Hello! I’m Marco Hernandez
Senior IT Guy
Connecting Technology With Humans Since 1994
I Help Small Businesses
If you run a small business and feel overwhelmed with neverending tech problems, let’s talk. I can make your life easier and help you focus on what you do best.
Pairing Tech With Humans
I know a thing or two about computers and tech, but also help with cybersecurity, business improvement, compliance and project management… a one trick pony!
Yes, I Can Help You Conquer Technology
Bad Stuff Happens Online
You Don’t Have To Be A Victim
During my 30+ years in IT, I have seen time and time again that most investments in cybersecurity traditionally focused mostly in tools, but very little in your most valuable asset: your people.
I want to teach you how to empower your team, stay safe, vigilant and protect yourself and your business data in these crazy digital times!
I help organizations identify their IT weak and blind spots and secure them
My background in IT, business and law gives me a unique perspective and the right tools
I train my clients and their staff in human talk, non techy-geeky lingo how to master their tech
I customize cybersecurity solutions based on your time, needs and budget
I provide easy and secure ways to keep data secured, reliable and available
IT Policies and procedures, compliance, cyber insurance support and much more
IT Services for Small Businesses
If you run a multinational company with thousands of employees, I am not your guy… but if you run a small, local business and need help, let’s chat!
Cybersecurity Awareness Training
I help organizations provide their staff the tools to embrace a security culture, ask questions and be alert and aware of the bad stuff out there – information is power
Make Your Tech Work For You
You don’t need to break the bank to have world-class tech working for you. I do all the research and find what’s best for you and your business
IT Education
Let me teach you the tools and techniques to deal with cyber threats, information security and social engineering attacks and make your work easier and safer
Is you business IT resilient?
These days, no business is too small to be a target.
Let me tell you a secret: the “weakest link” approach to cybersecurity doesn’t work anymore.
Installing a VPN or a flashy new tool without analyzing the organization as a whole does little for behaviour change; my job is to help you identify what needs to be reinforced (tech, processes or people) without tech-shaming, with lots of coaching and mentoring with a very strong emphasis in human protection.
Together we can implement, foster and nuture a culture of security and best practices by getting rid of meaningless processes and moving towards effective and real behaviour change.
Hola, I’m Marco. Welcome!
Nice to meet you, and thank you for taking the time to check me out.
I know you have many options when it comes to choosing IT services, and I want to thank you very much again for your time. I have helped hundreds of small, family-owned businesses and residential clients, and I’d love the opportunity to help you!
But before we get busy, please let me tell you a bit about myself:
I started working in IT when phone lines made that squeaky noise to connect to Compuserve, and people were partying like it was 1999, I was indeed working on Y2K projects. My background in tech with my business and legal studies gives me a unique perspective on how to bridge the gaps that give my clients headaches.
60+ business and 700+ people in the GTA have already trusted me with their business and their tech. You should join them!
My Story
My journey through the information technology industry started many moons ago when I was a young, innocent law student in my sophomore year. One day, while drafting a paper, my computer simply died. Desperate I took it to a local computer repair shop and after lengthy delays and an expensive invoice my lovely 80486 IBM PC was “fixed”… or so I thought.
I realized soon enough something was not quite right – performance was not the same. I decided to get a second opinion and I found out key components like RAM and processor were swapped by lower quality equivalents.
Furious I decided to learn how to fix my own stuff, so this never happens again. In a matter of weeks, I found myself reading more books about computers than law – and quit school to enroll in a computer sciences program at a community college.
After only few months I got my first paid job fixing computers! To give you some perspective, these were the times when Altavista and CompuServe reigned supreme.
Today, after thousands of satisfied users and clients, I still love what I do; I took what happened to me and made it the cornerstone of my practice: never lie to a customer and always be straight forward, no b.s. or sugarcoating. The industry is changing and I try my dear best to change with it.
Before, the challenges were keeping your hardware and software running so your business can function. Now, there’s a cyber war happening online and ourselves and our business are fair game. We must learn how to live, work, and play on an ever-changing digital landscape.
My Values & Beliefs
My Family Is ALWAYS First
I do not run a 24x7 operation... If that's what you are looking for, thank you for your time but we won't be able to work together. Family time is sacred and I demand nothing but the upmost respect to it.
You Know What You Know
We all have our strenghts and weaknesses, and I am here to help you conquer technology, not to lecture you on what you did wrong or why. No question is a dumb question and I will always be there for you.
I'm Too Old For B.S.
I see my relationship with my clients as a partnership, and I will always be honest and forthcoming... and I expect the same in return.
I Always Answer My Phone
I run a very lean operation and only take on clients I can fully service. I have a network of very talented professionals I rely on, but I am always the first and last point of contact, whenever you need me.
Questions? Book your 30 Mins FREE Consultation
My Approach
- No question is EVER a stupid question!
- Only straight answers, no geeky mumbo-jumbo
- I never make you buy IT you don't need, but I will insist wholeheartedly you buy what you must
- Communication, communication, communication is the name of the game
- Flat fees, no surprises or hidden charges
My Client’s Trust Means Everything
You Seem Nice Marco, But Are You Actually Qualified?
Professional Experience
- TEK IT UP IT Services - Founder and Chief IT Guy
- International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) - IT Director
- Mohawk College - Instructor
- Siemens Business Services - Systems Engineer
- Compaq Computer Corp - Helpdesk Operations Manager
- Xavier University - Academic Advisor
Academics
- Master in Business Administration (MBA) - Xavier University
- Bachelors Degree in Business Studies - Southern New Hampshire University
- Cyber Crime Specialist - Humber College
- Associate's Degree in Computer Sciences
- Licensed Ontario Paralegal
Certifications and Professional Development
- Certified in Cybersecurity - ISC2
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) – Security Fundamentals
- Certified Associate Project Manager (CAPM) – PMI
- Amazon AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Cisco Network Support and Security
Tech Stuff You Need To Know
Be Careful When Scanning QR Codes – There’s a New Scam Going Around!
QR codes are everywhere these days. You can find them on restaurant menus, flyers, and posters. They’re used both offline and online. QR codes are convenient and easy to use. You just scan them with your smartphone camera. You’re then directed to a link, a coupon, a...
Beware of Deepfakes! Learn How to Spot the Different Types
Have you ever seen a video of your favorite celebrity saying something outrageous? Then later, you find out it was completely fabricated? Or perhaps you’ve received an urgent email seemingly from your boss. But something felt off. Welcome to the world of deepfakes....
How Much Do IT Services Cost?
The world is slowly recovering from the monumental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), businesses are starting to (slowly) get back to the office and remote workers are now requiring similar levels of pre-pandemic IT services. Many...