Author: Samuel French

Samuel is the other founding member of Music City Technology. Although he shares many roles with Ryan, Samuel focuses mostly on technical planning and project execution. His attention to detail is often seen throughout Music City Technology’s technical documentation. Outside of his traditional IT responsibilities, Samuel also heads up any media or design tasks that trickle in from time to time. (like this website) When he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, Samuel likes to catch up with friends over video games. He is the resident polymath. Although all his favorite and most consistent pastime is learning new skills, his wife would say, his hobbies change with the wind.

Categories
Posts

3 IT Essentials

3 IT Best Practices

Every Organization Should Follow

Every organization is a potential target for cyberattacks. Owners and managers often believe they operate “under the radar,” yet attackers simply hunt for the easiest opening, no matter the company name on the door.

Committing to three straightforward IT habits keeps operations humming, and data intact.

1. Keep Every System Current

Updates are not about shiny new buttons; they are the fastest way to slam shut security holes that attackers scan for daily. Operating systems, productivity suites, security tools, even that quirky invoicing app Terry in finance adores—if it touches your network, it needs current patches. Turn on automatic updates wherever vendors allow, and calendar a quarterly review for anything that still demands manual attention. A five-minute reboot beats a five-day outage that turns your week into a campfire story for the industry.

2. Back Up What You Cannot Afford to Lose

A backup you cannot restore is just an expensive paperweight. Build a plan that copies critical data every day, ships a second copy offsite or to a secure cloud, and proves itself by restoring files during a scheduled test. When ransomware locks the accounting drive or a rogue sprinkler system reenacts Niagara Falls inside the server room, the team is back online before the coffee gets cold and the CEO starts practicing breathing exercises.

3. Stack Your Defenses

One password is no longer a barrier; it is a welcome mat with fresh cookies. Anchor the network with a business-grade firewall, keep endpoint protection running on every laptop and server, and require a second form of verification before anyone touches financial or customer systems. Add ongoing security-awareness sessions so employees recognize the latest “urgent invoice” phishing lure that arrives minutes before quitting time. Layered controls turn a single cracked credential into a dead end instead of a front-row seat to your proprietary data on the dark web.

These habits are not exotic; they are the minimum ticket to reliable operations. Music City Technology designs, implements, and monitors these controls so leaders can focus on revenue, not reboots, and sleep like they actually turned the office lights off.

Get a Call Back

or enter your contact information here

Address: 13085 Lebanon Rd. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM – 5:00PM CST

Phone: 615-200-8045

Email: [email protected]

Categories
Services

Security Awareness & Phishing Simulations

Security Awareness Training

& Phishing Simulations

Protect your business by empowering your team to recognize and prevent cyber threats with Security Awareness Training powered by uSecure. This service delivers straightforward, automated training and phishing tests designed to lower your risk from human error.

Click here

To download our Human Risk Management overview. 

Learn how we protect from social engineering and risks that come with the people in your organization

What You Get
  • Tailored training focused on each user’s unique risk profile
  • Automated weekly phishing simulations to reinforce learning
  • Easy-to-understand reports tracking progress and compliance
  • Cloud-based delivery with no software installs required
How It Works

We handle setup quickly, typically under an hour per phishing campaign. Your users receive ongoing, scheduled training and testing with minimal interruption to daily operations. Our Managed Services team monitors results and supports you every step of the way.

Many clients start with simple phishing simulation campaigns first to collect baseline data and become comfortable with the process. Over time, they expand into comprehensive training resources and detailed reporting to strengthen their security culture based on the insights gained.

Why It Matters

With Music City Technology, security is part of your ongoing IT strategy. Our proactive Managed Services team works quietly behind the scenes to protect you. You’ll get seamless integration with your current systems and flexible plans that fit your business size, needs, and budget.

If you want to see how it works or get a quote, just reach us using one of the methods below. We have great overview videos and demos we can share that show all these features in action.

Get a Call Back

or enter your contact information here

Address: 13085 Lebanon Rd. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM – 5:00PM CST

Phone: 615-200-8045

Email: [email protected]

Categories
Posts

What is a CVE?

What is a CVE?

I'll take "Cyber Security" for $1000 Alex

Cybersecurity issues are stacking up fast. New software flaws show up every day, and they can leave your business exposed. Most small businesses do not have someone on hand to keep an eye out for these problems.

If you are handling your computers and security by yourself, it’s easy to miss something important. That is where we help.

Music City Technology is built for businesses without a large IT team. We handle your technology and cybersecurity so you do not have to wonder if you are safe.

This article covers one of the main risks right now: security holes in software you already rely on.

What Is a Vulnerability and Why Should You Care?

A vulnerability is a flaw in software or hardware that could let hackers in. When one of these flaws is found, it’s given a tracking number called a CVE. That stands for “Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures.” Think of a CVE as a public label that says, “This problem exists and needs to be fixed.”

Experts around the world track these CVEs. When a new one is found, it’s added to a global database so software companies can fix it and security teams can prepare. But here’s the issue: Hackers can see these updates too. Many of them start attacking before most people get around to installing the fix.

And this isn’t rare. On average, over 100 new CVEs are reported every single day.

Here’s Why You Should Pay Attention

Most small and mid-size companies don’t have the time or support to keep up. That’s exactly what attackers are counting on.

Some facts you should know:

  • 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses
  • 60% of businesses hit by a big attack shut down within six months
  • 95% of breaches happen because someone made a mistake, like clicking a bad link or using a weak password
  • Only 14% of small businesses say they’re actually prepared for a cyberattack
  • The average cost of a breach for a small business is about $25,000

These problems aren’t just happening to others. They’re common. And they’re expensive.

How These Flaws Get Discovered and Used

Here’s how it usually works:

  • Researchers or software vendors find a flaw
  • If it’s serious, it gets a CVE number and gets listed in a public database
  • Security tools and software companies try to fix it quickly
  • In the meantime, attackers scan the internet looking for systems that haven’t been patched yet

It usually takes less than a week from the time a CVE is published until attackers try to use it. So the clock starts ticking fast and many small organizations can’t act that quickly.

The 3 BIG Problems Unique To SMBs

Small businesses often have three big problems when it comes to cybersecurity:

  • Full-time IT or cyber security staff isn’t in the budget
  • They rely on lots of online tools and services, which increases the number of ways attackers can get in
  • They don’t have time to keep systems fully updated and patched

This creates the perfect storm: more risk, slower response, and far less support.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Business

Some of the most effective steps are also the most overlooked:

  • Train your team on basic cybersecurity habits

MCT offers security awareness training to meet your business where it’s at. Ask us about how to make your team more resilient.

  •  Keep your devices and systems updated regularly

Not only do we keep our clients software and hardware updated, we’ve built out policies unique to each client that ensures that updates are applied ASAP. No more waiting for the next maintenance cycle. If your IT provider still has you on a “Monthly Maintenance” schedule for security patching, tell them to get with the times.

3. Use good tools for detecting suspicious activity

Every computer, network, and end user is unique. MCT uses a blend of different tools and reporting that all work together to provide the best insight and fill in the gaps that a single assessment tool might miss.

4. Don’t assume insurance will fix everything. Prevention still matters.

It’s important to remember that we wouldn’t have a business without customers. Can your customers trust that their private information is protected?

You’ve already got enough on your plate. You don’t have time to chase security updates or dig through technical reports. That’s where Music City Technology comes in.

We handle your IT and security in the background, keeping things updated, protected, and running like they should. No extra work for you. No full-time IT department needed. Just steady, reliable coverage so you can stay focused on your business.

Picture of Samuel French
Samuel French
Get a Call Back

or enter your contact information here

Address: 13085 Lebanon Rd. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM – 5:00PM CST

Phone: 615-200-8045

Email: [email protected]

sources

Categories
Job Openings

IT Support Specialist – Tier 3

IT Support Specialist - Tier 3

aka Client Support Engineer 3

Music City Technology is hiring a full-time Client Support Engineer 3 to support our growing client base. We provide remote support to clients nationwide, but occasional onsite support may be needed for our Middle Tennessee customers. This role is a great fit for someone with a strong technical foundation and a desire to grow in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

  • Provide remote IT support to clients across the country

  • Offer onsite support to local customers in Middle Tennessee as needed

  • Handle complex support requests involving workstations, cloud services, networks, and security

  • Actively participate in ticket triage by monitoring and assigning new help desk tickets during assigned shifts

  • Ensure adherence to phone coverage standards within MCT’s help desk ring groups

  • Take ownership of support tickets and follow them through to resolution with detailed documentation

  • Respond to automated alerts and perform proactive diagnostics

  • Collaborate with technical staff, assist with project and back-office work, and support team members when needed

  • Escalate issues responsibly, and lead resolution efforts when applicable

  • Participate in training, internal knowledge sharing, and on-call rotation

Required Qualifications

  • 3 or more years of professional IT support, help desk, or MSP experience

  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Windows Server, and remote support tools

  • Strong understanding of networking concepts including IP, DNS, VPN, firewalls, and VLANs

  • Familiarity with full network stacks, including routing, switching, and wireless

  • Experience with domain registrars and managing DNS records

  • Working knowledge of security best practices for endpoint, network, and cloud environments

  • Experience with backup configurations and disaster recovery solutions

  • Experience with cloud services and VPS environments, with Azure preferred

  • Hands-on experience with virtualization platforms such as Hyper-V or VMware

  • Comfortable working independently and guiding less-experienced team members

  • Based in Middle Tennessee with reliable transportation

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and assist with physical installations as needed. This includes proficiency with hand tools for mounting equipment, basic cable testing and troubleshooting, safe use of power tools, and occasional work from ladders.

  • Strong documentation, communication, and client-facing skills

Our Culture

We believe a respectful and supportive environment sets the tone for great work. Technical skills matter, but just as important is how we present ourselves, communicate, and support one another.

Here’s what you can expect from our team culture:

  • We expect team members to carry themselves in a way their mom would be proud of. That means being mindful of how we speak, how we dress, and how we treat others, both in the workplace and out in the world. We keep things respectful, and that includes keeping our language clean.

  • We believe consistency matters. The way we work, speak, and represent the company during business hours should line up with how we carry ourselves outside of work.

  • We don’t cut corners. We do what’s right, even when it takes more effort, and we always keep the success of our clients at the center of what we do.

  • We value honesty, humility, and dependability. We communicate clearly and approach our work with a mindset of service.

Interview Process

  1. Scheduling Call (5 minute screening call to confirm contact information)
  2. Preliminary Interview (15-30 minute in Zoom meeting)
  3. Technical Interview (30 minute Zoom meeting with technical staff and skill assessment)
  4. In-Person meeting (discuss formalities, answer questions, and scheduling onboarding)

How to Apply:

To apply for any of our current openings, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you want to work with MCT to [email protected] or use the form below.

Categories
Job Openings

IT Support Specialist – Tier 2​

IT Support Specialist - Tier 2

aka Client Support Engineer 2

Music City Technology is hiring a full-time Client Support Engineer 2 to support our growing client base. We provide remote support to clients nationwide, but occasional onsite support may be needed for our Middle Tennessee customers. This role is a great fit for someone with a strong technical foundation and a desire to grow in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

  • Provide remote IT support to clients across the country

  • Offer onsite support to local customers in Middle Tennessee as needed

  • Troubleshoot workstation, network, printer, and software issues

  • Actively participate in ticket triage by monitoring and assigning new help desk tickets during assigned shifts

  • Ensure adherence to phone coverage standards within MCT’s help desk ring groups

  • Take ownership of support tickets and follow them through to resolution with detailed documentation

  • Respond to automated alerts and perform proactive diagnostics

  • Collaborate with technical staff and assist with project and back-office work as needed

  • Escalate responsibly while using each opportunity to learn

  • Participate in training, internal knowledge sharing, and on-call rotation

Required Qualifications

  • 1 to 3 years of professional IT support or help desk experience

  • Working knowledge of Windows OS, macOS, Microsoft 365, and common business applications

  • Basic understanding of networking (IP, DNS, VPN, firewalls)

  • Based in Middle Tennessee with reliable transportation

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and assist with physical installations as needed

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Our Culture

We believe a respectful and supportive environment sets the tone for great work. Technical skills matter, but just as important is how we present ourselves, communicate, and support one another.

Here’s what you can expect from our team culture:

  • We expect team members to carry themselves in a way their mom would be proud of. That means being mindful of how we speak, how we dress, and how we treat others, both in the workplace and out in the world. We keep things respectful, and that includes keeping our language clean.

  • We believe consistency matters. The way we work, speak, and represent the company during business hours should line up with how we carry ourselves outside of work.

  • We don’t cut corners. We do what’s right, even when it takes more effort, and we always keep the success of our clients at the center of what we do.

  • We value honesty, humility, and dependability. We communicate clearly and approach our work with a mindset of service.

Interview Process

  1. Scheduling Call (5 minute screening call to confirm contact information)
  2. Preliminary Interview (15-30 minute in Zoom meeting)
  3. Technical Interview (30 minute Zoom meeting with technical staff and skill assessment)
  4. In-Person meeting (discuss formalities, answer questions, and scheduling onboarding)

How to Apply:

To apply for any of our current openings, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you want to work with MCT to [email protected] or use the form below.

Categories
Posts

Ready to Scale?​ make sure your IT is too

Ready to Scale?

make sure your IT is too

why you need IT built for growth

Modern, scalable IT is more than just buying extra hardware or additional licenses. It requires a proactive and strategic approach to infrastructure, cybersecurity, access control, licensing, and data protection. All of these components must work together to support growth without disrupting your business operations.

Did you know?

  • 85% of small and mid-sized businesses feel confident about growth in 2025. However, nearly six in ten expect operational challenges such as staffing limitations and technology constraints.
  • 89% of newer SMBs consider technology a critical factor for business success.
  • Despite the optimism, only 32% of SMB leaders believe their IT systems are fully prepared to support future growth.

This disconnect often results in downtime, rushed upgrades, and unplanned expenses.

the real cost of not planning ahead

Waiting until a problem surfaces before addressing IT needs can be a costly mistake. Studies show:

  • The average cost of IT downtime is about $5,600 per minute for small and midsize businesses.

  • For larger organizations, this number can soar to over $9,000 per minute.

Even a short outage can lead to major losses in revenue and productivity. Additional hidden costs include customer dissatisfaction and operational inefficiencies.

how we make IT an advantage

At MCT, we help clients scale by creating IT systems built for the future. Rather than reacting to problems, we ask key questions upfront to align your technology with your growth strategy:

  • What does your team look like now, and how do you expect it to grow?

  • Are your current network and cloud systems capable of supporting additional users or new locations?

  • How would your systems handle rapid changes, such as doubling your staff?

our services are designed to keep your business moving forward

with solutions that include:

  • Standardized hardware and networks across multiple sites

  • Centralized account and access management for efficient employee onboarding and offboarding

  • Scalable licensing plans that grow with your team

  • Comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, including firewalls, threat monitoring, and regular system patching

  • High-reliability infrastructure that helps reduce downtime and ensures business continuity

Our priority remains the same for every client. We help you grow smoothly by eliminating unnecessary friction in your tech environment.

If your business is scaling, this is the right time to evaluate your IT infrastructure. Waiting until after the fact can lead to rework, emergency expenses, and lost chances to move ahead efficiently.

MCT helps businesses avoid these pitfalls by designing flexible, future-ready systems from the start. That means saving time, reducing costs, and avoiding stress.

At Music City Technology, we make your IT an asset, not an obstacle. Our systems grow with your business, so you won’t face surprise expenses or need to start over every time you expand.

Contact us today to discuss your business goals and how we can support your growth with scalable, reliable technology.

Picture of Samuel French
Samuel French
Get a Call Back

or enter your contact information here

Address: 13085 Lebanon Rd. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM – 5:00PM CST

Phone: 615-200-8045

Email: [email protected]

sources

  • Corpay 2025 SMB Outlook Report

  • Vistage CEO Confidence Index, June 2025

  • Constant Contact Small Business Trends 2025

  • ITIC 2025 Global Server Reliability Report

  • MovanTech, Scalable IT Infrastructure Report, 2025

  • Gartner: Cost of Downtime 2025 (via V2Systems)

  • Folio3 2025 Guide to Scalable Infrastructure

  • Jones IT Best Practices for IT Modernization

Categories
Posts

Managed IT with Manners

Southern Fried IT

Managed IT with Manners

Just having the technical chops to get the job done is important. But over the years, I’ve learned that having personable IT staff makes a world of difference. When you’re choosing an IT provider, you want someone who understands more than just the technology. They also need to understand how your team communicates and what kind of culture you’ve built.

People left New York and California chasing lower taxes, better weather (among other things), but they stayed because the culture here values respect, boundaries, and doing right by one another. Saying what you’ll do, doing what you say, showing up on time, calling ahead, and setting clear expectations. Those things matter. They’ve become rare in service based industries, but for us they’re non-negotiable.

Why not work with a company that delivers solid results and makes the experience easy? The right partner helps keep things running smoothly while making IT seamless.

There’s no shortage of smart folks in IT. Most managed service providers can fix a computer, set up email, and install software. That’s the baseline. But around here, doing the job right isn’t just about the technical outcome. It’s about how you treat folks along the way. I believe IT should come with manners. Folks still expect eye contact, follow-through, and a little humility. 

Ryan Anderson and I both grew up here in Middle Tennessee, and we carry that upbringing into how we run our business. It’s a pretty simple concept, serve people the way we’d want to be served, whether it’s a small business down the road or a growing company looking for dependable support. That might look like sending over a “thank you” box of sweets around the holidays, or following up with a client after a vendor meeting when something doesn’t sit right. 

In fact, There have been times we’ve decided to call back a customer afterward just to say, “Look, this doesn’t impact MCT either way, but that guy on the conference call does not have your best interest at heart.”

We’ve certainly been on the receiving end of a hard sell, and we think it’s worth speaking up. You don’t have to be technical to tell when someone’s in your corner. And most folks, especially business owners, don’t have time to second guess the people they trust to manage their technology. That’s why we’ve built Music City Technology around relationships, not transactions. Our clients are people first, not ticket numbers. We try to make working with us feel like calling on a neighbor.

We’ll tell you what we’d do if it were our business. Because at the end of the day, the trust you place in us is more valuable than a better margin with a worse solution. When you choose an IT partner, you’re trusting someone to step in when things go sideways. Or better yet, prevent it. You’re relying on them to be proactive, honest, and responsive…not just competent.

If you’re looking for a new IT partner, need help with a one-off project, or just want to talk through what’s next for your business, we’re always happy to have a conversation. No pressure. No jargon. Just honest advice from folks who care.

If that sounds like something you’d appreciate, give us a call at 615-200-8045 and someone will make sure it gets to me. Or visit musiccitytechnology.com and hit the “GET A CALL BACK” button below. Just drop in your number, and I’ll call you back.

Picture of Samuel French
Samuel French
Get a Call Back

or enter your contact information here

Address: 13085 Lebanon Rd. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM – 5:00PM CST

Phone: 615-200-8045

Email: [email protected]

Categories
Uncategorized

Current Job Openings

Current Job Openings

IT Support Specialist – Tier 3

This is a senior full-time help desk position for experienced technicians with 3 or more years of IT support or MSP experience. Tier 3 techs handle complex support issues, guide junior team members, and contribute to higher-level projects and infrastructure support. The role is primarily remote, with occasional onsite visits for local clients. Strong troubleshooting skills, technical depth, and leadership mindset are key.

Read More »

IT Support Specialist – Tier 2​

This is a full-time, hybrid help desk role ideal for someone with 1 to 3 years of IT support experience. The position focuses on remote support for clients across the U.S., with occasional onsite visits in Middle Tennessee. Tier 2 techs are expected to handle day-to-day support tickets, participate in triage and alert response, and work collaboratively with the team while continuing to grow their technical skill set.

Read More »
Categories
Posts

2023 Letter

2023 Update

Better Late Than Never

Whew! It seems like this pas year has flown by. I thought it may be fitting to spend a moment to address our existing customers.  We’re proud of what we’ve built thus far and have streamlined our operations in a way that leaves us time and opportunity to grow. We wouldn’t be where we are if it wasn’t for our existing customers so we are taking this extra time and investing it back into our customers. Of course, we are always open to new clients, but our company is comprised of technical staff so perfecting our existing customers IT environment comes first. 

We are also updating and adding new services to our MCT Protect lineup:

  • Improvement plans
  • Account Reviews
  • Server Upgrades (EoL Windows Server 2012)
  • AV to EDR
  • Advanced Email Protection

We are so thankful for the business you’ve given us and always strive to improve where we can. This year we will be making a

MCT is making a big push this year to improve client communication. This will come in the form of more frequent social media and blog posts, in-person account reviews, and periodic “how ya doin’s”. But first things first…a new look! Over the past few years we have gone from home offices, an old farmhouse, and most recently a mixed-use complex. But one thing has stayed the same…paying RENT. We are fortunate to finally have the opportunity to purchase an office and actually call a place home. In the midst of our location change, we’ve also updated our look. With new logos, website, and branded resources we’re aiming to help our existing and future clients by making it easier to know what we do and who we are.

Picture of Samuel French
Samuel French
Give me a call

or enter your contact information here

Address: 13085 Lebanon Rd. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM – 5:00PM CST

Phone: 615-200-8045

Email: [email protected]

Categories
Posts

A Virtual IT Department for your Business

A Virtual IT Department for your Business

Don't worry, we've got it covered!
As a business owner, you know just how crucial it is to have a dependable and efficient tech infrastructure. Whether you’re a small startup or a big corporation, the proper functioning of your hardware and software is key to your success. But managing the tech side of things can be a real headache, especially if you don’t have much IT expertise or resources.

That’s where Music City Technology (MCT) comes in. We’re here to make it easy for you to keep your tech running smoothly, so you can focus on your business. 

We start by getting to know your operations and the equipment you use. Then, our team of expert IT pros will work with you to make sure your Information Technology environment is working optimally.

At MCT, we believe in being proactive, not reactive. That’s why we’ll monitor your hardware and software constantly, updating and maintaining everything so you don’t have to. By catching potential problems early, we can save you time and money in the long run.

And the best part? Our solutions are completely customizable to meet your specific needs. Whether you need help with cloud computing, virtualization, or network security, we’ve got you covered. We want your tech to work for you, not against you.

So if you’re tired of dealing with tech headaches and want to simplify your infrastructure, consider partnering with Music City Technology. Our team is here to make sure your business runs smoothly and stress-free. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what we can do for you!”
Picture of Samuel French
Samuel French

Tired of Reading and want to speak with someone?

Give us a call or enter your contact information here

Address: 13085 Lebanon Rd. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM – 5:00PM CST

Phone: 615-200-8045

Email: [email protected]

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM – 5:00PM CST

Phone: 615-200-8045

Email: [email protected]

Address: 13085 Lebanon Rd. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Copyright © 2025

Website by Scoped Consulting