Network Management, Inc. Blog

Network Management, Inc. has been serving the Virginia area since 1994, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.

Digital Cruft is Just as Bad as It Sounds

Digital Cruft is Just as Bad as It Sounds

  • By Rafiq Masri
  • December 5, 2025
  • Security

Clutter is a part of life, but one place you absolutely don’t want it is your business’ network. This clutter is called “digital cruft,” which 1) is an actual word, and 2) creates serious problems if you let it accumulate. Your digital cruft can lead to significant vulnerabilities that put your network at risk. (more…)

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The Essential Benefits of SaaS All SMB Owners Should Know

The Essential Benefits of SaaS All SMB Owners Should Know

  • By Rafiq Masri
  • December 3, 2025
  • Cloud

How often have you been frustrated by the challenges of installing new software? How about expiring licenses or outdated tools that need to be upgraded frequently to prevent them from becoming obsolete? These are all problems associated with buying software licenses, and they can all be avoided through the smart use of Software as a Service. By “renting” access to...

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The Best (And Easiest) Way to Avoid Network Bottlenecks

The Best (And Easiest) Way to Avoid Network Bottlenecks

Network bottlenecks are some of the biggest problems that businesses face in their networking architecture. While you might be paying your ISP for a certain speed standard, chances are you’re not getting it, especially if you’re relying on a consumer-grade router. If your network can’t handle all the abuse you throw at it day to day, then you could be...

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Why Ignoring Tech Logs Is Like Ignoring a Fire Alarm

Why Ignoring Tech Logs Is Like Ignoring a Fire Alarm

In IT, we often talk in terms of firewalls, encryption algorithms, and next-generation detection and response tools. We meticulously patch systems, configure complex security policies, and deploy the latest hardware. After two decades in this field, I can tell you where the biggest, most persistent vulnerability lies: the people. (more…)

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The Argument for Cloud-Based Servers

The Argument for Cloud-Based Servers

Most modern businesses are powered by their on-premise server hardware assuming that it creates a more secure environment for them. While having your data close by, where you can easily access it, sounds like a great idea, know that there are also issues that arise from these kinds of arrangements. In fact, your business might be the most dangerous place...

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The Offboarding Process is Just as Important as Onboarding

The Offboarding Process is Just as Important as Onboarding

  • By Rafiq Masri
  • November 21, 2025
  • Business

If and when an employee departs from your business, they should go through a comprehensive offboarding process. This process should include the physical handoff of keys, laptops, and any other assets or resources they used during their employment with your business. While it’s easy enough to collect these physical items, it’s harder to shore up your business on the digital...

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Escaping the Boiled Frog Fate of Cyber Risk

Escaping the Boiled Frog Fate of Cyber Risk

  • By Rafiq Masri
  • November 19, 2025
  • Security

As a cybersecurity professional, I've seen organizations of all sizes and sectors make a critical, often fatal, mistake: they wait for the water to boil. They operate under a reactive cybersecurity model, adopting the same slow, passive approach as the hapless subject of the boiled frog analogy. It’s a tale I recently rediscovered, and it's a chillingly perfect metaphor for...

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The Real Cost of Cybersecurity Inaction

The Real Cost of Cybersecurity Inaction

  • By Rafiq Masri
  • November 17, 2025
  • Security

Imagine you’re going through your workday, business as usual, until all of a sudden, you lose control of your computer. A message displays across your screen stating that your files have been encrypted and they will be permanently deleted unless you pay a huge ransom. Meanwhile, you’re sitting there thinking, “Why me? Why my small business?” Cybersecurity is not just...

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AI: Essential Strategy for the SMB IT Stack

AI: Essential Strategy for the SMB IT Stack

Historically, AI has been perceived by SMBs as complex, expensive, and outside their operational scope. Today, the democratization of AI via SaaS and integrated platforms makes it a cost-effective, practical IT asset with measurable ROI. Here are three focused areas where AI can be strategically deployed to optimize your business performance: (more…)

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Get a C-Level IT Team Member for the Price of Managed Services

Get a C-Level IT Team Member for the Price of Managed Services

Ask yourself honestly: How well does your current IT support function? If your answer is merely "fine" or "good," you're likely settling for the status quo and missing out on significant benefits. True IT partnership isn't about break/fix; it's about strategic growth. If your provider has never discussed your long-term goals or future technology needs, it's time for a change....

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