet looking for: Open ports Known vulnerabilities Outdated systems (like unsupported Exchange servers) And when they find one? They don’t knock, they walk right in . In fact, 60% of small businesses go out of business within six months of a major cyberattack. Don’t assume you’re too small to be on someone’s radar. π 4. No Microsoft Support = You're On Your Own After EOL (end of life): Microsoft won't help you, even if your mail server crashes. Third-party tools (antivirus, backup, monitoring) may stop supporting your version. If something breaks, there’s no one to call. Your email is too mission-critical to rely on hope. β
What Should You Do? You have two responsible paths forward: πΉ Migrate to Exchange Online (Microsoft 365) Cloud-hosted, secure, and always updated Reduces your maintenance and infrastructure costs Adds built-in resilience πΉ Upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) Released in July 2025 Subscription-based model (no more perpetual licenses) In-place upgrade possible from Exchange 2019 CU15 Keeps email on-prem for businesses with strict compliance needs β οΈ If You Must Delay, Do This Immediately If you're not ready to migrate or upgrade yet: Remove internet access to your Exchange server Implement advanced threat protection and endpoint detection (EDR) Enforce multi-factor authentication Test your backups and disaster recovery plans Schedule a penetration test to find your weak spots But be clear: these are short-term bandaids, not solutions. π§ Final Thoughts Email is the gateway to your business. It's where invoices go out, credentials are stored, contracts are sent, and operations are coordinated. Leaving it running on unsupported software is a disaster waiting to happen . Are you getting the gist? Every business needs to take cybersecurity seriously—now. Whether you're a city government, school district, hospital, insurance firm, manufacturing plant, CPA firm, law office, healthcare provider, construction company, retail chain, nonprofit, financial institution, and the list goes on, the need for cybersecurity applies to you. If your organization uses email, stores sensitive data, or simply wants to stay in business, cybersecurity isn't optional. The clock is ticking. The longer you wait, the higher the risk, and the fewer options you’ll have when something goes wrong. Don't be the next breach headline. Be the one who acted early. If you're not sure where to begin, we can help you evaluate your options and move toward a secure, supported future, whether that’s cloud or on-prem. Reach out today. Before a hacker does.