Why Bergen County Businesses Are Turning to Local IT Partners

Bergen County is home to thousands of businesses — from professional service firms and retailers to medical practices and logistics providers. But as technology grows more complex and threats more frequent, many are rethinking who supports their infrastructure and how close to home that partner really is.

Local Understanding, Faster Response

Big-box providers often offer generic, one-size-fits-all support. But Bergen County businesses operate under unique pressures — including high compliance standards, legacy systems, and the need for fast response times. That’s where local providers like Cost+ stand out. With deep regional experience, we offer services tailored to the way businesses actually work here — not a thousand miles away.

Comprehensive Services Without the Complexity

Whether it’s Security+ for 24/7 endpoint protection, or Recovery+ to ensure continuity after a disruption, Bergen County companies are choosing providers who don’t just sell software — they solve problems. The shift is clear: simplicity, accountability, and local expertise matter.

Looking Ahead

As more firms in Hackensack, Paramus, Mahwah, and beyond evaluate their IT partners, the trend is clear: proximity, reliability, and industry knowledge are becoming top priorities. Cost+ supports this transformation — helping businesses across Bergen County reduce costs without sacrificing performance or security.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Let’s talk about how we can support your Bergen County business.

2025-06-01T18:37:07-05:00June 2, 2025|

Phishing-as-a-Service: The Rise of DIY Cybercrime

Phishing attacks are no longer the work of lone hackers operating in the shadows. Today, anyone with an internet connection—and a few dollars—can launch a sophisticated phishing campaign. The reason? A growing underground economy known as Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS).

phishing as a service business leaders learning about

Similar to legitimate SaaS platforms, PhaaS kits offer ready-made phishing templates, hosting infrastructure, technical support, and even dashboards to track results. The only difference is the purpose: to steal credentials, deliver malware, or compromise business systems. For organizations already stretched thin on cybersecurity, this democratization of cybercrime presents a serious challenge.

What Is Phishing-as-a-Service?

PhaaS platforms are pre-built toolkits or services that enable individuals—even those with no technical background—to launch targeted phishing campaigns. Some operate on dark web forums, while others exist in encrypted messaging channels or invite-only marketplaces. They often offer:

  • Pre-built phishing templates mimicking banks, email platforms, or cloud apps
  • Automated credential harvesting and data export tools
  • Subscription-based pricing tiers, complete with customer support
  • Delivery mechanisms that bypass common email filters

These services allow attackers to rent infrastructure instead of building it, lowering the barrier to entry and dramatically increasing the volume of threats.

Growing Use Across Attack Types

PhaaS kits are used in a variety of campaigns, from traditional credential phishing to business email compromise (BEC), MFA fatigue attacks, and QR code-based lures. According to a Microsoft Threat Intelligence report, these kits have evolved into modular ecosystems with regular updates, built-in obfuscation, and techniques to evade detection.

Some PhaaS operators even offer “results guarantees” and customer testimonials—removing the technical, ethical, and psychological barriers that once kept casual criminals out of the phishing business.

Why PhaaS Is So Dangerous

The greatest threat posed by PhaaS is scale. A single platform can equip thousands of attackers simultaneously, all targeting different sectors with different lures. As a result, even small and mid-sized businesses are now experiencing the same level of threat exposure as large enterprises. And because many kits are updated constantly to evade detection, traditional defenses alone may not be enough.

What Businesses Can Do

Mitigating PhaaS-fueled attacks requires a combination of layered defenses and user education. Organizations should:

  • Deploy advanced threat protection at the email gateway level
  • Implement multi-factor authentication across all accounts
  • Regularly test employees with simulated phishing exercises
  • Monitor for unusual sign-in behavior, especially from unfamiliar geolocations
  • Keep endpoint protection and detection tools up to date

It’s also critical to understand that PhaaS (phishing as a service)represents a shift in the threat model. Phishing is no longer limited by the attacker’s skill. With PhaaS, the intent to steal information is all that’s required—and the tools are readily available.

Conclusion

Phishing as a Service is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. What was once a specialized threat has become a mass-market product, sold and distributed with the ease of an app. For defenders, this means staying ahead requires more than blocking known threats. It requires anticipating how accessible cybercrime has become—and acting accordingly.

For further insight into the industrialization of phishing, see CISA’s advisory on phishing services.

By Thomas McDonald
Vice President

2025-06-22T16:11:59-05:00June 2, 2025|

How Small Businesses in Ramsey, NJ Are Reducing IT Costs Without Sacrificing Security

For many small businesses in Ramsey, technology is a necessary cost—but it doesn’t have to be a painful one. Between rising cyber threats, cloud migrations, and day-to-day support needs, many companies are spending more than they should on IT. Worse yet, they’re often paying for services that don’t fully protect them.

The good news? Businesses in Ramsey are finding ways to lower expenses and raise their level of protection at the same time. It starts by rethinking how IT support is delivered—and choosing partners who prioritize value and outcomes over bloated service packages.

Where Most Businesses Overpay

IT costs often spiral because of one or more of the following:

  • Multiple vendors charging separately for support, email, security, and phones
  • Inflexible contracts with high monthly minimums
  • Downtime and lost productivity from unresolved tech issues
  • Data loss or breaches that lead to regulatory fines or legal costs

Many of these problems stem from reactive support or unclear billing structures. That’s why more companies in Ramsey are shifting toward proactive, flat-rate services that cover all core needs—including support, cybersecurity, cloud, and compliance.

Security Still Matters—Even on a Budget

Reducing costs doesn’t mean cutting corners. In fact, the most common cyberattacks—like phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise—can be prevented with the right setup. That includes:

Security+ for threat protection and endpoint security

Email+ for Microsoft 365 protection, encryption, and filtering

Recovery+ for fast data recovery and business continuity

These services don’t need to break the bank—and when bundled with ongoing IT support, they often cost less than a single unexpected emergency or breach.

Working With the Right Partner in Ramsey

Companies in Ramsey are starting to look beyond the typical MSP model. They want straightforward pricing, responsive help, and solutions that actually align with their goals. That’s why more small businesses are partnering with providers like Cost+—who offer transparent, contract-free service that gets results.

If your business is located in Ramsey or the surrounding area, we invite you to explore our full range of services:

Explore IT support and cybersecurity services in Ramsey

Let’s Make Your Tech Work Harder—Not Cost More

You shouldn’t have to choose between protecting your business and controlling costs. With the right partner, you can have both. Let’s talk about your goals, your pain points, and how we can help you simplify IT—without overpaying.

Schedule your free consultation today or call 800.840.9690 to speak with our team.

2025-06-01T17:29:05-05:00June 2, 2025|

Why Even Small Businesses in Woodcliff Lake Need Cyber Insurance Readiness

Cyber insurance providers are getting stricter which is why small businesses in Woodcliff lake need cyber insurance rediness to prepare. Policies that used to be approved with basic antivirus and a firewall now require full-scale cybersecurity programs. For businesses in Woodcliff Lake, that means demonstrating real protection—before a breach occurs.

We’ve seen claims denied not because there was no insurance, but because businesses lacked documented protections like MFA, endpoint detection, or employee training. Don’t let that be you.

What Insurers Now Expect

  • Endpoint protection with monitoring and response
  • Multi-factor authentication for all admin access
  • Regular backups with disaster recovery plans
  • Documented security policies and user training

Cyber insurance providers are expecting more preparation from businesses because the cybersecurity risk landscape has changed dramatically. As ransomware attacks, data breaches, and social engineering schemes continue to rise—especially targeting small and mid-sized companies—insurers are no longer willing to write policies without evidence of basic cybersecurity hygiene. Carriers are scrutinizing applicants more closely, requiring documented safeguards like multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection, routine data backups, and employee awareness training.

For businesses in Woodcliff Lake and across the region, this shift means that simply buying coverage is no longer enough—insurers want to see a proactive approach to risk management before offering a policy or paying out a claim. Without proper preparation, businesses may face higher premiums, reduced coverage limits, or outright denial of coverage. In short, cyber insurance is becoming more like health insurance: if you’re not doing your part to stay secure, you’ll pay more—or be left without support when it matters most.

Is Your Business Prepared?

If you’re unsure whether your IT setup would satisfy a cyber insurance audit, let us review it. There’s no cost and no obligation. Learn how we support Woodcliff Lake companies in reducing cyber risk and qualifying for better coverage.

Book your free cybersecurity readiness check today.

2025-06-03T18:19:56-05:00June 1, 2025|

How Bergen County Businesses Can Unify IT Across Multiple Locations

For companies in Bergen County with more than one office, location, or worksite, managing IT can quickly become a logistical challenge. Different networks, inconsistent software, scattered support contacts—it all adds up to inefficiency and risk.

Whether you’re running a law firm with two offices, a medical group with multiple clinics, or a retail brand with storefronts across the county, centralizing your IT strategy is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025.

Signs Your IT Might Be Too Fragmented

  • Each location uses its own devices, software stack, or vendors
  • Security settings and updates are inconsistent across endpoints
  • Support is reactive and varies depending on who responds
  • No unified backup or disaster recovery plan across sites
  • Onboarding and offboarding processes differ by location

Centralizing IT Without Losing Flexibility

At Cost+, we work with multi-site businesses across Bergen County to build scalable, cloud-first infrastructure. Our Cloud+ service makes it possible to standardize systems across all offices while keeping your operations nimble and secure.

With centralized management, you get better visibility, stronger cybersecurity, and fewer disruptions—whether your team is in Hackensack, Paramus, or Mahwah.

See how we support Bergen County businesses across multiple locations.

Let’s Talk About Simplifying Your Setup

If your IT environment feels disjointed or unsupported across offices, it may be time to unify. Our team can review your current systems and offer practical recommendations to streamline operations.

Schedule a free consultation today or call 800.840.9690 to speak with our regional team.

2025-06-01T16:28:16-05:00June 1, 2025|
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