The Many Benefits of Using Managed IT Services

Derek Veillon • March 23, 2015

Technology has made life easy for businesses. Information and computer technology have improved efficiency, productivity and profitability while reducing the demand on human resources. In the long run, it definitely saves your business a good amount of money. When you want to keep up with the changing times and make the best use of the latest developments, you cannot do without upgrading the IT infrastructure of your business.

However, like they say, every rose has a few thorns. The thorns in IT are the demand for perfect operations, monitoring, maintenance and support. Unfortunately, as a business becomes increasingly reliant on IT, the demand for resources required to manage your IT infrastructure also increases.

For small businesses that face a resource crunch, it becomes difficult to support a complex system. Any slack in operating, monitoring, maintaining and supporting the IT infrastructure perfectly can pose security threats. You need backups, regular software and security updates and patches to ensure that your business does not suffer from IT outages or other major problems. Even in cases of a problem, you need an expert team that can quickly troubleshoot the issue before it becomes uncontrollable.

A great way to avoid all these technical hassles and challenges is to outsource. With efficient  managed IT service providers  around, you reap the benefits of IT while still being in control of your IT assets. Managed services offer a wide range of services that keep your IT related expenses under control while ensuring that you enjoy the benefits.

What exactly is managed IT?

Opting for  managed IT services  is like having the cake and eating it too. Yes, you have to pay for the cake, but it is definitely worth it since the benefits clearly outweigh the expenses. You get the best of both the worlds – a responsible provider to take care of your IT needs and complete control over your IT operations.

However, a lot of business owners confuse managed  IT services  with  outsourced IT services. In traditional outsourcing, you usually do not have control over the functioning of your IT assets. In other words, the service provider takes control of the services provided.

With managed IT, you retain complete control. You can decide what services you want the provider to take care of. You can choose the aspects you want the provider to manage. Despite hiring a company to handle your IT function, you can retain full control over the management of your systems.

Should you opt for managed IT service?

Well, the choice ultimately depends on the requirements of your business. Nevertheless, in the present day context where IT demands are changing and evolving continuously, partnering with an expert who knows the tricks of the trade is going to be very beneficial. An entire team of skilled technicians is at work monitoring, maintaining and overseeing your IT infrastructure.

Besides, the IT needs today have become uncertain. With new software and packages being released every few months, you might be confused about making the right kind of upgrades to your existing infrastructure. Managed IT service providers can analyze your requirements, compare them with the features of new products and suggest the best solution for you. So, hiring a managed service provider is worth it, for more than one reason.

What is the scope of  managed IT services ? 

Managed IT services offer end to end monitoring, maintenance and support services. The managed IT service provider works like an extension of your company. In fact, you can hand over the entire responsibility of running your IT infrastructure to the provider and focus on the core aspects of your business.

You can summarize the function of managed IT services into three main aspects:

  • Receiving alerts about anything and everything that poses a risk to your IT infrastructure and network
  • Addressing the alert and taking damage control measures to tackle the risk
  • Providing round-the-clock support for your operations

Additionally, managed IT service providers offer backup and  data recovery. The main objective of managed IT is to ensure that the computers and networks in your business work seamlessly and smoothly. Managed IT service providers also offer SaaS based services that give you complete control over the operations.

Disaster recovery 

In today’s volatile business environment, you never know when disaster can strike. What’s more, you do not know the form in which the disaster will strike. It could be a virus attack, a hacking attempt or  data loss  due to hardware crash. Irrespective of the cause of disaster, it is important to recover data on time and prevent massive damages.

There are two things involved here – first, you need to have backup and second, you need to have a plan for recovery when disaster strikes. With managed services, you get both data backup and data recovery services.

File sharing management 

File sharing is the practice of providing access to your data and digital media such that multiple users can access and work on them simultaneously. One simple example of file sharing is  Google Drive. Another use of file sharing is to allocate space for personal file storage to different users in a common file system. You can have control over the level of access that you provide to each user.

Your business stands to gain by using the file sharing system. What kind of benefits can you expect? For one, you can encourage effortless collaborative work between your employees and between your employees and clients. There are file syncing and sharing systems that specifically address the needs of small and medium businesses.

Your managed IT service provider can offer high quality  secure file sharing platform. It is very important to ensure business grade security since sharing takes place on the network. Reliable file sharing systems also ensure end user simplicity. Moreover, you pay as you go. So, it is easy on your pocket as well.

Patch management and software updates 

Software needs to be updated for two purposes. Firstly, newer versions usually have better features. Also, they are designed to cover up the loopholes or vulnerabilities of the older versions. Secondly, newer versions are more secure since they are resistant to many existing viruses and other malware.

Managed IT services  include patch management and software update service. A patch, as the name indicates, is not the whole software but a piece of it meant to fix a specific issue and improve the software’s performance. Although patches are meant to improve the usability of the software, inefficiently designed and installed patches can give rise to new problems called software regressions.

In order to avoid such issues you can choose patch management services offered by  managed IT services.  Patch management  includes creating a strategy about what patches need to be used on which system in order to enhance its performance. It also includes removing patches or components that you are no longer licensed to use and replacing it with a new one. A lot of expertise goes into handling the different aspects associated with patch management.

Software updates refer to installing the latest versions of software released periodically by developers. These are not just pieces but the entire package. Managed IT services take up the responsibility of updating the software installed in your IT infrastructure as well.

Management of online assets 

These days, digital assets are as important and crucial for business success as physical assets. In fact, if you run an online business, most of your assets are likely to be digital. In such a situation, you need an expert to manage your assets, monitor their performance and ensure that they deliver the best ROI.

But what exactly are digital assets? Digital assets can be websites, blogs, online stores, social networks, mobile platforms and digital media such as photos, software and content. Each one of these assets requires special attention. For instance, websites and blogs need to be updated regularly. You also need to renew your  domain names , ensure website security and troubleshoot any issues. Furthermore, it is important to  copyright your content, including text, videos and pictures, to protect from copyright infringement. These are your essential investments and need to be safeguarded efficiently.

Just like you might want to appoint an estate manager to oversee your physical assets, a manager for your online assets is also important.  Managed IT services  can be your best solution. The efficient team of experts available with managed IT services will expertly manage your digital assets.

Security management 

Online security threats are becoming more and more serious in the present day. New viruses and malware are being released into the virtual world everyday in different forms. You need a constant tracker to keep an eye on these malware and protect your systems against them.

In addition to installing robust security systems, managed services also update your systems regularly for complete protection. Most of these security software programs are provided as a service, which saves you money as well.

Benefits of managed IT services

For startups, managed IT services are one of the best ways to cut costs without compromising on the functionality. Since the services are handled by a group of experts who are dedicated to managing your IT requirements, you can expect increased operational efficiency. Downtimes can also be minimized.

Furthermore, since you pay as you go, the operating costs are also low. With a managed service taking care of your needs, you don’t need an in-house team to handle these crucial operations. You also save upfront money required for set up, hiring and training resources. You can reap the benefits of enterprise level support without incurring high costs.

Consider the intangible benefits that you will receive from  managed IT services. Peace of mind is perhaps the best offshoot of handing over the responsibility to an expert. You are free to focus on doing what you do best – your core business operations. IT operation is a full time job and unless you have a reliable expert handling it, you cannot take your attention off it. Managed services offer  24x7x365 IT monitoring and support. So, you can even take off on vacations knowing that the IT of your business is in good hands.

Help desk and support 

If you or one of your employees requires technical support, all you need to do is call your managed service provider. These services specialize in remote handling and  remote troubleshooting. You get reliable support 24x7x365.

In addition to these services, managed IT providers also offer  virtual desktop managemen t, network operations and remote IT project management among others.  Remote IT project management  is much sought after service by small and medium businesses. Under this service, the managed IT providers make it easy for you to handle individual projects by sharing some of the crucial tasks such as status updates, software installation, antivirus scans, migrations, network operations and others.

How do you choose?

The requirements of every business are different. As a business owner, you are the best judge about the kind of services you require. So, begin by analyzing the requirements of your business.

Managed IT services  have made life easy for small and medium businesses. By leveraging the benefits of these business, you can make the most of technology, enhance the quality of customer support and watch your business grow.

Contact IT Architeks  today for professional, reliable and affordable  managed IT solutions. Call 972-521-9928 to book a free consultation and network audit.

Download our free whitepaper on the value of managed services!

A pdf file icon with a green arrow pointing down.

The post The Many Benefits of Using Managed IT Services appeared first on IT ArchiTeks.

They're Not Just Stealing Your Trucks Anymore: How Criminals Are Hijacking Your Business From the Inside

June 28, 2025
Remember when cargo theft meant someone physically stealing your truck from a parking lot? Those were simpler times. Today's freight fraudsters have evolved way beyond breaking into your equipment. They're breaking into your business systems, your employee emails, and here's the kicker – they're even hijacking your government registrations to steal your identity. The sophistication should make every trucking leader’s blood run cold.
An IT support technician fixing a network server at an office.

IT Managed Service Provider and Data Privacy in Frisco, TX

May 23, 2025
Learn how an IT managed service provider in Frisco, TX, can help businesses stay compliant with data privacy regulations. Call IT ArchiTeks at (972) 521-1940.
A software developer is thinking on improving the efficiency of the AI system

Trusted Cybersecurity Solutions in Frisco, TX

May 16, 2025
Protect your data with cybersecurity solutions from IT ArchiTeks in Frisco, TX. Start securing your business today with protection.
The Critical Difference Between IT and Cybersecurity – Frisco, TX – IT ArchiTeks

Why Your IT Person May Not Be Enough: The Critical Difference Between IT and Cybersecurity

April 24, 2025
In the final installment of our April series on dangerous cybersecurity myths, we explain why having an IT department doesn't automatically mean you're secure. "Hello! Your files have been stolen and encrypted. All you need to do is pay." This was the chilling message that greeted a local business owner as they walked into their office one morning. Despite having an in-house IT person who they assumed was handling security, their entire system had been compromised. The forensics investigation revealed a troubling timeline: Initial breach occurred nearly a year earlier Security alerts had been going to a folder that no one monitored Weak passwords were being used across critical systems Backups existed but were unusable because no one had the encryption key This cautionary tale illustrates one of the most dangerous myths in business cybersecurity: "I have an IT person/department that handles my cybersecurity." IT and Cybersecurity: Related But Fundamentally Different Think of the relationship between IT and cybersecurity like general medicine and cardiology. While both disciplines involve healthcare, you wouldn't want your family doctor performing open-heart surgery. IT professionals excel at: Keeping systems operational Installing and configuring software Troubleshooting technical issues Managing network infrastructure Cybersecurity professionals focus on: Identifying and mitigating security threats Implementing defensive controls Monitoring for suspicious activity Responding to security incidents Staying current on evolving attack methods The Anatomy of a Breach: When IT Expertise Isn't Enough Let's revisit our earlier example. The forensic investigation revealed that security alerts had been going to multiple people for months, but no one was checking them because they went to a "security folder" that no one monitored. When the company discovered the breach, their internal IT team started restoring systems, unaware that attackers still had complete access. This actually overwrote critical evidence and allowed the criminals to maintain their foothold. The timeline was devastating: Initial breach occurred 11 months before detection For nearly a year, attackers quietly extracted confidential company and customer data This data was sold on the dark web to a second criminal gang The second criminal group executed the actual ransomware attack Inadequate backup procedures left critical systems unrecoverable Five Warning Signs Your IT Coverage Leaves You Vulnerable No dedicated security monitoring : Security tools generate alerts, but someone must actively monitor and respond to them Outdated systems remain in use : Legacy software and older operating systems create security gaps No formal security policies : Without documented procedures, security becomes inconsistent and reactive Lack of regular security testing : Without penetration testing and security assessments, vulnerabilities remain undiscovered No incident response plan : When (not if) a breach occurs, every minute without a plan increases the damage The Military Approach to Cybersecurity At IT Architeks, a leading Managed IT Service Provider in Frisco Tx, our veteran-owned team approaches cybersecurity with the same disciplined, multi-layered defense strategy we applied in military operations when we served our country in uniform. Our comprehensive small business cybersecurity solution includes eight core protections working together as a unified defense system: SaaS Backups for Email : Ensuring critical communications remain recoverable EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) : Providing real-time threat monitoring and response Email Security with Spam Filtering : Blocking the most common attack vector Remote Monitoring and Patch Management : Ensuring systems remain current and protected Security Password Management : Eliminating the risk of weak credentials Multi-Factor Authentication : Adding an essential second verification layer Employee Training with Phishing Simulation : Transforming your team into a human firewall Help Desk Support : Providing expert assistance when you need it The Cost of Waiting The average small business breach now costs $108,000—but the true cost often extends far beyond financial impact: Lost customer trust Damaged reputation Business interruption Regulatory penalties Legal liability When you compare this to the cost of proper cybersecurity protection, the investment becomes obvious. Making the Transition to True Security If you rely solely on IT support for security, you're not alone—it's one of the most common gaps we find. But recognizing this vulnerability is the first step toward addressing it. As we conclude our series on dangerous security myths, remember: You're not too small to be targeted Your cloud data isn't automatically protected IT support isn't the same as cybersecurity expertise Ready to see exactly where your security stands? Contact IT Architeks, top Cybersecurity Provider in Frisco Tx, today for a complimentary cyber strategy session—our veteran-led team will help you identify vulnerabilities before criminals do.
A woman is standing at a counter in a dental office talking to a nurse.

The Cloud Security Myth: Why “It's in the Cloud” Doesn't Mean It's Protected

April 16, 2025
In February of last year the Change Healthcare breach sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry. The company, a cloud-based software provider, suffered a devastating ransomware attack that: Exposed personal and health information of an estimated 190 million individuals Disrupted claims processing nationwide Threatened the very survival of countless small practices and healthcare providers due to delayed reimbursements Resulted in a reported $22 million ransom payment This wasn't just a big company problem - small businesses across the country, especially in healthcare, felt the devastating ripple effects. The cyberattack significantly impacted smaller practices, leading to financial strain, difficulties in submitting insurance claims, and most sadly practice closures. Beyond the Cloud Security Illusion As a small business, think about all the cloud-based vendors you use and how you would operate your business, or if you could operate your business, if one of them were attacked. The lesson here is that the cloud isn't a magical force field protecting your data. It's simply someone else's computer, located elsewhere. While reputable cloud providers implement robust security measures, remember this uncomfortable truth: The fine print in most vendor contracts holds them harmless for damages if they are hacked.
A man and a woman are standing in front of a store.

Too Small to Be Hacked? Think Again: Why Small Businesses Are Prime Cyber Targets

April 9, 2025
It was just another Friday for Sarah, owner of a small local medical office. After attending yesterday's chamber of commerce meeting, she opened what appeared to be a routine email from a trusted colleague containing a DocuSign contract needing her signature. Something felt off—they had just spoken in person without mentioning any paperwork—so Sarah thought she was being cyber-savvy by emailing back to confirm. When her “colleague” confirmed it was legitimate, she proceeded to open and sign the document. What Sarah didn't know: she wasn't communicating with her colleague at all, but with a criminal who had infiltrated his email account and set up auto-reply rules. By opening that document, Sarah unknowingly released malware that began spamming every contact in her address book, damaging professional relationships and tarnishing the reputation she had spent years building. We're Too Small to Be on a Criminal's Radar This dangerous misconception puts countless small businesses at risk every day. The truth? You're not too small to be hacked—you're just too small to make news when it happens. Today's cybercriminals aren't just lone actors in hoodies targeting specific businesses one at a time. They're sophisticated operations using AI-powered tools to cast wide nets across thousands of potential victims simultaneously. They don't care about your company's size or your town's population—they care about finding any unlocked door. Why Small Businesses Are Perfect Targets Small and mid-sized businesses face a perfect storm of vulnerability factors: Limited Security Resources: Unlike large corporations with dedicated security teams, small businesses typically lack specialized cybersecurity expertise. Valuable Data: Even the smallest practice holds a treasure trove of protected health information worth significant money on dark web marketplaces. Gateway to Larger Networks: Small businesses often connect to larger partner organizations, making them attractive entry points to bigger targets. Less Security Awareness: Staff at smaller organizations typically receive less security training, making them more susceptible to social engineering. False Sense of Security: The very belief that "we're too small to target" creates dangerous blind spots. The Numbers Don't Lie 61% of small businesses experienced a cyberattack in the past year, according to Verizon's 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report[¹] The average cost of a data breach for small businesses is $108,000, as reported by IBM's Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023[²] 60% of small businesses close within six months of a significant cyber incident, according to the National Cybersecurity Alliance[³] The New Cybercrime Reality Modern cybercriminals operate sophisticated business models. Rather than targeting single organizations, they employ automated attacks that simultaneously probe thousands of potential victims. When successful, these criminals don't just steal money—they harvest identities to sell on the dark web, install ransomware that locks up critical systems, or use your business as a stepping stone to attack your business partners. Being "Politely Paranoid": Your First Line of Defense As Sarah's story demonstrates, a healthy dose of skepticism could save your business from disaster. At IT Architeks, a veteran-owned Cybersecurity Provider in Frisco, TX, we advise clients to be "politely paranoid"—trust but verify: Never rely solely on email for verification. Call the sender directly using the phone number you have on file (not one provided in the suspicious communication). Scrutinize the urgency. Criminals create time pressure to force mistakes. Implement multi-factor authentication. This simple step stops 99.9% of automated attacks. Invest in employee security awareness training. Your team is both your greatest vulnerability and your strongest defense. Taking the Next Step The first step toward protecting your business is acknowledging that no organization is too small for cybercriminals to target.  Next month, we'll address another dangerous myth: "My data is safe in the cloud." Until then, remember that being small doesn't make you invisible—it makes you vulnerable in different ways. Want to learn more about how our veteran-led team delivers military-grade Cyber Security Prevention in Frisco, TX? Call IT ArchiTeks today for a complimentary cyber strategy session.
AI Chatbot

Empowering Your Business with IT

March 31, 2025
Discover how partnering with an IT Managed Service Provider can empower your business to reach new heights of productivity and efficiency.
A semi truck is driving down a highway next to a field.

API Security: The Invisible Threat That Could Park Your Fleet

By Derek Veillon • March 26, 2025
Over the past few weeks, I've shared stories about ransomware attacks, preventable security disasters, and the crucial human element in cybersecurity. Today, I want to talk about something that might sound technical at first but has become one of the biggest vulnerabilities in the trucking industry: API security. What's an API and Why Should You Care? You're probably thinking, "API sounds like tech jargon – why does this matter to my trucking business?" Let me explain with a simple example. Think of an API (Application Programming Interface) like the drive-thru window at a restaurant. You pull up, place your order, and receive your food without ever going inside the kitchen. The drive-thru window is the interface between you and the restaurant's operations. In your trucking business, APIs work similarly. They're the connections that allow different software systems to talk to each other: Your fleet management system communicating with your electronic logging devices (ELDs) Your dispatch software connecting to customer portals Your maintenance tracking system sharing data with parts inventory Your telematics systems sending real-time vehicle data to your operations center According to the 2024 NMFTA Trucking Cybersecurity Trends Report, API security has become a critical concern for the industry. Almost all trucking companies now use APIs for essential operations – yet many don't realize these connection points can become major security vulnerabilities. Real-World Dangers for Trucking Companies Let me translate what API security risks mean in real-world terms for your business: 1. Zombie APIs These are old, forgotten connection points that still exist in your systems. Imagine an employee who left your company two years ago, but their access badge still works on your building's door. Zombie APIs are similar – outdated connections that hackers can exploit because nobody remembered to "change the locks." 2. Authentication Bypass This happens when an API doesn't properly verify who's accessing it. It's like having a security guard who waves everyone through without checking IDs. When authentication is weak, attackers can access sensitive systems without proper credentials. 3. Data Leakage Some APIs accidentally expose more information than necessary. Imagine if your customer portal not only showed a specific customer their own shipment details, but accidentally revealed information about other customers too. This type of leakage can expose sensitive business data or even personally identifiable information. The Trucking Industry's Unique API Challenges The trucking industry faces unique challenges when it comes to API security: Mobile-Side Integration: Your trucks are essentially mobile offices with multiple connected devices and systems. Each connection point between in-cab technology, telematics, ELDs, and your central systems creates potential vulnerabilities. Supply Chain Integration: Modern trucking operations are deeply integrated with customer systems, broker platforms, and partner logistics providers. These necessary connections expand your digital footprint and create more potential entry points. Legacy Systems: Many trucking companies operate with a mix of newer software alongside legacy systems. These hybrid environments often require additional connection points, creating more complex API security challenges. Signs Your API Security Might Be at Risk How do you know if your trucking company's API security needs attention? Watch for these warning signs:= 1. Unexplained System Behavior Are your systems occasionally acting strangely – showing incorrect data, experiencing unusual slowdowns, or displaying unexpected errors? These could be signs that someone is accessing your systems through insecure APIs. 2. Integration Chaos Has your company added multiple software systems over the years without a coordinated plan? If you're using different vendors for fleet management, dispatch, ELDs, maintenance tracking, and accounting – all with various integration points – you likely have API security gaps. 3. No API Inventory or Testing If you don't have a complete inventory of all the connection points into your systems or haven't tested their security, you almost certainly have vulnerabilities. Many companies don't even know all the APIs they have in place. Protecting Your Fleet from API Threats The good news is that you can significantly improve your API security with some straightforward steps: 1. Create an API Inventory You can't secure what you don't know exists. Work with your IT team or provider to identify all connection points in your systems – especially older ones that might have been forgotten. 2. Implement Strong Authentication Ensure every API requires proper verification before allowing access. Multi-factor authentication should be required for all sensitive systems. 3. Regular Security Testing APIs should be tested regularly to identify potential vulnerabilities before attackers find them. This includes checking for proper authentication, authorization, and data handling. 4. Monitor API Traffic Implement monitoring solutions to track who's accessing your APIs, when, and for what purpose. Unusual patterns could indicate an attack attempt. 5. Update or Retire Legacy Connections Replace outdated APIs with modern, secure alternatives. If old connection points are no longer needed, shut them down completely. A Real Industry Wake-Up Call During the NMFTA's Digital Solutions Conference last fall, security experts demonstrated how a simple antenna could be used to compromise a truck's braking system by sending malicious messages through diagnostic interfaces. This sobering demonstration highlights why securing every connection point – from your office systems to your trucks themselves – is essential for modern fleet safety. Moving Forward Securely As your trucking operations continue to become more digital and interconnected, API security will only grow in importance. The companies that address these vulnerabilities now will have a significant advantage in protecting their operations, data, and reputation. Remember – you don't have to tackle this alone. At IT ArchiTeks, we've helped many trucking companies identify and secure their API vulnerabilities before they could be exploited. Ready to ensure your digital connection points are as secure as your physical operations? Schedule a cyber strategy session and let's talk about how we can help protect all aspects of your fleet.
A semi truck is driving down a highway with mountains in the background.

Your Secret Weapon Against Cybercrime: Why Truckers AND Technology Are Your Best Defense

By Derek Veillon • March 21, 2025
Last week, I shared the heartbreaking story of a 95-year-old trucking company that closed its doors after a devastating cyberattack. While studying these types of cyber-attacks, I've noticed a pattern that might surprise you – the most sophisticated security technology in the world can be rendered useless by simple human actions, and the best-trained teams can't protect you without proper technology. It takes both working together to create a truly effective defense. Beyond the Technology In my 20+ years helping businesses recover from losses, I've seen something remarkable: the human element is consistently the most critical factor in either preventing or enabling cyberattacks. According to industry research, over 80% of security incidents involve human actions – a clicked link, a shared password, or simply not recognizing the warning signs of an attack. Let's look at some scenarios that illustrate common vulnerabilities we see in the trucking industry. When Good People Make Simple Mistakes Imagine this scenario: A finance manager receives an email that appears to be from their CEO. The message seems urgent – they need to wire funds to a new vendor immediately to prevent delivery delays. The email looks legitimate, even using company formatting and the CEO's typical sign-off. Wanting to be responsive, the manager follows the instructions. Unfortunately, the email isn't from the CEO at all, but from an attacker who has researched the company and carefully crafted this cyber-attack. The company loses thousands before discovering the fraud. What's interesting is this manager isn't careless – they're actually trying to be helpful and responsive. The same qualities that make someone valuable to your organization can sometimes make them vulnerable to social engineering attacks. Small Actions, Big Consequences Here's another common scenario: A trucking company's system gets compromised when a dispatch coordinator uses their work credentials on a personal device while at home. Their child later uses that same device to download what looks like a game but is actually malware. When the employee connects to the company network the next day, the malware spreads, ultimately compromising sensitive customer information and driver data. The employee has no malicious intent – they're simply trying to check work emails outside office hours. But this small decision creates a security gap that attackers can exploit. Your Strongest Shield While these scenarios highlight how human actions can create vulnerabilities, the flip side is equally powerful – your team can become your most effective security asset with the right awareness and training. When trucking companies implement comprehensive security awareness programs that include regular training, simulated phishing tests, and create a security-minded culture, successful phishing attempts typically drop dramatically. What really makes the difference? Transforming security from an IT issue to a company-wide responsibility. Everyone from drivers to executives needs to understand their role in protecting the company. Five Ways to Turn Your Team Into a Cyber Warriors Based on my experience helping trucking companies build human-centered security programs, here are five methods that actually work: 1. Make it Relevant and Personal Generic cybersecurity training falls flat. Instead, show team members how the same security practices that protect the company also protect their personal information, families, and finances. Security awareness training becomes much more engaging when it focuses on how these skills help in both professional and personal life. 2. Create a No-Blame Reporting Culture If people fear punishment, they won't report suspicious activities or their own mistakes. Consider implementing a "see something, say something" program that actually rewards employees for reporting suspicious emails or activity – even if they had initially engaged with it. Early reporting can help stop attacks before they cause damage. 3. Use Stories, Not Statistics Share real-world examples that relate specifically to trucking. Stories about other trucking companies facing similar challenges are much more powerful than abstract security concepts or generic warnings. 4. Practice Makes Prepared Regular, unannounced simulated phishing attempts or security scenarios help keep awareness high. These shouldn't be "gotcha" moments, but learning opportunities. Monthly simulated phishing emails with increasing sophistication can help your team recognize even subtle warning signs. 5. Make Security Convenient If security measures are too complicated, people will find workarounds. Work with your security team to find solutions that protect your company without creating friction for everyday work. Password managers, single sign-on solutions, and well-designed multi-factor authentication can actually improve both security and user experience. People-Centered Security The most successful cybersecurity programs I've seen in trucking companies don't just focus on technology – they build a culture where security becomes second nature. Your drivers wouldn't think twice about checking their mirrors before changing lanes; with the right approach, your team won't think twice about verifying an unusual request or reporting something suspicious. Remember – your people aren't the problem. With the right training, tools, and culture, they're your most powerful solution. And when you combine well-trained people with the right technology, you create a defensive shield that's much harder for cybercriminals to penetrate. Ready to build a security program that leverages both your team's full potential and the right technology? Schedule a cyber strategy session and let's talk about how we can help your people become your strongest defense.
A green semi truck is driving down a highway next to a lake.

Beyond Ransomware: The Heartbreaking Story of a 95-Year-Old Trucking Legacy Lost

By Derek Veillon • March 12, 2025
In my time serving the trucking industry, I've seen cybersecurity threats transform from minor nuisances to serious business risks. Today, I want to share a story that really affected me – the fall of a 95-year-old trucking company that had weathered economic downturns, regulatory changes, and market fluctuations only to be defeated by modern cybercrime. When History Meets Hackers It was 9:00 PM when we received the call. The panic in the caller's voice was unmistakable – they were already in crisis mode. A company with nearly a century of trucking heritage was facing a disaster unlike any they'd encountered before. The attack had encrypted over 800 computers and 50 servers spread across 75 terminals nationwide. Their entire operation was paralyzed. Dispatch systems were offline. Maintenance records were inaccessible. Drivers couldn't access their electronic logs. The company's heartbeat – the technology that coordinated their fleet – had flatlined. A Perfect Storm What made this situation particularly devastating was that the attack hit when the company was already navigating financial challenges. They had minimal cybersecurity measures in place and poor backup protocols. Their infrastructure had been built over decades, with legacy systems patched together with newer technology – creating a mixture of vulnerabilities that hackers easily exploited. With their core systems completely locked and only minimal backups available, they faced an impossible choice. Ultimately, they paid the $300,000 ransom in a desperate attempt to save their business. Our team worked around the clock to restore their systems. We managed to get the main operations back online within a few weeks, and they were able to close out their business in the most respectable way possible under the circumstances. Sadly, the combination of the cyberattack and their existing financial pressures became the final blow to a company that had survived since the early 20th century. They were forced to permanently close their doors. It Doesn't Have to End This Way What saddens me about this story is how much better protected they could have been. In our work, we see patterns repeat across companies of all sizes: The "It Won't Happen to Us" Mindset : Some trucking companies still believe they're not valuable targets. The reality? Criminals target vulnerability. Neglected Legacy Systems : Older trucking companies often run critical operations on outdated systems with known security flaws that manufacturers no longer patch. Security vs. Operations Trade-off : Many companies feel implementing stronger security means sacrificing operational efficiency. With the right approach, good security actually enhances operations by preventing downtime from attacks. Inadequate Backup Strategies : Even companies that back up data often fail to test restoration procedures or secure their backups from being encrypted in an attack. Delayed Response : The hours immediately following a breach are critical. Without a predefined incident response plan, companies lose valuable time figuring out what to do. Three Signs You Might Be Next As ransomware continues to evolve, there are warning signs that your company could be vulnerable. Warning Sign #1: Your IT Provider Focuses on Operations, Not Security Having an IT provider isn't enough. In one case, we were called in after a trucking company was attacked. We discovered their previous IT provider had set them up in a multi-tenant environment without properly separating networks. When another company in that environment was attacked, criminals simply walked through the virtual wall into our now-client's network. The distinction between operational IT and specialized cybersecurity has never been more important. Warning Sign #2: You're Not Monitoring Security Alerts Another company reached out to us during an active attack. While investigating, we found their security notifications weren't configured properly, and alerts had been going to a folder that no one was checking. By the time they noticed something was wrong and called us, criminals had been in their system for months. Warning Sign #3: You Haven't Tested Your Incident Response Plan Many companies believe they're prepared until disaster strikes. One business called us in a panic during a ransomware attack. They thought they had backups, but when we asked for them, they discovered they didn't have the encryption key. What could have been a quick recovery turned into a months-long struggle. The Road Forward  The transportation industry is the backbone of our economy, moving the goods that keep America running. Protecting this vital industry isn't just about safeguarding individual companies – it's about securing our national infrastructure. As threat actors continue to evolve their tactics, the question isn't whether your company will be targeted, but whether you'll be prepared when it happens. Traditional security measures are no longer enough. Today's protection requires layered defense, continuous monitoring, and a proactive approach to emerging threats. The 95-year legacy of that trucking company deserved better. Your company's legacy deserves better too. Ready to strengthen your company's protection against today's evolving threats? Let's chat about building resilience for your business! Schedule your cyber strategy session today and let’s talk about what it looks like to secure your fleet.
More Posts