The Power of Relationships: How AffinIT Builds Strong IT Alliances

Not having a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution leaves small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) exposed to risks and inefficiencies. Let’s break it down. Security risks can quickly spiral into disasters. Without MDM, lost or stolen devices like phones or laptops leave sensitive data vulnerable. Verizon's 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report shows 15% of breaches involve such incidents, and SMBs often lack the tools to remotely lock or wipe devices. Imagine an employee losing a phone with unencrypted access to your client database—without MDM, you can’t wipe it remotely. A Texas construction firm lost months of work and project bids for this exact reason. The malware threat is another major issue. Employees could download risky apps or use unsecured Wi-Fi, opening the door to ransomware or spyware. IBM’s 2021 Cost of a Data Breach Report estimates SMB breaches cost $2.98 million on average, often due to unmanaged devices. For instance, a retailer’s cashier downloads a shady app on a work phone, leading to ransomware that locks their point-of-sale system. The result? Two days of downtime, $15,000 in lost sales, and recovery fees. Compliance issues are another headache. Industries like healthcare or finance must meet strict data security standards like HIPAA or GDPR. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports 70% of HIPAA violations stem from unencrypted devices—easily preventable with MDM. A small clinic faced a $50,000 fine after losing a laptop with patient records, an avoidable scenario if encryption was enforced. Productivity suffers without MDM. Employees waste time on outdated systems when updates or apps aren’t standardized. Frost & Sullivan’s research shows 68% of SMBs with BYOD setups see productivity boosts—if devices are managed. Picture a marketing agency where half the team’s phones miss updates. A buggy app crashes during a client deadline, wasting hours—or a sales rep loses a deal because their outdated tablet can’t load the latest pricing. Costs add up fast. Untracked data usage and lost devices bleed money. The 2022 Prey Mobile Theft & Loss Report shows employees are twice as likely to lose devices as have them stolen. Without MDM to cap usage or track devices, bills and replacements pile up. One catering business racked up $800 in overages because an employee binge-watched Netflix on a road gig. The UK Government’s 2023 Cyber Security Breaches Survey estimates average SMB incident costs at £4,200, with recovery often far pricier. Finally, operational chaos creeps in. Lack of oversight lets rogue devices slip through. The Ponemon Institute’s 2023 Cost of Insider Threats report finds 56% of insider incidents stem from poor device management, like ex-employees retaining network access. A small law firm discovered confidential case files leaked after an ex-employee’s laptop still had VPN access. MDM could’ve prevented it. These examples, backed by data from Verizon, IBM, HHS, Frost & Sullivan, Prey, and Ponemon, show the real cost of skipping MDM: data leaks, fines, downtime, and chaos—all risks that a proper MDM solution could avoid. Resources: 1. Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/T310/reports/2024-dbir-data-breach-investigations-report.pdf 2. IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021 htt ps:/ /newsroom.ibm.com/2021-07-28-IBM-Report-Cost-of-a-Data-Breach-Hits-Record-High-During-Pandemic 3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) https://www.hhs.gov/ 4. Frost & Sullivan Research https://www.frost.com/ 5. Prey Mobile Theft & Loss Report 2022 https://preyproject.com/blog/what-is-mobile-device-management-the-complete-guide 6. UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2023/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2023 7. Ponemon Institute 2023 Cost of Insider Threats https://www.ponemon.org/

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.

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity isn't just a concern for large enterprises making headlines with major data breaches. Small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly finding themselves in cybercriminals' crosshairs, often because they present an attractive combination of valuable data and limited security resources. Let's explore the five most critical cybersecurity threats that demand your attention in 2025. 1. The Rise of AI-Powered Social Engineering Gone are the days when phishing attempts were easily spotted through broken English and obvious red flags. The emergence of sophisticated AI tools has revolutionized social engineering attacks, making them increasingly difficult to detect. Cybercriminals now craft highly convincing impersonations of executives, vendors, and employees. In fact, according to Statistica, 59% of organizations globally experienced a ransomware attack in 2024. These AI-enhanced attacks pose significant risks to your financial assets through fraudulent payment requests and can compromise sensitive company data through seemingly legitimate communications. To combat this growing threat, businesses should implement robust multi-factor authentication for all financial transactions and establish strict verification protocols for any requests involving sensitive data or payment changes. Regular training sessions focusing on AI-enhanced social engineering tactics have proven crucial, with companies that conduct monthly security awareness training reporting 70% fewer successful social engineering attacks. 2. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The Hidden Threat As businesses increasingly rely on third-party software and services, supply chain attacks have emerged as a critical concern. Recent industry research indicates that 60% of small business data breaches can be traced back to compromised third-party software components. These attacks are particularly insidious because they exploit the trust relationships between businesses and their software providers. To protect against supply chain vulnerabilities, maintaining a comprehensive inventory of all third-party software is essential. Regular vendor security assessments and the use of software composition analysis tools can help identify potential vulnerabilities before they're exploited. Organizations should also develop specific incident response plans for supply chain compromises, as traditional security measures may not adequately address these sophisticated attacks. 3. The Democratization of Ransomware The emergence of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platforms has dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for cybercriminals. This development has led to a surge in ransomware attacks targeting small businesses, with average ransom demands increasing by 50% in the past year. These attacks now frequently target both primary and backup data, making recovery particularly challenging. Protection against ransomware requires a multi-layered approach. Implementing immutable backups, deploying next-generation endpoint protection, and maintaining offline copies of critical data are essential steps. Organizations should also regularly test their disaster recovery plans and consider specialized cyber insurance coverage for ransomware incidents. 4. IoT: The Expanding Attack Surface The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in business environments has created numerous new entry points for attackers. From smart thermostats to security cameras, these devices often lack robust security measures, potentially compromising entire networks. Industry experts estimate that 33% of IoT devices used in small businesses contain serious vulnerabilities. To mitigate IoT-related risks, businesses should maintain separate networks for IoT devices and implement strong network segmentation. Regular firmware updates, unique passwords for each device, and periodic security audits can significantly reduce the risk of IoT-based attacks. 5. Cloud Configuration: The Devil in the Details As cloud adoption continues to accelerate, misconfigurations have become a leading cause of data breaches. Recent studies from IBM suggest that 95% of cloud security failures are the result of human error, particularly in configuration settings. Even minor setup errors can expose sensitive data to the public internet, leading to devastating consequences for small businesses. Protecting cloud resources requires a comprehensive approach, including the use of cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools and implementation of least-privilege access principles. Regular audits of cloud configurations and permissions, combined with specialized training for IT staff, can significantly reduce the risk of configuration-related breaches. Taking Action: Your Next Steps Protecting your business against these evolving threats requires a proactive approach. Start by assessing your current security posture and identifying potential vulnerabilities. Implement appropriate protection measures, focusing on staff training and system monitoring. Remember, the cost of prevention is always lower than the cost of recovery from a cyber attack. Consider working with a managed service provider who can provide comprehensive security solutions, including 24/7 monitoring and rapid incident response capabilities. In today's threat landscape, having expert support can make the difference between a blocked attack and a costly breach. *Note: Statistics and research cited in this article are based on cybersecurity industry reports and may vary by region and industry sector. Always consult with security professionals for the most current recommendations for your specific situation.* Contact us today for a free security assessment and learn how we can help protect your business against these evolving threats. Sources: Social Engineering: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1246438/ransomware-attacks-by-country/ Supply Chain: [https://www.prevalent.net/blog/2024-third-party-risk-management-study/#:~:text=The reason behind this concern,three-fold increase since 2021](https://www.prevalent.net/blog/2024-third-party-risk-management-study/#:~:text=The%20reason%20behind%20this%20concern,three%2Dfold%20increase%20since%202021). Ransomware: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/02/3-trends-ransomware-2024/ IoT: [https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/iot-vulnerabilities-entry-point/#:~:text=The study%2C which analyzed data,(VoIP](https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/iot-vulnerabilities-entry-point/#:~:text=The%20study%2C%20which%20analyzed%20data,(VoIP))%20and%20IP%20cameras. Cloud: https://newsroom.ibm.com/2023-07-24-IBM-Report-Half-of-Breached-Organizations-Unwilling-to-Increase-Security-Spend-Despite-Soaring-Breach-Costs

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.