Earlier this week the Heartbleed OpenSSL bug made the internet skip a beat. It’s big news and whether you heard about it or not, you need to know it’s out there and how you can protect yourself.

If the router you’re using in the office was purchased at Best Buy, the answer to the question in the title is probably ‘Yes.’ That’s because you’re using a consumer grade router, which doesn’t include the same security measures you can find in an enterprise class device. Consumer routers are great for keeping all your non-essentials connected, but your mission-critical data needs more protection.

Windows XP has been a workhorse since it was released in 2001 but it’s finally being put out to pasture on April 8, 2014. If that surprised you – because it’s still around or because you just realized you need to update – you’re not alone. Windows XP still powers 29.23 percent of all PC’s, which means the issues created when Microsoft stops supporting it are going to affect you whether you’re running it or not.

Information security is something we drive home with all of our customers. We generally deal with desktop and laptop security, but there is a significant need to turn our attention to a new reality. Mobile devices are no longer seen as a device for personal use. They’ve become an essential tool for professionals as the boundaries to where business can be conducted is practically limitless.

Finally some good news for Windows XP users. On January 15, Microsoft announced that it will continue to provide updates to Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) for Windows XP users until July 14, 2015. During this time, MSE updates will continue to help protect your PC from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

When you first started your business, the title of “Owner” came with many roles. You needed your business to succeed and you did what was necessary to realize that goal. The increased responsibility helped you learn fast, as long as you weren’t juggling more than you could handle.

Storing data, particularly in the cloud, is a convenient way for people who want “everywhere” access. It’s becoming so common that it’s almost impossible to avoid. But while your data may be encrypted from the public by your provider, it can be potentially read by its employees and open to abuse. Why would your storage provider be interested in your data?

It’s hard to think of products that don’t offer both a basic and luxury option. For example: Apple iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S (in gold, of course), Toyota Yaris and Toyota Avalon, Canon point-and-shoot cameras and DSLR’s, the list goes on.

So, you were especially good this year and Santa Claus brought you a shiny new laptop. If properly cared for, your laptop can provide you with several years of good service before you need to add it to your wish list again. Here’s a few tips to help keep your screen from going black and your face from glowing red.