Spokane’s Trusted Partner for IT Support and Cybersecurity
Design I.T. Solutions, headquartered in Spokane, has become a leader in IT and Cybersecurity services. Founded nearly 20 years ago by Daniel Schwartz, the company has grown from a small home office into a key partner for businesses and organizations, as the digital landscape is evolving rapidly.
From Tech Passion to IT Business
Daniel Schwartz’s story with computers began young. At age 10, he started tinkering with hardware and learning to program. As a teen, he helped neighbors set up systems, which he configured to run in both English and Korean. He later studied computer engineering at Washington State University, launching Design I.T. Solutions soon after, driven by his love of tech and his drive to help others with their technology needs.
Starting in his basement, Schwartz grew the company over the years. He hired skilled local talent and expanded from simple computer repairs to offering full IT support, networking, and cybersecurity services. Today, Design I.T. serves clients across several industries, though its largest focus remains on healthcare, where protecting patient data is vital.
IT Support for Healthcare and Beyond
Design I.T. Solutions helps healthcare providers stay compliant with laws like HIPAA, which protects patient privacy. Over the years, Schwartz’s team has worked with Spokane-area providers, including Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane and Newport Hospital, and has served other medical practices across the state. This work means ensuring that client systems are secure, updated, and in line with the latest laws so patients’ information stays private and safe.
However, Design I.T. doesn’t just work with healthcare providers. The company also supports small and medium businesses (SMBs) across many industries. SMBs often assume that simple antivirus software is enough protection, but today’s cyber threats are much more advanced. Schwartz’s team helps these clients take extra steps to stay safe online.
Meeting New Threats with AI and New Tools
The world of cybersecurity is constantly changing. Schwartz explains that traditional antivirus software scans files for known viruses and has become less effective because hackers no longer rely on files alone to launch attacks. Instead, they often use “fileless” techniques, tricking users into clicking harmful links or using browsers to run harmful code.
To counter these threats, Design I.T. uses what’s called “endpoint detection and response” (EDR), which relies on artificial intelligence (AI) to spot unusual behavior on systems. Unlike the old antivirus programs, EDR doesn’t look for files to scan. Instead, it watches real-time system activity and flags unusual actions, stopping threats before they cause harm.
For Schwartz, the switch from file-scanning to behavior-monitoring tools has been vital. “The new tools look at what’s happening on a system and detect malicious intent, not just specific files,” he says. This approach helps Design I.T. keep businesses safe from the newest cyber threats.
Protecting Spokane’s Small and Medium Businesses
While Design I.T. is well-known for helping healthcare providers along with many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the country. Schwartz explains that smaller companies often feel vulnerable because they lack the same resources larger companies have. Design I.T. aims to fill that gap by offering services that fit the needs and budgets of smaller organizations.
Many SMB owners rely on basic cybersecurity measures, assuming that simple software will keep them safe. However, Schwartz says these clients often need more protection than they realize. His team offers managed services, including regular monitoring, updates, and employee training, to help businesses protect their data.
Cybersecurity Education: A First Line of Defense
One of Schwartz’s core beliefs is that educated employees are the best defense against cyber threats. Many successful attacks happen because someone clicked a link in a phishing email or downloaded an infected attachment. To help prevent these common mistakes, Design I.T. offers cybersecurity training to its clients, teaching their staff to spot warning signs and avoid risky behavior.
For small businesses, where each employee may handle multiple tasks, this training is essential. Schwartz and his team walk clients through cybersecurity basics, showing them how to keep their systems safe with simple, practical steps. These efforts help clients avoid costly errors that could lead to data loss or breaches.
Success Stories: Responding to Cyber Incidents
Schwartz’s team has proven its worth through real-world results. For example, a healthcare company faced a ransomware attack, where hackers demanded payment to unlock the company’s files. Needing to act quickly, they hired Design I.T. They were able to isolate the threat, restore the company’s data, and work with law enforcement to handle the incident. Thanks to Design I.T.’s fast action, the healthcare company avoided paying the ransom and got their systems back up and running smoothly.
Design I.T. has numerous such stories. From blocking phishing attempts to guiding clients through security upgrades, they help local businesses avoid the worst impacts of cyber threats. “Our goal is to make sure clients feel secure with their IT,” Schwartz says. “We’re here to help them keep their data safe, so they can focus on running their business.”
Building a Skilled Local Team
With nearly 30 employees, Design I.T. has grown steadily, creating jobs and building expertise within the Spokane community. Schwartz credits his team’s success to hiring dedicated, knowledgeable people who care about helping others. Schwartz sees these connections as vital, adding, “We’re not just here to do business. We’re part of this community, and we want to help businesses thrive.”
What’s Next for Design I.T. Solutions?
As cybersecurity needs evolve, Schwartz and his team continue to add new services to meet their clients’ needs. Design I.T. Solutions is enhancing its cloud solutions and cybersecurity tools along with expanding its’ employee training programs to tackle the most recent threats. Schwartz hopes to make Spokane a hub for secure, resilient businesses, especially as more companies rely on digital systems to run their day-to-day operations.
For businesses looking to ensure their cybersecurity protection, choosing Design I.T. means having a local partner who understands their unique needs. Schwartz and his team offer clear, honest advice, and they back it up with strong technical skills. Whether you manage a business or are a healthcare provider, Design I.T. Solutions is providing the support needed to keep systems running safely and smoothly.
