Alert fatigue is more than just an operational headache; it’s a critical security risk. When teams are overwhelmed, real threats can be missed amid the noise. Worse, alert fatigue can lead to slow response times, desensitization to high-priority incidents, and burnout among security professionals.

So how can organizations cut through the noise and focus on what matters most?

The Problem with “More” in Cybersecurity

Modern IT environments demand layered security architectures. While each layer is necessary, every added system brings more alerts. Some of these are redundant. Others are false positives. Many are just informational, offering little context or next steps.

Without proper integration and correlation, alerts multiply without clarity, creating:

• Unmanageable alert volumes
• Duplication across tools
• Lack of prioritization or context
• Manual triage bottlenecks

These issues make it hard to detect and respond to real threats effectively

Why Alert Fatigue Is a Security Risk

• Critical Alerts Get Buried: Security teams may overlook or ignore critical events when overwhelmed by low-priority notifications.
• Slower Response Times: Investigations are delayed as analysts sort through thousands of alerts manually.
• Increased Risk of Human Error: Repetitive alert triage leads to cognitive overload, increasing the chance of misclassifying a real threat.
• Burnout and Talent Retention Challenges: Alert fatigue contributes to burnout and the ongoing talent shortage.

Strategies to Manage The Noise and Focus on Threats

To combat alert fatigue, organizations must improve how they filter, correlate, and respond to alerts.

Implement Advanced Correlation and Contextualization

Not every alert deserves the same level of attention. Incident Response and Remediation platforms or Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions should correlate data from multiple sources, identify patterns, and highlight alerts that are part of a broader attack sequence.

Look for platforms that:

• Enrich alerts with threat intelligence
• Connect seemingly isolated incidents
• Suppress redundant or low-confidence alerts

Prioritize Alerts Based on Risk

Risk-based prioritization uses factors such as asset criticality, threat actor tactics, and potential business impact to score alerts. This allows analysts to focus first on what poses the greatest risk to the organization.

Solutions with built-in machine learning and behavioral analysis can improve prioritization over time.

Automate Repetitive Triage Work

More mature security teams are automating and orchestrating repetitive tasks such as:

• Validating indicators of compromise (IOCs)
• Gathering context from threat intel feeds
• Containing endpoints or isolating users automatically

This reduces analyst workload and improves consistency in incident response.

Establish Clear Alert Routing and Escalation Workflows

Ensure that alerts are routed to the right team members based on skill set, urgency, and severity. Set thresholds for automated escalation when a certain alert volume or severity is met.

Defined playbooks and runbooks streamline response, reduce confusion, and ensure critical alerts aren’t dropped.

Continuously Update Alerting Rules

Security environments change, and so should alerting thresholds and detection rules. Regularly review what’s triggering alerts and fine-tune your systems to reduce noise. Engage with MDR (Managed Detection and Response) providers to ensure configurations align with evolving threats.

Thrive’s Approach to Reducing Alert Fatigue

At Thrive, we help mid-market and enterprise organizations cut through cybersecurity noise with a managed detection and response service that goes beyond basic alerting. Our SOC analysts work 24x7x365 to:

• Aggregate data across tools and environments
• Use AI-driven correlation and prioritization
• Provide only actionable alerts backed by full context
• Automate containment and escalation where appropriate

Thrive doesn’t just flood your inbox with notifications. Thrive helps you identify and act on real threats fast, while filtering out the noise that clutters your inbox and wastes your team’s time.

Alert fatigue isn’t just annoying — it’s a serious obstacle to effective cybersecurity. To fight back, organizations must shift from raw alert generation to smart alert management, combining automation, correlation, and expert oversight. By filtering out the noise, your team can concentrate on what matters: stopping threats before they cause damage.

Contact Thrive to learn how we can help you reduce alert fatigue and improve your security outcomes.

The post Alert Fatigue: Manage Cybersecurity Noise, and Filter to Identify Threats appeared first on Thrive.

Welcome back to another installment of our “Thrive Spotlight” blog series.

Our featured employee is Janet Salvo, Service Delivery Manager. Working in Event Management, Janet and her team are responsible for the monitoring of networks for all our clients and troubleshooting all alerts that come through. Her responsibility in the department is to manage the amazing team that she works with. She tries to make sure that she is always keeping her team, our clients, and the company happy by working on updating our processes and procedures.

Janet lives in Westbook, Maine, just outside of Portland, and works out of our Cumberland, Maine office. Janet loves to spend time with her friends and family. She has a kayak and loves to bring it out on the river, since it is such a peaceful place. Janet also likes live music and is eagerly waiting to go an upcoming country festival in Portland, Maine. She is a Dog Mom to her two beloved Italian Greyhounds, Biscotti and Whisper, and a Bunny Mom to Luna, who all bring her so much joy and laughter.

Hi Janet!  Can you tell us about your background and how you came to Thrive?

I was a bit of a “Jack of All Trades” before going to school for IT and coming to Thrive. I had many hats: real estate, dog grooming, dog training, and a massage therapist. Each of the positions presented challenges that lead me forward to the next one.

IT has always fascinated me. I started out with an Apple 11e when I was younger and as I grew older, people always came to me to resolve their computer issues. One time, when I was living in California, I was working at the Comedy Store in LA as one of the overnight managers. I took a four-day weekend to Palm Springs and the computer system at “The Store” went down. I had to walk them through getting it back up and running over the phone.

Ultimately, my decision to pursue IT became clear. I enrolled in school, and from there my journey led me to Thrive. This path has aligned perfectly with my long-term career goals, although, once I hit retirement, I think I will get back into dog training!

Where did you go to school or get training?

I attended the Northeast Technical Institute and graduated from the Network Administration and Design Program.

What do you most enjoy about working for Thrive?

Hands down, the people, my teams, the people I work with outside of my team, and our clients. I am a people person, so I love being able to work with so many.  It is also a pleasure to help my team grow. I recently had the chance to help some of my team members move into new departments they dreamed of being in and it was incredibly rewarding.

Are there any recent exciting projects at Thrive you can tell us about?

We do have an upcoming project coming up that will greatly impact my team and I am super excited about it. This is in the final stages of being created and as of now, there is no set go live date, so I don’t want to share too much yet. Aside from that, my team is constantly changing processes to make the workload more efficient.

Are you interested in learning more about Thrive? Click here!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest news, and continue checking our blog for more in our “Thrive Employee Spotlight” series. Until next time…

The post Thrive Spotlight: Janet Salvo – Service Delivery Manager appeared first on Thrive.

The Foundations of an Excellent Technology Strategy

A well-defined technology strategy provides a roadmap for leveraging IT to drive business success. A robust strategy will cover both current objectives and ways to adapt as new situations emerge:

• Business Alignment: IT investments and initiatives should directly support business objectives, enabling growth, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Innovation and Agility: A forward-looking strategy incorporates emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and automation to foster innovation and maintain a competitive edge.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Organizations must ensure their IT infrastructure can scale to accommodate growth while remaining flexible to adapt to new opportunities and challenges.
• Risk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of risks, including cybersecurity threats, regulatory changes, and operational disruptions, are essential for sustainability.

Defining Governance Excellence

One way of looking at technology governance is that it focuses on how to execute the IT strategy in a secure, compliant, and efficient manner. Excellence in IT governance can be characterized by:
Clear Policies and Standards: Organizations should establish comprehensive IT policies that govern data management, security, procurement, and compliance.

• Strong Leadership and Accountability: IT governance should be overseen by a dedicated team, including executives, IT leaders, and compliance officers, ensuring accountability across all levels.
• Cybersecurity and Compliance: A robust governance framework includes proactive security measures, continuous monitoring, and adherence to industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2.
• Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly assessing IT performance ensures continuous optimization and alignment with business needs.

How Thrive Can Help

Thrive enables organizations to achieve their strategic objectives by helping them define and execute technology strategy and governance. Thrive provides real-world experience and insights through a comprehensive suite of services:

• Trusted Advisors: Thrive offers a variety of different types of consulting and engagement to meet you where you are and inform your overall IT approach. From current-state assessments to vCIO engagements, you can gain a deeper understanding of your IT teams, processes, and platforms and how to align them to your overall goals.
• Strategic IT Planning: Thrive works closely with organizations to develop a tailored technology roadmap that drives innovation, scalability, and efficiency while helping organizations reach their business goals.
• Security & Compliance Expertise: Thrive’s cybersecurity solutions, including endpoint detection and response, threat intelligence, and compliance support, help businesses stay ahead of evolving risks.
• Managed IT Services: Thrive provides 24x7x365 monitoring, proactive support, and automation-driven IT management to ensure continuous operations and minimize downtime.
• Cloud & Infrastructure Optimization: Thrive’s cloud solutions help organizations modernize legacy systems, optimize workloads, and enhance IT resilience.

By continuously evolving their strategies and governance models, companies can remain resilient and adaptable in an ever-changing technological landscape. Download our latest Mid-Market Guide to Microsoft 365 Governance for more information on how to get started.

Contact Thrive to learn more about how your business can confidently navigate the complexities of technology strategy and governance, ensuring a secure, scalable, and future-ready IT environment.

The post Technology Strategy and Governance: What Does Excellence Look Like appeared first on Thrive.

Why Microsoft 365 Detection and Response Matters

Microsoft 365 is a cornerstone of modern business operations, but it also presents a significant attack surface for cybercriminals. Hackers and other threat actors are increasingly targeting SaaS environments, exploiting vulnerabilities in email, collaboration tools, and identity management systems. Traditional security information and event management (SIEM) solutions can identify suspicious activity but lack built-in mechanisms to respond in real-time. This gap leaves organizations vulnerable to breaches, data loss, and account takeovers.

Thrive’s Microsoft 365 Detection and Response

To strengthen Microsoft 365 security, Thrive enhanced its security platform with new capabilities to continuously monitor Microsoft 365 for anomalous activity, unauthorized access attempts, and potential security breaches. What sets Thrive’s service apart is its new auto-remediation feature, which proactively responds to identified threats in real time.

Thrive Microsoft 365 Detection and Response goes beyond simple threat detection. It enables automated protective actions, such as:

• Locking accounts exhibiting problematic behavior.
• Blocking access to compromised services.
• Restricting unauthorized attempts to modify security settings.

This automation significantly reduces response times, minimizing the window of exposure and mitigating risks before they cause harm. Thrive Security Operations Center (SOC) and support teams will then investigate and help get the compromised account back to secure state.

Migration and Availability

Starting in April, our existing O365/M365 Security Monitoring customers will be enabled with the new response capabilities. This transition will ensure they benefit from enhanced security automation and streamlined threat response. The new Microsoft 365 Detection and Response features will also be available as an add-on option for clients subscribed to EDR, MDR, and other Thrive security services.

The Thrive Advantage

Thrive’s security-first approach ensures businesses can operate with confidence in today’s evolving threat landscape. Our MDR services provide:

• 24×7 Threat Monitoring: Continuous oversight of Microsoft 365 environments to detect and respond to cyber threats.
• Automated Response & Remediation: Auto-remediation feature that proactively neutralizes security risks.
• Expert Security Guidance: Thrive’s cybersecurity professionals help organizations optimize their security strategy.
• Seamless Integration: Enhanced MDR services align with existing security infrastructure, including EDR and SIEM, for comprehensive protection.

Secure Your Microsoft 365 Environment Today

With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, businesses can’t afford to rely on detection alone. Thrive’s MDR services provide real-time threat response and automation for Microsoft 365 environments, ensuring security teams stay ahead of attacks. Contact Thrive today to learn how you can strengthen your Microsoft 365 security with next-gen MDR capabilities.

The post Enhancing Microsoft 365 Security with Thrive’s Managed Detection and Response Services appeared first on Thrive.

Cybersecurity threats are an unavoidable reality for businesses of all sizes. Today, protecting your IT environment requires more than just basic security measures. While most organizations understand the importance of fundamental cybersecurity practices, such as enforcing password policies and filtering out phishing emails, many remain unaware of critical security gaps that could leave them vulnerable to attacks. This is where a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment matters most to your business.

The Cybersecurity Basics Most Organizations Understand

Most businesses recognize the need for foundational cybersecurity practices. These include:

• Implementing Security Policies: Organizations generally enforce password management policies, requiring employees to use complex passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access.
• Phishing Awareness & Email Filtering: Businesses typically educate their employees on identifying phishing emails, and many deploy email security solutions to filter out potentially malicious messages.
• Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Standard security measures are put in place, including firewalls and antivirus software, offering a baseline level of defense against known cyber threats.

While these are essential first steps, they are no longer enough to protect against modern cyber threats. Many businesses remain exposed to risks they may not fully understand or know how to address.

The Cybersecurity Threats Most Organizations Overlook

Despite best efforts, many organizations fail to account for deeper security challenges. Here are three critical risks that often go unnoticed:

1. Lack of Next-Gen Endpoint Protection

Traditional antivirus solutions are able to detect known malware, but they often struggle against advanced cyber threats that use sophisticated tactics to evade signature-based detection. Next-gen endpoint protection employs artificial intelligence (AI) and behavioral analytics to detect suspicious activity before it leads to a security breach. Without advanced protection, organizations are highly vulnerable to ransomware, zero-day exploits, and fileless malware attacks.

2. Over-Reliance on a Single Point Solution

Many businesses adopt a single security tool or platform and assume they are fully protected. However, a robust cybersecurity framework requires a multi-layered approach. Relying solely on firewalls, antivirus software, or email filtering leaves organizations exposed to threats that are able to circumvent these defenses. A comprehensive strategy should integrate network monitoring, endpoint detection and response (EDR), security information and event management (SIEM), and proactive threat intelligence.

3. Lack of Evidence-Based Cyber Policy Review

Having a cybersecurity policy in place is one thing, but ensuring it is effective through continuous review is another. Organizations often neglect to conduct regular security assessments, leaving them blind to potential vulnerabilities. Without documented evidence of security measures and periodic evaluations, businesses may struggle with compliance requirements, incident response planning, and regulatory audits.

Thrive’s Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

Why a Risk Assessment is Critical

A cybersecurity risk assessment is a systematic process that identifies, evaluates, and addresses potential security risks. It provides a clear picture of an organization’s security posture and helps prioritize risk mitigation strategies.

A thorough risk assessment includes:

• Identifying critical assets and evaluating their vulnerabilities
• Assessing potential threats and their likelihood of occurrence
• Analyzing existing security measures and identifying gaps
• Providing actionable recommendations to enhance cybersecurity resilience

The Danger of Gaps in Perspective

One of the biggest cybersecurity challenges businesses face is the inability to recognize what they don’t know. Without a comprehensive assessment, organizations may believe they have adequate security measures in place while unknowingly leaving themselves exposed.

Common gaps include:

• Assuming compliance equals security: Meeting regulatory standards does not necessarily mean an organization is secure.
• Failing to test defenses: Security policies and tools need to be regularly tested through penetration testing and red team exercises.
• Neglecting insider threats: Employees, whether malicious or negligent, can pose significant risks to data security.

The Cost of Cybersecurity Negligence

Ignoring security gaps can have severe consequences for businesses, including:

• Financial Losses: Cyberattacks can lead to costly downtime, legal fines, and reputational damage.
• Data Breaches: A single breach can compromise sensitive customer and business data, leading to legal liability and loss of customer trust.
• Regulatory Penalties: Organizations failing to meet cybersecurity regulations face fines and restrictions.
• Operational Disruptions: Cyber incidents can bring business operations to a standstill, causing missed opportunities and productivity losses.

The Benefits of Identifying and Addressing Security Gaps

Conducting a cybersecurity risk assessment and addressing security gaps offer numerous advantages:

• Enhanced Security Posture: Identifying weaknesses allows organizations to implement stronger security controls.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to industry regulations helps avoid penalties and improves trust.
• Cost Savings: Preventing cyber incidents is far less expensive than responding to a breach.
• Improved Incident Response: A well-prepared organization can quickly detect, contain, and remediate security threats.

Understanding the limitations of traditional security practices, investing in next-generation endpoint protection, adopting a comprehensive security approach, and conducting regular risk assessments are essential for businesses to safeguard critical assets. By identifying and closing security gaps, organizations can protect themselves from costly cyber incidents and ensure long-term resilience in the digital age.

Stay ahead of emerging threats—download the Gartner Top Trends in Cybersecurity for 2025 report to discover the key strategies shaping the future of cybersecurity.

The post Guarding Your Digital Frontlines: 3 Common Cybersecurity Business Risks appeared first on Thrive.

Our featured employee is George Seybolt, Director, Strategic Operations. George’s role is split into two parts, both relating to strategic operations.  The first part is focused on integrating acquired companies and making sure they are correctly and smoothly cutover into ServiceNow (SNOW). This includes several different pieces including completing due diligence on the business operation functions, reviewing contracts, invoices, and any ongoing operation functions that the acquired business may still have, as well as mapping all their existing data into SNOW for their cutover.

The second half to George’s role is managing strategic operations related to Thrive, as well as a small team within Business Operations focused on strategic projects. Some of these initiatives include rolling out new products through campaigns like SaaS Alerts, sunsetting legacy products, as well as advising on new processes within SNOW that are related to the business operations function.

When George first started at Thrive, he lived right outside of Boston in Waltham and worked out of our Foxborough office. However, thanks to the flexibility to work remote, George now lives in Denver, CO. Outside of work, George loves exploring outside and going for a hike whenever he can. Now that he lives out West, he does a lot of hiking and backpacking in the Rockies and Wasatch ranges.

Hi George!  Can you tell us about your background and how you came to Thrive?

I started my career with three years working at State Street Bank in various roles including regulatory research, audit, and finance. I found Thrive through Zach DesMarais as he had been working with the previous integration team before moving into a new role, so he recommended me for this roll since they were looking to fill his previous position.

Where did you go to school or get training?

I attended the University of Vermont and majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Statistics.

What do you most enjoy about working for Thrive?

My favorite thing about working for Thrive is seeing how it has grown and evolved over the years.  It was a relatively small 250 person MSP when I first started in 2019, and seeing the rapid growth since then has been exciting. Since I started, I have been heavily involved on the integration side of the business and have seen almost all 21 acquisitions, and the unique perspectives each acquisition team brings to Thrive is incredible.

Are there any recent exciting projects at Thrive you can tell us about?

Now that our newest acquisition has officially closed, I am excited to learn more about their business and understand how they operate. I always enjoy the beginning part of acquisitions because we get to meet new team members and see how other MSPs operate. Although I have been through the process nearly two dozen times, we learn something new and get a different perspective every time.

Are you interested in learning more about Thrive? Click here!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest news, and continue checking our blog for more in our “Thrive Employee Spotlight” series. Until next time…

The post Thrive Spotlight: George Seybolt – Director, Strategic Operations appeared first on Thrive.

What Is the Story You Are Telling?

Every transformation is a journey. What challenge are you solving? Are you modernizing legacy systems, improving customer engagement, or streamlining internal processes? Defining your transformation’s purpose helps shape a story that resonates.

A strong story also needs a “why.” Are you responding to shifting market demands, addressing inefficiencies, or future-proofing your business? Framing your transformation as a necessary step toward progress builds momentum and alignment.

How Well Do You Know Your Audience?

Your digital transformation impacts different groups in different ways. To gain support, your message should be tailored to each key audience:

• Employees: How will their day-to-day work improve?
• Customers: What tangible benefits will they experience?
• Executives and stakeholders: How does this transformation drive growth, efficiency, or competitive advantage?
  Understanding your audience ensures that your transformation story is both engaging and persuasive.

How Is Your Story Structured?

A great transformation story follows a clear and simple framework:
From → To → Because

This structure clearly illustrates the impact of your transformation:

• From: The current state, highlighting pain points and challenges.
• To: The desired future state, showing improvements and benefits.
• Because: The rationale behind the transformation, explaining why change is necessary.

Example:
From relying on outdated, manual processes that slow down operations.
To an automated, cloud-based system that improves efficiency and collaboration.
Because customer expectations are evolving, and we need to remain competitive.

Using this framework ensures your transformation journey is clear, logical, and compelling.

Identifying FABs: Turning Features into Business Benefits

A key part of telling your digital transformation story is clearly outlining the business benefits. One effective way to do this is by identifying FABs: Features, Advantages, and Benefits. This method ensures that your transformation efforts aren’t just focused on the technology itself but on how it directly impacts your business and its stakeholders.

Breaking Down FABs:

• Features: What new technologies or capabilities are being implemented?
• Advantages: How do these features improve existing processes or solve challenges?
• Benefits: What measurable business outcomes result from these improvements?

Example:
Let’s say your company is implementing a cloud-based data analytics platform.

• Feature: AI-powered real-time data analytics.
• Advantage: Faster insights into customer behavior and market trends.
• Benefit: Improved decision-making, increased revenue opportunities, and enhanced customer experience.

By framing digital transformation initiatives in terms of FABs, you can effectively communicate the tangible business value—not just the technical details. This approach helps stakeholders understand why the transformation matters and how it contributes to overall success.

How Are You Being Measured?

A successful transformation is about more than change; it’s about impact. Clear metrics help track progress and validate success. Consider measuring:

• Operational Efficiency: Has automation improved productivity and reduced manual work?
• Customer Satisfaction: Are customers seeing faster service, better engagement, or improved experiences?
• Financial ROI: Has the transformation led to cost savings, revenue growth, or increased profitability?
• Security & Compliance: Are data protection measures stronger? Have regulatory requirements been met?

Defining success metrics from the start helps ensure accountability and continuous business optimization.

Digital transformation isn’t just about technology, it’s about reshaping business processes by improving customer experiences, and staying ahead in a competitive market. Crafting a compelling, audience-focused, and structured transformation strategy, can drive buy-in, minimize resistance, and maximize success. Contact Thrive to learn more about how we can partner with you to start your digital transformation journey, today.

The post What is a Digital Transformation Strategy, Exactly? appeared first on Thrive.

Proactive IT Management vs. Passive Monitoring

Many Managed Service Providers (MSPs) focus solely on monitoring — sending alerts when something goes wrong — leaving businesses scrambling to resolve the problem themselves. This is passive, waiting for things to happen.
Thrive’s approach is different: we don’t just notify you about an issue; we take action. Our next-gen managed services are designed to eliminate IT headaches, ensuring that your business remains secure, resilient, and productive.

Step 1: Discover and Identifying Issues Before They Escalate
The first step in Thrive’s proactive approach is early discovery. Through advanced monitoring, AI-driven insights, and personalized guidance from our team of experts, we go beyond basic alerts to detect system anomalies, threats, and inefficiencies before they turn into critical problems. Our 24x7x365 Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) continuously analyze system performance, security risks, and compliance gaps, ensuring real-time insights that help businesses stay ahead of potential disruptions. With around-the-clock monitoring and operations, we provide swift detection and response, minimizing downtime and strengthening overall resilience.

Step 2: Respond and Take Immediate, Decisive Action
Unlike traditional monitoring solutions that merely notify IT teams, Thrive actively responds to issues as they arise. Our 24×7 Security Operations Center (SOC) works to address security threats, network disruptions, and performance issues in real time. Whether it’s mitigating a cyberattack, preventing system downtime, or troubleshooting application failures, our response is swift and decisive.

Step 3: Remediate By Fixing the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptoms
Thrive goes beyond temporary fixes. Once an issue is identified and addressed, our experts work to remediate the root cause. This means resolving security vulnerabilities, optimizing system configurations, and implementing best practices to prevent recurrence. Our remediation process ensures that businesses don’t experience repeated disruptions due to unresolved underlying issues.

Step 4: Solve By Delivering Long-Term IT Stability
At Thrive, our goal isn’t to put out fires; it’s to ensure IT stability and resilience. Through continuous improvement, strategic guidance including our vCIO services, and best-in-class managed services, we help businesses build a stronger IT foundation. Whether it’s cloud migration, cybersecurity enhancements, or ongoing system optimizations, our approach focuses on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.

Why Thrive’s Approach Matters

Businesses today require more than just a passive monitoring service. They need a true IT partner that actively protects, enhances, and optimizes their IT environment. Thrive’s comprehensive approach ensures:

• Minimized Downtime: Issues are addressed before they disrupt operations.
• Stronger Security Posture: Threats are detected, contained, and mitigated in real time.
• Improved IT Efficiency: Automated and human-led remediation keeps systems optimized.
• Peace of Mind: Businesses can focus on growth, knowing their IT is in expert hands.

Monitoring alone is no longer enough to keep businesses running smoothly. Contact Thrive to learn more about our proactive IT management approach that works to ensure organizations stay secure, resilient, and future-ready. Instead of waiting for issues to disrupt your business, partner with Thrive to experience a next-level IT strategy that actively keeps you ahead of the curve.

The post How Thrive’s Proactive IT Management Goes Beyond Basic Monitoring appeared first on Thrive.

Our featured employee is Channing Smith, Junior Developer, Digital Platform.  Channing works on the Digital Platform Development team working on a variety of internal projects and integrations with ServiceNow.  He lives in Charleston, South Carolina near our new office.

Outside of work, Channing leads a local run club in Charleston, he maps out weekly runs and social events.  In addition to running, Channing also enjoys cooking, playing Rummikub, and hanging out with his 3-year-old labradoodle Archie, and his girlfriend Elsie.

Hi Channing!  Can you tell us about your background and how you came to Thrive?

I came to Thrive as an intern on the Digital Platform Development team during my last semester of college at College of Charleston, then transitioned to a full-time position post-graduation.  Throughout college, I was in the Honors College, and primarily involved in researching Ethics in Artificial Intelligence Software.  I served as co-president of Upsilon Pi Epsilon, an honor society of computing, and completed internships with RedHat as a full-stack developer and Northstar Travel Group as a cybersecurity architect intern.

Where did you go to school or get training?

I attended the College of Charleston and graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science with minors in Philosophy and Data Science in May of 2024.

What do you most enjoy about working for Thrive?

The most enjoyable part of my day-to-day is the people I work with.  The entire Digital Platform team has been super welcoming to me, and I really admire how much I learn from everyone on the team every day.  I also really like how involved I am in the business process behind the integrations I work on.

Are there any recent exciting projects at Thrive you can tell us about?

I have recently been working on the N-Able/N-Central integration alongside Jon Bruce and Brian MacMillan which reduces the Logic Apps cost. Before this integration, the Event Management team was logging into N-Central and creating tickets manually, but we are now automatically creating tickets. This will improve our response time and accuracy when monitoring a client’s environment.

I have also been working on a project related to invoicing with Business Operations and Finance that involves migrating to a new invoice recipient field to reduce errors and typos in the current String field.

Are you interested in learning more about Thrive? Click here!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest news, and continue checking our blog for more in our “Thrive Employee Spotlight” series. Until next time…

The post Thrive Spotlight: Channing Smith – Junior Developer, Digital Platform appeared first on Thrive.

The Importance of Technology Governance Policies

A well-defined policy on technology use ensures that employees, contractors, and other business stakeholders understand the rules and expectations for utilizing company systems, networks, and data. This includes:

• Remote and hybrid work security guidelines
• BYOD policies and security measures
• Acceptable use of AI-based tools
• Data privacy and compliance considerations
• Consequences for policy violations

By implementing a clear governance strategy along with an Acceptable Use Policy, organizations can reduce security risks, protect sensitive data, and enhance operational efficiency.

The Cybersecurity and Compliance Risks

• Mitigating Risks from Remote and Hybrid Work: Employees working outside the office increase the risk of data exposure and cyber threats. Organizations can implement security measures such as VPNs, multi-factor authentication, and encrypted communication to ensure secure remote work.
• Securing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policies: Personal devices introduce potential vulnerabilities into corporate networks. Establishing tight security policies for personal devices, such as endpoint protection and controlled access, helps mitigate these risks.
• Managing AI-Based Tools and Their Implications: AI-powered tools can enhance productivity but also pose risks related to data security and ethical concerns. Organizations need guidelines on how AI tools can be used responsibly to prevent data leaks and biased decision-making.
• Ensuring Compliance with Data Privacy Regulations: Businesses must comply with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA. Governing technology use ensures that data handling, storage, and sharing practices align with regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of legal consequences.
• Protecting Against Cybersecurity Threats: Unauthorized software, malware, and phishing attacks can disrupt business operations. Clear technology usage policies minimize the chances of employees engaging in risky behaviors that could compromise security.

Best Practices for Effective Technology Governance

• Develop Comprehensive Policies: Cover all aspects of technology use, including AI tools, remote access, and BYOD security.
• Regularly Train Employees: Provide ongoing education on cybersecurity best practices and compliance requirements.
• Continuously Update Policies: As technology evolves, governance policies should be reviewed and updated regularly.
• Enforce Policies Consistently: Ensure that policies apply fairly to all employees and stakeholders.

Governing technology use within an organization has never been more critical. With remote and hybrid work not going anywhere, AI-powered tools growing in popularity, and increasing cyber threats, businesses must implement strong policies to protect their data, maintain compliance, and enhance security. Taking proactive steps in technology governance will help organizations adapt to modern challenges while maintaining a secure and efficient work environment.

Download Thrive’s Acceptable Use Policy template today to get started on implementing robust, company-wide data governance policies and privacy protocols that make safeguarding sensitive information a priority.

Contact Thrive today to learn more about establishing a clear technology governance policy because now is the time to take action. A secure and compliant workplace starts with well-defined guidelines that protect both the organization and its employees.

The post Why Technology Governance in Your Organization is More Important Than Ever appeared first on Thrive.