Computerease

Category: In The Spotlight

INC 5000

INC 5000

INC 5000 Computerease Named to the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies Recognition reflects decades of steady growth, client relationships, and disciplined leadership. March 2026 Computerease has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, a national recognition of sustained business growth and long-term operational performance. The recognition reflects years of steady investment in people, processes, and client relationships as the company has continued to expand its services as a managed IT and cybersecurity provider. The Inc. 5000 list highlights privately held companies across the United States that demonstrate exceptional growth over a multi-year period. The annual ranking has become one of the most recognized benchmarks of entrepreneurial success and business expansion. Many well-known companies appeared on the list during their growth years, including organizations such as GoPro, Chobani, and Intuit. Inclusion on the list reflects not only growth, but the ability to sustain that growth through strong leadership and operational discipline. For Computerease, the recognition represents a long-term approach to building a business rather than short-term momentum. Founded in 1984, the company has spent more than four decades helping small and mid-sized organizations improve operations, strengthen security, and make informed technology decisions. Over that time, growth has come through consistency, investment in its team, and a focus on serving clients well. “Growth in business rarely comes from a single moment. It comes from consistent decisions, strong teams, and a commitment to serving clients well over time. Being recognized on the Inc. 5000 is meaningful because it reflects the steady work our team has done for many years to support the businesses that rely on us,” said Ryan Haislar, CISSP, President of Computerease. The recognition comes at a time when the managed services industry continues to evolve. Consolidation, acquisitions, and changing ownership structures have become more common across the MSP landscape. While many providers are shifting direction, Computerease has remained focused on long-term stability, consistent leadership, and building lasting relationships with the organizations it supports. As a second-generation business owner, Haislar emphasizes decisions that will continue to hold value over time. That approach has shaped how the company delivers both managed IT services and cybersecurity solutions, ensuring that technology supports business growth rather than creating unnecessary complexity or risk. For clients, the results of that approach are seen in practical outcomes. Businesses gain confidence in their systems and security posture, internal teams receive support when needed, and technology becomes a reliable foundation for growth. These outcomes are the result of steady execution and long-term thinking rather than short-term gains.While recognition such as the Inc. 5000 highlights measurable growth, the company views it as a reflection of the work that happens behind the scenes. The day-to-day decisions, process improvements, and ongoing commitment to clients are what ultimately drive results over time. For Computerease, the goal remains consistent. Continue building a strong team, continue supporting clients, and continue improving the systems that help businesses operate securely and efficiently. The recognition serves as confirmation that this disciplined approach to growth continues to move in the right direction. About Computerease Computerease is a managed IT and cybersecurity company founded in 1984 that helps small and medium-sized businesses improve productivity, protect their data, and navigate technology change with confidence. Led by CISSP-certified president Ryan Haislar, Computerease combines strategic technology guidance with responsive support to help organizations stay secure and competitive. 

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The 8 Biggest Security Threats To Your Business From Mobile Devices

Today, cell phones and tablets are nearly as powerful and capable as personal computers.  They have allowed so much added functionality when it comes to being able to work remotely and still stay connected to our professional lives.   This can be for better or worse…we are kind of married to our technology after all. Mobile devices are used across every stage of our business, from communication capabilities, line of business systems, special software applications, and even informational resources.  The benefits of having such powerful technology at our fingertips are seemingly endless.  However, there are also increased security risks. So, here are the 8 biggest security risks for using mobile devices in your business. Risk #1 The People In Your Business Even the most diligent members of your organization make mistakes!  Unintentional mistakes can have devastating consequences.  By mistakenly clicking on a phishing email, downloading a malicious app, or accessing confidential company files on their device, employees (and bosses!) can make a simple error and unwittingly take down your entire company! Risk #2 Data Leakage There are many apps that can see AND transmit data – even company data.  Also, there is the possibility of user errors leaking company data by uploading information to a public drive, copying confidential information, or even sending an email to an incorrect person. Risk #3 Social Engineering A social engineering attack is when you try to manipulate a human target into doing something that allows you into their network or their systems.  Using mobile devices for business email is a greater risk of falling victim to a phishing attack because mobile email only usually shows the name of the person, not the full email address.  There’s also the risk of spoofed text messages and malicious messages through various messaging apps. Risk #4 Risks Of Other Wifi Networks When you connect any mobile device (laptops included!) to a public wifi network, others can potentially see any data which is not encrypted.  A hacker can also create an ‘imposter’ wifi network and locally overpower a real network thus connecting you to the hacker’s network.  Are you REALLY connecting to the hotel wifi, or the hacker’s fake wifi with the same name? Risk #5 Out Of Date Devices Manufacturers often don’t update their devices in a timely or effective manner.  Also, consumers are notorious for not updating their devices regularly.  All of these factors increase security risks because routinely updating mobile devices is critical to address known vulnerabilities. Risk #6 Mixing Corporate & Personal Data How simple would it be to mistakenly (or purposefully) upload a business file to a Google drive or to another type of cloud sharing app from your work computer to get access on your mobile device? This is a HUGE security risk! Even the simple act of just having corporate and personal data on a personal mobile device can be a recipe for disaster because we all make mistakes. Risk #7 Poor Password Hygiene Some of us don’t have a passcode or a PIN on the lock screen of our mobile device. This is absolutely critical for security! Also, make sure that you DON’T use the same passwords for your personal and work accounts. And, make sure you don’t use the same username and password in multiple places. Lastly, at every possible chance, use multi-factor authentication (2FA/MFA) to provide an added layer of security. Risk #8 Physical Data Breaches Imagine if you left your phone or tablet somewhere. Now, imagine if you didn’t have any lock screen security or encryption for your device – any stranger would have access to ALL the information on your device, including your company files and email. In a study from Ponemon – 35% of professionals indicated their employer had no mandated security for mobile devices in place – about half of those people surveyed had no password, PIN, or biometric security guarding their devices and had no encryption in place. So, how do you protect yourself and your business? With layers of security. There is no one “magic bullet” that will cover all the bases. Just like there’s no one single way that hackers can steal your company data, there’s no single cybersecurity measure which can keep your business protected. The most important step is to keep yourself educated to the cybersecurity risks facing your business! I’ve taken the time to assemble over 50 quick-read cybersecurity tips that are packed with unique and up-to-date real-world solutions that keep you one step ahead of the bad guys. We offer this service FREE to business owners (and employees) who are concerned about cyberattacks and data breaches. And while we cannot ever guarantee you won’t be breached, the security secrets you get WILL significantly reduce your risk.

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Computerease Recognized on CRN’s 2022 MSP 500 List

March 4, 2022 — Computerease, a leading IT support company for businesses, announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Computerease to its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneer 250 category for 2022. CRN’s annual MSP 500 list identifies the leading service providers in North America whose forward-thinking approaches to managed services are changing the landscape of the IT channel, helping end users increase efficiency and simplify IT solutions while maximizing their return on investment. With many customers still recovering from the impact of the ongoing pandemic, MSPs have become a vital part of the success of businesses worldwide. MSPs not only empower organizations to leverage intricate technologies but also help them keep a strict focus on their core business goals without straining their budgets. The annual MSP 500 list is divided into three sections: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and largely focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center–focused MSPs with a strong mix of on- and off-premises services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premises and cloud-based security services. Computerease was chosen for this distinguished award because the company is recognized as a top IT support provider serving the Greater St. Louis area, the Greater Chicago area, and the entirety of Illinois. As a family owned and operated small business, Computerease shows dedication to helping other small businesses and entrepreneurs maximize technology to further their business goals. The Computerease team helps its clients stay on the cutting edge of technology to remain relevant in an ever-changing world. “In addition to having to adjust their own business operations to account for the changed conditions during the pandemic, MSPs have also seen increased demand for their managed communications, collaboration and security services,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “The solution providers on our 2022 MSP 500 list deserve credit for their innovative and game-changing approaches to managed services in these unpredictable times, as well as their ability to optimize operational efficiencies and systems without straining IT budgets.” Ryan Haislar, CISSP, President of Computerease, shared, “Our clients rely on us for highly reliable and responsive IT support, but we become invested in their businesses as well. Technology is the backbone for a business’s productivity and efficiency. We work alongside our small and medium business clients and their leadership teams to make sure that their technology solutions help them achieve their business goals. It’s a huge priority for us and how we best serve our clients.” The MSP 500 list will be featured in the February 2022 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/msp500. About Computerease Small and medium businesses throughout the Greater St. Louis area trust Computerease with all of their outsourced Managed IT Services, IT support, Cybersecurity, and VoIP phone system needs. As a 2nd generation family owned and operated business founded in 1984, Computerease has grown and adapted in a constantly evolving industry. The company is a regional leader in helping small and medium businesses harness the power of technology to fuel business growth. computer-service.com About The Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. © 2022 The Channel Company LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Award-Winning Family-Owned Business-Computerease Business IT Solutions

From left to right, Kate Haislar (daughter of Ryan and Jennifer); Jennifer Haislar (wife of Ryan); Trisha Haislar (seated, mother of Ryan); the late Dennis (Ike) Haislar (photo, father of Ryan and founder of the company; Ryan Haislar; and Sarah Haislar (daughter of Ryan and Jennifer). Computerease Business IT Solutions has been helping businesses with their technology needs since the days when the Commodore 64 was considered cutting-edge. A proud, second-generation family-owned business, Computerease has built its reputation on evolving with technology while never losing sight of what matters most: people and relationships. Founded in 1984 by Dennis (Ike) Haislar after a colorful career as a rock band promoter, Computerease started small — but with a big vision. Ike saw the future of computers long before most small businesses did. What began as a bold entrepreneurial leap became a family legacy. Today, Ike’s son, Ryan Haislar, leads Computerease as CEO — continuing the company’s commitment to helping businesses navigate technology with confidence. Ryan grew up in the business, spending afternoons at his dad’s office before officially joining the company at 16. Now, as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Ryan has expanded Computerease’s expertise into cybersecurity — helping small and midsize businesses stay protected in a world of rising cyber threats. Under Ryan’s leadership, Computerease offers much more than IT support. The company provides proactive cybersecurity solutions, security awareness training, managed IT services, and consulting designed to give business owners peace of mind — knowing their data, employees, and future are secure. “Our family story is what built this business,” says Ryan. “But our drive to stay ahead of threats and technology is what keeps it strong today. We’re not just supporting computers anymore — we’re protecting companies.” In 2023, Computerease was honored to receive a Family-Owned Business Award from St. Louis Small Business Monthly — recognizing not just their longevity, but their commitment to service, integrity, and evolving expertise. Ike would be proud to see how far Computerease has come from those early days of floppy disks and CRT monitors. And Ryan, along with his team, remains committed to building on that legacy — helping businesses in Illinois, Missouri, and beyond thrive in a digital world.

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