Jim Jamieson of Atlantic IT Solutions Shares Valuable Insights at OCBA
At a recent Ocean County Business Association (OCBA) lunch meeting, Jim Jamieson, Director of Sales for Atlantic IT Solutions, delivered an eye-opening presentation about cybersecurity threats facing small and midsize businesses—and what can be done to prevent them.
Based in Toms River, Atlantic IT Solutions is a managed IT services company offering network protection, cybersecurity monitoring, cloud solutions, data backup, and helpdesk support.
The company is owned by Bob Garrison, a Toms River native who started the business over 15 years ago. Today, Atlantic IT Solutions supports more than 400 clients across New Jersey and nationwide.
Why Cybersecurity Should Matter to Every Business
Jim opened with a startling statistic: Cybercrime is now a $57 billion industry, and it’s growing fast. Malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks don’t just affect big corporations—they hit local businesses just as hard.
Jim detailed how cyberattacks typically unfold in six stages:
- A phishing email sneaks in disguised as a familiar sender.
- A user clicks the link, installing malware.
- The attacker silently collects data from the infected system.
- Personal, financial, and login information is sold on the dark web.
- The attacker learns who the key decision-makers are in the business.
- They strike with ransomware—crippling operations, locking files, and demanding money.
In one case, a local nonprofit healthcare provider was forced to shut down within three months after an attack left them without access to patient records, prescriptions, or insurance data. “They didn’t even know where to pick up with people’s therapy,” Jim said. “They were done.”
And here’s the kicker: most businesses that get hit aren’t able to recover.
The High Cost of Inaction
Jim emphasized that cyber insurance is not enough. “Cyber insurance is reactive—it only kicks in after the damage is done,” he explained. “We’re focused on proactive protection.”
Among the most common vulnerabilities are:
- Using free email domains like Gmail, AOL, or Yahoo
- Failing to implement multi-factor authentication
- Running outdated systems (Windows 10 support ends October 15, 2025)
- Weak VPN or remote access protection
- Hosting business email through low-security providers like GoDaddy
According to Jim, 4 out of 5 small to mid-sized businesses (1 to 1,000 employees) are targets—and one in ten is likely already compromised without knowing it.
What Atlantic IT Solutions Offers
They offer a full suite of managed IT services:
- 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring
- Proactive ransomware protection
- Data backup and recovery
- Email and domain security
- End-user tech support
- Network management
- Vulnerability assessments
What sets them apart?
- No long-term contracts – They believe their results speak for themselves.
- Flat monthly pricing – No hidden fees or surprise charges.
- Unlimited support – Phone and remote support is included.
- Onsite visits – Free and fast when needed.
- Transparent, local service – Their technicians are based right here in Toms River.
Jim and his team also perform complimentary vulnerability scans for new clients, often revealing serious system gaps. “We’re not here to scare people,” Jim said. “We’re here to help local businesses stay protected, because we live here too.”
A Personal Approach
Jim’s passion for protecting local businesses was clear. As a lifelong Toms River resident and Toms River North graduate, he understands the stakes for small business owners. “You work your tail off to build something. Why wouldn’t you protect it?”
He described Atlantic IT’s team as “system administrator engineers” – not generic help desk staff, but experienced pros who give clients their direct phone numbers. “If your system is under attack, you don’t have time to open a support ticket and wait.”
What You Can Do Right Now
Jim offered several easy steps that every business should take:
- Get off public email domains (Gmail, AOL, etc.)
- Use multi-factor authentication for email and logins
- Replace outdated operating systems before support ends
- Ensure your remote access tools are secure
- Schedule a vulnerability scan—even if you think you’re protected
And if you’re a local business in Ocean County, Atlantic IT Solutions is offering 50% off your first month’s subscription to OCBA members and readers when you mention this article.
Get in Touch with Atlantic IT Solutions
OCBA is proud to feature members like Jim Jamieson and businesses like Atlantic IT Solutions—professionals who are helping to keep Ocean County’s business community safe, secure, and thriving.
Interested in joining us? Request a guest ticket to attend an upcoming lunch meeting and see what OCBA is all about.