The Most Common Email-Based Attacks We See

Not all email threats look dramatic. Many are subtle and designed to blend into normal business activity.

Phishing Emails

These are messages that pretend to be from trusted sources, such as Microsoft, a bank, or a vendor. The goal is to trick users into clicking a link or entering credentials.

Modern phishing emails are often well written and personalized, making them hard to spot without training.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

This is one of the costliest attacks for small businesses. An attacker gains access to a real email account and uses it to:

• Request wire transfers or ACH payments
• Change vendor banking details
• Ask for sensitive information

Because the email comes from a legitimate account, these attacks frequently bypass basic filters.

Malicious Attachments

Fake PDFs, Word documents, or shared files can install malware or ransomware when opened. These often arrive disguised as invoices, shipping notices, or contracts.

Account Takeovers

If an attacker steals a password, they can log in directly to Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, often without triggering alarms. From there, they can monitor conversations and strike at the right moment.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get Tech Support for Your Ann Arbor Business

Cybercriminals are not slowing down, and email remains their favorite entry point. The good news is that most email-based attacks are preventable with the right combination of technology, training, and active oversight.

If you'd like help evaluating your current email security posture or understanding where your biggest risks are, a professional assessment can provide clarity and peace of mind. Call 877-815-6074 or submit an online contact form to talk with a tech support specialist. 

Why Cybercriminals Target Email First

Email is attractive to attackers for a simple reason: it works.

Phishing emails, fake invoices, and compromised accounts don't require breaking into servers or exploiting complex systems. All they need is one person to click a link, open an attachment, or reply to a message that looks legitimate.

For small businesses, this risk is amplified because:

• Employees often wear many hats and work quickly
• There is less formal security training
• Email accounts are tightly connected to file storage, accounting systems, and vendor relationships

Once an attacker gains access to a single mailbox, they can move laterally, impersonate users, and quietly gather information.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get Tech Support for Your Ann Arbor Business

Cybercriminals are not slowing down, and email remains their favorite entry point. The good news is that most email-based attacks are preventable with the right combination of technology, training, and active oversight.

If you'd like help evaluating your current email security posture or understanding where your biggest risks are, a professional assessment can provide clarity and peace of mind. Call 877-815-6074 or submit an online contact form to talk with a tech support specialist. 

Cybersecurity Reality Check for Small Businesses

Did you know that cyberattacks are getting more frequent and more devastating?

The good news is that you don’t have to become a cybersecurity expert overnight. You just have to stop treating backups and security as an afterthought and start treating them like the insurance policy your business can’t survive without.

Here’s the reality for most small businesses we talk to in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Novi, Howell, and the greater Detroit area:

• Your data is growing faster than ever (QuickBooks files, customer records, invoices, project folders, emails).
• A single ransomware incident can cost thousands (or more) in downtime, recovery, and potential ransom.
• Most owners assume “it won’t happen to me”—until it does.
• Simple, affordable solutions exist that didn’t ten years ago.

This year, make the resolution that actually matters: commit to protecting what you’ve worked so hard to build.

Our Ann Arbor-based tech support specializes in helping small businesses just like yours implement reliable backup systems and layered cybersecurity protections that fit your budget and your team size—no overwhelming jargon, no unnecessary complexity.

Learn more in our latest article.

Looking for Tech Support in Ann Arbor?

Fill out our quick contact form or give us a call for a free, no-pressure review of where you stand today. We’ll show you exactly what you need (and what you don’t) so you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about losing it.

Here’s to a secure, successful 2026!

IT Goals for 2026

Happy new year, Michigan businesses!

January is here, and while you’re planning growth goals, new hires, or that long-overdue website refresh, there’s one resolution most small business owners keep pushing off: finally treating data backups and cybersecurity like the critical priorities they are.

You’re busy. We get it. We’ve worked with hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses across Southeast Michigan since 2001—restaurants, law firms, manufacturers, medical practices, and retailers just like yours. We’ve seen firsthand what happens when “I’ll get to it later” turns into a frantic 2:00 a.m. phone call because files are encrypted, customers can’t be reached, or an entire week’s worth of work is gone.

2026 isn’t bringing fewer threats—it’s bringing smarter, faster, and more targeted ones. Ransomware groups are now going after small businesses in record numbers because they know most don’t have enterprise-level protections (or even basic offsite backups). One attack can wipe out years of profit in days.

Learn more in our latest article about Ann Arbor tech support.

Looking for Tech Support in Ann Arbor?

Fill out our quick contact form or give us a call for a free, no-pressure review of where you stand today. We’ll show you exactly what you need (and what you don’t) so you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about losing it.

Here’s to a secure, successful 2026!

The Season of Giving

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and giving back. We believe that generosity extends beyond gifts under the tree — it’s about making a difference in our community and helping others thrive. Over the years, NSG has proudly supported local charities and causes that strengthen our shared community.

As we celebrate the spirit of giving, it’s also a great time to invest in yourself and your business. The right technology can be a gift that keeps giving all year long — improving performance, boosting productivity, and providing peace of mind.

This holiday season, remember to take care of those around you — and yourself. Whether through charitable giving or investing in the tools you need to grow, our IT experts are here to help you enter the new year with tech that’s stronger, safer, and ready for what’s next.

Read more in our latest article.

Happy Holidays from Your Local Ann Arbor Computer Service!

Ready to treat yourself and your business? Take a look at our Ann Arbor-based computer services, or call (877) 815-6974 to get a quote! If you prefer to reach out online, feel free to fill out our contact form.

Treat Yourself to a New IT Setup!

If you’ve been considering upgrading your IT setup, here are a few ways to set yourself up for success in the new year:

A Faster, More Reliable Computer

Outdated systems slow you down and hold your business back. A new computer can help you work more efficiently and reduce daily frustrations — the perfect gift for any busy professional.

Better Network Security

Protect what matters most with advanced cybersecurity solutions. From firewalls to managed antivirus protection, our network services keep your data and systems safe from online threats.

A Comprehensive Backup Plan

Ensure your critical files and business data are secure, no matter what happens. With our Backup and Disaster Recovery solutions, you can rest easy knowing your information is protected and recoverable.

Learn more in our latest article.

Happy Holidays from Your Local Ann Arbor Computer Service!

Ready to treat yourself and your business? Take a look at our Ann Arbor-based computer services, or call (877) 815-6974 to get a quote! If you prefer to reach out online, feel free to fill out our contact form.

Empowering Your Team with Security Awareness Training

Is your team informed about best cybersecurity practice?

Even the best technology can't fully protect against human error, which is why Huntress' Managed Security Awareness Training is a cornerstone of our partnership. This engaging, story-driven program transforms employees into your first line of defense by teaching them to recognize and respond to cyber threats.

Engaging and Memorable Content: Unlike traditional training programs, Huntress SAT uses relatable, episodic storytelling featuring characters like DeeDee, a mischievous "hacker" who challenges users with real-world scenarios. This approach keeps learners engaged and helps them retain critical security knowledge.

Realistic Phishing Simulations: Huntress designs phishing tests based on current, real-world threats, allowing employees to practice identifying suspicious emails in a safe environment. Automated reporting tracks progress, highlighting areas for improvement and celebrating successes.

Customizable and Hassle-Free: NSG and Huntress make it easy to deploy and manage SAT. Whether you prefer a fully managed experience or want to customize training with your branding, the platform is flexible and user-friendly, saving your team time and effort.

Building a Security Culture: By fostering a shared responsibility for cybersecurity, Huntress SAT helps create a vigilant workforce. Employees learn to spot phishing, social engineering, and other threats, reducing the risk of costly mistakes.

Learn more in our latest article.

If your business is near Ann Arbor, you can set up computer services with NSG and Huntress today!

Cybersecurity isn't just about technology—it's about empowering your people and staying ahead of threats. Through our partnership with Huntress, Network Services Group is proud to offer email monitoring and security awareness training that deliver measurable results. 

NSG is an Ann Arbor-based computer service, but we help businesses all over Southeast Michigan! Contact NSG today to learn how we can protect your business with Huntress' powerful solutions.

Call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here.

Why Huntress? A Game-Changer for Cybersecurity

Are you familiar with the cybersecurity leader Huntress?

Email remains one of the most vulnerable entry points for cyberattacks, with phishing and malware posing constant risks. Huntress' Managed Detection and Response (MDR) for Microsoft 365 provides robust, 24/7 monitoring of your email environment, including platforms like Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams. Paired with their Managed Security Awareness Training (SAT), this partnership equips NSG clients with a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity that addresses both technological and human vulnerabilities.

Key Benefits of Huntress Email Monitoring

Proactive Threat Detection: Huntress' MDR for Microsoft 365 continuously monitors your cloud environment for suspicious activity, such as phishing attempts, malware, or unauthorized access. By leveraging advanced threat detection and a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), Huntress identifies and responds to threats in real time, minimizing potential damage.

Rapid Incident Response: When a threat is detected, Huntress' SOC provides immediate alerts and actionable steps to contain and remediate the issue. This swift response helps prevent breaches from escalating, ensuring your business stays protected.

Seamless Integration: Huntress integrates effortlessly with your existing Microsoft 365 setup, working alongside NSG's comprehensive IT solutions. This ensures minimal disruption while enhancing your overall security posture.

Compliance Support: Robust email monitoring strengthens your cybersecurity framework, helping meet regulatory and insurance requirements. Huntress' detailed reporting provides clear documentation to demonstrate compliance during audits.

Learn more in our latest article.

If your business is near Ann Arbor, you can set up computer services with NSG and Huntress today!

Cybersecurity isn't just about technology—it's about empowering your people and staying ahead of threats. Through our partnership with Huntress, Network Services Group is proud to offer email monitoring and security awareness training that deliver measurable results. 

NSG is an Ann Arbor-based computer service, but we help businesses all over Southeast Michigan! Contact NSG today to learn how we can protect your business with Huntress' powerful solutions.

Call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here.

RMM Case Study

In our last blog, we gave a brief rundown of our Remote Maintenance and Monitoring (RMM) plans. To
demonstrate its usefulness, here is a real example of a client with an RMM plan:

One of our accounting firm clients faced a server crash during the height of tax season—a nightmare scenario for any practice. Our RMM system sent us an alert over the weekend, prompting us to investigate immediately. We discovered the server had rebooted but needed intervention to fully recover. By the time we checked our voicemail and found the client’s message, we had already restored their system.

When we called to confirm everything was back online, the client was astonished. “How did you know we had a problem before seeing our voicemail?” they asked.

“Simple,” we replied. “Your RMM plan alerted us the moment your server went down, so we jumped in to fix it.”

The client was thrilled—not only was their system back up quickly, but they were amazed we caught the issue proactively, even on a weekend. That’s the power of NSG’s RMM plans: peace of mind knowing your IT is monitored and maintained.

Learn more in our latest article.

Is your business in the greater Ann Arbor area? We can provide tech support!

Ready for complete IT peace of mind? 

Get your business set up with an RMM plan by calling (877) 815-6974 or submitting a contact form and letting us know what services you’d like in the “Message” box! 

NSG primarily provides tech support for Ann Arbor businesses, but we’re not limited to a single city! If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to call and see if we serve your area!

Intro to Remote Monitoring and Maintenance Plans

Did you know NSG offers Remote Monitoring and Maintenance (RMM) plans? 

Well, you do now! And now that you’re in the know, you might wonder what RMM is and how it benefits your business.

Our RMM plans leverage Barracuda RMM to keep your systems running smoothly. This powerful tool automates routine maintenance tasks, installs critical security patches, and equips us with advanced remote access options to deliver fast, efficient support. 

The real game-changer? Proactive alerts. We’re notified instantly about critical issues like low disk space, high CPU usage, or even a complete site outage. This allows us to investigate and resolve small problems before they snowball into costly disruptions.

Learn more in our latest article.

Is your business in the greater Ann Arbor area? We can provide tech support!

Ready for complete IT peace of mind? 

Get your business set up with an RMM plan by calling (877) 815-6974 or submitting a contact form and letting us know what services you’d like in the “Message” box! 

NSG primarily provides tech support for Ann Arbor businesses, but we’re not limited to a single city! If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to call and see if we serve your area!

Rank Higher on Google by Custom-Building a Website with Network Services Group

The beauty of WordPress lies in the power to easily change the look of your site by installing themes and plug-ins. This also is the most frightening thing about WordPress. Popular themes and plug-ins are at risk should hackers ever discover any an unexpected vulnerabilities. 

This along with several other factors are why custom-built sites are a smarter option. Learn more about the great benefits of a custom-built website from our Webmaster, Autumn Mahoney, and Web Developer Dan Holland:

Search Engine Friendly

Custom-built websites typically rank higher in search results than WordPress sites. This can result in better leads and more traction to your site. 

Google constantly changes how it evaluates websites for search engine placement. Even if a website was well-built in the past, it doesn’t mean it will remain in good standing as new standards are imposed. 

Our sister company Michigan SEO Group consistently monitors how users find your site and tweaks keyword usage for superior optimization. This paired with our updates, ensures your site ranks higher in search results. 

Faster Service

Our tech support’s consistent monitoring of your site results in faster loading times and better compatibility with mobile devices, modern browsers, and software. Websites are most effective when treated as a living system that needs ongoing care and attention. We see plenty of folks who hire someone to build a site, that then sits untouched until it’s broken, slow, and outdated by modern standards just a few years later.

We constantly follow technical advances with the experience to know when to take advantage of new possibilities and security advances – all while being discerning enough to know what works without chasing trends. 

Enjoy Customized IT Solutions Near Ann Arbor with Network Services Group

We’re eager to build custom solutions to help our partner companies take advantage of web-based technology, while providing security, SEO, speed and convenience. 

We would love to talk with you about ways we could do the same for you! If you are seeking IT solutions near Ann Arbor, submit a contact form today to get started.

Superior IT Solutions for Your Custom-Built Website

Is your website secure, regularly updated, and equipped to handle potential cyber threats?

WordPress dominates the website world. Today, over 800 million websites use WordPress. Because it’s so widely used, if hackers discover a flaw in the WordPress core, 800 million websites are at risk.

This along with several other factors are why custom-built sites are a smarter option. Learn more about the great benefits of a custom-built website from our Webmaster, Autumn Mahoney, and Web Developer Dan Holland:

Tighter Security 

Our custom-built Content Management System (CMS) is developed by a very small team of professional developers who are in constant communication with very tight standards. Because our CMS is customized in-house, we build solutions for our clients no one else is using (or will know how to use) which drastically cuts down the threat of hackers. Should you ever experience a website hack, know that you will be supported and won’t be left to figure it out alone with little to no help from WordPress. 

We go to great lengths to make sure websites and their data are backed up in multiple distributed locations. Every time an Amazon outage makes the news for taking out a large swatch of the web, our sites stay running.

Expert Tech Support

NSG is in a sweet spot to be uniquely responsive to the needs of our small and medium-sized clients. You’ll find cheap commodity hosting, but then you may become a commodity customer – dealing with automated systems, self-serve interfaces, and little help when issues arise.

With the tech support from us, you benefit from a team that works with you as a technology partner without having to hire your own programming department. WordPress only takes your website so far, and leaves little room for capability, flexibility, and personalization. Our programmers will hear out your vision for your site, and help you grow it along the way as your business expands. 

Enjoy Customized IT Solutions Near Ann Arbor with Network Services Group

We’re eager to build custom solutions to help our partner companies take advantage of web-based technology, while providing security, SEO, speed and convenience. 

We would love to talk with you about ways we could do the same for you! If you are seeking IT solutions near Ann Arbor, submit a contact form today to get started.