Kristy Mossoian's Author Page

About Kristy Mossoian

Red Level's Marketing Manager

What Is Pen Testing (and Why SMBs Need It)?

What is Pen Testing (and Why SMBs Need It)? Pen testing isn’t about paranoia; it’s about preparation. By simulating an attack on your business today, you avoid a real one tomorrow. For SMBs, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make to stay secure, compliant, and competitive. What Is Pen Testing? Penetration testing, or “pen testing,” is a controlled way to find out how hackers could break into your business before they actually do. Think of it as a fire drill for your cybersecurity. Instead of waiting for a real attacker, ethical security experts simulate cyberattacks to uncover vulnerabilities. Once those weaknesses are found, you can fix them before criminals exploit them. How Pen Testing Works A penetration test usually follows a simple but powerful process: Reconnaissance – testers gather information about your business (just like hackers do). Exploitation Attempts – they try to break into systems, networks, or ...

Kristy Mossoian2025-08-28T18:45:12+00:00

The Cost of Doing Nothing in Cybersecurity for SMBs

The Cost of Doing Nothing in Cybersecurity for SMBs When it comes to cybersecurity, many small and midsize businesses (SMBs) tell themselves: “We’re too small to be a target.” Unfortunately, attackers think differently. Hackers now view SMBs as prime opportunities, easy to breach, slow to detect, and expensive to recover. And while investing in security might feel like a cost, the real expense comes from doing nothing. The Real Cost of Ransomware Cyberattacks don’t just cost the ransom. They drain resources in recovery, downtime, lost clients, and reputation damage. What “Doing Nothing” Really Costs Let’s break down the real numbers: Downtime Costs Thousands Per Hour: A single ransomware incident can shut down operations for days. Industry research shows SMBs lose an average of $8,000 per hour of downtime in lost sales, stalled projects, and frustrated clients. Recovery Expenses Stack Up: Beyond downtime, recovery costs include ransom payments, IT remediation, legal ...

Kristy Mossoian2025-08-28T18:06:52+00:00

Managed IT Services in 2025: What Business Leaders Really Need to Know

Why Managed IT Services Matter More Than Ever If you’re running a business in 2025, your IT environment isn’t just about keeping the Wi-Fi on, it’s about protecting your data, enabling hybrid work, and staying compliant with fast-changing regulations. That’s where Managed IT Services (also called MSPs) come in. Instead of overloading an in-house IT team (or relying on that one employee who “knows computers”), companies are turning to outsourced IT partners for: 24/7/365 monitoring & support Cybersecurity and threat detection Cloud migration and Microsoft 365 management Business continuity & disaster recovery Strategic IT consulting and roadmap planning The Real Benefits for Business Leaders Outsourcing IT isn’t about cutting costs, it’s about unlocking growth. With Managed IT Services, businesses get: Predictable costs – flat monthly rates, no surprise emergencies. Scalability – easily add or remove users, devices, and apps. Security first – proactive defense against ransomware, phishing, and insider threats. ...

Kristy Mossoian2025-08-25T16:58:07+00:00

Managed IT Services for SMBs: Why Businesses Are Outsourcing IT

Why Businesses Are Outsourcing IT If your “IT strategy” still involves Googling error codes and hoping Steve from accounting knows how to fix the Wi-Fi, this one’s for you. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) have always had to be scrappy. Tight budgets, lean teams, and a do-it-yourself spirit are part of the game. But when it comes to IT? That mindset can backfire. Technology has leveled up. Threats have evolved. Expectations have skyrocketed. Your customers expect seamless experiences. Your team expects tools that work. And hackers? They hope that you’re not keeping up. Let’s talk about why more SMBs are handing the reins to a Managed IT Services provider and what Red Level can do to help you work smarter, not harder. 1. Cybersecurity for SMBs Isn't Optional Cybersecurity services for SMBs Cyber threats don’t care about company size. In fact, SMBs are now the #1 target for ransomware attacks ...

Kristy Mossoian2025-08-07T16:19:31+00:00

Microsoft Azure Agentic AI: The Future of Smart Business Automation for SMBs

The Future of Smart Business Automation for SMBs Meet your new coworker. It lives in the cloud, works 24/7, and doesn’t take coffee breaks. Welcome to the world of Agentic AI. A game-changing evolution in artificial intelligence that’s reshaping how small to mid-sized businesses operate, compete, and grow. If you’re still thinking AI means chatbots and content generators, buckle up. This next wave is smarter, faster, and fully autonomous, and it’s already knocking on your business’s digital front door. What is Agentic AI? (And why SMBs should care) Agentic AI refers to autonomous systems that can plan, make decisions, and take actions on your behalf, without constant human input. Unlike traditional AI models (like chatbots or predictive tools), Agentic AI initiates tasks, works across systems, and adapts to feedback in real time. Think of it as a digital employee that: Detects issues before they impact your customers Analyzes and optimizes internal ...

Kristy Mossoian2025-08-04T20:35:35+00:00

How to Choose the Right IT Partner (Before It’s Too Late)

How to Choose the Right IT Partner (Before It’s Too Late) Choosing the wrong IT partner doesn’t always look like a disaster at first. Sometimes it looks like slow response times, patchy security, or finger-pointing when things go wrong. Until...BAM, you’re hit with a breach, outage, or unexpected bill. Here’s what to look for before that happens. 5 Red Flags Your IT Partner Isn’t Cutting It: They’re reactive, not proactive.If you only hear from your IT partner when something’s broken, it’s already too late. A solid IT partner is constantly working behind the scenes to prevent issues, not just fix them. You’ve outgrown them.What worked for your company 5 years ago probably isn’t cutting it today. If your partner hasn’t adapted with you, or worse, hasn’t challenged you to grow smarter with tech...it’s time to move on. They can’t talk business.Tech should align with your goals. If your partner can’t ...

Kristy Mossoian2025-07-18T15:01:42+00:00

Mergers & Acquisitions Chaos, Meet IT Clarity

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are exciting, on paper. In reality? Mergers and acquisitions are often chaotic, disruptive, and full of technical landmines. From incompatible systems to cybersecurity vulnerabilities, one thing is clear: companies can’t afford to wing their IT during a transition. We partner with organizations during mergers and acquisitions to bring clarity, stability, and strategic technology consulting when it matters most. Why IT Matters (Way More Than You Think) During M&A Most mergers and acquisitions hinge on finances and operations, but fail or stagnate due to overlooked tech issues. Here's what can go wrong: Conflicting platforms and data structures Missed security gaps during due diligence Downtime during system consolidation Compliance and regulatory risks Lost institutional knowledge These risks are more than just inconvenient. They can stall deals, lose customers, and destroy internal trust. What You Actually Get with M&A Tech Consulting Your IT partner shouldn't just keep systems online, ...

Kristy Mossoian2025-06-09T14:12:42+00:00

Cybersecurity Alert for SMBs – If You’re Online, You’re Already a Target

Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call for Small Businesses Cybersecurity Myth That's Putting Small Companies at Risk The most dangerous lie in tech today - "We're too small to be a target." Reality check: Let’s set the record straight: Cybercriminals don’t care how big your company is. They care if you’re vulnerable...and most businesses are. In fact, over 46% of cyberattacks target small to mid-sized businesses. Cybersecurity for small businesses is now more critical than ever. Over 40% of cyberattacks are aimed at small and mid-sized companies. Why? Because attackers know your defenses are usually weaker, and that you’re more likely to pay a ransom to stay afloat. It’s no longer about company size. It’s about opportunity. And if your business is connected to the internet? You’re an opportunity. Why Small Businesses Are Prime Targets for Cyberattacks You may not have millions in revenue, but you have: Customer data Payment details Business email ...

Kristy Mossoian2025-05-28T15:10:49+00:00

Ignore Windows 10 End of Support and Pay the Price Later

Windows 10 End of Support is Coming Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025. That may sound like a while from now...but in IT time, it’s tomorrow. Waiting until the last minute to replace outdated systems could leave your business exposed, scrambling for hardware, or stuck in backorder hell. Let’s be blunt: if your organization is still running Windows 10, your window to act is closing fast. Why This Isn't "Just Another Update" Unlike regular patch cycles or minor upgrades, End of Support (EOS) means no more security updates, bug fixes, or tech support. The risks aren’t hypothetical: Cyberattacks will target unsupported systems (and yes, the bad actors know when EOS happens). Compliance penalties could hit regulated industries hard. Outdated hardware may not support Windows 11 leaving you with slow, incompatible machines or forced, last-minute purchases. What Happens If You Wait? Here’s the real talk: You’ll ...

Kristy Mossoian2025-05-21T20:02:14+00:00

Why Managed IT Services Are The Smartest Move Your Business Can Make Right Now

IT used to be simpler. A few computers, a server in the closet, and a “tech guy” on speed dial. But now? Tech is everywhere, cyber threats are nonstop, and your business can't afford downtime. That’s where Managed IT Services come in and why more organizations are ditching the break-fix model and going fully managed. Here’s why it’s not just a smart move, it’s the necessary one. 1. Predictable Costs, No Surprises Surprise IT issues? Translation: surprise bills. With Managed Services, you get consistent support for a flat monthly fee — no more holding your breath when something breaks. Budget smarter and avoid costly emergencies. Red Level offers scalable plans, meaning you're only paying for what you actually use. 2. Proactive Support (Not Just Firefighting) Break-fix IT waits until something goes wrong. Managed IT prevents issues before they start. We monitor your systems 24/7, patch vulnerabilities, and make sure your ...

Kristy Mossoian2025-05-13T01:27:41+00:00

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