Aldridge Blog
Quick reads to improve your IT strategy
Most Recent Posts
MSP vs. MSSP: What’s the Difference?
In the world of IT services, organizations often encounter two critical types of service providers: Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). Though the names sound similar, their functions and areas of focus differ...
AI Deepfakes: What You Need to Know
Deepfakes have become more sophisticated and widespread over the past few years. As we move through 2024, understanding the mechanics behind deepfakes, their potential uses, and the risks they pose is crucial for both individuals and organizations. What Are...
SOC (Security Operations Center) & NOC (Network Operations Center): What’s the Difference?
As businesses grow, so do the complexities of managing and securing their networks. Two crucial components that play a role in this process are the Network Operations Center (NOC) and the Security Operations Center (SOC). What is a NOC (Network Operations Center)? ...
Building Excel Dashboards for Leaders
Dashboards in Excel provide a powerful solution for financial leaders, CFOs, and analysts to visualize and interpret data efficiently. What is a Dashboard in Excel? An Excel dashboard is a visual representation of key metrics and data insights presented in one...
The Latest Wave of Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of AI-powered productivity with its latest updates to Microsoft 365 Copilot. With over 150 new features and 700+ product updates this year, Microsoft has been focused on addressing the challenges many of us face in our daily...
5 Advanced Excel Functions You Should Know
Excel is helpful for payroll analysis by leveraging powerful functions like SUM, SUBTOTAL, SUMIF, COUNTIF, and XLOOKUP. These formulas can help you analyze employee payroll data efficiently, even if you're starting from scratch or managing a simple spreadsheet. ...
Quick Financial Forecasting in Excel
Forecasting is a critical aspect of financial planning and analysis, enabling businesses to anticipate future trends based on historical data. Excel's built-in forecasting tools make this process more accessible and efficient. What is the Forecast Sheet Feature? ...
Analyzing Data with Pivot Tables in Excel
Pivot Tables allow you to summarize, analyze, and present large datasets in a meaningful way, making it easier to spot trends, compare values, and create customized reports. What is a Pivot Table? A Pivot Table is a tool in Excel that enables you to quickly...
Why You Should be Using ‘Named Ranges’ in Excel
One of the most powerful yet often underutilized features in Excel is Named Ranges. Named Ranges offer significant benefits, especially when dealing with complex datasets and formulas. What Are Named Ranges? Named Ranges in Excel allow you to assign a name to a...
Microsoft 365 App Exploit: Aldridge Cybersecurity Advisory
Recently, we've helped several organizations respond to a string of fast-paced phishing attacks. While phishing isn't new, the speed and tactics of these attacks were noteworthy. Instead of simply exploiting compromised accounts, the attacker installed malicious...
It Security
Why You Need SOC and SIEM for a Strong Cyber Defense
As cyberthreats continue to evolve, business leaders are increasingly turning to solutions like Security Operations Centers (SOC) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) to stay ahead. You’ve probably heard these terms before, and you might even be...
DIY vs. Managed Security: Choosing the Right Option for Your SMB
In today's digital landscape, safeguarding your business from cyber threats is paramount, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With the rise in cyber attacks targeting organizations of all sizes, finding the right security solution is critical for...
Essential Cybersecurity Solutions for Businesses
The surge in cyber threats has elevated cybersecurity to a critical business priority. As organizations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of operations become necessary. Essential...
Microsoft 365
Building Excel Dashboards for Leaders
Dashboards in Excel provide a powerful solution for financial leaders, CFOs, and analysts to visualize and interpret data efficiently. What is a Dashboard in Excel? An Excel dashboard is a visual representation of key metrics and data insights presented in one...
The Latest Wave of Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of AI-powered productivity with its latest updates to Microsoft 365 Copilot. With over 150 new features and 700+ product updates this year, Microsoft has been focused on addressing the challenges many of us face in our daily...
5 Advanced Excel Functions You Should Know
Excel is helpful for payroll analysis by leveraging powerful functions like SUM, SUBTOTAL, SUMIF, COUNTIF, and XLOOKUP. These formulas can help you analyze employee payroll data efficiently, even if you're starting from scratch or managing a simple spreadsheet. ...
It Consulting
How to Conduct a HIPAA Security Risk Assessment (SRA) for Healthcare Providers
As healthcare providers, safeguarding patient information is paramount. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that organizations conduct regular Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) to identify vulnerabilities and protect sensitive data....
The Value of a Fractional Security Consultant
Businesses face growing pressure to safeguard their operations, data, and reputation. Enter the fractional security consultant – a strategic asset offering specialized expertise without full–time commitment. The Value of a Fractional Security Consultant The Rise of...
Don’t Miss Our Most Popular Articles
5 Reasons You Need a CIO for a Successful IT Solution
Having a CIO role at the leadership table is key to building a successful IT solution, if the Chief Information Officer exhibits these specific qualities…
Pros and Cons of IT Outsourcing: Is it Right for Your Business?
Growing businesses are often challenged with questions such as, "Should I switch from in-house to an outsourced IT provider? What are the pros and cons of IT outsourcing?" Suppose your business is looking to invest in a managed service provider (MSP). In that case,...