Tag: protect your business

Why Outsourcing IT Support Makes Sense For Growing Companies

The Unite Group – Outsourcing IT Services

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven business world, companies, particularly those in the growth phase, face the challenge of managing their IT infrastructure efficiently. As operations expand and technological requirements become more and more complex, the need for robust IT support becomes crucial. While some companies choose to build an in-house IT team, others opt to outsource their IT support to specialised providers.

In this blog, we will explore the reasons why outsourcing IT support makes sense for growing companies.

Cost efficiency

One of the primary reasons why outsourcing IT support is an attractive option for growing companies is its cost-effectiveness. Building and maintaining an in-house IT team requires significant investments in recruitment, training, salaries, benefits, and infrastructure. On the other hand, outsourcing allows businesses to access skilled IT professionals for a fraction of the cost. With outsourcing, companies can avoid the burden of overhead expenses. Having access to these extra funds allows the business to allocate resources more efficiently to fuel their growth.

Access to Expertise

IT support providers specialise in offering a range of services to various clients across different industries. When companies outsource their IT support, they gain access to a pool of highly skilled and certified IT professionals with diverse expertise. This expertise extends from routine IT maintenance and troubleshooting to complex tasks such as cybersecurity, cloud management, and data analytics. Outsourcing IT support ensures businesses can constantly evolve alongside emerging technologies without the need for constant training and development in-house.

Focus on Core Competencies

For a growing company, focusing on its core competencies is essential for success. By outsourcing IT support, businesses can divert their attention and resources elsewhere. This abundance of time and resources redirected towards product development, marketing, and customer service has the potential to increase sales significantly. Outsourcing enables businesses to streamline operations and increase overall productivity, thereby accelerating their growth trajectory.

Scalability and Flexibility

As a business expands, its IT support needs can rapidly change. Scaling an in-house IT team to meet evolving requirements can be a time-consuming and costly process. In contrast, outsourcing IT support offers flexibility and scalability. Professional IT support providers can quickly adapt to changing demands and efficiently handle fluctuations in workload, ensuring that the company’s infrastructure remains reliable and responsive at all times. Whether it’s handling temporary IT projects, onboarding new employees, or adapting to seasonal fluctuations, an outsourced IT support provider can quickly adjust the level of support to match the company’s demands.

Proactive Maintenance and Enhanced Security

IT support providers operate on proactive maintenance models, constantly monitoring systems and networks to identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate. This approach ensures maximum uptime and minimizes downtime, contributing to increased operational efficiency. Moreover, cybersecurity is a top priority for growing companies, as they are susceptible to cyber threats due to the valuable data they possess. Outsourcing IT support allows businesses to benefit from robust security measures and access the latest cybersecurity technologies to safeguard their sensitive information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, outsourcing IT support is a logical choice for growing companies. It presents a cost-effective, scalable, and flexible solution that grants access to expert IT professionals while allowing businesses to concentrate on their core competencies. With proactive maintenance and enhanced security, outsourcing IT support ensures that companies can maintain a robust and reliable IT infrastructure, essential for their continued growth and success in today’s competitive market. As technology continues to evolve, outsourcing IT support will undoubtedly remain a strategic advantage for businesses striving to achieve their full potential.

To learn more about our Managed IT Services click here or Contact Our Team today!

August 2, 2023
Teams Calling: Seamlessly Integrating with Cloud-Hosted Phone Systems

In today’s fast-paced business world, effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful organisation. Teams Calling, is a revolutionary feature within Microsoft Teams. It has emerged as a game-changer for businesses looking to streamline their communication processes. Combining the power of collaboration and cloud-hosted phone systems, Teams Calling offers a comprehensive solution that optimises productivity, enhances customer engagement, and fosters seamless teamwork.

What is Teams Calling?

Teams Calling is a feature of Microsoft Teams that enables users to make and receive phone calls directly from their Teams application. It transforms the conventional desk phone into a versatile, cloud-based communication tool. This integration allows users to consolidate all their communication channels. Such as chat, video conferencing, and phone calls, into one unified platform, simplifying their work processes.

Seamless Integration with Cloud-Hosted Phone Systems

Teams Calling offers several advantages when integrated with cloud-hosted phone systems:

Enhanced Flexibility

Cloud-hosted phone systems enable employees to access their phone services from any internet-connected device. By incorporating Teams Calling into the mix, team members can make and receive calls from their computers, tablets, or mobile phones. Ensuring they stay connected, whether they are in the office or working remotely.

Cost-Effective Communication

Traditional phone systems often come with hefty setup and maintenance costs. Cloud-hosted phone systems offer a more cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for physical infrastructure. Teams Calling further optimises costs by bundling phone services with existing Microsoft 365 subscriptions, saving businesses significant expenses.

Streamlined Collaboration

Integrating Teams Calling with cloud-hosted phone systems fosters seamless collaboration among team members. With just a few clicks, users can initiate voice or video calls with colleagues or clients. Eliminating the need to switch between different communication platforms. This streamlined process enhances productivity and reduces the chance of missed messages or important calls.

Unified Communication History

Having a unified communication history is a boon for businesses. With Teams Calling, all call logs, voicemails, and call recordings are conveniently stored within the Microsoft Teams application. Team members can access this information at any time, ensuring they have a comprehensive record of their communication activities.

Advanced Features

Cloud-hosted phone systems often come equipped with a range of advanced features. Such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcription, and interactive voice response (IVR) systems. By integrating these features with Teams Calling, businesses can provide better customer service, increase efficiency, and customise their communication setup to suit their unique needs.

Scalability and Integration

Cloud-hosted phone systems are highly scalable, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes. As organisations grow, they can easily expand their communication infrastructure without the need for significant investments in new hardware. Additionally, integration with existing business tools, such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, further enhances the efficiency of communication and data management.

Secure Communication

Cloud-hosted phone systems offer robust security features to protect sensitive information and conversations. When integrated with Teams Calling, businesses benefit from Microsoft’s advanced security protocols. Ensuring that their communication remains secure and compliant with industry regulations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Teams Calling offers a powerful communication solution that seamlessly integrates with cloud-hosted phone systems. By centralising all communication channels within the familiar Microsoft Teams platform, businesses can significantly enhance productivity, streamline collaboration, and reduce costs. Moreover, the combination of Teams Calling’s advanced features and cloud-hosted phone systems’ scalability provides organisations with a versatile and future-proof solution for their communication needs.

As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, adopting Teams Calling integrated with cloud-hosted phone systems will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving success and staying ahead in the ever-evolving corporate landscape. Embrace the power of modern communication and experience the transformative impact it can have on your organisation’s productivity and growth.

To learn more about Teams Calling and it’s easy integration with Cloud Hosted Phone Systems click here or contact our team today!

July 24, 2023
June 2023 – Newsletter

Our June Newsletter is here to give you an insight into everything that has been going on here at The Unite Group over the past month.

In this newsletter: We sponsored the Grace House Golf Day, Network+ announce their next networking event, some of our Cyber Security Experts attend the ISAME Regional Meeting, we introduce you to our latest team member, we offer a FREE webinar to our customers, and learn more about operator connect for Microsoft Teams.

To read The Unite Group’s June Monthly Newsletter, click on the image below!

To be added to our mailing list drop us an email, info@theunitegroup.co.uk or to speak to our friendly team call us on, 0191 466 1050

June 27, 2023
Why You Need a Cloud Phone System: Exploring the Benefits of Hosted Telephony

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected business landscape, effective communication plays a vital role in the success of any organisation. Traditional phone systems are no longer sufficient to meet the evolving needs of businesses. This is where cloud phone systems, also known as hosted telephony, come into play. These innovative solutions leverage the power of the cloud to deliver seamless and efficient communication experiences. In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of hosted telephony and explain why it is a must-have for modern businesses.

Cost Savings

One of the most significant advantages of a cloud phone system is the potential for cost savings. Traditional phone systems often require substantial upfront investments in hardware, infrastructure, and maintenance. In contrast, hosted telephony eliminates the need for expensive on-premises equipment, such as private branch exchange (PBX) systems. With a cloud-based solution, you can access enterprise-grade communication capabilities through a simple monthly subscription. Significantly reducing your upfront and ongoing expenses.

Scalability and Flexibility

As your business grows, so do your communication needs. Hosted telephony offers unparalleled scalability and flexibility to adapt to your evolving requirements. Cloud phone systems allow you to easily add or remove phone lines, extensions, and features without the hassle of physical infrastructure changes. Whether you are opening new offices, expanding your team, or exploring remote work options. A cloud-based solution ensures that your communication system seamlessly scales alongside your business.

Business Continuity

Unforeseen events, such as power outages, natural disasters, or network failures, can disrupt traditional phone systems and negatively impact business operations. Hosted telephony mitigates this risk by offering built-in redundancy and failover capabilities. In the event of a disruption, calls can be automatically routed to backup numbers, mobile devices, or alternative locations, ensuring uninterrupted communication and business continuity. By relying on the cloud for your phone system, you can maintain seamless connectivity even during challenging times.

Advanced Features and Integration

Another benefit of hosted telephony is it provides access to a wide range of advanced features and integrations that can enhance your business communication. These features include call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcription, auto-attendants, call recording, and more. Additionally, cloud phone systems seamlessly integrate with other business applications such as customer relationship management (CRM) platforms and help desk software. This integration streamlines workflows, improves productivity, and enables better customer service by providing a holistic view of customer interactions.

Mobility and Remote Work

In an era where remote work and mobile connectivity are becoming increasingly prevalent, hosted telephony offers the flexibility and mobility that modern businesses require. Cloud phone systems allow employees to make and receive business calls from their mobile devices, laptops, or even softphone applications. This empowers your team to work from anywhere, ensuring continuous communication and collaboration across geographies. Whether your employees are on the road, working from home, or at a client’s location, they can stay connected seamlessly.

Simplified Management and Maintenance

Managing and maintaining traditional phone systems can be complex and time-consuming. With a cloud phone system, the responsibility for system updates, security patches, and infrastructure maintenance lies with the service provider. This allows your IT team to focus on core business activities, rather than dealing with the technical intricacies of phone system management. Additionally, cloud-based solutions often provide user-friendly web portals or mobile apps, enabling easy administration and self-service options for users to manage their own features and preferences.

Conclusion

The benefits of a cloud phone system, or hosted telephony, are clear and compelling. From cost savings and scalability to advanced features and mobility, adopting a cloud-based solution can revolutionize your business communication. Whether you’re a small startup or a large global organisation, the benefits of hosted telephony are sure to be useful for your business.

To find out more, contact our team today!

June 22, 2023
10 reasons why you should outsource your IT Support

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, technology plays a critical role in driving efficiency, productivity, and growth. However, managing an efficient and reliable IT infrastructure can be a complex and resource-intensive task. This is where outsourcing IT support can offer a strategic advantage to companies of all sizes and industries. By partnering with a specialised IT support provider, like ourselves here at The Unite Group. Businesses can tap into a wealth of expertise, experience, and resources that can help them overcome various pain points and achieve their technology goals.

In this blog, we cover 10 reasons why you should outsource your IT Support.

1. Lack of in-house expertise

If your company does not have the necessary skills or expertise in managing IT infrastructure and support, you should consider outsourcing these services to a specialised IT support provider. IT issues if not resolved quickly can be expensive for businesses. It could also damage your reputation it you are not able to deliver the high levels of service your customers would expect.

2. Cost considerations:

Maintaining an in-house IT support team can be expensive. Outsourcing IT support can be a cost-effective solution as it eliminates the need for hiring, training, and managing a dedicated IT department. Here at The Unite Group, we offer price-per-user IT Support. Meaning as long as the user is covered, we will support all their devices.

3. Scalability and flexibility

If your company experiences fluctuations in its IT support needs, you may find it challenging to scale your in-house team accordingly. Outsourcing provides the flexibility to easily adjust the level of support required based on the company’s evolving needs. We have a large helpdesk team meaning any issues will be dealt with often on the same day.

4. 24/7 support requirement

Does your businesses require round-the-clock IT support to ensure their systems are operational at all times? Outsourcing IT support provides access to 24/7 support services, which may be challenging to maintain with an in-house team.

5. Focus on core competencies

Outsourcing your IT support allows you to focus on your core competencies and strategic initiatives while leaving IT infrastructure management to external experts. Be assured your IT is in safe hands, leaving you time to focus on your business.

6. Access to advanced technology

As IT support providers, we have access to the latest technologies, tools, and industry best practices. By outsourcing, you can leverage these resources without having to invest in them separately.

7. Geographical reach

If your company operates in multiple locations across the UK, outsourcing your IT support can ensure consistent support across all locations, regardless of the region.

8. Compliance and security concerns

Alongside IT Support, we also offer managed backup services as well as Cyber Essentials certifications. Our IT engineers can work closely with our cyber security experts to ensure your IT infrastructure is compliant and protected.

9. Employee turnover and training

Recruiting and retaining skilled IT professionals can be challenging. By outsourcing IT support, companies can avoid the risks associated with employee turnover and the need for ongoing training and skill development. Our team here at The Unite Group is kept up-to-date with the latest training within the industry to ensure you can be confident in their capabilities.

10. Disaster recovery and business continuity

Managing your IT in-house can often mean services like backup management, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity strategies can be forgotten. This ensures that critical data and systems can be quickly restored in the event of an outage or disaster. Here at The Unite Group, we can fully manage your backups to ensure your data is safe, secure, and up to date if you choose to outsource your IT support.

From cost savings and scalability to accessing advanced technologies and round-the-clock support, outsourcing IT support allows companies to focus on their core competencies while leaving the management and maintenance of their IT infrastructure in capable hands. Ultimately, outsourcing IT support enables organisations to streamline operations, enhance security, improve user experience, and stay ahead in today’s highly competitive digital landscape.

Interested in our Managed IT services and want to outsource your IT Support? Click here to learn more or contact our team today on 0191 466 1050

June 15, 2023
BBC, Boots, and BA: A Day of Cyber Breaches Shakes Public Confidence

With 3 huge cyber breaches hitting the headlines yesterday for some of the country’s largest companies, we must treat this as a reminder to ensure your business is protected.

Introduction

In the digital age, cyber security breaches have become an unfortunate reality for organisations worldwide. Yesterday, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Boots, and British Airways (BA) experienced significant cyber breaches. Highlighting the vulnerability of even the most prominent institutions. This blog will delve into the details of these breaches, their implications, and the growing need for robust cyber security measures in today’s interconnected world.

BBC’s Data Leak

Yesterday, the BBC fell victim to a data leak. This resulted in the exposure of sensitive information belonging to millions of users. The breach compromised usernames, email addresses, and potentially even passwords. This incident raises concerns about the security of user data and underscores the importance of stringent security protocols.

As one of the most trusted news sources globally, the BBC’s reputation has taken a hit. Users rely on the organisation for reliable information, and a breach of this magnitude shakes public confidence. This incident serves as a wake-up call for the BBC and other media organisations to reassess their cyber security practices and implement stronger protective measures.

Boots Pharmaceutical’s Customer Data Breach

In a separate incident on the same day, Boots, a leading pharmacy chain, experienced a significant cyber breach that compromised customer data. Personal information, including names, addresses, and even medical history, was potentially exposed. With over 2,500 stores across the United Kingdom, Boots serves millions of customers. This breach affects a vast number of individuals.

The breach raises concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive medical information, leading to identity theft and other fraudulent activities. Customers who trust Boots with their private details now face an uncertain future. The incident highlights the need for enhanced cyber security measures within the healthcare sector, where the stakes are particularly high due to the sensitivity of the data involved.

British Airways’ Cyber Attack

Adding to the day’s unfortunate events, British Airways suffered a cyber attack resulting in unauthorised access to customer accounts. The breach exposed personal and financial information, potentially compromising credit card details of thousands of individuals. British Airways, a prominent airline, has faced previous cyber security incidents, and this breach further erodes public confidence in its ability to protect customer data.

The airline industry operates within a highly regulated framework and is entrusted with vast amounts of passenger information. Breaches like this not only affect individuals but also have broader implications for the aviation sector as a whole. Rebuilding trust in the industry will require swift action, robust security measures, and transparent communication with affected customers.

The Growing Need for Strong Cybersecurity Measures

The cyber breaches experienced by the BBC, Boots, and British Airways illustrate the ongoing challenge organisations face in safeguarding sensitive data. As technology advances, cybercriminals find increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit vulnerabilities. It is essential for companies to adopt proactive cyber security strategies to protect user information effectively.

Organisations must invest in state-of-the-art security infrastructure, regularly update software and systems, and conduct comprehensive audits to identify potential weaknesses. Training employees to recognise and respond to cyber threats is equally crucial. Collaboration between the public and private sectors, sharing threat intelligence, and implementing best practices can strengthen the collective defence against cyberattacks.

So, how does this act as a reminder to protect your business?

These attacks have highlighted how no business is too big, or small, to fall victim to an attack. Here at The Unite Group, we recommend Microsoft Premium to our customers as a first step to protecting their business. Microsoft Premium offers robust cyber protection to individuals and organisations, equipping them with advanced security features and tools. With Microsoft Premium, users benefit from enhanced email and file protection, including advanced threat detection and remediation capabilities.

The service provides real-time monitoring and alerts for potential cyber threats, allowing users to proactively address security vulnerabilities. Additionally, Microsoft Premium offers multi-factor authentication, ensuring an extra layer of security for user accounts. The service also includes secure cloud storage and backup options, protecting valuable data from loss or unauthorised access. With its comprehensive suite of cybersecurity features, Microsoft Premium empowers users to safeguard their digital assets and maintain peace of mind in an increasingly interconnected world.

Moreover, having a Cyber Essentials certification is another recommendation we suggest businesses put in place. Cyber Essentials is a recognised and widely adopted cyber security standard designed to help organisations mitigate common cyber risks and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding sensitive data. It provides a baseline framework of security controls that organisations can implement to protect against prevalent cyber threats. To learn more about Cyber Essentials, click here.

Conclusion

The cyber breaches at the BBC, Boots, and British Airways highlight the pervasive nature of cyber threats and the need for continuous vigilance in protecting sensitive data. These incidents have far-reaching consequences for both the affected organisations and the public’s trust in their ability to secure personal information. As technology evolves, organisations must adapt and invest in robust cyber security measures to mitigate risks and maintain public confidence. Only through collective efforts can we build a safer digital landscape for the future.

If you would like to find out more about the cyber security measures we can put in place for your business, contact our team today!

Let’s prevent the risk of your business falling victim to such an attack.

June 6, 2023
Creating Strong Passwords – World Password Day – 4th May 2023
Introduction

Today we join the celebrations of World Password Day by reminding you of the dangers of not using strong passwords. As well as, sharing top tips to create strong passwords. The internet is a dangerous place. That’s why we all need to be more careful about how we handle our online security. Strong passwords are your first line of defense against cybercrime and they’re actually pretty easy to create! So come along as we dive into the world of strong passwords and see how you can protect yourself from hackers in just five easy steps.

Be aware of the latest threats

You should also be aware of the latest threats and how they affect you. The first step is to stay up to date on new developments in password security, which can be done by following actively checking the National Cyber Security Centre website. Or by speaking with your IT support provider, such as our team here at The Unite Group.

The consequences of being unaware of the latest threats are dire: if your password is compromised because it was too easy to guess or crack, then all your accounts could be hacked as well! This could result in identity theft or even financial loss.

Use different passwords for each service you use
- Use a password manager to store all of your passwords.
- Use different passwords for each service you use.
- Don’t use the same password for two services, even if they’re related (for example, don’t use the same password for both Facebook and Instagram).
- Don’t use your email address or name as a password (it’s too easy to guess).
- Don’t use common words that could be found in any dictionary–especially when those words are part of something personal about yourself (like your birthday).
Use a password manager to manage your passwords

A password manager is a tool that stores your passwords, often in an encrypted format. The benefit of using one is that it can create strong passwords for you and then remember them for each website or service you sign up for. This way, all your passwords are unique and significantly harder to crack than if they were all the same.

You should use a password manager on all your devices so that any device has access to the same data without having to enter it manually each time (which could lead to forgetting). Most password managers also allow users to store credit card details or other sensitive information securely in case someone gets hold of their device somehow – this makes recovering from this kind of breach much easier!

Use a unique and long password for each account

The most important thing you can do to protect your accounts is to use a unique, long password for every account. If you’re having trouble remembering all of your passwords and login information, try using a password manager as mentioned above.

We recommend using a range of numbers, symbols and both uppercase and lowercase letters within your password to create a complex password. Shorter passwords also become easier to guess, so try to ensure your passwords are always over 8 characters long.

Don’t use dictionary words or personal information in passwords
- Avoid dictionary words, personal information, and other common passwords.
- Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.
- Don’t create passwords that are easy to guess (such as your birthday or pet’s name).
Strong passwords are your first line of defense against cybercrime

Strong passwords are your first line of defense against cybercrime. A strong password is hard to guess and easy to remember, which makes it much harder for someone else to steal your identity or break into your accounts.

Let’s recap top tips to create a strong password that’s both secure and memorable:
- Use a password manager
- Use different passwords for each service you use, even if they’re all from the same company (e.g., Facebook, Gmail)
- Make sure your passwords are at least 8 characters long
- Change your passwords regularly (e.g. every month)
Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to create strong passwords. The most important thing is to use different passwords for each service you use and make sure they are unique and long. You should also use a password manager to help manage all of your passwords so that they are safe even if you get hacked by cyber criminals!

If you would like to learn more about measures you can put in place to best protect your business from falling risk to cybercrime, visit our cyber security blog archive or speak to our experienced team today!
May 3, 2023
February 2023 – Newsletter

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We’re back again with our monthly newsletter to keep you up to date with everything that has been going on here at The Unite Group!

In this newsletter: We tell you about our exciting trips to Microsoft HQ, Network+ announce their next event – Spring into Networking, we spotlight our client Medsolve, we offer a FREE webinar to our customers, share the benefits of Microsoft 365 security & explain the advantages of pay per click marketing.

To read The Unite Group’s February Monthly Newsletter, click on the image below!

To be added to our mailing list drop us an email, info@theunitegroup.co.uk or to speak to our friendly team call us on, 0191 466 1050

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February 23, 2023
Why is it important for businesses to have IT support?

In today’s fast-paced digital world, technology is critical to the success of any business. The right IT infrastructure can increase productivity, streamline processes, and help businesses stay ahead of the competition. However, with so many different technologies and systems to manage, it can be challenging to keep everything running smoothly. This is where IT support comes in. Here at The Unite Group, we are proud to provide complete Managed IT services. So, you can relax knowing your covered by a team of highly-skilled professionals.

IT support is an essential service for businesses of all sizes. It provides technical assistance and advice to help companies manage their IT systems and infrastructure. As businesses continue to rely more and more on IT infrastructure for the day-to-day running of their business, it is essential to ensure you have the correct support in place. If something were to go wrong.

In this blog, we cover why IT support is so important for businesses:

Maximizing Uptime:

Downtime is a business’s worst nightmare, as it can lead to lost revenue, decreased productivity, and even reputational damage. IT support can help to prevent downtime by providing proactive maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of IT systems. This ensures that issues are identified and resolved quickly, minimizing the impact on the business. Our clever monitoring systems, means we often can fix a fault before you even know it’s a problem. Hugely reducing the risk of downtime due to an IT fault.

Increased Security:

Cyber threats are a constant risk for businesses, and the consequences of a data breach can be severe. IT support can help businesses to implement the latest security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and data encryption. This can help to protect against cyber threats and ensure that sensitive data is kept safe. We offer various cyber security options to further protect our customers. One being support to achieve a Cyber Essentials certification. This scheme is said to protect businesses from 80% of the most basic cyber threats. Click here to learn more about the Cyber Essentials scheme.

Improved Efficiency:

IT support can help businesses to identify and implement the best technology solutions for their needs. This can help to improve efficiency by streamlining processes, automating tasks, and reducing manual labour. By optimising technology, businesses can work more efficiently, save time, and reduce costs. Our team of highly qualified engineers will be able to offer recommendations for software to reduce the amount of time your staff spend doing mundane, routine tasks. Instead, being able to offer solutions to speed up processes.

Access to Expertise:

IT support provides businesses with access to a team of experts with a wide range of technical knowledge and experience. This means that businesses can get the help they need to solve complex IT problems, without the need to hire an in-house IT team. IT support can also help businesses stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends, ensuring that they remain competitive in their industry. Here at The Unite Group, we provide a price per user, not per device. Therefore you can be assured our team of experts will assist no matter what the issue your team faces.

In conclusion, IT support is an essential service for businesses that rely on technology to operate. It can help businesses to maximize uptime, increase security, improve efficiency, and access technical expertise. With the right IT support, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and succeed in the fast-paced digital world. To learn more about how your businesses could benefit from Managed IT support from The Unite Group, contact our friendly team today. Or alternatively visit our IT support page to learn more!

February 17, 2023
We celebrate Safer Internet Day!
Today marks Safer Internet Day. This day promotes the responsibility of both adults and young people in creating a safer space online.

Each year, people from all over the world come together to spread awareness and celebrate Safer Internet Day.

In today’s day and age, people of all ages move towards a more digital way of life. From mobile phones to work laptops and gaming devices, electronic devices are intertwined with our daily lives.

Now more than ever, safe internet use and cybersecurity have never had such importance. So much of our personal and professional data can be accessed through the internet. This means internet safety and cyber security should be at the forefront of our minds.

Although technology keeps us entertained and makes our lives easier, it also has its complications.

Whilst individuals must follow best practices to protect themselves, businesses must do this to protect sensitive data. Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to reflect on how we can all promote the responsible use of technologies.

Does your business operate on safe practices?

Horizon WIFI

Is your public WIFI secure?

As the provider of public WIFI, do you have the correct measures in place? If not, this could leave you accountable for any illegal or inappropriate activity on your account.

Horizon public WIFI is traceable. This means you can provide a public wireless solution to your customers with peace of mind you are fully protected. If someone looks at inappropriate material, you can provide this information to the authorities. Furthermore, using content filtering you can prevent these people from ever getting access.

Here at The Unite Group we offer safe public Wi-Fi solutions. Our Horizon public WIFI product is secure, intelligent, and perfect for direct marketing.

Visit our website to learn more about Horizon WIFI or contact us on 0191 466 1050.

Phishing Emails

It’s always important for both individuals and employees to be on the lookout for phishing emails. Phishing emails are categorised as a cybercrime that contacts its target via email. The sender uses this form of attack to gain and exploit personal or sensitive business information.

There are 3 types of phishing emails to look out for:

Spear phishing – an attempt directed at a particular individual or company.

Clone phishing – hackers use a legitimate, previously delivered, part of online correspondence to create almost identical emails.

Whaling – an attempt directed specifically at a senior executive or high-profile target within the business.

For businesses, it’s important to make sure employees are aware of phishing emails and how to spot them. As an individual, never click any links or give any personal information to a sender you are unsure of.

Weak Passwords

We understand that when it comes to creating a password, you want to make it something memorable. But if it’s easy for you to remember, it’s also easy for a hacker to guess.

A lot of people make their passwords something personal, for example, the name of a beloved family pet. However, we need to keep in mind that this information is easy to find. A lot of our personal information is easily accessible online via social media.

Strong passwords are essential in keeping private or sensitive data safe.

In the spirit of Safer Internet Day, why not double-check that your passwords comply with best practices?

We suggest you create strong passwords by following the below steps:
- Use a combination of upper-and lower case letters.
- Include numbers.
- Include special characters (symbols).
- Never include any personal information.
- Never use the same password for different applications.
- Ensure your passwords are at least 12 characters long.
Cyber Essentials

More now then ever cybersecurity is a vital part of any business. With cyber attacks happening more and more frequently it is essential to ensure you have the correct measures in place to protect your data.

We believe businesses should go the extra mile when it comes to cyber security. One way of doing this is to obtain the Cyber Essentials certification.

A foundation-level certificate protects your business from 80% of the most basic cyber security breaches.

You don’t need to be an experienced information security professional or have any technical knowledge to become Cyber Essentials certified; we can help! Our in-house qualified Cyber Essentials assessors are here to assist you throughout the entire process. Giving you peace of mind that you have protection against the most basic cyber threats.

Chat to our friendly team today to see what measures we suggest you put in place to protect your business.

Happy Safer Internet Day!
February 7, 2023