Is It Time for a Tech Tune-Up? Here’s How to Tell

Most small businesses don’t suddenly notice their tech setup needs attention. 

It usually happens gradually; a slowdown here, a recurring issue there, or a team that has grown faster than the systems supporting it. The challenge is that these changes are easy to accept. 

Workarounds become normal, and small frustrations start to feel ordinary. 

Many businesses looking for computer service in Ann Arbor see these patterns, but don’t know how to respond.

Signs to Look For 

The signs are often subtle at first:

• Computers are running slower than they used to.
• The same issues keep returning after being “fixed.”
• You call for help more frequently.
• A setup that hasn’t kept up with your team.

On their own, they are manageable. But together, they create friction that builds up over time. 

You Don’t Have to Fix Everything at Once

One concern is that addressing tech issues entails a large, expensive overhaul.

That is a rare occurrence. 

Many businesses start with simple break-fix or hourly support, getting help when something comes up, and build from there. If patterns start to show, adding monitoring and maintenance can help reduce ongoing disruptions.

This layered approach allows you to improve your setup over time based on your business’s needs.

Why Catching It Early Matters

A slow system today is easier to fix than a major failure tomorrow.

Small updates, routine fixes, and early action help avoid larger disruptions and lessen long-term risk. Over time, these small improvements lead to a more stable and predictable work environment.

In some cases, recurring issues may also indicate that certain systems are reaching the end of their useful life. Identifying this early helps businesses plan for upgrades before performance becomes a daily problem.

Learn more in our latest article. 

Computer Service in Ann Arbor That Fits Your Business

If you’re seeking computer service in Ann Arbor or the surrounding areas, our team can walk you through your options and find a setup that works for you. 

Not sure what your setup requires? Let’s talk about your options. Call 877-815-6974 or submit a contact form to get started.

Partnering with Huntress

 How can Huntress help with your cybersecurity?

In today’s digital landscape, email remains one of the most common—and vulnerable—channels for cyberattacks. From phishing to malware distribution, attackers continuously find ways to exploit email to compromise data, steal credentials, and damage organizational reputation. In response to this growing threat, businesses must adopt proactive email security measures that go beyond traditional filters and antivirus software.

To tackle these issues head-on, we’re excited to partner with Huntress, a leader in managed detection and response (MDR) solutions. Through this partnership, we’re offering Office 365 protection plans that include active monitoring and threat detection. Huntress brings specialized knowledge in detecting threats that standard antivirus tools miss. Their monitoring solutions identify potential compromises early, allowing rapid response before they escalate into serious incidents.

By integrating Huntress into our Office 365 protection plans, we’re able to offer:

1. Active Monitoring: Around-the-clock vigilance for suspicious activities within your Office 365 environment.
2. Advanced Threat Detection: Identifying hidden threats, malicious code, and abnormal activity across your network.
3. Rapid Response: Immediate alerts and actionable steps to address and contain security incidents.

Read more in our latest article.

Strengthen Security with a Multi-Layered Approach with Computer Service Plans from Ann Arbor-Based NSG

Email security isn’t just about avoiding one type of threat; it requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach. With Huntress’ advanced protection solutions and our targeted employee training programs, we’re able to address both the technological and human elements of email security.

Protecting your business means staying ahead of cybercriminals with proactive tools and informed employees. Investing in both technology and training creates a resilient defense against cyber threats. By choosing our Office 365 protection plans with Huntress, you’re taking a significant step toward ensuring the security of your business's most essential communications.

If you need more information regarding computer services in the greater Ann Arbor area, please feel free to call (887) 815-6974 or submit a contact form.

Why Email Security is Critical for Businesses

Why is email security so important?

Emails have become a universal tool for business communication, and, unfortunately, an ideal target for cybercriminals. Phishing scams, where attackers attempt to deceive employees into revealing sensitive information, are a leading tactic in cybersecurity breaches. According to recent studies, phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, with many employees unaware of what phishing attempts might look like.

Without adequate email protection, businesses expose themselves to data breaches, financial losses, and potential regulatory fines. It’s clear that a robust email security strategy is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

Read more in our latest article.

Strengthen Security with a Multi-Layered Approach with Computer Service Plans from Ann Arbor-Based NSG

Email security isn’t just about avoiding one type of threat; it requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach. With Huntress’ advanced protection solutions and our targeted employee training programs, we’re able to address both the technological and human elements of email security.

Protecting your business means staying ahead of cybercriminals with proactive tools and informed employees. Investing in both technology and training creates a resilient defense against cyber threats. By choosing our Office 365 protection plans with Huntress, you’re taking a significant step toward ensuring the security of your business's most essential communications.

If you need more information regarding computer services in the greater Ann Arbor area, please feel free to call (887) 815-6974 or submit a contact form.

Our Secret for Reliable Tech Support

Have you ever dealt with an unresponsive tech company?

Have you ever felt frustrated because a company you hired didn’t show up when they said they would?

We know that feeling all too well, so we make it our mission to avoid ever putting our customers in a position where they feel this way! 

Our Motto for Reliable Tech Support 

What sets us apart in our crowded field? It’s straightforward: we prioritize the basics that too often get overlooked. We believe in the power of simple yet crucial actions like returning phone calls promptly and always showing up for our scheduled appointments. 

But it doesn’t stop there! Our approach goes beyond just identifying problems. We focus on providing effective solutions, not just recommendations. 

Our team prioritizes staying up to date with the latest technological innovations. Our experience has shown us what works and what doesn’t, allowing us to tailor our services to meet your unique needs. 

Our true measure of success is how well everything functions for you, and we’re committed to making sure everything works seamlessly while providing you with excellent customer service along the way. 

Read our latest article here to learn more. 

NSG Provides Business Class Computer Service in Ann Arbor and around Ann Arbor 

In a world where reliability often feels like a rare commodity, we strive to be the dependable partner you can count on. We understand how aggravating it can be dealing with unresponsive tech support and broken promises, and we’re here to change that narrative. 

Our commitment to you is simple, yet strong: we will always be here when you need us, delivering not just solutions, but peace of mind. Don’t settle for less! Work with a computer service in Ann Arbor that you can trust. 

Contact us today to get started!

Our Best Practices for Risk Management

Did you hear about the CrowdStrike software malfunction in July?

This incident led to a widespread IT outage that disrupted systems all over the world. The chaos it caused was felt far and wide, affecting many different industries and causing cancelled flights, compromised access to emergency services, banking disruptions and more! 

This incident serves as an important reminder that no one is immune to the risk associated with not having reliable backup systems in place in the event of emergencies. 

The solution for a speedy recovery lies in having robust backup solutions, recovery plans, and a reliable IT support team that you can count on to restore your operations quickly, all of which we provide! 

We offer a range of services designed to make sure your systems are secure and resilient: 

Risk Management, Monitoring, and Maintenance Programs

Our top priority is the security of your data, so you can rely on the performance and reliability of your computer systems. 

We conduct thorough network audits to confirm that your defenses are strong enough to keep malicious threats, like viruses and hackers at bay. 

Here are some of the ways that we reduce risks and protect your business:

Virus and Spyware Removal and Protection

We keep your systems safe against viruses, making sure that any existing threats are quickly eliminated and future infections are prevented. 

Spyware can compromise your sensitive information and slow down your operations. When working with us, we take great care in removing and protecting your systems from spyware so your data stays safe. 

Backup Solutions 

Even in the event of a critical failure, the backup strategies we implement are strong, and will make it so your data is always recoverable. 

Business Class Tech Support 

We offer top-tier technical support that’s tailored to the specific needs of your business. This makes it so you have reliable, efficient systems in place, and that help will always be available when you need it. 

Read our latest article here to learn more. 

You Can Count on NSG – Providing Computer Service in and around Ann Arbor!  

By partnering with us, you can rest easy knowing that your computer systems are in safe and capable hands. When partnering with our computer service in Ann Arbor, you’ll be well-prepared to handle any challenges that come your way. 

Contact us today to learn more!

The Impact of Unsupported Software

What did you do the last time you received a notification that it’s time to update your software? 

If you ignored it, you’re not alone. Many people don’t want to be bothered by taking the time to install these updates. However, many are not be aware of the negative impact this causes to the security, functionality, and online performance of their websites. 

Here are some reasons why you should update your unsupported software: 

Security Risks

One of the most important reasons to update your software is to keep your website safe from cybersecurity threats. When your system stops receiving security updates, it becomes vulnerable to new and evolving cyber threats like viruses, malware, and ransomware. Not only will this put your website at risk, but it can also cause your personal information to be compromised.

Functionality

Software updates aren’t just about security, they also address bugs and glitches that cause crashes, freezes, and slow performance. By updating your software, your software will run smoothly and efficiently, which will save you time and frustration later down the road. 

Online Presence

Outdated websites can deter viewers, harm search engine rankings, and fail to provide an efficient user experience. In addition to updating your website, if you’re interested in improving your online presence further, our sister company Michigan SEO Group specializes in improving search engine rankings.

Learn more in our latest article!

Call Our Computer Service in Ann Arbor and We’ll Update Your Security Software! 

Taking action by updating your software now will save you from running into security threats and user experience issues later down the road, allowing you to plan for a more efficient future. 

If you’re searching for a computer service in Ann Arbor to partner with, contact us today and we’ll help you get started.

Best Practices for Network Security for Small Businesses

Have your employees received adequate training on safeguarding your network security?

Unlike larger businesses who are equipped with IT departments and advanced security measures, most small businesses lack these resources rendering them vulnerable targets for cybercriminals.

We’d like to help you educate your team on effective network security practices. We provide a free Internet Security Guide available to download free here, designed to assist you in educating your team on cyber threats and what steps you can take to prevent future breaches to your network.

Here are some important measures to take to make sure you’re keeping your network safe:

Don’t Hit “Ignore”, Install Your Updates!

Small businesses often handle sensitive customer data like bank account information, credit card numbers, usernames, and passwords.

A data breach not only jeopardizes your customer’s trust, but it can also result in severe financial and legal consequences for your business. That’s why it’s important to make sure your technology is up to date with all security patches.

Even though it may feel inconvenient, when these programs prompt you to install updates, it’s crucial to do so because if you keep hitting “ignore” your technology will become outdated and an easy target for hackers.

Change Your Passwords on a Regular Basis

While the “forgot password” link is helpful in many cases when you lose an important password, it can also be harmful. If a hacker can successfully use this to access your email, then they can gain access to all your other passwords.

Never use the same password for anything and create strong passwords that you change on a regular basis. A strong password contains at least 8 characters with a mixture of upper- case and lower-case letters, numbers, and punctuation.

If your system supports it, turning on 2-factor authentication is another smart way to keep your passwords safe and avoid being hacked.

Learn more in our latest article! 

Follow Advice from a Computer Service in Ann Arbor to Keep Your Network Safe

Small business owners need to take network security training seriously to protect their computers, passwords, and sensitive data. Download our free guide here to use as a reference when training your employees on best practices for network security.

If you would like to work with a computer service in Ann Arbor to ensure your data always stays backed up and protected, contact us today and we’ll help get you started!

 

Scammer’s Most Effective Attack Vector is Tricking Small Businesses

Are you an entrepreneur managing a small business?

Scamming is becoming a big business and criminals are becoming better at it than ever before. It used to be easy to spot scams a mile away due to poor grammar and spelling but it’s no longer as obvious. This is why it’s important to be sure your employees know which signs to watch out for!

We’re dedicated to help you empower your employees with the best practices in business network security. We offer a complementary Internet Security Guide available to download here, created to assist you in navigating cybersecurity threats effectively to keep your businesses protected. 

Stay Vigilant

Yes, scammers can hack into your network through software bugs and viruses, however their most effective method of attack is to trick you and your employees. 

If your staff has a high turnover rate, new hires, or part-time employees, you must be careful and be sure that everyone on your team receives proper training to keep themselves and your business safe. 

Scammers can trick you or target your less experienced staff by “phishing.” This is a scam tactic where scammers send emails disguised as legitimate entities like the government, banks, or well-known companies to try and trick people into revealing sensitive information like passwords, financial information, or personal data. These emails often contain urgent requests using phrasing like, “this is your final notice,” or enticing offers to promote quick action by exploiting human curiosity or fear. 

Tips to Share with Your Staff: 

• Your financial institution will never ask for your login or personal information via email. 

• Be cautious clicking on links attached to emails. If it seems suspicious, visit the site by manually entering the URL instead of clicking the link.

• Never open attachments from unknown sources.

• If you receive a phone call that feels like a scam claiming to be a legitimate source, hang up and call them back on a known phone number to verify their identity.

• Never click on pop-ups on your computer telling you that you are infected. 

Read our latest article to learn more! 

Avoid Falling for Scams with the Help of a Computer Service in Ann Arbor 

Set your employees up for success by providing them with network security training to keep themselves, and your business safe. 

If you need help getting started, download our complementary internet security guide here, or contact our Computer Service in Ann Arbor to learn more about protecting your data.

Why Monitoring and Maintenance Programs Are Essential

How are you keeping your network secure?

Are you relying 100% on your free antivirus for your business’s safety?

Relying solely on free antivirus software or irregular manual checks is like leaving your doors unlocked in a high-crime area. To truly protect your data, you must have a plan. 

Our clients who opt out of enrolling in our monitoring and maintenance plans say things like, 

“I’ll do it myself” 

“It’s too expensive” 

“I don’t need backups” 

While they have good intentions, 99% of the time life gets busy and they’re focused on growing their business, and this task tends to slip their minds. Before they know it, a year has gone by without any updates to their site and then we receive a panicked call that they have been hacked. 

The Cost of Recovery Far Exceeds the Investment of Prevention

You may think to yourself, “what’s the worst that could happen?” 

Well, the aftermath of a ransomware attacks involves not just financial losses, but also reputational damage and operational disruptions. Suddenly, the upfront expense of monitoring and maintenance plans pales in comparison to the potential consequences of not taking the proper precautions. 

Another analogy for this is closing the stable door after your horse has already bolted. Monitoring and maintenance programs offer a proactive approach by continuously evaluating your systems, updating defenses, and ensuring your back-ups are effective so your data remains safe. 

Learn more in our latest article! 

Safeguard Your Business with a Computer Service in Ann Arbor 

Cybersecurity is not a matter to be taken lightly. It’s imperative to invest in proactive measures to shield your business from the devastating impacts of ransomware and other security threats. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late! 

Partner with a computer service in Ann Arbor like Network Services Group to fortify your defenses and safeguard your network. 

Contact us today to get started.

Out Dated Systems Are Low-Hanging Fruit For Cybercriminals

When was the last time you backed-up your computer?

In our experience, 99% of people who turn down our monitoring and maintenance programs and say, “I’ll do it myself” won’t actually to it themselves, or if they do, they don’t do it consistently. 

While they have good intentions, when life gets busy and they’re focused on growing their business, this task could slip their mind and before they know it, a year has gone by without an update and their computer is at high risk. 

If you find yourself questioning the cost and need of these programs, know that if your data is not backed up, monitored, and protected consistently, you could be in for a rude awakening should hackers strike. 

Outdated Systems are Low-Hanging Fruit for Cybercriminals 

Putting yourself in the mind of a criminal: would you rather rob the house with the, “Beware Dog” sign or find an easier target? 

Outdated systems are easy to hack, which is why pairing monitoring and maintenance programs, comprehensive backup solutions, and business class antivirus solutions will create a multi-layered approach in your computer’s line of security. 

We recognize the critical role in safeguarding businesses against ransomware and security threats. Our comprehensive solutions offer proactive monitoring, robust backup capabilities, timely updates, and reliable antivirus protection, ensuring your business remains resilient against cybercriminals. 

Don’t wait until disaster strikes – prioritize your security today and empower your business to thrive online. 

Read more in our latest article! 

Secure Your Website with a Computer Service in Ann Arbor 

Cybersecurity is not a matter to be taken lightly. It’s imperative to invest in proactive measures to shield your business from the devastating impacts of ransomware and other security threats. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late! 

Partner with a computer service in Ann Arbor like Network Services Group to fortify your defenses and safeguard your data. 

Contact us today to get started. 

IT Hiring vs Outsourcing

Unsure whether it’s better to hire an IT crew or outsource?

Consider what it would cost to hire someone fulltime.  The more experience they have, the more you are going to pay.  Even so, a typical IT person has maybe worked at 4-5 different companies, and thus has experience with a limited number of systems.  

Now consider an IT support company that has been around for 20 years, and has a diversified staff that has worked with hundreds of different customers supporting dozens of different systems.

Also keep in mind that good people are hard to find – trust me, I’ve looked.  Most IT people today are highly segmented.  “What do you know about servers?”  “Uh, not much, I’m the desktop guy.”  “Well, what do you know about the network?  We need to make some changes to the firewall?”  “Uh, not much – better call the network guy.”  Weak!

As a small business, you need support for all of that stuff (desktops, servers, and networking), and you don’t want to have to go out and hire 3 different people to get it.  Worse, a lot of inexperienced IT support people have only a limited understanding of network and computer security and disaster recovery.  In this day and age that is a huge liability, not only for them, but for any business that hires them.  

Outsource Ann Arbor IT Solutions

Focus on your core business and leave the IT to the experts.  At Network Services Group, we’d love to have a chance to work with you and your company and help you experience the positive side of what technology has to offer. If you’re tired of searching for IT solutions near Ann Arbor, call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here.

The Benefits of Outsourcing IT Support

Does your small business have access to IT services?

At Network Services Group, we work with a lot of small businesses, helping them with their computer and network support needs.  For most of them, it makes more sense to bring us in and outsource their IT rather than hire their own in-house IT person.  

The benefits of outsourcing your IT support include:

• More resources (access to the entire NSG team versus just one person)
• More knowledge and experience (20 years supporting small business networks and computers)
• Remote monitoring and maintenance
• Less expensive as compared to the cost of hiring a fulltime employee
• You control costs (select pay as you go or full managed services)

As a small business, hiring an in-house IT support person with limited experience and knowledge of security could be a huge mistake.  By outsourcing with the right company, you save money and gain access to a team with a broader array of knowledge and experience.

Protect Your Small Business with Ann Arbor IT Solutions

Focus on your core business and leave the IT to the experts.  At Network Services Group, we’d love to have a chance to work with you and your company and help you experience the positive side of what technology has to offer. If you’re tired of searching for IT solutions near Ann Arbor, call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here.

Avoid Ransomware, Avoid Future Problems

 By now, we all know not to click links sent to us by email “princes”. 

However, avoiding ransomware has gotten harder with bots who appear like real people online. Ransomware can be dangerous not only to you but to your coworkers and company. All it takes is one link click and suddenly, anyone who is connected to your shared network is at risk too. 

Here are some tips to avoid becoming a ransomware victim: 

● Train your staff to know what to look for, like a suspicious email

● Get a high-quality, business-class antivirus protection

● Maintain reliable backups, both online and offsite

● Keep your software and hardware up to date 

Ransomware can be especially tricky for businesses because of the hold ransomware can have on your data. Ransomware effects don’t just go away on their own or over time. Here are some of the potential effects of falling victim to ransomware: 

● Financial loss

● Data loss 

● Reputational damage

● Personal contact information leaks

Don’t be a Ransomware Victim

With NSG computer services in Ann Arbor, we can keep your business protected. Contact us today so we can prevent your business from being held hostage. 

Services Offered by NSG

Network Services Group has been providing computer service and support to businesses in and around Ann Arbor for over 20 years. We can help with a wide range of issues, including:

• Software
• Hardware
• Backups
• Tech Support
• Troubleshooting
• Network Security
• Consulting
• Web Hosting
• SEO and Internet Marketing
  

If your technology is causing you headaches, then it’s time to call the experts at NSG. We’d love to hear from you and help you experience the positive side of what technology has to offer.

Computer Services Ann Arbor

Your business relies on technology, but when technology doesn’t work, your business grinds to a halt.  You need support. People that know you and care about you. People who are reliable and that you can trust. At Network Services Group, we’ve been providing computer service and support to businesses in and around Ann Arbor for over 20 years. Experienced. Friendly. Reliable.

Call NSG today and get the computer and network support you need to keep your business running effectively. 877-815-6974. 

NSG’s Mission

Network Services Group has been providing computer service and support to businesses in and around Ann Arbor for over 20 years.  

We provide our customers with a wide range of services – essentially helping them with everything they need to ensure their technology is working for them in a positive and productive manner. We provide a mix of on demand computer service and support, as well as service plans that include monitoring and maintenance plans that are designed to keep your systems up and running in a safe and secure manner.

We aim to provide fast, friendly, personal, and efficient service. Our customers get to work with someone they know and trust, and who can solve their problems quickly and efficiently. We believe in providing great service so that our customers will keep coming back, as opposed to trying to lock people into long term contracts like many of our competitors do.

Computer Services Ann Arbor

Your business relies on technology, but when technology doesn’t work, your business grinds to a halt.  You need support. People that know you and care about you. People who are reliable and that you can trust. At Network Services Group, we’ve been providing computer service and support to businesses in and around Ann Arbor for over 20 years. Experienced. Friendly. Reliable.

Call NSG today and get the computer and network support you need to keep your business running effectively. 877-815-6974.