Success doesn’t happen by accident-- it's planned. Behind every thriving business is a well-thought-out plan that aligns IT investments with long-term goals. Whether you’re navigating rapid growth, keeping pace with competitors, or striving to deliver a better customer experience, planning your IT strategy is crucial. A...
Meet Michael: Strategic Alignment Manager at Proper Sky Michael, our dedicated Strategic Alignment Manager, plays a pivotal role in driving client success by seamlessly aligning their business goals with innovative IT solutions. With a strong focus on understanding each client’s unique challenges, objectives, and long-term vision,...
As the season of gratitude approaches, we at Proper Sky want to take a moment to express how thankful we are for you. Your loyalty and trust mean the world to us, and we’re truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as your IT partner....
This year, we’re proud to continue our tradition of holiday giving by partnering with Families Forward Philadelphia! Families Forward Philadelphia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families experiencing homelessness in the Philadelphia region. With over 100 years of service, they provide a range of support...
There are hundreds of MSPs in the Greater Philadelphia region. When it comes to managed IT services, one of the main differences between a regular IT support provider and a true strategic IT partnership lies in the depth of industry knowledge your MSP brings to...
"Partnering with Proper Sky has been a game changer for O&N. Their strategic IT support has allowed us to continually meet our expansion and growth goals without missing a beat.” - Scott Bauer, Vice President, O'Donnell & Naccarato KEY TAKEAWAYS Consolidation and Modernization of IT Infrastructure: O&N successfully...
This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Mack, our dedicated Account Manager, who recently celebrated his one-year anniversary with Proper Sky. 🎉 Mack has been an invaluable resource to our team and clients, consistently acting as a sounding board and champion for client success....
In keeping with our cybersecurity awareness theme for the month, it's crucial for small and medium-sized business owners to be aware of a rapidly evolving threat: double and triple extortion ransomware. This type of attack goes beyond just locking up your data—it threatens to expose...
As we observe National Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, it’s crucial for businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and protect themselves from the ever-evolving threat landscape. Cybercrime is on the rise, with attacks like ransomware and phishing becoming more sophisticated, putting sensitive data and company...
Scalability is one of those buzzwords we hear constantly, especially in the tech and business world. It's touted as a crucial benefit of many products and services, but what does it actually mean for your business? Let’s dive deeper into what scalability really entails and...
September is National Preparedness Month, which is a good time to remind yourself about the critical importance of preparing your business for any emergency, especially with hurricane season upon us. While natural disasters like hurricanes grab headlines, businesses must also be prepared for a variety of...
With the end of support for Windows 10 on the horizon, it’s crucial to ensure your organization isn’t left operating outdated software that no longer receives security updates. Running unsupported software exposes your organization to serious security risks and potential compliance issues. When Does Microsoft End...
We're excited to spotlight Juan, our Helpdesk Manager at Proper Sky! Recently promoted, Juan has taken on the responsibility of ensuring top-notch customer satisfaction. He’s committed to making sure our team not only resolves issues but does so in a way that continually enhances the...
Proper Sky, a leading IT managed services company, is thrilled to announce its inclusion in the esteemed 2024 Philadelphia 100 list. This prestigious ranking, organized by the Wharton Small Business Development Center and the Entrepreneurs' Forum of Greater Philadelphia, celebrates the region's fastest-growing privately held...
Protecting sensitive business information is a top priority for organizations today. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for storing and sharing data, the risk of internal threats, such as disgruntled employees, continues to grow. These employees, motivated by various grievances, might attempt to steal...
In today’s business climate, companies face seemingly impossible challenges: the ever-increasing speed of business, soaring customer expectations, and greater competition for resources. As companies across industries navigate this uncertainty, investments in people and the right technology have become paramount. Strategies for IT and application spending...
A guide to using the AI-powered assistant to streamline your note-taking process OneNote is a powerful tool for taking notes, organizing information, and collaborating with others. But sometimes, it can be hard to keep track of everything you have in your notebooks, especially if you have...
CRN® Spotlights the Top IT Providers for Outstanding Performance and Growth Philadelphia, PA, August 5, 2024 – Proper Sky is thrilled to announce today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company®, has named Proper Sky to the No.101 spot on CRN’s 2024 Fast Growth 150...
In this month’s employee spotlight, we’re thrilled to highlight David, one of our dedicated Helpdesk Technicians at Proper Sky. David has been an invaluable part of our team for a year! David’s journey into IT began with his passion for videogames. He initially went to school...
Last week, CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity firm, triggered the largest IT outage in history. The cause was not a hacker group, but rather an erroneous update pushed out. It's important to recognize the extent of this disruption, affecting 8.5 million PCs across various sectors and organization...
Shadow IT is a phenomenon that lurks in the corners of organizations, presenting both opportunities and risks that businesses must grapple with in their quest for efficiency and innovation. What is Shadow IT? Shadow IT refers to the use of IT systems, devices, software, applications, and services...
Fighting cybercrime is like playing a never-ending game of cat and mouse. Even with extensive preventative measures, the world of cyber-attacks is rapidly expanding and unfortunately cyberattacks still occur. Are you ready to act if your business gets attacked? There are very specific instructions you should...
What is M365 Forms? Microsoft 365 Forms, commonly referred to as M365 Forms, is a versatile and user-friendly tool within the Microsoft 365 suite that allows users to create surveys, quizzes, and polls. It’s designed to be intuitive, enabling employees to quickly gather feedback, assess knowledge,...
This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Kalin, Proper Sky’s incredible System Administrator. As one of Proper Sky’s longest-tenured employees, Kalin has been with us for over a decade! Kalin is the backbone of our internal IT systems and the mastermind behind the systems we provide to...
Channel Futures MSP 501 Recognizes Proper Sky among the Best Managed IT Companies In The Industry Proper Sky has been named as one of the world’s top-performing managed IT services providers in the prestigious 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings. Channel Futures MSP 501 has become a...
Are you frustrated with your Microsoft 365 or SharePoint environment? Do you struggle to find documents? Is it painful to share or collaborate with your colleagues? Chances are your M365 governance was not established correctly or kept up with. You have invested in Microsoft 365’s comprehensive suite...
This month, we’re excited to spotlight Daine, our incredible Dispatcher who keeps Proper Sky’s help desk running smoothly. As the first point of contact for our clients, Daine expertly documents issues, creates tickets, and assigns them to the right engineers, all while making sure clients...
Business leaders today face mounting pressure to mitigate any risks that could impact the financial health and operational continuity of their organizations. The complexities of global markets, tech advancements, and geopolitical and economic uncertainties have heightened the need for a robust and proactive approach to...
Staying connected and efficient is the keystone to running a successful business today. As the CEO or CFO of a small to medium-sized business, you understand the importance of getting the most value out of the tools you’re already paying for to keep your employees...
As a small or medium-sized businesses (SMBs) you can't afford to overlook the importance of digital transformation. It's more than just a trendy term; it's a crucial step for survival and expansion. Digital transformation is about integrating digital technology into every aspect of your business to...
We're thrilled to unveil the newest chapter in our company's journey: a brand-new logo! As part of a significant rebranding initiative, we've been working diligently to refresh our image and better reflect the essence of who we are and where we're headed. Our new logo comes...
As cyber threats evolved into sophisticated and pervasive forms, the cyber security insurance landscape underwent a tumultuous transformation. Initially, companies viewed cyber insurance as a safety net against digital breaches, leading to underpriced policies due to a lack of understanding of risks. Insurers, eager to...
This month, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on Anthony, our Sales leader at Proper Sky. With the majority of his career dedicated to the MSP sector, Anthony brings to our team a blend of technical expertise, strong communication abilities, and sharp business acumen. However,...
You’re Invited! Join Proper Sky on Thursday, May 23rd at 1pm for an exclusive webinar! REGISTER NOW! All it takes is one bad email to get through to the wrong user and your business is at serious risk. Email phishing attacks are by far still the #1 culprit...
Are you keeping up with the business tech world or falling behind? Small businesses leaders wear so many hats, it’s easy to push off things like tech innovation and IT strategic business planning when things simply work as they are now. But that’s where your SMB...
Tip to avoid choosing the wrong managed IT Services Provider Anytime you embark on a new relationship in your personal life, your friends and family ask if there are any red flags. The same goes for choosing an IT provider, or any critical business relationship for...
This month we’re thrilled to introduce you to Philip on the helpdesk support team. Role at Proper Sky When you call into Proper Sky, Philip is one of the first people you’ll speak to help get your issue or request documented and resolved. And lucky for you,...
We are thrilled to announce that Proper Sky is rolling out a new Zero Trust Security solution to all clients to enhance protection from the evolving threat landscape. In today's digital age, the foundational belief that underpinned the internet's creation — a world where every user, device,...
Are you taking the time to evaluate your strategic partners and vendors? Are you getting the value you deserve? Are your evolving business needs adequately met? Your IT services provider is no exception. At Proper Sky we talk to several small businesses every week who outsource...
As business leaders, you aren’t just tasked with managing staff, increasing revenue, and maintaining a positive company culture. You’re also responsible for dealing with digital threats and the broader umbrella of cybersecurity. Especially for small business owners, that responsibility can feel momentous, considering that cyberattacks frequently...
This month we're excited to spotlight Dan, Proper Sky's Senior Project Engineer. Dan has been with the team since June and brings over 12 years of experience in the MSP industry and several advanced certifications - CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), Microsoft 365 Certified: Azure...
Let’s face it, the IT industry moves fast, so fast it’s nearly impossible to keep pace with all of the new products or features available today. But evaluating your existing Small Business IT services, familiarizing yourself with what your peers are doing, and identifying ways...
Our world is more digitally intertwined than ever and while it undoubtedly has made running your business much more efficient, it can also be a two-way street. As we stay connected and tap into technology innovation for its many benefits, we must beware that you...
It’s an exciting time at Proper Sky, and as the first month of 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on the successes we experienced over the past year and share with you what’s to come in the year...
When it comes to Fully Managed IT vs. In-House IT, both options are great. The "better" of the two options, is the option that fits your company best. Decisions Decisions...
The Rising Tide of Ransomware Understanding what ransomware is and preparing for such attacks is no longer optional but a critical necessity for all companies. In 2023 it is estimated that 73% of every business in the world was affected by ransomware attacks to some degree....
Non-profit organizations are increasingly facing complex IT challenges as all sorts of threats emerge at a rate that is nearly impossible to keep up with. These challenges, if not addressed effectively, can hamper their ability to serve their missions. These organizations are integral to addressing...
Top Challenges for MSPs in 2023 Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are oftentimes a versatile organization that offers IT services, ensuring smooth, secure, and efficient operations. As we wave goodbye to 2023, we look back on the year and discuss the top challenges for MSPs in the...
Upgrading Your IT Infrastructure...
Unraveling MSPs and MSSPs Navigating the complex world of IT services, particularly the distinction between a Managed Service Provider (MSP) and a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), is vital for businesses in today's digitally driven landscape. This in-depth article elucidates the core differences, roles, and benefits...
For Business Owners Seeking Reliable IT Solutions As a business owner managing a growing company, your focus should be on scaling and operations, not getting bogged down by IT issues. This is where onsite IT support becomes a game changer, especially for businesses with 20 to...
While it may sound like it, an MSP promising to save you money really isn't too unlikely. As technology advances, so do companies' tech stacks. The cost of business, employment, keeping up with tech and infrastructure advancements, etc., can all become very expensive very fast....
The Benefits of Managed IT Services for Healthcare: Enhancing Efficiency, Security, and Patient Care The healthcare sector's increasing reliance on technology has amplified the complexity and cost of managing IT infrastructure. As with most industries, the impact of technology is almost immeasurable. While this may be...
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are critical in helping healthcare organizations adhere to HIPAA regulations. MSPs help in identifying and mitigating risks, managing data protection, and responding to cyber threats, thereby ensuring the healthcare practice’s security and compliance. MSPs also play a crucial role in...
Exploring Robust Solutions for Physical Backup Storage Have you ever pondered the robustness of your backup strategy? Physical backups stand as enduring sentinels against data loss, and we're here to navigate the myriad of options available. Why Physical Backups Are Crucial Digital convenience comes with risks. System failures,...
Overcoming Spotify's Auth 74 Error Spotify has become an essential part of the daily lives of millions, offering a vast library of music and podcasts at the touch of a button. However, technical errors like the error code auth 74 can abruptly halt your listening experience....
What is the AI Executive Order? In a decisive move, President Joe Biden issued an AI Executive Order on October 30, 2023, marking a move in hopes of creating a future where artificial intelligence (AI) is safe, secure, and trustworthy. This order is not merely a...
Windows Task Manager is a utility that provides information about the computer's performance and running software, including the names of running processes, CPU load, memory usage, and more. Below, we discuss how to move Task Manager to another screen. One problem that users may run into...
Cost savings with an MSP One of the main selling points of a managed service provider to their clients is the overall costs saved by the hiring company. There is a long list of reasons that may attribute to the cost savings found within managed IT...
Nonprofit IT Support Nonprofits operate with the aim of serving communities around them and causes close to them. While nonprofits are doing good, you can be sure that cybercriminals see no boundaries in targeting them. A prime example is the cyberattack on The International Committee of...
What is QR Code Phishing? As a result of Covid-19, many things in our world changed. Some small, some large, some significant, some not so much. For the most part, life as usual has resumed and the changes we saw have since been reverted. One of...
Understanding the Vade Phishing Tool What is Vade? Vade is a comprehensive phishing solution that helps organizations protect their employees from email-borne threats. It uses a variety of tools to help further protect individuals from these threats; this would include machine learning, artificial intelligence, and human expertise...
What is a Zero-Day exploit? A zero-day exploit is a hacking term that refers to taking advantage of a vulnerability or security flaw in a software or system that is unknown to the developers. This means that attackers can use the exploit to attack and compromise...
iPhone 15 Overheating Issues As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, so does the evolution of Apple’s beloved iPhone series. The latest offering, the iPhone 15, is no exception, bringing a slew of innovations and upgrades to the table. However, amid its cutting-edge features...
Google Results About You - a Google-site to find pages that contain your information. They do ask you to fill in a short form though the rest is pretty automated - goo.gle/resultsaboutyou. ';--have i been pwned? - Have I Been Pwned? is a useful...
Are the Phish Getting Smarter? In the modern, interconnected world, the importance of staying alert to a regrettably-common phishing attempt cannot be overstated. With cyber criminals becoming increasingly sophisticated, recognizing a phishing attempt early is crucial to protecting sensitive information and maintaining online security. At times,...
The Recent Attack Last month, Clorox detected unauthorized users in some of its crucial IT systems. The company responded to the attacks by shutting down the affected systems as soon as they were aware of the situation. Clorox does believe that at this point in time,...
Span Port vs. Network Tap Span Port vs. Network Tap - which is best for you? Network taps and span ports serve a similar purpose but operate in different ways. Network taps are usually passive, and create a copy of all traffic on a network link, while...
Apple's September 2023 Zero-Day Exploit and Updates If you have not already, we strongly urge you to update your iPhone to the latest available firmware. Within the last day, Apple had rolled out an announcement making it known to its users that they have been breached...
Blue Light: Shedding Light on its Effects and Solutions In our technology-driven world where screens dominate our lives, the term "blue light" has become increasingly common. But what is blue light, and what are its effects on computer users? Whether you're a student burning the midnight...
While Labor Day weekend is always the first Monday in September, it is much more than just a long weekend that takes us from the end of summer to the beginning of football (fall). More importantly, it is a day that is dedicated to recognizing...
More than half of the world's population is considered to be an "active" social media user. (Upwards of 4.5 billion users) There was a stable suicide rate among 10 to 24 year olds from 2000-2007, that jumped 51% between 2007-2017. A Balancing Act Such is life,...
Cloud services are designed to handle large amounts of data and can easily accommodate the growth of your organization. When you store your data in the cloud, you are entrusting your sensitive information to a third-party provider. Look for providers that have robust encryption,...
What is cybercrime? If you fear you've been attacked, take action. It isn't always easy to convict a cybercriminal. Today's Cyber-landscape It feels as though every day there is a new cyber attack that has swept the nation, or world, in some dramatic fashion. As I...
ecoATM is making a serious effort on reducing our waste from old tech You can turn in your phone, tablet, or mp3 player. Your Ultimate Source for Eco-Friendly Tech Solutions As businesses and individuals take strides to make more eco-responsible choices, one name is making an...
What is Mobile Device Management? Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a technology/practice used to manage and control mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, within an organization or workspace. MDM involves the deployment of software solutions to oversee and maintain these devices remotely while ensuring proper...
Remote monitoring and management (RMM) continues to grow and has become a very serious solution for many cybersecurity-minded companies. There are many benefits but that does not mean it is necessary for you and your company. What is Remote Monitoring and Management? Remote monitoring and management...
Recent attacks across the country have affected entire hospitals, shutting down their systems and leaving many with no option but to close their doors to entering patients Defining and discussing EHR and EMR systems, their pros and cons, and how we can work against...
Three primary steps: Addressing immediate threats, hardening the terrain, and scaling national cybersecurity A continually evolving plan with general guidelines and principals to remain consistent with emerging threats. Read the entire plan here: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/FY2024-2026_Cybersecurity_Strategic_Plan.pdf Plan of Anti-Attack The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has recently...
The MOVEit transfer breach/ransomeware attacks have affected an estimated tens of millions. For a more conclusive list of companies that fell victim to these attacks check here: https://konbriefing.com/en-topics/cyber-attacks-moveit-victim-list.html The Details of the Data Breach Over the last few days, via snail mail, Pension Benefit Information (PBI)...
Using SRFax SRFax is an online fax service that allows users to send and receive faxes using their computer or mobile device. It eliminates the need for traditional fax machines and offers a more convenient and environmentally friendly faxing solution. Users can access their faxes through...
Language Learning Models may be getting "dumber" over time Chat GPT 3.5 and 4 have been rather inconsistent We are at the tip of the iceberg for these programs and systems Large Language Models and Machine Learning - Tech's Latest Star If you have opened any...
Teams on Android Step 1: Download the Teams App Open the Google Play Store on your Android device. This icon "." In the search bar, type "Microsoft Teams" and tap the search icon. Locate the official Microsoft Teams app from Microsoft Corporation and tap on it. ...
How to Use Microsoft Teams Chat Feature Step 1: Sign in to Microsoft Teams Open the Microsoft Teams application on your computer or mobile device. Sign in using your Microsoft 365 account credentials (email and password). Step 2: Access the Chat Feature Once you're signed in, you'll...
Creating a Microsoft SharePoint folder: Step 1: Sign in to Microsoft SharePoint Open your web browser and go to the Microsoft SharePoint site - If you enter sharepoint.com, you will be redirected to the homepage. Sign in using your Microsoft 365 account credentials (email and password). Step...
[video mp4="https://propersky.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OneDrive-How-to-Save.mp4"][/video] Option 1 : Using the OneDrive Web Depending on the web browser you use, you can upload files up to 250GB in size. (This limit is per file, not total.) Begin by signing in to your OneDrive account with your Microsoft credentials. Navigate to the...
Oregon passed a bill that will give consumers further control over their data 11 US States have taken similar measures Oregon's Consumer Data Privacy: An Analysis In today's digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our lives. From online shopping and social networking...
Installing/Running Linux on a Chromebook There are a few ways to run Linux on a Chromebook. One of the more common methods would be using Crouton, a script that allows the installation of Linux distributions from Chrome OS, without requiring to boot separately: First, you need...
Understanding Your Ubotie Keyboard Today we'll be discussing how to connect a Ubotie keyboard to a Macbook but, before we get into the connection process, it's essential to understand the basic components and features of your Ubotie keyboard. What many may overlook is that fact that...
Can Software Bypass Zero Trust Agents and Can Its Security Level Change? Zero trust is based on the principle of 'never trust, always verify.' Bypassing a zero trust agent is challenging but theoretically possible. Zero trust security is adaptable and adjusts to shifting threats Tech, and...
DDoS attacks typically only are targeting commercial networks (with lots of money) If you are worried about an attack at your house - typical online safety is encouraged; firewalls, frequent software updates, etc. Am I being DDoSed (Distributed Denial of Service) In today's digital age, where...
How Difficult Could It Be? Earlier today, I was putting together a document and was told to add a letterhead to a document before sending it out. Given I have only done this a few times, and had used Photoshop and/or InDesign to achieve this, I...
Addressing the issue of limited screen sharing options in Microsoft Teams. Support in video conferences: It provides additional support for screen sharing during meetings. Share specific screen parts: Users can share particular sections of their screen during meetings. Region to Share is a handy open-source...
How to Disable Outlook Email Forwarding Notification Have you ever seen a notification like this one in Outlook or Outlook Web Access? If so, here's some key things you should know about it. You cannot turn it off. Yes, that's correct, YOU CANNOT TURN IT OFF. This...
In 2023, it feels seemingly impossible to scroll through the internet without seeing some mention of artificial intelligence and the power it has harnessed in a short period of time. For some time, in the short six month tenure of Chat GPT, there were a...
There have been two tragic deaths at Google's Manhattan office in the past two months. The world of tech needs to do a better job, as a whole, at prioritizing mental health. Job ≠ Life. The Imperfect Workplace Enveloped in a high-pressure environment positioned as the...
Dallas Police Department Falls Victim to Ransomware Attack Yesterday, May 3, 2023, the Dallas Police Department (site it now back up and running) was met with a tech security nightmare. The Police Department fell victim to a ransomware attack that was massively disruptive to their day-to-day...
Okay, while we have moved to a new office, we must note that it is the same us. On Tuesday we closed the doors on our Keswick Ave. location in Glenside, PA and moved not all too far, to Abington, PA. Our new address is...
The Benefits of Outsourcing IT Support for Small Businesses Cost-savings: Outsourcing you IT services can save you alot of money, almost immediately Expertise and Experience: You'll have access to an entire team of professionals. Increased Productivity: Spend less time worrying about IT and more time...
The Importance of Online Security It should go without saying that in today's day and age, online security is of the utmost importance. With an ever-increasing reliance on the internet for a variety of everyday activities from shopping to online banking, to connecting with our loved...