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October 2025 newsletter
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7 Extinction – Level Cybersecurity Threats

The dinosaurs never saw their end coming. The same is true for businesses that don’t understand what an extinction-level cyberthreat can do to their business and its future. Cyber incidents have become routine, and all businesses, regardless of their size, are at risk. From AI-powered ransomware to supply chain compromises, today’s cybersecurity threats are smarter and harder to predict. What’s even scarier is that they’re evolving faster than traditional defenses can keep up. In this blog, we’ll break down the top extinction-level cyberthreats every business leader should know. You’ll gain the clarity and insight you need to make smarter security decisions and stay one step ahead of what’s coming next.
The threat landscape: What you’re up against
Not all cyberthreats are created equal. Some are disruptive, but others can incapacitate your business entirely. These are extinction-level events, and they demand serious attention. AI-powered ransomware For cybercriminals, ransomware is a profitable enterprise, and with AI, they can do more harm than before. Gone are the days when attackers would cast their nets wide, trying to bait anyone who would fall for their scam. Today’s scams are highly sophisticated. Cyber criminals now use AI to analyze targets, identify weak points and lock down entire networks in hours. Why it matters for leaders: With AI, cybercriminals can launch complex attacks at lightning speed, faster than human teams can detect or respond. The result? Disrupted operations, lost revenue and damage to your reputation and customer trust Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) APTs are silent operators. They infiltrate systems and quietly observe for weeks or months, collecting valuable data before making their move. Often, APTs are launched by organized criminal syndicates or nation-states, which means they have the resources and patience to wait for the perfect moment to strike. Why it matters for leaders: APTs undermine trust. They can stay silent and quietly steal sensitive client data, intellectual property or trade secrets without you even realizing it until the damage is permanent. Supply chain attacks Supply chain attacks exploit the fact that businesses are all inter connected. You might have strong internal security, but what about your vendors, software providers or partners? One weak link in your ecosystem can open the door to an extinction-level threat. Why it matters for leaders: Your business security is only as strong as its weakest link. It’s no longer enough to secure just your network; it’s equally important for you to know how your partners protect theirs. Data breaches A data breach isn’t just a security incident; it’s a trust crisis. Breaches often start with something as simple as a weak password, a misplaced laptop or an employee falling for a phishing email. Attackers can use these vulnerabilities to access customer records, financial information or employee data. Why it matters for leaders: The aftermath of a breach is costly. Regulators impose fines, customers walk away and your competitors can use the incident to gain an edge while you scramble to recover from the security event. Internet of Things (IoT) exploits Smart IoT devices make life easier, but they also open the door to cyber attacks. From cameras to printers, many connected gadgets have weak security settings and are rarely updated, making them easy targets for criminals looking to infiltrate your network. Why it matters for leaders: IoT devices are part of your workplace environment. Without visibility into IoT devices, businesses can become easy targets and attackers can exploit the hidden vulnerabilities to launch a company-wide breach. Deep fakes and social engineering We are moving into a world where, at times, we can’t trust our eyes and ears. Deep fakes and AI-driven scams make it easier for attackers to impersonate senior leaders, employees or partners. Criminals can use a convincing video call or voicemail to trick you into revealing critical company information. Why it matters for leaders: As deep fake scams become more convincing, you’ll have to move beyond employee training. Policies and processes will have to evolve so that a convincing voice or video alone isn’t enough to authorize critical actions. Cloud misconfigurations The cloud has changed a lot of businesses. While it brings flexibility, it also brings risks. Simple mistakes like misconfigurations or permissions set too broadly can expose sensitive data to anyone who goes looking. A single mistake can land all your critical data in the wrong hands within hours. Why it matters for leaders: Moving to the cloud doesn’t absolve you of your responsibilities; rather, it calls for increased monitoring. Misconfigurations are one of the easiest attack vectors for criminals, making regular cloud audits and automated safeguards essential to your defense.
Survival belongs to the prepared
Your business operates in a landscape where extinction-level threats aren’t science fiction. They are a real and growing danger for which we must all prepare. The difference between businesses that fall and those that thrive often comes down to preparation. The good news is you don’t have to face these threats on your own. By leaning on a trusted IT partner like us, you gain:
  • A clear view of your vulnerabilities
  • Proactive monitoring that stops threats before they escalate
  • Tested backup and recovery strategies that minimize downtime
  • Strategic planning to ensure your tech evolves with the threat landscape
If you’re ready to evolve your cybersecurity strategy, we’re here to help. Schedule your no-obligation consultation today and take the first step towards resilience.
October 2025 newsletter
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The Anatomy of a Cyber – Ready Business

Cyberattacks are no longer rare events. Every business, from startups to established companies, faces digital risks that can disrupt operations and compromise customer trust. Fortunately, preparing for these threats doesn’t require a huge budget or large teams. With a few intentional actions, you can strengthen your defenses and build a more resilient business. Proactive habits create safety nets before any crisis hits. By taking steps today, you’ll minimize surprises tomorrow and reduce the impact if something does go wrong.
The building blocks of cyber readiness
Lasting cybersecurity starts with practical pillars that reinforce one another. Focusing on these areas gives your organization a clear, workable path to stay protected. Risk awareness Good protection starts with knowing what matters most. Take time to map out the data, systems and information that are vital to your daily work. Spotting your high-value assets and understanding possible threats lets you focus resources where they matter most. Routine checks help you catch any new vulnerabilities before someone else does. Prevention and protection Strong cybersecurity relies on more than just software or firewalls. Keeping systems updated, using reliable antivirus tools and managing who has access to sensitive areas should all work together. When only trusted people have the keys, potential attackers have fewer ways in. Layering these defenses makes it tougher for unwanted visitors to break through. People and culture Technology alone cannot guarantee safety. When employees recognize phishing attempts or report something unusual, threats are often stopped before they cause harm. Make security part of everyday conversations and encourage a culture where everyone feels responsible for protecting the business. Short, regular training sessions keep knowledge fresh and engagement high. Detection and monitoring It’s impossible to prevent every threat, which is why monitoring is essential. Setting up tools to watch for unusual activity helps you catch problems quickly. Many businesses also define what “normal” activity looks like so anything suspicious stands out right away. Early detection is the key to fast, effective responses. Response and recovery Even the best plans face unexpected situations. Make sure everyone knows what to do if an incident happens. Clear guidelines, up-to-date contact lists and regular practice drills make the difference between panic and a quick recovery. Automated and frequent data backups provide a safety net so that critical information is never out of reach for long. Continuous improvement Cyberthreats and solutions constantly evolve. Take time to review policies, refresh training and adjust your approach when new threats appear or after incidents. Learning from real experiences strengthens your protection and ensures your business moves forward with confidence. By working on these foundations, you improve security and foster trust among customers and stakeholders. The effort you put into day helps ensure smoother operations tomorrow.
Ready for support?
Cyber readiness isn’t just a checklist—it’s a survival strategy. If managing all the moving parts feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Partnering with an IT service provider like us makes the process smoother and more effective. Our experience and expertise might be exactly what you need. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We’ll provide practical guidance that fits your business needs so you can focus on what matters most: growth, innovation and peace of mind.
September 2025 Blogs
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Business Impact Analysis 101 for Business Leaders

Disasters aren’t always the biggest threat to your business; uncertainty often is. Many leaders assume they’ll know what to do when things go wrong. But without clarity on what’s critical to keep operations running, even minor disruptions can spiral. That’s why successful business owners consider a business impact analysis (BIA)to be a foundational part of their business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) strategy.
What is a BIA?
A BIA helps eliminate guesswork. It provides clarity to help businesses understand what is critical to operations, how long they can afford to stay offline and how soon they can get back online. A well-executed BIA goes beyond resolving IT issues; it offers a full picture of operations and empowers business leaders to prioritize recovery efforts based on factors such as urgency, risk and cost. Without a BIA, organizations tend to be reactive, leading to decisions that a rem is aligned with actual business needs. In short, a BIA positions you to recover faster with less disruption.
Key component sofa BIA
A strong BIA helps you turn your BCDR strategy into something actionable. It aligns recovery priorities with what truly drives value, like essential operations, customer expectations and long-term stability. Here’s a quick look at the core components that make a BIA resilient:
  • Critical business functions :You can’t protect your business if you don’t know what keeps it operational. Every business has certain critical functions that simply can’t go offline, such as customer support, payroll or order processing.
  • Dependencies :To build a strong BCDR, you must under stand how all your business functions are inter connected. A business impact analysis helps you map your dependencies, such a show your operations rely on certain people, applications or even third-party services. It ensures your recovery plan is based on real-world complexity, not just siloed systems.
  • Impact assessment :A thorough impact analysis helps you determine the cost of down time. It gives you the means to evaluate the potential consequences of disruption, such as revenue loss, legal penalties, customer dissatisfaction and reputation damage. It tells your leadership exactly what’s at stake and where failing to act could cost the most.
  • Recovery objectives :When something goes down, two questions matter most: how fast can you re cover and how much data can you afford to lose? That’s where recovery objectives come in. An RTO(Recovery Time Objective) defines the maximum acceptable downtime, while an RPO (Recovery Point Objective)defines the maximum acceptable data loss. By setting clear RTO and RPO targets, you can plan recovery more efficiently.
  • Prioritization :While building your BCDR strategy, it’s important to understand that not everything is mission-critical. By prioritizing your recovery efforts, you can act with focus. Determine what needs immediate attention, what can wait and how you can effectively allocate resources so they’ll have the greatest impact.
Steps to conduct a BIA
You don’t need a complex playbook to protect your business, and your BIA doesn’t have to be too technical. Here’s a simple way to get started. Plan the BIA: Set a clear scope. Focus on one or two key departments and bring the right people to the table. Gather data: Use simple tools like surveys or interviews to collect insights from the people doing the work. Ask them what they rely on and what would happen if those things failed. Analyze findings: Review the data to understand how a disruption impacts RTO and RPO, and then set realistic recovery goals. Document results: Summarize your findings in a simple report. You can use it as your go-to guide to plan your BCDR efforts. Review and update: Review your BIA regularly whenever you add a new tool, change teams or grow the business. Keep it relevant.
Plan smarter. Recover stronger.
A well-executed BIA gives you both insight and control. It lays the groundwork for a BCDR plan that keeps your business up and running even when everything else is falling apart. But knowing where to start isn’t always easy. That’s where we come in. Whether starting fresh or revisiting an old plan, we’ll help you build a BIA-driven BCDR plan tailored to your business needs. Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation today. No frills. Just clear, expert help.
September 2025 Blogs
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BCDR vs. Backup: What’s the Difference for Your Business?

When your business grinds to a halt, every minute feels like a countdown. A server crash, ransomware attack or even a simple power outage can throw operations off track. That’s when the question hits hard: Can you bounce back quickly enough to keep customers and revenue safe? It’s easy to assume backups are enough, but that’s only part of the picture. Backups preserve data, but they don’t restore your systems, applications or processes. That’s the role of a business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR)plan. It’s the difference between having a backup of your data and having your entire business operational when things go wrong.
Why backup sand BCDR must work together
While backups restore what you had, a BCDR plan ensures you can keep running. A cyberattack can encrypt your systems, a flood can knock out your hard ware or a simple misconfiguration can lock users out of critical tools. Even with perfect backups, you can still face days of downtime. Downtime is expensive and can cost you more than lost revenue. It damages customer trust, stalls operations and causes missed opportunities. Without a BCDR plan, you’re patching holes instead of steering the ship. That’s why a strong strategy combines reliable backups with a robust BCDR plan to cover both your data and your operations.
What a complete BCDR plan includes
A strong BCDR plan doesn’t just save data—it keeps your business alive and serves customers when everything else falls apart. Here’s what a solid plan should include:
  • Reliable, tested backups : Backups are only as good as the last time they were tested. A BCDR plan ensures they’re verified under real conditions so you know they’ll work when disaster strikes.
  • System and application recovery : Restoring files isn’t enough. Your business depends on critical systems and applications that must run smoothly around the clock. BCDR focuses on rebuilding your operational backbone so your teams can get back to work fast.
  • Failover capabilities : When primary systems fail, you need a way to switch to an alternate infrastructure, such as cloud environments, without missing a beat. A solid BCDR plan provides a safety net and keeps essential services running while you repair the damage.
  • Defined roles and clear procedures : In a crisis, hesitation can be costly. A BCDR plan outlines who acts, how decisions are made and how communication flows—so every second counts toward recovery.
  • Regular testing and updates : Threats evolve, and so should your plan. Ongoing drills and updates keep your BCDR plan aligned with your business and the risks you face today.
Protect more than data; protect your business
Backups are a good starting point, but they’re not the finish line. A well-built BCDR plan turns disruption into a test you’re ready to pass. It keeps your business resilient, responsive and running. Not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. An expert IT service provider like us can help you build a plan that protects more than just files and safeguards the future of your entire business. Book a no-obligation consultation today. Let’s talk about building resilience that lasts.
Split-screen image of two CEOs: one panicked while viewing a declining sales chart labeled "My Company Sales" and "AI is taking our business away," and the other confident and smiling while viewing an accelerating sales chart powered by AI.
Blog
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Facing the Fear: Why Now Is the Time to Embrace AI

Split-screen image of two CEOs: one panicked while viewing a declining sales chart labeled "My Company Sales" and "AI is taking our business away," and the other confident and smiling while viewing an accelerating sales chart powered by AI.
On the left, fear grips a CEO as sales plummet and competitors thrive with AI. On the right, success shines through as AI drives growth and confidence.

Facing the Fear: Why Now Is the Time to Embrace AI

There’s no question that AI is a game changer.

From transforming how we work to unlocking new business models, AI has the power to dramatically accelerate both company-wide productivity and individual performance. Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks, surfacing insights faster, or enabling entirely new ways of thinking, AI is already reshaping the future of work.

But despite the promise, one thing continues to hold us back: fear.

👔 Executive Fear: “Will AI Make Us Obsolete?”

At the leadership level, the fear is existential. What if AI disrupts our current business model? What if competitors adopt faster and leave us behind? These are valid concerns—but they’re also signals that it’s time to act. The companies that win in the AI era won’t be the ones who wait. They’ll be the ones who lead with clarity, communicate transparently, and build AI into their strategy.

If you’re an executive, now is the time to:

  • Adopt an AI policy that clearly outlines your goals and strategic direction.
  • Identify where AI can improve operations, customer experience, or innovation.
  • Communicate openly about how AI will affect the company—positively and realistically.

👩‍💻 Employee Fear: “Will AI Take My Job?”

At the employee level, the fear is personal. Will AI replace me? Will I be left behind because I don’t know how to use it?

These fears are real—but they don’t have to define the future. The truth is, AI isn’t just about replacement. It’s about augmentation. It’s about giving people tools to do more, faster, and better.

If you’re leading a team, start by:

  • Offering AI training that’s practical, hands-on, and inclusive.
  • Creating space for internal conversations about how AI can improve workflows.
  • Encouraging experimentation so employees feel empowered, not threatened.

🛠️ IT’s Role: Enabler or Bottleneck?

AI is no longer just a data science project—it’s an IT function. That means your IT team needs to be ready to:

  • Support AI workflows across departments.
  • Provide education and onboarding for new tools.
  • Ensure governance and compliance are built in from the start.

Ask yourself: Is your IT team equipped to enable AI adoption at scale? If not, it’s time to reevaluate.

🚀 The Bottom Line

AI is here. The question isn’t whether to adopt it—it’s how. And the answer starts with acknowledging the fear, building trust, and taking action.

At Popper Tech, we believe the future belongs to the teams who are bold enough to lead through uncertainty—and smart enough to bring everyone along for the ride.

august 2025 newsletter, Blog
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IT and Cyber Insurance: Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore Either

Cyberthreats are evolving fast, especially with the rise of AI-powered attacks. That’s why a solid IT strategy is your first line of defense, while cyber insurance acts as your financial safety net when threats break through.

In this blog, we’ll explore why combining a strong IT strategy with comprehensive cyber insurance isn’t just smart—it’s essential for protecting your business in today’s AI-driven threat landscape.

How IT and Insurance work together

Many businesses mistakenly view IT and cyber insurance as unrelated, but in reality, they should work together to strengthen your overall resilience. A strong IT strategy not only protects your business but also improves your eligibility for cyber coverage and helps you get the most from your policy.

An experienced IT service provider can guide you through this process and help you qualify and maintain your coverage. Here’s how:

Assess your current security posture: Your IT partner will evaluate your current landscape, identify vulnerabilities and develop a plan of action. On going risk assessments strengthen your defense sand demonstrate to insurers that you actively manage risk and prioritize data protection.

Implement required controls and best practices: Once gaps are identified, your IT service provider will implement the proper security measures and best practices, such as multifactor authentication (MFA) and access controls. These keep the hackers away and demonstrate to the insurers that you take security seriously.

Document policies and procedures: An experienced IT partner helps you document essential procedures, security policies, and response plans, which are key elements insurers look for when approving claims and maintaining coverage.

Create and test incident response plans: An incident response plan is vital. Your IT partner can help you build and test it thoroughly, ensuring you are prepared for various scenarios and can bounce back quickly. This readiness also signals to insurers that your business is resilient and well-managed.

Conduct ongoing monitoring: Your business operates in a threat landscape that is constantly evolving. A trusted IT partner can provide regular monitoring to keep your defenses current. This shows insurers that you’re committed to staying protected.

Align Your IT With Cyber Insurance

When your IT and insurance strategies are aligned, you’re not just protected but also prepared. Managing IT alone is challenging, and aligning it with cyber insurance requirements can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly where we come in.

We’ll help you put all the pieces together, make sense of the jargon and create an IT strategy that gives you clarity and confidence. Let’swork together to secure your business. Schedule a no-obligation call today.

august 2025 newsletter, Blog
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Cyber Insurance Basics : What Every Business Needs to Know

Cyber attacks rarely come with a warning, and when they hit, the damage can be fast and costly. From data recovery to managing the fallout, a single breach can derail your operations for days or weeks.

That’s where cyber insurance can step into reduce the financial impact of an attack.

However, not all policies offer the same protection. What is and isn’t covered often depends on whether your business met the insurer’s security expectations before the incident.

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down what that means and how to prepare.

What is cyber insurance and why does it matter?

Cyber insurance is a policy designed to help businesses recover from digital threats like data breaches and ransomware attacks. It can cover the cost of cleanup when systems are compromised and reputations are on the line.

  • Depending on the policy, cyber insurance may cover:
  • Data recovery and system restoration
  • Legal fees and regulatory fines
  • Customer notification and credit monitoring
  • Business interruption losses
  • Ransom payments (in some cases)

While cyber insurance is a smart investment, getting insured is only the first step. What you do afterward, like maintaining strong cyber hygiene, can determine whether your claim holds up.

Why cyber insurance claims are often denied

A cyber insurance policy doesn’t guarantee a payout. Insurers carefully assess cybersecurity measures before paying out. Common reasons for denied claims include:

  • Lack of proper security controls
  • Outdated software or unpatched systems
  • Incomplete or insufficient documentation
  • Improper incident response plan

A policy only goes so far; you need to prove that your digital house was in order before the incident occurred.

How to strengthen your cyber insurance readiness

To avoid costly claim denials, your security posture needs to match the expectations of your insurer. That means implementing the very safeguards many underwriters now require:

  • Strong cybersecurity fundamentals like multi-factor authentication (MFA), backup systems and endpoint protection
  • A documented incident response plan
  • Routine updates and patching
  • Continuous employee training focused on cyber hygiene
  • Regular risk assessments and remediation

This is where working with the right IT partner can make all the difference.

The role of your IT partner in cyber insurance

 An experienced IT service provider like us can help you close the security gaps that insurers look for, ensuring your infrastructure meets their standards and your business is ready to respond when it matters most.

Let’s talk about how we can turn your IT strategy into a true asset that protects your business and strengthens your insurance position.

Blog, july 2025 blogs
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The Role of IT Service Providers in Mitigating IT Risks

In today’s fast-moving business landscape, change is constant and often unpredictable. Markets can be disruptive, volatile and even devastating. As a business leader, one of your most pressing concerns should be: Can your IT strategy withstand the pressure when things get tough? Are you keeping pace with emerging technologies? And is your infrastructure equipped to handle the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats?

That’s where a strategic IT partner comes in. The right IT service provider doesn’t just react to risks—they anticipate them. They build resilient systems that can absorb the shocks of economic turbulence and cyberattacks.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how IT service providers help you mitigate risk and, most importantly, what makes one truly reliable.

Let’s dive in.

What makes an IT service provider reliable

A reliable service provider gives you the confidence to navigate the worst storms. Here’s how a reliable service provider keeps your business safe and reduces risks:

Proven experience and expertise: A reliable service provider has a track record of successfully managing IT for businesses like yours. They also have an army of highly skilled and trained IT professionals who keep up with the latest tech trends and best practices so they can use their knowledge to help their clients manage risks.

Robust security measures: A trusted partner leaves no stone unturned when it comes to cybersecurity. They implement extensive security measures that continuously monitor, detect and respond to risks.

Transparent communication: A great IT service provider never keeps you guessing and understands that IT risk grows when leaders are kept in the dark. That’s why they maintain clear communication to ensure you know exactly what’s happening. You get timely updates, security audit reports and IT performance reports, and most importantly, their support is always prompt and reliable.

Operational efficiency: Unplanned down time can be devastating for your business, especially during a markets lowdown. A good partner ensures minimal disruptions and keeps your systems up and running while ensuring your data is backed up, systems are updated, and a recovery plan is in place.

Predictable pricing and value: When times are uncertain, it’s important that you get the most value out of every penny you spend. A reliable IT service provider offers prices that are transparent with no hidden fees and offers services that maximize your return on investment.

Strategic IT planning: IT is the backbone of your business, and if it’s outdated, it will only hurt your growth. Astrong IT partner ensures that your tech strategy aligns with your business goals. They ensure that your tech is efficient and ready to scale up and down along with your business needs.

Mitigating IT risks is non-negotiable

A solid IT strategy is the best defense against the unknown. And that’s something only a reliable IT partner can help you build—not by promising the universe but by standing firm when the unexpected strikes.

We can help you proactively manage risks, keep your systems secure and help you build resilience. Ready to take the next steps? Schedule a no-obligation consultation today to learn how we can help you reduce IT risks, maintain stability and stay prepared.

Blog, july 2025 blogs
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Top 4 Business Risks of Ignoring IT Strategy

A weak technology strategy rarely announces it self. At first, it may look like a few scattered tech issues, such a slagging systems, integration failure and unexpected system out ages. In reality, these aren’t random problems but signs of a deeper issue: an IT strategy that hasn’t kept up with the business.

Most companies don’t intentionally overlook strategy; it just falls behind while day-to-day operations take over. But without a clear roadmap, the cracks start to show fast.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the top four business risks of ignoring your IT strategy and why addressing it early matters.

The fallout of a poor IT strategy

A risky IT strategy impacts more than your tech stack. It affects how your business runs, grows and stays competitive.

Operational disruptions

Without a structured IT roadmap that prioritizes coordination, your tools and platforms start working in silos. Updates clash, integrations break and routine processes turn into time-consuming work arounds. What should be seamless becomes a source of friction. Your team ends up wasting time fixing problems that a proper strategy would have prevented.

Reputational damage

Customers and partners may not see the backend, but they definitely feel its failures. Whether it’s a delayed delivery, a dropped interaction or a visible security lapse, each one chips away at your credibility. Even a small issue can lead someone to question whether your business is equipped to support them reliably.

Financial losses

When your IT evolves without structure, spending becomes reactive and unpredictable. You pay more for emergency support, last-minute licenses and rushed fixes. Meanwhile, cost-saving opportunities, like consolidating vendors and automating manual tasks, go unexplored. Over time, unplanned spending adds up to real damage to your budget.

Employee frustration

Even the most skilled employees struggle with unreliable tools. Lagging systems and repeated outages create constant interruptions that drain focus and energy. Productivity suffers, morale drops and internal confidence in the company’s direction starts to erode. The wrong setup not only slows down the work but also slows down the people.

It’s time to shift from reactive to resilient

A smart IT strategy effectively connects your systems, aligns them with your goals and removes the guess work from your technology decisions. It helps you reduce friction, limit surprises and prepare for growth with confidence.

If your team spends more time trouble shooting than executing, it’s a sign that your tech is running ahead of your strategy, or worse, without one.

You don’t need to overhaul everything. You just need a clearer plan. One that simplifies operations, improves performance and supports your team as your business moves forward.

Need help? We’re by your side. Our expertise might be exactly what your business needs. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

A close-up photorealistic image of a person discreetly handing an envelope filled with cash to another person, suggesting the sensitive and high-risk nature of financial transactions.
Blog
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Who Touches Money in Your Organization?

A close-up photorealistic image of a person discreetly handing an envelope filled with cash to another person, suggesting the sensitive and high-risk nature of financial transactions.
Anyone who moves money is a target—and a responsibility.

Who Touches Money?

In every business, there are people who manage, move, and authorize the flow of funds. These individuals aren’t just important to your operations—they’re prime targets for cybercriminals.

If someone touches money, they touch risk. And your job is to protect them—and your business.

Why Financial Roles Are High-Risk Targets

Cyberattacks don’t happen at random. They’re engineered. And threat actors know exactly where to aim:

  • Accounts payable
  • Payroll
  • Finance managers
  • Executives with wire transfer approval
  • Anyone with access to banking platforms or sensitive customer data

These team members are targeted with phishing emails, business email compromise (BEC) scams, and social engineering attacks designed to trick them into wiring funds, revealing credentials, or paying fake invoices.

Real-World Example

A CFO receives an urgent email from the CEO—asking for a wire transfer to close a deal. The email looks legitimate. The language sounds right. The pressure is high.

The problem? It wasn’t the CEO. It was a cybercriminal who had studied the organization and spoofed the email address.

One click. One transfer. One mistake. Tens of thousands lost.

Questions Every Business Should Ask

  • Who in your organization can authorize payments?
  • Who can initiate a wire transfer?
  • Who reconciles bank statements?
  • Who can change vendor or payroll information?

Now ask this:

  • Are those people trained to spot phishing and social engineering attacks?
  • Is multi-factor authentication enabled on every financial system?
  • Are approval processes clearly defined—and hard to bypass?

How to Protect the People Who Touch Money

  1. Mandatory Cybersecurity Training
    Especially for finance teams. Make sure they can recognize fake emails, spoofed domains, and suspicious requests.
  2. Segregation of Duties
    No single person should have end-to-end control of financial transactions.
  3. Verification Procedures
    Require verbal confirmation or dual sign-off for any significant financial action.
  4. Email Authentication & Filtering
    Use SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to reduce spoofing. Set up filters for flagged keywords like “urgent,” “wire,” or “invoice.”
  5. Audit Trails & Alerts
    Implement activity monitoring and alerts for changes to vendor accounts or unusual transfer behavior.

Final Thought

If you’re not securing the people who touch your money, you’re not securing your business. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a finance issue, a leadership issue, and a trust issue.

So ask yourself: Who touches money in your company?

Now—what are you doing to protect them?

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