Blog
The Tariff Tango: How Import Taxes Can Impact Your Computer Gear
In today’s interconnected world, the price tag on your laptop, monitor, or even that trusty keyboard often reflects a global journey of components and assembly. But what happens when governments introduce tariffs – taxes on imported goods – into this intricate supply chain? The impact on computer equipment can be significant, rippling through businesses and…
From Stumptown to Secure Town: Tech Protection for Portland Small Businesses
As a small business owner in the vibrant Portland metro area, you’re likely juggling a million things. From serving your customers to managing your team and keeping a close eye on the bottom line, your plate is full. In this fast-paced digital age, technology is both a powerful ally and a potential vulnerability. One area…
The Perils of Public Wi-Fi: Are You Browsing Dangerously? (And How a VPN Can Be Your Digital Shield)
That free Wi-Fi at the coffee shop, the airport, or even your hotel might seem like a convenient way to stay connected. But beneath that welcoming signal lies a potential digital danger zone. In this post, we’re breaking down the often-overlooked risks of using shared and free Wi-Fi networks and revealing how a simple tool…
EDR Unlocked: The Secret Weapon Against Cyber Nasties
Welcome back to another insightful week on Breaking Down I.T. with Steve! In our increasingly interconnected world, the lines between our physical and digital lives are blurring. From banking and communication to work and entertainment, so much of what we do resides within the digital realm. This convenience, however, comes with a significant responsibility: safeguarding…
Imagine your business is like a really important house, like a bank or a hospital, filled with valuable information. Keeping it secure from digital “burglars” is crucial!
Imagine your business. It’s not just an office or a storefront anymore; it’s a digital vault. Inside reside your most valuable assets: customer data, financial records, intellectual property, and the very systems that keep your operations running. Just like a physical bank needs robust security, your digital “bank” requires vigilant protection against ever-evolving threats. You…
Breaking Down I.T. with Steve: Is Your Small Business a Hidden Target? The Importance of Vulnerability Scanning
This week on “Breaking Down I.T. with Steve,” we’re tackling a critical topic that every small business owner in the Pacific Northwest needs to understand: vulnerability scanning. You might think cyberattacks only target big corporations headquartered in Silicon Valley, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Small businesses right here in our community are…
Bank of America Data Breach: A Wake-Up Call for Third-Party Security
Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC) recently issued a warning to a select group of customers regarding a potential data breach, highlighting the ever-present threat of data security vulnerabilities, even within major financial institutions. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust security measures and the potential risks associated with third-party…
Outlook: Reimagined.
Welcome back to ‘Breaking Down I.T. with Steve’! This week, we’re tackling a topic that’s generating a lot of chatter in the tech world: the New Microsoft Outlook. Is it a game-changer? A necessary upgrade? Or just another software shift to navigate? If you’ve found yourself asking these questions, or if you’re simply curious about…
The Exchange Server 2016 & 2019 Deadline is Looming: Don’t Get Left Behind
The writing is on the wall: October 14, 2025, marks the official end of support for Exchange Server 2016 and older versions of 2019. This means no more critical security updates, leaving your organization vulnerable to cyberattacks. The Danger of Delaying Sticking with your outdated Exchange Server carries significant risks: Your Options: A Path Forward…