Is your business ready for the AI shift?

Join Phillip Long on October 23rd at Whiskey Ridge to learn how small businesses can start using AI today — and avoid getting left behind.

👉 https://bit.ly/4odXLYA

#AIForBusiness #CyberSecurity #BIS

In this BIS FAQ, CEO Phillip Long explains what makes a strong, secure password—and why password strength is one of the most basic yet critical parts of cybersecurity.

Following guidelines from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a good password should include:
🔒 At least 12 characters
🔠 Uppercase and lowercase letters
🔢 Numbers
💡 Special characters

While complex passwords greatly reduce the risk of hacking, they can also be hard to remember. That’s why Phillip recommends using a password manager such as LastPass to securely store and generate strong passwords for all your accounts.

By combining longer, more complex passwords with secure storage tools, businesses and individuals can dramatically increase their cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of data breaches.

👤 Who Is Phillip Long?

Phillip Long is the CEO of BIS, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)—a certification formally approved by the Department of Defense—and author of Everything You Must Know About Choosing an IT Company...But Your IT Guy Will Never Tell You. With over 15 years of experience in the technology field, Phillip helps business owners make smarter, more secure IT decisions.

🖥️ About Business Information Solutions (BIS)

Business Information Solutions (BIS) is a full-service cybersecurity and IT support company founded in 2001. BIS provides comprehensive IT solutions to help businesses stay productive, compliant, and protected.

📞 Learn more by calling 251.405.2554 or visiting askbis.com

BIS has three offices to serve you:
📍 21530 Professional Drive, Robertsdale, AL 36567
📍 31 East Fairfield Drive, Suite B, Pensacola, FL 32501
📍 3690 Carlyle Close E., Mobile, AL 36609

🔗 Connect with Us:
Schedule a consultation with Phillip Long today:
👉 https://web.askbis.com/meetings/phillip-long/discovery-meeting

In this BIS FAQ, CEO Phillip Long explains what Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most effective cybersecurity tools available today.

MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring two forms of verification:
1️⃣ Something you know – such as your username and password.
2️⃣ Something you have – like your smartphone or an authenticator app.

Phillip discusses the importance of unique usernames and passwords, the benefits of using authenticator apps (such as Microsoft Authenticator, Duo, or Google Authenticator) over text or email verification, and the growing role of biometric security like fingerprint recognition.

He also cites Microsoft’s data showing that accounts using MFA are 99.22% less likely to be compromised—a simple, free security feature that drastically reduces the risk of data breaches.

If your business hasn’t yet enabled MFA, now is the time. It’s one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take to secure your data and protect your organization.

👤 Who Is Phillip Long?

Phillip Long is the CEO of BIS, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)—a certification formally approved by the Department of Defense—and author of Everything You Must Know About Choosing an IT Company...But Your IT Guy Will Never Tell You. With over 15 years of experience in the technology field, Phillip helps business owners make smarter, more secure IT decisions.

🖥️ About Business Information Solutions (BIS)

Business Information Solutions (BIS) is a full-service cybersecurity and IT support company founded in 2001. BIS provides comprehensive IT solutions to help businesses stay productive, compliant, and protected.

📞 Learn more by calling 251.405.2554 or visiting askbis.com
.
BIS has three offices to serve you:
📍 21530 Professional Drive, Robertsdale, AL 36567
📍 31 East Fairfield Drive, Suite B, Pensacola, FL 32501
📍 3690 Carlyle Close E., Mobile, AL 36609

🔗 Connect with Us:
Schedule a consultation with Phillip Long today:
👉 https://web.askbis.com/meetings/phillip-long/discovery-meeting

In this BIS FAQ, CEO Phillip Long answers one of the most common questions from business owners:
💬 “When should I replace my computer, server, or firewall?”

Phillip explains the industry-standard replacement timelines and why proactive hardware management saves both time and money:

🔥 Firewalls: Replace every 7 years on average. The lifespan can vary depending on when you purchase within the product cycle.

🖥️ Servers: Replace every 5 years and always maintain a full warranty. Failing components like drives, controllers, and power supplies can cause major downtime if not covered.

💻 Workstations: Replace about every 4 years. While specs may look similar, newer processors deliver more computing power due to advancements described by Moore’s Law—so buying older hardware can shorten lifespan.

Phillip also shares practical advice on balancing performance, cost, and reliability—plus why warranties and timing your purchases can make a major difference in business continuity and long-term IT planning.

👤 Who Is Phillip Long?

Phillip Long is the CEO of BIS, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)—a certification formally approved by the Department of Defense—and author of Everything You Must Know About Choosing an IT Company...But Your IT Guy Will Never Tell You. With over 15 years of experience in the technology field, Phillip helps business owners make smarter, more secure IT decisions.

🖥️ About Business Information Solutions (BIS)

Business Information Solutions (BIS) is a full-service cybersecurity and IT support company founded in 2001. BIS provides comprehensive IT solutions to help businesses stay productive, compliant, and protected.

📞 Learn more by calling 251.405.2554 or visiting askbis.com
.
BIS has three offices to serve you:
📍 21530 Professional Drive, Robertsdale, AL 36567
📍 31 East Fairfield Drive, Suite B, Pensacola, FL 32501
📍 3690 Carlyle Close E., Mobile, AL 36609

🔗 Connect with Us:
Schedule a consultation with Phillip Long today:
👉 https://web.askbis.com/meetings/phillip-long/discovery-meeting

In this BIS FAQ, CEO Phillip Long answers a common question every business owner and employee asks:
💬 “How much RAM does my workstation really need?”

As of July 2025, most workstations perform best with 16GB to 32GB of RAM, depending on the user’s workload. Phillip explains how today’s cloud-based applications and web browsers consume significantly more memory than in the past—especially when multiple tabs or software programs are open.

He breaks down practical recommendations:

16GB of RAM: Great for general business users running office, email, and web apps.

32GB of RAM: Recommended for power users or those running graphic-intensive programs like AutoCAD, Revit, or Adobe Creative Suite.

Phillip also shares simple performance tips—like closing unused browser tabs—to help keep your system running faster and more efficiently.

👤 Who Is Phillip Long?

Phillip Long is the CEO of BIS, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)—a certification formally approved by the Department of Defense—and author of Everything You Must Know About Choosing an IT Company...But Your IT Guy Will Never Tell You. With over 15 years of experience in the technology field, Phillip helps business owners make smarter, more secure IT decisions.

🖥️ About Business Information Solutions (BIS)

Business Information Solutions (BIS) is a full-service cybersecurity and IT support company founded in 2001. BIS provides comprehensive IT solutions to help businesses stay productive, compliant, and protected.

📞 Learn more by calling 251.405.2554 or visiting askbis.com
.
BIS has three offices to serve you:
📍 21530 Professional Drive, Robertsdale, AL 36567
📍 31 East Fairfield Drive, Suite B, Pensacola, FL 32501
📍 3690 Carlyle Close E., Mobile, AL 36609

🔗 Connect with Us:
Schedule a consultation with Phillip Long today:
👉 https://web.askbis.com/meetings/phillip-long/discovery-meeting

In this BIS FAQ, CEO Phillip Long explains what a Technology Business Review (TBR) is and why it’s one of the most valuable meetings a business can have with its IT provider.

Unlike routine support calls, a TBR is a strategic discussion between a company and its technology partner. Phillip shares why he considers it the most important client meeting in IT—because it ensures everyone is aligned on goals, budgets, security, and long-term technology planning.

A Technology Business Review helps you:

Understand your technology roadmap and upcoming needs

Evaluate your data backup and disaster recovery readiness

Align your business goals with technology strategy

Identify opportunities for efficiency and process improvement

Phillip emphasizes that technology should always be an accelerator for business success, not just a technical function. Through consistent TBRs, businesses can improve communication, reduce risk, and strengthen their partnership with their IT team.

👤 Who Is Phillip Long?

Phillip Long is the CEO of BIS, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)—a certification formally approved by the Department of Defense—and author of Everything You Must Know About Choosing an IT Company...But Your IT Guy Will Never Tell You. With over 15 years of experience in the technology field, Phillip helps business owners make smarter, more secure IT decisions.

🖥️ About Business Information Solutions (BIS)

Business Information Solutions (BIS) is a full-service cybersecurity and IT support company founded in 2001. BIS provides comprehensive IT solutions to help businesses stay productive, compliant, and protected.

📞 Learn more by calling 251.405.2554 or visiting askbis.com
.
BIS has three offices to serve you:
📍 21530 Professional Drive, Robertsdale, AL 36567
📍 31 East Fairfield Drive, Suite B, Pensacola, FL 32501
📍 3690 Carlyle Close E., Mobile, AL 36609

🔗 Connect with Us:
Schedule a consultation with Phillip Long today:
👉 https://web.askbis.com/meetings/phillip-long/discovery-meeting

In this BIS FAQ, CEO Phillip Long breaks down what a network audit—also known as a network assessment—really involves and why not all audits are created equal.

A proper network audit goes far beyond a quick scan or checklist. Phillip explains that it should be built on a baseline that takes into account:

The sensitivity and importance of your data

Your uptime and availability requirements

Compliance obligations

And your company’s specific goals and risk tolerance

Using the Center for Internet Security (CIS) framework as a foundation, Phillip customizes every audit based on the organization’s size, stage of growth, and industry. Whether a business is just starting out or preparing for transition, the goal is the same—identify risks, boost productivity, and strengthen your IT foundation with a plan that’s both practical and effective.

👤 Who Is Phillip Long?

Phillip Long is the CEO of BIS, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)—a certification formally approved by the Department of Defense—and author of Everything You Must Know About Choosing an IT Company...But Your IT Guy Will Never Tell You. With over 15 years of experience in the technology field, Phillip helps business owners make smarter, more secure IT decisions.

🖥️ About Business Information Solutions (BIS)

Business Information Solutions (BIS) is a full-service cybersecurity and IT support company founded in 2001. BIS provides comprehensive IT solutions to help businesses stay productive, compliant, and protected.

📞 Learn more by calling 251.405.2554 or visiting askbis.com
.
BIS has three offices to serve you:
📍 21530 Professional Drive, Robertsdale, AL 36567
📍 31 East Fairfield Drive, Suite B, Pensacola, FL 32501
📍 3690 Carlyle Close E., Mobile, AL 36609

🔗 Connect with Us:
Schedule a consultation with Phillip Long today:
👉 https://web.askbis.com/meetings/phillip-long/discovery-meeting

In this BIS FAQ, CEO Phillip Long explains why good cybersecurity hygiene is one of the most valuable assets your business can have.

Many business owners see cybersecurity as an expense—but in reality, it’s a powerful business continuity tool. Consistent cyber hygiene helps prevent downtime, protect client data, and ensure your business can reliably deliver goods and services without interruption.

Phillip shares real-world examples from his experience managing IT operations, emphasizing that security must be built into every layer of technology—from password management and multifactor authentication to daily employee practices. Good cyber hygiene isn’t optional; it’s a fundamental part of staying secure and competitive in today’s digital world.

👤 Who Is Phillip Long?

Phillip Long is the CEO of BIS, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)—a certification formally approved by the Department of Defense—and author of Everything You Must Know About Choosing an IT Company...But Your IT Guy Will Never Tell You. With over 15 years of experience in the technology field, Phillip helps business owners make smarter, more secure IT decisions.

🖥️ About Business Information Solutions (BIS)

Business Information Solutions (BIS) is a full-service cybersecurity and IT support company founded in 2001. BIS provides comprehensive IT solutions to help businesses stay productive, compliant, and protected.

📞 Learn more by calling 251.405.2554 or visiting askbis.com
.
BIS has three offices to serve you:
📍 21530 Professional Drive, Robertsdale, AL 36567
📍 31 East Fairfield Drive, Suite B, Pensacola, FL 32501
📍 3690 Carlyle Close E., Mobile, AL 36609

🔗 Connect with Us:
Schedule a consultation with Phillip Long today:
👉 https://web.askbis.com/meetings/phillip-long/discovery-meeting

In this BIS FAQ, CEO Phillip Long explains the difference between cybersecurity and compliance—two concepts that work toward the same goal but take very different paths.

Both aim to protect your business from data breaches, downtime, and financial loss, but Phillip breaks down why he prioritizes cybersecurity first. Using HIPAA as an example, he highlights how compliance rules are often only enforced after a breach occurs. Without strong cybersecurity in place, your business could face steep fines and legal trouble.

Phillip also shares insight into IronGate Cybersecurity, BIS’s foundational protection framework designed to lower your risk and strengthen your defenses before compliance ever becomes an issue.

👤 Who Is Phillip Long?

Phillip Long is the CEO of BIS, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)—a certification formally approved by the Department of Defense—and author of Everything You Must Know About Choosing an IT Company...But Your IT Guy Will Never Tell You. With over 15 years of experience in the technology field, Phillip helps business owners make smarter, more secure IT decisions.

🖥️ About Business Information Solutions (BIS)

Business Information Solutions (BIS) is a full-service cybersecurity and IT support company founded in 2001. BIS provides comprehensive IT solutions to help businesses stay productive, compliant, and protected.

📞 Learn more by calling 251.405.2554 or visiting askbis.com
.
BIS has three offices to serve you:
📍 21530 Professional Drive, Robertsdale, AL 36567
📍 31 East Fairfield Drive, Suite B, Pensacola, FL 32501
📍 3690 Carlyle Close E., Mobile, AL 36609

🔗 Connect with Us:
Schedule a consultation with Phillip Long today:
👉 https://web.askbis.com/meetings/phillip-long/discovery-meeting