michaelaedwards

[michaelaedwards]

The Hidden Costs Of Waiting: Why You Cant Afford To Delay Your Windows 10 Upgrade

If you’re still running Windows 10 on your business machines, let’s cut to the chase: The clock is ticking. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10. That means no more security patches, no more bug fixes and no more technical support. But here’s what business owners really need to understand: The cost of waiting isn’t just about someday needing to upgrade. It’s about what waiting could cost you in the meantime. “We’ll Deal With It Later” Is An Expensive Strategy We get it – upgrading every machine in your business isn’t exactly your idea of a fun budget item. It feels easy to delay…until something breaks. But here’s what procrastination actually costs: 1. You’re Operating Without A Safety Net Once Microsoft discontinues Windows 10 updates, every new vulnerability becomes your responsibility. Hackers love outdated systems because they’re easy targets. It’s like locking the front door but leaving the windows wide open. One breach could cost you thousands – or worse, your entire business. 2. Software And Hardware Compatibility Issues Many business apps, such as accounting tools, CRMs and industry-specific platforms, are already phasing out support for Windows 10. If your systems stop working mid-project or crash during a client demo, what’s that worth? And it’s not just software. New printers, peripherals and even security tools may stop playing nicely with your outdated OS. 3. Lost Productivity Outdated systems are slower, they crash more frequently and they frustrate your team. Even small lags add up over time, dragging down efficiency, morale and your ability to compete. If every employee loses 10 to 15 minutes a day to tech hiccups, what does that cost you over a month? 4. Emergency Upgrades Are Always More Expensive Waiting until your systems crash or your team is locked out doesn’t just create stress – it creates panic-spend mode: ● Emergency hardware orders ● Rush IT labor fees ● Business interruptions while machines are replaced A little planning now saves a lot of scrambling – and money – later. 5. You’re Risking Compliance Violations If your business handles sensitive data or is subject to regulations (FTC Safeguard, PCI-DSS, etc.), using unsupported systems could result in fines or lawsuits. Many regulatory frameworks require up-to-date security – Windows 10 won’t meet those standards come October. What Smart Business Owners Are Doing Now They’re getting ahead of the deadline, not just by upgrading devices, but by using this transition to: ● Audit what devices need to go ● Streamline tools and software ● Tighten up cybersecurity protections ● Plan smarter for IT spend in 2025 How To Make The Transition Smooth Tech Guardian recommendation: ● Run a compatibility check – Not all machines can run Windows 11. Find out which ones need to be replaced. ● Audit your apps – Make sure your essential tools are ready to run on Windows 11 or newer environments. ● Budget for hardware now – Don’t get stuck in a supply chain crunch later. ● Partner with an IT provider like Tech Guardian – We can handle the transition from start to finish – no downtime, no surprises. Don’t Wait Until October To Panic Waiting until the last minute will cost you more – in money, stress and missed opportunity. We’re helping small businesses make the upgrade the smart way: planned, smooth and optimized for future growth. Click here to book your FREE Network Assessment and we’ll help you identify what needs upgrading, what can stay and how to build a transition plan that won’t disrupt your business before the deadline.   The post The Hidden Costs Of Waiting: Why You Can’t Afford To Delay Your Windows 10 Upgrade appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/the-hidden-costs-of-waiting-why-you-cant-afford-to-delay-your-windows-10-upgrade/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/the-hidden-costs-of-waiting-why-you-cant-afford-to-delay-your-windows-10-upgrade

[michaelaedwards]

Should You Upgrade Or Replace Your Devices? A Guide For Windows 10 Users

Windows 10’s end-of-life is looming, and with support officially ending in October 2025, it’s decision time for businesses and individuals still relying on the operating system. The big question? Should you upgrade your existing devices to Windows 11 or is it time to replace them altogether? Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice based on your needs, budget and goals. Step 1: Check Compatibility Before deciding, determine if your current hardware meets Windows 11’s requirements. Microsoft has set strict system requirements to ensure the new operating system runs smoothly and securely. Key requirements include: A compatible 64-bit processor (1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores) 4 GB of RAM (8 GB or more is recommended for optimal performance) 64 GB of storage TPM version 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) How To Check: Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to quickly assess compatibility. Review your device’s specifications manually if needed. Outcome: If your system fails the compatibility test, you’ll need to upgrade your hardware or consider a replacement. Step 2: Evaluate The Age Of Your Devices How old is your current hardware? Devices older than 5 years are often slower and less efficient and may not support Windows 11’s requirements. Reasons To Replace Older Devices: They’re likely nearing the end of their life cycle. Upgrading components (like RAM or storage) may not deliver significant performance improvements. They pose greater security risks due to outdated firmware and hardware vulnerabilities. Step 3: Assess Your Performance Needs Does your current hardware meet your day-to-day needs? Consider: Speed: Are your devices slowing you down during critical tasks? Reliability: Do you experience frequent crashes or malfunctions? Scalability: Will your current hardware handle future software updates and workloads? When To Upgrade: If your devices are still performing well, upgrading to Windows 11 may be the most cost-effective solution. When To Replace: If performance issues are impacting productivity, replacing your hardware can save you money in the long run by avoiding downtime and inefficiencies. Step 4: Weigh The Costs Budget is always a factor when deciding whether to upgrade or replace. Upgrading Existing Devices: Costs less up-front (if compatible). May require additional expenses for component upgrades (e.g., adding more RAM). Replacing Devices: Higher up-front cost but better long-term value. Includes newer hardware designed for Windows 11’s features and security. Step 5: Consider Future-Proofing Newer devices come equipped with the latest technology, offering: Enhanced security features like hardware-based encryption. Faster processing speeds and greater energy efficiency. Improved compatibility with modern applications and peripherals. Investing in replacement devices now can position your business for growth and innovation, ensuring your systems remain efficient for years to come. Pro Tip: Involve An IT Professional Like Tech Guardian Still unsure? Partnering with Tech Guardian can simplify the decision-making process. We can: Assess your current setup. Recommend whether to upgrade or replace based on your specific needs. Handle the transition to minimize downtime and disruption. Take The Next Step Deciding whether to upgrade or replace your devices doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with a FREE Discovery Call to evaluate your systems and get personalized recommendations for a smooth transition to Windows 11. Click here to schedule your FREE Discovery Call today or call us at 951-319-4080. Don’t wait until the October 2025 deadline – get ahead of the game and ensure your business is ready for what’s next. The post Should You Upgrade Or Replace Your Devices? A Guide For Windows 10 Users appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/should-you-upgrade-or-replace-your-devices-a-guide-for-windows-10-users/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/should-you-upgrade-or-replace-your-devices-a-guide-for-windows-10-users

[michaelaedwards]

SECURITY TECH TIP

There’s a sneaky new threat that is lurking under the surface of a legitimate program. Situation We encountered the new threat as we were sent a legitimate email requesting a signature through DocuSign.  From the DocuSign page there was a link to “Review Document”. Clicking on the “Review Document” took us to a DocuSign page with another link to click (instead of a document to sign).  Clicking on the link, it would take a user to a malware site. What is unusual about this that the initial email is legitimate then morphs into a malware threat.   How to Stay Safe. Be extra aware when is comes to business and financial online interactions especially if there is no context or if the request comes “out of the blue”. Hover over links to reveal the URL.  If it doesn’t look right, don’t click on it. Share this information with employees to create a culture of cybersecurity protection and forming a human firewall of safe users to protect your business. If you need information on cybersecurity training for your employees, please give us a call for free resources at 951-319-4080. The post SECURITY TECH TIP appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/security-tech-tip/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/security-tech-tip

[michaelaedwards]

The S.E.C.U.R.E. Method To Stop Phishing E-mails

Phishing attacks are the most common cybercrime attack for one reason…they work. Every day, over 3.4 billion spam e-mails reach unsuspecting users’ inboxes. Phishing e-mails have held the top spot as the most frequent form of attack for years because they’re easy to implement, easy to scale and continue to fool people. AI tools like ChatGPT are now making it even easier for cybercriminals to create e-mails that look and sound like they’re coming from humans instead of bots and scammers. If you’re not careful, the effects of phishing scams can be detrimental. Phishing e-mails are one of the top causes of attacks, we created this simple guide to help you and your team successfully identify phishing e-mails and understand why it’s so important to do so. What can happen? Here are 4 significant dangers associated with phishing attacks: 1. Data Breaches Phishing attacks can expose your organization’s sensitive information to cybercriminals. Once your data is exposed, hackers can sell it on the dark web or hold it for ransom, demanding thousands, millions or even more for its return – and they likely won’t return it anyway. This can result in financial and legal repercussions, damage to your reputation and loss of customer trust. 2. Financial Loss Cybercriminals often use phishing e-mails to steal money directly from businesses. Whether it’s through fraudulent invoices or unauthorized transactions, falling victim to phishing can have a direct impact on your bottom line. 3. Malware Infections Phishing e-mails can contain malicious attachments or links that, when clicked, can infect your systems with malware. This can disrupt your operations, lead to data loss and require costly remediation efforts. 4. Compromised Accounts When employees fall for phishing scams, their accounts can be compromised. Attackers can then use these accounts to launch further attacks or gain unauthorized access to sensitive company data. And the list goes on. However, there are actions you can take to prevent becoming the next victim of a phishing attack. Here is the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method you and your employees can use to help identify phishing e-mails S – Start With The Subject Line: Is it odd? (e.g., “FWD: FWD: FWD: review immediately”) E – Examine The E-mail Address: Do you recognize the person? Is the e-mail address unusual? (e.g., spelled differently) or unknown (not the one they usually send from)? C – Consider The Greeting: Is the salutation unusual or generic? (e.g., “Hello Ma’am!”) U – Unpack The Message: Is there extreme urgency to get you to click a link or download an attachment or act on a too-good-to-be-true offer? R – Review For Errors: Are there grammatical mistakes or odd misspellings? E – Evaluate Links And Attachments: Hover over links before you click them to check the address, and do not open attachments from anyone you don’t know or weren’t expecting to receive mail from. It’s also important to have a cybersecurity expert monitor your network and eliminate e-mail spam before your employees can make a mistake. Make sure you’re taking proper precautions to protect your network. These phishing attacks work and happen all the time. We don’t want YOU to be the next victim. If you need help training your team on cybersecurity best practices or implementing a robust cybersecurity system, or just want a second set of eyes to examine what you currently have in place and assess if there are any vulnerabilities, we are ready to help. Call us at 951-319-4080 or click here to book a call with our team. The post The S.E.C.U.R.E. Method To Stop Phishing E-mails appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/the-s-e-c-u-r-e-method-to-stop-phishing-e-mails/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/the-secure-method-to-stop-phishing-e-mails

[michaelaedwards]

Publishers Mistake Means You Can Get a Free Hardcover Book!

Our publisher’s typo on the cover, means you can get a FREE hard cover copy of Jarom’s new book “From Exposed To Secure”. Jarom’s new Amazon #1 Best Selling book, “From Exposed To Secure” reveals the scams that are coming for your company and what to do to eliminate exposure and minimize risk. Click Here To Get Your FREE Hardcover Book.   Limited offer while supplies last. The post Publisher’s Mistake Means You Can Get a Free Hardcover Book! appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/publishers-mistake-means-you-can-get-a-free-hardcover-book/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/publishers-mistake-means-you-can-get-a-free-hardcover-book

[michaelaedwards]

Savings That Could Cost You EVERYTHING

As a business leader, you’re always looking for ways to increase revenue, cut expenses and grow your bottom line. Implementing AI tools, shopping services and running a more efficient operation are great ways to do that. One place you do NOT want to cut corners is using free antivirus or firewall software. In today’s blog, we’ll share why these seemingly helpful software solutions are a detriment to your business and why a 10-minute call with our team might just be the best investment you’ll make this year. Free software often lacks necessary features and is limited in what it can detect. Free antivirus software and firewall solutions can protect your business against some known viruses but not all of them, and they likely won’t have the ability to protect you against other comprehensive threats, like malicious files, unknown or unidentified threats and more. Cybercriminals are constantly rolling out new and “improved” viruses to trick even the most robust security solutions, which makes it difficult to believe that free, infrequently updated antivirus solutions could offer the level of protection needed to keep you secure. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. While free cybersecurity solutions sound like a good way to save a few bucks, you have to stop and realize these programs will make their money somewhere. The most common ways they make money are through ads, sponsored recommendations and collecting and selling user data. They collect and sell your personal information, like age and gender, and installed apps, to third-party advertisers. Some free solutions are already infected with malware. Ironically, these free cybersecurity tools can come with malware already installed to infect your computer upon downloading them. It’s also difficult to determine the difference between real free software solutions and fake ones created by hackers looking to trick unsuspecting business owners who hope to save a buck into downloading an infected version that immediately opens up your network to them. Free antivirus software is mostly reactive, detecting infections after they’ve happened. The point of having cybersecurity solutions is to try to prevent a data breach from occurring in the first place. Most free solutions are reactive and won’t keep unwanted intruders out; they simply alert you when one has already breached your network. If you’re going with a free solution, make sure you have a robust recovery plan in place. You’ll likely need it. Cybersecurity solutions are not as expensive as most business owners think and are more cost-effective than dealing with a data breach. If you have been using free antivirus or firewall software in your organization, it’s time to level up. Our cybersecurity experts will provide you with a FREE Network Security Audit that will detail if and where you’re vulnerable and what to do about it. Schedule yours by clicking here or calling us at 951-319-4080. The post “Savings” That Could Cost You EVERYTHING appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/savings-that-could-cost-you-everything/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/savings-that-could-cost-you-everything

[michaelaedwards]

What Is Bad IT Support Costing Your Business?

In our technology-driven world, efficient IT support is the backbone of any successful business. From ensuring seamless operations to safeguarding sensitive data, reliable IT services are crucial for maintaining productivity and protecting your bottom line. However, not all IT support is created equal, and the cost of settling for subpar services can result in expensive consequences for your business. Bad IT service can negatively affect employee productivity, customer happiness and operational efficiency and quickly eat into your profits. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the hidden costs of bad IT support and how it could be impacting your business in ways you might not have considered. Unresolved Recurring Issues IT issues that aren’t properly resolved are like untreated wounds that fester over time. For example, one person’s poor password habits can become a company-wide issue that later results in an expensive ransomware attack when a hacker finds a weak link. Recurring IT issues also drain company resources. Without addressing the root cause of the issues, the problems will persist, leading to ongoing costs. Sloppy Systems And Processes Your IT team can take tasks off your plate, like getting new employees access to the files, software and programs they need to do their job and revoking access when an employee leaves the company. If the procedures are not followed or outlined properly, your company’s processes will not run as efficiently as they should, costing you time and money, and it could open up big security risks to your company. Unexpected Downtime Operational inefficiencies aside, what’s the cost if you CAN’T do business? Not just the loss of potential sales, but the cost of employees sitting stagnant, staring at the wall and scrolling on their phones while your IT guy is trying to get your network back up. If you have 20 employees at an average pay of $25 an hour and your system is down for three hours, you might as well light $1,500 on fire. Now, what if this is happening one, two, even three or more times a month? Add in the potential loss of sales and fees for emergency IT support, and the total for each outage will quickly add up to a sizable chunk of change you’re letting fall right through your pocket. Security Breaches If a negligent or inexperienced IT professional leaves gaps in your security system, you could be vulnerable to a cyber-attack. There is no limit to what this could cost your business if client data or financial data is leaked, stolen or exploited. Legal fees, fines and downtime from cyber-attacks have put thousands of companies out of business because the owners weren’t able to get out from under them. It is critical to the future of your business that you work with an IT professional who knows what you need to be compliant in your industry and secure from the latest threats. These issues are only the tip of the iceberg. If you’d like us to take a closer look at what you’re getting for what you’re paying, to make sure you’re not exposed to risks and are operating as efficiently as possible, we’re happy to do so. To schedule a free 10-minute discovery call to see how we can get rid of your frustrating tech issues once and for all, go tohttps://www.TechGuardianMSP.com/hammer or call us at 951-319-4080.. The post What Is Bad IT Support Costing Your Business? appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/what-is-bad-it-support-costing-your-business/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/what-is-bad-it-support-costing-your-business

[michaelaedwards]

World Backup Day is March 31st!

When it comes to those daily “National Days”, here is one we can really get behind. “World Backup Day” is March 31st.  Like Cybersecurity Awareness Month promotes online safety, World Backup Day is a helpful reminder to prevent becoming a victim of hackers, equipment failure or other problems that can result in the loss of your data.  Does your business have a disaster recovery plan?  Call us for help with your cybersecurity, compliance and disaster recovery plans at 951-319-4080. The post World Backup Day is March 31st! appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/world-backup-day-is-march-31st/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/world-backup-day-is-march-31st

[michaelaedwards]

My New Book From Exposed To Secure Comes Out Today!

My new book, From Exposed To Secure:The Cost Of Cybersecurity And Compliance Inaction And The Best Way To Keep Your Company Safe, comes out today! Grab your copy today on Amazon for $0.99!! (And don’t forget the bonuses that you’ll get if you buy today!) https://a.co/d/2ZWsMGq   The post My New Book, “From Exposed To Secure” Comes Out Today! appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/my-new-book-from-exposed-to-secure-comes-out-today/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/my-new-book-from-exposed-to-secure-comes-out-today

[michaelaedwards]

My New Book Comes Out Tomorrow!

My new book, From Exposed To Secure: The Cost Of Cybersecurity And Compliance Inaction And The Best Way To Keep Your Company Safe, comes out tomorrow! Make sure to grab your copy on Amazon tomorrow!! (And don’t forget about the bonuses that you’ll get when you buy!) Click here for details!   The post My New Book Comes Out Tomorrow! appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/my-new-book-comes-out-tomorrow/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/my-new-book-comes-out-tomorrow

[michaelaedwards]

Its Book Launch Week!

It’s Book Launch Week!! On March 21st my new book, From Exposed To Secure: The Cost Of Cybersecurity And Compliance Inaction And The Best Way To Keep Your Company Safe goes LIVE! If you’re a small business owner and you want to make sure you don’t fall victim to cybersecurity threats or compliance penalties, this book is for you. The post It’s Book Launch Week! appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/its-book-launch-week/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/its-book-launch-week

[michaelaedwards]

Cybercriminals Are Not Going Away

Criminals aren’t going away. In fact, the threats are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated! My new book, From Exposed To Secure reveals the scams that are coming for your company and what to do to eliminate exposure and minimize risk. Get details on my new book here. The post Cybercriminals Are Not Going Away… appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/cybercriminals-are-not-going-away/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/cybercriminals-are-not-going-away

[michaelaedwards]

From Exposed To Secure My New Book!!

There is a huge gap in cybersecurity that leaves many small businesses uncovered and vulnerable. The worst part is, if you are attacked and haven’t figured this gap out, you could find yourself in financial ruin So many business owners don’t know enough about preventing and responding to cybersecurity threats and it leaves good people vulnerable. That’s one of the big reasons I decided to partner up with 25 other CMMC Compliance Experts to write From Exposed To Secure: The Cost Of Cybersecurity And Compliance Inaction And The Best Way To Keep Your Company Safe. It provides a roadmap for companies to stay compliant and secure. And it launches in less than two weeks! Click here to check out the website. The post From Exposed To Secure – My New Book!! appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/from-exposed-to-secure-my-new-book/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/from-exposed-to-secure-my-new-book

[michaelaedwards]

The Book Cover Is Finalized!

The book cover is finalized! We are now putting the finishing touches on the book. Let me know what you think. From Exposed To Secure The post The Book Cover Is Finalized! appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/the-book-cover-is-finalized/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/the-book-cover-is-finalized

[michaelaedwards]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

The post Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! appeared first on Tech Guardian. Via https://www.techguardianmsp.com/merry-christmas-and-happy-holidays/ via https://techguardianmsp.weebly.com/blog/merry-christmas-and-happy-holidays