Is Government Cybersecurity Critical?

Yes—cybersecurity is mission-critical for government agencies, who are prime targets for cybercriminals because they manage sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and essential services. In 2024 alone, the FBI reported 4,878 complaints from government entities and critical infrastructure sectors, with ransomware attacks increasing by 9% year-over-year.

A single breach can disrupt operations, compromise citizen information, and erode public confidence. It’s why NIS recommends a multi-layered security approach that follows the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) cybersecurity framework, because compliance with CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) and FISMA (Federal Information Security Modernization Act) is not optional—it’s a legal and operational necessity.

NIS’s Cybersecurity Services

NIS delivers comprehensive cybersecurity services in partnership with Cisco Meraki, leveraging their cloud-managed platform to provide secure, scalable, and easy-to-manage solutions that benefit your organization through:

• Cloud Management: Streamlined network oversight across county offices, remote sites, and law enforcement facilities.​
• Automated Compliance: Simplified federal, state, and CJIS compliance with one-click reporting.
• Data Protection: Safeguard taxpayer records, election systems, and utility management from cyberattacks.
• No-Hassle Rollouts: Rapid deployment for new locations and disaster recovery.

By combining NIS’s local expertise with Meraki’s industry-leading technology, agencies gain a robust defense against evolving cyber threats while maintaining operational efficiency.

NIS: a Premier Government IT Solutions Provider

Network Innovation Solutions understands government priorities: protecting data, ensuring uptime, and doing so within tight budgets. Our government clients reliance on us for local expertise and responsive service make us more than a vendor—we’re a strategic partner.

We don’t just deliver technology; we deliver peace of mind. From managed IT services to consulting, NIS ensures your systems are secure, scalable, and aligned with regulatory requirements. Our proactive approach reduces risk, prevents costly breaches, and supports long-term digital transformation goals.

Free Cybersecurity Resources: KACo Expo, Louisville 

Join Network Innovation Solutions at the 51st Annual KACo Conference & Exposition, November 12–13 at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville and visit us at Booth 81 for:

• Live Cisco Meraki demos
• Free Merchandise and Information
• Expert consultations

This expo offers county leaders fresh insights and hands-on access to innovative technology providers. For questions or to book a meeting ahead, call 304-781-3410 Ext 1019 or visit gonis.us.

Let’s defend Kentucky’s public sector—together.

 
Cybercriminals don’t always go after the toughest targets—they go after the easiest ones. Businesses without even the most basic protections are at the greatest risk.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to revisit your defenses and make sure you’re not leaving the door open. Here are the essentials to get started—and the next steps to take your security even further.

Start with the Four Basics

1. Teach Employees to Avoid Phishing Scams
    Phishing remains the #1 way attackers gain access. Train your staff to recognize suspicious emails, attachments, and links—and make sure they know how to report them.
   
   
2. Require Strong Passwords
    Weak or reused passwords are an open invitation for attackers. Enforce password policies that require length, complexity, and unique logins.
   
   
3. Require Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
    MFA makes accounts significantly harder to compromise, even if a password is stolen. Where possible, use phishing-resistant MFA for the strongest protection.
   
   
4. Update Business Software
    Outdated software contains flaws that cybercriminals actively exploit. Regular patching and updates close these security gaps before attackers can take advantage.
   
   

Level Up Your Defenses

Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to take the next step:

• Use Logging on Your Systems
  Logging activity gives you visibility into suspicious behavior and early signs of an attempted breach.
  
  
• Back Up Data
  A solid backup plan ensures business continuity. With reliable backups, you can recover quickly if an incident occurs.
  
  
• Encrypt Data
  Encryption keeps sensitive files safe even if criminals gain access to your systems. Without the keys, your data stays locked and unreadable.
  
  

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Every step you take makes your business a harder target. The basics will raise your defenses, and the next-level practices will strengthen them even further.

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant seamlessly integrated into the Microsoft 365 apps your business already uses. Think of it as a highly capable assistant sitting in on your meetings and helping with your daily tasks, but without the overhead. Instead of sifting through hours of meeting recordings or long email threads, Copilot does the heavy lifting, helping your team focus on what really matters. It's designed for small to medium-sized businesses that want to boost productivity without a steep learning curve.

How it Works: From Clutter to Clarity

Imagine your team's collaboration as a car trip. Traditionally, the driver (you and your team) handles everything—navigating, checking the maps, and keeping an eye on the road. This can be distracting. Microsoft Copilot is like a co-pilot that manages the maps, monitors traffic alerts, and even helps draft turn-by-turn directions. It frees up the driver to focus on the road and destination. In the same way, Copilot handles the tedious, administrative tasks of your workday, allowing you and your team to focus on strategic work.

In Microsoft Teams, Copilot is particularly powerful. It can:

• Summarize Meetings: Copilot can join a meeting and, with a simple request, provide a full summary of the discussion. It can list key decisions, outline who was assigned which action items, and even note any open questions. This is incredibly useful for team members who couldn't attend, as well as for anyone who needs a quick refresher.
• Draft Follow-ups: Immediately after a meeting, Copilot can draft a follow-up email for all participants based on the meeting summary. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and that no tasks are forgotten, streamlining communication and accountability.
• Provide Real-time Insights: During a meeting, you can ask Copilot a question about the conversation, like "What were the main concerns raised about the project budget?" and it will provide an instant, in-context answer. This enables teams to make informed decisions more quickly.

Why it Matters for Your Business

Implementing an AI tool like Copilot isn't just a trend—it's a smart business move. A Microsoft study found that 75% of users felt more productive when using Copilot (Source: Microsoft Work Trend Index Special Report). Automating routine tasks can save your team valuable time, allowing them to be more creative and strategic. It can also help reduce the risk of miscommunication by providing clear, concise summaries of meaningful conversations.

While the technology is advanced, your business doesn't need to be a tech company to reap the benefits. The key is to have the right foundation in place, including proper data governance and security protocols. This ensures that Copilot is working with accurate information and that your company's sensitive data remains protected.

Ready to explore how AI can transform your business' productivity and collaboration? Contact us at 304-781-3410 today to schedule a personalized consultation.

AI is quietly changing the game for businesses in 2025—but not everyone is ready. Some business owners are already seeing massive growth from AI-driven insights and automation, while others don’t even realize they’re falling behind. If you're running a business in the Tri-State Area, you've likely heard lots of buzz about AI. Maybe you dismissed it, thinking it’s just for big tech companies, but guess what? It’s a lot more accessible than you think!

The question is: where does your business stand?

Why You Should Care About AI for Business Growth Right Now

Businesses that aren't at least thinking about introducing AI are already starting to fall behind. Understandably, it’s being overlooked; your plate is probably already full running your business. But what if I told you AI could take some of those plates off your hands?

How AI Is Useful for Business Growth

• Customer Service That Never Sleeps

Have you ever woken up to a bunch of missed customer messages from the night before? Wouldn't it be nice to have someone (or something) taking care of those basic queries for you while you sleep? That's where AI chatbots come in. They're like having a super-smart assistant who works around the clock and never takes a coffee break. And best of all, they won't break the bank!

• How Can Predictive Analytics Help Your Business?

Predictive analytics is a branch of AI that helps you guess what's coming next in your business. For local businesses, this means you can better predict which products will sell, when you'll be busiest, and what trends are emerging. No more guesswork—AI makes inventory management smarter.

• Security That Gets Smarter Over Time

Let's be honest: cybersecurity isn't a topic you think about too much until something goes wrong – and then it's the only topic on your mind. AI-powered security is like having a guard dog that learns from every attempted break-in and gets better each time suspicious activity is spotted.

Keeping Your Business Safe

AI can be a game-changer—but only when configured properly.

This means:

• Regular check-ups related to security
• Ensuring your team knows what's what
• Keeping your operations legal and compliant
• Having tech experts on speed dial

AI Deserves All the Hype

A store owner we work with started using AI to manage their inventory recently. Within three months, they stopped running out of some of their more popular items and saved a lot of money on items that weren’t selling. Another client of ours let AI handle their after-hours customer chats and started catching 45% more leads. All this amounts to real money they were just leaving on the table before AI.

Are You Ready to Get on Board?

AI isn't going anywhere, and it's getting easier to use every day. You don't have to be a tech genius to make AI work for your business growth – you just need the right partner to help you figure out what makes sense for you.

Are you ready to learn more about keeping your business safe while using AI? Grab our complimentary guide on "The Growing Role of AI in Security" or reach out to chat about how we can help your business level up.

Here's the bottom line: getting started with AI doesn’t mean going all-in overnight. It's about finding the right tools that will make your life easier and your business stronger. Let's talk about how to make that happen for you!

FAQ: AI for Business Growth

What are the biggest AI trends for small businesses in 2025?

AI is transforming small businesses with:

• AI Chatbots – 24/7 customer service.
• Predictive Analytics – Smarter business decisions.

• AI Cybersecurity – Prevents cyber threats in real-time.
• Automated Marketing – Generates content & campaigns instantly.

AI is no longer optional—it’s a competitive advantage.

Is AI expensive to implement?

No! AI tools are affordable, scalable, and ROI-driven:

• Many chatbots & automation tools start at low monthly costs.
• Predictive AI saves money by reducing inefficiencies.
• AI prevents costly cyberattacks before they happen.

It’s not about cost—it’s about the cost of falling behind.

How can AI improve cybersecurity?

AI detects, prevents, and responds to cyber threats automatically:

• Real-time threat detection – Identifies suspicious activity quickly.
• Automated security updates – Keeps software protected.
• Fraud prevention – Detects unusual logins & transactions.

AI doesn’t just react—it predicts & prevents threats before they happen.

Microsoft's Artificial Intelligence Brings New Perspective to Business Computing

Your business needs every advantage. Microsoft Copilot adds another powerful tool to Microsoft 365. Microsoft’s AI tool helps you and your team work smarter, faster, and more creatively, freeing you up to focus on what matters most: growing your business. Imagine having an intelligent assistant that can help you conquer everything you need to do, while unlocking new levels of efficiency.

AI has become an extremely important part of today’s business, and Microsoft Copilot, integrated through the Microsoft 365 productivity suite, brings several benefits.

Boost Everyday Productivity

Microsoft Copilot gives you the ability to do much more today than you did yesterday. Let’s take a look at some of the ways Copilot can help build a more dynamically productive business:

• Reclaim your time - You’ll have to spend less time on administrative tasks. Copilot can summarize lengthy email threads in Outlook, draft professional responses, and help you manage your inbox more effectively.
• Create content faster - Generate first drafts of documents in Word, create engaging presentations in PowerPoint from simple prompts, and get suggestions for refining your work.
• Unlock data insights - Ask questions in natural language to analyze data in Excel, identify trends, and create visualizations without needing complex formulas.
• More effective meetings - Get real-time summaries and action items in Teams, ensuring everyone stays aligned and tasks don't fall through the cracks.

Enhance Creativity and Innovation

Besides enhancing organizational productivity, Copilot can open up new opportunities with its advanced creativity capabilities. They include:

• Overcoming mental blocks - Copilot can help brainstorm ideas, outline proposals, and kickstart your creative process, so you're never starting from a blank slate.
• Improve organizational focus on strategic work - By automating routine tasks, Copilot frees up valuable time for you and your team to concentrate on improving your customer relationships and strategic growth initiatives.

Empower Your Team’s Collaborative Efforts

What’s more, Microsoft Copilot can enhance your team’s ability to work together, which has more benefits than just efficiency, including:

• Fewer burnt-out employees - By taking on repetitive and time-consuming tasks, Copilot can help reduce workload stress and improve job satisfaction.
• Overhauling employee onboarding - Help new team members get up to speed more quickly by easily creating training materials and accessing information.
• Getting an AI you can trust - Your business data is not used to train the foundation models, ensuring your sensitive information stays protected.

Luckily, most people will, if they have an eligible device, upgrade to Windows 11. The promise of new innovations with productivity, connectivity, and creativity is now a reality. For those who can't upgrade due to their device not having the right specs, and who don’t want to buy a new device, Windows 10 will be the right choice. Microsoft said it will continue to support Windows 10 until October 2025, and there will even be updates to it later this year.

Security
For those who are considering the upgrade, security is one factor in any decision. As you might expect, Microsoft has raised its baseline of security for this latest version, which means it is the most secure Windows has ever been. During the security upgrade process, Microsoft used over 8 trillion signals from threat intelligence to test every aspect of the security system. They used reverse engineering of cyberattacks and got input from experts, including the UK National Cyber Security Centre, the NSA, and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. That means Windows 11 security will address threats that software alone can’t tackle.
It is for security reasons why many of the hardware requirements exist. Microsoft has also analyzed the most effective defenses to help it build the Windows 11 default security features. The research included looking at data from 2020 attacks that were blocked and archived. This process included six billion endpoint device threats, 30 billion threats to emails, and 30 billion authentications.

Windows 11 and HIPAA
If your organization needs to be HIPAA compliant, upgrading to Windows 11 would be the best decision to ensure your company stays compliant now and in the future.

System requirements
For Windows 11 to install properly, a PC needs to have the following basic requirements:
Intel: eight generation+, 64-bit architecture at 1Ghz+ Processor
4Gb or more of RAM
64Gb or more storage
Secure Boot capability, UEFI system firmware
Trusted Platform Module version 2.0
DirectX 12 + graphics card; driver WDDM 2.0 or newer
High-definition (720p) 9”+ display with at least 8 bits per color channel
Microsoft account & Internet connectivity

Should you upgrade to Windows 11?
Upgrading your operating system can be risky. If you recall, some versions of Windows in the past have flopped and were not liked by some. So, before anyone considers updating their system, you should consider backing everything up just in case you really can’t get on with it and want to revert while you can.

Should everyone think about upgrading? Most likely, yes. There needs to be an element of 'wait and see' before we all jump at it. But the new update certainly looks promising, and that it fixes lots of the issues with regards to design that people have complained about over the years. However, we don't yet know what drawbacks Windows 11 might have. Also, we don't yet know how it will perform, which means it's hard to recommend without first testing it.
Assuming Microsoft releases Windows 11 as planned, we still need to approach it with caution. If you haveolder software, it might not work with the upgrade. In this case, you might consider holding out. Not many apps had issues with previous versions of Windows, but it could happen.

Final thoughts – should you upgrade to Windows 11?
If you have a compatible device and, then go for the upgrade when you can. Remember to consider doing a full backup before you upgrade in case something goes wrong or your old software won’t run on the new operating system.
If you don’t yet have a compatible device, there’s no need to panic and rush out to buy a new PC as Windows 10 will still be supported for many more years yet and it might be worth waiting to see if there are any teething problems with any new devices that run Windows 11. Don’t forget the adage: "if it isn't broken, don't fix it."
Don’t forget, if you have questions about Windows 11, or need help installing it, give us a call. We’re here to help you with the technology you use to run your business.

Unfortunately, the number of cyberattacks is consistently growing and many of those attacks target business end users. This means that any account that requires a password for access could conceivably be compromised should attackers gain access to its credentials.

What Are the Best MFA Practices?

To protect against these threats, businesses must adopt intuitive security strategies to secure user accounts. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective methods to enhance account security. MFA adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity in more than one way. This approach addresses the vulnerabilities of the traditional login method, such as phishing attacks, brute force attacks, and other advanced hacking techniques that can compromise credentials. 

However, MFA mitigates these risks by requiring another form of authentication. Best practices for implementing MFA include ensuring it is enabled across all critical accounts, regularly updating the authentication methods, and educating users on safe practices. These are things that Network Innovation Solutions does on behalf of all our Managed Service Customers

Understanding Authentication and How MFA Works

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system. It ensures that the person or entity requesting access is who they claim to be. MFA works by combining two or more of the following factors to verify identity:

• Something you know, such as a password or PIN.
• Something you have, like a hardware token, mobile device, or secure 2FA key.
• Something you are, including biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition.

By distributing the authentication process across multiple factors, MFA significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access.

Hardware Tokens and the Most Secure 2FA Keys

Hardware tokens and secure 2FA keys are essential for organizations looking to implement the most secure form of MFA, or ones that don't want their employees using personal devices for business use. Unlike soft tokens, such as mobile apps, hardware tokens operate independently of personal devices, reducing the risks associated with compromised smartphones or SIM-swapping attacks. 

That is why we recommend Cisco Duo, which offers hardware tokens that can be used across multiple platforms, ensuring seamless authentication for email, remote desktops, and other critical applications. They are also some of the most secure 2FA keys because they are FIDO2-compliant and provide robust encryption, making them resistant to phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks.

MFA for Office 365

Microsoft recently announced significant changes to email security by requiring MFA authentication for Office 365. Beginning in early 2025, MFA will be mandatory for all Office 365 accounts, and we predict that this will soon be something all companies implement in the near future. So, contact us today and learn why NIS recommends Cisco Duo as it is one of the most secure, robust, and easiest-to-use MFA platforms currently on the market.

Let’s Improve Your Business’ Security Together!

Best Practices to Protect Your Business This Season

As the holiday season approacheds, businesses face increased cyber threats. Cybercriminals often take advantage of heightened e-commerce activity, distracted employees, and outdated systems. Amidst all the holiday rush, those in IT work tirelessly to safeguard the systems that keep businesses
running smoothly. This guide will highlight some essential cybersecurity practices to help your IT team protect your business during this season of increased risks.

Implement Regular Patch Management

Cyber attackers constantly exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software. Ensuring timely patch updates and system maintenance is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance security.
According to Gartner, 70% of breaches exploit known vulnerabilities that could have been patched. By prioritizing patch management, you help your IT team protect critical systems.

Prioritize Data Backups

Data loss can be catastrophic, especially during the busy holiday season when operational downtime impacts both revenue and customer trust. By maintaining consistent data backups, you can ensure that you can recover operations quickly from any potential attacks. IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report indicates that businesses

Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Human error remains one of the top causes of security breaches. Regular security awareness training can reduce the risk of employees falling victim to phishing scams or malware. According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, 85% of data breaches involve a human element, including phishing or mistakes. Empower your employees with knowledge, and you empower your business as well. with proper backup and disaster recovery plans save an average of $1.23 million per breach.

Monitor Systems with Proactive Tools

Real-time monitoring tools help identify and neutralize threats before they become critical. Automated monitoring provides insights into suspicious activities and network anomalies. As stated by Forrester Research, businesses that use proactive monitoring tools experience 40% fewer security incidents. Investing in these tools is a way to show gratitude to your IT team, helping them protect your business better.

Prioritizing your business starts with digital security. This holiday season, one of the best ways to enhance your business's security is by partnering with a trusted expert in IT security. By providing the tools and resources they need, you empower your team to protect your business from potential threats. Implementing these best practices and investing in effective security solutions can significantly reduce risks and safeguard your operations during the busy season. To learn more or discuss how our expertise can strengthen your IT support and security, reach out to us today

When RMHC® of Huntington needed a new computer for their volunteer office, NIS answered the call. As a small business, we understand that financial constraints can dictate and restrict purchases, even of items that are needed. That's why, when we first saw their request for donations to purchase a new computer for their volunteers to use, we knew we needed to help. This was a simple way we could give back to this organization that gives so much to our community. We are grateful for the needs that they meet and the care they provide, and are thankful that we could meet a need of theirs.

*If you're looking for a local 501©(3) to donate your time or resources to, we can't recommend RMHC® of Huntington enough!

For more informaiton on the RMHC® of Huntington, click here.

In honor of Customer Service Week, we recognize and celebrate our Team and their continuous hard work. We hate to brag [we don't], but we have the best Team.

Our Operations Team. They're the backbone of our service operations. Their knowledge and talent is what keeps our clients' businesses working and running. We're proud of and appreciate Charlie, Curtis, Tyrone, Isaiah and Drew.

Our Sales Team is probably the most recognized-they're to whom most are initially introduced. They support our clients and help guide them to what they need. John, Hunter, Tyrone and Jim also cultivate our vendor relationships to ensure the best offerings available for our clients.

Our Marketing Team keeps things interesting. They bring awareness to our business and offerings. Rob, Stacie, Hunter and John develop, design and implement each infographic, campaign and post you see. Their goal is to introduce you to NIS before you know you need them.

NIS is a TEAM. We work together to support our clients, our vendors, our business-and most importly-each other. We succeed as one, and we fail as one. Each step is a step made together. Sometimes we have to carry each other. But most of the time, we encourage each other to keep going. We are honored and value each team member's contributions.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in our daily lives and encourages individuals and businesses to take important cybersecurity steps everyday to Secure Our World and stay safe online.

Network Innovation Solutions announces its commitment to cybersecurity education by participating in the 21st Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Founded in 2004, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held each October, is the world’s foremost initiative aimed at promoting cybersecurity awareness and best practices. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations, tribal communities, and individuals committed to educating others about online safety.

At this point, it’s simply a matter of time before some company somewhere asks you to change your password because something somewhere down the line got hacked. In fact, in June of 2016, Fortune Magazine said, “It’s almost fashionable to become the victim of a data breach these days, or at least you’d think so, given the who’s-who list of companies announcing them.” In other words, everyone from Fortune 500 companies and hospitals to small businesses and tech giants are experiencing the rippling impact of a data breach. 

Network Innovation Solutions is proud to announce the launch of our new website at www.gonis.us. The goal of the new website is to make it easier for our existing clients to submit and manage support requests, and provide more information about our services for prospective clients.

The password isn’t nearly as secure as it used to be. Hackers have begun to take advantage of extremely powerful solutions designed to brute force their way into accounts by using software to rapidly guessing thousands of passwords per second, making it extraordinarily difficult to prepare yourself for them.

What’s the best way to guarantee that passwords aren’t going to be the downfall of your company? A great start is by taking a close look at password best practices and two-factor authentication.

How much does your business rely on technology to keep your organization running forward? As business technology becomes more complex, it’s becoming increasingly popular for organizations to have their own internal IT departments to manage and maintain it. Yet, small businesses don’t often have the necessary funds for such a feat. How can your company afford quality IT service? You can start by pursuing managed IT solutions from a managed service provider.

Despite what detractors say, regulations are in place for good reason. They typically protect individuals from organizational malfeasance. Many of these regulations are actual laws passed by a governing body and cover the entire spectrum of the issue, not just the data involved. The ones that have data protection regulations written into them mostly deal with the handling and protection of sensitive information. For organizations that work in industries covered by these regulations there are very visible costs that go into compliance. Today, we look at the costs incurred by these organizations as a result of these regulations, and how to ascertain how they affect your business.

Profitability is less the measure of being able to turn a profit, and more the measure of how much profit you can make. For the successful small business, the integration of technology can dictate what kind of annual margins you are looking at. For the new company, however, it can be something even more critical: the difference between setting a course for success, or wallowing in failure. Today we analyze the cost difference between hosting your IT in-house, or choosing to host it in the cloud.

The late American author Kurt Vonnegut once wrote, “New knowledge is the most valuable commodity on earth. The more truth we have to work with, the richer we become.” Written in the 20th century, it has been put in practice by 21st century businesses. As the Internet has grown, the amount of companies expanded, and the amount of data that those companies collect has grown exponentially, especially now that there is a market for such data.

Network Innovation Solutions(NIS), an expert Managed Service Provider serving the Huntington & Surrounding Tri-State area, is proud to announce that we have cleared a big milestone in our organization: this year marks our 10th Anniversary! In honor of our anniversary, we hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Huntington Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, November 16.

Data security isn’t a matter to be taken lightly, as too many businesses have found out the hard way. Unfortunately, there are far too many simple ways to correct common security issues - enough that it’s foolish not to do so. We’ll review a few ways to fix security issues, after discussing one of, if not the, most egregious security failings in modern history.