Blog - IT Managed Service Provider First Column IT, VA, DC & MD

Our number one goal is to take care of the complexities of your technology, so you don’t have to! Part of that mission includes educating your team and providing an easy-to-access source of information so your business can focus on thriving. We hope you enjoy our tech blog and turn to it as your go-to source for the latest technology news and advice.

January 29, 2025

VoIP Can Completely Change the Course of Your Business’ Communications

This year, we’re making it our goal to help more businesses than ever, and a big part of that is making sure they have the best technology available. If you're not happy with your current phone system, we've got great news. You don’t have to stick with old-school landlines—there’s a better option called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

January 27, 2025

The Ultimate User Guide for Managing Your Passwords [Part 5 of 5]

You made it! This is the last part in our five-part series. You are just a few short steps away from drastically improving your overall cybersecurity. We wanted to thank you in advance for going through these steps, and if you are finding this article for the first time, be sure to click on #Password Guide at the bottom of this page to see all of the other posts in the series.

January 24, 2025

The Ultimate User Guide for Managing Your Passwords [Part 4 of 5]

Our last three posts have covered how to create strong passwords, how to secure a primary email account for all of your online accounts, and how to set up multi-factor authentication. In this part, we’re going to discuss setting up a password manager and going through the process of documenting all of your accounts into that password manager with all new, extremely secure passwords.

January 22, 2025

The Ultimate User Guide for Managing Your Passwords [Part 3 of 5]

This is part three of a five-part series on managing your passwords. You can view the other published posts by scrolling down and clicking #Password Guide at the bottom of this page.

January 20, 2025

The Ultimate User Guide for Managing Your Passwords [Part 2 of 5]

In our last blog post, we covered the importance of having good security hygiene and why passwords need to be strong and unique. We also provided some tips for creating unique, strong passwords that are easier to remember. You’ll be using that method to create a couple of strong passwords, but ultimately, you’ll be using a password manager by the time you finish this 5-part guide.

January 17, 2025

The Ultimate User Guide for Managing Your Passwords [Part 1 of 5]

We tend to focus on business technology, but this time, we wanted to put together a guide that would help, well, everybody! It doesn’t matter how low-tech you are, chances are you still have to manage a handful of online accounts and passwords.

January 15, 2025

The Innocent Targets - Episode One: Sextortion Scams

We wanted to switch things up for today’s article and try writing a daytime soap opera instead of our usual blog. Please feel free to read the following with dramatic string music in the background and all dialogue as whispered, bellowed, or forced through clenched teeth by a cast of longstanding characters.

January 13, 2025

Why to Use Automated Email (and When Not To)

Technology is one of the key enablers of automation for businesses, so it makes sense that it would eventually creep into email. Automated emails have the power to contribute to more streamlined operations when used well, but they are far from flawless. Today, we want to get you thinking about the pros and cons of automated email as it pertains to running your business.

January 10, 2025

Happy New Year! Stay Ahead of Cybersecurity in 2025

The new year brings exciting opportunities—but unfortunately, it also brings new chances for hackers and cybercriminals to cause trouble. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert and prepared for the cybersecurity threats we might face in 2025.

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