The massive Russian hack that was recently revealed has faded from the headlines today, but the threat remains a very real concern to Information Technology professionals. It is Aptica’s job to robustly defend against cybercriminals and we have quite the arsenal to do that. But—one of the most essential tools that can help prevent hacking […]
Pick Your Two Most Painful Tasks And Start There
Ah, the first of a New Year. Fresh start. Clean slate. What business owner does not love the first day of the first quarter of a new year? I do, and I was just thinking on Sunday afternoon about all the things I wanted to change, or to see happen, or to see stop happening, […]
My New Year’s Declaration For 2021
I suspect everyone makes at least one New Year’s resolution that they say out loud, then they acknowledge several resolutions that they just keep to themselves. I would like to share with you my New Year’s declaration, rather than any resolutions. I declare that I absolutely believe in the positive economic predictions for 2021. I […]
My Second-Favorite Redemption Story For Christmas
I re-read or listen to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol every year. I understand this year more than ever how easy it is for any of us to become an Ebenezer Scrooge, as he is seen at the beginning of his story. After a somewhat unhappy childhood and after losing his sweetheart, he has closed […]
Why Be a Victim If You Can Take Steps to Avoid It?
You’ve seen the headlines about the enormous hack on the U.S. government—departments from Homeland to Treasury? This is a triumph for the bad guys. All MSP companies (managed IT services) were warned starting in late summer that the weeks around our contentious election would be dangerous ones. And they have been dangerous. But it brings […]
It Is Thanksgiving And We Should Do That—Give Thanks
It is Thanksgiving and we should do that—give thanks. It has been nine months and now we all have a good idea of what the term “global pandemic” means. It came to our notice when it devastated parts of Europe in the spring, but this is America and we have somehow been so golden in […]
From My Common Sense Notebook: Cut Down on Reactive IT Calls
Reactive IT is when something unforeseen happens and you must call your computer guys to fix it. Quick reaction time is a must for IT management. Like in a medical office, there usually is an amount of time built into each day to handle emergencies. When these occasions arise, however, it brings some level of […]
Fun Things To Think About For Your Small Business
The election is (maybe) over but the pandemic is not. We may soon have vaccines, but they might not be available to everyone for another six months. The holiday season is almost upon us, but Thanksgiving and Christmas may have to be orchestrated differently this year. If I keep thinking about these types of things, […]
40 Business Days Left In 2020: A Little Time Or A Lot Of Time?
We have about 40 business days left before the end of the year. Sounds Biblical. Moses spent 40-year periods on Mt. Sinai. Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. It seems that 40-day periods appear in the histories of all world religions. My question is not about “glass half empty or half full”; I […]
“Disinformation” Is Now A Cyber Weapon
Disinformation is now a cyber weapon and a major security risk. It is a menacing attack made through the information spaces that we all spend so much time in every day. The entire information ecosystem is vulnerable, which means so are societies, democratic processes, highly visible brands, and people in general. Disinformation is not […]