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Secure IT Support

Strategic IT Support in La Crosse and Throughout the Midwest

Dependable Solutions strengthens client operations with reliable, comprehensive outsourced IT support in La Crosse and throughout the Midwest.

OUR EXPERT TEAM KEEPS YOU SECURE AND COMPLIANT

Joe Ruskey
President

Tina Ruskey
Owner

Brandon Harris
CTO

BJ Birkholz
Director of Operations

Justin Hundt
Team Lead

Chris Evans
Team Lead

Tricia Kendall
Relationship Account Manager

Jason Couglin
Technical Account Manager

Kyle Hoffman
Technical Project Manager

Matt Semrau
Network Engineer

Sushant Devgan
Server Engineer

Blaine Irish
Server Engineer

Steve Daniel
IT Service Manager

Patrick Gokey
Azure Admin

Madison Linder
IT Technician

Chad Kuhns
IT Technician

Chris Timmerman
IT Technician

Cody Leis
IT Technician

Dalton Hendrix
IT Technician

Hunter Stout
IT Technician

Joel Malinoski
IT Technician

Mike Pruse
IT Technician

Simon
IT Technician

Angela Pendleton Ford
IT Dispatcher

Nick Clark
IT Dispatcher

Joseph Ruskey
Helpdesk Tech

Michael Savage
Helpdesk Tech

Ethan Nevsimal
Helpdesk Tech

Tony Wedgeworth

vCTO

Why Businesses Choose Dependable Solutions for IT Support in La Crosse

Proven Expertise in IT

With deep expertise, we deliver IT Support in La Crosse, prioritizing proactive management and performance optimization.

Dedicated Customer Service

We value our clients above all, providing consistent IT support that addresses unique challenges and aligns with your goals.

Swift Issue Resolution

Our responsive team minimizes disruptions, addressing problems at the source to ensure smooth, efficient operations.

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Protection

We defend your business with advanced cybersecurity, proactive monitoring, and regular assessments that safeguard your network, helping you focus on what matters most.

"Cybersecurity risk assessment on a laptop screen displaying a 33% cyber score and 47 dark web breaches for ACME Dental. The report highlights security vulnerabilities such as missing SSL encryption, email impersonation risks, and HTTP security settings."

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Struggling with IT Roadblocks that Slow Your La Crosse Business Down?

Joe Ruskey

CEO, Dependable Solutions

Dependable Solutions is Here to Help.

When technology issues repeatedly disrupt your workflow, productivity suffers, and resources are drained. Dependable Solutions can help you overcome these challenges with proactive, customized IT support in La Crosse.

Are frequent technical problems impacting your business’s success?

With IT support in La Crosse, Dependable Solutions tackles your technology needs, addressing critical pain points and improving your daily operations. Our team provides efficient, security-focused support, so you can concentrate on driving your business forward without IT setbacks. Reach out today for reliable, comprehensive IT solutions to protect and streamline your business.

Call (855) 788-4805 today to schedule your appointment. We’re ready to start important IT conversations with businesses just like yours.

How Can We Help?

Our Services

Dependable's IT Support in La Crosse offers proactive IT management that optimizes uptime and supports consistent, efficient operations tailored to your business’s performance needs.

Strengthen your in-house IT with expert IT support and resources, ensuring flexibility, scalability, and resilience across your operations.

Layered cybersecurity measures that minimize risk, protect your data, and fortify your network against evolving cyber threats.

Detailed continuity planning that protects operations, reduces downtime, and ensures seamless performance, even during critical events.

Seamlessly migrate to Azure with expert IT support in La Crosse, optimizing your cloud infrastructure for enhanced performance, security, and scalability.

Dedicated IT support for troubleshooting, guidance, and quick resolutions that keep your daily operations running smoothly.

What Clients Say About Us

Quick, Professional and Right On When I've Been in Need

"I sent a help ticket after work hours concerning something that I thought would be a "pretty big deal"; my work Chromebook screen was melted and I had no explanation for it. I wasn't put on trial, no in or out of school suspension, I didn't even get threatened with loss of recess ;) No questions were even asked and a new Chromebook was on my desk before I even arrived at school the next morning! Dependable Solutions has always been quick, professional and right on when I've been in need, quite often within minutes."

John Gracey

RHONDA GUENTZ

Wisconsin

The Understand Our Needs and Business

"The Dependable Solutions team has helped get our organization up to date with all of our IT needs. They have specialists in every area of IT and networks. A few short years ago we were severely deficient in many areas, but now we are up to date and can act proactively instead of reacting to IT issues. They operate as a partner and understand our needs and business. I would highly recommend!"

Kevin Truan

TYLER STAPLETON

Wisconsin

Quality IT Service

"Quality IT service provided by some of the smartest and kindest individuals I have met. This company will go out of their way to ensure you're up and running securely. By constantly contributing to charitable causes and helping out school districts/small businesses is not only admirable but I believe directly contributes to their success. Helping out those who need it most while helping to facilitate secure work and school environments is definitely worthy of a five star review."

John Gracey

NICK

Wisconsin

Professional, Knowledgeable and Cost Effective

"Excellent! Professional, knowledgeable, and cost effective. Choosing to outsource our company's IT needs was a risk that paid off, thanks to this team. They have the depth to understand all the various aspects of IT, from basic helpdesk questions to intense server and infrastructure development & implementation."

John Gracey

ANTHONY WEDGEWORTH

Wisconsin

Industry Insights and IT Best Practices

Stay informed on IT strategies, security tips, and industry insights to help your business in La Crosse stay resilient, efficient, and secure.

These Cyber Threats Are About to Get a Whole Lot Worse

These Cyber Threats Are About to Get a Whole Lot Worse

December 02, 20253 min read

Cybersecurity threats don’t stand still. They adapt. They get smarter. And every time technology takes a step forward, attackers figure out how to twist it to their advantage.

The three threats below aren’t new ... but they’re evolving fast, and the next version is going to be harder to spot, harder to stop, and more expensive if you get hit.

If you’re still thinking “that won’t happen to us,” you’re exactly the kind of target they’re looking for.


1. AI-Enhanced Phishing Scams

Phishing already tops the charts for most common cyberattacks. Now AI has made it far more convincing.

  • Instead of generic “Dear Customer” emails, attackers can mimic your coworker’s tone, grammar, and style perfectly.

  • They can pull personal data from social media to craft hyper-specific messages that look legitimate.

  • They can adjust their approach in real time if the first attempt doesn’t work.

Why it’s dangerous: You can’t just look for bad spelling or awkward wording anymore. These emails are built to pass a quick glance test.

How to protect yourself:

  • Train your team to slow down and verify ... even if a message looks “normal.”

  • Never click links or share credentials without confirming the request through a separate channel.

  • Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) so a stolen password alone can’t give full access.


2. Ransomware That Hits Harder

Ransomware has been around for years. It’s not going anywhere ... it’s just getting meaner.

  • Attacks are more targeted, going after businesses that can’t afford downtime.

  • Data is not just encrypted ... it’s stolen and threatened for public release.

  • Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your data back.

Why it’s dangerous: The damage goes beyond the ransom payment ... downtime, lost trust, and compliance violations can hit harder than the attack itself.

How to protect yourself:

  • Back up your data regularly and store at least one copy offline.

  • Patch and update all systems promptly.

  • Train staff to spot suspicious links, files, and login prompts before they get clicked.


3. Supply Chain Attacks

Why break into one big company when you can hit a smaller partner and get access to dozens at once?

  • Hackers target vendors, contractors, and software providers with weaker defenses.

  • Once inside, they use trusted connections to move deeper into the network.

Why it’s dangerous: Even if you have good security, a compromised vendor can hand attackers the keys to your systems.

How to protect yourself:

  • Vet every vendor’s security before doing business.

  • Limit third-party access to only what’s necessary.

  • Scrutinize all software downloads and updates ... especially from new sources.


Why Training Matters More Than Ever

The best firewalls in the world won’t help if someone inside your business holds the door open.

  • Social engineering attacks target people first, systems second.

  • Anyone with access, not just IT, can be a point of entry.

What to do about it:

  • Run phishing simulations regularly.

  • Make security awareness part of your culture, not a once-a-year box to check.

  • Encourage staff to report anything suspicious immediately ... without fear of blame.


Bottom line:
The threats aren’t new. They’re just evolving into sharper, faster, more convincing versions of themselves. The only way to keep up is to treat cybersecurity like an ongoing, company-wide responsibility ... not just an IT problem.

If you’re already a client, these defenses are in place. If you’re not, you’re betting that none of these attacks will find you… and that’s not a smart bet.


Joe Ruskey is the owner and CEO of Dependable Solutions, a consulting firm that provides cybersecurity, network, and business solutions to clients across various sectors. Joe earned multiple certifications in cybersecurity from Coursera, and has strong skills in new business development and networking. His core competencies include strategic planning, project management, risk assessment, and problem-solving. Joe is also a passionate Rotary leader and has served as the District Governor and the Foundation Chair of Rotary District 6250, where he oversaw and supported the humanitarian and community projects of over 60 clubs in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Joe's mission is to help clients and his community achieve their goals and overcome their challenges with the help of technology and collaboration. Joe values integrity, service, and excellence, and brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the teams he works.

Joe Ruskey

Joe Ruskey is the owner and CEO of Dependable Solutions, a consulting firm that provides cybersecurity, network, and business solutions to clients across various sectors. Joe earned multiple certifications in cybersecurity from Coursera, and has strong skills in new business development and networking. His core competencies include strategic planning, project management, risk assessment, and problem-solving. Joe is also a passionate Rotary leader and has served as the District Governor and the Foundation Chair of Rotary District 6250, where he oversaw and supported the humanitarian and community projects of over 60 clubs in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Joe's mission is to help clients and his community achieve their goals and overcome their challenges with the help of technology and collaboration. Joe values integrity, service, and excellence, and brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the teams he works.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are IT security services?

IT security services encompass measures and practices to protect your systems, networks, and data from potential threats. These services include, but are not limited to, network security, data encryption, access controls, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and incident response.

What are managed IT service providers?

Managed IT service providers offer outsourced IT management and support, handling a company's technology needs so the business can focus on core operations.

What are the benefits of cybersecurity services?

IT security services encompass measures and practices to protect your systems, networks, and data from potential threats. These services include but are not limited to network security, data encryption, access controls, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and incident response.

Experience Reliable IT Support in La Crosse with Dependable Solutions

Dependable Solutions is dedicated to providing trustworthy, secure IT Support that empower your business in La Crosse to operate smoothly and grow confidently. Partner with us for dependable, proactive support that aligns with your unique goals and challenges.

Call (855) 788-4805 today or click the button below to schedule your appointment. We’re ready to jumpstart your IT journey.

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