Let’s face it—new technology is exciting. It promises efficiency, happier employees, and a competitive edge. In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven business world, keeping up is essential. But here’s the problem: shiny new tools can quickly become costly mistakes if you skip two critical steps—employee training and change management.

Think about it: What good is top-of-the-line software if your team doesn’t know how to use it? Productivity plummets, mistakes multiply, and customer satisfaction takes a hit. Let’s explore the common pitfalls businesses face when rolling out new tech—and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

Why Employees Struggle with New Tech

Lack of Technology Training

Imagine investing in a cutting-edge CRM system, expecting it to streamline workflows and boost sales. Instead, your team is fumbling with basic features, missing deadlines, and feeling frustrated. Why? Because they haven’t been trained properly.

Here’s what happens when training is an afterthought:

1. Lost Productivity

Every minute spent struggling with unfamiliar tools is a minute lost. Think of the missed sales opportunities and wasted time when employees can’t generate reports or process orders because they don’t understand the system.

Stop Cyber Threats in Their Tracks: Build a Cyber-Aware Culture

Cyberattacks are everywhere. Phishing emails, malware downloads, data breaches—they’re the stuff of nightmares for businesses and individuals alike. The scariest part? Most of these attacks start with one simple mistake: human error.

Employees click suspicious links, use weak passwords, or fall for phishing scams. It’s estimated that 95% of data breaches are caused by human error. The good news? These mistakes are preventable. All it takes is building a strong culture of cyber awareness.

Let’s explore how you can turn your team into a powerful line of defense against cyber threats with simple, practical steps.

Why Culture Matters

Think of cybersecurity as a chain. Strong links keep it secure, while weak links leave it vulnerable. Your employees are those links. By fostering a culture of cyber awareness, you strengthen every link in the chain, protecting your entire organization from cyberattacks.

Easy Steps to Build a Cyber-Aware Culture

You don’t need expensive programs or complicated strategies. Here are straightforward steps that can make a big impact.

Let’s be honest—iPhones are pretty incredible. Sleek, powerful, and packed with features. But even the best gadgets can slow down over time. Suddenly, apps take forever to load, scrolling feels like a chore, and your once-speedy sidekick turns into a sluggish snail.

If your iPhone is driving you crazy, don’t panic. The good news? You don’t need to upgrade to a new one. You just need to give it a little TLC. Here are some simple tips to get your iPhone back to running like it did on day one.

1. Give It a Restart: The Digital Power Nap

When was the last time you turned off your iPhone? Be honest.

Just like humans, iPhones need a break every now and then. A quick restart clears temporary files, closes background apps, and frees up memory. Think of it as a digital power nap that refreshes your phone in minutes.

It’s the easiest fix in the book—so start here!

Data isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s the lifeblood of your business. It fuels insights, drives decisions, and shapes success. But here’s the catch: when your data is scattered, inconsistent, or outdated, it becomes more of a liability than an asset.

Messy data slows you down, frustrates your team, and can cost you opportunities. But the good news? With the right strategies, you can transform your data from a chaotic mess into a streamlined, accessible powerhouse that drives your business forward.

This guide will walk you through the pitfalls of poor data management, show you best practices, and arm you with actionable strategies to unlock the full potential of your data.

The Pitfalls of Poor Data Management

Ignoring your data management can have far-reaching consequences. Here’s how it can cripple your business:

1. Inefficient Operations

When you can’t find the data you need, you waste hours chasing it down. And let’s not even talk about the errors that come with manual data processes. Seventy-three percent of workers spend 1-3 hours a day just looking for data. That’s time your team could spend driving results.

Wishing You a Joyful Season and a Bright New Year

As the holiday season approaches, we at Elevate Technology want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your trust and support throughout the year. Serving you has been our privilege, and we eagerly anticipate continuing our partnership in the coming year.

This year has been one of growth and collaboration, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones, taking a well-deserved break, or planning for an exciting 2025, we hope this season brings you joy and inspiration.

Holiday Hours

• Tuesday, December 24, 2024: Closed
• Wednesday, December 25, 2024: Closed
• Tuesday, December 31, 2024: Closing early
• Wednesday, January 1, 2025: Closed

During these times, when our office is closed for the holidays, we are available for emergency services by phone, as stated in our agreement. If you have an emergency, please call us at 713-244-7744. For non-emergency matters, kindly email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and we will address your inquiry upon our return.

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue building success together and exploring new opportunities. Thank you for being a valued part of our journey.

We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous beginning to 2025.

What’s the secret sauce for small business success? Efficiency, productivity, and innovation. If you’ve got those, you’re ahead of the game. But here’s the problem—keeping up with the competition takes tools that can actually deliver on those promises.

Enter Copilot for Microsoft 365. Once reserved for the big dogs in enterprise, this powerhouse AI tool is now available to businesses of all sizes. If you’re using Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium, it’s time to sit up and take notice.

Copilot isn’t just another app. It’s a full-on revolution in how SMBs work. It’s here to generate ideas, streamline workflows, and boost productivity like never before. Let’s dig into how Copilot can take your business to the next level.

How Copilot Streamlines Workflows

Copilot is powered by large language models (LLMs)—AI technology trained on massive datasets. What does that mean for you? It means Copilot understands natural language and can respond with smart, context-aware suggestions across your favorite Microsoft 365 apps.

Here’s how it delivers real-world results:

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down—they’re evolving. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to crack into systems, steal data, and wreak havoc. If you think your business is flying under their radar, think again.

Here’s the deal: Every IT system has weaknesses. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a small shop or a Fortune 500 company. A single vulnerability can invite disaster—data breaches, ransomware attacks, financial loss… you name it.

The solution? Regular vulnerability assessments. These proactive checkups uncover weaknesses in your infrastructure before the bad guys exploit them.

Not convinced? Let’s talk about why vulnerability assessments are critical, what happens if you skip them, and how they can save your business from a cybersecurity nightmare.

Why Vulnerability Assessments Matter

The internet is a minefield for businesses. Cybercriminals don’t rest—they’re always hunting for new vulnerabilities to exploit. Once they find a weak spot, they’re after one (or all) of these goals:

Deepfakes are no longer the stuff of sci-fi—they’re here, and they’re dangerous. Bad actors are using them to spread misinformation, ruin reputations, and even manipulate financial markets. And yes, they’re a favorite tool in phishing attacks too.

The question is, can you spot one before it’s too late? Knowing the different types of deepfakes—and their telltale signs—can save you from falling victim to these digital deceptions.

What Are the Different Types of Deepfakes (And How Do You Spot Them)?

1. Face-Swapping Deepfakes

This is the most common type of deepfake. Imagine someone’s face seamlessly superimposed onto someone else’s body in a video. With today’s sophisticated AI tools, these can be scarily convincing—especially in high-quality footage.

Here’s how to spot them:

• Look for inconsistencies: Check lighting, skin tones, and facial expressions. Do they look natural? Glitches like hair not moving realistically or slight misalignments around the face and neck are red flags.
• Check the source: Did this video come from a reputable news site, or some random social media account? Always verify the source before believing what you see.
• Listen closely: Does the voice match the person’s usual tone, pitch, or accent? Any incongruences could signal a fake.

2. Deepfake Audio

Deepfake audio is all about synthetic voice recordings that mimic someone’s speech patterns and intonations. Scammers use this to create fake audio messages or frame people for things they never said.

Phishing scams are everywhere. Your inbox? It’s a warzone. And if you think email security isn’t your problem, think again. Phishing remains the leading cause of data breaches and security incidents—and it’s been that way for years.

But the email landscape is changing. Big players like Google and Yahoo have raised the stakes with a new DMARC policy. Starting February 2024, email authentication is no longer optional—it’s essential. If your business sends emails through Gmail or Yahoo, you need to pay attention.

So, what’s DMARC, and why should you care? Let’s break it down. We’ll show you how email authentication works and why it’s the key to protecting your business from phishing attacks.

The Email Spoofing Problem

Picture this: You get an email that looks like it’s from your bank. It’s urgent—click the link, they say. Enter your details, they say. Next thing you know? You’ve been hacked.

This is email spoofing. Scammers disguise their email addresses to trick you into thinking they’re legit. They spoof a company’s domain to send fake emails to customers, vendors, and even employees.

Cloud computing has changed the game. It’s scalable, flexible, and cost-efficient. But here’s the problem: it’s not free of pitfalls. One big, expensive pitfall? Cloud waste.

What’s cloud waste? It’s money leaking out of your business, paying for resources you’re not even using. A staggering 32% of cloud spending is wasted. Think about that—nearly a third of your budget going straight down the drain.

But here’s the good news: that 32% is an opportunity. Optimize your cloud usage, and you’re looking at serious savings. Want to know how? Read on for nine smart tactics to slash cloud waste and get your spending under control.

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Cloud Audit

You can’t fix what you can’t see. Start with a cloud audit. This is your chance to dig into your current usage and uncover hidden inefficiencies. Look for:

• Underutilized resources
• Overprovisioned instances
• Unnecessary services

Use cloud management tools to generate detailed reports on usage patterns, costs, and performance metrics. This audit lays the groundwork for cutting waste and maximizing value.

Houston, TX — Elevate Technology, a leader in IT solutions, has unveiled its latest offering: Elevate for Teams Advanced. This innovative integration blends Microsoft Teams’ powerful collaboration tools with Elevate’s advanced cloud-based phone system. Designed to streamline business communication, this new solution offers companies a unified platform for calls, messages, meetings, and file sharing, all within the familiar Teams environment.

Why Elevate for Teams Advanced is a Game-Changer

Elevate for Teams Advanced is crafted for businesses that rely on Microsoft Teams in their daily workflows. By embedding sophisticated call management and customer interaction tools directly into Teams, Elevate Technology eliminates the need to juggle multiple apps. The result? A more efficient, productive workday.

With over 100 enterprise-grade calling features, including call queues, monitoring, whisper, and barge capabilities, users can manage all their communication needs within Teams without needing additional middleware or a Teams Phone license.

Key Features at a Glance

• Seamless Single-App Experience: Manage calls, SMS, and customer interactions within the Teams app, simplifying communication with just one platform.
• Advanced Calling Features: Access enterprise-level calling tools directly in Teams, such as advanced hunt groups.
• Two-Way Presence Synchronization: Align team statuses across Elevate and Teams for a cohesive experience.
• Unlimited Domestic and International Calling: Connect with clients and team members worldwide, covering 33 countries.
• Easy Sign-In with O365 Credentials: Use existing Microsoft credentials for effortless access to Elevate.

Transforming Business Communication

“Elevate for Teams Advanced is more than just an integration,” says Donnie Rollins, CEO of Elevate Technology. “We’re delivering a revolutionary solution that caters to the evolving needs of modern businesses. By merging Microsoft Teams with our telephony capabilities, we’re raising the standard for business communications.”

This integration is ideal for organizations looking to boost productivity, streamline communication, and minimize tech-related disruptions. Companies can now manage calls, SMS, meetings, and file sharing—all from a single platform, making collaboration smoother and more efficient than ever.

The cyber threat landscape is a minefield. Hackers evolve their tactics faster than you can say “data breach.” Your business? It’s juggling mountains of data while trying to fend off relentless attacks. It’s a headache no one asked for.

Enter Microsoft Security Copilot. This generative AI-powered security tool is like having an elite security team at your fingertips 24/7. It doesn’t just detect threats—it outsmarts them, giving your team the tailored insights they need to defend your network like pros.

Let’s break down what Microsoft Security Copilot is, how it works, and whether it’s the secret weapon you’ve been missing in your cybersecurity arsenal.

What Is Microsoft Security Copilot?

Think of Microsoft Security Copilot as the James Bond of cybersecurity. It’s sharp, fast, and always one step ahead. Powered by AI and machine learning, this tool transforms how security teams handle threats. It processes signals, assesses risk, and responds to incidents—all at machine speed.

Whether you’re tracking a potential breach, managing security posture, or generating executive summaries, Copilot’s got your back. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to be a tech genius to use it. Thanks to its natural language integration, you can ask it plain-English questions like:

QR codes. They’re everywhere. On restaurant menus, flyers, posters, even your favorite coffee shop's rewards program. You whip out your phone, scan, and—boom—you’re on a link, grabbing a coupon, or watching a video. Easy, right?

But hold on. That little square of convenience might just be hiding a nasty secret. Cybercriminals have caught on to the QR code craze, and they’re turning these innocent-looking boxes into traps for your personal info, your money, and even your device’s security.

Let’s peel back the curtain on the latest scam. More importantly, let’s talk about how to protect yourself before curiosity turns into regret.

QR Codes: From Humble Beginnings to Hacker Heaven

Originally designed to track parts in car manufacturing, QR codes are now the Swiss Army knife of modern marketing. They’re fast, convenient, and found everywhere from retail to hospitality.

But cybercriminals are smart. They saw an opportunity and pounced. Now, a wave of phishing scams is targeting the trust you place in QR codes. The result? Fake codes that lead you straight into the hands of scammers.

Chrome has been king of the browser hill for years. But Microsoft Edge? It’s not just creeping up behind Safari and Chrome. It’s coming for the throne.

Edge didn’t just leapfrog Firefox to claim the #3 spot—it’s now packed with features that’ll make you sit up and rethink what you want in a browser. It’s not just about surfing the web anymore. Edge is your productivity coach, your security guard, and your ultimate online companion.

From Workspaces that make your projects feel like a dream to a built-in VPN that guards your privacy like Fort Knox, Microsoft Edge isn’t playing around. Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Let’s dig in.

A Whole New Way to Work: Microsoft Edge Workspaces

What Are Workspaces?

Ever feel like your online life is a mess? Tabs everywhere, documents lost in the shuffle, projects scattered to the digital winds? That’s where Microsoft Edge Workspaces swoop in like a superhero.

Workspaces let you organize your browser into customized zones for each project, trip, or hobby. It’s like having a dedicated desk for every part of your life—minus the clutter and chaos.

Smart home gadgets are a modern-day miracle. Voice-activated assistants, connected cameras, smart thermostats—they’ve transformed our lives, making homes run smoother and smarter.

But there’s a catch. A sinister one.

A bombshell study from Which?, a leading consumer advocate group, has uncovered something that should make you sit up and take notice. These devices aren’t just listening to your commands—they might also be snooping on your private moments.

Let that sink in.

You invited them into your home, thinking they were just your friendly neighborhood helpers. Instead, some of them are acting more like spies in disguise. Creepy? You bet. But don’t panic just yet.

Has Your Software System Turned into a Tangled Mess?

Once upon a time, your company’s software was sleek, nimble, and made everything easier. But now? It’s a tangled web of shortcuts, patches, and workarounds. Welcome to the world of technical debt—it’s the silent saboteur that sneaks up on your system and starts slowing you down.

If left unchecked, technical debt can become a roadblock to efficiency, standing in the way of progress and innovation. But don't worry. Here’s how you can get ahead of it and keep your tech environment lean, mean, and running like a well-oiled machine.

What is Technical Debt?

Think of technical debt as interest on a loan you never wanted in the first place. It piles up whenever quick-fix IT solutions are chosen over more sustainable, long-term options.

At first, it seems harmless. But over time, those hasty decisions start to weigh down your system. They compound into a mess that slows progress and creates future complications you never saw coming. Addressing technical debt is crucial for keeping your technology stack robust and efficient. Here’s how you can tackle it head-on.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a game-changer. It’s the kind of tool that can supercharge your team’s productivity, creativity, and overall efficiency. But let’s be honest, AI comes with its own set of hurdles and risks. If you don’t address them head-on, you’ll miss out on the incredible potential AI has to offer.

Without clear "AI rules," you might not even know when AI is handling business data. And your employees? They might be too intimidated to use AI at all, which means losing out on huge time savings. To give you an idea, 64% of businesses expect AI to boost their productivity. You don’t want to be left behind.

So, how do you introduce AI into your workflow while sidestepping the pitfalls? We’ve got 9 tips to help you set up AI guidelines that work for your business and your team.

Define the Scope and Purpose of AI Use

Before diving into AI, you need a clear vision of what you’re aiming for. What are your business goals? How does AI fit into that big picture? If you don’t have a crystal-clear plan, your team won’t either.

Communicate this vision to your employees. Show them how AI will make their jobs easier, more efficient, and more productive. This way, everyone’s on the same page and you avoid any confusion or frustration right from the start.

You know those browser extensions you’ve downloaded? Yeah, the ones you installed to block ads, save passwords, or “boost productivity”? Well, they’re like the apps cluttering up your phone—cool in theory, but most of them just sit there, unused. And while you’re ignoring them, they could be working overtime… to compromise your privacy.

With over 176,000 extensions on Google Chrome alone, it’s easy to get lost in the possibilities. But while some can genuinely improve your online experience, others? They might be opening doors you didn’t even know existed—doors that lead directly to your sensitive info.

Let’s cut through the noise and talk about the risks you’re not thinking about. And don’t worry, I’ll show you how to stay safe while keeping those nifty tools around.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Browser Extensions

Look, browser extensions can be great. They block ads, manage passwords, even help you focus when you’re supposed to be working. But here’s the thing: for every helpful extension, there’s one lurking with a hidden agenda.

The ease of downloading them? That’s exactly what makes them dangerous. You might be one click away from compromising your entire online presence.

In today’s high-speed digital world, data isn’t just important—it’s everything. It’s what powers your operations, shapes your decisions, and connects you to your customers. But there's a silent predator lurking in the shadows of this data-driven universe. A predator that can tear through your business in ways you haven’t even imagined: the data breach.

The fallout from a breach doesn’t end when you patch the vulnerability. Far from it. In fact, nearly half of all data breach costs—49% to be exact—pile up in the second year and beyond. This means the true damage is often more like a ticking time bomb than a one-time explosion.

Let’s break down the long-term costs of a breach. Plus, I’ll walk you through a real-world horror story that shows how a single breach can keep a business in the red for years. The damage? Financial loss, a shattered reputation, and relentless government oversight. Buckle up.

The Hidden Price Tag of a Breach

The Nightmare at First American Title Insurance Co.

Back in 2019, First American got hit with a breach that sent shockwaves through their system. The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) made sure the world knew by slapping them with a $1 million fine in 2023. Why? For letting sensitive consumer information slip through their fingers.

880 million documents—loaded with personal and financial data—were left exposed, in a massive violation of data protection laws. But here’s the kicker: That fine didn’t come down until four years after the breach. It’s the perfect example of how the costs keep creeping up long after you think you’ve fixed the problem.

Forget Everything You Thought You Knew About Business Growth

What if I told you there’s a cutting-edge technology so powerful, it can open doors you didn’t even know existed? A tool so revolutionary, small businesses can finally compete with the big players. It’s affordable, it’s game-changing, and it’s called Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI).

You’ve probably heard the buzz. GenAI isn’t your run-of-the-mill automation—it’s on a whole different level. We’re talking about a technology that creates content, generates solutions, and unlocks growth in ways that used to sound like science fiction.

Got a small business? Struggling to carve out your space in this hyper-competitive market? GenAI is the ally you didn’t know you needed. It can turbocharge your creativity, supercharge your efficiency, and catapult your business into the fast lane of growth.

So, how are smart small businesses tapping into this limitless potential? Let me show you how they’re flipping the script—revamping their marketing, streamlining operations, and bringing innovation front and center.