Month: January 2026

Why Fiber Is the Foundation of Reliable Business Operations
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Why Fiber Is the Foundation of Reliable Business Operations

In today’s always-connected business environment, reliability isn’t optional. Cloud applications, phone systems, cybersecurity tools, backups, and day-to-day operations all depend on one thing working consistently: the network.

That’s why fiber internet has become the foundation of reliable business operations, not just for managed IT services, but for how modern organizations function as a whole.

Reliability Starts at the Network Layer

When performance issues arise, they’re often blamed on software, devices, or applications. But in many cases, the root cause lies deeper, in the network itself.

Businesses that rely on older copper-based connections or shared infrastructure often experience:

  • Inconsistent speeds during peak usage
  • Latency and jitter that disrupt cloud apps and voice services
  • Greater susceptibility to interference and degradation
  • Slower recovery when outages occur

Fiber eliminates many of these issues by design, providing a stable platform that supports the tools businesses rely on every day.

Why Fiber Internet Is More Reliable by Design

Fiber networks use light, not electrical signals, to transmit data.

This fundamental difference delivers key advantages for business reliability:

  • Symmetrical upload and download speeds
  • Consistently low latency
  • Immunity to electrical interference and weather-related noise
  • Greater capacity to scale as business needs grow

For businesses that depend on real-time applications, remote access, or cloud-based platforms, these characteristics translate directly into smoother operations and fewer disruptions.

How Fiber Supports Modern Business Operations

Reliable connectivity impacts nearly every part of the business.

With a fiber foundation, organizations experience:

  • More stable cloud and SaaS application performance
  • Clearer, more reliable VoIP and collaboration tools
  • Faster, more dependable data backups and recovery
  • Improved support for remote and hybrid work
  • Greater consistency across multiple locations

When the network is stable, teams spend less time troubleshooting and more time working

Fiber and Managed Services: A Natural Fit

While fiber improves daily operations on its own, its benefits are amplified when paired with managed IT services.

Managed services rely on continuous visibility and performance. Monitoring, patching, backups, and cybersecurity tools all perform best when running over a stable, high-capacity connection.

Fiber enables:

  • More accurate system monitoring
  • Faster response to alerts and incidents
  • Reliable off-site backups and disaster recovery
  • Stronger performance for security tools and updates

In short, managed services are only as strong as the network on which they run.

Why Ownership and Accountability Matter

Not all fiber is created equal.

When the same provider owns the network and supports the services running on it, businesses benefit from:

  • Faster troubleshooting and resolution
  • Clear accountability when issues arise
  • Fewer handoffs between vendors
  • Better alignment between connectivity and IT support

This unified approach reduces complexity and helps ensure problems are resolved at the source rather than passed along a support chain.

Fiber as a Long-Term Business Investment

Choosing fiber isn’t just about speed today; it’s about readiness for tomorrow.

As businesses adopt:

  • AI-driven applications
  • Advanced cybersecurity tools
  • Increased cloud workloads
  • Higher data usage across teams

Fiber provides the capacity and reliability needed to support growth without constant upgrades or workarounds.

Is Your Network Holding Your Business Back?

Consider whether your current connection:

  • Struggles during peak usage
  • Causes inconsistent application performance
  • Limits backup, recovery, or security capabilities
  • Requires frequent troubleshooting

If so, the issue may not be your technology stack; it may be the foundation on which it is built.

Building Reliability from the Ground Up

Reliable business operations start with a reliable network.

Fiber internet provides the stability, performance, and scalability businesses need to operate confidently today and adapt tomorrow. When paired with proactive IT management and local support, it becomes a powerful platform for productivity, security, and growth.

At Citynet, we believe strong business technology starts with a solid foundation, and fiber delivers exactly that.

Citynet offers business fiber and managed IT services designed to improve reliability, security, and performance, starting with a review of your current environment. Call us today at 800.881.2638 to start the conversation.

AI & Cybersecurity in 2026: What Business Leaders Need to Prepare for Now
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AI & Cybersecurity in 2026: What Business Leaders Need to Prepare for Now

Citynet Managed Services Perspective

As we move into 2026, artificial intelligence is no longer a future consideration in cybersecurity — it’s the defining force shaping both attacks and defenses. From small and mid-sized businesses to large enterprises, organizations will face a new generation of AI-powered threats while simultaneously relying on AI to protect their networks, data, and people.

Our partners at KnowBe4 recently outlined key predictions for the year ahead. Below, we’ve highlighted those insights and have focused on what they mean for businesses and how Citynet Managed Security Services can help organizations stay ahead of the curve.

The Top AI-Driven Cybersecurity Threats for 2026

1. AI-Powered Phishing Becomes Nearly Impossible to Spot

Large language models are making phishing emails frighteningly realistic. Messages will be perfectly personalized, mimicking writing styles, job roles, and internal context. Even experienced employees will struggle to tell what’s real — unless organizations invest in advanced security awareness training and email threat detection that adapts in real time.

Citynet takeaway: Human risk is still the #1 attack surface. Ongoing training paired with intelligent email security is essential.

2. Deepfakes Create a Crisis of Trust

AI-generated voices and videos will convincingly impersonate executives, vendors, or partners — authorizing payments, requesting sensitive data, or spreading false information. “Seeing is believing” will no longer apply.

Citynet takeaway: Businesses must implement strict verification procedures, including out-of-band confirmations for financial and sensitive requests.

3. Autonomous Malware Adapts in Real Time

Malware is becoming smarter. AI-driven attacks can now modify themselves mid-attack to avoid detection, exploit new vulnerabilities, and move laterally across networks. Traditional signature-based antivirus solutions won’t keep up.

Citynet takeaway: Behavior-based monitoring and continuous threat detection are no longer optional — they’re table stakes.

4. AI Systems Themselves Become Targets

Attackers are shifting focus to AI tools inside organizations. Through techniques like prompt injection and AI hijacking, cybercriminals can manipulate systems into leaking data, making poor decisions, or executing harmful actions.

Citynet takeaway: Securing AI-enabled tools must be part of your overall cybersecurity strategy, just like endpoints and servers.

5. Cybercrime Becomes Easier Than Ever

AI is lowering the barrier to entry for cybercrime. With access to underground AI tools, attackers no longer need advanced technical skills to launch phishing, malware, or social engineering campaigns at scale.

Citynet takeaway: Expect more attacks, not fewer — and from a wider pool of adversaries.

How AI Will Strengthen Cyber Defenses in 2026

6. AI-Driven Threat Detection Becomes the Standard

Security platforms will increasingly rely on AI to identify anomalies, correlate signals, and detect attacks in real time. Organizations without AI-powered monitoring will be at a growing disadvantage.

Citynet takeaway: Managed detection and response (MDR) services help level the playing field, especially for SMBs.

7. AI Joins the “Red Team”

Autonomous agents will continuously simulate real-world attacks, helping organizations test and harden defenses before attackers strike. Annual penetration tests will give way to ongoing, AI-driven stress testing.

Citynet takeaway: Proactive security testing reduces risk and improves resilience.

8. Autonomous Security Operations Centers (SOCs) Emerge

AI will handle first-level alert triage, correlation, and even containment actions 24/7. Human experts will focus on strategy, response coordination, and decision-making instead of alert fatigue.

Citynet takeaway: A managed SOC extends enterprise-grade security capabilities without enterprise-level staffing costs.

9. AI Co-Pilots Supercharge Security Teams

AI assistants will help analysts investigate incidents, analyze logs, and produce reports faster and more accurately. Small IT teams will operate with far greater efficiency.

Citynet takeaway: The right tools — paired with local expertise — multiply the impact of your security staff.

10. Zero Trust Evolves for the AI Era

Zero Trust will expand beyond networks and devices to include identity verification against deepfakes and AI spoofing. Behavioral biometrics, digital watermarks, and strict authentication will become standard practice.

Citynet takeaway: Trust must be continuously verified — for users, systems, and communications alike.

What This Means for Your Business

AI-driven cyber threats are evolving faster than most internal IT teams can keep up with — but the same technology is also enabling stronger, smarter defenses. The organizations that succeed in 2026 will be those that combine advanced AI-powered tools with experienced security professionals and clear, enforceable processes.

At Citynet, our managed security services are designed to help businesses navigate this rapidly changing landscape — delivering proactive monitoring, local expertise, and scalable protection.

The future of cybersecurity is already here. Partner with Citynet today to protect your organization. Call us today at 800.881.2638.

The Emergency Information Everyone Needs on Their Phone
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The Emergency Information Everyone Needs on Their Phone

Our cell phones give us the modern convenience of access to emergency services almost anywhere. But, in the case of an emergency, first responders may arrive without knowing who you are, your medical conditions, or who to call.

You can store emergency information in the form of a digital medical ID on your mobile device, giving first responders secure access to pertinent medical information like your blood type, medications, and allergies, as well as your emergency contact information.

Digital medical cards carry several benefits over printed ones

  • It’s always with you since you’re unlikely to forget your phone
  • Data is easy to update (e.g. new medications, contact changes) without the need to re-print or carry extra paperwork
  • Pertinent information is easily accessible to first responders even if phone is locked (not your messages, photos, private data)

Modern smartphones nearly always include a built-in “Medical ID” or “Emergency Info” feature, and a few third-party apps can expand that.

Set Up Built-in Medical / Emergency ID on a Phone

On iPhone (iOS):

  • To set up your Medical ID on an iPhone, open the built-in Health app, then tap profile, then Medical ID.
  • Fill in key fields including date of birth, medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type, emergency contacts, organ-donor status, if desired.
  • Make sure to enable “Show When Locked” (so Medical ID is visible even when phone is locked).

You can also enable “Share During Emergency Call” if so that if you call 911, your Medical ID may be securely transmitted to first responders without you having to take any extra action. 

On Android phones:

  • Many Android phones have a built-in “Emergency Info” or “Medical Info” section that you can access by going into your Settings, then Safety and Emergency or Emergency Info.
  • Fill in similar details to those listed in the iOS Medical ID section such as allergies, medical conditions, blood type, medications, emergency contacts, etc.
  • Make sure any “Show on Lock Screen” or “Emergency Info visible from lock screen” toggle is turned on (if available).

Although built-in features cover most needs, there are apps that offer additional features, such as Medical ID for Android, which lets you store detailed medical profiles, emergency contacts, medications, and more, and can add a widget or lock-screen shortcut for quick access.

What First Responders Can (and Can’t) See

  • First responders and medical teams can’t just log into your phone and see all your data.
  • Whether iPhone or Android, first responders or bystanders can tap “Emergency” on the lock screen, then “Medical ID,” and see only the medical and emergency information you have entered in your medical profile. They will not have access to texts, emails, photos, or other private data behind the lock.
  • By enabling the “share during emergency call” feature within the phone’s medical ID settings, the phone may send the information to emergency services automatically during a 911 call on supported devices and in supported locations.

Keep Your Information Updated

  • Medical conditions and medications change, so it’s a good practice to make sure your information stays up to date.
  • Make sure to check and update your information regularly, whether on an annual schedule or even after every doctor appointment.
  • If you’re the “tech wizard” of your family, consider setting up the emergency information on your loved ones’ phones so that they are protected if they ever need to dial 911 from their cell.
  • And, though the digital ID is convenient, if your battery dies or your phone is lost, a physical card or note with critical medical data is still a good backup to keep in a wallet or on the fridge.

Make sure to share this article with a friend or family member who might not realize this simple step can make a big difference.

With a few minutes now, you can make sure first responders or even family have the critical information needed to get you the help you need as fast as possible.

Understanding WiFi Signal Strength and Tips for Better Coverage
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Understanding WiFi Signal Strength and Tips for Better Coverage

Even with fast fiber internet, many people still struggle with weak WiFi, dead zones, or slow speeds in certain rooms. Walls, distance, old devices, and furniture can affect how well your wireless connection performs.

Your fiber connection brings high-speed internet to your home, and then your WiFi router is what distributes that connection wirelessly to your devices. Once the internet leaves the router and travels through your home as a radio signal, many different factors can affect how strong or weak it becomes. Once you understand the cause of weak WiFi, the fixes become much clearer.

What WiFi Signal Strength Really Means

WiFi works by sending out radio waves from the router. These waves spread outward and lose strength over distance. When people say they have a “weak signal,” it usually means their device is too far from the router or the signal is being blocked by walls, ceilings, appliances, or other obstacles.

A strong WiFi signal does not guarantee maximum speed, but it is an indicator that the connection between your device and the router is clear and steady. A weak signal usually leads to slow loading times and buffering videos, difficulty connecting smart home devices, poor video call quality, or dropped connections altogether.

Your home may receive fast speeds, but if your WiFi signal is weakened as it reaches your device, you’re not getting the full experience for which you are paying.

Your Home May Weaken Your Signal

Your WiFi signal loses strength as it tries to pass through certain common building and household materials. Some materials absorb the signal, some reflect it, and others scatter it:

  • Wood or drywall: Low impact
  • Brick or stone: Medium impact
  • Concrete: High impact
  • Metal pipes or ductwork: High impact
  • Metal surfaces: Very high impact
  • Mirrors or reflective surfaces: Can bounce the signal away

This is why some homes, especially older homes with thicker walls or narrower layouts, have inconsistent coverage. Furniture, large appliances, or a closed door can make a noticeable difference.

Distance also matters. Even a strong router has limits. A WiFi signal is often strongest within 25 to 30 feet. After that, the signal drops quickly and exponentially, especially if it has to pass through walls.

Interference From Other Devices

WiFi shares airspace with many everyday devices. Some use similar frequencies, which can clutter the wireless environment and make your signal weak:

  • Baby monitors
  • Older Bluetooth devices
  • Garage door openers
  • Microwaves
  • Cordless phones
  • Smart appliances
  • Old electrical wiring and systems: Electronics and wiring that do not use WiFi can still create noise in the same frequency range.

Connect with Good Quality Devices

Many customers assume their internet network is slow when the real issue is the device connected to it making the WiFi signal weak. Older phones, tablets, laptops, security cameras, and smart home gadgets often have weaker wireless chips and slower network capabilities. These devices cannot fully use the speeds delivered by fiber internet.

If you’re running a speed test on a five-year-old laptop, or even a cheaper laptop with a low-quality wireless chip, you’ll likely not be able to experience the speeds other devices can when connected to the same network at the same location in the home.

Older devices may also disconnect easily, causing delays for other devices on your network. Upgrading a few key devices can make your WiFi stronger when nothing else changes.

Understanding Multi-Device Households

Homes today rely on more wireless devices than ever. A single family may have multiple:

  • Phones and watches
  • Smart TVs
  • Tablets and laptops
  • Video doorbells
  • Security systems
  • Smart thermostats
  • Gaming systems
  • Smart plugs and bulbs

Even small households may run 10 to 20 connected devices without realizing it. Older routers that don’t offer “multibands” (meaning both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands) often struggle to keep up because every device shares the same WiFi signal. Newer routers are designed to handle many devices at once. They use updated WiFi technology that helps each device communicate with the router more efficiently. This can make a big difference in homes with many smart devices.

Ways to Improve Your Home WiFi Performance

After understanding what affects WiFi signal strength, the next step is knowing what you can do about it. Better placement, newer equipment, and sometimes additional devices can help extend your signal so you can enjoy the speed for which you are paying. Below are five solutions that work well in most situations.

Use Modern WiFi Equipment
If your router is older than four or five years, it may not support current WiFi technology. Newer routers provide stronger, more reliable coverage, and can handle many devices at once. CITYNET Fiber Internet customers receive a top-not router for free as part of their service. Not only do you get great performance from your CITYNET router, but you also get great customer support. Our Support Team can remotely identify issues and work to resolve them.

Improve Router Placement
Small changes can significantly strengthen WiFi signal strength in nearby rooms. Place the router in a central part of the house, off the floor, away from metal appliances, and outside of cabinets, closets, or closed rooms.

Reduce Interference
Move the router away from:

  • Microwaves
  • Large mirrors
  • Cordless phones
  • Baby monitors
  • Cluttered shelves – A clear space helps the signal travel more freely

Know What Devices Are Slowing You Down
Check for older or low-quality devices that may be dragging down the network.

Consider a Mesh WiFi System
A mesh WiFi system uses multiple small access points to cover your whole home. This is ideal for:

  • Large homes
  • Multi-story homes
  • Homes with thick walls
  • Homes with far-apart rooms

Mesh WiFi provides seamless coverage so you can move throughout your home without losing connection.

CITYNET offers fast fiber internet with high-performance WiFi routers included for free with any of our plans. CITYNET customers have access to our free WiFi management app (on most plans) for maximum control and performance. Plus, CITYNET customers also have access to around-the-clock support from our expert support team to answer any questions or help diagnose any WiFi network issues. Not a CITNET Fiber Internet customer yet? GET STARTED TODAY!

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Small IT Team, Big Responsibility: How Managed Services Fill the Gaps
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Small IT Team, Big Responsibility: How Managed Services Fill the Gaps

For many small and mid-sized organizations, IT responsibility rests on the shoulders of one or just a few people. These teams are expected to keep systems running, users productive, data secure, and technology aligned with business goals.

It’s a tall order.

As technology becomes more complex and threats more persistent, small IT teams are being asked to do more than ever before, often without the time, tools, or coverage they need. This is where managed IT services play a critical supporting role.

The Reality of Small IT Teams Today

In many organizations, internal IT teams are responsible for:

  • Network uptime and performance
  • Cybersecurity and patch management
  • User support and onboarding
  • Backup, disaster recovery, and compliance
  • After-hours and emergency response

That’s a full-scale IT operation, often handled by one or two people.

Even the most capable IT professionals can’t be everywhere at once, and when priorities compete, critical tasks like monitoring, documentation, and long-term planning are often the first to fall behind.

Where the Gaps Start to Appear

IT gaps don’t usually show up all at once. They build quietly over time.

Common pressure points include:

  • Limited after-hours or weekend coverage
  • Delayed patches and updates
  • Inconsistent monitoring of systems and alerts
  • Security tasks competing with daily user support
  • Burnout from being “always on”

These gaps don’t reflect a lack of skill. They reflect a lack of bandwidth.

Why Managed IT Services Aren’t About Replacement

One of the biggest misconceptions about managed services is that they replace internal IT teams.

In reality, the most effective model is often co-managed IT, where managed services fill in the gaps while internal staff stay in control of strategy, users, and business priorities.

Managed IT services can support, not supplant, your existing team by handling:

  • 24/7 network and system monitoring
  • Routine patching and maintenance
  • Alerting and escalation before issues become outages
  • Backup oversight and disaster recovery readiness
  • Security monitoring and response

This allows internal IT staff to focus on higher-value work instead of constant firefighting.

The Cybersecurity Burden on Small Teams

Cybersecurity has become one of the heaviest responsibilities for small IT teams.

Threats are no longer limited to large enterprises. Ransomware, phishing, and credential-based attacks routinely target organizations with limited defenses—often exploiting unpatched systems or missed alerts.

Managed IT services help reduce risk by:

  • Monitoring systems continuously
  • Applying security updates consistently
  • Identifying suspicious activity early
  • Supporting incident response when needed

This layered approach strengthens security without overwhelming internal staff.

Why Coverage Matters as Much as Capability

Even the best IT team can’t monitor systems around the clock.

Without 24/7 visibility:

  • Issues may escalate overnight or over weekends
  • Alerts can go unseen for hours
  • Small problems can become major disruptions

Managed services provide continuous oversight, ensuring that problems are identified and addressed, whether they occur at noon or midnight.

The Business Benefits of Filling the Gaps

When managed IT services supplement internal teams, businesses often see:

  • Fewer unplanned outages
  • Faster issue resolution
  • Improved system performance and reliability
  • Reduced stress on IT staff
  • Better alignment between IT and business goals

Just as importantly, IT becomes proactive rather than reactive and focused on improvement rather than interruption.

Is Your IT Team Carrying Too Much?

Ask these questions:

  • Does your IT staff handle both strategic projects and daily troubleshooting?
  • Are updates, patches, and monitoring delayed due to a lack of time?
  • Is after-hours coverage limited or inconsistent?
  • Is cybersecurity one responsibility among many, rather than a dedicated focus?

If so, managed IT services may help restore balance without disrupting your existing team.

A Smarter Way to Support IT

Technology works best when it’s supported by the right mix of people, processes, and proactive oversight.

At Citynet, we work alongside internal IT teams to strengthen coverage, reduce risk, and ensure systems stay reliable, working alongside those who know your business best.

Let Citynet be a critical part of your team and your success. Call us at 800.881.2638 to start the conversation.

Reactive IT vs Proactive IT: The Hidden Cost of Downtime for Small Businesses
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Reactive IT vs Proactive IT: The Hidden Cost of Downtime for Small Businesses

For small and mid-sized businesses, reactive IT support often leads to unexpected downtime, lost productivity, and higher long-term costs—especially when compared to proactive managed IT services.

Most organizations don’t think about their IT systems until something stops working. But in today’s always-connected business environment, waiting for problems to appear before addressing them can quietly undermine operations, customer trust, and growth.

The True Cost of IT Downtime for Small Businesses

Downtime is rarely just an inconvenience. It carries real, and often hidden, costs.

When systems go down:

  • Employees are unable to work efficiently
  • Customer service slows or stops
  • Sales and revenue opportunities are delayed
  • Leadership shifts from strategy to crisis response

Even short outages can have outsized effects on small businesses, where resources are already stretched thin. Over time, recurring disruptions erode confidence, morale, and momentum.

Reactive IT vs Proactive IT: A Model Built for Yesterday

Reactive IT, often called break/fix IT, follows a simple pattern:

  • Something breaks
  • Someone notices
  • A ticket is submitted
  • IT responds

By the time action is taken, the disruption has already occurred.

This model assumes problems will be obvious and quickly reported. In reality, many issues degrade performance quietly long before they cause a full outage, and those warning signs are easy to miss without continuous monitoring.

What Proactive Managed IT Does Differently

Proactive managed IT services take a preventative approach. Instead of waiting for failures, systems are:

  • Continuously monitored 24/7
  • Patched and updated on a regular schedule
  • Flagged when performance degrades—not when it stops
  • Addressed before users are impacted

This approach significantly reduces:

  • Unplanned downtime
  • Emergency repair costs
  • After-hours disruption
  • Security risks caused by outdated systems

In many cases, issues are resolved before employees even realize there was a potential problem.

Common Causes of IT Downtime in Small Businesses

Understanding what causes downtime is the first step toward preventing it.

Common contributors include:

  • Unpatched software and operating systems
  • Aging or failing network hardware
  • Internet and VoIP service interruptions
  • Lack of 24/7 system monitoring
  • Security incidents such as ransomware

Without proactive oversight, these issues tend to surface only after they begin impacting operations.

Downtime and Cybersecurity Are Closely Linked

Downtime is often a symptom of deeper issues, particularly security gaps.

Unmonitored systems, missed patches, and misconfigurations create opportunities for cyber threats that can disrupt operations or compromise sensitive data. A reactive IT model doesn’t just increase downtime; it increases exposure.

Proactive managed IT helps reduce risk by identifying vulnerabilities early and addressing them before they escalate into business-threatening events.

Why Local Managed IT Support Matters

When issues do arise, response time and accountability matter.

Working with a local managed services provider offers key advantages:

  • Faster response and resolution
  • Familiarity with your network environment
  • Real people who understand your business
  • Support that extends beyond normal business hours

For businesses across West Virginia and the surrounding region, having local expertise paired with proactive monitoring can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a major disruption.

Signs Your Business Is Still Using Reactive IT Support

Ask yourself:

  • Do problems usually come to light through employee complaints?
  • Are updates and patches handled inconsistently or only after issues arise?
  • Is IT support limited after hours or on weekends?
  • Does downtime feel “normal” rather than preventable?

If so, your IT model may be holding your business back.

From Firefighting to Forward-Thinking IT

Technology should support your business, not interrupt it.

Moving from reactive IT to proactive managed IT services helps reduce downtime, improve reliability, and provide peace of mind. It allows your team to focus on growth and customers instead of constant troubleshooting.

At Citynet, we believe IT works best when it’s proactive, dependable, and invisible, so your business stays focused, productive, and secure.

Get started with proactive network management and security today. Call us at 800.881.2638.