Staying organized and coordinating schedules can be a challenge. Fortunately, Outlook offers a simple way to share your calendar across different platforms. Whether you’re using Outlook on your computer, smartphone, or web browser, this guide will walk you through the steps to share your calendar with others.

Sharing your calendar in Outlook on the web

Microsoft’s online version of Outlook is accessible through any web browser. It allows you to manage your email, calendar, and contacts from anywhere with an internet connection.

To share your calendar in Outlook on the web, follow these steps:

Log in to your Outlook account and click on the Calendar icon at the bottom of the page.
Click the Share button on the top toolbar, and choose the specific calendar you want to share. You can share multiple calendars individually.
Enter the names or email addresses of the people you want to share the calendar with.
Select the level of access you want to give to each recipient. Options include:
Can view when I’m busy – They can only see when you’re free or busy, but they can’t see the details of the events.
Can view titles and locations – They can see when you’re busy as well as the title and location of events.
Can view all details – They can see all the details of your events.
Can edit – They can make changes to your calendar.
Delegate – They can manage your calendar on your behalf and share it with others.

Click Share to send invitations to the recipients. You can cancel sharing your calendar by clicking on the Trash icon.

Sharing your calendar in the Outlook desktop app

While it might look slightly different depending on your version of Outlook, the core steps for sharing your calendar remain similar:

Navigate to Calendar by clicking on the icon at the bottom of the page.
Click on Share Calendar in the main toolbar, and select the specific calendar that you want to share.
Select Add, pick or enter the names or email addresses of the people you want to share your calendar with, and then click Add again.
Click OK, and you will see the added recipients listed with the default permission level.
Select a recipient to change the access level if needed, and click OK to save your settings.

Sharing your calendar in the Outlook mobile app

If you’re on the go or you don’t have access to your desktop, you can still share your calendar via the iOS or Android mobile app. Here’s how to do it:

Open the app and tap the calendar menu in the upper left corner of the screen.
Tap the gear icon to access calendar settings.
Select Add people and choose the people you want to share your calendar with.
To edit a person’s permissions or remove their access, simply tap on their name.
Finally, tap the checkmark to save your changes.

Whether it’s for personal or professional use, sharing your Outlook calendar is a convenient way to stay organized and in sync with others. Keep this guide handy as a reference whenever you need to share your calendar in Outlook on any platform. And for more tips and tricks on how to make the most out of Microsoft 365, talk to our IT experts today.

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Businesses, particularly small to medium-sized ones, often struggle to juggle IT management on top of their other responsibilities. Outsourcing to a managed IT services provider (MSP) is a prudent alternative to managing IT in house. But what exactly does an MSP do? How do you find one that matches your business needs? Find the answers in this blog post.

MSPs and their benefits

An MSP is a third-party IT expert that takes over managing a business’s IT while providing comprehensive technology support solutions, leading to multiple advantages, including:

Access to expertise: MSPs bring extensive knowledge and experience, as they stay current with the latest technology trends and practices.
Improved focus: By offloading IT responsibilities to an MSP’s capable and well-equipped personnel, you can concentrate on your business’s core objectives, driving innovation and growth.
Robust security: MSPs implement and maintain complex security measures, safeguarding your systems and data from cyberthreats.
Enhanced productivity: With an MSP proactively addressing IT issues and providing readily available support, you can minimize downtime and enhance productivity.
Cost efficiency: MSPs typically provide services for a predictable monthly fee, simplifying budget planning and eliminating the need for large upfront investments in hardware, software, and personnel.

How to select an MSP

With so many MSPs in the market, it can be difficult to navigate the possibilities and find one that aligns with your business needs. However, you can simplify the decision-making process by considering the following aspects:

Expertise and experience: When choosing an MSP , assess their depth of IT knowledge and experience. The ideal MSP should understand complex IT challenges beyond basic troubleshooting. Look for expertise in areas critical to modern businesses, such as cloud migration, cybersecurity, and network architecture. Additionally, you should check that the MSP has experience with your industry and can tailor their services accordingly.
Service level agreements (SLAs): A clear and comprehensive SLA outlines the MSP’s commitment to service delivery. Key aspects to analyze in an SLA include how much uptime they guarantee and their promised response times in case of a problem.
Communication: Successful MSP partnerships hinge on clear and effective communication. When interviewing potential MSPs, measure how quickly, effectively, and affably they respond to your inquiries. It’s important to choose an MSP that can explain technical matters in a way that is easy to understand for non-technical users. Furthermore, collaboration is key; look for an MSP that is willing to collaborate closely with your team to achieve goals unique to your business.
Financial stability and reputation: It’s important to ensure their financial stability for long-term service reliability. How long the MSP’s been in business can tell you a lot about their financial standing and long-term sustainability, so make sure to look into that. Also, customer reviews and testimonials can tell you a lot about an MSP and how they conduct themselves. Additionally, never hesitate to request client references to speak with existing clients about their experiences with the MSP.
Flexibility and scalability: Whether it’s due to business growth or market shifts, your IT needs will change. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose an MSP that is adaptable and can adjust their services to meet fluctuating IT requirements.
Cost efficiency: Cost is naturally a major consideration when choosing an MSP. Pricing models vary, with options such as fixed fees or hourly rates. It’s important to compare different pricing structures to find the best fit for your budget. Also, when evaluating cost effectiveness, consider not just the upfront cost but also the potential cost savings and productivity gains an MSP can deliver.

Choosing an MSP is an investment in your business’s future. By carefully evaluating the factors outlined above and establishing open communication with the provider, you can build a successful partnership that drives growth and innovation.

Learn more about MSPs by talking to one of our experts. Contact us today.

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Gone are the days when cybersecurity felt like an overwhelming task for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Cloud technology has revolutionized security by offering SMBs access to enterprise-grade solutions without the burden of in-house IT infrastructure or staffing. Here are three reasons why the cloud makes for a surprisingly robust security option for your business.

Access to specialized expertise

For SMBs, limited in-house resources often force IT staff to juggle multiple technologies and responsibilities, which compromises cybersecurity quality. No matter how skilled, a small tech support team cannot master every necessary service or solution, and if they focus solely on cybersecurity, other critical areas such as hardware maintenance and help desk services suffer.

In contrast, cloud service providers (CSPs) operate on a larger scale. They manage numerous servers with large teams composed of specialists for every aspect of cloud technology, including cybersecurity. This means you can fully secure your IT without compromising any other aspect of your operations.

Fewer vulnerabilities

In a traditional IT infrastructure, all aspects of your business’s IT are consolidated in one location, which can increase your vulnerability to various cyberthreats and emergencies.

For example, a server on the same network as workstations can be compromised if an employee inadvertently downloads malware. This risk extends to physical security as well; without proper cybersecurity training, employees are more likely to create vulnerabilities, such as unsecure server rooms, unlocked workstations, or poorly designed and protected passwords.

In contrast, CSPs configure their networks to reduce access points and ensure that all personnel are well trained in cybersecurity. These factors combine to minimize security risks.

Built-in business continuity

Cloud storage offers significant advantages for business continuity during unforeseen events. Its geographically distributed infrastructure creates a natural barrier between your local network and data backups. This physical separation protects against malware that rapidly self-replicates across connected devices, such as worms. By storing backups in the cloud, you create an isolated copy of your data, reducing the risk of infection.

In addition to cyberthreats, cloud storage also safeguards your data from physical disasters such as fires, floods, or power outages. In such scenarios, the cloud ensures continued access to critical information. This means employees can seamlessly resume operations from any remote location with an internet connection, minimizing downtime and disruptions.

More than improved security

Beyond secure data storage, cloud computing now offers a vast array of customizable software, powerful platforms, and on-demand services. These options give businesses access to the exact tools they need, all within a secure and managed environment.

Let us help you unlock the full potential of the cloud and streamline your operations. Contact us today.

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The evolving threat landscape poses a significant financial risk to businesses. Cyberattacks can lead to costly data breaches, operational disruptions, and reputational damage, potentially jeopardizing your bottom line and even your business’s viability. In this blog post, we’ll explore proactive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard your organization and ensure its continued success.

Benefits of proactive cybersecurity

Proactive cybersecurity is a strategic approach to protecting computer systems and networks from cyberthreats. It involves identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing measures to prevent these vulnerabilities from being exploited. This approach is in contrast to reactive cybersecurity. Rather than attempting to prevent cyberattacks, reactive cybersecurity focuses on responding to and recovering from attacks that have already taken place.

Having proactive security measures can provide your business with the following advantages:

1. Avoid playing catch-up with threats
Taking action every time there’s a threat can be exhausting for your security team and your other resources. If you’re always playing catch-up with threats, you’ll never be able to get ahead. By utilizing both preventive cybersecurity strategies alongside reactive measures, you will be able to comprehensively protect your data and networks.
2. Improve security compliance
Proactive cybersecurity measures can help you root out threats to your data and your clients’ data. This, in turn, enables you to meet data compliance requirements.
3. Boost business reputation
Customers are more security-conscious today than in the past. With many data breaches impacting companies, your customers will want assurance that you have in place measures to safeguard their personal information. Having a proactive cybersecurity culture will demonstrate your commitment to keeping customer data safe and give your business’s reputation a boost. Showing that you can be trusted with clients’ sensitive data will also give you a leg up over your competitors.

Implementing proactive cybersecurity

To effectively implement a proactive cybersecurity strategy, follow these steps:
1. Determine the threats
Work with your in-house IT staff or managed services provider (MSP) to identify the types of attacks that are most common in your industry. By being aware of the threats out there, you can take steps to protect your business and keep it running smoothly.
2. Assess your resources
After you identify the primary cyberthreats to your company, prioritize them by determining how each security issue can damage various parts of your network. You can start by listing company devices that connect to the internet. Check the security measures these devices have and the type of data (regulated, mission-critical, low importance, etc.) each device has access to.
3. Implement proactive cybersecurity measures
Your IT team or MSP may recommend these security measures based on the risks and assets identified in steps 1 and 2:

Proactive measure
What to expect
Conduct security awareness seminars
Educate every employee on security best practices, including spam awareness, password management, proper mobile device usage, and the like.
Regularly update anti-malware software and cloud-based services
Keep your data and systems safe from the newest malware threats.
Establish schedules dedicated for software patches and upgrades
Patches and upgrades decrease the chances of someone getting unauthorized access to your network by exploiting software vulnerabilities.
Deploy web filtering services
Keep your network safe by blacklisting dangerous and inappropriate sites.
Set up perimeter defenses (e.g., intrusion prevention systems and hardware firewalls)
Watch out for anything and everything that tries to access your network.
Initiate policy of least privilege
Provide users access only to the data they need to complete their tasks.
Determine data segmentation
Assess and establish microperimeters to protect high-value data.
Run full disk encryption
Encrypt data on electronic devices to prevent unauthorized access in case the devices are ever misplaced or stolen.
Secure virtual private networks
Encrypt data transmitted across unsecured connections to make it impossible to read if intercepted.
Provide strict access controls
Secure accounts from unauthorized access by using stronger passwords combined with multifactor authentication and automated screen locks that engage after a period of inactivity.
Utilize AI-powered network monitoring
Utilize AI to monitor suspicious user and software behaviors, like when employees access files outside their departments.

Proactive cybersecurity is critical for businesses of all sizes. By taking steps to understand the threats your business faces and implementing measures to protect yourself, you can keep your data and your business safe. If you need help getting started, contact us today, and our team of cybersecurity experts will be happy to guide you through the process of implementing proactive cybersecurity.

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The cloud has transformed business operations, offering unmatched scalability, flexibility, and storage. However, many companies have experienced costly and disruptive cloud outages, highlighting the dangers of relying solely on a cloud provider’s built-in backups. Here are 10 cautionary tales that underscore the need for a robust cloud backup strategy.

10 Cloud outages that caused data loss

These incidents, with their different causes and outcomes, showcase the various ways in which the cloud can fail and cost vital data.

Carbonite data loss incident (2009)
Data storage company Carbonite experienced major data loss due to inadequate redundancy. By relying on consumer-grade storage, which isn’t meant for safeguarding backups, Carbonite costs thousands of their customers their valuable data. This incident underscores the importance of using reliable, secure, professional-grade backup solutions.

Dedoose service failure (2014)
A service failure cost Dedoose a month’s worth of research data, in part due to infrequent backups and because they stored both primary data and backups on the same system. Dedoose’s experience highlights the importance of regular, geographically separate backups.

StorageCraft backup metadata loss (2014)
Cloud migrations require meticulous planning and testing. Unfortunately this is something StorageCraft learned the hard way. When the company prematurely deactivated a server, they lost backup metadata, rendering backups useless for customers.

Complete data deletion at Code Spaces (2014)
A security breach led to the complete erasure of the code hosting and collaboration platform’s customer data and backups. Code Spaces never recovered, proving the critical need for strong security measures and comprehensive backups.

Musey’s cloud catastrophe (2019)
This startup accidentally deleted its entire Google account, losing over $1 million worth of data and intellectual property. Unfortunately, since the company had no independent backup, Google couldn’t restore their data. This incident emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative solutions for storing critical business data.

Salesforce permissions fiasco (2019)
When Salesforce attempted to manually fix a programming issue that enabled unauthorized users access to data, their backups failed to restore the original permissions settings, affecting all of their customers. The unintended consequences of Salesforce’s action proves that even the largest Software-as-a-Service providers need independent backup support.

KPMG’s accidental Teams data loss (2020)
An inadvertent adjustment to the Microsoft Teams retention policy at KPMG caused a substantial data loss, permanently erasing chat data and files for more than 145,000 employees. Microsoft 365’s built-in backups fell short in recovering from user errors, making a strong case for having third-party backup provisions.

OVHcloud data center fire (2021)
A fire at an OVHcloud data center resulted in substantial data loss for the company. What’s worse, the backup service they offered also stored data within the same facility, rendering those backups inaccessible as well. This showcases the need for geographically separate backups to protect against physical disasters.

Rackspace ransomware attack (2022)
Delays in applying security patches led to a ransomware attack crippling Rackspace’s Hosted Exchange environment. Recovery took months despite having backups and cost the company $5 million in expenses, emphasizing the importance of up-to-date systems and readily accessible backups.

UniSuper’s Google Cloud outage (2024)
A Google configuration error inadvertently deleted UniSuper’s entire cloud environment. Fortunately, third-party cloud backups enabled a full recovery within a week, highlighting the importance of having backups beyond a cloud provider’s solutions.

These incidents send a clear message: the cloud is susceptible to unforeseen disruptions. To avoid becoming another cautionary tale, implement a layered cloud backup strategy.

What makes for an effective cloud backup strategy?

For maximum effectiveness, a cloud backup strategy should not rely on any single solution or protocol. It requires a combination of multiple different approaches, including:

The 3-2-1 backup rule: Maintain at least three copies of your data, stored on two different media types (such as hard drives and cloud storage), with one copy located off site (a separate cloud account or dedicated backup service). For increased security, you should store at least one of these copies in a third-party solution that is not your cloud provider.
Regular backup testing: Routinely test your backups to ensure successful restoration capabilities.
Strong security measures: Educate your team on cybersecurity best practices and implement layered access controls such as multifactor authentication.

By taking these proactive steps, you can ensure your business data remains secure and accessible, even in the face of a cloud outage. Don’t wait for disaster to strike — implement a comprehensive cloud backup strategy today to safeguard your business continuity.

Learn more about cloud backup strategies and other ways to optimize your cloud usage by speaking to one of our experts. Contact us today.

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