There’s a good chance you’re more familiar with SaaS than you realize. Salesforce, Dropbox, Slack, Google Drive, etc. – all of these products are Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. From ease of use to affordability, SaaS applications are great options for businesses of all sizes. Expected to grow to over $230 billion by the end of 2024, the SaaS industry stands as a titan in technology, and it’s easy to see why.

But it’s not all butterflies and rainbows.

SaaS applications, although incredibly useful, pose serious security risks that are easily overlooked. But before we dive in, let’s cover exactly what makes SaaS so appealing. Because despite their security risks, SaaS applications are here to stay.

What is SaaS?

Traditionally, business software is installed by your IT department. These pieces of software require manual updating and maintenance while taking up storage space on an employee’s computer or company server. Some software even requires the purchase of individual licenses.

SaaS is different. It’s software provided through the internet by a company outside your own. With SaaS, you can use services directly online without needing to maintain anything yourself.

Let’s take Netflix as an example. When you subscribe to Netflix, you gain access to its library of TV shows and movies. These videos stream through the internet directly to your device. There’s no need to worry about computer space or server issues. Netflix handles everything.

This is generally how most SaaS applications work. They aim to provide user experiences with minimal effort. All you need to do is simply pay a subscription fee (although many SaaS applications are free), log in to your account, and enjoy.

SaaS Security Risks

The benefits of SaaS are hard to ignore; it’s cost-efficient, easy to use, and designed with scalability in mind. That said, there are some serious concerns with SaaS – namely, security.

Before getting into more specifics, we need to understand just how big SaaS is. As of 2024, there are approximately 30,000 SaaS companies out there. That’s a lot of applications!

We’ve discussed the attack surface in our previous blogs, but let’s recap: Your attack surface is any part of your organization a hacker could use to enter. This can be a compromised computer login, a faulty IoT device, or, in this case, an unsecure SaaS application.

When you install a SaaS application, you increase your attack surface. A larger attack surface means a larger security risk. As more and more applications enter your organization, your attack surface can grow immensely.

So let’s look at some SaaS risks and see how to combat them.

1. Shadow IT

No, this isn’t your IT department’s evil twin. Shadow IT is when someone in your organization downloads an application without telling IT. Similar to the challenges IT professionals face with IoT devices, Shadow IT has become a serious problem for organizations, with up to 32% of remote and hybrid workers admitting to using unauthorized SaaS applications for their daily tasks.

Without knowing which applications are being used, tracking SaaS applications can be a nightmare. Undocumented applications are constantly increasing, with some applications attached to browser extensions. Even if 99% of these Shadow IT applications are secure, it only takes that remaining 1% to cause a data breach.

To combat this growing mountain of applications, we recommend maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all installed SaaS apps and extensions. Conduct risk assessments to evaluate the threat level posed by each application. We also recommend using SaaS discovery tools to get to the bottom of this Shadow IT epidemic.

2. Misconfiguration

It can be easy to overlook privacy settings. You may never give these settings more than a second thought, assuming the application is safe as soon as you hit download. Unfortunately, this can come back to bite you.

Many applications come with critical privacy features, but some features – like multi-factor authentication – need to be set up on the first download. If someone sets up their application incorrectly (ignoring vital security features), they probably won’t think about going back to check.

We strongly urge you to do your due diligence with each new SaaS application. If you need help, contact your IT department or Managed Service Provider (MSP). They can make sure you activate important security features like MFA. If an application doesn’t provide satisfactory privacy settings, don’t use it!

3. Supply Chain Attacks

In the world of SaaS, hackers employ a type of data breach called a supply chain attack. During a supply chain attack, hackers go after SaaS companies themselves to get into their users’ accounts, especially passwords that aren’t protected by encryption. If a SaaS app you use gets hit by one of these attacks, hackers could quickly break into your employees’ accounts or breach your servers.

If sensitive information gets leaked, an organization can find itself in a world of hurt. When a client’s data is exposed, it can lead to financial losses, legal issues, and damage to an organization’s reputation that many can never recover from.

Despite SaaS organizations’ best efforts, these data breaches happen all the time. According to SCMagazine, data breaches are the most common security incidents in the SaaS field. Take the attacks on Twilio and Okta as examples.

Like with misconfiguration, you must implement security measures such as multi-factor authentication. You should also practice good password hygiene and confirm if your SaaS applications provide password encryption. We also suggest limiting SaaS applications that handle sensitive information to the absolute minimum.

4. Disaster Recovery

There’s often no telling what disaster recovery plan an individual SaaS provider has or if they have one at all. Without contacting your third-party vendor, you will be left in the dark. Yes, large companies like Microsoft will have disaster recovery plans in place but never assume a company is following security best practices.

Once again, research your SaaS application before using it at work. If any of these applications work with sensitive data, roll them into your company’s disaster recovery plan. Reach out to your IT team or MSP so they can help adjust your plan, as needed.

5. Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance is already a messy topic by itself. Introducing SaaS applications into the mix only complicates things further. Placing sensitive information in the hands of a SaaS supplier means putting data into an environment that may not meet your industry’s regulatory compliance requirements. Vendors are supposed to comply with specific SaaS compliance guidelines, but you should never make assumptions.

When vetting your SaaS apps, ask about their compliance policies. Don’t worry, we understand you probably won’t want to delve into this when downloading the latest office app. So don’t! Instead, consult your IT team for assistance. They should know what questions to ask.

Software as a Safe Service (SaaSS)

SaaS isn’t going anywhere. Too many SaaS applications are vital to the workplace – we couldn’t imagine a day without Microsoft Teams! But that doesn’t mean we should be blind to their risks.

As the number of SaaS applications grows, we urge you to practice Software as a Safe Service or SaaSS, (yes, we made this up). Don’t install an application without considering the security threat. Consider avoiding applications that aren’t necessary, while locking down those that are with encryption and MFA.

Managing SaaS apps responsibly is a lot of work – and it takes time you don’t have. Realistically, you won’t be able to properly vet and integrate every single application; that would take way too long! So if you’re looking for an easier way to take care of this stuff, consider contacting The 20 MSP. We’ll handle SaaS so you can focus on running your company.

Before you install that next app, give us a call!

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Enterprise cybersecurity solutions have become an essential aspect of any successful business strategy. Understanding and implementing robust security measures is critical to safeguarding sensitive data, maintaining customer trust, and ensuring uninterrupted business operations. In this article, we’re taking a closer look at what these solutions involve, and why they’re so important for your company’s long-term health and profitability.

Why Enterprise Security Solutions Matter

Why are enterprise security solutions so vital? That one’s easy: businesses of all sizes are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other security incidents can lead to devastating financial losses, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. The need for comprehensive enterprise security solutions – particularly for businesses that handle sensitive customer information like in the finance or healthcare industries – cannot be overstated.

Key Components of Effective Enterprise Security Solutions

Enterprise security solutions ideally span your entire business, protecting every region of your ‘attack surface’ to prevent costly data breaches. Let’s go over the main components of an effective enterprise-level security posture.

1. Network Security: First, you’re going to need to protect your network from hackers trying to break in. This includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure VPNs to ensure that data transmitted across the network is encrypted and safe from interception.
2. Endpoint Security: Every device (smart devices included!) connected to your network represents a window of entry for hackers. Implementing endpoint security solutions, such as antivirus software, anti-malware tools, and mobile device management (MDM) systems, helps secure all endpoints from vulnerabilities.
3. Data Protection: Protecting sensitive business data from unauthorized access and ensuring its integrity and availability is crucial. This involves encryption, secure data storage solutions, and regular data backups to prevent data loss in case of a breach or disaster.
4. Identity and Access Management (IAM): Controlling who has access to your business information is essential. IAM solutions – such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) – ensure that only authorized personnel can access specific resources, minimizing the risk of internal threats.
5. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): SIEM systems collect and analyze data from various security tools to provide real-time visibility into potential threats and incidents. This allows businesses to respond swiftly to any security breaches.

Benefits of Outsourcing IT Security

More and more businesses are turning to external providers for help with cybersecurity. A recent study published by Deloitte found that 81% of companies outsource cybersecurity functions. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Outsmarting today’s sophisticated cybercriminals takes serious planning and effort – not to mention specialized knowledge and an understanding of the ever-evolving ‘threat landscape.’ For the majority of executives, hiring a trusted third party such as a managed service provider is far easier and more effective than handling everything in-house.

Outsourcing IT security to a managed service provider (MSP) offers several advantages:

• Expertise and Experience: Outsourcing to IT professionals with extensive experience in enterprise security ensures that your business is protected by the latest and most effective security measures.
• Cost-Effective: Maintaining an in-house IT security team can be expensive – costing up to $100,00 per year, per person! Outsourcing provides access to top-tier security services without the overhead costs.
• Focus on Core Business: By entrusting your IT security to experts, you can focus on work that matters without worrying about an endless string of security issues.
• Scalability: MSP services can scale with your business needs, providing more resources and support as your business grows.

Choosing the Right Partner

When selecting an MSP for your security needs, consider their experience, reputation, and the range of services they offer. There are many different MSPs out there, so take your time and do your research.

Investing in enterprise security solutions is no longer optional; it’s a necessity for all businesses. By implementing comprehensive security measures and partnering with a trusted IT security provider, you can protect your business from cyber threats, ensure compliance with industry regulations, and maintain the trust of your customers.

Not sure where to start? Come check out The 20 MSP! We specialize in providing top-notch enterprise security solutions to protect your valuable assets and ensure your business’s success.

Schedule your call today!

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It’s a scary world out there, folks. After Verizon published its 2024 Data Breach Report detailing over 10,000 confirmed data breaches in the past 7 months, we wouldn’t blame you for swearing off technology forever. We would love to tell you that things are calming down and that the cybercriminals are taking a nice, long summer vacation, but that simply isn’t the truth.

Companies are growing and hackers are only getting smarter. So how do we keep up? Are we destined to live in fear of these looming cybercriminals?

One promising approach that has gained traction in recent years is known as zero trust security.

A no-nonsense security strategy, zero trust aims to protect your network by constantly checking who and what can access it, and closely monitoring its activity. Not every organization will want or need such an intense level of security, but there’s no denying its relevance in today’s security landscape.

But what exactly is zero trust and how does it work? We’ve got the answers, but first, let’s go over something called your company’s attack surface.

Your Attack Surface

Simply put, your attack surface includes all the vulnerable areas in your organization that hackers could target. This includes anything connected to your network, like computers, laptops, servers and other devices with internet access.

For example, a single office with a few computers and one server will have a much smaller attack surface compared to a company with numerous remote workers, cloud-based servers, and IoT devices. Zero trust security aims to shrink your attack surface into bite-sized, defendable chunks.

Now, let’s zoom in on how zero trust security actually works.

What is Zero Trust?

There’s a phrase coined by the cybersecurity expert – and father of the zero trust security model – John Kindervag:

“Never trust, always verify.”

This phrase sums up the main philosophy behind zero trust security. Where most security setups automatically trust users inside their network (like when you’re logged into your computer at work.), zero trust requires authorization, authentication, and continuous validation for users both inside and outside. This applies before and during their access to applications and data.

That’s right, even users who are already logged into their computers will need to be constantly validated. Zero trust draws from nearly every aspect of cybersecurity, including antivirus detection, encryption, and endpoint management, to minimize an organization’s attack surface.

Zero trust does not mess around.

The Importance of Zero Trust

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for remote access technologies skyrocketed. This caused sweeping changes to how organizations approach network security. As a result, in 2021, US President Joseph Biden put out an executive order for all US federal agencies to comply with regulation NIST 800-207 and implement zero trust policies.

With cyber threats constantly on the rise, organizations must adapt. Larger attack surfaces create risks that only become harder to pin down. Take a look at the Colonial Pipeline hack as an example of remote work gone wrong. In this case, a hacker gained access to an employee’s remote connection (specifically their VPN) and stole around 100 gigabytes of data!

Zero trust reduces hacking risks to help organizations rein in their sprawling attack surfaces using several security principles.

Let’s look at some of the principles most zero trust strategies follow.

The Core Principles of Zero Trust

It’s important to note that many IT experts implement zero trust security in their own ways, as there is no universal method. Zero trust security is a developing approach that evolves daily. Despite this, most zero trust models generally follow these basic principles…

The Assume Breach Mindset

Zero trust adopts what we call the assume breach mindset. In this mindset, every network connection is treated as potentially malicious, and every device and application is assumed to be compromised. Each principle follows this approach, taking a proactive and aggressive approach to network security.

Monitoring and Validation

As mentioned earlier, zero trust constantly monitors both user accounts and devices. Zero trust security tools require authentication before any connection is made to an organization’s network, and current connections timeout periodically for re-verification.

This constant verification, although potentially bothersome, ensures that everyone connected to a network is who they say they are.

Least Privilege

We’re on a need-to-know basis with zero trust, meaning that users are provided minimum access to their organization’s data, allowing them only what they need to work and nothing more. For example, a graphics designer might have access to just the marketing folder, while an engineer might only have access to a blueprints folder. This limits what a hacker could access if they compromise a user account.

Device Access Control

Similar to least privilege, zero trust also strictly controls and manages all devices connected, or attempting to connect, to its network through extensive endpoint management.

With the influx of IoT devices and remote work, the risk of a compromised system jeopardizing your business is no joke. It only takes one hacker to slip through your defenses before it’s game over. Zero trust acts as the security checkpoint for all network traffic – every connection must undergo thorough vetting before trust is granted.

Microsegmented Network

When a hacker cracks a bad password, they can slither from their point of entry all the way to an organization’s most vital data. We call this lateral movement.

Zero trust security limits a hacker’s lateral movement by chopping your organization’s network into smaller, microsegmented zones. For instance, say a hacker breaks into your company’s marketing department segment. Sure, they can now access your photos, files, and other marketing data, but without proper authorization, they won’t be able to access other sensitive microsegments such as the finance drives or server databases.

Moreover, if a single zone becomes compromised, it’s far easier for an IT team to diagnose compared to a hacker with free rein over an entire network.

Do You Really Need Zero Trust?

The security benefits are pretty clear: aggressive, proactive measures that decrease your attack surface. But there’s an elephant in the room, and it’s the constant prompt asking for your login information. We get that many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) won’t want to deal with these kinds of headaches.

So you’re probably asking yourself:

Does my company really need zero trust?

While we won’t tell you that you 100% need it, we urge you to heavily consider it. Some industries such as healthcare, finance and any other industry that works with sensitive data, may find zero trust far more critical, while others may not want to bother with the hassle. At the end of the day, it’s your decision, so take some time to think it through – and of course, consult your IT staff or provider for expert guidance.

If your company relies on its network for remote workers or stores its data digitally – which businesses are doing more so than ever before – you’re going to want the best security out there. Hackers are improving their skills every single day, and you need to be prepared for them. According to Okta’s 2023 State of Zero Trust report, 61% of organizations worldwide have implemented some form of zero trust initiative.

Trust in Zero Trust

Take a hard look at your existing security. If you don’t think you need zero trust – although there’s a good chance you do – consider starting small. Secure what’s critical to your business first. Zero trust is a gradual journey with a range of outcomes. Build it bit by bit, and soon enough you’ll have a no-nonsense security environment ready to match any hacker punch for punch.

Need Someone to Trust?

Looking for a partner to plan out and implement your zero trust security model? Why not check out The 20 MSP? With over thirty years of experience and a US-based security operations center (SOC), we can help you get the most out of every dollar you spend on cybersecurity, protecting your business and your bottom line.

Schedule your call today and let’s talk about how to best secure your livelihood.

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You’re thinking of partnering with an MSP, but you’re worried, naturally – it’s a big decision. Is it going to be too expensive? Do you really want a bunch of strangers coming in and messing around with your computers? Will an MSP even be willing to work with a business your size?

You’ve got questions, and you deserve answers. It’s good that you’re concerned about the decision – it shows you care about your business! But it’s important not to let fear dictate your choices. What matters is the truth, and in this article, we’re getting to the bottom of things. Partnering with an MSP doesn’t make sense for every business, but there are far too many organizations holding out for the wrong reasons. In what follows, we’re looking at five common ‘MSP myths.’ Ready for some clarity?

What is an MSP?

In short, an MSP is an IT company that monitors and manages an organization’s IT systems remotely (although many MSPs offer on-site support when needed).

You can think of an MSP as a souped-up version of an internal IT department. An MSP can provide services covering typical help desk work (i.e., support tickets), subscription management, data backups, cybersecurity, and much more. If you’re interested in learning more, you’re in luck; we have an entire blog post on the subject!

There are plenty of reasons to enlist an MSP to take care of your company’s IT needs. But in this blog post, we’re focusing on some concerns that might convince you to stick with your ‘break/fix’ IT provider or in-house IT staff. We’ll start with one of the most common objections we encounter…

Myth #1. MSPs Are Only for Large Businesses

Do you feel that your company is too small for an MSP? Many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) do. This is unfortunate because, quite simply, it couldn’t be further from the truth.

While many large companies utilize MSPs, we’d argue that they are more beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses. If you’re a business owner or simply work at an SMB, there’s a good chance you, or someone you know, wears a few different hats around the office. Maybe your tech guy isn’t actually an IT professional but an accountant who knows computers a little better than the rest of the office.

A managed service provider lets your team take off some of those hats by taking on work normally shunted to the resident ‘IT specialist.’ Not only that, but an MSP can overhaul an SMB’s infrastructure by providing new equipment, critical cybersecurity, and compliance assistance. These types of projects are complex and typically ‘beyond the pay grade’ of your designated IT person – or even your dedicated in-house IT staff.

Large companies can afford to build out large internal IT departments to handle these more sophisticated IT initiatives, which is why partnering with an MSP can level the playing field for smaller businesses, offering them access to high-level expertise and resources without the need for a large in-house team.

Myth #2 One-Size-Fits-All

No two MSPs are the same. We’re not just talking about the obvious differences like cost and location either. When searching for an MSP, consider each MSP’s areas of expertise and services. Some MSPs may provide Mac support while others may strictly work with Windows, and no two MSPs will use the exact same software for things like data backups and cybersecurity.

Maybe you don’t care about some of intricate differences, but at the end of the day, you’re going to want an MSP that fits your company. These differences may seem overwhelming, but think of it this way: with so many different MSPs out there, you’re bound to find your perfect fit. And taking time to find ‘the one’ is more than worth it; the right MSP won’t just take care of your computers, but streamline your entire IT environment so that you work faster and more efficiently (translation: make more money!).

Myth #3. MSPs Are too Expensive

You’re probably wondering why you’d want to spend a good chunk of change on an MSP when you could just hire an in-house IT person. Surely it’s more cost-effective to hire one (or just a few) people instead of an entire MSP…right?

Actually, you might be surprised by how things break down…

One Full-Time IT Employee (FTE) – $100,000 per year

Your IT person is – quite obviously – an employee. This means you will need to cover their salary, insurance, benefits, office space, equipment, training, etc. On top of this, a single IT employee can only do so much at a time and won’t be available 24/7. We aren’t saying that in-house IT is a bad idea – an internal IT person or team can do a lot of good. It’s just that they may not be as cost-effective as many assume.

So what about an MSP?

Managed IT Department (MID) – $75,000 per year

At $25,000 less, you receive a predictable budget, unlimited support, security, disaster recovery, and (in some MSPs’ cases), a 24×7 help desk. Beyond this, an MSP provides access to the latest IT tools, cutting-edge antivirus software, monitoring applications, and ticket management.

Not only is an MSP affordable, but it can provide a wealth of services that far exceed what a single IT professional (or even small team) can offer. Of course, the above numbers are approximations, and it’s important to consider pricing closely on a case-by-case basis before making any big decision. Check out this blog post for a more detailed breakdown of MSP pricing.

Myth #4. An MSP Will Replace Your Employees

You may have raised an eyebrow while reading the myth above. If we’re saying an MSP is more affordable than an IT employee, what are we suggesting you do with existing IT staff – simple fire them?

Not so fast! Hiring an MSP doesn’t mean you have to kick your IT folks to the curb. An MSP can function as an extension of your IT team, not a replacement. Managed service providers simply provide a much larger umbrella of services and protection, allowing your existing IT team and employees the breathing room they need to focus on more important projects. It’s also important to note that many MSPs offer “co-managed” services, which are what they sound like: a collaborative partnership between your MSP and your in-house IT employees.

Myth #5. MSPs Compromise Security

Chances are your network is more vulnerable than you realize. With the ever-rising threat of cybercrime and the complexities of regulatory compliance, many SMBs can find themselves struggling to stay afloat in these rocky waters. Opening up your environment to an MSP may seem intimidating, but claiming that MSPs typically compromise security is absolutely false.

Your security is an MSP’s top priority – and if it’s not, that’s a sign it’s time to switch to a new MSP!

MSPs offer round-the-clock support and come equipped with monitoring and management tools for your security. An MSP won’t guarantee 100% protection – nothing and no one can do that – but having an MSP at your back will significantly lower your chances of a cyberattack.

Bonus Myth – MSPs Are a Bunch of Strangers

Similar to the previous concern about security, you may worry about adding a bunch of strangers to your workplace. This is more than fair – trust is a valuable currency in the business world, and hesitating to expand your company’s ‘inner circle’ is perfectly valid.

That said, while you may not know every technician within an MSP, that doesn’t mean you’re signing up to work with total strangers.

For one, you ought to thoroughly research an MSP before signing a contract. Talk to their leadership team, along with current clients, to get a feel not only for what the MSP does, but who they are. When you welcome an MSP aboard, they shouldn’t feel like total strangers any longer.

In addition, some MSPs – such as The 20 MSP – even pair small teams of technicians with specific clients, so that you have a consistent point of contact. This helps build familiarity and trust over time, and those folks who started as strangers will soon become colleagues no different than anyone else at your business.

Finding the Truth

IT has gotten so complex, SMBs can’t handle everything on their own anymore. Chances are you’ve known this for some time. Between IoT, remote work, cloud-based solutions and many more challenges, partnering with an MSP has become a necessity for many businesses across a broad array of industries.

Picking the right MSP can be a daunting task – with so many to choose from and with so much at stake. So take your time and listen to your gut. You deserve to partner with an MSP that respects you, your employees, your customers, and your culture. An MSP’s job is to make your job easier. Keep that top of mind when assessing potential MSP partners, and don’t let anyone rush you into a decision.

Finally, don’t let any of the above myths prevent you from doing what’s best for your business. Big changes are never easy, but they’re often the catalyst for something great.

The 20 MSP – Your New MSP

Not sure where to start? Start by checking out The 20 MSP! Our flat-rate pricing, unlimited support, and ultra-friendly team will have you wondering why you didn’t make the switch sooner.

Schedule your call today to find out more.

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You change your password every week. You create complex passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols. When it comes to good ‘password hygiene,’ you’re the bee’s knees. But then one day, you get a notification. There’s been a data breach, exposing your password and other sensitive information.

But you’re not worried – well, you’re not freaking out at least. That’s because you know your password was encrypted.

Encryption might sound like a super technical concept, but the fundamental idea is actually quite simple. Let’s talk about what encryption is, the different kinds of encryption, and the role encryption plays in a strong cybersecurity posture.

What Is Encryption?

Simply put, encryption is a way to safely store your passwords. Through computer algorithms, encryption scrambles your password into something completely different and seemingly unrelated.

For example, let’s say your password is “FreshTitanExcellentSpoon” (a pretty solid password for reasons we’ll get to shortly). An encryption algorithm takes that password, and turns it into something like this: dg782h6ab4e09b613fg6c8a946a407736111cx9205c5c3ee17.

So, if a hacker with bad intentions were to locate your stored password on your computer or server, they wouldn’t be able to see your actual password, just the encrypted version – that is, unless they had the decryption key.

A decryption key is – you guessed it – the secret code that turns scrambled (encrypted) data back into its original form. Cryptographic keys are an important part of encryption, so let’s talk some more about what they are and why they matter.

The Keys to Encryption

A cryptographic key is a special code used to scramble (encrypt) or unscramble (decrypt) your data. You can think of it like a password for your passwords.

Keys are in fact the key to understanding the three main types of encryption: what they involve and how they differ.

Symmetric encryption, also known as “secret key encryption,” uses a single key to encrypt and decrypt data. As with a master key, you’ll want to guard this all-purpose code as fiercely as a magician guards their secrets. If a bad actor gets their hands on your master key, they can decrypt your data and use it to log in to your accounts and wreak havoc on your life.

Asymmetric encryption, or “public key encryption,” uses two keys – the first encrypts, the second decrypts. The first key is made public, while the second key – the decryption key – is private. It’s similar to a public mailbox. Anyone can send letters (put data in, which is then encrypted). However, only you can extract that data (make it readable by decrypting it). Only you have the key to taking things out of the mailbox.

Hybrid encryption combines both methods by first encrypting data with a symmetric key (our master key). That key is then encrypted by an asymmetric public key. Finally, this encrypted master key is sent along with its data to a trusted recipient who uses their private key to decrypt the master key and then uses that master key to decrypt the data. Does your head hurt yet?

This Over That

While you may not care about all these technical details, you probably would like to know: Which option is best?

While there’s no easy answer to this question (it depends on a lot of factors and the specific needs of your organization), your decision ultimately rests on two considerations: Speed vs Security.

Encryption takes computing power – and lots of it. And more keys = more power = more time. If you want the most secure solution, you’ll have to make sure your network can handle the processing time.

Breaking everything down, we have:

Symmetric for speed at the cost of security

Asymmetric for security at the cost of speed

Hybrid for maximum security at the greatest cost of speed

Symmetric encryption is typically all you’ll need for password storage in a small to medium-sized business (SMB). Sure, it may not be as secure as asymmetric or hybrid encryption, but any encryption is far better than no encryption. That said, we recommend reaching out to your IT or managed service provider (MSP) department, as they should be able to help determine which kind of encryption will work best for you.

Encryption Best Practices

Like anything in cybersecurity, encryption isn’t foolproof. That’s why it’s important to follow encryption best practices. Doing so will help you keep hackers at bay and your sensitive information safe.

Secure Your Key

We just mentioned this, but we can’t stress its important enough. Keep your encryption keys secure! This can be done automatically with the help of a password manager (more on those soon). But password manager or not, you’ll want to make sure your keys are stored separately from the data they’re encrypting/decrypting.

Restrict Key Access

Only a select few should have access to important encryption keys – this is especially true with symmetric encryption. Normally, your IT administrator will be in charge of any keys outside of a password manager and should be the first to consult regarding anything encryption-related.

Encrypt Sensitive Data

An obvious tip, but no less important. This article has focused on password protection, but encryption should be used for all forms of sensitive information. If you’ve spent any time on the internet, you’ve probably seen reports of massive data breaches because of poor data encryption. Don’t cut corners when your sensitive data is at stake.

Manage Your Keys

Password managers help immensely with encryption-related tasks. Not only do they automatically encrypt your passwords, but they also keep your passwords and encryption keys organized. Outside of password managers, your IT administrator will be in charge of replacing any old encryption keys and updating them as needed.

Encryption Isn’t Enough

Encryption is great, but you’re still going to need passwords strong enough to fend off savvy cybercriminals. That’s because modern hackers use incredibly powerful software to crack credentials. They won’t need to decrypt your password if they can simply guess it directly! As with all security tools and methods, encryption is just one part of a much larger cybersecurity plan.

If you’re struggling to create that perfect password, we’ve got some tips for you…

Go Long!

A strong password can take literally thousands of years to guess. Cybercriminals use brute force attacks to smash their way into your carefully curated password, trying virtually every possible character combination until they stumble upon the correct one. The more characters, the more combinations they have to work through.

Longer password = Longer hack

Complicate Things

When we said a strong password could keep a hacker busy for thousands of years, we weren’t being hyperbolic. A password made of sixteen complex characters takes 33,000 years to crack! Just take a look at this 2024 password-cracking chart.

Your password benefits tremendously from complexity. We’re talking alternating upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Here are a few examples:

Password #1

• 1299531329 = 1 hour to crack

Password #2

• • 1W@v$9a\?2 = 33,000 years to crack

Crafty hackers will try to guess your password. But remember, they’re only human. Once they realize your password isn’t easily guessable, there’s a good chance they’ll move on in search of an easier target.

Keep It Impersonal

Don’t include anything like your birthday, name, pets, email address, etc. Any information that is publicly available is information that can be dug up and used against you. TomF1985!! may satisfy some of our tips, but it won’t take much research to figure that one out.

Manage Your Passwords

Using a password manager – which we highly recommend – can help you generate and organize all of your passwords. And you should be using different passwords for different accounts. Many password managers even have helpful copy + paste functions so you don’t have to type out those 10+ character passwords. There are various password managers out there, so consult with your IT team or MSP to find one that best suits your company’s needs.

One Key of Many

Encryption is important. But so is password hygiene – and multi-factor authentication, data backups, firewalls, etc. If you haven’t already, by all means, get encrypting! But also, talk to you IT team/MSP to determine your overall security needs. In today’s world, you want defense in layers, because nothing else will keep your data safe in the long run.

Need Help?

Struggling with cybersecurity? On the verge of pulling out your hair because it feels like protecting your company’s data requires breaking the bank?

Take a breath and do not touch that hair. Instead, get in touch with The 20 MSP. We can have your cyber defenses up to speed and under budget in no time.

Get in touch today to find out more.

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You’re budgeting for IT needs for the coming year. At least, you’re trying. Questions are piling up and you’re starting to feel overwhelmed. How many computers need replacing? What about that old server? Who has the list of 365 licenses, and what do they cost again?

Take a breath. You can do this – and you don’t have to go it alone; we have the perfect budgeting strategy for you: IT asset management.

Granted, it’s not the most exciting term, but be assured, IT asset management – or “ITAM” for short – is going to make your life a whole lot easier. Let’s talk about how.

What Is ITAM?

A mouthful! *Ba Dum Tss*

Jokes aside, ITAM is actually a simple concept; it’s a budgeting strategy that makes it easy to keep track and take care of all your IT equipment and software.

Father Time is undefeated, and every asset has a lifecycle. Computers start to slow, phones start holding less battery, and software licenses eventually expire. ITAM helps you stay ahead of these issues with a concrete and easy-to-implement plan of action. We can conveniently break up ITAM into multiple stages.

Stages of an ITAM Lifecycle

ITAM has five stages: Planning, Acquisition, Deployment, Monitoring & Maintenance, and finally, Disposal.

These are rolling stages, meaning each asset at any given time will be at one of these stages. For example, you might have two brand-new computers ready for the Deployment stage, set to replace two old computers at the Disposal stage, and a 2.5-year-old server halfway through its Monitoring and Maintenance stage.

Keeping an accurate record is vital for an effective ITAM strategy. This brings us right into our first stage…

Planning

The first stage of ITAM is recording your assets on your platform of choice – this can be something as simple as an Excel spreadsheet or a digital asset register. Record the replacement date for each asset. Business-grade systems typically last between three and five years, servers about five years, while software longevity varies based on subscription models and budgeting for replacements.

Recording assets should be done alongside your IT team or managed service provider (MSP), as they can make sure you’re crossing your Ts and dotting your Is.

Acquisition

Naturally, there will be times when you need to purchase new assets. Ideally, you have a trusted IT team or MSP whose job is to locate these items and, with your approval, order them.

Upon receiving any new assets, update your records immediately, noting important information such as description, serial number, location, costs and any other important metrics. Err on the side of including too many details, as ignoring irrelevant information is a lot easier than tracking down lost information.

In addition, make sure to double-check every ordered system. For instance, if you have five new computers coming in, make sure there are indeed five machines (shipping mistakes happen!). Also, you’ll want to confirm that the new systems meet your specifications and are ready for the next stage…

Deployment

Before your assets reach their intended locations, they’ll need some prep work. This is especially true for computers and servers. Your IT staff or IT provider will need to configure these assets to your company’s standards before organizing a time to have them delivered and installed. If your asset is a piece of software, this process will usually involve simply applying a new license. Easy-peasy.

Once your new assets are in place, update your asset inventory sheet to reflect the new additions. This step usually coincides with the retirement/disposal stage (which we’ll get to shortly), as new assets are typically purchased to replace old ones.

Monitoring & Maintenance

You’ve determined when your IT assets should be retired, and it’s in your best interest to prevent that date from creeping up. It’ll be up to your IT team or MSP to make sure your computers, servers, and other systems make it to a ‘healthy retirement age.’

The monitoring and maintenance stage encompasses the numerous activities that nurture your assets’ longevity, many of which fall under endpoint management. The longest and most involved stage (it spans multiple years between deployment and retirement), monitoring and maintenance is like regular maintenance for a car, where proactive care and timely servicing keep everything running smoothly and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Disposal

Everything must come to an end, and your assets are no different. Hardware obsolescence, software expiration, physical damage – whatever the cause of the end-of-life scenario, it’s important that you organize the timely removal of assets no longer fit for use.

If you take the planning stage seriously and maintain an up-to-date record, you’ll know in advance when it’s time to remove old assets and will be able to plan accordingly.

That said, disposal isn’t quite as simple as throwing your computer in the garbage. You’ll want to make sure that important data is wiped clean and recycled properly. Also, upon properly disposing of an old asset, don’t forget to update those records!

Once again, it should be up to your in-house IT staff or IT provider/MSP to ensure the proper disposal of retired IT assets.

The Big Benefits of a Robust ITAM Strategy

Having a robust ITAM strategy can work wonders for your business. Let’s review some of the key benefits.

Avoid Unnecessary Expenses

When someone approaches you about replacing a computer, you’ll know exactly where that asset stands in its lifecycle. Instead of estimating its remaining lifespan, you can rely on your detailed digital asset register. And, unless there’s a very good reason not to (e.g., unforeseen severe hardware/software failure), follow your ITAM plan. Not having to make case-by-case decisions about new purchases will save you a lot of time and save you from a lot of unnecessary stress and expenses.

Reduce Downtime

Replacing an asset takes time, and you don’t want there to be any delay between one asset’s retirement and its replacement’s deployment. Lucky for you, with an ITAM strategy, you won’t have to; your IT team can schedule a new asset’s acquisition and installation to avoid costly downtime. Moreover, if your IT team did their job and carried out the necessary prep work, most assets will be simple plug-and-play installations.

Pro Tip – Is one of your company computers ready for retirement? Schedule its replacement when its user isn’t in the office. Does a server need replacing? Schedule its replacement outside of regular business hours.

Reduce Risk

ITAM reduces risk by maintaining a complete inventory of IT assets, preventing unauthorized access and security breaches. Regular monitoring identifies vulnerabilities early, allowing prompt updates to enhance security. Efficient lifecycle management means outdated assets get swapped out fast, which helps minimize downtime and operational risks. In the end, ITAM’s methodical approach not only tightens security but also amps up operational efficiency, keeping IT risks at bay.

Compliance Assistance

Not only does ITAM cut the fat out of your budget, but it also assists with regulatory compliance. Almost every aspect of ITAM contributes to the satisfaction of compliance regulations. Between its detailed records, endpoint management, and secure data disposal, ITAM truly is a game-changer when it comes to keeping up with your regulatory responsibilities.

Overlooked Aspects of Your ITAM

Even with a detailed ITAM plan, things can slip through the cracks. Let’s take a look at some assets you may not initially consider while crafting your IT asset management strategy.

Office 365 Licenses

It’s common for organizations to have dozens, if not hundreds, of different Office 365 licenses. Each license should be recorded in your ITAM as these assets add up significantly and can throw your budgeting efforts for a loop if not carefully managed. Note each license’s start date and renewal date, and make sure to update your records regularly as these licenses can change frequently.

Firewall Licenses

Firewall licenses usually last from one to three years and can be easily forgotten. It’s crucial to register and track the license type and expiration date to ensure timely renewal. Doing so helps your IT team or MSP efficiently locate and renew the necessary licenses when needed.

Training

This aspect of ITAM is somewhat unique. Though not an asset per se, training is just as important as any piece of hardware or software. At the end of the day, you want your employees to utilize your assets to their fullest, while engaging in cyber-safe behavior to mitigate the risk of a data breach. Training promotes both of these things.

Make sure to note the time expected to train your employees on any new assets, and budget accordingly. Too many executives, when budgeting for IT, forget about training because it’s not a tangible thing. But you’d better believe the negative impacts of neglecting training – or failing to budget for it – will be all too tangible.

Cybersecurity training is particularly vital for your company’s health – and perhaps even for its very existence, as a cyberattack can force you to close your doors permanently. Check out our article on cybersecurity training to learn more.

Tackling ITAM

ITAM takes time, effort, and serious attention to detail. That’s why, again, it’s best to enlist experienced IT experts or an MSP to help you build a robust and actionable ITAM strategy.

As you work with your IT team, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, don’t let a few hiccups discourage you. Forget an asset? It happens. The key, as with many things in this life, is to keep at it.

Need Help?

If you’re looking an IT team to help out with ITAM, look no further than The 20 MSP. We have years of experience helping all kinds of businesses plan out their IT budgets and asset lifecycles.

Reach out today and let’s get started!

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Why Backups Are Vital for Every Business

Are data backups the most exciting topic? No. But are they an essential part of your company’s IT plans? Absolutely. Backups are something you need to think about – or pay someone else to think about. OK, now that that’s out of the way –

Wait a second, you might be thinking. I’m still not convinced I need backups…

To the amazement (and chagrin) of IT experts everywhere, plenty of business owners and decision makers feel this way. In fact, about one fifth of companies don’t have a data backup or disaster recovery plan in place.

If you are in this ever-shrinking group of holdouts, just keep reading. The benefits of backups speak for themselves…

What is a Backup?

Before we get into the benefits of backups, let’s define what a backup is. When you back up your data, you create a copy of that data. A backup is a copy. Simple.

Now, copies are valuable because they protect you against the loss of the original. Airplanes have backup engines to protect against engine failure. Companies have backed-up data to protect against data loss.

Computer stolen? Download your copy of the data that was stored on that machine. Delete a file by accident? Download your copy of that file from your backup.

Why Should My Company Back Up Data?

We covered the obvious ‘why’: creating data copies. But let’s dig deeper into why those copies matter.

Recover from Cybercrime

Going strictly by what makes the news, you might get the impression that cyberattacks are something only giant corporations have to worry about, not small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) like yours.

But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Cybercrime is one of – if not the – greatest threat to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), with nearly half of all cyberattacks targeting companies with fewer than 1000 employees.

Data backups can circumvent cyberattacks by recovering data compromised by malware and other viruses, as well as any data locked down by a ransomware attack.

Hackers got your data? Deploy your backup! A backup doesn’t solve every problem caused by a data breach, but it does help you avoid (a) permanently losing data, and (b) spending a fortune to recover stolen data.

Recover from Loss or Theft

Like your keys or wallet, hardware can get misplaced, or worse – stolen.

But if you’ve been keeping a data backup, all is not lost; while you might not be able to recover your lost/stolen computer, you can recover the device’s stored data – just download your backup onto a new device, and voila, your data is saved.

Prevent Accidental Data Loss

People make mistakes and computers malfunction. In fact, 68% of people have reported losing data due to accidental data deletion or hardware/software failure.

If you find yourself the victim of an unfortunate accident, you’ll be glad you decided to regularly back up your data. Instead of panicking – My work is gooooone!!! – just recover the lost data from your backup, like rescuing it from the jaws of digital death.

Reduce Downtime

We’ve stressed the cost of downtime, but in case you need a refresher, the average cost of IT downtime comes out to $5,600 per minute! It’s no exaggeration to say that every second counts.

That’s why data backups are part of every strong disaster recovery plan. Downloading data = less downtime = money saved.

Prepare for Audits

The government won’t be lenient if you’re missing files during an audit. And with the complexities of regulatory compliance, you need to make doubly sure all of your data is where it should be. Keeping your data backed up helps you recover lost or misplaced data quickly enough to avoid hefty citation fees.

Preserve Peace of Mind

This final reason is as important as it is simple. There are too many variables out there that can erase months or years of hard work. Don’t lose sleep over something you can prevent. Set up a backup solution and rest easy in the face of all those unknowns.

Physical vs Cloud Backups

So backups are good. In fact, they’re really good – a non-negotiable for businesses of all sizes and in all industries. But what’s the best way to approach things?

Let’s start with where.

A backup is a copy and that copy has to go somewhere. That somewhere will either be an on-premises physical device (hard drive, CD-ROM, USB device, etc.), or the cloud (OneDrive, Google Cloud, Dropbox, etc.). Of course, data stored on the cloud is still located on physical devices, which are managed and maintained by the cloud service provider.

Deciding where to store your backups depends on several factors including cost, accessibility, security, and your specific business needs. That said, more and more companies are migrating to the cloud, as it offers a slew of undeniable benefits, including greater security, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.

Automating Your Backups

If disaster strikes and you haven’t had a chance to back up your company’s data, that’s obviously bad news, as it can mean days, weeks, or even months of hard work down the drain. That’s why automating your backups is absolutely necessary for your data security.

Automating your backups is exactly what it sounds like – a way to back up your data without having to do it manually. Set and forget. With the overwhelming amount of company data nowadays, automatic backups are more necessity than convenience.

There are dozens of automated backup providers out there. We recommend talking with your IT provider or managed server provider (MSP), as they bring a lot of expertise to the table and can help you pick the perfect solution for your organization’s needs and goals.

3-2-1 Rule

Considered a foundational strategy for all data backups, the 3-2-1 rule recommends that organizations have:

• 3 copies of data: This includes your original data and at least two copies.
• 2 different forms of media storage: Storing your data on two different devices increases your data redundancy.
• 1 copy kept off-site: Ensures data safety in event of office/local area incident (e.g., natural disaster).

The 3-2-1 rule is a mere guideline, and companies may tweak their own strategy to fit their needs. Speaking of which, it’s time to talk about your backups.

Establishing Your Backups

Here comes the tricky part: Setting up a backup strategy that works for your company.

To do this, you’ll need to establish your recovery objectives, and more specifically, your RPO and RTO.

RPO or “recovery point objective” is how much data (measured in hours, minutes, seconds, etc.) your company can afford to lose. Setting your backups at two-hour intervals would create an RPO of two hours. So, if disaster struck say one hour after your most recent backup, you would lose one hour of data.

RTO or “recovery time objective” is similar to RPO, but refers only to how much time your business can cease operations on account of a disaster. If your company can exist offline for one hour without causing significant damage, your RTO would equal one hour.

Both RPO and RTO are critical to your disaster recovery plan, and may take some considerable time and resources to nail down. That’s why we recommend turning to your in-house IT staff or IT provider/MSP for assistance.

Getting Started

Your company needs backups, but setting up an effective backup solution can be daunting. That’s why we recommend seeking assistance above all else. This stuff is too important to do poorly, and working with experts or a trusted MSP can ensure that your backup solution is everything you need it to be.

Asking yourself the following questions can help you get a general idea of where your company stands with backups:

• Am I backing up frequently enough?
• Do I know the maximum amount of time my company can be offline?
• Do I know the maximum amount of data (measured in time) my company can afford to lose?
• What kind of automated solutions do I have in place?

Your company needs and deserves a backup solution that enlists automation to meet your RTO and RPO. If you have anything less, it’s time to move forward by backing up.

Need Help?

Need help with backups? Don’t feel like navigating the technical details yourself?

We get it – and we’ve got you. The 20 MSP is the cure to your backup blues. Get in touch today and we’ll help you find the perfect backup solution for your company’s unique needs.

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How often do you think about your internet connection? Hopefully, not very often. Whenever someone starts thinking about their connection, it usually means something isn’t working right.

Not only are internet issues a major pain; they’re also extremely costly. The last thing anyone wants is a poor internet connection flatlining their productivity. To help curb downtime, we’ve compiled eight tips you can use during the worst of your internet woes.

Of course, if you’re ever feeling unsure, never hesitate to reach out to your IT provider for guidance – they are the pros after all!

To begin our discussion, let’s clarify some terms.

Modem VS Router

You’ve heard of both devices, but what are they and what are the differences?

A Modem (stands for modulator-demodulator) is a device that connects your home to your internet service provider (ISP) through a physical connection. This is how you get your internet delivered to your house or office.

A Router is a device that creates a local area network (LAN) and connects your modem to your other devices, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

Long story short – you need a modem for your internet and a router to connect to said internet. Both devices make up your home/office network. Check out Verizon’s in-depth explanation here if you want to learn more.

With that out of the way, let’s get troubleshooting!

First Things First

First, check if your problem is shared across the office – if you’re a remote worker, we recommend looking up an outage map like this one. A widespread issue typically indicates a problem with your internet server provider (ISP). A quick call to your ISP can answer any service-related questions.

If your issue is localized to a single computer, test out your connection by loading multiple different websites or different web-based applications. If only a single website or application cannot connect to the internet, it usually means the website or application is at fault and not your internet.

If you can’t access anything or load times continue to crawl, it’s time to dive deeper.

The Basics

There are a few basic fixes we can try before our advanced solutions. Some of these may seem trivial, but they are always worth trying. Sometimes the simple fix is the best fix.

Restart Your Router and Modem

You were expecting this one, weren’t you? Turn it on and off again, the classic technique. But there’s a reason it’s a classic – a simple reboot can do wonders.

Similar to how a computer reboot can kickstart a frozen computer, rebooting your network can kickstart a slow or disconnected internet. Rebooting nudges your troublesome system back into shape by refreshing hanging processes and clearing its stored data (the cache).

To restart your router and modem:

1. Unplug the router and modem.
2. Wait at least 30 seconds, then plug in the modem and turn it on.
3. Wait another 60 seconds, then plug in the router and turn it on.
4. Give your devices a few minutes to set up, and then test to see if your connection has returned.

This fix shouldn’t be something you do often – but you should schedule regular reboots at least once a month. If you find yourself rebooting your router or modem every day or multiple times a week, you may need a new device. At this point, you should contact your managed service provider (MSP) or ISP for assistance.

Check Your Wires

Sometimes a loose wire can be all that stands (or hangs) between you and a stable internet connection. This cable may be connected to your modem, router, or computer.

Confirming that everything is plugged in and secure is as simple as it sounds. Wiggle your Ethernet cable, unplug and plug it back in, make sure it’s secure and not slipping out of its socket, and see if you’re back online. The cables at fault will typically be Ethernet cables which we recommend replacing if you continue experiencing issues.

Check Your Wi-Fi

Sometimes after a network outage, your system may try to connect to the wrong wireless network. That, or your Wi-Fi feature may even turn off!

To check, click the Wi-Fi or <strong”No Internet” icon in the taskbar and check if your Wi-Fi is switched on. If you are using an Apple device, you can check your settings by clicking Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and then move the Wi-Fi to the “On” position.

You can also test your Wi-Fi by plugging an Ethernet cable directly into your computer. If you get internet this way, this means your wireless network may need resetting (see above).

Digging Deeper

If this solution didn’t fix your connection issues, then it’s time to roll up those sleeves and try out some slightly more advanced fixes.

Run a Speed Test

If you are experiencing slower-than-average internet speeds, now is a good time to check your connection speed. We recommend running a speed test through a website like Speedtest.net to gain the number of megabits per second your computer is using. Next, take that number and reach out to your ISP or review a bill to confirm that these are the speeds you’re paying for.

If speeds match your internet bill, this means you are most likely reaching your maximum internet capacity and should consider upgrading to something faster. If the speeds don’t match, then it’s onto more troubleshooting.

Run an Antivirus Scan

Cybersecurity is our top priority here at The 20 MSP, and we can’t stress its

importance enough. Cybercrime is a threat to every business, no matter the size, with 61% of attacks in 2021 targeting small and medium-sized businesses.

Even with top-of-the-line cybersecurity, malware and viruses can still worm their way into your system. Running a virus scan is always a good idea when you’re experiencing computer troubles, internet or otherwise.

Power up your AV software (Windows comes preinstalled with Windows Defender) and run a full scan on your system. It will report any potential viruses and remove them if possible.

To run a scan:

1. Open Windows Security app by searching the start menu for Windows Security
2. Select Virus & threat protection
3. Select Scan options
4. Select Full scan
5. Click Scan now

Flush your DNS cache

Similar to how your computer, router, and modem collects data in their caches, your internet stores data in its Domain Name Systems (DNS) cache. Think of your DNS cache as a virtual address book. This address book can become a victim of malware, causing slow internet performance or worse. A quick DNS flush can clear out any malicious tampering and get you back to smooth sailing:

1. Click your search bar at the bottom left of your screen.
2. Type Run
3. Type cmd
4. In the Command Box, type ipconfig/flushdns

You should now see a new text line confirming that you have flushed your DNS cache successfully.

Simple as that!

Network Diagnostics

For when you’re totally stumped, Windows comes with a handy tool called Windows Network Diagnostics. This feature will troubleshoot internet connection issues while offering potential solutions based on what it finds. To find it, go to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Status. Under Advanced network settings select Network Troubleshooter. Windows will now scan your network to help determine what the problem is.

Call in the IT Pros

When you’ve exhausted all other options, it’s time to turn to the pros. Don’t fret about the work you’ve done to get to this point. In the wise words of Thomas Edison:

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Letting your IT know everything you’ve tried will help them diagnose your internet issues even faster.

Slow Internet, Fast Fixes

You can’t escape inevitable internet issues. Remember – or bookmark – this page for when that time comes. Running through our suggestions shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, and after a bit of troubleshooting, you should be back up and running. Bye bye downtime!

Still Need Help?

The 20 MSP is a trusted and experienced expert on all things IT. So if you’re experiencing difficulties with your internet connection, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our super smart, always friendly, and preposterously hardworking team. Slow internet to no internet, we’ve got you covered!

Schedule your call today!

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Plano, TX – The 20 MSP today announced it has received the 2024 Pax8 Beyond Partner Award in the Global Non-Profit Partnership category during Pax8’s 2024 Beyond conference. The awards program recognizes partners who drove significant revenue growth, cloud adoption, and the success of companies worldwide by leveraging their relationship with Pax8 and its innovative Marketplace. 

“We are thrilled to be honored with the Pax8 2024 Top Global Non-Profit Partnership award. This recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication and commitment to empowering non-profits. Thank you to Pax8 for this incredible honor,” said Tim Conkle, CEO of The 20 MSP. 

Held in Denver, CO, from June 9-11, Beyond 2024 provided Pax8 partners with three days of immersive learning, community, and innovation. Attendees gained critical business insights through keynote presentations from industry leaders, custom-built breakout sessions, and an expo hall with over 100 sponsoring vendors. 22 awards were presented during the final day of the conference, showcasing the incredible transformation, impact, and success these partners are having on the channel ecosystem through their partnership with Pax8.  

“Our partner community advances the channel through their dedication to enabling small and midsized businesses worldwide with cloud technology solutions,” said Rob Rae, Corporate Vice President of Community and Ecosystems at Pax8. “These awards recognize their continued focus on empowering customers with advanced solutions in order to drive their business and transform the industry.”  

About Pax8 

Pax8 is the world’s favorite cloud marketplace for IT professionals to buy, sell, and manage best-in-class technology solutions. Pioneering the future of modern business, Pax8 has cloud-enabled enterprises through its channel partners and processes one million monthly transactions. Pax8’s award-winning technology enables managed service providers (MSPs) to accelerate growth, increase efficiency, and reduce risk so their businesses can thrive. The innovative company has ranked in the Inc. 5000 for six years in a row. Join the revolution at pax8.com.  

About The 20 MSP 

The 20 MSP has been helping businesses succeed through better technology since 1986. As a leading provider of managed IT services, The 20 MSP serves thousands of businesses nationwide, providing each one with white glove service, secure and streamlined IT infrastructure, and 24/7/365 support. We believe in building lasting relationships with clients founded on trust, communication, and the delivery of high-value services for a fair and predictable price. Our clients’ success is our success, and we are committed to helping each and every organization we serve leverage technology to secure a competitive advantage and achieve new growth. To learn more, visit the20msp.com. 

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