{ "feed": "NgageContent AI Tools", "generated": "2026-04-25T00:31:37-05:00", "items": [ { "id": 22483, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/hiring-executive-administrative-specialist/", "title": "Join Our Team as Executive Administrative Specialist", "h1": "Join Our Team as Executive Administrative Specialist", "summary": "", "content": "

Do you enjoy being the person who keeps everything moving? Are you naturally organized, detail oriented, and comfortable supporting leadership and a busy office environment? CRU Solutions is a well established, privately held managed IT services company specializing in Windows based environments. We’re looking for a professional, dependable Executive Administrative Specialist to join our team.

This is a part-time, in-office position (Monday–Friday, approximately 9:00am–3:00pm, with some flexibility). Our current Executive Administrative Specialist is retiring after 16 years with CRU Solutions, and we’re looking for someone who values continuity, professionalism, and being a trusted part of the team.

In this role, you’ll provide administrative and operational support across the business, working closely with company leadership as well as operations, sales and marketing, and technical services. You’ll handle a wide range of responsibilities such as office coordination, leadership support, accounting and bookkeeping tasks, client and vendor communication, and special projects. Discretion, good judgment, and comfort handling confidential information are essential.

You’ll be the welcoming face of our office—greeting clients, managing day to day office needs, supporting meetings and internal activities, and helping ensure everyone has what they need to do their best work. You’ll also assist with reports, documentation, scheduling, client communications, and administrative follow through that keeps the business running smoothly.

Our office is a fast paced and friendly environment with free coffee, snacks, and the occasional surprise lunch. You’ll work closely with a collaborative team that values reliability, initiative, and mutual support. This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in being organized, anticipates needs, and enjoys contributing behind the scenes to the success of others.

Here are some highlights of the role:
• Administrative and operational support for company leadership and multiple departments
• Preparing materials, proofreading communications, and attentiveness to calendars
• Greeting clients, managing reception and office organization
• Bookkeeping support including deposits, invoicing, and accounts payable/receivable tasks
• Coordinating client communications, mailings, and marketing support activities
• Maintaining data and documentation in business systems and platforms
• Ordering supplies, coordinating vendors, and handling shipping or errands as needed

If you’re looking for a stable, part-time role with a respected company where your attention to detail and professionalism truly matter, we’d love to have a conversation.

For more information or to apply, see the full job description on indeed.com.

", "content_plain": "Do you enjoy being the person who keeps everything moving? Are you naturally organized, detail oriented, and comfortable supporting leadership and a busy office environment? CRU Solutions is a well established, privately held managed IT services company specializing in Windows based environments. We’re looking for a professional, dependable Executive Administrative Specialist to join our team. This is a part-time, in-office position (Monday–Friday, approximately 9:00am–3:00pm, with some flexibility). Our current Executive Administrative Specialist is retiring after 16 years with CRU Solutions, and we’re looking for someone who values continuity, professionalism, and being a trusted part of the team. In this role, you’ll provide administrative and operational support across the business, working closely with company leadership as well as operations, sales and marketing, and technical services. You’ll handle a wide range of responsibilities such as office coordination, leadership support, accounting and bookkeeping tasks, client and vendor communication, and special projects. Discretion, good judgment, and comfort handling confidential information are essential. You’ll be the welcoming face of our office—greeting clients, managing day to day office needs, supporting meetings and internal activities, and helping ensure everyone has what they need to do their best work. You’ll also assist with reports, documentation, scheduling, client communications, and administrative follow through that keeps the business running smoothly. Our office is a fast paced and friendly environment with free coffee, snacks, and the occasional surprise lunch. You’ll work closely with a collaborative team that values reliability, initiative, and mutual support. This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in being organized, anticipates needs, and enjoys contributing behind the scenes to the success of others. Here are some highlights of the role: • Administrative and operational support for company leadership and multiple departments • Preparing materials, proofreading communications, and attentiveness to calendars • Greeting clients, managing reception and office organization • Bookkeeping support including deposits, invoicing, and accounts payable/receivable tasks • Coordinating client communications, mailings, and marketing support activities • Maintaining data and documentation in business systems and platforms • Ordering supplies, coordinating vendors, and handling shipping or errands as needed If you’re looking for a stable, part-time role with a respected company where your attention to detail and professionalism truly matter, we’d love to have a conversation. For more information or to apply, see the full job description on indeed.com.", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10133449/Join-Our-Team.jpg", "modified": "2026-04-17T08:00:04-05:00" }, { "id": 22489, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/why-small-businesses-switch-it-providers/", "title": "Why Small Businesses Switch IT Providers", "h1": "Why Small Businesses Switch IT Providers", "summary": "Small businesses switch IT providers for lots of reasons. Here’s what Northeast Ohio small businesses have told us.", "content": "

I have yet to talk to any small businessperson who’s excited about switching IT providers. Change creates uncertainty. Even if the transition to a new firm goes smoothly, it can still be disruptive.

When a business owner calls asking about our services, my first question is a simple “What’s going on?” That short question often elicits a long response. Maybe they’ve been with an IT firm for a long time, but the people they’ve worked with have left. Maybe their IT firm was acquired, negatively affecting the relationship. In the case of an egregious security error, there’s little choice but to switch.

Is it time for you to consider switching IT providers?

Here are the main reasons Cleveland area small businesspeople have told us about why they want to make a change. Do any of these sound familiar?

1. Security and Compliance Feel Unclear or Risky 

Cybersecurity is a top concern for small businesses. The days of “my business doesn’t have any data a cybercriminal would want” are long over.

In our experience, small businesses and nonprofits often initiate a search for a new IT provider when they can’t confidently answer basic questions like:

A strong IT provider helps reduce that risk by standardizing security tools, documenting procedures, and explaining protections in clear, non‑technical terms.

2. Technical Support Is Slow, Reactive, or Frustrating 

You need responsive, dependable IT help. When support requests are slow to resolve, bounce between technicians, or repeatedly resurface, frustration grows quickly.

These issues rise to the top when:

Poor tech support is often the last straw.

3. Microsoft 365 Is Poorly Managed

Microsoft 365 is at the center of most small business operations, powering email, file storage, and collaboration. Unfortunately, it isn’t “set it and forget it”.

We see businesses reaching out for help when they face:

We recently saved a new client over $1,800 a year just by straightening out their M365 licensing. In the right hands and with proper configuration, M365 is a powerful, secure tool.

4. There’s No Clear IT Plan or Direction

At some point, purely reactive IT becomes a productivity and security risk. If you only make technology choices when something breaks (or you otherwise have no other choice), it becomes disruptive AND expensive.

Signs of this include:

Without a clear IT strategy, short‑term fixes pile up and cost more over time. It makes sound business sense to switch to an IT partner who helps you plan ahead, budget realistically, and make technology decisions that support long‑term goals.

5. Communication Is Inconsistent or Confusing

Even technically capable IT providers lose clients when communication falls short.

We’ve heard these examples:

Clear, consistent communication builds trust and confidence, which is the foundation of a successful, long-term business relationship.

6. Weak Documentation 

Many organizations lack a clear picture of their current IT environment.

This often shows up as:

Without documentation, it’s harder for you to plan effectively or make informed decisions.

7. Poor Coordination with Third‑Party Vendors

Almost every small business has several technology vendors – it seems there’s no way around it. As the number of vendors grows, coordination gaps can become more obvious.

Challenges include:

Your IT partner should take ownership and coordinate with other providers having your best interests in mind.

If It’s Time for Your Small Business to Switch IT Providers 

Do you face any of these challenges with your current IT firm? If so, it may be time to consider switching your IT provider.

Before making the jump, we recommend you talk with your current provider and express your concerns. Maybe they can make the improvements you need and your working relationship will be better for it.

If you’d like to talk about CRU Solutions’ approach, reach out. We’re happy to hear what’s going on in your business!

 

By Janet Gehring
April 16, 2026
", "content_plain": "I have yet to talk to any small businessperson who’s excited about switching IT providers. Change creates uncertainty. Even if the transition to a new firm goes smoothly, it can still be disruptive. When a business owner calls asking about our services, my first question is a simple “What’s going on?” That short question often elicits a long response. Maybe they’ve been with an IT firm for a long time, but the people they’ve worked with have left. Maybe their IT firm was acquired, negatively affecting the relationship. In the case of an egregious security error, there’s little choice but to switch. Is it time for you to consider switching IT providers? Here are the main reasons Cleveland area small businesspeople have told us about why they want to make a change. Do any of these sound familiar? 1. Security and Compliance Feel Unclear or Risky Cybersecurity is a top concern for small businesses. The days of “my business doesn’t have any data a cybercriminal would want” are long over. In our experience, small businesses and nonprofits often initiate a search for a new IT provider when they can’t confidently answer basic questions like: Are all our computers protected the same way? Are we meeting compliance requirements, including cyber liability insurance? What would happen if we were hit with a ransomware attack tomorrow? A strong IT provider helps reduce that risk by standardizing security tools, documenting procedures, and explaining protections in clear, non‑technical terms. 2. Technical Support Is Slow, Reactive, or Frustrating You need responsive, dependable IT help. When support requests are slow to resolve, bounce between technicians, or repeatedly resurface, frustration grows quickly. These issues rise to the top when: Employees complain about recurring issues Work stops while waiting for help There’s no clear way to track or understand support requests On‑site help isn’t available when it’s truly needed Poor tech support is often the last straw. 3. Microsoft 365 Is Poorly Managed Microsoft 365 is at the center of most small business operations, powering email, file storage, and collaboration. Unfortunately, it isn’t “set it and forget it”. We see businesses reaching out for help when they face: Confusing licensing and renewals Files scattered across email, OneDrive, shared drives, and local computers Difficulty sharing information securely No reliable backup for M365 services, including email We recently saved a new client over $1,800 a year just by straightening out their M365 licensing. In the right hands and with proper configuration, M365 is a powerful, secure tool. 4. There’s No Clear IT Plan or Direction At some point, purely reactive IT becomes a productivity and security risk. If you only make technology choices when something breaks (or you otherwise have no other choice), it becomes disruptive AND expensive. Signs of this include: No plan to replace aging computers on a regular, expected schedule No plan for business changes, including easily bringing on new hires Difficulty balancing security, usability, and budget Unexpected IT expenses Without a clear IT strategy, short‑term fixes pile up and cost more over time. It makes sound business sense to switch to an IT partner who helps you plan ahead, budget realistically, and make technology decisions that support long‑term goals. 5. Communication Is Inconsistent or Confusing Even technically capable IT providers lose clients when communication falls short. We’ve heard these examples: Making key technical changes without warning (for example, an IT provider blocked all email access to certain geographic locations for all users without advance notification or approval, causing confusion and customer service issues). Unclear or incomplete descriptions of project scope, fees, and timeframes Billing misunderstandings Technical explanations that don’t make sense to non‑technical staff Clear, consistent communication builds trust and confidence, which is the foundation of a successful, long-term business relationship. 6. Weak Documentation Many organizations lack a clear picture of their current IT environment. This often shows up as: No accurate inventory of computers, tablets, network equipment, or devices Missing documentation for onboarding/offboarding processes Unclear license ownership, renewal dates, or service agreements No record of system configurations or historical decisions Without documentation, it’s harder for you to plan effectively or make informed decisions. 7. Poor Coordination with Third‑Party Vendors Almost every small business has several technology vendors – it seems there’s no way around it. As the number of vendors grows, coordination gaps can become more obvious. Challenges include: IT providers not coordinating effectively with vendors (internet, phone, key application support, etc.) Roles and escalation paths are unclear Issues fall through the cracks and cause delays during escalations Your IT partner should take ownership and coordinate with other providers having your best interests in mind. If It’s Time for Your Small Business to Switch IT Providers Do you face any of these challenges with your current IT firm? If so, it may be time to consider switching your IT provider. Before making the jump, we recommend you talk with your current provider and express your concerns. Maybe they can make the improvements you need and your working relationship will be better for it. If you’d like to talk about CRU Solutions’ approach, reach out. We’re happy to hear what’s going on in your business!   By Janet Gehring April 16, 2026", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Switch-IT-Providers.jpg", "modified": "2026-04-22T12:18:35-05:00" }, { "id": 22440, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-long-do-computers-last-a-practical-guide-for-small-businesses/", "title": "How Long Do Computers Last? A Practical Guide for Small Businesses", "h1": "How Long Do Computers Last? A Practical Guide for Small Businesses", "summary": "It makes sense to know how long your computers should last. Here’s how to get the most out of your hardware investment.", "content": "

Have you ever wondered how long computers should last in a business environment? The short answer is that it depends on the quality of the machine, how it’s used, and how proactively it’s maintained.

Choosing, buying, and installing new computers cost time and money. So, do everything you can to extend their lifespan without sacrificing productivity or increasing security risks.

Here’s a closer look, starting with the type of hardware that gives businesses the best long-term value.

What Is a Business-Grade Computer? 

Business-grade computers differ from consumer models in several important ways. They offer:

These advantages mean business-grade machines almost always outperform consumer-grade systems in workplace reliability, security, and total cost of ownership.

How Long Do Business Computers Last? 

For most small businesses, the realistic answer is 3–5 years. During that time, your IT team should work to balance performance, security, and cost-effectiveness.

Here’s the typical lifespan breakdown:

Can some computers run for seven years or more? Sure, but simply running or running reliably for business use are two different things. Older systems often slow down your team, introduce security gaps, and create more downtime than they’re worth.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Business Computers

Slower Performance

Frequent Crashes or Freezes

If rebooting is part of the daily routine, the device is past its prime.

Incompatibility With New Software

New software (and especially new operating systems) requires more power. Keeping devices up to date is critical for both efficiency and security.

Component Failures or Wear and Tear

While small fixes (like replacing a mouse) are easy, major repairs such as a failed hard drive or power supply can be costly. They’re also warning signs of potentially larger aging issues.

How to Extend the Life of Your Hardware

Even with high-quality machines, good habits matter. You can maximize lifespan by:

Why Proactive Replacement Saves Money

Replacing computers before they fail is usually far more cost-effective than crossing your fingers and hoping. Here’s why:

Most small businesses benefit from a 3- to 4-year replacement cycle, rotating a manageable number of devices each year.

For computers under five years old, minor repairs may still make sense. Beyond that point, repairs often cost more, in both money and downtime, than simply upgrading.

Finally, don’t forget about secure disposal. Your IT team can help ensure data is fully destroyed and old hardware is recycled responsibly.

Plan Now, Avoid Surprises Later 

Computer lifecycle management is a crucial part of a reliable IT strategy. Your IT provider should track the age of your devices, make timely replacement recommendations, and schedule upgrades so your team never experiences unexpected interruptions.

For more than 40 years, CRU Solutions has helped Cleveland-area businesses stay secure, efficient, and productive. Ready to start planning and eliminate hardware headaches? Let’s talk!

 

By Janet Gehring
March 18, 2026

 

", "content_plain": "Have you ever wondered how long computers should last in a business environment? The short answer is that it depends on the quality of the machine, how it’s used, and how proactively it’s maintained. Choosing, buying, and installing new computers cost time and money. So, do everything you can to extend their lifespan without sacrificing productivity or increasing security risks. Here’s a closer look, starting with the type of hardware that gives businesses the best long-term value. What Is a Business-Grade Computer? Business-grade computers differ from consumer models in several important ways. They offer: More durable components designed for 8–10 hours of daily use, at least 5 days a week Windows Pro operating systems built for multi-user environments, remote access, and enhanced security Capable processors for multitasking and productivity applications Three-year warranties, often with on-site repair or next-business-day replacement, plus warranty extension options Stable hardware configurations that remain available longer, making imaging and deployment more consistent for IT teams. These advantages mean business-grade machines almost always outperform consumer-grade systems in workplace reliability, security, and total cost of ownership. How Long Do Business Computers Last? For most small businesses, the realistic answer is 3–5 years. During that time, your IT team should work to balance performance, security, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s the typical lifespan breakdown: Year 3: Systems are generally still performing well, though early signs of slowdown may appear depending on usage. Year 4: Slowdowns become more noticeable, warranties often expire, and repair costs rise. Year 5: Machines often struggle with current software and may no longer meet modern security standards. Can some computers run for seven years or more? Sure, but simply running or running reliably for business use are two different things. Older systems often slow down your team, introduce security gaps, and create more downtime than they’re worth. Signs It’s Time to Replace Business Computers Slower Performance Long start-up and shut-down times Delayed application launches or slow-loading web pages Fan running loudly because the system is overheating Shortened laptop battery life Frequent Crashes or Freezes If rebooting is part of the daily routine, the device is past its prime. Incompatibility With New Software New software (and especially new operating systems) requires more power. Keeping devices up to date is critical for both efficiency and security. Component Failures or Wear and Tear While small fixes (like replacing a mouse) are easy, major repairs such as a failed hard drive or power supply can be costly. They’re also warning signs of potentially larger aging issues. How to Extend the Life of Your Hardware Even with high-quality machines, good habits matter. You can maximize lifespan by: Keeping systems patched and updated Using business-grade security tools Replacing aging laptop batteries Keeping devices clean, dust-free, and well ventilated Closing unnecessary background applications Retiring unsupported operating systems promptly Why Proactive Replacement Saves Money Replacing computers before they fail is usually far more cost-effective than crossing your fingers and hoping. Here’s why: Hidden downtime adds up. A few minutes of slowness each day becomes hours each month in less productivity and more frustration. Security risks grow. Outdated hardware and unsupported operating systems create prime openings for cyberattacks. Modern hardware is faster and more efficient. Faster is better when you’re in a hurry to get something done. Predictable refresh cycles make budgeting easier. Replacing a few machines each year avoids large, unexpected costs. Older machines can fail with no warning. Unless there’s a spare machine on hand, a dead computer brings work to a standstill. Most small businesses benefit from a 3- to 4-year replacement cycle, rotating a manageable number of devices each year. For computers under five years old, minor repairs may still make sense. Beyond that point, repairs often cost more, in both money and downtime, than simply upgrading. Finally, don’t forget about secure disposal. Your IT team can help ensure data is fully destroyed and old hardware is recycled responsibly. Plan Now, Avoid Surprises Later Computer lifecycle management is a crucial part of a reliable IT strategy. Your IT provider should track the age of your devices, make timely replacement recommendations, and schedule upgrades so your team never experiences unexpected interruptions. For more than 40 years, CRU Solutions has helped Cleveland-area businesses stay secure, efficient, and productive. Ready to start planning and eliminate hardware headaches? Let’s talk!   By Janet Gehring March 18, 2026  ", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Old-Computer.jpg", "modified": "2026-03-20T08:44:28-05:00" }, { "id": 21899, "type": "videos", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/videos/5-reasons-to-work-with-an-msp/", "title": "5 Reasons Small Businesses Need an MSP", "h1": "5 Reasons Small Businesses Need an MSP", "summary": "Here's why small businesses should work with a managed IT services provider (MSP). Learn how working with an MSP can help your business thrive!", "content": "

5 Reasons Small Businesses Need an MSP

Here are 5 reasons why small businesses in Northeast Ohio should consider switching to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for their IT needs. Learn about the advantages of outsourcing IT and how working with an MSP can help your business thrive.

Ready to make the move? Here are tips to help you choose the right managed IT services provider for your business. Or, contact CRU Solutions.

", "content_plain": "5 Reasons Small Businesses Need an MSP Here are 5 reasons why small businesses in Northeast Ohio should consider switching to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for their IT needs. Learn about the advantages of outsourcing IT and how working with an MSP can help your business thrive. Ready to make the move? Here are tips to help you choose the right managed IT services provider for your business. Or, contact CRU Solutions.", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5-Reasons-Why-Small-Businesses-Thumbnail.webp", "modified": "2026-03-10T13:42:40-05:00" }, { "id": 22407, "type": "videos", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/videos/why-it-compliance-matters-for-small-businesses/", "title": "Why IT Compliance Matters for Small Businesses", "h1": "Why IT Compliance Matters for Small Businesses", "summary": "Here’s how IT compliance is critical to protecting customer trust, avoiding costly fines, and keeping operations running smoothly.", "content": "

Compliance Boosts Trust and Security

For small businesses, IT compliance is critical to protecting customer trust, avoiding costly fines, and keeping operations running smoothly. In this video, we break down practical, easy-to-follow steps you can take to build a strong compliance program:

To learn how CRU Solutions can help meet your compliance goals, contact us!

", "content_plain": "Compliance Boosts Trust and Security For small businesses, IT compliance is critical to protecting customer trust, avoiding costly fines, and keeping operations running smoothly. In this video, we break down practical, easy-to-follow steps you can take to build a strong compliance program: Why compliance matters for small businesses 6 key elements every compliance program should include How compliance boosts security and efficiency The role IT partners can play in simplifying compliance To learn how CRU Solutions can help meet your compliance goals, contact us!", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Compliance-Made-Simple-Thumbnail.webp", "modified": "2026-03-10T13:47:41-05:00" }, { "id": 22408, "type": "videos", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/videos/small-business-it-planning-and-budgeting-how-to-get-started/", "title": "Small Business IT Planning and Budgeting: How to Get Started", "h1": "Small Business IT Planning and Budgeting: How to Get Started", "summary": "Small business IT planning and budgeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Get started with these eight areas.", "content": "

Focus on Eight Key Areas

IT planning and budgeting for your small business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. After all, the goal is simple: to help you move from reactive IT decisions to confident, proactive planning. Unfortunately, waiting until something breaks can be expensive.

Here are eight key areas every small business owner should review when doing a tech audit and planning annual IT budgets:

• Internet reliability and performance
• Devices and hardware readiness
• Operating system and software updates
• Data backups and recovery planning
• Cybersecurity habits and protections
• Time and productivity impacts of technology
• IT budgeting and cost control
• Planning ahead instead of panic spending

Whether you’re building your first IT budget or refining an existing one, these tips will help you identify gaps, avoid surprises, and plan smarter for the year ahead.

Looking for experienced small business IT planning and budgeting advice?  Contact us!

", "content_plain": "Focus on Eight Key Areas IT planning and budgeting for your small business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. After all, the goal is simple: to help you move from reactive IT decisions to confident, proactive planning. Unfortunately, waiting until something breaks can be expensive. Here are eight key areas every small business owner should review when doing a tech audit and planning annual IT budgets: • Internet reliability and performance • Devices and hardware readiness • Operating system and software updates • Data backups and recovery planning • Cybersecurity habits and protections • Time and productivity impacts of technology • IT budgeting and cost control • Planning ahead instead of panic spending Whether you’re building your first IT budget or refining an existing one, these tips will help you identify gaps, avoid surprises, and plan smarter for the year ahead. Looking for experienced small business IT planning and budgeting advice? Contact us!", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tech-Audit-Thumbnail.webp", "modified": "2026-03-10T13:48:09-05:00" }, { "id": 22394, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/causes-and-business-risks-of-cybersecurity-fatigue/", "title": "Causes and Business Risks of Cybersecurity Fatigue", "h1": "Causes and Business Risks of Cybersecurity Fatigue", "summary": "The causes and risks of cybersecurity fatigue present challenges. Here’s why employees stop caring and tips to help reduce your risk.", "content": "

The causes and risks of cybersecurity fatigue present challenges for small businesses. In this quick read, we look at reasons why employees stop caring about cyber security and give you tips to help reduce the risk for your team and your business.

Causes and Attitudes

The short answer is simply overload. Fluctuating security measures along with constant warnings about endless threats can feel overwhelming.

Be on the lookout for these attitudes at your company:

Too Many Rules 

Being forced to regularly change passwords, take “boring” cybersecurity training, or use other login tools like multi-factor authentication can feel frustrating.

Slows Me Down 

Employees may take shortcuts if security is perceived as an obstacle to getting work done. These can include using the same easy password everywhere, emailing documents to personal accounts, or ignoring physical security risks like writing passwords on sticky notes.

“Not My Problem” 

Some employees still believe the responsibility for cybersecurity rests solely with the IT department. Or they think the company is “too small” to be hacked. In fact, every company has information that’s valuable to a hacker, from payroll to customer data. And careless employees are the easiest way for cybercriminals to get in.

Why bother? 

From the most cynical perspective, since it seems like eventually everyone’s data is going to be “out there” anyway, why bother?

Not surprisingly, these attitudes can lead to risky computing behavior like using public wi-fi to bypass VPN security, sharing passwords, or emailing company information to a home computer.

Potential Business Risks 

The most dangerous potential risk of cybersecurity fatigue is a breach that can be directly traced back to an error made by someone in your company. If an employee unknowingly “let someone in”, that could invalidate your cyber liability insurance claim.

 In addition, any breach risks significant financial losses, legal disputes, and reputational damage.

Importance of a Positive Cybersecurity Culture 

In addition to tactics (like not clicking on a strange email), users also need to have the frame of mind to take smart actions and avoid cybersecurity fatigue on their own terms. In other words, they need to see the value of security and want to actively participate.

Consider these three questions for your organization:

Does your company have a positive cybersecurity culture?

A positive culture drives the values that determine the importance of cybersecurity awareness, and everyone has a role in its success. Importantly, this includes creating an environment for learning, not blaming, so everyone is comfortable reporting security concerns and asking questions.

Does everyone believe they have responsibility for cybersecurity?

Encourage everyone to care about their responsibility to help protect the organization. Discourage multitasking, since being distracted makes users particularly vulnerable to phishing attacks.

Do you offer interesting cybersecurity training ? 

The risk landscape changes daily, and cybersecurity training keeps everyone sharp. A long annual training can be perceived as boring. Consider short, engaging video trainings on current topics once a month instead.

Tips to Reduce Cybersecurity Fatigue Risks

Consider Tech Tools 

From a technical standpoint, consider tools that make security easier. One example is a password manager. Employees only need to remember one password for access, and the password manager automatically injects the unique and complex username and password at sign-in for each application. No more hesitating to change a password or using sticky notes.

Encourage Double-Checking 

If an employee gets an email with an unusual request from an executive, would they feel comfortable picking up the phone to confirm it? Encouraging this phone call could save your company money and embarrassment.

Avoid Blaming 

Foster an environment where your team can be comfortable reporting a potential risk, including an errant click. The sooner you know, the sooner you can begin to mitigate the problem.

Explain the Risks 

Many employees don’t realize that a serious breach could shut down the business or cost them their paycheck. Understanding what’s really at stake in a breach can help employees understand the importance of cybersecurity.

Acknowledge Fatigue 

As you’re developing a culture that encourages everyone to take responsibility for cybersecurity, occasionally acknowledge that security can be tiring. It’s true.

Cybersecurity fatigue is real. Every new security layer can be perceived as another barrier to serving customers or taking care of employees. Or it can be viewed as one of the best ways to ensure the company’s work will continue.

How CRU Solutions Helps Your Team Avoid Cybersecurity Fatigue

CRU Solutions’ approach to cybersecurity includes layered technical tools, proven email security, and relevant staff training to help block threats. To learn more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

 

By Janet Gehring
February 12, 2026

 

 

", "content_plain": "The causes and risks of cybersecurity fatigue present challenges for small businesses. In this quick read, we look at reasons why employees stop caring about cyber security and give you tips to help reduce the risk for your team and your business. Causes and Attitudes The short answer is simply overload. Fluctuating security measures along with constant warnings about endless threats can feel overwhelming. Be on the lookout for these attitudes at your company: Too Many Rules Being forced to regularly change passwords, take “boring” cybersecurity training, or use other login tools like multi-factor authentication can feel frustrating. Slows Me Down Employees may take shortcuts if security is perceived as an obstacle to getting work done. These can include using the same easy password everywhere, emailing documents to personal accounts, or ignoring physical security risks like writing passwords on sticky notes. “Not My Problem” Some employees still believe the responsibility for cybersecurity rests solely with the IT department. Or they think the company is “too small” to be hacked. In fact, every company has information that’s valuable to a hacker, from payroll to customer data. And careless employees are the easiest way for cybercriminals to get in. Why bother? From the most cynical perspective, since it seems like eventually everyone’s data is going to be “out there” anyway, why bother? Not surprisingly, these attitudes can lead to risky computing behavior like using public wi-fi to bypass VPN security, sharing passwords, or emailing company information to a home computer. Potential Business Risks The most dangerous potential risk of cybersecurity fatigue is a breach that can be directly traced back to an error made by someone in your company. If an employee unknowingly “let someone in”, that could invalidate your cyber liability insurance claim. In addition, any breach risks significant financial losses, legal disputes, and reputational damage. Importance of a Positive Cybersecurity Culture In addition to tactics (like not clicking on a strange email), users also need to have the frame of mind to take smart actions and avoid cybersecurity fatigue on their own terms. In other words, they need to see the value of security and want to actively participate. Consider these three questions for your organization: Does your company have a positive cybersecurity culture? A positive culture drives the values that determine the importance of cybersecurity awareness, and everyone has a role in its success. Importantly, this includes creating an environment for learning, not blaming, so everyone is comfortable reporting security concerns and asking questions. Does everyone believe they have responsibility for cybersecurity? Encourage everyone to care about their responsibility to help protect the organization. Discourage multitasking, since being distracted makes users particularly vulnerable to phishing attacks. Do you offer interesting cybersecurity training ? The risk landscape changes daily, and cybersecurity training keeps everyone sharp. A long annual training can be perceived as boring. Consider short, engaging video trainings on current topics once a month instead. Tips to Reduce Cybersecurity Fatigue Risks Consider Tech Tools From a technical standpoint, consider tools that make security easier. One example is a password manager. Employees only need to remember one password for access, and the password manager automatically injects the unique and complex username and password at sign-in for each application. No more hesitating to change a password or using sticky notes. Encourage Double-Checking If an employee gets an email with an unusual request from an executive, would they feel comfortable picking up the phone to confirm it? Encouraging this phone call could save your company money and embarrassment. Avoid Blaming Foster an environment where your team can be comfortable reporting a potential risk, including an errant click. The sooner you know, the sooner you can begin to mitigate the problem. Explain the Risks Many employees don’t realize that a serious breach could shut down the business or cost them their paycheck. Understanding what’s really at stake in a breach can help employees understand the importance of cybersecurity. Acknowledge Fatigue As you’re developing a culture that encourages everyone to take responsibility for cybersecurity, occasionally acknowledge that security can be tiring. It’s true. Cybersecurity fatigue is real. Every new security layer can be perceived as another barrier to serving customers or taking care of employees. Or it can be viewed as one of the best ways to ensure the company’s work will continue. How CRU Solutions Helps Your Team Avoid Cybersecurity Fatigue CRU Solutions’ approach to cybersecurity includes layered technical tools, proven email security, and relevant staff training to help block threats. To learn more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.   By Janet Gehring February 12, 2026    ", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/10133434/Risk-Management-.jpg", "modified": "2026-03-13T08:59:35-05:00" }, { "id": 22386, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/when-to-follow-new-technology-recommendations-from-your-it-firm/", "title": "When to Follow Your IT Firm’s Recommendations", "h1": "When to Follow Your IT Firm’s Recommendations", "summary": "Are new technology recommendations right for your business? Here are tips on following your IT firm’s advice.", "content": "

Do you ever get frustrated when your IT provider suggests a new tool or service? Maybe you wonder if it’s really necessary or just a shiny new object? If so, you’re not alone. Here are some tips on when to follow new technology recommendations from your IT firm.

To Keep Up With Current Technology

Ideally, your IT firm stays current and looks for opportunities to help you improve efficiency, streamline operations, and improve security.

If you have a strong relationship with your IT provider, they understand where you’re taking your business. Their new technology recommendations will align with your goals now or in the future.

Responsible IT firms (and their clients) are not interested in shiny, new technology simply for its own sake.

To Understand the Impact of AI 

Using AI is revolutionary for business. In just two short years, AI has gone mainstream. ChatGPT alone has over 1 million businesses around the world as customers, and that doesn’t include all the other AI apps available to businesses of all sizes.

AI is driving new tools for businesses of all sizes. No company is “too small” to use AI. It can help automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, generate sales and marketing tools, and enable better decision-making using advance analytics.

In fact, it’s a powerful tool to help level the playing field for smaller organizations.

To Better Integrate With Legacy Systems 

New technology alone doesn’t solve everything. Ideally, you’ll gradually integrate new technology into your existing systems. This helps you plan and budget for necessary phase-outs of outdated tech and avoids starting from scratch every few years.

However, if you’re reluctant to make gradual updates to your tech, eventually you may discover current systems can no longer be upgraded. In that case, you’re looking at potentially significant expense and disruption. You can avoid technical debt with regular tech reviews and purposeful upgrades.

Listen and Learn, but the Decision Is Yours 

 How do you know when to follow new technology recommendations?

Your IT firm should assess your business needs, offer an evaluation of costs and benefits, and clearly describe how the new tech will be implemented. Always ask for the information you need to make the most informed decision you can.

Consider these questions as part of your evaluation:

Is your current technology “good enough”? It might be for now. Maybe the time isn’t right to change immediately because of staffing, budget, or other constraints. In this case, add a timeline to your technology roadmap so you can be proactive in the coming months or years.

Ultimately, combine your own judgment and business knowledge with your IT firm’s expertise. Work together to make effective decisions for your goals and budget.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help your business plan for new IT, contact us.

 

By Janet Gehring
December 29, 2025

 

", "content_plain": "Do you ever get frustrated when your IT provider suggests a new tool or service? Maybe you wonder if it’s really necessary or just a shiny new object? If so, you’re not alone. Here are some tips on when to follow new technology recommendations from your IT firm. To Keep Up With Current Technology Ideally, your IT firm stays current and looks for opportunities to help you improve efficiency, streamline operations, and improve security. If you have a strong relationship with your IT provider, they understand where you’re taking your business. Their new technology recommendations will align with your goals now or in the future. Responsible IT firms (and their clients) are not interested in shiny, new technology simply for its own sake. To Understand the Impact of AI Using AI is revolutionary for business. In just two short years, AI has gone mainstream. ChatGPT alone has over 1 million businesses around the world as customers, and that doesn’t include all the other AI apps available to businesses of all sizes. AI is driving new tools for businesses of all sizes. No company is “too small” to use AI. It can help automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, generate sales and marketing tools, and enable better decision-making using advance analytics. In fact, it’s a powerful tool to help level the playing field for smaller organizations. To Better Integrate With Legacy Systems New technology alone doesn’t solve everything. Ideally, you’ll gradually integrate new technology into your existing systems. This helps you plan and budget for necessary phase-outs of outdated tech and avoids starting from scratch every few years. However, if you’re reluctant to make gradual updates to your tech, eventually you may discover current systems can no longer be upgraded. In that case, you’re looking at potentially significant expense and disruption. You can avoid technical debt with regular tech reviews and purposeful upgrades. Listen and Learn, but the Decision Is Yours How do you know when to follow new technology recommendations? Your IT firm should assess your business needs, offer an evaluation of costs and benefits, and clearly describe how the new tech will be implemented. Always ask for the information you need to make the most informed decision you can. Consider these questions as part of your evaluation: Do I value following IT best practices to improve efficiency, security, and our competitive advantage? Will these changes help my business meet legal or regulatory IT compliance standards? Has my IT firm backed up their advice with sound reasoning and shown how it helps meet my overall business objectives? What are the potential risks if we don’t implement the new technology? Is your current technology “good enough”? It might be for now. Maybe the time isn’t right to change immediately because of staffing, budget, or other constraints. In this case, add a timeline to your technology roadmap so you can be proactive in the coming months or years. Ultimately, combine your own judgment and business knowledge with your IT firm’s expertise. Work together to make effective decisions for your goals and budget. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help your business plan for new IT, contact us.   By Janet Gehring December 29, 2025  ", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/10133435/New-Technology-Recommendations.jpg", "modified": "2026-04-24T10:13:27-05:00" }, { "id": 22384, "type": "videos", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/videos/why-encryption-makes-sense-for-small-businesses/", "title": "Why Encryption Makes Sense for Small Businesses", "h1": "Why Encryption Makes Sense for Small Businesses", "summary": "Encrypting your business data is one of the simplest and strongest ways to protect sensitive information. Here’s how to get started.", "content": "

Encryption Helps Lock Down Your Data

Encryption makes sense for small businesses because it’s one of the simplest and strongest ways to protect sensitive information.

You wouldn’t leave payroll files on a desk for anyone to look at. Encryption helps protect digital data from being exposed to anyone who virtually “walks by”.

In this video, we break down what encryption is, why it matters, and how it keeps your business safer from hackers.

You’ll learn:

Managed IT services from CRU Solutions help keep your business safer. Contact us!

", "content_plain": "Encryption Helps Lock Down Your Data Encryption makes sense for small businesses because it’s one of the simplest and strongest ways to protect sensitive information. You wouldn’t leave payroll files on a desk for anyone to look at. Encryption helps protect digital data from being exposed to anyone who virtually “walks by”. In this video, we break down what encryption is, why it matters, and how it keeps your business safer from hackers. You’ll learn: What unencrypted data looks like to cybercriminals How encryption scrambles information into unreadable code Why even small businesses are prime targets for attacks Common myths about encryption (and the truth behind them) Practical ways to apply encryption across laptops, cloud storage, emails, and more. Managed IT services from CRU Solutions help keep your business safer. Contact us!", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Encryption-Explained-Thumbnail.webp", "modified": "2026-03-10T13:48:33-05:00" }, { "id": 22381, "type": "videos", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/videos/ai-for-small-businesses-benefits-risks-how-to-stay-safe/", "title": "Benefits and Risks of AI for Small Businesses", "h1": "Benefits and Risks of AI for Small Businesses", "summary": "Here’s an overview of what AI can do for your business, the risks to avoid, and how to use it safely.", "content": "

AI for Small Businesses

AI is everywhere — but what does it really mean for small businesses?

In this video, we break down what AI can do for your business, the risks to avoid, and how to use it safely.

Discover how AI can help:

But AI also has its challenges, including:

Finally, we’ll show you how to implement AI safely, with trusted tools, team policies, and human oversight.

Reach out to see how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer!

", "content_plain": "AI for Small Businesses AI is everywhere — but what does it really mean for small businesses? In this video, we break down what AI can do for your business, the risks to avoid, and how to use it safely. Discover how AI can help: Automate repetitive tasks Improve customer service with chatbots Make smarter business decisions But AI also has its challenges, including: Data privacy and compliance risks Inaccurate outputs that can hurt decision-making AI-powered cyber threats like advanced phishing Finally, we’ll show you how to implement AI safely, with trusted tools, team policies, and human oversight. Reach out to see how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer!", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AI-for-Small-Businesses-Thumbnail.webp", "modified": "2026-03-10T13:48:53-05:00" }, { "id": 22346, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/logins-deepfakes-phishing-how-to-avoid-cybersecurity-fatigue/", "title": "Logins, Deepfakes, Phishing: How to Avoid Cybersecurity Fatigue", "h1": "Logins, Deepfakes, Phishing: How to Avoid Cybersecurity Fatigue", "summary": "Cybersecurity fatigue is real, and it brings risk. Here are steps you can take to avoid cybersecurity fatigue on your own terms.", "content": "

Cybersecurity fatigue is real. If you’ve ever thought in exasperation, “Not another 2FA code!”, join the club. However, cybersecurity fatigue brings risk. When we stop caring, cybercriminals start winning.

Here are steps you can take to avoid cybersecurity fatigue and do it on your own terms.

What is cybersecurity fatigue?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines security fatigue as “a weariness or reluctance to deal with computer security.”

Way back in 2016, a NIST study found that a majority of the typical computer users they interviewed experienced security fatigue. As one of the study’s research subjects said about computer security, “I don’t pay any attention to those things anymore…People get weary from being bombarded by ‘watch out for this or watch out for that.’”

Not surprisingly, this attitude leads users to risky computing behavior both at work and at home.

If security fatigue was already measurable in 2016, with the sophisticated threats we face now it stands to reason that the feelings of fatigue are exponentially greater today.

Of course, we’d all like to think we’re smarter today and less likely to be tricked. So maybe we don’t need to pay so much attention? A careless attitude is exactly what cybercriminals are counting on.

The same mindset that makes us fatigued is also our best defense against cyber threats. The greatest risks come when we think we know it all or we just don’t care.

What’s an Emotional Firewall?

You’ve probably heard of a human firewall, but what about an emotional firewall? While the two are similar, the emotional firewall helps give you the frame of mind to take smart actions and avoid cybersecurity fatigue on your own terms.

Emotional firewalls are the psychological and cultural reflexes that help people pause before reacting, question before complying, and think clearly under stress. These aren’t buzzwords—they’re real capabilities built through deliberate practice and training.

An emotional firewall is a set of mental and cultural defenses that protect us from manipulation and harm in cybersecurity, similar to how a technical firewall protects a network. It involves understanding our personal responsibility for cybersecurity, willingly participating in training, and encouraging a positive cybersecurity culture throughout the organization.

The goal is for everyone to recognize and resist social engineering tactics, speak up about risks, and make sound decisions under pressure, thereby strengthening the organization’s human firewall against attacks.

How to Build an Emotional Firewall 

The first step is to recognize and acknowledge that every one of us behind a keyboard has responsibility for our own cybersecurity. Remember, it IS a skill to develop and continually hone – not generally something that comes naturally. And in the new era of sophisticated AI cyber risks, refining your emotional firewall is even more important.

Here are three steps to developing an Emotional Firewall:

Avoid Cybersecurity Fatigue 

Technology can’t stop everything, so people will continue to be the backbone of any cybersecurity infrastructure. Use patience, common sense, and your cybersecurity training to maintain your own emotional firewall. Follow policies, and quickly report if you click on, reply to, or otherwise interact with a potential scam, even if you’re not sure. Your diligence will help keep you and your organization safer.

Security fatigue causes risks, and hackers are counting on us to be careless. As the saying goes, “Hackers only need to get it right once. We need to get it right every time.” Develop and use your emotional firewall every day, reduce cybersecurity fatigue, and play an active role in keeping your organization safer from cyberattacks.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

 

By Janet Gehring
October 16, 2025
", "content_plain": "Cybersecurity fatigue is real. If you’ve ever thought in exasperation, “Not another 2FA code!”, join the club. However, cybersecurity fatigue brings risk. When we stop caring, cybercriminals start winning. Here are steps you can take to avoid cybersecurity fatigue and do it on your own terms. What is cybersecurity fatigue? The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines security fatigue as “a weariness or reluctance to deal with computer security.” Way back in 2016, a NIST study found that a majority of the typical computer users they interviewed experienced security fatigue. As one of the study’s research subjects said about computer security, “I don’t pay any attention to those things anymore…People get weary from being bombarded by ‘watch out for this or watch out for that.’” Not surprisingly, this attitude leads users to risky computing behavior both at work and at home. If security fatigue was already measurable in 2016, with the sophisticated threats we face now it stands to reason that the feelings of fatigue are exponentially greater today. Of course, we’d all like to think we’re smarter today and less likely to be tricked. So maybe we don’t need to pay so much attention? A careless attitude is exactly what cybercriminals are counting on. The same mindset that makes us fatigued is also our best defense against cyber threats. The greatest risks come when we think we know it all or we just don’t care. What’s an Emotional Firewall? You’ve probably heard of a human firewall, but what about an emotional firewall? While the two are similar, the emotional firewall helps give you the frame of mind to take smart actions and avoid cybersecurity fatigue on your own terms. Emotional firewalls are the psychological and cultural reflexes that help people pause before reacting, question before complying, and think clearly under stress. These aren’t buzzwords—they’re real capabilities built through deliberate practice and training. An emotional firewall is a set of mental and cultural defenses that protect us from manipulation and harm in cybersecurity, similar to how a technical firewall protects a network. It involves understanding our personal responsibility for cybersecurity, willingly participating in training, and encouraging a positive cybersecurity culture throughout the organization. The goal is for everyone to recognize and resist social engineering tactics, speak up about risks, and make sound decisions under pressure, thereby strengthening the organization’s human firewall against attacks. How to Build an Emotional Firewall The first step is to recognize and acknowledge that every one of us behind a keyboard has responsibility for our own cybersecurity. Remember, it IS a skill to develop and continually hone – not generally something that comes naturally. And in the new era of sophisticated AI cyber risks, refining your emotional firewall is even more important. Here are three steps to developing an Emotional Firewall: Accept Personal Responsibility: Care about your responsibility to help protect your organization. Avoid multitasking, since being distracted makes you particularly vulnerable to phishing attacks. Take a moment to pay attention to incoming information and avoid acting impulsively. Willingly Participate in Training: The risk landscape changes daily, and cybersecurity training keeps you sharp. Even short video trainings once a month are valuable reminders, so don’t skip training! Encourage a Positive Cybersecurity Awareness Culture: A positive culture drives the values that determine the importance of cybersecurity awareness in your organization, and everyone has a role in its success. Importantly, this includes creating an environment for learning, not blaming, so everyone is comfortable reporting security concerns and asking questions. Avoid Cybersecurity Fatigue Technology can’t stop everything, so people will continue to be the backbone of any cybersecurity infrastructure. Use patience, common sense, and your cybersecurity training to maintain your own emotional firewall. Follow policies, and quickly report if you click on, reply to, or otherwise interact with a potential scam, even if you’re not sure. Your diligence will help keep you and your organization safer. Security fatigue causes risks, and hackers are counting on us to be careless. As the saying goes, “Hackers only need to get it right once. We need to get it right every time.” Develop and use your emotional firewall every day, reduce cybersecurity fatigue, and play an active role in keeping your organization safer from cyberattacks. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.   By Janet Gehring October 16, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/10133435/Security-Fatigue-.jpg", "modified": "2025-10-17T07:29:05-05:00" }, { "id": 21030, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-quickly-can-your-password-be-hacked/", "title": "How Quickly Can Your Password Be Hacked?", "h1": "How Quickly Can Your Password Be Hacked?", "summary": "How quickly can your password be hacked? It depends. Here's how to create secure passwords and improve your cyber defense.", "content": "

Can your password be hacked quickly?

Can your password be hacked quickly? It depends. Hackers use sophisticated knowledge and tools to try and crack passwords. You can make it harder for them by using multi-factor authentication, complex passphrases, or passwords created at random by a password manager.

Research from Hive Systems shows the relative strength of a password against a brute force cracking attempt, based on the password’s length and complexity:

\"\"

Make Your Passwords Harder to Hack  

CRU Solutions can help protect your business from cybercriminals. Contact us!

Updated August 21, 2025

 

", "content_plain": "Can your password be hacked quickly? Can your password be hacked quickly? It depends. Hackers use sophisticated knowledge and tools to try and crack passwords. You can make it harder for them by using multi-factor authentication, complex passphrases, or passwords created at random by a password manager. Research from Hive Systems shows the relative strength of a password against a brute force cracking attempt, based on the password’s length and complexity: Make Your Passwords Harder to Hack Always use multi-factor authentication. Using MFA can encourage a hacker to move on to an easier target. Consider using a password manager to create longer, randomly-generated passwords. If you create your own passwords, use passphrases that include a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols. Be sure to avoid using personal information that could be easily discovered by hackers on social media profiles or other online sources. Try to use long passwords with a minimum of 8-15 characters. ALWAYS use a different password for every online account. If you discover a password has been found on the dark web, change the password and never use it again. Don’t share your passwords. CRU Solutions can help protect your business from cybercriminals. Contact us! Updated August 21, 2025  ", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/10133441/password-hacked-quickly.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-21T14:14:55-05:00" }, { "id": 22124, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/videos/", "title": "Videos & Insights", "h1": "Videos & Insights", "summary": "Check out these video resources to learn more about business IT and cybersecurity concerns. Pick up helpful tips in just a few minutes!", "content": "
\"Hiring

Your Resource for Business IT Videos and Insights

Keeping up with IT trends, security risks, and best practices can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created this library of short, easy-to-understand videos to help small business owners make smarter technology decisions.

Each video is under three minutes so you can learn on your schedule anytime.

Ready to learn?
Watch now, visit the CRU Solutions YouTube Channel for more, or contact our team today.

\"5 Video

5 Reasons Small Businesses Need an MSP

Here’s why small businesses should work with a managed IT services provider (MSP). Learn how working with an MSP can help your business thrive!

View \"IT Video

Why IT Compliance Matters for Small Businesses

Here’s how IT compliance is critical to protecting customer trust, avoiding costly fines, and keeping operations running smoothly.

View \"Small Video

Small Business IT Planning and Budgeting: How to Get Started

Small business IT planning and budgeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Get started with these eight areas.

View \"why Video

Why Encryption Makes Sense for Small Businesses

Encrypting your business data is one of the simplest and strongest ways to protect sensitive information. Here’s how to get started.

View \"AI Video

Benefits and Risks of AI for Small Businesses

Here’s an overview of what AI can do for your business, the risks to avoid, and how to use it safely.

View \"zero Video

Zero Trust 101 for Small Businesses

How Zero Trust works, why it’s not just for big corporations, and how small businesses can start implementing a Zero Trust strategy right now.

View \"cybersecurity Video

Why Cybersecurity Training Matters More Than Ever

Here’s why cybersecurity training is essential for small businesses—including stats, common threats, and what’s really at risk.

View \"social Video

Social Media Security Tips Every Business Needs

Social media is great for business, but it’s also a goldmine for cybercriminals. Explore these social media security tips for your business.

View \"disaster Video

How Disaster Recovery Safeguards Small Businesses

Disaster recovery basics are key to your overall IT security. Don’t wait until it’s too late – learn about simple data recovery strategies.

View \"data Video

Why Small Businesses Need Data Backup

Learn about backup solutions, the benefits of having a backup plan, and how to securely store your data offsite.

View

Ready to Take Your IT to the Next Level? Trust CRU Solutions for High-Quality Managed IT Services

Navigating managed IT services can be easier. Since 1982, we’ve been helping small businesses like yours.

Our experienced team is here to assist with anything from quick support calls to designing complete IT infrastructures from the ground up. We’ll talk through the pros and cons so your team will have the right technology, at the right time, at the right price. Reach out to us for secure, trusted IT services and support in the Northeast Ohio area.

", "content_plain": "Your Resource for Business IT Videos and Insights Keeping up with IT trends, security risks, and best practices can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created this library of short, easy-to-understand videos to help small business owners make smarter technology decisions. Each video is under three minutes so you can learn on your schedule anytime. Ready to learn? Watch now, visit the CRU Solutions YouTube Channel for more, or contact our team today. Video 5 Reasons Small Businesses Need an MSP Here’s why small businesses should work with a managed IT services provider (MSP). Learn how working with an MSP can help your business thrive! View Video Why IT Compliance Matters for Small Businesses Here’s how IT compliance is critical to protecting customer trust, avoiding costly fines, and keeping operations running smoothly. View Video Small Business IT Planning and Budgeting: How to Get Started Small business IT planning and budgeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Get started with these eight areas. View Video Why Encryption Makes Sense for Small Businesses Encrypting your business data is one of the simplest and strongest ways to protect sensitive information. Here’s how to get started. View Video Benefits and Risks of AI for Small Businesses Here’s an overview of what AI can do for your business, the risks to avoid, and how to use it safely. View Video Zero Trust 101 for Small Businesses How Zero Trust works, why it’s not just for big corporations, and how small businesses can start implementing a Zero Trust strategy right now. View Video Why Cybersecurity Training Matters More Than Ever Here’s why cybersecurity training is essential for small businesses—including stats, common threats, and what’s really at risk. View Video Social Media Security Tips Every Business Needs Social media is great for business, but it’s also a goldmine for cybercriminals. Explore these social media security tips for your business. View Video How Disaster Recovery Safeguards Small Businesses Disaster recovery basics are key to your overall IT security. Don’t wait until it’s too late – learn about simple data recovery strategies. View Video Why Small Businesses Need Data Backup Learn about backup solutions, the benefits of having a backup plan, and how to securely store your data offsite. View Ready to Take Your IT to the Next Level? Trust CRU Solutions for High-Quality Managed IT Services Navigating managed IT services can be easier. Since 1982, we’ve been helping small businesses like yours. Our experienced team is here to assist with anything from quick support calls to designing complete IT infrastructures from the ground up. We’ll talk through the pros and cons so your team will have the right technology, at the right time, at the right price. Reach out to us for secure, trusted IT services and support in the Northeast Ohio area.", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/10133455/IT-implementation.jpg", "modified": "2026-03-26T09:14:59-05:00" }, { "id": 20906, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/four-ways-to-protect-against-phishing-attacks/", "title": "Four Ways to Protect Against Phishing Attacks", "h1": "Four Ways to Protect Against Phishing Attacks", "summary": "Did you know phishing attacks are still the most common approach for cybercriminals? They're common because they work. Here are four ways to help protect your business.", "content": "

Did you know phishing attacks are still the most common approach for cybercriminals? Everyone’s at risk, including small businesses that may not have solid cybersecurity tools in place. As part of a layered security approach, here are four ways to protect against phishing attacks. Talk with your IT provider about how to implement them in your business.

How to Protect Against Phishing Attacks

Train Your Team To Be a Human Firewall

Cybercriminals are clever. They find their way around even the most sophisticated technology. So, each one of us is the last line of defense when it comes to avoiding cyberattacks. And since we’re human, “one and done” training isn’t enough.

Ongoing, simulated phishing tests can remind everyone how to avoid dangerous emails. Clicking on a test and receiving an “Oops, you clicked” message is a potent reminder to be careful.

Use short, online training modules tailored to address key risks to your organization. Maybe the idea of “tailgating,” or letting someone in the door who shouldn’t be there, doesn’t apply to your company because you’re small and everyone knows everyone. But, reminders to avoid public wi-fi or how protect mobile devices are absolutely relevant.

Don’t underestimate the value of training. Companies that use ongoing phishing testing and training are less likely to become a victim of phishing attacks.

Create More Secure Logins

Making the extra effort to keep your logins secure encourages cybercriminals to move on to an easier target. Consider implementing a password manager, multi-factor authentication, and Dark Web monitoring as deterrents.

Password managers help you generate, store and retrieve unique passwords for both local applications and online accounts in an encrypted database, or vault. The only password you need to remember is the one that unlocks the vault. Easy!

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an additional secure layer after a username or password, often a code to your smartphone, to your username and password at login. While it takes an extra step when you log in, the extra security it worth it.

Dark Web monitoring notifies you if your username and password are found on the Dark Web. Credentials on the Dark Web are usually for sale to the bad guys. When you know the risk, you can change those credentials and render them useless.

Keep Dangerous (but Convincing) Emails Out of Inboxes

Spam filters are effective, but they don’t catch everything. Robust anti-phishing tools like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint help keep dangerous, but very convincing, emails from ever reaching your Inbox. After all, what you don’t see, you can’t click.

Another option is using a phishing awareness coaching tool to help your team identify potentially dangerous emails. A tool like this flags every email with a banner based on risk (“Internal”, “Caution”, “Danger,” etc.) and the user can easily take action, such as marking it as spam and blocking all future emails from that send address. Phishing coaching reduces the risk of a user carelessly interacting with a harmful email.

Ensure Reliable Backups to Help Avoid Paying a Ransom

Your staff is trained, credentials are secure, and you’ve added anti-phishing technology. You’ve greatly reduced the risk of falling victim to a phishing email that results in ransomware. Still, nothing is foolproof and unfortunately mistakes happen.

While some prominent companies have chosen to pay the ransom, best practice is to avoid paying whenever you can.

With solid backups in place, you can restore locked or corrupted data with minimum loss. Remember to backup both your network AND email. CRU’s backup-as-a-service includes an onsite backup that is replicated off-site for disaster recovery purposes. We can retrieve anything from a single file deleted by mistake to restoring your entire network from scratch.

It’s a common misconception that Microsoft backs up M365 email. There are quality tools on the market to backup and restore email, contacts, calendars, OneDrive and SharePoint. Choose one that’s best for your team and compliance requirements.

Even with reliable backups, if data has been exfiltrated and the cybercriminals are threatening to expose it, you’ll need to factor that risk into your decision whether or not to pay.

Plan to Protect Against Phishing Attacks

In line with your priorities and budget, work toward addressing these four ways to protect against phishing attacks. You don’t need to implement everything at once. Every layer you add will improve your chances of avoiding a cyberattack.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated July 23, 2025
", "content_plain": "Did you know phishing attacks are still the most common approach for cybercriminals? Everyone’s at risk, including small businesses that may not have solid cybersecurity tools in place. As part of a layered security approach, here are four ways to protect against phishing attacks. Talk with your IT provider about how to implement them in your business. How to Protect Against Phishing Attacks Train Your Team To Be a Human Firewall Cybercriminals are clever. They find their way around even the most sophisticated technology. So, each one of us is the last line of defense when it comes to avoiding cyberattacks. And since we’re human, “one and done” training isn’t enough. Ongoing, simulated phishing tests can remind everyone how to avoid dangerous emails. Clicking on a test and receiving an “Oops, you clicked” message is a potent reminder to be careful. Use short, online training modules tailored to address key risks to your organization. Maybe the idea of “tailgating,” or letting someone in the door who shouldn’t be there, doesn’t apply to your company because you’re small and everyone knows everyone. But, reminders to avoid public wi-fi or how protect mobile devices are absolutely relevant. Don’t underestimate the value of training. Companies that use ongoing phishing testing and training are less likely to become a victim of phishing attacks. Create More Secure Logins Making the extra effort to keep your logins secure encourages cybercriminals to move on to an easier target. Consider implementing a password manager, multi-factor authentication, and Dark Web monitoring as deterrents. Password managers help you generate, store and retrieve unique passwords for both local applications and online accounts in an encrypted database, or vault. The only password you need to remember is the one that unlocks the vault. Easy! Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an additional secure layer after a username or password, often a code to your smartphone, to your username and password at login. While it takes an extra step when you log in, the extra security it worth it. Dark Web monitoring notifies you if your username and password are found on the Dark Web. Credentials on the Dark Web are usually for sale to the bad guys. When you know the risk, you can change those credentials and render them useless. Keep Dangerous (but Convincing) Emails Out of Inboxes Spam filters are effective, but they don’t catch everything. Robust anti-phishing tools like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint help keep dangerous, but very convincing, emails from ever reaching your Inbox. After all, what you don’t see, you can’t click. Another option is using a phishing awareness coaching tool to help your team identify potentially dangerous emails. A tool like this flags every email with a banner based on risk (“Internal”, “Caution”, “Danger,” etc.) and the user can easily take action, such as marking it as spam and blocking all future emails from that send address. Phishing coaching reduces the risk of a user carelessly interacting with a harmful email. Ensure Reliable Backups to Help Avoid Paying a Ransom Your staff is trained, credentials are secure, and you’ve added anti-phishing technology. You’ve greatly reduced the risk of falling victim to a phishing email that results in ransomware. Still, nothing is foolproof and unfortunately mistakes happen. While some prominent companies have chosen to pay the ransom, best practice is to avoid paying whenever you can. With solid backups in place, you can restore locked or corrupted data with minimum loss. Remember to backup both your network AND email. CRU’s backup-as-a-service includes an onsite backup that is replicated off-site for disaster recovery purposes. We can retrieve anything from a single file deleted by mistake to restoring your entire network from scratch. It’s a common misconception that Microsoft backs up M365 email. There are quality tools on the market to backup and restore email, contacts, calendars, OneDrive and SharePoint. Choose one that’s best for your team and compliance requirements. Even with reliable backups, if data has been exfiltrated and the cybercriminals are threatening to expose it, you’ll need to factor that risk into your decision whether or not to pay. Plan to Protect Against Phishing Attacks In line with your priorities and budget, work toward addressing these four ways to protect against phishing attacks. You don’t need to implement everything at once. Every layer you add will improve your chances of avoiding a cyberattack. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated July 23, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/10133443/bigstock-Computer-Data-Stealing-Data-B-464408633.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-14T13:59:45-05:00" }, { "id": 21956, "type": "videos", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/videos/zero-trust-101-small-businesses/", "title": "Zero Trust 101 for Small Businesses", "h1": "Zero Trust 101 for Small Businesses", "summary": "How Zero Trust works, why it's not just for big corporations, and how small businesses can start implementing a Zero Trust strategy right now.", "content": "

Zero Trust 101

In Zero Trust 101, we break down how Zero Trust works, why it’s not just for big corporations, and how small businesses can start implementing a Zero Trust strategy right now.

This video will help you:

Want to know more? Check out “Why You Should Implement Zero Trust Cybersecurity” on our blog.

Reach out to learn more about how a Zero Trust approach can benefit your business.

", "content_plain": "Zero Trust 101 In Zero Trust 101, we break down how Zero Trust works, why it’s not just for big corporations, and how small businesses can start implementing a Zero Trust strategy right now. This video will help you: Understand the Zero Trust security model Learn how Zero Trust reduces risk and protects your data Discover steps your business can take today — without breaking your budget Debunk common myths Want to know more? Check out “Why You Should Implement Zero Trust Cybersecurity” on our blog. Reach out to learn more about how a Zero Trust approach can benefit your business.", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Zero-Trust-Thumbnail.png", "modified": "2026-03-27T11:13:56-05:00" }, { "id": 21951, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/passkeys-101-the-future-beyond-passwords/", "title": "Passkeys 101: The Future Beyond Passwords", "h1": "Passkeys 101: The Future Beyond Passwords", "summary": "Should you ditch your passwords now and create passkeys instead? The short answer is maybe. ", "content": "

Have you noticed more of your favorite apps giving you the option to set up a passkey to sign in? Our clients are asking if they should ditch their passwords now and create passkeys instead. The short answer is maybe. Passkeys are more secure than passwords, but here’s what you should know before you jump in.

What is a passkey?

Passkeys have been described as digital secret handshakes. In short, a passkey is a generated code consisting of two cryptographic keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. The public key is stored with the application or website, while the private key is stored locally on your device, which can be your phone, computer or tablet.

When you log in, you prove it’s you by your face scan, fingerprint, PIN, or however you’d usually unlock your device. The two keys communicate with each other and when they verify, you’re signed in!

How Passkeys Are More Secure Than Passwords

Creating and keeping track of secure passwords is challenging. Passwords can be hacked, stolen, and sold, and we may not even know when or how. Microsoft reported that last year it observed a staggering 7,000 password attacks per second. Even using multifactor authentication, password authentication is still vulnerable to attack.

By contrast, passkeys are:

Using passkeys increases protection against phishing attacks, reduces the risk of account takeovers, and can even improve regulatory compliance. But there are a few drawbacks.

Current Passkey Challenges and Limitations

While there are clear benefits to passkeys, widespread adoption of the technology is moving slowly and is expected to take years. We’ll all be learning as we go.

A few of the current challenges include:

However, our advice is to not disable usernames and passwords right away, especially as you’re learning to use passkeys. If you remove the option to use a username and password and something goes wrong, you could be permanently locked out of your account.

A better approach is to increase your password length, enable MFA on the account, and only use your username and password as an “emergency unlock” to the account. Should you need to “break the glass”, setup a new passkey and then change your password again. This effectively makes your password one-time use only and less likely to be compromised.

How to Get Started Using Passkeys

 Start by setting up passkeys on one or two accounts as a test.

  1. Enable a Passkey-Compatible Account
    Some accounts will give you the option to set up a passkey after you sign in with your traditional username and password. Or, log in to your account settings and look for the “Passkey” or “Passwordless” option.
  2. Note Where Your Passkey is Stored and How It’s Synced
    Know which device your passkey is stored on and understand if it’s synced across your ecosystem (for example, iCloud Passwords & Keychain for Apple devices or Google Password Manager for Android and Chrome users). If it’s synced, you can log in on your laptop using a passkey stored on your phone, or vice versa, as long as you’re in the same ecosystem.
  3. Consider Using a Cross-Platform Password Manager
    If you use multiple platforms, a third-party password manager (like Keeper) can help you access your passkeys across devices and ecosystems. Generally, we suggest using a specialized password manager rather than a browser-based manager as an additional security layer. But nothing is foolproof, and all password managers come with their own risks.

Passkeys represent a major step forward in online security, offering a future where login credentials can’t be guessed, stolen, or phished. As passkeys become the new standard, expect increased pressure from cyberattackers on any accounts still protected by passwords or other phishable sign-in methods. Over time, passkeys are likely to replace traditional passwords, helping keep everyone safer.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

 

By Janet Gehring
June 19, 2025
", "content_plain": "Have you noticed more of your favorite apps giving you the option to set up a passkey to sign in? Our clients are asking if they should ditch their passwords now and create passkeys instead. The short answer is maybe. Passkeys are more secure than passwords, but here’s what you should know before you jump in. What is a passkey? Passkeys have been described as digital secret handshakes. In short, a passkey is a generated code consisting of two cryptographic keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. The public key is stored with the application or website, while the private key is stored locally on your device, which can be your phone, computer or tablet. When you log in, you prove it’s you by your face scan, fingerprint, PIN, or however you’d usually unlock your device. The two keys communicate with each other and when they verify, you’re signed in! How Passkeys Are More Secure Than Passwords Creating and keeping track of secure passwords is challenging. Passwords can be hacked, stolen, and sold, and we may not even know when or how. Microsoft reported that last year it observed a staggering 7,000 password attacks per second. Even using multifactor authentication, password authentication is still vulnerable to attack. By contrast, passkeys are: Phishing-Resistant: Since passkeys don’t involve typing anything in, there’s nothing for attackers to steal via fake login pages. Unique Per Site: Each passkey works only with the site or app it was created for, so it can’t be used across multiple accounts and is useless even if it’s intercepted. Securely Stored: The private key never leaves your device and is protected by biometrics or your device PIN. If the public key on the website or app is breached, it’s useless to cybercriminals without the accompanying private key, which would require the cybercriminal having physical access to your device. Quicker to Use: Logins are at least 2x faster using passkeys than passwords with multifactor authentication. Using passkeys increases protection against phishing attacks, reduces the risk of account takeovers, and can even improve regulatory compliance. But there are a few drawbacks. Current Passkey Challenges and Limitations While there are clear benefits to passkeys, widespread adoption of the technology is moving slowly and is expected to take years. We’ll all be learning as we go. A few of the current challenges include: Learning Curve: For non-technical users, the concept of a passkey and how it differs from a password might be confusing at first. Clearer education and user-friendly interfaces are still evolving. Limited Compatibility: Because passkeys are tied to specific devices, managing them across different operating systems and device types can be complex. For example, if you use a Windows PC to generate a passkey and you want to log in to that account from your iPhone, you’ll need a service that enables you to sync your passkey across devices, such as a password manager. Without such a service, you’d still need to have the original device with you to authenticate. Remembering Where They’re Stored: Since passkeys live on specific devices or within specific ecosystems (like iCloud, Google or Microsoft), it can be tricky to remember where you set them up, especially as you’re learning to use them. For example, you could have the Windows PC tied to your biometrics on your laptop and a separate passkey for the same site tied to your iPhone. Device Loss or Upgrade: If you lose access to your primary device and haven’t synced your passkeys to the cloud, recovering them could be difficult. Ensuring your passkeys are backed up or accessible via a trusted service is crucial. Challenging to Remove: Some sites do not allow you to name passkeys. If you try to “clean up” older passkeys you may have to guess which passkey is for which device. Be careful here because deleting the wrong one may lock you out. Not for Shared or Public Devices: Avoid setting up passkeys on a machine you share with someone else. Since the passkey is bound to the device, anyone with access to the device can potentially use the passkey. Limited Availability: Major players like Google, Apple, Microsoft and Amazon already encourage using passkeys. Still, while the number of passkey-friendly sites and apps is growing, there’s a long way to go. Less-Secure Password Option May Remain: Even if you set up a passkey, most software will allow you to keep password authentication, too. Some still require the username and password and then use the passkey for MFA. Strictly speaking, it’s safest to disable the option for password authentication if your site or software allows it. However, our advice is to not disable usernames and passwords right away, especially as you’re learning to use passkeys. If you remove the option to use a username and password and something goes wrong, you could be permanently locked out of your account. A better approach is to increase your password length, enable MFA on the account, and only use your username and password as an “emergency unlock” to the account. Should you need to “break the glass”, setup a new passkey and then change your password again. This effectively makes your password one-time use only and less likely to be compromised. How to Get Started Using Passkeys Start by setting up passkeys on one or two accounts as a test. Enable a Passkey-Compatible Account Some accounts will give you the option to set up a passkey after you sign in with your traditional username and password. Or, log in to your account settings and look for the “Passkey” or “Passwordless” option. Note Where Your Passkey is Stored and How It’s Synced Know which device your passkey is stored on and understand if it’s synced across your ecosystem (for example, iCloud Passwords & Keychain for Apple devices or Google Password Manager for Android and Chrome users). If it’s synced, you can log in on your laptop using a passkey stored on your phone, or vice versa, as long as you’re in the same ecosystem. Consider Using a Cross-Platform Password Manager If you use multiple platforms, a third-party password manager (like Keeper) can help you access your passkeys across devices and ecosystems. Generally, we suggest using a specialized password manager rather than a browser-based manager as an additional security layer. But nothing is foolproof, and all password managers come with their own risks. Passkeys represent a major step forward in online security, offering a future where login credentials can’t be guessed, stolen, or phished. As passkeys become the new standard, expect increased pressure from cyberattackers on any accounts still protected by passwords or other phishable sign-in methods. Over time, passkeys are likely to replace traditional passwords, helping keep everyone safer. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.   By Janet Gehring June 19, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/10133438/Passkeys.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-21T16:09:00-05:00" }, { "id": 21960, "type": "videos", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/videos/why-cybersecurity-training-matters-more-than-ever/", "title": "Why Cybersecurity Training Matters More Than Ever", "h1": "Why Cybersecurity Training Matters More Than Ever", "summary": "Here's why cybersecurity training is essential for small businesses—including stats, common threats, and what’s really at risk.", "content": "

Why Cybersecurity Training Matters

Think your small business is “too small” to be targeted by hackers? Think again.

In this video, we share why cybersecurity is essential for small businesses—including real stats, common threats, and what’s really at risk if you ignore it.

Since the best way to learn is through doing, ongoing cybersecurity training is an effective way to see who has honed their awareness skills and who needs to improve. Training can include everything from online videos to in-person workshops. The goal is to engage your entire team in ongoing cybersecurity training to keep everyone sharp.

Whether you’ve got 5 employees or 60, training your team and securing your systems is more affordable—and more important—than you think.

Contact us to learn more!

", "content_plain": "Why Cybersecurity Training Matters Think your small business is “too small” to be targeted by hackers? Think again. In this video, we share why cybersecurity is essential for small businesses—including real stats, common threats, and what’s really at risk if you ignore it. Since the best way to learn is through doing, ongoing cybersecurity training is an effective way to see who has honed their awareness skills and who needs to improve. Training can include everything from online videos to in-person workshops. The goal is to engage your entire team in ongoing cybersecurity training to keep everyone sharp. Whether you’ve got 5 employees or 60, training your team and securing your systems is more affordable—and more important—than you think. Contact us to learn more!", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cybersecurity-Training-Thumbnail.webp", "modified": "2026-03-10T13:49:41-05:00" }, { "id": 21934, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/from-fake-it-support-to-ai-emails-stay-a-step-ahead-of-inventive-cyber-risks/", "title": "From Fake IT Support to AI Emails: Real Life Examples", "h1": "From Fake IT Support to AI Emails: Real Life Examples", "summary": "Cyber criminals are clever. From fake sales orders to fake tech support, nothing is off the table. Check out these real life examples.", "content": "

From a fake IT support number to an AI email, you can learn from these two real-life examples from our clients. Cybercriminals will try anything to deceive us, and they are clever.

Two Real-Life Examples

Search for Microsoft Support Number Lead to a Fake Billing Number

What Happened

It all started with unexplained charges from Microsoft on a personal credit card. Our client called his bank to ask about it, and the bank referred him to Microsoft for clarification.

A Google search yielded a phone number for Microsoft billing. When the client called the number, the person on the other end told him his IP address had been hacked and the “tech” needed to connect to his machine to correct the problem. The “tech” connected to the computer and took an unknown action that demonstrated a text box with the word “hacked” in it.

From there the “tech” tried to sell a non-Microsoft anti-virus subscription. Our client became suspicious and hung up. When the client realized what had happened, he called us.

The Results

Since a hacker had connected to the computer and taken an unknown action, it became a risk to the organization’s network. Since it was an older computer, the client chose to replace it. The staff person was without a computer while a spare computer was repurposed for him.

Red Flags

Key Reminders

Legitimate Microsoft Email Had a Fake Sales Order Attached

What Happened

A client received a licensing sales order from Microsoft with a phone number to call. The sales order looked real, but she wasn’t expecting it and became suspicious. She decided to check with us to see what was going on.

Red Flags

None, except that it was unexpected. The email came from the legitimate Microsoft domain and the formatting of the sales order was correct.

The Results

The email was a remarkably clever phish with a real sales order. Spam filters allowed the email to pass through because it really was sent from Microsoft.

Here’s how it works: the bad actor sets up a trial or tenant for Microsoft 365, completely separate from the legitimate client, and adds an “info@” email as the billing contact. They then purchase a license from Microsoft. In the only editable field allowed, they add wording about calling Microsoft along with a fake number to call and cancel the subscription if it’s unneeded. If you call, the bad guys ask you to download files that are malicious.

Key Reminders

Other Creative Approaches

Sophisticated tactics including fake reviews, false replies to complaints, and AI-generated phishing attempts are increasing.

Fake Reviews on Legitimate Sites

Scammers have figured out if they post product reviews that include a support number, people might call. After all, you’re probably frustrated already and want to get your issue fixed as quickly as possible. A positive support review that includes a phone number seems to make your life easier.

But remember, even if the website is real, comments and reviews could include information meant to deceive you into calling and unintentionally volunteering personal information to a cybercriminal.

False Replies to a Complaint on a Company Social Media Site

Ever get frustrated with a company and decide to take your complaint public? If you post your dissatisfaction on Facebook, X, or other platforms, consider the possibility that any reply you receive might not come from the legitimate company, but from a scammer. If an offer to remedy the issue sounds too good to be true, be skeptical.

Don’t give credit card or other personal information in comments or messages on social media sites.

Compelling AI-Powered Email Phishing

AI chatbots produce customized, convincing phishing emails that impersonate companies, colleagues and even family members with ease. AI-generated emails. don’t have misspellings or weird grammar, either. Since AI is efficient enough to capitalize on real-time information from corporate websites or news outlets, phishing attempts are even more believable.

Remind everyone in your organization to always be on the lookout for phishing attempts. Check for these common elements of a phishing attack:

Next Steps

Where do we go from here? As cybercriminals intensify and refine their efforts to deceive, it’s essential for each of us to stay aware of the risks. Slow down and pay attention when you’re using online resources. While it sounds cliché at this point, cybersecurity really is everyone’s responsibility.

Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer.

By Janet Gehring
Updated March 10, 2026
", "content_plain": "From a fake IT support number to an AI email, you can learn from these two real-life examples from our clients. Cybercriminals will try anything to deceive us, and they are clever. Two Real-Life Examples Search for Microsoft Support Number Lead to a Fake Billing Number What Happened It all started with unexplained charges from Microsoft on a personal credit card. Our client called his bank to ask about it, and the bank referred him to Microsoft for clarification. A Google search yielded a phone number for Microsoft billing. When the client called the number, the person on the other end told him his IP address had been hacked and the “tech” needed to connect to his machine to correct the problem. The “tech” connected to the computer and took an unknown action that demonstrated a text box with the word “hacked” in it. From there the “tech” tried to sell a non-Microsoft anti-virus subscription. Our client became suspicious and hung up. When the client realized what had happened, he called us. The Results Since a hacker had connected to the computer and taken an unknown action, it became a risk to the organization’s network. Since it was an older computer, the client chose to replace it. The staff person was without a computer while a spare computer was repurposed for him. Red Flags The credit card number in question is not on the work machine so it couldn’t have been stolen through an IP hack. Microsoft would not connect to an individual user’s machine for this reason. Microsoft would obviously not sell a competitor’s product. Key Reminders Be careful with online searches. Depending on the search terms you use, the phone number or website the search engine finds could be fraudulent. In this case, the client was looking for a phone number. But false search engine results can also include links that gather the data you enter for future scams. If you’re looking for a vendor’s support number such as Microsoft, go to their legitimate website. NEVER give any unknown third-party remote access to your computer. Legitimate Microsoft Email Had a Fake Sales Order Attached What Happened A client received a licensing sales order from Microsoft with a phone number to call. The sales order looked real, but she wasn’t expecting it and became suspicious. She decided to check with us to see what was going on. Red Flags None, except that it was unexpected. The email came from the legitimate Microsoft domain and the formatting of the sales order was correct. The Results The email was a remarkably clever phish with a real sales order. Spam filters allowed the email to pass through because it really was sent from Microsoft. Here’s how it works: the bad actor sets up a trial or tenant for Microsoft 365, completely separate from the legitimate client, and adds an “info@” email as the billing contact. They then purchase a license from Microsoft. In the only editable field allowed, they add wording about calling Microsoft along with a fake number to call and cancel the subscription if it’s unneeded. If you call, the bad guys ask you to download files that are malicious. Key Reminders If a sales order or invoice is unexpected, even from a known vendor such as Microsoft, confirm its authenticity internally. Don’t call a phone number from an email. Use your own internal contact information. Be suspicious about downloading files except from confirmed and trusted sources. Other Creative Approaches Sophisticated tactics including fake reviews, false replies to complaints, and AI-generated phishing attempts are increasing. Fake Reviews on Legitimate Sites Scammers have figured out if they post product reviews that include a support number, people might call. After all, you’re probably frustrated already and want to get your issue fixed as quickly as possible. A positive support review that includes a phone number seems to make your life easier. But remember, even if the website is real, comments and reviews could include information meant to deceive you into calling and unintentionally volunteering personal information to a cybercriminal. False Replies to a Complaint on a Company Social Media Site Ever get frustrated with a company and decide to take your complaint public? If you post your dissatisfaction on Facebook, X, or other platforms, consider the possibility that any reply you receive might not come from the legitimate company, but from a scammer. If an offer to remedy the issue sounds too good to be true, be skeptical. Don’t give credit card or other personal information in comments or messages on social media sites. Compelling AI-Powered Email Phishing AI chatbots produce customized, convincing phishing emails that impersonate companies, colleagues and even family members with ease. AI-generated emails. don’t have misspellings or weird grammar, either. Since AI is efficient enough to capitalize on real-time information from corporate websites or news outlets, phishing attempts are even more believable. Remind everyone in your organization to always be on the lookout for phishing attempts. Check for these common elements of a phishing attack: unknown sender unusual and urgent request link or attachment consequences if you don’t respond. Next Steps Where do we go from here? As cybercriminals intensify and refine their efforts to deceive, it’s essential for each of us to stay aware of the risks. Slow down and pay attention when you’re using online resources. While it sounds cliché at this point, cybersecurity really is everyone’s responsibility. Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer. By Janet Gehring Updated March 10, 2026", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/10133444/lit-bulb-moving-toward-dark-bulbs.jpg", "modified": "2026-03-10T07:55:13-05:00" }, { "id": 21920, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/is-your-small-business-it-ready-for-pci-dss-compliance/", "title": "Is Your Small Business IT Ready for PCI DSS Compliance?", "h1": "Is Your Small Business IT Ready for PCI DSS Compliance?", "summary": "If your business accepts credit cards, you must comply with PCI DSS standards. While the process can be complex, there is help.", "content": "

Is your small business ready for PCI DSS compliance? If your business accepts credit cards, you must comply with PCI DSS standards. The current standard is PCI DSS v4.0.1. The newer standards include a more flexible, risk-based approach to security controls while emphasizing continuous efforts to achieve security outcomes. While the process can be complex, there is help. Here’s what to know to get started.

What is PCI DSS?

The PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) was developed by the PCI Security Standards Council, an independent organization formed in 2006 by American Express, Discover, JCB International, MasterCard and Visa Inc.

The purpose of PCI DSS is to encourage and enhance payment card account data security and facilitate the broad adoption of consistent data security measures globally. PCI DSS provides a baseline of technical and operational requirements designed to protect payment account data.

Any organization that stores, processes, or transmits payment card data – whether it’s a merchant, payment processor, bank, third-party service provider, or any other entity involved in the payment ecosystem – must comply with PCI DSS. Compliance ensures that cardholder data is secure and helps prevent breaches, fraud, and other security risks.

Does my small business need to be PCI DSS compliant?

 If your business accepts credit cards, you must be PCI DSS compliant.

What are the benefits of PCI DSS compliance?

Simply put, good compliance is good business. PCI DSS compliance is more than just a technical requirement – it will help you implement best practices to reduce the risk of fraud, safeguard your business’s data, protect your customers, and meet contractual obligations with your payment provider to operate safely and more efficiently.

PCI DSS compliance helps your business:

How does my small business become PCI DSS compliant?

Understand the PCI DSS Compliance Requirements for Your Business

Start by completing an assessment of your current payment card processes to determine the relevant compliance level for your business. After the assessment, the first step for most small businesses is completing a PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).

There are several types of SAQs based on your business type and how you process payment card data. The SAQ standards will help you determine the strengths and areas for improvement in your payment system data security.

Ensure Your Systems Meet SAQ Requirements

Implement the required data security measures outlined in your SAQ. At a high level, here are some of the key elements:

Complete and Submit the SAQ

Complete the SAQ and submit it to your merchant bank or payment brand.

It’s important to answer all SAQ questions honestly. This is not a time to simply check the “yes” box and move on to the next question. In case of a breach, if you have attested to being PCI DSS compliant and in fact your business is not, you may be subject to fines and denial of cyber liability insurance loss coverage.

Maintain Ongoing Compliance

Maintain ongoing compliance, including ensuring that your business regularly:

Where do I find help?

Maintaining PCI DSS compliance in your small business is an ongoing process that involves you, your IT provider, and your payment processor. Don’t go it alone. Reach out to CRU Solutions to learn how managed IT services help your business meet PCI DSS requirements.

By Janet Gehring
March 24, 2025
", "content_plain": "Is your small business ready for PCI DSS compliance? If your business accepts credit cards, you must comply with PCI DSS standards. The current standard is PCI DSS v4.0.1. The newer standards include a more flexible, risk-based approach to security controls while emphasizing continuous efforts to achieve security outcomes. While the process can be complex, there is help. Here’s what to know to get started. What is PCI DSS? The PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) was developed by the PCI Security Standards Council, an independent organization formed in 2006 by American Express, Discover, JCB International, MasterCard and Visa Inc. The purpose of PCI DSS is to encourage and enhance payment card account data security and facilitate the broad adoption of consistent data security measures globally. PCI DSS provides a baseline of technical and operational requirements designed to protect payment account data. Any organization that stores, processes, or transmits payment card data – whether it’s a merchant, payment processor, bank, third-party service provider, or any other entity involved in the payment ecosystem – must comply with PCI DSS. Compliance ensures that cardholder data is secure and helps prevent breaches, fraud, and other security risks. Does my small business need to be PCI DSS compliant? If your business accepts credit cards, you must be PCI DSS compliant. What are the benefits of PCI DSS compliance? Simply put, good compliance is good business. PCI DSS compliance is more than just a technical requirement – it will help you implement best practices to reduce the risk of fraud, safeguard your business’s data, protect your customers, and meet contractual obligations with your payment provider to operate safely and more efficiently. PCI DSS compliance helps your business: Improve its overall security posture which helps protect sensitive customer data and reduce the risk of data breaches. Limit liability, including potential penalties and fines, from both payment processors and cyber liability insurers in the event you file a claim. Enhance payment processing efficiency, making it easier and safer for customers to do business with you. How does my small business become PCI DSS compliant? Understand the PCI DSS Compliance Requirements for Your Business Start by completing an assessment of your current payment card processes to determine the relevant compliance level for your business. After the assessment, the first step for most small businesses is completing a PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). There are several types of SAQs based on your business type and how you process payment card data. The SAQ standards will help you determine the strengths and areas for improvement in your payment system data security. Ensure Your Systems Meet SAQ Requirements Implement the required data security measures outlined in your SAQ. At a high level, here are some of the key elements: Build and Maintain a Secure Network and Systems Regularly update firewalls, switches, routers, and other security technologies. Implement secure configurations and network segmentation to isolate sensitive systems. Protect Cardholder Data Encrypt cardholder data stored in your systems and ensure secure transmission. Protect sensitive authentication data (e.g., PINs, CVVs) at all times. Maintain a Vulnerability Management Program Maintain a defined process for applying critical software updates and security patches within a reasonable timeframe. Use anti-virus and anti-malware software and additional layers such as allowlisting. Implement Strong Access Control Restrict access to cardholder data on a need-to-know basis. Implement strong access controls, including unique IDs, passwords, account lockout mechanisms, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for systems accessing sensitive data. Regular Monitoring and Testing of Networks Monitor and log all access to systems storing or processing cardholder data. Conduct regular vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and other security assessments. Maintain an Information Security Policy and Programs Develop and maintain a comprehensive information security policy that covers security practices and procedures across the organization, including regular cybersecurity awareness training for all staff. Complete and Submit the SAQ Complete the SAQ and submit it to your merchant bank or payment brand. It’s important to answer all SAQ questions honestly. This is not a time to simply check the “yes” box and move on to the next question. In case of a breach, if you have attested to being PCI DSS compliant and in fact your business is not, you may be subject to fines and denial of cyber liability insurance loss coverage. Maintain Ongoing Compliance Maintain ongoing compliance, including ensuring that your business regularly: Updates networking security tools, including timely patch management. Trains employees on cyber security awareness, including how to protect themselves from social engineering attacks. Reviews and updates security policies as necessary. Reassesses compliance annually or after any significant changes to your infrastructure, processes, or payment systems. Where do I find help? Maintaining PCI DSS compliance in your small business is an ongoing process that involves you, your IT provider, and your payment processor. Don’t go it alone. Reach out to CRU Solutions to learn how managed IT services help your business meet PCI DSS requirements. By Janet Gehring March 24, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/10133439/PCI-DSS-2.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-21T16:04:19-05:00" }, { "id": 22379, "type": "videos", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/videos/social-media-security-tips-every-business-needs/", "title": "Social Media Security Tips Every Business Needs", "h1": "Social Media Security Tips Every Business Needs", "summary": "Social media is great for business, but it's also a goldmine for cybercriminals. Explore these social media security tips for your business.", "content": "

Social Media Security Tips

Social media is great for business—but it’s also a goldmine for cybercriminals. In this video, we break down top social media security risks and show you how to lock down your accounts with simple, effective steps to keep your valuable social media accounts safer.

What you’ll learn:

Check out our blog for more social media security tips!

", "content_plain": "Social Media Security Tips Social media is great for business—but it’s also a goldmine for cybercriminals. In this video, we break down top social media security risks and show you how to lock down your accounts with simple, effective steps to keep your valuable social media accounts safer. What you’ll learn: Common social media threats (like phishing and data leaks) Security settings every business should enable Why employee awareness is your strongest defense How to test your team’s scam-spotting skills Check out our blog for more social media security tips!", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Social-Media-Security-Thumbnail.png", "modified": "2026-03-27T11:14:46-05:00" }, { "id": 21955, "type": "videos", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/videos/safeguarding-your-business-disaster-recovery/", "title": "How Disaster Recovery Safeguards Small Businesses", "h1": "How Disaster Recovery Safeguards Small Businesses", "summary": "Disaster recovery basics are key to your overall IT security. Don't wait until it's too late - learn about simple data recovery strategies.", "content": "

Disaster Recovery Basics

Disaster recovery basics are key to understanding your overall IT security.

A disaster recovery plan allows you to get your business up and running after a catastrophic event, including extreme weather or another situation that damages your hardware beyond repair. This means having an off-site full system backup (not just data only), the ability to select and get new hardware quickly, and the expertise to install the hardware and recreate the network.

Learn about simple data loss prevention strategies and the importance of having a recovery plan in place. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take the first steps today.

Read more here!

", "content_plain": "Disaster Recovery Basics Disaster recovery basics are key to understanding your overall IT security. A disaster recovery plan allows you to get your business up and running after a catastrophic event, including extreme weather or another situation that damages your hardware beyond repair. This means having an off-site full system backup (not just data only), the ability to select and get new hardware quickly, and the expertise to install the hardware and recreate the network. Learn about simple data loss prevention strategies and the importance of having a recovery plan in place. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take the first steps today. Read more here!", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Disaster-Recovery-Thumbnail.webp", "modified": "2026-03-10T13:50:20-05:00" }, { "id": 21913, "type": "videos", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/videos/how-to-safeguard-your-business-with-data-backup/", "title": "Why Small Businesses Need Data Backup", "h1": "Why Small Businesses Need Data Backup", "summary": "Learn about backup solutions, the benefits of having a backup plan, and how to securely store your data offsite.", "content": "

Data Backup Helps Safeguard Your Business

In this video, we discuss the importance of safeguarding your small business with a data backup and recovery plan. Learn about backup solutions, the benefits of having a backup plan, and how to securely store your data offsite. Don’t risk losing valuable information.

When you’re reviewing backup plans, think beyond servers and cloud applications. Individual workstation backups are important, too. There’s essential data on every individual desktop and laptop that can take hours to re-create. Without a workstation backup, some of that data could be lost for good after a compromise.

Read more about backup and recovery plans here!

", "content_plain": "Data Backup Helps Safeguard Your Business In this video, we discuss the importance of safeguarding your small business with a data backup and recovery plan. Learn about backup solutions, the benefits of having a backup plan, and how to securely store your data offsite. Don’t risk losing valuable information. When you’re reviewing backup plans, think beyond servers and cloud applications. Individual workstation backups are important, too. There’s essential data on every individual desktop and laptop that can take hours to re-create. Without a workstation backup, some of that data could be lost for good after a compromise. Read more about backup and recovery plans here!", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Backup-and-Recovery-Thumbnail.webp", "modified": "2026-03-10T13:50:48-05:00" }, { "id": 21906, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/updated-password-best-practices-to-elevate-security-in-2025/", "title": "Updated Password Best Practices Elevate Security", "h1": "Updated Password Best Practices Elevate Security", "summary": "Password best practices are changing in a good way. Here’s how your business can implement these changes and make life easier for everyone!", "content": "

Password best practices are changing, and in a good way. Gone are the requirements for hard-to-remember groups of characters and the frustration of having to change passwords frequently. Here’s how your business can elevate security by implementing these updated password best practices.

These best practices come from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST guidelines, while primarily intended for the government, also lead the way for best practices in the private sector. In cybersecurity, NIST guidance on everything from frameworks to password practices is based in research that applies to organizations across industries.

In short, NIST research has confirmed a couple of situations that may sound familiar. Overly complex passwords are hard to remember, so our tendency is to avoid creating them. Also, when we’re asked to change a password every 60 days, we often create a new password with only basic tweaks (for example, changing “Passw0rd1” to “Passw0rd2”). Those minor changes are not only annoying – they don’t improve security.

Updated Password Best Practices

Here’s a summary of the key updates to help you create more secure passwords.

Create Longer Passphrases Instead of Random Character Groupings

One key way to implement updated password best practices is to use passphrases that make sense to you (rather than random character groupings). The longer the phrase, the better. New guidelines suggest a minimum of 8 characters but strongly recommend between 15 and 64 characters.

Think about passphrases that are easy for you to remember. Continue to avoid using the names of family members, street addresses, or other personal identifiers that could easily be found on Facebook, LinkedIn, or other online sources. Throw in a special character, like an exclamation mark, to add a little extra complexity.

For example, “IliketoeatCandy!” is easier to remember than the completely random “rt5%i(**@dP” and harder to hack.

Don’t Update Your Password, Unless …

NIST no longer recommends forcing password resets every 60 or 90 days. In fact, it discourages forcing periodic password resets UNLESS your account is breached or compromised. In that case, you obviously would need to change your password immediately.

Also, remember the cardinal rule of passwords – always use a different password for every online account, no exceptions.

Remove Random Complexity Rules

Organizations should no longer force users to include both upper and lower case, random numbers, or special characters. As we noted, if you like to use them and they’re easy for you to remember, keep doing it, but if you don’t, that’s ok too.

Keep Using Multi-Factor Authentication

Another reason these password guidelines make sense is the widespread adoption of multi-factor authentication. MFA is one of the most effective security layers beyond a password to protect your accounts.

Add a Password Manager

The average person could have upwards of 200 passwords between personal and work accounts. Even if they’re passphrases, remembering them would require a super-human memory (since we’re not supposed to write them down, especially at the office).

A password manager is the answer. You only need to remember one Master Password to access all your passwords.

Using a password manager also helps protect you from accessing a potentially dangerous website due to a typo (since the password is tied to a URL), access passwords if your primary machine is disabled, and assign passwords to other password manager users.

Your organization can also assign a former employee’s password vault to someone else or access an individual user’s vault in case of an emergency or resignation.

Be Aware of Compliance Requirements

Different compliance organizations may have slightly different requirements for passwords. For example, while NIST recommends a minimum of 8 characters but 15 is considered best practice, the PCI-DSS standard requires a minimum of 12 characters. Be aware of the requirements that best meet your organization’s needs.

Where to Start with Updated Password Best Practices

Review your password policies with your IT team. They can make the technical changes that may be needed in your network to allow for longer passwords and remove random complexity rules. Add multi-factor authentication as a necessary security layer for all applications. Consider adding a password manager to make creating and using longer passwords easier.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

By Janet Gehring
February 20, 2025
", "content_plain": "Password best practices are changing, and in a good way. Gone are the requirements for hard-to-remember groups of characters and the frustration of having to change passwords frequently. Here’s how your business can elevate security by implementing these updated password best practices. These best practices come from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST guidelines, while primarily intended for the government, also lead the way for best practices in the private sector. In cybersecurity, NIST guidance on everything from frameworks to password practices is based in research that applies to organizations across industries. In short, NIST research has confirmed a couple of situations that may sound familiar. Overly complex passwords are hard to remember, so our tendency is to avoid creating them. Also, when we’re asked to change a password every 60 days, we often create a new password with only basic tweaks (for example, changing “Passw0rd1” to “Passw0rd2”). Those minor changes are not only annoying – they don’t improve security. Updated Password Best Practices Here’s a summary of the key updates to help you create more secure passwords. Create Longer Passphrases Instead of Random Character Groupings One key way to implement updated password best practices is to use passphrases that make sense to you (rather than random character groupings). The longer the phrase, the better. New guidelines suggest a minimum of 8 characters but strongly recommend between 15 and 64 characters. Think about passphrases that are easy for you to remember. Continue to avoid using the names of family members, street addresses, or other personal identifiers that could easily be found on Facebook, LinkedIn, or other online sources. Throw in a special character, like an exclamation mark, to add a little extra complexity. For example, “IliketoeatCandy!” is easier to remember than the completely random “rt5%i(**@dP” and harder to hack. Don’t Update Your Password, Unless … NIST no longer recommends forcing password resets every 60 or 90 days. In fact, it discourages forcing periodic password resets UNLESS your account is breached or compromised. In that case, you obviously would need to change your password immediately. Also, remember the cardinal rule of passwords – always use a different password for every online account, no exceptions. Remove Random Complexity Rules Organizations should no longer force users to include both upper and lower case, random numbers, or special characters. As we noted, if you like to use them and they’re easy for you to remember, keep doing it, but if you don’t, that’s ok too. Keep Using Multi-Factor Authentication Another reason these password guidelines make sense is the widespread adoption of multi-factor authentication. MFA is one of the most effective security layers beyond a password to protect your accounts. Add a Password Manager The average person could have upwards of 200 passwords between personal and work accounts. Even if they’re passphrases, remembering them would require a super-human memory (since we’re not supposed to write them down, especially at the office). A password manager is the answer. You only need to remember one Master Password to access all your passwords. Using a password manager also helps protect you from accessing a potentially dangerous website due to a typo (since the password is tied to a URL), access passwords if your primary machine is disabled, and assign passwords to other password manager users. Your organization can also assign a former employee’s password vault to someone else or access an individual user’s vault in case of an emergency or resignation. Be Aware of Compliance Requirements Different compliance organizations may have slightly different requirements for passwords. For example, while NIST recommends a minimum of 8 characters but 15 is considered best practice, the PCI-DSS standard requires a minimum of 12 characters. Be aware of the requirements that best meet your organization’s needs. Where to Start with Updated Password Best Practices Review your password policies with your IT team. They can make the technical changes that may be needed in your network to allow for longer passwords and remove random complexity rules. Add multi-factor authentication as a necessary security layer for all applications. Consider adding a password manager to make creating and using longer passwords easier. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. By Janet Gehring February 20, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/10133437/High-Security.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T12:49:55-05:00" }, { "id": 21868, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-to-reduce-technical-debt/", "title": "How to Reduce Technical Debt", "h1": "How to Reduce Technical Debt", "summary": "Technical debt happens when your business delays IT upgrades or chooses quicker or cheaper solutions. As this debt accumulates, your business can face significant, unplanned expenses. Here's how to avoid it.", "content": "

Technical debt happens when your business delays IT upgrades or chooses solutions that are quicker or cheaper than you need for effective operations. As this debt accumulates, your business can face increased cybersecurity risks and significant, unplanned expenses to replace unsupported or obsolete software and hardware.

Priorities to Reduce Technical Debt

To help reduce technical debt, prioritize the following software and hardware best practices:

Patch Regularly

Frequent patching is one of the easiest ways to help protect against cyberattacks and it’s a key element in a layered approach to cybersecurity. Patches can fix bugs and optimize software. More importantly, they fix security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals.

How Cybercriminals Find Vulnerabilities

Publicly disclosed cybersecurity vulnerabilities are identified, defined, and catalogued by the CVE Program. CVE is an international effort that helps cybersecurity professionals coordinate their work prioritizing and developing fixes. Every vulnerability is rated as a low, medium, high, or critical risk. Patches are developed and prioritized for deployment based on these categories.

The disclosure of vulnerabilities to the public through CVE Records can be an open invitation for cybercriminals. They’ll go on the prowl looking for unpatched systems, either using manual scans or computer bots. By keeping patches current, the hackers are more likely to pass you by.

Business Risks from Unpatched Systems

Unpatched systems are a proven business risk. According to the Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) the exploitation of vulnerabilities as an initial point of entry almost tripled from the previous year, accounting for 14% of all breaches. This spike was driven primarily by the increasing frequency of attacks targeting vulnerabilities on unpatched systems and devices (zero-day vulnerabilities) by ransomware actors.

According to the Verizon 2024 DBIR, 85% of critical vulnerabilities are unremediated 30 days after discovery, 47% are not corrected after 60 days, and 20% are still active after 180 days. After an entire year, cyber criminals can still find 8% of unpatched vulnerabilities to go after.

Patching is a best-practice requirement for cyber liability insurance risk assessments . Often, assessments require critical patches to be applied within 30 days. Make sure you have the necessary reporting in place to prove that you patch, since a cyber liability insurance carrier could deny your claim if you’ve falsely stated you patch or you can’t prove it.

Finally, if you’re breached due to a vulnerability that has a known patch available, the task of defending your actions to clients, regulators, and insurers becomes challenging and potentially costly.

How to Keep Patches Current

Upgrade to Current Software Versions

Software vendors are constantly overhauling their entire packages for better performance and security.

It’s tempting to put off installing the newest version of software because it disrupts your team and can be expensive. If you fall one or two versions behind, your technical debt may be manageable. Beyond that, you may find compatibility issues with new hardware, unsupported operating systems, and difficulty upgrading data files to catch up to a newer version.

End-of-life is when the software vendor announces they will no longer provide support after a specific date, including feature updates or security patches. If you don’t stay current, you could incur significant expenses down the road if you’re forced by the vendor to completely upgrade due to end-of-life.

 Unsupported software presents several risks, including:

For planning and budgeting, it’s important to be aware of end-of-life schedules for business-critical software. Here are upcoming end-of-life dates for commonly used software packages:

As you can see, vendors provide these dates years in advance. Knowing them allows you to implement smooth transitions to more feature-rich and secure software.

Maintain a Regular Rotation for Hardware Refreshes

Industry best practices recommend that business hardware be replaced every 3-5 years. The most effective way to plan an annual hardware refresh is to review the hardware asset inventory and budget for a segment of assets to be replaced each year. This approach keeps your assets more secure and your budget more manageable.

Sometimes, an operating system upgrade will require you to purchase new hardware. We’re seeing that now as businesses move to Windows 11 in anticipation of the Windows 10 end-of-life in October 2025. Depending on your environment, it may make financial sense to skip upgrading old machines and instead gradually transition workstations directly to Windows 11-compatible computers.

One option that needs to be off the table is to continue running unsupported machines. Running unsupported software presents risks that far outweigh the expense of upgrading.

You Can Minimize Technical Debt

New technologies and new cyber threats emerge daily, so almost every organization has some level of technical debt. The good news is your IT team can help keep it under control with frequent patching, software upgrades, and hardware refreshes.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business stay ahead of technical debt, contact us.

By Janet Gehring
January 8, 2025
", "content_plain": "Technical debt happens when your business delays IT upgrades or chooses solutions that are quicker or cheaper than you need for effective operations. As this debt accumulates, your business can face increased cybersecurity risks and significant, unplanned expenses to replace unsupported or obsolete software and hardware. Priorities to Reduce Technical Debt To help reduce technical debt, prioritize the following software and hardware best practices: Frequent patching Timely upgrades to current software versions Regular rotation schedule for hardware refreshes Patch Regularly Frequent patching is one of the easiest ways to help protect against cyberattacks and it’s a key element in a layered approach to cybersecurity. Patches can fix bugs and optimize software. More importantly, they fix security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. How Cybercriminals Find Vulnerabilities Publicly disclosed cybersecurity vulnerabilities are identified, defined, and catalogued by the CVE Program. CVE is an international effort that helps cybersecurity professionals coordinate their work prioritizing and developing fixes. Every vulnerability is rated as a low, medium, high, or critical risk. Patches are developed and prioritized for deployment based on these categories. The disclosure of vulnerabilities to the public through CVE Records can be an open invitation for cybercriminals. They’ll go on the prowl looking for unpatched systems, either using manual scans or computer bots. By keeping patches current, the hackers are more likely to pass you by. Business Risks from Unpatched Systems Unpatched systems are a proven business risk. According to the Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) the exploitation of vulnerabilities as an initial point of entry almost tripled from the previous year, accounting for 14% of all breaches. This spike was driven primarily by the increasing frequency of attacks targeting vulnerabilities on unpatched systems and devices (zero-day vulnerabilities) by ransomware actors. According to the Verizon 2024 DBIR, 85% of critical vulnerabilities are unremediated 30 days after discovery, 47% are not corrected after 60 days, and 20% are still active after 180 days. After an entire year, cyber criminals can still find 8% of unpatched vulnerabilities to go after. Patching is a best-practice requirement for cyber liability insurance risk assessments . Often, assessments require critical patches to be applied within 30 days. Make sure you have the necessary reporting in place to prove that you patch, since a cyber liability insurance carrier could deny your claim if you’ve falsely stated you patch or you can’t prove it. Finally, if you’re breached due to a vulnerability that has a known patch available, the task of defending your actions to clients, regulators, and insurers becomes challenging and potentially costly. How to Keep Patches Current Make sure your IT provider remotely applies patches from Microsoft and other key software vendors on a regular basis. Critical security updates should be applied as soon as possible. Ask for the patch reports so that you can keep on top of machines with missing patches. If your IT provider doesn’t manage patches for you, set all computers to automatically update, and avoid using the “Remind Me Later” button. Keep in mind that automatic updates will not generate reports. Set browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.) to automatically update. Set your phone and tablet to automatically update. Upgrade to Current Software Versions Software vendors are constantly overhauling their entire packages for better performance and security. It’s tempting to put off installing the newest version of software because it disrupts your team and can be expensive. If you fall one or two versions behind, your technical debt may be manageable. Beyond that, you may find compatibility issues with new hardware, unsupported operating systems, and difficulty upgrading data files to catch up to a newer version. End-of-life is when the software vendor announces they will no longer provide support after a specific date, including feature updates or security patches. If you don’t stay current, you could incur significant expenses down the road if you’re forced by the vendor to completely upgrade due to end-of-life. Unsupported software presents several risks, including: Security vulnerabilities: Without critical security updates, systems become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and malware. This can lead to operational disruptions, reputational damage, and financial losses. Compliance issues: This includes not meeting industry regulations (like PCI DSS) and the expectations of cyber liability insurers that require systems to run on supported software. After end-of-life, your software may not be considered compliant, putting your business at risk of fines and penalties. Compatibility issues: If you plan to purchase new applications, the software may not be compatible with unsupported systems, hindering business operations. For planning and budgeting, it’s important to be aware of end-of-life schedules for business-critical software. Here are upcoming end-of-life dates for commonly used software packages: Adobe Acrobat 2020 – June 2025 (new version is subscription-based) Microsoft Windows 10 – October 2025 Microsoft Publisher – October 2026 Microsoft Server 2019 – January 2029 As you can see, vendors provide these dates years in advance. Knowing them allows you to implement smooth transitions to more feature-rich and secure software. Maintain a Regular Rotation for Hardware Refreshes Industry best practices recommend that business hardware be replaced every 3-5 years. The most effective way to plan an annual hardware refresh is to review the hardware asset inventory and budget for a segment of assets to be replaced each year. This approach keeps your assets more secure and your budget more manageable. Sometimes, an operating system upgrade will require you to purchase new hardware. We’re seeing that now as businesses move to Windows 11 in anticipation of the Windows 10 end-of-life in October 2025. Depending on your environment, it may make financial sense to skip upgrading old machines and instead gradually transition workstations directly to Windows 11-compatible computers. One option that needs to be off the table is to continue running unsupported machines. Running unsupported software presents risks that far outweigh the expense of upgrading. You Can Minimize Technical Debt New technologies and new cyber threats emerge daily, so almost every organization has some level of technical debt. The good news is your IT team can help keep it under control with frequent patching, software upgrades, and hardware refreshes. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business stay ahead of technical debt, contact us. By Janet Gehring January 8, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/10133447/bigstock-Technical-Debt.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-14T14:50:08-05:00" }, { "id": 21859, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-a-strategic-it-firm-can-improve-your-small-business/", "title": "How a Strategic IT Firm Can Improve Your Small Business", "h1": "How a Strategic IT Firm Can Improve Your Small Business", "summary": "Changing IT firms is rarely at the top of anyone’s to-do list. However, when you've lost confidence in your IT support, it's time to make a change. Here's how a strategic IT firm could be the answer.", "content": "

Changing IT firms is rarely at the top of anyone’s to-do list. However, when you’re faced with unexpected costs, mounting complaints from your team, or even new technology deployed without your knowledge, it’s time to consider alternatives. A strategic IT firm could be the answer.

Reasons to Change IT Firms

There are any number of reasons to change IT firms. Here are a few that prospective clients have described to us:

Broader concerns about IT include:

Benefits of Working with a Strategic IT Firm

Partnering with a strategic IT firm can help create:

Strategic Alignment with Business Objectives

IT experts leverage their deep technology knowledge to align your tech solutions with your strategic objectives, offering a competitive advantage.

Paced Innovation

A strategic IT firm understands your business objectives and approach. They’ll adapt to where you want to be on the IT innovation curve, whether you thrive on cutting-edge, are more comfortable with tried and true, or prefer somewhere in between.

Scalability and Flexibility

Flexibility and seamless scalability of your IT infrastructure is key to accommodating growth or contraction.

Flexibility also applies to your relationship with your IT firm. Make sure you’re not so “sticky” with services that you have limited options if the relationship turns sour. A combination of earned trust and shorter contract terms makes this possible.

Enhanced Security and Risk Management

Cyberthreats are increasingly sophisticated. Strategic IT firms deploy and support a layered approach to help identify and mitigate a myriad of potential vulnerabilities, helping to protect your business against security threats.

Budget Optimization

Strategic IT firms can identify the most cost-effective solutions for your business, eliminating wasteful expenditures on unnecessary or inefficient technology. This approach not only saves money but also ensures that every dollar spent supports longer-term IT goals.

More Satisfied and Productive Staff

No one wants to deal with frustrating technology. Ultimately, working with a strategic IT firm will help your staff have confidence they can get help when they need it and keep moving forward.

CRU Solutions has been helping small businesses throughout Northeast Ohio for over 40 years. Contact us to learn more.

By Janet Gehring
December 16, 2024
", "content_plain": "Changing IT firms is rarely at the top of anyone’s to-do list. However, when you’re faced with unexpected costs, mounting complaints from your team, or even new technology deployed without your knowledge, it’s time to consider alternatives. A strategic IT firm could be the answer. Reasons to Change IT Firms There are any number of reasons to change IT firms. Here are a few that prospective clients have described to us: Unexpected Costs: Being informed unexpectedly that the ONLY option to address key issues was a new, $30k on-premise server. Staff Frustration: Technicians didn’t respond quickly and couldn’t solve basic issues in a reasonable amount of time. This is a common complaint and negatively affects staff morale and productivity. Disruptive Technology Deployed Without Warning: An IT provider blocked all email access to certain geographic locations for all users without advance notification or approval, causing confusion and customer service issues. Broader concerns about IT include: Cybersecurity Risks: No business is immune. Comprehensive, layered cybersecurity services, including reliable backup, help keep your organization safer. Technical Debt: Technical debt can accumulate by delaying IT upgrades or choosing solutions that are quicker or cheaper, but ineffective. Over time, technical debt results in increased cybersecurity risks and significant, unplanned expenses to replace unsupported or obsolete software and hardware. A strategic IT firm helps you plan, budget, and create smooth migration plans to implement evolving technology. Compliance, Regulatory, or Cyber Liability Insurance Requirements: These are becoming more stringent with each passing year. Some demand specific services and reporting that a strategic IT firm can help you navigate. Benefits of Working with a Strategic IT Firm Partnering with a strategic IT firm can help create: Strategic Alignment with Business Objectives IT experts leverage their deep technology knowledge to align your tech solutions with your strategic objectives, offering a competitive advantage. Paced Innovation A strategic IT firm understands your business objectives and approach. They’ll adapt to where you want to be on the IT innovation curve, whether you thrive on cutting-edge, are more comfortable with tried and true, or prefer somewhere in between. Scalability and Flexibility Flexibility and seamless scalability of your IT infrastructure is key to accommodating growth or contraction. Flexibility also applies to your relationship with your IT firm. Make sure you’re not so “sticky” with services that you have limited options if the relationship turns sour. A combination of earned trust and shorter contract terms makes this possible. Enhanced Security and Risk Management Cyberthreats are increasingly sophisticated. Strategic IT firms deploy and support a layered approach to help identify and mitigate a myriad of potential vulnerabilities, helping to protect your business against security threats. Budget Optimization Strategic IT firms can identify the most cost-effective solutions for your business, eliminating wasteful expenditures on unnecessary or inefficient technology. This approach not only saves money but also ensures that every dollar spent supports longer-term IT goals. More Satisfied and Productive Staff No one wants to deal with frustrating technology. Ultimately, working with a strategic IT firm will help your staff have confidence they can get help when they need it and keep moving forward. CRU Solutions has been helping small businesses throughout Northeast Ohio for over 40 years. Contact us to learn more. By Janet Gehring December 16, 2024", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/10133437/Strategic-IT-Firm.jpg", "modified": "2026-04-13T12:40:48-05:00" }, { "id": 21834, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/18-tech-terms-for-small-business-it-decision-makers/", "title": "18 Tech Terms for Small Business IT Decision-Makers", "h1": "18 Tech Terms for Small Business IT Decision-Makers", "summary": "Here are 18 tech terms for small business IT decision-makers you may have heard but didn’t exactly know what they meant (until now)!", "content": "

Every profession has its own “shorthand” for commonly-used terms and expressions, and IT is no exception. As an IT decision-maker, here are 18 key cybersecurity and networking terms you may have heard but didn’t exactly know what they meant (until now)!

Tech Terms for IT Decision-Makers

Antivirus and Antimalware

Antivirus and antimalware programs are the first line of cybersecurity defense. They are designed to bar malicious actors from entering a system through files and downloads by checking for known threats from a database and taking automatic quarantine actions if it detects one of them.

Antivirus and antimalware are designed to search, detect, and remove software viruses and malware from accessing your system. Today, malware is more prevalent than viruses. The terms are often used interchangeably, though there are subtle differences between the two.

Application Allowlisting

Most environments today are “allow everything.” Allowlisting changes that to “deny everything – allow what you need.”

Application allowlisting is a security layer with a twist – rather than letting an application run and then blocking it if something malicious is discovered, it only allows access to applications that are explicitly permitted (allowlisted) to run on your network.

This tool is a key part of a zero-trust cybersecurity approach, which assumes that everything – people, applications and devices — poses a risk to your network.

Desktop Computer

The computer is the box that sits either on or under your desk. The computer contains the hard drive that holds the operating system. If you’re asked to turn off the computer, make sure it’s the button on that box, not the button on your monitor or other peripherals that may be connected to your computer.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

EDR tools add an advanced layer to antivirus and antimalware. EDR tools hunt for as-yet-unknown threats—those that get past the perimeter—by detecting and analyzing suspicious behaviors, otherwise known as indicators of compromise (IOCs).

EDR tools monitor and log behaviors on endpoints (desktops, laptops, etc.) around the clock for evidence of threats, perform automatic actions to help mitigate them, and alert security professionals so they can investigate and respond.

Firewall

A firewall is a hardware device that helps protect your network by managing all traffic going into and coming out of your private network. Based on settings, it filters network traffic to block unauthorized access, including from malicious actors, while allowing legitimate access to authorized users and applications.

Internet Protocol (IP) Address

An IP address is the unique identifying number assigned to every device that is connected to the internet. Computers use IP addresses to communicate over the internet or via local networks. Every device with an internet connection has an IP address, including computers, laptops, smart devices like doorbells and home appliances, and even toys.

IP addresses identify the network interface of a device and can also reveal information about a device’s general location, such as country, state, city or postal region. IP addresses can be public or private.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a cybersecurity service that combines technology with human expertise to rapidly identify and limit the impact of threats by performing threat hunting, monitoring, and response. The main benefit of MDR is that it quickly helps in limiting the impact of threats without the need for additional staffing, which can be costly.

MDR remotely monitors, detects, and responds to threats detected within your organization. An endpoint detection and response (EDR) tool typically provides the necessary visibility into security events on the endpoint.

Relevant threat intelligence, advanced analytics, and forensic data are passed to experienced human analysts, who perform triage on alerts and determine the appropriate response to reduce the impact and risk of positive incidents. Finally, through a combination of human and machine capabilities, the threat is removed.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA (also called two-factor authentication, or 2FA), requires an additional proof of identity, other than a username and password, when you sign in to a device or application. Authentication methods include receiving a code via text message or using an authenticator app on your phone that generates a code.

This extra step creates a roadblock that may make a cybercriminal more likely to move on to the next target. Given a choice of SMS or app-based MFA, app-based is better.

Password Manager

A password manager allows a user to easily access and populate passwords by remembering only one master password.

It helps protect users from accessing a potentially dangerous website due to a typo (the password is tied to a URL), access passwords if their primary machine is disabled, and assign passwords to other password manager users. The company can also assign a former employee’s password vault to someone else or access an individual user’s vault in case of an emergency or resignation.

Patches

Software patches fix bugs and optimize software. More importantly, they fix security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Keeping patches current by applying them within 30 days at the latest is crucial to keeping your systems more secure.

Restart

Trying to troubleshoot an issue with your computer? Try restarting it! In general, restarting your computer stops all system processes and restarts the system from scratch. A restart can apply updates, clear memory for improved performance, close background processes you don’t need, and even fix internet connection issues.

“Restart” is not the same as “Shut down”, so if you’re asked to restart your machine make sure you choose the right option.

Router

Routers are hardware devices that connect multiple switches and their networks to form a larger network, which can be in a single location or across multiple locations. Routers also connect devices to the internet. They forward data packets between computer networks, allowing several devices to share a single internet connection. Routers control traffic to ensure that data packets pass through the most efficient paths to their destination.

Just as a switch connects multiple devices to create a network, a router connects multiple switches, and their respective networks, to form an even larger network. These networks may be in a single location or across multiple locations. When building a small business network, you will need one or more routers.

Softphone

A softphone is a software-based phone that allows users to make and receive phone calls over the internet using a computer or smartphone. Softphones mimic the functionality of a traditional phone system without the physical hardware of a desk phone and include additional useful features like video calling and team messaging.

Switch

Switches are hardware devices that connect devices within a network, like computers, printers, and servers, so they can share information and communicate with each other. Switches are used in local area networks (LANs), like home Wi-Fi networks. They process data via packet switching including receiving it, processing it, and sending it to the intended device. Switches have multiple ports (4 to 52 ports) for devices to communicate within the LAN.

Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)

VLANs establish the logical connection of computers, servers, and other network devices into a virtual LAN regardless of their physical locations. They can prioritize data, separate private and public networks, or secure specific devices.

Besides being a tool for cybersecurity, VLANs ease network resource management and workflow optimization processes for businesses and organizations.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN provides a secure, encrypted connection so users can safely connect to the office network from anywhere.

Vulnerability Testing vs. Penetration Testing

A vulnerability assessment identifies potential weaknesses in a system by scanning for vulnerabilities, while penetration testing actively attempts to exploit those vulnerabilities to assess their severity and potential damage.

Penetration testing will often simulate a real-world attack, essentially showing how a hacker might use vulnerabilities to gain access to a system using technology or social engineering. Penetration testing is a more in-depth and aggressive process than a vulnerability test.

Zero Trust Security Model

The zero-trust security model works on the premise that everything — people, applications and devices — poses a risk to your network and must prove trustworthy before accessing your organization’s network or data. This means every person, application, and device must be authenticated and authorized each time they request access. By insisting on verification and authentication at every step, zero trust makes it difficult for a hacker to gain access through a compromised user account or device.

Zero trust should not be mistaken for a single solution or a platform. You can’t just buy it and implement it with a click of a button. Zero trust cybersecurity is a strategy — a framework that needs to be applied systematically in your organization.

Use this short glossary of tech terms for IT decision-makers in the next business review with your IT team. And, contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help your business.

Updated August 14, 2025
", "content_plain": "Every profession has its own “shorthand” for commonly-used terms and expressions, and IT is no exception. As an IT decision-maker, here are 18 key cybersecurity and networking terms you may have heard but didn’t exactly know what they meant (until now)! Tech Terms for IT Decision-Makers Antivirus and Antimalware Antivirus and antimalware programs are the first line of cybersecurity defense. They are designed to bar malicious actors from entering a system through files and downloads by checking for known threats from a database and taking automatic quarantine actions if it detects one of them. Antivirus and antimalware are designed to search, detect, and remove software viruses and malware from accessing your system. Today, malware is more prevalent than viruses. The terms are often used interchangeably, though there are subtle differences between the two. Application Allowlisting Most environments today are “allow everything.” Allowlisting changes that to “deny everything – allow what you need.” Application allowlisting is a security layer with a twist – rather than letting an application run and then blocking it if something malicious is discovered, it only allows access to applications that are explicitly permitted (allowlisted) to run on your network. This tool is a key part of a zero-trust cybersecurity approach, which assumes that everything – people, applications and devices — poses a risk to your network. Desktop Computer The computer is the box that sits either on or under your desk. The computer contains the hard drive that holds the operating system. If you’re asked to turn off the computer, make sure it’s the button on that box, not the button on your monitor or other peripherals that may be connected to your computer. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) EDR tools add an advanced layer to antivirus and antimalware. EDR tools hunt for as-yet-unknown threats—those that get past the perimeter—by detecting and analyzing suspicious behaviors, otherwise known as indicators of compromise (IOCs). EDR tools monitor and log behaviors on endpoints (desktops, laptops, etc.) around the clock for evidence of threats, perform automatic actions to help mitigate them, and alert security professionals so they can investigate and respond. Firewall A firewall is a hardware device that helps protect your network by managing all traffic going into and coming out of your private network. Based on settings, it filters network traffic to block unauthorized access, including from malicious actors, while allowing legitimate access to authorized users and applications. Internet Protocol (IP) Address An IP address is the unique identifying number assigned to every device that is connected to the internet. Computers use IP addresses to communicate over the internet or via local networks. Every device with an internet connection has an IP address, including computers, laptops, smart devices like doorbells and home appliances, and even toys. IP addresses identify the network interface of a device and can also reveal information about a device’s general location, such as country, state, city or postal region. IP addresses can be public or private. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a cybersecurity service that combines technology with human expertise to rapidly identify and limit the impact of threats by performing threat hunting, monitoring, and response. The main benefit of MDR is that it quickly helps in limiting the impact of threats without the need for additional staffing, which can be costly. MDR remotely monitors, detects, and responds to threats detected within your organization. An endpoint detection and response (EDR) tool typically provides the necessary visibility into security events on the endpoint. Relevant threat intelligence, advanced analytics, and forensic data are passed to experienced human analysts, who perform triage on alerts and determine the appropriate response to reduce the impact and risk of positive incidents. Finally, through a combination of human and machine capabilities, the threat is removed. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) MFA (also called two-factor authentication, or 2FA), requires an additional proof of identity, other than a username and password, when you sign in to a device or application. Authentication methods include receiving a code via text message or using an authenticator app on your phone that generates a code. This extra step creates a roadblock that may make a cybercriminal more likely to move on to the next target. Given a choice of SMS or app-based MFA, app-based is better. Password Manager A password manager allows a user to easily access and populate passwords by remembering only one master password. It helps protect users from accessing a potentially dangerous website due to a typo (the password is tied to a URL), access passwords if their primary machine is disabled, and assign passwords to other password manager users. The company can also assign a former employee’s password vault to someone else or access an individual user’s vault in case of an emergency or resignation. Patches Software patches fix bugs and optimize software. More importantly, they fix security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Keeping patches current by applying them within 30 days at the latest is crucial to keeping your systems more secure. Restart Trying to troubleshoot an issue with your computer? Try restarting it! In general, restarting your computer stops all system processes and restarts the system from scratch. A restart can apply updates, clear memory for improved performance, close background processes you don’t need, and even fix internet connection issues. “Restart” is not the same as “Shut down”, so if you’re asked to restart your machine make sure you choose the right option. Router Routers are hardware devices that connect multiple switches and their networks to form a larger network, which can be in a single location or across multiple locations. Routers also connect devices to the internet. They forward data packets between computer networks, allowing several devices to share a single internet connection. Routers control traffic to ensure that data packets pass through the most efficient paths to their destination. Just as a switch connects multiple devices to create a network, a router connects multiple switches, and their respective networks, to form an even larger network. These networks may be in a single location or across multiple locations. When building a small business network, you will need one or more routers. Softphone A softphone is a software-based phone that allows users to make and receive phone calls over the internet using a computer or smartphone. Softphones mimic the functionality of a traditional phone system without the physical hardware of a desk phone and include additional useful features like video calling and team messaging. Switch Switches are hardware devices that connect devices within a network, like computers, printers, and servers, so they can share information and communicate with each other. Switches are used in local area networks (LANs), like home Wi-Fi networks. They process data via packet switching including receiving it, processing it, and sending it to the intended device. Switches have multiple ports (4 to 52 ports) for devices to communicate within the LAN. Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) VLANs establish the logical connection of computers, servers, and other network devices into a virtual LAN regardless of their physical locations. They can prioritize data, separate private and public networks, or secure specific devices. Besides being a tool for cybersecurity, VLANs ease network resource management and workflow optimization processes for businesses and organizations. Virtual Private Network (VPN) A VPN provides a secure, encrypted connection so users can safely connect to the office network from anywhere. Vulnerability Testing vs. Penetration Testing A vulnerability assessment identifies potential weaknesses in a system by scanning for vulnerabilities, while penetration testing actively attempts to exploit those vulnerabilities to assess their severity and potential damage. Penetration testing will often simulate a real-world attack, essentially showing how a hacker might use vulnerabilities to gain access to a system using technology or social engineering. Penetration testing is a more in-depth and aggressive process than a vulnerability test. Zero Trust Security Model The zero-trust security model works on the premise that everything — people, applications and devices — poses a risk to your network and must prove trustworthy before accessing your organization’s network or data. This means every person, application, and device must be authenticated and authorized each time they request access. By insisting on verification and authentication at every step, zero trust makes it difficult for a hacker to gain access through a compromised user account or device. Zero trust should not be mistaken for a single solution or a platform. You can’t just buy it and implement it with a click of a button. Zero trust cybersecurity is a strategy — a framework that needs to be applied systematically in your organization. Use this short glossary of tech terms for IT decision-makers in the next business review with your IT team. And, contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help your business. Updated August 14, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10133445/bigstock-Terminology-Word-In-A-Dictiona-253453138-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-14T15:01:43-05:00" }, { "id": 21819, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/yes-your-business-needs-a-cyber-incident-response-plan/", "title": "Yes, Your Business Needs a Cyber Incident Response Plan", "h1": "Yes, Your Business Needs a Cyber Incident Response Plan", "summary": "A cyber incident response plan is a key element of developing and maintaining strong cybersecurity. Here's where to start.", "content": "

A cyber incident response plan is a key element of developing and maintaining a strong cybersecurity stance. It’s one tier of a layered approach that includes a smart combination of these elements:

Small businesses are not immune from the risk of a cyberattack. In fact, many owners are just as concerned about a cyberattack as they are about a supply chain disruption. By operating with an “assume breach” mentality, you can prepare for “not if, but when” a cyberattack occurs.

Why a Cyber Incident Response Plan Is Important

You probably have plans in place to continue business operations in the event of unexpected circumstances like extreme weather, power outages, and even illness. Cyber incident response is a key piece of this continuity strategy.

Think of it this way – knowing how to respond to an attack is equally as important as having the tools in place to help prevent one. Planning provides the guide to help your team detect, respond to and recover from a cybersecurity incident.

When the event happens, your team will need to respond quickly to contain the damage and restore services. The time you spend up front will put you in a strong position to recover more successfully. This isn’t a time to make it up as you go.

The plan helps protect more than the technical aspects of your IT infrastructure and data. It helps maintain compliance with industry regulations and cyber liability insurance requirements, and will also minimize financial loss, downtime, and reputational damage after an event. Your investment in planning for recovery could make or break the future of your company.

Take a Best-Practice Approach

A good place to start is with the NIST Incident Response Framework. The NIST framework is one of the most widely accepted tools for cybersecurity planning and response. While the framework is currently in revision, it can be broadly summarized into four main areas:

Preparation and Planning

Assemble a team (consider key members responsible for IT, legal, HR, operations, communications) who can identify business-critical information and systems, classify incident types based on their potential business impact, and help create the plan. This will be the first-response team when an event occurs.

As a starting point, identify your main security risks. Map out how your company would respond to different types of threats. For example, the response to a network-wide data breach is different than the response to an email click.

Detection and Analysis

Continually monitor your entire infrastructure to detect and identify threats as quickly as possible. Implement processes to address specifically targeted attacks, such as ransomware or how to respond when a staff person’s email is compromised and starts sending spam.

Containment, Eradication and Recovery

Depending on the event, your plan will guide the IT team in how to isolate and disable the threat and restore systems.

As part of your planning, create action steps including how you’ll stay in touch with your staff, customers and other stakeholders while the IT team is hard at work on the technical side. You’ll likely need help from your attorneys, communications team, insurance providers, and possibly law enforcement.

Post-Incident Activities

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your team’s response. Bolster any technology gaps or staff training. Address any potential negative impacts of the event on your staff and customers. Revisit and update your plan regularly to keep it relevant and ensure its effectiveness.

Tips to Get Started on a Cyber Incident Response Plan

A simple cyber incident response plan is better than no plan, so don’t wait. Start where you are today. Over time, your plan may become more detailed depending on how your IT environment changes or as new threats develop. Here’s where to begin:

  1.  Make incident planning a priority and establish an incident response team.  Identify a planning facilitator and key members from various departments to begin the planning process.
  2.  Identify threats and vulnerabilities to your organization. Prioritize these and decide how you would respond if the most-likely events occur.
  3.  Develop response procedures. Create a playbook with clear instructions and areas of responsibility for each member of the incident response team.
  4.  Review the plan annually.  Technology tools and circumstances change. Keep your plan current.

Our Thoughts

As a managed IT services provider, CRU Solutions is acutely aware of the risks to our clients and our own business from cyber threats. Over the years, we’ve worked with clients who thought it could never happen to them. When it did, they were grateful to have a team with the tools and skills to help them recover successfully.

While news reports often focus on the technology behind cyberattacks, don’t underestimate the emotional impacts. In the first hours and days, there will be stress created by the overall disruption to your business, mental demands of crucial decision-making, and exhaustion from long hours.

Even if the initial recovery goes smoothly, the longer-term effects of communicating with your customers and working with insurance companies, attorneys and regulators can take a toll. Still, your preparation will put you in an excellent position to return to “business as usual” as soon as possible.

Does this seem like overkill for a small business? When the attack happens, your planning will pay off. Work with your IT team or an IT provider who has the experience, tools, and knowledge to benefit your business. That confidence should help you sleep better at night.

To learn how CRU can help address the cybersecurity needs of your business, contact us.

Updated August 5, 2025
", "content_plain": "A cyber incident response plan is a key element of developing and maintaining a strong cybersecurity stance. It’s one tier of a layered approach that includes a smart combination of these elements: a positive cybersecurity culture the right proactive and reactive tools knowing what to do in case of an attack. Small businesses are not immune from the risk of a cyberattack. In fact, many owners are just as concerned about a cyberattack as they are about a supply chain disruption. By operating with an “assume breach” mentality, you can prepare for “not if, but when” a cyberattack occurs. Why a Cyber Incident Response Plan Is Important You probably have plans in place to continue business operations in the event of unexpected circumstances like extreme weather, power outages, and even illness. Cyber incident response is a key piece of this continuity strategy. Think of it this way – knowing how to respond to an attack is equally as important as having the tools in place to help prevent one. Planning provides the guide to help your team detect, respond to and recover from a cybersecurity incident. When the event happens, your team will need to respond quickly to contain the damage and restore services. The time you spend up front will put you in a strong position to recover more successfully. This isn’t a time to make it up as you go. The plan helps protect more than the technical aspects of your IT infrastructure and data. It helps maintain compliance with industry regulations and cyber liability insurance requirements, and will also minimize financial loss, downtime, and reputational damage after an event. Your investment in planning for recovery could make or break the future of your company. Take a Best-Practice Approach A good place to start is with the NIST Incident Response Framework. The NIST framework is one of the most widely accepted tools for cybersecurity planning and response. While the framework is currently in revision, it can be broadly summarized into four main areas: Preparation and Planning Assemble a team (consider key members responsible for IT, legal, HR, operations, communications) who can identify business-critical information and systems, classify incident types based on their potential business impact, and help create the plan. This will be the first-response team when an event occurs. As a starting point, identify your main security risks. Map out how your company would respond to different types of threats. For example, the response to a network-wide data breach is different than the response to an email click. Detection and Analysis Continually monitor your entire infrastructure to detect and identify threats as quickly as possible. Implement processes to address specifically targeted attacks, such as ransomware or how to respond when a staff person’s email is compromised and starts sending spam. Containment, Eradication and Recovery Depending on the event, your plan will guide the IT team in how to isolate and disable the threat and restore systems. As part of your planning, create action steps including how you’ll stay in touch with your staff, customers and other stakeholders while the IT team is hard at work on the technical side. You’ll likely need help from your attorneys, communications team, insurance providers, and possibly law enforcement. Post-Incident Activities Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your team’s response. Bolster any technology gaps or staff training. Address any potential negative impacts of the event on your staff and customers. Revisit and update your plan regularly to keep it relevant and ensure its effectiveness. Tips to Get Started on a Cyber Incident Response Plan A simple cyber incident response plan is better than no plan, so don’t wait. Start where you are today. Over time, your plan may become more detailed depending on how your IT environment changes or as new threats develop. Here’s where to begin: Make incident planning a priority and establish an incident response team. Identify a planning facilitator and key members from various departments to begin the planning process. Identify threats and vulnerabilities to your organization. Prioritize these and decide how you would respond if the most-likely events occur. Develop response procedures. Create a playbook with clear instructions and areas of responsibility for each member of the incident response team. Review the plan annually. Technology tools and circumstances change. Keep your plan current. Our Thoughts As a managed IT services provider, CRU Solutions is acutely aware of the risks to our clients and our own business from cyber threats. Over the years, we’ve worked with clients who thought it could never happen to them. When it did, they were grateful to have a team with the tools and skills to help them recover successfully. While news reports often focus on the technology behind cyberattacks, don’t underestimate the emotional impacts. In the first hours and days, there will be stress created by the overall disruption to your business, mental demands of crucial decision-making, and exhaustion from long hours. Even if the initial recovery goes smoothly, the longer-term effects of communicating with your customers and working with insurance companies, attorneys and regulators can take a toll. Still, your preparation will put you in an excellent position to return to “business as usual” as soon as possible. Does this seem like overkill for a small business? When the attack happens, your planning will pay off. Work with your IT team or an IT provider who has the experience, tools, and knowledge to benefit your business. That confidence should help you sleep better at night. To learn how CRU can help address the cybersecurity needs of your business, contact us. Updated August 5, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/10133449/Cyber-Incident-Response-Plan-.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-14T15:09:57-05:00" }, { "id": 21759, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/choosing-cybersecurity-technology-for-your-small-business/", "title": "Choosing Cybersecurity Technology for Your Small Business", "h1": "Choosing Cybersecurity Technology for Your Small Business", "summary": "The number of cybersecurity tools is growing. Here are best practices and tips to help you make sense of it all.", "content": "

Cybersecurity tools are improving every day. While there’s no fool-proof technology and no single “perfect” toolset, here are some best practices to help you choose the right cybersecurity technology for your small business.

How to Choose Cybersecurity Technology

Evaluate Your Current IT Environment

To start, be honest about how your IT is functioning now. What works? What’s frustrating? Your network diagram, asset inventory, security assessments and software summary will come in handy during this review.

In addition, consider these questions to help you understand where there are vulnerabilities that technology could help protect:

Answers to these questions and others will help determine the tools you need to protect your current environment and position yourself for successful recovery if needed.

Identify and Prioritize Technology Gaps

Think about which tools you’re currently using and where you could beef up your approach. Identify any gaps you find based on internal company goals, best practice IT standards, requirements from your customers, competitive advantage, cyber liability insurance providers, or regulators.

From there, prioritize needed improvements. Fix the most critical gaps as soon as you can. Since one improvement often builds on another, plan to work in stages. Consider the process a journey of incremental changes to continuously close gaps and respond as new threats appear.

Explore Technology Options

We’re all familiar with tools like anti-virus applications and spam filters. Using current versions of your application software and patching them regularly are also routine practices. Continue to maintain these services.

Other effective tools to help respond to cyber threats include:

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) – Also called Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), this requires an additional security validation beyond a username and password. It can be code sent to your phone or an app that provides a code on demand. If you have a choice, use an app on your phone such as Microsoft Authenticator for an extra security edge over receiving a text.

Password Managers – We still see password lists in Excel sheets or Word docs (those are not secure ways to store passwords). The average person has 100 passwords or more, and a secure password manager is an easy way to keep track of them all. Each user only needs to remember one master password to open their “password vault”.

Some password managers also include a feature that allows the company to access individual user’s vaults in case of an emergency or resignation.

Encryption – Encryption can be a roadblock for cybercriminals by simply making your data more difficult to access. Use encryption on all machines and for sensitive email. Always use encrypted email if you must transmit sensitive data.

Reliable, Quickly Recoverable Backup – Everyone has a backup, right? If you’re still using physical backup media (such as external hard drives), consider a more robust solution to help speed up and smooth the recovery process after an attack. Backup as a Service that includes both onsite and cloud replication can get you up and running faster.

Even if you save all your files to the server, there’s still more on your local computer than you may realize. So, remember to backup individual workstations. Be sure to backup your cloud services too, including Microsoft 365 email, OneDrive, and SharePoint.

Application Allowlisting – This tool is part of a zero-trust approach, which assumes that everything – people, applications and devices — poses a risk to your network. This means every person, application, and device must be authenticated and authorized each time they request access. By insisting on verification and authentication at every step, zero trust makes it difficult for a hacker to gain access through a compromised user account or device.

Application allowlisting is a security layer with a twist – rather than blocking from the outside, it only allows access to applications that are explicitly permitted (allowlisted) to run on your network. This helps prevent any malicious access to the network through an unrecognized program, installer, malware or ransomware.

Advanced Threat Detection and Response – These tools use broad-based threat intelligence to analyze your security ecosystem in real time, 24/7/365. Monitoring systems look for known, unknown, and highly evasive threats that could compromise your network. From there, automated and people-driven mitigation efforts work to neutralize or prevent attacks before they create vulnerabilities. These tools employ sophisticated data analysis requiring highly-specialized staff.

Plan and Implement Changes in Your Cybersecurity Technology

There’s no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to cybersecurity technology, and it’s an ever-evolving process. Regularly evaluate your company’s needs, note where there are gaps, and weigh options. Choose what will serve your customers and company most efficiently and cost-effectively.

If you need a place to start, consider these three steps:

Overall, each well-planned action you take to improve cybersecurity technology in your small business is money and effort well-spent on behalf of your customers, your people, and the ongoing success of your company.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 5, 2025
", "content_plain": "Cybersecurity tools are improving every day. While there’s no fool-proof technology and no single “perfect” toolset, here are some best practices to help you choose the right cybersecurity technology for your small business. How to Choose Cybersecurity Technology Evaluate Your Current IT Environment To start, be honest about how your IT is functioning now. What works? What’s frustrating? Your network diagram, asset inventory, security assessments and software summary will come in handy during this review. In addition, consider these questions to help you understand where there are vulnerabilities that technology could help protect: What data do you have? Who has access to it? How does it flow? What hardware and software do you use? Are you using current software versions? Are your systems regularly patched? What are the internal and external vulnerabilities and risks to your IT assets? If you had to completely shut down the network for a week to remediate, how would you operate your business? After a compromise, what critical processes need to be restored first? What services need to remain operational no matter what? Are those services part of your backup process? Answers to these questions and others will help determine the tools you need to protect your current environment and position yourself for successful recovery if needed. Identify and Prioritize Technology Gaps Think about which tools you’re currently using and where you could beef up your approach. Identify any gaps you find based on internal company goals, best practice IT standards, requirements from your customers, competitive advantage, cyber liability insurance providers, or regulators. From there, prioritize needed improvements. Fix the most critical gaps as soon as you can. Since one improvement often builds on another, plan to work in stages. Consider the process a journey of incremental changes to continuously close gaps and respond as new threats appear. Explore Technology Options We’re all familiar with tools like anti-virus applications and spam filters. Using current versions of your application software and patching them regularly are also routine practices. Continue to maintain these services. Other effective tools to help respond to cyber threats include: Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) – Also called Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), this requires an additional security validation beyond a username and password. It can be code sent to your phone or an app that provides a code on demand. If you have a choice, use an app on your phone such as Microsoft Authenticator for an extra security edge over receiving a text. Password Managers – We still see password lists in Excel sheets or Word docs (those are not secure ways to store passwords). The average person has 100 passwords or more, and a secure password manager is an easy way to keep track of them all. Each user only needs to remember one master password to open their “password vault”. Some password managers also include a feature that allows the company to access individual user’s vaults in case of an emergency or resignation. Encryption – Encryption can be a roadblock for cybercriminals by simply making your data more difficult to access. Use encryption on all machines and for sensitive email. Always use encrypted email if you must transmit sensitive data. Reliable, Quickly Recoverable Backup – Everyone has a backup, right? If you’re still using physical backup media (such as external hard drives), consider a more robust solution to help speed up and smooth the recovery process after an attack. Backup as a Service that includes both onsite and cloud replication can get you up and running faster. Even if you save all your files to the server, there’s still more on your local computer than you may realize. So, remember to backup individual workstations. Be sure to backup your cloud services too, including Microsoft 365 email, OneDrive, and SharePoint. Application Allowlisting – This tool is part of a zero-trust approach, which assumes that everything – people, applications and devices — poses a risk to your network. This means every person, application, and device must be authenticated and authorized each time they request access. By insisting on verification and authentication at every step, zero trust makes it difficult for a hacker to gain access through a compromised user account or device. Application allowlisting is a security layer with a twist – rather than blocking from the outside, it only allows access to applications that are explicitly permitted (allowlisted) to run on your network. This helps prevent any malicious access to the network through an unrecognized program, installer, malware or ransomware. Advanced Threat Detection and Response – These tools use broad-based threat intelligence to analyze your security ecosystem in real time, 24/7/365. Monitoring systems look for known, unknown, and highly evasive threats that could compromise your network. From there, automated and people-driven mitigation efforts work to neutralize or prevent attacks before they create vulnerabilities. These tools employ sophisticated data analysis requiring highly-specialized staff. Plan and Implement Changes in Your Cybersecurity Technology There’s no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to cybersecurity technology, and it’s an ever-evolving process. Regularly evaluate your company’s needs, note where there are gaps, and weigh options. Choose what will serve your customers and company most efficiently and cost-effectively. If you need a place to start, consider these three steps: Make deploying MFA a priority. Most hacks start with an email compromise and MFA helps keep bad actors out of your email accounts. Patch your computers regularly. Increasingly, bad actors are exploiting known bugs in operating systems. Patch your computers several times per month and only run supported versions of software. Remember to update your phone, too. Always backup with a focus on the ability to successfully restore. Backups that cannot be confidently restored are not helpful. Overall, each well-planned action you take to improve cybersecurity technology in your small business is money and effort well-spent on behalf of your customers, your people, and the ongoing success of your company. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 5, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10133452/Cybersecurity-Technology.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T10:38:24-05:00" }, { "id": 21756, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/why-and-how-to-keep-software-patches-current/", "title": "Why and How to Keep Software Patches Current", "h1": "Why and How to Keep Software Patches Current", "summary": "Timely patches keep your systems safer by fixing vulnerabilities from new threats. Here's what to know for your business.", "content": "

Keep Patches Current for System Security

Software patches are key elements of a layered approach to cybersecurity. Patches can fix bugs and optimize software. More importantly, they fix security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals.

How Vulnerabilities are Discovered and Tracked

Publicly disclosed cybersecurity vulnerabilities are identified, defined, and cataloged by the CVE Program. CVE is an international effort that helps cybersecurity professionals coordinate their work prioritizing and developing fixes, helping keep everyone safer.

There is one CVE Record for each vulnerability in the catalog. Every vulnerability is rated as a low, medium, high, or critical risk. Patches are developed and prioritized for deployment based on these categories.

Why to Keep Patches Current

The disclosure of vulnerabilities to the public through CVE Records can be an open invitation for cybercriminals. They’ll go on the prowl looking for unpatched systems, either using manual scans or computer bots. By keeping patches current, the hackers are more likely to pass you by.

Since many vulnerabilities are only discovered after they’re exploited by cybercriminals, it can take time to develop the fix. Once the patch is available, it only makes sense to apply it as soon as you can.

If you don’t patch, you’re incurring “technical debt.” The risks grow bigger and bigger each time you skip patching and allow the number of identified risks on each machine to grow.

Your company’s solid reputation could be damaged by any breach. Current patching helps protect that intangible asset you’ve worked tirelessly to build.

Patching is a best-practice requirement for cybersecurity risk assessments, so be careful when you answer those questionnaires. A cyber liability insurance carrier could deny your claim if you’ve falsely stated that you patch.

Finally, if you’re breached due to a vulnerability that has a known patch available, the task of defending your actions to clients, regulators, and insurers becomes challenging and potentially costly.

How to Keep Patches Current

Patch Reporting is Key

Keeping patches current is not enough. Having the reporting in place to prove it could be essential in the event of a breach.

Patch reports should be available after each patch cycle (at least weekly) and include the following:

Make Cybersecurity Awareness Routine

Always be careful online. An exploit could infect your computer simply because you unknowingly viewed an unsafe website, opened a dangerous email, or played infected media. Avoid being an unwitting accomplice to hackers.

The other tools you use (MFA, password managers, zero trust, and more) along with your ability to identify potentially dangerous emails and texts gives you the upper hand.

The number of new security alerts that emerge every week can be overwhelming. Managing patches effectively is a key part of the toolkit that helps keep your systems more secure.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 5, 2025
", "content_plain": "Keep Patches Current for System Security Software patches are key elements of a layered approach to cybersecurity. Patches can fix bugs and optimize software. More importantly, they fix security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. How Vulnerabilities are Discovered and Tracked Publicly disclosed cybersecurity vulnerabilities are identified, defined, and cataloged by the CVE Program. CVE is an international effort that helps cybersecurity professionals coordinate their work prioritizing and developing fixes, helping keep everyone safer. There is one CVE Record for each vulnerability in the catalog. Every vulnerability is rated as a low, medium, high, or critical risk. Patches are developed and prioritized for deployment based on these categories. Why to Keep Patches Current The disclosure of vulnerabilities to the public through CVE Records can be an open invitation for cybercriminals. They’ll go on the prowl looking for unpatched systems, either using manual scans or computer bots. By keeping patches current, the hackers are more likely to pass you by. Since many vulnerabilities are only discovered after they’re exploited by cybercriminals, it can take time to develop the fix. Once the patch is available, it only makes sense to apply it as soon as you can. If you don’t patch, you’re incurring “technical debt.” The risks grow bigger and bigger each time you skip patching and allow the number of identified risks on each machine to grow. Your company’s solid reputation could be damaged by any breach. Current patching helps protect that intangible asset you’ve worked tirelessly to build. Patching is a best-practice requirement for cybersecurity risk assessments, so be careful when you answer those questionnaires. A cyber liability insurance carrier could deny your claim if you’ve falsely stated that you patch. Finally, if you’re breached due to a vulnerability that has a known patch available, the task of defending your actions to clients, regulators, and insurers becomes challenging and potentially costly. How to Keep Patches Current Make sure your IT provider remotely applies patches from Microsoft and other key software vendors on a regular basis. Critical security updates should be applied right away. If patches are being applied during off hours, follow your IT team’s instructions, such as leaving your computer turned on, to make sure your machine doesn’t miss the patch. If your IT provider doesn’t manage patches for you, set all computers to automatically update. Avoid using the “Remind Me Later” button. Set browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.) to automatically update. Set your phone and tablet to automatically update. Make keeping patches current a part of your cybersecurity awareness culture. Patch Reporting is Key Keeping patches current is not enough. Having the reporting in place to prove it could be essential in the event of a breach. Patch reports should be available after each patch cycle (at least weekly) and include the following: A list of every computer in your environment. All completed and failed patches by machine. Computers that are missing patches, both critical and non-critical. Computers that are missing critical patches along with the corresponding CVE record codes. Typical industry standards are to apply critical patches within 30 days. We encourage deploying critical patches promptly. Make Cybersecurity Awareness Routine Always be careful online. An exploit could infect your computer simply because you unknowingly viewed an unsafe website, opened a dangerous email, or played infected media. Avoid being an unwitting accomplice to hackers. The other tools you use (MFA, password managers, zero trust, and more) along with your ability to identify potentially dangerous emails and texts gives you the upper hand. The number of new security alerts that emerge every week can be overwhelming. Managing patches effectively is a key part of the toolkit that helps keep your systems more secure. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 5, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/10133453/Patches-Debug-.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T10:50:21-05:00" }, { "id": 4472, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/areas-served/managed-services-provider-ohio-westlake-oh/", "title": "Westlake, OH", "h1": "Westlake, OH", "summary": "Need a managed service provider in Westlake, Ohio? Turn to CRU Solutions for help. Learn more about us here.", "content": "

Need a Managed Service Provider in Westlake, Ohio? Turn to CRU Solutions

Did you know that 95% of all cybersecurity incidents at SMBs cost between $826 and $653,587? Those are concerning numbers, but you can help avoid these incidents with managed IT services. At CRU Solutions, we work with businesses to manage their IT infrastructures, including cybersecurity solutions, to reduce the risk of costly cyberattacks. As a managed service provider near Westlake, Ohio, we’re ready to help your organization. Learn more about our business below, or reach out to us with questions.

\"Hiring

Invest in Your Organization’s Future

With over 40 years of experience, CRU Solutions is a leading managed service provider in Westlake, Ohio. Our local team is dedicated to solving your cybersecurity needs. We can handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds.  You get a team of experienced IT professionals and the peace of mind that your business is protected against malicious attacks.

Work with a Leading Managed Service Provider in Westlake, Ohio

We partner with businesses of between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we have the right services to keep your business safe.

When you choose CRU Solutions as your managed service provider in Westlake, Ohio, we’ll build a solid foundation for your managed IT services. What’s more, we’ll be there to support you when you need it, whether it’s on the phone or in person. You can trust us to deliver the right services, for the right price, at the right time.

Learn More Today

Want to learn more about what CRU Solutions can do for you? Reach out to our team to begin the conversation.

More Areas Served

Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio

If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team.

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Need a Managed Service Provider in Westlake, Ohio? Turn to CRU Solutions Did you know that 95% of all cybersecurity incidents at SMBs cost between $826 and $653,587? Those are concerning numbers, but you can help avoid these incidents with managed IT services. At CRU Solutions, we work with businesses to manage their IT infrastructures, including cybersecurity solutions, to reduce the risk of costly cyberattacks. As a managed service provider near Westlake, Ohio, we’re ready to help your organization. Learn more about our business below, or reach out to us with questions. Invest in Your Organization’s Future With over 40 years of experience, CRU Solutions is a leading managed service provider in Westlake, Ohio. Our local team is dedicated to solving your cybersecurity needs. We can handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. You get a team of experienced IT professionals and the peace of mind that your business is protected against malicious attacks. Work with a Leading Managed Service Provider in Westlake, Ohio We partner with businesses of between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we have the right services to keep your business safe. When you choose CRU Solutions as your managed service provider in Westlake, Ohio, we’ll build a solid foundation for your managed IT services. What’s more, we’ll be there to support you when you need it, whether it’s on the phone or in person. You can trust us to deliver the right services, for the right price, at the right time. Learn More Today Want to learn more about what CRU Solutions can do for you? Reach out to our team to begin the conversation. More Areas ServedAkron, OH Brecksville, OH Brunswick, OH Cleveland, OH Independence, OH Medina, OH Westlake, OH Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team. Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133729/service-provider-Westlake-Ohio.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-05T09:04:23-05:00" }, { "id": 4470, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/areas-served/managed-services-ohio-medina-oh/", "title": "Medina, OH", "h1": "Medina, OH", "summary": "Stay ahead of cybersecurity threats with managed services in Medina, Ohio. Learn how we can help keep your business safer.", "content": "

Stay Ahead of Cybersecurity Threats with Managed Services in Medina, Ohio

Nearly 40% of small businesses reported that they lost crucial data as a result of a cybersecurity attack. Don’t leave your business unprotected. Investing in managed services can help keep your organization protected against cyberattacks and CRU Solutions is here to help. Learn more about our managed services in Medina, Ohio below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"Hiring

Get the Peace of Mind You Need to Succeed

With over 40 years of experience, CRU Solutions offers a full suite of managed services, including cybersecurity services, for businesses in Medina and beyond. With a local team, we can handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. And, our experienced employees explain everything in plain English. With us by your side, you can focus on what matters most — growing your business.

Comprehensive Managed Services in Medina, Ohio Start with CRU Solutions

When you team up with CRU Solutions, you’re investing in your business’s future. We’ll be there, constantly monitoring your network for malicious activity. And if you do experience an issue, we’ll be there to help you every step of the way.

We partner with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we have the right managed services to keep your business safe.

From the very beginning of our project, we’ll build a solid foundation for your managed IT services, and be there for support when you need it. We promise to deliver the right services, for the right price, at the right time.

Reach Out to CRU Solutions Today

Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Reach out to our team today — we look forward to talking with you.

More Areas Served

Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio

If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team.

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Stay Ahead of Cybersecurity Threats with Managed Services in Medina, Ohio Nearly 40% of small businesses reported that they lost crucial data as a result of a cybersecurity attack. Don’t leave your business unprotected. Investing in managed services can help keep your organization protected against cyberattacks and CRU Solutions is here to help. Learn more about our managed services in Medina, Ohio below, or reach out to our team with questions. Get the Peace of Mind You Need to Succeed With over 40 years of experience, CRU Solutions offers a full suite of managed services, including cybersecurity services, for businesses in Medina and beyond. With a local team, we can handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. And, our experienced employees explain everything in plain English. With us by your side, you can focus on what matters most — growing your business. Comprehensive Managed Services in Medina, Ohio Start with CRU Solutions When you team up with CRU Solutions, you’re investing in your business’s future. We’ll be there, constantly monitoring your network for malicious activity. And if you do experience an issue, we’ll be there to help you every step of the way. We partner with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we have the right managed services to keep your business safe. From the very beginning of our project, we’ll build a solid foundation for your managed IT services, and be there for support when you need it. We promise to deliver the right services, for the right price, at the right time. Reach Out to CRU Solutions Today Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Reach out to our team today — we look forward to talking with you. More Areas ServedAkron, OH Brecksville, OH Brunswick, OH Cleveland, OH Independence, OH Medina, OH Westlake, OH Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team. Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133723/managed-services-Medina-Ohio.jpg", "modified": "2024-05-22T07:52:30-05:00" }, { "id": 4468, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/areas-served/managed-services-ohio-independence-oh/", "title": "Independence, OH", "h1": "Independence, OH", "summary": "Minimize risks with quality managed services in Independence, Ohio. At CRU Solutions, we offer everything you need to keep your business safe.", "content": "

Minimize Risks with Reliable Managed Services in Independence, Ohio

Did you know that 82% of ransomware attacks target small businesses? Don’t leave your business’s future up to chance. Investing in managed services can help keep your organization safer — and provide you with enhanced peace of mind. At CRU Solutions, we offer managed services for Independence, Ohio organizations and beyond. Learn more about us below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"Hiring

CRU Solutions Protects Your Business’s Future

With over 40 years of experience, CRU Solutions is your one-stop shop for managed services in Independence, Ohio. Our local team is well-equipped to handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. We’ll push through complex cybersecurity questions on your behalf, and we explain everything in plain English.That way, you can focus on what truly matters — growing your business.

Get Proven Managed Services in Independence, Ohio

When you work with us, you get a team that’s dedicated to helping protecting your business against cyberattacks. We work best with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we’re here to help.

With cybersecurity risks on the rise, investing in managed services in Independence, Ohio is a no-brainer. From day one, we’ll create a solid foundation for your managed IT services, and provide ongoing support when you need it. Trust us to get you the right services, for the right price, at the right time. Over the last four decades, we’ve helped hundreds of companies. We’d love to help you, too.

Reach Out to CRU Today

Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Reach out to our team today for an initial consultation.

More Areas Served

Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio

If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team.

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Minimize Risks with Reliable Managed Services in Independence, Ohio Did you know that 82% of ransomware attacks target small businesses? Don’t leave your business’s future up to chance. Investing in managed services can help keep your organization safer — and provide you with enhanced peace of mind. At CRU Solutions, we offer managed services for Independence, Ohio organizations and beyond. Learn more about us below, or reach out to our team with questions. CRU Solutions Protects Your Business’s Future With over 40 years of experience, CRU Solutions is your one-stop shop for managed services in Independence, Ohio. Our local team is well-equipped to handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. We’ll push through complex cybersecurity questions on your behalf, and we explain everything in plain English.That way, you can focus on what truly matters — growing your business. Get Proven Managed Services in Independence, Ohio When you work with us, you get a team that’s dedicated to helping protecting your business against cyberattacks. We work best with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we’re here to help. With cybersecurity risks on the rise, investing in managed services in Independence, Ohio is a no-brainer. From day one, we’ll create a solid foundation for your managed IT services, and provide ongoing support when you need it. Trust us to get you the right services, for the right price, at the right time. Over the last four decades, we’ve helped hundreds of companies. We’d love to help you, too. Reach Out to CRU Today Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Reach out to our team today for an initial consultation. More Areas ServedAkron, OH Brecksville, OH Brunswick, OH Cleveland, OH Independence, OH Medina, OH Westlake, OH Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team. Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133729/managed-services-Independence-Ohio-1.jpg", "modified": "2024-05-21T18:04:34-05:00" }, { "id": 4463, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/areas-served/managed-service-provider-ohio-cleveland-oh/", "title": "Cleveland, OH", "h1": "Cleveland, OH", "summary": "Need a managed service provider in Cleveland, Ohio? Work with one of the best. Explore our services here.", "content": "

Work with One of the Most Experienced Managed Service Providers in Cleveland, Ohio

When you’re looking for a managed service provider in Cleveland, Ohio, consider CRU Solutions. The Cleveland area has been our home for over 40 years. Located in Broadview Heights, we’re ready to service businesses in the Northeast Ohio area.

We’ll handle your day-to-day IT, with an emphasis on mitigating cybersecurity risks, so you can focus on other priorities in your business. Plus, we’ll develop adaptable IT plans so you can take advantage of new technologies that will help your business thrive.

The CRU Solutions team collaborates every day to solve problems and create the most secure IT environment possible for your organization. Together, our skills range from answering quick support calls to designing complete IT infrastructures from the ground up.

\"Hiring

Work with a Managed Service Provider Who Cares

As a managed service provider in Cleveland, Ohio, we make it our mission to help protect your organization against malicious attacks. We work with organizations between 10 and 100 users in Microsoft Windows environments.

When you team up with us, you can be certain the foundation of your business’ IT is solid, and ongoing support and expertise is there when you need it. Trust our managed IT services to create and sustain the technology success you need.

Get Started with CRU Solutions

When you need a proven managed service provider in Cleveland, Ohio, trust us. Contact us today to start a conversation!

More Areas Served

Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio

If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team.

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Work with One of the Most Experienced Managed Service Providers in Cleveland, Ohio When you’re looking for a managed service provider in Cleveland, Ohio, consider CRU Solutions. The Cleveland area has been our home for over 40 years. Located in Broadview Heights, we’re ready to service businesses in the Northeast Ohio area. We’ll handle your day-to-day IT, with an emphasis on mitigating cybersecurity risks, so you can focus on other priorities in your business. Plus, we’ll develop adaptable IT plans so you can take advantage of new technologies that will help your business thrive. The CRU Solutions team collaborates every day to solve problems and create the most secure IT environment possible for your organization. Together, our skills range from answering quick support calls to designing complete IT infrastructures from the ground up. Work with a Managed Service Provider Who Cares As a managed service provider in Cleveland, Ohio, we make it our mission to help protect your organization against malicious attacks. We work with organizations between 10 and 100 users in Microsoft Windows environments. When you team up with us, you can be certain the foundation of your business’ IT is solid, and ongoing support and expertise is there when you need it. Trust our managed IT services to create and sustain the technology success you need. Get Started with CRU Solutions When you need a proven managed service provider in Cleveland, Ohio, trust us. Contact us today to start a conversation! More Areas ServedAkron, OH Brecksville, OH Brunswick, OH Cleveland, OH Independence, OH Medina, OH Westlake, OH Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team. Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133731/managed-service-provider-Cleveland-Ohio.jpg", "modified": "2024-05-21T17:54:47-05:00" }, { "id": 4459, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/areas-served/managed-services-ohio-brunswick-oh/", "title": "Brunswick, OH", "h1": "Brunswick, OH", "summary": "Protect your business with quality managed services in Brunswick, Ohio. With over 40 years of experience, we give you the peace of mind you need to succeed.", "content": "

Help Protect Your Business with Proven Managed Services in Brunswick, Ohio

You want your IT foundation to be as cost-effective and secure as possible. CRU Solutionsoffers managed services for Brunswick, Ohio organizations. With over 40 years of experience, you can rest assured that you’re working with a proven IT services firm.

CRU Solutions is dedicated to providing secure, trusted IT services to small businesses throughout Northeast Ohio. Our local team can handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. We invest in the most experienced people, combining technical knowledge with strong communication and customer service skills. With our team handling the complex IT needs, including cybersecurity, you can focus more time on growing your business.

\"Hiring

Complete IT Support is Just a Few Clicks Away

Partnering with CRU Solutions is an investment in your business’s future — and your peace of mind. We work with businesses with 10 to 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Specializing in accounting firms, professional service firms, family-owned businesses, non-profit organizations, and manufacturing companies, we’re here to help with even the most challenging IT needs.

When you work with us, we’ll set up a solid foundation for your managed services and be there to provide support when you need it. We get to know your business, creating the most complete and cost-effective managed services solution for your needs. Since our inception in 1982, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses. We’d be honored to help you, too.

Reach Out to Us for Reliable Managed Services in Brunswick, Ohio

Want to learn more about what we can do for your business? As a leading provider of managed services in Brunswick, Ohio, our team is standing by to answer any questions you may have. Reach out to our team — we look forward to talking with you.

More Areas Served

Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio

If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team.

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Help Protect Your Business with Proven Managed Services in Brunswick, Ohio You want your IT foundation to be as cost-effective and secure as possible. CRU Solutionsoffers managed services for Brunswick, Ohio organizations. With over 40 years of experience, you can rest assured that you’re working with a proven IT services firm. CRU Solutions is dedicated to providing secure, trusted IT services to small businesses throughout Northeast Ohio. Our local team can handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. We invest in the most experienced people, combining technical knowledge with strong communication and customer service skills. With our team handling the complex IT needs, including cybersecurity, you can focus more time on growing your business. Complete IT Support is Just a Few Clicks Away Partnering with CRU Solutions is an investment in your business’s future — and your peace of mind. We work with businesses with 10 to 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Specializing in accounting firms, professional service firms, family-owned businesses, non-profit organizations, and manufacturing companies, we’re here to help with even the most challenging IT needs. When you work with us, we’ll set up a solid foundation for your managed services and be there to provide support when you need it. We get to know your business, creating the most complete and cost-effective managed services solution for your needs. Since our inception in 1982, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses. We’d be honored to help you, too. Reach Out to Us for Reliable Managed Services in Brunswick, Ohio Want to learn more about what we can do for your business? As a leading provider of managed services in Brunswick, Ohio, our team is standing by to answer any questions you may have. Reach out to our team — we look forward to talking with you. More Areas ServedAkron, OH Brecksville, OH Brunswick, OH Cleveland, OH Independence, OH Medina, OH Westlake, OH Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team. Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133723/managed-services-Brunswick-Ohio.jpg", "modified": "2024-09-26T12:24:40-05:00" }, { "id": 4453, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/areas-served/managed-services-ohio-brecksville-oh/", "title": "Brecksville, OH", "h1": "Brecksville, OH", "summary": "Exploring managed IT services in Brecksville, Ohio? Work with CRU Solutions for your IT and cybersecurity needs.", "content": "

Exploring Managed IT Services in Brecksville, Ohio? Work with CRU Solutions

If you’re looking for managed IT services in Brecksville, Ohio, look no further than CRU Solutions. We’re near your neighborhood and look forward to the opportunity to help you with your IT and cybersecurity needs.

With over 40 years of experience, we deliver secure, trusted IT services and support to businesses like yours. We can handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. Our expertise ensures we can take on even the most complex cybersecurity challenges, giving you the peace of mind you need.

When you work with us, you know you’re getting exceptional IT services from a tested, experienced team. We invest and develop the best local talent who do double duty — combining constantly evolving technical knowledge with strong communication and customer service skills. Our team is here to explain everything in plain English, quickly solving problems so you can get back to what matters most — growing your business.

\"Hiring

Get Experienced Managed IT Services in Brecksville, Ohio

We work with organizations that need smart IT solutions for between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we’re here to help.

Investing in CRU Solutions is an investment in your business’s future. We’ll be there to create a solid foundation for your managed IT services and provide support when you need it. Trust us to get you the right services, for the right price, at the right time. Over the past four decades, we’ve helped hundreds of companies. We’d be honored to help you, too.

Let’s Get Started

When you need managed IT services in Brecksville, Ohio, turn to CRU Solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your cybersecurity needs.

More Areas Served

Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio

If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team.

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Exploring Managed IT Services in Brecksville, Ohio? Work with CRU Solutions If you’re looking for managed IT services in Brecksville, Ohio, look no further than CRU Solutions. We’re near your neighborhood and look forward to the opportunity to help you with your IT and cybersecurity needs. With over 40 years of experience, we deliver secure, trusted IT services and support to businesses like yours. We can handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. Our expertise ensures we can take on even the most complex cybersecurity challenges, giving you the peace of mind you need. When you work with us, you know you’re getting exceptional IT services from a tested, experienced team. We invest and develop the best local talent who do double duty — combining constantly evolving technical knowledge with strong communication and customer service skills. Our team is here to explain everything in plain English, quickly solving problems so you can get back to what matters most — growing your business. Get Experienced Managed IT Services in Brecksville, Ohio We work with organizations that need smart IT solutions for between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we’re here to help. Investing in CRU Solutions is an investment in your business’s future. We’ll be there to create a solid foundation for your managed IT services and provide support when you need it. Trust us to get you the right services, for the right price, at the right time. Over the past four decades, we’ve helped hundreds of companies. We’d be honored to help you, too. Let’s Get Started When you need managed IT services in Brecksville, Ohio, turn to CRU Solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your cybersecurity needs. More Areas ServedAkron, OH Brecksville, OH Brunswick, OH Cleveland, OH Independence, OH Medina, OH Westlake, OH Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team. Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133731/managed-IT-services-Brecksville-Ohio.jpg", "modified": "2024-05-21T17:46:09-05:00" }, { "id": 4451, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/areas-served/akron-oh-it-services-ohio/", "title": "Akron, OH", "h1": "Akron, OH", "summary": "Looking for Akron, OH IT services? Consider CRU Solutions as a leader among IT companies in Akron.", "content": "

Looking for Akron, Ohio IT Services? We’re Here to Help

Akron is a growing community with new industries and technologies on the rise. When you’re looking for an IT company that serves the Akron area, consider CRU Solutions as a leader among IT companies in Akron and the surrounding communities. Located in Broadview Heights, it’s a quick drive down I-77 to your door.

CRU Solutions delivers secure, trusted IT services and support to businesses throughout Akron and Northeast Ohio. We seek out and develop local talent who do double duty — combining constantly evolving technical knowledge with strong communication and customer service skills.

As your Akron, Ohio IT services company, we’ll handle your day-to-day IT needs. Our services emphasize mitigating cybersecurity risks, so you can focus on other priorities in your business. Plus, we’ll develop adaptable IT plans so you can take advantage of new technologies that will help your business thrive.

The CRU Solutions team collaborates every day to solve problems and create the most secure IT environment possible for your organization. Together, our skills range from answering quick support calls to designing complete IT infrastructure from the ground up.

\"Hiring

Work with an Akron, Ohio IT Services Provider Who Cares About Small Businesses

We work with organizations that need smart IT solutions for between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Our IT support services help small businesses in a variety of industries across Akron and Northeast Ohio, including accounting firms, professional service firms, family-owned businesses, non-profit organizations, and manufacturers.

As an expert IT company serving businesses across Northeast Ohio, you can be certain the foundation of your business’ IT is solid, and our ongoing support and expertise are there when you need it. Trust our managed IT services to create and sustain the technology success you need.

Get Started with CRU Solutions Today

When you need Akron, Ohio IT services, turn to CRU Solutions. Contact us for an initial consultation.

More Areas Served

Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio

If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team.

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Looking for Akron, Ohio IT Services? We’re Here to Help Akron is a growing community with new industries and technologies on the rise. When you’re looking for an IT company that serves the Akron area, consider CRU Solutions as a leader among IT companies in Akron and the surrounding communities. Located in Broadview Heights, it’s a quick drive down I-77 to your door. CRU Solutions delivers secure, trusted IT services and support to businesses throughout Akron and Northeast Ohio. We seek out and develop local talent who do double duty — combining constantly evolving technical knowledge with strong communication and customer service skills. As your Akron, Ohio IT services company, we’ll handle your day-to-day IT needs. Our services emphasize mitigating cybersecurity risks, so you can focus on other priorities in your business. Plus, we’ll develop adaptable IT plans so you can take advantage of new technologies that will help your business thrive. The CRU Solutions team collaborates every day to solve problems and create the most secure IT environment possible for your organization. Together, our skills range from answering quick support calls to designing complete IT infrastructure from the ground up. Work with an Akron, Ohio IT Services Provider Who Cares About Small Businesses We work with organizations that need smart IT solutions for between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Our IT support services help small businesses in a variety of industries across Akron and Northeast Ohio, including accounting firms, professional service firms, family-owned businesses, non-profit organizations, and manufacturers. As an expert IT company serving businesses across Northeast Ohio, you can be certain the foundation of your business’ IT is solid, and our ongoing support and expertise are there when you need it. Trust our managed IT services to create and sustain the technology success you need. Get Started with CRU Solutions Today When you need Akron, Ohio IT services, turn to CRU Solutions. Contact us for an initial consultation. More Areas ServedAkron, OH Brecksville, OH Brunswick, OH Cleveland, OH Independence, OH Medina, OH Westlake, OH Serving IT Needs Across Northeast Ohio If you’re a Northeast Ohio business in need of IT and managed services support, contact our expert team. Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133732/IT-companies-in-Akron.jpg", "modified": "2024-05-21T17:38:58-05:00" }, { "id": 4434, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/about/testimonials/", "title": "Testimonials", "h1": "Testimonials", "summary": "Over the last 40 years, we've helped countless companies. Hear from some of our happy customers.", "content": "

Client Testimonials

For decades, we’ve helped countless companies with their IT support needs. Explore some of our testimonials below. For the confidentiality and security of our clients, we do not identify those who kindly share compliments about the CRU Solutions team. Still, these testimonials provide a sense of how working with CRU Solutions benefits their organizations.

Manufacturing Client since 2025

Excellent experience with CRU! The transition was seamless, their team is incredibly helpful and responsive. They quickly found us cost savings. As a fellow small business, we really appreciate that they go beyond IT support by connecting us with other trusted professionals and fostering relationships with like-minded businesses.

Nonprofit Client since 2017

They have an amazing team, not only due to their technical skills but also their attention to customer service and professionalism. They provide valuable expertise and outstanding support.

Accounting Firm Client since 1996

We trust and depend on CRU Solutions. CRU techs are extremely responsive and explain tech in a way a non-tech can understand. We can confidently refer CRU to business associates — which is a high compliment in the professional services world.

Healthcare Client since 2005

We trust CRU to solve our issues and help us meet compliance goals. Their techs are easy to reach and great at follow-up. They’ve helped us successfully plan and implement new technology. While they come onsite whenever we need them, their remote support is a tremendous time-saver.

Manufacturing Client since 2001

CRU understands the needs of our multi-location business. They help with technology planning and budgeting, and respond quickly to our requests.

Trade Association Client since 2011

We are better served with CRU’s competent and deep bench of professionals versus going it alone with an IT department of one.

Accounting Firm Client since 2008

CRU understands our business and offers us technology choices. We also work well together because of our similar cultures. We’re a people first firm and so is CRU.

Nonprofit Client since 2003

Our shared values include communicating with people respectfully and doing all you can to help. CRU’s service is unbeatable and their value to our organization is unmatched.

Financial Services Client since 2020

My aspiration for our firm is to provide the same “total package” that CRU delivers — the highest level of expertise as well as the thoughtfulness to go above and beyond for the client. Every one of the CRU team members I have come in contact with is excellent.

Design/Build/Remodel Client since 2013

I know how outstanding your company is because we ran an integration and managed services business from 1997 to 2004, and it was a huge challenge. I’m impressed with how you have right sized for your clients given the high level of service you provide.

Need a Managed Service Provider? Look to CRU Solutions.

Choosing a managed service provider can be overwhelming, but CRU Solutions makes it easy. As a managed service provider with over 40 years of experience, we’re here to help you with your IT and cybersecurity needs. We’ve helped hundreds of clients get the best support for their business — many of them have been loyal customers for 10+ years. We’d be honored to help you, too.

We partner with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we can help keep your business safer from online threats.

Get Started Today

With managed services, we’ll create solid foundation for your IT infrastructure and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we look forward to talking with you.

More in About

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Client Testimonials For decades, we’ve helped countless companies with their IT support needs. Explore some of our testimonials below. For the confidentiality and security of our clients, we do not identify those who kindly share compliments about the CRU Solutions team. Still, these testimonials provide a sense of how working with CRU Solutions benefits their organizations. Manufacturing Client since 2025Excellent experience with CRU! The transition was seamless, their team is incredibly helpful and responsive. They quickly found us cost savings. As a fellow small business, we really appreciate that they go beyond IT support by connecting us with other trusted professionals and fostering relationships with like-minded businesses.Nonprofit Client since 2017They have an amazing team, not only due to their technical skills but also their attention to customer service and professionalism. They provide valuable expertise and outstanding support.Accounting Firm Client since 1996We trust and depend on CRU Solutions. CRU techs are extremely responsive and explain tech in a way a non-tech can understand. We can confidently refer CRU to business associates — which is a high compliment in the professional services world.Healthcare Client since 2005We trust CRU to solve our issues and help us meet compliance goals. Their techs are easy to reach and great at follow-up. They’ve helped us successfully plan and implement new technology. While they come onsite whenever we need them, their remote support is a tremendous time-saver.Manufacturing Client since 2001CRU understands the needs of our multi-location business. They help with technology planning and budgeting, and respond quickly to our requests.Trade Association Client since 2011We are better served with CRU’s competent and deep bench of professionals versus going it alone with an IT department of one.Accounting Firm Client since 2008CRU understands our business and offers us technology choices. We also work well together because of our similar cultures. We’re a people first firm and so is CRU.Nonprofit Client since 2003Our shared values include communicating with people respectfully and doing all you can to help. CRU’s service is unbeatable and their value to our organization is unmatched.Financial Services Client since 2020My aspiration for our firm is to provide the same “total package” that CRU delivers — the highest level of expertise as well as the thoughtfulness to go above and beyond for the client. Every one of the CRU team members I have come in contact with is excellent.Design/Build/Remodel Client since 2013I know how outstanding your company is because we ran an integration and managed services business from 1997 to 2004, and it was a huge challenge. I’m impressed with how you have right sized for your clients given the high level of service you provide. Need a Managed Service Provider? Look to CRU Solutions. Choosing a managed service provider can be overwhelming, but CRU Solutions makes it easy. As a managed service provider with over 40 years of experience, we’re here to help you with your IT and cybersecurity needs. We’ve helped hundreds of clients get the best support for their business — many of them have been loyal customers for 10+ years. We’d be honored to help you, too. We partner with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we can help keep your business safer from online threats. Get Started Today With managed services, we’ll create solid foundation for your IT infrastructure and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we look forward to talking with you. More in AboutTeam How We Work and FAQs How to Choose Managed Services Testimonials Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133736/faqs.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-05T08:44:41-05:00" }, { "id": 4432, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/about/choosing-a-managed-service-provider/", "title": "How to Choose Managed Services", "h1": "How to Choose Managed Services", "summary": "Choosing a managed service provider? Advice for your search to ensure you're getting the right fit.", "content": "

Choosing a Managed Service Provider? Here’s How to Decide What’s Best for You

Are you choosing a new managed service provider for your business? It’s a huge decision – you’re giving a firm access to your network and your trust to manage and secure it responsibly. Here’s where to start.

\"Hiring

Identify What You Want to Fix

Why do you want to make a change? Do you regularly make several calls to fix the same problem? Is there no strategic planning, especially around security? Have you faced too many surprises or unexpected costs? Identifying these issues is key before you begin your search.

Clarify Your IT Objectives

How important is reliable IT to your operation? Would you like to move to cloud services? Do you need to meet regulatory requirements? Where do you see your business in the next year or two? Having this snapshot will save time when you’re deciding which IT firms to contact.

Ask Around and Begin the Search

Start by asking your business associates for references and searching the web for managed service providers. From there, schedule a face-to-face discussion and ask relevant questions to help gauge if they’re the right fit.

Review Proposals

Take time to understand the proposal and ask questions. Do the services fit your business goals? What’s included or excluded? Know when you’ll incur extra fees. Is the contract term reasonable?

Need a Managed Service Provider? Look to CRU Solutions.

Choosing a managed service provider can be overwhelming, but CRU Solutions makes it easy. As a managed service provider with over 40 years of experience, we’re here to help with your IT and cybersecurity needs. We’ve provided strategic IT support to hundreds of Northeast Ohio businesses — many of them have been delighted clients for 10 years or more.

We partner with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we can help keep your business safer from online threats.

Get Started Today

With managed services, we’ll create a solid, reliable IT infrastructure and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we look forward to talking with you.

More in About

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Choosing a Managed Service Provider? Here’s How to Decide What’s Best for You Are you choosing a new managed service provider for your business? It’s a huge decision – you’re giving a firm access to your network and your trust to manage and secure it responsibly. Here’s where to start. Identify What You Want to Fix Why do you want to make a change? Do you regularly make several calls to fix the same problem? Is there no strategic planning, especially around security? Have you faced too many surprises or unexpected costs? Identifying these issues is key before you begin your search. Clarify Your IT Objectives How important is reliable IT to your operation? Would you like to move to cloud services? Do you need to meet regulatory requirements? Where do you see your business in the next year or two? Having this snapshot will save time when you’re deciding which IT firms to contact. Ask Around and Begin the Search Start by asking your business associates for references and searching the web for managed service providers. From there, schedule a face-to-face discussion and ask relevant questions to help gauge if they’re the right fit. Review Proposals Take time to understand the proposal and ask questions. Do the services fit your business goals? What’s included or excluded? Know when you’ll incur extra fees. Is the contract term reasonable? Need a Managed Service Provider? Look to CRU Solutions. Choosing a managed service provider can be overwhelming, but CRU Solutions makes it easy. As a managed service provider with over 40 years of experience, we’re here to help with your IT and cybersecurity needs. We’ve provided strategic IT support to hundreds of Northeast Ohio businesses — many of them have been delighted clients for 10 years or more. We partner with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we can help keep your business safer from online threats. Get Started Today With managed services, we’ll create a solid, reliable IT infrastructure and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we look forward to talking with you. More in AboutTeam How We Work and FAQs How to Choose Managed Services Testimonials Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Image-Tate.png", "modified": "2026-04-24T13:33:07-05:00" }, { "id": 4430, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/about/how-cru-solutions-works/", "title": "How We Work and FAQs", "h1": "How We Work and FAQs", "summary": "Comparing IT firms is challenging. Here's how CRU Solutions works every day to give you confidence in your IT.", "content": "

How CRU Solutions Managed IT Services Work

Managed IT services from CRU Solutions give you access to top IT professionals who are always up-to-date on the state of your systems and data. Your organization benefits from proactive services that help you avoid unexpected IT costs and risks, so you can focus more time and energy on what you love to do in your business.

Hiring top IT talent in-house is competitive, time-consuming, and costly. Managed IT services eliminate the challenges of IT hiring. Our team of dedicated professionals manages your day-to-day IT needs to alleviate technology stress.

\"Hiring

No-Surprise Fees

A recurring monthly fee, agreed upon upfront, takes the guesswork out of your IT investment. Never worry about hidden costs, calling the support desk too often, or having to stick to a set amount of onsite support hours.

Technology Updates

You’ll receive a heads up as we see new technologies and IT tools that suit your business goals. Interested in a specific new technology? We’ll evaluate the pros and cons to expertly help guide your decisions.

Reliable Implementation

Making major IT changes has never been easier. Look to our experienced team for advice and reliable implementation of new IT. This might include converting email, shifting to new software, even moving your office.

Tech Vendor Coordination

Our team can often proactively identify and solve potential problems your team may not see. We also work directly with your tech vendors to resolve issues faster, keeping you from being stuck in the middle.

Advice for Important IT Decisions

We respect the individual expertise and business savvy of our clients. We collaborate closely with you and share our IT knowledge to help you make the right decisions that add value to your company.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have questions? We have answers. Explore our FAQs below.

Can you help my company meet IT compliance requirements?

We have a practical understanding of the IT components of typical compliance standards, including HIPAA and FINRA. We can help you create the processes and capture the necessary data to address compliance requirements. We encourage our clients to consider compliance as “best practice” in handling protected data, which can also help meet standards for cyber liability insurance policies.

Do you work with organizations with no IT staff?

Yes. For the vast majority of our clients, CRU Solutions is their sole IT team.

Do you work with organizations that have internal IT staff?

Yes. Based on your company’s needs, we will coordinate services so that your internal IT staff can focus on what they do best and we’ll handle the rest.

What is your fee structure?

Based on your current IT environment and your goals, we’ll provide you with a service proposal and quote. With our agreed-upon monthly fee, you can be confident about your recurring IT expenses. Projects, like email migration or a new server, are quoted separately for planning and budgeting.

Do you work on a project-only or hourly basis?

In our experience, the best way to provide secure, reliable, and knowledgeable service is to have a full understanding of your technology infrastructure and business goals. For that reason, we do not take work on a project-only or hourly basis.

Do I need to sign a long-term contract?

Not at all. Our contract term is a rolling 90 days.

Do you work with certain IT hardware and service vendors, or do I have a choice?

We are hardware agnostic. For example, we like and recommend Lenovo ThinkPad and ThinkCentre business computers, although many clients have a mix of hardware manufacturers. If you have a preference, we’ll work with you.

Do you create websites?

No, we leave that to the experts.

What can I expect if I sign up with CRU?

All services are provided under contracted agreement. From there, we implement our established onboarding process. We will mutually agree to a transition timeframe, gain your permission to work with your previous provider, discuss how to communicate the change to your employees (and offer sample templates for your use), and begin.

How do you ensure a smooth transition from our current IT provider?

In our experience, most IT companies are professional and cooperative in sharing technical information during a transition. After all, your company’s technical information belongs to you, not them. We work hard to not waste anyone’s time and will keep you out of any conflicts that may occur.

Get Superior Managed IT Support from CRU Solutions

Contact our team to discuss how managed IT support services from CRU Solutions can help eliminate IT obstacles and keep your business moving ahead.

More in About

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "How CRU Solutions Managed IT Services Work Managed IT services from CRU Solutions give you access to top IT professionals who are always up-to-date on the state of your systems and data. Your organization benefits from proactive services that help you avoid unexpected IT costs and risks, so you can focus more time and energy on what you love to do in your business. Hiring top IT talent in-house is competitive, time-consuming, and costly. Managed IT services eliminate the challenges of IT hiring. Our team of dedicated professionals manages your day-to-day IT needs to alleviate technology stress. No-Surprise Fees A recurring monthly fee, agreed upon upfront, takes the guesswork out of your IT investment. Never worry about hidden costs, calling the support desk too often, or having to stick to a set amount of onsite support hours. Technology Updates You’ll receive a heads up as we see new technologies and IT tools that suit your business goals. Interested in a specific new technology? We’ll evaluate the pros and cons to expertly help guide your decisions. Reliable Implementation Making major IT changes has never been easier. Look to our experienced team for advice and reliable implementation of new IT. This might include converting email, shifting to new software, even moving your office. Tech Vendor Coordination Our team can often proactively identify and solve potential problems your team may not see. We also work directly with your tech vendors to resolve issues faster, keeping you from being stuck in the middle. Advice for Important IT Decisions We respect the individual expertise and business savvy of our clients. We collaborate closely with you and share our IT knowledge to help you make the right decisions that add value to your company. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Have questions? We have answers. Explore our FAQs below. Can you help my company meet IT compliance requirements? We have a practical understanding of the IT components of typical compliance standards, including HIPAA and FINRA. We can help you create the processes and capture the necessary data to address compliance requirements. We encourage our clients to consider compliance as “best practice” in handling protected data, which can also help meet standards for cyber liability insurance policies. Do you work with organizations with no IT staff? Yes. For the vast majority of our clients, CRU Solutions is their sole IT team. Do you work with organizations that have internal IT staff? Yes. Based on your company’s needs, we will coordinate services so that your internal IT staff can focus on what they do best and we’ll handle the rest. What is your fee structure? Based on your current IT environment and your goals, we’ll provide you with a service proposal and quote. With our agreed-upon monthly fee, you can be confident about your recurring IT expenses. Projects, like email migration or a new server, are quoted separately for planning and budgeting. Do you work on a project-only or hourly basis? In our experience, the best way to provide secure, reliable, and knowledgeable service is to have a full understanding of your technology infrastructure and business goals. For that reason, we do not take work on a project-only or hourly basis. Do I need to sign a long-term contract? Not at all. Our contract term is a rolling 90 days. Do you work with certain IT hardware and service vendors, or do I have a choice? We are hardware agnostic. For example, we like and recommend Lenovo ThinkPad and ThinkCentre business computers, although many clients have a mix of hardware manufacturers. If you have a preference, we’ll work with you. Do you create websites? No, we leave that to the experts. What can I expect if I sign up with CRU? All services are provided under contracted agreement. From there, we implement our established onboarding process. We will mutually agree to a transition timeframe, gain your permission to work with your previous provider, discuss how to communicate the change to your employees (and offer sample templates for your use), and begin. How do you ensure a smooth transition from our current IT provider? In our experience, most IT companies are professional and cooperative in sharing technical information during a transition. After all, your company’s technical information belongs to you, not them. We work hard to not waste anyone’s time and will keep you out of any conflicts that may occur. Get Superior Managed IT Support from CRU Solutions Contact our team to discuss how managed IT support services from CRU Solutions can help eliminate IT obstacles and keep your business moving ahead. More in AboutTeam How We Work and FAQs How to Choose Managed Services Testimonials Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/10133652/CRU-Solutions.jpg", "modified": "2026-04-24T13:29:22-05:00" }, { "id": 4428, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/about/team/", "title": "Team", "h1": "Team", "summary": "Our IT team is standing by to help you with all of your managed IT needs. Learn about our local, experienced leadership team.", "content": "
\"Hiring

Leadership Team

\"\"

Jim Kerr

President

Jim is the founder and owner of CRU Solutions and serves as virtual CIO for our clients. His advice on and design of technology solutions is based on experience, knowledge of the most current and effective technology tools, and the business needs of our clients.

\"Jerry

Jerry Arthur

Director of Technology

Jerry began his career at CRU Solutions as an intern from Baldwin-Wallace College in 2001. Today, he uses his depth of experience and skills to implement and manage complex infrastructures for our clients and lead our technical team in delivering exceptional client services. 

\"Janet

Janet Gehring

Director of Marketing

Janet joined CRU Solutions in 2007. She’s likely to be the first person you’ll speak with if you’re interested in learning more about CRU services. Janet also develops and presents cybersecurity awareness and other training opportunities for CRU clients.

\"Nick

Nick Kerr

Director of Business Operations

Jim’s son, Nick, truly grew up in the business. After completing his education at Ashland University, he joined CRU Solutions full-time in 2016, starting on our help desk. Today, he works closely with clients, vendors, and the CRU team leading projects and helping shape CRU’s strategic direction.

More in About

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Leadership Team Jim Kerr President Jim is the founder and owner of CRU Solutions and serves as virtual CIO for our clients. His advice on and design of technology solutions is based on experience, knowledge of the most current and effective technology tools, and the business needs of our clients. Jerry Arthur Director of Technology Jerry began his career at CRU Solutions as an intern from Baldwin-Wallace College in 2001. Today, he uses his depth of experience and skills to implement and manage complex infrastructures for our clients and lead our technical team in delivering exceptional client services. Janet Gehring Director of Marketing Janet joined CRU Solutions in 2007. She’s likely to be the first person you’ll speak with if you’re interested in learning more about CRU services. Janet also develops and presents cybersecurity awareness and other training opportunities for CRU clients. Nick Kerr Director of Business Operations Jim’s son, Nick, truly grew up in the business. After completing his education at Ashland University, he joined CRU Solutions full-time in 2016, starting on our help desk. Today, he works closely with clients, vendors, and the CRU team leading projects and helping shape CRU’s strategic direction. More in AboutTeam How We Work and FAQs How to Choose Managed Services Testimonials Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133728/About-Main-Page-4-3-ratio-900x593-1.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-05T08:49:42-05:00" }, { "id": 4420, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/it-consulting-for-small-businesses/it-implementation/", "title": "IT Project Implementation", "h1": "IT Project Implementation", "summary": "Do you have a need for IT project implementation? Take the stress off your plate by entrusting the team at CRU Solutions.", "content": "

Advanced IT Implementation is Just a Few Clicks Away

Do you need to update hardware or migrate some services to the cloud? CRU’s IT project implementation as part of complete managed services is for you. With over 40 years of experience, you know your IT project is being taken care of by proven professionals. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions.

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What Does the IT Implementation Process Look Like?

After we’ve helped you identify the need for a new project, created the budget, and you’ve approved, we’ll take care of project implementation from beginning to end. We schedule every stage of the project, ensure items are moving along, and handle any issues that may arise during the process.

Here are a few examples of projects we successfully deliver for our clients:

Workstation Refreshes

Our IT implementation skills ensure a tested and proven process for installing new workstations, including migrating data, to minimize disruptions for your team.

Office Moves

Whether you’re renovating existing space or starting with a completely new buildout, CRU will be by your side to ensure the transition to goes as smoothly as possible.

New Networking Hardware

Firewalls, routers and other networking gear don’t need to be replaced as regularly as workstations, but we’ll be there when it’s time to refresh your network and keep it more secure.

Why Work with CRU Solutions?

When it comes to IT management and cybersecurity for your business, CRU Solutions is your trusted provider. From onsite IT support to complete IT infrastructure builds, we can manage it. We’ve been in business for over 40 years, and we’ve seen hundreds of projects through from beginning to end. We’re eager to help you with yours, too.

We’re well-versed in assisting businesses with between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we’re here to help.

Contact CRU Today

With IT project implementation as part of complete managed services, we’ll create solid, more secure foundation for your IT and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we look forward to talking with you.

More in Solutions

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Advanced IT Implementation is Just a Few Clicks Away Do you need to update hardware or migrate some services to the cloud? CRU’s IT project implementation as part of complete managed services is for you. With over 40 years of experience, you know your IT project is being taken care of by proven professionals. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions. What Does the IT Implementation Process Look Like? After we’ve helped you identify the need for a new project, created the budget, and you’ve approved, we’ll take care of project implementation from beginning to end. We schedule every stage of the project, ensure items are moving along, and handle any issues that may arise during the process. Here are a few examples of projects we successfully deliver for our clients: Workstation Refreshes Our IT implementation skills ensure a tested and proven process for installing new workstations, including migrating data, to minimize disruptions for your team. Office Moves Whether you’re renovating existing space or starting with a completely new buildout, CRU will be by your side to ensure the transition to goes as smoothly as possible. New Networking Hardware Firewalls, routers and other networking gear don’t need to be replaced as regularly as workstations, but we’ll be there when it’s time to refresh your network and keep it more secure. Why Work with CRU Solutions? When it comes to IT management and cybersecurity for your business, CRU Solutions is your trusted provider. From onsite IT support to complete IT infrastructure builds, we can manage it. We’ve been in business for over 40 years, and we’ve seen hundreds of projects through from beginning to end. We’re eager to help you with yours, too. We’re well-versed in assisting businesses with between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we’re here to help. Contact CRU Today With IT project implementation as part of complete managed services, we’ll create solid, more secure foundation for your IT and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we look forward to talking with you. More in SolutionsReduce Cybersecurity Risks Layered IT Security Staff Cyber Awareness Email Security Support Resolve Day to Day IT Issues Remote Help Desk Onsite Support Cloud IT Support Plan for Changing IT Needs IT Consulting IT Budgeting IT Project Implementation Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/10133455/IT-implementation.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-20T16:56:11-05:00" }, { "id": 4418, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/it-consulting-for-small-businesses/it-budgeting/", "title": "IT Budgeting", "h1": "IT Budgeting", "summary": "IT budgeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We offer regular reviews to ensure you’re getting the right services at the right price.", "content": "

Get the Right Services at the Right Price with Our IT Budgeting Process

Your IT budgeting process has importance beyond the numbers and spreadsheets. The technology you use and how you implement it will shape the future of your business, including your day-to-day operations, how you engage with customers, and how you outpace your competition. While you may not always need the “latest and greatest,” you also don’t want to fall so far behind that you eventually require a major, unexpected tech investment.

At CRU Solutions, we provide regular tech reviews to ensure you’re getting the right services at the best price. We’ll sit down with you and review what happened in the last year, what’s going on in the technology world, and what’s happening within your organization. That way, we understand how to update your tech with what you need to be most efficient. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"Hiring

IT Budgeting Examples

Managed IT Services

With an expected monthly fee for a complete suite of services, you can be confident about your recurring IT expenses. Don’t worry about calling the support desk too many times or going over an allotted number of onsite hours each month.

Hardware and Other Projects

You’ll receive a detailed quote, including options, for new hardware, email conversions, office moves, or other special projects. Once approved, we’ll take it from there, with no budget surprises.

Enhanced Security Tools

To meet regulatory or compliance requirements, you may need specific security tools in addition to our included cybersecurity suite. We’ll help you with options and business impact to choose what’s right for your business.

Trust CRU Solutions for All Your IT Budgeting Needs

Why should you work with CRU Solutions for your IT budgeting needs? Over the last 40 years, we’ve worked with hundreds of businesses to optimize their IT and cybersecurity systems. We’re uniquely positioned to help you understand what’s right for your business, ensuring you get the right services for the right price. Over half of our clients have been with us for more than 10 years, verifying their confidence in us and recognizing our ability to effectively support their technology and people.

Our local team in Broadview Heights, Ohio is here to partner with you and explain everything in plain English. We work with a range of businesses with between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. We can handle complex cybersecurity and IT needs accounting firms to manufacturers and beyond.

Contact CRU Today

With IT budgeting as part of complete managed services, we’ll create solid, more secure foundation for your IT and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we look forward to talking with you.

More in Solutions

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Get the Right Services at the Right Price with Our IT Budgeting Process Your IT budgeting process has importance beyond the numbers and spreadsheets. The technology you use and how you implement it will shape the future of your business, including your day-to-day operations, how you engage with customers, and how you outpace your competition. While you may not always need the “latest and greatest,” you also don’t want to fall so far behind that you eventually require a major, unexpected tech investment. At CRU Solutions, we provide regular tech reviews to ensure you’re getting the right services at the best price. We’ll sit down with you and review what happened in the last year, what’s going on in the technology world, and what’s happening within your organization. That way, we understand how to update your tech with what you need to be most efficient. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions. IT Budgeting Examples Managed IT Services With an expected monthly fee for a complete suite of services, you can be confident about your recurring IT expenses. Don’t worry about calling the support desk too many times or going over an allotted number of onsite hours each month. Hardware and Other Projects You’ll receive a detailed quote, including options, for new hardware, email conversions, office moves, or other special projects. Once approved, we’ll take it from there, with no budget surprises. Enhanced Security Tools To meet regulatory or compliance requirements, you may need specific security tools in addition to our included cybersecurity suite. We’ll help you with options and business impact to choose what’s right for your business. Trust CRU Solutions for All Your IT Budgeting Needs Why should you work with CRU Solutions for your IT budgeting needs? Over the last 40 years, we’ve worked with hundreds of businesses to optimize their IT and cybersecurity systems. We’re uniquely positioned to help you understand what’s right for your business, ensuring you get the right services for the right price. Over half of our clients have been with us for more than 10 years, verifying their confidence in us and recognizing our ability to effectively support their technology and people. Our local team in Broadview Heights, Ohio is here to partner with you and explain everything in plain English. We work with a range of businesses with between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. We can handle complex cybersecurity and IT needs accounting firms to manufacturers and beyond. Contact CRU Today With IT budgeting as part of complete managed services, we’ll create solid, more secure foundation for your IT and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we look forward to talking with you. More in SolutionsReduce Cybersecurity Risks Layered IT Security Staff Cyber Awareness Email Security Support Resolve Day to Day IT Issues Remote Help Desk Onsite Support Cloud IT Support Plan for Changing IT Needs IT Consulting IT Budgeting IT Project Implementation Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/10133455/IT-budgeting.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-20T16:55:53-05:00" }, { "id": 4416, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/it-consulting-for-small-businesses/it-consultancy/", "title": "IT Consulting", "h1": "IT Consulting", "summary": "Get the right IT services for the right price. Our IT consultancy services help you understand what you need, saving you money on unnecessary purchases.", "content": "

How CRU Solutions IT Consultancy Services Benefit Your Business

Having a robust IT infrastructure is key for businesses of all sizes. But, navigating the complexities of IT can be daunting. At CRU Solutions, we specialize in empowering businesses like yours to thrive through our tailored IT consultancy services. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"Hiring

Strategic Guidance

Our team of seasoned IT consultants will work closely with you to understand your business objectives and develop a customized IT strategy aligned with your goals.

Cost Efficiency

By leveraging our expertise and industry insights, we help you optimize your IT investments, minimize downtime, and avoid costly mistakes, ultimately improving your bottom line.

Enhanced Security

With cyber threats on the rise, protecting your business’s sensitive data is more important than ever. We’ll help you safeguard your digital assets, giving you peace of mind.

Scalability and Flexibility

As your business evolves, so should your IT infrastructure. Our consulting services are designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing you to adapt to changing market conditions and seize new opportunities.

Competitive Advantage

Staying ahead of the curve is essential for success. Partnering with us gains you access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that give you a competitive edge in your industry.

Why Partner with CRU Solutions?

With over 40 years of experience, we deliver secure, trusted IT services and support to businesses like yours. We can handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. Our expertise ensures we can take on even the most complex cybersecurity challenges, giving you the peace of mind you need.

When you work with us, you know you’re getting capable IT services from a proven, experienced team. We invest in and develop the best local talent who do double duty — combining constantly evolving technical knowledge with strong communication and customer service skills. Our team is here to explain everything in plain English, quickly solving problems so you can get back to what matters most — growing your business.

Contact CRU Today

With IT budgeting as part of complete managed services, we’ll create solid, more secure foundation for your IT and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we look forward to talking with you.

More in Solutions

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "How CRU Solutions IT Consultancy Services Benefit Your Business Having a robust IT infrastructure is key for businesses of all sizes. But, navigating the complexities of IT can be daunting. At CRU Solutions, we specialize in empowering businesses like yours to thrive through our tailored IT consultancy services. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions. Strategic Guidance Our team of seasoned IT consultants will work closely with you to understand your business objectives and develop a customized IT strategy aligned with your goals. Cost Efficiency By leveraging our expertise and industry insights, we help you optimize your IT investments, minimize downtime, and avoid costly mistakes, ultimately improving your bottom line. Enhanced Security With cyber threats on the rise, protecting your business’s sensitive data is more important than ever. We’ll help you safeguard your digital assets, giving you peace of mind. Scalability and Flexibility As your business evolves, so should your IT infrastructure. Our consulting services are designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing you to adapt to changing market conditions and seize new opportunities. Competitive Advantage Staying ahead of the curve is essential for success. Partnering with us gains you access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that give you a competitive edge in your industry. Why Partner with CRU Solutions? With over 40 years of experience, we deliver secure, trusted IT services and support to businesses like yours. We can handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. Our expertise ensures we can take on even the most complex cybersecurity challenges, giving you the peace of mind you need. When you work with us, you know you’re getting capable IT services from a proven, experienced team. We invest in and develop the best local talent who do double duty — combining constantly evolving technical knowledge with strong communication and customer service skills. Our team is here to explain everything in plain English, quickly solving problems so you can get back to what matters most — growing your business. Contact CRU Today With IT budgeting as part of complete managed services, we’ll create solid, more secure foundation for your IT and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we look forward to talking with you. More in SolutionsReduce Cybersecurity Risks Layered IT Security Staff Cyber Awareness Email Security Support Resolve Day to Day IT Issues Remote Help Desk Onsite Support Cloud IT Support Plan for Changing IT Needs IT Consulting IT Budgeting IT Project Implementation Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133718/IT-consultancy.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-04T12:53:27-05:00" }, { "id": 4403, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/outsourced-it-services/cloud-it-support/", "title": "Cloud IT Support", "h1": "Cloud IT Support", "summary": "Cloud IT support is essential to most small businesses. Trust us to deliver the expertise you need to securely work anytime, anywhere.", "content": "

Cloud IT Support is Essential to Most Small Businesses

There’s no doubt that cloud services make your business more efficient. You can work anytime, anywhere without the frustrations and security concerns of managing your own servers and application updates.

Along with the convenience of the cloud for you comes different responsibilities for your IT management. The CRU Solutions team expertly handles the specific requirements of cloud IT support for our clients.

Trust us to deliver experienced support for your most valuable digital assets. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"Hiring

How CRU Cloud IT Support Benefits Your Business

Network User Access

Who’s allowed to access the cloud services you pay for and use every day? How are those users validated as legitimate? We’ll set up these permissions properly and keep them current.

Backup and Disaster Recovery

Depending on the service, not all cloud data is backed up. We’ll set up systems to ensure critical data is accessible in the event of a data loss or system failure.

Network Management

Shifting from an on-premise server to the cloud doesn’t mean you’ve eliminated your network, you’ve simply shifted it elsewhere. Solid, reliable infrastructure and knowledgeable management make cloud services most effective.

Protect Your Business with Managed IT Services from CRU Solutions

Founded in 1982, CRU Solutions has decades of experience helping businesses like yours with their IT needs. We specialize in working with organizations between 10 and 100 users in Microsoft Windows environments to help them protect their most valuable online assets. No matter if you’re an accounting firm, manufacturer, or other small business, we’ll be there to help.

Let’s Get Started

Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can improve your IT support with complete managed IT services.

More in Solutions

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Cloud IT Support is Essential to Most Small Businesses There’s no doubt that cloud services make your business more efficient. You can work anytime, anywhere without the frustrations and security concerns of managing your own servers and application updates. Along with the convenience of the cloud for you comes different responsibilities for your IT management. The CRU Solutions team expertly handles the specific requirements of cloud IT support for our clients. Trust us to deliver experienced support for your most valuable digital assets. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions. How CRU Cloud IT Support Benefits Your Business Network User Access Who’s allowed to access the cloud services you pay for and use every day? How are those users validated as legitimate? We’ll set up these permissions properly and keep them current. Backup and Disaster Recovery Depending on the service, not all cloud data is backed up. We’ll set up systems to ensure critical data is accessible in the event of a data loss or system failure. Network Management Shifting from an on-premise server to the cloud doesn’t mean you’ve eliminated your network, you’ve simply shifted it elsewhere. Solid, reliable infrastructure and knowledgeable management make cloud services most effective. Protect Your Business with Managed IT Services from CRU Solutions Founded in 1982, CRU Solutions has decades of experience helping businesses like yours with their IT needs. We specialize in working with organizations between 10 and 100 users in Microsoft Windows environments to help them protect their most valuable online assets. No matter if you’re an accounting firm, manufacturer, or other small business, we’ll be there to help. Let’s Get Started Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can improve your IT support with complete managed IT services. More in SolutionsReduce Cybersecurity Risks Layered IT Security Staff Cyber Awareness Email Security Support Resolve Day to Day IT Issues Remote Help Desk Onsite Support Cloud IT Support Plan for Changing IT Needs IT Consulting IT Budgeting IT Project Implementation Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/10133454/cloud-IT-support.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-20T16:58:26-05:00" }, { "id": 4401, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/outsourced-it-services/onsite-it-support/", "title": "Onsite Support", "h1": "Onsite Support", "summary": "Need proven onsite IT support in Northeast Ohio? With over 40 years of experience, we can take care of your needs.", "content": "

Get Quality Onsite IT Support from Our Northeast Ohio Team

Located in Broadview Heights, Ohio, we’re ready to help businesses with their onsite IT support needs. We strive to provide speedy and cost-effective support for all kinds of needs, including new computer setups and network equipment installations. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"Hiring

How We Serve Your Onsite IT Support Needs

Need new hardware installed at your facility? Have a problem our remote help desk team can’t help solve over the phone? As a CRU managed services client, our local team is ready to help.

Remote Help Desk Escalation

Not able to find a solution with our remote help desk team? No worries. If needed, our team can head to your location and assist in person for no additional fee.

New Computer Setup

Have new employees starting at your company? We’ll quote, order, and set up their new computers to make the transition seamless for them and for you.

Hardware Installation

Time to refresh your network equipment? CRU will recommend, quote, order, configure, and install the right hardware for your needs and budget.

Why Trust CRU Solutions?

Entrusting your IT support needs to an outside provider can be nerve-wracking. Entrusting your IT support needs to an outside provider can be challenging. At CRU Solutions, we understand these concerns. With over 40 years of experience in the IT space, we’re qualified to handle even the most complex networking and hardware projects. If you need us to come onsite for routine support, there’s no extra fee. This gives you the peace of mind that you’ll get taken care of without an unexpected bill.

Over the past few decades, we’ve helped hundreds of happy clients. We’d be honored to help you too. CRU Solutions focuses on businesses with between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, manufacturer, or other small business, we have the tools to help you stay safe and compliant.

Let’s Get Started

Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can improve your IT support with complete managed IT services.

More in Solutions

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Get Quality Onsite IT Support from Our Northeast Ohio Team Located in Broadview Heights, Ohio, we’re ready to help businesses with their onsite IT support needs. We strive to provide speedy and cost-effective support for all kinds of needs, including new computer setups and network equipment installations. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions. How We Serve Your Onsite IT Support Needs Need new hardware installed at your facility? Have a problem our remote help desk team can’t help solve over the phone? As a CRU managed services client, our local team is ready to help. Remote Help Desk Escalation Not able to find a solution with our remote help desk team? No worries. If needed, our team can head to your location and assist in person for no additional fee. New Computer Setup Have new employees starting at your company? We’ll quote, order, and set up their new computers to make the transition seamless for them and for you. Hardware Installation Time to refresh your network equipment? CRU will recommend, quote, order, configure, and install the right hardware for your needs and budget. Why Trust CRU Solutions? Entrusting your IT support needs to an outside provider can be nerve-wracking. Entrusting your IT support needs to an outside provider can be challenging. At CRU Solutions, we understand these concerns. With over 40 years of experience in the IT space, we’re qualified to handle even the most complex networking and hardware projects. If you need us to come onsite for routine support, there’s no extra fee. This gives you the peace of mind that you’ll get taken care of without an unexpected bill. Over the past few decades, we’ve helped hundreds of happy clients. We’d be honored to help you too. CRU Solutions focuses on businesses with between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, manufacturer, or other small business, we have the tools to help you stay safe and compliant. Let’s Get Started Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can improve your IT support with complete managed IT services. More in SolutionsReduce Cybersecurity Risks Layered IT Security Staff Cyber Awareness Email Security Support Resolve Day to Day IT Issues Remote Help Desk Onsite Support Cloud IT Support Plan for Changing IT Needs IT Consulting IT Budgeting IT Project Implementation Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133719/onsite-IT-support-1.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-04T12:42:33-05:00" }, { "id": 4399, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/outsourced-it-services/remote-it-support/", "title": "Remote Help Desk", "h1": "Remote Help Desk", "summary": "Get your questions answered quickly with our remote IT support services. Let our team easily resolve your everyday issues.", "content": "

Get Your Questions Answered Quickly with Our Remote IT Support Services

The last thing you need is to spend hours on the phone waiting for someone at your big IT company to solve your issue. Our small and dedicated team will easily resolve your everyday issues. Learn more about our remote IT support below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"Hiring

We Can Help You Address These Common Issues

Here are some common issues we can help you solve:

How do I change my password?

I can’t connect to the VPN.

My email is acting strange.

I can’t sign into my cloud application.

Is this a phishing email?

How do I print to a PDF from Excel?

Just a Phone Call Away

At CRU Solutions, we’re skilled at providing remote IT support for a wide range of businesses. And if you need in-person help, we can do that, too. Located in Broadview Heights, Ohio, we support businesses all across Northeast Ohio. We’ll get you the answers you need so you can get back to what really matters.

With cybersecurity attacks on the rise, investing in managed services is more important than ever. We’ll help you protect your business against malicious attacks and give you the peace of mind you need to succeed.

We work with companies with between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. From accounting firms to family-owned businesses and manufacturers, we can handle a range of common IT and cybersecurity issues. Over the last few decades, we’ve helped hundreds of customers get the right IT services, for the right price, at the right time. We’d love to help you, too.

Get Started Today

Want to learn more about how you can benefit from a remote help desk as part of complete managed services? Contact us to learn how we can help you resolve day-to-day IT issues as part of complete managed IT services.

More in Solutions

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Get Your Questions Answered Quickly with Our Remote IT Support Services The last thing you need is to spend hours on the phone waiting for someone at your big IT company to solve your issue. Our small and dedicated team will easily resolve your everyday issues. Learn more about our remote IT support below, or reach out to our team with questions. We Can Help You Address These Common Issues Here are some common issues we can help you solve: How do I change my password? I can’t connect to the VPN. My email is acting strange. I can’t sign into my cloud application. Is this a phishing email? How do I print to a PDF from Excel? Just a Phone Call Away At CRU Solutions, we’re skilled at providing remote IT support for a wide range of businesses. And if you need in-person help, we can do that, too. Located in Broadview Heights, Ohio, we support businesses all across Northeast Ohio. We’ll get you the answers you need so you can get back to what really matters. With cybersecurity attacks on the rise, investing in managed services is more important than ever. We’ll help you protect your business against malicious attacks and give you the peace of mind you need to succeed. We work with companies with between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. From accounting firms to family-owned businesses and manufacturers, we can handle a range of common IT and cybersecurity issues. Over the last few decades, we’ve helped hundreds of customers get the right IT services, for the right price, at the right time. We’d love to help you, too. Get Started Today Want to learn more about how you can benefit from a remote help desk as part of complete managed services? Contact us to learn how we can help you resolve day-to-day IT issues as part of complete managed IT services. More in SolutionsReduce Cybersecurity Risks Layered IT Security Staff Cyber Awareness Email Security Support Resolve Day to Day IT Issues Remote Help Desk Onsite Support Cloud IT Support Plan for Changing IT Needs IT Consulting IT Budgeting IT Project Implementation Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133720/remote-IT-support.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-18T14:19:01-05:00" }, { "id": 4393, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/cybersecurity-risk-mitigation/email-security-for-small-businesses/", "title": "Email Security Support", "h1": "Email Security Support", "summary": "Comprehensive email security for small businesses starts here. Our extensive knowledge of tools and approaches helps keep your email protected.", "content": "

Comprehensive Email Security for Small Businesses Starts Here

Did you know that up to 90% of cybersecurity breaches are the result of user error? Help protect your team and data with dedicated email security support from CRU Solutions. We offer customized email security for small businesses, giving you the peace of mind that your organization is well-positioned to reduce email threats. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"Hiring

How Our Services Protect Your Business

With constant changes in cyberthreats, it can be hard to keep up with the latest security protections. We offer a range of services to keep your business’s security up-to-date and functioning properly.

Set M365 Configurations

We’ll ensure your M365 configuration settings — including security — are correct and regularly updated.

User Mailbox Updates

We’ll add and remove users so only verified users have active email accounts. We’ll also make sure data from old mailboxes is handled securely.

Help Block Errant Clicks

Don’t get caught in common cybersecurity scams! Our software can block some dangerous clicks that could lead to a costly breach.

Email Backup

Microsoft 365 emails aren’t automatically backed up. We’ll help protect you from email loss due to employee error or malicious employee acts.

Trust CRU Solutions for All Your Cybersecurity Needs

When it comes to online security, CRU Solutions is here to help. Not only do we offer email security for small businesses, but we offer an entire suite of services designed to help protect your organization.

We work with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we’re here to help. We’ll be there to set up a solid IT foundation and provide support when you need it.

Let’s Get Started

Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services.

More in Solutions

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Comprehensive Email Security for Small Businesses Starts Here Did you know that up to 90% of cybersecurity breaches are the result of user error? Help protect your team and data with dedicated email security support from CRU Solutions. We offer customized email security for small businesses, giving you the peace of mind that your organization is well-positioned to reduce email threats. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions. How Our Services Protect Your Business With constant changes in cyberthreats, it can be hard to keep up with the latest security protections. We offer a range of services to keep your business’s security up-to-date and functioning properly. Set M365 Configurations We’ll ensure your M365 configuration settings — including security — are correct and regularly updated. User Mailbox Updates We’ll add and remove users so only verified users have active email accounts. We’ll also make sure data from old mailboxes is handled securely. Help Block Errant Clicks Don’t get caught in common cybersecurity scams! Our software can block some dangerous clicks that could lead to a costly breach. Email Backup Microsoft 365 emails aren’t automatically backed up. We’ll help protect you from email loss due to employee error or malicious employee acts. Trust CRU Solutions for All Your Cybersecurity Needs When it comes to online security, CRU Solutions is here to help. Not only do we offer email security for small businesses, but we offer an entire suite of services designed to help protect your organization. We work with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we’re here to help. We’ll be there to set up a solid IT foundation and provide support when you need it. Let’s Get Started Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services. More in SolutionsReduce Cybersecurity Risks Layered IT Security Staff Cyber Awareness Email Security Support Resolve Day to Day IT Issues Remote Help Desk Onsite Support Cloud IT Support Plan for Changing IT Needs IT Consulting IT Budgeting IT Project Implementation Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133721/email-security-for-small-businesses.jpg", "modified": "2024-05-22T08:00:56-05:00" }, { "id": 4388, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/cybersecurity-risk-mitigation/cybersecurity-training-for-employees/", "title": "Staff Cyber Awareness", "h1": "Staff Cyber Awareness", "summary": "Ongoing cybersecurity training for employees is imperative to keeping your business safer. We offer online and in-person training.", "content": "

Help Create a “Human Firewall” with Cybersecurity Training for Employees

Without the proper cyber awareness training, your employees may be susceptible to phishing and other online scams, which puts your business at risk. The good news? It’s never been easier to get cybersecurity training for employees. At CRU Solutions, we offer personalized training to ensure your employees are aware of common scams, reducing the chance of allowing a malicious attack. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"Hiring

Put Our Services to Work for Your Business

Cybercriminals are constantly updating their tactics, so we offer comprehensive cybersecurity training for employees to help them stay one step ahead. From online training to in-person instruction, and more, we’ve got you covered.

In-Person Staff Education

Our local team of experienced professionals offers online or in-person training to better protect your business against cyber threats.

Optional Test Phishing

Test your employees with safe, controlled phishing experiments. We’ll send carefully-crafted phishing emails to see if your employees interact.

Optional Online Training

Short videos are assigned regularly featuring information about current threats. Ongoing training helps keep everyone sharp.

Why Work with CRU Solutions?

When it comes to your business’s security, you need an experienced team by your side. We know how to help your employees create a more secure environment. We know how to instruct your employees to ensure a more secure environment. Not only does this take a time-consuming task off your plate, but it also provides you with the peace of mind that your business is better protected against malicious intent.

As a local team based in Broadview Heights, Ohio, we’ll be there to help with whatever cybersecurity tasks come your way. We partner with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we’re here to help protect your most valuable digital assets.

Get Started Today

Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services.

More in Solutions

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Help Create a “Human Firewall” with Cybersecurity Training for Employees Without the proper cyber awareness training, your employees may be susceptible to phishing and other online scams, which puts your business at risk. The good news? It’s never been easier to get cybersecurity training for employees. At CRU Solutions, we offer personalized training to ensure your employees are aware of common scams, reducing the chance of allowing a malicious attack. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions. Put Our Services to Work for Your Business Cybercriminals are constantly updating their tactics, so we offer comprehensive cybersecurity training for employees to help them stay one step ahead. From online training to in-person instruction, and more, we’ve got you covered. In-Person Staff Education Our local team of experienced professionals offers online or in-person training to better protect your business against cyber threats. Optional Test Phishing Test your employees with safe, controlled phishing experiments. We’ll send carefully-crafted phishing emails to see if your employees interact. Optional Online Training Short videos are assigned regularly featuring information about current threats. Ongoing training helps keep everyone sharp. Why Work with CRU Solutions? When it comes to your business’s security, you need an experienced team by your side. We know how to help your employees create a more secure environment. We know how to instruct your employees to ensure a more secure environment. Not only does this take a time-consuming task off your plate, but it also provides you with the peace of mind that your business is better protected against malicious intent. As a local team based in Broadview Heights, Ohio, we’ll be there to help with whatever cybersecurity tasks come your way. We partner with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we’re here to help protect your most valuable digital assets. Get Started Today Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services. More in SolutionsReduce Cybersecurity Risks Layered IT Security Staff Cyber Awareness Email Security Support Resolve Day to Day IT Issues Remote Help Desk Onsite Support Cloud IT Support Plan for Changing IT Needs IT Consulting IT Budgeting IT Project Implementation Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133722/cybersecurity-training-for-employees.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-04T12:17:20-05:00" }, { "id": 4386, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/cybersecurity-risk-mitigation/layered-cybersecurity/", "title": "Layered IT Security", "h1": "Layered IT Security", "summary": "Protect your business with comprehensive layered cybersecurity services. We can help keep your organization safe from malicious attacks.", "content": "

Protect Your Business with Comprehensive Layered Cybersecurity Services

Developing a strong cybersecurity stance takes a layered approach. To be effective, it requires a smart combination of creating a positive cybersecurity culture (people), using the right proactive and reactive tools (technology), and knowing what to do in case of an attack (process).

If you’re a regulated business or want to follow best practices, your organization must have key online security tools in place. Not to mention, most cyber liability insurance carriers have stringent requirements for coverage eligibility. Companies rely on layered cybersecurity services from CRU Solutions to help them stay compliant with industry regulations and insurance needs. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"Hiring

How Our Layered Cybersecurity Services Enhance Your Online Security

Our decades of experience make us uniquely positioned to help you get the best layered cybersecurity solutions for your business. We work with you to understand your needs, offering comprehensive protection for your most valuable digital assets. An investment in CRU Solutions is an investment in your business’s future — and your peace of mind.

Why Trust CRU Solutions?

Cybersecurity is a complicated landscape, but it doesn’t have to be difficult to navigate. With CRU Solutions by your side, you can be confident you’re getting the protection your organization needs.

When you partner with us, we will help you set up a solid IT foundation and provide ongoing support when needed. We work with businesses with between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Specializing in accounting firms, professional service firms, family-owned businesses, non-profit organizations, and manufacturing companies, we’re here to help with even the most difficult cybersecurity needs.

Let’s Get Started

Our team looks forward to answering your questions. Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services.

More in Solutions

Choose a Local, Experienced Team

Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk!

Contact Us", "content_plain": "Protect Your Business with Comprehensive Layered Cybersecurity Services Developing a strong cybersecurity stance takes a layered approach. To be effective, it requires a smart combination of creating a positive cybersecurity culture (people), using the right proactive and reactive tools (technology), and knowing what to do in case of an attack (process). If you’re a regulated business or want to follow best practices, your organization must have key online security tools in place. Not to mention, most cyber liability insurance carriers have stringent requirements for coverage eligibility. Companies rely on layered cybersecurity services from CRU Solutions to help them stay compliant with industry regulations and insurance needs. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions. How Our Layered Cybersecurity Services Enhance Your Online Security Our decades of experience make us uniquely positioned to help you get the best layered cybersecurity solutions for your business. We work with you to understand your needs, offering comprehensive protection for your most valuable digital assets. An investment in CRU Solutions is an investment in your business’s future — and your peace of mind. Why Trust CRU Solutions? Cybersecurity is a complicated landscape, but it doesn’t have to be difficult to navigate. With CRU Solutions by your side, you can be confident you’re getting the protection your organization needs. When you partner with us, we will help you set up a solid IT foundation and provide ongoing support when needed. We work with businesses with between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Specializing in accounting firms, professional service firms, family-owned businesses, non-profit organizations, and manufacturing companies, we’re here to help with even the most difficult cybersecurity needs. Let’s Get Started Our team looks forward to answering your questions. Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services. More in SolutionsReduce Cybersecurity Risks Layered IT Security Staff Cyber Awareness Email Security Support Resolve Day to Day IT Issues Remote Help Desk Onsite Support Cloud IT Support Plan for Changing IT Needs IT Consulting IT Budgeting IT Project Implementation Choose a Local, Experienced Team Considering a change from your current IT firm? New to managed services? Let's talk! Contact Us", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133654/layered-cybersecurity-1.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-04T12:12:45-05:00" }, { "id": 4380, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/it-consulting-for-small-businesses/", "title": "Plan for Changing IT Needs", "h1": "Plan for Changing IT Needs", "summary": "", "content": "
\"Hiring

Align Technology and Strategy with Managed IT Consulting for Small Businesses

Whether you’re a family-owned business, a professional services firm, or a non-profit organization, we can help you achieve your technology goals. With over 40 years of experience in IT consulting for small businesses, we’re here to help you through it all. From technology recommendations and budget options to full implementation, you can trust us to handle it. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"IT

IT Consulting

Get the right IT services for the right price. Our IT consultancy services help you understand what you need, saving you money on unnecessary purchases.

Read more\"IT

IT Budgeting

IT budgeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We offer regular reviews to ensure you’re getting the right services at the right price.

Read more\"Business

IT Project Implementation

Do you have a need for IT project implementation? Take the stress off your plate by entrusting the team at CRU Solutions.

Read more

Access 40 Years of Experience in IT Consulting for Small Businesses

Founded in 1982, CRU Solutions has decades of experience helping businesses like yours with their IT needs. We partner with organizations between 10 and 100 users in Microsoft Windows environments to help them protect their most valuable IT data and assets. No matter if you’re an accounting firm, manufacturer, or other small business, we’re here to help.

When we begin working together, we’ll get to know your business by sitting down with you to understand what’s effective and what isn’t in your current IT environment. We’ll ask about your future plans to help best protect your business for years to come. When you partner with us, you get a company that will be by your side through it all.

Get Started Today

Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services.

", "content_plain": "Align Technology and Strategy with Managed IT Consulting for Small Businesses Whether you’re a family-owned business, a professional services firm, or a non-profit organization, we can help you achieve your technology goals. With over 40 years of experience in IT consulting for small businesses, we’re here to help you through it all. From technology recommendations and budget options to full implementation, you can trust us to handle it. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions. IT ConsultingGet the right IT services for the right price. Our IT consultancy services help you understand what you need, saving you money on unnecessary purchases. Read moreIT BudgetingIT budgeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We offer regular reviews to ensure you’re getting the right services at the right price. Read moreIT Project ImplementationDo you have a need for IT project implementation? Take the stress off your plate by entrusting the team at CRU Solutions. Read more Access 40 Years of Experience in IT Consulting for Small Businesses Founded in 1982, CRU Solutions has decades of experience helping businesses like yours with their IT needs. We partner with organizations between 10 and 100 users in Microsoft Windows environments to help them protect their most valuable IT data and assets. No matter if you’re an accounting firm, manufacturer, or other small business, we’re here to help. When we begin working together, we’ll get to know your business by sitting down with you to understand what’s effective and what isn’t in your current IT environment. We’ll ask about your future plans to help best protect your business for years to come. When you partner with us, you get a company that will be by your side through it all. Get Started Today Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services.", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133717/IT-consulting-for-small-businesses-1.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-20T17:13:35-05:00" }, { "id": 4376, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/outsourced-it-services/", "title": "Resolve Day to Day IT Issues", "h1": "Resolve Day to Day IT Issues", "summary": "", "content": "
\"Hiring

Alleviate Daily Technology Headaches with Outsourced IT Services

When you choose CRU Solutions as your outsourced IT services provider, we’re your first call for IT support services. It’s just that simple. Call or email us, and we’ll take it from there.

Whether you’re a decision-maker who needs high-level technical assistance or an end-user who needs a quick answer to an application question, we can help. And, our team of technicians — based in Broadview Heights — explains everything in plain English. Save your time by trying to figure out if the issue is with the computer, email, internet provider, application, printer, or even phones. Leave the troubleshooting to us. Learn more about our services below or reach out to our team with questions.

\"remote

Remote Help Desk

Get your questions answered quickly with our remote IT support services. Let our team easily resolve your everyday issues.

Read more\"onsite

Onsite Support

Need proven onsite IT support in Northeast Ohio? With over 40 years of experience, we can take care of your needs.

Read more\"cloud

Cloud IT Support

Cloud IT support is essential to most small businesses. Trust us to deliver the expertise you need to securely work anytime, anywhere.

Read more

Why Choose CRU Solutions?

Entrusting your IT needs to an outside provider can be a nerve-wracking decision. Will they provide great service? Will they do it in a timely manner? At CRU Solutions, we understand all these concerns. With over 40 years of experience, we’re uniquely positioned to provide the right service, at the right price, at the right time.

Trying to resolve an IT support issue with another technology vendor? Our team coordinates with your cloud, software, phone or internet service providers. We take you “out of the middle” when something goes wrong. CRU Solutions technicians collaborate with other vendors to systematically troubleshoot, eliminate possibilities, and narrow down the resolution. The ability to talk “tech to tech” makes all the difference in getting you up and running faster.

Our team works best with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, manufacturer, or other small business, we have the tools you need to stay safer and compliant.

Get the Best Protection for Your Business Today

When you need reliable, experienced outsourced IT services, trust CRU Solutions. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services.

", "content_plain": "Alleviate Daily Technology Headaches with Outsourced IT Services When you choose CRU Solutions as your outsourced IT services provider, we’re your first call for IT support services. It’s just that simple. Call or email us, and we’ll take it from there. Whether you’re a decision-maker who needs high-level technical assistance or an end-user who needs a quick answer to an application question, we can help. And, our team of technicians — based in Broadview Heights — explains everything in plain English. Save your time by trying to figure out if the issue is with the computer, email, internet provider, application, printer, or even phones. Leave the troubleshooting to us. Learn more about our services below or reach out to our team with questions. Remote Help DeskGet your questions answered quickly with our remote IT support services. Let our team easily resolve your everyday issues. Read moreOnsite SupportNeed proven onsite IT support in Northeast Ohio? With over 40 years of experience, we can take care of your needs. Read moreCloud IT SupportCloud IT support is essential to most small businesses. Trust us to deliver the expertise you need to securely work anytime, anywhere. Read more Why Choose CRU Solutions? Entrusting your IT needs to an outside provider can be a nerve-wracking decision. Will they provide great service? Will they do it in a timely manner? At CRU Solutions, we understand all these concerns. With over 40 years of experience, we’re uniquely positioned to provide the right service, at the right price, at the right time. Trying to resolve an IT support issue with another technology vendor? Our team coordinates with your cloud, software, phone or internet service providers. We take you “out of the middle” when something goes wrong. CRU Solutions technicians collaborate with other vendors to systematically troubleshoot, eliminate possibilities, and narrow down the resolution. The ability to talk “tech to tech” makes all the difference in getting you up and running faster. Our team works best with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, manufacturer, or other small business, we have the tools you need to stay safer and compliant. Get the Best Protection for Your Business Today When you need reliable, experienced outsourced IT services, trust CRU Solutions. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services.", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133655/outsourced-IT-services-1-scaled.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-20T17:13:28-05:00" }, { "id": 4371, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/cybersecurity-risk-mitigation/", "title": "Reduce Cybersecurity Risks", "h1": "Reduce Cybersecurity Risks", "summary": "", "content": "
\"Hiring

Better Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation Is Possible

The landscape of cybersecurity risk mitigation changes constantly. No business is immune. After an attack, your business could face significant challenges. The good news? There are steps you can take to help avoid threats and be prepared for recovery. CRU Solutions is here to help implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures and remediate incidents. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions.

Our Approach to Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation

Assess

We’ll assess your current cybersecurity posture to evaluate strengths and weaknesses based on your risk tolerance and compliance requirements.

Design

Whether you already have a process in place or are starting completely from scratch, our team can help. We’ll design a cybersecurity risk mitigation approach to meet your objectives.

Implement

Our team implements and manages everything from backup, network endpoint security and threat intelligence to staff-facing tools like multi-factor authentication and cyberawareness training.

Monitor and Respond

In the event of a cyberattack, we have direct experience responding quickly, capably, and responsibly to get you back to work.

\"layered

Layered IT Security

Protect your business with comprehensive layered cybersecurity services. We can help keep your organization safe from malicious attacks.

Read more\"cybersecurity

Staff Cyber Awareness

Ongoing cybersecurity training for employees is imperative to keeping your business safer. We offer online and in-person training.

Read more\"email

Email Security Support

Comprehensive email security for small businesses starts here. Our extensive knowledge of tools and approaches helps keep your email protected.

Read more

Why Partner with CRU Solutions?

When it comes to online security, you need a knowledgeable team by your side. We have over 40 years of experience working with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. We’ve seen it all, and can help protect your business against all kinds of threats. From professional services firms and family-owned companies to other small businesses, we’re ready to help.

Plan for Better Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation Today

Cybercriminals are opportunistic and clever, so be proactive. Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services.

", "content_plain": "Better Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation Is Possible The landscape of cybersecurity risk mitigation changes constantly. No business is immune. After an attack, your business could face significant challenges. The good news? There are steps you can take to help avoid threats and be prepared for recovery. CRU Solutions is here to help implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures and remediate incidents. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions. Our Approach to Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation Assess We’ll assess your current cybersecurity posture to evaluate strengths and weaknesses based on your risk tolerance and compliance requirements. Design Whether you already have a process in place or are starting completely from scratch, our team can help. We’ll design a cybersecurity risk mitigation approach to meet your objectives. Implement Our team implements and manages everything from backup, network endpoint security and threat intelligence to staff-facing tools like multi-factor authentication and cyberawareness training. Monitor and Respond In the event of a cyberattack, we have direct experience responding quickly, capably, and responsibly to get you back to work. Layered IT SecurityProtect your business with comprehensive layered cybersecurity services. We can help keep your organization safe from malicious attacks. Read moreStaff Cyber AwarenessOngoing cybersecurity training for employees is imperative to keeping your business safer. We offer online and in-person training. Read moreEmail Security SupportComprehensive email security for small businesses starts here. Our extensive knowledge of tools and approaches helps keep your email protected. Read more Why Partner with CRU Solutions? When it comes to online security, you need a knowledgeable team by your side. We have over 40 years of experience working with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. We’ve seen it all, and can help protect your business against all kinds of threats. From professional services firms and family-owned companies to other small businesses, we’re ready to help. Plan for Better Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation Today Cybercriminals are opportunistic and clever, so be proactive. Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you manage cybersecurity risks as part of complete managed IT services.", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133721/cybersecurity-risk-mitigation.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-20T17:13:22-05:00" }, { "id": 4292, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/areas-served/", "title": "Areas Served", "h1": "Areas Served", "summary": "Get small business IT support to fit your needs. Our suite of services efficiently manage your IT and help keep your most valuable assets safe.", "content": "
\"Hiring

A Proven Choice for Quality IT Managed Services in Ohio

Are you looking for IT managed services in Ohio? CRU Solutions is a proven choice for all your managed IT and cybersecurity needs. With over 40 years of experience, we’re ready to take on even the most challenging technology environments. Learn more about the areas we serve below, and reach out to our team with questions.

\"Akron

Akron, OH

Looking for Akron, OH IT services? Consider CRU Solutions as a leader among IT companies in Akron.

Read more\"managed

Brecksville, OH

Exploring managed IT services in Brecksville, Ohio? Work with CRU Solutions for your IT and cybersecurity needs.

Read more\"managed

Brunswick, OH

Protect your business with quality managed services in Brunswick, Ohio. With over 40 years of experience, we give you the peace of mind you need to succeed.

Read more\"managed

Cleveland, OH

Need a managed service provider in Cleveland, Ohio? Work with one of the best. Explore our services here.

Read more\"managed

Independence, OH

Minimize risks with quality managed services in Independence, Ohio. At CRU Solutions, we offer everything you need to keep your business safe.

Read more\"managed

Medina, OH

Stay ahead of cybersecurity threats with managed services in Medina, Ohio. Learn how we can help keep your business safer.

Read more\"service

Westlake, OH

Need a managed service provider in Westlake, Ohio? Turn to CRU Solutions for help. Learn more about us here.

Read more

Why Partner with CRU Solutions?

We are a leading provider of IT managed services in Ohio. Our local, Northeast Ohio-based team is ready to handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. The best part? Our team is located in Broadview Heights, meaning we can stop in to help you face-to-face, if needed.

Our team supports and helps provide cybersecurity protection for businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. No matter if you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we can help.

Get Started with CRU Solutions Today

When you need IT managed services in Ohio, reach out to the CRU team. We’re standing by to learn more about your business and provide the an IT solution that exceeds your expectations.

", "content_plain": "A Proven Choice for Quality IT Managed Services in Ohio Are you looking for IT managed services in Ohio? CRU Solutions is a proven choice for all your managed IT and cybersecurity needs. With over 40 years of experience, we’re ready to take on even the most challenging technology environments. Learn more about the areas we serve below, and reach out to our team with questions. Akron, OHLooking for Akron, OH IT services? Consider CRU Solutions as a leader among IT companies in Akron. Read moreBrecksville, OHExploring managed IT services in Brecksville, Ohio? Work with CRU Solutions for your IT and cybersecurity needs. Read moreBrunswick, OHProtect your business with quality managed services in Brunswick, Ohio. With over 40 years of experience, we give you the peace of mind you need to succeed. Read moreCleveland, OHNeed a managed service provider in Cleveland, Ohio? Work with one of the best. Explore our services here. Read moreIndependence, OHMinimize risks with quality managed services in Independence, Ohio. At CRU Solutions, we offer everything you need to keep your business safe. Read moreMedina, OHStay ahead of cybersecurity threats with managed services in Medina, Ohio. Learn how we can help keep your business safer. Read moreWestlake, OHNeed a managed service provider in Westlake, Ohio? Turn to CRU Solutions for help. Learn more about us here. Read more Why Partner with CRU Solutions? We are a leading provider of IT managed services in Ohio. Our local, Northeast Ohio-based team is ready to handle everything from day-to-day phone support to complete IT infrastructure builds. The best part? Our team is located in Broadview Heights, meaning we can stop in to help you face-to-face, if needed. Our team supports and helps provide cybersecurity protection for businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. No matter if you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we can help. Get Started with CRU Solutions Today When you need IT managed services in Ohio, reach out to the CRU team. We’re standing by to learn more about your business and provide the an IT solution that exceeds your expectations.", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133724/small-business-IT.jpg", "modified": "2024-06-20T17:14:05-05:00" }, { "id": 4290, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/", "title": "Resources", "h1": "Resources", "summary": "CRU Solutions is dedicated to providing IT resources to help you make smart decisions for your business. Learn more here.", "content": "
\"Hiring

Find IT Resources to Help You Make Smart Decisions

The CRU Solutions team is dedicated to providing IT resources to help you make smart decisions for your business. Explore our resources below, or reach out to our team with questions.

\"cybersecurity

Blog

Enjoy these quick reads on everything from new technologies to business planning to cybersecurity tools and approaches.

Read more\"Business

Videos & Insights

Check out these video resources to learn more about business IT and cybersecurity concerns. Pick up helpful tips in just a few minutes!

Read more

Need a Managed Service Provider? Look to CRU Solutions.

Choosing a managed service provider can be challenging, but CRU Solutions makes it easy. As a services provider with over 40 years of experience, we’re here to help you with all your IT needs. We’ve helped hundreds of organizations by delivering reliable, experienced support — many of them have been clients for 10+ years. We’d be honored to help you, too.

We partner with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we can help keep your business IT humming and safer from cyber threats.

Get Started Today

We’ll create a solid foundation for your managed IT services, and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we’re looking forward to talking with you.

", "content_plain": "Find IT Resources to Help You Make Smart Decisions The CRU Solutions team is dedicated to providing IT resources to help you make smart decisions for your business. Explore our resources below, or reach out to our team with questions. BlogEnjoy these quick reads on everything from new technologies to business planning to cybersecurity tools and approaches. Read moreVideos & InsightsCheck out these video resources to learn more about business IT and cybersecurity concerns. Pick up helpful tips in just a few minutes! Read more Need a Managed Service Provider? Look to CRU Solutions. Choosing a managed service provider can be challenging, but CRU Solutions makes it easy. As a services provider with over 40 years of experience, we’re here to help you with all your IT needs. We’ve helped hundreds of organizations by delivering reliable, experienced support — many of them have been clients for 10+ years. We’d be honored to help you, too. We partner with businesses between 10 and 100 computer users in Microsoft Windows environments. Whether you’re an accounting firm, professional service firm, family-owned business, non-profit organization, or manufacturer, we can help keep your business IT humming and safer from cyber threats. Get Started Today We’ll create a solid foundation for your managed IT services, and be there for support when you need it. Contact our team — we’re looking forward to talking with you.", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133726/IT-solutions-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-12T15:11:30-05:00" }, { "id": 4288, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/who-we-serve/", "title": "Who We Serve", "h1": "Who We Serve", "summary": "Get small business IT support to fit your needs. Our suite of services efficiently manage your IT and help keep your most valuable assets safe.", "content": "
\"Hiring

Small Business IT Support to Fit Your Needs

It’s never been easier to get comprehensive small business IT support to help protect your business. With cyberattacks on the rise, CRU Solutions offers a suite of services to efficiently manage your IT and help keep your most valuable assets safe. Whether your goal is to grow, jump ahead of the competition, or take IT off your growing list of responsibilities, we can help. We’re the best fit for businesses that:

Small Business IT Support and Services for Your Industry

Accounting/CPA Firms

We’ve worked with accounting firms for more than 20 years. We understand your IT must meet all compliance regulations, including managing cybersecurity risks, to keep your clients, staff, and firm safe.

Family-Owned Businesses

CRU Solutions has served family-owned businesses for over 40 years. We’re a family business ourselves, with two generations working together to serve our clients.

Healthcare Providers

CRU Solutions has served healthcare providers for over 20 years, including physician practices, surgery centers, and independent laboratories. We can help you navigate the myriad of IT regulations healthcare providers must meet, including HIPAA.

Manufacturing Companies

Smart technology and automation are essential in all types of manufacturing. Your IT support must be cost-effective so you can thrive in highly competitive markets. Plus, you need to manage cybersecurity risks to keep your proprietary information secure.

Non-Profit Organizations

You provide the education, advice, and compassion that enriches the lives of the people you serve. You can rely on CRU Solutions to provide cost-effective, secure IT support to your non-profit organization.

Professional Services Firms

Whether you’re a member of a law firm, healthcare group, or a team of consultants, you provide valuable advice and expertise to help clients thrive. CRU Solutions can help you mitigate cybersecurity risks and meet regulatory requirements.

Complete Small Business IT Services, At Your Fingertips

From helping you manage day-to-day IT needs to assisting you with long-term technology planning, our dedicated team is here to support you. Contact us today to get started.

", "content_plain": "Small Business IT Support to Fit Your Needs It’s never been easier to get comprehensive small business IT support to help protect your business. With cyberattacks on the rise, CRU Solutions offers a suite of services to efficiently manage your IT and help keep your most valuable assets safe. Whether your goal is to grow, jump ahead of the competition, or take IT off your growing list of responsibilities, we can help. We’re the best fit for businesses that: Want an experienced team to handle IT services so they can focus on other priorities Need predictable, controllable IT costs Desire cybersecurity risk management for enhanced protection Must meet rigid IT compliance requirements Want adaptable IT plans for both onsite and remote users Prefer a well-established, Northeast Ohio-based IT firm Have up to 100 computer users in a Microsoft Windows environment. Small Business IT Support and Services for Your Industry Accounting/CPA Firms We’ve worked with accounting firms for more than 20 years. We understand your IT must meet all compliance regulations, including managing cybersecurity risks, to keep your clients, staff, and firm safe. Family-Owned Businesses CRU Solutions has served family-owned businesses for over 40 years. We’re a family business ourselves, with two generations working together to serve our clients. Healthcare Providers CRU Solutions has served healthcare providers for over 20 years, including physician practices, surgery centers, and independent laboratories. We can help you navigate the myriad of IT regulations healthcare providers must meet, including HIPAA. Manufacturing Companies Smart technology and automation are essential in all types of manufacturing. Your IT support must be cost-effective so you can thrive in highly competitive markets. Plus, you need to manage cybersecurity risks to keep your proprietary information secure. Non-Profit Organizations You provide the education, advice, and compassion that enriches the lives of the people you serve. You can rely on CRU Solutions to provide cost-effective, secure IT support to your non-profit organization. Professional Services Firms Whether you’re a member of a law firm, healthcare group, or a team of consultants, you provide valuable advice and expertise to help clients thrive. CRU Solutions can help you mitigate cybersecurity risks and meet regulatory requirements. Complete Small Business IT Services, At Your Fingertips From helping you manage day-to-day IT needs to assisting you with long-term technology planning, our dedicated team is here to support you. Contact us today to get started.", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133727/CRU-Team-at-computer-1536x864-1.jpg", "modified": "2026-03-12T16:30:12-05:00" }, { "id": 4283, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/managed-it-solutions/", "title": "Solutions", "h1": "Solutions", "summary": "Local and responsive managed IT solutions from CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer. Contact us today!", "content": "
\"Hiring

Protect Your Business with Local Managed IT Solutions

Ready to make the switch to a local, experienced team that understands your business? The CRU Solutions team is dedicated to resolving IT challenges. From cybersecurity to remote help desk support to complete IT infrastructure builds, we can help.

CRU Solutions works best with companies between 10 and 100 computer users within Microsoft Windows environments. We help organizations in a variety of industries, from accounting to manufacturing and beyond. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions.

Keep Your Business Running Smoothly with a Suite of Managed IT Solutions

\"Reduce-Cybersecurity-Risks\"

Reduce Cybersecurity Risks

CRU Solutions works proactively to help protect your business. Our experienced team uses a combination of technical tools and staff training to keep your network more secure and compliant.

Learn More
\"Resolve-Day-To-Day-IT-Issues\"

Resolve Day-To-Day IT Issues

When you choose CRU Solutions as your managed IT services provider, we’re your first call for IT support services. It’s just that simple. Call or email us, and we’ll take it from there.

Learn More
\"Plan

Plan For Changing IT Needs

In the midst of rapid change, small businesses are uniquely nimble and adaptable. CRU Solutions helps manage your IT whether it’s office-based, hybrid, or fully remote.

Learn More

Services Overview

Proactive Network Monitoring and Management
Remote Help Desk and Onsite Support
Managed Cybersecurity
Managed Email
Project Planning and Implementation
IT Reporting, Strategy and Budgeting

Contact Our Team Today

If you’re ready to start protecting your business with local and responsive managed IT solutions, reach out to our team.

", "content_plain": "Protect Your Business with Local Managed IT Solutions Ready to make the switch to a local, experienced team that understands your business? The CRU Solutions team is dedicated to resolving IT challenges. From cybersecurity to remote help desk support to complete IT infrastructure builds, we can help. CRU Solutions works best with companies between 10 and 100 computer users within Microsoft Windows environments. We help organizations in a variety of industries, from accounting to manufacturing and beyond. Learn more about our services below, or reach out to our team with questions. Keep Your Business Running Smoothly with a Suite of Managed IT Solutions Reduce Cybersecurity Risks CRU Solutions works proactively to help protect your business. Our experienced team uses a combination of technical tools and staff training to keep your network more secure and compliant. Learn More Resolve Day-To-Day IT Issues When you choose CRU Solutions as your managed IT services provider, we’re your first call for IT support services. It’s just that simple. Call or email us, and we’ll take it from there. Learn More Plan For Changing IT Needs In the midst of rapid change, small businesses are uniquely nimble and adaptable. CRU Solutions helps manage your IT whether it’s office-based, hybrid, or fully remote. Learn More Services Overview Proactive Network Monitoring and Management Remote Help Desk and Onsite Support Managed Cybersecurity Managed Email Project Planning and Implementation IT Reporting, Strategy and Budgeting Contact Our Team Today If you’re ready to start protecting your business with local and responsive managed IT solutions, reach out to our team.", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133724/Who-We-Serve-Main-Page-900x593-1.jpg", "modified": "2026-04-24T13:37:36-05:00" }, { "id": 4214, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/", "title": "Blog", "h1": "Blog", "summary": "Enjoy these quick reads on everything from new technologies to business planning to cybersecurity tools and approaches.", "content": "", "content_plain": "", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133726/About-Page-FAQ-link.jpg", "modified": "2025-07-30T08:06:29-05:00" }, { "id": 4210, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/about/", "title": "About", "h1": "About", "summary": "Get an expert business IT support team that’s committed to your success. Leverage CRU Solutions’ more than 40 years of experience for your success.", "content": "
\"Hiring

An Expert Business IT Support Team Committed to Your Success

CRU Solutions delivers secure, trusted business IT support throughout Northeast Ohio. We generally help organizations that need smart IT solutions for up to 100 people working in Microsoft Windows environments.

Our History

In 1982, what is now CRU Solutions was founded by Jim Kerr as a software development company. That year, Time magazine chose the computer as its “Man of the Year.” Time reasoned, “There are some occasions […] when the most significant force in a year’s news is not a single individual but a process, and a widespread recognition by a whole society that this process is changing the course of all other processes.” Indeed.

In 1991, we added hardware and computer repairs to provide a one-stop client solution. By the mid-2000s, with the advent of remote monitoring and management tools, we shifted the company’s business model to managed IT services and business IT support.

Now, more than 40 years later, CRU Solutions continues to thrive through the always fascinating evolution of both technology and business. Jim is the President of CRU and virtual CIO for our clients. His son, Nick, is also a key member of the CRU team.

Our Service Philosophy

We seek out and develop talent who have a gift for both technical ability and strong customer service. Together, our skills range from answering quick support calls to designing complete IT infrastructures from the ground up. We focus on effective communication in everything we do.

Almost half of our clients have been with us for 10 years or longer. They count on us to interact with their employees respectfully and handle their networks like our own. We’re about options, for both technology and budgets. We’ll talk through the pros and cons so your team will have the right technology, at the right time, at the right prices.

Check out our FAQs to learn more about how we work.

\"CRU

Team

Our IT team is standing by to help you with all of your managed IT needs. Learn about our local, experienced leadership team.

Read more\"CRU

How We Work and FAQs

Comparing IT firms is challenging. Here’s how CRU Solutions works every day to give you confidence in your IT.

Read more\"Choosing

How to Choose Managed Services

Choosing a managed service provider? Advice for your search to ensure you’re getting the right fit.

Read more\"Over

Testimonials

Over the last 40 years, we’ve helped countless companies. Hear from some of our happy customers.

Read more

Get Started with CRU Solutions Today

If you need an IT team that listens, offers choices, solves issues, and makes your small business a priority, contact us. We look forward to talking with you! Read more about how we work.

", "content_plain": "An Expert Business IT Support Team Committed to Your Success CRU Solutions delivers secure, trusted business IT support throughout Northeast Ohio. We generally help organizations that need smart IT solutions for up to 100 people working in Microsoft Windows environments. Our History In 1982, what is now CRU Solutions was founded by Jim Kerr as a software development company. That year, Time magazine chose the computer as its “Man of the Year.” Time reasoned, “There are some occasions […] when the most significant force in a year’s news is not a single individual but a process, and a widespread recognition by a whole society that this process is changing the course of all other processes.” Indeed. In 1991, we added hardware and computer repairs to provide a one-stop client solution. By the mid-2000s, with the advent of remote monitoring and management tools, we shifted the company’s business model to managed IT services and business IT support. Now, more than 40 years later, CRU Solutions continues to thrive through the always fascinating evolution of both technology and business. Jim is the President of CRU and virtual CIO for our clients. His son, Nick, is also a key member of the CRU team. Our Service Philosophy We seek out and develop talent who have a gift for both technical ability and strong customer service. Together, our skills range from answering quick support calls to designing complete IT infrastructures from the ground up. We focus on effective communication in everything we do. Almost half of our clients have been with us for 10 years or longer. They count on us to interact with their employees respectfully and handle their networks like our own. We’re about options, for both technology and budgets. We’ll talk through the pros and cons so your team will have the right technology, at the right time, at the right prices. Check out our FAQs to learn more about how we work. TeamOur IT team is standing by to help you with all of your managed IT needs. Learn about our local, experienced leadership team. Read moreHow We Work and FAQsComparing IT firms is challenging. Here’s how CRU Solutions works every day to give you confidence in your IT. Read moreHow to Choose Managed ServicesChoosing a managed service provider? Advice for your search to ensure you’re getting the right fit. Read moreTestimonialsOver the last 40 years, we’ve helped countless companies. Hear from some of our happy customers. Read more Get Started with CRU Solutions Today If you need an IT team that listens, offers choices, solves issues, and makes your small business a priority, contact us. We look forward to talking with you! Read more about how we work.", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133727/Solutions-Main-Page.jpg", "modified": "2026-04-01T10:03:29-05:00" }, { "id": 4196, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/contact/", "title": "Contact", "h1": "Contact", "summary": "Contact CRU Solutions today to learn how our local IT services and cybersecurity support can help your business. We look forward to hearing from you!", "content": "

Reliable IT Services and Cybersecurity Support Are Within Reach

Whether you’re ready to change your IT support or just exploring options, we’re here to help. It’s easy to get in touch – simply call, email, or fill out the form. From there, a CRU Solutions team member will reach out to you.

Depending on your schedule, we can talk right away or arrange a time for a conversation. We want to hear about your objectives and learn a little about your current IT environment.

Price is always an important question. Comparing IT service providers can be tricky, as different firms offer varying levels of service, expertise, and support. During our first call, we can often provide a price range based on your goals.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Phone:

Call Us Today:
440-891-0330 x 1

Address:

1551 Towpath Road, Unit 1
Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

Email:

Email Us Today:
info@crusolutions.com

", "content_plain": "Reliable IT Services and Cybersecurity Support Are Within Reach Whether you’re ready to change your IT support or just exploring options, we’re here to help. It’s easy to get in touch – simply call, email, or fill out the form. From there, a CRU Solutions team member will reach out to you. Depending on your schedule, we can talk right away or arrange a time for a conversation. We want to hear about your objectives and learn a little about your current IT environment. Price is always an important question. Comparing IT service providers can be tricky, as different firms offer varying levels of service, expertise, and support. During our first call, we can often provide a price range based on your goals. We look forward to hearing from you! Phone: Call Us Today: 440-891-0330 x 1 Address: 1551 Towpath Road, Unit 1 Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 Email: Email Us Today: info@crusolutions.com", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10133738/placeholder-blue-800x600px.png", "modified": "2026-04-24T10:32:41-05:00" }, { "id": 21490, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/10-reasons-for-it-support-even-if-everything-is-in-the-cloud/", "title": "10 Reasons for IT Support Even if “Everything” Is in the Cloud", "h1": "10 Reasons for IT Support Even if “Everything” Is in the Cloud", "summary": "When \"everything\" is in the cloud, your IT provider has a different, but still important role. Read more to learn why.", "content": "

Ah, the cloud. That magical place in IT land where computing is trouble-free and easy. There’s no doubt that cloud services make you more efficient. You can work anytime, anywhere without the frustrations and security concerns of managing your own servers. However, along with the convenience of the cloud for you comes different responsibilities for your IT management. Here’s why you still need IT support even if “everything” is in the cloud.

Reasons for IT Support Even if “Everything” Is in the Cloud

Network Management

Shifting from an on-premise server to the cloud doesn’t mean you’ve eliminated your network. You’ve simply shifted it somewhere else.

Even without a server in your office, your computers are connected through an internet domain, so your network still relies heavily on the proper internet connection, firewall, switches, and router.

You need a solid, reliable infrastructure and knowledgeable management to make cloud services most effective.

Network User Access

Who’s allowed to access the cloud services you pay for and use every day? How are those users validated as legitimate? Who removes access from an employee who is no longer with your organization?

Your IT provider will make sure these permissions are set up properly and manage the comings and goings of staff. That way, you can be confident that the people who need access have it, and those who don’t, don’t.

Microsoft 365 Management

M365 is a complex service that requires proper set-up and ongoing management to work effectively.

Your IT provider will ensure the numerous security and user access settings in M365 are established and maintained correctly. This includes things like adding and removing email boxes and adjusting to Microsoft upgrades.

Backup Services

M365 services, including email, are not automatically backed up. Consider implementing an M365 backup as part of your disaster recovery planning. The backup will be set up, managed, and restored (if needed) by your IT team.

Workstation backup is another consideration. Workstation Backup as a Service (BaaS) is a secure, direct-to-cloud encrypted backup solution that allows restoration of your data from three different types of loss: corrupted file, damage to workstation hardware, or damage to your office that renders the workstation unavailable or destroyed. Backups occur on an agreed-upon schedule, typically every two hours when the computer has an internet connection.

We recommend workstation BaaS for every computer on the network. If a machine is physically damaged, local settings and data can be restored in a new machine. If a former employee wipes the machine before returning it, having a cloud backup gives the organization some reach to the data if needed.

Asset Management

You should always have a handle on the counts and configurations of your hardware assets. Maintaining a current inventory makes it easier to plan for refreshes as hardware ages. Company-provided phones and tablets should also be accounted for.

Applying Hardware and Software Updates

Desktops and laptops not only need to be patched regularly, but proof of that patching should be documented for insurance and other purposes.

Plus, switches, firewalls and routers require manufacturer service subscriptions, and often someone to apply the updates. Those responsibilities rest with your IT team.

Help Desk

We often hear, “our people know what they’re doing and they hardly ever call for help.” Or, all we need is the help desk because everything else is in the cloud. Either way, a help desk team that knows your environment comes in handy not only for routine support but also in the event of a compromised email account or other data breach.

Planning and Budgeting Expertise and Advice

In addition to day-to-day management, you should want access to expert advice to help plan and budget for your future IT needs. Do you want to be the one in charge of planning for your company’s future IT needs?

Creating a Cybersecurity Culture

Even with the infrastructure and hardware in place, the last line of defense from a security perspective is each one of us behind the keyboard. Up to 90% of breaches are caused by human error, so safeguarding your people is key. Your IT provider can help with test phishing and training to make sure everyone’s cybersecurity awareness skills stay sharp.

Cyber Attack Response

Someone makes an errant click on a keyboard that locks your entire network, except for a ransomware message that pops up. If you don’t have an IT provider, what happens? Who do you call?

Having the right IT people in place can make all the difference in those early hours after a breach to re-secure your systems. And, if you make a claim, you’ll need to justify to your cyberliability insurance provider how your network is managed and what security safeguards you have in place to protect yourself and your business.

Choose Local IT Support Even When “Everything” Is in the Cloud

Using cloud services helps make your staff more efficient and effective, and you still need IT support even if “everything” is in the cloud. Working with a skilled, local IT team provides the technical and management skills to make sure you’re using cloud services to their best advantage.

Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you get the most out of your cloud services.

Updated August 6, 2025
", "content_plain": "Ah, the cloud. That magical place in IT land where computing is trouble-free and easy. There’s no doubt that cloud services make you more efficient. You can work anytime, anywhere without the frustrations and security concerns of managing your own servers. However, along with the convenience of the cloud for you comes different responsibilities for your IT management. Here’s why you still need IT support even if “everything” is in the cloud. Reasons for IT Support Even if “Everything” Is in the Cloud Network Management Shifting from an on-premise server to the cloud doesn’t mean you’ve eliminated your network. You’ve simply shifted it somewhere else. Even without a server in your office, your computers are connected through an internet domain, so your network still relies heavily on the proper internet connection, firewall, switches, and router. You need a solid, reliable infrastructure and knowledgeable management to make cloud services most effective. Network User Access Who’s allowed to access the cloud services you pay for and use every day? How are those users validated as legitimate? Who removes access from an employee who is no longer with your organization? Your IT provider will make sure these permissions are set up properly and manage the comings and goings of staff. That way, you can be confident that the people who need access have it, and those who don’t, don’t. Microsoft 365 Management M365 is a complex service that requires proper set-up and ongoing management to work effectively. Your IT provider will ensure the numerous security and user access settings in M365 are established and maintained correctly. This includes things like adding and removing email boxes and adjusting to Microsoft upgrades. Backup Services M365 services, including email, are not automatically backed up. Consider implementing an M365 backup as part of your disaster recovery planning. The backup will be set up, managed, and restored (if needed) by your IT team. Workstation backup is another consideration. Workstation Backup as a Service (BaaS) is a secure, direct-to-cloud encrypted backup solution that allows restoration of your data from three different types of loss: corrupted file, damage to workstation hardware, or damage to your office that renders the workstation unavailable or destroyed. Backups occur on an agreed-upon schedule, typically every two hours when the computer has an internet connection. We recommend workstation BaaS for every computer on the network. If a machine is physically damaged, local settings and data can be restored in a new machine. If a former employee wipes the machine before returning it, having a cloud backup gives the organization some reach to the data if needed. Asset Management You should always have a handle on the counts and configurations of your hardware assets. Maintaining a current inventory makes it easier to plan for refreshes as hardware ages. Company-provided phones and tablets should also be accounted for. Applying Hardware and Software Updates Desktops and laptops not only need to be patched regularly, but proof of that patching should be documented for insurance and other purposes. Plus, switches, firewalls and routers require manufacturer service subscriptions, and often someone to apply the updates. Those responsibilities rest with your IT team. Help Desk We often hear, “our people know what they’re doing and they hardly ever call for help.” Or, all we need is the help desk because everything else is in the cloud. Either way, a help desk team that knows your environment comes in handy not only for routine support but also in the event of a compromised email account or other data breach. Planning and Budgeting Expertise and Advice In addition to day-to-day management, you should want access to expert advice to help plan and budget for your future IT needs. Do you want to be the one in charge of planning for your company’s future IT needs? Creating a Cybersecurity Culture Even with the infrastructure and hardware in place, the last line of defense from a security perspective is each one of us behind the keyboard. Up to 90% of breaches are caused by human error, so safeguarding your people is key. Your IT provider can help with test phishing and training to make sure everyone’s cybersecurity awareness skills stay sharp. Cyber Attack Response Someone makes an errant click on a keyboard that locks your entire network, except for a ransomware message that pops up. If you don’t have an IT provider, what happens? Who do you call? Having the right IT people in place can make all the difference in those early hours after a breach to re-secure your systems. And, if you make a claim, you’ll need to justify to your cyberliability insurance provider how your network is managed and what security safeguards you have in place to protect yourself and your business. Choose Local IT Support Even When “Everything” Is in the Cloud Using cloud services helps make your staff more efficient and effective, and you still need IT support even if “everything” is in the cloud. Working with a skilled, local IT team provides the technical and management skills to make sure you’re using cloud services to their best advantage. Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you get the most out of your cloud services. Updated August 6, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/10133657/Cloud-Computing-1-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T11:02:54-05:00" }, { "id": 21482, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-cybersecurity-is-everyones-responsibility/", "title": "How Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Responsibility", "h1": "How Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Responsibility", "summary": "Up to 90% of cyberattacks stem from human error. Here's how to encourage everyone to take their personal responsibility for cyber defense seriously.", "content": "

Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Responsibility

That’s right – everyone who uses an internet-connected computer, regardless of role, is part of the “human firewall” of cybersecurity. Since up to 90% of cyberattacks stem from some type of human error, we all need to accept that one mistake online could be harmful and work hard to minimize our risks.

It’s easier to take responsibility in a strong cybersecurity culture. Let’s look at what that means along with some other tips you can use right away.

Cybersecurity Culture Defined

Cybersecurity culture involves the values that determine how people think about and approach cybersecurity in your organization.

Everyone’s knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors make the difference between protection and breach. People are at the center of everything; you can either be easy prey, or you can become an effective human layer of defense.

Your organization will benefit from making cybersecurity awareness and responsibility part of your overall company culture.

Technology Use Policies

To start, make sure everyone in your organization understands that each one of them has a daily responsibility to protect company information and reduce the risk of a cyberattack. One way to do this is to create technology use policies.

Policies help ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to safely using company-owned devices, personal devices (like personal cell phones that receive company email), and online activities.

Consider including these areas: handling confidential company information, expectations for using company email (including knowing how to spot malicious phishing attempts), allowable internet use (including public Wi-Fi), and how to report a suspected IT security incident.

Cybersecurity Awareness and Training

Since the best way to learn is through doing, simulated phishing tests are an effective way to see who has honed their awareness skills and who needs to improve. Training can include everything from online videos to in-person workshops. The goal is to engage in ongoing phishing testing and training to keep everyone sharp.

Plus, providing proof of ongoing cybersecurity awareness and training is required to remain in compliance with many cyber liability insurance policies.

You don’t need to go this alone. There are many excellent services that can make sending simulated phishing tests and providing training easy at a reasonable cost.

Practical Tips

Building a positive cybersecurity culture takes time, but here are some basic tips that everyone can use right away:

Emails present a huge opportunity for cybercriminals and a huge risk for the rest of us.

Cybercriminals now use AI to their advantage. AI-generated text helps attackers produce sophisticated, highly personalized emails and text messages that are more likely to deceive than ever before. This makes identifying phishing attempts even more difficult.

Here’s a refresher on how to spot and avoid potentially dangerous emails:

If an email is clearly a phishing attempt, our best advice is to just delete it.

If you’re not sure because the email is from someone you recognize, *CALL* and ask them about it. We’ve seen many organizations avoid financial loss by making a quick phone call only to learn that a request to transfer funds was fake.

If you clicked and are having second thoughts, call your IT department or IT provider right away and tell them specifically you clicked.

You Can Build a Positive Cybersecurity Culture

Make it easy for everyone to take responsibility for cybersecurity. Overall, a positive cybersecurity culture is one of learning, not blaming. Foster a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable reporting security concerns and asking questions. Your team should be comfortable reporting a potential risk, including an errant click. The sooner you know, the sooner you can begin to mitigate the problem.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 6, 2025
", "content_plain": "Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Responsibility That’s right – everyone who uses an internet-connected computer, regardless of role, is part of the “human firewall” of cybersecurity. Since up to 90% of cyberattacks stem from some type of human error, we all need to accept that one mistake online could be harmful and work hard to minimize our risks. It’s easier to take responsibility in a strong cybersecurity culture. Let’s look at what that means along with some other tips you can use right away. Cybersecurity Culture Defined Cybersecurity culture involves the values that determine how people think about and approach cybersecurity in your organization. Everyone’s knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors make the difference between protection and breach. People are at the center of everything; you can either be easy prey, or you can become an effective human layer of defense. Your organization will benefit from making cybersecurity awareness and responsibility part of your overall company culture. Technology Use Policies To start, make sure everyone in your organization understands that each one of them has a daily responsibility to protect company information and reduce the risk of a cyberattack. One way to do this is to create technology use policies. Policies help ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to safely using company-owned devices, personal devices (like personal cell phones that receive company email), and online activities. Consider including these areas: handling confidential company information, expectations for using company email (including knowing how to spot malicious phishing attempts), allowable internet use (including public Wi-Fi), and how to report a suspected IT security incident. Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Since the best way to learn is through doing, simulated phishing tests are an effective way to see who has honed their awareness skills and who needs to improve. Training can include everything from online videos to in-person workshops. The goal is to engage in ongoing phishing testing and training to keep everyone sharp. Plus, providing proof of ongoing cybersecurity awareness and training is required to remain in compliance with many cyber liability insurance policies. You don’t need to go this alone. There are many excellent services that can make sending simulated phishing tests and providing training easy at a reasonable cost. Practical Tips Building a positive cybersecurity culture takes time, but here are some basic tips that everyone can use right away: Don’t share confidential company information in emails or on social media. Be careful sharing ANY company information online without guidelines. The more you share, the more information cybercriminals can gather to try and trick you with email or phone phishing attempts. Don’t use public Wi-Fi. Cybercriminals can easily create Wi-Fi networks that appear to be legitimate but are instead being used to intercept data. Turn off “automatically connect to Wi-Fi” on your devices to avoid connecting by mistake. Use a unique password for every online account (and don’t reuse them). Use a long passphrase whenever you can. Use a password manager if it’s available. Don’t leave your device unattended in a public place, even just to warm up your coffee. Always use 2FA. The extra step you take to enter a code or approve a sign-on can make the difference between a successful attack and a failure. Be careful with phone calls. Scammers can pretend to be from “tech support” and ask you for a password or to click a link so they can log on to your computer. Know who your IT people are and how to reach them. Never respond to someone who claims to be from IT if you don’t recognize the company or name of the person. Emails present a huge opportunity for cybercriminals and a huge risk for the rest of us. Cybercriminals now use AI to their advantage. AI-generated text helps attackers produce sophisticated, highly personalized emails and text messages that are more likely to deceive than ever before. This makes identifying phishing attempts even more difficult. Here’s a refresher on how to spot and avoid potentially dangerous emails: In general, make the email prove to you that it’s legit – no random clicking! You don’t recognize the sender The sender’s email address is random letters and characters or a strange domain The “To” field is blank or a list of names you don’t recognize The subject line is unusual or doesn’t match the email content The email content includes an ask for something (buy gift cards, transfer funds, call a phone number, verify information, etc.), a short timeline, and possibly a threat of losing your email or other risk. There’s an attachment If there’s a link, hover over it with your mouse. Does it go to a different website than the name? Always be careful when clicking on links or opening attachments! If an email is clearly a phishing attempt, our best advice is to just delete it. If you’re not sure because the email is from someone you recognize, *CALL* and ask them about it. We’ve seen many organizations avoid financial loss by making a quick phone call only to learn that a request to transfer funds was fake. If you clicked and are having second thoughts, call your IT department or IT provider right away and tell them specifically you clicked. You Can Build a Positive Cybersecurity Culture Make it easy for everyone to take responsibility for cybersecurity. Overall, a positive cybersecurity culture is one of learning, not blaming. Foster a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable reporting security concerns and asking questions. Your team should be comfortable reporting a potential risk, including an errant click. The sooner you know, the sooner you can begin to mitigate the problem. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 6, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/10133438/Cybersecurity-Everyones-Responsibility.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T12:39:22-05:00" }, { "id": 20719, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/protect-yourself-from-cybercrime-at-tax-time/", "title": "Protect Yourself from Cybercrime at Tax Time", "h1": "Protect Yourself from Cybercrime at Tax Time", "summary": "Tax time can be scam time. Let’s take a look at some potential scams to help you protect yourself and your business.", "content": "

Tax time can be scam time. Let’s take a look at some potential scams to help you protect yourself from cybercrime at tax time.

Examples of Cybercrime at Tax Time

W-2 Email Phishing Scam

This starts when an employee, usually in the organization’s human resources department, receives an email, claiming to be from the boss or supervisor, requesting W-2 information.

A family member became a victim when the human resources person neglected to confirm an email he received from the “boss” requesting W-2 data. He unwittingly forwarded W-2 information to the bad guys. The end result? After the theft was discovered, the employer implemented identity theft protection for all employees, but the damage was done.

The lesson here is always verify an email within your organization if the request sounds unusual or suspicious, especially if it involves a trove of personal information.

IRS Email Phishing, Phone, Text, or Social Media Scam

You may receive an email, phone call, text, or contact via social media claiming to be from the IRS.

Remember, if the IRS needs to reach you, they will contact you by letter delivered via the U.S. Postal Service. (You can even verify the authenticity of a letter at www.irs.gov.)

If you receive a phone call, the number can be spoofed to look like it’s an “official” call from the IRS. Don’t give any information – instead ask for a name and badge number of the caller. If the caller hesitates, or presses for more of your personal information, hang up immediately.

If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, don’t click on it or respond, just delete it.

Tax Refund Fraud

If you’ve completed your taxes and filed your return but the IRS rejects it, someone may have filed a fraudulent return using your Social Security number.

If you’re a confirmed identify theft victim, you can help prevent someone using your stolen Social Security number from filing a fraudulent return. You can get an Identity Protection Pin from the IRS before you file your taxes.

The best way to protect yourself from cybercrime at tax time is to be aware and alert to all attempts by the bad guys to access your personal information. There is helpful information available on the IRS website. Fortunately, in most cases you’ll prepare and file your tax returns with no problems.

CRU Solutions can also help teach your team to be safer. Contact us!

Updated August 6, 2025
", "content_plain": "Tax time can be scam time. Let’s take a look at some potential scams to help you protect yourself from cybercrime at tax time. Examples of Cybercrime at Tax Time W-2 Email Phishing Scam This starts when an employee, usually in the organization’s human resources department, receives an email, claiming to be from the boss or supervisor, requesting W-2 information. A family member became a victim when the human resources person neglected to confirm an email he received from the “boss” requesting W-2 data. He unwittingly forwarded W-2 information to the bad guys. The end result? After the theft was discovered, the employer implemented identity theft protection for all employees, but the damage was done. The lesson here is always verify an email within your organization if the request sounds unusual or suspicious, especially if it involves a trove of personal information. IRS Email Phishing, Phone, Text, or Social Media Scam You may receive an email, phone call, text, or contact via social media claiming to be from the IRS. Remember, if the IRS needs to reach you, they will contact you by letter delivered via the U.S. Postal Service. (You can even verify the authenticity of a letter at www.irs.gov.) If you receive a phone call, the number can be spoofed to look like it’s an “official” call from the IRS. Don’t give any information – instead ask for a name and badge number of the caller. If the caller hesitates, or presses for more of your personal information, hang up immediately. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, don’t click on it or respond, just delete it. Tax Refund Fraud If you’ve completed your taxes and filed your return but the IRS rejects it, someone may have filed a fraudulent return using your Social Security number. If you’re a confirmed identify theft victim, you can help prevent someone using your stolen Social Security number from filing a fraudulent return. You can get an Identity Protection Pin from the IRS before you file your taxes. The best way to protect yourself from cybercrime at tax time is to be aware and alert to all attempts by the bad guys to access your personal information. There is helpful information available on the IRS website. Fortunately, in most cases you’ll prepare and file your tax returns with no problems. CRU Solutions can also help teach your team to be safer. Contact us! Updated August 6, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/10133659/Tax-Time-Blue-and-Yellow.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T12:43:53-05:00" }, { "id": 16793, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/clean-up-your-computer-in-the-new-year/", "title": "Clean Up Your Computer in the New Year", "h1": "Clean Up Your Computer in the New Year", "summary": "Remember to clean up your computer at least once a year! Make a resolution to delete old files and and stay safer online.", "content": "

Remember to clean up your computer at least once a year! January is Clean Up Your Computer Month and the second Monday of February is Clean Out Your Computer Day. Make a resolution to keep the grime off your computer and be safer online.

How to Clean Up Your Computer

Organize Your Desktop

Take a few minutes to organize your desktop icons. Delete any files or shortcuts you don’t need. Empty that Recycle Bin when you’re done.

Clean Away the Dust and Germs

Sweep away the dust on your monitors and keyboard. It’s a good idea to run a disinfectant wipe over your keyboard and mouse, too.

Tackle that Inbox

Try to handle every email once. Delete with enthusiasm. You’ll feel better and your inbox will be more secure. While you’re at it, don’t forget to empty your Deleted Items folder.

Delete Unnecessary Files

Depending on your company’s retention policies, delete old files that are now meaningless and only create clutter around the files you do need.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Don’t risk having your spiffy, clean computer infected by using public wi-fi. One option is to set up a private hotspot on a phone or tablet instead.

Stay Private Online

The more you disclose publicly, the more a cybercriminal can learn about you. The more they know, the more easily they can phish you (and convince you to click). Be diligent and protect yourself.

Click Carefully

You need to be on your toes all the time. Learn how to avoid clicking on dangerous emails and other online threats.

Dispose of Old Equipment Properly

You may have some computers in a closet or back room that aren’t even worth cleaning. Get them out of your physical space and destroy them securely.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 6, 2025

 

", "content_plain": "Remember to clean up your computer at least once a year! January is Clean Up Your Computer Month and the second Monday of February is Clean Out Your Computer Day. Make a resolution to keep the grime off your computer and be safer online. How to Clean Up Your Computer Organize Your Desktop Take a few minutes to organize your desktop icons. Delete any files or shortcuts you don’t need. Empty that Recycle Bin when you’re done. Clean Away the Dust and Germs Sweep away the dust on your monitors and keyboard. It’s a good idea to run a disinfectant wipe over your keyboard and mouse, too. Tackle that Inbox Try to handle every email once. Delete with enthusiasm. You’ll feel better and your inbox will be more secure. While you’re at it, don’t forget to empty your Deleted Items folder. Delete Unnecessary Files Depending on your company’s retention policies, delete old files that are now meaningless and only create clutter around the files you do need. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Don’t risk having your spiffy, clean computer infected by using public wi-fi. One option is to set up a private hotspot on a phone or tablet instead. Stay Private Online The more you disclose publicly, the more a cybercriminal can learn about you. The more they know, the more easily they can phish you (and convince you to click). Be diligent and protect yourself. Click Carefully You need to be on your toes all the time. Learn how to avoid clicking on dangerous emails and other online threats. Dispose of Old Equipment Properly You may have some computers in a closet or back room that aren’t even worth cleaning. Get them out of your physical space and destroy them securely. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 6, 2025  ", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/10133659/bigstock-Cleaning-And-Caring-Computer-324712930-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T12:50:40-05:00" }, { "id": 20880, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/password-managers-demystified-4-faqs/", "title": "Password Managers Demystified: 4 FAQs", "h1": "Password Managers Demystified: 4 FAQs", "summary": "What if you only had to remember one, single password every day for access to everything you need? A password manager can help you do just that.", "content": "

Password Managers: What to Know

What if you only had to remember one, single password every day for access to everything you need? A password manager can help you do just that. Here’s what to know about password managers and how they can help protect your business.

What is a password manager?

It’s specialized software that helps you generate, store and retrieve unique passwords for both local applications and online accounts in an encrypted database, or vault. The only password you need to remember is the one that unlocks the vault.

How do password managers work?

It all starts with strong encryption. AES 256-bit encryption is the industry standard for the most secure password managers. This encryption is also used by the military because of its exceptional strength.

Zero-knowledge architecture means your passwords are encrypted before they leave your device. This prevents an attacker from deciphering them from a location other than your actual computer.

Most managers will ask you to use a master password for accessing your vault. For an additional security layer, you should use two-factor authentication (2FA) or biometric authentication, like a fingerprint or face scan, if it’s available to you.

Some password managers will remind you to change the passwords regularly and evaluate their strength. Others will scan the dark web to check if any of your logins appeared online. Some will do both, and then some.

What should I look for in a password manager?

First, decide which features you need. Those built-in to browsers (for example, the pop-up you get from Chrome asking if you want to save the password when you log into a website) are safer than they were even a few years ago. Still, they have limited capabilities.

For business purposes, a paid password manager is going to be more robust, convenient and secure than a free app. Look for these features:

What are the risks?

Remember, no technology product or service can guarantee 100% safety. Quality password managers are exceptionally secure, but not foolproof. These common risks are based on both the technology and personal behavior: 

Even though it’s possible for password managers to be hacked, the scenario is highly unlikely. While there have been a handful of reported security vulnerabilities, none resulted in the exposure of usernames and passwords. Password managers are more likely to be compromised due to user carelessness.

Key Takeaways

Implementing a password manager across your organization makes sense for your overall cybersecurity protection. Using one makes it quicker and safer to sign into websites you know. It also reduces the chance you’ll sign into a look-alike site, since the password manager won’t suggest a password for a site it has never seen before.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 6, 2025
", "content_plain": "Password Managers: What to Know What if you only had to remember one, single password every day for access to everything you need? A password manager can help you do just that. Here’s what to know about password managers and how they can help protect your business. What is a password manager? It’s specialized software that helps you generate, store and retrieve unique passwords for both local applications and online accounts in an encrypted database, or vault. The only password you need to remember is the one that unlocks the vault. How do password managers work? It all starts with strong encryption. AES 256-bit encryption is the industry standard for the most secure password managers. This encryption is also used by the military because of its exceptional strength. Zero-knowledge architecture means your passwords are encrypted before they leave your device. This prevents an attacker from deciphering them from a location other than your actual computer. Most managers will ask you to use a master password for accessing your vault. For an additional security layer, you should use two-factor authentication (2FA) or biometric authentication, like a fingerprint or face scan, if it’s available to you. Some password managers will remind you to change the passwords regularly and evaluate their strength. Others will scan the dark web to check if any of your logins appeared online. Some will do both, and then some. What should I look for in a password manager? First, decide which features you need. Those built-in to browsers (for example, the pop-up you get from Chrome asking if you want to save the password when you log into a website) are safer than they were even a few years ago. Still, they have limited capabilities. For business purposes, a paid password manager is going to be more robust, convenient and secure than a free app. Look for these features: Password generators: If you don’t want to come up with your own passwords, most paid password managers will allow you to generate safe passwords with varying complexities. The best password managers will also be able to analyze your existing passwords for weaknesses and upgrade them with a click. Autofill and auto-login: Most password managers can autofill your login credentials whenever you visit a site and even log you in automatically after you enter your master password. Fewer keystrokes for you! Secure sharing: Sometimes you need to share a password with a co-worker. A password manager should let you do so without compromising your security. Two-factor authentication: Increasingly, password managers support multi-factor authentication —using a second method such as a PIN, a fingerprint, or another “trusted device” for additional verification—to mitigate this risk. Choose one that does. Protection for other personal data: Credit card and bank account numbers, addresses, and other personal data can be securely stored in many password managers and automatically filled into web forms. Cross-platform support: Many password managers work seamlessly across multiple web browsers and smartphone apps. What are the risks? Remember, no technology product or service can guarantee 100% safety. Quality password managers are exceptionally secure, but not foolproof. These common risks are based on both the technology and personal behavior: All your sensitive data is in one place: If you store credit card or other personal information in the password manager, that would also be exposed in the extremely rare event of a provider breach. If your device is infected, the master password could be exposed: If you fall victim to a phishing attempt, and your machine is infected with malware, when you type the master password it would be recorded. From there, cybercriminals would gain full access to the data stored in the password manager. Choosing an inferior password manager: If it has weaker encryption, offers few features, and has poor reviews, don’t use it. You get what you pay for. Forgetting your master password: For obvious reasons, most industry-standard password managers have no way to recover your master password. In that case, if you forget your master password, you’re locked out for good. One option is to store your master password (or a hint) in a physically secure place, in case you ever need it. Even though it’s possible for password managers to be hacked, the scenario is highly unlikely. While there have been a handful of reported security vulnerabilities, none resulted in the exposure of usernames and passwords. Password managers are more likely to be compromised due to user carelessness. Key Takeaways Implementing a password manager across your organization makes sense for your overall cybersecurity protection. Using one makes it quicker and safer to sign into websites you know. It also reduces the chance you’ll sign into a look-alike site, since the password manager won’t suggest a password for a site it has never seen before. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 6, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/10133700/Padlock-on-Colored-Digital-Background.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T12:55:05-05:00" }, { "id": 6785, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/makes-email-suspicious/", "title": "How to Spot a Suspicious Email", "h1": "How to Spot a Suspicious Email", "summary": "Do you know what makes an email suspicious? AI makes it trickier to detect dangerous emails. Here's what to know.", "content": "

Can you spot a suspicious email?

Everyone needs to know how to spot suspicious emails. Spam filters and other sophisticated blocking tools don’t eliminate all the risks, so always pay attention.

If you miss a clue and your email is compromised, cybercriminals can send spam emails from your actual email address, get access to your financial information, activate ransomware, or make a malware deposit.

You can reduce your risk by taking a little extra time to read each email and recognizing common indicators of phishing attempts. Pay attention to these fields to help you spot a suspicious email:

Signs of a Suspicious Email

Pay attention to these fields to help you spot a suspicious email:

TO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

ATTACHMENTS:

CONTENT:

HYPERLINKS:

Impact of AI on Suspicious Emails

Cybercriminals use AI creatively. Phishing attempts sound professional, rarely include spelling and grammatical errors, and may even be in a tone that sounds familiar to you. It’s harder to detect phishing attempts now more than ever before.

You may even receive an AI-generated follow-up call, sometimes with a spoofed voice, in an attempt to “confirm” the phishing email and get you to respond. Don’t be fooled.

What to Do

If the email is clearly a phishing attempt, you can simply delete it, block the sender, or create a rule to keep that sender out of your Inbox. (Be careful using unsubscribe buttons because those could be dangerous, too.)

If you’re not sure but the email is from someone you recognize, CALL and ask them to confirm the authenticity.

If you clicked and are having second thoughts, call your IT provider and ask for help.

CRU Solutions can teach your team to be safer online. Contact us!

Updated August 6, 2025
", "content_plain": "Can you spot a suspicious email? Everyone needs to know how to spot suspicious emails. Spam filters and other sophisticated blocking tools don’t eliminate all the risks, so always pay attention. If you miss a clue and your email is compromised, cybercriminals can send spam emails from your actual email address, get access to your financial information, activate ransomware, or make a malware deposit. You can reduce your risk by taking a little extra time to read each email and recognizing common indicators of phishing attempts. Pay attention to these fields to help you spot a suspicious email: Signs of a Suspicious Email Pay attention to these fields to help you spot a suspicious email: TO: I was cc’d on an email sent to one or more people, but I don’t personally know the other people it was sent to. I received an email that was also sent to an unusual mix of people. For instance a seemingly random group of people at your organization whose last names start with the same letter, or a whole list of unrelated addresses. FROM: I don’t know the sender. I know the sender but the tone and content is very unusual or out of character. This is an unexpected or unusual email with an embedded hyperlink or an attachment from someone I haven’t communicated with recently. SUBJECT: Does the email have a subject line that’s irrelevant or does not match the content? Is the email message a reply to something I never sent or requested? ATTACHMENTS: The sender included an email attachment that I was not expecting or that makes no sense in relation to the email message. (This sender doesn’t ordinarily send me these types of attachment(s).) CONTENT: Is the sender asking me to urgently click on a link or open an attachment to avoid a negative consequence, or the link or attachment is odd or illogical? Is the email out of the ordinary? Do I have an uncomfortable gut feeling about the sender’s request to open an attachment or click a link? HYPERLINKS: I hover my mouse over a hyperlink that’s displayed in the email message, but the link to address is for a different web site. (This is a big red flag.) I received an email with a hyperlink that is a misspelling of a known web site. For instance, www.bankofarnerica.com – the “m” is really two characters – “r & n”). Impact of AI on Suspicious Emails Cybercriminals use AI creatively. Phishing attempts sound professional, rarely include spelling and grammatical errors, and may even be in a tone that sounds familiar to you. It’s harder to detect phishing attempts now more than ever before. You may even receive an AI-generated follow-up call, sometimes with a spoofed voice, in an attempt to “confirm” the phishing email and get you to respond. Don’t be fooled. What to Do If the email is clearly a phishing attempt, you can simply delete it, block the sender, or create a rule to keep that sender out of your Inbox. (Be careful using unsubscribe buttons because those could be dangerous, too.) If you’re not sure but the email is from someone you recognize, CALL and ask them to confirm the authenticity. If you clicked and are having second thoughts, call your IT provider and ask for help. CRU Solutions can teach your team to be safer online. Contact us! Updated August 6, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/10133700/Email_Suspicious-848x480-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T13:02:18-05:00" }, { "id": 21221, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-to-shop-safely-online-for-the-holidays/", "title": "How to Shop Safely Online", "h1": "How to Shop Safely Online", "summary": "It's a thrill to find great deals online for yourself or your business. Here’s how to shop safely online and minimize your risks.", "content": "

Online shopping offers the thrill of finding great deals for both yourself and your business. Here’s how to shop safely online and keep cybercriminals from spoiling the fun!

How to Shop Safely Online

Before You Shop

Beware of phishing emails and texts that may be designed to look like an authentic message from a well-known brand. Don’t click on any links or attachments in unsolicited emails or texts. If you receive an unsolicited email or text from a business but want to learn more, open a browser, search for the business, and visit that website directly.

While You’re Shopping

Choose trusted retailers or sellers. Think about how you’re searching online. How are you finding the deals? Are you clicking on links in emails or ensuring you’re on the correct vendor’s website? Are you clicking on ads on webpages? You wouldn’t go into a store with boarded up windows and without signage – the same rules apply online. If it looks suspicious, something’s probably not right. This applies to gift card purchases, too.

Choose shopping apps wisely. Be aware that some mobile shopping apps could be a scam, and other legitimate shopping apps may collect a lot of personal information. Look for apps that tell you what they do with your data and how they keep it secure. Keep in mind that there may be no legal limit on your liability with money stored in a shopping app or on a gift card. Unless otherwise stated in the terms of service, you may be responsible for all charges made through your shopping app.

Make sure your information is being encrypted. All reputable merchants use encryption to transmit information from your browser to their servers. Look in your browser’s location bar to make sure the website address begins with “https:” instead of “http:”. Also look at the padlock icon. If the padlock is locked, your information is encrypted.

Don’t overshare. Never provide your password, or personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited email. Legitimate businesses will not email you asking for this information.

Use a credit card rather than a debit card if you can. There are laws to limit your liability for fraudulent credit card charges, but you may not have the same level of protection for your debit cards. Additionally, because a debit card draws money directly from your bank account, unauthorized charges could leave you with insufficient funds to pay other bills. Also use a credit card when using a payment gateway such as PayPal, Google Wallet, or Apple Pay.

After Your Purchase

Check your online statements. Be sure to check your credit card and bank statements frequently for any fraudulent charges. Notify your bank or financial institution immediately if you see any discrepancies.

Use these tips to help you shop safely online for yourself and your business. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help support your business, contact us.

Updated August 7, 2025
", "content_plain": "Online shopping offers the thrill of finding great deals for both yourself and your business. Here’s how to shop safely online and keep cybercriminals from spoiling the fun! How to Shop Safely Online Before You Shop Make sure the device you’re using to shop online has all current software updates. Take a look at your accounts and make sure each one has a strong and unique password. Consider using a password manager to keep them all straight. Use multi-factor authentication everywhere it’s available. Beware of phishing emails and texts that may be designed to look like an authentic message from a well-known brand. Don’t click on any links or attachments in unsolicited emails or texts. If you receive an unsolicited email or text from a business but want to learn more, open a browser, search for the business, and visit that website directly. While You’re Shopping Choose trusted retailers or sellers. Think about how you’re searching online. How are you finding the deals? Are you clicking on links in emails or ensuring you’re on the correct vendor’s website? Are you clicking on ads on webpages? You wouldn’t go into a store with boarded up windows and without signage – the same rules apply online. If it looks suspicious, something’s probably not right. This applies to gift card purchases, too. Choose shopping apps wisely. Be aware that some mobile shopping apps could be a scam, and other legitimate shopping apps may collect a lot of personal information. Look for apps that tell you what they do with your data and how they keep it secure. Keep in mind that there may be no legal limit on your liability with money stored in a shopping app or on a gift card. Unless otherwise stated in the terms of service, you may be responsible for all charges made through your shopping app. Make sure your information is being encrypted. All reputable merchants use encryption to transmit information from your browser to their servers. Look in your browser’s location bar to make sure the website address begins with “https:” instead of “http:”. Also look at the padlock icon. If the padlock is locked, your information is encrypted. Don’t overshare. Never provide your password, or personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited email. Legitimate businesses will not email you asking for this information. Use a credit card rather than a debit card if you can. There are laws to limit your liability for fraudulent credit card charges, but you may not have the same level of protection for your debit cards. Additionally, because a debit card draws money directly from your bank account, unauthorized charges could leave you with insufficient funds to pay other bills. Also use a credit card when using a payment gateway such as PayPal, Google Wallet, or Apple Pay. After Your Purchase Check your online statements. Be sure to check your credit card and bank statements frequently for any fraudulent charges. Notify your bank or financial institution immediately if you see any discrepancies. Use these tips to help you shop safely online for yourself and your business. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help support your business, contact us. Updated August 7, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/10133701/Christmas-Shopping-Cart.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T13:04:21-05:00" }, { "id": 21395, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/shape-the-future-of-your-business-with-it-planning-and-budgeting/", "title": "Shape the Future of Your Business with IT Planning and Budgeting", "h1": "Shape the Future of Your Business with IT Planning and Budgeting", "summary": "Your IT planning and budgeting process has importance beyond the numbers and spreadsheets. Here's what to consider.", "content": "

Your IT planning and budgeting process has importance beyond the numbers and spreadsheets. The technology you use and how you implement it will help shape the future of your business, including your day-to-day operations, customer engagement, and how you outpace your competition.

You may not need the “latest and greatest”, but you also don’t want to fall so far behind that you eventually require a major, unexpected tech investment. In our experience, delaying IT refreshes does not pay off in the long run. Here are the benefits, challenges, and tips for how to approach IT planning and budgeting.

Benefits of Regular IT Planning and Budgeting

Reviewing your technology and budgets regularly will help you improve:

Operational Efficiency

The right technology and automation can streamline your processes, reduce manual tasks and eliminate obstacles. Over time, this translates to increased cost savings, optimized resource utilization and faster response times.

Customer Experience

Effectively using digital tools enables a deeper understanding of customer preferences, behaviors and pain points, paving the way for personalized and seamless experiences. This, in turn, results in stronger customer loyalty and increased sales.

Creativity and Innovation

Embracing new technologies creates opportunities for experimenting with new ideas, products and solutions which foster innovation and agility. This enables you to respond to customer demands swiftly, seize market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Growth Potential

A carefully considered, effective IT strategy positions you for success, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

Overall Business Decisions

Leveraging technology yields valuable data, insights and tools to understand customer behaviors, market trends and operational performance. This data-driven approach leads to better decisions.

Risk Management

Technology fortifies risk management by enhancing data security, business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities. This equips you with better protection against cyberthreats, downtime and data loss.

Challenges You May Face

If regular IT planning and budgeting is new for your organization, you may run into a few roadblocks. Here are some challenges we’ve seen and ways to overcome them:

Issues with Legacy Systems

This is more common than you might think. Integrating new technologies with existing legacy systems can be complex and costly, or sometimes simply not possible.

We’ve seen too many instances where a potential client is forced to completely overhaul their legacy IT. Often, it’s due to outside influences such as compliance goals, insurance requirements, or software end-of-life deadlines. (Microsoft is the most disruptive when it comes to end-of-life cycles, but this happens with other software applications, too.)

When shifting from or attempting to integrate with legacy systems, a phased approach is best to manage costs and minimize disruption to operations.

Financial Concerns

No surprise here. The degree of concern will be directly correlated with the level of changes needed to achieve your goals. If you regularly refresh your technology, you’ll minimize surprises on the financial front.

Increased Risks

During a significant technology upgrade or change, there could be risks with backup and cybersecurity tools. It’s crucial to prioritize cybersecurity throughout the tech refresh. The more often you refresh, the fewer cybersecurity risks you’ll encounter.

Staff Resistance

Change can be hard, especially when it affects your day-to-day routine. Staff may be hesitant to embrace new technologies or processes. You can help overcome resistance through effective communication and training.

Where to Start

Your IT advisors know your environment and can make technology recommendations, create budget options, and handle the implementation. They will help you:

Focus on Business Goals

Consider your overarching business goals for the next few years. Maybe you’re expecting significant growth, an ongoing need for secure remote work options, shifting to a hybrid model of on-premise and cloud services, or a need to meet new compliance requirements. Those plans will impact how you plan and budget for IT.

Assess Your Current State and Identify Gaps

Thoroughly evaluate your existing processes, technology infrastructure and data capabilities to identify pain points, inefficiencies and areas for improvement. Think about what’s working and what isn’t, what new technologies could increase efficiency and save money, and which “shiny new objects” you should avoid.

Identify the gaps in your current technology and how that affects progress toward your goals. From there, rank your technology initiatives based on their potential impact on your organization’s success and alignment with long-term objectives.

Set Clear Objectives

Establish specific and measurable objectives, outcomes and metrics that align with your strategic goals.

Analyze ROI

Delve into a detailed analysis of anticipated return on investment (ROI), including when your IT upgrades will begin delivering their intended value.

Choose Tech Wisely

Match the technology to your identified needs as precisely as possible. Be careful not to overbuy. Make every dollar you spend today work for you in the coming years.

Identify Risks and Prioritize Security

Identify potential technical, operational and regulatory risks associated with the changes and develop mitigation plans for each. Ensure robust cybersecurity controls are in place to protect data and systems throughout the refresh process. Integrate security into every phase.

Oversee Implementation

Ensure that the rollout of your refresh stays on course and within budget.

Review and Adjust the Budget

Continuously review the budget, making adjustments as necessary based on your progress and shifting priorities.

Continuously Improve

Regularly monitor progress and refine your strategy to ensure continuous improvement. Each refresh is part of an evolving journey that requires adaptation to changing circumstances and technologies.

How Your IT Services Provider Can Help 

Work with a firm that has proven experience in all phases of IT planning, budgeting and implementation and a solid understanding of your business and your priorities. You’ll benefit from their teamwork and depth of expertise to help you use technology effectively to shape the future of your business.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help with IT planning and budgeting, contact us.

Updated August 7, 2025
", "content_plain": "Your IT planning and budgeting process has importance beyond the numbers and spreadsheets. The technology you use and how you implement it will help shape the future of your business, including your day-to-day operations, customer engagement, and how you outpace your competition. You may not need the “latest and greatest”, but you also don’t want to fall so far behind that you eventually require a major, unexpected tech investment. In our experience, delaying IT refreshes does not pay off in the long run. Here are the benefits, challenges, and tips for how to approach IT planning and budgeting. Benefits of Regular IT Planning and Budgeting Reviewing your technology and budgets regularly will help you improve: Operational Efficiency The right technology and automation can streamline your processes, reduce manual tasks and eliminate obstacles. Over time, this translates to increased cost savings, optimized resource utilization and faster response times. Customer Experience Effectively using digital tools enables a deeper understanding of customer preferences, behaviors and pain points, paving the way for personalized and seamless experiences. This, in turn, results in stronger customer loyalty and increased sales. Creativity and Innovation Embracing new technologies creates opportunities for experimenting with new ideas, products and solutions which foster innovation and agility. This enables you to respond to customer demands swiftly, seize market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Growth Potential A carefully considered, effective IT strategy positions you for success, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth. Overall Business Decisions Leveraging technology yields valuable data, insights and tools to understand customer behaviors, market trends and operational performance. This data-driven approach leads to better decisions. Risk Management Technology fortifies risk management by enhancing data security, business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities. This equips you with better protection against cyberthreats, downtime and data loss. Challenges You May Face If regular IT planning and budgeting is new for your organization, you may run into a few roadblocks. Here are some challenges we’ve seen and ways to overcome them: Issues with Legacy Systems This is more common than you might think. Integrating new technologies with existing legacy systems can be complex and costly, or sometimes simply not possible. We’ve seen too many instances where a potential client is forced to completely overhaul their legacy IT. Often, it’s due to outside influences such as compliance goals, insurance requirements, or software end-of-life deadlines. (Microsoft is the most disruptive when it comes to end-of-life cycles, but this happens with other software applications, too.) When shifting from or attempting to integrate with legacy systems, a phased approach is best to manage costs and minimize disruption to operations. Financial Concerns No surprise here. The degree of concern will be directly correlated with the level of changes needed to achieve your goals. If you regularly refresh your technology, you’ll minimize surprises on the financial front. Increased Risks During a significant technology upgrade or change, there could be risks with backup and cybersecurity tools. It’s crucial to prioritize cybersecurity throughout the tech refresh. The more often you refresh, the fewer cybersecurity risks you’ll encounter. Staff Resistance Change can be hard, especially when it affects your day-to-day routine. Staff may be hesitant to embrace new technologies or processes. You can help overcome resistance through effective communication and training. Where to Start Your IT advisors know your environment and can make technology recommendations, create budget options, and handle the implementation. They will help you: Focus on Business Goals Consider your overarching business goals for the next few years. Maybe you’re expecting significant growth, an ongoing need for secure remote work options, shifting to a hybrid model of on-premise and cloud services, or a need to meet new compliance requirements. Those plans will impact how you plan and budget for IT. Assess Your Current State and Identify Gaps Thoroughly evaluate your existing processes, technology infrastructure and data capabilities to identify pain points, inefficiencies and areas for improvement. Think about what’s working and what isn’t, what new technologies could increase efficiency and save money, and which “shiny new objects” you should avoid. Identify the gaps in your current technology and how that affects progress toward your goals. From there, rank your technology initiatives based on their potential impact on your organization’s success and alignment with long-term objectives. Set Clear Objectives Establish specific and measurable objectives, outcomes and metrics that align with your strategic goals. Analyze ROI Delve into a detailed analysis of anticipated return on investment (ROI), including when your IT upgrades will begin delivering their intended value. Choose Tech Wisely Match the technology to your identified needs as precisely as possible. Be careful not to overbuy. Make every dollar you spend today work for you in the coming years. Identify Risks and Prioritize Security Identify potential technical, operational and regulatory risks associated with the changes and develop mitigation plans for each. Ensure robust cybersecurity controls are in place to protect data and systems throughout the refresh process. Integrate security into every phase. Oversee Implementation Ensure that the rollout of your refresh stays on course and within budget. Review and Adjust the Budget Continuously review the budget, making adjustments as necessary based on your progress and shifting priorities. Continuously Improve Regularly monitor progress and refine your strategy to ensure continuous improvement. Each refresh is part of an evolving journey that requires adaptation to changing circumstances and technologies. How Your IT Services Provider Can Help Work with a firm that has proven experience in all phases of IT planning, budgeting and implementation and a solid understanding of your business and your priorities. You’ll benefit from their teamwork and depth of expertise to help you use technology effectively to shape the future of your business. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help with IT planning and budgeting, contact us. Updated August 7, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10133701/Planning-and-Budgeting-Ideas-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T13:11:21-05:00" }, { "id": 9606, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/it-user-policies-can-help-protect-business/", "title": "How IT User Policies Can Help Protect Your Business", "h1": "How IT User Policies Can Help Protect Your Business", "summary": "Even though you trust your employees, clear IT user policies help everyone know what’s expected and required of them every day. It's never too late to get started.", "content": "

Even though you trust your employees, clear policies help everyone know what’s expected and required of them. If you don’t have IT user policies in place, make it a priority to create them.

What to Include in IT User Policies

Data Security – Do you have a password policy? Do your employees have a clear understanding of which company information is confidential? If you have policies in place that set expectations, you minimize the risk and have a basis for recourse if data is breached or a disgruntled employee intentionally shares confidential information online.

Privacy – Do your employees assume they have privacy for email and browsing when using a company computer? What’s your expectation? Do what’s best for your business. If you decide employees do not have privacy when using company technology, state that upfront so it’s clear to everyone.

Personal Use – Can employees make personal calls on their company cell phone? What about shopping online using the company computer? Decide what makes sense for your company, write it down, and communicate it to your employees.

Downloads and Installs – Will you allow employees to download games or other non-business applications to your network? (We advise against it.)

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – If employees use their own smartphone, are they allowed to access your company network? When they leave the company, what happens to your company data? Decide what’s best for your company and include it in your policies.

Internet Use – Does everyone have access to the Internet? Do you want them to be able to access any site on a company computer? What activities are prohibited? If there are no limits, some employees won’t exercise any, which wastes time and money.

In general, make sure it’s clear that any communication that is offensive, discriminatory or constitutes harassment will not be tolerated in your organization. Also, include what disciplinary action could be taken for violating the policies. Always remember that the purpose of IT user policies is to protect your business and your employees.

If you’re considering outsourcing your business IT, contact CRU Solutions.

Updated August 7, 2025
", "content_plain": "Even though you trust your employees, clear policies help everyone know what’s expected and required of them. If you don’t have IT user policies in place, make it a priority to create them. What to Include in IT User Policies Data Security – Do you have a password policy? Do your employees have a clear understanding of which company information is confidential? If you have policies in place that set expectations, you minimize the risk and have a basis for recourse if data is breached or a disgruntled employee intentionally shares confidential information online. Privacy – Do your employees assume they have privacy for email and browsing when using a company computer? What’s your expectation? Do what’s best for your business. If you decide employees do not have privacy when using company technology, state that upfront so it’s clear to everyone. Personal Use – Can employees make personal calls on their company cell phone? What about shopping online using the company computer? Decide what makes sense for your company, write it down, and communicate it to your employees. Downloads and Installs – Will you allow employees to download games or other non-business applications to your network? (We advise against it.) Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – If employees use their own smartphone, are they allowed to access your company network? When they leave the company, what happens to your company data? Decide what’s best for your company and include it in your policies. Internet Use – Does everyone have access to the Internet? Do you want them to be able to access any site on a company computer? What activities are prohibited? If there are no limits, some employees won’t exercise any, which wastes time and money. In general, make sure it’s clear that any communication that is offensive, discriminatory or constitutes harassment will not be tolerated in your organization. Also, include what disciplinary action could be taken for violating the policies. Always remember that the purpose of IT user policies is to protect your business and your employees. If you’re considering outsourcing your business IT, contact CRU Solutions. Updated August 7, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10133702/IT-User-Policies-848x480-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T13:15:24-05:00" }, { "id": 21377, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-to-mitigate-social-media-security-risks/", "title": "How to Mitigate Social Media Security Risks", "h1": "How to Mitigate Social Media Security Risks", "summary": "Using social media effectively gives you a jump on the competition. Here's how to use it wisely to reduce the cybersecurity risks that come alongside.", "content": "

Social media is an effective way for small businesses to level the playing field in the challenge of increasing brand awareness. It’s affordable, allows message control, provides interaction, and can generate business leads. Unfortunately, it also presents security risks. Here’s how to mitigate social media security risks in your small business.

Social Media Security Risks

Overall, remember that the internet is public and every post is forever. There’s no such thing as “private” on the internet. And even if you delete something, it can still be found.

Data Breaches

Cybercriminals love your data. They can collect data from multiple online sources to build a profile of you or your business. If you’re careless while sharing personal information online or if you mishandle customer data on social media, you open the doors to data breaches.

Once cybercriminals have your information, they can use it for phishing attempts, identity theft or even ransomware threats. Social media platforms themselves can be vulnerable to hacking, so your data can even be exposed without your knowledge.

Oversharing and Privacy Concerns

People who post frequently and with personal information on social networking sites can pose a particular threat to businesses. Not only can they put themselves at risk by sharing confidential information — such as travel plans, business data, or patient information — but they also provide cybercriminals with a treasure trove of information they can leverage against your business.

Posting on social media can reveal more information than you might expect, including:

Reputation Damage

Negative comments from dissatisfied customers, envious competitors or even unhappy employees can quickly spread online and cause damage to your brand’s image.

Legal Accountability

Social media has the potential to blur the boundaries between personal and professional lives, which can, in turn, create legal liabilities for your business. If your employees make malicious remarks about competitors, clients or individuals, the public can hold you responsible for their actions. Employees may also face the consequences if their social media behavior violates the organization’s regulations.

Specific Challenges

Phishing Scams

Often, scammers use social media to convince individuals and employees of organizations to share sensitive information, which can be used for phishing attempts.

Phishing emails can also impersonate social media platforms. The email may ask you to click a button to approve new terms of service or download a security update. But when you click the link in a phishing email, it will send you to a website that looks exactly like the social platform with a domain that’s just slightly different (like “.net: or “tik-tok.com”). Unfortunately, once you put in your username and password, you’ve been compromised.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of AI. With the right information, AI technology can now create even more sophisticated and error-free phishing attacks that may be nearly indistinguishable from the original company or domain. Impersonation attacks may falsely pretend to be an online business to trick its existing customers into making transactions or purchases.

Fake LinkedIn Jobs

Cybercriminals often pose as recruiters on LinkedIn and post fake job listings to collect data for identity theft scams.

Fraudulent Quizzes

Cybercriminals, working individually or collaboratively, can exploit quizzes on Facebook, surveys on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, and ‘get to know you’ videos on TikTok. The quizzes themselves can even contain malicious code that allow access to personal information.

How to Help Mitigate Social Media Risks

Develop and Implement a Social Media Use Policy

Technology use policies are important in every organization. Make sure your policies include your expectations for safe and acceptable social media use. The goal is not to be restrictive – your team can be your best asset when they post within guidelines.

Consider including the following:

Build an Overall Cybersecurity Culture

Your employees’ knowledge, beliefs, values, and behaviors will often be the difference between protection and breach. That’s why focusing on security culture, especially cybersecurity culture, is essential.

Your employees are at the center of everything; they can either be easy prey, or they can become an effective human layer of defense. This is an ongoing process, but it includes a combination of policies and training while creating a culture of learning, not blaming.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help your business mitigate social media risks, contact us.

Updated August 7, 2025
", "content_plain": "Social media is an effective way for small businesses to level the playing field in the challenge of increasing brand awareness. It’s affordable, allows message control, provides interaction, and can generate business leads. Unfortunately, it also presents security risks. Here’s how to mitigate social media security risks in your small business. Social Media Security Risks Overall, remember that the internet is public and every post is forever. There’s no such thing as “private” on the internet. And even if you delete something, it can still be found. Data Breaches Cybercriminals love your data. They can collect data from multiple online sources to build a profile of you or your business. If you’re careless while sharing personal information online or if you mishandle customer data on social media, you open the doors to data breaches. Once cybercriminals have your information, they can use it for phishing attempts, identity theft or even ransomware threats. Social media platforms themselves can be vulnerable to hacking, so your data can even be exposed without your knowledge. Oversharing and Privacy Concerns People who post frequently and with personal information on social networking sites can pose a particular threat to businesses. Not only can they put themselves at risk by sharing confidential information — such as travel plans, business data, or patient information — but they also provide cybercriminals with a treasure trove of information they can leverage against your business. Posting on social media can reveal more information than you might expect, including: The time and location of the post (where you were when you posted) Photo or video locations (be careful with backgrounds, especially with business images) Links to friends and other users (likes, shares and comments show your online relationships and allow cybercriminals to make inferences about you or your business) Links to people tagged in the post Faces recognized by the social media network or other users and identified Reputation Damage Negative comments from dissatisfied customers, envious competitors or even unhappy employees can quickly spread online and cause damage to your brand’s image. Legal Accountability Social media has the potential to blur the boundaries between personal and professional lives, which can, in turn, create legal liabilities for your business. If your employees make malicious remarks about competitors, clients or individuals, the public can hold you responsible for their actions. Employees may also face the consequences if their social media behavior violates the organization’s regulations. Specific Challenges Phishing Scams Often, scammers use social media to convince individuals and employees of organizations to share sensitive information, which can be used for phishing attempts. Phishing emails can also impersonate social media platforms. The email may ask you to click a button to approve new terms of service or download a security update. But when you click the link in a phishing email, it will send you to a website that looks exactly like the social platform with a domain that’s just slightly different (like “.net: or “tik-tok.com”). Unfortunately, once you put in your username and password, you’ve been compromised. Also, don’t underestimate the power of AI. With the right information, AI technology can now create even more sophisticated and error-free phishing attacks that may be nearly indistinguishable from the original company or domain. Impersonation attacks may falsely pretend to be an online business to trick its existing customers into making transactions or purchases. Fake LinkedIn Jobs Cybercriminals often pose as recruiters on LinkedIn and post fake job listings to collect data for identity theft scams. Fraudulent Quizzes Cybercriminals, working individually or collaboratively, can exploit quizzes on Facebook, surveys on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, and ‘get to know you’ videos on TikTok. The quizzes themselves can even contain malicious code that allow access to personal information. How to Help Mitigate Social Media Risks Develop and Implement a Social Media Use Policy Technology use policies are important in every organization. Make sure your policies include your expectations for safe and acceptable social media use. The goal is not to be restrictive – your team can be your best asset when they post within guidelines. Consider including the following: Always use unique, robust passwords and consider a password manager to help keep them all straight. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Define acceptable use of company and personal devices. Don’t use public Wi-Fi. Don’t leave your device unattended, and if it’s lost or stolen, report it right away. Define and limit who has access to company social media sites. Periodically review your privacy settings for both business and individual social media accounts. Reject unknown friend requests and messages. Avoid oversharing and never share login credentials. Never click on links or download attachments from unknown social media accounts. Always use official app stores to download social media apps. Avoid following fake or malicious accounts. Verify the authenticity by looking it up on the official website. Be careful with quizzes, challenges, job postings or other opportunities to gather a lot of data about you or your business at one time. Regularly monitor all your social media accounts for suspicious activities or login attempts. Activate biometric authentication besides passcodes to protect your device from unauthorized access in case of theft or loss. Actively monitor social media accounts for brand impersonation or fake profiles. Develop an incident response plan in the event a social media account is compromised. Build an Overall Cybersecurity Culture Your employees’ knowledge, beliefs, values, and behaviors will often be the difference between protection and breach. That’s why focusing on security culture, especially cybersecurity culture, is essential. Your employees are at the center of everything; they can either be easy prey, or they can become an effective human layer of defense. This is an ongoing process, but it includes a combination of policies and training while creating a culture of learning, not blaming. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help your business mitigate social media risks, contact us. Updated August 7, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10133702/Social-Media-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T13:19:45-05:00" }, { "id": 7791, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/network-secure-ex-employees/", "title": "Is Your Network Secure from Ex-Employees?", "h1": "Is Your Network Secure from Ex-Employees?", "summary": "Is your network secure from former employees? Here's how to make sure their access to your business data is removed when they leave your company.", "content": "

Is your network secure from ex-employees? When someone leaves your company, how do you remove their access to your business data? Particularly with mobile devices, an ex-employee may have emails and contact information on a smartphone that belongs to them, not you.

How to Keep Your Network Secure From Ex-Employees

Take these steps to make sure former employees can’t access your network.

Technology Use Policies

If you don’t have Technology Use Policies in place, make it a priority to create them. They are designed to protect you, your business and your employees.

Technology Use Policies don’t need to be heavy-handed. They should be clear and reasonable so employees understand what’s acceptable at work. Policies also protect you and your business in the event of employee misconduct.

Here are a few questions your policies should address:

Clearly communicating expectations will help everyone understand what happens from a technology standpoint when an employee leaves.

Passwords and Services

Depending on your IT environment, here are some of the steps you or your IT team will need to take to secure your network when an employee leaves:

With Technology Use Policies and help from a skilled tech team, you can be confident your network is secure from ex-employees.

If your business needs help managing IT, contact CRU Solutions.

Updated August 7, 2025
", "content_plain": "Is your network secure from ex-employees? When someone leaves your company, how do you remove their access to your business data? Particularly with mobile devices, an ex-employee may have emails and contact information on a smartphone that belongs to them, not you. How to Keep Your Network Secure From Ex-Employees Take these steps to make sure former employees can’t access your network. Technology Use Policies If you don’t have Technology Use Policies in place, make it a priority to create them. They are designed to protect you, your business and your employees. Technology Use Policies don’t need to be heavy-handed. They should be clear and reasonable so employees understand what’s acceptable at work. Policies also protect you and your business in the event of employee misconduct. Here are a few questions your policies should address: Do your employees assume that they have privacy when using a computer at work? What’s your expectation? The courts have been mixed on this, but generally speaking, employees should not have an expectation of personal privacy when using company resources, particularly email. Do your employees have a clear understanding of which company information is confidential? Will you allow employees to download games or other non-business applications to your network? (We advise against it.) Can employees make personal calls on their company cell phone? What about shopping online using the company computer? If employees use their own device such as a smartphone, are they allowed to access your company network? When they leave the company, what happens to your company data? Decide what’s best for your company and include it in your policies. Does everyone have access to the internet? What activities, if any, are prohibited on a company computer? Clearly communicating expectations will help everyone understand what happens from a technology standpoint when an employee leaves. Passwords and Services Depending on your IT environment, here are some of the steps you or your IT team will need to take to secure your network when an employee leaves: Disable the user’s account on the network and change the password. Decide what happens to the user’s email account. Should it be forwarded to someone else in the company for a short time? At what point, if any, should the account be disabled? If your employees use personal smartphones with company email access, disconnect the smartphone from the company email account. We suggest the user removes the account in front of the exit interviewer during the exit interview. Disable any third party application accounts, including those in the cloud, and change the passwords. Remove any VPN access from the user to disable remote access. If the user has anyone else’s passwords in the company, change those passwords. If the user has the local WiFi password, change that password. Your IT administrator should handle this. With Technology Use Policies and help from a skilled tech team, you can be confident your network is secure from ex-employees. If your business needs help managing IT, contact CRU Solutions. Updated August 7, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10133703/Security_employee-848x480-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T13:23:24-05:00" }, { "id": 7822, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/can-managed-services-good-fast-cheap/", "title": "Can Managed IT Services Be Good, Fast and Cheap?", "h1": "Can Managed IT Services Be Good, Fast and Cheap?", "summary": "Can you have good, fast and cheap all at the same time? Usually, no. When you’re evaluating IT services firms, what’s most important to you?", "content": "

Can managed IT services be good, fast and cheap all at the same time? This question has plagued businesses in most industries for years (maybe even yours).

The “Good, Fast, Cheap” Quandary

There Are 3 Kinds of Services
Good, Fast and Cheap
But You Can Only Pick Two
Good and Cheap Won’t Be Fast
Fast and Good Won’t Be Cheap
Cheap and Fast Won’t Be Good

When you’re evaluating managed IT services, what’s more important – knowledgeable service, quick response, or low price?

Is it really so hard to “have it all”? It depends on how you measure each of these requirements.

Good

In our opinion, “good” means consistent, knowledgeable advice, whether it’s day-to-day technical support, security risk management, or planning and budgeting.

But how do you measure knowledge when it comes to IT? Is it getting the problem diagnosed and fixed on the very first try? Is it knowing what to do next when the first solution doesn’t work? Is it answering a question you otherwise wouldn’t know to ask?

Is knowledge measured in experience, training, or both? When creating plans and considering budget options, there’s no substitute for experience. But in day-to-day tech support, sometimes you just need a basic understanding, and the more current the better. Experience means less in that situation.

These are the questions you need to ask when you’re evaluating IT firms. Your answers will depend on the type of knowledge your business needs.

Fast

This one is a moving target. Do you expect the phone to be picked up by a person every time you call? Is voice mail acceptable?

If you call and the problem can’t be resolved immediately, how long are you willing to wait? An hour? A day? A week? Obviously the answer depends on the severity of the issue. Only you can decide what makes the most sense for your business.

Cheap

A lot of your opinion about what’s “cheap” will depend on how much you value IT as a strategic element of your business.

If smooth-running, secure IT is a key competitive strength, then your opinion of “cheap” will be different than someone who views IT as an annoying expense.

As with any other purchase, consider the value you want to receive and weigh that against the costs. Many business owners find that an expected-fee service creates budget predictability and saves money in the long run. Others disagree. It’s up to you what service model is best for your business.

It may be difficult to find managed IT services that are good, fast AND cheap. The most important factor is deciding the value your business needs to derive from IT services and go from there.

If your business needs help managing IT, contact CRU Solutions.

Updated August 7, 2025
", "content_plain": "Can managed IT services be good, fast and cheap all at the same time? This question has plagued businesses in most industries for years (maybe even yours). The “Good, Fast, Cheap” Quandary There Are 3 Kinds of Services Good, Fast and Cheap But You Can Only Pick Two Good and Cheap Won’t Be Fast Fast and Good Won’t Be Cheap Cheap and Fast Won’t Be Good When you’re evaluating managed IT services, what’s more important – knowledgeable service, quick response, or low price? Is it really so hard to “have it all”? It depends on how you measure each of these requirements. Good In our opinion, “good” means consistent, knowledgeable advice, whether it’s day-to-day technical support, security risk management, or planning and budgeting. But how do you measure knowledge when it comes to IT? Is it getting the problem diagnosed and fixed on the very first try? Is it knowing what to do next when the first solution doesn’t work? Is it answering a question you otherwise wouldn’t know to ask? Is knowledge measured in experience, training, or both? When creating plans and considering budget options, there’s no substitute for experience. But in day-to-day tech support, sometimes you just need a basic understanding, and the more current the better. Experience means less in that situation. These are the questions you need to ask when you’re evaluating IT firms. Your answers will depend on the type of knowledge your business needs. Fast This one is a moving target. Do you expect the phone to be picked up by a person every time you call? Is voice mail acceptable? If you call and the problem can’t be resolved immediately, how long are you willing to wait? An hour? A day? A week? Obviously the answer depends on the severity of the issue. Only you can decide what makes the most sense for your business. Cheap A lot of your opinion about what’s “cheap” will depend on how much you value IT as a strategic element of your business. If smooth-running, secure IT is a key competitive strength, then your opinion of “cheap” will be different than someone who views IT as an annoying expense. As with any other purchase, consider the value you want to receive and weigh that against the costs. Many business owners find that an expected-fee service creates budget predictability and saves money in the long run. Others disagree. It’s up to you what service model is best for your business. It may be difficult to find managed IT services that are good, fast AND cheap. The most important factor is deciding the value your business needs to derive from IT services and go from there. If your business needs help managing IT, contact CRU Solutions. Updated August 7, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10133703/Do-it-Fast-Cheap-Right-EDITED-2.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T13:26:51-05:00" }, { "id": 8206, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/why-your-business-needs-it-disaster-recovery-plan/", "title": "Why Your Business Needs an IT Disaster Recovery Plan", "h1": "Why Your Business Needs an IT Disaster Recovery Plan", "summary": "IT disaster recovery is different from data backup. Here's why your business needs both and how to get started.", "content": "

Every business IT plan needs a tested strategy for IT disaster recovery, including backup. Here’s what you need to know about how IT disaster recovery is different from data backup, why your business needs both, and how to get started.  

Difference Between Data Backup and IT Disaster Recovery

What a Data Backup Does

Data backups are critical so you can restore what you need, when you need it, on hardware that is otherwise functioning normally. This can range from the ability to restore one file that gets deleted by mistake to restoring the entire network including operating systems and software applications. Backups can be onsite, offsite, or both depending on your needs.

Best practices are to regularly test the backup to make sure that it’s working properly and that the data captured on the backup can be restored. Your IT provider can help.

Why Data Backup Alone Isn’t Enough

Data backup can be set up many different ways and often only backs up files (Word docs, Excel spreadsheets, etc.). The operating system and actual software applications that run your network may not be backed up at all.

So, if the server is damaged beyond repair, it’s going to take a while to get the network up and running again, and that’s assuming that your backups are regularly tested and that the most recent backup is good.

Without an IT disaster recovery plan, if your only backup is at your office and your office is inaccessible, you’re stuck.

What an IT Disaster Recovery Plan Does

A disaster recovery plan allows you to get your business up and running after a catastrophic event, including extreme weather or another situation that damages your hardware beyond repair. This means having an off-site full system backup (not just data only), the ability to select and get new hardware quickly, and the expertise to install the hardware and recreate the network.

In Northeast Ohio, our greatest concerns for natural disasters are tornados or severe winter storms. But what if the “disaster” is smaller, like a rainstorm that knocks power out at your office for a few days and you can’t get in? What would be expected of your employees? How would your customers be affected? It’s important to think through these scenarios in advance.

Tips to Get Started with Your IT Disaster Recovery Plan

If you don’t have a plan, start developing one now. It’s never too late! For more on IT disaster recovery planning, visit http://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/IT.

It’s important to have an IT disaster recovery plan to help protect your business. Of course, no one wants to have to implement such a plan, but having one could save your business in case of a catastrophic loss.

If your business needs help with IT disaster recovery planning, contact CRU Solutions.

Updated August 19, 2025
", "content_plain": "Every business IT plan needs a tested strategy for IT disaster recovery, including backup. Here’s what you need to know about how IT disaster recovery is different from data backup, why your business needs both, and how to get started. Difference Between Data Backup and IT Disaster Recovery What a Data Backup Does Data backups are critical so you can restore what you need, when you need it, on hardware that is otherwise functioning normally. This can range from the ability to restore one file that gets deleted by mistake to restoring the entire network including operating systems and software applications. Backups can be onsite, offsite, or both depending on your needs. Best practices are to regularly test the backup to make sure that it’s working properly and that the data captured on the backup can be restored. Your IT provider can help. Why Data Backup Alone Isn’t Enough Data backup can be set up many different ways and often only backs up files (Word docs, Excel spreadsheets, etc.). The operating system and actual software applications that run your network may not be backed up at all. So, if the server is damaged beyond repair, it’s going to take a while to get the network up and running again, and that’s assuming that your backups are regularly tested and that the most recent backup is good. Without an IT disaster recovery plan, if your only backup is at your office and your office is inaccessible, you’re stuck. What an IT Disaster Recovery Plan Does A disaster recovery plan allows you to get your business up and running after a catastrophic event, including extreme weather or another situation that damages your hardware beyond repair. This means having an off-site full system backup (not just data only), the ability to select and get new hardware quickly, and the expertise to install the hardware and recreate the network. In Northeast Ohio, our greatest concerns for natural disasters are tornados or severe winter storms. But what if the “disaster” is smaller, like a rainstorm that knocks power out at your office for a few days and you can’t get in? What would be expected of your employees? How would your customers be affected? It’s important to think through these scenarios in advance. Tips to Get Started with Your IT Disaster Recovery Plan Know what you have on-premise. Create and maintain a current inventory of all hardware and software applications located in your office. Know what you access from the cloud. One significant benefit of cloud applications is the ability to access your data from anywhere on any device. This is a huge advantage if you can’t gain entry into your office. Backup your data and schedule test restores. This is only a part of your overall planning, but it’s an important part. Implement regular data backups and maintain complete system backups. Conduct regularly-scheduled test restores to insure the quality of the backup and restored data. Consider offsite backups for speed and ease of recovery. Create a timetable for restoration. How long can you afford to be down? You’ll need to restore hardware, applications and data in time to meet the needs of your overall business recovery plan. Your IT provider can help determine the best backup and restoration plan for you. Remember that IT disaster recovery planning is not “set it and forget it.” Review and update your plan at least once a year. If you don’t have a plan, start developing one now. It’s never too late! For more on IT disaster recovery planning, visit http://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/IT. It’s important to have an IT disaster recovery plan to help protect your business. Of course, no one wants to have to implement such a plan, but having one could save your business in case of a catastrophic loss. If your business needs help with IT disaster recovery planning, contact CRU Solutions. Updated August 19, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/10133440/bigstock-Disaster-Recovery-88399853-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-21T14:56:08-05:00" }, { "id": 21356, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-to-build-a-positive-cybersecurity-culture/", "title": "How to Build a Positive Cybersecurity Culture", "h1": "How to Build a Positive Cybersecurity Culture", "summary": "Build a positive cybersecurity security culture to help reduce human errors which will reduce your risk of cyberattacks. Here's how.", "content": "

Did you know that up to 90% of cyberattacks stem from some type of human error? Bad guys aren’t primarily trying to hack your tech – they’re trying to hack you and your team. That’s why we can’t rely on technology alone. Keep your organization safer by building a positive cybersecurity culture that helps reduce human errors.

Security Culture Defined

Security culture is defined as the values that determine how people think about and approach security in an organization.

KnowBe4 has distilled seven dimensions of security culture that have a direct or indirect impact on the security of the organization.

In short, your employees’ knowledge, beliefs, values, and behaviors will be the difference between protection and breach. That’s why focusing on security culture, especially cybersecurity culture, is essential. Your employees are at the center of everything; they can either be easy prey, or they can become an effective human layer of defense.

Check Cybersecurity Culture Strengths

Review this checklist to see if you’re on the right track to creating a strong cybersecurity culture and where you could improve.

Develop a Positive Cybersecurity Culture

You can strengthen your cybersecurity culture through strategies such as promoting awareness, instilling accountability, encouraging continuous learning, and integrating cybersecurity into organizational processes.

Make Security Training an Ongoing Effort
Don’t treat cybersecurity training as a mere checkbox exercise. Instead, foster a culture of continuous learning and provide regular opportunities for your employees to stay updated on the latest threats and security best practices. Usually, this includes sending test phishing emails and online or in-person training activities. Make security awareness an ongoing journey rather than a one-time event.

Deliver Interesting and Relatable Training
Engagement is vital to proper training. Avoid dry and obsolete content. Instead, strive to provide training that is timely, engaging and relatable. Use interactive platforms and user-friendly tools to create an immersive learning experience that your team will enjoy.

Measure Behavior, Not Just Activity
Don’t focus solely on tracking training completion rates or the number of simulated phishing exercises. While these metrics provide some insight, they don’t paint the whole picture. Shift your focus to measuring behavior outcomes, demonstrating a true understanding of security principles and driving tangible changes in employee behavior.

Create a Culture of Learning, Not Blaming
Approach security training as an opportunity for growth and improvement rather than a blame game. Foster a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable reporting security concerns and asking questions. Encourage a sense of collective responsibility, emphasizing that cybersecurity is everyone’s job.

It takes the skills and attention of everyone to build and maintain a positive cybersecurity culture. Over time, the behaviors will become second nature and your organization will be less vulnerable to cyber risks. If your company already has a strong cybersecurity culture, keep up the good work. If not, get started today!

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 19, 2025
", "content_plain": "Did you know that up to 90% of cyberattacks stem from some type of human error? Bad guys aren’t primarily trying to hack your tech – they’re trying to hack you and your team. That’s why we can’t rely on technology alone. Keep your organization safer by building a positive cybersecurity culture that helps reduce human errors. Security Culture Defined Security culture is defined as the values that determine how people think about and approach security in an organization. KnowBe4 has distilled seven dimensions of security culture that have a direct or indirect impact on the security of the organization. Attitudes are defined as the feelings and beliefs that employees have toward security protocols. Attitudes involve a preference for or against something (for example, prefer, like, or dislike). Behaviors are defined as the actions and activities of employees that have direct or indirect impact on the security of the organization. Cognition is defined as the employees’ understanding, knowledge and awareness of security issues and activities. Communication is defined as the quality of communication channels and their effectiveness at discussing security-related events, promoting sense of belonging and providing support for security issues and incident reporting. Compliance is defined as the knowledge of written security policies and the extent that employees follow them. Norms are defined as the knowledge of and adherence to unwritten rules of conduct in the organization. In the context of information security, “norms” describe how security-related behaviors are perceived by employees as normal and accepted or unusual and unaccepted. Responsibilities are defined as how employees perceive their role as a critical factor in sustaining or endangering the security of the organization. In short, your employees’ knowledge, beliefs, values, and behaviors will be the difference between protection and breach. That’s why focusing on security culture, especially cybersecurity culture, is essential. Your employees are at the center of everything; they can either be easy prey, or they can become an effective human layer of defense. Check Cybersecurity Culture Strengths Review this checklist to see if you’re on the right track to creating a strong cybersecurity culture and where you could improve. Security is a clear company priority, with dedicated resources and support to ensure its effectiveness. We continuously emphasize the significance of practicing smart security behaviors. We share know-how by providing our employees with regular security risk training. We securely store and protect passwords. We use multifactor authentication everywhere it’s available. Everyone in our company knows the tell-tale signs of a phishing email and knows how to respond. We emphasize the importance of unique credentials, ensuring they aren’t reused, recycled or shared. There are no sticky notes or electronic documents with passwords found anywhere. Employees are encouraged to seek help or clarification on security issues and procedures. We foster an environment where individuals aren’t afraid of losing their job due to honest mistakes. Develop a Positive Cybersecurity Culture You can strengthen your cybersecurity culture through strategies such as promoting awareness, instilling accountability, encouraging continuous learning, and integrating cybersecurity into organizational processes. Make Security Training an Ongoing Effort Don’t treat cybersecurity training as a mere checkbox exercise. Instead, foster a culture of continuous learning and provide regular opportunities for your employees to stay updated on the latest threats and security best practices. Usually, this includes sending test phishing emails and online or in-person training activities. Make security awareness an ongoing journey rather than a one-time event. Deliver Interesting and Relatable Training Engagement is vital to proper training. Avoid dry and obsolete content. Instead, strive to provide training that is timely, engaging and relatable. Use interactive platforms and user-friendly tools to create an immersive learning experience that your team will enjoy. Measure Behavior, Not Just Activity Don’t focus solely on tracking training completion rates or the number of simulated phishing exercises. While these metrics provide some insight, they don’t paint the whole picture. Shift your focus to measuring behavior outcomes, demonstrating a true understanding of security principles and driving tangible changes in employee behavior. Create a Culture of Learning, Not Blaming Approach security training as an opportunity for growth and improvement rather than a blame game. Foster a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable reporting security concerns and asking questions. Encourage a sense of collective responsibility, emphasizing that cybersecurity is everyone’s job. It takes the skills and attention of everyone to build and maintain a positive cybersecurity culture. Over time, the behaviors will become second nature and your organization will be less vulnerable to cyber risks. If your company already has a strong cybersecurity culture, keep up the good work. If not, get started today! If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 19, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/10133436/Cybersecurity-Culture.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T12:56:34-05:00" }, { "id": 21017, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-your-browser-affects-your-online-privacy/", "title": "How Your Browser Affects Your Online Privacy", "h1": "How Your Browser Affects Your Online Privacy", "summary": "The browser you use affects your online privacy. Here's what to know about privacy and security settings to keep you safer online.", "content": "

What’s your favorite browser? How you use a browser affects your online privacy. Let’s look at the information browsers and websites gather and how you can better protect your privacy online.

For example, you do a random web search for an obscure product and for days you see ads for that product everywhere online. While you can’t stop this from happening entirely, there are some tools you can use in your browser to help protect your privacy (and maybe avoid annoying ads).

Types of Information Web Browsers Gather

Browsers and websites can gather all types of information about you. Everything from what pages you click on and how long you stay on a page to your username and password. It’s all fair game. Most browsers use this information to “improve” your experience by making it easier to access sites you visit often. They also use it, of course, to tailor the ads you see.

When websites are compromised, your personal information can be compromised, too. That’s one way information about you ends up on the Dark Web.

How is this information usually gathered? Primarily through cookies.

Website Cookies

You go to a website and a “cookie” notification message pops up. Cookies are small text files sent by the website you’re visiting to the computer or device you’re using. Cookies aren’t necessarily all good or all bad. Most of us just click on “Yes” or “OK” and move on. But there are a few things about cookies you should know to help protect your privacy.

If you accept them, they’re stored on the web browser of your device. Cookies can then track and collect data from your browser, sending that data back to the website owner. Cookies are used to personalize your internet experience, often including tailored advertising. (That’s why when you do one search for a bicycle you see bicycle ads for days.)

First-party cookies are the cookies on the website you’re actually viewing. On the plus side, cookies can help a site remember you which makes it easy for the site to tailor to your personal interests. This is especially useful for online shopping. For example, it can save things in your cart for a future purchase.

However, third-party cookies are another matter. Third-party cookies are sold from the first-party website to third parties. You won’t know who those third parties are, but they could receive personal information such as the name of the website you visited, the pages you looked at, your location, shopping cart items, and even your account log-in information.

The cookie notification message may include how the site uses your data. The downside to not accepting cookies is that the website may not allow you access at all, and some convenience features may not work properly. So, read the notification and make the choice that’s best for you.

You can easily set your preferences to prevent websites from storing cookies at all. To do that, check out these guides for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Edge.

Other Browser Privacy Settings

Your privacy options don’t stop with cookies. The most popular browsers have all recently recommitted themselves to improving overall user privacy. It only takes a few minutes to adjust your default privacy settings.

A few simple settings that boost privacy include:

Generally these options will be under a “Privacy and Security” setting that’s easy to locate.

For example, if you use Google services, the Privacy Checkup function can be used to stop Google from saving your search results, YouTube histories, device information, and location check-ins. You can also decide if you want Google to tailor advertising based on your data.

Also, delete your browsing history occasionally. The less browsing information that’s stored in your browser, the better.

Finally, take a look at the privacy settings in the apps you use most. Those can also be sources of personal information if they’re breached.

Alternate Browsers

There are also browsers specifically designed to protect privacy, though they can be a little clunkier to use.

While there are a number of alternatives, DuckDuckGo is among the more well-known. Although its search results may not be as useful or deep as Google’s, DuckDuckGo is a longtime favorite among the privacy-minded for its refusal to track user searches.

Visit Safe Sites

When browsing online, do everything you can to ensure the site you’re visiting is safe and what it purports to be. This is especially true if you’ll be entering personal data like payment information.

Nothing is foolproof since bad guys have access to the same security tools for fake sites that legitimate sites use. But in general, only visit HTTPS sites (https:// in the browser bar). These sites will usually show a closed padlock next to the website URL. If you’re thinking about buying but there’s no padlock, don’t enter your payment information.

Summary of Browser Tips to Help Protect Online Privacy

Working, playing and shopping online is convenient and gives us the flexibility we value. Knowing how your browser affects your online privacy and the types of information you share online may help save a few headaches down the road.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 19, 2025
", "content_plain": "What’s your favorite browser? How you use a browser affects your online privacy. Let’s look at the information browsers and websites gather and how you can better protect your privacy online. For example, you do a random web search for an obscure product and for days you see ads for that product everywhere online. While you can’t stop this from happening entirely, there are some tools you can use in your browser to help protect your privacy (and maybe avoid annoying ads). Types of Information Web Browsers Gather Browsers and websites can gather all types of information about you. Everything from what pages you click on and how long you stay on a page to your username and password. It’s all fair game. Most browsers use this information to “improve” your experience by making it easier to access sites you visit often. They also use it, of course, to tailor the ads you see. When websites are compromised, your personal information can be compromised, too. That’s one way information about you ends up on the Dark Web. How is this information usually gathered? Primarily through cookies. Website Cookies You go to a website and a “cookie” notification message pops up. Cookies are small text files sent by the website you’re visiting to the computer or device you’re using. Cookies aren’t necessarily all good or all bad. Most of us just click on “Yes” or “OK” and move on. But there are a few things about cookies you should know to help protect your privacy. If you accept them, they’re stored on the web browser of your device. Cookies can then track and collect data from your browser, sending that data back to the website owner. Cookies are used to personalize your internet experience, often including tailored advertising. (That’s why when you do one search for a bicycle you see bicycle ads for days.) First-party cookies are the cookies on the website you’re actually viewing. On the plus side, cookies can help a site remember you which makes it easy for the site to tailor to your personal interests. This is especially useful for online shopping. For example, it can save things in your cart for a future purchase. However, third-party cookies are another matter. Third-party cookies are sold from the first-party website to third parties. You won’t know who those third parties are, but they could receive personal information such as the name of the website you visited, the pages you looked at, your location, shopping cart items, and even your account log-in information. The cookie notification message may include how the site uses your data. The downside to not accepting cookies is that the website may not allow you access at all, and some convenience features may not work properly. So, read the notification and make the choice that’s best for you. You can easily set your preferences to prevent websites from storing cookies at all. To do that, check out these guides for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Edge. Other Browser Privacy Settings Your privacy options don’t stop with cookies. The most popular browsers have all recently recommitted themselves to improving overall user privacy. It only takes a few minutes to adjust your default privacy settings. A few simple settings that boost privacy include: disabling your browser’s location tracking disabling search engine autocomplete features turning off password autofills. Generally these options will be under a “Privacy and Security” setting that’s easy to locate. For example, if you use Google services, the Privacy Checkup function can be used to stop Google from saving your search results, YouTube histories, device information, and location check-ins. You can also decide if you want Google to tailor advertising based on your data. Also, delete your browsing history occasionally. The less browsing information that’s stored in your browser, the better. Finally, take a look at the privacy settings in the apps you use most. Those can also be sources of personal information if they’re breached. Alternate Browsers There are also browsers specifically designed to protect privacy, though they can be a little clunkier to use. While there are a number of alternatives, DuckDuckGo is among the more well-known. Although its search results may not be as useful or deep as Google’s, DuckDuckGo is a longtime favorite among the privacy-minded for its refusal to track user searches. Visit Safe Sites When browsing online, do everything you can to ensure the site you’re visiting is safe and what it purports to be. This is especially true if you’ll be entering personal data like payment information. Nothing is foolproof since bad guys have access to the same security tools for fake sites that legitimate sites use. But in general, only visit HTTPS sites (https:// in the browser bar). These sites will usually show a closed padlock next to the website URL. If you’re thinking about buying but there’s no padlock, don’t enter your payment information. Summary of Browser Tips to Help Protect Online Privacy Visit HTTPS:\\\\ sites only. Take a few minutes to adjust the security settings in the browsers you use regularly. Use a different password for EVERY online account. Consider using a password manager to make it easier. Although in-browser password managers are more secure than in the past, you’re still risking storing personal data directly within the browser itself. Read a website’s privacy and cookie policy to see what kind of information they collect before signing up. Don’t accept cookies until you understand what data is collected. If you’re concerned, consider using a private browser that collects minimal data, such as DuckDuckGo. Regularly delete browser cookies and cache. Look at privacy settings in the apps you use most and make sure you understand what information you’re sharing. Working, playing and shopping online is convenient and gives us the flexibility we value. Knowing how your browser affects your online privacy and the types of information you share online may help save a few headaches down the road. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 19, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/10133705/Light-Web-Browser-Close-up-On-385393532.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T15:54:14-05:00" }, { "id": 21314, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/why-you-should-implement-zero-trust-cybersecurity/", "title": "Why You Should Implement Zero Trust Cybersecurity", "h1": "Why You Should Implement Zero Trust Cybersecurity", "summary": "Here’s why and how implementing zero trust cybersecurity will better protect your business against cyberattacks.", "content": "

Zero trust cybersecurity is a model that assumes no person, application, or device is automatically trusted. It’s a twist on more traditional security models, which typically rely on perimeter security tools to protect networks. The result is better protection against cyberattacks.

Why Zero Trust Cybersecurity Makes Sense

The zero-trust framework follows the guiding principle that implicit trust, both inside and outside the network, is a vulnerability and that a security strategy must be built around the central belief of “never trust, always verify.”

Zero trust works on the premise that everything — people, applications and devices — poses a risk to your network and must prove trustworthy before accessing your organization’s network or data. This means every person, application, and device must be authenticated and authorized each time they request access. By insisting on verification and authentication at every step, zero trust makes it difficult for a hacker to gain access through a compromised user account or device.

Benefits of Zero Trust Cybersecurity

Implementing zero-trust cybersecurity will help you:

Considerations 

Zero trust should not be mistaken for a single solution or a platform. You can’t just buy it and implement it with a click of a button. Zero trust cybersecurity is a strategy — a framework that needs to be applied systematically in your organization.

As you implement zero trust:

Continually Verify.  Zero-trust is not “one and done”. You’ll need to confirm the identity and access privileges of people, devices and applications on a regular basis. Consider implementing strong identity and access controls to ensure only the right people can access the right information.

Limit Access. Misuse of privileged access is a common vulnerability that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Limiting access ensures that staff are granted minimal access without affecting their day-to-day activities. Here are some common security practices that organizations have adopted to limit access:

Limit Application Interactions. Another option is to control what applications can do once they’re running, including how they interact with other applications. By limiting what software can do, you can reduce the likelihood of an exploit spreading if it does breach the network.

Assume a “Breach Mentality”. Instead of waiting for a breach, operate as though the risk is already there (because it is). This will improve your response time if a breach occurs, minimize the damage, improve your overall security and, most importantly, protect your business.

Common Misconceptions 

I can achieve zero trust for my business with one product. There is no single, miracle zero trust product. It takes a combination of solutions and tools to be successful.

Zero trust will be difficult for my employees and will hurt productivity and morale. As with any change, there will be a learning curve while zero trust is implemented. Still, the long-term cybersecurity benefits will outweigh any short-term inconvenience.

Implementing zero trust is complicated and expensive. While implementing zero trust will likely add costs, it’s substantially lower than your liability in the event of a major cybersecurity incident. Your IT provider can identify and implement the solutions best suited for your business and budget.

Zero-trust cybersecurity will help improve your security posture, and you don’t need to go it alone. Consult with your IT provider to help assess your needs, develop a plan for implementation, and better protect your business against cyberattacks.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, check out our Zero Trust 101 video and contact us.

Updated August 20, 2025
", "content_plain": "Zero trust cybersecurity is a model that assumes no person, application, or device is automatically trusted. It’s a twist on more traditional security models, which typically rely on perimeter security tools to protect networks. The result is better protection against cyberattacks. Why Zero Trust Cybersecurity Makes Sense The zero-trust framework follows the guiding principle that implicit trust, both inside and outside the network, is a vulnerability and that a security strategy must be built around the central belief of “never trust, always verify.” Zero trust works on the premise that everything — people, applications and devices — poses a risk to your network and must prove trustworthy before accessing your organization’s network or data. This means every person, application, and device must be authenticated and authorized each time they request access. By insisting on verification and authentication at every step, zero trust makes it difficult for a hacker to gain access through a compromised user account or device. Benefits of Zero Trust Cybersecurity Implementing zero-trust cybersecurity will help you: Boost data protection Minimize attack surfaces Reduce the risk from growing cyberthreats Support adherence to compliance and insurance requirements Build a more secure future for your business Considerations Zero trust should not be mistaken for a single solution or a platform. You can’t just buy it and implement it with a click of a button. Zero trust cybersecurity is a strategy — a framework that needs to be applied systematically in your organization. As you implement zero trust: Continually Verify. Zero-trust is not “one and done”. You’ll need to confirm the identity and access privileges of people, devices and applications on a regular basis. Consider implementing strong identity and access controls to ensure only the right people can access the right information. Limit Access. Misuse of privileged access is a common vulnerability that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Limiting access ensures that staff are granted minimal access without affecting their day-to-day activities. Here are some common security practices that organizations have adopted to limit access: Principle of Least Privilege – People, devices or applications are granted the least access or permissions needed to perform their functions. You may also put limits in place that stop staff from uploading/exporting files to the internet or external storage devices such as USB drives. Block by Default – People can only access applications that are explicitly approved (also known as application allowlisting). This helps prevent any malicious access to the network through an unrecognized program, installer, malware or ransomware. Temporary Access – People, devices or applications are granted access only for a predetermined period. This helps limit the time one has access to critical systems. Limit Application Interactions. Another option is to control what applications can do once they’re running, including how they interact with other applications. By limiting what software can do, you can reduce the likelihood of an exploit spreading if it does breach the network. Assume a “Breach Mentality”. Instead of waiting for a breach, operate as though the risk is already there (because it is). This will improve your response time if a breach occurs, minimize the damage, improve your overall security and, most importantly, protect your business. Common Misconceptions I can achieve zero trust for my business with one product. There is no single, miracle zero trust product. It takes a combination of solutions and tools to be successful. Zero trust will be difficult for my employees and will hurt productivity and morale. As with any change, there will be a learning curve while zero trust is implemented. Still, the long-term cybersecurity benefits will outweigh any short-term inconvenience. Implementing zero trust is complicated and expensive. While implementing zero trust will likely add costs, it’s substantially lower than your liability in the event of a major cybersecurity incident. Your IT provider can identify and implement the solutions best suited for your business and budget. Zero-trust cybersecurity will help improve your security posture, and you don’t need to go it alone. Consult with your IT provider to help assess your needs, develop a plan for implementation, and better protect your business against cyberattacks. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, check out our Zero Trust 101 video and contact us. Updated August 20, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10133439/Zero-Trust.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-21T16:00:38-05:00" }, { "id": 21052, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/mfa-can-be-defeated-but-use-it-anyway/", "title": "Why You Should Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)", "h1": "Why You Should Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)", "summary": "Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the easiest ways to help keep your online accounts secure. Here's why you should always use it.", "content": "

What to Know About Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the best tools out there to help keep online accounts secure. With MFA, an attacker needs more than just a username and password to gain access to your accounts or devices. Here’s what to know about MFA, how hackers can try to bypass it, and how to identify an MFA scam.

When you turn on MFA for a service you change the security requirements. MFA forces you to provide at least two proofs of identity when accessing a secure service for the first time on an unknown device.

Those two forms of authentication can come from any combination of at least two of the following elements:

For the most part, the MFA systems today use the first item (your password) and the last item (your smartphone).

Multi-factor authentication methods include receiving a code via text message, using an authenticator app on your phone, or even receiving a phone call where you press a key for authentication.

How the authenticator app works is interesting. The process is governed by a well-accepted standard that uses the Time-based One-Time Password algorithm (TOTP). That algorithm uses the authenticator app as a sophisticated calculator that generates codes using the current time on your device and the shared secret. The online service uses the same secret and its own timestamp to generate codes that it compares against your entry. Both sides of the connection can adjust for time zones without problem, although your codes will fail if the time on your device is wrong.

How Attackers Can Bypass Multi-Factor Authentication

Unfortunately, no tool is 100% fool-proof. Here are several ways attackers can bypass MFA, including hacking your phone and prompt bombing.

If you receive a code via text message, cybercriminals can access that code if they’ve hacked your phone using a sim-swap. In this scenario, a hacker could employ any number of methods to change victims’ phone numbers so that any subsequent messages or phone calls – for instance, one with an MFA code – would be redirected to the new phone. That’s one reason experts are increasingly urging a move away from SMS.

If you use an authentication app on your phone, be aware of prompt bombing. This often takes the form of receiving multiple notifications to confirm MFA with a touch of a button on your phone, but not always.

Methods of prompt bombing include:

There are even phishing toolkits that can be used in man-in-the-middle attacks to sneak past authentication protections. This is yet another reason to be extra careful with the emails and texts you open and the sites you visit.

If You Suspect an MFA Scam

Only confirm MFA if you’re initiating the sign-in. If you receive an MFA notification for an account you’re not trying to sign in to, immediately change your password for that account.

Why Using Multi-Factor Authentication is Worth It

It’s estimated that implementing MFA can block 99% of automated attacks. Yes, using MFA adds an extra step and can be frustrating. Still, the minor inconvenience far outweighs the time and expense of recovering from a major loss.

Use MFA on every online account you can, including social media, password managers, financial services, Microsoft, Google, email, and even shopping and online commerce accounts where you’ve saved a credit card number.

If nothing else, the extra effort to try and defeat MFA may cause an attacker to choose someone else. That alone makes it worth it.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 21, 2025
", "content_plain": "What to Know About Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the best tools out there to help keep online accounts secure. With MFA, an attacker needs more than just a username and password to gain access to your accounts or devices. Here’s what to know about MFA, how hackers can try to bypass it, and how to identify an MFA scam. When you turn on MFA for a service you change the security requirements. MFA forces you to provide at least two proofs of identity when accessing a secure service for the first time on an unknown device. Those two forms of authentication can come from any combination of at least two of the following elements: “Something you know,” such as a password or PIN “Something you are,” such as a fingerprint or other biometric ID “Something you have,” such as a trusted smartphone that can generate or receive confirmation codes, or a hardware-based security device For the most part, the MFA systems today use the first item (your password) and the last item (your smartphone). Multi-factor authentication methods include receiving a code via text message, using an authenticator app on your phone, or even receiving a phone call where you press a key for authentication. How the authenticator app works is interesting. The process is governed by a well-accepted standard that uses the Time-based One-Time Password algorithm (TOTP). That algorithm uses the authenticator app as a sophisticated calculator that generates codes using the current time on your device and the shared secret. The online service uses the same secret and its own timestamp to generate codes that it compares against your entry. Both sides of the connection can adjust for time zones without problem, although your codes will fail if the time on your device is wrong. How Attackers Can Bypass Multi-Factor Authentication Unfortunately, no tool is 100% fool-proof. Here are several ways attackers can bypass MFA, including hacking your phone and prompt bombing. If you receive a code via text message, cybercriminals can access that code if they’ve hacked your phone using a sim-swap. In this scenario, a hacker could employ any number of methods to change victims’ phone numbers so that any subsequent messages or phone calls – for instance, one with an MFA code – would be redirected to the new phone. That’s one reason experts are increasingly urging a move away from SMS. If you use an authentication app on your phone, be aware of prompt bombing. This often takes the form of receiving multiple notifications to confirm MFA with a touch of a button on your phone, but not always. Methods of prompt bombing include: Sending a bunch of MFA requests and hoping you finally accept one to make the noise stop. Sending one or two prompts per day. This method often attracts less attention, but still increases the odds that you’ll accept the request. Calling you, pretending to be part of your company or tech support, and telling you they need to send an MFA request as part of a company process. There are even phishing toolkits that can be used in man-in-the-middle attacks to sneak past authentication protections. This is yet another reason to be extra careful with the emails and texts you open and the sites you visit. If You Suspect an MFA Scam Only confirm MFA if you’re initiating the sign-in. If you receive an MFA notification for an account you’re not trying to sign in to, immediately change your password for that account. Why Using Multi-Factor Authentication is Worth It It’s estimated that implementing MFA can block 99% of automated attacks. Yes, using MFA adds an extra step and can be frustrating. Still, the minor inconvenience far outweighs the time and expense of recovering from a major loss. Use MFA on every online account you can, including social media, password managers, financial services, Microsoft, Google, email, and even shopping and online commerce accounts where you’ve saved a credit card number. If nothing else, the extra effort to try and defeat MFA may cause an attacker to choose someone else. That alone makes it worth it. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 21, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10133707/Multi-factor-authentication-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-21T11:40:33-05:00" }, { "id": 21301, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-to-identify-and-prioritize-technology-gaps/", "title": "How to Identify and Prioritize Technology Gaps", "h1": "How to Identify and Prioritize Technology Gaps", "summary": "Identify the technology gaps in your business then use the \"red, yellow, green\" approach to prioritize updates. Here's how.", "content": "

It’s road construction season in Northeast Ohio! I live near a massive widening project that’s halfway to a 4-year completion goal. It can be inconvenient, but I’m already experiencing the positives, including fewer backups and smoother roads. Your IT is similar. As systems age and technology advances, weaknesses and gaps become more apparent. Your IT provider can help you identify and prioritize the technology gaps in your business to fit your needs and budget.

How to Identify Technology Gaps

Why do you need a technology gap assessment? You may need to meet:

This is the time to be honest about how your IT is functioning now. What works? What’s frustrating? Can your current IT meet the demands of your business goals? How are outside changes (such as software end-of-life) going to have an impact?

Your network diagram, asset inventory, security assessments and software summary will also come in handy during your review. You may find the gaps are relatively easy to close, or you may need to create a multi-year plan.

Why You Should Prioritize Technology Gaps

Refreshing an entire IT infrastructure at once is rarely practical — both financially and in terms of user experience. Plus, one improvement often builds on another, so it makes sense to work in stages.

Prioritizing technology gaps helps you:

Use the “Red, Yellow, Green” Approach

In the IT world, red lights are generally “bad” and green lights are “good”. (It would be great to have a yellow “caution” before something turns red – maybe someday.) It makes sense to take a similar approach to categorizing gaps or vulnerabilities based on their severity. Some actions will need to be taken immediately and some may be rolled out over several years.

Before you begin, be aware of these hazards as you work with your IT advisor to set the priorities:

Red vulnerabilities are most severe and should be addressed as quickly as possible, including:

Yellow vulnerabilities should be on your radar but can wait until the highest priority gaps are addressed:

Green vulnerabilities are the least critical but still important, including:

Technology changes rapidly, and every organization likely has at least one gap. Your IT provider can make it easier for you with regular planning and budgeting advice. You may not need a 4-year improvement plan like the road construction near my home, but don’t wait to close the gaps that will improve your security and efficiency.

To learn more about how to identify and prioritize the technology gaps in your business, contact us!

By Janet Gehring
Updated August 21, 2025
", "content_plain": "It’s road construction season in Northeast Ohio! I live near a massive widening project that’s halfway to a 4-year completion goal. It can be inconvenient, but I’m already experiencing the positives, including fewer backups and smoother roads. Your IT is similar. As systems age and technology advances, weaknesses and gaps become more apparent. Your IT provider can help you identify and prioritize the technology gaps in your business to fit your needs and budget. How to Identify Technology Gaps Why do you need a technology gap assessment? You may need to meet: cyberliability insurance requirements goals for your organization’s growth your customers’ vendor IT security requirements regulatory compliance requirements best-practice IT standards to protect your customers’ data as well as your own. This is the time to be honest about how your IT is functioning now. What works? What’s frustrating? Can your current IT meet the demands of your business goals? How are outside changes (such as software end-of-life) going to have an impact? Your network diagram, asset inventory, security assessments and software summary will also come in handy during your review. You may find the gaps are relatively easy to close, or you may need to create a multi-year plan. Why You Should Prioritize Technology Gaps Refreshing an entire IT infrastructure at once is rarely practical — both financially and in terms of user experience. Plus, one improvement often builds on another, so it makes sense to work in stages. Prioritizing technology gaps helps you: fix the most critical gaps immediately. These will generally relate to cybersecurity. make reasonable and attainable budget decisions. Make sure that every IT dollar you spend today will continue to serve you well in the future. improve control over transformation and upgrade. Logical and orderly upgrades ensure everything runs smoothly. avoid overburdening key stakeholders. Let’s face it – learning new systems can be time-consuming and frustrating. Make it as easy as possible for your employees and clients to adjust. Use the “Red, Yellow, Green” Approach In the IT world, red lights are generally “bad” and green lights are “good”. (It would be great to have a yellow “caution” before something turns red – maybe someday.) It makes sense to take a similar approach to categorizing gaps or vulnerabilities based on their severity. Some actions will need to be taken immediately and some may be rolled out over several years. Before you begin, be aware of these hazards as you work with your IT advisor to set the priorities: Overlooking urgent issues Allocating budget to less critical problems Leaving backdoors open to threat actors Hampering employee productivity Red vulnerabilities are most severe and should be addressed as quickly as possible, including: Failing backups Attempted and successful logins by users marked as former employees or third parties Unsecured remote connectivity Outdated anti-virus/anti-malware Yellow vulnerabilities should be on your radar but can wait until the highest priority gaps are addressed: Lack of multifactor authentication Non-existent or unreliable automated patching system Failure to enable account lockout for some computers Inability to send encrypted emails Green vulnerabilities are the least critical but still important, including: Computers with operating systems nearing their extended support Persistent on-premises sync issues More administrative access than is required to perform essential duties Accounts with passwords set to “never expire” No password managers in use Technology changes rapidly, and every organization likely has at least one gap. Your IT provider can make it easier for you with regular planning and budgeting advice. You may not need a 4-year improvement plan like the road construction near my home, but don’t wait to close the gaps that will improve your security and efficiency. To learn more about how to identify and prioritize the technology gaps in your business, contact us! By Janet Gehring Updated August 21, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/10133440/Technology-Gaps.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-21T15:55:45-05:00" }, { "id": 20636, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/exactly-what-you-should-know-about-vishing/", "title": "What You Should Know About Vishing", "h1": "What You Should Know About Vishing", "summary": "Have you heard of vishing? Think of it this way: voice + phishing = vishing. AI deepfakes make vishing harder to detect. Here's what to know.", "content": "

Have you heard of vishing? Think of it this way: voice + phishing = vishing. Here’s what you should know about vishing.

Simply put, vishing is a phishing attack by phone as an attempt to gain your credit card, financial or other personal data. It’s just another opportunity for the bad guys to trick you into giving up personal information. AI deepfakes make vishing scams even harder to detect.

How Vishing Works

A simple example – you receive a call from someone purporting to be a customer service representative from your credit card company. The caller is informing you that your account has been compromised, and they are calling to follow up with you. You may be busy or caught off guard so you think it’s a legitimate call. You answer their questions and give up your information. The rest, as they say, is history.

Anyone anywhere can receive a vishing call. If you receive one, remember you’re not obligated to answer questions. Just hang up.

Vishing attempts can appear to come from banks, law enforcement and other government entities (remember, the IRS will not be calling you), and scams involving tech support. By using internet phone services (VoIP), the scammers can spoof caller ID numbers to make them look legitimate.

Best practice is if you do not recognize a phone number, let the call go to voicemail and do not call that phone number back.  If you have a concern about an alleged call that came from your bank or your credit card company call the institution(s) directly and inquire.

How To Avoid Vishing Tricks

Unfortunately, in these perplexing times, we need to be aware and alert to all attempts from the “bad guys” to access information. CRU Solutions can help teach your team to be safer. Contact us!

Updated August 21, 2025
", "content_plain": "Have you heard of vishing? Think of it this way: voice + phishing = vishing. Here’s what you should know about vishing. Simply put, vishing is a phishing attack by phone as an attempt to gain your credit card, financial or other personal data. It’s just another opportunity for the bad guys to trick you into giving up personal information. AI deepfakes make vishing scams even harder to detect. How Vishing Works A simple example – you receive a call from someone purporting to be a customer service representative from your credit card company. The caller is informing you that your account has been compromised, and they are calling to follow up with you. You may be busy or caught off guard so you think it’s a legitimate call. You answer their questions and give up your information. The rest, as they say, is history. Anyone anywhere can receive a vishing call. If you receive one, remember you’re not obligated to answer questions. Just hang up. Vishing attempts can appear to come from banks, law enforcement and other government entities (remember, the IRS will not be calling you), and scams involving tech support. By using internet phone services (VoIP), the scammers can spoof caller ID numbers to make them look legitimate. Best practice is if you do not recognize a phone number, let the call go to voicemail and do not call that phone number back. If you have a concern about an alleged call that came from your bank or your credit card company call the institution(s) directly and inquire. How To Avoid Vishing Tricks Bookmark the correct web address for companies you work with frequently (banks, insurance, etc.) and do not visit alternative URLs on the sole basis of an inbound phone call. Be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, visits, or email messages from unknown individuals claiming to be from a legitimate organization. Do not provide personal information or information about your organization, including its structure or networks, unless you are certain of a person’s authority to have the information. If possible, try to verify the caller’s identity directly with the company. Limit the amount of personal information you post on social networking sites. The internet is a public resource; only post information you are comfortable with anyone seeing. Unfortunately, in these perplexing times, we need to be aware and alert to all attempts from the “bad guys” to access information. CRU Solutions can help teach your team to be safer. Contact us! Updated August 21, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/10133441/bigstock-Voice-Assistant-Concept-Micro-324799468.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-21T14:48:03-05:00" }, { "id": 21286, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/what-to-know-about-cyber-insurance-for-your-small-business/", "title": "What to Know About Cyber Insurance for Your Small Business", "h1": "What to Know About Cyber Insurance for Your Small Business", "summary": "No organization is too small for cyber insurance. Here’s what to know about cyber insurance for your small business.", "content": "

A few years ago, most small business owners considered cyber insurance optional. Today, cybercrime is so far-reaching that no organization is too small for cyber insurance. Here’s what to know about cyber insurance for your small business.

What is Cyber Insurance?

Cyber insurance can help your business recover financially from cyber incidents such as data breaches, malware attacks, ransomware attacks and more. It can cover the costs of incident response and recovering data, legal proceedings, stakeholder communications, and credit monitoring or other tools that may be needed after a breach.

3 Main Types of Cyber Insurance

The three common types of cyber insurance are:

As with any insurance coverage, weigh the options and choose what meets your business needs best. Make sure you clearly understand the terms and requirements of whichever policies you choose.

Expect Rigorous Eligibility and Maintenance Requirements

Cybercrime is booming, payouts are rising, and insurers are adjusting accordingly. Policy costs are increasing while underwriting scrutiny is becoming more stringent.

Remember, your insurance carrier will only cover your business if you meet the requirements outlined in your contract. When you make a claim, most insurers will require proof that you have been following the proactive measures outlined in your policy. If you can’t prove compliance, your claims are unlikely to be paid.

You must be able to prove that you’ve adhered to your policy’s terms prior to, during and after a cybersecurity event. In the 2022 case of Travelers vs. International Control Services (ICS) not only was ICS’s ransomware claim denied, but Travelers rescinded their policy.

How Your IT Services Provider Can Help

The underwriting process for cyber insurance policies is thorough, with a sharp focus on essential controls that can help mitigate overall exposure to data breaches and ransomware events. Managed IT providers have the tools and expertise to evaluate your cybersecurity risks and recommend ways to improve your overall cybersecurity posture, including:

Importantly, if you do suffer a cyberattack, an IT service provider will respond to the incident and help get your business on the way to recovery quickly.

Be Prepared

As part of your regular planning, create a response plan so you’ll know what to do if your organization is a victim of cybercrime.

Work with a knowledgeable, experienced IT provider to improve your cybersecurity posture and help prevent breaches while adhering to your cyber insurance policy requirements. In case of a cyberattack, your IT provider will be on the front lines to restore your IT so you can address other concerns, including your insurance claims. Your planning will be worth it.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 21, 2025
", "content_plain": "A few years ago, most small business owners considered cyber insurance optional. Today, cybercrime is so far-reaching that no organization is too small for cyber insurance. Here’s what to know about cyber insurance for your small business. What is Cyber Insurance? Cyber insurance can help your business recover financially from cyber incidents such as data breaches, malware attacks, ransomware attacks and more. It can cover the costs of incident response and recovering data, legal proceedings, stakeholder communications, and credit monitoring or other tools that may be needed after a breach. 3 Main Types of Cyber Insurance The three common types of cyber insurance are: Cyber theft – Cyber theft insurance protects your business from financial losses caused by digital theft. It provides first-party coverage that protects your company from liability due to embezzlement, scams, payroll redirection, gift card scams and compromised personal information like health data, social security numbers, credit card numbers and account numbers. Cyber liability – Cyber liability insurance can cover all expenses related to third parties such as customer notification, credit monitoring, fines and other costs. Some providers also cover legal fees and expenses associated with potential damage to partners, customers or employees. Cyber extortion/ransomware – This typically covers expenses for forensics, system rebuilding, business interruption and potentially negotiations and ransom that occur as a result of cybercriminals gaining illegal access to a company’s networks and data. As with any insurance coverage, weigh the options and choose what meets your business needs best. Make sure you clearly understand the terms and requirements of whichever policies you choose. Expect Rigorous Eligibility and Maintenance Requirements Cybercrime is booming, payouts are rising, and insurers are adjusting accordingly. Policy costs are increasing while underwriting scrutiny is becoming more stringent. Remember, your insurance carrier will only cover your business if you meet the requirements outlined in your contract. When you make a claim, most insurers will require proof that you have been following the proactive measures outlined in your policy. If you can’t prove compliance, your claims are unlikely to be paid. You must be able to prove that you’ve adhered to your policy’s terms prior to, during and after a cybersecurity event. In the 2022 case of Travelers vs. International Control Services (ICS) not only was ICS’s ransomware claim denied, but Travelers rescinded their policy. How Your IT Services Provider Can Help The underwriting process for cyber insurance policies is thorough, with a sharp focus on essential controls that can help mitigate overall exposure to data breaches and ransomware events. Managed IT providers have the tools and expertise to evaluate your cybersecurity risks and recommend ways to improve your overall cybersecurity posture, including: Conscientious and regular patch management Regular backups Recognizing and replacing unsupported software Email scanning and filtering Using multi-factor authentication Using secure remote access solutions Encrypting sensitive information Documenting everything with reliable tracking and reporting tools Importantly, if you do suffer a cyberattack, an IT service provider will respond to the incident and help get your business on the way to recovery quickly. Be Prepared As part of your regular planning, create a response plan so you’ll know what to do if your organization is a victim of cybercrime. Work with a knowledgeable, experienced IT provider to improve your cybersecurity posture and help prevent breaches while adhering to your cyber insurance policy requirements. In case of a cyberattack, your IT provider will be on the front lines to restore your IT so you can address other concerns, including your insurance claims. Your planning will be worth it. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 21, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/10133440/Cyber-Insurance.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-21T15:11:52-05:00" }, { "id": 21269, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-to-safely-transfer-2fa-authenticators-to-your-new-phone/", "title": "How to Safely Transfer 2FA Authenticators to Your New Phone", "h1": "How to Safely Transfer 2FA Authenticators to Your New Phone", "summary": "You have a new phone! Remember to take these few extra steps to safely transfer your 2FA authenticators, like Microsoft and Google, to your new phone.", "content": "

You have a new phone! Remember to take these few extra steps to safely transfer your 2FA authenticators (not as much fun as your photos and videos, but necessary).

What’s a 2FA authenticator?

2FA (also called multi-factor) authenticators help keep your online accounts secure. Using 2FA changes the security requirements for using the app. It forces you to provide at least two proofs of identity when accessing a secure service. Those two forms of authentication can come from any combination of at least two of the following elements:

You may have more than one authenticator to safely transfer, and you may also have several different apps that use the same authenticator. That’s why it’s necessary to transfer them properly so you don’t find yourself locked out of your accounts.

How to Safely Transfer Microsoft and Google Authenticators

Since Microsoft and Google are among the most common authenticators, we’ll talk about those here. For both, make sure the authenticators on your old phone are the most current version, and back them up before you begin the process.

Make sure you have a copy of the backup codes for each account before you attempt to change your authenticator device. You’ll then be able to use those if you experience any issues when trying to recover your accounts.

How to move your Microsoft Authenticator step-by-step.

How to move your Google Authenticator step-by-step. 

After you’ve safely transferred your 2FA authenticators to your new phone, use them carefully. A newer tactic called “prompt bombing” can take the form of receiving repeated notifications on your phone to confirm a sign-in. The goal is to annoy and wear you down so you approve the sign-in, allowing the bad guys to break through the 2FA. If you didn’t initiate a sign-in, deny any notification asking you to allow it.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 22, 2025
", "content_plain": "You have a new phone! Remember to take these few extra steps to safely transfer your 2FA authenticators (not as much fun as your photos and videos, but necessary). What’s a 2FA authenticator? 2FA (also called multi-factor) authenticators help keep your online accounts secure. Using 2FA changes the security requirements for using the app. It forces you to provide at least two proofs of identity when accessing a secure service. Those two forms of authentication can come from any combination of at least two of the following elements: “Something you know,” such as a password or PIN “Something you are,” such as a fingerprint or other biometric ID “Something you have,” such as a trusted smartphone that can generate or receive confirmation codes (the authenticator app). You may have more than one authenticator to safely transfer, and you may also have several different apps that use the same authenticator. That’s why it’s necessary to transfer them properly so you don’t find yourself locked out of your accounts. How to Safely Transfer Microsoft and Google Authenticators Since Microsoft and Google are among the most common authenticators, we’ll talk about those here. For both, make sure the authenticators on your old phone are the most current version, and back them up before you begin the process. Make sure you have a copy of the backup codes for each account before you attempt to change your authenticator device. You’ll then be able to use those if you experience any issues when trying to recover your accounts. How to move your Microsoft Authenticator step-by-step. How to move your Google Authenticator step-by-step. After you’ve safely transferred your 2FA authenticators to your new phone, use them carefully. A newer tactic called “prompt bombing” can take the form of receiving repeated notifications on your phone to confirm a sign-in. The goal is to annoy and wear you down so you approve the sign-in, allowing the bad guys to break through the 2FA. If you didn’t initiate a sign-in, deny any notification asking you to allow it. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 22, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/10133438/2FA-.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T12:29:41-05:00" }, { "id": 3128, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/", "title": "Home", "h1": "Managed IT Services and Support for Cleveland Area Businesses", "summary": "Managed IT services and support from CRU Solutions help keep your business more secure. Let our local, knowledgeable team show you how.", "content": "

Managed IT Services and Support for Cleveland Area Businesses

Managed IT services and support from CRU Solutions will give you confidence in your IT today and help you plan for tomorrow. Your business or non-profit organization can count on experienced IT support from our local, knowledgeable team.

Are you concerned about cybersecurity? Has poor planning resulted in too many IT budget surprises? Maybe you just need to take IT off your ever-expanding list of responsibilities. CRU Solutions can help.

Business IT Solutions

About Us

CRU Solutions has provided trusted IT services to businesses and non-profit organizations for more than 40 years. Click to meet our team or contact us!

\"\"

Choose a Skilled, Local Managed IT Services Team

CRU Solutions provides managed IT services that combine helpful technician-based support, trusted executive consulting, and efficient automated services — all from a responsive team near you.

\"Reduce-Cybersecurity-Risks\"

Reduce Cybersecurity Risks

CRU Solutions works proactively to help protect your business. Our experienced team uses a combination of technical tools and staff training to keep your network more secure and compliant.

Learn More
\"Resolve-Day-To-Day-IT-Issues\"

Resolve Day-To-Day IT Issues

When you choose CRU Solutions as your managed IT services provider, we’re your first call for IT support services. It’s just that simple. Call or email us, and we’ll take it from there.

Learn More
\"Plan

Plan For Changing IT Needs

In the midst of rapid change, smaller businesses are uniquely nimble and adaptable. Whether your business is growing, moving, office-based, hybrid, or fully remote, CRU Solutions can help.

Learn More

What Our Clients Say

Manufacturing Client since 2025

Excellent experience with CRU! The transition was seamless, their team is incredibly helpful and responsive. They quickly found us cost savings. As a fellow small business, we really appreciate that they go beyond IT support by connecting us with other trusted professionals and fostering relationships with like-minded businesses.

Nonprofit Client since 2017

They have an amazing team, not only due to their technical skills but also their attention to customer service and professionalism. They provide valuable expertise and outstanding support.

Accounting Firm Client since 1996

We trust and depend on CRU Solutions. CRU techs are extremely responsive and explain tech in a way a non-tech can understand. We can confidently refer CRU to business associates — which is a high compliment in the professional services world.

Healthcare Client since 2005

We trust CRU to solve our issues and help us meet compliance goals. Their techs are easy to reach and great at follow-up. They’ve helped us successfully plan and implement new technology. While they come onsite whenever we need them, their remote support is a tremendous time-saver.

Manufacturing Client since 2001

CRU understands the needs of our multi-location business. They help with technology planning and budgeting, and respond quickly to our requests.

Trade Association Client since 2011

We are better served with CRU’s competent and deep bench of professionals versus going it alone with an IT department of one.

Accounting Firm Client since 2008

CRU understands our business and offers us technology choices. We also work well together because of our similar cultures. We’re a people first firm and so is CRU.

Nonprofit Client since 2003

Our shared values include communicating with people respectfully and doing all you can to help. CRU’s service is unbeatable and their value to our organization is unmatched.

Financial Services Client since 2020

My aspiration for our firm is to provide the same “total package” that CRU delivers — the highest level of expertise as well as the thoughtfulness to go above and beyond for the client. Every one of the CRU team members I have come in contact with is excellent.

Design/Build/Remodel Client since 2013

I know how outstanding your company is because we ran an integration and managed services business from 1997 to 2004, and it was a huge challenge. I’m impressed with how you have right sized for your clients given the high level of service you provide.

What to Know in Business IT

\"Why

Why Small Businesses Switch IT Providers

Small businesses switch IT providers for lots of reasons. Here’s what Northeast Ohio small businesses have told us.

Read more\"How

How Long Do Computers Last? A Practical Guide for Small Businesses

It makes sense to know how long your computers should last. Here’s how to get the most out of your hardware investment.

Read more\"Causes

Causes and Business Risks of Cybersecurity Fatigue

The causes and risks of cybersecurity fatigue present challenges. Here’s why employees stop caring and tips to help reduce your risk.

Read more", "content_plain": "Managed IT Services and Support for Cleveland Area Businesses Managed IT services and support from CRU Solutions will give you confidence in your IT today and help you plan for tomorrow. Your business or non-profit organization can count on experienced IT support from our local, knowledgeable team. Are you concerned about cybersecurity? Has poor planning resulted in too many IT budget surprises? Maybe you just need to take IT off your ever-expanding list of responsibilities. CRU Solutions can help. Business IT Solutions About Us CRU Solutions has provided trusted IT services to businesses and non-profit organizations for more than 40 years. Click to meet our team or contact us! Choose a Skilled, Local Managed IT Services Team CRU Solutions provides managed IT services that combine helpful technician-based support, trusted executive consulting, and efficient automated services — all from a responsive team near you. Reduce Cybersecurity Risks CRU Solutions works proactively to help protect your business. Our experienced team uses a combination of technical tools and staff training to keep your network more secure and compliant. Learn More Resolve Day-To-Day IT Issues When you choose CRU Solutions as your managed IT services provider, we’re your first call for IT support services. It’s just that simple. Call or email us, and we’ll take it from there. Learn More Plan For Changing IT Needs In the midst of rapid change, smaller businesses are uniquely nimble and adaptable. Whether your business is growing, moving, office-based, hybrid, or fully remote, CRU Solutions can help. Learn More What Our Clients Say Manufacturing Client since 2025Excellent experience with CRU! The transition was seamless, their team is incredibly helpful and responsive. They quickly found us cost savings. As a fellow small business, we really appreciate that they go beyond IT support by connecting us with other trusted professionals and fostering relationships with like-minded businesses.Nonprofit Client since 2017They have an amazing team, not only due to their technical skills but also their attention to customer service and professionalism. They provide valuable expertise and outstanding support.Accounting Firm Client since 1996We trust and depend on CRU Solutions. CRU techs are extremely responsive and explain tech in a way a non-tech can understand. We can confidently refer CRU to business associates — which is a high compliment in the professional services world.Healthcare Client since 2005We trust CRU to solve our issues and help us meet compliance goals. Their techs are easy to reach and great at follow-up. They’ve helped us successfully plan and implement new technology. While they come onsite whenever we need them, their remote support is a tremendous time-saver.Manufacturing Client since 2001CRU understands the needs of our multi-location business. They help with technology planning and budgeting, and respond quickly to our requests.Trade Association Client since 2011We are better served with CRU’s competent and deep bench of professionals versus going it alone with an IT department of one.Accounting Firm Client since 2008CRU understands our business and offers us technology choices. We also work well together because of our similar cultures. We’re a people first firm and so is CRU.Nonprofit Client since 2003Our shared values include communicating with people respectfully and doing all you can to help. CRU’s service is unbeatable and their value to our organization is unmatched.Financial Services Client since 2020My aspiration for our firm is to provide the same “total package” that CRU delivers — the highest level of expertise as well as the thoughtfulness to go above and beyond for the client. Every one of the CRU team members I have come in contact with is excellent.Design/Build/Remodel Client since 2013I know how outstanding your company is because we ran an integration and managed services business from 1997 to 2004, and it was a huge challenge. I’m impressed with how you have right sized for your clients given the high level of service you provide. What to Know in Business IT Why Small Businesses Switch IT ProvidersSmall businesses switch IT providers for lots of reasons. Here’s what Northeast Ohio small businesses have told us. Read moreHow Long Do Computers Last? A Practical Guide for Small BusinessesIt makes sense to know how long your computers should last. Here’s how to get the most out of your hardware investment. Read moreCauses and Business Risks of Cybersecurity FatigueThe causes and risks of cybersecurity fatigue present challenges. Here’s why employees stop caring and tips to help reduce your risk. Read more", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10133728/About-Main-Page-4-3-ratio-900x593-1.jpg", "modified": "2026-04-24T10:24:41-05:00" }, { "id": 21186, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/cru-solutions-celebrates-40-years/", "title": "CRU Solutions Celebrates 40 Years", "h1": "CRU Solutions Celebrates 40 Years", "summary": "CRU Solutions celebrated 40 years in business in 2022! Read about our founder, Jim Kerr, and the history of the company.", "content": "

Act with integrity and do the right thing. Be helpful and truthful. – Jim Kerr

Meet Jim Kerr, Founder and President of CRU Solutions

These words motivate every team member at CRU Solutions. They guide how we interact with each other and with our clients. Jim Kerr has cultivated this approach since he began the business 40 years ago.

As a student at Baldwin-Wallace College, he enjoyed helping other students and small businesses with their computers. Word got around, and Jim launched his own fledgling business.

He started out with programming skills and a TRS Model II, the first “business” computer that predated the IBM PC. He later added a 20 lb. luggable computer based on the Intel 8088 CPU running CP/M and supporting the fledgling MS-DOS 1.0 (by a startup called Microsoft). Those machines were heavy, clunky, and slow compared to today’s devices.

An internship at GE strengthened Jim’s determination to hang out his own shingle. This was the era of “Neutron Jack” Welch, who invented the practice of ruthless cost-cutting and mass layoffs to increase short-term profitability. Jim was disturbed by the results. “I saw whole departments of people escorted to their cars. One person who had been at GE for 30 years was moved to 3rd shift apparently just to make him quit,” Jim says. “Another manager regularly took personal credit for everyone else’s work, including mine, to make himself appear more valuable.”

Still, Jim was fortunate to have a mentor at GE who helped him after his internship ended. She asked him to stay on as a consultant to finish programming for a key project. She even gave him tips on how to properly value his time.

“I was a student with few expenses,” Jim laughs. “It was low-risk to start, then I kept going.”

The notion of being a business owner wasn’t new to him. As a teenager, he worked in his family’s lumber yard, Kerr Lumber, in East Liverpool, Ohio. In addition to driving a tow motor and learning all about hardware, he saw first-hand how combining relevant knowledge with excellent people skills led to success.

Jim’s view is, “As a leader, you can take credit for successfully managing the process, but you can’t take credit for doing all the work itself. If you do, you’ll never create an effective team.”

Over the years, Jim has learned to trust the team he’s created. “When I first started out, I thought everything in the business relied solely on me,” he says. “I’ve learned over time to hire talented people and let them do what they do best. That leads to both happier employees and more satisfied clients.”

Technology will keep changing. The CRU team will continue to work every day to effectively combine our clients’ business needs with the most relevant technology. And perhaps most importantly, to help the people who are using it.

\"\"

CRU’s 40 Year History

CRU Solutions was founded in 1982 as Computer Application Consultants. The computer industry was in its infancy. Microcomputers were just coming into the marketplace. Businesses were just starting to understand what the desktop computer could do. At over $6,000 each, computers were far from appearing on every desk. Often, each department had one or two computers in a shared area.

The hardware was there, but there was no software industry. We began filling this niche of business software applications. We created membership tracking systems, credit card marketing systems, client tracking (the beginning of CRM-type systems), accounting interfaces, job performance systems for manufacturing, manufacturing process routing systems, and many others.

Clients began to rely on our expertise in the technology field for more than software. Clients wanted help with these new things called the Internet and networking, as well as troubleshooting when something wasn’t working properly. Computer Repair & Upgrade was born. CRU focused solely on hardware while CAC continued its software-only mission.

In the late 1990s it became even more apparent that businesses did not separate hardware and software. They needed a “point” person to determine the issue and resolve it. CRU Solutions formed out of a merger of CAC and CRU. With the advent of remote monitoring and management tools, we shifted the company’s business model to managed IT services. Today, those services have expanded as small businesses’ need for cybersecurity risk management has grown.

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, our team is here to help. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help your business, contact us.

Posted in March 2022
", "content_plain": "Act with integrity and do the right thing. Be helpful and truthful. – Jim Kerr Meet Jim Kerr, Founder and President of CRU Solutions These words motivate every team member at CRU Solutions. They guide how we interact with each other and with our clients. Jim Kerr has cultivated this approach since he began the business 40 years ago. As a student at Baldwin-Wallace College, he enjoyed helping other students and small businesses with their computers. Word got around, and Jim launched his own fledgling business. He started out with programming skills and a TRS Model II, the first “business” computer that predated the IBM PC. He later added a 20 lb. luggable computer based on the Intel 8088 CPU running CP/M and supporting the fledgling MS-DOS 1.0 (by a startup called Microsoft). Those machines were heavy, clunky, and slow compared to today’s devices. An internship at GE strengthened Jim’s determination to hang out his own shingle. This was the era of “Neutron Jack” Welch, who invented the practice of ruthless cost-cutting and mass layoffs to increase short-term profitability. Jim was disturbed by the results. “I saw whole departments of people escorted to their cars. One person who had been at GE for 30 years was moved to 3rd shift apparently just to make him quit,” Jim says. “Another manager regularly took personal credit for everyone else’s work, including mine, to make himself appear more valuable.” Still, Jim was fortunate to have a mentor at GE who helped him after his internship ended. She asked him to stay on as a consultant to finish programming for a key project. She even gave him tips on how to properly value his time. “I was a student with few expenses,” Jim laughs. “It was low-risk to start, then I kept going.” The notion of being a business owner wasn’t new to him. As a teenager, he worked in his family’s lumber yard, Kerr Lumber, in East Liverpool, Ohio. In addition to driving a tow motor and learning all about hardware, he saw first-hand how combining relevant knowledge with excellent people skills led to success. Jim’s view is, “As a leader, you can take credit for successfully managing the process, but you can’t take credit for doing all the work itself. If you do, you’ll never create an effective team.” Over the years, Jim has learned to trust the team he’s created. “When I first started out, I thought everything in the business relied solely on me,” he says. “I’ve learned over time to hire talented people and let them do what they do best. That leads to both happier employees and more satisfied clients.” Technology will keep changing. The CRU team will continue to work every day to effectively combine our clients’ business needs with the most relevant technology. And perhaps most importantly, to help the people who are using it. CRU’s 40 Year History CRU Solutions was founded in 1982 as Computer Application Consultants. The computer industry was in its infancy. Microcomputers were just coming into the marketplace. Businesses were just starting to understand what the desktop computer could do. At over $6,000 each, computers were far from appearing on every desk. Often, each department had one or two computers in a shared area. The hardware was there, but there was no software industry. We began filling this niche of business software applications. We created membership tracking systems, credit card marketing systems, client tracking (the beginning of CRM-type systems), accounting interfaces, job performance systems for manufacturing, manufacturing process routing systems, and many others. Clients began to rely on our expertise in the technology field for more than software. Clients wanted help with these new things called the Internet and networking, as well as troubleshooting when something wasn’t working properly. Computer Repair & Upgrade was born. CRU focused solely on hardware while CAC continued its software-only mission. In the late 1990s it became even more apparent that businesses did not separate hardware and software. They needed a “point” person to determine the issue and resolve it. CRU Solutions formed out of a merger of CAC and CRU. With the advent of remote monitoring and management tools, we shifted the company’s business model to managed IT services. Today, those services have expanded as small businesses’ need for cybersecurity risk management has grown. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, our team is here to help. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help your business, contact us. Posted in March 2022", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/10133711/Jim-in-CRU-Shirt-Resized-for-Website.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T13:03:58-05:00" }, { "id": 9023, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/dispose-old-computer-equipment/", "title": "How to Dispose of Old Computer Equipment", "h1": "How to Dispose of Old Computer Equipment", "summary": "Dispose of old computer equipment safely and securely to protect your data and employees. Use these tips.", "content": "

You’re moving to the cloud so your servers are obsolete and your IT support team is installing new desktops. How do you securely dispose of your old computer equipment?

Securely Dispose of Old Computer Equipment

If your organization must meet compliance requirements, you need a secure, reliable way to destroy all protected information. From there, a responsible recycler can handle the equipment itself.

Not in the Closet

In addition to creating clutter, storing old computer equipment in a closet is a security risk. We’ve seen machines, hard drives and all, stacked in a closet to get them out of the way. If you’re not careful, that closet will become like some people’s basements – filled to the brim. Once forgotten, one or two machines could disappear, along with the data, and no one would be the wiser.

If you must store old equipment in a closet, make sure you remove all hard drives and store them in a separate, secure place or have them safely destroyed.

Not in the Dumpster

Computers contain hazardous materials. There are regulations that may cause you to be considered a generator of hazardous waste if you throw them in the dumpster. Almost all parts of a computer can be recycled, so if your IT company doesn’t offer safe destruction, find a recycler who can help.

Secure Destruction from Your IT Support Team 

Ask if your IT support team offers a way to dispose of old computer equipment securely. Ideally, asset recycling and drive destruction would include:

You simply turn the equipment and liability for destruction over to your IT provider. And, nothing is stored in your closets!

If you’re considering new business IT support, contact CRU Solutions.

Updated August 22, 2025
", "content_plain": "You’re moving to the cloud so your servers are obsolete and your IT support team is installing new desktops. How do you securely dispose of your old computer equipment? Securely Dispose of Old Computer Equipment If your organization must meet compliance requirements, you need a secure, reliable way to destroy all protected information. From there, a responsible recycler can handle the equipment itself. Not in the Closet In addition to creating clutter, storing old computer equipment in a closet is a security risk. We’ve seen machines, hard drives and all, stacked in a closet to get them out of the way. If you’re not careful, that closet will become like some people’s basements – filled to the brim. Once forgotten, one or two machines could disappear, along with the data, and no one would be the wiser. If you must store old equipment in a closet, make sure you remove all hard drives and store them in a separate, secure place or have them safely destroyed. Not in the Dumpster Computers contain hazardous materials. There are regulations that may cause you to be considered a generator of hazardous waste if you throw them in the dumpster. Almost all parts of a computer can be recycled, so if your IT company doesn’t offer safe destruction, find a recycler who can help. Secure Destruction from Your IT Support Team Ask if your IT support team offers a way to dispose of old computer equipment securely. Ideally, asset recycling and drive destruction would include: chain-of-custody proof from pickup to destruction of hard drives removal and recycling of other computer equipment. You simply turn the equipment and liability for destruction over to your IT provider. And, nothing is stored in your closets! If you’re considering new business IT support, contact CRU Solutions. Updated August 22, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/10133710/hardware-disposal-848x480-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T13:11:43-05:00" }, { "id": 20612, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-cybercriminals-get-your-email-address/", "title": "How Cybercriminals Get Your Email Address", "h1": "How Cybercriminals Get Your Email Address", "summary": "Are you tired of worrying about clicking on links and attachments? Unfortunately, your email address is out there. Everywhere. Here's how cybercriminals find it.", "content": "

A client recently called us out of frustration with a phishing email. He demanded to know why we couldn’t stop cybercriminals from emailing him. He’s tired of worrying about clicking on links and attachments. He wanted to know how he could keep his email address out of the wrong hands. Here’s how cybercriminals get your email address.

The sad truth is, if you use email, your address is out there. Everywhere. There’s no stopping it. If you have multiple addresses, those other addresses are out there, too.

How Email Addresses Are Disclosed

There are several ways email addresses escape into the wild, and not all of them are nefarious. In fact, sometimes you volunteer them. For example:

How Cybercriminals Get Your Email Address

Of course, cybercriminals go looking for email addresses, too. They can research, steal or buy credentials using both high-tech and low-tech methods.

With the right approach, would-be hackers can use open source intelligence to find email addresses. Open source intelligence is data collected from publicly available sources which are usually easily available and legal.

Bad guys also steal email addresses by going phishing. This could take the form of an email with a dangerous link or even a fake sign-up form. Sometimes they research the addresses, but often they create a sea of tens of thousands of email addresses and hope to entice someone to “bite” by clicking. The widespread use of AI only makes this easier.

More creative types can even use a company directory of names only (no email addresses) and algorithmically generate probable email addresses for individuals who work for the company. For example:

One of these formats is likely to work, and if not, there are always other formats to test.

In addition, millions of user credentials exposed through data breaches are for sale on the Dark Web. The Dark Web is teeming with convenient tools for buying stolen email addresses, along with passwords and other sensitive information. That’s why it’s important to use unique, complex passwords for every account.

What You Can Do 

While you can’t keep your email address under lock and key, you can defend yourself.

From a technical standpoint, use a combination of different tools to provide layers of security. At a minimum, use email two-factor authentication, email filters to help keep hazardous emails out, and keep your machines patched.

To answer our client’s question, unfortunately a few crafty emails will get past even the most sophisticated filters. In those cases, think of yourself as a “human firewall”. Know how to identify suspicious emails, take advantage of your company’s cybersecurity training and don’t click!

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 22, 2025
", "content_plain": "A client recently called us out of frustration with a phishing email. He demanded to know why we couldn’t stop cybercriminals from emailing him. He’s tired of worrying about clicking on links and attachments. He wanted to know how he could keep his email address out of the wrong hands. Here’s how cybercriminals get your email address. The sad truth is, if you use email, your address is out there. Everywhere. There’s no stopping it. If you have multiple addresses, those other addresses are out there, too. How Email Addresses Are Disclosed There are several ways email addresses escape into the wild, and not all of them are nefarious. In fact, sometimes you volunteer them. For example: You send and receive emails every day. You subscribe to useful newsletter and group lists. You post to social media or online lists and include your email address. How Cybercriminals Get Your Email Address Of course, cybercriminals go looking for email addresses, too. They can research, steal or buy credentials using both high-tech and low-tech methods. With the right approach, would-be hackers can use open source intelligence to find email addresses. Open source intelligence is data collected from publicly available sources which are usually easily available and legal. Bad guys also steal email addresses by going phishing. This could take the form of an email with a dangerous link or even a fake sign-up form. Sometimes they research the addresses, but often they create a sea of tens of thousands of email addresses and hope to entice someone to “bite” by clicking. The widespread use of AI only makes this easier. More creative types can even use a company directory of names only (no email addresses) and algorithmically generate probable email addresses for individuals who work for the company. For example: mitch.tulloch@contoso.com m.tulloch@contoso.com mitch.t@contoso.com tulloch.m@contoso.com One of these formats is likely to work, and if not, there are always other formats to test. In addition, millions of user credentials exposed through data breaches are for sale on the Dark Web. The Dark Web is teeming with convenient tools for buying stolen email addresses, along with passwords and other sensitive information. That’s why it’s important to use unique, complex passwords for every account. What You Can Do While you can’t keep your email address under lock and key, you can defend yourself. From a technical standpoint, use a combination of different tools to provide layers of security. At a minimum, use email two-factor authentication, email filters to help keep hazardous emails out, and keep your machines patched. To answer our client’s question, unfortunately a few crafty emails will get past even the most sophisticated filters. In those cases, think of yourself as a “human firewall”. Know how to identify suspicious emails, take advantage of your company’s cybersecurity training and don’t click! If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 22, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/10133713/Email-Outlook-Tips.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T13:45:36-05:00" }, { "id": 20941, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-to-adapt-your-it-for-flexible-work-plans/", "title": "How to Manage Your IT for Flexible Work Plans", "h1": "How to Manage Your IT for Flexible Work Plans", "summary": "Flexible work plans are here to stay, and along with them come opportunities. Here’s how to manage your IT for flexible work.", "content": "

Managing IT for Flexible Work Plans

Managing IT for flexible work plans is easier than ever before. These tips will help your team work safely and effectively wherever they are.

Use Company-Owned Devices and a VPN

Remind your team to keep company-owned and personally-owned computers separate. Only access company data from a company-owned computer. Use a VPN to connect your laptop to the office network or your desktop in the office.

Think about physical home office set-ups, too. Consider creating a tech kit for your team that includes the computer, external monitor, external keyboard and mouse, and maybe even a laptop stand.

Don’t forget cell phones. The most secure option is to provide phones for your team to use when accessing company email or cloud apps. When that isn’t feasible, create a policy for accessing company information on personal phones that makes sense for you.

Use Layered Security Tools

Work with your IT provider to ensure that the technology tools are in place for your team to avoid making potentially costly security errors.

Think in terms of layers. Tools like web content filtering work alongside your anti-virus and anti-malware to help prevent dangerous clicks. Use multi-factor authentication everywhere you can. Cloud-based password keepers are also invaluable for creating unique passwords that can be safely accessed from anywhere.

Automatically Backup Every Workstation

You can lose a lot of time (and convenience) if a workstation needs to be completely reformatted due to physical damage or a data compromise.

There are many ways to securely backup your workstation that don’t rely on external devices like flash drives (or someone remembering to do it). Consider a cloud service that backs up the entire workstation several times a day.

Your policy may be to backup all files to a server or shared file service like Dropbox. Even in those cases, don’t rule out workstation backup because file share services only backup files, not the entire system.

Standardize Communications Tools

This is almost equal parts technology and behavior. Choose a collaboration tool that works best for your needs, whether its Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, or one of many other options. Then, standardize it across your organization.

What about phones? Maybe some remote employees would prefer not to give out their cell number, especially if it’s a personal phone. Consider a phone system that allows them to keep an office number that rings to their cell phone while keeping the cell number private.

Encourage Smart Security Behaviors

While technology can remove many risks, the final security layer is the person sitting behind the keyboard. Use cyber awareness training to encourage a culture of online safety, whether in the office or at home.

Be especially vigilant when you’re checking email and texts. Cybercriminals are getting smarter and even trained eyes can have a hard time detecting skillfully crafted phishing attempts. Ransomware is on the rise, and all it takes is one careless click to deliver it and potentially disable your business.

Contact us to learn more about how to make your IT work better for you.

Updated August 22, 2025
", "content_plain": "Managing IT for Flexible Work Plans Managing IT for flexible work plans is easier than ever before. These tips will help your team work safely and effectively wherever they are. Use Company-Owned Devices and a VPN Remind your team to keep company-owned and personally-owned computers separate. Only access company data from a company-owned computer. Use a VPN to connect your laptop to the office network or your desktop in the office. Think about physical home office set-ups, too. Consider creating a tech kit for your team that includes the computer, external monitor, external keyboard and mouse, and maybe even a laptop stand. Don’t forget cell phones. The most secure option is to provide phones for your team to use when accessing company email or cloud apps. When that isn’t feasible, create a policy for accessing company information on personal phones that makes sense for you. Use Layered Security Tools Work with your IT provider to ensure that the technology tools are in place for your team to avoid making potentially costly security errors. Think in terms of layers. Tools like web content filtering work alongside your anti-virus and anti-malware to help prevent dangerous clicks. Use multi-factor authentication everywhere you can. Cloud-based password keepers are also invaluable for creating unique passwords that can be safely accessed from anywhere. Automatically Backup Every Workstation You can lose a lot of time (and convenience) if a workstation needs to be completely reformatted due to physical damage or a data compromise. There are many ways to securely backup your workstation that don’t rely on external devices like flash drives (or someone remembering to do it). Consider a cloud service that backs up the entire workstation several times a day. Your policy may be to backup all files to a server or shared file service like Dropbox. Even in those cases, don’t rule out workstation backup because file share services only backup files, not the entire system. Standardize Communications Tools This is almost equal parts technology and behavior. Choose a collaboration tool that works best for your needs, whether its Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, or one of many other options. Then, standardize it across your organization. What about phones? Maybe some remote employees would prefer not to give out their cell number, especially if it’s a personal phone. Consider a phone system that allows them to keep an office number that rings to their cell phone while keeping the cell number private. Encourage Smart Security Behaviors While technology can remove many risks, the final security layer is the person sitting behind the keyboard. Use cyber awareness training to encourage a culture of online safety, whether in the office or at home. Be especially vigilant when you’re checking email and texts. Cybercriminals are getting smarter and even trained eyes can have a hard time detecting skillfully crafted phishing attempts. Ransomware is on the rise, and all it takes is one careless click to deliver it and potentially disable your business. Contact us to learn more about how to make your IT work better for you. Updated August 22, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/10133436/Flexible-Work-Plans.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T13:43:06-05:00" }, { "id": 21146, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/how-to-stay-ahead-of-creative-phishing-tactics/", "title": "How to Stay Ahead of Creative Phishing Tactics", "h1": "How to Stay Ahead of Creative Phishing Tactics", "summary": "Creative phishing tactics are on the rise. Since up to 90% of data breaches begin with phishing, here’s how you can stay ahead.", "content": "

Creative phishing tactics are on the rise. Cybercriminals are constantly updating their tricks, techniques and procedures to bypass various security measures. Since up to 90% of data breaches begin with phishing, here’s what’s new out there and how you can stay ahead.

Creative Phishing Tactics

Attempts targeting Microsoft email users are more and more common. In some cases, business emails of executives have been compromised and their addresses were then used to send more phishing emails. This ongoing phishing attack can even bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Speaking of MFA, be aware of a tactic called “prompt bombing”. This can take the form of receiving repeated notifications on your phone to confirm a sign-in.

The goal is to annoy you and wear you down so you approve the sign-in, allowing the bad guys to break through the MFA. If you didn’t initiate a sign-in, don’t approve any notification asking you to allow it.

Another approach is pairing a phishing email with a follow-up phone call. When cybercriminals pair an email attack with a matching phone call campaign, it’s three times more likely the victim will then click on the email. By combining different tactics, cybercriminals can make their messages seem more credible and urgent. Don’t be fooled.

How to Stay a Step Ahead

Reminder: If you *clicked* on an email that turns out to be malicious, report it to your IT provider immediately. Don’t delay – it only takes minutes to cause serious damage.

On the bright side, all unwanted email isn’t malicious. It may just be an offer for something you don’t want. Use these tips to keep those emails out of your Inbox, too.

The tools you use (spam filters, password managers, email multi-factor authentication, etc.) along with your ability to identify potentially dangerous emails, phone calls (and texts) will continue to help you stay ahead of creative phishing tactics.

To learn how CRU Solutions can help keep your business more secure, contact us.

Updated August 22, 2025
", "content_plain": "Creative phishing tactics are on the rise. Cybercriminals are constantly updating their tricks, techniques and procedures to bypass various security measures. Since up to 90% of data breaches begin with phishing, here’s what’s new out there and how you can stay ahead. Creative Phishing Tactics Attempts targeting Microsoft email users are more and more common. In some cases, business emails of executives have been compromised and their addresses were then used to send more phishing emails. This ongoing phishing attack can even bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA). Speaking of MFA, be aware of a tactic called “prompt bombing”. This can take the form of receiving repeated notifications on your phone to confirm a sign-in. The goal is to annoy you and wear you down so you approve the sign-in, allowing the bad guys to break through the MFA. If you didn’t initiate a sign-in, don’t approve any notification asking you to allow it. Another approach is pairing a phishing email with a follow-up phone call. When cybercriminals pair an email attack with a matching phone call campaign, it’s three times more likely the victim will then click on the email. By combining different tactics, cybercriminals can make their messages seem more credible and urgent. Don’t be fooled. How to Stay a Step Ahead Don’t open attachments or click on links in emails from unknown or untrusted sources. Also look for the other email red flags. To double-check links, simply drag the email from your Inbox to your Junk Email and open it there. Links are exposed and disabled in Junk Email. If an unexpected email, text or phone request has anything to do with money, ALWAYS verify it before taking action. (Don’t reply to the email, instead confirm with a phone call.) If it’s clearly a phishing attempt, either delete it, block the sender, or create a rule so future emails from that address will go directly to your Deleted Items folder. Avoid unsubscribing from an email unless you can verify that the sender’s address is legitimate. Even the unsubscribe link could be malicious. Marketing email software often tracks if you open an email. Here’s a trick: move an unwanted marketing email to Junk *before* you open it. That way, it should report as unopened and eventually the sender may drop you from their list. Clean out your email folders in accordance with your company policy. A stuffed Inbox, Sent Items, and other folders can be a treasure trove for a hacker. If your email is compromised, the more emails you have, the greater the risk. Reminder: If you *clicked* on an email that turns out to be malicious, report it to your IT provider immediately. Don’t delay – it only takes minutes to cause serious damage. On the bright side, all unwanted email isn’t malicious. It may just be an offer for something you don’t want. Use these tips to keep those emails out of your Inbox, too. The tools you use (spam filters, password managers, email multi-factor authentication, etc.) along with your ability to identify potentially dangerous emails, phone calls (and texts) will continue to help you stay ahead of creative phishing tactics. To learn how CRU Solutions can help keep your business more secure, contact us. Updated August 22, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/10133712/Hacker-Attack-And-Web-Security-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T13:59:14-05:00" }, { "id": 20926, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/why-workstation-backups-are-essential/", "title": "Why Workstation Backups are Essential", "h1": "Why Workstation Backups are Essential", "summary": "Essential data sitting on individual desktops and laptops can take hours to re-create. Without a workstation backup, some of that data could be lost for good after a compromise.", "content": "

When you’re reviewing data backup plans, think beyond servers. Individual workstation backups are important, too. There’s essential data on every individual desktop and laptop that can take hours to re-create. Without a workstation backup, some of that data could be lost for good after a compromise.

What Workstation Backups Recover

Ever wonder what it takes to run a Windows-based desktop or laptop? Here are a few examples of services that live on your local computer:

Keep in mind that a surprising number of services are personalized to how you use your computer. Without a workstation backup, those preferences can only be restored by trial and error.

Workstation Backups Restore Faster

While the process of backing up is important, your primary focus should be on recovery. Recovery is the restoration process after a data destroying event – hardware failure, user error, power surges, or a compromise. Consider what happens if an event impacts just one computer, many computers, or all of them.

How quickly and completely do you need to be back to work? Without a workstation backup, the process of making your computer usable again, called reimaging, can take hours. You’ll have brand-new, fresh installations of Windows, Office and key applications, but other services, settings, favorites, local files and personalizations will be gone.

For example, you may have several shortcuts to frequently used files or applications on your desktop. Those would need to be set up again after reimaging. Or maybe you rely on browser favorites to save time. Those would need to be re-created as well.

Choosing the Right Workstation Backup

The right workstation backup will:

A backup system that meets all three goals means each workstation can be quickly restored to its pre-compromised state. This a tall order, and fortunately your IT provider can help.

Plan Ahead

Remember, it isn’t a question of if your workstation will be compromised, but when. Cybercrime is only one way a desktop or laptop can be rendered unusable. Natural disasters and even clumsiness happen, too.

Take the time now to create a data backup plan that includes the ability to fully restore desktops and laptops. When misfortune strikes, you’ll be back to work quickly, saving your business time and money.

CRU Solutions can help with workstation backups and other ways to keep your business safer. Contact us!

Updated August 22, 2025
", "content_plain": "When you’re reviewing data backup plans, think beyond servers. Individual workstation backups are important, too. There’s essential data on every individual desktop and laptop that can take hours to re-create. Without a workstation backup, some of that data could be lost for good after a compromise. What Workstation Backups Recover Ever wonder what it takes to run a Windows-based desktop or laptop? Here are a few examples of services that live on your local computer: Windows operating system (including patches, security updates, and fixes) Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) Other applications (QuickBooks, your line of business applications) PDF reader Printer configuration and settings Scanner configurations and settings Browser favorites Desktop shortcuts Application integration settings Saved passwords (though we recommend a cloud-based password manager instead) VPN client Video conferencing desktop app Background screen, colors and lock screen personalized to you Downloaded files not saved to the server (usually due to lack of awareness or time rather than negligence) Files you didn’t intend to save to your workstation but did. (You may not even know exactly where they’re stored on your computer.) Keep in mind that a surprising number of services are personalized to how you use your computer. Without a workstation backup, those preferences can only be restored by trial and error. Workstation Backups Restore Faster While the process of backing up is important, your primary focus should be on recovery. Recovery is the restoration process after a data destroying event – hardware failure, user error, power surges, or a compromise. Consider what happens if an event impacts just one computer, many computers, or all of them. How quickly and completely do you need to be back to work? Without a workstation backup, the process of making your computer usable again, called reimaging, can take hours. You’ll have brand-new, fresh installations of Windows, Office and key applications, but other services, settings, favorites, local files and personalizations will be gone. For example, you may have several shortcuts to frequently used files or applications on your desktop. Those would need to be set up again after reimaging. Or maybe you rely on browser favorites to save time. Those would need to be re-created as well. Choosing the Right Workstation Backup The right workstation backup will: back up your entire computer, including all the services above. Files-only access is limiting if it takes hours to reimage the machine first. run automatically, and in the background, with ongoing incremental updates throughout the day. This reduces the amount of lost work when you need to restore. It also increases the chances that laptops are connected and backed up during at least one backup cycle during the day. be restored reliably and quickly at the file, folder, or machine level. This is the restore time objective. Be mindful of where your data is stored when it’s time to restore. If the backup is on a local appliance, the restoration runs at wire speed. If the backup is across the internet, you’ll be limited by the connection speed, increasing the restore time. A backup system that meets all three goals means each workstation can be quickly restored to its pre-compromised state. This a tall order, and fortunately your IT provider can help. Plan Ahead Remember, it isn’t a question of if your workstation will be compromised, but when. Cybercrime is only one way a desktop or laptop can be rendered unusable. Natural disasters and even clumsiness happen, too. Take the time now to create a data backup plan that includes the ability to fully restore desktops and laptops. When misfortune strikes, you’ll be back to work quickly, saving your business time and money. CRU Solutions can help with workstation backups and other ways to keep your business safer. Contact us! Updated August 22, 2025", "image": "https://s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/10133436/desktop-backup-.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T15:38:52-05:00" }, { "id": 20243, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/it-considerations-for-office-move/", "title": "Five IT Considerations for a Successful Office Move", "h1": "Five IT Considerations for a Successful Office Move", "summary": "Need to move your office with as little disruption as possible? Keep these five IT considerations at the top of your list.", "content": "

Need move your office with as little disruption as possible? There are a myriad of details to consider. Make sure you keep these five IT considerations for an office move at the top of your list.

Moving to a new space means re-thinking your IT set-up. You’ll want to evaluate your network, including connectivity, based on which services you’ll keep onsite or move online. This is also the perfect opportunity to safely dispose of your old equipment, including those outdated desktops taking up closet space.

5 IT Considerations for a Smooth Office Move

Network Review and Updates

Take advantage of the opportunity to improve your basic infrastructure:

Internet Connectivity

This is a biggie. In Northeast Ohio, fiber installation can take 60-90 days so don’t wait until the last minute.

Here’s what you should consider, especially if you’re considering moving to cloud applications:

Cabling

The goal for cabling is simple: the correct cabling needs to be in the correct locations.

You don’t want to find that you’ve installed cabling that isn’t robust enough to handle your office traffic or that outlets are located so that people are tripping over cords or trapped behind desk panels.

This sounds straight-forward, but advance planning will save you cost and aggravation down the road.

Technology Services Coordination

From a timing standpoint, your cabling needs to be installed before the phones and internet connectivity. Who makes sure that the timing of each installation is coordinated so that everything is up and running when your people move in? The right IT provider will help you with planning and coordination so that the implementation runs as smoothly and on-time as possible.

Ongoing Support

Will your new office need improved IT support when all is said and done? If you’re considering making a change to a new IT provider, do that BEFORE you begin your move planning.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help your office move go more smoothly, contact us.

Updated August 22, 2025

 

", "content_plain": "Need move your office with as little disruption as possible? There are a myriad of details to consider. Make sure you keep these five IT considerations for an office move at the top of your list. Moving to a new space means re-thinking your IT set-up. You’ll want to evaluate your network, including connectivity, based on which services you’ll keep onsite or move online. This is also the perfect opportunity to safely dispose of your old equipment, including those outdated desktops taking up closet space. 5 IT Considerations for a Smooth Office Move Network Review and Updates Take advantage of the opportunity to improve your basic infrastructure: Review how your network (router, switches, firewall, wireless access points, etc.) is organized now and what will be required in your new office. If you’re keeping servers onsite, make sure you have a climate-controlled space for them. Decide what you can take with you and what should be replaced. Include possible new workstations and licensing in your plans. Allow time for planning, selecting and receiving equipment, installation and testing. Internet Connectivity This is a biggie. In Northeast Ohio, fiber installation can take 60-90 days so don’t wait until the last minute. Here’s what you should consider, especially if you’re considering moving to cloud applications: Make sure you understand the Internet connectivity requirements for your cloud application(s). Seek professional advice to make sure you choose the right connectivity option to meet those needs. There are many choices and price points, so choose carefully. You’ll also need a properly-sized firewall with current firmware to handle the connectivity bandwidth. Cabling The goal for cabling is simple: the correct cabling needs to be in the correct locations. You don’t want to find that you’ve installed cabling that isn’t robust enough to handle your office traffic or that outlets are located so that people are tripping over cords or trapped behind desk panels. This sounds straight-forward, but advance planning will save you cost and aggravation down the road. Technology Services Coordination From a timing standpoint, your cabling needs to be installed before the phones and internet connectivity. Who makes sure that the timing of each installation is coordinated so that everything is up and running when your people move in? The right IT provider will help you with planning and coordination so that the implementation runs as smoothly and on-time as possible. Ongoing Support Will your new office need improved IT support when all is said and done? If you’re considering making a change to a new IT provider, do that BEFORE you begin your move planning. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help your office move go more smoothly, contact us. Updated August 22, 2025  ", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/10133714/Office-Move-848x480-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T15:46:21-05:00" }, { "id": 21127, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/14-practical-tech-tips-for-traveling/", "title": "14 Practical Tech Tips for Traveling", "h1": "14 Practical Tech Tips for Traveling", "summary": "Where we go, our phones, tablets, and computers go, too. Whether you’re heading out on business or that long-awaited vacation, these tips will help you get the most out of your devices.", "content": "

Tech Tips for Traveling

Where we go, our phones, tablets, and computers go, too. Whether you’re heading out on business or that long-awaited vacation, these tech tips for traveling will help you get the most out of your devices.

Before You Leave

Update your devices and back them up. That way, if your device is lost or damaged, you won’t lose your backed up files and photos.

Check your location settings. Make sure you know which apps you have allowed to track your location. If people can see your location on some apps, it can be dangerous to you or your home since bad guys could know you’re away.

Make sure all your devices are password protected and add multi-factor authentication to all your accounts. These extra steps make your devices more difficult to hack if they’re lost or stolen.

Uninstall apps you don’t use. This will help free up space and preserve power by stopping things you don’t care about from running in the background.

Take pictures of your important documents (like your driver’s license). Tag them as favorites on your phone so you can get to them quickly if needed.

Only take the devices you need and make sure they’re safely packed. There are excellent protective cases on the market for devices of all sizes. If you’re flying, take your electronics in your carry-on if you can.

Pack a USB charger and a power bank so you can charge up anywhere and avoid public charging stations.

Avoid posting on social media about your vacation before or during your trip to keep your unoccupied home safer.

If you’re on vacation, remember to set your out-of-office messages. Check the Do Not Disturb settings on your phone to select which calls, texts, and notifications can come through.

While You’re Gone

Don’t use public wi-fi (this is good advice at home, too). Creating a mobile hotspot is a safer way to get internet. Use a VPN whenever you can.

Don’t auto connect to anything. This includes Bluetooth devices and wi-fi.

Keep track of your stuff. Keep your devices locked up and out of sight in hotel rooms and vehicles (and remember that computers don’t like hot cars).

Help preserve power on your phone throughout the day by turning down the screen brightness as much as you can. Also, rebooting at the beginning of each day will clear out apps and services that are running behind the scenes that use power.

As always, be careful with emails and texts. Don’t open attachments or click on links that you were not expecting.

When You Get Back

Share your photos and highlights on social media and celebrate your fantastic trip!

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 22, 2025
", "content_plain": "Tech Tips for Traveling Where we go, our phones, tablets, and computers go, too. Whether you’re heading out on business or that long-awaited vacation, these tech tips for traveling will help you get the most out of your devices. Before You Leave Update your devices and back them up. That way, if your device is lost or damaged, you won’t lose your backed up files and photos. Check your location settings. Make sure you know which apps you have allowed to track your location. If people can see your location on some apps, it can be dangerous to you or your home since bad guys could know you’re away. Make sure all your devices are password protected and add multi-factor authentication to all your accounts. These extra steps make your devices more difficult to hack if they’re lost or stolen. Uninstall apps you don’t use. This will help free up space and preserve power by stopping things you don’t care about from running in the background. Take pictures of your important documents (like your driver’s license). Tag them as favorites on your phone so you can get to them quickly if needed. Only take the devices you need and make sure they’re safely packed. There are excellent protective cases on the market for devices of all sizes. If you’re flying, take your electronics in your carry-on if you can. Pack a USB charger and a power bank so you can charge up anywhere and avoid public charging stations. Avoid posting on social media about your vacation before or during your trip to keep your unoccupied home safer. If you’re on vacation, remember to set your out-of-office messages. Check the Do Not Disturb settings on your phone to select which calls, texts, and notifications can come through. While You’re Gone Don’t use public wi-fi (this is good advice at home, too). Creating a mobile hotspot is a safer way to get internet. Use a VPN whenever you can. Don’t auto connect to anything. This includes Bluetooth devices and wi-fi. Keep track of your stuff. Keep your devices locked up and out of sight in hotel rooms and vehicles (and remember that computers don’t like hot cars). Help preserve power on your phone throughout the day by turning down the screen brightness as much as you can. Also, rebooting at the beginning of each day will clear out apps and services that are running behind the scenes that use power. As always, be careful with emails and texts. Don’t open attachments or click on links that you were not expecting. When You Get Back Share your photos and highlights on social media and celebrate your fantastic trip! If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 22, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/10133713/Bethany-Beach-JG-scaled-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-22T15:56:38-05:00" }, { "id": 20740, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/why-you-should-enable-microsoft-365-email-mfa/", "title": "Why You Should Enable Microsoft 365 Email MFA", "h1": "Why You Should Enable Microsoft 365 Email MFA", "summary": "Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the most-effective and least-expensive tools you can use for security. Here’s why you should enable Microsoft 365 email MFA.", "content": "

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the most-effective and least-expensive tools you can use to protect your email and organization data. Still, many small businesses are reluctant to use it.

Why You Should Enable Microsoft 365 Email MFA

Single-Factor vs. Multi-Factor Authentication

Single-factor authentication (using only a password) leaves a massive attack vector open in your organization. That’s because usernames and passwords are surprisingly easy to buy on the Dark Web (or stolen in other ways). The bad guy only needs your username and password to gain the keys to the kingdom through your email. This may lead to a significant loss of money or data as well as legal and compliance consequences.

Multi-factor authentication combines information you know (usually your username and password), with something you have (a one-time passcode served up by an authenticator app or a “push” from the authenticating service). Entering an additional code does add an extra step. It also makes the cybercriminal’s job that much harder so maybe they’ll move on and attack someone else.

Why Microsoft 365 Email is a Target

Because they contain so much information, Microsoft 365 accounts are a treasure trove for cybercriminals looking for sensitive organization data. Attackers typically target them using email-based phishing or spear phishing attacks, automated credential stuffing, or guessing attacks. Enabling Microsoft 365 email MFA is one of the best ways to prevent this type of unauthorized access.

Your employees are smart, but we’re all human. Even trained and cautious people make mistakes. Up to 90% of breaches begin with a phishing email. And even if you’re diligent, you may become an unwitting victim of someone else’s mistake.

For example, you receive an email from someone you know with a reasonable request and a link that looks okay. Since the email is from someone you know (with an email address you know is accurate), you click. What you didn’t know is that your colleague’s (or customer’s, or friend’s) email was taken over by a bad guy after he clicked on a phishing email and they may not even know it.

From there, the bad guys take over the email account, use access to contacts, calendars, and email addresses, and go to town sending out emails that look absolutely real. In the time it takes to recognize the breach and respond, the bad guys could send thousands of emails to unsuspecting people. This isn’t a random story – we’ve seen it happen in real life to our clients.

One email compromise can cost tens of thousands of dollars in IT mitigation fees, legal fees and identity protection services, not to mention the potential reputational damage.

Your Business Data IS Valuable

Every business has valuable information, even though small business owners often don’t see it. Do any of these sound familiar?

In fact, your employee’s payroll information alone is marketable on the Dark Web. Since your business does have marketable information, help protect it with Microsoft 365 email MFA.

Minor Inconvenience vs. Major Loss

No single tool is fool-proof, but studies suggest a vast majority of data breaches can be prevented using MFA.

While it may take each user a few minutes to set up Microsoft 365 email MFA, the time and expense you’ll save by avoiding a breach is immeasurable. If you’re concerned about the inconvenience of set up, think about how to prioritize your user base and account usage, and phase in MFA accordingly. The minor inconvenience will be time well-spent.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 13, 2025
", "content_plain": "Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the most-effective and least-expensive tools you can use to protect your email and organization data. Still, many small businesses are reluctant to use it. Why You Should Enable Microsoft 365 Email MFA Single-Factor vs. Multi-Factor Authentication Single-factor authentication (using only a password) leaves a massive attack vector open in your organization. That’s because usernames and passwords are surprisingly easy to buy on the Dark Web (or stolen in other ways). The bad guy only needs your username and password to gain the keys to the kingdom through your email. This may lead to a significant loss of money or data as well as legal and compliance consequences. Multi-factor authentication combines information you know (usually your username and password), with something you have (a one-time passcode served up by an authenticator app or a “push” from the authenticating service). Entering an additional code does add an extra step. It also makes the cybercriminal’s job that much harder so maybe they’ll move on and attack someone else. Why Microsoft 365 Email is a Target Because they contain so much information, Microsoft 365 accounts are a treasure trove for cybercriminals looking for sensitive organization data. Attackers typically target them using email-based phishing or spear phishing attacks, automated credential stuffing, or guessing attacks. Enabling Microsoft 365 email MFA is one of the best ways to prevent this type of unauthorized access. Your employees are smart, but we’re all human. Even trained and cautious people make mistakes. Up to 90% of breaches begin with a phishing email. And even if you’re diligent, you may become an unwitting victim of someone else’s mistake. For example, you receive an email from someone you know with a reasonable request and a link that looks okay. Since the email is from someone you know (with an email address you know is accurate), you click. What you didn’t know is that your colleague’s (or customer’s, or friend’s) email was taken over by a bad guy after he clicked on a phishing email and they may not even know it. From there, the bad guys take over the email account, use access to contacts, calendars, and email addresses, and go to town sending out emails that look absolutely real. In the time it takes to recognize the breach and respond, the bad guys could send thousands of emails to unsuspecting people. This isn’t a random story – we’ve seen it happen in real life to our clients. One email compromise can cost tens of thousands of dollars in IT mitigation fees, legal fees and identity protection services, not to mention the potential reputational damage. Your Business Data IS Valuable Every business has valuable information, even though small business owners often don’t see it. Do any of these sound familiar? Nobody’s interested in my financial information. My business doesn’t have any intellectual property. We’re small and local, no state secrets here. My staff is smart – they know how spot fake emails and know not to click. In fact, your employee’s payroll information alone is marketable on the Dark Web. Since your business does have marketable information, help protect it with Microsoft 365 email MFA. Minor Inconvenience vs. Major Loss No single tool is fool-proof, but studies suggest a vast majority of data breaches can be prevented using MFA. While it may take each user a few minutes to set up Microsoft 365 email MFA, the time and expense you’ll save by avoiding a breach is immeasurable. If you’re concerned about the inconvenience of set up, think about how to prioritize your user base and account usage, and phase in MFA accordingly. The minor inconvenience will be time well-spent. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 13, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/10133716/MFA-blue-graphic-cropped.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-13T15:56:10-05:00" }, { "id": 11290, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/clean-inbox-reduce-risk-cybercrime/", "title": "Clean Out Your Inbox to Reduce Your Risk from Cybercrime", "h1": "Clean Out Your Inbox to Reduce Your Risk from Cybercrime", "summary": "Clean out your inbox regularly. The fewer emails you have, the more you reduce your risk if your email is taken over by cybercriminals.", "content": "

Clean Out Your Inbox Regularly

When was the last time you cleaned out your Inbox? Do you know how many emails you have? In Outlook, a quick glance in the lower left-hand corner will tell you.

So, how many emails are in your Inbox? None? Hundreds? Thousands?

How long do you keep them? One year? Five years? Forever? If your organization has to meet specific compliance standards, that might be an easy question to answer.

What would happen if a hacker stole every email in your Inbox? What would cybercriminals learn about you? What about your staff, customers, business model, and your professional colleagues?

If you have a few hundred emails dating back a year or so, it’s time for some tidying up. If you have thousands dating back many years, it’s time for a massive clean-up.

Why Unnecessary Emails are Risky

Cybercriminals love email. It’s a quick and efficient way to steal vast amounts of data. All it takes is one person making one careless click.

The most common types of malware attacks occur through email. While the email itself may be “safe”, it may contain an infected attachment or a link to a website that contains malware.

In the case of a phishing email, it will look legitimate and include a link that lures you into giving up your username and password. Then, you’ve unwittingly become the victim of credential theft.

It’s a scary cyber world out there.

If you think your business is “too small” or doesn’t have information anybody wants, you’re mistaken.

A stuffed Inbox can be a treasure trove for a hacker. Think about what’s in routine business emails: customer names and addresses, proposals, negotiation details, meeting notes, and unfortunately, the occasional company gossip. (Two things that should NEVER be in an email are credit card information or personally identifiable information such as social security number, date of birth, etc.)

It’s logical that the more emails in your Inbox, the greater the risk.

If your email gets hacked, you may have to look at EVERY email in the affected Inbox to see what was taken. From a practical standpoint, wading through thousands of emails isn’t a good use of anyone’s time. In some cases, you’d likely have to notify the senders that their information was compromised.

Old emails contain information you forgot about years ago. But it could still be valuable to someone who wants to use it for malicious purposes. It’s better to make the emails go away.

Know Your Company Policies

Company policies can help. If you don’t have email policies, take the time to make them.

In general, company email should be for company business. Intermingling personal and business email can create privacy questions for users and open your company up to unwanted scrutiny, especially if there’s a breach.

If your business must meet compliance standards for retention and archiving, know what the standards are and adhere to them.

How to Clean Out Your Inbox

Tips for safe email handling and deletion:

Hackers only have to get it right once. We have to get it right every time. Take a few minutes every day to clean out your Inbox.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 19, 2025
", "content_plain": "Clean Out Your Inbox Regularly When was the last time you cleaned out your Inbox? Do you know how many emails you have? In Outlook, a quick glance in the lower left-hand corner will tell you. So, how many emails are in your Inbox? None? Hundreds? Thousands? How long do you keep them? One year? Five years? Forever? If your organization has to meet specific compliance standards, that might be an easy question to answer. What would happen if a hacker stole every email in your Inbox? What would cybercriminals learn about you? What about your staff, customers, business model, and your professional colleagues? If you have a few hundred emails dating back a year or so, it’s time for some tidying up. If you have thousands dating back many years, it’s time for a massive clean-up. Why Unnecessary Emails are Risky Cybercriminals love email. It’s a quick and efficient way to steal vast amounts of data. All it takes is one person making one careless click. The most common types of malware attacks occur through email. While the email itself may be “safe”, it may contain an infected attachment or a link to a website that contains malware. In the case of a phishing email, it will look legitimate and include a link that lures you into giving up your username and password. Then, you’ve unwittingly become the victim of credential theft. It’s a scary cyber world out there. If you think your business is “too small” or doesn’t have information anybody wants, you’re mistaken. A stuffed Inbox can be a treasure trove for a hacker. Think about what’s in routine business emails: customer names and addresses, proposals, negotiation details, meeting notes, and unfortunately, the occasional company gossip. (Two things that should NEVER be in an email are credit card information or personally identifiable information such as social security number, date of birth, etc.) It’s logical that the more emails in your Inbox, the greater the risk. If your email gets hacked, you may have to look at EVERY email in the affected Inbox to see what was taken. From a practical standpoint, wading through thousands of emails isn’t a good use of anyone’s time. In some cases, you’d likely have to notify the senders that their information was compromised. Old emails contain information you forgot about years ago. But it could still be valuable to someone who wants to use it for malicious purposes. It’s better to make the emails go away. Know Your Company Policies Company policies can help. If you don’t have email policies, take the time to make them. In general, company email should be for company business. Intermingling personal and business email can create privacy questions for users and open your company up to unwanted scrutiny, especially if there’s a breach. If your business must meet compliance standards for retention and archiving, know what the standards are and adhere to them. How to Clean Out Your Inbox Tips for safe email handling and deletion: In general, “hover before you click” and know how to identify suspicious email. When you’re not sure, don’t click. Use the “handle it once” principle. If you can take action in a minute or so, do it. Then move or delete the email. If you must come back to an email later, mark it Unread. But don’t forget to go back to it. Delete with enthusiasm. Make it a habit. If you have emails with information you can find elsewhere or that you’re not required to keep, hit delete. Your Inbox will be safer for it. Remember to actually empty the Deleted Items folder. This is an important step. Hackers only have to get it right once. We have to get it right every time. Take a few minutes every day to clean out your Inbox. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 19, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/10133715/Email-Flowers-848x480-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T13:42:29-05:00" }, { "id": 21085, "type": "post", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/resources/blog/why-every-business-should-prepare-for-a-ransomware-attack/", "title": "Why Every Business Should Prepare for a Ransomware Attack", "h1": "Why Every Business Should Prepare for a Ransomware Attack", "summary": "Is your business prepared for a ransomware attack? Small businesses are not immune to the risk, so it’s wise to operate with an “assume breach” mentality.", "content": "

Is your business prepared for a ransomware attack? Small businesses are not immune to the risk, so it’s wise to operate with an “assume breach” mentality. That’s why knowing how to respond to an attack is equally important to helping prevent one.

Preparing for a Ransomware Attack

Plan

It’s important to adjust your thinking from focusing only on how to prevent a ransomware attack. Give equal attention to achieving confidence in how you will respond when the attack happens. Your investment in planning for recovery could make or break the future of your organization.

A good place to start is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The NIST framework is one of the most widely-accepted tools for cybersecurity planning and response.

There are five key components to the framework: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover. Your IT provider should have tools and processes in place that address each of the five components.

\"\"

Graphic: Huntress

Work with your IT provider as you develop your plan. While it requires some thought, it doesn’t have to be overly arduous. The time you spend up front will put you in a strong position to recover more quickly when an attack occurs.

We’ll focus on an overview of the Identify and Protect steps in this post.

Identify

Here are a few questions to consider that will help you understand what you have and where there are vulnerabilities:

Answers to these questions and others will help determine how you should protect your current environment and position yourself for successful recovery.

Protect

Protection requires a layered approach that includes tech tools and staff training. New risks appear daily, so no solution is 100% fool-proof against ransomware. Still, there are concrete steps you can and should take. Here are just a few:

Use multi-factor authentication. As recently as a few years ago, using multi-factor authentication on every account was considered useful but optional. Today, it’s essential to significantly reduce risks.

Use a password manager. It’s estimated that the average person has 100 passwords or more. A secure password manager keeps track of them all. You only need to remember one master password.

Apply software patches to improve security, minimize downtime, and meet compliance requirements. Patches often include new software features as well. Your IT provider can provide patch management and reporting.

Use encryption on machines and for sensitive email. Encryption can be a roadblock for cybercriminals by simply making your data more difficult to access. Also use encrypted email if you must transmit sensitive data.

Require regular cybersecurity awareness training for all employees. The person sitting at the keyboard is usually the last line of defense for an attack, so every computer user is responsible for cybersecurity. Simulated phishing testing and short online training offer great reminders to be careful. Also develop policies and procedures that emphasize cybersecurity.

A reliable, quickly recoverable backup is essential to help speed up and smooth the recovery process after an attack. Backup as a Service that includes both onsite and cloud replication can get you up and running faster. Remember to backup workstations as well. Even if you save all your files to the server, there’s still more on your local computer than you may realize.

Cyberliability insurance is no longer a “nice to have”. Talk with your insurance company to determine what type of policy is best for your organization. The right cyberliability insurance could be critical to your recovery.

Detect, Respond, Recover

After a compromise is detected, rely on your IT team to have the proper tools and skills in place to support you in response and recovery. As part of your planning, create action steps including how you’ll stay in touch with your staff, clients and other stakeholders while the IT team is hard at work on the technical side. You’ll likely need help from your attorneys, communications team, insurance providers, and possibly law enforcement.

Our Perspective on Ransomware Attacks

While news reports usually focus on the technology behind ransomware attacks, don’t underestimate the emotional impacts. The first hours and days will be stressful. There may be long term effects as well, which can take a toll.

Still, your preparation will put you in an excellent position to fight off the fear and return to “business as usual” as soon as possible.

Does this sound like overkill for a small business? When the attack happens, your planning will pay off. Work with an IT provider who has the experience, tools, and knowledge to benefit your business. That confidence should help you sleep better at night.

If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us.

Updated August 13, 2025
", "content_plain": "Is your business prepared for a ransomware attack? Small businesses are not immune to the risk, so it’s wise to operate with an “assume breach” mentality. That’s why knowing how to respond to an attack is equally important to helping prevent one. Preparing for a Ransomware Attack Plan It’s important to adjust your thinking from focusing only on how to prevent a ransomware attack. Give equal attention to achieving confidence in how you will respond when the attack happens. Your investment in planning for recovery could make or break the future of your organization. A good place to start is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The NIST framework is one of the most widely-accepted tools for cybersecurity planning and response. There are five key components to the framework: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover. Your IT provider should have tools and processes in place that address each of the five components. Graphic: Huntress Work with your IT provider as you develop your plan. While it requires some thought, it doesn’t have to be overly arduous. The time you spend up front will put you in a strong position to recover more quickly when an attack occurs. We’ll focus on an overview of the Identify and Protect steps in this post. Identify Here are a few questions to consider that will help you understand what you have and where there are vulnerabilities: What data do you have? Who has access to it? How does it flow? What hardware and software do you use? Who uses which machines? Are you using current software versions? Are your systems regularly patched? What are the internal and external vulnerabilities and risks to your IT assets? What does it cost for each day you can’t access your systems? How much downtime is tolerable? If you had to completely shut down the network for a week to remediate, how would you operate your business during that time? After a compromise, what critical processes need to be restored first? What services need to remain operational no matter what? If you lost sensitive customer information, what process would you follow to investigate the extent of the loss and how would you disclose this to your customers? Answers to these questions and others will help determine how you should protect your current environment and position yourself for successful recovery. Protect Protection requires a layered approach that includes tech tools and staff training. New risks appear daily, so no solution is 100% fool-proof against ransomware. Still, there are concrete steps you can and should take. Here are just a few: Use multi-factor authentication. As recently as a few years ago, using multi-factor authentication on every account was considered useful but optional. Today, it’s essential to significantly reduce risks. Use a password manager. It’s estimated that the average person has 100 passwords or more. A secure password manager keeps track of them all. You only need to remember one master password. Apply software patches to improve security, minimize downtime, and meet compliance requirements. Patches often include new software features as well. Your IT provider can provide patch management and reporting. Use encryption on machines and for sensitive email. Encryption can be a roadblock for cybercriminals by simply making your data more difficult to access. Also use encrypted email if you must transmit sensitive data. Require regular cybersecurity awareness training for all employees. The person sitting at the keyboard is usually the last line of defense for an attack, so every computer user is responsible for cybersecurity. Simulated phishing testing and short online training offer great reminders to be careful. Also develop policies and procedures that emphasize cybersecurity. A reliable, quickly recoverable backup is essential to help speed up and smooth the recovery process after an attack. Backup as a Service that includes both onsite and cloud replication can get you up and running faster. Remember to backup workstations as well. Even if you save all your files to the server, there’s still more on your local computer than you may realize. Cyberliability insurance is no longer a “nice to have”. Talk with your insurance company to determine what type of policy is best for your organization. The right cyberliability insurance could be critical to your recovery. Detect, Respond, Recover After a compromise is detected, rely on your IT team to have the proper tools and skills in place to support you in response and recovery. As part of your planning, create action steps including how you’ll stay in touch with your staff, clients and other stakeholders while the IT team is hard at work on the technical side. You’ll likely need help from your attorneys, communications team, insurance providers, and possibly law enforcement. Our Perspective on Ransomware Attacks While news reports usually focus on the technology behind ransomware attacks, don’t underestimate the emotional impacts. The first hours and days will be stressful. There may be long term effects as well, which can take a toll. Still, your preparation will put you in an excellent position to fight off the fear and return to “business as usual” as soon as possible. Does this sound like overkill for a small business? When the attack happens, your planning will pay off. Work with an IT provider who has the experience, tools, and knowledge to benefit your business. That confidence should help you sleep better at night. If you’d like to know more about how CRU Solutions can help keep your business safer, contact us. Updated August 13, 2025", "image": "https://wp-offload-media-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/crusolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/10133715/Ransomware-Prepare-1.jpg", "modified": "2025-08-19T13:31:00-05:00" }, { "id": 3, "type": "page", "url": "https://crusolutions.com/privacy-policy/", "title": "Privacy Policy", "h1": "Privacy Policy", "summary": "", "content": "

CRU Solutions Privacy Policy

Effective and Last Updated: July 30, 2024

This website is owned and operated by Computer Repair and Upgrade, Inc., DBA CRU Solutions (“CRU”). We are committed to protecting the privacy of our visitors while they interact with the content, products and services on this site (the “Site”). This Privacy Policy (the “Privacy Policy”) applies to the Site only. It does not apply to other websites to which we link. Because we gather certain types of information about our users, we want you to understand what information we collect about you, how we collect it, how that information is used, and how you can control our disclosure of it. You agree that your use of the Site signifies your assent to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Site.

1) Information Collected

We may collect two types of information from you: i) information that you voluntarily provide to us (e.g. through a voluntary registration process, sign-ups or emails); and ii) information that is derived through automated tracking mechanisms.

Voluntary Information for Services and Features

We collect personally identifiable information when you choose to use certain features of the Site, including, but not limited to: i) signing up for newsletters, ii) contacting us through the Site, signing up for webinars and others. When you choose to use these additional features, we may require you to provide your “Contact Information” in addition to other personal information that may be required to complete a transaction such as your phone number and email address.

Cookies

The Site may use “cookies” and other tracking technologies. In the event that cookies are used, they enable us to serve secure pages to our users without asking them to sign in repeatedly. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, including whether or not to accept them and how to remove them. If a user’s system is idle for a defined time, the cookie will expire, forcing the user to sign in again to continue their session. This prevents unauthorized access to the user’s information while they are away from their computer. You may set most browsers to notify you if you receive a cookie, or you may choose to block cookies with your browser, but please note that if you choose to erase or block your cookies, you will need to re-enter your original user ID and password to gain access to certain parts of the Site.

2) How We Use Your Information

CRU only uses your personal information for the original purposes it was given. Your personal information will not be sold or otherwise transferred to unaffiliated third parties without your approval at the time of collection.

CRU will not disclose, use, give or sell any personal information to third parties for any purposes other than to our suppliers and other third parties who need to know in order to deliver services on behalf of CRU unless required to do so by law, statute or other court order. Further, CRU reserves the right to contact you regarding matters relevant to the underlying service provided and/or the information collected.

Please note that personally identifiable information is used only to provide you with a more enjoyable, convenient online experience and to help us identify and/or provide information, products or services that may be of interest to you. CRU may use your personal information for targeted advertising toward you based on things such as region, interests, goals, etc.

We may permit certain trusted third parties to track usage, analyze data such as the source address that a page request is coming from, your IP address or domain name, the date and time of the page request, the referring Web site (if any) and other parameters in the URL. This is collected in order to better understand our Web site usage, and enhance the performance of services to maintain and operate the Site and certain features on the Site. We may use third parties to host the Site; operate various features available on the Site; send emails; analyze data; and provide search results and links.

We may transfer personally identifiable information as an asset in connection with a proposed or actual merger or sale (including any transfers made as part of an insolvency or bankruptcy proceeding) involving all or part of our business or as part of a corporate reorganization, stock sale or other change in control.

CRU may disclose Contact Information in special cases where we have reason to believe that disclosing this information is necessary to identify, contact or bring legal action against someone who may be causing injury or interference with our rights, property, our customers or anyone who could be harmed by such activities. You will receive notice when your personally identifiable information might be provided to any third party for any reason other than as set forth in this Privacy Policy, and you will have an opportunity to request that we not share such information. We use non-identifying and aggregate information to better design our website and for business and administrative purposes. We may also use or share with third parties for any purpose aggregated data that contains no personally identifiable information.

3) How We Protect Your Information

We are committed to protecting the information we receive from you. We take appropriate security measures to protect your information against unauthorized access to or unauthorized alteration, disclosure or destruction of data. To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we maintain appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information and data stored on our system. While no computer system is completely secure, we believe the measures we have implemented reduce the likelihood of security problems to a level appropriate to the type of data involved.

4) Accessing and Updating Your Personal Information and Preferences

We provide mechanisms for updating and correcting your personal information for many of our services. You may access and update your registration information and your preferences to receive email or other communications from us by sending an email to sales@crusolutions.com.

5) Email Choice/Opt-out

If any user who receives an email from the Site and would prefer not to receive such communications in the future, [he or she] can do so by following the instructions in the emails. In addition, you may send an email to sales@crusolutions.com. We will make commercially reasonable efforts to implement your opt-out requests promptly, but you may still receive communications from us for up to ten business days as we process your request.

6) Children’s Privacy and Parental Controls

We do not solicit any personal information from children. If you are not 18 or older, you are not authorized to use the Site. Parents should be aware that there are parental control tools available online that can be used to prevent children from submitting information online without parental permission or from accessing material that is harmful to minors.

7) Disclaimer to Security

By consenting to the Privacy Policy, you consent that no data transmission over the Internet is completely secure. We cannot guarantee or warrant the security of any information you provide to us and you transmit such information to us at your own risk.

8) Notification of Changes

CRU reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy from time to time at its sole discretion. If at some point in the future, there is a change to our Privacy Policy, unless we obtain your express consent, such change will only apply to information collected after the revised Privacy Policy took effect. Your continued use of the Site indicates your assent to the Privacy Policy as posted.

9) Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy please contact sales@crusolutions.com.

10) Governing Law

Any disagreement regarding the terms of this Privacy Policy will be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio. Any lawsuit filed pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be maintained in the state and federal courts located in Ohio. By using the Site, you hereby expressly consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Ohio for any lawsuit filed there arising from or relating to this Privacy Policy.

11) Entire Agreement

This Privacy Policy sets for the entire agreement and understanding between CRU and you relating to the subject matter herein.

12) Severability

If one or more of the provisions in this Privacy Policy are deemed void by law, then the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

13) Headings

THE HEADINGS OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY ARE FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY AND SHALL NOT BE USED TO MODIFY, LIMIT OR EXTEND ANY PROVISION OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY

", "content_plain": "CRU Solutions Privacy Policy Effective and Last Updated: July 30, 2024 This website is owned and operated by Computer Repair and Upgrade, Inc., DBA CRU Solutions (“CRU”). We are committed to protecting the privacy of our visitors while they interact with the content, products and services on this site (the “Site”). This Privacy Policy (the “Privacy Policy”) applies to the Site only. It does not apply to other websites to which we link. Because we gather certain types of information about our users, we want you to understand what information we collect about you, how we collect it, how that information is used, and how you can control our disclosure of it. You agree that your use of the Site signifies your assent to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Site. 1) Information Collected We may collect two types of information from you: i) information that you voluntarily provide to us (e.g. through a voluntary registration process, sign-ups or emails); and ii) information that is derived through automated tracking mechanisms. Voluntary Information for Services and Features We collect personally identifiable information when you choose to use certain features of the Site, including, but not limited to: i) signing up for newsletters, ii) contacting us through the Site, signing up for webinars and others. When you choose to use these additional features, we may require you to provide your “Contact Information” in addition to other personal information that may be required to complete a transaction such as your phone number and email address. Cookies The Site may use “cookies” and other tracking technologies. In the event that cookies are used, they enable us to serve secure pages to our users without asking them to sign in repeatedly. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, including whether or not to accept them and how to remove them. If a user’s system is idle for a defined time, the cookie will expire, forcing the user to sign in again to continue their session. This prevents unauthorized access to the user’s information while they are away from their computer. You may set most browsers to notify you if you receive a cookie, or you may choose to block cookies with your browser, but please note that if you choose to erase or block your cookies, you will need to re-enter your original user ID and password to gain access to certain parts of the Site. 2) How We Use Your Information CRU only uses your personal information for the original purposes it was given. Your personal information will not be sold or otherwise transferred to unaffiliated third parties without your approval at the time of collection. CRU will not disclose, use, give or sell any personal information to third parties for any purposes other than to our suppliers and other third parties who need to know in order to deliver services on behalf of CRU unless required to do so by law, statute or other court order. Further, CRU reserves the right to contact you regarding matters relevant to the underlying service provided and/or the information collected. Please note that personally identifiable information is used only to provide you with a more enjoyable, convenient online experience and to help us identify and/or provide information, products or services that may be of interest to you. CRU may use your personal information for targeted advertising toward you based on things such as region, interests, goals, etc. We may permit certain trusted third parties to track usage, analyze data such as the source address that a page request is coming from, your IP address or domain name, the date and time of the page request, the referring Web site (if any) and other parameters in the URL. This is collected in order to better understand our Web site usage, and enhance the performance of services to maintain and operate the Site and certain features on the Site. We may use third parties to host the Site; operate various features available on the Site; send emails; analyze data; and provide search results and links. We may transfer personally identifiable information as an asset in connection with a proposed or actual merger or sale (including any transfers made as part of an insolvency or bankruptcy proceeding) involving all or part of our business or as part of a corporate reorganization, stock sale or other change in control. CRU may disclose Contact Information in special cases where we have reason to believe that disclosing this information is necessary to identify, contact or bring legal action against someone who may be causing injury or interference with our rights, property, our customers or anyone who could be harmed by such activities. You will receive notice when your personally identifiable information might be provided to any third party for any reason other than as set forth in this Privacy Policy, and you will have an opportunity to request that we not share such information. We use non-identifying and aggregate information to better design our website and for business and administrative purposes. We may also use or share with third parties for any purpose aggregated data that contains no personally identifiable information. 3) How We Protect Your Information We are committed to protecting the information we receive from you. We take appropriate security measures to protect your information against unauthorized access to or unauthorized alteration, disclosure or destruction of data. To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we maintain appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information and data stored on our system. While no computer system is completely secure, we believe the measures we have implemented reduce the likelihood of security problems to a level appropriate to the type of data involved. 4) Accessing and Updating Your Personal Information and Preferences We provide mechanisms for updating and correcting your personal information for many of our services. You may access and update your registration information and your preferences to receive email or other communications from us by sending an email to sales@crusolutions.com. 5) Email Choice/Opt-out If any user who receives an email from the Site and would prefer not to receive such communications in the future, [he or she] can do so by following the instructions in the emails. In addition, you may send an email to sales@crusolutions.com. We will make commercially reasonable efforts to implement your opt-out requests promptly, but you may still receive communications from us for up to ten business days as we process your request. 6) Children’s Privacy and Parental Controls We do not solicit any personal information from children. If you are not 18 or older, you are not authorized to use the Site. Parents should be aware that there are parental control tools available online that can be used to prevent children from submitting information online without parental permission or from accessing material that is harmful to minors. 7) Disclaimer to Security By consenting to the Privacy Policy, you consent that no data transmission over the Internet is completely secure. We cannot guarantee or warrant the security of any information you provide to us and you transmit such information to us at your own risk. 8) Notification of Changes CRU reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy from time to time at its sole discretion. If at some point in the future, there is a change to our Privacy Policy, unless we obtain your express consent, such change will only apply to information collected after the revised Privacy Policy took effect. Your continued use of the Site indicates your assent to the Privacy Policy as posted. 9) Contact Information If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy please contact sales@crusolutions.com. 10) Governing Law Any disagreement regarding the terms of this Privacy Policy will be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio. Any lawsuit filed pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be maintained in the state and federal courts located in Ohio. By using the Site, you hereby expressly consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Ohio for any lawsuit filed there arising from or relating to this Privacy Policy. 11) Entire Agreement This Privacy Policy sets for the entire agreement and understanding between CRU and you relating to the subject matter herein. 12) Severability If one or more of the provisions in this Privacy Policy are deemed void by law, then the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. 13) Headings THE HEADINGS OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY ARE FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY AND SHALL NOT BE USED TO MODIFY, LIMIT OR EXTEND ANY PROVISION OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY", "image": false, "modified": "2026-03-10T14:12:19-05:00" } ] }