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Upgrading Your Technology Could Reduce The Impact Of Sick Leave

Most businesses have felt the pain of sick leave at some point.

A key person off for a few days can slow everything down. A longer absence can put entire projects on hold.

But did you know that upgrading your technology can help offset some of that lost time?

When people talk about tech upgrades, they often think it means buying shiny new devices. Really, it’s mostly about removing the daily friction your team faces.

You know the thing. Slow systems, unreliable tools, old software, and clunky processes. They may seem small, but over a year, they quietly drain hours, days, even weeks of productivity.

Recent research shows that improving workplace connectivity – that’s the speed and reliability of your internet and internal systems – could help employees reclaim the equivalent of several working days per year.

Why?

Because when systems are fast, secure and stable, people get more done with less frustration. And frustration is a bigger problem than most business owners realize.

A large share of employee sick leave around the world is connected to stress and mental health. And many workers say outdated or unreliable tech is part of what increases their stress.

Think about how it feels when you’re trying to do something important and your device freezes or a system keeps crashing. Modern tools remove that emotional strain by simply… working.

Better tech can also give employees more flexibility.

Cloud systems (software and data stored securely online rather than on a local computer) make it easy for people to work effectively from anywhere. And AI tools, which help automate repetitive tasks or surface information quickly, free up time and reduce cognitive load.

When people feel in control of their work, they tend to feel less stressed, more productive, and more satisfied.

There’s another benefit too: Training.

Many workers say they want better skills and clearer support as businesses adopt new tools. The advent of AI and AI-assisted tools means your team is working with new technology regularly.

When people understand the technology they’re using, confidence goes up and mistakes go down.

So while you can’t stop illness entirely, you can build a workplace where lost time hurts a lot less.

If you need help making an investment in productivity, well-being and long-term resilience, please give us a call at (734) 457-5000, or email us at info@MyTechExperts.com.

Your Best Defense Against A Cyberattack

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

Cyberattacks rarely make headlines when they hit SMBs. But behind the scenes, they’re happening every day.

In fact, while you’re reading this, a company somewhere is quietly dealing with the fallout of being locked out of its own systems.

What separates the businesses that recover quickly from those that don’t isn’t luck. It’s preparation.

Hackers have become very good at sneaking in, stealing data, and causing disruption. Even strong security can’t block every attempt. That’s why having a recovery plan matters so much.

A disaster recovery plan is simply a playbook for your business. It sets out what happens if the worst occurs:

  • Who takes charge
  • How you communicate with staff and customers
  • The steps to bring systems back online

When people know what to do, they can act fast and confidently rather than wasting precious hours figuring it out on the spot.

Security experts (like us) often run practice scenarios, pitting “attackers” against “defenders.” What becomes obvious in these exercises is that the technical side of an attack is only half the battle.

Clear communication, calm decision making, and having tested plans ready to go make the biggest difference in whether a business survives intact.

Preparation also means knowing where your vital data is stored, making sure backups are reliable, and checking that everyone understands their role if trouble strikes. And sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but these aren’t one-time jobs. You need to revisit and test them regularly.

The reality is that cybercriminals aren’t going away. But you can take the fear out of the unknown by being ready.

Preparation turns a crisis into something manageable, helping you protect your data, your reputation, and your customers’ trust.

If you need expert help creating a plan for if things go wrong, my team and I are on hand. Get in touch.

The Long-Term Costs Of Slow Computers

We’ve all been there. You press the power button on your computer, grab a cup of coffee, and by the time it finally boots up, you could’ve answered three emails and called a client back. At first, you tell yourself it’s just a small annoyance. But over time, that sluggish computer quietly chips away at your productivity – and your team’s morale.

The truth is, old or underperforming devices cost businesses far more than the price of replacing them. Let’s break down the hidden ways slow computers impact your company.

Lost productivity adds up

When every task takes longer than it should, productivity suffers. If an employee wastes just 15 minutes a day waiting for programs to load or systems to respond, that’s more than an hour a week. Multiply that across a 20-person team and you’re losing over 1,000 hours of productive time every year. That’s not just inconvenience – it’s real money left on the table.

Employee frustration and morale

Nothing drains motivation faster than feeling like your tools are working against you. Slow logins, constant freezes, and endless restarts leave employees frustrated before they even begin their day. That frustration doesn’t stay in front of the screen – it spills into customer service interactions, team collaboration, and overall job satisfaction. When employees feel held back by technology, their energy and focus shift away from the work that really matters.

Increased support costs

A sluggish computer isn’t just a time waster – it’s a resource drain. Older devices often need more IT support for troubleshooting crashes, replacing outdated components, or recovering from errors. While patching things together may seem cheaper than replacing equipment, those repair bills and lost hours add up quickly. In many cases, businesses spend more keeping an old machine alive than they would on a modern replacement.

Security risks of outdated hardware

It’s not just speed you need to worry about. Older computers may no longer receive security updates from the manufacturer, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats. Hackers look for weak entry points, and an outdated device without current protections can serve as an open door into your entire network.

Repair or replace?

So how do you know when it’s time to retire a slow device versus investing in a repair? A good rule of thumb is the “50 percent rule.” If fixing the computer costs more than half the price of a new one – or if it’s more than five years old – replacement is usually the smarter choice. Repairs may buy you a little more time, but they rarely restore the performance and security of modern systems.

Think of it like maintaining a car. At some point, the cost of repeated repairs outweighs the benefits, and a new, reliable vehicle is the better investment. The same goes for your business technology.

The smart move forward

Upgrading computers doesn’t just remove frustration – it gives your employees tools that support their best work. Faster machines mean quicker logins, smoother multitasking, fewer errors, and improved security. That translates into happier employees, more satisfied clients, and fewer hidden costs dragging on your bottom line.

If your team spends more time waiting on their computers than getting work done, it’s time to take a hard look at your equipment. A well-planned upgrade cycle saves money, improves morale, and helps your business run at the speed it needs to compete.

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.

Need New Hardware? Here’s Where To Start

When your team’s computers or internet start lagging, it’s often a sign your hardware needs an upgrade. But with so many tech options, you may want some help knowing where to start. Upgrading hardware can feel like a daunting task, but with a bit of guidance, small businesses can make informed choices that improve efficiency, security, and productivity.

Understanding the signs you need an upgrade

Computers and other tech devices aren’t meant to last forever. If your employees frequently complain about slow load times, crashing applications, or connectivity issues, it’s a clear indication that your hardware might not be keeping up. Older equipment may also struggle to support the latest software updates, leaving your business vulnerable to cyber threats or inefficiencies.

Beyond performance issues, consider whether your current hardware aligns with your business needs. For example, if your team is transitioning to hybrid or remote work, laptops with better portability and extended battery life may be necessary.

Similarly, businesses managing large files or using graphics-intensive software should invest in systems with robust processing power and high-resolution displays.

Choosing the right equipment

When selecting new hardware, focus on what makes sense for your business operations. For many small businesses, reliability and scalability are the top priorities. Here are a few key items to consider:

Desktops and Laptops: Decide whether you need desktops for stationary workstations or laptops for mobility. For general office tasks, mid-range models with solid-state drives (SSDs), at least 8GB of RAM, and Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors are often sufficient.

Networking Equipment: Outdated routers and switches can bottleneck your internet speeds, no matter how fast your ISP claims to be. Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 routers or mesh networking systems can significantly improve connectivity and range, especially in larger offices.

Monitors and Accessories: Dual monitors are increasingly standard for maximizing productivity. Additionally, ergonomic keyboards, mice, and adjustable monitor stands can reduce strain and improve comfort for your team, especially for staff who work at a computer all day.

Servers and Storage: If your business handles sensitive data or large volumes of information, upgrading to a dedicated server or Network Attached Storage (NAS) device can provide better security and accessibility.

Printers and Scanners: While many offices are moving toward paperless workflows, reliable printers and scanners are still essential for certain industries. Look for multi-function devices with wireless connectivity for added convenience.

Balancing budget and long-term value

Hardware upgrades are an investment, so it’s important to strike a balance between cost and value. Cutting corners to save a few dollars upfront can lead to higher expenses in the long run if equipment fails prematurely or doesn’t meet your needs.

Consider working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to identify cost-effective options tailored to your business. MSPs often have access to bulk purchasing discounts and can recommend hardware that integrates seamlessly with your existing systems. They can also assist with setup, ensuring minimal disruption to your workflow.

The environmental impact

Finally, don’t overlook the opportunity to dispose of old equipment responsibly. Many manufacturers and local organizations offer recycling programs that ensure outdated hardware is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Some programs even offer trade-in credits to help offset the cost of new purchases.

Upgrading your computer hardware doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By identifying your team’s needs, prioritizing reliable and scalable options, and partnering with experts when needed, you can ensure your business stays competitive and efficient. Investing in the right tools today can save you time, money, and headaches down the road—and your team will thank you for it.

How To Organize Your Cybersecurity Strategy Into Left And Right Of Boom

In the pulsating digital landscape, every click and keystroke echoes through cyberspace. The battle for data security rages on.

Businesses stand as both guardians and targets. Unseen adversaries covet their digital assets. Businesses must arm themselves with a sophisticated arsenal of cybersecurity strategies.

On one side, the vigilant guards of prevention (Left of Boom). On the other, the resilient bulwarks of recovery (Right of Boom). Together, these strategies form the linchpin of a comprehensive defense. They help ensure that businesses can repel attacks. And also rise stronger from the ashes if breached.

What Do “Left of Boom” and “Right of Boom” Mean?

In the realm of cybersecurity, “Left of Boom” and “Right of Boom” are strategic terms. They delineate the proactive and reactive approaches to dealing with cyber threats.

“Left of Boom” refers to preemptive measures and preventative strategies. These are things implemented to safeguard against potential security breaches. It encompasses actions aimed at preventing cyber incidents before they occur.

“Right of Boom” pertains to the post-breach recovery strategies. Companies use these after a security incident has taken place. This phase involves activities like incident response planning and data backup.

Together, these terms form a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. They cover both prevention and recovery aspects.

Left of Boom: Prevention Strategies

User education and awareness: One of the foundational elements of Left of Boom is employee cybersecurity education. Regular training sessions can empower staff.

Robust access control and authentication: Access control tactics include:

  • Least privilege access
  • Multifactor authentication (MFA)
  • Contextual access
  • Single Sign-on (SSO) solutions

Regular software updates and patch management: Left of Boom strategies include ensuring all software is regularly updated.

Network security and firewalls: Firewalls act as the first line of defense against external threats. Install robust firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems that alert quickly when a breach is in progress.

Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments. This helps to identify potential weaknesses in your systems.

Right of Boom: Recovery Strategies

Incident response plan: Having a well-defined incident response plan in place is crucial.

It should include things like:

  • Communication protocols
  • Containment procedures
  • Steps for recovery
  • IT contact numbers

Data backup and disaster recovery: Regularly backing up data is a vital component of Right of Boom. Another critical component is having a robust disaster recovery plan.

Forensic analysis and learning: After a security breach, conduct a thorough forensic analysis. It’s essential to understand the nature of the attack. As well as the extent of the damage, and the vulnerabilities exploited.

Legal and regulatory compliance: Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape after a security breach is important.

Proven Ways To Mitigate The Cost Of A Data Breach

Cybersecurity is an essential aspect of running a business. In today’s digital world, it’s crucial to have a plan in place to respond to incidents, adopt a zero trust approach to security, and use tools with security AI and automation.

By taking these measures, you can help reduce the cost of a data breach and lower the risk of cyberattacks.

Putting in place an incident response plan is crucial for any organization. In the event of a cyberattack, having a well-planned and executed response can help contain the breach and prevent further damage.

In fact, a practiced incident response plan can greatly reduce the cost of a data breach, by an average of $2.66 million per incident. It’s important to regularly practice and update this plan to ensure that your organization is prepared for any potential cyber threats.

Another effective cybersecurity measure is to adopt a zero trust approach. This means that instead of trusting everything within your network, you should verify everything and everyone.

By adopting a zero trust approach, you can significantly reduce the cost of a data breach. Organizations that don’t deploy zero trust tactics pay about $1 million more per breach.

It’s important to carefully evaluate the access levels of your employees and partners, and ensure that they only have access to the information and systems they need to do their jobs.

Using tools with security AI and automation is also an effective way to reduce the cost of a data breach. These tools use machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect and respond to cyberattacks. By automating your cybersecurity processes, you can free up your IT team to focus on other tasks while ensuring that your organization is protected against cyber threats.

Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) is an example of a tool that uses security AI and automation to detect and respond to cyberattacks. By using these types of tools, you can reduce the cost of a data breach by 65.2%.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of improving your organization’s cybersecurity, working with a trusted IT partner can help.

A trusted IT partner can help you develop a cybersecurity roadmap, implement best practices, and ensure that your organization is protected against cyber threats. They can also provide regular security assessments and help you stay up-to-date with the latest threats and vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of running a business in today’s digital world. By putting in place an incident response plan, adopting a zero trust approach, and using tools with security AI and automation, you can greatly reduce the cost of a data breach and lower the risk of cyberattacks.

If you need help improving your organization’s cybersecurity, consider working with a trusted IT partner like Tech Experts who can guide you through the process and ensure that your organization is protected against cyber threats.

8 Tech Checks To Make Before You Travel

Our technology inevitably comes with us when we travel. Most of us won’t even travel to the end of the block without our smartphones. When you go on a trip, not having your technology there when you need it can ruin your day.

Travel smarter and more securely by doing several checks before you go. Use our handy tech travel checklist. It can save you from suffering from lost devices, missing chargers, or a data breach.

Check your apps
Have you ever sat at an airport gate wondering why it looked so empty? You then found out that your gate had changed, and you had no idea. You go rushing to the other end of the concourse, hoping you’re not too late.

How did everyone else know about the gate change? They most likely had the app for the airline and received a notification.

Before you leave for a trip, make sure to download any apps you may need. It’s better to download them when you’re at home on your own Wi-Fi. If you wait until you’re at the airport, reception may be an issue.

Some of the apps you may want to grab or update before your trip are:
• Airline app
• Train app
• Hotel app
• Theme park app
• Camping ground app
• Weather app
• City tourism app

Check your cords & adapters
People leave behind countless chargers and adapters every day. They litter airports, restaurants, and train stations around the world.

Make sure to bring a backup charger for your laptop, tablet, or phone. Otherwise, you may find yourself paying a premium for a new charger in a gift shop. Your device could also go black if you lose its charger and can’t quickly get a new one.

Check your power
A great way to ensure you have the power you need is to buy a small charging battery. You can find these in most major retailers or online. They are small “blocks” that hold a charge and can power up a cell phone in a pinch.

Having this extra backup also helps you avoid potential juice-jacking ports. These are fake or compromised public USB charging ports. Hackers use them to steal your data when you plug in.

Check your mobile plan
If you’re traveling out of the country, you’ll want to check your mobile plan. If you don’t have the ability to call internationally, then you may not be able to text or call home.

Carriers can add an international capability to your plan, but ask about pricing. It can get expensive if you’re on long calls or using mobile data.

An alternative is to set up a VoIP app you can use with your office, friends, or family while you’re traveling. These enable both calls and SMS, but you do need an internet connection.

Check or add a VPN
Free Wi-Fi may be a welcome site when you’re on the road, but it can also be dangerous. You don’t know who else is using that Wi-Fi. A hacker hanging out on the connection can easily steal your data if you’re not protected.

It’s better to use either your mobile carrier connection or a virtual private network (VPN) app. VPN plans are inexpensive and will keep your data encrypted, even if you’re on public Wi-Fi.

Check your backup
Unfortunately, mishaps occur when traveling. You may leave your phone behind on a boat, have your luggage lost, or get your device stolen while in a crowded area. Ten percent of all laptop thefts happen in airports.

Don’t lose all your data with the device! Back up your devices to the cloud or local storage before you travel. This ensures that you won’t lose the valuable information on your device. You also won’t need to think twice about enacting a remote “wipe my device” command if necessary.

Check your device security
Make your devices as secure as possible before you hit the road. When we’re traveling, our minds are occupied by other things. So, you may not think to check your antivirus or avoid suspicious phishing links.

Protect your devices before you go using:
• Antivirus/anti-malware
• DNS filtering
• Screen lock with passcode
• Sharing features turned off
• VPN application
• Find-My-Device feature turned on

Check your double checks
What do we mean by checking your double-checks? Use the buddy system as a backup. When the family is getting off a plane, each should check with the other that they have all their devices.

If you’re traveling alone, have a friend or family member check up by text. Did you grab your charger? Is your VPN turned on? Those little reminders can go a long way toward avoiding digital travel nightmares.

Improve the security of your devices now
Don’t leave your devices unprotected. This could mean a breach of your banking app or personal data. Contact us for device security solutions to reduce your risk.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

What Are The Five Perspectives In Business Analytics

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

Business analytics is an approach to identify the challenges faced by an organization and finding solutions to them. In other words, business analytics help you implement changes in the business to streamline tasks and activities.

Your role as business analysts is to bring efficiency to the working process. To analyze business activities and bring change, you need to understand how your business works. Depending on how it works, you need to consider the change you can bring to the organization to boost productivity.

Agile
Agility is an effective perspective to compare your traditional business analytics with new and advanced innovations.

The reason why this tool is effective is it provides you data considering your user stories and product backlog. Here are some benefits of using agility:

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How Tech Solves Managerial Problems In Small Business

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

Before the digitalization of the business sector, it was impossible to comprehend how easily you can perform business tasks today.

Every business industry is drastically changing by integrating new and advanced tech tools. The way you communicate with clients and other employees is different from how it used to be. This is possible because we now have tools capable of solving our problems in a better way. Here are some ways in which technology is solving managerial problems in small businesses:

Resource Planning

Whether you are a small business or an enterprise, you will agree that managing your resources is a challenge. Especially when you are a start-up, you need to visualize your business process and create effective resource plans. Integrating an Enterprise Resource Planning tool into your business infrastructure is an efficient way to solve departmental problems including finance, sales, marketing, and accounting.

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