Attention all Local IT customers! Have you completed your FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report? The deadline is approaching fast - January 1, 2025 , and the penalties for non-compliance are steep. What is the FinCEN BOI report? This report requires businesses like LLCs, partnerships, and corporations registered in the US to disclose their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This helps combat financial crime and increase transparency. Don't risk hefty penalties! Failing to file this report can result in a penalty of $500 per day . That can add up quickly and put a serious strain on your business finances. Need help navigating the process? Look no further than King & King . They offer a flat fee of $150 to handle your FinCEN filing, taking the stress and hassle off your shoulders. Don't wait! Take action today and ensure your business is compliant. Contact King & King to get started on your FinCEN filing.

The book "Endless Referrals" by Bob Burg stresses the power of referrals for business growth and emphasizes building genuine relationships as the key to earning them. This involves investing time in getting to know people authentically and building trust. But how can we leverage technology to enhance these relationships and maximize the value of our interactions? Recording and AI Analysis: The Secret Weapon While technology is often seen as a barrier to genuine connection, it can surprisingly be a powerful tool in fostering stronger relationships. Recording conversations, whether through a simple Android recorder, Google Meet, or other platforms, and then transcribing them can be incredibly beneficial. These transcripts can then be analyzed using AI tools like Google's NotebookLM. NotebookLM, currently in Google Labs, allows users to upload diverse data sources, including PDFs, WAV files, Google Docs, and Google Presentations. However, sticking to Google Docs is recommended for consistency and ease of use.  Enhancing One-on-One Meetings A practical workflow involves storing audio files and transcripts of your one-on-one meetings in Google Drive. NotebookLM can then be used to analyze the transcript and generate several valuable outputs: Outline of the conversation:  This provides a structured overview of the discussion flow, making it easier to recall key points. List of key individuals discussed: This is helpful for remembering connections and potential referrals mentioned during the meeting. Frequently asked questions that arose: This can highlight areas of interest or concern, prompting further discussion or follow-up. Concise briefing summarizing the meeting:  This offers a digestible recap of the conversation's key takeaways. NotebookLM can even combine all of these components into a single document, which, after minor edits, can be shared with the meeting participant. This not only enhances post-meeting review but also creates a valuable, consolidated note archive for future reference. Moreover, the feedback on this method has been overwhelmingly positive. The Benefits of Using NotebookLM for Networking NotebookLM offers several benefits for networking and one-on-one meetings: Improved Recall and Follow-Up:  The detailed outputs generated by NotebookLM make it easier to remember important details from conversations, ensuring you can follow up effectively.  Deeper Understanding: By analyzing transcripts, NotebookLM can help you identify recurring themes, questions, and interests, leading to a deeper understanding of the individuals you interact with.  Stronger Relationships: Sharing the organized notes with your meeting participant demonstrates your attentiveness and commitment to the relationship.  Time Savings: Automating the note-taking and analysis process frees up valuable time for other tasks.  A Word of Caution While NotebookLM is a powerful tool, it's crucial to remember that its future is uncertain, as it's currently in Google Labs. It's wise to avoid over-reliance on any single tool and to have backup strategies in place. Conclusion Building meaningful relationships is fundamental for personal and professional growth. "Endless Referrals" highlights the importance of authentic connections in driving business success. By integrating tools like recording and AI analysis, such as NotebookLM, we can leverage technology to enhance communication, deepen our understanding of others, and ultimately build more successful, referral-generating relationships. This combined approach can help us unlock the true potential of networking and one-on-one interactions, leading to lasting growth and success.

In today’s digital age, where our lives are intertwined with technology, securing our online presence has become more crucial than ever. Whether it's banking online, checking emails, or connecting with friends on social media, we rely on the internet for various tasks. But with this convenience comes the risk of cyber threats, and one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect ourselves is by practicing good password security and using two-factor authentication (2FA). Why Password Security Matters Passwords are often the first line of defense in protecting our online accounts. Unfortunately, many people still use weak passwords or reuse the same passwords across multiple sites. This practice leaves them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Here’s why you should care about password security: 1. Prevent Unauthorized Access:  Weak passwords make it easier for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts. Once inside, they can steal sensitive information, commit fraud, or even lock you out of your own accounts. 2. Protect Personal Information:  Your email and social media accounts contain a wealth of personal information. A compromised account could lead to identity theft, where someone uses your information to commit crimes in your name. 3. Safeguard Financial Data:  Access to online banking or shopping accounts can lead to financial loss. Cybercriminals can drain your bank accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or even apply for loans in your name. Best Practices for Password Security To enhance your password security, follow these best practices: - Use Strong Passwords:  Create passwords that are long and complex, including a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name or birthdate. - Avoid Password Reuse: Using the same password for multiple accounts increases the risk of a breach. If one account gets compromised, all other accounts using the same password are at risk. - Regularly Update Passwords : Change your passwords periodically, especially for sensitive accounts. This practice reduces the risk of long-term exposure if your password is compromised. - Use a Password Manager:  Password managers can generate and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, making it easier to maintain good password hygiene without having to remember them all.  The Role of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) While strong passwords are essential, they aren’t foolproof. This is where two-factor authentication (2FA) comes in. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. Here’s why 2FA is critical: 1. Adds an Extra Layer of Security : Even if your password is compromised, 2FA makes it much harder for attackers to gain access to your accounts without the second factor. 2. Protects Against Phishing Attacks:  Phishing attempts to trick you into giving away your passwords. With 2FA, even if an attacker gets your password, they still can’t access your account without the second factor. 3. Prevents Unauthorized Access from New Devices:  If someone tries to access your account from a new device or location, 2FA can alert you and require additional verification, keeping your account secure.  How to Implement 2FA Implementing 2FA is easier than you might think. Here’s a quick guide: - Enable 2FA on Your Accounts:  Most major services like Google, Facebook, and banks offer 2FA. Go to your account settings and look for the security or privacy section to enable it. - Choose Your Second Factor:  Common options include receiving a code via SMS, using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator, or even using a physical security key. - Follow Best Practices: Use authenticator apps rather than SMS if possible, as they are generally more secure. Also, ensure you have backup methods set up in case you lose access to your primary 2FA method.  Conclusion In our increasingly digital world, password security and two-factor authentication are critical components of protecting our online lives. By following best practices for password management and enabling 2FA, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and keep your personal and financial information safe. If you would like help with deploying a password manager in your organization or in implementing 2FA to help keep your data secure, please reach out and let our team help you! The Local IT Team

The choice of operating system (OS) can significantly impact a business's productivity, security, and overall workflow. While both Windows and Apple have their strengths, the optimal choice often depends on the specific needs and goals of an organization. Let's delve into the key factors to consider when deciding between these two popular options. Windows: The Versatile Workhorse Flexibility and Customization:  Windows offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor their systems to specific needs. From hardware compatibility to software options, Windows provides a vast ecosystem. Cost-Effective:  Generally, Windows devices tend to be more budget-friendly compared to their iOS counterparts, making it a viable choice for businesses with cost constraints. Wide Application Support:  A massive library of software applications is available for Windows, catering to various business functions, from accounting and CRM to design and engineering. Strong Enterprise Management:  Windows provides robust tools for managing large-scale deployments, including group policies, Active Directory, and remote management capabilities. Apple: The Sleek and Secure Option Security:  Apple is renowned for its strong security features, making it an attractive option for businesses handling sensitive data. User Experience:  The intuitive interface and seamless integration across Apple devices create a user-friendly experience that can boost productivity. Mobile Integration:  For businesses heavily reliant on mobile devices, iOS offers a cohesive experience between desktops and smartphones. Brand Image:  In certain industries, using Apple products can convey a premium image and appeal to a specific target audience. Making the Right Choice The decision between Windows and Apple ultimately depends on several factors: Industry and Business Size:  Different industries have varying software requirements. For instance, creative fields might lean towards macOS, while large enterprises often opt for Windows due to its scalability. Budget:  Consider the initial hardware and software costs, as well as ongoing maintenance expenses. Employee Preferences:  While not the sole determining factor, employee familiarity and comfort with an OS can impact productivity. Security Requirements:  If data security is paramount, Apple might be a better choice, but Windows also offers robust security measures. Compatibility:  Ensure that your existing software and hardware are compatible with your chosen OS. In Conclusion Both Windows and Apple have their place in the business world. The key is to carefully evaluate your organization's specific needs and priorities to make an informed decision. It's also worth considering a hybrid approach, combining both platforms to leverage their respective strengths.

Hello my users and friends! Have you ever felt like you're speaking a different language when talking to tech support? You're not alone! A simple instruction like "reboot your computer" can lead to a world of confusion if we're not all on the same page. Take the Windows "fast startup" feature, for example. It's designed to speed up your boot time, but it doesn't clear your system's memory entirely like a traditional reboot. So, when you're troubleshooting an issue and I ask you to reboot, and you simply turn your computer off and on again, we might hit a snag. The problem could persist, leaving both of us scratching our heads. Reboot vs. Fast Startup: Let's Clear the Air Reboot/Restart : This is the full shebang. It shuts everything down, clears your system's memory, and then starts fresh. Think of it like closing all the apps on your phone before powering it off and on. Fast Startup/Shutdown : This is more like a quick nap for your computer. It saves some things to speed up the next startup, but it doesn't clear everything out. Clear Communication: The Key to a Smooth Experience So, how do we avoid these misunderstandings? It's all about communication! On my end:  I'll try my best to give you clear instructions. When I ask you to "reboot," I mean to restart your computer. I'll rarely ask you to "shut the computer off" in a troubleshooting scenario because of fast startup. So, just select the restart option. On your end:  Don't hesitate to ask if you're unsure about anything! A simple question like, "When you say 'reboot', do you mean select shutdown and then restart the computer?" can save us both a lot of time and frustration. Remember, we're in this together! By communicating clearly and patiently, we can turn a potentially frustrating tech support experience into a positive one. And hey, we might even learn a thing or two along the way! Bonus: How do I turn off fast startup?  In Control Panel, under Hardware and Sound, Power Options, System Settings, you should see a check mark under “Shutdown settings” Remove the checkmark if you want to disable this setting. Extra Bonus: Advanced Users ONLY!  This setting can be changed in the Registry. Don’t know what the Registry is? Please don’t mess with it and stop reading now!  However, if you know and you want to make the changes in the Registry here is the relevant information: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Power HiberbootEnabled DWORD 0 = Turn off fast startup 1 = Turn on fast startup

The stale smell of burnt coffee hung heavy in the air as Sarah, a small business owner juggling a million tasks, fumbled for the light switch. It wasn't the usual hustle and bustle of a Monday morning. An eerie silence had settled over the office. Then she saw it. The malevolent red light blinking on the server – a sure sign of trouble for any business owner. Her stomach lurched. Without the benefit of an on-site IT person, Sarah knew she was in serious trouble. Years of customer data, financial records, and ongoing projects – all potentially gone. The downtime threatened to cripple Sarah's business. Every minute the server was out meant lost sales, stalled projects, and a growing chorus of frustrated customers. Even with a skeleton staff limping along on offline tasks, the payroll loomed large – another potential loss on top of the mounting pile of problems. The hours ticked by like molasses. Thankfully, Sarah had backups. Or so she thought. The backup, it turned out, was corrupt. The following days were a blur of frantic activity for Sarah. Data recovery specialists were brought in at an exorbitant cost. Thankfully, they were able to salvage most of the critical data, but the damage was done. Sarah's business was down for a week, translating to a significant loss in revenue. The cost of recovery, coupled with lost wages and productivity, put a major dent in her bottom line. This ordeal served as a harsh lesson for Sarah, and businesses like hers, about the importance of backups – and more importantly, testing them. Here's the truth: having a backup is only half the battle. If you haven't tested your restore process, you're gambling with your business's future. Imagine the peace of mind Sarah could have had if a simple one-day test with a reliable IT provider like Local IT had prevented this entire catastrophe. Local IT urges all business owners, especially those without dedicated IT staff, to be proactive. Schedule a test restore of your backups today. It might take a few hours, but it's a miniscule investment compared to the potential losses you could face. Think of it as an insurance policy for your business's data – a policy that could save you a whole lot of money, grief, and burnt coffee in the long run. After all, prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your business's critical data. Local IT is here to help you every step of the way.

This week in Birmingham, Alabama, I attended Hanwha Certification Training. Hanwha is the camera solution we have relied on for years to meet the diverse camera needs of our customers. Even though countless camera solutions are available, Hanwha stands out as the ideal choice for our customers with limited budgets as well as those with enterprise-grade requirements. At the highest end of camera deployment we have a customer with 25 cameras in which 20 plus of the cameras are used for operational reasons only.  This is an industrial environment and is an exciting customer to work with.  They continue to find areas to add cameras to increase productivity in production.  The high quality of the cameras also brings a better quality of work life experience to the employee.  Another example of operational camera use is in the restaurant environment.  Obviously cameras are useful to record slip and fall events and other events that may need to be recorded for liability and insurance purposes.  Cameras are also being used by our restaurant clients for situational awareness for the managers and owners. Cameras in the hostess area allow monitoring of how many customers are lining up in the queue or in the kitchen to see how fast food is moving through the process to get to the hungry customer.  I have countless stories and examples from our restaurant customers about cameras being used to improve food safety training and getting help to problem areas when the staff is overwhelmed.   In my Hanwha training this week, as you may expect, there is a big push to AI integration with cameras.  I don’t what to make this post about understanding good AI development vs “surface level” AI bolt on solutions but it is worth bringing up that Hanwha is doing AI right.  They are doing it all in-house and working on the more complex Machine Learning and artificial neural networks to train their models.  Here are some AI tools that exemplify the capabilities of Hanwha's AI-enabled X and Q series cameras. While these cameras may not be the most affordable option, they are still within the reach of businesses looking to make a significant operational impact. People counting Vehicle counting Queue management Heatmap Object detection Sound identification  Hanwha and Local IT have solutions for businesses, regardless of their current or future camera needs, whether for security or operational purposes. Please share your current or desired uses for cameras, and we can assess your present and future requirements. It's always a good time to evaluate your camera needs, as their importance continues to grow.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way businesses interact with their audience. When combined with the power of social media, it becomes a potent tool for growth. Let's explore how to harness this duo effectively while avoiding common pitfalls. Leveraging AI for Social Media Success Content Creation:  AI can generate ideas, write engaging copy, and even create visual content. Tools like ChatGPT can help brainstorm post ideas, while image generators can produce stunning visuals. Audience Analysis:  AI can analyze vast amounts of data to understand your audience better. This includes demographics, interests, and behaviors. Use this information to tailor your content and campaigns. Customer Service:  AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries efficiently, freeing up your team to focus on complex issues. Ad Targeting:  AI can optimize ad campaigns by identifying the most effective audiences and platforms. This leads to higher ROI. Social Listening:  AI can monitor social media conversations for mentions of your brand or industry. This helps you identify opportunities and address potential crises. Best Practices for AI and Social Media Human Touch:  While AI is powerful, it's essential to maintain a human connection. Use AI as a tool to enhance your creativity, not replace it. Data Privacy:  Handle customer data responsibly. Ensure compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA. Algorithm Understanding:  Stay updated on social media algorithm changes. AI can help you analyze trends, but human insight is crucial. Experimentation:  Don't be afraid to try new things. AI allows for rapid experimentation, so test different approaches and measure results. Continuous Learning:  The AI landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated on the latest trends and tools to maintain a competitive edge. Common Mistakes and Misconceptions Overreliance on AI:  AI is a tool, not a magic solution. Human judgment is essential for strategic decision-making. Ignoring Human Element:  People connect with people. Don't let AI overshadow your brand's personality. Neglecting Data Privacy:  Mishandling customer data can lead to severe consequences. Prioritize data protection. Setting Unrealistic Expectations:  AI can improve efficiency, but it won't guarantee overnight success. Fear of Change:  Embracing AI requires adaptability. Be open to new approaches and learning opportunities. By following these best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, you can effectively leverage AI and social media to drive business growth. Remember, the key is to use AI as a complement to human creativity and strategy.

In the digital landscape, your domain name system (DNS) records serve as the fundamental blueprint of your online presence. While DNS often works quietly behind the scenes, ensuring smooth connectivity and domain resolution, managing your public DNS data is a critical aspect of cybersecurity and domain health that should not be overlooked. In particular, the management of email-related DNS records such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for protecting your domain against misuse and ensuring the integrity of your communications. What is DNS? The Domain Name System (DNS) is essentially the phonebook of the internet. It translates human-readable domain names like example.com  into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. This translation allows users to access websites without having to memorize complex numerical addresses. DNS records are stored in DNS servers and are publicly accessible, meaning anyone can look up the DNS records for a given domain. This public accessibility makes it all the more important to manage your DNS data carefully. The Importance of Managing Public DNS Data 1. Preventing Unauthorized Access and Attacks Unmanaged or improperly configured DNS records can expose your domain to various types of cyberattacks. Attackers can exploit weaknesses in your DNS setup to perform DNS hijacking, cache poisoning, or spoofing, leading to potential data breaches, unauthorized access, and loss of sensitive information. 2. Enhancing Email Security with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Email security is a significant concern, as email is a primary vector for phishing and spam attacks. By managing your DNS records to include Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance (DMARC), you can help protect your domain from email spoofing and ensure the authenticity of your communications. SPF (Sender Policy Framework) SPF is a DNS record that specifies which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain. By defining these servers, SPF helps prevent spammers from sending unauthorized emails that appear to come from your domain, reducing the risk of email spoofing and phishing attacks. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) DKIM adds a digital signature to your email messages, allowing the recipient's mail server to verify that the email was indeed sent by your domain and that it has not been altered during transit. This helps maintain the integrity of your emails and prevents malicious actors from tampering with them. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM by providing a way to specify how mail servers should handle messages that fail SPF or DKIM checks. It also allows domain owners to receive reports on the validation of their emails. By enforcing a DMARC policy, you can ensure that illegitimate emails are rejected or quarantined, further safeguarding your domain's reputation and reducing the chances of phishing attacks. 3. Maintaining Domain Reputation and Trust Your domain's reputation is vital for maintaining trust with your users and partners. Poorly managed DNS records can lead to your domain being blacklisted, reducing email deliverability and damaging your brand's reputation. Regularly monitoring and updating your DNS records helps ensure that your domain remains secure and trustworthy. 4. Ensuring Service Availability and Performance Proper DNS management can also impact the availability and performance of your online services. Misconfigured or outdated DNS records can lead to service disruptions, affecting your website's uptime and accessibility. By keeping your DNS records up to date, you can avoid potential downtime and ensure a smooth experience for your users. 5. Facilitating Compliance and Reporting Many industries have compliance requirements related to data security and privacy. Managing your DNS data, including email authentication records, can help you meet these compliance standards and provide a clear audit trail for regulatory purposes. Local IT Can Help Manage Your DNS Data Managing DNS data can be complex and time-consuming, especially when you need to ensure that your email security protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are properly configured and maintained. This is where Local IT comes in. As your dedicated IT provider, Local IT can take on the management tasks for you, ensuring that your DNS data is always up to date, secure, and compliant with the latest industry standards. By partnering with Local IT, you can: Ensure Robust Email Security:  Local IT will set up and manage your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to protect your domain from email spoofing and improve the deliverability of your emails. Protect Against DNS Threats : Local IT's expert team will monitor and manage your DNS settings to prevent unauthorized changes and mitigate the risk of DNS-based attacks. Maintain Service Availability: With Local IT's proactive management, you can avoid DNS misconfigurations that could lead to service disruptions and ensure your website and online services remain accessible. Managing your public DNS data is not just a technical necessity; it is a critical component of your overall cybersecurity strategy. By keeping your DNS records well-maintained and implementing robust email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, you can protect your domain from malicious activity, maintain your reputation, and ensure the smooth operation of your online services. Don't let your DNS be an overlooked vulnerability—take control of your DNS data today to secure your digital presence. Local IT can help you navigate the complexities of DNS management, providing expert support to keep your domain secure and your services running smoothly. Contact us today to learn how we can take the burden of DNS management off your shoulders, so you can focus on what you do best. By staying vigilant and proactive in managing your DNS data, you can mitigate risks and build a resilient foundation for your online operations. Remember, in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, managing your DNS is not just about protection—it's about maintaining the trust and reliability that your users expect from your domain.

What if you knew the exact date of your death? Yes, I know that isn’t a great idea and certainly does not seem to fit in a technology blog but I promise that there is a tie-in. Not too many of our clients know that I was a funeral director for a decade before my career path took me into technology and system administration. During that time, I assisted with over 2,000 funerals. I dealt with all types of families and with many difficult situations. Some deaths are sudden and take everyone unawares. Others are expected; the result of a long illness or other prolonged situation. Some families pre-planned funeral arrangements, taking the time to account for everything that could be foreseen and making their decisions calmly and rationally. They could also choose to budget for their preferences without the immediacy that an unexpected death can bring on. I could go on to say that pre-planning your funeral is a very good thing for all involved, but I did promise a tie-in to technology. Windows 10 End of Life is Coming Soon! There is a known “end-of-life” date that is rapidly approaching us all. Microsoft has set October 14, 2025 , as the date that Windows 10 will stop receiving technical support and security updates. Unlike in my previous occupation, the end-of-life for Windows 10 will not actually mean that the computer will die. We must still carefully consider what that specific date means and begin to plan accordingly. You might have an easy and streamlined option. Perhaps you have been delaying the notifications from Microsoft suggesting that you upgrade to Windows 11 because of a fear of the unknown. "I know Windows 10, and I am comfortable with it," you might say to yourself. For anyone in this position, consider this...wouldn't it be nice for you to choose the time that you have to face that fear? Anyone in this position is indeed fortunate, and your discomfort will be minimal in comparison to some. Unfortunately, you may not be so lucky as to have a direct-upgrade option. Windows 11 has some additional hardware requirements which means you will have to purchase a new computer for the transition. In the case of your business, this may mean that a large percentage of your hardware needs to be replaced. You should define a transition plan now, enabling you to also budget for the oncoming changes. It is easier for most offices to handle one computer transition at a time than to replace everything all at once. There is another option that some businesses will choose to take, unfortunately. They will let the end-of-life date come and go without taking any action at all. While this is a low-effort option and certainly less expensive in the short term, the consequences could be severe. Depending on their business, there may be compliance requirements that could result in fines for failing to have supported operating systems. The lack of continued security updates will open their systems up to malware, ransomware, and other malicious activities that a fully patched and modern operating system would have helped to prevent. I can attest that the upcoming end-of-life for Windows 10 will be far less traumatic than the other kind that people have to deal with. I can also assure you that planning ahead will make the event easier to handle and is the preferred way to face it. If you're unsure about your options or need assistance with the transition, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts can assess your current setup, provide recommendations, and guide you through the upgrade process.

First off, what is Keeper?  Keeper is by far the leading password manager today and the only one Local IT recommends.  Most of the tools we use at Local IT are the tools we recommend to our clients.  The top of that list is Gmail and the suite of applications in Google Workspace. Among the tools we use daily, there’s one indispensable tool that stands out—Keeper. Let’s talk about password security.  It may surprise you that I am rather sanguine about my customers, from receptionist up to CEO, using a paper notebook to store their passwords.  The reason is simple.  I am relatively confident your office desk or drawer is secure from the Chinese or North Korean hacker.  If you store your passwords in a Notepad, Word document or Google Sheet I will be a little more critical.  For this week's blog let’s do away with debating over the requirement for passwords to be secure. Your passwords need to be secure and if you are doing it as described above you are wrong - full stop.  As little as 2 years ago I empathized with my end users that “password managers are hard and we just have to live with it. They are difficult but the right thing to do.” Only two years ago, I commiserated with my end users by saying, "Password managers can be challenging, but we have no choice but to use them. They may be arduous, but they are the responsible course of action." No more. Keeper is a joy to use.  It is simple, integrated, ubiquitous and SHAREABLE.  Why do I shout at you about Keeper being shareable?  There are at least two reasons: There are more and more resources that you need to share with others in your company.  Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) - many of the sites you need your folks to log in to require (or should have) MFA!!   Let’s take these one at a time.   Sharing logins - I know anyone reading this has websites they need to login to that others need to login to as well.  What if that password changes every 90 days?  Whose notebook do you update?  How do you share the password change?  Keeper solves this problem with a shared password folder.  Let’s take on MFA as well.  Whose phone or email do you use to produce that MFA?  Does that go to the boss, the secretary, the bookkeeper or other? Keeper can be your MFA shared to anyone that needs it. I assume you’re already ready to give me a call and get Keeper added to your set of Local IT managed tools, but I have just gotten started.  Keeper has become such an integral part of my team's daily use that I can’t imagine a day without it.  When I am onboarding a new client or setting up a new web portal the team needs to use Keeper for a secure note, sensitive client data, licenses, serial number and much more. At Local IT we have built a culture of naming conventions and data organization.  Keeper is one of the strongest, secure, searchable data repositories I have ever used. I started this blog pointing out that I am not going to berate you about keeping your data secure as much as I am letting you know Keeper removes so much pain related to password sharing with your team and making a dynamic, searchable database of information you need to do your jobs.  Keeper may be the single most important tool for security and productivity.  As an IT Professional I assure you we rarely say security and productivity in the same sentence. Please get with us today!!

So, you’ve probably heard the term “cloud storage” thrown around a lot over they years. Some people may think that all  your data is floating around in the sky over your head. While it may travel through the air to reach a cell tower or network hub, it doesn’t get stored there. So what does “cloud storage” really  mean? Well, let’s break it down. Imagine your computer’s hard drive is a small, personal storage closet. Cloud storage is like renting a massive, secure warehouse. Instead of storing your files on your computer, they’re stored on powerful computers called servers in data centers. Think of these data centers as giant, climate-controlled buildings packed with servers....because they are. When you upload a file to the cloud, it's actually being sent to these servers. To make sure your data is safe, it's spread across multiple servers in different locations. It's like having multiple copies of your important documents stored in different cities. Now, when you need to access your files, you're essentially asking the cloud to send them back to your computer. It’s like requesting a specific item from the warehouse. This happens super fast thanks to high-speed internet connections. The big benefits? Well, you can access your files from anywhere with an internet connection. It's like having your entire office with you all the time. Plus, it's a great way to back up your data. And let's face it, running out of space on your computer is a thing of the past with cloud storage. Speaking of your computer, we all know the risk of keeping your files on a laptop that you drag back and forth from home to work. Anything could happen to it, and all your work could be lost. By keeping everything in the cloud, you can easily spin up a new computer and get back to work in the event of hardware failure or accidental coffee spillage. If you're worried about the security of your data in the cloud, don't be. Cloud providers invest heavily in security measures to protect your information. And remember, Local IT can help you choose the right cloud storage solution for your business and ensure it's set up securely. Have questions about cloud storage or need help managing your data? Give us a call! Or check out our previous blog post - Cloud Data Backup: Because Even 'The Cloud' Has Commitment Issues!  - https://www.asklocalit.com/post/data-backup