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The world of information technology is constantly changing and evolving. How do you know when to implement new technology and when not to bother? It can be hard to keep up with evolving tech trends when you’re occupied with running your business. Winsor’s tech blog will keep you up to date with emerging trends and how they can help your business.  

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Defense Contractors, Sub-Contractors and CMMC Compliance

  Cybersecurity has become a top priority for governments, businesses, and individuals alike. New cyber-attacks are launched daily across all sectors, public and private. Cybersecurity has become a necessity for defense contractors, tasked with handling sensitive...

CUI- Controlled Unclassified Information and CMMC

Understanding CUI: A Vital Component of Information Security The Department of Defense (DoD) defines CUI as “Government-created or owned Unclassified information that allows for, or requires, safeguarding and dissemination controls in accordance with laws,...

Department of Defense and CMMC

The Department of Defense (DoD) and CMMC Digital vulnerabilities have made robust cybersecurity measures indispensable, especially within sectors handling sensitive information critical to national security. Recognizing this imperative, the Department of Defense (DoD)...

CMMC Checklist

CMMC 2.0 Checklist The Department of Defense has mandated contractors and subcontractors who handle Controlled Unclassified Information achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Navigating the process of readiness and achieving DOD cybersecurity...

Control AC L2-3.1.3 and Your CMMC Journey

Control AC L2-3.1.3: Safeguarding the Flow of CUI Safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is paramount. As organizations navigate the complexities of compliance frameworks like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, Control AC...

Securing CMMC 2.0 Requirements & Compliance

What is CMMC? The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Explained The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a program mandated by the Department of Defense (DoD) to verify the cybersecurity of its supply chain. All contractors and sub-contractors...

Beating Inflation: IT Cost-Cutting Tactics for 2023

Beating Inflation: IT Cost-Cutting Tactics for 2023

The economic narrative of 2023 has been largely dominated by the specter of inflation, an unwelcome guest that seems keen on overstaying its welcome. As it looms large over operational budgets, the spotlight is invariably thrown on the IT departments, often seen as...

iOS 16.6.1 and iPadOS 16.6.1: Everything You Need To Know

iOS 16.6.1 and iPadOS 16.6.1: Everything You Need To Know

In our fast-paced digital age, staying up-to-date with the latest software releases is crucial not only for experiencing the newest features but also for safeguarding the security of your device. Apple has introduced critical updates designed to address security...

Easy Fixes for Common Windows 11 Problems: A Winsor Guide

Easy Fixes for Common Windows 11 Problems: A Winsor Guide

Welcome back, tech enthusiasts, to another insightful blog post from Winsor, your leading managed services provider. Today, we have set our sights on Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft that's been making waves for its sleek design and advanced...

The Cybersecurity Mindset: Is Your MSP Looking Out For You?

The Cybersecurity Mindset: Is Your MSP Looking Out For You?

If your MSP says you're secure, do you believe them? The old "trust-fall" game comes to mind. If you close your eyes and fall back, is someone going to catch you? Or will you hit the ground and potentially hurt yourself as a result of too much trust? Digitally, we...

Windows 11 Screen Recorder: New Snippet Tool Update

Windows 11 Screen Recorder: New Snippet Tool Update

Windows 11 Screen Recorder New to the Snippet Tool: Here's How to Use It While a picture can convey a multitude of thoughts, a video can tell a compelling tale. Whether you are a teacher, content creator, student, or marketer, video is the medium of choice. With the...

How to Retrieve Lost Conversations in ChatGPT

How to Retrieve Lost Conversations in ChatGPT

Lost a Chat in ChatGPT? Don't Panic! Here's How to Retrieve ItIt appears as though OpenAI is aware of the chaos and is planning to restore previous chats. As of checking this morning, a new message appears (as seen in the image above) saying "Not seeing what you...

TikTok Cybersecurity Risks: What You Need to Know

TikTok Cybersecurity Risks: What You Need to Know

TikTok Cybersecurity Risks: What You Need to Know and How Winsor Can Help You Stay Safe     TikTok is undoubtedly one of the most popular social media apps in recent years, with millions of users sharing short-form videos on the platform every day. However, as...

How Do Managed Services Work?

How Do Managed Services Work?

How Managed Services Providers Can Help Your Business Run A common question is: "how do managed services work?" I couldn't tell you how many times I've tried to explain to someone what we do. I could only imagine needing IT Services and not having a solid...

DNS: The Internet’s Phone Book

DNS: The Internet’s Phone Book

What is DNS and How Does it Make the Internet Easier to Use? Have you ever wondered how you can access your favorite website just by typing its name in the address bar? Or how emails reach their destination? Understanding the role of DNS in the internet infrastructure...

Defending Against Quantum Computing Threats

Defending Against Quantum Computing Threats

US Government Preps for Quantum Computing Risks Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize many fields, but they also pose significant risks to the security of information. In response to these risks, the US government has been taking steps to prepare for...

How To Screenshot on Windows 10 and Windows 11 In 2023

How To Screenshot on Windows 10 and Windows 11 In 2023

For some reason, you may need to take a full or partial screenshot on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. You can just use the Windows built-in tools or keyboard shortcuts to do this work and it is very simple. In this post, Winsor Consulting will show you some...

Cyber Monday Scams & Tips

Cyber Monday Scams & Tips

What do companies have in common with cyber criminals? They're both preparing to bring in the cash this Cyber Monday. Online spending surged by nearly 25% last year, and it is expected to surge again this year. Cyber Monday brought in $10.8 billion just last year,...

Why You Should Update to iOS 16.2 As Soon As You Can

Why You Should Update to iOS 16.2 As Soon As You Can

Apple’s iOS 16.1.1 has just launched, but the next software version iOS 16.2 is in the beta stage, along with a new iOS 16.2 Rapid Security Response function. Late on Wednesday afternoon, Apple issued a small "Rapid Security Update" to Tuesday's iOS 16.2 beta — but...

What Are Co-Managed IT Services?

What Are Co-Managed IT Services?

As your organization grows, so does your need for technology, and a well-managed technology ecosystem is essential for any organization that plans to scale in the future. Many organizations find staying on top of current IT trends to be overwhelming, especially when...

Staying Safe Online

Staying Safe Online

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month A global effort to help everyone stay safe and protected when using technology whenever and however you connect. The theme for the month is "It’s easy to stay safe online" and Winsor Consulting is proud to be a Champion and...

What Are MSPs and How They Can Add Value to Your Business

What Are MSPs and How They Can Add Value to Your Business

What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)? A managed service provider (MSP) is a company that remotely manages and completes day-to-day services for businesses relating to IT systems. MSPs improve business operations by monitoring an organization’s servers, routers,...

10 Dark Web Facts You Need to See Right Now

10 Dark Web Facts You Need to See Right Now

Let These 10 Dark Web Facts (Not Hype) Inform Your Security Decisions  Dark web threats are growing increasingly more dangerous as a booming dark web economy drives cybercrime to new heights, setting records for phishing, hacking, and (of course) ransomware. This...

Why “Break-Fix” Is A Flawed Business Strategy

Why “Break-Fix” Is A Flawed Business Strategy

A very common question is “Why do I need to be on a managed IT plan? Can’t I just pay someone to come out and fix things when they’re broken?” While that’s a legitimate question if we were talking about your washing machine or car, that’s NOT the right approach to a...

How To Remove Windows Defender Security Warning Scam

How To Remove Windows Defender Security Warning Scam

The Windows Defender security warning that might randomly pop up on your screen while you’re browsing is a type of malware that wants you to trick into contacting scammers, also known as phishing. You can get infected with it by visiting a suspicious website, clicking...

Ignoring Two-Factor Authentication Is A Simple Mistake

Ignoring Two-Factor Authentication Is A Simple Mistake

It's a fact. Ignoring Two-Factor Authentication Is A Simple Mistake. A large number of people and businesses are missing out on a simple, effective online security solution by ignoring two-factor authentication (2FA/MFA). Two-Factor Authentication, also commonly known...

Are Cloud Phone Systems The Future?

Are Cloud Phone Systems The Future?

What is a Cloud Phone System? A cloud phone system is a phone service that allows you to make and receive calls over the internet. It uses VoIP technology, which means it connects your call through an internet connection rather than through an analog landline or...

Pentagon To Publish CMMC ‘interim rule’ by May 2023

Pentagon To Publish CMMC ‘interim rule’ by May 2023

CMMC Update! Big CMMC update out of the Pentagon! When CMMC 2.0 was released in late 2021, they stated this process was going to take 9-24 months. Everyone has been anxiously awaiting to find out if this timeline is still on track, and it sounds like it is! According...

Phishing Prevention: Don’t Let Hackers Lure You In

Phishing Prevention: Don’t Let Hackers Lure You In

At Winsor Consulting, we see Iowa businesses fall victim to phishing scams on a regular basis. And while we all would like to think we’d never fall for such schemes, cybercriminals are getting craftier in their approaches as time goes on. Imitating big brands like...

8 Convincing Reasons to Hire A Managed IT Services Provider in 2022

8 Convincing Reasons to Hire A Managed IT Services Provider in 2022

Managed IT service providers such as Winsor Consulting Group have been growing in popularity in the past couple of years and will continue to grow in years to come. The success of managed services has been outstanding as shown by Statistica: as of 2019, the market is...

Why Your Business Needs a Network Assessment

Why Your Business Needs a Network Assessment

A network assessment is a “check-up” of your network – all of your computers, servers, routers, printers, software, and users. Hardware is the backbone of your business and must be regularly maintained to prevent downtime. Did you know that 75% of SMB’s plan on...

A Digital Cleaning Is What Your Business Tech Needs

A Digital Cleaning Is What Your Business Tech Needs

Digital cleaning, such as checking for outdated technology, might be more impactful than you think. Recent statistics show that cybercrimes occur more frequently to those who are not updating and cleaning their systems. The U.S. Small Business Administration found...

Protect Your Loved Ones From Online Romance Scams

Protect Your Loved Ones From Online Romance Scams

When you hear “romance scam” you may think of a little old lady falling for the classic “Nigerian Prince” scam. But romance scams have become far more complex and difficult to recognize, adapting to today’s online dating landscape. With the popularity of platforms...

How to Include Cybersecurity Training in Employee Onboarding

How to Include Cybersecurity Training in Employee Onboarding

Bringing new employees up to speed on company policies and procedures, or employee onboarding is standard practice. The process covers topics like what’s expected in daily work, proper communication channels, and vacation and sick leave policies. In well-prepared...

22 Cybersecurity Statistics To Know For 2022

22 Cybersecurity Statistics To Know For 2022

As the rollercoaster of a ride that was 2021 comes to a close and we’re entering a more hopeful new year, we thought it apt to compile a list of impactful cybersecurity statistics that should help you stay at the top of your security and privacy game over the next 12...

Check Your Tech for Cybersecurity Benefits

Check Your Tech for Cybersecurity Benefits

Cybersecurity benefits are many. Safeguarding your business with strong cybersecurity is essential when it comes to ensuring sustainability — especially as hackers and cybercriminals become more audacious. Hackers no longer simply take your data. They use ransomware...

Tax Season 2022: Looking For IRS Scams and Phishing

Tax Season 2022: Looking For IRS Scams and Phishing

With the 2022 Tax Season approaching and the rise of IRS filings online, consumers should protect themselves against online identity theft and other IRS scams that increase during and linger after the filing season. Such scams may appropriate the name, logo, or other...

How Cybersecurity Works to Contain Your Privacy

How Cybersecurity Works to Contain Your Privacy

What Is Cyber Security and How Does It Work? Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, sensitive data, and networks from unauthorized access and harm. Such cyber-attacks are meant to steal information, change internal data, or destroy sensitive...

Productivity Tools Fueling the Quad Cities’ Modern Workforce

Productivity Tools Fueling the Quad Cities’ Modern Workforce

Small Businesses Are Maximizing Efficiencies with Technology As a Managed Services Provider in the Quad Cities, we specialize in matching innovative productivity tools with local small businesses. Outdated technology can not only pose security risks and affect staff...

Microsoft Teams – What’s Been Updated This Past Month

Microsoft Teams – What’s Been Updated This Past Month

December 2021 was yet another month packed with new updates for Microsoft Teams, including end-to-end encryption for Teams calls and a new 911 emergency calling location detection feature. December brought updates to Microsoft Teams meetings, chat, and collaboration,...

Checklist for Cyber Security Assessments

Checklist for Cyber Security Assessments

Are you in denial about cybersecurity? If you think you aren’t at risk because your business is too small or doesn’t have worthwhile data to steal, think again. Hackers know that information systems for small and medium businesses (SMBs) typically have weak security...

What is CMMC 2.0?

What is CMMC 2.0?

The basic premise of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is that by 2025 all contractors and subcontractors in DoD’s supply chain, with the exception of commercial-off-the-shelf product providers, would have to obtain a third-party certification of their...

Hackers Exploit Omicron Variant To Lure Users

Hackers Exploit Omicron Variant To Lure Users

Hackers are using Omicron Variant in phishing attempts. People are asked to be on high alert after the emergence of scam emails about the new Omicron Covid variant. Scammers are already sending fake emails about the new strain in an attempt to steal personal data and...

Critical Exploit in Apache Log4j Library

Critical Exploit in Apache Log4j Library

A critical exploit has been made public regarding Apache’s Log4j service which can be used to execute remote commands without authentication on devices that have JNDI Lookups enabled. This exploit has been given the term “Log4Shell” and all known systems that use...

Benefits Of Working With An MSP Provider

Benefits Of Working With An MSP Provider

Looking to learn more about the managed IT services business model, its origin, and benefits? You've come to the right place. Managed IT services allow businesses to delegate their IT operations to an expert third-party organization that specializes in handling these...

Emerging Technology in the Quad Cities: What You Need to Thrive

Emerging Technology in the Quad Cities: What You Need to Thrive

Remember when HAL from Space Odyssey made us all afraid of the potential evils of artificial intelligence? Ah, the innocence of 1968. Today, AI has transitioned into mainstream society, and the only thing we’re afraid of as business owners are not being agile enough...

Staying Safe While Shopping Online

Staying Safe While Shopping Online

Online Shopping Safety From the convenience of one-click ordering to the lure of next-day delivery, online shopping has grown tremendously in the past few years, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. But online shopping isn’t just convenient for us and good for businesses,...

CMMC 2.0 And What That Means

CMMC 2.0 And What That Means

CMMC 2.0 - What does this mean?   On Thursday, November 4, 2021, the DoD announced its plans for going forward with CMMC and some huge changes. What does this mean? The enhanced “CMMC 2.0” program maintains the program’s original goal of safeguarding sensitive...

Discover the Benefits of AI Cybersecurity Solutions in Iowa

Discover the Benefits of AI Cybersecurity Solutions in Iowa

TechRepublic reports that a midsized company gets alerts for more than 200,000 events and threats each day — far too many than even the most experienced team of human tech experts should be expected to handle. AI, or artificial intelligence, can provide a major...

Why A Career In Cybersecurity Might Be A Fit For You

Why A Career In Cybersecurity Might Be A Fit For You

Cybersecurity is one of the hottest sectors today, with new threats and challenges emerging each day. And with that, there is a huge push being undertaken by both business and education sectors to attract individuals toward a degree and career in cyber. Interested in...

#BeCyberSmart and Fight The Phish – Cybersecurity Awareness Month

#BeCyberSmart and Fight The Phish – Cybersecurity Awareness Month

From ransomware to SMS Malware, the cybersecurity space has been hectic more than it’s ever been over the last 12-24 months. However, for all the emerging threats and news that are cropping up on the horizon, phishing—one of the oldest pain points in cybersecurity—is...

Create Strong Passwords To Prevent Yourself From Cybercrime 2022

Create Strong Passwords To Prevent Yourself From Cybercrime 2022

Let's get you a quality password.  Did you know, 60% of business-related passwords fail to meet the bare minimum requirements? It's a harsh reality that can cost your business unnecessary losses. There are multiple ways to create strong passwords to prevent yourself...

My IT Support Is OK, But What If I Want More?

My IT Support Is OK, But What If I Want More?

My IT Support Is OK, But What If I Want More?   As humans, change can be challenging. Therefore, we end up in a bank that gives us less than ideal rates. Or continue to set foot on the same uneven paving slab without taking action. Change takes effort. But...

Useful Tips For Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Useful Tips For Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Now in its 18th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month—previously known as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month—continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our Nation, ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer...

Ransomware Attacks in Iowa: How to Identify and Prevent Them

Ransomware Attacks in Iowa: How to Identify and Prevent Them

Most ransomware attacks are initiated by organized crime, according to Clear Data. Tony Soprano, anyone? When you think about it, it’s really no different than a shakedown. But instead of Soprano strong-arming you in an alley to extort your money, cybercriminals...

The iOS 15 Privacy Settings You Should Change Right Now

The iOS 15 Privacy Settings You Should Change Right Now

Apple’s iOS 15 has dropped. The latest version of the mobile operating system, and its iPad equivalent iOS 15.5, is rolling out around the world. Apple made the download available after announcing the iPhone 13 at its annual hardware event last week. Even before it...

How To Snooze Microsoft Teams Outside Of Business Hours

How To Snooze Microsoft Teams Outside Of Business Hours

Enjoy Some Free Time – Snooze Microsoft Teams Outside Of Business Hours We all love our mobile phones… arguably a little too much. Let’s take control of your Teams notifications so you can make sure your work doesn’t interfere with personal time. Let's help you snooze...

Defend Your Assets with Cybersecurity Training in Iowa

Defend Your Assets with Cybersecurity Training in Iowa

Most data breaches start with an email. But it’s no regular email. 67% of data breaches are due to attacks like phishing, according to Verizon’s 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report. Knowledge obtained from cybersecurity training for Iowa is the most critical tool...

Phishing Prevention: Don’t Let Hackers Lure You In

Phishing Prevention: Don’t Let Hackers Lure You In

At Winsor Consulting, we see Iowa businesses fall victim to phishing scams on a regular basis. And while we all would like to think we’d never fall for such schemes, cybercriminals are getting craftier in their approaches as time goes on. Imitating big brands like...

How IT Consulting Can Help You Maximize Your Budget

How IT Consulting Can Help You Maximize Your Budget

The world is constantly changing. Profound shifts in consumer expectations demand that companies across all industries deploy new technologies that serve to maintain business continuity and optimize critical operations. Did you know that more than 80 percent of...

3 Cybersecurity Solutions That Can Help Avoid Costly Downtime

3 Cybersecurity Solutions That Can Help Avoid Costly Downtime

No matter what industry you’re in, your business likely depends on a wide variety of online communications and services. From virtual chat software to customer-facing support systems, losing network access could leave your company scrambling to deal with a plethora of...

3 Ways Cloud Services Can Reduce Your Overhead Costs

3 Ways Cloud Services Can Reduce Your Overhead Costs

With a global return to the office quickly approaching, the CEOs of the world’s most influential companies are carefully planning what a return to ‘normal’ will look like. According to the 2021 CEO Outlook Pulse Survey, more than half (69%) of companies plan to build...

How to Drive Remote Work Engagement

How to Drive Remote Work Engagement

Workforce engagement is crucial for every business type and is especially important for companies that offer work-from-home options. According to Gartner, 88 percent of organizations moved employees over to work-from-home after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. With...

3 Ways to Leverage Your Technology in 2021

3 Ways to Leverage Your Technology in 2021

Every investment you make for your company should be made with confidence. While it’s hard to be sure which new technologies have staying power over others, one thing remains certain – your employees will always need to communicate and collaborate. Whether your team...

The Dos and Don’ts of Communications

The Dos and Don’ts of Communications

Do you have staff working remotely for the foreseeable future? It would be nice to ensure your entire team could collaborate efficiently, no matter how far apart they work. Don't you wish there was an easy way to make it work? The secret is excellent communication...

The Top Three Reasons You Need Compliance as a Service

The Top Three Reasons You Need Compliance as a Service

Compliance as a Service (CaaS) is an easy way to ensure you’re adhering to the government’s constantly changing regulations without all the fuss of handling things in-house. Staying HIPAA and PCI compliant is one of the most important things you can do to protect your...

3 Bonus Benefits of a Disaster Recovery Plan

3 Bonus Benefits of a Disaster Recovery Plan

What would you do if you encountered a fire, flood, ransomware, data breach, accidental file deletion or really, any disaster? Your entire systems could crash, your data could be compromised, and your employees and customers would be looking to you for answers....

Data Backup Essentials: A COVID-19 Checklist

Data Backup Essentials: A COVID-19 Checklist

Businesses around the world are reexamining their business continuity plans in the wake of COVID-19, and that includes checking in on your organization’s policies surrounding data backup essentials. While you probably have methods for preventing data loss due to human...

Don’t Wait Until After an Attack to Protect Yourself

Don’t Wait Until After an Attack to Protect Yourself

From uniformed employees to cybercriminals, your digital business is constantly being threatened. Are you prepared for when that threat becomes an attack? Having a watchful eye on your information and having a plan in place if you are comprised is at the heart of...