Microtech - November 2020

IT’S A TRAP

DON’T MAKE THESE 3 COMMON IT MISTAKES

Being a small-business owner is no easy feat. Whether you’ve been in business for decades or are just cutting your teeth, each day brings about its own challenges. As you begin to plan for 2021 and consider the ways in which you want to grow, don’t forget to examine your IT services.

Here are three IT mistakes many Boise business owners make. Don’t fall into these traps!

continually back up your data. Cloud services can do this automatically, so all you have to do is actually utilize the service.

HAVING POOR SECURITY Whether it’s the system you use to protect your data and files from getting hacked, the password requirement system you use, or your strategy for protecting data on mobile devices, a weak security system can be disastrous. Just one year ago, CNBC reported that 46% of cyberattacks were done to small businesses. Avoid becoming a statistic with an effective managed service provider (MSP). An MSP will ensure your devices are properly patched and secure, while your digital and password policies are vigilant and powerful. STAYING OLD SCHOOL If your company has paper filing systems or relies heavily on printed paperwork, you may be putting your client’s data at risk. Imagine the amount of work and data you would lose if there were a fire or flood. Online storage allows you to back up your data securely. The only requirement is that you need to Cinnamon-Spiced Candied Sweet Potatoes

NOT COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY

The final trap is not communicating with your employees about cybersecurity. Good communication is two-fold. For starters, you have to train your employees on your technology, security, and data backup systems. Don’t forget to train employees on how to avoid and report scams, too. This instills confidence in your team and protects your assets from hackers and scammers. Similarly, you have to accurately and regularly communicate with your IT provider and team. Make sure your team knows whom to contact and how to get in touch with your experienced MSP if problems arise. As a small-business owner, you don’t have to go at this alone. Learn more about your IT options on our blog at MicroTechBoise.com/ blog . (You can also download our guide to business IT solutions online!)

Have a Laugh!

Ingredients

4 lbs orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces, then cut lengthwise into 1-inch wedges

• • • •

1 tbsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed

4 (2-inch) cinnamon sticks

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Place sweet potato wedges in a 4-quart baking dish. 3. Sprinkle sugar, salt, and cloves over sweet potatoes. 4. Dot with butter and place cinnamon sticks around sweet potatoes.

5. Bake, turning every 15 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender and the liquid is syrupy, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. 6. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes. 7. Discard cinnamon sticks and serve. Inspired by FoodAndWine.com

page 3

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker