http://mspshift.com/ MSP Shift - Blog RSS Feed 2.0 en-us Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:40:40 GMT Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:40:40 GMT http://mspshift.com/blog/15795/Before-You-Buy-Your-Domain- blog Before You Buy Your Domain: A Smarter IT Setup Guide for New Business Owners Starting a business is exciting, but when it comes to IT, especially domains and email, the setup process can get confusing fast. Most people rush to buy a domain, sign up for Google or GoDaddy email, and sort the rest out later. There's a better way. By taking a few extra steps upfront and starting with a properly configured Microsoft Business tenant, you'll get a secure, scalable foundation without headaches down the road. Here's our recommended order to set things up: Buy your domain under your personal account (temporarily) Create your Microsoft 365 tenant Purchase and assign your business license Set up your business email Add your domain to Microsoft Transfer your domain to your business-owned registrar account Why This Is Important The order matters more than most people realize. If you start by buying a domain and setting up email through a quick online service, you can accidentally tie critical parts of your business to the wrong account. This makes future changes, growth, and even simple fixes much harder. Setting things up in the right sequence ensures: Your business, not you personally, owns key accounts.  Your email and systems stay secure and compliant. You avoid messy migrations later. You can scale easily as your business grows. It's a small amount of work now that saves you major time, cost, and frustration later. 1. Buy Your Domain (Using Your Personal Account Temporarily) Start by registering your domain with a trusted provider. Our top pick: Cloudflare – easy to use, no upsells, great DNS controls. While GoDaddy or HostGator work too, avoid this mistake: Never buy Microsoft licenses through GoDaddy. This ties your Microsoft account to GoDaddy's system, which limits control and complicates migrations. Use your personal email for this step. You'll transfer ownership to your business email later. 2. Create a Microsoft 365 Business Tenant Go to the Microsoft 365 site and: Select a Business Standard or Business Premium plan. Sign up using your personal email address. This creates your Microsoft tenant, which becomes your central hub for email, apps, storage, and security. 3. Purchase and Assign a Microsoft License Once your tenant is created: Buy a Microsoft 365 license (Standard or Premium). Assign it to your admin account, which is still your personal email at this point. You'll now have access to Outlook (email), Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and key security features. 4. Create Your Official Business Email Now that you're licensed: Log into the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. Create a new user: owner@yourdomain.com. Assign the license to this new user account. Rename your admin account to use this business email instead of your personal one. This becomes your official login and business identity. 5. Add Your Domain to Microsoft In the Admin Center: Go to Settings → Domains. Click "Add Domain." Follow the instructions to verify domain ownership via DNS records from your registrar (Cloudflare, etc.). 6. Transfer the Domain to a Business-Owned Registrar Account Time to make it official: Create a new registrar account with the provider you used to buy your domain, using your business email owner@yourdomain.com. Transfer the domain from your personal registrar account into this new business-owned one. Now the domain belongs to the business, not you personally. Why This Order Matters Skipping or reordering these steps might seem faster now, but can lead to major issues later like losing access, messy migrations, or unclear ownership. This approach avoids that entirely. Your Business Owns Everything The domain, email, and Microsoft account are tied to the company, not to you or any one person. Professional Presence from Day One Using owner@yourdomain.com builds immediate trust with customers, partners, and banks. Security and Compliance from the Start Microsoft Business Premium gives you enterprise-grade tools including: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Endpoint and device protection Data loss prevention Secure file sharing You get the same security tools used by large companies, right out of the box. Avoid Migrations and Rework If you set things up piecemeal, you'll eventually need to migrate email, users, and files. That gets messy and time-consuming. This way, you start clean and stay clean. Ready to Grow Whether you stay solo or build a 50-person team, your IT infrastructure is ready to scale with you. Bottom Line Too many business owners treat IT setup as an afterthought. But getting it right from the beginning saves time, reduces risk, and sets your business up for smooth growth.  Or Let Us Handle It for You If this still feels overwhelming, we're here to help. At MSP Shift, we specialize in setting up Microsoft 365, domains, and secure IT foundations for new businesses. No confusion. No wasting time in support chats. Just a clean, secure setup done right the first time. Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://mspshift.com/blog/15795/Before-You-Buy-Your-Domain- http://mspshift.com/blog/15716/Windows-10-End-of-Life-Matters-More-Than-You-Think blog Security Update: Why Windows 10 End of Life Hits Harder Than You'd Think  Microsoft has drawn a line in the sand. Starting October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or support. For businesses, IT teams, and users still relying on it, this isn't just an upgrade. It's a turning point.  This isn't a "nice to have" update. It's a security deadline.    What Does "End of Life" Actually Mean?  When support ends, it's not just about losing new features. It means:  No more security patches  No bug fixes or performance improvements  Higher compliance risk  More open doors for ransomware and cyber attacks  Without updates, Windows 10 becomes an easy target. Several recent studies show that outdated systems remain one of the most common ways attackers gain access.  "Outdated systems continue to be one of the most exploited vectors for ransomware and Advanced Persistent Threats."  — Thiyagarajan et al., 2025    Why This Shift Is Bigger Than You Might Expect  Even though Windows 11 is available, many organizations are still using Windows 10. Hardware limitations, training gaps, and budget planning have slowed the transition.  But waiting increases risk. Cybersecurity best practices now include "end-of-life monitoring" to avoid falling behind. Even Microsoft has warned that unsupported systems will open new doors for attackers once updates stop.    What You Can Do Right Now  You don't need to rush, but you do need a clear plan. Start with these steps:  Inventory Your Devices  Identify all machines still running Windows 10.  Plan Hardware Evaluations  Some older systems won't meet Windows 11's hardware requirements.  Evaluate App Dependencies  Some legacy applications may need updates or virtualization to remain secure.  Talk with Your MSP or IT Service Partner  A trusted IT service provider can help you assess risk and build a migration plan that works with your budget and timeline.  Tip: You don't have to move everything overnight. A phased migration or hybrid deployment can ease the transition and reduce downtime.    What Happens If You Wait?  Compliance Trouble  Standards like HIPAA, ISO 27001, and GDPR expect systems to be current and supported.  Insurance Risks  Cyber insurance providers may deny claims if a breach happens on an unsupported OS.  Ransomware Exposure  Attackers often target known vulnerabilities in older systems.  Contract Issues  Government or defense contractors may lose eligibility due to non-compliance.    Not Sure Where to Start?  Schedule a call with your Denver-based IT service partner MSP Shift (Book A Call). We'll assess your current environment, flag risks, and help you build a plan that protects your business without unnecessary disruption.    Final Thoughts Outdated Operating Systems equal increased risk. Security isn't something you set and forget. The end of Windows 10 is more than a product phase-out. It's a signal that it's time to review your infrastructure, tighten your defenses, and plan ahead. If you're in Denver or anywhere in the U.S. and want support with your next steps, we're here to help!  References: - Ajibade, O.M. (2025). Integrating Cybersecurity into IT Project Lifecycle Management. [ResearchGate PDF] - Thiyagarajan, G., et al. (2025). The Hidden Dangers of Outdated Software. arXiv:2505.13922 - Michael, J.B., Kuhn, R., & Voas, J. (2020). Cyberthreats in 2025. [NPS PDF] - Cvetković, V.M., et al. (2025). Understanding Ransomware Through the Lens of Disaster Risk. [Preprints.org] - Haroon, M., et al. (2025). Strategies for Cyber-Resilience. [Taylor & Francis] - Shackelford, S., et al. (2025). Moving Slow and Fixing Things. [Edgehill PDF] - GOV.UK (2022). National Cyber Strategy. [Gov.uk PDF] - Rains, T. (2023). Cybersecurity Threats, Malware Trends, and Strategies. [Google Books] Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://mspshift.com/blog/15716/Windows-10-End-of-Life-Matters-More-Than-You-Think http://mspshift.com/blog/15144/Do-You-Know-Who-s-on-Your-Network- blog Could you tell me exactly who has access to your company's network? If you're not sure, or if you have to stop and think about it, that's something worth fixing. As the person responsible for IT, you need to know who and what is connecting to your systems at all times. We live in a world where everything is connected. Cables cross oceans, run under streets, and link buildings together. But the real danger often comes from much closer to home. The truth is, the final stop in your network's connection might be the most vulnerable part. If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm talking about Wi-Fi. More specifically, IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence, better known as wireless networking. It's everywhere now, built into our phones, laptops, cameras, and smart devices. In this post, I'm going to walk you through the basics of making your Wi-Fi network more secure. We'll cover default settings, encryption types, guest access, remote management, and why updates matter. Let's start at the beginning.   1. Change the Default Settings Think about the most common username and password combinations: admin/admin admin/password root/root user/user admin/1234 If your credentials are anywhere close to these, stop reading and go change them right now. Then come back. Default login settings on routers, firewalls, and access points are widely documented. That means attackers know what to try first. Leaving these settings unchanged makes your network a very easy target. To fix this, change both the username and password to something unique. Do not reuse your Wi-Fi password for admin access. Also, make sure your Wi-Fi password itself is strong. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. While you're at it, check for firmware updates and install them regularly. Once a vulnerability becomes public, attackers move quickly. 2. Use the Right Wi-Fi Encryption If you have the option to choose WPA3, use it. If not, WPA2 is the minimum you should be using, with a strong password. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common encryption types so you understand why WPA3 is best. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) Introduced in 1997, WEP relied on the RC4 encryption algorithm, which was cracked even before WEP was released. It's outdated and highly insecure. You should never use it. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) WPA came along in 2003 to replace WEP. It used TKIP encryption and was a big improvement, but it still has known weaknesses and should be avoided if possible. WPA2 Released in 2004, WPA2 is much more secure thanks to AES encryption. It remains the most commonly used standard today and is usually seen as WPA2-PSK for personal use or WPA2-Enterprise for business networks. While it is stronger than WPA, it still has some vulnerabilities, such as the KRACK exploit. WPA3 This is the latest and most secure standard. Released in 2018, WPA3 defends against dictionary attacks and makes it easier to securely connect new devices. Versions include WPA3-Personal, WPA3-Enterprise, and Wi-Fi Enhanced Open for public networks. Adoption is still growing, but it is well worth using if your equipment supports it. 3. Create a Guest Network Here's a quick question. Do you want guests in your office to have access to your company files or internal systems? Most people would say no. Setting up a separate guest network is the easiest way to prevent that. Most routers, firewalls, and access points allow you to create a second network specifically for guests. This lets visitors get online without giving them access to sensitive data or devices. Even better, you can set rules to block communication between the guest network and your main network. This simple step reduces risk while still providing access for clients or partners who stop by. 4. Disable or Restrict Remote Management Did you know your router has a public-facing IP address? You can check yours by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. If remote management is enabled by default, someone could try to log in from anywhere in the world. That is not something you want left open. To protect yourself, turn off remote management unless it's necessary. If you need it for support from your Managed Service Provider (MSP), set up access so only their IP address can connect. Always use strong credentials and multi-factor authentication if available. These small changes can significantly reduce your network's exposure. 5. Stay on Top of Updates If I've said it once, I've probably said it a thousand times: update your hardware. That means routers, modems, access points, firewalls, and switches. Any device that connects to your network and has a chip in it should be checked for firmware updates regularly. You don't have to update everything immediately. Set a recurring time, maybe once a week, to check for available patches. Pick a day when you can do the updates after hours or early in the morning. It doesn't take long, but it can make a huge difference in your network security. Patches exist for a reason. Once a vulnerability is made public, it doesn't take long for bad actors to start scanning the internet looking for unpatched systems. Final Thoughts Securing your business network isn't about being perfect. It's about being consistent. Make the small changes that protect your systems over time. Here's a quick checklist: Change all default settings and passwords Use WPA3 if possible, or WPA2 with a strong password Separate guests from your main network Lock down or disable remote access Keep your network devices updated These steps are straightforward, but often overlooked. If you need help implementing them or want someone to manage it for you, MSP Shift is here to help. Our team makes IT easier by giving you peace of mind and better security.   Helpful Resources What does Wi-Fi stand for? – New Scientist Wireless encryption basics – TechTarget Wed, 07 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://mspshift.com/blog/15144/Do-You-Know-Who-s-on-Your-Network- http://mspshift.com/blog/14754/What-is-Phishing- blog In today's digital world, it is no secret that the internet is integrated with everything we do, banking, shopping, staying connected with friends, and much more. It's a great luxury that brings a ton of convenience to your fingertips. But this convenience comes with a cost, an online presence and digital footprint. Attackers take advantage of this to obtain information that they wouldn't (or shouldn't) normally have. What is Phishing? In its simplest form, phishing is the process of using "bait" to lure an unsuspecting user into giving away information that they normally wouldn't. What attackers are looking for can vary, most commonly they are looking for login credentials, or banking information. Attackers utilize several methods to reach out to a potential victim. Email Phishing – This is the most common form of phishing. Attackers will send an email posing as a reputable person or organization attempting to obtain personal information. Text Phishing (Smishing) – Attackers will send a text message that looks like it's from a reputable person or organization, attempting to obtain personal information. Phone Phishing (Vishing)- Attackers will call posing as a reputable person or organization attempting to obtain personal information. Do you notice a theme? Each of these different methods have the same end goal, for you to provide information that you would never give out under normal circumstances. How to Protect yourself from Phishing                  Now that we have covered what phishing is, you may be asking, "what can I do to prevent this?" Be Cautious of unexpected messages – If you receive an email or text that you aren't expecting asking you to click or share personal information, be suspicious. Companies typically won't ask for this kind of information over email or text. Look for typos- Often times an attacker will have a misspelt email address, for example "Support@bank1.com" instead of "Support@bank.com". If you're unsure call the bank directly to verify. Look for red flags – Phishing attempts often provide a sense of urgency. "Your account will be deleted.", "immediate action required", "Your account has been compromised.". The purpose being to cause a sense of panic and have you click before you give proper thought. Be Present – This is the best piece of advice we can give. Attacks are most successful when the victim isn't paying full attention or is multitasking. Phishing can happen to anyone, but with a little knowledge and caution, you can protect yourself. Always be wary of unsolicited messages asking for personal information, double check the sender's details, and don't click on suspicious links. Stay alert, and when in doubt, don't give out your information! Fri, 14 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://mspshift.com/blog/14754/What-is-Phishing- http://mspshift.com/blog/14715/The-Exact-Technologies-Holding-Your-Business-Back-in-2025 blog Emailing documents internally This one drives me crazy. There is no better way to ensure duplicate files and having users working off old files than emailing documents internally. The data needs to stay on one shared location, whether that be a file server or SharePoint. If the latter, the active file can be worked on by any user (with access) at anytime and revisions are saved! If you get nothing else from this blog, it's to make sure your team is not emailing documents internally. On-premise phone systems Having a giant phone system onsite is becoming rarer, but we still bump into it all the time. With the advent of internet phone systems that come with you wherever you are, on-premise phone systems are a dying breed. It's like deciding between a horse carriage and a sports car, but they both cost the same amount... Webcam for conference rooms If you hold more than one conference call a year, then ditch the webcams. There are incredible conference room systems that are inexpensive and easy to operate. Nothing says professional like webcam cramming to try and get a word in. Time to upgrade to an actual system meant for conference calls with partners, employees, prospects, or clients. Inadequate internet speed (upload specifically) Too many businesses are operating on a 50/5 or 100/10 internet speed. Don't let me lose you! The first number is the download speed, and the second number is the upload speed. Anytime something is downloading from the internet – first number. Anytime you're uploading something (video calls for instance) – second number. Nowadays, the upload speed is more important than ever and too many businesses are limping along on inadequate speeds. We can provide a full list of all internet options with the best prices for your location if you want to see how you can fix this today. Computers over 5 years old The investment in a new computer may seem scary, especially as it creeps into the $1,000-$1,500 range. Many businesses stick with the "if it isn't broke don't fix it" methodology. Unfortunately, that doesn't work with old computers. Users are being slowed down, maintenance costs go up, security issues become present, and the perception is a killer. ROI on a new computer can be as quick as 6 months for a computer than can last another 5 years! No Multi-Factor Authentication with Trusted Sites Businesses not having Multi-Factor Authentication turned on are asking for trouble. That's when you have to put in an additional code to login to your Microsoft 365 or other app (you know, that thing your bank always does when you want to get into your sensitive information). Well, here's a little secret. You can add your physical locations as "trusted sites." This virtually eliminates the need to put that code in without sacrificing the benefits of having MFA turned on! It's awesome and our clients love us for it. Paying for Microsoft 365 and only using it for Office products and email For the finale, we need to talk about the largest infraction: investing in Microsoft 365, but only using it for Office products and email... Your Microsoft 365 subscription comes with 20+ incredible applications that can probably be substitutes for products you're paying for elsewhere. An example is Bookings. Many businesses use the Bookings tool and get rid of paying a separate subscription for Calendly. That's just the tip of the iceberg though. Feel free to reach out if you would like to learn more about how we help businesses get the most of their subscriptions! Conclusion I'm sure you're not guilty of any of these. However, if you're still reading, you might need help with a few. We're the local technology experts and can help you make your technology work for you, instead of against you. What do you think? Are there any others that you can think of that I left off the list? Give us a call and let's talk about it.   Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://mspshift.com/blog/14715/The-Exact-Technologies-Holding-Your-Business-Back-in-2025 http://mspshift.com/blog/14699/Window-10-EOL blog Are you ready for Windows 10 End Of Life (EOL)?  Mark the date October 14th, 2025! It may seem far away but time flies, the time to start preparing is now.  Why Is This Important?  After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, patches, or support for Windows 10. This means:  Increased Security Risks – Without ongoing updates, your systems become vulnerable to cyber threats, malware, and zero-day attacks.  Compliance Issues – Many industries require up-to-date, secure systems. Running outdated software could put your business at risk of non-compliance.  Performance & Compatibility Problems – New software and hardware will be optimized for Windows 11, meaning older systems may experience slowdowns, crashes, or compatibility issues.  What Are Your Options?  Upgrade to Windows 11 – If your devices meet the system requirements, upgrading is the best way to stay secure and supported.  Consider New Hardware – If your current PCs don't support Windows 11, it may be time to invest in modern, secure, and high-performance machines.  Explore Managed IT Support – Transitioning to a new OS can be complex. Our team at MSP Shift can help you assess your devices, plan a seamless upgrade, and ensure business continuity.  Don't Wait Until It's Too Late!  If your business is still running Windows 10, the time to act is now. Avoid security risks and operational disruptions by preparing early.  Contact us today for a zero-cost consultation! We'll help you navigate your next steps and ensure a smooth transition.  Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://mspshift.com/blog/14699/Window-10-EOL http://mspshift.com/blog/14670/Who-We-Are- blog Who We Are: Empowering Businesses Through Technology   At MSP Shift, we believe IT should empower your business, not hinder it. That's why we provide comprehensive IT support and management tailored for small and medium businesses. Our Denver-based team specializes in proactive cybersecurity and white-glove service, ensuring technology works for you—not against you. With a strong IT services foundation, your business can focus on growth instead of troubleshooting tech issues.   Our Mission: Your Success Through Innovation   Our mission is simple yet powerful – to empower businesses by delivering innovative, reliable, and scalable IT solutions. We partner with you to understand your unique challenges, ensuring our services not only meet but exceed your expectations.   Our Team: Driven by Passion and Expertise   Behind every successful project is a dedicated team. Our Denver-based team brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and problem-solving skills to the table. We take pride in a team culture built on integrity, service, and continuous learning.   Our Vision for the Future   As technology continues to evolve, so do we. We are constantly exploring new solutions and strategies to keep our clients ahead of the curve. Our vision is to be the most trusted technology partner, driving digital transformation and success for our clients.   Let's Grow Together   We're passionate about helping businesses thrive in a digital world. Contact us today to learn how we can help you shift to effortless IT today! Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:00:00 GMT http://mspshift.com/blog/14670/Who-We-Are-