In the last two years the workforce has transformed. The need for remote access for a multitude of workers is here to stay. This need has changed the way we operate, especially how we rely on network security services. At Advanced Business Solutions it is one of our primary goals to provide comprehensive security solutions…
Details on the 2023 MFA Change Microsoft is constantly striving to improve security and user experience for its Microsoft 365 users. Above all, cybersecurity, data security, and user privacy have been priorities of theirs in recent years. On February 27, 2023, as part of these efforts, Microsoft will be making a change to the way…
Living in a now post-pandemic world has brought about many changes to the way the workplace can function successfully. One of the most prominent changes in this new world is the fact that remote and hybrid work have become increasingly more common. Not only that, but the ability to offer jobs to remote workers has…
When we think about IT, our team’s workstations are not usually the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, they may be one of the most essential components in your IT arsenal. If your team’s workstations are outdated and unhealthy, your business will undoubtedly suffer. It’s essential to maintain a cycle of preventive maintenance…
The world runs on data. It’s what allows your business to continue to grow and deepen its roots in your industry. Without data, consistent growth is impossible. Data can be incredibly powerful for growth, but if not used properly it can also be a hindrance to your business. Understanding your data and asking it…
In the last two years the workforce has transformed. The need for remote access for a multitude of workers is here to stay. This need has changed the way we operate, especially how we rely on network security services. At Advanced Business Solutions it is one of our primary goals to provide comprehensive security solutions…
Ten years ago whenever the topic of cybersecurity was addressed, an image of the hacker in their mom’s basement causing chaos for your data came into view. However, gone are the days where the threats to your security are so simple.
When the topic of Cybersecurity comes up, oftentimes one thinks about the “bigger picture” of what needs to be done to protect your digital assets and those of your clients. When one is working to secure a home, adding in a security camera and an alarm system seem the obvious go-tos. But most often the…
Ever since Microsoft brought us O365 over a decade ago, they have continuously added value to their products through new applications and security features. As a result, last year Microsoft announced their first “substantive price update” since its first release. The price increase applies to these specific commercial products: Microsoft 365 Business Basic Microsoft 365…
Cloud computing, in essence, encompasses every service that can be accessed online anywhere and at any time. Storage platforms like Azure Cloud Storage and customer relationship management apps like Microsoft Dynamics CRM are good examples of the cloud at work. And while businesses have been slowly adopting this service for years, the increasing need to…
Cloud computing, in essence, encompasses every service that can be accessed online anywhere and at any time. Storage platforms like Azure Cloud Storage and customer relationship management apps like Microsoft Dynamics CRM are good examples of the cloud at work. And while businesses have been slowly adopting this service for years, the increasing need to…
This year marks 25 years here at Advanced Business Solutions. From our beginning as the brainchild of CEO Mark Lewis, to establishing the ABS Way, to now serving the throughout the Kentuckiana region, we are thankful for each step and opportunity along the way – it’s been an awesome journey so far. Join us as…
Business and computers go hand-in-hand today. Technology empowers enterprises but that doesn’t mean it’s not complicated. That’s coming from IT professionals! It’s important to have a baseline understanding of the cybersecurity threats facing businesses. However, we want to emphasize that the best way to face a cybersecurity challenge is to have a proactive and comprehensive…
Microsoft announced a new pricing schedule for both Office 365 and Microsoft 365 that is scheduled to go into effect in March 2022. So, if you’re getting started on your 2022 budgeting for IT services in your organization, here’s what you need to know!
Technology changes constantly to keep up with trends and innovations. Thus, IT professionals need to do the same. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer and IT field is experiencing steady growth. Jobs are projected to grow by 11% up to 2029, amounting to around 531,200 new jobs. The growing demand for IT…
Five to ten years ago, businesses used cybersecurity insurance more as a precaution than a necessity. Large payouts for cybersecurity breaches were rare and not significant enough to break the bank, which meant those kinds of insurance agencies were making money and keeping it. In contrast, insurance agencies today are facing financial payout after financial payout because…
Using data to make more informed business decisions is a no-brainer – especially for businesses that already have this data at their disposal. The challenge is that many businesses have this data, they just don’t have a simple way to collect and interpret it. And, without this, they face a major roadblock on their path…
As the VP of Business Development, I have the best seat in the house – I see the beginning of our relationships with clients and how they develop over time. I also have the fortunate opportunity to introduce each of our customers to ABS and hand them off to the Technical Account Managers. I get…
Technology advances everyday, and as it does so do hackers taking advantage of it. Businesses cannot afford to have subpar cybersecurity measures in place. In order to protect your information and save yourself the time, money, and stress that comes with a data breach or other hacking event, you need to have the best plans…
As the former Director for our Technical Account Managers (TAMs), I’ve seen the work they do for our customers every day. I think of our TAMs as the “lighthouses” for our customers. They alert the ABS team when something hits their radar. They light the way proactively about future issues and creative strategies.
The challenges faced by businesses are constantly changing year to year. Cybersecurity has become a major priority and challenge for many businesses as remote work has become more normative due to the pandemic. One of the biggest issues with cybersecurity is protecting against all forms of attack. There are many ways a business could be…
As the Director for our Technical Account Managers (TAMs), I see the work they do for our customers every day. I think of our TAMs as the “lighthouses” for our customers. They alert the ABS team when something hits their radar. They light the way proactively about future issues and creative strategies.
Much of our day-to-day business relies on computers. We use devices and networks to communicate, work, and store data. With the amount of crucial information stored on our servers, it is no wonder that there are criminals out there who look for ways to access it. Your vulnerabilities can end up costing your business more…
Managed IT Services or Managed Service Provider (MSP) are terms you’ve probably heard thrown out from time to time. Unfortunately, it’s not always clear exactly what “managed” means and how it can benefit your business. If you’re curious about managed IT, what it means, how it works, and why so many businesses are choosing this…
We hear so many terms and services (like remote monitoring) thrown out and, oftentimes, it’s unclear exactly what these terms and services actually mean. As you seek to understand your IT needs and the many ways you can choose to meet those needs, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option and…
As the Director for our Technical Account Managers (TAMs), I see the work they do for our customers every day. I think of our TAMs as the “lighthouses” for our customers. They alert the ABS team when something hits their radar. They light the way proactively about future issues and creative strategies.
We’ve been talking a lot about security lately, but there’s a reason for this. We’re not exaggerating when we say you need to prioritize protecting your business. Whether you’re aware of it or not, your business is under constant attack. Many people fall into the trap of assuming their business isn’t worth the time or…
Technology has come alongside businesses and helped some of our most challenging issues – from providing multiple means of communication to helping us create elaborate solutions and intricate designs, technology makes it possible for us to live and thrive in this modern world. On the flip side, technology can cause new issues and create new…
Servers are the lifeblood of any business. This is where your critical information is stored and accessed. As a result, your entire business is affected when you experience an issue with your server. Data loss and downtime are common results of server issues. In fact, an unprotected and unsupported server should be a business owner’s…
The ABS team recently had a chance to take a look back on 2019 and an incredibly special time in our company’s history. This was thanks to DCD Magazine who featured ABS and our new building in their January issue and to Potter & Associates for everything they did to make this new building meet…
The world of technology has grown exponentially over the last decade and, as we head into a new year and new decade, we don’t see this trend changing anytime soon. As a result you and your employees are likely having to adapt and adapt quickly to the ever-changing technological landscape of your business and the…
If you’re a business owner and you’re constantly struggling with the increasing need for and use of technology and the frustrations that can come with it, then you’re not alone. Technology is a blessing and a curse. It can be the best thing that has ever happened for your business and simultaneously cause catastrophic and…
At ABS, we help businesses with day-to-day and long-term technological solutions. This means we help people with the technological constraints that they face daily and seek to proactively develop future technical strategies that will serve them in the future. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years. What we’ve discovered over time is that few businesses are…
Every business is at risk of a cyber-attack – including yours. While some industries are more at risk than others, no industry or business is safe. In fact, one study proved that hackers attack every 39 seconds. If you, your business, and your employees don’t perfectly follow proper cybersecurity measures, then you have a problem. A…
The IT support industry is filled with companies touting the technical certifications and overall “geek”ery of their staffs. But highly technical employees have led, rightly in some cases, to the comical stereotypes of tech support that you see in this short clip!
As the Director for our Technical Account Managers (TAMs), I see the work they do for our customers every day. I think of our TAMs as the “lighthouses” for our customers. They alert the ABS team when something hits their radar. They light the way proactively about future issues and creative strategies.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a method of authentication that requires the use of an additional verification method and adds a second form of security to user sign-ins, transactions, and activity. Office 365 offers MFA for all of their programs and we recommend you implement this feature. Not only does this extra method of verification provide…
Microsoft will be ending support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. The move to Windows 10 requires change and we understand the challenge it will be for those who have been using the older operating system for the past decade. This is why we are here to help you with a few tips and…
ABS was founded nearly 25 years ago in founder Mark Lewis’ basement. Over the years, ABS grew from a team of one to now a team of over 100 technology experts. After outgrowing Mark’s home, the ABS team spent 18 challenging yet formative and memorable years at our previous office on Brownsboro Road. It was…
Too many businesses are making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Data breaches are on the rise. Every week it seems as though another organization is announcing that its systems have been compromised and its customers’ sensitive information is at risk. All too often, these data breaches are caused by an employee falling prey to…
As one of the fastest growing IT companies in the region, we are dedicated not only to exceptional customer service but also to the advancement of the community in Louisville and Lexington through technology. On May 23, we unveiled our new 30,000-square-foot office in the Clifton neighborhood, which enables us to continue this mission.
When you think about IT, a stale office environment might come to mind first. While Business IT management is our bread and butter, we’ve also partnered with the community on some unconventional and exciting IT projects. Most recently, we teamed up with some of the staff from the University of Louisville Hospital to support the virtual…
Over the past few years, we’ve seen more government organizations adopt new and advanced technology in some big ways. Ohio, for example, was the first state to start accepting Bitcoin tax payments, and in the 2018 midterms, West Virginia tested out a mobile app for residents serving abroad to remotely cast their federal election vote.
There are many ways you can manage your company’s IT. An internal IT department is great for those who can afford to staff one, but many companies don’t have the resources to do so. In fact, 64% of U.S. businesses work with an IT service provider for some or all of their IT needs. Outsourcing…
At ABS we believe that strategic IT management begins with a proactive mindset and a people-first approach. Our Technical Account Managers (TAMs) are on the frontlines of leading our customers and our team in strategic, proactively managed IT. Our TAM department is made up of individuals who each have a unique skill set. They have…
Digitalization in the workplace has the power to increase operational efficiencies and reduce costs. The shifts around AI, Cloud, Mobility, IoT, 5G, Big Data, and Analytics promise a transformation in the way we all do business — they also require a business’ technology infrastructure to be constantly evolving. How do you keep up? Staffing an…
Technology budgets are expected to grow this year across industries and business sizes. We wrote more about that in a previous blog. In this post, we look at what business tech trends are expected to emerge, which stems, at least in part, from how companies are planning to spend their reported budgets. Businesses of all…
We may not be finance experts, but we do know that IT expenses should be worked into your annual budget. A recent survey, The 2019 State of IT report, was conducted in July 2018 and consists of data collected from 780 business technology buyers from organizations across North America and Europe. The survey details how different sized…
Trust is integral to any business partnership, and when you are outsourcing your IT services it is even more crucial that you have confidence in your service provider’s security and reliability. Empathy is engrained in our company through the ABS Way, and we understand that your data is one of your most important and sensitive assets. That…
At ABS, network and security services are just one way we help businesses avoid technology interfering with their work. Recently we have become aware of a new email phishing scam that appears to come from a financial institution and threatens businesses’ sensitive financial data.
Are you looking for an IT partner? Are you a healthcare institution that needs partnering and assistance with medical records? The Eye Care Institute explored an IT partnership for medical records, and ABS delivered!
It is projected that global IT spending will reach $3.7 trillion with Enterprise software and IT services as the main leader in the growth for 2018. This is the largest predicted amount since 2007. To give you a better understanding of how organizations around the world are viewing their IT budgets, a recent survey was taken amongst technology professional organizations in an attempt to determine the funding and spending priorities of all departments within the organization.
SIRIS 3 is the newest data protection platform DATTO has to offer and it is also the data protection ABS chooses to use for our clients.With this newly structured version DATTO has created, we are able to offer protection to any physical, virtual, and cloud infrastructure on Windows, Mac or Linux. Clients and users not…
Email spamming has become increasingly relevant as well as extremely convincing. Before opening those emails that flood your email inbox, consider the source and take an extra minute or two to examine the email closely.
At Advanced Business Solutions we offer many services in which bring years of experience, excellence and comfort to many clients ranging from Project Management to Strategic Planning Services. Below you will see an outline and summary of each item we offer and why we are the best at what we do. If there are any questions regarding any one of these items or if more information is desired, please reach out to us today!
Have you ever wondered who your IT company actually is? There are many organizations that have wondered the same. Here are several relevant questions to ask your company’s decision makers about the company you are trusting with important and sensitive information.
February 7, 2018, Apple fought hard to remove a portion of iOS source code that was released and then posted on GitHub. The iOS source code was for a process called “iBoot,” originally reported by Motherboard.
As technology continues to accelerate, it is easy to get lost and overwhelmed with intimidating information. ABS is making an effort to provide you with the latest IT news that could affect you and your organization. As changes are underway to the Microsoft Software Donation Program, many nonprofits will see the difference in the coming…
Do you remember Meltdown and Spectre, the Intel processor vulnerabilities we mentioned a few weeks ago? Well, Intel has recently rolled out a patch for the bugs – but be careful, it doesn’t come without issues. To recap, the Meltdown and Spectre bugs are design flaws that result in a weakened separation in the secure…
In a stunning turn of events, researchers discovered a significant vulnerability in virtually ALL Intel processors. The vulnerability is similar to the Heartbleed bug of 2012. The bug allows normal programs to access the secured memory in the system’s kernel. A kernel is the core of an operating system—and just so happens to be responsible for handling the MOST sensitive tasks carried out by your operating system. Needless to say, this is bad.
While it’s months since the Netflix phishing scam was first reported, unfortunately, it’s showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. For those unaware, a popular phishing scam targets Netflix users with an urgent email notifying the user that their account has been suspended and requires immediate action.
In what seems to be a never ending cycle of news headlines surrounding data breaches, Accenture, a giant in the tech and cloud industries, appears to be the latest major company to breach client data. Reported as an accident, the company left four of its AWS S3 buckets open to the public, and ultimately, exposed hundreds of gigabytes of sensitive data.
Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) today announced a cybersecurity incident potentially impacting approximately 143 million U.S. consumers. Criminals exploited a U.S. website application vulnerability to gain access to certain files. Based on the company’s investigation, the unauthorized access occurred from mid-May through July 2017. The company has found no evidence of unauthorized activity on Equifax’s core consumer or commercial credit reporting databases.
As covered recently in Louisville Business First, ABS has its eyes set on a new and exciting development in the Clifton neighborhood. The plans for the estimated $3M project would be a huge step forward in terms of growing the ABS team, and continuing a mission of proving top-notch quality service for customers…
The Petya Virus is the newest cyber attack circling the globe and experts believe it to be even more dangerous than other recent threats. The Petya Virus first originated in Ukraine and was thought to be ransomware, but has been discovered to be something much worse. When the attack hits, a message appears on a user’s computer monitor stating that their data is being held until they pay a fee of about $300. In return the user receives a digital key that they are assured will unlock their data. However, unless the user has a recent backup of their data they are often forced to pay the price or lose their files.
Could last month’s WannaCry Ransomware attacks be considered a “warning shot” in the war of cybersecurity? Microsoft seems to think so. On June 13, 2017 Microsoft released new security patches with the purpose of protecting computers from the “elevated risk for destructive cyberattacks.”
If you have a smartphone, computer, or just about any other tech device, you’re all too familiar with push notifications or messages prompting you to update. And whether the update is needed for adding features, fixing bugs, or larger scale program and security improvements, studies from Pew Resarch Center among others show that nearly 50% of people choose to delay updates simply because it’s not “convenient” in that moment. We get it…
When NetShape Technologies (https://www.netshapetech.com/), a global manufacturer and metal components supplier with sites located in North America, Asia and Europe, needed to move their data center, they came to ABS for help. The complex project involved relocating their hardware from Louisville to Chicago as well as implementing and configuring a new Storage Area Network (SAN)—and a smooth transition was crucial to NetShape’s operations.
There has been a recent discovery of a security problem with a portion of Intel’s firmware. The
issue allows hackers to forgo authentication to receive access to the management side of the PC.
This is a real threat because the bug allows attackers to gain full administrative access and view
private data, which can then be exposed to the public.
The Maryhurst Journey of Hope Luncheon held at The Louisville Marriott Downtown on Friday, May 12, was a great opportunity for guests to become, “the hope our children need.” This annual fundraiser has shaped into a tremendous opportunity for Maryhurst to honor their outstanding alumni and benevolent supporters. At the 2017 luncheon, Maryhurst presented numerous scholarships and honored their Alumna of the Year, Tammy Smith. But, most importantly, the Journey of Hope Luncheon focused on Maryhurst’s vision to imagine communities free of abuse and filled with hope for every child and family.
You may have heard the recent news that Louisville, KY has been selected as the latest market for the rollout of Google Fiber, a high-speed internet provider to rival Spectrum/Time Warner Cable and AT&T as the big players in the local area. But, what does Google Fiber mean for Louisville? A few things…
As technology constantly builds and improves over the years, businesses and people alike are having to adapt and grow along with it. In order to keep up with the fast-pace changes, ABS is constantly upgrading its systems and processes in order to provide top notch tools and solutions for its customers. That’s simply the ABS Way.
If you’re like us, you use email on a daily basis to communicate information to clients, colleagues, and friends. But, with any routine, we tend to become a bit too comfortable with it, move faster than we should, and ultimately make some mistakes that may have been prevented just by slowing down and assessing the situation at hand with a clear head.
In order for any business to be successful, making sure the right plans are made and in place are crucial so businesses are able to move forward from any mishaps that could occur. The same can be said in the world of IT as well because as the business grows, their IT infrastructure will need…
ABS Start Date: 2008
Other Experience, Expertise & Interests:
In the time that I’ve been at ABS, I’ve done pretty much everything and that experience has created a great perspective for me to operate with today. I enjoy learning new things and I’m always up for a challenge. In my spare time, I love doing anything outside – hiking, biking, kayaking, backpacking, etc… Anything that involves putting my cell phone away for extended periods of time!
ABS Start Date: 2010
Other Experience, Expertise & Interests:
Enjoys helping our team be more effective and providing an environment that challenges employees to develop. Chili cook-off champion (2018) and father of three. Hobbies include flag football, volleyball, camping, and wrestling with my kids.
ABS Start Date: 2017
Special Certifications
CompTIA A+, CCENT
Other Experience, Expertise & Interests:
I have a Masters in Theatrical Design, and spent 10 years as a theatrical lighting designer and technician in and around Louisville. I’m still active in the local theater community, and I also enjoy playing guitar and tinkering with electronics and programming. Outside of work, I’m usually spending time with an awesome baby or an adorably terrible dog.
ABS Start Date: 2003
Special Certifications
Working on PMP certification
Other Experience, Expertise & Interests:
I’ve been with ABS for many years — I started out as a field tech (way back when ABS was just starting and located in Mark’s garage!) and have worked my way up. The thing I most enjoy about my job is helping our clients and mentoring the younger techs. My biggest strength is my experience. I will say that I love my job and I can’t see myself working anywhere else.
ABS Start Date: 2018
Other Experience, Expertise & Interests:
– Cisco Sales Expert
– VM Ware Sales Professional
– Microsoft Sales Professional- Licensing
– 20 years of industry expertise
Compare me to a sea captain.
As captain of the ship, I am fully confident in my crew’s ability to navigate even the diciest waters.
I feel so fortunate to have the life that I do. I love my job on many levels: it gives me a challenging daily focus, provides me with social interaction, and feeds my family. I was raised in California and graduated from UCLA.
When I am not working, I like to exercise and have run over 35,000 miles in my lifetime. I also enjoy traveling. My favorite destination is anything with a sandy beach or Las Vegas during the first weekend of the basketball tournament. I am an avid college basketball fan. Since I wasn’t raised here in Louisville, I can root for Louisville, Kentucky, or Indiana – but my favorite is the Cardinals.
ABS Start Date: 2006
Other Experience, Expertise & Interests:
Customer service background in various industries. Tech experience built by climbing the ranks of ABS. Loves to play golf and enjoys cooking.
