Here at The Unite Group we are always looking for ways to keep our customers up to date with the latest deals, tips, industry news as well as what our fantastic team are getting up to! We are proud to produce a monthly newsletter to do this.
In this newsletter: we share the charity golf days we are participating in, celebrate 1 year of our newsletter, welcome 2 new team members to the Social+ team, showcase one of our fantastic customers Tumble Activity Centre, introduce the next Network+ event, talk all things cyber essentials & are looking for an individual to join our team!
To read The Unite Group’s July Monthly Newsletter, click on the image below!
Maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture is a significant challenge for most businesses. With complex cyberattacks becoming more common, all businesses are at risk of falling victim. To reduce this risk, businesses typically implement new technologies that focus on prevention, detection, and remediation.
However, this technology alone will not prevent a cyberattack, it will need to be supported by skilled security professionals. Many businesses choose to outsource this to a trusted third party to ensure their business is as safe as possible. In this article, we will discuss 5 reasons why businesses should outsource their cybersecurity.
Access to experienced professionals
Many businesses rely on their in-house IT teams to manage their infrastructure, as well as their cybersecurity. Depending on the size of the company, and the workload of the IT department, this can be an overwhelming task. This can then result in a poor security posture and an overworked team. This is made harder as there is a cybersecurity skills shortage. This makes it difficult for businesses to employ experienced cybersecurity professionals.
When a business outsources their cybersecurity to a trusted third party, they gain access to a team of cybersecurity specialists. Their experience ensures they will be able accurately find and plug gaps within a business’s security posture. And most importantly they are aware of the current cyberthreats, and the best way to avoid them.
Reduce costs
For businesses of all sizes, employing a new security professional or training an existing employee can be extremely expensive. For smaller businesses, it can sometimes be difficult to justify having an employee that is dedicated solely to security. In addition to the cost of employing or training someone, a business will still need to pay for cybersecurity technologies.
Whereas if a business outsources its cybersecurity, the cost is typically a fixed amount per month. This includes the technology, as well as access to the team of cybersecurity professionals. Whenever a business is considering the cost of outsourcing security, they should also consider the average cost of a cyberattack. Looking at the cost to the business if this was to happen can help estimate the return on investment.
Decrease workload for in-house IT teams
If your business has an in-house IT department, it is highly likely they already have a full workload maintaining the IT and assisting with support requests. This often leaves them with insufficient time to work on the perfect security solution, or threat monitoring.
With outsourced cybersecurity, the third-party provider is responsible for the planning, implementation and monitoring of a cybersecurity solution. This gives in-house IT departments more time to spend providing IT systems that help grow the business and provide better experiences for other employees and customers.
Improved incident response time
After a business falls victim to an attack, it is imperative that they respond quickly to reduce further damage and limit downtime. If a cybercriminal enters a network or system during the weekend, an in-house IT team may not notice until Monday morning. This will give the threat actor enough time to move laterally across a network and inflict even more damage. For example, it only takes 18 minutes for Russian nation-state hackers to move across a network.
Many cybersecurity providers offer 24/7 protection, detection and remediation to ensure that regardless of when an attack occurs, there is someone ready to swiftly take action. This is also a more cost-effective method of around the clock protection, as it would be extremely expensive to hire an internal team to work throughout the nights and on weekends.
Access to advanced technologies
There are many cybersecurity technologies out there which are designed to fulfil specific roles, including endpoint protection, email protection, autonomous detection, and many more. For an in-house IT department, they will not have experience with all of these advanced technologies, and it would be too costly and time-consuming to provide training for all solutions.
If a business chooses to outsources their cybersecurity requirements, they will be protected by a team of professionals that have experience in the cybersecurity technology. As this team live and breathes cybersecurity, they will also be able to accurately provide insights into which technologies are worth a business investing in.
Looking to outsource your cybersecurity?
In 2022, all businesses need to invest in cybersecurity, before it is too late. There are many advanced threats out there that most in-house IT departments are not prepared or able to defend against. For this reason, it is logical for businesses to outsource their cybersecurity to a trusted third-party provider. To find out more about how we can keep your business safe, contact us today.
Extended periods of rapid growth are positive for most businesses. It means that the business is acquiring new customers, which is driving increased revenue and better business outcomes. These periods are exciting and necessary for the longevity of a business, but it also creates new challenges. We often see this regarding IT and technology. In this blog we will delve into 6 common IT challenges for fast-growing businesses. In this blog, we will look at how these problems can be solved with the help of a trusted IT provider.
Budgeting for Scaling Up
As businesses grow, they will also need their IT systems to grow with them. This includes everything from software licenses to cloud servers. If businesses are not careful, their IT spending can get out of control. This can leave them with a large invoice, exceeding their budget and eating into their profit margin. Often, fast-growing businesses are not getting the most value from their IT spend and deployment and implementation of technology is reactive, rather than proactive.
If a business partners with a third-party IT provider, the provider will typically be able to give a simple monthly cost per user, with everything included for the set-up. IT providers can also proactively forecast the cost of larger projects, making it easier for businesses to stick to their IT budget.
Receiving Adequate IT Support
As businesses grow, they have different requirements regarding IT infrastructure, as well as IT support. For businesses that already have an internal IT department, the team typically is forced to dedicate their time to research, and then setting up the new systems to support the growth. This results in less time dedicated to actioning support tickets which can decrease productivity within other departments and slow business growth.
If businesses involve a third-party IT provider, they can either outsource the implementation of new technologies or outsource their support desk. This gives IT departments more time to do what they do best to support the continued growth of the business.
Onboarding New Employees
Hiring new employees on short notice is always a challenge. However, this is only made more difficult due to the current chip shortage. Hardware procurement can be a lengthy process, and even if a business already has the device, it still needs to be reimaged and set up for the employee. If onboarding is not a smooth experience it can give a poor first impression of the company.
A trusted third-party IT provider can assist with the onboarding of new employees through the procurement and deployment of new devices. This ensures that every employee receives the right equipment and it is ready to use from day one.
Safeguarding Against Cyberthreats
Most cyberattacks that we hear about in the news are high profile multi-national enterprises. But we find that small businesses and fast growing businesses are just as likely to be targeted. This is due to the fact that cybercriminals view these companies as easy targets as they typically have invested less in security. If a business does get attacked, not only can it harm its reputation, but it can also lead to a large amount of downtime.
This challenge can be solved by looking into a strong security solution. Such a solution typically includes multiple layers of defence to ensure that even if a hacker gets through one layer, there are still many more to stop them from accessing confidential data. Most security solutions also include backup and disaster recovery functionality to ensure swift recovery after an attack.
Lacking Capital Expenditure
In the early stages of rapid growth, businesses may not have sufficient liquid cash to invest in upgrading IT systems. This is particularly true for infrastructure such as servers, which require a significant capital investment. Thankfully, with the rise of cloud servers, businesses can move away from capital expenses and move to operational expenses. As there is no upfront investment, but rather businesses only need to pay for what they use.
Managing Customer Relationships
Whilst small businesses can get away with using spreadsheets, this is not feasible once a business reaches a certain size. This can be solved through building in a customer relationship management solution. This is not a quick process, businesses should invest in a CRM solution early, to prepare for growth. This is something we as a company can help support with.
How we can help
For any business that is currently growing, or looking to grow, you don’t want IT to be holding you back. Our role as a third-party IT provider is to ensure that your IT works as intended. If you want to find out more about how The Unite Group can help your business, contact us today.
For businesses, one weak password can be the cause of a major cybersecurity incident. Here at The Unite Group, we help businesses take measures to ensure they are doing everything possible to reduce the chance of falling victim to an account compromise attack. Whilst having a strong password is a good start. There are other technologies and processes that businesses can implement to reduce this risk. In this article, we will discuss some common methods of password attack. Including how to create a secure password and other ways that businesses can stay safe in a world of cybercrime.
Common methods of password attack
Brute Force
A brute force attack is where a cybercriminal attempts to crack a password by submitting many passwords or passphrases with the hope that one of them will be correct. This is not a manual process. Instead hackers will use a tool that can submit millions of login attempts every second, each with a different credentials.
Dictionary Attacks
Dictionary attacks are a form of brute force attack whereby the cybercriminal runs through a list of common words in an attempt to find the correct password. More sophisticated dictionary attacks will also use words and phrases relevant to the target. This can include their name, pets’ names and birthdays.
Past Data Breaches
Many individuals will reuse passwords across multiple websites and systems. Therefore, if one of these websites has a data breach then all the users’ passwords are leaked. Cybercriminals can use these on other websites and systems.
Phishing
Phishing attacks are a form of social engineering where a cybercriminal imitates a trusted entity and tricks an individual into opening a fraudulent email, SMS, or instant message. This message is designed to deceive the victim. Often encouraging sharing sensitive information or clicking a link that will run malicious code. There are many forms of phishing attacks that range from untailored bulk emails to highly sophisticated spear-phishing attacks. Common credential phishing attacks include malicious emails that ask employees to reset or update their passwords.
How to create a secure password
An understanding of the common methods of credential attacks should guide how employees should create a secure password. In order to avoid brute force and dictionary attacks, passwords should be long and complex. This can include using numbers, symbols and uppercase letters, without using dictionary words or names.
For example, the password ‘janedoe’ would take 2.4 seconds for a hacker to crack. If numbers, symbols and uppercase letters are added to make ‘JaneDoe295!’, this would take 31 hours to crack. However, if a credential of the same length but with random letters and characters, such as ‘f^Hl86$p-x$’ is used, it would take 9 billion years, making it immune to brute force attacks.
In order to avoid a previous data breach being the cause of an account compromise attack, employees should not reuse passwords across multiple sites or services. However, the average organisation uses 80 SaaS applications, and it is unrealistic to expect an employee to remember 80 long and complex passwords. To solve this issue, and avoid credential attacks through phishing, we recommend businesses should also implement other technologies to increase security.
Other ways businesses can stay safe
To avoid phishing attacks, businesses should implement a comprehensive email security solution. Many modern email security solutions use AI to block such phishing attacks before they even land in an employee’s inbox. Some solutions also include web filtering. This will block any malicious URLs, further decreasing the chance of falling victim to an attack.
It should also be noted that passwords should not be the only line of defence against account compromise attacks. Here at The Unte Group we also recommended implementing multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA is an authentication process where a user must provide two or more forms of identification to log in to their account. Typically, the forms of identification are two of the following: something the user knows (such as a password), something they are (such as biometrics) or something they have (such as a hardware key or trusted phone). Deploying multifactor authentication is simple and it prevents 99.9% of all account compromise attacks.
As it is not possible to remember 80+ long, complex credentials, one solution is to make use of a password manager. A password manager can store passwords for an employee, which they can access with a single password. When using, it is essential that the master password is strong. Enabling multifactor authentication can improve security.
All businesses should be taking password security seriously as the consequences of poor password hygiene can be severe. To find out more about password security, or which solution is right for your business, contact us today.
Have you got your cookie policy? Google are currently under the microscope; this is because Richard Lloyd has made a legal claim against Google in relation to the ‘Safari Workaround’.
The Safari Workaround allowed Google to bypass default privacy settings in iPhones. This then allowed Google to track browser-generated information to sell for advertising purposes.
The facts of the case are as follows:
“The respondent (Lloyd) has issued a claim alleging that the appellant (‘Google’) has breached its duties as a data controller under the DPA to over 4m Apple iPhone users during a period of some months in 2011- 2012, when Google was able to collect and use their browser generated information. The respondent sued on his own behalf and also on behalf of a class of other residents in England and Wales whose data was collected in this way. He applied for permission to serve the claim out of the jurisdiction. Google opposed the application on the grounds that (i) the pleaded facts did not disclose any basis for claiming compensation under the DPA. And (ii) the court should not, in any event, permit the claim to continue as a representative action.“
The on-going legal battle has highlighted the importance of GDPR and Cookie policies on the internet.
Meaning that if you’re a business owner, this case is something you should be aware of and comply with accordingly.
What can you do?
As a business owner, you are responsible for the data. This for example includes the data that you collect, store, and use when your website is visited.
Your website should have a Privacy Policy and a Cookie Policy. This policy must explain what details are collected and where you store them.
Users should have the option to accept or decline your Cookie Policy when entering your website.
The Cookie Policy should also contain information on how users can opt out of cookies or change their cookie settings.
You must check that you are compliant with the current GDPR/DPA 2018 guidelines.
A Cookie Policy deals with the use of cookies on your site. Whereas a Privacy Policy is a general document regarding all the data processes on your website.
Privacy and Cookie policies are mandatory. If you do not have one of the policies on your website you can refer directly to the ICO to amend this.
If this is something you are struggling with why not get in touch with Social+ (part of The Unite Group) They can help ensure that your website is fully compliant with these guidelines.
How can we help?
Social+ offers website maintenance as part of their services. Their team would be more than happy to take you through the requirements step by step.
If this is something that you would want to hear more about give us a call. 0191 466 1050 or email on hello@social-plus.media.
Here at The Unite Group, we have recently achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certification!
This achievement is something to celebrate. Having this ensures that we are providing an excellent standard of service to our loyal customers.
ISO 9001 is a quality management system and ISO 27001 is an information security management system.
Meeting the standards of an ISO certificate provides your business with a number of benefits. These will improve the validity of your company’s management processes.
ISO certification sets a standard for businesses and the daily processes which ensure customer requirements are being met.
This also means that each business has a set of high standardised procedures. By having these procedures in place it means any new employees can easily follow them.
Businesses that have been granted ISO certification are regulated by the BSI to ensure that any changes that have been made are still meeting the standards of the certification.
The ISO 9001 standards was updated in 2015. It is the world’s most popular quality management system standard.
Over one million organisations are ISO 9001 certified. Survey results have found that there is a 60% reduction in the likelihood of mistakes.
Results have also showed that, products and services provided by these organisations have improved by 66% since being certified.
Some customers may require that you are certified before agreeing to pay for a specific service. Therefore, showing that being certified can cause an increase in revenue.
ISO Standards
The ISO standards are compatible with other certifications, for example ISO 9001 is compatible with ISO 27001.
This allows businesses, like us, to improve the quality of their management and security processes at the same time.
This has a knock-on-effect and improves customer acquisition and retention.
ISO 27001 minimises the risk of a security breach which could have legal implications for your business.
By following the procedures put in place with the ISO 27001 certification, risk assessments are conducted, and security information is protected from any pre-anticipated risks.
71% of businesses feel more protected since being ISO 27001 certified.
BSI will work with you and your business to help you achieve improved management processes and integration with corporate risk strategies.
In order to continue meeting the standards of the certification, you must regularly risk assess your business and its procedures.
You must establish correct procedures throughout the company and implement internal reviews regularly.
By being certified, we have greater protection and confidence in our management procedures, ensuring that we are providing our customers with the best possible service.
You can call us on 0191 466 1050 or email us on info@theunitegroup.co.uk for more information.
Microsoft 365 is the go-to software for every business. However since the global pandemic, collaborative working that is both accessible and easy to navigate is an essential for your work-from-home needs.
Microsoft 365 is home to several products and services including SharePoint, Teams, Outlook and much more.
The software combines a number of Microsoft apps. This provides your business with everything you need for a successful working day.
Why should you use Microsoft 365?
By utilising Microsoft 365 in your workplace, you can transfer all your data to the cloud. Making your documents and files easily accessible no matter where you are working from.
Your data can be found across a number of devices, from your mobile to your desktop.
This became particularly beneficial during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
As we are all very much aware, our spare bedrooms became our home offices. This meant we had to very quickly learn how to adapt to this new working environment.
The Monday morning meeting had to be completed online and the first 10 minutes would be spent trying to explain to someone how to turn their camera on. We do not miss it!
The usage of most online platforms – but especially Microsoft 365 – increased massively. People who thought Teams was a reference to the football were suddenly using it religiously!
Due to this, Microsoft Teams became one of the fastest growing apps of the pandemic. Adding 95 million users in 2020 alone! Teams generated an estimated 700% increase year-on-year.
Remote working has never been so simple. Microsoft can manage a range of devices including Windows, Mac and Android.
Teams allows you to work productively with your co-workers from the comfort of your own home. Whilst also having that quick 5-minute catch up on the soaps from the night before.
And the best part – the blur feature, allowing you to hide the unflattering family photo hanging on the wall behind you, or your lockdown puppy that just won’t leave you alone!
The pandemic has transformed the way we work in a so many ways, but Microsoft 365 has really helped us along. And now that we are back in the office, we can continue to make use of this software on a daily basis.
Making that one day you work from home a luxury, not a hassle!
How can we help?
Here at the Unite Group, we can help your business migrate your data to the cloud, so that you too, can begin to use Microsoft 365 seamlessly.
With our help, migration has never been so easy, moving all your contacts over with you.
Collaborative apps such as Teams and SharePoint are available immediately, allowing your staff to work from any location, at any time.
If this is something that your business would be interested in, get in touch today by giving us a call on 0191 466 1050 or email us on info@theunitegroup.co.uk.
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