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Why Nocatee Businesses Are Rethinking Their IT Support Providers

Nocatee is one of Florida’s fastest-growing business communities, home to a wide range of professional service firms, medical practices, and home-based entrepreneurs. But as the local economy grows, so do the technology demands—and many business owners are discovering that their current IT support simply isn’t keeping up.

At Cost+, we’ve spoken with numerous companies across Nocatee and nearby areas like Ponte Vedra and Saint Johns who are frustrated by slow response times, unclear billing, and support providers who lack the range or expertise to deal with today’s hybrid IT environments. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

people getting it support in nocatee florida

The Problem With “Old IT”

Legacy IT providers often rely on reactive models—waiting for something to break before acting. While that might have worked in the past, today’s risks are too high, and downtime too costly. Small businesses now rely on cloud platforms, secure remote access, compliance standards, and 24/7 uptime. Anything less than proactive service can put your operations at risk.

Here’s what many Nocatee businesses have told us they’re missing from their current provider:

  • No real-time monitoring or early warnings
  • Unclear pricing and unpredictable invoices
  • Slow ticket response or limited availability
  • Lack of cybersecurity services or compliance knowledge

What Smart Businesses Are Doing Instead

Many growing companies in Saint Johns County are making the shift to outsourced, proactive IT support. That means working with a provider who offers:

  • 24/7 monitoring and response: Our Support+ service includes around-the-clock coverage with remote diagnostics, patching, and help desk support.
  • Cybersecurity-first thinking: Through Security+, we deliver advanced threat protection, vulnerability scans, and endpoint defense to keep businesses secure.
  • Clear pricing and no long-term contracts: We use a transparent cost-plus model—your tools and subscriptions are billed at cost, and our management fee is a flat, predictable rate.

It’s Not About Cutting Corners—It’s About Getting Value

Too often, companies stay with underperforming IT vendors out of habit, fear of switching, or lack of time to evaluate alternatives. But the cost of doing nothing often exceeds the cost of change—especially if downtime, security gaps, or compliance issues come into play.

That’s why more local business owners are taking advantage of our free Cost Check+ service. We review your IT invoices, identify gaps in coverage, and provide recommendations that help you reduce spend without sacrificing service quality.

Nocatee’s Growth Demands Better Tech

According to the Northeast Florida Regional Council, the Nocatee area is expected to grow by nearly 10,000 new households over the next decade. That level of expansion brings new opportunities—and new technology challenges. Businesses that invest now in reliable infrastructure and proactive support will be best positioned to scale smoothly.

Source: Northeast Florida Regional Council (Verified)

How We Help Nocatee Businesses Succeed

Whether you’re a financial firm, healthcare provider, real estate agency, or small business operating from home, our team works as an extension of yours. We handle the day-to-day management, threat detection, updates, and backups—so you don’t have to worry about IT.

We also serve clients in Jacksonville, Saint Johns, and Ponte Vedra, giving us strong regional coverage and local knowledge. Our flat-fee structure and no-pressure consulting model mean you’ll never pay for services you don’t need—or be surprised by your invoice.

Schedule Your Free Cost Check Today

Reach out now to schedule your free IT expense audit. It’s quick, easy, and designed to help Nocatee-area businesses improve service while reducing costs. Let’s make sure your technology is working as hard as you are.

2025-06-24T02:36:07-05:00June 24, 2025|

How Small Businesses in Duval County Are Managing IT Costs

Small businesses in Duval County are facing a difficult balancing act: reduce IT expenses without sacrificing performance, security, or uptime. As the pace of technology accelerates, many owners are asking the same question—how can we keep our tech running smoothly without overpaying?

At Cost+, we work with companies throughout Jacksonville and nearby areas like Orange Park and Riverside to help make technology work smarter. Our mission is simple: provide reliable support, protect against threats, and keep costs down—without the jargon or inflated contracts.

woman on computer researching duval county florida business it cost

Why IT Costs Are Getting Out of Hand

IT budgets are being strained from every direction. Rising software licensing fees, surprise maintenance bills, and overlapping vendor relationships all contribute to unnecessary spend. In many cases, small businesses are still paying for services they no longer use or need.

Worse, unmanaged or outdated systems often create security holes—leaving companies vulnerable to ransomware, phishing, and data loss. Without regular audits, many business owners don’t know where their money is going or whether their systems are truly protected.

What Smart Companies Are Doing Differently

In Duval County, forward-thinking small businesses are taking a new approach to IT: they’re aligning technology with business goals while trimming excess. Here’s how:

  • Outsourcing support: Instead of hiring full-time staff, many are turning to providers like Support+ for expert help desk coverage, workstation support, and network monitoring.
  • Reviewing cloud usage: Businesses are re-evaluating cloud infrastructure, email licensing, and hosting arrangements. With Cloud+, Cost+ helps identify underutilized resources and optimize performance.
  • Implementing backup plans: Data recovery expenses can be catastrophic. Our Recovery+ service gives clients peace of mind through automated, reliable backups that protect against downtime and disaster.

Cost Optimization Begins with Visibility

The first step toward reducing IT expenses is understanding them. That’s why Cost+ offers a free Cost Check+ audit. We review current invoices, licensing agreements, and vendor relationships—then provide a clear, actionable report showing where savings can be found.

This is especially valuable in regions like Jacksonville, where growth-stage companies often scale their infrastructure too quickly, or inherit messy IT setups during acquisitions or relocations.

Build a Smarter IT Plan for Your Business

Managing IT costs doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means making informed decisions, simplifying your setup, and choosing the right partner. At Cost+, we’ve built our services specifically for business owners—not IT managers—so you always know what you’re paying for and why.

If your business operates in Duval County, Saint Johns County, or the surrounding area, let’s talk. We specialize in helping small companies right-size their technology so they can focus on what matters most—running the business.

What the Data Says About SMB Tech Spend

According to a recent report from Verizon Business, 38% of small and midsize businesses are now using AI for marketing, recruitment, and customer service—and nearly half have upgraded their cybersecurity systems in the past year. This shows how rapidly tech adoption is accelerating, and why regular IT cost and security audits are essential for sustainable growth.

Schedule Your Free Cost Check Today

Contact us to schedule your free Cost Check+ and find out how much your Duval County business could be saving on IT. There’s no obligation—just real advice from experienced professionals who understand the local business landscape.

By Thomas McDonald
Vice President

2025-06-24T02:27:41-05:00June 24, 2025|

The Business Risk of Not Testing Your Backups—Before Hurricane Season Peaks

With Atlantic hurricane season officially running from June 1 through November 30[¹], now is the time for a backup testing for business continuity audit. Without routine backup testing, companies risk extended downtime, data corruption, and regulatory fallout when disaster strikes.

business woman pointing at computer testing backups before hurricane

Why Summer Is Your Deadline

Noaa confirms the Atlantic hurricane season spans June 1 to November 30, with peak activity typically in late August through September[¹]. That gives businesses a narrow window to confirm backups are working—and recoverable—before systems are threatened by storms.

Risks of Untested Backups

  • Silent failures: Corrupt files, misconfigured snapshots, or incomplete backups may go unnoticed until it’s too late.
  • Recovery paralysis: Teams can’t restore critical systems efficiently without tested recovery plans.
  • Compliance fines: Regulations (e.g., HIPAA, PCI, SOX) often require periodic backup validation. Failure can result in penalties or audit failures.
  • RFQ fallout: In procurement or insurance processes, proof of backup testing can be a decisive factor.

Four Steps to Effective Backup Testing

1. Inventory & Prioritize Data

List all data types (databases, documents, virtual machines, configurations). Assign priorities based on RTO/RPO needs.

2. Test Full Restores Quarterly

Perform a full restore for a subset of critical systems at least once per quarter. Verify end-to-end integrity—files open, services start, user access confirmed.

3. Simulate Disaster Scenarios

Conduct tabletop and live failover drills. Document recovery steps and spot gaps in roles, permissions, or infrastructure.

4. Automate Monitoring & Reporting

Use automation tools to flag backup failures or missed schedules. Maintain audit logs and quarterly reports for governance reviews.

Expected ROI

The expense of backup testing is trivial compared to the cost of a data disaster—where downtime costs average $5,600/minute[²]. Tested backups help you recover within SLAs, reduce liability, and avoid reputational damage.

Need Support?

If your team lacks the time or tools to implement structured testing, Cost+ offers Recovery+—our fully managed backup validation and disaster readiness service.

Bottom Line

Demonstrating a culture of verified backups and recovery readiness is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative entering hurricane peak months. A proactive backup testing for business continuity initiative today can prevent catastrophic delays and compliance breaches tomorrow.



[¹] NOAA: Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, peaking late Aug–Sep :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
[²] Cost of downtime sourced from industry averages (~$5.6K/minute).

2025-06-21T18:37:53-05:00June 23, 2025|

Growing Network Security Risks for Small Businesses in Saint Johns

Small businesses in Saint Johns are facing a steady rise in cyber threats—especially when networks are left unpatched or go unmonitored. From ransomware to unauthorized access, the consequences of neglecting IT security can be severe. In this article, we explore what’s driving these risks and what business leaders can do to mitigate them.

saint johns county business people concerned with cyber security

Unpatched Systems Are a Prime Target

Cybercriminals continue to exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems, applications, routers, and firewalls. Unpatched software leaves the door wide open for attackers to install malware, steal data, or lock down systems with ransomware. According to CISA’s 2023 report on top routinely exploited vulnerabilities, attackers continue to focus on flaws in systems that have gone months or even years without updates.

Small Businesses Are Not Immune

Many small business owners mistakenly believe they’re too small to be targeted. In reality, smaller companies often lack advanced security controls, making them easier to compromise. In Saint Johns and surrounding areas, we’ve seen a rise in phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and unauthorized remote access targeting local firms.

Warning Signs Your Network Is at Risk

  • Your systems haven’t been updated in more than 30 days
  • No one is reviewing firewall or router logs
  • Staff devices lack modern endpoint detection
  • Employees haven’t received recent cybersecurity training
  • You don’t have an incident response or recovery plan

How to Protect Your Business

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. The most effective approach is layered, proactive protection. Here are the essentials:

  • Automate patching: Apply updates regularly for all devices and software
  • Use EDR: Upgrade from traditional antivirus to modern endpoint detection and response
  • Back up regularly: Use cloud or image-based backup and test recovery often
  • Train employees: Build awareness of phishing, MFA, and good password practices
  • Monitor continuously: Deploy 24/7 monitoring or partner with a trusted provider

Cost-Effective Protection for Saint Johns Businesses

Cost+ delivers tailored protection for Florida businesses of all sizes. Our Security+ and Recovery+ solutions give you modern cybersecurity without the enterprise price tag. From managed firewalls to proactive support, we help secure your systems and keep business running.

If it’s been more than six months since your last network review, now’s the time. We offer a free cybersecurity check with no pressure and no obligations—just honest insights into where you’re at risk and how to fix it.

Schedule Your Free Cybersecurity Check Today

We help small businesses in Saint Johns close critical security gaps fast. Contact us to schedule your free check and take the first step toward stronger protection.

By Thomas McDonald
Vice President

2025-06-23T18:25:04-05:00June 23, 2025|

The Business Leader’s Guide to Zero Trust Architecture

Traditional perimeter-based security models—like firewalls and VPNs—are no longer sufficient in today’s digital landscape. Organizations now rely on cloud apps, remote work setups, and extended third-party ecosystems, rendering old security strategies ineffective. This Zero Trust architecture guide is designed for business leaders, providing clarity on what Zero Trust means, why it matters, and how to implement it successfully.

Zero Trust Architecture concept diagram for business security

What Is Zero Trust?

Zero Trust is a security philosophy that rejects implicit trust. Instead, every access request—whether from inside or outside the network—must be continuously authenticated, authorized, and monitored. Unlike traditional perimeter defenses, Zero Trust shifts protection to the identity, device, and data layers. The NIST Zero Trust Architecture guide outlines this strategy in detail.

Why It Matters Now

  • Remote and hybrid workforce: Employees are using diverse devices and networks, far beyond corporate boundaries.
  • Rising cyber threats: Ransomware, business email compromise, and supply chain attacks exploit trust in internal systems.
  • Compliance demands: Regulations increasingly mandate least-privileged access and continuous verification.

Core Principles of Zero Trust

  • Identity: Strong authentication using single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and identity governance.
  • Device Security: Ensuring only trusted, compliant devices can connect.
  • Least‑Privilege Access: Granting users only the permissions they need—no more.
  • Microsegmentation: Dividing networks into zones so breaches are contained.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Ongoing auditing and real-time analysis of access events.

Business Use Cases & Scenarios

  • Remote Access: Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) replaces traditional VPNs for secure remote work.
  • Vendor Collaboration: Grant external users limited, conditional access to sensitive systems.
  • Cloud App Security: Enforce identity-based controls on SaaS apps and APIs.
  • Regulated Industries: Detailed access records meet PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and financial compliance standards.

Roadmap to Zero Trust Implementation

  1. Start with an Assessment: Use a maturity framework such as the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model to evaluate your organization’s current position.
  2. Establish Quick Wins: Start with high-impact basics: enforce MFA, enable device compliance, deploy SSO, and pilot ZTNA.
  3. Define Your Access Policies: Create granular rules specifying who can access what resources, under which conditions.
  4. Roll Out in Phases:
    • Phase 1: Identity and device verification
    • Phase 2: Network segmentation and application control
    • Phase 3: Monitoring, database protection, and automation
  5. Track Progress with Metrics: Monitor improvements in blocked breaches, abnormal access attempts, and policy compliance.
  6. Maintain and Adapt: Zero Trust isn’t a one-time project. Policies, tools, and reviews must evolve with threats and business growth.

Technology & Tool Landscape

Zero Trust requires integrated layers of protection:

  • IAM platforms: Okta, Microsoft Entra
  • MFA solutions: FIDO2 keys, app-based authenticators
  • ZTNA gateways: Cloudflare, Palo Alto Prisma
  • Microsegmentation tools: VMware NSX, Illumio
  • SIEM platforms: Splunk, Azure Sentinel

Select solutions that integrate with your identity, cloud, and endpoint architecture.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

  • Treating Zero Trust as a product instead of a long-term strategy
  • Lacking policy clarity before implementation
  • Ignoring employee experience and adoption barriers
  • Failing to update protections as new risks emerge

Where Cost+ Fits In

Cost+ helps businesses implement Zero Trust principles through tailored services:

  • Support+ – IT help desk and infrastructure support
  • Security+ – Endpoint protection, monitoring, and email security
  • Compliance+ – Consulting to meet HIPAA, SOX, PCI, and other mandates

Our team aligns Zero Trust adoption with your risk profile and business goals.

Conclusion

Zero Trust is no longer optional—it’s foundational to securing modern organizations. By adopting a strategy that includes strong identity, device validation, segmentation, and continuous monitoring, business leaders can dramatically reduce risk and improve resilience. Use this zero trust architecture guide to assess your readiness, implement smart protections, and create a more secure future for your organization.

By Gregory McDonald

2025-06-21T19:11:43-05:00June 21, 2025|
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