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Time is money. It might as well be written into our constitution at this point. And as a small business owner, there is no more valuable resource than time. To maximize your productivity without losing precious time, it’s essential to recognize when to outsource services to the experts, and in 2024, no service is more important than IT.

When you see a QR code in a parking lot, it’s easy to assume it’s just another tool of convenience. But some of these codes are nothing more than traps set by scammers. Instead of putting in change, you scan, pay, and rush off, thinking you’re in the clear. Weeks later, unexpected charges start appearing on your credit card bill. Welcome to the latest trend in parking lot scams — fraudulent QR codes.

In a breach that could potentially affect billions of individuals (yes, that’s billion with a “B”), National Public Data (NPD), a company specializing in background checks, has reportedly suffered a catastrophic data breach. This breach allegedly exposed billions of records in April according to a recent lawsuit, a significant portion of which have now been posted on the dark web. The implications are dire, especially for those who may now find their personal information — such as Social Security numbers, names, phone numbers, birth dates, and addresses — in the hands of cybercriminals.

You’re rushing through LAX, juggling your luggage, sweating because it’s 102° outside, and your phone’s battery is at 2% — we’ve all been there. You spot a public charging station nearby, a beacon of relief in a sea of chaos. But before you plug in, consider this: are you charging up or giving a stranger access to all your photos, videos, financials, and account credentials?

The promise of AI is now. Today, it’s not just large corporations with deep pockets that are tapping into AI’s potential. Small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly recognizing the game-changing power of AI, particularly in the realm of data analytics. The ability to harness vast amounts of data, transform it into actionable insights, and predict future trends is no longer a luxury —it’s a necessity.

For many air travelers, staying connected while flying has become just as essential as having a comfortable seat. However, before you log onto the in-flight WiFi on your next journey, be aware of the latest federal advisory warning that these connections might be more hazardous than you realize.

On July 19th, the world witnessed an unprecedented global IT outage due to a faulty update from CrowdStrike, leading to system crashes and widespread downtime across various industries — requiring manual workarounds to resolve. Businesses, airports, hospitals broadcasters, and more worldwide grappled with the issue, with reports of systems stuck in boot loops and operations coming to a halt.

Running a small business means keeping a close eye on expenses. Hiring a full-time IT staff can be costly, considering salaries, benefits, training, and infrastructure. Outsourcing IT needs to a Managed Service Provider offers a cost-effective alternative.

Gone are the days of AI simply being a buzzword. It’s a present-day reality reshaping how businesses operate. By harnessing AI, businesses can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive significant growth. Here are the top three ways businesses can leverage AI to stay competitive and thrive in today’s market.