7 Helpful Features Rolled Out in the Fall Windows 11 Update

Your office thermostat, conference room speaker, and smart badge reader are convenient, but they’re also doors into your network. With more devices than ever in play, keeping track can be tough, and it only takes one weak link to put your entire system at risk. That’s why smart IT solutions matter now more than ever. A trusted IT partner can help you connect smart devices safely, keep data secure, and manage your whole setup without stress. Here’s a practical guide designed for small teams getting ready to work with connected tech. What is IoT? IoT, or the Internet of Things, is all about physical devices, like sensors, appliances, gadgets, or machines, being connected to the internet. These smart tools can collect and share data, and even act on their own, all without needing someone to constantly manage them. IoT helps boost efficiency, automate tasks, and provide useful data that leads to smarter decisions for both businesses and individuals. But it also comes with challenges, like keeping data secure, protecting privacy, and keeping track of all those connected devices. Steps To Manage IoT Security Risks for Small Businesses 1. Know What You’ve Got Begin with all of your network's smart devices, such as cameras, speakers, printers, and thermostats. If you are not aware of a gadget, you cannot keep it safe. Walk through the office and note each gadget Record model names and who uses them With a clear inventory, you’ll have the visibility you need to stay in control during updates or when responding to issues. 2. Change Default Passwords Immediately Most smart devices come with weak, shared passwords. If you’re still using the default password, you’re inviting trouble. Change every password to something strong and unique Store passwords securely where your team can consistently access them It takes just a minute, and it helps you avoid one of the most common rookie mistakes: weak passwords. 3. Segment Your Network Let your smart printer talk, but don’t let it talk to everything. Use network segmentation to give each IoT device space while keeping your main systems secure. Create separate Wi-Fi or VLAN sections for IoT gear Block IoT devices from accessing sensitive servers Use guest networks where possible Segmented networks reduce risk and make monitoring easy. 4. Keep Firmware and Software Updated Security flaws are found all the time, and updates fix them. If your devices are out of date, you’re wide open to cyberattacks. Check for updates monthly Automate updates when possible Replace devices that are no longer supported Even older gadgets can be secure if they keep receiving patches. 5. Monitor Traffic and Logs Once your devices are in place, watch how they talk. Unexpected activity could signal trouble. Use basic network tools to track how often and where devices connect Set alerts for strange activity, like a badge reader suddenly reaching the internet Review logs regularly for odd patterns You don’t need an army of security experts, just something as simple as a nightly check-in. 6. Set Up a Response Plan Incidents happen; devices can fail or malfunction. Without a plan, every problem turns into a major headache. Your response plan should include: Who to contact when devices act weird How you’ll isolate a problematic device Available standby tools or firmware A strong response plan lets you respond quickly and keep calm when things go wrong. 7. Limit What Each Device Can Do Not every device needs full network access. The key is permission controls. Turn off unused features and remote access Block internet access where not needed Restrict device functions to exact roles only Less access means less risk, yet your tools can still get the job done. 8. Watch for Devices That Creep In It’s easy to bring in new devices without thinking of security risks, like smart coffee makers or guest speakers. Have a simple approval step for new devices Ask questions: “Does it need office Wi-Fi? Does it store data?” Reject or block any gear that can’t be secured Catching these risks early keeps your network strong. 9. Encrypt Sensitive Data If your smart devices transmit data, ensure that data is encrypted both during transmission and while stored. Check device settings for encryption options Use encrypted storage systems on your network Encryption adds a layer of protection without slowing things down. 10. Re-evaluate Regularly It’s easy to secure your office tech once and assume it stays that way. But tech changes fast, and so do threats. Do a full check-in every six months Reassess passwords, network segments, and firmware Replace devices that don’t meet today’s standards With a regular schedule, you keep ahead without overthinking it. Why This Actually Matters Smart devices simplify work but can pose risks if not properly secured. More businesses are experiencing cyberattacks through their IoT devices than ever before, and these attacks are rising rapidly. Protecting your systems isn’t about expensive high-tech solutions, it’s about taking simple, smart steps like updating passwords, keeping devices up to date, and knowing what’s connected. These simple steps can protect your business without getting in the way. Plus, with the right IT support, staying ahead of threats is simpler than you might expect. Your Office Is Smart, Your Security Should Be Too You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect your small office. As more smart devices like printers, thermostats, and security cameras connect to your network, hackers have more opportunities to get in. The good news? Keeping your space secure doesn’t have to be complicated or costly.  With the right IT partner who understands the unique challenges small businesses face, you can take simple steps to protect what matters. Ready to get serious about IoT security? Contact us today and partner with a team that protects small offices, without the big-business complexity.

Without realising it, technology can drain your business budget. One day, everything seems manageable, and the next, you’re left wondering where all these unexpected costs are coming from. Expenses pile up quickly and become tough to track. Whoever said running a business would be easy? Here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend thousands on a large in-house IT team or become an IT expert yourself. The best approach is to partner with an IT specialist who can help you manage your IT costs. With their strategic planning and focus, your IT budget will work for you, not against you. This guide is designed to help you better understand IT expense planning. Strategic Ways to Plan Your Business's IT Expenses Step 1: Be Aware of Your Business Expenses< Take some time to figure out what you are paying for and how it will benefit you. Ask yourself: What equipment is your team using daily? How many software tools do you actually use? Are there overlapping features between tools? Are you still being charged for a subscription from 2021? Sometimes, you do not need to spend a penny and just clean things up. This is why having a good understanding of your business expenses is key. Step 2: Spend Where It Actually Helps There’s a difference between spending and investing. Buying gadgets because they’re shiny? That’s spending. Putting money into tools that make your work easier, faster, or safer? That’s investing. Here’s where you usually get the most bang for your buck: Cybersecurity : A basic firewall or antivirus can protect you from a major breach which is much less expensive than dealing with recovery. Cloud tools : Let your team work from anywhere and save on server headaches. Automation : Let software manage repetitive tasks so that your team saves time. Training : This is crucial because there’s no point in investing in a new tool if your team can’t use it effectively. Step 3: Give Your Budget a Backbone Lumping all IT costs into one big bucket makes it hard to tell what’s working and what’s not. Instead, break down your expenses into clear categories such as: Hardware: Laptops, monitors, routers, and all the equipment your business cannot operate without. Software: Every subscription and tool your team relies on. Security: VPNs, password managers, and antivirus software. Support: Who do you call when something breaks? Training: Helping your team learn the tech they’ve got. Backups: Peace of mind because technology can fail. Now you’re not just budgeting, but building a system you can track and improve. Step 4: Trim What You Don’t Need Remember that dusty treadmill in your garage that hasn’t been used since New Year’s? Your IT budget probably has a few forgotten expenses just like that. Here’s how to clean it up: Cancel unused subscriptions: If no one’s logged in for 3 months, it’s probably safe to let it go. Consolidate tools: One solid platform might replace three mediocre ones. Renegotiate with vendors: A five-minute call could save you hundreds a year. Outsource smartly: Hiring full-time IT staff isn’t always necessary. A managed IT partner can often do more, for less. This doesn’t mean settling for less, it means getting rid of the things you no longer need. Step 5: Allow for Flexibility Your budget should adapt to your needs without breaking under pressure: Keep backups in place for emergencies. Update your budget every quarter. Assess which expenses add value versus those that don’t. A good IT budget is like a good pair of jeans. It fits now, but stretches a little when you need it. Step 6: Plan for the Future, Not Just Today It’s easy to budget just for what’s in front of you, but what happens when you hire two new people or move to a bigger office? Will you need more licenses or storage next quarter? Are you opening a new location? Planning to go remote or hybrid? If growth is part of your plan, your IT budget should reflect that too. Step 7: Don’t Do It Alone You don’t have to be a tech expert when you have one on your side. A great IT partner helps you stay organised, cut unnecessary costs, and keep everything running smoothly. They understand your systems, communicate clearly, and make it easy for you to stay ahead of issues instead of scrambling to fix them. It’s smart, hassle-free support. Always Budget for a Plan B Just in Case Things don’t always go as planned. Maybe your internet drops during a big meeting. Maybe a laptop decides today’s the day it won’t turn on. That’s why it’s smart to build in a safety net. A second internet line or a spare device can keep you moving when things get bumpy. It’s like keeping a backup charger in your bag. Most days, you won’t need it. But when you do, you’ll thank yourself. A little prep now can save a lot of panic later. Smart Budgeting: Make Every Tech Pound Count Building a better IT budget isn’t just about slashing costs. It’s more than merely spending less. It’s about knowing where your money goes and making sure it supports your business goals. When you know which tools truly add value and eliminate the rest, everything runs more smoothly. You create room to grow and build a setup that supports your business instead of holding it back.  Still not sure where to start? We'll help you streamline your IT expenses, eliminate unnecessary costs, and create a plan aligned with your business goals. IT budgeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ll make it simple. Contact us today.