Category: Blog

What Attorneys Need to Know About the New Outlook Update and Smokeball Compatibility

January 6, 2025 by Vertical Axion

As an attorney, staying organized and efficient isn’t just about good practice—it’s critical to your success. With the new Outlook update rolling out, many professionals who rely on Smokeball for legal practice management are left wondering how this change will affect their workflows. If you’re in the legal field and need answers, you’ve come to […]

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New Year, New Tech: Top IT Upgrades To Supercharge Your Business In 2025

January 2, 2025 by Vertical Axion

January isn’t just for fresh starts and ambitious resolutions – it’s the perfect time to evaluate your business’s technology needs. As we step into 2025, staying competitive means leveraging IT solutions that boost efficiency, improve security and prepare you for the demands of a rapidly changing, AI-focused digital world. The cost of outdated or inefficient […]

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Is Your Social Security Number Leaked? Here’s How To Find Out And What To Do Next

December 23, 2024 by Vertical Axion

By this point, most people’s Social Security numbers (SSNs), a.k.a. one of the most important pieces of data assigned to you, have found their way onto the dark web. Thanks to breaches at major companies, government sites and even health care providers, millions of SSNs are floating around in cybercriminal circles. It’s alarming, but is […]

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Maximizing Workplace Productivity With A Year-End Tech Refresh

December 19, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Before the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the last 12 months and assess how technology is helping – or holding back – your business productivity. Keeping your tech fresh and efficient has become essential for any business that wants to stay competitive, meet productivity goals and make employees’ day-to-day tasks […]

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2025 Cybersecurity Predictions: What To Expect And How To Prepare

December 17, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Cyberthreats have evolved so quickly that what once seemed like science fiction is now reality. From AI-driven cyber-attacks to the power of quantum computing, the cybersecurity challenges of 2025 are shaping up to be both innovative and unnerving. Here’s a look at some of the biggest threats on the horizon and what small and medium-sized […]

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Cyber Insurance For Small Business: Why You Need It And How to Get Covered In 2025

December 11, 2024 by Vertical Axion

In 2024, cyberthreats are no longer just a big-business problem. In fact, large corporations with deep pockets are not the primary target for most cybercriminals. Less well-defended small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly at risk, with the average cost of a data breach now totaling over $4 million (IBM). For many smaller businesses, an incident […]

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Avoid Holiday Scams This Black Friday and Cyber Monday: A Guide for New Jersey Shoppers

November 26, 2024 by Vertical Axion

The holiday shopping season is here, and while it’s an exciting time for scoring Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, it’s also prime time for scammers. Whether you’re shopping at popular New Jersey locations like Freehold Mall, Woodbridge, Jersey Gardens, Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, or browsing online, being aware of holiday scams can save you […]

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5 Solutions for Your Windows 10 PC If It Fails the Windows 11 Compatibility Test

November 18, 2024 by Vertical Axion

As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will officially reach its end of life, meaning Microsoft will cease providing free security updates, non-security updates, and technical support. While your PC will continue to operate, maintaining its security and efficiency will become your responsibility. If your device has already failed the compatibility check for Windows 11, […]

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Avoid a Holiday Tech Meltdown with Proactive IT Services in New Jersey

November 12, 2024 by Vertical Axion

The holiday season is upon us, and while you’re busy spreading cheer and boosting sales, your IT infrastructure could be plotting a tech meltdown. For small businesses in New Jersey, this bustling time of year can be both a blessing and a curse. As customers flock to your storefronts in locations like Trenton, Princeton, and […]

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The Top 5 Data Breaches of 2024 and What You Need to Know

November 6, 2024 by Vertical Axion

This year has seen a surge in cybercrime, with major data breaches affecting companies across industries. From healthcare to entertainment, no sector has been spared. But what do these incidents mean for small to midsize businesses in New Jersey, including areas like Edison, Freehold, and Newark? The vulnerabilities that enabled these breaches are also common […]

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6 Ways Your Phone Is Tracking You: Protect Your Privacy and Business

October 29, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Have you ever talked about a product or service while your phone was nearby, only to find ads for it popping up in your social media feed? If that gives you pause, consider this: your phone is not just listening; it’s actively tracking you. From your device itself to the apps you use, there are […]

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5 Signs It’s Time to Update Your Software (and How to Do It Safely)

October 16, 2024 by Vertical Axion

As a business owner in New Jersey, you know that staying on top of your company’s technology is crucial. Software updates might seem like a hassle, but ignoring them leaves your business exposed to cyber threats that can compromise your entire network. Hackers are constantly on the lookout for outdated software—think of it as leaving […]

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How the S.E.C.U.R.E. Method Can Stop Phishing Emails Before They Harm Your Business

October 7, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Phishing attacks are the most common form of cybercrime for one simple reason: they work. Every day, more than 3.4 billion spam emails flood inboxes worldwide, catching unsuspecting users off-guard. These emails aren’t just annoying—they’re dangerous. With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, phishing emails are becoming even more convincing, mimicking real human communication […]

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Introducing Cybercrime: Fallout! A Personal Note from Paul Nebb, Your Trusted Cybersecurity Partner

October 1, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Too often, I’ve had conversations with small business owners in New Jersey after a cyber attack has already taken place. The stress, financial losses, and uncertainty of what could happen next—these are realities that businesses in our community face all too frequently. It’s time to change that narrative. That’s why I’m excited to introduce Cybercrime: […]

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Windows 10 Support Is Ending: What New Jersey Business Owners Need to Know

October 1, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Attention New Jersey business owners: Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. While your computers won’t suddenly stop working, they’ll no longer receive critical updates from Microsoft. This means no more: Security updates Non-security updates Technical support So, what does this mean for NJ central hubs like Newark, Trenton, Lakewood, Elizabeth, […]

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Understanding the Risks of Data Breaches in Financial and Medical Practices: Essential IT Support for NJ Businesses

September 26, 2024 by Vertical Axion

In today’s digital landscape, data breaches pose a significant threat to businesses across various sectors, particularly in New Jersey. Not only do data breaches compromise sensitive information, but they can also lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Let’s explore the implications of data breaches, particularly for CPAs, CFPs, and medical practices, and discuss how […]

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Microsoft Copilot Techniques To Boost Business Productivity

September 23, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Even if you’re tired of hearing about AI, the reality is that those who embrace it, find the tools that work and learn how to use them efficiently WILL get ahead of those who refuse to try. However, sorting through the thousands of AI-powered programs on the market can feel like a daunting task, which […]

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The CrowdStrike Outage: How To Avoid A Future IT Crisis

September 16, 2024 by Vertical Axion

When 8.5 million Windows devices, including those at airlines, banks and hospitals, suddenly displayed the “Blue Screen of Death,” people began to panic. “We are under a cyber-attack!” most speculated. Fortunately, that was not the case, but the real reason behind the outage is alarming and something every business owner should be concerned about. So, […]

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10 Warning Signs Of Medical Fraud And How To Protect Yourself

September 11, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Health insurance is designed to provide access to necessary treatments, preventive services and emergency care to individuals and families in need, and, apparently, now it’s also used to hand out paydays to scammers. In February of this year, Change Healthcare fell victim to a cyber-attack that impacted thousands of health care providers, insurers and policyholders […]

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The Hidden Dangers Of Shortcuts In IT Security

September 9, 2024 by Vertical Axion

The National Cancer Institute in Maryland recently analyzed data from three major US health studies that gathered information on people’s daily multivitamin use. They discovered that people who took daily multivitamins had a 4% higher mortality rate than those who didn’t. This surprising result echoes a scene from the movie Grumpy Old Men, where a […]

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Recent Cyber-Attacks Highlight the Urgency of Strong Cybersecurity for Small Businesses in New Jersey

August 26, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Imagine if the software you rely on to close deals, process payments, and pay your employees suddenly went down—and you had no idea when it would be fixed. How would your business cope? Could you continue operating? These are not hypothetical questions; they’re the harsh reality faced by over 15,000 car dealerships across the U.S. […]

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Beware of Vacation Travel Scams: Up 900% and Fueled by AI

August 19, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Summer is the prime time for vacations, but it’s also peak season for cybercriminals looking to exploit eager travelers. As prices for everything from food to travel continue to rise, many of us are searching online for the best deals to plan a memorable trip without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, scammers have noticed this trend […]

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Cybercriminals Are Faking Data Breaches: How AI Is Fueling This New Scam

August 12, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Just when you think cybercriminals have exhausted their bag of tricks, they find a new way to exploit unsuspecting business owners. The latest tactic? Faking data breaches using AI, in a bid to deceive companies and dark web data buyers alike. Earlier this year, Europcar, a prominent international car rental company, discovered that a cybercriminal […]

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Is Your New Jersey Business Losing Money Due to Outdated Technology?

August 5, 2024 by Vertical Axion

Are you aware that outdated technology could be draining your company’s resources? If you’re running a small business in New Jersey, chances are, the answer is yes. According to a recent survey by Deloitte, a staggering 82% of companies failed to meet their cost-reduction targets last year, with outdated technology being a major culprit. In […]