Author name: Kieran McManus

When I talk to small businesses—especially offices with five people or less—I often hear the same line: “We don’t store anything sensitive locally. It’s all in the cloud now.” And honestly? That’s great news. Moving away from on-premise servers and locally stored data does reduce a lot of risk. No more worrying about that old […]

Cyber insurance used to be optional. Now, it’s just a cost of doing business. But there’s a catch: most small businesses either don’t have cyber coverage at all, or they think they do—when in reality, their policy isn’t going to help them much in the event of a breach. This post is here to help

If you’re a small business owner in Upstate New York, you probably don’t think federal regulations from the Federal Trade Commission apply to you—especially not ones that sound like they’re meant for banks or Wall Street firms. But the FTC’s Safeguards Rule, updated in recent years, does exactly that. It quietly expanded who counts as

When small business owners think about cybersecurity, many assume they can just purchase an antivirus product like Norton or McAfee and call it a day. But the truth is, that approach barely scratches the surface. Cybersecurity isn’t just a product—it’s an ongoing process that requires expertise, management, and constant adaptation. 1. Why Antivirus Alone Isn’t

If you’re running a small independent insurance agency, you might have heard about NYDFS 500 exemptions and thought, “Great, we don’t have to worry about compliance!” But just because you don’t legally have to meet every requirement doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. A lot of small agencies assume they’re too small to be a

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and small insurance agencies are no exception. In fact, they’re often prime targets because they handle sensitive client data but may not have the same level of protection as larger firms. If you’re running a small agency, staying ahead of these risks isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your reputation,

Working with an IT provider should make your life easier, not add another headache. But if you’ve ever signed a contract that looked good on paper and turned into a hassle later, you’re not alone. Technology is critical for your business—but figuring out who to trust can feel like choosing the least bad option rather

Why Protecting Client Data is Critical for Your Business If your business handles sensitive client information—whether you’re an insurance agency, CPA firm, financial advisor, healthcare provider, or legal practice—you have a target on your back for cybercriminals. A single weak password, unsecured personal device, or outdated security measure could result in identity theft, legal trouble,

When small financial firms hear the word “ransomware,” they often think of massive corporations making headlines. But the reality is far more alarming—small businesses are an even bigger target for ransomware attacks. Why? Because cybercriminals know that many small firms lack adequate protections, making them easy prey. The good news is that ransomware isn’t an