SOLUTIONS MONTHLY
Your Monthly Dose of Tech and Business News
Welcome to the February Issue of Solutions Monthly!
Welcome to our February edition of Solutions Monthly! As technology continues to evolve, we're dedicated to keeping you informed about both emerging innovations and essential security practices. This month, we're taking a deep dive into blockchain technology and its potential impact on businesses. We'll also explore various encryption methods and highlight five cyber threats to watch for in 2025.
We're also excited to share some highlights from our sales team and introduce you to another valued member of the Solve IT Solutions family. Plus, we want to remind you how easy it is to connect with our team – whether you need technical support, growth planning, or a review of your current services.
Thank you for choosing Solve IT Solutions as your trusted technology partner. Have a suggestion for something we should cover in next month’s issue? Drop us a line and let us know if there’s an issue, question, challenge, or trend you’d like to see!
Questions? Something on your mind?
Until then, stay safe.
Department Spotlight: Business Development
The Business Development team at Solve IT Solutions serves as the bridge between our organization, our clients, and community. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing you to Mike, Joel, and Emilio - the friendly faces who make sure our accounts are running smoothly.
WHAT IS BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Blockchain technology is changing the world. It is a system designed to keep records safe and secure. But how does it work? Let’s find out more about this amazing technology.
What Is Blockchain?
Blockchain is some kind of digital ledger. In it, information is stored in a manner that makes it hard to change. This ledger is shared among many computers, each one having a copy of the same ledger.
Information is kept within blocks. Each block maintains a list of transactions. As the block gets filled, it connects to the previous block, forming a linked chain of blocks or a blockchain.
How Does Blockchain Work?
Blockchain works by mining. Miners are computers that solve complex math problems. Once they solve these problems, they add new blocks to the chain.
Each block has a unique code called a hash. This hash helps keep the information secure. If anyone tries to change the information, the hash also changes. That way, it’s easy to spot any tampering.
Why Is Blockchain Secure?
The blockchain is secure because it is made using cryptography. Cryptography is like a secret code used to protect information. Only the ones who have the right key will be able to read it.
Besides, blockchain is decentralized. That means no one controls it. Several computers are working together to keep it safe.
What Are The Uses Of Blockchain?
Many other uses of blockchain exist beyond money. It can track goods in a supply chain, store medical records safely, and even help with voting in elections.
In finance, blockchain powers cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. These are digital currencies that people can use online.
How Does Blockchain Impact Our Lives
Blockchain makes transactions faster and cheaper. It removes the need for middlemen like banks. This saves time and money.
It also introduces transparency. Users can view all the transactions made on the blockchain. These actions help to establish trust among users.
What Are the Challenges of Blockchain?
There are challenges regarding the use of blockchain. Much of the mining is power-consuming. This might not be suitable for the environment.
Besides these issues, there are even more regulatory ones. Governments and agencies don’t yet know how to deal with blockchain technology.
What’s Ahead for Blockchain?
The future of blockchain is very bright. More industries are exploring its potential every day. In healthcare, it can secure patient data and streamline records. In entertainment, it can protect intellectual property and ensure fair compensation for creators.
Financial services are also benefiting from blockchain, with faster and more secure transactions. Developers are working on making blockchain more efficient and eco-friendly, addressing environmental concerns.
Blockchain is set to revolutionize various industries.
Want to Learn More About Blockchain?
Blockchain technology is fascinating and holds immense potential. It can transform various aspects of our lives for the better. For example, it enhances security by safely storing and sharing data, which is crucial in healthcare. Its transparency and immutability foster trust, making it ideal for supply chain management. Its decentralized nature makes systems more resilient, while smart contracts automate transactions, increasing efficiency.
Contact us to discover how blockchain can benefit your business or personal projects. Our team is ready to guide you through this transformative technology.
Meet Emilio Pichardo
At Solve IT Solutions, our secret sauce isn't just cutting-edge technology—it's the exceptional people behind it. As we continue to pull back the curtain and introduce you to the faces that power your IT success, we're thrilled to spotlight Emilio Pichardo,
Meet Emilio! Emilio Pichardo recently joined the business development team as Solve IT Solutions. With a degree from WGU and a strong background in IT, Emilio will work to maintain relationships with our current customers as well as build new ones.
Emilio Pichardo, Account Manager, is dedicated to helping businesses navigate their IT needs by providing tailored solutions and taking the technical burden off their hands. He focuses on building strong client relationships and driving new business opportunities to ensure companies get the most out of their technology investments.
Emilio has been with Solve IT since 2025, bringing with him a strong background in technology sales and IT solutions. Before joining the company, he spent two years in tech sales, working with a variety of clients to deliver innovative solutions that improved business operations. His experience spans across B2B sales, IT management, and account development, making him a valuable resource for his clients.
He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Information Technology Management from Western Governors University. With a passion for staying ahead of industry trends, Emilio continuously seeks ways to enhance his expertise in both sales strategy and IT solutions.
Outside of work, Emilio enjoys exploring his creative side through 3D modeling and game design. He also values spending quality time with family and friends, whether it’s cooking, playing games together, traveling, or simply enjoying a good conversation over coffee.
Emilio is driven by the belief that technology should empower businesses, not overwhelm them. His motivation comes from seeing his clients succeed and knowing he plays a role in making their work easier and more efficient. His favorite quote? “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.”
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ENCRYPTION METHODS
Encryption is a method of securing information. It converts readable data into secret code. Only the right key can decode it. This guide will help you understand different encryption methods.
What is Encryption and Why Do We Use It?
In today's digital world, encryption serves as our modern-day secret code, transforming sensitive information into unreadable ciphertext that only authorized parties can decode back into plaintext. Think of it as a sophisticated lock box for your data - without the right key, the contents remain completely secure. This powerful tool has become essential for protecting our privacy and security in an increasingly connected world.
The Mechanics of Encryption
At its core, encryption relies on two fundamental elements: algorithms and keys. The algorithm acts as a set of mathematical rules that scramble your data, while the key serves as the unique decoder ring that makes sense of it all. There are two primary approaches to this process: symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Symmetric encryption uses a single shared key for both locking and unlocking data - quick and efficient, but requiring secure key exchange. Asymmetric encryption, on the other hand, employs a two-key system: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption, offering enhanced security through this separation of powers.
Modern Encryption Methods
Today's digital landscape employs several sophisticated encryption standards, each with its own strengths. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) has become the industry gold standard, while RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) remains crucial for secure communications. Other notable methods include the Data Encryption Standard (DES) and the increasingly popular Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), each serving specific security needs in our connected world.
Encryption in Daily Life
Encryption quietly protects us throughout our daily digital interactions. When you make an online purchase, encryption shields your payment details from prying eyes. Popular messaging apps like WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption to ensure your conversations remain private. Even your email communications likely benefit from encryption services, creating a secure tunnel for your digital correspondence.
Navigating Encryption Challenges
While encryption provides robust protection, it's not without its challenges. Key management stands as a critical concern - losing an encryption key can mean permanently losing access to valuable data. Additionally, the process of encryption and decryption requires computational power, which can sometimes impact system performance. Understanding these challenges helps us implement encryption more effectively.
Best Practices for Encrypted Security
Maintaining strong encryption security requires vigilance. Start by implementing strong passwords across all your accounts and devices - think of them as the first line of defense in your security arsenal. Keep your software consistently updated to patch any security vulnerabilities that might compromise your encryption. When using public Wi-Fi networks, take extra precautions by using a VPN to encrypt your internet connection, especially during sensitive transactions.
Taking the Next Step in Data Security
Understanding encryption empowers you to make informed decisions about protecting your digital life. Whether you're a business owner safeguarding customer data or an individual protecting personal information, proper encryption implementation is crucial in today's digital landscape.
Need help securing your data with the right encryption solutions? Contact Solve IT Solutions today - we're here to help you navigate the complex world of digital security with confidence.
Want to know more about encrypting data? Check out this video by Professor Messer.
5 COMMON CYBER THREATS IN 2025
The Persistent Threat of Phishing
Despite advancing technology, phishing attacks remain one of cybercriminals' most reliable tools, consistently proving effective at extracting personal data from unsuspecting victims. These attacks succeed by manipulating users into voluntarily surrendering sensitive information. Protection starts with vigilance - always verify the sender's email address and maintain a healthy skepticism toward any links, no matter how legitimate they may appear.
Ransomware: The Digital Hostage-Taker
Ransomware continues to evolve as a major cybersecurity threat, operating by encrypting your valuable files and demanding payment for their release. The best defense against these attacks is proactive protection: maintain regular software updates to patch security vulnerabilities and implement a robust backup strategy to ensure your data remains accessible even if your system is compromised.
The Enduring Danger of Malware
Malicious software poses an ongoing threat to digital security, capable of inflicting significant damage to your computer systems and networks. Prevention requires a two-pronged approach: maintain updated antivirus software as your first line of defense, and exercise caution when downloading files, particularly from unfamiliar or unverified sources.
AI-Enhanced Cyber Threats
The integration of artificial intelligence into cybercrime marks a concerning evolution in digital threats. Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance their attack strategies, employing sophisticated algorithms to identify and target vulnerable victims with unprecedented precision. This technological advancement in criminal tactics demands an equally sophisticated approach to cybersecurity.
The IoT Security Challenge
As our world becomes increasingly connected, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices creates new security vulnerabilities. Each connected device represents a potential entry point for cybercriminals, making comprehensive security measures more critical than ever. Ensuring all devices maintain current security updates and patches is essential for protecting your entire network ecosystem.
SCHEDULE A CALL
Something on your mind? The team at Solve IT Solutions is here for you! You can schedule a call with a sales or account rep at any time. We can help you troubleshoot an issue, plan for organizational growth, or review your current plan for optimizations. Our goal is to provide people-first service that powers success - which means you always have a lifeline over here at Solve IT Solutions.
501 N Park Road Wyomissing, PA 19610
PH: 484-331-1083 - TF: 888-882-9534
Built with Shorthand