collaborative tools

Here’s Why You Should Stick To Work-Specific Tools

February 18, 2025

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

When it comes to communicating with your team, it can be tempting to stick with what’s familiar. Apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger are quick and easy to use. And everyone already has them on their phones, right?

But while these tools are great for sharing vacation photos or planning a get-together, they’re not the best choice for work-related conversations. In fact, they could cause serious problems for your business.

You and your team often share information that’s sensitive – customer details, employee records, or even financial data. Sharing this kind of information over apps that aren’t designed for business use can be risky. Many of these apps don’t have the advanced security measures needed to protect your business from threats like cyber criminals or malware (malicious software designed to steal or damage your data).

If this happens on a personal app which doesn’t have the right security in place, your business could end up facing serious consequences. Losing access to important accounts or having private data leaked, for example.

Using business-specific communication tools, like Microsoft Teams, isn’t just about security, it’s also about keeping things organized. It lets you set up separate channels for different projects, share files securely, and even integrates with other apps you might be using. That means your team spends less time scrolling through endless chat threads and more time getting things done.

Personal apps can quickly get messy. Important messages get buried under GIFs and memes, and it becomes all too easy to accidentally share the wrong file – or worse, send something confidential to someone outside the company.

Switching to a proper business communication tool isn’t difficult, and it’s one of the best ways to protect your company’s information while keeping your team running smoothly.

Need help getting started with the right tools for your business? Get in touch.

Are Your Tech Tools Helping Or Hurting Your Business?

January 13, 2025

In the rush to stay competitive, businesses have been trying out new tech tools left, right, and center. It’s great to embrace change. But here’s the thing: Having too many tools – or the wrong kind – can create more headaches than solutions.

That means lots of businesses are now stuck with a jumble of software that doesn’t play nicely together, making work slower and more frustrating than it should be.

Over the past few years, companies have thrown tools at every problem:

• HR needed a way to track time off requests… there’s software for that
• Finance needed help with tax compliance… another tool added to the mix
• Add in the scramble to adapt to remote work and fast growth, and suddenly, every department has its own tool

The result? A patchwork quilt of systems that just don’t connect.

Now the focus is shifting to working smarter, not harder, and those cracks in your tool stack are showing. Instead of helping your team, too many disconnected tools are slowing them down. Data gets stuck in silos, workflows feel clunky, and employees are juggling software. To make matters worse, you’re likely paying for tools no one’s even using.

So, what can you do?

Look at the bigger picture. Think about consolidating your tool stack. Cut out the extras and focus on systems that work together smoothly. When your tools are aligned, your data flows properly and your team can do what they do best.

It’s not just about saving money (though you’ll probably do that too). It’s about making work easier and more efficient. Automation can also help you spot inefficiencies and connect the dots between systems, so everything runs more smoothly.

If your team isn’t working as efficiently as they could, before you start pointing fingers consider that your stack might be the reason.

We can help you create a tool stack that helps, not hinders, your workflow. Get in touch.

Collaboration Tools Are GREAT. But Are They A Security Risk?

October 13, 2023

In today’s digital age, workplace collaboration tools and messaging apps such as Slack, Teams, and Zoom have become indispensable.

They’ve revolutionized the way we work, making communication with colleagues a breeze, facilitating seamless file sharing, and allowing for productive meetings without the hassle of commuting.

The ability to discuss even the most sensitive of topics from the warmth and safety of our homes seems like a dream. However, every silver lining has a cloud.

While we see these tools as productivity enhancers, cybercriminals see them as gateways to potential vulnerabilities. The very platforms that have been champions for our productivity are simultaneously creating a playground for cyber threats.

It’s alarming to realize that, for instance, while Slack employs encryption, it does not have end-to-end encryption. The reason behind this? To provide companies with an overview of their internal communications.

Moreover, if you’ve jumped on the WhatsApp bandwagon for business, beware. This popular app has been a victim of numerous social engineering attacks. And Telegram? It’s steadily climbing the list of hotspots for cyber attackers. These threats have ushered in a new form of cyber-attack known as Business Communication Compromise (BCC).

Think of it as the menacing relative of the widely recognized Business Email Compromise (BEC).

Shockingly, a 2022 Data Breach Investigation Report highlighted that a staggering 82% of data breaches stem from human errors. Just one misguided click on a deceitful phishing email, and your prized communication channels become a hotbed for these cyber rogues.

But there’s hope! Here are some measures to safeguard your digital spaces:

• Establish robust access controls. Ensure that only authorized individuals can access your platform. Even basic protocols like multi-factor authentication can act as formidable barriers against intruders.

• Adopt stringent data loss prevention techniques. Opt for systems that provide end-to-end encryption and have capabilities to remotely wipe data from misplaced or stolen devices.

• Educate your team. Regular training sessions on best practices for handling sensitive information can make all the difference.

Your security is our priority. If you need guidance on fortifying your digital defenses, we’re here to assist.