Back-to-School IT Refresh Tips for Ann Arbor Small Businesses

As summer winds down and students head back to classrooms across Southeast Michigan, small business owners are preparing for the fall rush. New devices, updated software, and increased online activity bring new opportunities; however, they also bring a noticeable increase in cybersecurity risk.

Why Fall Brings More Risk

Cybercriminals follow a predictable calendar. 

Phishing emails often pose as school administration or seasonal sales. Unsecured business networks create entry points for personal and family devices. After the summer slowdown, many systems are running on outdated software unnoticed. 

Limited in-house technology support can lead to prolonged downtime, lost data, or reputation damage. Having an on-call IT Support Specialist in Ann Arbor can help prevent further system damage and prevent issues before they occur. 

The 7-Point IT Refresh

1. Update everything ASAP! 

Computers, phones, tablets, routers, and firewalls all need the latest patches. Enabling automatic updates allows you to go about your day while your devices work hard in the background. 

2. Strengthen passwords and sign-in methods.

Now is the time to strengthen passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your email, banking, cloud tools, etc. Ensure that all access has been removed from former and seasonal workers. 

3. Secure new and returning devices.

Connect trusted devices to your business network, and keep personal and business use separate where possible. Ensure that connected devices are current and secure. 

4. Refresh email security.

Spam and phishing filters should be up to date and working hard this time of year. Advanced scanning and secure webmail access are critical when schedules are busy, and business is flowing. 

5. Review the backup strategy.

Follow the 3-2-1 rule. 

Have 3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite. Test the restore, not just the backup. A backup that doesn’t undergo routine testing might fail when the time comes to use it. 

6. Train your team and make an ongoing effort.

Security awareness and phishing emails are more than onboarding topics. Quick routine check-ins regarding phishing red flags and password hygiene can prevent most clicks that allow cybercriminals into your data and devices. 

7. Schedule a professional IT assessment.

A short review of network health, security posture, and hardware often catches what daily use misses. Our IT Support Specialists in Ann Arbor serve Southeast Michigan businesses, both in-person and remotely. Learn more in our latest article. 

Don't Overlook Cybersecurity This Fall! 

Ready to work through your IT refresh? 

Whether you need a full assessment or it's simply time to upgrade your devices before the fall rush, our IT Support Specialist in Ann Arbor can help you cover everything your business requires.

 Call 877-815-6974 or visit the contact page 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.

Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

Is your small business protected from ransomware?

Yes, you want to have good backups and antivirus software, but that by itself isn’t enough.  There are effective and cost-effective steps that a small business can take to up their level of security and protection, including:

• Download NSG’s security baseline for small businesses
• Backups, backups, backups!
• User training and awareness
• Password policies
• Multifactor Authentication
• Security software that is regularly updated and monitored
• DNS filtering
• Next generation firewall
• Patching policy
• Network monitoring
• Auditing and logging software
• Regular security reviews

Secure Your Business with an Ann Arbor Computer Service

Ready to secure your business?

Network Services Group is an Ann Arbor computer service that can help you defend your small business from and cyberattacks. Contact NSG today to discuss how you can take your cybersecurity to the next level.

Network Services for Cybersecurity

Are you up to date on best cybersecurity practice?

Cybersecurity is serious business.  Hackers, scammers, and ransomware are everywhere, and it seems like you can’t go more than a few days without hearing about some business being the victim of ransomware.  It almost seems like cybersecurity is a fulltime job and many industries have specific security requirements that would be difficult or impossible for a small business to meet.

What can you do to protect yourself as a small business?  The answer is to work with a qualified and knowledgeable network service and support company to take your cyber security to the next level.

Support Your Business with Computer Service in Ann Arbor

Ready to secure your business?

Network Services Group is an Ann Arbor computer service that can help you defend your small business from and cyberattacks. Contact NSG today to discuss how you can take your cybersecurity to the next level.

NSG is a Selected Lenovo Legend Reseller

 Are you in the market for a new business computer? 

Do you know what processor you need to work efficiently?

NSG offers professional tech support services, so you won’t have to worry about computer specs as our specialists will help you figure out exactly what you need and recommend a great product.

NSG is a part of the Lenovo Legends

NSG is part of the Lenovo Legends program! Lenovo is the leader in the global personal computer market with a 24.7 percent share. They’re well known for their sturdy and reliable Thinkpad laptops.

If you’re looking to purchase a Lenovo brand product let us know! NSG gets special pricing on Lenovo products, so we’ll help find the computer that’s right for you!

If you’re interested to learn more about what makes NSG Lenovo Legends, click here! 

Working With Computer Techs in Ann Arbor Helps You Save

If you’re in the market for a new computer, NSG’s computer tech support in Ann Arbor can coach you through the purchasing process. Contact us or call (877) 815-6974 so you can get the best use of your tech!