Merrick Sloss, Author at Bellwether Technology

The Pros and Cons of Internal IT vs Managed IT Services

Posted on December 16, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

When small business leaders face IT challenges, they often wonder: should we stick with internal IT staff, or is it time to partner with a managed service provider (MSP)? Evaluating an MSP vs internal IT requires the consideration of several key pros and cons, especially if your organization is in a time of growth or change. Whether it’s due to an IT manager’s departure, rapid company growth, or a cyber-attack, this decision can have lasting impacts on your business. To help you in your evaluation, here are some pros and cons of internal IT compared to hiring an MSP: Keep […]

RTO and RPO Explained

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

When IT systems go down—whether it’s a server failure, accidental file deletion, a cyberattack, or a hurricane—businesses need a clear plan to restore operations and minimize data loss. Two key metrics guide this planning: recovery time objective (RTO) and recovery point objective (RPO). These metrics set expectations for how quickly your systems can be restored and how much data might be lost in the event of a disruption. By understanding RTO and RPO, businesses in New Orleans and beyond can prepare effectively to restore operations after a disaster or minimize the impact of smaller interruptions. RTO: How Quickly Can You […]

Fast-Track Career Advancement – Spotlight on John H.

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

When John H. joined Bellwether as an IT Support Specialist I, he didn’t imagine how quickly his career would progress. In just a few years, he’s advanced through several roles—IT Support Specialist II, Service Desk Team Lead, Service Desk Supervisor, and now he’s an Automation Engineer. His growth is due to both his drive to learn and Bellwether’s commitment to supporting employees’ professional development. “I started learning PowerShell between tickets,” John said. “I went from writing simple one line code to 300-line scripts in a matter of months.” John’s interest in automation was met with encouragement from his managers. As […]

Teams Premium vs. Microsoft Copilot in Teams: Do You Need Both?

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

Microsoft Teams has become essential for business communication, but as your organization’s needs grow, you might wonder: How can Teams work even better for us? That’s where Teams Premium and Microsoft Copilot come in. Each of these tools offers different ways to improve how you work, but deciding which one fits your needs best (or if you need both) can be challenging. Let’s look at what each can offer and see which might be the right choice for your team. Teams Premium for Secure, Streamlined Meetings for Organizations For companies that rely on Teams for high-priority meetings—like executive discussions, client […]

Moving Beyond Passwords with Next-Gen MFA

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

As cyber-criminals continue to find new ways to bypass security measures, traditional login methods like passwords and basic multi-factor authentication (MFA) are becoming less effective at keeping business data safe. Whether it’s employees falling for phishing emails or struggling to manage complex passwords, these vulnerabilities expose your organization to significant security risks. The latest evolution in identity management—phishing-resistant and passwordless MFA—offers a more secure approach by requiring something only the account holder physically possesses, such as a security key or biometric verification. By removing passwords from the equation and using physical authentication, these methods close technical gaps and protect against […]

The Essential Role of Employee Training in Your Cybersecurity Strategy

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

Your organization’s greatest vulnerability might not lie in its technology, but in the everyday actions of your team. Cyber-criminals have long understood that one of the easiest ways to breach security isn’t by hacking systems but by manipulating people. One wrong click or a moment of misplaced trust can open the door to devastating consequences. That’s why cybersecurity awareness training is critical. By equipping your employees to spot and stop these threats, you strengthen your organization’s overall cyber defense. Why Social Engineering Works Social engineering continues to be effective because it targets human psychology. Cyber-criminals craft attacks that play on […]

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Why Every Day Should Be Cybersecurity Awareness Day

Posted on September 27, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual promotion dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting data and IT systems from cyber threats. While this is an important reminder, at Bellwether, we believe cybersecurity must be a year-round priority. Every day should be Cybersecurity Awareness Day, with continuous attention to protecting businesses against evolving risks. Cybersecurity is an Ongoing Responsibility For business leaders, overseeing cybersecurity isn’t about managing technical details. It’s about making wise decisions and nurturing a culture of security throughout the organization. This responsibility is ongoing because cyber-criminals are constantly evolving their tactics. Attacks like ransomware, phishing, […]

Empowered to Succeed – Spotlight on Gabriela

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

Success at Bellwether isn’t just about technical expertise; it’s also about the supportive environment that empowers employees like Gabriela to achieve their best. As a project manager, she thrives in a culture that values autonomy, collaboration, and clear communication within her team. At Bellwether, these elements come together to empower professionals to ask questions, embrace new challenges, and succeed in ways that align with both professional and personal goals. “I love asking questions and figuring out how things work,” Gabriela explained. “I’m learning so much with new technology, and everyone on my team is learning it at the same time.” Gabriela’s […]

Disaster Recovery: Protecting Your Business from the Unexpected

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

Disaster recovery isn’t just data backup; it’s a comprehensive plan to restore your entire IT environment and keep your business running smoothly, even when the unexpected happens. Whether it’s a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina or a cyberattack that cripples your systems, a solid disaster recovery strategy ensures you’re prepared to bounce back quickly, minimizing the impact on your operations, reputation, and bottom line. Here’s what we’ll cover in this article to explain disaster recovery and how it can keep your New Orleans business resilient when your operations are at risk: Understanding Disaster Recovery Disaster recovery goes beyond safeguarding your […]

Cloud-to-Cloud Data Backup in the Age of SaaS

Posted on August 19, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

Cloud to cloud backup in the age of SaaS

Imagine logging into your email one morning and finding an empty inbox. No emails, no attachments, no records of past conversations. Or envision discovering that all your contacts in your sales and marketing CRM are gone. These terrifying scenarios can happen if your data isn’t properly backed up. While many assume that cloud services automatically safeguard all their data, the reality is different. Cloud-to-cloud data backup has become an essential strategy to ensure your data remains protected, even when relying on third-party Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. Here’s what you’ll find in this article: Understanding the Responsibility Divide When […]

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