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Get to Know Your AI: Generative Vs. Agentic

If it feels like every week there’s a new tech buzzword flying around, you’re not imagining it. Between generative AI, agentic AI, large language models, and more, it’s easy to feel like you need a decoder ring just to keep up.

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to understand every acronym. What really matters for small and mid-sized businesses in southeast Michigan comes down to two types of AI that are reshaping how work gets done:

  • Generative AI
  • Agentic AI

And no, they’re not the same thing.

Generative AI: The “create-on-command” helper

You’ve probably already crossed paths with generative AI. Think ChatGPT writing emails, or tools that create images or summarize long reports. It’s a great “assistant” when you need content quickly or want to save time on routine tasks.

But here’s the catch: Generative AI waits for you. You have to ask, and then it delivers. It’s helpful – but it won’t tap you on the shoulder when it spots a problem.

Agentic AI: The “take-action” partner

Agentic AI works differently. Instead of just reacting, it acts. You give it a goal, and it can figure out the steps to get there.

For example, imagine AI that helps reduce customer churn. It could analyze client data, test strategies, and even launch follow-up emails – without you needing to babysit it every step of the way.

Of course, with that autonomy comes responsibility. Agentic AI relies on accurate data and clear rules to make sure it’s making the right choices. Without that structure, it can veer off track.

Why should you care?

Here’s the thing: Both types of AI have real potential for businesses like yours.

Generative AI saves time. Drafting emails, creating documents, even building first drafts of policies – all faster.

Agentic AI saves brain space. It can take on repeatable tasks and keep things moving forward in the background.

But – and this is important – neither is a silver bullet. AI should be a tool, not a replacement for good strategy, human judgment, or proper IT oversight.

What this means for someone like you

If you’ve ever felt like technology is running your day instead of supporting it, AI can help lighten the load. But only if it’s introduced thoughtfully with clear guardrails.

Picture this: Instead of scrambling when your CRM crashes or worrying whether backups are really working, you have smart systems in place that not only respond quickly but also prevent problems before they happen. That’s the promise of blending traditional IT with the right AI support.

So, is it for you?

Maybe. The truth is, AI isn’t a magic wand – it’s more like a powerful new tool in the toolbox.

Whether it’s worth using depends on your business goals, your data, and how much oversight you have.

That’s where a trusted IT partner comes in. Someone local who knows the compliance pressures you’re under and who can help you test the waters without risking your reputation.

Because at the end of the day, you don’t need another buzzword. You need peace of mind that your technology is supporting your business – not adding to the chaos.

Curious how AI could actually boost productivity in your office? Let’s talk. We’ll cut through the jargon and help you decide what makes sense – no hype, no guesswork.

When That “Trusting Email” Might Be the Most Dangerous

You know how you’d trust an email that looks just like one from your bank – or maybe even from your own team?

That resemblance can lull us into thinking everything’s okay… until a fraudulent link or message slips through. For small businesses, those moments can be costly.

Why it matters more than ever

Phishing isn’t just “someone asking for passwords.” It’s evolved. Messages now tug at urgency, making it harder than ever to spot what’s real. And once an email passes your “looks fine” test, that’s often when trouble starts.

The new tricks

Today’s phishing attacks are slicker than ever:

Polished, professional emails: Gone are the obvious typos and bad formatting. Many attacks now look identical to the real thing, sometimes even mimicking ongoing conversations.

Urgency tactics: Phrases like “act now” or “update immediately” push people into clicking before thinking.

AI-generated voice scams: Fraudsters can now clone voices, leaving phone messages or even “live” calls that sound eerily like someone you know.

These aren’t just theoretical risks. Businesses across industries, from law firms to healthcare practices to financial offices, are seeing these attacks land in inboxes every day.

Five smart defenses

Here’s how to build a stronger, people-first defense against phishing:

Refresh your team’s training: Short, scenario-based sessions go a long way. Ask, “What would you do if?” and keep it conversational. The goal isn’t to scare anyone, but to equip them.

Run a phishing drill: Sending a harmless test email can be a powerful teaching tool. When someone clicks, you have a chance to follow up with gentle coaching – not criticism.

Add technical checkpoints: Strong spam filters, authentication tools like DMARC, and multi-factor authentication all help reduce risk. Passwords alone aren’t enough anymore – they’re simply too easy to guess.

Create a clear response plan: If someone suspects a phishing attempt, they should know exactly who to tell. A quick, confident response is often the difference between “close call” and “serious breach.”

Pause before you click: Encourage employees to take a breath when something feels off. Verifying a request with a quick phone call – or by starting a new email thread – takes seconds but can prevent a crisis.

Why this hits close to home

For small- and mid-sized businesses, phishing isn’t just an inconvenience – it can lead to compliance headaches, financial losses, and damaged reputations. Local firms already face tight budgets, lean teams, and constant pressure to stay productive. A single wrong click can throw all of that into chaos.

That’s why prevention matters so much. These aren’t just IT issues – they’re business continuity issues. Protecting against phishing keeps the doors open, the clients confident, and your team focused on their work instead of scrambling to clean up a mess.

The bigger picture

Cybercriminals thrive on the hope that small businesses will underestimate them. They count on teams being busy, distracted, or unsure of what to look for. By putting a few safeguards in place – both technical and human – you turn that vulnerability into strength.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about technology for technology’s sake. It’s about giving yourself and your team the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared. Because once your business culture shifts from “reacting after the fact” to “noticing before it happens,” you’ve already won half the battle.

Building A Smart Data Retention Policy: What Your Small Business Needs To Keep (And Delete)

Thomas Fox is president of Tech Experts, southeast Michigan’s leading small business computer support company.

Running a business today means juggling more data than ever.

Employee files, vendor contracts, financial records, customer emails, and all those backup files – they pile up quickly. And unless you have a system in place to manage all that information, it can start to feel overwhelming fast.

In fact, a recent study found that nearly three-quarters of business leaders have delayed or avoided making decisions simply because the data felt too overwhelming to sort through. That’s a lot of missed opportunities and wasted time.

The solution? A clear, practical data retention policy. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. At its core, a good retention policy helps you figure out what data to keep, what can be safely deleted, and when it’s time to make that call. And it’s not just about cleaning house – it’s about protecting your business, reducing risk, and saving money.

Why is this important? For starters, there are compliance rules – both local and industry-specific – that require certain documents and records to be retained for a set number of years.

If you’re ever audited or involved in a legal dispute, having the right information available (and easily accessible) can make a huge difference.

Then there’s security. Storing everything forever might seem harmless, but old data can become a liability. The more information you hold onto, the more attractive your systems become to hackers – and the harder it is to protect everything properly.

Organizing your digital files and archiving or deleting what you no longer need is a smart way to reduce risk.

It also makes your systems faster and easier to manage. Imagine trying to run your business with a file cabinet stuffed full of every document you’ve ever handled. It’s no different in the digital world. Removing outdated or unnecessary files frees up space, improves performance, and makes it easier to find the data you need day to day.

Creating a data retention policy starts with understanding what kinds of data your business creates and where it all lives – on servers, in cloud apps, in email inboxes, and maybe even on individual computers. Once you know that, you can start to decide how long each type of information should be kept, who’s responsible for managing it, and what happens to it over time.

You don’t need to go it alone, either. There are tools that can help automate the process and professionals (like us) who can help guide you through it.

Think of your data like your office closet – if you never clean it out, eventually you won’t be able to find anything. A well-thought-out retention policy turns digital clutter into a well-organized, secure, and compliant information system that supports your business instead of slowing it down.

Ready to get started? Let’s put a plan in place to take control of your digital records before they start controlling you.

Could Social Engineering Bring Down Your Business?

One phone call could be all it takes to bring your business to its knees.

That’s the chilling reality of social engineering. It’s a type of cyberattack that doesn’t rely on clever coding or fancy tech. Instead, it targets your people. And it’s becoming one of the biggest threats to businesses of all sizes.

Social engineering is when a criminal manipulates someone into giving up sensitive information or access to systems.

It often starts with a phone call or email from someone pretending to be a colleague, a supplier, or even a senior manager. They might sound friendly, urgent, or frustrated… anything to get the response they want.

And if your staff aren’t on high alert, that one conversation could open the door to your entire network.

A favorite target for these attacks? Your customer service team. They’re trained to be helpful and solve problems quickly.

But if someone calls pretending to be locked out of their account and urgently needs a password reset, it’s easy to see how a well-meaning team member could be tricked into handing over access.

From there, it’s game over. Attackers can install ransomware, steal customer data, or snoop around in your systems undetected.

The worst part is this kind of attack is simple to pull off. And highly effective. That’s why even small businesses need to take it seriously.

So, what can you do?

Start by training your team to be cautious of unusual requests, even if they sound legitimate. And don’t rely on memory or gut instinct. Put strong identity verification procedures in place that everyone follows, every time. Technology can help with this by adding extra checks before any sensitive action is taken.

Remember, cybercriminals don’t need to break in when someone will open the door for them. But with the right awareness and safeguards, you can make sure your team knows how to keep it firmly shut.

Need help keeping your team on top of cybersecurity best practices? Get in touch.

Don’t Let Outdated Tech Slow You Down: Build A Smart IT Refresh Plan

Nothing throws off your day like a frozen screen or a sluggish computer. If you run a small business, you’ve probably dealt with outdated tech more than once. Sure, squeezing extra life out of old equipment feels economical, but it often costs more in the long run.

Small businesses lose approximately 98 hours per year, equivalent to 12 working days, due to technology concerns such as slow PCs and outdated laptops.

That’s why having an IT refresh plan matters. It keeps your team running smoothly, avoids unexpected breakdowns, and helps you stay secure.

Regardless of whether you outsource managed IT services or handle them in-house, a solid refresh strategy can save time, stress, and money down the line.

Why having a strategy in place is important

It’s easy to ignore old hardware until something breaks. But when things start falling apart, you have no choice but to look for better parts, deal with downtime, or even explain to your team and clients why things are slow.

The risks of not planning include:

  • Unexpected downtime: even one broken laptop can stop an entire day of work.
  • Productivity tanks: Outdated tech runs slower, crashes more often, and just can’t keep up.
  • Security risks go up: Older systems miss out on key updates, leaving you exposed.
  • Compliance issues: Especially if your business needs to meet certain tech standards or regulations.
  • A little planning now can save you from a lot of headaches later.

Four simple strategies for a smart refresh plan

Replace as you go. Instead of replacing everything all at once, swap out equipment gradually. When a machine starts acting up or hits the end of its lifecycle, replace it.

Your IT support provider can help you set a realistic “expiration date” for each device. This approach spreads out the costs and keeps surprises to a minimum.

Schedule regular refresh cycles. If your team relies heavily on tech or you’d rather not wait for things to go wrong, consider refreshing your hardware on a set schedule. It’s a cleaner, more predictable way to keep your tech current and makes budgeting easier.

Watch for compatibility issues. Tech doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Waiting until something breaks or no longer works with your tools, puts your business in panic mode. Have your IT partner do regular checkups to make sure your equipment still plays nice with your software.

Don’t be afraid of leasing. If big upfront costs are holding you back, leasing might be worth a look. Many IT vendors offer lease options with flexible terms. If your company’s refresh cycle is every four years, for example, a four year lease makes sense. It’s a way to get the latest gear without blowing your budget all at once.

What to do next

1. Take inventory: Write down what you’ve got and how old it is.
2. Set your goals: Your refresh plan should support where your business is headed.
3. Talk to your IT services provider: They can help you figure out the best timing, budget, and options.
4. Create a simple schedule: A plan is better than winging it.

Stay ahead by refreshing smart

A good IT refresh strategy protects productivity, improves security, and future-proofs your business. Need help building yours? Contact us today at info@mytechexperts.com, or (734) 457-5000.

Biometrics Are the New Password – But What Happens If Yours Gets Stolen?

Technology moves fast, and one area that’s quickly becoming part of everyday business life is biometrics. Instead of typing in a password, more people are logging in with a fingerprint, a facial scan, or even voice recognition. It’s quick, easy, and it feels more secure. No more forgotten passwords or sticky notes under keyboards.

But as with most things in technology, convenience comes with a catch.

Unlike a password, you can’t change your fingerprint. You can’t “reset” your face. So if your biometric data is compromised, it’s not just a minor headache – it’s potentially a long-term problem.

And that has business owners starting to take a second look at how this data is being used and protected.

Biometric information is now among the most valuable types of data a business can hold. That makes it a prime target for hackers. If your systems store fingerprint or facial data – especially if you’re using it for employee or client logins – you’ve got to treat that data like gold.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals already know how powerful biometric credentials are. Unlike a password that can be changed in minutes, biometric data is permanent. That’s part of what makes it so attractive to attackers.

On underground markets, this type of information is sold at a premium. Criminals can use it to get past identity checks, access systems, and even impersonate someone online.

So what’s the best way to protect your business? The first step is understanding where and how this data is stored. If you’re using devices that store biometric information locally – such as a smartphone or a fingerprint reader on a laptop – that’s often safer than storing it in a central database.

Local storage keeps the data off the network, which makes it harder for hackers to get to.

However, if you do need to store biometric data on a server – maybe for time tracking, door access, or centralized logins – it needs to be properly secured.

That means strong encryption, keeping it separate from other sensitive data, and limiting who has access to it. You’ll also want to monitor and log any changes or login attempts.

If you’re using third-party apps or devices that rely on biometric login, make sure you know how those vendors handle security. Read the privacy policy, ask questions, and check whether they’ve had any past data breaches.

Not all providers treat this data with the care it deserves, and you don’t want to find that out the hard way.

Done right, biometrics can be a great tool. They streamline access, make logins easier, and reduce password fatigue for your team. But they need to be handled with the same (or even more) care than a traditional password system.

Bottom line: If you’re going to use something as personal as a fingerprint or a face scan to unlock your business systems, make sure you’re the only one with the key.

Want help reviewing your current biometric security practices? We’re happy to chat. Reach out today.

The Clock Is Ticking: Preparing Your Business For Windows 10 End-of-Life

Thomas Fox is president of Tech Experts, southeast Michigan’s leading small business computer support company.

The end of official support for Windows 10 is approaching rapidly, with Microsoft setting the sunset date for October 14, 2025. While that may seem distant, the implications for small and mid-sized businesses are immediate. This change is not simply a routine software update: It is a critical juncture that requires deliberate planning and action.

Understanding the business risk

Once Windows 10 reaches its end of life, Microsoft will stop issuing security patches, system updates, and technical support. This places any business still using the operating system at heightened risk for cyberattacks, compliance violations, and operational disruptions.

For businesses operating in regulated industries – such as healthcare, financial services, legal, or manufacturing – these risks carry significant weight. Running unsupported systems could jeopardize compliance with frameworks like HIPAA, FINRA, and CMMC. It may also raise red flags during cybersecurity insurance reviews and increase premiums or deny claims following a breach.

In addition to security concerns, unsupported operating systems can create incompatibility with newer software, degrade performance, and reduce the reliability of day-to-day operations. The cost of unplanned downtime or data loss often exceeds the investment required to modernize outdated infrastructure.

Windows 11: The next step – with caveats

Upgrading to Windows 11 is the natural path forward. However, Windows 11 is not simply a cosmetic update. It introduces stricter hardware requirements that may render many current business machines ineligible for upgrade.

The minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include:

  • A compatible 64-bit processor (Intel 8th Gen or AMD Ryzen 2000 series and newer)
  • 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
  • 64 GB of storage
  • UEFI firmware with Secure Boot
  • TPM version 2.0
  • DirectX 12-compatible graphics with WDDM 2.0 driver

These requirements are significant, especially for businesses with aging fleets of desktops and laptops. According to recent industry estimates, nearly 40% of business PCs currently in use do not meet the minimum standard for Windows 11. This means replacement, not just an upgrade, may be necessary.

Why planning needs to start now

Delaying planning can lead to rushed purchases, limited hardware availability, and unnecessary business interruptions. Instead, organizations should begin with a full inventory of current systems to identify which devices are eligible for upgrade and which will require replacement.

It is advisable to phase replacements over time to manage costs and avoid overwhelming staff with abrupt changes. Partnering with a trusted IT service provider can ensure the transition is managed efficiently, minimizing downtime and disruptions.

Early planning also provides an opportunity to align new hardware investments with long-term IT strategies, including cloud integration, mobility, and security enhancements.

Looking ahead

Technology lifecycles should never be left to chance. The Windows 10 end-of-life deadline is more than a date – it is a call to evaluate the state of IT readiness across the organization.

Businesses that take proactive steps now will avoid reactive scrambles later, preserving both security and continuity.

The Real Cost Of A Security Breach (It’s Not Just About The Money)

We hear about security breaches all the time. But it’s easy to think, “That won’t happen to us.”

Unfortunately, the truth is… it could.

And if it does, the costs to your business go far beyond fixing a few systems or paying a fine.

Cyberattacks have become more frequent, more sophisticated, and more damaging.

As more businesses move their data online, rely on cloud services, and encourage remote work, their networks become easier to target.

And attackers know it.

When a business suffers a breach (where someone gains unauthorized access to your data), the immediate impact might include lost revenue, a damaged reputation, or a big regulatory penalty.

But the real damage often appears over time.

Take this in: The average cost of a serious security breach is now estimated at nearly $600 million. That includes everything from fixing systems, legal fees, lost business, and customer support. It’s a huge jump from just a year ago, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

But it doesn’t stop at finances.

Businesses that are breached often see a drop in customer trust. People may take their business elsewhere, unsure if their data is safe. In some cases, the business’s value drops as investors lose confidence. Even applying for funding or planning future growth becomes harder.

It gets worse in sectors like healthcare or finance, where a breach can delay operations, expose personal records, and cause real harm to people. That kind of disruption can ripple far beyond just the business itself.

The bad news is: Cyberthreats aren’t going away.

The good news?

There’s a lot you can do to reduce the risk. A strong security setup, smart employee training, and a plan for how to respond to an attack can make all the difference.

If you’re not sure how protected your business is, don’t wait for something to go wrong. Let us help, starting with a security audit. Get in touch.

How To Automate Daily Tasks And Free Up Your Time

Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats. These hats go from managing operations, handling customer inquiries, to keeping everything running smoothly. There’s a solution that can lighten the load: AI-powered automation. Thanks to technological advancements, these tools have become more accessible and cost-effective than ever, allowing small businessowners to automate tasks they previously had to handle manually.

Here are some smart ways to automate daily tasks and free up your time.

Automate customer support without losing the personal touch

Use AI Chatbots for First-Line Support. AI-powered chatbots, like Tidio or Chatfuel, can handle frequently asked questions, schedule appointments, and collect customer information automatically.

Smart Email Assistants. AI tools like Zendesk AI or Freshdesk can read incoming emails, categorize them, and even suggest replies. Some go a step further and can automate responses.

AI-Enhanced Customer Feedback. AI tools like Survicate or Qualaroo can analyze customer feedback in real-time, spotting trends and highlighting areas for improvement automatically so you can act faster.

Streamline scheduling and calendar management

Let AI Handle Your Calendar. AI-powered tools like Calendly and Reclaim.ai can automatically suggest meeting times, taking into account everyone’s availability, time zones, and preferences.

AI-Powered Appointment Booking. If you offer services or consultations, tools like Acuity Scheduling let clients book appointments directly from your calendar.

Optimized Time Allocation. AI tools like TimeHero or Trello use data and patterns from your calendar to suggest the most efficient way to allocate your time for various tasks.

Supercharge your marketing without hiring an agency

Create Content with AI Writing Tools. AI writing tools like Jasper AI, Copy.ai, and ChatGPT can generate blog posts, social media content, and email campaigns quickly and efficiently.

Automate Social Media Posts. Social media management platforms like Buffer or Later use AI to suggest the best times for posting, automatically queue content, and even generate hashtags.

AI-Driven Analytics for Better Decision-Making. AI tools like Google Analytics and HubSpot can analyze the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns in real-time, providing insights into what’s working.

Financial tasks made easier

Use AI Accounting Tools. Tools like QuickBooks Online and Xero automate tasks such as categorizing expenses, reconciling accounts, and generating reports.

Automate Invoice Generation and Payment Reminders. Tools like Wave and Zoho Books let you generate invoices automatically and send payment reminders.

Financial Forecasting with AI Insights. Tools like Fathom or Float forecast revenue, track expenses, and aid data-driven financial decisions.

Internal team collaboration & workflow automation

Automate Repetitive Team Tasks. Tools like Zapier and Make.com connect your apps and automate workflows.

AI Note-Taking & Meeting Summaries. Tools like Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai transcribe meetings and generate notes automatically.

Streamlined Project Management. Tools like Asana or Monday.com help you assign tasks, track deadlines, and monitor project progress.

Ready to integrate AI into your business? If you’re overwhelmed by daily tasks, consider AI-powered automation. You don’t need a massive tech budget to start.

It’s time to work smarter, not harder. Contact us at (734) 457-5000 for AI-powered solutions to streamline your day.

Why Sticking With Windows 10 Could Put Your Business At Risk

Windows 10 has been a reliable workhorse for businesses for nearly a decade, but its time is running out. Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and if your business is still relying on it after that date, you could be opening the door to serious financial, operational, and legal risks.

While it may seem easier (and cheaper) to delay an upgrade, the reality is that the cost of doing nothing can far exceed the cost of migrating to a supported system. Let’s take a look at why.

No more security updates = new threats every day

Once Windows 10 reaches end-of-life, Microsoft will stop releasing critical security updates. That means new vulnerabilities will be discovered by hackers – and left unpatched.

Cybercriminals actively look for outdated systems to exploit. It’s not a matter of if your business will be targeted – it’s a matter of when. And when that happens, you’re on your own.

A data breach or ransomware attack can bring your business to a halt, costing thousands in downtime, lost data, and recovery efforts – not to mention damage to your reputation.

Compliance risks: A lawsuit waiting to happen

If you’re in a regulated industry like healthcare, finance, legal, or government, continuing to use an unsupported operating system could put you out of compliance with major regulations like:

  • HIPAA (Healthcare)
  • PCI-DSS (Payment Processing)
  • GDPR (General Data Protection)
  • GLBA (Finance and Banking)

Many of these frameworks require the use of supported, up-to-date software to ensure sensitive information is protected. If you suffer a breach while running Windows 10 after support ends, you could face hefty fines and legal action for failing to maintain compliance.

Real-world risks: Lessons from the past

We’ve seen this story before. When Windows 7 went end-of-life in 2020, many businesses chose to wait. A Michigan medical practice that delayed upgrading was later hit with a ransomware attack that exposed patient records. The practice was fined $150,000 for HIPAA violations – and spent months rebuilding systems and trust.

Outdated systems don’t just make headlines – they make victims.

Total cost of ownership: It’s more expensive than you think

At first glance, keeping old systems may seem cost-effective. But when you factor in the hidden costs – security breaches, downtime, lost productivity, non-compliance fines, and expensive emergency IT support – the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for unsupported systems skyrockets.
Modern systems are faster, more secure, and easier to manage.

Over time, they reduce your risk and lower your maintenance costs, making them a smarter investment.

Hidden productivity drain

Old systems don’t just create risk – they slow your team down. Unsupported systems often struggle with performance, compatibility, and reliability.

That translates into lost time, frustration, and inefficiency, especially when employees can’t access the tools or software they need.

If your team is spending 15-30 minutes a day dealing with tech issues, multiply that by every employee, every day. Over a year, it adds up to a massive loss in productivity – and profit.

It’s time to plan ahead

Upgrading from Windows 10 isn’t just a technical decision – it’s a business decision.

Whether you’re a five-person law firm, a small medical office, or a local manufacturing shop, staying on Windows 10 past its end-of-life is a gamble that could cost you far more than an upgrade.

At Tech Experts, we help small businesses like yours plan secure, cost-effective transitions to modern systems – without disruption.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today to protect your business, stay compliant, and keep moving forward.