If you run a financial services firm, you’ve seen many new cybersecurity rules issued in recent years — but are you ready for regulators to get serious about enforcing them? In this post, we hear from three experts who say the crackdown has begun. And smaller firms won’t be spared. Read more →
Servers are the brains and brawn of your business’s IT infrastructure, but if you don’t have an IT background, you may wonder what exactly a server is and why it’s so important. I’ll answer five basic questions about servers, including how to buy the right server and keep it healthy. Read more →
The more your business’s IT system grows, the more you need an up-to-date network diagram. You or your IT services provider may need it in an urgent troubleshooting situation. And that’s only one of the five reasons to have a network diagram — especially if you’re not an IT expert. Read more →
Microsoft is retiring Windows 7 soon, and small businesses still using it are risking data breaches and deteriorating performance. Waiting until the last minute to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 could be risky. Instead, discover a smarter way to handle this and future upgrades. Read more →
Malware-packed phishing emails to small businesses are increasing — because they flat-out work. And the fallout for you and your customers can be catastrophic. Learn to spot typical phishing ploys, and follow four best practices to protect your business from phishing. Read more →
For an entrepreneur, a breakthrough product or service idea is the seed. Research makes it grow. Here’s how Twin Cities startups and small businesses can get professional help researching key business areas, plus some IT areas you’re probably wasting time trying to learn yourself. Read more →
Giant data breaches at giant corporations make headlines just about every month. But small businesses have become the favorite target of hackers. Fight back: Defend your small business’s IT network by following our annual 11-point IT security checklist. Read more →
It’s a seller’s market for Minnesota small businesses. But Andy Kocemba, who counsels small business sellers, says you can still leave big money on the table. Before putting your business on the market, answer four critical questions — one of which relates to your IT infrastructure. Read more →
Scheduling meetings can be tricky when you run a small business, especially when you include people from outside your business. If you use Microsoft Office, learn how to share your Outlook calendar. Here’s a quick guide, plus tips on two free apps that help you set up meetings quickly. Read more →
