The Fulcrum Group, Inc.

Are you using Multi-Factor Authentication? If not, we've created an infographic for you as a quick and easy glimpse at why you should be! https://hubs.la/Q039LqPg0

Forwarding

March's Educational Guide explains the dos and don’ts of Bring Your Own Device. And how to create a strong policy that will keep your data protected. Read it here: https://hubs.la/Q03cc2W10

BYOD can be helpful for productivity and motivation. BUT only if you do it the right way. See this month's vid on the topic: https://hubs.la/Q03bZy8F0

Listen, I get it. Upgrading your business hardware can feel like an unnecessary expense, right? If it’s not broken, why fix it? Here’s the thing: Sticking with outdated tech doesn’t just cost you money in the long run – it can put your business at risk. As devices get older, manufacturers stop rolling out security updates, leaving vulnerabilities without a fix. Once that happens, your old tech can become a playground for cyber criminals. 💀 *** Think about it this way *** ☠️ That router running security protocols from the last decade? It’s like locking your front door but leaving the windows open. ☠️ The spare office laptop that doesn’t get updated? That’s an open invitation for malware to sneak in and spy on your sensitive business data. And it’s not just routers or laptops that cause problems. Your employees’ work phones, your printers, and even that ancient unused desktop in the corner can all become a risk if they’re no longer getting updates. So how can you keep your business protected? *** Here’s a quick checklist *** ✅ Look for updates: A quick online search for the model and “end of life” date of each of your devices will tell you if they’re still supported. ✅ Upgrade hardware: If updates have stopped, it’s time to replace the tech. ✅ Explore software fixes: Sometimes older devices can be revived with alternative software (but tread carefully – this may not be the best option for tools your business relies heavily on). I know it’s tough to part with devices that seem to work just fine. But when they turn into security risks, look at upgrading as essential protection for your business. What’s the oldest device you’re still using? Think it might be time for an upgrade? Let’s talk about your options. Get in touch. 😊 #OldHardware #UpgradeTime #CyberSecurity

🚀 Big News! 🚀 We’re thrilled to announce that The Fulcrum Group has been recognized on CRN’s 2025 MSP 500 List in the Pioneer 250 Category! 🎉 This recognition highlights our commitment to innovation, customer-centric IT solutions, and cybersecurity education through initiatives like our “No IT Jerks” approach and our Security Officer program. 🏆 With over 40,000+ MSPs in the U.S., being featured on this list is an incredible honor and a testament to our dedication to delivering next-level IT services. 🔹 Helping businesses scale with cutting-edge AI solutions 🔹 Enhancing Microsoft 365 adoption for operational efficiency 🔹 Prioritizing cybersecurity & compliance for SMBs and enterprises 🔹 Building lasting face-to-face client relationships 💡 As the IT landscape evolves, we remain focused on empowering Texas businesses with forward-thinking strategies that drive success. Thank you to our amazing clients and team for making this achievement possible! 🔗 Read more about our recognition here: https://hubs.la/Q03bL8W80 #MSP500 #TheFulcrumGroup #ManagedServices #ITInnovation #Cybersecurity #AI #TexasIT #Pioneer250

Cyber threats are everywhere these days. From scammers to nosy service providers, your business data is at risk every time it’s shared or stored. That’s why end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is so important. It’s like having a bodyguard for your most sensitive information. 💼 But what exactly is E2EE? Let’s say you’re sending a private message to an employee or client. With E2EE, the message gets “locked” (encrypted) on your device before it’s sent – and it only gets “unlocked” (decrypted) once it reaches the other person’s device. 📨🔑 Here’s what this means: 🚫 No third party (like cyber criminals, internet providers, or even the app itself) can see the message or interfere with it. 🔐 Only you and the person you’re messaging have the keys to unlock it. So, why does your business need E2EE? 🔒 It protects against data breaches Even if someone manages to intercept your data, they can’t read it without the decryption key. It’s like a locked suitcase only you and the recipient can open. 🧳🔓 🔒 It keeps your conversations private: Whether it’s client details or internal strategy, E2EE makes sure nobody’s eavesdropping. 📱🤐 🔒 It helps you stay compliant: Do you handle sensitive data, like personal details or financial records? E2EE helps make sure you tick those legal boxes. ✅ 🔒 It reduces risk during cyber attacks: Unlike relying on the security of a single server, E2EE spreads the protection across multiple devices, making it harder for attackers to access your data. 🖥️🛡️ OK, what’s the catch? E2EE isn’t a silver bullet. If your devices get compromised (think malware), your data could still be at risk. 🖥️🚨 Plus, metadata – showing things like who you’re talking to and when – can still be visible. That’s why it’s important to pair E2EE with solid security on your devices, as well as making sure your employees build smart security habits. With cyber attacks making headlines every week, protecting your business isn’t optional. E2EE isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must for businesses that value security and customer trust. Is your business using end-to-end encryption yet? If not, what’s holding you back? If you need advice on using security tools like this in your business, my team can help. Get in touch. 😊 #E2EE #Encryption #DataSecurity

Do you remember last year’s CrowdStrike outage? It wasn’t even a cyber attack; just a faulty software update that caused a global IT meltdown. It affected millions of Windows devices around the world – and it’s estimated that Fortune 500 companies lost up to $5.4 billion because of it. 😮 It’s a harsh reminder of how fragile our digital world can really be. Glitches, cyber attacks, natural disasters… disruptions like these can bring businesses to a screeching halt. And here’s the kicker: 22% of businesses admit they’re not even backing up critical data. 💾 As someone who often sees the consequences of not having a backup… that scares me. So, how do you make sure your business is prepared for the unexpected? It all starts with a solid disaster recovery (DR) plan. 👇 *** The 3 keys to building a strong DR strategy: *** Continuity: Keep your business running 🔎 Review your IT setup to find the systems you can’t afford to lose and where the weak spots are. ☁️ Spread your data across multiple locations – if one fails, you’ve got backups ready. 🖥️ Use smart tools like distributed computing so you can still access your data even if something goes down locally. Compliance: Stay on the right side of the rules 🔐 Your business is required to protect sensitive data, so stick to regulations (you don’t want a fine). 🔎 Regularly review your DR plan with legal and compliance experts to keep everything above board. Culture: It’s not just about the tech, it’s about your people 🍎 Make sure your team knows what to do when things go wrong. Regular training is key. 👫 Bring different departments together to plan a smooth, seamless response to any crisis. Why investing in DR is worth it: ⭐️ Better performance: Your applications keep running like a dream, even during disruptions. ⭐️ Customer trust: Show your customers you’re ready for anything and they’ll feel more confident in you. ⭐️ Cost savings: Scalable, distributed systems save you money on hardware and reduce downtime. The truth is unexpected disasters can hit any business at any time. Whether it’s ransomware, a software bug, or something totally out of left field, being prepared can turn a potential crisis into just a minor bump in the road. How confident are you in your business’s disaster recovery plan? If you’re not sure, get in touch – we’d be happy to help. 📞 #DisasterRecovery #BusinessPlanning #CyberSecurity

Phishing emails are bad news. March's infographic shares some good tips on how to avoid them! https://hubs.la/Q039Ky6M0