Breaking Down I.T. with Steve

Imagine your computer is like a house. You have locks on the doors (antivirus software) to keep out known burglars (viruses). But sometimes, sneaky burglars find a way in, or they're using new tricks your locks don't recognize. That's where EDR comes in. It's like having a security system with cameras and sensors all over your house, constantly watching for anything suspicious. It...

Ever wonder how big organizations keep their sensitive information safe from cyber threats? It's like protecting a really important house, like a bank or a hospital, filled with valuable things. You wouldn't just leave the doors unlocked, right? In this short explanation, we break down two crucial cybersecurity concepts: SOC and MDR. Think of your SOC (Security Operations Center) as your d...

This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're tackling a critical topic that every small business owner needs to understand: vulnerability scanning. You might think cyberattacks only target big corporations, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Small businesses are increasingly becoming prime targets. So, what exactly is vulnerability scanning? Join Steve as he breaks it down in simp...

This week, Steve explains why vulnerability scanning is vital for small businesses. Think of it as a digital checkup that finds security weaknesses hackers can exploit. Learn why regular scans are crucial to protect your business from costly cyberattacks, data loss, and reputational damage. Don't be an easy target – understand your vulnerabilities now! Tune in on Friday for this exciting full epis...

This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're pulling back the curtain on a real-world tech incident that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of data security. We're diving deep into a fascinating, and frankly, a little unsettling, story from a local non-profit. What started as a seemingly generous donation – a used laptop – quickly escalated into a potential priva...

This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're diving deep into the buzz surrounding the New Microsoft Outlook ! If you've been wondering what all the fuss is about, or if you're hesitant to make the switch, this episode is for you. Join Steve as he meticulously breaks down the key differences between the classic Outlook you know and the sleek, updated version. We'll...

Microsoft has made a change to its login process that affects how you stay logged in to your account. Starting February 1st, even if you close your browser, you may remain logged in to your Microsoft account.   This change means that once you've chosen to stay logged in, Microsoft will keep you logged in until you manually sign out of your session. Why this matters: Convenience vs. Security: W...

Hacked? Don't panic! 🚨 In this week's episode, Steve shares his 5-step guide to recovering from a cyberattack. 🛡️ Learn how to secure your accounts, protect your data, and get back to normal.#cybersecurity #datasafety #onlineprivacy #hacking #techtipshttps://pdxittech.com

This Friday, get ready to level up your gaming knowledge on 'Breaking Down I.T. with Steve'! 🎮 We're diving deep into the world of graphics cards, explaining why a high-end card is crucial for an epic gaming experience. 💥 We'll break down the tech, explore the differences, and leave you feeling like a true gaming pro. Don't miss it! #Gaming #GraphicsCards #TechTalk #IT #Break...

In this episode, Steve dives deep into the world of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), explaining how it can revolutionize how small businesses communicate. Tired of the limitations and escalating costs of traditional phone lines like Comcast BVE? Discover how VoIP offers: Unmatched Flexibility: Work from anywhere with crystal-clear calls on any device – your smartphone, computer, or even a dedi...

This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we dive deep into the world of computer storage. Join Steve as he breaks down the key differences between Solid-State Drives (SSDs) and traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). We'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each, including speed, performance, reliability, and cost. Steve even brought in some visuals to help you understand...

In this episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve, we're going to talk about the importance of having better cybersecurity as a society. We get inundated with news stories about companies and government agencies getting hacked, and it's clear that the bad guys are getting better at what they do. But it doesn't have to be this way. We can make it harder for hackers to target us by taking...

Join us for Part 2 of "Breaking Down IT" as we dive deep into the world of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Our special guest, Erik Swanson from Cardinal Services, shares his insights on the frustrations and challenges of implementing and managing MFA. We discuss: The importance of MFA: Why it's crucial for protecting your own information and the sensitive data of your clients. Common MFA pitfal...

In this weeks episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve, we wanted to wish you all a very Happy New Year, as well as, sharing some gifts that I received for Christmas. Let's make it the best year yet!" https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/imperial-star-destroyer-75394 https://www.sharkclean.com/page/powerdetect-robot-vacuums https://pdxittech.com

In this episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve, we welcome back Erik Swanson from Cardinal Services. Erik specializes in bringing the power of big-company HR, payroll, and benefits solutions to small businesses at a fraction of the cost. We'll discuss how Cardinal Services handles all the complex paperwork required by federal, state, and local authorities, freeing up small business owners to foc...

In this episode, Steve tackles the common (and costly!) mistake of using free email accounts like Gmail or Yahoo for business. We'll discuss how relying on these free services can make your company appear unprofessional and damage your credibility. Learn why a dedicated business email address is crucial for building trust with clients, enhancing your brand image, and improving your overall profess...

This week on Breaking Down I.T. with Steve, we're diving deep into the world of unwanted emails: spam and phishing. Learn to distinguish between these two cyber threats, understand their tactics, and discover how to protect yourself from falling victim. Steve will also discuss the importance of email filters and how they can help keep your inbox clean and your data safe. Tune in to learn how to ma...

In this episode, Steve debunks the common misconception that antivirus software is no longer necessary in today's digital landscape. We'll discuss the evolving threat landscape and why antivirus remains a crucial component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Tune in to learn the truth behind this persistent myth and protect your devices from potential threats. https://pdxittech.com https://...

In this episode, we debunk the common misconception that the cloud is a foolproof backup solution. Steve explains the importance of having a comprehensive backup strategy, even when using cloud storage. Discover the risks of relying solely on cloud backups and learn how to protect your valuable data from potential disasters. https://pdxittech.com

Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve! Today, let’s talk about two crucial components of your computer: RAM and hard drives. RAM , or Random Access Memory, is your computer’s short-term memory. Think of it as your brain’s working memory. It stores the data and instructions your CPU needs to process right now. It’s super fast but volatile, meaning it loses i...

Daniel, the owner of Computer Lift Technologies, is a familiar face in the Portland tech scene. While we at PDX IT may be competitors, we share a common goal: to alleviate the technological burdens of business owners. We often find ourselves collaborating, sharing insights, and commiserating over industry challenges. Daniel's journey to entrepreneurship began with a passion for technology and a de...

Join us for Part 2 of our Breaking Down I.T. podcast as we sit down with Victoria Dean, a seasoned IT professional from TAK Consulting. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of IT and business, sharing firsthand experiences and valuable insights. Victoria takes us on a nostalgic journey, recounting tales of hosting a Microsoft convention and the unexpected challenge of a complete internet o...

Join Steve from PDX Information Technology Services for a special episode featuring Victoria Dean of TAK Consulting. In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of cybersecurity for bookkeepers. Victoria shares valuable insights on safeguarding client data, preventing email security breaches, ensuring compliance, and implementing effective cybersecurity measures. Learn how to protect your bu...

In today's digital age, cybersecurity threats are more prevalent than ever. A single data breach can have devastating consequences for a business. That's why PDX IT is offering free cybersecurity assessments to help local businesses identify vulnerabilities and protect their valuable information. In this episode, we'll discuss the importance of cybersecurity and explore the key areas that PDX IT w...

In today's digital age, having a professional online presence is more important than ever. One often-overlooked aspect of this is the email address you use for your business. While free email accounts like Gmail or Yahoo may seem convenient, they can send the wrong message to potential customers. In this week's episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve, we explore the risks of using free email acco...