The convergence of law and technology is reshaping traditional legal practices. Staying ahead of the curve is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. Legal IT is experiencing transformative trends that will redefine the way law firms operate, deliver services, and interact with clients. In this blog post, we explore three trends shaping the future of […]
We all know how frustrating it is when our computers are running slowly. In today’s high-tech, fast-paced world, if we have to wait more than a couple of seconds for something on our computers to load, we get frustrated and feel like we’re wasting our time.
Your trade association plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and advocating for your members’ common interests. As your association relies more on technology to meet these aims, it becomes a prime target for cyber threats. Cybersecurity is not just a technical concern but a vital aspect of preserving trust and integrity. […]
Strategic IT integration is essential to your association’s core functions. Technology enhances operational efficiency, fosters member engagement, and contributes valuable resources and data to your industry. Yet, more importantly, how can your association evolve through technological innovation? Adapting technology to address changing trends and demographics affecting your stakeholders should be a part of your […]
As the year draws to a close, it’s crucial for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to assess and optimize their IT infrastructure. Effective IT service management ensures security, productivity, and future growth. To help you wrap up 2023 on a high note, the Focus Data Solutions team has compiled a comprehensive End-Year IT Service […]
Technology is always evolving. Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) must adapt to stay competitive. As we approach 2024, we cannot overstate the importance of updating your SMB IT strategy plan. Technological advancements, cybersecurity threats, and changing client expectations all contribute to the need for a strategic IT strategy review. Here are five compelling reasons why […]
Focus Data Solutions offers a technologically complete security stack that protects our clients’ networks from most security threats. However, cutting edge technology cannot guard against the greatest threat to an IT network: people. Human beings make mistakes and can easily be misled in a way that could jeopardize your company. We encourage all our clients […]
Email is an integral part of our personal and professional lives. However, email communication also comes with its fair share of data security challenges, one of which is the persistent issue of phishing emails. Despite the presence of advanced spam filters, many users still find themselves wondering: “If I have spam filtering, why do […]
When is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? October 2023 is the 20th anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This event is a collaboration between the U.S. government and private industry to raise awareness about digital security and to encourage everyone to protect their personal data from digital forms of crime. As a managed services provider (MSP), we want […]
Choosing the right managed services partner (MSP) is a critical decision that impacts the support and functionality of your company’s IT infrastructure. Help desk services are a vital part of that relationship. Take time to evaluate your team’s help desk needs before committing to an MSP agreement. Here are some key factors to consider when […]
A business backup and disaster recovery (BDR) plan is essential to any managed services program. Your managed services provider (MSP) can help you manage and maintain your (BDR) plan to ensure that in the event of an emergency or disaster, you can access your computer systems and files in as little as 15 minutes, depending […]
During Focus Data Solutions’ July All Staff Week, our team conducted a roundtable about the hottest topic in IT, artificial intelligence (AI). What are the benefits of AI for our small and medium sized (SMB) clients? Are there potential security risks involved? We’re sharing our insights here to offer you an introduction to AI for […]
We’re happy to introduce you to three new members of the IT Solutions team. In just a few short weeks, Hammad, Gerard and Carrington have made great contributions to our team. (Congratulations to Gerard, who took home the trophy during our All-Staff Week Ticket Challenge!) Hammad Farrukh, Configuration Specialist Hammad will be working on […]
Small business owners are quickly overwhelmed trying to keep up with the ever-changing world of technology. Outsourcing IT management to a professional managed services provider (MSP) can help alleviate the stress of overseeing your own IT infrastructure. Here are five benefits to consider as you contemplate IT outsourcing for your company. An IT Team at […]
One of the lesser-understood elements of a small business IT security strategy is the role of understanding email encryption. As a business owner, you know the word encryption. But, if someone asked you if your team encrypts emails or if email encryption is part of your email policy, are you able to answer confidently, or […]
An essential element of your company’s IT strategy is a multi-year budget forecast. An IT budget planning forecast enables organizations to schedule IT investments and expenses based on specific business goals and objectives. Proactively managing your IT budget on a regular basis may also help to reduce costs, standardize equipment, and improve company productivity through […]
Focus Data Solutions’ team came together for its first “All Staff Week” at the end of March for five days of training and team building. The Focus Data Solutions staff works in a hybrid model. Most employees work for two days in-office and three days on remote. This model was adopted to enable our team […]
Onboarding a new team member consists of a lot of moving parts. You want your new employee to be ready to go on his or her start date. A set up laptop is key to a great experience. Here are five tips for working with our IT Team to help your co-worker have a terrific […]
In today’s technology-based society, a common misconception is that moving a company’s IT network to the cloud creates an impenetrable, secure computing environment. Nothing could be further from the truth. As with all developing and emerging technology, there are ever-present cloud security risks. In this case, the cloud may present as many security risks as […]
You’ve started your own business! Congratulations! Launching a company is exciting. There are so many decisions to make. What IT to use may be daunting. If your small or medium-sized business (SMB) is growing and you are hiring employees, it’s time to plan beyond your personal laptop to create an efficient, secure IT network with […]
According to technology and consulting firm Analysys Mason, small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) will spend more than $1.45 trillion on IT in 2023. This spending represents a 6% growth over 2022. What’s driving this investment? While thoughts of a recession swirl, many SMBs, having weathered the pandemic, feel confident about their businesses. They are […]
Before hackers, phishing, and ransomware, it was simple to get cyber insurance. You would answer a few questions, fill out a form, select some coverage, and then, bibbidi-bobbidi-boo, you had cyber insurance. Those days are long gone. Obtaining cyber insurance is a wearisome task, and we all have cybercrime to thank. Data breaches, phishing, and […]
If you’ve purchased or renewed cyber insurance lately, especially if you own a small business (SMB) the chance is good that you’ve been asked about multi-factor authentication (MFA). As cyber-attacks evolve in scope and complexity, the IT industry continues to adapt security stack layers, including multi-factor authentication. This type of security is an essential […]
CEOs and small/medium-sized business owners (SMBs) alike often look sideways at the idea of a regular IT assessment. They cite the cost and question a loss of staff productivity. On the contrary, an IT assessment is an investment in your company and its future success. An IT assessment offers your organization a look at the […]
For many business owners, IT budgeting is one of the more challenging tasks in the financial planning process. It requires strategic thinking about business initiatives and the hardware, software, and services needed to support the company’s goals. Calculating and managing costs for cybersecurity, compliance, network management, and even laptop purchases can be overwhelming. Technology is […]
From small retail establishments to law firms to construction companies and beyond, companies of all types rely upon IT networks and the data they keep to support their work. Offering a proactive, defined set of IT services on a contractual basis, managed service providers (MSPs)–such as Focus Data Solutions– help organizations achieve the reliable, secure, […]
With remote working becoming the norm, cybercriminals are targeting remote assets. Malbytes “Enduring from Home” stated that more than 20% of responding firms dealt with a security breach because of a remote worker. Phishing and ransomware attacks are now a standard occurrence. Criminals target both large and small firms to gain access to sensitive data. […]
Professional managed services providers (MSPs) can sometimes seem invisible. Much of our valuable work is done remotely, “behind the curtain,” unbeknownst to the end-user. Happy end-users mean we’re doing our job – keeping your team productive and connected. It’s easy to forget what strong, service-oriented, managed services firms do to keep your networks running and […]
Historically, a firewall referred to the fire-retardant material placed within the walls of adjacent row houses or the metal sheet between your feet and your automobile engine. Today, a firewall is most known as a crucial part of an IT network that is integrated into the security protocols. What is a Firewall? A firewall protects […]
There is a prevailing myth that IT professionals are more effective if they are physically in front of a technical issue. From twenty years of IT service, our team will attest that an on-site visit is not always in the client’s interest. Given the technology available, a remotely administered solution is often the best course. […]
We took note of the laptop theft stories from the January 6th attack on the Capitol. A perceived sense of security left the IT assets and information of the US Congress vulnerable. Let us use this experience to remind small business owners to protect their own IT assets. Small and mid-sized businesses often do not […]
To mark Focus Data Solutions’ 20th year in business, Page and I reflected on the ideas we had when we launched the company. We started in a whirlwind of opportunity and serendipity. Very little was standard, or the way business experts said we should do it. One of the things we did do was establish […]
The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a world that is almost unrecognizable. Many are working from home or remote locations. The structure and resources of an established office are being reimagined in different ways for a remote workforce. Successfully managed IT is even more important as we all use technology to connect with staff, complete work […]
When COVID took hold in early March, everyone ran home to work. The Focus Data Solutions crew went to DEFCON 1. We helped 40+ client teams to transition to a remote work environment in about one work week. How were we able to do this so quickly? Largely because you have trusted us with your […]
I am happy to introduce you to Edward Koch, IT Solutions Specialist, the newest member of our team! Edward, or Ed, started work on July 27th. He is joining us at a time of “firsts.” He is our first new hire during a pandemic. He is our first employee to experience a remote employee orientation […]
Our team is proud to announce that we’ve been named one of the world’s premier managed service providers (MSP) on the 2020 annual Channel Futures MSP501 rankings. The MSP501 is the world’s first and largest survey and ranking of MSP providers. The listing recognizes the firms for their innovation, business acumen, strategic savvy, and […]
By Edward McKenna, Project Manager How safe is your infrastructure when a large weather event is forecasted? Do you have a proper disaster recovery plan to mitigate everything from small morning power outage to a flood? For most, having a server in the cloud reduces some of the inherent challenges but what about your onsite […]
Griff Jones, Principal Engineer The statistics are staggering. According to Mimecast’s , “The State of Email Security Report 2019” 94% of organizations surveyed experienced phishing attacks, 67% saw an increase in impersonation/business email compromise attacks and 71% suffered an email attack where malicious activity was spread from one infected user to other employees. Email is […]
By Page Moon, CIO In today’s business world, employees are frequently working remotely, traveling, or utilizing offsite co-location facilities to get work done in ever-increasingly complicated professional and personal schedules. This has forced an increased use of VPN’s, or Virtual Private Networks. There are several, basic “best practices” that all businesses should follow if granting […]
Small Business IT Network Security: It’s Not Just About the Firewall We will never talk about this enough. Network security is not an “optional” service. Sadly, many small businesses cut corners in the security arena to save money. The common refrain we hear is “We’re so small. No one will pay attention to us.” WRONG. […]
Our team put their heads together to come up with ten IT resolutions we would make for our clients and their staffs. These are good, common-sense resolutions that anyone with a computer can take to heart. We wish you all a very happy holiday and a happy technology New Year. I resolve to store my […]
Four Reasons to Stop Storing Files on Your Computer’s Local Hard Drive By: Jasmine Bazemore, IT Solutions Manager, Focus Data Solutions It’s an all too familiar story. You want your files to be your files. You don’t want multiple versions of files. You don’t want other people using your files. You fear you won’t be […]
By: Michael Harris, IT Solutions Specialist, Focus Data Solutions Sometimes slow WiFi speed can be difficult to troubleshoot. Like any problem, it requires the assessment of several variables, some of which aren’t always obvious. Environmental interference, proximity to the WiFi device, available bandwidth, administrative configurations, and more can all have an impact on how fast […]
By: Page W. Moon, CIO, Focus Data Solutions Let’s face it. Business-grade computers are expensive. Our instinct is to want to get as much use out of them as possible. Many companies replace an outdated, out of warranty computer (See last month’s post on that topic), only to store it in a closet for that […]
By: Page W. Moon, CIO, Focus Data Solutions One of the most common questions IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are asked, is “Do I need to replace my computer that is out of warranty.” As an MSP, our recommendation is, yes, if it is financially feasible. To help understand why this is our recommendation, let’s […]
By: John Patton, Director of Managed Services, Focus Data Solutions As CNBC reported on October 13, 2019, new studies by insurance carrier Hiscox indicate that 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small business, but only 14% are prepared to deal with such an attack. Additionally, these attacks are costing small business, on average, $200,000 and […]
By: Dakena Harper, Client Services Coordinator, Focus Data Solutions You’re having an issue with your computer. Needing help, you submit a service request to your help desk support team. The computer issue is not stopping your work, but it’s an issue that you’d like addressed. Your IT team has acknowledged your request and offers you […]
By: Edward McKenna, Project Manager, Focus Data SolutionsOffice moves are always a big deal. Coordinating spaces, people, furniture and the bevy of other details can make even the most organized office managers a little crazy. Transitioning your IT infrastructure from one location to another doesn’t have to be a stress factor. Here are six tips to help you prepare for the move.
If you haven’t already decided for yourself that cybersecurity is important for even the smallest businesses, let me restate a few facts..
David Okocha, IT Specialist, Focus Data Solutions For those who travel for work, accessing a hotel’s WIFI is usually a simple process. But, connecting to your corporate VPN can be a very different matter.
Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. For those still running Windows 7, it’s time to consider your options.
Alicia Key’s eternal question “How Come You Don’t Call Me” is a common refrain for many help desk professionals. Think back to your high school days. Do you remember the drama? “Why hasn’t she called?” “I hope he texts back!” “What did I do wrong?”
By now, a month into the new year, a vast majority of people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions. Whether those resolutions were unrealistic or over-ambitious, or because there’s no real motivation to stick to them, there’s always a reason why we tend to lose our resolve. But it’s never too late to […]
We all know how frustrating it is when our computers are running slowly. In today’s high-tech, fast-paced world, if we have to wait more than a couple of seconds for something on our computers to load, we get frustrated and feel like we’re wasting our time.
For businesses looking to protect their networks and data, it's important to ensure that employees are aware of the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and educated on the risks of over-sharing and over-trusting online.
It’s more important than ever that small businesses know the risks and employ effective strategies to protect themselves and their customers from cybercrime.
Simply put, an effective email policy will encourage positive, productive communications while protecting a company from legal liability, reputation damage, and security breaches.
Another health care debate is raging in Washington. It's been tough going for efforts to "repeal and replace" Obamacare. No surprise there.
Are you following the net neutrality debate? Perhaps you've heard about it and sense the passion surrounding it, but are not quite sure what is at stake. Read our post here to get caught up to speed.
The election of a new administration has made the fate of many regulations uncertain. We've been following the status of and debate surrounding a number of proposed regulations that impose new requirements on small businesses. Developments in recent days related to overtime, retirement planning, and employee definitions warrant an update.
There's been a lot of activity around rules governing individuals' Internet privacy - a new bill introduced last week may shake things up. Here's where we stand.
By 2025, Millennials will make up 75% of all employees. You need to ensure your workplace meets modern expectations. Here's how.
3 new initiatives highlight some of the ways the federal government is trying to assist small businesses to adapt to the ever-changing cyberthreat landscape.
A new report reveals that 81% of hacking-related data breaches can be traced to weak and/or stolen passwords. Are you doing what you can to protect yourself and your business?
As businesses adapt to technological change and generational differences in the workforce, policies should be updated to ensure business communications are professional and secure.
Human Resources (HR) technology may provide solutions for small firms looking to build stronger teams and solve other business problems.
Does your business have a plan if your reputation is put on the line? Here are some tips from experts on how to prepare for and respond to a crisis.
At tax time, there are plenty of scam artists who view the annual ritual of filing tax returns as an opportunity to trick and defraud taxpayers.
Consumers are not powerless. There are steps individuals can take to protect their privacy online.
Shadow IT exists in most offices. It refers to technology that employees use for business purposes, but which is not sanctioned by the IT department. Is it lurking in your office?
For business owners who are inclined to leave the IT headaches to someone else, managed services companies provide an option to consider.
81% of small businesses feel the government should do more to stop cyberattacks. Here are a variety of federal resources available to small firms that may prove useful.
Since January, there's been quite a bit of regulatory activity across government. If you haven't been following it closely, we've got the lay of the land.
Not all "saves" are equal. Your hard work may be lost if your saved document is stored in the wrong place.
Email is cybercriminals' favorite tool to lure their victims into their traps. Here's how to avoid it.
Three legislative efforts that we reported on last year have been resurrected since January 3rd. Here's what's happening.
Conducting effective exit interviews with employees can provide valuable information to improve an organization, including its human resources.
It is time to rethink how we manage passwords as individuals and as business people. We need to reevaluate password change theory and password best practices as we strive to create a safer business environment.
The Internet of Things (IoT) are connected devices that utilize the internet to communicate. While small businesses are incorporating IoT devices into their day-to-day business, the risks are also high.
Law firms are one of the most attractive targets for cybercriminals. They have a treasure trove of information that has value and can be sold for financial gain. There is a high need for law firm information security policies.
Cyberthreats loom large, and businesses of all sizes are at risk. Small and medium-sized businesses are the victims of 62% of cyberattacks. While the costs of recovering are significant for large businesses, they can be devastating for small companies. One solution is cyber liability insurance.
Last week, we reported on the ominous trends for increased cyberthreats in 2017. We encouraged businesses to review their cybersecurity strategies..
Stories of high profile cyberattacks were plentiful in 2016 and 2017 cybersecurity prediction is that this will continue. Experts predict those threats will grow in 2017. While we may hear more in the news..
In addition to these legislative achievements, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) and a number of reforms to benefit small federal contractors were signed into law during the 114th Congress, as previously reported by TECHPol.
From a business perspective, there are many benefits to utilizing the cloud. But is it a viable IT option for Small Businesses?
There's still plenty of time to find the perfect gift, and we have a dozen suggestions for you. These smart gifts are the best tech gifts from 2016, sure to impress, and contain options to fit any budget.
It is 36% more costly for small businesses to comply with regulation than their large competitors. A lower regulatory burden could, it seems, boost the economy and jobs. But how easy is it to roll back regulations and reverse a previous administration's policies?
There are few things more critical to our day-to-day than our smart phone. Here are the signs of a hacked phone and suggestions for what you can do about it.
For local businesses, it is a corporate responsibility to ensure that the communities in which we operate are strong and healthy. Here are the benefits of company community service.
It's almost Halloween, and some people are enjoying the "thrill" of being frightened. However, we are betting that these scary tech stories aren't the kind of fun you're seeking. Our message to you is, "BEWARE!"
For small businesses, each addition to the team makes a big impact. It's important that each team member pulls his weight and fits into the company's culture. Here are six tips on hiring for small businesses.
Let's step back and assess what the risks of mischief truly are during a U.S. election.
A strong culture has many benefits; a damaged culture can wreak havoc. It's important to understand your company's culture - not just on paper, but in practice.
Many Americans save for retirement through an employer-provided plan. So how can legislators and regulators expand the availability of retirement options through employers?
Congress moved forward on three bills that seek to prevent behaviors that prey on consumers who are using technology.
When phishing is done via short message service (SMS) or text message, it is known as SMiShing. These attacks are quite effective. Here's what you can do.
It's never too late to focus on worker appreciation, and we have some suggestions about how to recognize your company's employees for all of their hard work.
Individuals and businesses are increasingly utilizing social media to present themselves to others, as well as to gather information. According to Statista, 78% of the United States population has a social networking profile.
It's back-to-school season and a good time to think about how your company is educating employees about cybersecurity. TECHPol has discussed the high incidence of cyberbreaches related to employee errors and the importance of training your staff.
The challenge of providing health care coverage to employees is not new for small businesses. Small employers typically face higher health care costs (8-18% higher than large employers), volatile premiums, and more administrative effort to provide this important benefit.
The Pokémon Go phenomenon has attracted more daily users than Twitter, and the game app has been downloaded 100 million times. For the few of us who have not embraced the game with reckless abandon, it still may have piqued our interest.
The great news for small businesses in today’s economy is that the options for small business financing are many. Bootstrapping a business with personal money, using credit cards, and asking friends and family for help are still..
No matter if you are starting a new business or have been in business for a while, there are three business technology decisions you should make now and review annually.
You are opening your own small business. Congratulations! It's an exhilarating ride. Starting from your original idea, to the business plan, to financing, location, permits - you're inundated with details and decisions.
As a small company, you might be resigned to regulation as a necessary cost of doing business. You appreciate the rules designed to keep bad actors out of your industry and you support protecting consumer health and safety.
Summer is here and hopefully you’re planning to get away. Even though vacation is supposed to be your time to disconnect, we know you’ll have moments when you want to check in — email, Facebook, or maybe even paying bills. But, will you have ready and secure access to the internet? Perhaps you’ll be tempted […]
There’s a bit of a joke among IT technicians surrounding the effectiveness of a reboot to resolve seemingly random computer issues. A reboot is essentially turning off and restarting your computer to reload the software.
An IT assessment conjures different images for different people. Some business owners see dollar signs and no real benefit to themselves or their companies. Others picture a great exercise, but can’t quite see how to fit an assessment into an already full schedule. A few may simply wonder what is an IT assessment? Let’s start […]
Let’s face it, some of us are technologically inclined and fascinated by the latest and greatest gadgets, apps, and social media fads. Others among us are reluctant adopters, who only use the technology we need to get by in a modern world, keep our jobs, and communicate with a younger generation. For those who identify […]
There’s been some activity of late around efforts to pass a federal data breach law. Since 2005, the United States Congress has been trying to pass legislation to set a federal standard for what should occur when a business is hacked and sensitive personal information is stolen. Meanwhile, 47 states have passed their own laws […]
The Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposal to change the rules on who is eligible for overtime pay has been finalized and published in the Federal Register. During the development of these new regulations, TECHPol has been keeping you up to date (see blog post: Five Things to Know About New Overtime Rules). The new rules represent significant […]
Last month, there was a congressional hearing to examine the Best and Worst Places to Work in the Federal Government. The Office of Personnel Management actually takes an annual survey of Federal workers, and a non-profit group uses the data to provide rankings of agencies. This is valuable data for organizations, in both the public and […]
A recent survey of small businesses indicates significant concerns about the regulatory climate and its effect on business growth and hiring. More than 750 small retailers responded to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation in December and January, which was released last week. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed believe government regulation has increased, […]
The consequences of a cyberattack on a business of any size can be rather dire. The question for businesses is not really whether they will be attacked, but rather how and when. Considering that the incidents of known cyberattacks increased 38% from 2014 to 2015, that the cost of an attack to an average American […]
Hospitals have been the high-profile target of several recent attacks by cybercriminals who take a computer’s or network’s files hostage and demand a payment to restore access. The weapon used is a type of malware (malicious software) that is aptly called ransomware. Hospitals are good targets from the criminals’ perspective because not only are lives […]
What’s more valuable: individual privacy or society’s security? It’s not a new debate, but it’s one that is getting a lot of attention in Washington of late. The battle between the FBI and Apple over accessing a terrorist’s iPhone has highlighted the tension between the oft competing goods of protecting society from harm and protecting […]
Have you been surprised by a large mobile service bill or do you wonder why you pay so much for slow Internet at home? New labels designed to give you straight-forward information about your mobile and fixed broadband services and associated charges may solve the mystery. On April 4th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced […]
The Department of Labor (DOL) has been busy. In previous posts, TECHPol has discussed some of the DOL’s recent proposals on overtime, joint-employer status, and minimum wage, among other new rules. On March 24th, the DOL published yet another regulation; this one would increase disclosure of the arrangements businesses make with attorneys or third-party consultants to persuade employees related to […]
It’s hard to imagine a worse nightmare for a small business than having their bank account drained by a thief and finding out there’s no recourse, yet that scenario is becoming more common. The FBI reports that Business Email Compromises (BEC) where criminals steal from business accounts using email scams rose 270% from January to […]
The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed significant changes to overtime rules. (See blog post: Five Things to Know About New Overtime Rules). Under the DOL proposal, published in July 2015, some 5 million more workers will qualify to be paid “time and a half” for working more than 40 hours a week. The DOL’s proposal would increase […]
Ten thousand Americans retire each day. There are significant societal implications if they are financially ill-prepared for their golden years, which makes retirement security an important topic of public policy debate. One of the easiest ways to encourage individuals to save is by offering retirement plans in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor […]
The last year of a president’s term is often a time of increased regulatory activity. (See blog post: 2016 Small Business Forecast: A Flurry of Federal Reglations) While regulations are proposed to address problems — real or perceived — there is always a cost involved. Ideally the benefit justifies the cost, but it’s hard to strike […]
TECHPol regularly posts information about how to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime. We hope you take it to heart and implement some of our suggestions on how to protect your personal information and that of your company. In a couple of our posts, we’ve talked about how humans are often the source of vulnerability […]
Some of us are early adopters of new technology and some of us are a few steps behind, but we are all living in a world where wireless communication is becoming more ingrained in our daily lives. TECHPol has discussed the evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) (See Blog: The Internet of Things Explosion: Will […]
There’s a move afoot among legislators on the national, state, and local levels to require companies to provide a minimum amount of paid leave. President Obama is a vocal advocate of the policy, and statehouses and city councils, like those in Maryland and the District of Columbia, are debating the costs and benefits of legally […]
As part of the President’s push to cement his policy legacy in his final year in office (see blog: 2016 Small Business Forecast: A Flurry of Federal Regulations), his administration proposed a new rule last week designed to fight pay disparity in the workplace. The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) rule will require companies to report pay information based […]
We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating, and time and again the evidence confirms it: employees are a significant threat to your organization’s cybersecurity. (See blog post: What’s the Biggest Cybersecurity Threat? Employees.) It’s not that they want to sabotage their employer necessarily, but the reality is that they are often the culprits of security breaches. […]
The Federal government is pushing ahead with efforts to hold more businesses accountable for worker welfare, even if they do not directly control or supervise those workers. That means businesses need to pay closer attention to who is considered an “employee” and how those employees are being treated. TECHPol has been following the Administration’s recent joint-employer […]
In June, amidst great controversy, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) finalized its rules to provide an “open Internet” or “net neutrality.” For anyone concerned with Internet access and speed (who isn’t?), this is an important policy debate. (See blog: Net Neutrality: The Big Event on June 12th for a summary of the issues). A lawsuit questioning […]
It seems logical that a good way to prevent cyberattacks is to share information about the tactics of cybercriminals. If potential victims band together to fight cybercrime, there should be a better chance of thwarting it. That’s the idea behind a new law that encourages businesses to share information about cyberthreats with the federal government. TECHPol has […]
While we were all trying to wind down from work and focus on the holidays, Congress, in its traditional year-end frenzy, passed some significant legislation. A $1.1 trillion budget bill and $620 billion tax bill were signed into law. Several provisions of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act will benefit small businesses. Here are five […]
You know you need to protect your technology from cyberthreats and keep it updated as a best business practice, but it may not be at the top of your priority list or maybe it just seems too daunting a task. But wouldn’t it be nice to start 2016 in tip-top tech shape and have some […]
The end-of-year rush doesn’t refer only to holiday shopping and party planning. In Washington, the government is also rushing to meet year-end deadlines. Many eyes are on Congress to see if budget issues can be worked out to avoid a government shutdown, among other loose ends that need to be wrapped up before Congress adjourns […]
OK, you’ve recovered from turkey, family, and travel — now it’s time to shop! If you are not among the 20 percent who finished their holiday shopping in November (wow), don’t despair. You are in good company and, as always, Focus Data Solutions is here to help. FDS staff put together our wish list to […]
On November 17, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 was sent to the President to be signed into law. The bill includes several federal contracting reforms to help small businesses. We previewed some of these reforms after the House passed its version of the bill back in June (see blog: A Fair Shake for Small Business: Five […]
The majority of cybersecurity incidents can be attributed to employee error, according to a March 2015 CompTIA study. Risky employee behavior and inadequate cybersecurity training by employers are largely to blame. With cybercrime on the rise and the cost of a breach averaging $38,000 for a small business, workforce education is a wise investment. […]
Providing quality employee benefits is an important way for businesses to compete for top-notch talent. But for small businesses, the cost and complexity around offering good benefits can drain scarce resources. Only 51 percent of U.S. workers in firms with less than 100 employees have access to retirement benefits and less than 70 percent of […]
Last week, the Senate took a long-awaited vote in support of legislation to fight cybercrime. The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) was passed by a vote of 74 to 21. In short, the bill would facilitate sharing of information about cyberthreats between the private sector and government. The strong vote of support belies what was […]
Online reviews have become important tools for consumers, businesses and the marketplace. Recent surveys show that more than two-thirds of consumers use online reviews to make purchasing decisions, and 88% give the same weight to online reviews as a personal recommendation. Negative online reviews can cost businesses their reputation, sales, and competitiveness. The response to […]
Cybercrime is growing and the threat is changing. Even businesses that wisely invest in cyberdefenses are not impenetrable. In addition to having a good plan to prevent an attack, businesses need a plan to respond if one should occur. (see blog: Cybercrime: The Event That Could Shut Down Your Business in 6 Months) This is true […]
Slowly, the U.S. market has been adopting upgraded credit card technology. The new technology uses a chip instead of a magnetic stripe to conduct in-person payment transactions via credit or debit card. The static information on a magnetic stripe can be duplicated and used by criminals fairly easily, while the chip creates a unique identifier […]
Federal contractors have become the guinea pigs for testing out labor and social policies. Since 2009, federal contractors (and subcontractors) have been the target of some 13 Executive Orders and 16 related federal regulations. While the intent of many of these policies is arguably good, the compliance requirements and related costs make it harder to […]
Ever heard of the “Internet of Things” (IoT)? If not, you’re in good company. Even if you don’t know the term, you are likely familiar with some of the products that comprise it: the Fitbit you’re wearing, your neighbor’s security system that he controls with his smart phone, and the fancy new trash cans downtown […]
A big decision at the end of August has the potential to change numerous business relationships and models. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decided to significantly expand the definition of “joint employer” to encompass more business relationships that will offer increased opportunities for workers to collectively bargain for improved working conditions. Companies that are […]
On August 24th, a federal appeals court decided that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has the authority to bring enforcement action against a company for lax cybersecurity policies. Indeed, the FTC has pursued more than 50 data security cases against businesses. So, what does a company need to do to stay off of FTC’s radar […]
Congress returns to Washington this week to a full plate of legislative items, including a number that have deadlines. Here’s a quick overview of the agenda: BUDGET: September 30th marks the end of the fiscal year and the deadline for Congress to come up with a plan to fund the government beginning October 1. The big […]
We’ve been hearing a lot in the news about the misuse by government employees of work or official email. (Think: fomer Secretary of State, Ms. Lerner at the IRS, and federal employees looking for extra-marital friends). It may lead us to think about how we or our employees use email and if it violates company […]
In a previous blog, we discussed what state law (VA) requires when a company is the victim of a data breach and personal information is compromised. For example, a notice that tells someone their information may have been stolen must include, among other things, advice that directs the person to monitor their accounts and credit. Some companies […]
Everyone agrees that the United States tax code is too complex. But, is there any real hope that changes will be made to simplify it? Wholesale reform remains elusive with a variety of stakeholders and ideas for the best tax system in conflict. Yet, there may be consensus forming around bite-sized reforms that could relieve […]
Last week, Congress adjourned for its summer break – they will return to Washington after Labor Day. A look at their work this summer reveals some important debates that may have a significant impact on small businesses. 1. TRADE: Even though 95% of the global marketplace lies beyond the United States’ borders, only 1% of small […]
For many small businesses, thoughts of the Federal government conjure up images of tax bills and red tape. Is it possible that there’s a federal agency that can offer help versus headaches for entrepreneurs? Since 1953, the Federal government has had an agency, the Small Business Administration (SBA), whose mission it is to aid, counsel, […]
In past blogs we’ve discussed the threat of cybercrime and steps to protect systems, but what if a breach does occur and personal information is put at risk? Most states have data breach statutes that dictate how companies are required to respond. Virginia is no exception. Here are the highlights of Virginia’s data breach statute. 1. […]
So, the Federal government’s HR department was hacked. You’ve probably heard – 22 million former and current federal employees had their personal information stolen (including yours truly). Chances are you know someone who is affected, and chances are they are NOT happy. Some are suing. Aren’t you glad it wasn’t your HR department that was […]
As the Internet becomes increasingly important to commerce and daily life, broadband issues such as access, speed, and cost are top priorities for companies and consumers alike. Policies made in Washington can have a big impact on whether we are satisfied with our broadband service. Here are the top five broadband issues being discussed in […]
Last week, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new proposal to change the rules used to determine which employees are eligible for overtime pay. For eligible employees, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that employers pay a rate of one and one-half times the employee’s regular rate for hours worked over […]
Each year, the Federal government spends almost half a trillion dollars on procurement of goods and services. That’s a lucrative marketplace, especially for a small business. The Federal government acknowledges the value of having small businesses compete for contracts, and even has a government-wide goal (23%) for awarding prime contracts to small firms. The thinking goes that […]
What do these numbers represent: 211, 218, 164, 233? Those are recent daily totals of how many regulations, proposed rules, notices, and other administrative actions the Federal government published in the Federal Register. Do you need to worry about all of that? No, not all of it. Will some of it impact your business? Probably (that’s a […]
A previous blog discussed the real and growing threat of cybercrime for businesses, particularly small businesses. So, a logical question may be what is being done about it, not just by individual businesses, but by our policy makers. Given the breadth of the threat and economic damage wrought by attacks, clearly it is in the interest of […]
It’s been called a “monumental and unlawful power grab,” the “nuclear option,” and “one giant step backwards,” as well as a “sweet victory for the Internet” and a “victory for free speech.” These are all descriptions of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 2015 Open Internet Order, a set of new regulations published in March to […]
For small businesses who are focused on selling their products or services, maintaining cash flow, and making payroll; something as daunting as “cybersecurity” may get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Business owners may feel they don’t have the time or resources to invest in preparing for what seems a remote event. Understandable […]
We just had another one. A member of our sales team comes with head hung low to discuss a potential client that wants to “skip” backup. I’ve resorted to banging my head on the desk. With alarming frequency, we meet small business owners who believe they are “too small” to need backup or even the […]
In our mid-sized IT firm, I’m one half of a two person ownership team. I’m not the techie one. While not a complete novice, my utilitarian computer knowledge has helped us to develop an approach to IT management that may help you work with your next IT vendor. 1. Look for Great Communicators Look for […]
