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Two businessmen in a modern IT office, humorously discussing an outdated disaster recovery plan with glowing server racks and city views in the background.

Business Continuity: Beyond Traditional Backup Solutions

Cybersecurity /

Business Continuity isn’t just about backing up your data anymore. In a world of constant cyber threats and unexpected disruptions, it’s about ensuring your business keeps operating, no matter what. Backup solutions alone can no longer guarantee protection. Today, your business needs a comprehensive resilience strategy that goes beyond recovery to ensure uninterrupted operations. Why It Matters:When systems fail, downtime isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It costs you customer trust, brand reputation, and profits. Relying on traditional backups is like putting all your eggs in one basket—leaving your business exposed. The New Standard:Modern continuity requires more than backup. You need: The Outcome:With the right resilience strategy, your business doesn’t just survive a disruption—it thrives, staying secure, efficient, and operational no matter the challenge. Get Ahead:Don’t wait for the next crisis. Move beyond backup. Invest in a strategy that keeps your business always on and disaster-ready. Ready to strengthen your business continuity plan? Book a consultation today or Contact us for more information on how we can help you implement resilient solutions tailored to your needs.

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Anime-style illustration of a modern IT office under a computer virus attack, with employees working at computers while virus icons spread across systems.

What a Virus Can Cost Your Business

Cybersecurity, IT Tech Tips /

Why it matters What a virus in a single computer can quietly cost your business… The problem Most businesses think a virus is just a small IT issue.Something that slows down a computer. Maybe something antivirus can handle. But that’s not how it works today. Viruses are no longer just annoying.They are built to spread, steal, and disrupt entire systems. The impact Here’s what one virus can actually cost your business: The agitation The hardest part? Most businesses don’t notice the damage right away. A virus can sit quietly: By the time it’s visible, the impact is already bigger than expected. The big picture This is no longer just about “having antivirus.” Modern threats are designed to: That’s why even careful teams still get hit. What to do Simple steps that make a real difference: Bottom line A computer virus is not just an IT issue.It’s a business risk. The cost is not just technical.It affects your time, your revenue, and your operations. The businesses that stay protected are the ones that prepare before it happens. If you want to strengthen your systems before small issues become costly problems, Contact Us or Book a Time to talk.

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Anime-style blog image showing a modern IT office with glowing server racks, a worker at a computer with a weak password note, a coworker holding coffee, and a dog chained to the desk under the title “Why Physical Security Is a Cybersecurity Issue.”

Why Physical Security Is a Cybersecurity Issue

Cybersecurity /

Why Physical Security is now a cybersecurity issue comes down to one simple shift: today’s cameras, access controls, alarms, and monitoring tools are connected to your network. Many businesses still treat physical security and cybersecurity as separate concerns, but that gap creates real risk. When these systems are not secured properly, they can become easy entry points for cyber threats. Why it matters A surveillance system is no longer just a set of cameras on a wall. It is part of your network. If those devices are outdated, poorly configured, or left unmonitored, they can expose your business to unauthorized access, stolen footage, system disruption, and larger security breaches. The problem Physical security tools are smarter than ever, but that also makes them more exposed. What often gets missed: The pressure point A business may believe its surveillance system is protecting the property, while in reality that same system may be creating a blind spot in its cybersecurity. That risk grows when: The solution Physical security needs to be treated as part of the broader cybersecurity strategy. What stronger protection looks like: Dig deeper: Why this shift matters now Modern physical surveillance systems are built on IP networks, cloud access, mobile apps, and connected management tools. That means they no longer sit outside the cyber conversation. They are part of it. A compromised surveillance device can do more than stop recording. It can expose sensitive footage, create unauthorized access paths, and weaken trust in the entire security environment. The bottom line Physical security without cybersecurity is no longer enough. If your cameras, access controls, and monitoring systems are connected, they need the same level of attention as the rest of your IT environment. Protecting your building now also means protecting the systems behind it. What to do next If your business relies on connected surveillance or access control systems, now is a good time to review how secure they really are. Review your physical security environmentIdentify weak points before they become larger risks Ready to see if your physical security system is also creating cyber risk? Contact Centrend to review your environment and strengthen your protection.

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Storyboard-style anime illustration in a modern IT office: a Centrend-branded security officer stands beside a server rack while frustrated attackers are behind bars. A thought bubble mentions tightening MFA and patching systems. Title reads “ThreatLocker: What to Do When an App Is Blocked,” and a “Centrend ThreatLocker Quick Guide” booklet is shown.

ThreatLocker: What to Do When an App Is Blocked

Cybersecurity /

ThreatLocker can stop you mid-task with a pop-up like: Centrend has blocked: Request to Run a New Program.It can feel annoying, but it is doing its job. ThreatLocker is protecting your device by stopping unapproved software from running. This quick guide shows exactly what to do next so you can get back to work fast. Why you’re seeing this ThreatLocker uses a “deny by default” approach. That means programs are blocked unless they’re approved. This helps prevent malware, ransomware, and unwanted tools from sneaking onto your computer. Sometimes the blocked item is a normal business app. Other times, it’s something risky that should never run. Either way, the next step is the same: send a request the right way. First, confirm you’re actually blocked Only take action when you see the ThreatLocker block pop-up. NEVER send a request unless you are trying to run or install something and it gets blocked.If you don’t see the pop-up, you don’t need to do anything. What to do when you see the block pop-up Before you continue, you can also download the printable version: ThreatLocker Quick Guide (Centrend) When the pop-up appears, follow these steps. It takes under a minute: Tip: The clearer your reason is, the faster we can approve it. What happens next After you click Send Request: If we need more info, we’ll reach out so we can approve it correctly. What not to do When you’re blocked, it’s tempting to try a workaround. Please don’t. One clean request with a clear reason is the fastest route back to work. Quick checklist for a “strong” request Before you click send, make sure your request includes: This helps Centrend approve safely and quickly. Need help right now? If you’re blocked and it’s urgent, contact Centrend Support. Email: helpdesk@centrend.comPhone: 508-347-9550 ext. 1Website: www.centrend.com Celebrating 20 Years of CentrendThank you for being part of our journey. Here’s our 20th Anniversary poster you can share or display: Get Your Centrend 20th Anniversary Poster

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Centrend 20th Anniversary: built on client trust, proactive IT, and support that keeps teams secure, productive, and growing. Executive portrait in a modern IT office with “20 Years” sign and subtle balloons.

Centrend 20th Anniversary: Built on Client Trust

Cybersecurity, IT Support, Managed Services /

Centrend 20th Anniversary Most business owners do not wake up excited to think about IT. You just want your team to log in, get work done, and go home on time. You want files to open fast, email to behave, printers to stay quiet, and security to be something you do not have to lose sleep over. But when technology is reactive, it steals time in the most expensive way possible: interruptions, downtime, surprise bills, and that lingering feeling that you are one click away from a bigger problem. And the truth is, “good enough” IT usually looks fine right up until it does not. A missed patch becomes a ransomware headline. A failing backup becomes a week of reconstruction. A vague support plan becomes finger-pointing when something critical breaks. The cost is not only money. It is momentum. Trust. The confidence to grow. That is exactly why Centrend exists, and why we are proud to celebrate 20 years in business. 20 years of proactive IT, built for real businesses For two decades, Centrend has focused on one simple goal: streamline your technology so you can focus on growing your business. That means we do not wait for things to fail. We design, maintain, protect, and improve your environment so problems get prevented, not “handled later.” Proactive IT is not a buzzword. It is a discipline. It is consistent standards, clear processes, real accountability, and security that is treated like a business requirement, not an add-on. That mindset is also why our communication matters just as much as our tools. We believe in no nerd-words. You deserve straight answers and clear recommendations you can act on. The milestone is ours, but it was built with our clients Anniversaries are not really about the company. They are about the people who trusted the company. To every client who called us during a stressful moment, gave us the chance to prove ourselves, and stayed with us as your business evolved: thank you. You have shaped how we operate, what we prioritize, and the standards we hold ourselves to. You pushed us to be better in the moments that matter most: If Centrend has earned a reputation for being responsive, practical, and security-minded, it is because our clients demanded that level of service, and we chose to meet it. What we stand for, and why it works Over 20 years, the tools have changed. The threats have changed. The expectations have changed. What has not changed is what businesses need from their IT partner. You need prevention, not panic Centrend 20th Anniversary is the benchmark of proactive monitoring, patching, and maintenance are not exciting, but they are what stop the “small issues” from becoming expensive interruptions. You need security you can trust Security is not a product you buy once. It is a system of habits and controls that gets reviewed, updated, and enforced. We take that seriously, including aligning with security-focused programs and best practices as requirements increase. You need support that respects your time When something goes wrong, you should not have to fight for a response or explain your environment from scratch. You deserve fast, reliable help and follow-through. You need a partner who owns the outcome One of our core promises is simple: if you are unhappy with our work, we will do what it takes to make it right to your standards. No small print. The Centrend approach in plain English Here is what “proactive IT” looks like when it is done the right way: In other words: we help make IT boring again. In the best way. Looking ahead: the next 20 years of business IT If the last decade proved anything, it is that change is now constant. Cloud adoption, remote work, vendor sprawl, cyber insurance pressure, compliance expectations, and AI-driven threats are all accelerating. Centrend 20th Anniversary. Our commitment for the future is the same as it has been: keep your systems secure, keep your people productive, and keep your technology aligned with the business. That means doubling down on: Thank you for building this milestone with us Centrend turning 20 is a proud moment. But it is also a reminder that trust is earned over time, ticket by ticket, project by project, and conversation by conversation. To our clients, partners, and community: thank you for 20 years of trust. We do not take it lightly. If you are a long-time client, we are grateful you are here. If you are new to Centrend, we would love the chance to show you what proactive IT support feels like when it is built around your business. Request a proactive IT roadmap for the next 6 to 12 months.

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AI Workflow automation illustration showing a robot and a human working side by side in a blue-lit digital office, with glowing screens, server racks, and a resting cat, highlighting fast task execution and team support.

AI Workflow Automation Simplifies Growth for Lean Teams

Cybersecurity, ERP Consulting, Managed Services /

AI workflow automation, lean teams do not fail because they lack ideas.They fail because too much time goes to repetitive work, slow approvals, and disconnected tools. You start the week with a clear plan. By Friday, you are buried in manual tasks, chasing updates, and rewriting the same message for different channels. Output drops. Quality slips. Growth stalls. That is the real problem. The good news is this: you do not need a big team to scale. You need a smarter workflow. AI workflow automation helps lean teams remove bottlenecks, speed up execution, and focus on the work that actually drives results. The real pain lean teams face Most lean teams deal with the same pressure points: When this repeats every week, growth becomes reactive instead of intentional. Why the old way stops working The old workflow depends on constant human effort for every small step: This model does not scale. It burns people out and makes performance inconsistent. The better path: AI workflow automation AI workflow automation is not about replacing your team.It is about removing repetitive friction so your team can do higher-value work. A practical setup looks like this: That is how lean teams create consistency without adding headcount. What changes after implementation When the workflow is structured correctly, you will see clear improvements: The key shift is simple: stop measuring activity, start measuring outcomes. Not just opens.Clicks, conversions, and pipeline impact. A simple rollout for lean teams You do not need a huge launch. Start small and build confidence. Small consistent steps create scalable systems. Final takeaway Lean teams grow faster when they stop doing everything manually.AI workflow automation gives structure, speed, and focus, so you can produce better marketing with less strain and stronger results. If growth matters, simplify the workflow first.Everything else gets easier after that. Turn cybersecurity tips into real results, Schedule a Strategy Call Today!

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Animated, storybook-style IT office scene with cool blue lighting: a worried businessman points while a huge diapered “Artificial Intelligence” baby smashes a crib and reaches toward glowing server racks; title at the top reads “AI Guardrails for GenAI and Agents.”

AI Guardrails for GenAI and Agents

Cybersecurity /

AI Guardrails for GenAI GenAI is no longer “a tool people try.” It is now part of daily work. Teams use it to draft emails, summarize meetings, write code, build proposals, and answer customer questions. Now add agents.Agents do not just write. They take actions. They can pull files, trigger workflows, update tickets, query systems, and connect to apps. That is where guardrails matter. Guardrails are not fear. Guardrails are how you get speed without losing control. GenAI vs Agents, what changes GenAI (chat and copilots)You ask. It responds. Most risk lives in what people paste in, and what the model outputs. Agents (tools and actions)You ask. It can do. Most risk lives in permissions, connectors, and what the agent is allowed to touch. If you treat agents like chatbots, you will miss the point. Agents need stronger boundaries. What “AI guardrails” really means AI Guardrails for GenAI are a set of rules and controls that answer four questions: If you can answer those clearly, you are already ahead of most teams. The guardrails that hold up in real life 1) Approved tools only Decide which AI tools are allowed, and which are not.Make it easy to do the right thing by providing an approved option. Good guardrail: 2) Clear data rules for prompts and uploads Most teams need a simple line in the sand. Examples of clear rules: This is not about perfect behavior. It is about a clear standard people can follow. 3) Identity and access that match the risk AI access should not be “anyone with a login.” Guardrails to use: 4) Connector control for agents Agents get dangerous when they can connect everywhere. Strong guardrail: A good rule:If the agent can take an action that changes data, it needs tighter approval. 5) Logging you can actually use If you cannot answer “who did what” later, you will lose time in every incident. Logging guardrails: 6) Output checks that prevent costly mistakes GenAI can hallucinate, invent sources, or misstate facts. Agents can act on flawed output. Practical guardrails: 7) Simple training that people will remember AI Guardrails for GenAI. Your policy does not matter if no one follows it. Make training short: Then repeat it. A little, often. A quick “hold up under pressure” checklist If you want to sanity-check your AI setup, start here: If you said “not yet” to a few of these, that is normal. This is new for many teams. Where this connects to CMMC and audit readiness If your organization touches CUI, your AI guardrails should support the same habits you need for strong security programs: The goal is simple. Use AI, keep control, and keep proof. How Centrend helps Centrend helps teams put AI guardrails in place that people follow and auditors can understand: If your team is using GenAI today or planning agents next, it is a great time to set guardrails before usage grows. Want a quick AI Guardrails Review?We can map your current AI use, tighten access, and leave you with a clear action list for the next 30 to 90 days. Book an AI Guardrails Review

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Illustration showing secure remote access as a protected modern IT office, with servers and glowing blue security barriers pushing unauthorized users away.

Keep Outsiders Out: Remote Access Built to Last

Cybersecurity, Managed Services /

Keep Outsiders Out is not a slogan. It is a daily requirement for any team that works remote, uses cloud apps, or touches controlled data. Because today, the “front door” to your business is not your office lobby.It is your login screen. And when remote access is loose, attackers do not need to break in.They simply sign in. At Centrend, we help organizations tighten remote access the right way. No drama. No slowdowns. Just clean controls that protect your team and support compliance, including CMMC Level 2 expectations. Remote access is where most teams get exposed Most security plans sound strong until someone is working from a hotel Wi-Fi, a personal device, or a rushed “quick login” at night. That is when gaps show up like: Remote work is normal now. That means remote access must be built like a core system, not an afterthought. The remote access controls that actually keep outsiders out Here are the controls that make the biggest difference, without making work miserable. 1) Strong MFA that is not easy to trick Basic MFA is better than nothing, but attackers have learned how to push people into approving logins. Better options include: If your users can approve a login without thinking, an attacker can win with one well-timed push. 2) Least privilege access Keep outsiders out. A login should not equal full access. Strong remote access uses: This limits damage even if a credential is compromised. 3) Device checks before access is granted If a device is outdated, unmanaged, or missing protection, it should not touch your systems. Good “device trust” checks include: This keeps personal laptops and risky machines from becoming silent entry points. 4) VPN, ZTNA, and “access paths” that stay reliable Many teams still rely on one remote access path and hope it never breaks. But outages happen. Provider issues happen. Configuration mistakes happen. Resilient setups include: When access is designed this way, a “bad internet day” becomes a detour, not a shutdown. 5) Logging that proves what happened For compliance and real-world response, logs matter so keep outsiders out. Your remote access trail should answer: This is where many teams fail audits. Not because they are unsafe, but because they cannot prove they are safe. The CMMC angle: remote access needs to be defendable If you are in the DoD supply chain, remote access is not just an IT decision.It is part of your ability to stay eligible. Strong access controls support areas CMMC assessors expect to see in practice, like: Remote access should not only “work.”It should hold up during a real review and during a real incident. Quick checklist: is your remote access actually strong? If you can answer “yes” to most of these, you are in a good place: If several of these are “not sure,” that is your signal. How Centrend helps Centrend helps teams secure remote access without slowing everyone down. We support you with: It is not about adding tools.It is about building a remote access setup that stays solid all year. Keep outsiders out, and keep work moving Remote work will always be remote.The difference is whether your access is tight, calm, and proven. If you want a simple outside review of your remote access controls, Centrend can run a short Remote Access Controls Check and leave you with a clear action list. Book a Remote Access Security Check with Centrend → BookYourRemoteITCheck FAQ What are remote access controls? Remote access controls are the security rules that decide who can sign in, from what device, and what they are allowed to reach after login. Does CMMC Level 2 require MFA? CMMC Level 2 aligns with NIST SP 800-171 practices, which include multi-factor authentication for certain access scenarios and strong access control expectations overall.Source: https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-171/rev-2/final What is the biggest remote access risk for small teams? Weak MFA, shared credentials, unmanaged devices, and excessive permissions are the most common issues. Can remote access be secure without making users miserable? Yes. The goal is “secure by default,” with fewer manual steps and fewer risky workarounds.

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Defense contractors reviewing CMMC annual affirmation requirements in SPRS with cybersecurity dashboards, locks, and compliance symbols

CMMC Annual Affirmation SPRS: What Contractors Must Do

Cybersecurity /

CMMC Annual Affirmation SPRS does not end when your assessment is done.For many contractors, the next risk is quieter and easier to miss. Your annual affirmation in SPRS is now part of what keeps your CMMC status alive. If it is missing, outdated, or scoped wrong, your certification may still exist on paper but your award eligibility can slip away in real life. This is where many otherwise prepared contractors stumble. Why the annual affirmation matters now Under the CMMC final rule, the Department of Defense is not only checking whether you earned a CMMC status. It is also checking whether you are actively affirming that you continue to meet the requirements. That affirmation lives in SPRS. It confirms, each year, that: If that affirmation is not current at the time of award, the government may not be able to legally move forward, even if your assessment is still within the three-year window. What the affirming official is actually saying The annual affirmation is not a casual checkbox. The affirming official is stating that: That statement is made under penalty of false claims. It needs to be taken seriously. This is why last year’s affirmation, or one tied to an old scope, is not enough. Where contractors get tripped up Most issues are not technical. They are administrative and timing related. Common gaps we see: These gaps often surface late, during proposal reviews or right before award. That is the worst time to discover them. How to check your SPRS status the right way Before you bid on a CMMC-tagged opportunity, pause and confirm: If any one of those answers is unclear, your eligibility is at risk. Why this matters even more in early 2026 The annual affirmation can lapse quietly.After the New Year, teams are catching up, priorities shift fast, and compliance items can get buried under “back to work” noise. At the same time: If your affirmation is missing, outdated, or tied to the wrong scope, it can slow down an award decision or push your bid out before evaluation even starts. A simple monthly habit that prevents problems Instead of treating SPRS as a once-a-year task, build a small routine: This keeps your CMMC story consistent across SPRS, your SSP, and your proposals. How Centrend helps contractors stay aligned Centrend works with defense contractors to make sure CMMC status, affirmations, and scope all tell the same story, especially heading into busy award cycles. We help teams: If you want a quick outside view, Centrend can walk your team through a short CMMC Annual Affirmation Review and flag anything that needs attention before your next opportunity. Final question to ask your team If a contracting officer checked your SPRS record today, would your CMMC status and annual affirmation clearly support an award? If you are not sure, now is the right time to look.

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Illustration of two professionals in a server room with thought bubbles showing a rejected certificate and a tense meeting, titled “CMMC 2026 Win Bids Keep Renewals” with Centrend logo

CMMC in 2026: Win Bids, Keep Renewals

Cybersecurity /

CMMC in 2026. The calendar resets. Attackers do not. And for defense contractors, CMMC does not reset either.CMMC in 2026 is less about “preparing someday” and more about staying eligible when a solicitation or a prime asks a simple question: What is your CMMC status today? The rollout is already in motion. Phase 1 began November 10, 2025, and it runs through November 9, 2026, with early focus on Level 1 and Level 2 self-assessments and required affirmations in SPRS. If your answer is unclear, outdated, or impossible to prove quickly, bids slow down, renewals get tense, and trust erodes fast. What “phased rollout” means in 2026 CMMC is being introduced in phases, rather than all at once. In plain terms, the DoD is ramping requirements over time so contracts increasingly include CMMC status requirements tied to award and performance. Two anchors matter for 2026: That is why “CMMC in 2026” is a practical topic. It is not theory anymore. What you will see in real bids and renewals Here is how this shows up in real life. Example 1: The prime vendor form you did not expect You are a subcontractor. A prime sends a vendor packet asking for: They are not being difficult. They are reducing risk and protecting award timelines. DFARS 252.204-7021 puts clear responsibility on contractors to ensure subcontractors have the current CMMC status or certificate appropriate to what is flowed down. If you cannot answer fast, you start losing momentum with the buyer, even if your technical controls are decent. Example 2: “We only touch a little CUI” This is the phrase that causes the most pain later. A company assumes it only touches CUI in one spot, but it turns out CUI also sits in: Now your scope is larger than planned. Your timeline changes. Your evidence gets messy. And your assessment path becomes unclear. Example 3: Renewal season arrives and your proof is stale Nothing “bad” happened. Your tools did not change. Your team is busy. But your evidence has not kept up. When you need to prove that alerts are monitored, backups are tested, and access reviews are happening, you cannot find: That is when a program that looked fine on paper turns fragile. The 2026 reality check: can you prove it on a quiet week? CMMC is not only about having controls. It is about being able to show those controls working, including: Phase 1 is also pushing the habit of submitting affirmations with assessments in SPRS, so your status is not just internal. It becomes visible in the way the program expects. A simple readiness plan you can start this week You do not need a giant project plan to move forward. You need clean, proveable basics. 1) Lock down your scope first Write a simple boundary: If you do nothing else this week, do this. It prevents rework. 2) Pick the right assessment path CMMC Level 2 can involve self-assessment or third-party assessment depending on contract needs, and the program requirements are defined under 32 CFR Part 170. Even if you start with self-assessment, organize your proof like you will be assessed later. It saves time. 3) Make evidence part of normal work Evidence should not be a once-a-year scramble. Use what you already generate: If it is not saved somewhere consistent, it may as well not exist. 4) Clean up your POA&M so it can actually close A POA&M line should never be vague. Good POA&M lines have: 5) Make weekends and holidays part of your test Ask one blunt question:If something hits Saturday night, who sees it, who acts, and what gets restored first? That single question exposes the gap between a paper program and a real program. What primes will expect from subs in 2026 Expect primes to ask for proof that you are: DFARS 252.204-7021 also makes it clear that subcontractors matter, and primes must ensure appropriate CMMC status before awarding sub work tied to the information flow. If you are a subcontractor, your fastest growth lever in 2026 is simple: be the vendor who can answer compliance questions clearly, quickly, and with proof. FAQ for search and snippets Is CMMC in effect in 2026? The CMMC program rule is in effect, and phased implementation has already begun. Phase 1 started November 10, 2025 and continues through November 9, 2026. What is the biggest mistake companies make in CMMC readiness? Treating CUI scope as “small” without verifying where CUI actually lives and how it moves through the business. What is one quick win for CMMC readiness? A scope map plus an evidence folder that is updated monthly. How Centrend helps Centrend helps defense contractors turn CMMC in 2026 into a clear plan you can actually run: If you want a clear view of where your program stands going into 2026, a short readiness review can surface the gaps that typically derail timelines. Lock in your 2026 CMMC Plan Today, so your next contract does not stall on proof.

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