Monthly Archives: August 2025

Your Cyber Insurance Questions—Answered by a Local Willow Grove IT Expert

Cybersecurity, Uncategorized

Do you have cyber insurance questions, wondering why so many small businesses are suddenly being denied cyber insurance—or paying double what they did last year? You’re not alone. Premiums are rising, underwriters are becoming pickier, and more small businesses are dealing with policy denials than ever before. The problem? Most of the information out there is either legal-speak or insurance jargon that leaves you even more confused than you were when you started. 

We’ve had more Willow Grove, PA, clients ask us about coverage requirements in the last six months than ever before. These are smart business owners who just want to know: “What do I actually need to do to stay covered?” So let’s cut through all the noise and give you some real answers to the cyber insurance questions for small businesses that matter most. 

You deserve facts, not fluff. Let’s dive into what small businesses need for cyber insurance in 2025. 

Can I Get Cyber Insurance Without Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? 

Short answer: No, not anymore. 

MFA has become one of the most common non-negotiables when it comes to cyber insurance policies. Think of it like wearing a seatbelt; you might have been able to get away without it years ago, but now it’s required everywhere. 

Here’s why insurers care so much: Most data breaches start with stolen passwords. When a hacker manages to get your password, MFA is often the only thing that is standing between them and your valuable business data. Without it, you’re essentially telling your insurance company, “I left my front door unlocked, but please cover me if someone breaks in.” 

What this means for your policy: Companies that don’t have MFA across all business accounts should prepare for: 

  • Automatic policy denial 
  • Premium increases of 50% or more 
  • Exclusion clauses that void their coverage for password-related breaches 

Without MFA, insurers see your business as high-risk—and they price you that way. 

The good news: Implementing MFA on an organization-wide basis isn’t as complicated as it sounds. A qualified MSP can set this up across all your systems (that means email, accounting software, cloud storage, and everything else), and they can usually do it in just a few hours. 

Will Cyber Insurance Cover You If You’re Still on Windows 10 After End-of-Life?  

This is one of the questions business owners have been asking lately. 

The deadline: On October 14, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10. After that date, any computer that is still running Windows 10 will automatically become what insurers call an “unsupported system.” 

Why this matters for your cyber insurance policy checklist: Running unsupported operating systems is like driving a car that you know has brake problems. Insurance companies view this as reckless behavior and will not cover it. We’ve already seen policies with specific language that excludes claims when they involve unsupported systems. 

Real-world impact: A manufacturing client of ours discovered their policy had a clause stating that any breach involving “systems running software beyond its support lifecycle” would lead to an automatic claim denial. That’s expensive language that could cost you everything. 

The Windows 10 end-of-life impact on your coverage: 

  • Immediate risk of policy non-renewal  
  • Exclusion clauses in new policies that limit your coverage severely 
  • Higher premiums for businesses considered to be “high-risk” 
  • Potential claim denials if breaches involve outdated systems 

Your options: Upgrade to Windows 11 or move to a supported alternative. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about actual security. Unsupported systems will not get patches for new threats, essentially making them sitting ducks for cybercriminals. For insurers, that means your outdated systems are their excuse to deny coverage. 

Need help planning your upgrade? Book a Priority Discovery Call to create a migration strategy that keeps you covered and protected. 

Does Employee Cybersecurity Training Impact Your Cyber Insurance Coverage?  

Yes, it does, and here’s why it matters. 

Security awareness training isn’t just an insurance requirement anymore; it is now your best defense against the most common cyber threats. A high percentage of successful cyberattacks start with human error, whether it’s someone clicking on a malicious link, downloading infected files, or falling for a clever social engineering scam. 

What insurers want to see: 

  • Regular training sessions (at least annually, but preferably quarterly) 
  • Phishing simulation testing 
  • Documentation of completion and results 
  • Updated training that covers the latest trends in cybersecurity threats 

Think of it this way: You wouldn’t hire drivers without teaching them the traffic laws. Why would you give your employees access to your sensitive business systems without teaching them cyber safety? 

Skipping training isn’t just risky—it signals to insurers that you’re not serious about security. 

The MSP advantage: Most MSPs offer comprehensive security awareness training as part of their service packages. This includes simulated phishing emails that test your team in a safe environment, training on password hygiene, and recognition of social engineering attempts. 

Real example: One of our Willow Grove clients avoided a $50,000 wire fraud attempt because their bookkeeper was able to recognize the red flags we’d trained them to spot. That training paid for itself in a single prevented incident. 

Can You Still Get Cyber Insurance If You Don’t Meet Every Requirement?  

This is where things get tricky, but you will still have some options. 

Conditional coverage: Some insurers offer policies that come with higher deductibles or premium surcharges for businesses that are unable to meet every requirement immediately. Think of it as “probationary coverage” while you work toward reaching full compliance. 

The risks of conditional coverage: 

  • Policy exclusion clauses that void your coverage for specific scenarios 
  • Much higher deductibles (sometimes 10x the normal amounts) 
  • Denied claims for incidents related to your compliance gaps 
  • Mandatory compliance deadlines with policy cancellation threats attached 

In other words, you’re paying for ‘coverage’ that might not be there when you need it most. 

The bottom line: Conditional coverage is better than no coverage, but it’s not a viable long-term solution. We’ve seen far too many businesses discover during a crisis that their “coverage” didn’t actually cover their specific situation. 

Don’t wait for a claim to find out you’re not covered. The cost of meeting requirements up front is always lower than the cost of dealing with a denied claim later. 

Who Helps Small Businesses Stay Compliant with Cyber Insurance Requirements?  

Answer: That’s exactly what your MSP is for. 

If you think about it, managing cyber liability insurance for SMBs requirements while running your business is like trying to be your accountant, lawyer, and IT department all at once. Is it possible? Maybe. Smart? Not. That’s why most SMBs hand this off to an MSP who knows exactly what insurers look for. 

Here’s how the right MSP simplifies everything: 

  • Documentation for audits: We maintain detailed records of all your security measures, and this makes insurance applications and renewals straightforward instead of stressful. 
  • Monitoring and endpoint protection: EDR and backups for compliance aren’t set-it-and-forget-it solutions. They need constant monitoring, updates, and verification that everything’s working correctly. 
  • Patch management and backups: Keeping your systems updated and ensuring your backups work requires a level of ongoing attention that most business owners simply don’t have time for. 
  • Training and policy compliance: From employee training schedules to incident response plan updates, we handle the ongoing requirements that keep your coverage valid. 

Think of us as your outsourced compliance department – we make sure you check every box, and then some. 

For businesses in Willow Grove, this partnership approach can turn insurance audit readiness into a strong competitive advantage for your business. You focus on growing your business while we make sure your technological foundation meets every requirement. 

What’s the First Step to Get Help with Cyber Insurance? 

The first step is simple: Get a clearer picture of where you stand right now. 

Most business owners think they know their compliance status, but they’re often surprised by what a professional assessment can reveal. Even the smallest gaps can become big problems during renewal season – or even worse, during an actual cyber incident. 

Our Priority Discovery Call Process 

  • Current state assessment: We’ll review your existing systems, policies, and documentation. 
  • Gap analysis: Identify what’s missing and what needs improvement 
  • Prioritized action plan: We will work to create a roadmap that addresses your most critical issues first. 
  • Implementation timeline: We’ll show you exactly how to get from where you are to where you need to be. 

This isn’t a sales pitch; it’s a strategic planning session. You’ll walk away with clear answers about your cyber insurance readiness, whether you choose to work with us or not. 

For businesses in Willow Grove, local IT support for compliance means working with a partner who understands both the technical requirements and the local business environment. 

Let’s Make Sure You’re Covered, Not Guessing 

Your cyber insurance policy shouldn’t be a mystery or a risk. The questions we’ve covered here represent the most common concerns we hear from business owners in our area who want to do the right thing but aren’t quite sure what that looks like. 

Reality is that cyber insurance requirements will only become stricter as insurers continue to learn from expensive claims. Businesses that get ahead of these requirements now are going to have the best coverage options and the lowest premiums when renewal time rolls around. 

What small businesses need for cyber insurance isn’t rocket science, but it does require the right expertise and ongoing attention. This is where partnering with a qualified MSP can make all the difference. 

We’ll help you break down exactly what’s needed, fix what’s missing, and prepare your Willow Grove business for renewal season and whatever cyber threats come your way. 

Are you 100% confident your cyber insurance will hold up if you ever need it? Most business owners aren’t, and that uncertainty is expensive. 

Book a Cybersecurity Readiness Assessment – Get a clear action plan before renewal season hits. 

Download the Cyber Insurance Toolkit – Compare coverage options and spot hidden gaps. 

Still have a question? Email us—we’ll give you straight answers, not a sales pitch. 

Don’t leave your coverage to chance. The peace of mind is worth the conversation! 

Say Hello to Managed Voice: Small Business VoIP Providers

Manage Service, VOIP

 

Say Hello to Managed Voice Small Business VoIP Providers - SystemsNet

Remember the bad old days of business VoIP? Jittery lines, dropped calls and voices that sounded like they were coming from a tin can. If that’s your lingering image of voice over internet protocol, it’s time for a serious update. As you compare small business VoIP providers, here is some background information to consider. 

Today’s managed voice solutions are a far cry from their predecessors, offering crystal-clear communication, rock-solid reliability and significant cost savings for small and medium-sized businesses.

The secret to this transformation? Technological advancements and, more importantly, expert configuration and ongoing management. That’s where a trusted managed service provider (MSP) comes in.

VoIP works by converting voice to digital data packets. These packets are transmitted over the internet instead of via traditional phone lines. Many small businesses depend on VoIP because it’s:

  • Easy. 
  • Scalable. 
  • Customizable.  
  • Cost-effective. 
  • Portable. 

What Exactly Is “Managed Voice”?

Think of managed voice as the ultimate integration of your phone system with your data network. It goes beyond being a phone service to become a fully managed solution that prioritizes your voice data, ensuring seamless, high-quality calls. 

You might also hear terms like unified communications (UC) or unified communications as a service (UCaaS) used interchangeably. They all point to the same powerful concept: bringing all your communication tools together in one cohesive, easy-to-manage system.

Managed Voice vs. Traditional PBX

We understand that you may have invested heavily in a physical phone system, but don’t let sunk costs hold you back. If your business is still relying on an aging, physical PBX system, you’re likely spending more than you need to and limiting your capabilities. 

Consider this: Whether you have four phone lines or 40, a managed voice system offers compelling advantages:

  • Cost-effectiveness: With managed voice, you only pay for what you need. Your costs are based on the number of active users or phones, not how many calls you make. Traditional PBX equipment, on the other hand, is expensive to purchase, takes up valuable office space and requires dedicated IT staff for maintenance.
  • Centralized control and mobility: Imagine managing all your voice communications from a single, intuitive web console – no matter how many extensions you have or where your team members are located. Managed voice makes this a reality. Your system is accessible from anywhere, transforming your computer, smartphone or tablet into a “softphone” via an app. This means your phone system goes where you go; an important benefit in this age of remote work.
  • Advanced features: Forget paying extra for basic features like call forwarding, call waiting or caller ID. These, and many more, are typically included with managed voice solutions. Plus, you get advanced functionalities such as video conferencing and team collaboration tools, voicemails delivered directly to your email, computer integration, automated attendants, and mute, hold and transfer functions. Typically, long-distance calls are included, too.
  • Scalability made simple: Growing your business? Adding new lines is effortless. Experiencing a seasonal lull? You can easily scale back your services. You only pay for what you’re actively using, avoiding wasted investment in unused equipment. With traditional landlines, adding new phones often means purchasing costly equipment and reconfiguring the entire system.

Unlocking Significant Cost Savings

Let’s talk numbers. Leaders researching small business VoIP providers are pleasantly surprised that managed VoIP is often much cheaper than traditional landlines in terms of monthly costs. 

Why the big difference? Landlines come with hidden fees for copper wiring and PBX charges that simply don’t exist with VoIP. By eliminating the need for bulky PBX hardware and the staff to maintain it, you’re freeing up both valuable office space and your budget.

Designed With You in Mind: User-Friendly Features

Managed voice systems are built for ease of use, no matter how many employees your small business has. Their customizable, user-friendly interfaces allow you to tailor call routing based on various factors, like the day of the week or time of day. 

Another highly popular feature is the ability to transcribe voicemails into text and send them to your email, ensuring you never miss an important message. These are just a few examples of how managed voice can be customized to your company’s unique operational needs.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

In almost all cases, a managed voice plan is a superior choice. The only significant factor to consider is your internet connection. If your business locations suffer from spotty or slow internet, then a VoIP system might not be the right fit – at least not until those connectivity issues are addressed. However, if your internet is unreliable, that’s likely a broader challenge your business needs to tackle for future growth and profitability anyway. (And our team of IT pros is happy to help.) 

Beyond a stable internet connection, all you typically need is a VoIP router, a Cat-5e Ethernet cable and a knowledgeable small business VoIP provider to help with configuration. One minor point to remember is that, unlike a landline, your physical location isn’t automatically transmitted with a VoIP call. But there are plenty of other ways to share your location with clients, like through your website, email or a contact form.

Considering Small Business VoIP Providers? 

Ready to transform your business communication? As you’re comparing small business VoIP providers, we’d be happy to answer your questions. Let’s talk about how a managed voice solution can benefit your organization.

7 Cyber Insurance Requirements You Must Meet in 2025 to Keep Your Coverage

Cybersecurity

Are you wondering if your business will sail through its cyber insurance renewal? The good news is that meeting 2025’s cyber insurance requirements isn’t rocket science; you just need the right roadmap and partner to help you get there. 

For businesses in Willow Grove, PA, staying ahead of the game with comprehensive cybersecurity measures isn’t just about compliance; it means building protection that actually works when you need it most. 

What Are the 7 Essential Cyber Insurance Requirements? 

  1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Across All Systems

What insurers want: MFA enabled on every business account, from your email to accounting software. 

Why it matters: Stolen passwords are still one of the easiest ways hackers get in. Without MFA, one leaked login could give them full access to your systems—and even give your insurer a reason to deny your claim. Adding MFA to every account and keeping proof it’s active is one of the quickest ways to close this gap. 

  1. Regular Patching and Vulnerability Management

What insurers want: Documented proof you’re keeping your software updated and fixing your security holes promptly. 

Why it matters: Every unpatched system is like leaving a broken lock on your front door. Cybercriminals actively scan for outdated software, and your insurer will expect proof that you’re fixing vulnerabilities quickly. Setting up automatic updates and tracking patch history keeps you secure—and keeps you compliant. 

  1. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions

What insurers want: Advanced monitoring that goes beyond basic antivirus software to watch what’s happening on your devices. 

Why it matters: Basic antivirus is yesterday’s news. Modern attacks slip past it all the time. EDR acts like a 24/7 security guard, spotting unusual behavior before it becomes a full-blown breach. If your insurer asks for advanced threat detection, this is the tool they’re talking about. 

  1. Encrypted Backups (Onsite and Cloud)

What insurers want: Verified backup systems that store encrypted copies across multiple locations with documented testing. 

Why it matters: The most advanced firewall in the world can’t save you from an employee clicking the wrong link. That’s why insurers expect documented, recurring training that actually sticks. A team that can spot phishing and scams is one of your strongest defenses. 

  1. Employee Security Awareness Training

What insurers want: Regular, documented cybersecurity training requirements that teach your team how they can spot and avoid threats. 

Why it matters: Your employees can be your strongest defense… or your weakest link. Most breaches actually start with someone innocently clicking on the wrong link. 

  1. Documented Incident Response Plans

What insurers want: A clear, tested plan for what happens when something goes wrong, with components such as: 

  • Who to contact first 
  • How to contain threats 
  • Communication procedures 
  • Recovery steps 

Why it matters: When something goes wrong, guessing is the enemy. Insurers want to see a clear plan that covers who to call first, how to contain the threat, and how to recover. Testing it ahead of time means you’ll be ready—and they’ll know you’re serious about security. 

  1. Supported Operating Systems Only

What insurers want: All of your computers should be running systems that still receive security updates. 

Why it matters: After October 14, Microsoft will stop providing security patches for older systems. If you’re still running one, your insurer could call it negligence and deny your claim. Upgrading to supported systems keeps you protected and closes that loophole. 

Why Most SMBs Struggle with Cyber Insurance Requirements 

Are you feeling overwhelmed by this list? Managing these cyber insurance requirements while running your business is not an easy feat. 

Most policy denial reasons can be traced back to businesses thinking they’re covered when they’re actually missing some type of critical documentation or implementation gap.  

How the Right MSP Makes Compliance Simple 

Here’s where everything changes. Professional managed service providers don’t just implement these requirements for you; they document everything your insurer needs to see. 

MSPs handle: 

  • Implementing all seven of these requirements systematically 
  • Providing audit trails that satisfy insurers 
  • Monitoring compliance on a continuous basis 
  • Creating reports that make renewals straightforward 

For businesses in Willow Grove, working with an experienced MSP takes the guesswork out of cyber insurance audit readiness. 

Cyber Insurance Requirements: Don’t Wait Until Renewal Season 

Meeting 2025’s cyber insurance requirements isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about building genuine protection. The businesses that thrive get ahead of these requirements instead of scrambling at renewal time. 

Companies in Willow Grove that partner with qualified MSPs find that endpoint security solutions and comprehensive compliance become automatic, not stressful. 

If an audit happened today, could you prove every one of these requirements? Most businesses can’t—and they find out the hard way when a claim gets denied.  

Our Cybersecurity Readiness Assessment shows you exactly where you stand, how to close gaps, and gives you documented proof for your insurer. 

Book Your Assessment Here 

Don’t gamble on your renewal. Let’s assess your compliance, fix the gaps, and hand you the documentation your insurer expects. 

This is at the core of what our MSP does. Contact us today for a deeper conversation. 

Budget Buster? Top 5 Hidden Costs of In-House IT

Manage Service, Uncategorized

Hidden Costs of In-House IT - SystemsNet

As a business owner or nonprofit leader, you understand that IT is the backbone of your daily operations. Many small to mid-sized organizations believe that building an in-house IT team is the most cost-effective way to manage their technology. But is that really the case? Let’s uncover the often-overlooked, hidden costs of in-house IT that can quickly add up.

1. Unexpected Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

Everyone in business today knows that cybersecurity threats are a constant and growing concern. While your in-house team members are busy with daily tasks, they may not have the resources or specialized knowledge to stay ahead of the latest sophisticated cyber threats sneaking up on your organization.

Unfortunately, the consequences of inadequate protection can be severe and costly, including:

  • Data breaches: Compromised sensitive information can lead to significant financial and reputational damage.
  • Legal repercussions and hefty fines: Noncompliance with data protection regulations can result in substantial penalties.
  • Damage to your brand reputation: A security breach erodes customer trust and can be incredibly difficult to recover from.

SystemsNet specializes in proactive cybersecurity. We continuously monitor the threat landscape, implement cutting-edge defenses and ensure your business is protected against the hidden costs associated with security breaches. It’s also worth noting that your cybersecurity insurance provider may even drop you if your defenses aren’t up to par.

2. The Cost of Limited Expertise

The world of IT is vast and constantly evolving, encompassing everything from advanced cybersecurity to complex cloud architecture and data management. An in-house IT team, no matter how dedicated, often has limited depth and breadth of knowledge across all these critical areas due to time constraints and specialization needs.

Limited knowledge can lead to hidden costs of in-house IT, such as:

  • Prolonged downtime: When complex issues arise that your team isn’t equipped to handle, it means longer periods of unproductive time for your employees.
  • Lost productivity and revenue: Every minute your systems are down or underperforming directly impacts your bottom line.

Managed service providers (MSPs), like SystemsNet, offer access to a diverse team of IT specialists, each with expertise in various areas. A deeper bench of pros means quicker problem resolution and a more robust approach to your IT challenges, ultimately saving you time and money.

3. The Pitfalls of Scalability

You know that change is a constant. Businesses experience periods of growth and contraction, and your IT infrastructure needs to adapt accordingly. When these fluctuations hit, an in-house team can be a liability that’s inflexible and costly to maintain.

When you weigh the merits and costs of in-house IT, consider these questions:

  • Would an in-house team be able to handle a sudden surge in demand for custom IT projects?
  • Would you be overpaying for IT personnel and resources during slower periods?

MSPs offer the flexibility to scale your IT resources up or down as needed, ensuring you only pay for what you use. This adaptability prevents overspending and allows you to quickly ramp up IT capabilities when opportunities arise.

4. Mistaken Migrations

The cloud is an essential component of modern IT infrastructure, but transitioning to it can be complex. If not executed correctly, cloud migration can be fraught with hidden costs and disruptions. In-house teams might lack the specialized expertise for a seamless transition.

SystemsNet has extensive experience in managing cloud adoption and migration. We ensure a smooth, efficient transition that minimizes disruptions and unexpected expenses, helping you leverage the full potential of cloud technology.

5. Loss of Data and Disaster Downtime

Data is the lifeblood of your business, and safeguarding it is paramount. In-house IT teams often struggle to implement comprehensive backup and disaster recovery (BDR) plans that truly ensure business continuity.

When your BDR plans are inadequate, your organization could face:

  • Significant data loss: Irreplaceable information can be permanently lost.
  • Extended downtime: Operations can grind to a halt, severely impacting productivity.
  • Substantial financial repercussions: The cost of data recovery and business interruption can be immense.

At SystemsNet, we specialize in managing and protecting data with robust BDR strategies, significantly reducing the risk of hidden costs associated with data disasters. In fact, we offer a free cybersecurity readiness assessment to pinpoint any security gaps your company might have.

6. Counting Up the Hidden Costs of In-House IT

While an in-house IT team might appear to be a cost-effective choice initially, the hidden costs can quickly accumulate, impacting your bottom line and hindering your organization’s growth. SystemsNet provides proactive, high-level and customized IT solutions designed to help businesses like yours thrive. Don’t let the hidden costs of an in-house IT team erode your profitability.

SystemsNet is more than just IT professionals; we are dedicated partners committed to helping small and medium-sized organizations succeed in the digital age. Not sure about fully outsourcing your IT tasks? Our co-managed IT services work with your existing internal team to ensure a stable, secure and productive IT environment.

If you’re re-evaluating your IT support and cybersecurity protection options, we encourage you to contact us today. Through a no-obligation consultation, we’ll help you understand how SystemsNet can provide cost-effective and efficient IT services that align with your organization’s goals.