The holidays are the most dangerous time of year for small businesses, and hackers know it.In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, hosts Tony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down the real-world scams targeting business owners right now, including FBI holiday warnings, phishing emails, fake government notices, credit card skimmers, and why cybercriminals intentionally “detonate” attacks during Christmas and New Year’s when companies are least prepared.If you’re a business owner or a Tech Champion who wants to protect your money, your identity, and your systems, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss.🚨 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:* Why email is still the #1 delivery method for scams.* How attackers impersonate Amazon, IRS, Social Security, and even local governments.* The truth about credit card skimmers and why swiping is no longer safe.* How gift card scams really work, and how thieves drain your balance instantly.* Why hackers wait 200+ days inside networks before launching attacks.* What to do when you receive suspicious emails, and what not to click.* How tools like Barracuda Incident Response can remove threats from every inbox in seconds.🛡️ Key Security Tips for Business Owners:✔️ Never click links in suspicious emails.✔️ Always visit websites directly to verify issues.✔️ Avoid swiping magnetic strip cards; use tap or chip only.✔️ Inspect card readers at gas stations and terminals.✔️ Pick up packages quickly to avoid porch pirates.✔️ Train your employees. Phishing is still the easiest way in.Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a business survival strategy.🎧 Subscribe to The Business Owner’s IT Podcast for weekly insights designed to help business owners stay protected, productive, and ahead of today’s threats.#holidayscams #scam #holidaySince 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, hosts Anthony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down why Apple Pay may be the most secure way for business owners to make payments today.Inspired by a conversation with a government cryptography expert, Tony and Ryan discuss how Apple Pay tokenization, device security, and tap-to-pay encryption protect you from stolen card numbers, website breaches, and skimmer attacks.Whether you’re a business owner, technology enthusiast, or one of our Tech Champions, this episode shows how Apple Pay can streamline purchasing, safeguard financial data, and reduce fraud risk.Learn how Apple Pay protects businesses using tokenized card numbers, cryptographically secure transactions, tap-to-pay NFC, and device-level identity verification. Tony and Ryan explain how Apple Pay reduces fraud risk, prevents stolen card data, simplifies checkout, and makes online purchasing safer for business owners.If you’re looking for secure business payments, reduced credit card theft risk, or a simplified technology workflow, this episode is for you.Subscribe to our channel to support business technology education and join our community of Tech Champions today!#applepay #applepaysecurity #itpodcastSince 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

Your remote workforce can be one of your biggest competitive advantages, or your most dangerous cybersecurity vulnerability.In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, hosts Anthony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down a shocking real-world case where foreign threat actors successfully infiltrated over 130 U.S. companies by posing as remote workers. Using fake identities, laptop farms, and unsecured personal devices, these attackers gained inside access to American businesses, putting sensitive data, finances, and operations at serious risk.This episode dives deep into the hidden cybersecurity risks within today’s remote workforce and explains exactly how business owners can protect themselves through:* Device ownership and lockdown policies.* Identity verification and vetting.* Multi-factor authentication (MFA).* Application control and monitoring.* Eliminating risky BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) setups.If your business relies on a remote workforce, hybrid employees, or offshore contractors, this episode is essential viewing. The Tech Champions share real-world safeguards and best practices that help ensure the person behind the keyboard is truly who they claim to be.Whether you’re a business owner, IT leader, or Tech Champion, this conversation will help you:✅ Reduce insider threats.✅ Prevent unauthorized remote access.✅ Strengthen your cybersecurity guardrails.✅ Protect your company’s data, identity, and revenue.👉 Subscribe for more cybersecurity insights for business owners👉 Watch now to secure your remote workforce before a breach secures you#remotework #remoteworkforce #cybersecuritySince 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

AI is transforming productivity, innovation, and the way we work, but it's also changing how cyberattacks occur. In this episode of The Business Owner's IT Podcast, hosts Anthony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down one of the first large-scale, AI-driven cyberattacks uncovered in the wild, and what it means for modern businesses. From Chinese threat actors using Claude to execute autonomous attacks to AI-written phishing emails to deepfakes, prompt injection, and internal misuse of AI tools, this episode gives business owners and tech champions a grounded look at today's AI cybersecurity risks and what steps you can take right now to protect your organization.You'll learn:How attackers used AI to bypass safety guardrails.Why AI can execute thousands of malicious actions per second.What deepfakes and AI-generated media mean for your reputation.How phishing emails are evolving with generative AI.Why businesses must standardize their AI tools.The coming need for AI usage auditing within companies.Practical guardrails you can put in place today.Read the full article here: https://www.mobileworldlive.com/ai-cloud/anthropic-calls-out-ai-hack-attempt-linked-to-china/If you're a business owner, leader, or technology enthusiast, this is a must-watch conversation about the new reality of cybersecurity in an AI-powered world.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay ahead of emerging threats and get practical IT insights every other week.#ai #aicybersecurity #cybersecurityrisks🎁 Toys For Tots:It's that time of year again, Tech Champions, but this time, we're championing for the children! ❤️Unique Computing Solutions is proud to support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program this holiday season. We're collecting new, unwrapped toys from Thursday, October 16th, through Thursday, December 11th, with all donations being delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps on Friday, December 12th.Every toy helps make a difference. Let's bring smiles and holiday cheer to children in need throughout our community!✨ How to Donate:🎁 Drop off toys at our office:📍 10057 W. Lincoln Hwy. | Frankfort, IL 60423📦 Ship toys directly to us.🚗 Or schedule a pickup with one of our UCS technicians.📞 Have questions or need help? Call us at 708-922-9444.Let's make this holiday season one filled with kindness, joy, and giving. 💙Not near us? Find a dropoff location near you : https://www.toysfortots.org/find-your-local-chapter/Subscribe for more weekly insights from The Business Owner's IT Podcast, your hub for practical tech strategies that help business owners stay ahead.Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

In this episode of The Business Owner's IT Podcast, hosts Anthony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down the cybersecurity tool that's becoming essential for every growing business: the SIEM (Security Information and Event Management).Whether you're a business owner, tech champion, or someone responsible for keeping your company's data safe, this episode explains SIEMs in clear, practical terms; no fluff, no jargon overload.You'll learn:🔹 What a SIEM actually does.🔹 How it collects logs from firewalls, servers, computers, cloud systems & more.🔹 Why businesses with 25–100+ employees rely on SIEMs for threat detection.🔹 The real-world risks SIEMs protect you from (brute-force attacks, rogue devices, suspicious logins, etc.).🔹 How a Security Operations Center (SOC) watches your system 24/7.🔹 Why SIEM = visibility your business has never had before.🔹 And how having one can stop cyberattacks before they explode.This episode also includes real examples from the UCS team, including NASA's Raspberry Pi breach, that show exactly why SIEMs matter.If you've ever wondered what's happening inside your network or how to truly protect your business, this is the episode for you.#whatisasiem #siem #cybersecurity👉 Want help implementing a SIEM for your business?Contact Unique Computing Solutions. We'll help you determine the right solution for your size, your risks, and your goals.🎁 Toys For Tots:It's that time of year again, Tech Champions, but this time, we're championing for the children! ❤️Unique Computing Solutions is proud to support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program this holiday season. We're collecting new, unwrapped toys from Thursday, October 16th, through Thursday, December 11th, with all donations being delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps on Friday, December 12th.Every toy helps make a difference. Let's bring smiles and holiday cheer to children in need throughout our community!✨ How to Donate:🎁 Drop off toys at our office:📍 10057 W. Lincoln Hwy. | Frankfort, IL 60423📦 Ship toys directly to us.🚗 Or schedule a pickup with one of our UCS technicians.📞 Have questions or need help? Call us at 708-922-9444.Let's make this holiday season one filled with kindness, joy, and giving. 💙Not near us? Find a dropoff location near you : https://www.toysfortots.org/find-your-local-chapter/Subscribe for more weekly insights from The Business Owner's IT Podcast, your hub for practical tech strategies that help business owners stay ahead.Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10. No more security patches, compliance coverage, or software updates. In this episode of The Business Owner’s IT Podcast, hosts Anthony Gerasch and Ryan Carter break down exactly what this means for your business, your cybersecurity insurance, and your next steps toward Windows 11.💻 In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why Windows 10 Is Dead. What to Do Now is critical for every business owner.✅ What “end of life” really means and how it affects compliance (HIPAA, CMMC, FTC Safeguards, CIS Controls).✅ The real risks of staying on unsupported systems.✅ How Extended Security Updates (ESU) licenses work, and if they’re worth it.✅ How to check whether your computers are Windows 11-ready (TPM 2.0 & Secure Boot).✅ What’s new in Windows 11: Copilot AI, Zero Trust Security & Defender Integration.⚙️ Don’t wait until it’s too late.Staying on Windows 10 could expose your business to data breaches, insurance denials, and compliance violations. Now’s the time to plan your upgrade and secure your systems before attackers strike.🎁 Toys For Tots:It's that time of year again, Tech Champions, but this time, we're championing for the children! ❤️Unique Computing Solutions is proud to support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program this holiday season. We're collecting new, unwrapped toys from Thursday, October 16th, through Thursday, December 11th, with all donations being delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps on Friday, December 12th.Every toy helps make a difference. Let's bring smiles and holiday cheer to children in need throughout our community!✨ How to Donate:🎁 Drop off toys at our office:📍 10057 W. Lincoln Hwy. | Frankfort, IL 60423📦 Ship toys directly to us.🚗 Or schedule a pickup with one of our UCS technicians.📞 Have questions or need help? Call us at 708-922-9444.Let's make this holiday season one filled with kindness, joy, and giving. 💙Not near us? Find a dropoff location near you : https://www.toysfortots.org/find-your-local-chapter/Subscribe for more weekly insights from The Business Owner's IT Podcast, your hub for practical tech strategies that help business owners stay ahead.Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

In this episode, Tony and Ryan dive deep into Copilot Agents, the next evolution of Microsoft Copilot that's transforming how businesses operate.They break down what Copilot Agents are, how they work, and how companies like Unique Computing Solutions are already using them to automate workflows, connect systems, and boost productivity.💡 What You'll Learn About Copilot Agents:- What a Copilot Agent actually is and how it differs from ChatGPT.- How Copilot Agents automate repetitive business tasks and save time.- Real-world examples of Copilot Agents in HR, finance, sales, and IT.- Security and compliance features that keep your data safe.- The future of AI: From assistant, to agent, to autonomous.- How to start building Copilot Agents using Microsoft Copilot Studio.⚙️ Why Copilot Agents Matter:Microsoft's Copilot Agents are ushering in a new phase of AI where tools don't just assist, they take action.From generating reports to managing data integrations, these agents empower business owners to work smarter, faster, and more securely.🧠 Tip of the Week:Start small. Identify one repetitive task and automate it using Copilot Agents, then build from there.🎧 Watch now to learn how Copilot Agents can transform your business operations.#CopilotAgents #MicrosoftCopilot #AIAutomationToys For Tots:It's that time of year again, Tech Champions, but this time, we're championing for the children! ❤️Unique Computing Solutions is proud to support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program this holiday season. We're collecting new, unwrapped toys from Thursday, October 16th, through Thursday, December 11th, with all donations being delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps on Friday, December 12th.Every toy helps make a difference. Let's bring smiles and holiday cheer to children in need throughout our community!✨ How to Donate: 🎁 Drop off toys at our office: 📍 10057 W. Lincoln Hwy. | Frankfort, IL 60423📦 Ship toys directly to us. 🚗 Or schedule a pickup with one of our UCS technicians.📞 Have questions or need help? Call us at 708-922-9444.Let's make this holiday season one filled with kindness, joy, and giving. 💙Not near us? Find a dropoff location near you : https://www.toysfortots.org/find-your-local-chapter/Subscribe for more weekly insights from The Business Owner's IT Podcast, your hub for practical tech strategies that help business owners stay ahead.Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957

Cybersecurity Insurance 101: Do you really know what's covered, what's not, and how to avoid being denied when a cyberattack hits?In this episode of The Business Owner's IT Podcast, hosts Anthony Gerasch and Ryan Carter sit down with Justin Reinmuth, President of techrug (Technology Risk Underwriting Group), to break down everything business owners need to understand about cybersecurity insurance, from policy pitfalls to ransomware coverage and how to keep your rates low.💡 What You'll Learn✅ The top 3 cyber claims hitting small businesses today.✅ How human error is still the #1 risk factor.✅ Why you should always report even minor incidents.✅ What to look for in a solid cyber insurance policy.✅ Why not all policies are created equal.✅ How MSPs and business owners can work together to minimize risk.Justin Reinmuth is the President of techrug. Since 2004, he and his team have had the responsibility of managing risk and customizing over 22,000 policies for clients in areas such as Cyber Liability, Errors & Omissions Insurance, Directors and Officers Insurance, Employment Practices Liability Insurance, Fiduciary Liability Insurance, and Commercial Crime Insurance.Techrug (Technology Risk Underwriting Group) is a risk management and insurance firm that specializes in providing complete, customized insurance solutions to better protect your organization. In 2024, techrug became a Coverholder in Lloyds of London. Their TechMal (Technology Malpractice) Cyber Liability Errors & Omissions Insurance Policy + their CyberBreach Insurance Policy are in place with 3000+ clients around the US. These one-of-a kind, 1st & 3rd party policies are only available through techrug via the creation of policy language granted to them by their syndicate.Feel free to reach out to hear from techrug about the main insuring agreements you need to secure when purchasing cyber insurance. Visit them online here 👉 https://www.techrug.com.Get social with Techrug online 👇Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techrug_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577917427304TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@techrug_https://x.com/techrugLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techrug/Since 1997, Unique Computing Solutions has been providing businesses with the IT support and IT solutions they need to streamline communications, boost productivity, and increase profitability. Website: https://uniquecomputingsolutions.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unique-computing-solutionsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueComputingSolutionsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/Twitter: https://twitter.com/qputingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/qputing/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uniquecomputingsolutionsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ysyf6NcGAXfM2Ai6T5wQdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-business-owners-it-podcast/id1768340957