Solid Technology Solutions Inc.

AI is everywhere. But for most businesses, the bigger question is: How do we actually use it well?

On October 15th in downtown Edmonton, Solid Technology Solutions, in partnership with AYCE Capital, is bringing Chris Kiec of Adventures in Automation to the room for a practical conversation about Microsoft 365 and Copilot.
We’ll look beyond the hype and into how organizations can use the tools they may already have access to—to simplify everyday work, reduce repetitive tasks, improve productivity, and make better use of their Microsoft environment.

While we’ll spend time looking specifically at applications within healthcare, the conversation is relevant well beyond one industry. If you’re a business leader trying to understand where Copilot fits, what it can realistically do, and how to approach AI responsibly, there will be plenty to take away.

📅 Wednesday, October 15th
⏰ 8:30–10:30 AM (doors open at 7:30 AM)
📍 Downtown Edmonton, AB

Space is intentionally limited. Interested in joining us?
Click the link below to register:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=KpS-shgjtUiAItvf_S9fg8Cfbo9sFlhPmQ2rwoZLMMFUREhOWUNINFJBMEg0NEtYRkFUMEpJQzRGNy4u&route=shorturl

When it comes to technology, waiting until something breaks can be costly. Preventative IT maintenance helps identify and resolve small issues before they become major disruptions.

Here's why it matters:

🔄 Keeps Systems Running Smoothly
Routine maintenance helps improve performance and reduce unexpected slowdowns.

🛡️ Strengthens Security
Regular updates and security patches help protect your business from the latest cyber threats.

⏱️ Reduces Downtime
Catching potential problems early means fewer interruptions and more time spent focusing on your business.

💰 Lowers Long-Term Costs
Preventing major failures is often much more affordable than emergency repairs or recovering from data loss.

📈 Extends the Life of Your Technology
Well-maintained devices and infrastructure perform better and last longer, helping you get the most from your IT investment.

Think of preventative IT maintenance like servicing your vehicle—you don't wait for the engine to fail before getting an oil change.

A little maintenance today can prevent a big problem tomorrow.

How Do Ransomware Attacks Happen?

Ransomware doesn't usually appear out of nowhere. In many cases, it starts with one small mistake that opens the door for cybercriminals.

Here are some of the most common ways ransomware gets into a business:

📧 Phishing Emails
A convincing email tricks someone into clicking a malicious link or opening an infected attachment.

🔓 Weak or Stolen Passwords
Attackers use compromised credentials to gain access to business systems and spread ransomware.

⚠️ Outdated Software
Unpatched applications and operating systems can contain security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit.

🌐 Unsafe Websites or Downloads
Downloading files from untrusted sources can unknowingly install malicious software.

🔌 Exposed Remote Access
Poorly secured remote access tools can give attackers a direct path into your network.

🛡️ The good news? Most ransomware attacks can be prevented with strong cybersecurity practices, including employee awareness training, multi-factor authentication (MFA), regular software updates, secure backups, and proactive monitoring.

Cybersecurity isn't just about reacting to threats; it's about stopping them before they start.

Strong passwords are one of the easiest ways to protect your accounts, but many people still make the same common mistakes.

Let's try to avoid these password pitfalls:

Using the same password everywhere.
If one account is compromised, every account using that password could be at risk.

Using personal information.
Birthdays, pet names, anniversaries, and family names are often easy for attackers to guess or find online.

Choosing simple passwords.
Passwords like Password123, Welcome1, or Qwerty can be cracked in seconds.

Writing passwords on sticky notes.
Convenient? Yes. Secure? Not so much. Anyone with access to your workspace can see them.

Never updating old passwords.
If a service experiences a data breach, changing your password quickly can help protect your account.

Instead:
✔ Use a unique password for every account.
✔ Make passwords long and complex (or use a passphrase).
✔ Store them securely with a password manager.
✔ Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible.

A few small changes today can prevent a major security headache tomorrow.

What Is Social Engineering?

When people think of cyberattacks, they often picture hackers breaking through firewalls or writing complex code. But in reality, one of the biggest security threats isn't technology—it's people.

Social engineering is when cybercriminals manipulate people into revealing sensitive information, clicking malicious links, or giving access to systems. Instead of hacking your computer, they trick you into opening the door.

Common examples include:
🔹 Phishing emails that look like they're from Microsoft or your bank
🔹 Phone calls pretending to be IT support
🔹 Fake invoices or payment requests
🔹 Text messages asking you to "verify" your account

Before you click a link, open an attachment, or share sensitive information, ask yourself:
✅ Was I expecting this?
✅ Does the sender's email address look legitimate?
✅ Is there a sense of urgency or pressure to act quickly?

Taking a few extra seconds to verify a request can prevent a costly security incident.

At Solid Technology Solutions, we help businesses protect themselves with security awareness training, email security, and proactive cybersecurity solutions—because your employees are your first line of defense.

Keyboard Shortcuts Everyone Should Know ⌨️

Want to work faster without spending a dime on new software? Learning a few keyboard shortcuts can save you time every single day.

Here are a few of our favorites:

✅ Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V – Copy and paste
✅ Ctrl + Z – Undo your last action
✅ Ctrl + Shift + T – Reopen the last closed browser tab (a lifesaver!)
✅ Windows + L – Lock your computer instantly when stepping away
✅ Alt + Tab – Quickly switch between open applications
✅ Ctrl + F – Find text on a webpage or in a document
✅ Windows + Shift + S – Capture a screenshot of part of your screen

Small shortcuts can make a big difference in your productivity—and don't forget, locking your computer when you leave your desk is one of the simplest ways to improve security in the workplace.

💬 What's your favorite keyboard shortcut? Share it in the comments!

Strong passwords are essential—but remembering dozens of unique passwords isn't. That's where a password manager comes in.

A password manager securely stores your passwords, generates strong and unique credentials for every account, and helps protect your business from one of the biggest cybersecurity risks: password reuse.

🔐 Benefits of using a password manager:
• Creates strong, unique passwords automatically
• Protects against phishing and credential theft
• Reduces the risk of data breaches caused by weak passwords
• Makes secure logins quick and convenient for your team
• Helps keep business accounts protected, even as your organization grows

Cybersecurity doesn't have to be complicated. Small changes—like using a password manager—can make a big difference in protecting your business.

Need help improving your organization's IT security? Contact SolidTech today to learn how we can help you stay protected.

Is Shadow IT Putting Your Business at Risk?

Shadow IT happens when employees use apps, software, or cloud services without approval from your IT team. While it may seem harmless, these unauthorized tools can create serious security gaps, compliance issues, and data risks.

Common examples include:
✔️ Personal file-sharing accounts
✔️ Unapproved messaging apps
✔️ Free online productivity tools
✔️ AI platforms used without company oversight

Without proper visibility, sensitive business information could be exposed to cyber threats or stored in unsecured locations.

At SolidTech, we help organizations identify hidden risks, improve security, and ensure technology supports your business goals—not compromises them.

📞 Want to know if Shadow IT is impacting your organization? Contact us for a consultation.

🔒 Cybersecurity in healthcare isn't just an IT issue — it's a patient care issue.

Healthcare organizations handle some of the most sensitive information imaginable, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. A single security breach can disrupt operations, compromise patient data, and damage the trust that patients place in their providers.

Strong cybersecurity measures help protect electronic medical records, ensure regulatory compliance, reduce downtime, and keep healthcare teams focused on what matters most: delivering quality care.

The threat landscape continues to evolve, which means healthcare organizations need proactive security strategies, ongoing monitoring, employee training, and reliable technology partners.

At SolidTech, we help healthcare organizations strengthen their security posture with managed IT services, cybersecurity solutions, compliance support, and expert guidance.

Because protecting patient data means protecting patient care.