The Electronic Office

01/16/2026

At 11:58 a.m., everything looked normal.
By 12:06 p.m., phones started flipping into SOS mode.
By 12:10 p.m., the “can you call me?” texts weren’t even sending.

If you experienced the Verizon outage the day before yesterday (January 14, 2026) you probably felt it personally. But a lot of businesses felt something else: that their entire “phone system” was really just… the mobile network—until it wasn’t.

The takeaway we shared in yesterday’s article is simple:
Resilience isn’t a bunker. It’s a second path.

If your team ever needs to keep moving during the next carrier hiccup, this is worth a read: https://www.electronicoffice.net/when-everyones-phone-suddenly-says-sos/

At 11:58 a.m., everything looks normal. At 12:06 p.m., the office manager’s iPhone flips to SOS. Then the sales rep’s....

01/13/2026

Big thanks to the Western NC Medical Managers Association for having Kemper Brown, Jr. (CEO of Electronic Office) join you for lunch + a Q&A! 🙌

There were some incredibly thoughtful questions, including:

✅ “Is AI actually safe?”
✅ “If we only did ONE thing to protect ourselves, what would it be?”
✅ “How can a small private practice use AI safely with limited resources?”
✅ “What is OpenEvidence — and is it HIPAA compliant?”
✅ “If we transcribe patient/virtual meetings… where do those transcripts live, and who has access?” (Zoom, Google Meet, Otter-style tools, etc.)
✅ “Can AI help triage calls without turning everything into a voicemail graveyard?”

If you’d like to hear answers to some of these questions, there’s a good chance they’ll be popping up in our weekly newsletter. Visit electronicoffice.net/eo-advisor to subscribe today!

10/16/2025

Believe it or not, McArthur Wheeler once tried to rob banks by smearing lemon juice on his face—thinking it would make him invisible to cameras. This bizarre incident actually inspired the psychological concept known as the Dunning-Kruger effect — when people overestimate their knowledge or ability.

In this new blog post, we explore why misunderstanding AI and tech tools—while confidently believing you’ve got it all under control—is like walking into risk with lemon juice on your face.

👉 What you’ll discover:
• How confidence without competence can backfire in the digital world.
• Key “guardrails” to adopt when using AI in your business.
• Why partnering with trusted tech advisors matters more than ever.

Read it here: https://www.electronicoffice.net/but-i-wore-the-juice/

Don’t let misplaced certainty put your business at risk. If you’d like help building AI policies or safe guardrails for tech adoption, we’re ready.

Something to Take With You: Would you like a complimentary AI Policy frameworks to get your company started? Click here...

10/06/2025

When Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, Electronic Office (EO) stepped in to help the local business community stay connected. We opened our Asheville conference room to clients who needed workspace, internet, and office resources, while also working to restore data and connectivity.

Link in bio to the full story.

09/26/2025

When Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, Electronic Office (EO) stepped in to help the local business community stay connected. We opened our Asheville conference room to clients who needed workspace, internet, and office resources, while also working to restore data and set up new computers.

08/08/2025

Along the Swannanoa River near Biltmore Village, in one of the hardest-hit areas, Mark Anderson — owner of Image Dental Arts — faced the unimaginable: a submerged lab, lost equipment, and an uncertain future.

https://www.electronicoffice.net/from-devastation-to-determination/

When historic floods swept through Asheville in September 2024, the damage was swift and widespread. Businesses were shuttered, power was...

08/06/2025

Microsoft ends all support for Windows 10—including security updates. That means any device still running it after that date becomes a risk.

In this quick video, we break down:

✅ What the end of support actually means

✅ Why it matters for security and compliance

✅ What steps you can take now to prepare smartly

👉 Don’t wait until it’s urgent. Start now to avoid rushed decisions and unnecessary costs.

Need help assessing your systems? We're here 24/7—reach out anytime.



https://www.electronicoffice.net/windows-10-is-being-retired-oct-14/

07/14/2025

New U.S. tariff policies on Chinese imports are raising costs and reshaping the IT supply chain. Here’s how recent changes could impact your IT budgets and what to do about it.

New U.S. tariff policies on Chinese imports are raising costs and reshaping the IT supply chain. Here’s how recent changes could impact your IT budgets and what to do about it.

07/09/2025

Cybersecurity, leveled up.

The new partnership between Microsoft and Huntress Labs is a game-changer for SMBs looking to stay ahead of the constantly evolving threat landscape. The technology and integrations use enhanced, intelligence-driven cybersecurity that’s easier to manage — and harder for attackers to evade.

Electronic Office is very excited to help our clients unlock this power to stay secure, resilient, and focused on what matters most.

Read more: https://lnkd.in/eCCZU5yp

Over 300 million organizations rely on Microsoft Security.

But without enough time, people, or resources, many teams aren’t using it to its full potential.

We’re collaborating to change that. 🤝

Huntress Labs’ entire suite now integrates with Microsoft Defender and Microsoft 365 (Business Premium, E3, and E5) to level up the security stack you already trust.

📰 Learn more in the press release: https://bit.ly/46AJLSX

07/03/2025

As we celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on the significance of this day in American history.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of a new nation founded on the principles of freedom and self-governance. However, the declaration wasn’t fully signed until August 2, 1776. John Adams originally believed that July 2 — the day the resolution for independence was approved — would be the date Americans celebrated, but July 4 became the official holiday. The first official Fourth of July celebration took place in 1777, featuring fireworks, bonfires, and public gatherings, traditions that continue today.

In observance of the holiday, our offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, but as always, support remains available 24/7/365 and can be reached at 828.274.1196.

06/23/2025

📢 16 Billion Leaked Credentials — Why You're Still at Risk (Even If This Isn’t "New")

Last week’s headlines about 16 billion leaked credentials caught everyone’s attention. While this isn’t a new data breach, it’s a massive reminder: OLD PASSWORDS DON'T STAY BURIED!

These credentials come from years of breaches, and cybercriminals are now bundling and recirculating them for one purpose: to fuel credential stuffing attacks, where reused or weak passwords become the easiest account entry point.

This isn’t about panic — it’s about preparation. Credential stuffing attacks don’t care if the breach is old. If your password is weak or reused, it’s a target.

Here’s why this matters to you and what to do about it ⬇️

⚠️ Why You Might Still Be at Risk
You’ve reused passwords across sites (even just once).
You haven’t changed old passwords after a breach.
You don’t use multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere.
Your team shares passwords via email or spreadsheets.

🛡️ 5-Step Fix: Password Hygiene That Actually Works

1) Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account.
At least 16 characters, a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, or a long passphrase.

2) Use a reputable Password Manager.
Tools like Bitwarden or NordPass Free generate and store strong passwords for you.

3) Turn On MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication).
Prefer app-based (e.g., Authy, Microsoft Authenticator) over SMS.

4) Audit Your Accounts
Use password managers to scan for reused or compromised passwords.
Free tools like haveibeenpwned(.)com can show if your email was exposed.

5) Stop Sharing Passwords Insecurely
Use shared vaults in password managers for team access — never email or Slack.

Haven’t checked your password hygiene in a while? Start with just one account today (maybe your most critical account).

Small steps now can stop big problems later!

06/16/2025

Empty Shelves, Full Warning: What the UNFI Cyberattack Means for YOU 📢

Earlier this month, a cyberattack crippled UNFI, the $30B grocery wholesaler that supplies over 15,000 retailers—including Whole Foods.

The result?
🔸 Broken supply chains
🔸 Empty store shelves
🔸 Customers left in the dark

But here’s what most SMBs and nonprofits might miss:
This isn’t just a "big business" problem. It’s a crystal-clear sign of how dependent we all are on tech systems — and how vulnerable those systems can be.

💡 Whether you’re running a nonprofit food bank or a small community store, ask yourself:
• What happens if your IT systems go down?
• Do you have a backup plan for service continuity?
• Can you detect and stop threats before they become disasters?

The UNFI incident shows that cybersecurity isn’t optional. It’s a business continuity issue. It’s a trust issue. It’s a survival issue.

🔐 As an MSP serving SMBs and nonprofits, we help mission-driven organizations get ahead of these risks with reliable, scalable IT and cybersecurity solutions. Message Joe Jakubielski to start a discussion.

A cyberattack on grocery wholesaler United Natural Foods led to empty shelves at thousands of stores, unveiling the crucial role wholesalers play in feeding America.