TechForward IT, LLC

Browser Extensions: Helpful Tools or Digital Double Agents? We all love a good browser extension - until one turns rogue and starts stealing your data. Our latest blog lays out some survival tips: Tip 1: Stick to extensions from reputable sources. If it feels sketchy, it probably is. Your data deserves better than a shady download. Tip 2: Keep your extensions updated. Nothing screams "hack me" like outdated software. Tip 3: If you're not using it, lose it. Hoarding useless extensions leaves the door open for cyber criminals. Think of browser extensions as digital roommates. Some are helpful, others will steal your food (and your data). Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dHNEWpec

We're starting 2025 with a look back at some bold holiday highlights! Here’s Peter with Janine from Optum, proving that the real gift of the season was... an unapologetic commitment to festive fashion. This December visit was part of our tradition of delivering holiday cheer to our amazing partners. At TFIT, we care about building strong, collaborative relationships that last well beyond the holidays. Wishing all our followers a Happy New Year! Here’s to bright partnerships (and equally bright sweater choices) in 2025.

This year has been one for the books - challenging, rewarding, and sometimes downright hilarious (looking at you, “123456” password users). To celebrate, we’ve put together a blog with our Top 10 Memes of 2024. Expect laughs, IT truths, and maybe a little self-reflection. Because if you can’t laugh about cybersecurity, you might just cry. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dqdAz7Uv

Big woofs from the office today! Meet Odin, our honorary Good Boy in Customer Support for the day. Donning his headset (and lots of charm), he’s been busy keeping clients happy. Odin is a sweet foster pup currently staying with our CTO, Peter DeFinis, and he’s stolen all of our hearts (and some of our snacks...). If you hear a bark or two during your next call, we promise it’s just Odin’s way of saying, “How can I help you today?”

As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to ensure your business is secure and ready for 2025. Here’s a quick checklist to keep your IT systems in top shape: ✅ Update passwords & enable MFA. ✅ Verify and test data backups. ✅ Review access permissions & remove unused accounts. ✅ Patch software and secure devices. ✅ Refresh your team’s security awareness. ✅ Review your incident response plan. Pro tip: Watch out for holiday scams - they’re everywhere this time of year! Need help checking off these tasks? Reach out to us today for expert support. Let’s start 2025 secure and stress-free! #Cybersecurity #YearEndChecklist #BusinessSecurity

Public Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it’s also a prime hunting ground for Evil Twin WiFi scams. Hackers set up fake networks that look just like the real ones, tricking you into connecting. Once you’re on, they can grab your passwords, banking info, and whatever else you’ve kindly offered up. Want to avoid being their next easy target this holiday season? Don’t just connect to any Wi-Fi with “free” in the name. Use a VPN or SASE solution to secure your connection and avoid logging into personal or financial accounts on public networks. Yes, it’s inconvenient, but not as inconvenient as explaining those unauthorized charges later. Learn how these scams work and how to protect yourself in our latest blog. Because keeping your data safe is worth more than a free Wi-Fi connection. https://lnkd.in/dWWbg9vP

As we look toward 2025, one thing is clear: businesses that strategically plan their IT budgets will be better positioned to thrive. Here are our top 5 tips to help you build a robust IT budget that aligns with your business goals. 1️⃣ Review past spending patterns: Look at where your IT dollars went in 2024. What brought value, and what didn’t? Use this insight to plan more effectively. 2️⃣ Prioritize cybersecurity: Cyber threats aren’t slowing down. Make sure you allocate a portion of your budget to protect your data and systems—prevention is always cheaper than a breach. 3️⃣ Invest in scalable technology: Think beyond your current needs. Investing in scalable solutions can save you significant costs down the road as your business grows. 4️⃣ Plan for upgrades: Don’t forget about aging hardware and software. Budget for replacements and upgrades to prevent costly downtime. 5️⃣ Set aside a contingency fund: Unplanned expenses happen. A buffer in your budget ensures you’re ready to tackle unexpected challenges without derailing your plans. Planning for the year ahead doesn’t have to be daunting. Reach out if you need guidance on getting started - we’re here to help!

Creating a clear and actionable budget can be one of the most challenging tasks for businesses - especially when IT costs keep changing. That’s why we’ve put together a simple, yet effective budget template designed specifically for IT planning. It’s user-friendly and built to help you align your tech investments with your business goals, without getting bogged down in spreadsheets. 🔍 Why our template? Organize all your IT expenses in one place. Prioritize what’s essential for your growth. Reduce the risk of unexpected costs catching you off guard. We’ve done the hard work so you can focus on planning ahead with confidence. If you’re interested in getting a copy, send us a DM! Let’s get your 2025 budget on track today.

Clients: ‘We want a cybersecurity system that’s sleek, top-of-the-line, and can handle everything!’ Also clients: ‘our budget looks like this...’ We get it, budgets are tight. Especially when you’re balancing payroll, marketing, and keeping the office coffee flowing. But here's the secret: a well-planned budget doesn’t have to crush your dreams; it can actually make them happen. If you're ready to align those IT dreams with a budget that won’t give your CFO a heart attack, let’s chat. You're only one conversation away from setting yourselves up for success in 2025.

Is your tech budget a true asset to your business? Having a well-planned information technology budget can be the key to unlocking growth, staying efficient, and maximizing ROI. In our latest blog post, we break down the essentials of a tech budget that not only supports your goals but also keeps your business adaptable in a fast-changing world. From assessing current technology to aligning with business objectives and mapping out a roadmap, we cover all the steps you need to get the most out of every dollar invested in tech. Ready to future-proof your tech investments? https://lnkd.in/dX_ZH-2Y #TechBudgeting #BusinessGrowth #ITBudget #TechForward