Understanding MSP Jargon, Part 1: 30 Essential IT Security Terms Every Texas Business Owner Should Know

Why This Series Matters

If you’ve ever sat in an IT meeting and thought, “They lost me after ‘endpoint protection,’” you’re not alone.
At SofTouch Systems (STS), we believe transparency starts with understanding. As your Managed Service Provider (MSP), we want you to feel confident. You should know exactly what we mean when we talk about your IT systems and security.

This three-part series breaks down 90 of the most common IT and MSP terms. It starts with the first 30 essential ones below.

Understanding MSP Jargon Pt 1: 30 IT Security and Network Terms Explained

The MSP Essentials (Terms 1–10)

  1. MSP (Managed Service Provider) – A company (like STS) handles your IT systems. It also manages security and network performance. This allows you to focus on running your business.
  2. SLA (Service Level Agreement) – The written promise defining response times, uptime guarantees, and performance standards.
  3. Endpoint – Any device that connects to your network—PCs, phones, tablets, servers, or even printers.
  4. Patch Management – The process of keeping your software up to date with the latest fixes and security improvements.
  5. RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) – The software MSPs use to watch over your systems 24/7 and respond instantly to alerts.
  6. NOC (Network Operations Center) – The MSP’s command hub where technicians monitor and maintain client systems around the clock.
  7. SOC (Security Operations Center) – A team focused specifically on identifying, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity threats.
  8. Ticketing System – The help-desk software that tracks your support requests and ensures accountability.
  9. Uptime – The percentage of time your systems are running without disruption (we aim for 99.9%+).
  10. Downtime – Any period when systems are unavailable—often costly for SMBs if not properly managed.

Security Fundamentals (Terms 11–20)

  1. Firewall – A digital gatekeeper that blocks unauthorized traffic and keeps cybercriminals out.
  2. Antivirus (AV) – Software that detects and removes malicious code, viruses, and malware.
  3. EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) – Advanced threat protection that monitors and isolates attacks in real time.
  4. MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) – A security method requiring more than one form of verification to log in.
  5. VPN (Virtual Private Network) – Encrypts your internet connection, protecting data when working remotely or on public Wi-Fi.
  6. Phishing – A common cyberattack that tricks users into revealing passwords or clicking harmful links.
  7. Ransomware – A type of malware that locks your files and demands payment for access.
  8. Encryption – The process of converting data into unreadable code to protect sensitive information.
  9. Zero Trust – A modern security approach assuming no user or device is automatically trusted, even inside the network.
  10. Data Breach – When sensitive information is accessed, stolen, or leaked without authorization.

Business Continuity & Backup Terms (21–30)

  1. Backup – A stored copy of your important data used for recovery after loss or corruption.
  2. Disaster Recovery (DR) – A plan that outlines how your business will restore systems and data after a major incident.
  3. BCP (Business Continuity Plan) – Ensures your critical operations keep running during or after a disruption.
  4. Cloud Storage – Off-site servers (like Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud) used to store and access data securely over the internet.
  5. MDM (Mobile Device Management) – Tools that secure and manage company smartphones and tablets.
  6. DNS Filtering – A safeguard that blocks users from visiting known malicious websites.
  7. Dark Web Monitoring – Scans the dark web for your business’s leaked credentials or data.
  8. Penetration Test (Pen Test) – A simulated cyberattack used to identify security weaknesses.
  9. Patch Tuesday – Microsoft’s monthly release of critical updates to fix vulnerabilities.
  10. User Awareness Training – Regular education for staff to recognize phishing, scams, and unsafe online behavior.

How This Knowledge Protects You

Understanding this terminology empowers you to:

  • Ask smarter questions when evaluating IT services.
  • Hold vendors accountable for the protections you’re paying for.
  • Spot weak links before they become security incidents.

At STS, we call this approach “No-Surprise IT”—because clarity, education, and trust are the foundation of every long-term partnership.

Next in This Series

In Part 2, we’ll cover advanced security concepts. We will also discuss cloud computing and compliance terms. Every Texas business owner should understand these before signing their next IT contract.

Confused about your IT contract or service plan?
Book a complimentary “Tech Terms Made Simple” consultation with SofTouch Systems today.
Schedule a Call | Simplifying Technology, Maximizing Results

Windows 10 Nears End-of-Life — and Microsoft Just Broke Its Upgrade Tool

Just when millions of users were preparing to move on, Microsoft pulled a curveball.

Windows 10 will reach end-of-life (EOL) on October 14, 2025. Two weeks prior to this date, Microsoft confirmed that its Media Creation Tool (MCT) might close unexpectedly. This tool is one of the most common ways to create upgrade media for Windows 11. It might display no error message when it closes unexpectedly.

The company quietly listed the issue as Confirmed on October 10. In plain English, that means the very tool designed to help users upgrade… just broke at the worst possible time.

For businesses still running Windows 10, this incident is more than an inconvenience. It’s a wake-up call about planning for system lifecycle management. Businesses need a trusted IT partner to ensure upgrades happen smoothly, securely, and on schedule.

Windows 10 Nears End-Of-Life and Microsoft just broke it's Upgrade Tool

The Clock Is Ticking: Windows 10 End-of-Life Is Here

Microsoft’s own statement spells it out clearly:

“Devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive fixes for known issues, time zone updates, technical support, or monthly security updates containing protection from the latest security threats.”

Once EOL hits, those unpatched systems become prime targets for ransomware and data breaches. Compliance frameworks, like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and NIST, require supported operating systems. Therefore, staying on Windows 10 could eventually mean falling out of compliance too.

That’s why SofTouch Systems has spends a good percentage of our time helping Texas businesses develop structured upgrade paths. These are not rushed, reactionary upgrades. They are planned migrations designed to minimize downtime and eliminate hidden risks.

Because no one likes “surprises” when their operating system suddenly stops being supported.

What You Can Do Right Now

Even with Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool malfunctioning, there are still safe, verified ways to transition from Windows 10 before EOL:

  1. Use Windows Update
    • Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
    • Click Check for updates and see if the Windows 11 upgrade appears.
    • Note: Some systems won’t qualify due to CPU or TPM requirements.
  2. Download a Bootable ISO Directly from Microsoft
    • Visit Microsoft’s official ISO download page.
    • Under “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”, choose your version and language.
    • Use a trusted USB tool (like Rufus) to create installation media — but only if you know what you’re doing.
  3. Evaluate Alternatives for Legacy Hardware
    • If your current system fails Windows 11’s minimum requirements, it may be time to modernize hardware. Alternatively, you can test lightweight Linux distributions that extend the life of older machines.

STS can help you assess compatibility. It can assist in choosing upgrade paths. STS ensures data is migrated safely. This is true whether you’re moving to Windows 11 or evaluating cloud workstations instead.

Why This Matters for Businesses

A broken upgrade tool might be frustrating, but it’s also a reminder that reactive IT is risky IT.

Businesses relying on outdated operating systems or one-click DIY tools often find themselves stuck when things go wrong. Proactive maintenance and lifecycle planning ensure that upgrades happen on your schedule, not Microsoft’s.

That’s why SofTouch Systems’ No Surprise IT approach includes:

  • Flat-rate upgrade planning for servers and workstations
  • System compatibility reports before deployment
  • Automated backups and rollback options
  • Security patch verification for all devices

We make upgrades predictable — and remove the panic moments when vendors pull the rug out days before support ends.

The SofTouch Systems Recommendation

If you’re still running Windows 10, the time to act is now.
Don’t wait for another broken update tool or a missed security patch.

Our team can help you:
Audit your current systems
Develop an upgrade roadmap
Ensure data continuity through every phase
Provide backup verification before and after migration

Get your free “End-of-Life System Check” at SofTouchSystems.com.
We’ll make sure your business stays secure and compliant — long after Windows 10 fades into history.

Cybersecurity in 2025: Texas Municipalities Under Attack—And What It Means for Local SMBs

A Wake-Up Call for Texas Municipalities

Cybersecurity remains a critical issue across the United States. The year 2025 has already reminded Texas communities of just how vulnerable we are. Matagorda County and the City of Mission both reported major service outages this year following cyberattacks targeting their online systems. Local residents faced delays in accessing public records and paying utilities. They also experienced difficulties in communicating with municipal offices. These disruptions underscore a growing national trend of data breaches and ransomware events.

These incidents may seem distant to private business owners. However, they hit close to home for many small and mid-sized business (SMB) leaders. These leaders also serve on local boards, councils, and chambers of commerce. The truth is simple: the same weaknesses exploited in government networks exist in local businesses every day.

Why These Breaches Happen

Cyberattacks on Texas municipalities—and on small businesses—often share a common cause: unpatched systems, poor password management, and outdated backup strategies.
Hackers know that smaller organizations often lack the layered defenses that larger corporations use. Once inside, they move quickly—encrypting files, stealing credentials, and demanding ransom to unlock critical data.

In many of these recent attacks, investigators found that:

  • Multifactor authentication (MFA) was not enforced across all accounts.
  • Remote access was left open or weakly secured.
  • Backups were either incomplete or stored on the same network as live data.
  • Staff were not trained to recognize phishing emails.

These are not advanced, Hollywood-style cyber tactics. They’re everyday oversights. MSPs like SofTouch Systems can help remove them before they become headlines.

October Is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Each October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that strong digital hygiene starts with awareness and proactive planning. But for Texas SMBs, that awareness needs to go beyond “strong passwords.” It’s about building resilience.

Here are three actions STS recommends every local business and municipal office take this month:

  1. Audit your access points. Identify every device and user that connects to your network. Remove unnecessary access and enforce MFA on all accounts.
  2. Backup and test regularly. A backup isn’t a backup until it’s been successfully restored. Test your data recovery quarterly.
  3. Train your people. Phishing simulations and cybersecurity refreshers reduce your single biggest risk—human error.

These habits aren’t just good practice; they’re essential defense layers in an era when attacks are automated and indiscriminate.

How MSPs Help Prevent the Next Outage

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) like SofTouch Systems delivers proactive IT management. Municipalities and private-sector businesses alike now realize they need this. CISA: Stop Ransomware
Here’s how:

  • 24/7 Monitoring: STS identifies suspicious network behavior before it becomes a full breach.
  • Patch Management: Automatic updates close vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
  • Password-First Security: As an authorized 1Password partner, STS enforces secure password vaults and passkey-based logins across teams.
  • Layered Protection: From Bitdefender-powered antivirus to managed VPNs and encrypted backups, each layer strengthens your digital perimeter.
  • No-Surprise IT: Transparent pricing, measurable SLAs, and our Bill-Clarity Guarantee mean you’ll never face hidden fees—or unplanned downtime.

Our South Texas team operates under a “Continuity Pledge.” You’ll know your dedicated technicians by name. They’ll know your systems inside and out. That consistency brings faster response times. It leads to fewer service gaps. You gain peace of mind knowing that your business is never left unprotected.

A Community Responsibility

You might manage a small clinic. Perhaps you run a construction firm or serve on a city technology committee. Regardless, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. It is now a civic duty. The same best practices that protect your business data also safeguard the systems that keep our local governments running.

When Texas municipalities suffer an outage, we all feel the effects. But with the right managed IT services, the next story doesn’t have to be about recovery—it can be about resilience.

Protect your business—and your community—from the next breach.
Book a free cybersecurity readiness assessment with SofTouch Systems today.
Contact STS | Stop attacks before they start.