Achieving Platinum Partner status signifies our dedication to providing top-tier security solutions and our proficiency in implementing Sophos’s comprehensive suite of products. This partnership enhances our ability to protect our clients against evolving cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.

As a Sophos Platinum Partner, WorkSmart gains access to exclusive benefits, including:

• Advanced Training and Certification: Ensuring our team remains at the forefront of cybersecurity developments.
• Priority Support: Providing our clients with expedited issue resolution and dedicated assistance.
• Collaborative Engagements: Working closely with Sophos on joint initiatives to deliver cutting-edge security solutions.

This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our clients’ digital assets and reinforces our position as a trusted cybersecurity partner.

For more information about our cybersecurity services and how we can help protect your organization, please contact us.

Phishing attacks are evolving rapidly, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. In 2025, cybercriminals are using AI-driven scams, deepfake technology, and advanced social engineering tactics to trick individuals and businesses into revealing sensitive information. Over 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent daily—many using AI.

With phishing responsible for over 90% of data breaches, understanding the latest threats and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial. Below are the top five phishing attacks in 2025 and what you can do to stay safe.

1. AI-Generated Phishing Emails

Attackers are now using AI-powered tools to create highly personalized phishing emails that mimic the writing style of real people. These emails often appear to come from a trusted colleague, your bank, or a known vendor, making them harder to spot. AI-generated phishing messages have fewer grammar mistakes, making them much more convincing than traditional scams.

How to protect your business:

• Always verify unexpected emails by calling the sender directly.
• Look for slight variations in email addresses or domain names.
• Use email security filters that detect AI-generated phishing attempts.

Deepfake Voice & Video Phishing (Vishing)

Deepfake technology is being used to clone voices and even generate fake video messages to deceive people into transferring money or sharing confidential data. Attackers can now call employees and sound exactly like their boss, instructing them to approve wire transfers or reset passwords.

How to protect your business:

• Always confirm financial or sensitive requests through a second communication channel.
• Train employees to recognize and question suspicious or urgent requests.
• Implement multi-factor authentication for financial transactions.

3. QR Code Phishing (Quishing)

QR code phishing, or “quishing,” has become a major threat in 2025. Hackers are placing malicious QR codes on emails, signs, or even fake customer service messages, tricking users into scanning them. Once scanned, they direct victims to fraudulent websites that steal login credentials or install malware.

How to protect your business:

• Never scan QR codes from untrusted sources.
• Use a QR code scanner that shows the full URL before opening the link.
• Be cautious of urgent messages asking you to scan a QR code for verification.

4. SaaS & Cloud Account Takeover Phishing

With more businesses relying on cloud-based applications, attackers are targeting Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other SaaS platforms with fake login pages. Victims receive emails that appear to be from IT support, asking them to log in to “resolve an issue.” Once they enter their credentials, hackers gain full access to their business accounts.

How to protect your business:

• Always check the URL of any login page before entering credentials.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all cloud accounts.
• Train employees to recognize fake login attempts.

5. Supply Chain Phishing Attacks

Hackers are now targeting vendors and suppliers to compromise their communication channels. Instead of attacking companies directly, they infiltrate third-party systems and send fraudulent invoices, contract updates, or payment requests that appear to come from a trusted partner.

How to protect your business:

• Verify any changes to payment details directly with the vendor.
• Implement email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
• Use zero-trust security principles to minimize access to sensitive data.

Final Thoughts: Stay One Step Ahead of Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks in 2025 are more advanced than ever, using AI, deepfake technology, and social engineering to deceive victims. Being aware of these threats and implementing strong security measures is key to protecting yourself and your business.

If you want to strengthen your cybersecurity posture, WorkSmart can help. We provide advanced phishing protection, employee training, and security solutions to keep your business safe.

• Learn more about our Cyber Risk Assessment Service
• See how businesses are strengthening cybersecurity in our case study
• Join our free cybersecurity webinar for expert insights

Get in touch today and make sure your organization is phishing-proof.

Microsoft has reimagined Outlook for Windows, bringing a fresh, modern experience designed to help you work smarter, not harder. With an updated interface, faster performance, and deep Microsoft 365 integration, the new Outlook is built to simplify email management, boost productivity, and enhance security.

If you’re still using the traditional Outlook, it’s time to explore what’s new. Let’s dive into how the latest version can help streamline your workflow and why it might be the upgrade you need.

What’s New in Outlook for Windows?

The new Outlook is more than just a redesign—it’s a smarter way to manage your emails, calendar, and tasks. Here’s what makes it stand out:

A Modern, Intuitive Interface

• Say goodbye to clutter! The new Outlook offers a cleaner, more organized look that makes navigation effortless.
• Focus on what matters with a simplified ribbon that keeps essential tools at your fingertips.

Faster & More Efficient

• Lightning-fast search helps you find emails in seconds.
• Enjoy real-time syncing across devices, so your inbox is always up to date.

Smarter Calendar & Scheduling

• Use AI-powered scheduling to find the best meeting times.
• Quickly switch between email and calendar with a seamless, built-in integration.

Deep Microsoft 365 Integration

• Attach OneDrive files directly and edit them without leaving Outlook.
• Get real-time collaboration with Microsoft Teams and Copilot.

Enhanced Security & AI Features

• Advanced phishing and malware protection keep your inbox safe.
• AI-powered email sorting helps prioritize important messages.

Why Make the Switch?

Microsoft introduced the new Outlook for Windows in May 2022 as a preview, and by September 2023, it became generally available for personal accounts. The transition to this modern experience will continue over the next few years, with Microsoft planning to support the classic Outlook until at least 2029. However, starting January 2025, some business users on the Current Channel will automatically be switched to the new Outlook, though they’ll still have the option to revert for now.

It’s Built for the Future

• Traditional email platforms were designed for an era before cloud-first work.
• The new Outlook keeps everything in sync so you can access emails and files anytime, anywhere.

Seamless Workflow with Microsoft 365

• If you use Teams, OneDrive, or SharePoint, you’ll love how easily everything connects in the new Outlook.
• No more switching between apps—everything is right where you need it.

AI That Works for You

• Outlook now intelligently sorts your inbox, so you spend less time managing emails and more time getting things done.
• Built-in Copilot features help with drafting emails, summarizing conversations, and suggesting next steps.

The new Outlook isn’t just a redesign—it’s a smarter, more secure, and more connected experience. If you’re looking for a way to improve efficiency, integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365, and take advantage of AI-powered tools, this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

Try the new Outlook today and experience a more streamlined way to work!

Need help managing your Microsoft 365 setup? WorkSmart’s IT experts can help your business get the most out of its tools.

At WorkSmart, we’ve always believed in innovation, excellence, and delivering unmatched value to our clients. Today, we’re excited to announce a leadership milestone that reflects these values. Michael Hamuka, a seasoned visionary with over 25 years of experience, has been appointed as our new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for WorkSmart as we look to the future under Michael’s exceptional leadership.

 

A Proven Leader with a Vision

Michael Hamuka joins us with an impressive track record of success in transforming businesses and driving sustainable growth. Most recently, as the Chief Revenue Officer at NexusTek, Michael was instrumental in reshaping their go-to-market strategies and leading the integration of multiple acquired companies. His leadership resulted in a stronger, more cohesive organization that thrived in an ever-evolving market. Prior to NexusTek, Michael held senior roles at IBM, Wipro, and DXC, leading growth initiatives and transformation projects for clients ranging from small and mid-sized businesses to large enterprises. His ability to blend technical expertise with strategic insight has positioned him as a trusted leader in the IT services industry. “I am honored to join WorkSmart as the CEO,” Michael shared. “The company has a strong foundation built on innovation and delivery excellence. I am excited to work with this talented team to lead the next phase of growth and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.”

What This Means for WorkSmart

Michael’s arrival marks an exciting turning point for WorkSmart. With his leadership, we are poised to enhance our service offerings, expand into new markets, and continue pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.

“Michael’s strategic vision and forward-thinking leadership align perfectly with WorkSmart’s mission to provide innovative solutions that empower businesses,” said Ricky Ayers, WorkSmart Co-Founder and CFO. “His emphasis on collaboration, agility, and customer satisfaction is exactly what we need as we embark on this next phase.”

“Embracing new leadership after 16 years is an exciting opportunity to blend experience with fresh perspectives, helping to drive our team and clients towards even greater success. It means great things ahead.” – Marissa Wehman, WorkSmart Account Director.

“Michael is a true leader with a deep understanding of the industry, he brings a fresh perspective, emphasizing transparency, trust, and personal accountability. With his high energy and action-oriented approach, both our clients and our team will greatly benefit from his leadership.” – Laura Josephson, WorkSmart Account Director.

Under Michael’s guidance, we’re excited to take bold steps toward fostering even greater client success and building on the trust that has defined WorkSmart for years.

Looking to the Future

As we welcome Michael Hamuka to the WorkSmart team, we’re filled with optimism about what’s ahead. With Michael at the helm, we’re confident that WorkSmart will continue to set new standards in managed IT services and business solutions.

Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting journey together.

WorkSmart’s future is bright, and we’re thrilled to have Michael lead the way.

The choice between managed IT services and building an in-house IT team is a significant decision for any business. Technology drives growth, supports daily operations, and keeps your business competitive, so making the right choice is essential. This article will guide you through the considerations to help determine which approach aligns best with your business needs.

Understanding Managed IT Services and In-House IT

Before diving into specifics, it’s important to understand the core differences between these two options. Managed IT services involve partnering with an external provider, like WorkSmart, that offers a full range of IT solutions. This includes everything from security and support to regular maintenance and scalability options tailored to your growth.

In contrast, in-house IT relies on hiring, training, and managing a dedicated internal team. This team is responsible for every aspect of your technology, from handling day-to-day support to managing cybersecurity and strategic planning.

Each option has its merits, and the best choice depends on factors specific to your business, such as budget, growth goals, and security needs. Let’s examine these key considerations in more detail.

Key Considerations for Business Owners

Cost Efficiency

One of the most immediate factors that comes to mind in choosing between managed IT and in-house IT is cost. Managed IT services offer a predictable subscription-based model, covering a comprehensive range of services without the overhead of hiring full-time employees. This model not only simplifies budgeting but also minimizes surprise expenses, such as emergency repairs or security incidents.

In-house IT, however, comes with fixed costs in the form of salaries, benefits, training, and additional overhead. For smaller teams, there’s also the expense of additional resources or hiring when specialized skills are needed. Over time, managed IT services can offer cost savings by eliminating these fluctuating costs, while in-house IT may be beneficial if your team requires constant on-site support for highly specific tasks.

Scalability and Flexibility

As businesses grow, so do their technology needs. Managed IT services are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to quickly scale resources up or down based on demand. Whether you’re launching a new branch, expanding your workforce, or adopting new tools, managed IT services provide the agility to adapt without delay.

On the other hand, scaling an in-house IT team takes time and resources. Hiring and onboarding new talent, investing in infrastructure, and adapting workflows can slow down expansion plans. For businesses with unpredictable growth, managed IT services offer a seamless way to accommodate new challenges without the long-term commitment of building an in-house team.

Access to Specialized Expertise

The IT landscape is constantly evolving, with new security threats, software tools, and compliance requirements emerging regularly. With managed IT services, you gain access to a team of experts with specialized skills in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud management, and data compliance. Managed IT providers invest in certifications and ongoing training, ensuring your business benefits from the latest knowledge and best practices.

In-house IT teams, especially in smaller businesses, often face limitations in expertise due to the breadth of responsibilities and limited team size. Maintaining certifications, keeping up with emerging threats, and managing day-to-day tasks can spread in-house teams thin, potentially impacting performance.

Security and Compliance

Security is a top priority in today’s digital world. Managed IT providers implement rigorous security protocols and ensure compliance with industry standards, minimizing risks and providing peace of mind. They actively monitor your systems, identifying vulnerabilities and addressing threats before they affect your operations. Compliance is also critical, especially for businesses in regulated industries, and managed IT providers have the expertise to meet these requirements seamlessly.

In-house IT teams, while capable, often lack the bandwidth or specialized training needed for high-level security and compliance management. Without the resources to stay updated on regulations, in-house teams may struggle to meet the same level of protection provided by managed IT services.

Availability and Support

Downtime can be costly, both in terms of lost productivity and potential revenue. WorkSmart has an expert team on call, 24x7x365, ensuring your systems remain operational and issues are resolved quickly, regardless of the time or day. This level of support helps reduce the risk of downtime and keeps your business running smoothly.

In contrast, in-house IT support is generally limited to standard business hours unless you invest in a larger team to cover after-hours needs. As a result, businesses with an in-house team may experience slower response times during nights, weekends, or peak demand periods, which can affect productivity and customer satisfaction.

Technology Management and Maintenance

Proactive maintenance, regular software updates, and lifecycle management are all essential to running an efficient IT environment. Managed IT services handle these tasks seamlessly, allowing your team to focus on core business objectives instead of worrying about routine maintenance. Your provider keeps systems up to date, addresses potential issues before they escalate, and ensures that technology assets are optimally managed.

With an in-house IT team, these responsibilities fall on your employees, which can impact their availability for strategic tasks. Regular maintenance and updates may be deprioritized during busy periods, potentially leading to performance issues or vulnerabilities.

When to Choose Managed IT Services

Managed IT services are ideal for businesses seeking a strategic advantage through scalable, cost-effective solutions. We provide access to specialized expertise, enhance security, and support growth without the administrative overhead of managing an internal team. If your business operates in a fast-changing environment, requires around-the-clock support, or faces compliance demands, managed IT services offer an efficient, flexible solution.

When to Choose In-House IT

For some businesses, an in-house IT team is the right choice. Organizations that need complete control over their IT operations or operate in highly specialized fields may benefit from having dedicated IT staff on-site. Businesses with stable, well-defined IT needs and a low tolerance for outsourced services may also prefer an in-house team to maintain close alignment with company culture and goals.

WorkSmart Co-Pilot: Co-Managed IT Combining the Best of Both Worlds

In some cases, a hybrid approach combining in-house and managed IT services offers the ideal balance of control and support. Our CoPilot co-managed IT services allow companies to maintain core IT functions internally while outsourcing specific tasks, like cybersecurity or cloud management, to a managed provider. This approach enables businesses to leverage external expertise where it’s needed most while retaining control over essential functions.

Why You Should Choose WorkSmart For Your Managed IT Services Partner

Choosing between managed IT services and in-house IT is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of costs, scalability, expertise, security, and support needs. By assessing these factors and aligning your choice with your business goals, you can determine the best fit for your organization.

If you’re ready to see how managed IT services can help streamline operations, enhance security, and support growth, schedule a free consultation with WorkSmart today. Our experts are here to help you explore the benefits of managed IT and create a solution tailored to your business.

As technology makes its way into more and more facets of business, businesses rely heavily on it to operate efficiently and stay competitive. But without regular oversight, IT systems can become vulnerable to security risks, inefficiencies, and costly licensing penalties. That’s where IT audits come in.

An IT audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a business’s technology infrastructure, applications, and processes. For businesses with limited in-house IT resources, partnering with a managed IT services provider like WorkSmart can make this process seamless. Here’s why IT audits are critical for your business and how they can deliver valuable insights into security, efficiency, and compliance.

Uncover Hidden Security Risks

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and they can have devastating consequences for businesses of all sizes. IT audits help businesses identify vulnerabilities in their systems, from outdated software to misconfigured networks and improper access controls.

By conducting regular audits, businesses can detect security gaps before they are exploited. For example, an audit might reveal areas where sensitive data is unprotected or where unauthorized users have access to critical systems. With these insights, businesses can take proactive measures to mitigate these risks, strengthening their defenses against cyber threats like malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

At WorkSmart, we emphasize security as a key part of our managed IT services, helping businesses implement robust protections based on audit findings. This ensures that your company remains secure, compliant with industry regulations, and resilient in the face of potential cyberattacks. Side note – is your organization secure? Find out with our Free Cybersecurity Checklist!

Identify Opportunities for Greater Efficiency

Beyond security, IT audits can provide valuable insights into the efficiency of your technology infrastructure. Many businesses are running outdated or misaligned systems that slow down processes, increase downtime, and frustrate employees.

An IT audit can identify inefficiencies such as redundant systems, outdated hardware, or underutilized software. This information allows businesses to streamline their operations, replacing or consolidating tools, and adopting more efficient workflows. (Read more: Cybersecurity 101: The Essential Pieces To Have In Place)

For example, an audit may show that your current on-premises servers are nearing capacity, which could lead to costly outages. Moving to cloud-based solutions could improve scalability and flexibility, enabling your business to grow without the limitations of outdated technology. With WorkSmart, we help businesses transition to more efficient systems and make the most of their technology investments.

Avoid Costly Licensing Exposures

Many businesses are unaware of their software licensing obligations, which can lead to significant penalties if left unchecked. Vendors often conduct audits of their own, and businesses found to be non-compliant can face hefty fines.

An IT audit will review all software licenses, ensuring that your business is compliant with vendor agreements. This includes identifying any under-licensed or over-licensed software, as well as uncovering any expired licenses.

By keeping your software licensing in check, you not only avoid potential penalties but can also optimize your IT budget. Paying for unused software can quickly add up, so an audit can help you eliminate unnecessary expenses while ensuring compliance.

At WorkSmart, we partner with businesses to manage their software licensing, helping them avoid surprise vendor audits and potential penalties. With our ongoing support, you’ll always know that your licensing is up to date and compliant.

Get Started With Your IT Audit Today

IT audits provide businesses with a clear picture of their technology infrastructure, helping them improve security, boost efficiency, and ensure compliance with licensing requirements. By proactively conducting IT audits, businesses can identify and address vulnerabilities before they become costly problems.

At WorkSmart, we specialize in providing comprehensive IT audits as part of our managed IT services. Whether you’re looking to secure your business, streamline operations, or ensure compliance, our team is here to help you achieve your technology goals with confidence.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist your business through IT audits and managed IT services.

Get a Free Quote

 

As technology becomes more prevalent in every piece of business environments, businesses face growing cybersecurity threats. If you own a small to medium sized business, you may not think you’re a prime target, but the reality is that cybercriminals often see smaller businesses as easier entry points. This is why having a robust cybersecurity strategy is essential to safeguard your company’s data, reputation, and continuity.

Here are some of the critical cybersecurity measures every business should have in place to ensure security and continuity for their business:

1. Firewall and Network Security

A firewall is the first line of defense between your internal network and external threats. It monitors incoming and outgoing traffic, blocking suspicious activity before it becomes a problem. A robust firewall, complemented by network monitoring, ensures that your systems are protected from unauthorized access.

At WorkSmart, we offer ManagedShield Firewalls to ensure your firewall is always configured properly, monitored and up to date to protect your network resources. Learn more about our cybersecurity services and how we can help secure your network.

2. Data Encryption

Encryption is key to protecting sensitive business data, both when it’s at rest and in transit. When sensitive information—like customer records or financial data—gets encrypted, it becomes unreadable to unauthorized parties. For small businesses, investing in encrypted solutions for emails, communications, and file sharing is critical to protect sensitive data from breaches. 

Whether you’re looking to improve your security posture or have compliance standards you need to meet, the team at WorkSmart is able to help you reach your goals.

3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords alone are no longer sufficient. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) with conditional access adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through an additional method, such as a text message or an authentication app. This drastically reduces the chances of unauthorized access to your systems, even if passwords are compromised.

Implementing MFA across your organization will make it significantly harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your sensitive systems. WorkSmart is a leader in Microsoft 365 security strategies, and can help you meet your organizational goals.

4. Regular Software Updates and Patch Management

Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems to gain access to networks. Regularly updating your software and applying security patches as soon as they’re released helps close these gaps.

Our ManagedShield programs can help by having our team manage this process, ensuring your systems are always up-to-date without disrupting daily operations.

5. Employee Cybersecurity Training

Your employees are often your weakest link when it comes to cybersecurity. Phishing scams, malware, and social engineering attacks are specifically designed to trick employees into unknowingly handing over sensitive information. Regular training ensures that your staff is aware of the latest threats and knows how to identify suspicious activities.

At WorkSmart, we offer comprehensive Security Awareness Training training as part of our broader cybersecurity services to help protect your business from human error.

6. Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan

Even with the best defenses in place, data breaches or other disasters can still happen. A secure, offsite data backup and a comprehensive disaster recovery plan are critical to ensuring business continuity in the event of an attack. This plan should include detailed steps on how to restore operations quickly to minimize downtime and data loss.

WorkSmart’s DataVault services ensure that your business can bounce back quickly after any unexpected disruptions whether your data is in the cloud, or local in your office.

7. Endpoint Security and Mobile Device Management (MDM)

With the rise of remote work, employees increasingly access company data from various devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Each device presents a potential entry point for cybercriminals. Implementing endpoint security and mobile device management (MDM) allows your business to monitor and control access across all devices, ensuring that only authorized users have access to critical data.

WorkSmart can help manage and secure these endpoints to safeguard your business.

Improve Your Business’ Security Posture Today

By having these essential cybersecurity measures in place, your small business can reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks and ensure you remain compliant with industry standards. At WorkSmart, we are committed to helping small businesses like yours implement comprehensive, scalable cybersecurity strategies. Visit our cybersecurity services page to learn more about how we can keep your business secure.