Behind the Screens: Celebrating SysAdmin Day at Synagex

Every year on the last Friday of July, the world comes together (well, at least the tech world) to celebrate the unsung heroes of IT: System Administrators, or “SysAdmins” for short. If you’ve ever wondered who keeps your network humming, your passwords reset, and your tech headaches at bay—look no further than your friendly neighborhood SysAdmin.

So, What Does a SysAdmin Actually Do, You Ask?

Think of a SysAdmin as part wizard, part firefighter, and part detective:

🧙 Wizard: They conjure up systems that just work—from servers and networks to printers and Wi-Fi.

🧑‍🚒 Firefighter: When something breaks (usually at the worst possible time), they swoop in to save the day.

🕵️ Detective: They troubleshoot mysteries, track down issues, and make sure problems don’t come back.

In short: SysAdmins make sure the technology behind the scenes runs smoothly so everyone else can get their work done.

More Than Just Fixing Things

Sure, they reset forgotten passwords and banish viruses, but their role goes way deeper. SysAdmins are the architects of reliable systems, the guardians of data security, and the reason you don’t have to think twice about whether your email will work today. They balance planning, prevention, and quick problem-solving on a daily basis.

The Synagex Difference

Here’s the bonus round: at Synagex, our SysAdmins aren’t just masters of technology—they’re also fantastic at customer service. They don’t just fix problems; they explain solutions, guide users, and make the complex feel simple. That mix of technical expertise and people skills is what makes our team truly special.

A Toast to SysAdmins Everywhere!

So today, we raise a virtual glass (and maybe a strong cup of coffee) to the SysAdmins who keep businesses running, networks secure, and end users sane.

Happy SysAdmin Day to our own incredible team here at Synagex—you keep the digital lights on and do it all with a smile.

Synagex Welcomes PCA to the Family, Expanding Reach Across the Hudson Valley and Capital Region

Pittsfield, MA – July 6, 2025 – Synagex, a modern IT and cybersecurity provider based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is excited to announce the acquisition of Professional Computer Associates (PCA), an established IT services firm out of Red Hook, New York. This move marks an important milestone in Synagex’s ongoing effort to grow smart, stay personal, and expand its ability to serve organizations throughout the Northeast.

Pictured: Bob Shoemaker, President of PCA with John Sinopoli, CEO of Synagex

Founded in 1999, PCA has spent nearly four decades supporting businesses, local governments, and nonprofits across the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. Known for its strong client relationships and hands-on service approach, PCA brings a deep commitment to quality and a solid reputation as a trusted technology partner.

Synagex, launched in 2017, has built a people-first culture around delivering forward-thinking IT, cybersecurity, and compliance services—especially for clients in regulated spaces. Combining strategy, automation, and real connection, Synagex helps clients simplify IT, stay secure, and stay focused on what they do best.

“This partnership felt natural from day one,” said John Sinopoli, CEO of Synagex. “PCA shares our values—long-term relationships, technical reliability, and a real commitment to doing right by the client. We’re thrilled to welcome their team and clients.”

“This partnership felt natural from day one. PCA shares our values—long-term relationships, technical reliability, and a real commitment to doing right by the client. We’re thrilled to welcome their team and clients.” – John Sinopoli, CEO of Synagex

For PCA clients, the transition will feel familiar—because most things are staying that way. The same local team will continue to provide support, now backed by Synagex’s expanded cybersecurity capabilities, compliance expertise, and modernIT delivery model.

“Joining Synagex means our clients get the best of both worlds: the same personalized service they count on, plus a deeper bench and more future-ready tools,” said Bob Shoemaker, President of PCA. “It’s a move that sets everyone up for long-term success.”

“Joining Synagex means our clients get the best of both worlds: the same personalized service they count on, plus a deeper bench and more future-ready tools. It’s a move that sets everyone up for long-term success.” –Bob Shoemaker, President of PCA

This acquisition is part of Synagex’s thoughtful growth strategy: building strong regional roots, growing with integrity, and always putting relationships before transactions.

About Synagex

Synagex is a modernIT and cybersecurity firm based in Pittsfield, MA, serving clients across New England and beyond. With a focus on regulated industries, Synagex delivers secure, strategic technology services through a modern, people-first model.

About Professional Computer Associates (PCA)

PCA has been a staple in the Hudson Valley tech community since 1999, offering infrastructure, IT support, and managed services to local businesses and organizations. Their reputation for reliability and strong client partnerships has made them a trusted name for nearly 26 years.

📬 It’s Email Week! Let’s Talk About What’s Lurking in Your Inbox

We didn’t want to let #NationalEmailWeek go by without our two (CYBERSECURITY) cents. 😉

Folks, email isn’t just about inbox zero—it’s about staying safe, staying sharp, and staying ahead of the threats hiding in plain sight.

📈 The bad guys have leveled up.

A recent study found that AI-generated phishing emails are almost indistinguishable from real ones. In fact, human testers were no better than chance at telling the difference between phishing emails written by GPT-4 and legitimate messages. That’s a serious problem.

Even more concerning?

These AI-generated phishing messages bypass common security filters at rates up to 87%—compared to just 18% for older, human-written phishing attempts. In other words: your email filters are no longer enough.

🧠 What can you do?

Our CISO Pete is jumping in with a quick video covering what every user needs to know about spotting phishing attempts—and the simple habits that keep your inbox from becoming your biggest risk.

✔️ Trust your gut—but verify links, senders, and context.

✔️ Hover before you click.

✔️ Be extra cautious with urgent requests, changed payment info, or anything asking for credentials.

✔️ And most importantly: report suspicious emails, even if you're unsure.

Email remains one of the top attack vectors in every industry—and with AI in the mix, it’s only getting trickier. But with the right training, tools, and team, you can turn your inbox from a liability into a line of defense.

💡 Need help strengthening your email security? We’re here if you need IT!