The Hidden Risk of Unsupported Operating Systems and Missed Patches: Are Your Systems Really Secure?

Unsupported Operating Systems is an easy one to explain… this means you get NO security updates and are an instant magnet for bad actors. If you are still on Windows 10, this will be you in a couple of months.

Every week, Microsoft releases critical security updates and bug fixes to address vulnerabilities in Windows and related software. These updates are your first line of defense against ever-evolving cyber threats. But what happens when an update fails—or doesn’t install at all?

Unfortunately, patch failures are more common than most people think. Left unchecked, a missed patch can leave your systems vulnerable for days, weeks, or longer—opening the door to malware, ransomware, data breaches, and application instability.

❌ Patch Management Isn’t “Set It and Forget It”

Many businesses assume their systems are being updated automatically. But here's the reality:

• Updates can fail silently, without any notification to the user.

• Reboots or user interaction may be required for completion—causing delays.

• A missed patch can leave a known vulnerability open to attackers.

If no one is actively monitoring your systems, you could be running outdated, insecure software without even realizing it.

✅ Our Proactive Approach to Patching

At MainStream Technologies, we take patch management seriously—because your business depends on it.

Here’s how we ensure your systems stay protected:

🔔 Real-Time Patch Failure Alerts

We’re notified immediately if any patch is missed or fails to install properly. Our team manually follows up to ensure the update is installed and confirmed—closing the vulnerability without delay.

🔄 Beyond Microsoft: Full Software Coverage

We don’t stop at Windows. We also manage updates for other third-party applications—keeping your entire environment secure and compatible.

🎯 Customized Patching Strategy

We tailor patch deployment to your business environment. Here’s how:

• Non-critical updates are rolled out in phases to minimize disruption

• Critical systems receive priority testing

• If an update causes compatibility issues, it’s caught before it impacts your entire organization

This intelligent, staged approach avoids the “all-at-once” update model that can cause unexpected application failures or system downtime.

🛡️ Security + Stability = Peace of Mind

By actively managing and customizing your patching process, we help you:

• Avoid costly downtime

• Eliminate security gaps

• Maintain software compatibility

• Stay compliant with regulatory requirements

Let Us Handle the Updates—So You Can Focus on Business

If you're not 100% sure every system is up to date—and monitored for failed patches—you may be more exposed than you realize.

Let MainStream Technologies manage the patching process for you. With our proactive approach, your systems stay secure, stable, and worry-free.

Ready to close the gaps in your patching process? Contact us today for a patch management review.

🔥 What Are Firewalls, and Why Do You Need Them?

At its core, a firewall is a security system that acts like a gatekeeper for your network. It filters incoming and outgoing traffic based on a set of rules, blocking unauthorized access and identifying suspicious activity before it becomes a threat.

Firewalls come in two main types:

🖥️ Software Firewalls

Installed on individual devices (like laptops or servers), these monitor and control application-level traffic. They’re especially useful for mobile employees and remote workers.

🛡️ Hardware Firewalls

Physical devices placed between your network and the internet. These provide centralized protection for all devices within the network and are especially effective in business environments.

🧱 The Power of Layered Security

While firewalls are vital, no single tool can protect against all threats. That’s why businesses need a multi-layered defense strategy, with firewalls playing a central role alongside:

• Antivirus & Anti-malware

• Email filtering

• Web content filtering

• Intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)

• Patch management

• Employee security training

Think of your security like a castle: the firewall is the outer wall, designed to stop attackers before they even get close.

⚙️ Benefits of Combining Hardware and Software Firewalls

When used together, hardware and software firewalls offer complementary protection:

• 🔐 Network-wide protection + individual device control

• 🌍 Secure internet traffic + control over internal app behavior

• ⚠️ Detection of both inbound threats and unauthorized outbound traffic

This combination gives businesses a more complete picture of what’s happening in their network—and better tools to stop problems before they start.

🧠 Expert Configuration Matters

A firewall is only as effective as its configuration. Improperly set rules, outdated firmware, or open ports can expose you to serious risk. That’s why it's important to have your firewalls professionally installed, configured, and managed as part of an overall security plan.

🛡️ MainStream Technologies: Your Security Partner

At MainStream Technologies, we implement and manage firewalls as part of a layered security strategy that fits your business. From advanced firewall configurations to 24/7 monitoring, we help keep your data, users, and systems safe—without slowing you down.

Let’s talk about how layered firewall protection can fortify your business. Contact us today for a network security assessment.

Smart Security Starts at the Endpoint: Managed EDR by MainStream Technologies

In today's cybersecurity landscape, traditional antivirus just isn’t enough. With sophisticated threats like ransomware, zero-day exploits, and fileless attacks on the rise, businesses need more advanced protection at the device level. That’s where Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) from MainStream Technologies comes in.

Our EDR solution offers real-time threat detection, global threat intelligence, and 24/7 monitoring, all backed by the expertise of our IT professionals. It’s the smarter way to protect every endpoint—without overwhelming your team.

🛡️ What Is EDR?

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a modern security solution designed to detect, investigate, and respond to threats on user devices such as desktops, laptops, and servers.

Unlike traditional antivirus, EDR uses behavioral analytics, machine learning, and cloud-based threat intelligence to:

• Identify suspicious activity as it happens

• Stop malware and ransomware in their tracks

• Alert and respond automatically or with technician support

• Provide visibility into the full scope of an attack

⚙️ How MainStream Technologies Delivers Managed EDR

We combine industry-leading EDR technology with hands-on support to give you fully managed endpoint protection that’s proactive and effective.

🌐 Real-Time Global Threat Awareness

Our platform pulls from a worldwide network of threat data, constantly updating to defend against the latest malware, ransomware, and exploit techniques—even those that haven't been seen before.

🚨 Instant Alerts & Ticketing

When a threat is detected, an alert is instantly generated. This automatically creates a ticket in our support system and notifies our technicians so they can investigate, isolate, and resolve the issue quickly—often before you even know there’s a problem.

💻 Antivirus, Anti-Malware, and Ransomware Protection

Our managed EDR provides layered protection against:

• Known and unknown malware

• Fileless attacks

• Phishing payloads

• Lateral movement within your network

• Ransomware encryption attempts

👨‍💻 Human-Powered Response

While EDR tools are smart, our experienced team makes them even smarter. We analyze threats, take manual action when needed, and keep you informed—so you’re not left navigating a security incident alone.

✅ Why Businesses Trust MainStream for EDR

• Fully managed solution—no in-house resources required

• Reduced risk of downtime, data loss, and compliance violations

• Customizable policies to match your business and industry needs

• Seamless integration with our helpdesk, monitoring, and patch management services

• Scalable for businesses of all sizes

🔐 Don’t Let Endpoints Be the Weakest Link

Endpoints are where work happens—and where many attacks begin. With Managed EDR by MainStream Technologies, you get continuous protection, immediate response, and the peace of mind that your systems are secured by experts.

Ready to upgrade your endpoint security? Contact us today to learn how MainStream Technologies can protect your business with Managed EDR.

Why DNS Browsing Protection Is a Critical Layer of Cybersecurity

In today’s digital landscape, cyber threats evolve by the second—and the front lines aren’t always where you’d expect. One of the most overlooked yet critical layers of defense is DNS browsing protection. If you’re not securing your DNS (Domain Name System) traffic, you’re leaving a massive gap in your organization’s cybersecurity strategy.

What Is DNS and Why It Matters
DNS is like the phone book of the internet. When you type a website’s name into your browser, DNS translates it into the numerical IP address that computers use to communicate. Every time you click a link, open an app, or load online content, DNS is at work behind the scenes.

But here’s the catch: DNS is also a prime target for cybercriminals. Phishing attacks, malware, botnets, and data exfiltration all often rely on manipulating DNS queries to redirect users to malicious sites or servers.

The Risks of Unprotected DNS
Without DNS protection in place, organizations are vulnerable to a variety of threats, including:

• Phishing Attacks: Users are redirected to fake websites that mimic legitimate ones to steal credentials or personal data.

• Malware Downloads: Compromised websites or infected ads can trigger downloads through DNS queries.

• Data Leakage: Sensitive data can be exfiltrated through DNS tunneling—a covert channel for transferring information outside the network.

• Command-and-Control (C2) Communication: Malware often relies on DNS to communicate with attacker-controlled servers.

What Is DNS Browsing Protection?
DNS browsing protection works by intercepting DNS queries and filtering them through a secure DNS resolver that blocks access to known malicious, suspicious, or inappropriate domains. It acts as a security checkpoint before a user’s browser can connect to a potentially harmful site.

Key Benefits

1. Proactive Threat Blocking
   DNS protection can stop threats before they ever reach your network or endpoints—blocking bad domains at the source.

2. Improved Visibility and Control
   IT teams gain insight into web usage patterns, helping detect risky behavior or compromised devices.

3. Faster Incident Response
   When a threat is blocked at the DNS level, alerts can be logged immediately, allowing your security team to act before real damage is done.

4. Better Productivity and Policy Enforcement
   Limit access to non-business sites or enforce compliance rules with web filtering controls built into DNS protection platforms.

Who Needs DNS Protection?
Whether you’re a small business or a global enterprise, DNS protection should be a foundational part of your security stack. It’s especially critical for:

• Remote or hybrid workforces

• BYOD environments

• Organizations handling sensitive customer or financial data

• Businesses required to meet regulatory compliance (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, etc.)

Best Practices for Implementation

• Use a Trusted Secure DNS Provider: Choose solutions that offer up-to-date threat intelligence, encryption, and advanced filtering (e.g., Cisco Umbrella, Cloudflare Gateway, or Google Safe Browsing).

• Integrate with Other Security Tools: Layer DNS protection with endpoint security, firewalls, and email protection.

• Monitor Logs and Metrics: Regularly analyze DNS logs to identify potential anomalies or abuse patterns.

• Educate Your Users: DNS protection is powerful, but user awareness about phishing and safe browsing remains key.

Final Thoughts
DNS may be a background function, but protecting it should be front and center in your cybersecurity strategy. DNS browsing protection is a low-friction, high-impact solution that can prevent a wide range of attacks before they ever start—keeping your data, users, and business safe.

Need Help Protecting Your DNS Layer?
At MainStream Technologies, we offer fully managed DNS security solutions as part of our comprehensive cybersecurity services. Let us help you build a safer, smarter network.

Your email is more than just communication—it’s your business identity. That’s why it deserves enterprise-grade reliability, rock-solid security, and expert management. We offer fully managed professional business email solutions with your own custom domain, powered by trusted platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.

Whether you’re a startup or a growing enterprise, we’ll help you establish, protect, and streamline your email environment—so you can focus on business, not technical headaches.

📧 Why Your Business Needs a Managed Email Solution

Sure, anyone can set up a free email address—but that’s not how you build trust with clients or protect sensitive communication. A custom domain email (e.g., yourname@yourcompany.com) instantly boosts your brand's credibility and sets a professional tone from the start.

With MainStream’s fully managed service, you get:

• 🚀 Seamless setup and migration

• 🔐 Enterprise-grade security

• ☁️ Cloud-based reliability

• 📲 Anywhere, anytime access

• 💼 Expert support and management

⚙️ Powered by the Best: Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace

Choose from industry-leading platforms to match your needs and preferences:

Microsoft 365

• Deep integration with Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and more

• Rich desktop and webmail experience

• Built-in tools for productivity and collaboration

Google Workspace

• Fast, modern webmail with Gmail

• Collaboration through Docs, Sheets, Meet, and Drive

• Easy integration across devices and platforms

We’ll guide you to the best fit for your organization—then handle the setup, licensing, and support from there.

🛡️ Email Security You Can Rely On

With threats like phishing, spoofing, and ransomware on the rise, your business can’t afford to leave email security to chance. Our managed email services include:

• 🚫 Advanced Anti-Spam Filtering

• 🦠 Malware and Threat Protection

• 🔐 End-to-End Email Encryption

• 💾 Automated Email Backups

• 📤 Archiving and Compliance Tools

• 🔍 Real-time Monitoring and Alerts

We also help businesses meet industry-specific compliance requirements like HIPAA, FINRA, or GDPR through proper email security configuration and data handling practices.

💼 Business Continuity = No Lost Emails

Even if your provider experiences an outage, we’ve got your back. We include daily email backups, with options for point-in-time restoration, so you never lose a critical message or attachment.

And because we manage everything behind the scenes—from DNS records to SPF/DKIM/DMARC configuration—you can be confident your messages are delivered, secure, and authenticated.

🧠 Why Choose MainStream for Email?

• ✔️ Expert setup, management, and support

• ✔️ Custom domain branding

• ✔️ Security-first approach with backups and encryption

• ✔️ Ongoing updates, monitoring, and policy enforcement

• ✔️ Responsive support when you need it

We don't just give you email—we give you a professional, reliable, and secure communication system tailored to your business.

📩 Ready for Better Business Email?

Ditch the outdated or insecure email setups. Let MainStream Technologies provide a fully managed, professionally branded email system that’s secure, scalable, and worry-free.

Contact us today to get started with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace—customized and supported by the experts who care about your success.

Who’s Really Protecting Your Data? Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

We live in an increasingly cloud-first world, but just because your applications are hosted doesn't mean your data is fully protected. Whether you access your platforms through a web browser or a thin client, you must ask yourself one critical question:

Do you trust your application provider is doing everything possible to protect your data—and backing it up in a way that truly safeguards your business?

☁️ Cloud applications are convenient but not foolproof! Many businesses rely on cloud-based platforms with the assumption that their data is fully safe and recoverable. But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
- Most cloud software providers do not guarantee fast recovery in the event of a catastrophic failure
- Backup retention is limited, and restoration times can stretch into days or even weeks
- They are generally not obligated to cover your business losses due to extended downtime or data loss!

So while your provider may store your data, it’s often on their terms—not yours. If that’s not acceptable for your business, then it’s time to take ownership of your data protection strategy.

🖥️ Still Using Local Storage? Think Beyond the Office

If your business keeps critical data on local servers or computers, the risks are even more immediate:

• A fire, tornado, or theft can wipe out your systems overnight.

• Without off-site, redundant backups, recovery may not even be an option.

• Relying on manual or inconsistent backups is a recipe for disaster.

🔐 Our Solution: Secure, Reliable, Disaster-Ready Backup

At MainStream Technologies, we provide automated, encrypted, and geographically redundant backups—designed to protect your business no matter what happens.

✔️ Backups to multiple locations
✔️ Daily and continuous backup options
✔️ Military-grade encryption for data in transit and at rest
✔️ Customized retention policies to meet your compliance and recovery needs
✔️ Fast, reliable recovery with minimal downtime

We don’t just store your data—we help you own your recovery plan, giving you control over how, where, and when your data is protected and restored. We can even get you a certified written Disaster Recovery Plan if required for compliance.

✅ Don’t Leave Data Protection to Assumptions

Catastrophes don’t come with warnings. Ask yourself:

• Can I afford to be down for days or weeks?

• Do I trust third-party providers to take full responsibility for my data?

• What would happen if all my local devices disappeared tomorrow?

If you don’t have confident answers, it’s time to act.

Let’s secure your business before it’s too late. Contact us today to set up a fully managed backup solution built for your peace of mind.

FYI, For OUR business, we backup all of our Microsoft 365 (cloud email and data) plus our QuickBooks Company file (automatically) 3 times per day… in 3 different places - and get an immediate notification if any ONE of them fails!

Why Your Business Needs a Secure, Managed Password Vault

Introduction
In a world where cyberattacks are growing in volume and sophistication, strong password practices are no longer optional—they’re essential. Yet, many organizations still struggle with poor password hygiene, reused credentials, and a lack of centralized management. That’s where a secure, managed password vault becomes a game-changer.

The Problem: Password Chaos and Security Gaps
Employees today juggle dozens, sometimes hundreds, of logins across various tools, platforms, and websites. Without proper management, this often leads to:

• Weak or reused passwords

• Unsecured password storage (like spreadsheets or sticky notes)

• Limited visibility and control for IT teams

• Increased vulnerability to phishing, credential stuffing, and data breaches

The Solution: A Secure, Managed Password Vault
A password vault offers a centralized and secure way to generate, store, and share credentials across your organization. But a managed password vault takes it one step further—offering IT oversight, enforcement of password policies, and seamless access across devices and platforms.

Key Features and Benefits

🔐 Strong Password Enforcement
With a vault in place, organizations can enforce password complexity rules, automate password generation, and eliminate risky reuse across accounts.

📱 Cross-Platform Access
Staff can access their passwords natively across all mobile operating systems, desktops, and browsers. Whether working remotely or in the office, credentials are always within reach—securely.

🧠 Zero-Knowledge Security Architecture
Your data is protected with a zero-knowledge encryption model. This means:

• Only the user has knowledge of and access to their Master Password.

• No one—not even the service provider—can access your vault data.

• Information is encrypted and decrypted locally using a 256-bit AES encryption key, offering world-class protection.

🎯 IT Visibility and Control
A managed vault empowers your IT team with tools to:

• Audit usage and access logs

• Manage shared credentials

• Revoke access instantly when employees leave

• Enforce organization-wide password policies

🔁 Secure Sharing and Collaboration
Easily and securely share credentials among team members without revealing the actual passwords. Access can be limited, time-bound, and revoked at any time.

Why It Matters
A secure, managed password vault isn’t just a convenience—it’s a critical piece of your cybersecurity infrastructure. When implemented correctly, it:

• Reduces the risk of data breaches

• Simplifies compliance with regulatory frameworks (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.)

• Saves time for both users and IT staff

• Builds a culture of security across the organization

Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity starts with strong passwords, and strong passwords start with a secure vault. By adopting a managed password vault solution, your organization gains the tools it needs to protect sensitive data, empower employees, and reduce risk—without compromising on usability.

Need Help Implementing a Password Vault?
At MainStream Technologies, we offer enterprise-grade password management solutions backed by zero-knowledge encryption and expert support. Let us help you deploy a password vault that’s easy to use and impossible to compromise.

🔐 Why MFA is Essential:

• ✅ Stronger Security – Adds an extra layer beyond passwords, making it much harder for attackers to gain access.

• 📱 Protects Against Password Leaks – Even if your password is compromised, MFA keeps your accounts safe.

• 🌐 Essential for Remote Access – Vital for securing logins from multiple devices and locations.

• 💸 Reduces Risk of Data Breaches – Helps prevent costly hacks and reputation damage.

• 🔍 Compliance Ready – Meets security standards for many regulations (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.).

• 👥 User Accountability – Makes unauthorized access easier to detect and respond to.

➡️ Bottom line: MFA is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your data.

Cyber Awareness Training: Your First Line of Defense Against Threats, Fines, and Burnout

Introduction
Cyber threats, regulatory fines, and employee burnout—on the surface, these may seem like separate challenges. But they often share one root cause: a lack of proper training. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, your team is both your greatest asset and your greatest risk. That’s why cyber awareness training isn’t just a security measure—it’s a business imperative.

Why Cyber Awareness Matters
Most security breaches don’t start with hackers—they start with human error. A misplaced click on a phishing email, a weak password, or unauthorized software installation can expose your entire organization. Meanwhile, complex compliance requirements and unclear company policies can leave employees overwhelmed, confused, and disengaged.

That’s where structured, ongoing training makes all the difference.

Our Solution: All-in-One Employee Training Platform
We offer a comprehensive cyber awareness and business training platform designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses. It’s built to:

✅ Enhance security through real-world cyber awareness simulations
✅ Boost productivity by reinforcing best practices and clear expectations
✅ Maintain compliance with evolving regulatory standards

What’s Included

🧠 Engaging Cybersecurity Training Modules
Interactive courses cover essential topics like phishing, password hygiene, mobile security, remote work best practices, and more—making learning easy, relevant, and actionable.

📄 Dozens of Business Policy Templates
Simplify the creation and enforcement of internal policies with ready-to-use templates covering cybersecurity, data privacy, acceptable use, remote work, BYOD, and more.

📊 Employee Progress Tracking and Reporting
Know exactly who’s completed their training, who needs reminders, and how your team measures up—all from one intuitive dashboard.

🚨 Regulatory Compliance Support
Help your business stay compliant with regulations like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, and more—without hiring a full compliance team.

🌐 Flexible, On-Demand Learning
Employees can complete training at their own pace—on desktop or mobile—minimizing disruption while maximizing engagement.

Why It Works
Cyber awareness training isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about creating a security-first culture where every team member plays a role in protecting the organization. By combining cybersecurity education with policy clarity and practical tools, our platform helps reduce:

• Costly human errors

• Risk of regulatory violations

• Downtime from avoidable incidents

• Employee frustration and burnout

Final Thoughts
Investing in cyber awareness training is one of the smartest moves a business can make. It protects your data, empowers your team, and helps future-proof your operations. In a world where one bad click can lead to a crisis, training isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Ready to Build a Smarter, Safer Workplace?
At MainStream Technologies, we help businesses strengthen their human firewall with an all-in-one training and policy management solution. Let’s equip your team with the knowledge and confidence they need to stay secure and compliant—every day.

Secure Remote Access: Working Remotely Without Compromising Data Security

Remote work has become a permanent fixture for many businesses—but with that flexibility comes new cybersecurity risks. Whether your team is fully remote or uses a hybrid model, securing your remote access strategy is critical to protecting sensitive data, maintaining compliance, and minimizing vulnerabilities.

For industries like healthcare, finance, and legal services, the stakes are even higher. A single unsecured connection can expose sensitive records, violate regulations like HIPAA, and result in costly breaches.

So how do you enable remote work without compromising security?

🔒 What is Secure Remote Access?

Secure remote access allows employees to connect to company systems, data, and applications from outside the office—without opening the door to cyber threats. This is typically achieved through tools such as:

• VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

• Endpoint security and device management

• Encrypted data transmission and secure file sharing

These measures ensure that only authorized users can access your internal network—and that the data in transit is protected.

🌐 Why a VPN is Essential for Remote Work

A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between the user's device and your company network. This shields sensitive information from hackers, especially on public or home Wi-Fi networks.

VPN Benefits:

• 🛡️ Protects against data interception

• 🌍 Hides IP addresses and locations

• ✅ Ensures access control to internal resources

• ⚙️ Supports HIPAA, GDPR, and other compliance requirements

For businesses subject to regulations like HIPAA, a properly configured VPN is not optional—it’s a compliance requirement.

🏥 Remote Work + HIPAA: Compliance Without Compromise

Healthcare providers must maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information (PHI), even when accessed remotely.

Here’s how to support HIPAA-compliant remote work:

• 🔐 Use a HIPAA-compliant VPN with end-to-end encryption

• 🧾 Maintain audit trails and access logs

• 🧍 Implement role-based access control

• 💻 Ensure endpoint devices are secured and managed

• 📁 Use secure, encrypted file-sharing platforms

At MainStream Technologies, we help clients build remote access systems that are secure by design and compliant by default.

🧰 Our Remote Access Security Solutions Include:

• Customized VPN setup and management

• Multi-layer authentication and single sign-on (SSO) integration

• Device health checks and endpoint security tools

• Data encryption at rest and in transit

• Remote monitoring and alerting

• Compliance documentation for HIPAA, PCI, and others

🔑 The Bottom Line: Security Should Never Be Optional

The ability to work from anywhere is a competitive advantage—but only if it’s done securely. Businesses that prioritize secure remote access protect their data, reduce risk, and build trust with clients and regulators alike.

Ready to make remote work secure and compliant? Contact MainStream Technologies today to evaluate your current setup and build a custom remote access solution tailored to your business and compliance needs.

The client-server computing model divides tasks and workloads between resource or service providers (servers) and service requesters (clients or workstations). Servers host and run programs that share resources with clients, while client computers typically request information from servers without sharing their own resources.

Common applications utilizing the client-server model include email, network printing, shared QuickBooks Company files, and the World Wide Web.

Mainstream Technologies evaluates whether a client-server network suits your specific needs. With the rise of efficient, cost-effective cloud solutions like Google Apps for Work, many small businesses can avoid the upfront costs and ongoing maintenance demands of traditional server-based networks.

Mainstream Technologies is a Value-Added Reseller, providing you with turnkey server-based solutions from Dell, IBM/Lenovo, System X, HP, and many others.