Helping you make sense of technology in your business
In This Edition....
The holiday season is here, but even Santa isn’t safe from cyber threats! In this issue, we spotlight the growing risk of ransomware attacks and why vigilance matters—whether you’re managing a business network or delivering gifts worldwide. You’ll find practical tips to keep your data secure, insights on the latest cybersecurity trends, and a reminder that preparation is the best defense against digital grinches. Stay informed, stay protected, and keep your sleigh running smoothly!
AI vs. Automation: Clearing the Confusion and Finding the Synergy
In today’s business conversations, two terms often dominate the discussion: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation. They’re frequently used interchangeably, but they represent distinct concepts—and understanding the difference is critical for making smart decisions about technology investments.
Hackers know businesses are distracted during the holidays—and they take advantage of it. Even with strong monitoring in place, attackers often target employees with phishing emails, fake shipping notices, and gift card scams. This is the perfect time to remind your team about security best practices: verify links before clicking, never share credentials, and report suspicious messages immediately. A quick reminder now can prevent costly mistakes later.
Create Your Own AI Agent for Research
Did you know you can build a custom GPT or Copilot agent to handle repetitive tasks like research, brainstorming, or even generating daily questions for your team? These agents can be tailored to your business needs—whether it’s summarizing industry news, drafting social posts, or pulling insights from documents. The best part? No coding required. Platforms like the paid versions of ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot let you define instructions, tone, and goals in minutes. Imagine having a virtual assistant that never sleeps and always delivers relevant, actionable information. Interested in learning more?
The slower holiday season can be a great time for maintenance and upgrades:
Use this time to patch systems, upgrade firmware and replace aging hardware.
Swap batteries in your UPS's.
Verify backups are working.
If your office will be closed for an extended period, let your IT provider or IT Department know in advance. Longer maintenance windows allow for deeper work that keeps your systems secure and running smoothly into the new year.
Talk to your Computer - Literally
Typing isn’t the only way to interact with AI. Using your computer’s microphone can make conversations with tools like Copilot or ChatGPT faster and more natural.
Windows Users - Press Win + H to enable voice dictation anywhere you type. Mac Users - Turn on Dictation in System Settings (Keyboard → Dictation) and use the shortcut Fn key twice.
Speaking your prompts can speed up brainstorming, drafting emails, or asking AI questions—perfect for multitasking or when inspiration strikes.
We see a lot of technology-related articles and content each month. Below are the ones that we thought were worth sharing!
We love helping people use technology as much as we love managing and maintaining the security of those systems. Our tagline serves as the core of that mission:
Business Professionals – IT Experts
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