5 Cybersecurity Threats Small Businesses Can't Ignore in 2025

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are leaning more than ever on mobile devices to get work done, connect with customers, and keep operations running smoothly. According to IDC’s 2022 World SMB Survey , 59% of small and midsize companies said supporting mobile workers—including giving them remote access to key systems—is a priority. At the same time, 27% highlighted securely connecting remote workers to business systems as one of their biggest challenges. With smartphones, tablets, and even personal devices (hello, BYOD!) becoming essential tools for work, mobility has become the backbone of how businesses operate. But this reliance on mobile tech also brings its fair share of headaches—think security risks and management issues. That’s where Mobile Device Management (MDM) steps in to save the day. Why SMBs Need a Mobile Device Management Strategy Small and medium-sized businesses don’t have the big IT teams or fancy security setups that large enterprises do. That’s why having a solid mobile device management (MDM) strategy is so important. Without it, your business could be at risk of data breaches, lost sensitive information, compliance issues, and even lower productivity. Verizon’s 2023 Mobile Security Index found that nearly 45% of businesses experienced a mobile device security issue—pretty alarming, right? Managing mobile devices isn’t just nice to have anymore—it’s a must for keeping your business secure and running smoothly. Common Challenges SMBs Face Without MDM SMBs that lack a structured approach to mobile device management often encounter several pain points, such as: Security Vulnerabilities: Unsecured devices can become easy targets for cybercriminals, leading to data breaches and financial losses (Ponemon Institute, 2023) . Lost or Stolen Devices: When an employee loses a device, company data is at risk without remote management capabilities. Compliance Issues: Industries with strict regulations (e.g., healthcare and finance) must ensure sensitive data is protected. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) , non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal consequences. Productivity Concerns: Unmanaged devices may lead to distractions, unauthorized app usage, and inefficiencies. IT Overload: Small IT teams struggle to manually configure, monitor, and secure an increasing number of mobile devices. How MDM Can Keep Your SMB Secure and Running Smoothly Managing all the mobile devices connected to your business can feel like a hassle, but Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions make it simple. Here’s how MDM can help your small or medium-sized business: Manage Devices Anywhere: IT teams can handle settings and security policies and even wipe lost or stolen devices—all remotely. No more scrambling! Stronger Security: With features like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and app controls, your business data stays protected. In fact, Gartner says MDM solutions can cut security breaches by 30%. Stay Compliant: MDM helps you follow industry regulations by enforcing the right security protocols—no headaches, just peace of mind. Boost Productivity: Employees get easy access to the tools they need without unnecessary distractions slowing them down. Save Money: Security breaches and data loss can cost big bucks. According to I BM's 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report the global average cost of a data breach has jumped 10% to $4.88 million. That’s a lot of money saved by staying secure! MDM isn’t just about security—it’s about making your business more efficient and future-ready. What You'll Learn in This Blog Series In this five-part blog series, we’re diving into everything you need to know about Mobile Device Management (MDM). Here’s what you can expect: 1. The Struggles of Not Having an MDM Solution – We’ll break down the risks and headaches businesses face without one. 2. Real SMB Success (and Horror) Stories – True stories of businesses that either thrived or struggled without MDM. 3. Tips for Getting Started with MDM – Simple, actionable advice to secure and manage your devices. 4. Picking the Perfect MDM Solution – A guide to finding the right fit for your business. 5. Growing Your MDM Strategy with Your Business– How to make sure your strategy scales as your business grows. Wrapping Up Mobile devices play a huge role in how SMBs operate today, but without a solid plan to manage them, you could be opening the door to security risks, data loss, and inefficiencies. That’s where an MDM strategy with AffinIT comes in—we will help keep things secure, compliant, and running smoothly. So stay tuned! In the next few weeks, we’ll dive deeper into Mobile Device Management and how it can help your business! In the meantime, contact us to start taking control of your mobile devices.

As a business owner, it is important to have regular updates on the performance of your managed service provider (MSP). This not only allows you to gauge whether you are getting your money's worth, but also ensures that your MSP is meeting your company's needs and goals. In this section, we will discuss the various types of reporting that you should be receiving from your MSP. Service Level Agreement (SLA) Reporting One of the most essential reports that you should receive from your MSP is the SLA report. This report outlines the agreed upon service levels for all aspects of your IT infrastructure including network uptime, response time, and issue resolution. It serves as a benchmark for measuring the performance of your MSP and holds them accountable for meeting their contractual obligations. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Within the SLA report, there should be specific KPIs that are being measured and reported on. These could include metrics such as average response time, number of incidents resolved within a certain timeframe, and network uptime percentage. These KPIs provide valuable insight into the overall health of your IT infrastructure and the level of service provided by your MSP. Incident Reports In addition to regular SLA reporting, you should also receive incident reports from your MSP. These reports detail any issues or incidents that have occurred in your IT environment during a specified period of time. This allows you to track recurring issues and identify areas for improvement. It is also important that your MSP provides a comprehensive root cause analysis for each incident, outlining the steps taken to resolve the issue and prevent it from happening in the future. Budget and Cost Reporting Your MSP should also provide regular reports on your IT budget and costs. This allows you to track your spending, identify any unexpected expenditures, and make informed decisions when it comes to investing in new technology or services. Your MSP should also be transparent about their pricing structure and any potential cost savings that could be achieved through optimization of your IT infrastructure. Strategic Planning Reports Finally, your MSP should provide strategic planning reports that outline their proposed strategies for improving your IT environment in the long term. These reports should include recommendations for new technology, upgrades or improvements to existing systems, and potential cost savings. It is important that these reports align with your business goals and overall IT strategy. Conclusion In conclusion, regular reporting from your MSP is crucial for ensuring a successful partnership and maintaining a high level of service in your IT environment. By monitoring KPIs, incident reports, budget and cost information, and strategic planning initiatives, you can work closely with your MSP to continuously improve the performance and efficiency of your IT infrastructure. Make sure to review these reports regularly and discuss any concerns or areas for improvement with your MSP to ensure that both parties are working towards the same goals and objectives. With effective reporting and communication, your MSP can become a valuable partner in achieving your business objectives through technology. So, it is important to establish a strong relationship with your MSP and prioritize regular reporting as an essential component of your IT management strategy. Remember, the key to successful IT management is proactive monitoring, analysis, and collaboration between you and your MSP. By working together, you can ensure that your IT environment is always running smoothly and effectively supporting your business needs.

In the fast-paced tech world, managed service providers (MSPs) play a crucial role in keeping businesses running smoothly. They handle everything from IT infrastructure to troubleshooting, ensuring systems operate efficiently. But here's the kicker: the stability of your relationship with these providers is just as vital as the services they deliver. Frustrations can bubble to the surface, especially with unexpected changes in personnel, like a new tech manager stepping into your account. In this blog post, we’re diving into why these transitions happen, their impact on your business, and how to navigate them like a pro! Common MSP Transition Issues For businesses that rely on an MSP, continuity is key. When a new technician or account manager comes on board, it can throw a wrench in your operations. Take Jane, for example. She ran a business that depended on her MSP for seamless IT support. But when her go-to tech was reassigned, she found herself rehashing her system's quirks and history from scratch, wasting precious time and creating a perfect storm of miscommunication. Unfortunately, Jane's story isn’t unique. A survey of small and medium enterprises revealed that a staggering 60% experienced disruptions due to frequent personnel changes in their MSPs. This whirlwind can lead to communication breakdowns, leaving businesses feeling unsupported and frustrated. Understanding the Causes So, why do these transitions happen? Several factors are at play. High employee turnover within MSPs often results in frequent reassignment, as skilled professionals chase better opportunities. Internal restructuring can also shake things up, changing client management dynamics. Another significant concern is the lack of communication between the MSP and the client. Businesses sometimes find out about personnel changes only after they happen, leaving them scrambling to adapt. This lack of transparency can chip away at trust, making it essential to understand the root causes. The Impact on Businesses Frequent transitions can shake up business operations. When a new Technician or Account Manager takes over, there's often a steep learning curve that can lead to service interruptions, longer resolution times, and even system downtime. The knowledge transfer process can be messy, with critical information slipping through the cracks. Moreover, these transitions can affect the quality of service. A new tech may not be familiar with your business's specific IT needs, resulting in mistakes and inefficiencies that can hurt your bottom line. Tips for Businesses While you may not be able to control when transitions happen, you can take proactive steps to minimize their impact. Start by building open lines of communication with your MSP. Regular check-ins and updates can keep you in the loop about any upcoming changes. Another smart strategy is to document processes and systems thoroughly. Detailed documentation can pave the way for smoother transitions and reduce disruptions. Include vital information about your IT infrastructure, key contacts, and ongoing projects. When selecting or assessing a new MSP, consider its stability. Long-standing partnerships with minimal personnel changes often signal a reliable provider. Don’t hesitate to ask potential MSPs about their employee retention rates and transition policies. The Role of the MSP While businesses need to manage transitions, MSPs share this responsibility too. Maintaining stable client relationships should be a top priority for any reputable MSP. They can achieve this through effective training and onboarding for new technicians and managers. Additionally, MSPs should prioritize transparent communication with clients. Keeping businesses informed about personnel changes and ensuring continuity can strengthen the partnership. By taking these proactive steps, MSPs can reduce the frequency and impact of transitions. Conclusion Stable relationships with MSPs are crucial for businesses to thrive in today’s tech-driven landscape. Frequent transitions can disrupt operations and lead to frustration. By understanding the underlying causes, businesses can better manage these changes. Being proactive with your MSP is the name of the game. Regular communication, thorough documentation, and careful evaluation of providers can create a smoother experience. Remember, you’re not alone—share your experiences and seek advice from peers who’ve faced similar challenges. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient relationships with technology AND your Managed Service Provider, making transitions feel like a well-charted course rather than a daunting maze. Contact Us to Learn More

Darek Hahn Unveils AffinIT: Revolutionizing IT Through Meaningful Partnerships

Feeling frustrated with your managed service provider? You’re not alone! Let’s dive into some key issues that might be holding your business back from reaching its full potential.

A new managed service provider (MSP), proudly announces its formation, with a unique focus on fostering strong IT relationships.