by myCREcloud | May 7, 2025 | Cloud, MSP
Why Human Error Remains the Weakest Link—and What MSPs Can Do About It
When people think of cybersecurity threats, they often imagine faceless hackers, complex malware, and sophisticated phishing schemes. But in reality, the biggest security risk in any company is much closer to home: its people.
Human error continues to be the leading cause of security breaches—whether it’s clicking on a malicious link, falling for a phishing scam, using weak passwords, or misconfiguring cloud settings. No matter how robust your firewall or how advanced your antivirus software, it only takes one careless click to open the door to disaster.
As Managed Service Providers (MSPs), we are in a unique position to address this challenge head-on. Here’s how we can help businesses mitigate the risk that comes from within.
1. Security Awareness Training: Make Security Second Nature
The first line of defense is education. Your clients’ employees can’t avoid threats they don’t recognize.
MSPs should implement ongoing, interactive security awareness training programs. These sessions need to go beyond annual check-the-box exercises. Think monthly micro-trainings, simulated phishing attacks, and quizzes that reinforce critical thinking.
Tailor content to real-world scenarios—like suspicious invoice emails or fake file-sharing notifications—that employees might encounter. Over time, this helps build a “human firewall” that’s just as critical as any software-based defense.
2. Enforce Strong Access Controls and Password Policies
Even well-meaning employees can put systems at risk if given too much access or allowed to use weak passwords.
MSPs should help clients adopt least privilege access principles—only granting users the permissions they need, and nothing more. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is no longer optional; it should be standard practice across all accounts.
Additionally, encourage (or better yet, enforce) the use of password managers and complex passphrases. A single compromised password can unlock an entire network if left unchecked.
3. Deploy Endpoint Protection and Monitoring Tools
If someone does make a mistake, early detection is key to limiting the damage.
Managed detection and response (MDR), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools allow MSPs to spot unusual behavior and respond quickly. These systems can alert you to unauthorized access attempts, lateral movement across a network, or unexpected software installations—all signs that an error has been exploited.
By combining automation with human oversight, MSPs can contain breaches before they become catastrophic.
4. Create a Culture of Accountability—Not Blame
Mistakes will happen. The goal is to catch them fast and minimize their impact—not shame the person who made them.
Encourage your clients to foster a cybersecurity-conscious culture where employees feel safe reporting suspicious activity or admitting when they’ve clicked something they shouldn’t have. A quick response often means the difference between a minor incident and a full-blown breach.
MSPs can provide guidance on creating clear response protocols, internal communication plans, and escalation paths so no alert goes ignored.
5. Offer Ongoing Risk Assessments
MSPs should regularly evaluate the human element in cybersecurity as part of their overall risk assessment services.
This might include reviewing which users have access to sensitive data, auditing employee training completion rates, and tracking phishing simulation results. These insights help refine security policies and training over time, ensuring continuous improvement.
Final Thoughts
Technology is constantly evolving, but one truth remains the same: people are—and will always be—the weakest link in cybersecurity. As MSPs, our job isn’t just to sell tools and software. It’s to act as trusted advisors, helping clients build smarter habits, safer systems, and resilient teams.
In a world where a single click can lead to a crisis, human-centered security is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity.
by myCREcloud | May 2, 2025 | Cloud
Many businesses assume that cloud-based platforms like Microsoft 365 (O365) and Google Workspace automatically protect their data. While these services offer robust uptime and basic retention policies, they do not provide comprehensive backups that protect against data loss from accidental deletion, cyber threats, or compliance violations. That’s where SaaS (Software as a Service) protection comes in—providing reliable, third-party backups to ensure business continuity and data security.
The Misconception About Cloud Data Security
Microsoft and Google provide high-availability cloud environments, but their shared responsibility model places data protection in the hands of the user. While they secure infrastructure and application uptime, they do not protect businesses from:
- Accidental Deletion – Files, emails, and entire accounts can be mistakenly deleted, sometimes permanently.
- Malicious Insider Threats – Employees may intentionally delete or alter data before leaving a company.
- Ransomware and Cyberattacks – Attackers can encrypt or delete cloud-stored files, leaving businesses without access to critical data.
- Retention Policy Limitations – Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace only retain deleted data for 30 days. After this period, any deleted emails, files, or accounts are permanently lost unless a third-party backup solution is in place.
- Compliance and Legal Risks – Many industries require long-term data retention that native cloud services do not always provide.
Why SaaS Protection is a Must-Have
SaaS protection solutions provide automated, secure, and independent backups for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Key benefits include:
1. Protection Against Data Loss
With a dedicated backup solution, businesses can recover lost files, emails, or even entire accounts with minimal downtime. SaaS backup tools provide automated, scheduled backups that capture data changes in real time or at set intervals.
2. Ransomware Recovery
If ransomware infects cloud accounts, SaaS protection ensures that clean, uncorrupted backups are available for restoration. Instead of paying ransoms or losing valuable data, businesses can quickly revert to a safe backup version.
3. Overcoming the 30-Day Retention Limit
Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace only store deleted data for 30 days. Beyond that, recovery is impossible unless a separate backup solution is in place. SaaS protection provides long-term, independent data retention, ensuring businesses don’t lose critical information.
4. Granular and Full Restore Options
SaaS backup solutions allow businesses to restore:
- Individual emails, contacts, and calendar events
- Specific files and folders in OneDrive or Google Drive
- Entire user accounts, including mailboxes and shared drives
5. Long-Term Data Retention for Compliance
Many industries have strict compliance requirements for data storage, such as HIPAA, FINRA, and GDPR. SaaS protection ensures that data is archived securely and can be retrieved for audits, investigations, or legal needs.
6. Email and File Versioning
Built-in file versioning enables users to restore previous versions of documents and emails, preventing accidental overwrites or unwanted changes.
7. Fast and Reliable Data Recovery
Without a third-party backup, recovering deleted data from Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace can be time-consuming—or impossible after the 30-day retention window expires. SaaS backup solutions provide quick and efficient recovery, reducing downtime and minimizing business disruption.
How SaaS Backup Works for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
A cloud-to-cloud backup solution integrates directly with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, securely storing backups in a separate cloud environment. The process typically includes:
- Automated Backups – Backups occur at regular intervals, capturing emails, files, contacts, and calendar data.
- Secure, Encrypted Storage – Data is encrypted in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access.
- Fast Search and Recovery – Users can quickly locate and restore specific emails, files, or accounts.
- Admin Controls and Reporting – IT teams get visibility into backup activity and can enforce policies to meet compliance standards.
Choosing the Right SaaS Backup Solution
When selecting a SaaS protection provider, businesses should look for:
- Comprehensive Coverage – Ensure support for emails, contacts, calendars, OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Drive, and Teams.
- Granular Restore Options – The ability to restore individual files or entire accounts.
- Retention Customization – Long-term storage and compliance-friendly retention policies.
- Security Features – End-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and audit logs.
- Ease of Use – A user-friendly interface for quick searches and recoveries.
While Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer excellent collaboration tools, they do not provide long-term data retention or robust backup options. With only 30 days of deleted data retention, businesses risk permanent data loss if they don’t have a separate backup solution in place. SaaS protection ensures businesses have a secure, independent backup of their critical data, protecting against accidental deletions, cyber threats, and compliance risks.
by myCREcloud | Mar 10, 2025 | Cloud, MSP
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will officially reach its End of Life (EoL) on October 14, 2025. This means that after this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, patches, or technical support for Windows 10. While your computer will still function, it will be left vulnerable to emerging cybersecurity threats, putting your personal and business data at risk. Upgrading to Windows 11 is not just a recommendation—it is a necessity to ensure your security and maintain a reliable computing environment.
Why Upgrading to Windows 11 is Essential
Security Risks of an Unsupported Operating System
Once Windows 10 reaches its End of Life, any security vulnerabilities discovered after October 14, 2025, will not be patched by Microsoft. Hackers actively exploit outdated systems, taking advantage of security flaws that will remain unaddressed. This increases the risk of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber threats that could compromise your sensitive information.
Windows 11: Enhanced Protection and Performance
Windows 11 is built with advanced security features designed to combat modern cyber threats. It includes hardware-based security enhancements, such as TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), Secure Boot, and improved encryption technologies. These features work together to create a more resilient defense against malware, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access.
Future-Proofing Your Business Technology
As technology evolves, software developers focus their efforts on the latest operating systems. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures compatibility with new applications, security tools, and productivity software. Additionally, Microsoft continues to introduce performance improvements and AI-powered features exclusive to Windows 11, providing long-term benefits for businesses looking to stay competitive.
How myCREcloud Ensures a Seamless Transition
At myCREcloud, we prioritize the security and efficiency of our customers. We understand that upgrading an operating system can be a daunting process, but we take the burden off your shoulders. Our team is committed to ensuring that every computer under our management is fully updated and transitioned to Windows 11 before Windows 10 reaches its End of Life.
- Proactive Upgrades – We handle the entire upgrade process for our clients, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
- Security and Compliance Assurance – By upgrading all systems, we help our customers maintain compliance with industry security standards and protect their data.
- Ongoing Support – Our team provides continuous monitoring, updates, and technical support to keep your systems secure and running smoothly.
Act Now to Stay Protected
Waiting until the last minute to upgrade can leave your business exposed to unnecessary risks. By transitioning to Windows 11 early, you can ensure a seamless experience, avoiding potential security breaches and downtime. myCREcloud is here to make the process simple and stress-free, ensuring all your systems are ready before the Windows 10 End of Life deadline.
by myCREcloud | Mar 3, 2025 | Cloud, MSP
The Hidden Costs of Downtime
In construction, time is money—and when critical applications or data become unavailable, the consequences ripple across your entire operation. Downtime disrupts schedules, delays decision-making, and can even lead to financial penalties on projects with tight deadlines.
Whether caused by server failures, security breaches, or poor IT infrastructure, unexpected downtime can result in:
- Lost productivity – Teams can’t access software like Sage 100 Contractor, Procore, or Bluebeam, leading to stalled projects.
- Delayed approvals and reporting – If financial or project management systems are down, invoices, purchase orders, and reports can’t be processed.
- Data loss and security risks – Without proper backups and security protocols, businesses risk losing critical information.
- Frustrated clients and project delays – When internal delays turn into missed deadlines, client trust and project profitability suffer.
Why MyCreCloud Delivers 99.99% Uptime
At myCREcloud, we understand the importance of keeping your business running 24/7. Our cloud hosting solutions are designed for maximum reliability, security, and performance, ensuring that your applications and data are always accessible when you need them.
Here’s how we minimize downtime and maximize uptime:
1. 99.99% Uptime Guarantee
We keep your business online with an industry-leading 99.99% uptime, significantly reducing the risk of costly disruptions.
2. Three Tier 4 Data Centers for Redundancy
With data centers strategically located in San Diego, Oregon, and North Carolina, your data is protected by geographically diverse, highly secure facilities that provide built-in redundancy to prevent service interruptions.
3. Daily Backups for Data Protection
We perform daily automated backups, ensuring that even in the event of an unexpected failure, your critical data is safe, recoverable, and up to date.
4. Proactive Monitoring & Security
Our team constantly monitors your systems to identify and address issues before they impact your business. With multi-layer security, data encryption, and disaster recovery protocols, your cloud environment remains protected.
Stay Online & Keep Projects Moving
Downtime isn’t an option in construction. myCREcloud’s secure, high-performance cloud hosting solutions ensure that your team stays connected, your applications run smoothly, and your business operates without interruption.
Don’t let IT failures slow you down. Learn more about how we keep construction firms up and running:Cloud | myCREcloud | Sage, Cloud & IT
by myCREcloud | Jan 28, 2025 | Cloud, Sage
This post is co-authored by ProNovos
Congratulations! Transitioning your ERP to the cloud is a significant milestone for any construction company. You’ve unlocked new levels of accessibility, scalability, and efficiency. Critical data is now at your fingertips—whether you’re in the field, at the office, or halfway across the world.
But moving to the cloud is just the first step. While it addresses IT and accessibility challenges, many construction professionals quickly realize it doesn’t solve the bigger questions: How do you use data to protect profits, streamline collaboration, and make faster decisions?
Breaking Down Silos: Connecting Operations and Accounting
A common challenge in construction is the disconnect between accounting and operations. Financial data often remains locked in the ERP, slowing decision-making and leaving project managers (PMs) without critical insights.
ProNovos Construction Intelligence bridges this gap. It integrates with your cloud-based ERP to deliver real-time, actionable insights to PMs while maintaining accounting integrity.
How It Works
ProNovos empowers PMs with tools like:
- Cost Forecasting: Up-to-date projections to manage budgets proactively.
- Change Order Management: Real-time tracking to ensure nothing is missed.
- Billing Analysis: Accurate scheduling to improve cash flow.
The Next Step in Your Journey
Moving to the cloud modernized your operations—now ensure your team can access and act on the data they need. ProNovos transforms collaboration, protecting profits and driving success.
Ready to learn more? Let’s chat. Schedule a demo today to see myCREcloud and ProNovos in action!
by myCREcloud | Jan 23, 2025 | Cloud, MSP
In today’s digital landscape, phishing attacks have become one of the most prevalent and dangerous threats to organizational security. Cybercriminals continuously develop sophisticated tactics to trick employees into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial details, or proprietary data. Without robust defenses in place, organizations risk falling victim to these schemes, resulting in data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.
Understanding Phishing Attacks
Phishing is a cyberattack technique where attackers use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to impersonate trusted entities. The goal is to lure individuals into taking actions that compromise security, such as clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. These attacks are highly effective because they exploit human psychology, often creating a sense of urgency or fear to compel quick action.
The Cost of Phishing Attacks
The consequences of a successful phishing attack can be severe:
- Data Breaches: Compromised credentials can provide attackers with unauthorized access to sensitive information, exposing your organization to legal and financial liabilities.
- Financial Losses: Many phishing attacks are designed to steal money through fraudulent transactions or ransomware demands.
- Reputation Damage: A data breach caused by phishing can erode customer trust and damage your organization’s reputation.
- Operational Disruption: Recovering from a phishing attack often requires significant time and resources, affecting productivity.
Why Phishing Defense Matters
Implementing a robust phishing defense strategy is essential for minimizing these risks and protecting your organization’s assets. Here are key reasons why phishing defense is critical:
- Proactive Threat Detection: Advanced phishing defense solutions use artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and block malicious emails before they reach your inbox. This reduces the likelihood of human error.
- Safeguarding Sensitive Data: Effective phishing defenses protect sensitive information from being intercepted by cybercriminals, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
- Reducing Human Error: Even the most well-trained employees can fall victim to a cleverly crafted phishing email. Automated defenses add an extra layer of security to minimize risk.
- Maintaining Business Continuity: Preventing phishing attacks helps ensure uninterrupted operations, protecting your bottom line.
Best Practices for Phishing Defense
To strengthen your organization’s phishing defense, consider the following practices:
- Employee Education: Regular training sessions on recognizing phishing attempts can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.
- Email Filtering: Deploy advanced email filtering solutions to detect and quarantine suspicious messages.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Requiring MFA for access to sensitive systems adds a layer of protection, even if credentials are compromised.
- Incident Response Plan: Establish a clear protocol for responding to suspected phishing incidents to minimize impact.
Phishing attacks are a growing threat, but they are not insurmountable. By prioritizing phishing defense and adopting proactive measures, organizations can safeguard their sensitive information, maintain operational resilience, and protect their reputation. Investing in advanced security solutions and fostering a culture of awareness can make all the difference in staying ahead of cybercriminals.
Don’t let phishing attacks compromise your organization’s security—act now to build a robust defense strategy that keeps threats at bay.
