by myCREcloud | Jun 12, 2025 | MSP
Strategic IT management isn’t a cost center—it’s a driver of efficiency, resilience, and long-term savings.
In a business landscape where speed, security, and scalability determine competitive advantage, technology is no longer just a support function—it’s a foundation. Yet many companies still approach IT reactively, treating it as a line item to manage rather than a strategic asset to invest in. This mindset often leads to increased costs, inconsistent operations, and unnecessary risk.
Proper IT, implemented and managed effectively, does more than “keep the lights on.” It streamlines workflows, protects critical assets, and positions companies to scale with fewer disruptions. When executed by a capable internal team or a managed service provider (MSP), it becomes a key contributor to cost reduction and operational efficiency.
Reduced Downtime Means Real Savings
One of the most direct ways proper IT saves money is by minimizing downtime. Every minute of system or application failure impacts productivity—and in some industries, downtime can quickly translate into lost revenue, project delays, or compliance violations. According to Gartner, the average cost of IT downtime can range from $5,600 to over $100,000 per hour, depending on the size and nature of the business.
Well-managed IT environments incorporate proactive monitoring, automated alerts, and redundant systems that detect and resolve issues before they escalate. This preventative approach significantly reduces the frequency and duration of outages, keeping staff productive and operations running smoothly.
Fewer Emergencies, Lower Support Costs
When IT is poorly managed, problems become unpredictable and urgent—leading to emergency support calls, rushed hardware replacements, and costly consulting engagements. A reactive approach creates volatility in your IT budget and stretches internal resources thin.
Conversely, a properly structured IT program includes standardized processes, routine maintenance, and predictable support. Managed services can offer fixed monthly pricing, allowing for clear budgeting and fewer financial surprises. When systems are stable and support is proactive, costs go down—and user satisfaction goes up.
Cybersecurity Incidents Are Expensive—Prevention Is Not
Cyberattacks have grown more sophisticated, and the cost of a breach continues to climb. From data recovery and legal fees to reputational damage and regulatory penalties, the aftermath of a cyber incident can be devastating.
Proper IT implementation includes robust security measures: multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection, user access controls, encrypted data storage, and regular patching. Additionally, staff security awareness training plays a vital role in reducing human error—the leading cause of breaches. By investing in a layered, defense-in-depth strategy, companies dramatically lower their exposure to costly cyber events.
Efficient Systems Free Up Staff Resources
Outdated systems, slow networks, and inconsistent workflows don’t just frustrate employees—they waste hours of productivity each week. When technology works seamlessly, staff spend less time waiting on software to load, troubleshooting basic issues, or navigating fragmented systems.
Modern IT solutions—whether it’s a centralized file-sharing platform, a cloud-hosted application suite, or a secure VPN for remote access—enable teams to work efficiently and focus on higher-value tasks. The result is a more agile workforce, lower attrition, and better use of internal talent.
Scalability Without Infrastructure Headaches
Companies that invest in the right IT infrastructure can scale with confidence. Whether opening a new office, hiring remote employees, or launching a new service line, proper IT planning ensures growth doesn’t come with unexpected technical setbacks.
Cloud-based solutions in particular offer flexibility and scalability without the burden of managing physical hardware. Resources can be added or reduced as needed, keeping costs aligned with usage and eliminating the capital expense of traditional infrastructure upgrades.
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 | Mar 24, 2025 | MSP
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses rely on Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to handle their IT needs efficiently and securely. However, not all MSPs are created equal. The best MSPs differentiate themselves by offering superior service, proactive solutions, and strategic guidance that helps businesses scale. Below are the key characteristics that define an effective and top-tier MSP company.
1. Proactive and Preventative Approach
The best MSPs don’t just react to problems—they anticipate and prevent them. Through continuous monitoring, automated updates, and predictive analytics, a top-tier MSP identifies potential issues before they impact business operations. This proactive stance ensures minimal downtime, reduces risks, and enhances overall IT efficiency.
2. Robust Security and Compliance
Cybersecurity threats are evolving daily, making security a top priority for any effective MSP. The best MSPs offer:
- 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) for threat monitoring and incident response
- Threat isolation and remediation to prevent the spread of cyberattacks
- Regular security audits and compliance checks to adhere to industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, or SOC 2 compliance)
- Employee cybersecurity training to reinforce best practices within the client’s organization
3. White-Glove, Personalized Support
A great MSP provides more than just IT solutions—they act as a trusted partner. Offering white-glove service means:
- Dedicated account managers who understand a client’s unique business needs
- No outsourced support, ensuring all technicians are in-house, experienced, and responsive
- Fast, efficient resolution times with clear communication and transparency
4. Scalable and Flexible IT Solutions
As businesses grow, their IT needs evolve. The best MSPs offer scalable solutions that can adapt to changing demands. Whether a client needs cloud hosting, additional security measures, or expanded network infrastructure, a top-tier MSP provides:
- Flexible pricing structures (e.g., per-user or per-device models)
- Customizable IT solutions based on specific business needs
- Seamless integration with existing systems and third-party software
5. Cloud Expertise and High Availability
Cloud technology is at the heart of modern IT management. A leading MSP offers:
- Secure, high-performance cloud hosting solutions with 99.99% uptime
- Expertise in cloud-based applications like ERP, CRM, and SaaS platforms
- Disaster recovery and business continuity planning to protect against data loss
6. Strong Vendor Partnerships and Industry Expertise
A top-tier MSP isn’t just an IT provider; they are a technology advisor. By partnering with leading software and hardware vendors, they provide clients with cutting-edge solutions tailored to their industry. This includes:
- Exclusive relationships with software providers (e.g., Sage, Microsoft, or Cisco)
- Deep knowledge of industry-specific IT requirements, especially for fields like construction, real estate, finance, and healthcare
7. Transparent Pricing and No Hidden Fees
Trust is essential in any business relationship, and pricing transparency builds that trust. The best MSPs:
- Offer straightforward pricing models with clear deliverables
- Avoid hidden fees or unexpected add-ons
- Provide detailed service-level agreements (SLAs) outlining response times and service expectations
Conclusion
Choosing the right MSP can make all the difference in a business’s operational success. The best and most effective MSP companies stand out by offering proactive solutions, top-tier security, white-glove support, and scalable IT services that align with their clients’ goals. Whether a company needs cloud hosting, cybersecurity, or full IT management, partnering with an MSP that excels in these areas ensures long-term success and peace of mind.
If you’re looking for a reliable MSP that embodies all these qualities, myCREcloud specializes in tailored IT solutions for businesses in the construction and real estate industries, providing expert support, secure cloud hosting, and seamless IT management. Reach out today to see how we can help elevate your IT strategy.
by myCREcloud | Jul 1, 2021 | Uncategorized
Ransomware infiltrates a user’s PC or mobile device using malicious software that is most commonly installed unintentionally after clicking a link in an email that’s posed as something else. Once it is installed, the software prevents users from accessing their files and demands a sum of money to unencrypt the data. The latest advancements in ransomware introduces a more serious threat for modern businesses, encouraging businesses to take stronger security precautions.
How does ransomware get to your devices or the cloud?
Ransomware is delivered in a wide variety of ways. It can be transferred through:
- Javascript exploits
- Microsoft Office macros
- PDF exploits
- Linus malware
- Backdoors
- Emails
Ransomware uses social engineering to bypass layers of security and once it infects one computer, it can easily spread to every device on the same network (and cloud) via automatic syncing. 1 in 10 companies has some form of malware in their storage – making a strong case for programs that auto-detect malware and recover before malware can spread.
The most common ransomware strains
- Bad Rabbit
- Cryptolocker
- GoldenEye
- Jigsaw
- Locky
- Maze
- NotPetya
- Petya
- Ryuk
- Wannacry
How Do I Prevent Ransomware?
Prevention is the best tool to protecting your devices and business from ransomware. Recommendations include:
- Keeping software up-to-date
- Using unique passwords for your online sign-ins
- Reducing the accessibility of cloud applications to only those who need them
- Reporting suspicious activity
- If you are unsure – take it slow and confirm with a colleague!
- Use two-factor authentication
by myCREcloud | Apr 27, 2021 | Uncategorized
As cybercrime becomes more sophisticated, companies find their security systems are no match for modern threats and attacks. Sometimes simple human error can leave a company exposed. This not only damages user trust, but all companies, from small firms to corporations – can suffer severe financial and reputational loss.
A key security factor to consider is the increasing number of devices that are continuously connected to data. As your organization’s web of employees, customers, and vendors increases, so do expectations of instant accessibility. Unanticipated cyber threats can come from hostile powers, competitors, organized hackers, people working within your organization, or third-party vendors. Cybersecurity policies are becoming increasingly crucial as mandatory disclosure of cybersecurity incidents and data breaches continues to grow. These factors highlight the importance of providing extra layers of security from social media accounts to business and financial applications. What’s a cost-effective and wide-reaching solution? Two-factor authentication.
Enter Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication was created to give the user an extra layer of security to keep prying eyes out of your accounts and data. With this type of security, there is an extra step of verification to ensure that you are the only one who can access your account, even if someone else has your credentials.
When you sign into a device for the first time, you’ll need to provide two pieces of information—your password and the verification code that’s automatically displayed on your trusted device or sent to your phone number. A verification code is a temporary code sent to your device or phone number when you sign in with a new device or browser. Two-factor authentication takes your security to the next level, but there are a few steps you need to take to make sure it works as planned:
- Keep a record of your sign-in credentials
- Ensure that your devices are all password-protected
- Keep your phone number up-to-date
- Notify all key contacts/accounts if your devices have been physically or digitally compromised
Plan for the future and prevent online security breaches with two-factor authentication, employee training, and staying up-to-date with technological advances.
What should I do if I think I’ve been compromised?
Immediately contact us at (833) 982-1020 and any other providers that the breach is related to. Gather as much information about the accounts or data you think has been compromised as possible.
