CDS October Monthly Newsletter

AI Governance: Why Every Organization Needs Guardrails for AI

AI can help employees write, analyze, summarize, and work more efficiently—but it also creates a new data-protection challenge. Without clear guidelines, employees may unknowingly put confidential information, customer data, or proprietary documents into an AI tool that hasn't been approved by the organization.

That's where AI governance comes in. Clear policies can establish which tools employees may use, what information can be shared, when human review is required, and who is responsible for oversight. The goal isn't to prevent employees from using AI; it's to give them a framework for using it responsibly.

As AI becomes a more common part of the workplace, organizations need to make sure their security and compliance practices keep pace. AI governance provides the guardrails that let employees take advantage of AI while protecting the information they're trusted to handle.

Contact CDS or read the full article to learn what practical AI guardrails should look like and where organizations should start.

🔗 Want to learn more about Managed Technology Services? Visit cdsofficetech.com today to Protect Your Business.

Is Your School's Greatest Cybersecurity Risk

Hiding in EdTech?

Schools rely on technology more than ever before. From learning management systems and student portals to online testing, classroom apps, and educational software, EdTech has become essential to daily operations. Unfortunately, cybercriminals know it too.

At CDS, we've recently seen a significant increase in schools falling victim to phishing emails, many of which are designed to look like legitimate messages from educational technology providers, cloud platforms, or school administrators. Attackers are counting on busy teachers and staff to click first and verify later.

Educational institutions continue to be among the most targeted organizations for cyberattacks, with phishing serving as one of the most common entry points. Attackers frequently impersonate trusted vendors, password reset notifications, shared documents, and student information systems to steal credentials and gain access to sensitive data.

Common phishing emails targeting schools may appear to be:

• Password reset requests from school applications
• Shared files from teachers or administrators
• Student records requiring review
• Vendor notifications from EdTech providers
• Urgent account verification requests



The good news is that many of these attacks can be prevented. Security awareness training, simulated phishing campaigns, multi-factor authentication, and encouraging users to verify suspicious requests before clicking can significantly reduce risk. CDS regularly helps organizations strengthen their defenses through security awareness programs and phishing simulations designed to train employees to recognize these threats before they cause damage.

As schools continue to embrace digital learning, cybersecurity awareness is more important than ever. A few extra seconds spent validating an email can help protect student data, prevent costly disruptions, and keep learning on track.



Remember: If an email seems unusual, stop, verify, and then proceed. It could be the difference between deleting a phishing email and dealing with a cybersecurity incident.

Join the CDS Team as an Account Executive for

IT & Print Solutions!

CDS Office Technologies is looking for motivated Account Executives to help grow our Managed IT, Hosted VoIP, and Print Solutions business. We currently have openings in Marion, IL, St. Louis, MO, Springfield, IL, and the Chicagoland area. This role is ideal for driven sales professionals who enjoy building relationships, developing new opportunities, and helping businesses succeed.

We offer uncapped commissions, recurring revenue opportunities, excellent benefits, and a team-oriented culture. Experience in B2B sales, Managed IT, VoIP, telecom, or copier/MFP sales is a plus.

Interested in learning more? Contact our HR Business Partner, Corinne Cory, at ccory@cdsot.com for additional information or to express your interest.

Is Your Business Compliant?

Compliance is a tricky business, with new legislation and modifications to existing regulations coming up every year. Our comprehensive Compliance Management Solution includes streamlined data collection, risk ID and prioritization, remediation management plans, and most importantly: evidence-based proof of compliance.

Our Compliance Management Services help your business maintain compliance with regulations such as:

• HIPAA
• GDPR
• CMMC
• NIST
• Cybersecurity Insurance

Every business must comply with basic IT security protocols, even if they're not regulated! And many have additional IT security and privacy standards imposed by either industry standards or government regulators. CDS IT Compliance Management Services will help protect your business and give you peace of mind.

Visit cdsot.com/protect-my-business and fill out a quick form to assess your current IT and cybersecurity posture. We'll get back to you as quickly as possible to discuss a full assessment!

Important Pricing Update for Zebra Products Effective October 5, 2026

CDS Office Technologies would like to make our customers aware of upcoming Zebra Technologies pricing adjustments that will take effect on October 5, 2026.



According to Zebra, these changes are being implemented due to ongoing global supply chain challenges and continued increases in component, material, labor, and other manufacturing costs. The adjustments will impact a variety of products, including barcode scanners, mobile computers, RFID devices, printers, accessories, and related services.

Depending on the product category, price increases will range from 3% to 15%, with the largest adjustments affecting select mobile computing and RFID product lines.

If you are considering the purchase of Zebra hardware, accessories, or related solutions, now may be a good time to review upcoming needs and discuss options with your CDS representative before the new pricing takes effect.

Continued Market-Wide Pricing Increases

Zebra is not alone in making pricing adjustments. Continued market increases are affecting the supply chain across multiple manufacturers, with additional pricing changes from manufacturers such as HP, Lenovo and Panasonic taking effect October 1.

CDS is closely monitoring these changes and working to help customers navigate the evolving market. We encourage you to reach out to your CDS account representative to review upcoming needs, current pricing, availability, and potential opportunities to plan ahead.

As always, CDS remains committed to helping our customers make informed technology decisions while minimizing the impact of manufacturer pricing changes.

Questions about an upcoming purchase? Contact your CDS representative for assistance.

Is Your Printer the Weakest Link in Your Cybersecurity Strategy?

When organizations think about cybersecurity, printers don't usually make the list alongside laptops, servers, and firewalls. But today's multifunction printers are network-connected devices that can store data, communicate with cloud applications, and handle sensitive documents every day.

That makes printer security more than a print-room concern. Outdated firmware, default passwords, unsecured access, open network services, and data left on device storage can all create unnecessary risk. Even a document sitting unattended in an output tray can become a security problem.

The good news is that modern MFPs offer tools such as user authentication, secure print release, encryption, audit logs, and centralized management. The first step is knowing what devices you have, how they're configured, and whether they're being managed with the same attention as your other network-connected technology.

Read the full article for a practical look at the security risks surrounding today's printers—and the questions every organization should be asking about its print environment.

Contact CDS or read the full article on our website!

CDS Lands on the MSP 500 for 2026 with a Spotlight on the MSP Security 100 List!

CDS Office Technologies earned a spot on CRN’s Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list for 2026 in the Security MSP 100 category.

The annual MSP 500 list by CRN spotlights North American MSPs that are leading the way in growth and innovation. CDS is being recognized among a premier group of companies that are advancing the IT channel with cutting-edge solutions and strategies that empower end users to enhance efficiencies across their operations, optimize return on investment and enhance overall business results.

Link: 2026 Managed Service Provider 500 Details

The CDS Supplies Team:

Keeping Your Office Running Smoothly

When it comes to keeping your office running smoothly, the CDS Supplies Team is here to help!

Whether you need everyday office supplies, furniture for your workspace, assistance with your copier contract, or service for a copier issue, our team is your single point of contact for fast and friendly support.

Our team assists customers with:

• Office supply orders
• Office furniture solutions
• Copier supplies and toner
• Copier contract questions
• Service dispatch and copier repair requests

If you're experiencing an issue with your copier or need help placing an order, we're just a phone call away.



supplies@cdsot.com | 800-367-1508

🕗 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

At CDS, we're committed to providing exceptional service and making it easy for our customers to get the support they need, when they need it. Let the CDS

Supplies Team help keep your office productive and running efficiently!

CDS Sponsorship Events

Supporting the Communities That Support Us

At CDS, we are proud to support organizations that strengthen our communities and make a lasting impact on local families and businesses.

CDS Supports Scheels Sports Park At Legacy Pointe

CDS Office Technologies is proud to support Scheels Sports Park, a premier destination for youth sports and community events in the Springfield area.

As part of our commitment to the community, CDS recently donated a new copier to support the park's operations and help serve the thousands of athletes, families, and visitors who enjoy the facility each year.

In recognition of this partnership, CDS was honored with a personalized engraved rock featuring the CDS logo, prominently displayed at the park.

We are proud to support an organization that enriches our community and creates lasting memories for local families and visiting teams alike.

Pictured: CDS Chief Financial Officer, Adam Bruns, CPA, standing in front of the CDS commemorative rock at Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe.

Scheels Sports Park  

Join CDS in Supporting Southwest Florida This Holiday Season!

CDS Office Technologies is proud to support our local SWFL Rotary Club at the upcoming Business Expo & Service Donation Drive on Thursday, November 19, 2026, in Punta Gorda, Florida.

This family-friendly event is open to the public and will feature local businesses, networking opportunities, a dedicated kids' area, and complimentary appetizers.

Most importantly, attendees will have the opportunity to give back to the community through three meaningful donation drives:

• Thanksgiving Baskets – Collecting food and household items to support local families in need.
• Holiday Cheer for Kids – Gathering wish-list items for children at Crossroads Hope Academy.
• Senior Holiday Cheer – Collecting gifts and essential items for residents of a local senior care community.

At CDS, we believe that strong communities are built through collaboration and service. We invite our Southwest Florida customers, partners, and friends to join us in making a difference this holiday season.

We hope to see you there as we come together to support local families, children, and seniors while celebrating the spirit of giving.

If you’re in the Fort Myers, FL area or have connections in the region, reach out to Stephanie Johnson and Gary Johnson to learn more about how CDS can support local businesses with IT services, and technology strategy. They’re ready to help bring the CDS experience to Southwest Florida!

Fort Myers Office Information: https://www.cdsofficetech.com/contact-us/fort-myers/

CDS and Panasonic: Celebrating Innovation and Supporting Public Safety

This October, CDS Office Technologies and Panasonic will be partnering at two important public safety events, showcasing the rugged technology solutions trusted by first responders across the country.



Midwest Fire Rescue Expo | October 14 | Novi, Michigan

Join CDS and Panasonic at the Midwest Fire Rescue Expo as we celebrate two major milestones: CDS's 55th Anniversary and 30 years of the iconic Panasonic Toughbook.

Visit our booth to see how decades of partnership and innovation continue to deliver rugged, reliable technology solutions that help first responders perform their critical missions.

MI Sheriff's Fall Training Conference | October 19-20 | Acme, Michigan

CDS and Panasonic will also be exhibiting at the MI Sheriff's Fall Training Conference. Stop by our booth to explore the latest rugged technology solutions for law enforcement, including mobile computers, tablets, printers, vehicle mounts, and docking stations designed to withstand the demanding environments officers face every day.



We look forward to connecting with attendees at both events and demonstrating how CDS and Panasonic continue to equip public safety professionals with technology they can depend on when it matters most.

CDS Family News

CDS Team Day with Sharp USA

On September 16, 2026, members of the CDS Sales Management Team and St. Louis-area MFP Technicians came together for a team-building event sponsored by Sharp USA, combining professional development with an afternoon at the ballpark.

Before heading to the game, attendees participated in a discussion focused on emerging trends in the print industry, including print security, evolving cybersecurity concerns, and the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in everyday business processes. The group explored how AI is transforming document workflows, scanning solutions, information management, and other business operations that help organizations work more efficiently and securely.

Following the meeting, the team enjoyed a St. Louis Cardinals game, providing an opportunity for collaboration, relationship building, and shared experiences outside the office.

CDS appreciates Sharp USA's sponsorship and commitment to helping our team stay informed on the latest industry trends while fostering strong connections among our sales and service professionals.

Pictured: Members of the CDS team and representatives from Sharp USA enjoying a day of learning, collaboration, and Cardinals baseball at Busch Stadium. ⚾

First, I have to thank you and say again what an incredible job your team did! Jason Everett, Andrew Hayes, Hunter Thomas, Batu Zeybek, and Steven Hollar [IT Field Engineer's]. There is no way this project would have been accomplished if they weren't there and as good as they are. I had many comments about how helpful and patient they were. If you ever have a prospective client that would like to speak to a current client, you can send them my way as well. CDS has been nothing short of incredible to work with. We are so happy to have you on the team!

Will G.; Springfield, IL

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Since entering into our recent agreement with CDS Technology's IT services, I have been thoroughly impressed not only with the knowledge of Gabe Frankel [IT Field Engineer] and Braden Mezo [IT Field Engineer], but their readiness to answer questions and provide immediate assistance each and every time our office has reached out. While yes, knowledge and expertise are necessary in this field, often times customer service is lacking; however, I could not be more pleased with the support and service provided by both Mr. Frankel and Mr. Mezo.

Nannette E.; Marion, IL

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I just wanted to let you know that Mike Henson [MFP Technician] went above and beyond to try and fix our copy/printer, which turned out to be a network issue.

Pam H.; Effingham, IL

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I am e-mailing you to express my appreciation for the services provided by your Regional Account Manager, Lisa Garner. She has been invaluable for maintaining direction throughout the procurement processes. When I call Lisa, she keeps everything on track, in a timely manner, which is appreciated. I can tell Lisa has a lot of clients and is very busy, but I never feel like our obstacles are an imposition.

Donald A.; Keokuk, IA

CDS IT Support Engineering Team (Helpdesk)

Our customers continue to share outstanding feedback about their experiences with the CDS IT Support Engineering Team. Here’s what they’re saying:

“Mathew Paquin's response time was awesome, and all items requested were handled promptly and at the same time. He is clear, fast and concise in his communication."

"Hunter Thomas, had the patience to update and provision six phones for me. I really appreciate it!"

"Shane Kennedy was very professional and patient with us! We had a disconnect issue and Shane was good to call us back and continue the printer driver installation. Shane was patient with us not knowing what to look for on the device and guided us. Very professional!"

“Charles Millar was extremely helpful and accommodating in resolving multiple issues. He is very professional and easy to work with. I hope to work with him again.”

"Eric Parker will be an asset for you and us. He clearly communicated. He was incredibly professional and knowledgeable. Had an account issue that he resolved in seconds. It took longer for the pc to boot than for him to identify and resolve the issue. Quality work. "

“Neil Wagner exceeds in response time and always provides great service."

Thank you to our Helpdesk team for consistently delivering exceptional support, dedication, and care—especially when our customers need it most.

Employee Referral Program

As we continue to grow, we’re looking to bring more great people onto the team, and we know that some of the best hires come from the connections you already have.

All our open positions are always kept up to date on the CDS Careers page at https://www.cdsofficetech.com/join-our-team/

Feel free to check in regularly and share opportunities with anyone you think would be a great fit.

If you know someone who would thrive at CDS, share the opportunity, start the conversation, and submit a referral. Your recommendation could help us welcome our next great team member.

Thank you for helping us build an even stronger CDS team—we couldn’t do it without you!

Office Supplies

Keep essential office supplies on-hand and office equipment working in top condition by contacting the CDS Office Supplies Team for all your office supplies, toner and printer cartridges!

supplies@cdsot.com | 800-367-1508

Modern Mailing & Printing is available for all your printing needs (large or small) and direct mail campaigns. We offer full color offset, high-speed digital presses, specialty items and a full-service graphic design and support team.

www.modernmailingandprinting.com

217.522.2780