IT Reads
IT Reads
Plain-English articles on keeping a small business secure, backed up and running smoothly, each with a quick answer, a checklist and its sources.
The short answer
IT Reads is the ManagedITServices.Tech library of short, practical articles for business owners and office managers. Topics cover security awareness, such as phishing, business email compromise, ransomware response, MFA, passwords and cyber insurance; backup and disaster recovery, such as the 3-2-1 rule, RPO and RTO, Microsoft 365 backup and continuity planning; and IT best practices, such as offboarding, patching, Windows 11 upgrades, Wi-Fi security and AI policy.
Security awareness
Phishing, MFA and the controls that keep accounts and data out of the wrong hands.
- Security awarenessHow to Spot a Phishing EmailMost attacks on small businesses start with an email that looks routine. These are the signs that give a phishing message away, and what to do next.3 min read
- Security awarenessMFA for Small BusinessesMultifactor authentication stops most account takeovers. Here is how it works, which methods are strongest and where a small business should turn it on first.3 min read
- Security awarenessCyber Insurance RequirementsCyber insurance applications have turned into security questionnaires. These are the controls carriers commonly ask about, and how to get ready before renewal.3 min read
- Security awarenessBusiness Email CompromiseBusiness email compromise rarely involves malware, which is why antivirus does not stop it. Here is how the scam works and the controls that do.4 min read
- Security awarenessWhat to Do After a Ransomware AttackThe first decisions after ransomware strikes shape how much is lost. This is the order of operations incident responders follow, written for a small business.3 min read
- Security awarenessPassword Policy Best PracticesMany password rules still in use make security worse, not better. Here is what current NIST guidance says, and the policy we recommend for small businesses.3 min read
Backup and disaster recovery
How to keep copies that survive ransomware and get back to work after an outage.
- Backup and disaster recoveryThe 3-2-1 Backup Rule ExplainedThe 3-2-1 rule is the simplest way to check whether your backups would survive a bad day. Here is what it means and how ransomware changed it.3 min read
- Backup and disaster recoveryRPO vs RTO: What They MeanTwo numbers decide whether a disaster recovery plan fits your business. Here is what RPO and RTO mean and how to set targets you can actually meet.3 min read
- Backup and disaster recoveryDoes Microsoft Back Up Microsoft 365?Microsoft keeps Microsoft 365 available, but recovering your data after a deletion, a ransomware attack or a departed employee is a different job. Here is where the line sits.3 min read
- Backup and disaster recoveryBusiness Continuity vs Disaster RecoveryThe two terms are often used as one, but they answer different questions. Here is how they fit together, and what a practical BCDR plan for a small business covers.3 min read
IT best practices
Everyday routines that keep a small business secure, current and easy to support.
- IT best practicesEmployee Offboarding IT ChecklistWhen someone leaves, their access should leave with them. This checklist covers the IT steps that are easiest to miss.3 min read
- IT best practicesPatch Management Best PracticesMany attacks use flaws that already had a fix available. These practices keep updates steady without breaking the software your business runs on.3 min read
- IT best practicesWindows 10 End of SupportMicrosoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Here is what that means for business PCs still running it, and how to get to a supported setup.3 min read
- IT best practicesAI Acceptable Use PolicyYour staff are already using AI tools, approved or not. A short, clear policy lets the business get the benefit without leaking client data.3 min read
- IT best practicesHow to Secure Business Wi-FiOffice Wi-Fi is often set up once and never touched again. These are the settings that separate a secure business network from a home router in an office.3 min read
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IT Reads?
IT Reads is our library of practical articles for business owners and office managers on security awareness, backup and disaster recovery, and everyday IT best practices.
Are IT Reads legal, insurance or compliance advice?
No. They are general information, with links to the public sources behind them. For legal, insurance or compliance decisions, talk to your attorney, broker or assessor.
Can I share IT Reads with my staff?
Yes. Short reads such as how to spot a phishing email work well as a refresher between security awareness training sessions.
Next step
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