cmcwplgnomg404, Author at Cost Plus

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So far cmcwplgnomg404 has created 116 blog entries.

Why Shadow IT Creates Real Operational Risk

Shadow IT risk is a serious problem. In nearly every organization, employees use tools that IT never approved. A free file-sharing service. A personal messaging app. A cloud-based platform set up with a corporate credit card. It’s convenient, fast, and often well-intentioned—but it’s also risky. This phenomenon is known as Shadow IT, and while it may seem harmless on the surface, it can quietly undermine security, performance, and compliance across the business.

Shadow IT refers to any technology used within an organization that hasn’t been vetted or authorized by the IT department. That includes software, devices, storage systems, communication platforms, and even third-party services. As more business functions move into the cloud, and as employees seek tools to work more efficiently, Shadow IT has become more common—and more dangerous.

man with device assessing shadow IT risk

Where Shadow IT Comes From

Shadow IT typically emerges when teams feel underserved or constrained by official systems. A sales team starts using a free CRM to manage leads. A designer signs up for a cloud drive to share large files. A manager subscribes to a project management tool for a single client. In many cases, these decisions are made in good faith—but without visibility, IT cannot monitor, secure, or support these tools.

Why It’s More Than an Inconvenience

Unmanaged technology introduces complexity. It fragments data, weakens oversight, and creates gaps in security coverage. Systems may lack encryption. User accounts may remain active after an employee leaves. Sensitive information may be stored in platforms that aren’t backed up, logged, or protected by corporate policies. And when an incident occurs, IT teams are left trying to triage systems they didn’t even know existed.

Operational Risks Associated with Shadow IT

Data loss from unmonitored or unsupported platforms
Increased attack surface from unmanaged user accounts
Compliance violations due to unsecured storage or communications
Integration failures or data duplication across unsanctioned tools
Inefficiency due to lack of central support and training

Balancing Control and Flexibility

Eliminating Shadow IT entirely is unlikely—and often counterproductive. The better way to aproach shadow it risk is to increase visibility, educate users, and provide alternatives. When employees understand the risks and have access to approved, user-friendly tools, they’re more likely to follow policy. IT’s role isn’t to block progress—it’s to enable secure, supported innovation across departments.

Conclusion

Shadow IT (and shaddow IT risk) is a byproduct of modern work culture, but that doesn’t make it harmless. The more tools that operate outside of IT’s view, the harder it becomes to secure the organization and maintain reliability. Managing this risk starts with awareness and ends with governance. Business leaders who take it seriously can protect both agility and control—without sacrificing either.

cmcwplgnomg4042025-06-23T22:13:03-05:00June 10, 2025|

Qualcomm Chip Exploits and Patch Guidance: What IT Leaders Must Know

Qualcomm chip exploits and patch guidance are critical to stay current with—especially after multiple zero‑day vulnerabilities were disclosed in Q2 2025. With millions of mobile endpoints relying on Qualcomm chipsets, IT leaders must act swiftly to assess device exposure, apply vendor patches, and mitigate active exploitation risk.

Why This Matters Now

In May 2025, Qualcomm issued an urgent security bulletin addressing several CVEs in Snapdragon and other chip families (qualcomm chip exploits and patch guidance). These zero‑day flaws could enable remote code execution or privilege escalation—threats that have been confirmed as actively exploited in the wild by threat intelligence platforms and CERT alerts. While the issue made headlines in consumer circles, the implications for enterprise IT are equally serious.

What Your Security Team Should Do

Here’s a focused action plan for security and device management teams:

Inventory affected devices: Identify all company-owned and BYOD endpoints using Qualcomm chips. Check device models against the list below.
Prioritize patching: Immediately apply vendor firmware or OS updates. For older or unmanaged devices, enforce temporary deactivation from sensitive networks.
Segment networks: Create isolated VLANs or apply zero‑trust access for IoT and mobile endpoints.
Deploy advanced monitoring: Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of spotting abnormal process behavior.
Schedule recurring reviews: Reassess patch compliance weekly and conduct vulnerability scans focusing on chip-level weaknesses.

Affected Chipsets and Patch Status

Chipset Family	CVE IDs	Patch Release
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1	CVE‑2025‑29401, CVE‑2025‑29402	May 15, 2025
Snapdragon 865 / 888	CVE‑2025‑29403	May 22, 2025
Snapdragon 778G	CVE‑2025‑29404	June 1, 2025

Source: Qualcomm Security Bulletin

How Attackers Exploit These Flaws

The vulnerabilities allow attackers to run malicious code directly on the chipset—below the operating system level—making traditional antivirus solutions ineffective. Once exploited, malware can remain stealthy, bypass sandboxing, and persist even through OS updates. In enterprise settings, this may compromise corporate email, encryption keys, and sensitive client data.

Why This Is a Game-Changer

The chip-level nature of these vulnerabilities means that endpoint security must evolve. Merely installing OS updates is no longer sufficient. Security strategies must expand to include firmware-hardened EDR, rigorous patch orchestration for endpoint devices, and stricter network segmentation.

Action Checklist for IT Leaders

Run a full audit: Identify all Qualcomm-based smartphones, tablets, rugged devices in inventory.
Patch first, ask questions later: Enforce Update Immediately policies via MDM or endpoint management.
Enable runtime protection: Ensure endpoint solutions include chipset-level resilience.
Monitor post-patch performance: Watch for anomalies that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Educate users: Alert staff to apply updates and report unusual device behavior.

Staying Ahead of Chip-Level Threats

Disconnected from firmware vulnerabilities, your existing security posture is incomplete. Device-level flaws demand more robust countermeasures. Organizations that act quickly—by identifying affected devices, deploying patches, and upgrading their monitoring—can substantially reduce the risk of silêncio breaches at the chip level.

To ensure your endpoints are thoroughly defended, learn more about our Security+ cybersecurity service—our local-first solution for continuous device protection, threat monitoring, and firmware management support. Feel free to contact us for additional qualcomm chip exploits and patch guidance.

By Thomas McDonald
Vice President

cmcwplgnomg4042025-06-22T16:13:26-05:00June 9, 2025|

Data Retention Risk for Small Businesses

Data retention risk for small businesses is one of the most overlooked—and most expensive—liabilities in modern operations. As digital storage becomes cheaper and compliance pressures grow, many organizations take a “keep everything” approach. But in law, finance, healthcare, and professional services, that mindset can lead to real exposure: higher legal costs, regulatory complications, and greater cybersecurity risk.

The Default to Over-Retention

Ask a small business leader how long they retain client emails, transaction logs, or internal documents, and the answer is often vague. Some retain everything by default. Others aren’t sure what’s being kept—or where. In firms without formal data governance, digital clutter accumulates silently. Unused files, old databases, and archived emails may be easy to forget, but they can become discoverable in litigation or exposed in a breach¹.

The Legal Risks of Holding on Too Long

Retaining too much data can have legal consequences, particularly in sectors governed by retention and privacy laws. In the legal field, for example, over-retention can increase exposure during discovery, requiring firms to sift through years of material to produce relevant documents¹. In finance, records kept beyond regulatory mandates can introduce unnecessary scrutiny. In healthcare, improper handling of long-retained patient data can lead to HIPAA violations⁴.

There is no strategic advantage to keeping data beyond its required retention period unless there is a clearly documented business case. In fact, in litigation, courts may interpret excessive retention as negligence if sensitive data is breached or misused.

Cybersecurity Exposure Grows with Volume

Every file you store—whether active or archived—becomes a target in a breach. Attackers who gain access to your systems don’t discriminate between current projects and old ones. Retained data becomes a liability multiplier. If a backup drive contains ten years of client information, a single incident can compromise your entire firm’s history³.

Small businesses often assume their risk is low due to their size. But over-retention expands the attack surface. Unused file shares, forgotten Dropbox accounts, and cloud-based archives that no one monitors become open doors. Worse, if access controls aren’t regularly reviewed, former employees or contractors may still have access to long-forgotten data.

Regulatory Frameworks Demand a Policy

Many regulatory standards require a documented retention and destruction policy. GDPR, for example, emphasizes the principle of data minimization—holding only the data needed for a defined purpose and time². HIPAA, SOX, and state-level privacy laws follow similar logic. A failure to delete expired records can become a compliance issue, even if the data is never breached⁴.

For firms seeking certifications or preparing for audits, a vague or nonexistent data retention policy can delay or disqualify certification efforts. Regulators are increasingly asking not only “What data do you protect?” but “Why are you still storing it?”

What a Sound Data Retention Strategy Looks Like

Small businesses don’t need complex retention systems—but they do need clear rules. An effective strategy includes:

Defined retention periods for each type of data, aligned with legal requirements
Documented destruction schedules and proof of execution
Centralized access control and audit trails
Regular reviews to identify and archive or delete unneeded data
Employee training on data handling and expiration policies

Many firms benefit from engaging a third party to evaluate current practices, document a policy, and help enforce retention timelines using automated tools.

When “Keep Everything” Becomes a Liability

Business leaders often justify data hoarding as a form of insurance. But in practice, the costs of retaining too much data far outweigh the benefits. From longer breach recovery times to steeper legal discovery expenses, unneeded records become a silent drag on operations. The path to protection isn’t just about firewalls and backups—it’s about knowing what to keep, and when to let go.

Is Your Data Policy Putting You at Risk?

If you don’t have a documented retention and destruction policy, or if you’re unsure whether your current practices are compliant, it’s time for a review. Cost+ offers Compliance+ services that help you assess your exposure and implement practical, defensible policies tailored to your industry and risk profile. Data retention risk for small businesses will only get worse- the time is today to begin addressing it.

Sources

cmcwplgnomg4042025-06-21T20:40:46-05:00June 9, 2025|

What Compliance Really Means for Paramus Businesses

Paramus may be better known for shopping malls than regulations, but the reality for its professional services economy is clear: compliance isn’t optional. Whether you’re operating a private medical clinic, a multi-partner law firm, or a growing accounting practice, the burden of cybersecurity and data privacy compliance is only increasing—and the consequences for neglecting it are far more severe than many local businesses realize.

In 2025, compliance is no longer a matter of checking boxes. It’s a risk management strategy, a legal requirement, and a trust signal to clients. And in Paramus, where businesses often serve the wider tri-state area, the stakes are even higher.

The Expanding Definition of Compliance

Compliance today goes far beyond storing documents securely. Depending on the industry, Paramus businesses must navigate a growing web of state, federal, and industry-specific frameworks, including:

HIPAA for medical and dental offices
SOX and SEC regulations for financial professionals
NJCCIC and DFS guidelines for companies operating in New Jersey
Data retention and encryption policies for legal service providers

Each of these frameworks includes requirements for access control, secure communication, data encryption, breach notification, and vendor oversight. Most critically, they require demonstrable proof of compliance—not just good intentions.

Why Paramus Businesses Struggle

Most small and mid-sized businesses in Paramus don’t have an internal compliance officer or cybersecurity team. Compliance falls on office managers, partners, or IT generalists who lack the time—or expertise—to track evolving regulations and security best practices. And when something goes wrong, the fallout is swift: insurance denials, audits, legal exposure, and damaged client relationships.

Too often, companies assume they’re covered simply because they use reputable software. But compliance is about configuration, documentation, and oversight—not just the tools themselves.

Compliance as a Managed Service

At Cost+, we help Paramus businesses turn compliance from a liability into an advantage. Our Compliance+ service includes tailored consulting, risk assessments, policy development, and active support during audits and investigations. We interpret the regulations that matter to your industry and help implement systems that reduce risk without disrupting your operations.

We also integrate compliance into your broader IT framework, linking it with:

Security+ to protect against cyber threats that could trigger violations
Recovery+ to ensure required data retention and fast restoration during incidents

Everything we provide is designed to withstand scrutiny—whether it’s from regulators, insurers, or your most privacy-conscious clients.

Compliance Isn’t Just for Big Firms

One of the biggest misconceptions in Paramus is that compliance only applies to large enterprises. In fact, smaller organizations are often targeted precisely because they’re assumed to have weaker controls. Regulators don’t adjust fines based on headcount—and clients don’t lower expectations because you’re a local business.

If your firm stores sensitive data, communicates confidentially, or operates in a regulated field, compliance is your responsibility—whether you have 5 employees or 50.

Get a Free Compliance Checkup

If you’re unsure where your business stands, we offer a confidential, no-cost compliance checkup. We’ll assess your risks, identify red flags, and provide actionable next steps to meet your obligations and reduce liability.

Learn more about our Paramus services or schedule your free Compliance+ checkup today.

Or call 800.840.9690 to speak with our team directly.

cmcwplgnomg4042025-06-01T17:50:17-05:00June 9, 2025|

Why More Ramsey Companies Are Moving to Flat-Rate IT Support

Ramsey NJ Flat Rate IT Support: In a time when businesses are watching every dollar, more companies in Ramsey are rethinking how they pay for IT. Traditional hourly or break-fix support models may seem flexible—but they often lead to unpredictable costs, inconsistent service, and longer wait times when issues arise.

That’s why flat-rate IT support is gaining traction. It offers businesses peace of mind, predictable expenses, and a partner that’s invested in keeping everything running smoothly—not just showing up when things break.

The Problems with Hourly IT Support

Unexpected charges for routine service calls
Longer response times during critical outages
No incentive to prevent problems before they occur
Confusing bills with unclear scopes of work

Why Flat-Rate Support Works Better

With a flat-rate model, IT companies focus on keeping your systems running—not running up the bill. At Cost+, we offer affordable, all-inclusive support that includes proactive monitoring, unlimited help desk, and essential cybersecurity—all for one predictable monthly fee.

Ramsey businesses often combine our services for maximum value:

Support+ for 24/7 help desk, monitoring, and issue resolution

Recovery+ for disaster recovery and data protection

Cloud+ for cloud migrations and management

Compliance+ for regulatory readiness and audits

Predictable IT Means Fewer Surprises

If your business is located in Ramsey or nearby, it might be time to leave hourly IT behind. Flat-rate support lets you focus on growing your business—not worrying about tech problems or surprise bills. We’re local too with offices on Main Street in downtown Ramsey, NJ. Learn more about how we support Ramsey busineses on

Bringing It Home: IT Support That Works for Ramsey

Whether you’re a local retailer on Main Street or a professional office in one of Ramsey’s business parks, reliable support isn’t optional—it’s essential. Our Ramsey IT services page outlines exactly how we help local businesses stay secure and efficient with a smarter, fixed-cost model.

Talk to an IT Expert—No Pressure

We’ll take a look at your current IT setup and show you what a fixed-cost support model could look like. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.

Schedule your free consultation now or call 800.840.9690 to discover Ramsey NJ Flat Rate IT Support.

cmcwplgnomg4042025-06-06T11:26:53-05:00June 9, 2025|

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