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Side by Side IT Blog

Understanding Website Data Practices: A Guide for Small Businesses

 

In today’s digital economy, websites collect and use user data to personalize experiences, deliver targeted advertising, and improve functionality. This data can range from basic technical details like browser type and IP address to more sensitive information such as names, email addresses, and payment details.

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7 Hidden Cybersecurity Risks That Could Compromise Your Accounts

 

Protecting Your Small Business: 7 Overlooked Ways Hackers Can Breach Your Accounts

The digital age has transformed how small businesses operate—streamlining communication, improving efficiency, and expanding reach. But with these benefits come new risks. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, using both familiar and lesser-known tactics to infiltrate business systems and steal sensitive data.

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Can Compromised Information Be Erased from the Dark Web?

 

Protecting Your Small Business: Navigating the Risks of the Dark Web

In today’s digital economy, protecting sensitive business and customer data is more critical than ever. The dark web—a hidden part of the internet—poses a serious threat to small businesses, as it is frequently used for illicit activities, including the sale of stolen personal and corporate information. Due to its decentralized and anonymous nature, removing data from the dark web is extremely difficult once it has been exposed.

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Emerging Gmail Security Threats in 2025: What Small Businesses Need to Know

 

Cybercriminals frequently target Gmail due to its widespread use among small businesses and its integration with essential Google services. As AI-powered cyberattacks become more sophisticated, it is increasingly difficult for business owners and employees to distinguish between legitimate and malicious emails.

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Identifying the Distinctions Between Malware and Ransomware

 

Malware and ransomware are two types of malicious software that can damage your computer or steal your data. Downloading this harmful software comes with serious consequences. In 2024, there were more than 60 million new strains of malware found on the internet. This is why it’s critical for small businesses to understand the difference between them. This article will help you understand both types of threats.

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Determining Your Device Storage Needs: An In-Depth Guide

 

Device storage determines how many applications, photos, and files you can retain on your device. When you run out of storage, it can affect your productivity and device performance. However, finding the right storage amount isn’t always easy.

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Is Your Device Due for an Upgrade? Look Out for These 7 Indicators

 

Technology evolves rapidly, and our gadgets can quickly become outdated. According to data from Statista, consumers replace their devices about every 2-3 years. However, it can be tricky to determine when an upgrade is necessary.

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Essential Security Tips for Mobile App Users: Top 10 Recommendations

 

Mobile applications have become an integral part of our lives, including for small businesses. We use them to browse the internet, network, communicate, and much more. However, they also expose us to risks from fraudsters who may steal information or damage our phones.

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All About The New U.S. Cyber Trust Mark

 

The Cyber Trust Mark is a new smart device label created by the US government to ensure that a device is safe. Internet of Things (IoT) devices have become increasingly popular recently. Devices like smart thermostats and baby monitors make our lives easier but also expose us to cyber threats.

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8 Key Factors to Evaluate Before Purchasing Pre-Owned Technology


We rely on our devices every day, so they need to perform well to meet our needs. A device that’s slow or broken can be inconvenient and affect productivity for day-to-day tasks. However, buying a brand new phone or laptop isn’t always the best option for small businesses. Here are eight things you should consider before purchasing a used device.

8 Things to Consider Before Buying Used Technology for Small Businesses

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Comprehensive Encryption Methods Guide for Small Businesses

Encryption is a crucial method for securing information, especially for small businesses. It converts readable data into secret code, ensuring that only the right key can decode it. This guide will help you understand different encryption methods and how they can benefit your small business.

What is Encryption?

Encryption is like a secret language that converts regular text into unreadable text, known as ciphertext. Only those with the right key can convert it back into normal text, called plaintext.

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Understanding Blockchain Technology and Its Benefits for Small Businesses

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the world, and small businesses can greatly benefit from its secure and efficient record-keeping system. But how does it work? Let’s dive into this fascinating technology.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain is a type of digital ledger where information is stored in a way that makes it difficult to alter. This ledger is shared among many computers, each holding a copy of the same ledger. Information is stored within blocks, and each block contains a list of transactions. As a block fills up, it connects to the previous block, forming a chain of blocks, or a blockchain.

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10 Essential AI Tools for Boosting Productivity in Your Small Business

In today’s fast-moving world, small businesses want to work smarter, not harder. The involvement of AI tools can definitely help you achieve that. They can make your work easier and faster. Let’s explore some AI tools that can boost productivity in your small business.

What are AI Tools?

AI tools are software programs that use artificial intelligence. They help users complete their tasks efficiently and effectively. Over time, these tools learn from data, acting like intelligent assistants that assist you in completing your work.

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5 Cyber Threats Small Businesses Face in 2025 (and How to Prevent Them)

In 2025, cyber threats are prevalent and can target small businesses just as much as large corporations. These threats can aim to destroy computers, steal data, or take money. Understanding what they are and how to protect against them is crucial for small businesses.

What Are the Most Common Cyber Threats?

Cyber threats come in many forms, some old, some new, and very tricky. Here are some of the most common ones small businesses should be aware of.

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Are Password Managers Vulnerable to Hacking?

Password managers are essential for keeping online accounts safe, especially for small businesses. They store all your passwords in one place, but are they hackable?

What are Password Managers?

Password managers act like digital vaults, saving all your passwords securely. You only need to remember one master password, making it easier to manage multiple accounts.

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Essential Data Backup Practices for Small Businesses

In today's digital age, small businesses handle a vast amount of data daily, from personal photos to valuable work files. Losing this data can be devastating, which is why secure backups are essential. Let's explore some best practices to keep your data safe and secure.

What is Data Backup?

Data backup involves creating a copy of your data that can be used if the original data is lost or destroyed. Backups can be stored on various devices, such as external hard drives or in the cloud, ensuring you don't lose important information.

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What is Threat Exposure Management (TEM) for Small Businesses?

 

Threat Exposure Management (TEM) is a crucial cybersecurity tool for small businesses. It helps identify and fix vulnerabilities in digital systems, outsmarting hackers before they can infiltrate your network.

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Innovative Approaches to Securing IoT Devices

 

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding rapidly, with more devices connecting to the internet every day. However, this growth also brings new security risks. Let's explore some ways to keep your IoT devices secure.

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How Password Managers Safeguard Your Accounts

 

Passwords are the keys to our digital world. We use them for everything from email to bank accounts. But keeping track of all these passwords can be tough. That's where password managers come in—they help keep our accounts secure and make our lives easier.

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6 Tips to Troubleshoot Common Network Issues for Small Businesses

A strong business network is essential for smooth operations—it’s the digital lifeline that facilitates everything from email to vital applications and cloud services. When disruptions occur, the impact can be severe: communication stops, productivity falters, and customers may be left in the lurch, leading to lost revenue. This is the harsh reality of network downtime.**

When outages strike, quick identification of the issue is crucial. Understanding the problem can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. Let’s explore six practical tips to help troubleshoot common network challenges for small businesses.**

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