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Our new ‘Crown Jewels’ Queen Bee

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Bee It Solutions is excited to announce the addition of the iconic Crown Jewels Bee to our hive.

Remember that swarm of stunning bees that took over Manchester City Centre in 2018? The Crown Jewels Bee was one of the most iconic sculptures from the Bee In The City trail. This buzzing beauty, designed by Ambrin, celebrates the Suffragette Movement and imagines what Manchester’s own Crown Jewels might look like.

The Bee: A Symbol of Innovation and Community

Bees, often celebrated for their role in pollination and honey production, hold a deeper significance in the realm of technology and innovation. This connection is particularly evident in Manchester, a city that has been instrumental in shaping the modern digital world.

Manchester: A Pioneer in Computing

Manchester’s pioneering spirit is embodied by the development of the world’s first stored-program computer, the Manchester Baby. This groundbreaking achievement, realised in 1948 by a team led by Frederic C. Williams, Tom Kilburn, and Geoff Tootill, marked a pivotal moment in the history of computing. The Manchester Baby laid the foundation for the modern digital age, inspiring generations of computer scientists and engineers.

The Bee: A Symbol of Collaboration and Achievement

Just as the Manchester Baby was a product of collaboration and innovation, bees are renowned for their teamwork and efficiency. Their complex communication systems and intricate social structures enable them to achieve remarkable feats, from building elaborate hives to producing honey.

Beyond the Hive: The Bee’s Impact on Technology

The bee’s qualities of focus, hard work, and community have resonated with technologists and innovators. The bee’s ability to navigate complex environments and solve problems collectively has served as a metaphor for the challenges and triumphs of technological advancement.

Bee It Solutions: A Commitment to Innovation

As a leading provider of IT, Telecoms, and Cyber Security solutions, Bee It Solutions shares a deep appreciation for the bee’s spirit of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to excellence is rooted in our belief that technology should empower individuals and communities, just as bees contribute to the health and vitality of ecosystems.

best IT support and solutions - learn chain business

What Lessons Can We Learn Through Failed Business Machines?

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What Lessons Can We Learn Through Failed Business Machines?

Providing the best IT support and solutions to customers, whether they are a small business that needs a basic server and set of computers to keep the company going or a massive multinational that needs interconnectivity with various data centres, is as much about listening as advising.

As the psychophysicist Howard Moskowitz noted, there is often no single perfect recipe but a plurality of perfect recipes, and this principle can be applied beyond the realm of coffee, mustard and pasta sauce and into the world of information technology.

In 1987, the late IT entrepreneur Jack Tramiel exemplified the way in which computer manufacturers, IT suppliers and technical support can all only succeed by remembering that the reason all of this exists is in service to the customer and the end user. 

This means listening, understanding the needs of the customer and providing the best solution and support for the best price.

Whilst a simple maxim, not everyone manages to get this right. Most of these mistakes also serve as learning experiences and whilst some technology companies ultimately do not get a second chance, they do also provide a clear direction for others following in their wake.

Listen, Do Not Dictate

A very good example of what not to do when designing a business machine is to explore what happens when you take the opposite of Mr Tramiel’s approach to computing at around the same time.

Mr Tramiel was the founder of Commodore Business Machines, creators of the highly popular VIC-20, Commodore 64 and later the Amiga 500 (albeit after he left), who was such a ruthless operator that he was commonly compared to General George Patton and lived by a maxim of “Business is War”.

His businesses developed machines based on what people wanted and therefore what would sell, which was a largely successful albeit unsentimental approach to computers.

The complete opposite of this was the late Sir Clive Sinclair, a tinkerer by nature who readily admitted he was not a businessman, instead wanting to miniaturise and simplify computers so that they would be available to everyone, believing to a degree that he knew what people truly wanted without actually asking them.

The most infamous example of this was the Sinclair C5, an early battery-electric vehicle that Sir Clive believed was the future of personal mobility, but was such a monumental disaster that he sold the only profitable part of his company to Alan Sugar’s Amstrad and was never taken seriously again.

However, the very same mindset that brought the world the C5 also led to the similarly unsuccessful Sinclair QL.

Short for Quantum Leap, the QL was meant to be a competitor for the Apple Macintosh and IBM PC but priced so much lower that it would be a viable option for small businesses.

Technically it was more powerful than the PC and closer than one might expect to the successful original Macintosh, but so many of its design ideas were at odds with what business users truly wanted that it ultimately became a financial disaster.

The keyboard was attached to the system and was the same as the ZX Spectrum +, but whilst this keyboard was better than the atrocious rubber membrane keys Sinclair was infamous for, it was not good enough for businesses, and users complained of an uncomfortable typing action compared to competitors.

Much worse than this, and arguably the decision that doomed it more than most was that the main storage medium of the QL was not the floppy disk or even the slow but incredibly cheap cassette tape but the infamous Microdrive.

Essentially a miniature cassette tape, it was very small and extremely unreliable, with a lot of QL software suggesting that a duplicate of the software be copied onto a second microdrive in case the first was rendered unusable.

Rather infamously, the QL was so poorly supported that Linus Torvalds, a Finnish programmer most famous for developing the core of Linux, a free operating system that is at the core of Android-powered mobile phones.

Know Your Audience

In 1987, the typewriter, camera and printer manufacturer Canon was looking to enter the computer business but in a way that would be welcoming to older office users more comfortable with typewriters.

This led to the development of the Canon Cat, designed by Apple Macintosh developer Jef Raskin as a middle ground between the electric typewriter and the IBM PC, providing a simple, easy-to-use machine with a remarkable amount of power and technical sophistication.

As a computer, the Canon Cat is remarkably efficient despite lacking the mouse that even by the late 1980s was starting to become increasingly important in IT, using a series of clever key combinations and two dedicated “Leap” keys to allow typists to reach any point in the document they wanted.

However, the issue was that the bulk of the marketing of the Cat was undertaken by the typewriter division at Canon, who in their infinite wisdom hid a lot of the powerful features and marketed the system as a de facto electric typewriter with a screen.

This was a problem, as it cost so much more than an electric typewriter that businesses stuck with their existing infrastructure or spent roughly the same price to buy one of many increasingly affordable PC-compatible systems if they needed the functionality.

Avoid Creating Single Points Of Failure

A tantalising prospect for both customers and developers alike is the idea of the all-in-one system or a single device that does everything you could realistically need it to do.

Many modern offices use laptops that allow work to be done almost anywhere as long as they can connect either directly or remotely to the company servers, and smartphones theoretically can be used for almost any business application.

However, one important part of any business system is redundancy; if there is a single point of failure then there is a much greater risk of prolonged downtime.

This was rather infamously the case with the Coleco Adam, a popular all-in-one computer system that was designed around its letter-quality printer and built-in high-speed (for 1983) storage. Both would end up having malfunctions that would ultimately destroy Coleco entirely.

The Adam generated so much electromagnetic static when turned on that it would wipe any tapes left in the computer, but the much bigger and more baffling issue was that the entire system was wired through the printer.

Unlike every computer made before or since, the printer had to be plugged in to provide power to the rest of the unit, and since the Adam’s printer was not the most reliable, this led to a lot of computers that simply would not work.

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Global Talks Highlight The Crucial Role Of Cybersecurity

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The UK is hosting three days of talks with other leading nations to discuss measures to tackle the growing threats to cyber security. In a press release, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology  explains that the global coalition will explore new ways to boost cyber security and look to enhance cyber skills training.

The growing threat of cyber attacks

Cyber attacks are becoming more frequent for small to medium (SMEs) sized businesses in the UK, and they can lead to significant disruption and downtime. This affects productivity and also damages client’s trust and the reputation of the business. Furthermore, attacks can lead to legal penalties for the business if General Data Protection Regulations are breached. 

The international coalition highlights just how seriously governments and IT engineers are taking the rising threat of cybercrime. The press release explains that almost half of British businesses do not have the level of skills to protect themselves against cyber crime. 

Our Leeds-based cyber security services can help SMEs to manage day to day risks and ensure that all of your software, firewalls and anti-malware protection is up to date and protected with agreed protocols. We also provide 24/7 helpdesk support, backed up by on-site visits if required. 

What are the aims and objectives of the global cyber-security convention?

The talks are taking place to explore how global cyber security workforces can be strengthened, with the development of new professional standards and cyber skills training. 

Experts from EU member states, Japan, Canada, and the UK will be joined by representatives from the World Economic Forum and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 

A new report will be commissioned and the key areas of focus will be discussed during the three days of talks. The recommendations in the report are scheduled to be published by the end of the year. 

Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark said: “The UK needs a significant improvement in its cyber defences after the previous government failed to strengthen our cyber laws – we’re fixing that.”

“Later this year, we’ll bring forward new measures to better protect the nation from cyber-crime and our new regional skills programme will support the next generation of cyber talent and innovators.”

“But this is a shared challenge, which is why we’re bringing together global allies to discuss and agree steps to keep us safe online, improve cyber skills and protect our economy and public services.”

Special enhanced status for data centres

The government has also announced that data centres will be designated Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and will be afforded the same status as energy and water systems. 

Here at Bee IT Solutions, we have our own data centre that is supported by an independent power supply, bolstered against physical damage, and protected round the clock with the most stringent cyber security measures. If you choose to store your critical data with us, you will also have the flexibility to scale up or down your capacity as your needs change. 

Data centres house multiple computer servers, storage systems, and networking equipment to ensure data is safe from physical and cyber threats, and accessible to businesses as required at all times. It gives you peace of mind that in the event of a cyber breach or other disaster, you can maintain business continuity and recover quickly and efficiently. 

NCSC uncovers Russian digital sabotage attempt

The National Cyber Security Centre reports that it has worked with allies to disrupt an attempt by Russian forces to sabotage computer networks and carry out espionage. This illustrates how cyber security is not just a matter of complying with data protection regulations; cybercrime is now an act of warfare.

Paul Chichester, NCSC Director of Operations, said: “The exposure of Unit 29155 as a capable cyber actor illustrates the importance that Russian military intelligence places on using cyberspace to pursue its illegal war in Ukraine and other state priorities.”

“The UK, alongside our partners, is committed to calling out Russian malicious cyber activity and will continue to do so. The NCSC strongly encourages organisations to follow the mitigation advice and guidance included in the advisory to help defend their networks.”

The UK and its allies found that malicious actors were targeting governments around the world, and also uncovered specific threats to Ukrainian victim organisations. UK businesses are urged to step up their security measures in the wake of the attacks.

West Yorkshire based IT solutions

What Cyber Threats Do SMEs Face & How Can They Be Mitigated?

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What Cyber Threats Do SMEs Face & How Can They Be Mitigated?

Unfortunately, in 2024 cyber security breaches are a fact of life for businesses. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) can be particularly vulnerable as they have fewer IT resources and may find it more difficult to stay updated with the latest cyber security technologies than larger organisations.

According to research carried out by the government earlier this year, 70 per cent of SMEs in the UK reported cyber security breaches in the past year. The cost of each attack to businesses ranged from approximately £1,205 to £10,830. 

Here’s a look at the key threats currently facing SMEs, and how our West Yorkshire based IT solutions company can help you. 

Managing day to day risks

The government report explains that the common IT threats are not necessarily sophisticated, and can be mitigated by what is sometimes called ‘cyber hygiene’ practice. This means using the most up-to-date malware protection, network firewalls, agreed protocols for phishing emails, and restricting admin rights.

While it is possible to implement all of these measures in-house, in reality they can take up a significant amount of time that could be directed to other areas of the business, particularly if you do not have the resources for a dedicated IT technician. 

By outsourcing your IT security to a specialist service provider, you will have peace of mind that your business is monitored around the clock with the most up-to-date solutions. Here’s a look at some of the basic steps you can take in the meantime.

Provide regular cyber security training

One of the most frequent causes of cyber breaches is human error, particularly via phishing attacks and malware. However with so much information out there, it can be difficult to know where to start or what to prioritise, particularly smaller businesses who may not have any particular expertise in this area, and this can leave the business vulnerable to attacks.

One of the most common weaknesses exploited by cybercriminals is weak passwords. Simply by using an easily guessable password, and/or using the same password across multiple accounts, staff are leaving your business highly vulnerable to attacks. Astonishingly, some of the most commonly used passwords are ‘password’ and ‘123456.’ 

Strong passwords that contain at least one uppercase and one number are advised. It is not recommended to use names of family members or pets, or dates. A quick way to come up with a strong and memorable password is to join three random short words together. 

Phishing emails are another common source of IT attacks on business. This is when cybercriminals go to great lengths to create a genuine looking email with convincing details and graphics. The email tricks the employee into giving access to sensitive information, or into clicking on a link that is infected with malware.

Train employees to scrutinise all emails carefully, particularly if they contain a link or are pressuring them into quick actions or provide access to restricted data. Sometimes the email may purport to be from an established contact, as it may be sent from a hacked account. If in doubt or if any suspected breach has occurred, it should be reported straight away.

Keep all software up to date

Outdated software is a common target for hackers. All software, including operating systems, browsers, and applications should be updated as soon as the latest versions are released. This will help your business to stay protected from cyber attacks as the updates will contain security patches.

Ideally, you should set all devices to automatically update software if this is possible. However, sometimes an update can fail to take place, particularly if the device needs to be restarted or there is an open application that is preventing it from automatically rebooting. Consider using endpoint protection software for comprehensive security coverage.

 

Additionally, all your data should be regularly backed up to ensure business continuity in the event of a breach or cyberattack. Ideally your data should be stored both in the cloud and at a data centre, and tested regularly so that you can recover it quickly should an emergency situation occur.

Consider gaining cyber security accreditation

An accreditation such as Cyber Essentials will provide your business with a demonstrable commitment to security standards, and is a requirement if you want to work with government departments and certain other organisations. It also ensures that your business follows best practice and is compliant with the latest security standards.

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Why Cyber Accreditation Matters For Your Business Reputation

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Cybersecurity is a non-negotiable element of any business IT infrastructure, and it is crucial for businesses to have a robust system in place. 

Here at Bee IT Solutions, we can offer a range of comprehensive cyber security compliance services, including the opportunity to become Cyber Essentials certified and listed on the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) directory.

What is cyber security accreditation?

Cyber Essentials is a government backed scheme that is designed to protect your business or organisation from the most common forms of cyber attack. It’s administered by the NCSC, and they explain that the vast majority of cyberattacks are basic and carried out by unskilled individuals, rather like opportunistic thieves who try front doors to see if they are unlocked. 

The certification will safeguard basic vulnerabilities, which makes it much less likely that cyber criminals will identify your business as a potential target for a more sophisticated attack. 

The Cyber Essentials certification involves a comprehensive assessment of your current cybersecurity needs and vulnerabilities, followed by the implementation of security measures in compliance with best practices and recognised industry standards. 

These include installing the latest antivirus and antimalware software; updating all software and hardware with the latest security patches; establishing if the necessary firewalls are in place; implementing access control measures to reduce the risk of unauthorised access to data; and testing the robustness of the system configuration. 

What are the benefits of Cyber Essentials certification?

Guarding against data breaches

Cyber Essentials certification will significantly mitigate against the risks of security breaches that could allow criminals access to sensitive data. This will mean that your business is better protected from leaks of information that could lead to financial losses and serious damage to the reputation of your organisation, and possibly even legal action.

Building trusted relationships with clients

Clients are now very well informed about cyber security risks, as it’s something that most of us now have to navigate in our own careers and personal administration tasks. Therefore, it’s important to demonstrate your cyber integrity and trustworthiness to potential clients. 

A recognised accreditation such as Cyber Essentials certification is visible evidence of your commitment to safeguarding customer data. This helps you to build up trust with your clients, encouraging them to engage with your services and maintain long-term relationships. 

Legal compliance

The UK and Europe are subject to strict data protection regulations, which are designed to protect sensitive data of clients and individuals, and breaches of these regulations are taken very seriously. To avoid a financial penalty or even a prison sentence, it’s important to ensure that your business operates within the legal framework at all times.

The cyber accreditation can help your business to remain compliant with the requirements of the GDPR, safeguarding your operations and providing peace of mind for your clients and business partners.

Remaining competitive

The business landscape is increasingly competitive, and evidence of cybersecurity certification demonstrates your commitment to high standards and professionalism. This can mean the difference between a client choosing to give their business to you over a rival. 

The Cyber Essentials certification can also open the door to a wider range of business opportunities, especially if you are keen to secure contracts with large organisations. Indeed, if you want to work with many government agencies, Cyber Essentials certification is a prerequisite. 

Therefore it’s best to be well prepared so that you are in a position to take advantage of any opportunities that come your way. Furthermore, the certification can give your business access to lower insurance premiums because it is evidence of enhanced protection from cyberattacks. 

In the event that you do fall victim to a cyberattack, the certification will ensure that it is easier to maintain business continuity and minimise the disruption to daily operations. 

More efficient IT infrastructure

The accreditation process involves a thorough assessment of your IT infrastructure, and this can highlight any weaknesses or bugs in the system that have been making it sluggish and inefficient. It might identify outdated software that needs to be replaced or updated, helping to create a more streamlined and efficient IT infrastructure that boosts productivity.

Overall brand image and reputation

Finally, cybersecurity accreditation shows that your business is willing to be transparent and accountable in their dealings with clients, and maintains high security standards. This fosters confidence and builds trust and stronger relationships, potentially attracting larger high value clients.

By working together, we can help your business navigate the accreditation process, and create a culture of continuous improvement with regular reviews and updates.

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5 IT Support Issues And The Best Solutions to Manage Them

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Fast and reliable IT systems are now crucial for businesses to survive and thrive, yet with so many new technologies and cyberthreats emerging it is almost inevitable that problems will occur occasionally, or even frequently. This can be anything from a slight nuisance to a significant drain on time and productivity.  

Here’s a look at some of the most common technology problems and the best IT solutions.

Poor network connectivity

A strong network connection is crucial to efficient business operations, yet often this can be a frustrating issue that causes delays and disruptions. Users may find that connecting to the internet takes several attempts, web pages are slow to load, the connection drops out intermittently, or even that they cannot connect to the internet at all.

Troubleshooting: the first step is to double check that all the cables are securely connected and undamaged, such as those between routers and booster devices. If they are all present and correct, try restarting the modem or router to iron out any glitches in the software or hardware. 

Your computer operating system may have inbuilt diagnostic tools that can indicate specific problems, so step through this to see what it flags up. It may be that your router is simply wearing out or running on obsolete technology and needs to be replaced. 

If you cannot find any issues with your IT system, check if the problem lies with your Internet Service Provider. Sometimes, the glitch may be caused by more complex issues that need to be addressed by a professional IT service provider.  

Cybersecurity challenges

Cyber threats are a growing issue as criminals constantly develop new forms of malware attacks. These can cause anything from slow systems to regular crashes and irritating pop ups. This not only impacts productivity and performance, but it can also compromise sensitive data.

More seriously, weak cybersecurity can leave your business vulnerable to ransomware attacks or spyware that can seriously damage your business reputation and finances. It could also lead to penalties for breaching data protection regulations. 

Good cybersecurity measures include installing antivirus software and keeping it updated; keeping operating systems up to date; training staff about security risks such as how to spot phishing emails and suspicious links; using secure passwords and multi-factor authentication; and regularly backing up data.

Managing complex IT infrastructure

As IT systems become more complex and perform multiple functions, it can be difficult to integrate them smoothly and identify issues. It can also create incompatibilities between different hardware or software, which only come to light when a system update is attempted.

Running older applications can heighten this risk, but it is not always viable for businesses to switch to new systems because their whole operating system is based around older technology. In this case, special support from IT experts might be necessary to keep the legacy system running efficiently, or to oversee a gradual migration to a newer system. 

Data backup and disaster recovery 

Data loss that occurs through cyberattacks, hardware failure, or disastrous events such as fires or floods can be devastating and even mean the point of no return for small businesses. Therefore it’s crucial to have a well-structured data recovery plan in place, to enable the system to be swiftly restored to its original state.

If you have a large business operation, prioritise the data that is most crucial for recovery first of all. You may choose to work with a managed service provider who has their own data centre, so that you can be confident that your data is stored securely and you can access it immediately in the event of a disaster. 

Sluggish computer performance

One of the most common IT complaints heard in offices up and down the country is sluggish computer performance. Unfortunately, this is an issue that could have many causes and it often requires expert investigation to get to the heart of the matter.

Possible culprits might be outdated hardware or software; data overload; lack of memory space; viruses, or browser caches that need clearing. Make sure that all software updates are installed and the devices are scanned for viruses and malware. It may be that the hardware needs to be upgraded or the operating system needs to be reinstalled.

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4 Benefits Of  IT Support For Small To Medium Businesses

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Managed IT support services from external providers were once considered to be the preserve of large corporations, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) traditionally relied on an in-house team. However, as our dependence on technology grows and IT networks become increasingly sophisticated, this is no longer the case.

Many SMEs now recognise that in-house management is not always the most efficient approach for crucial IT systems. It is now common for businesses of all shapes and sizes to outsource some or all of their IT functions to a managed service provider (MSP). 

Typically, an MSP will offer some or all of the following: infrastructure management; cloud migration; data storage and backup; cybersecurity and accreditation; and telecoms support. Here are some of the key benefits of this option for SMEs. 

More time and resources for core business operations

Most SMEs want to get on with the core business operations rather than divert resources to managing their IT infrastructure. The technical maintenance may fall on the shoulders of non-specialists who juggle the task with their main job roles, and understandably do not have cutting edge expertise or awareness of the latest developments in the sector.

At best, this can lead to sub-optimal efficiency, with slow running systems that reduce productivity and provide an interior customer service. At worst, it can lead to frequent downtime that brings operations to a standstill, and vulnerability to devastating cybersecurity attacks. 

An MSP will oversee the technical support and cybersecurity and maintenance, allowing the SME to focus on doing what they do best. 

Enhanced cybersecurity

Cyber threats are increasingly prevalent as the world becomes more dependent on technology, and cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and subtle in their methods. An MSP will deploy multiple measures to ensure that your business data is as safe and secure as possible at all times.

They will have access to the latest cyber security technologies including antivirus software, firewalls, and data back up systems. The MSP will also be able to monitor your IT systems continuously and proactively, meaning that any issues will be flagged up and dealt with before they are allowed to escalate. 

Furthermore, the MSP can provide specialist services such as infrastructure penetration testing, which simulates cyber attacks to identify weaknesses in the system that may be exploited by criminals. They will then take the necessary measures to mitigate against future cybersecurity threats. 

The MSP can also provide cyber security accreditation, which provides reassurance to your clients and customers that they can trust you with sensitive information. Cyber attacks such as ransomware infiltration are not only disruptive to your business operations and finances, but they can also lead to severe penalties for breaching data protection regulations.

 

By outsourcing your IT security, you can be confident that your business will always be compliant with General Data Protection Regulations. This can be a difficult area to navigate without expert assistance, particularly in the era of cloud storage where different rules and regulations may apply across physical borders. 

Access to the most up to date tools and software

One of the biggest IT challenges SMEs face is ensuring that their systems are the most efficient and up to date, so that they can remain competitive in today’s fast moving and crowded business landscape. 

Experienced and qualified IT professionals will be able to advise on what technology will benefit your business the most, and offer tailored solutions that are designed to maximise efficiency and productivity. 

By collaborating with an MSP, you will be able to access state of the art software and hardware that you otherwise would not have the financial resources or technical expertise to operate. This can help SMEs to stay one step ahead of the competition and offer unrivalled customer experience. 

Cost efficiencies

Many SMEs operate on tight budgets with very little slack in the system. The cost of using an MSP versus maintaining an in-house IT support team often works out much lower and brings far greater benefits. 

The MSP will be able to provide a scalable solution that is tailored to your specific needs, so you are only paying for what you require, and your situation will be reviewed on a regular basis. 

You are also highly likely to benefit from more streamlined IT systems for faster operations, and in the rare event of any downtime, a team of experts will be on hand to get you back on track as soon as possible. 

IT storage solutions

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Local Data Centre Provider?

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Today, even small to medium sized businesses have a significant amount of data that is crucial to their day to day operations. Much of this information is sensitive and highly confidential in nature, such as client details and financial records. 

Any IT downtime or security breaches could cause severe disruption and damage to the reputation of the business, so safeguarding this data should be at the forefront of any robust IT system. One of the safest and most efficient IT storage solutions is a bespoke data centre provider. Here’s a look at some of the advantages of this option.  

Customised storage solutions

A local data centre provided by an IT support service can offer a storage solution that is tailored to your needs. The provider will assess your specific needs and requirements, such as specialised security measures, tailored hardware setups, advanced configuration or capabilities, or scalable storage options.

The data centre can be tailored to offer a bespoke solution that meets your exact needs, rather than relying on the standardised and impersonal approach of big tech cloud providers.

A scalable and flexible solution

The data centre is a flexible storage solution and can easily be scaled to accommodate your changing storage needs. This means that you can get on with the work of expanding and growing your business, without having to worry about exceeding your data limits or current capabilities, and deal with disruptive transitions to new providers or services.

All you need to do is let us know how your business needs are changing, and we can seamlessly accommodate your requirements.

Enhanced security options

Cybersecurity is a key priority for business as cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated every day. It’s also crucial to maintain compliance with data protection regulations and to offer a creditable service for your customers. 

Cloud storage can raise significant concerns around security and privacy, because although they promise the latest in security technology, breaches do occur. This can damage your confidence in them, and also the trust and confidence of your customers. 

A bespoke local data centre will not apply one size fits all solutions, but will apply the most appropriate, stringent and up to date security measures to closely monitor the IT infrastructure at all times. 

Using a local data centre also makes it easier to guarantee compliance with the country’s data protection regulations, leaving nothing to chance and enhancing the integrity of your business. This brings you peace of mind that you will always know exactly where your data is, and that it is being proactively monitored around the clock. 

A high degree of reliability

One of the biggest drawbacks of cloud storage solutions is unplanned downtime, which can occur if the cloud provider experiences an outage or your business loses internet connectivity. This can disrupt operations and you will have no control over the length of the outage. You may also lose unsaved data and potential customers may go elsewhere. 

By using a local data centre, you will be able to have access to your data whenever you need it. The centre will have multiple measures in place to minimise the risk of downtime, including backup generators, alternative power supplies, and several network connections. 

Furthermore, the data centre will be continuously monitored with the latest preventative maintenance techniques, and should any issues come to light, they will be instantly investigated and dealt with by our highly experienced and qualified team of experts.

Furthermore, the system will be optimised to process a very high volume of data and provide responses with minimal delay (known as low latency). This ensures that you will be able to guarantee near real-time access to your data, which translates to more efficient operations. 

If you rely on ecommerce and online customer service to power your business, this can mean the difference between a successful transaction and a frustrated customer who decides to take their business elsewhere. 

As we advance ever further into the digital age, this instant communication is likely to become an even higher priority for automated business tools, and virtual reality and augmented reality features. 

This will give you a competitive advantage over your rivals with enhanced customer experience and new software applications that can be seamlessly integrated into your IT infrastructure. 

Business continuity solutions

All businesses need to plan for the worst to ensure they can survive an IT related breakdown. A bespoke data centre will have a robust disaster recovery plan in place, supported by regular backups and a team of experts on hand 24/7.

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Five Frequently Asked Questions About IT Business Support

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IT business support is naturally a subject that generates a lot of questions. Whether you consider yourself to be reasonably clued up, or you find yourself stumped over changing a password, there’s bound to be some uncertainties in a fast-evolving field. IT can also be bound up in myths and misconceptions that only serve to confuse matters further.

Here are some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions about IT business support. 

What does IT business support involve?

IT business support is an external service that supports businesses and organisations by managing their digital infrastructure and resolving technical issues. It may involve additional services such as cybersecurity and telecoms services. The support may be offered remotely, on-site, via a helpdesk, or through a combination of these methods.

What are the advantages of a managed service provider over an in-house team?

Small to medium businesses who manage their IT in-house may find it more difficult to keep up with specialist or large-scale projects, and may benefit from extra support from a managed service provider (MSP), either for specific rollouts or on an ongoing basis.

This will ensure that the IT infrastructure is monitored with the latest and best practices 24/7, and any issues are dealt with promptly, and preventative measures are put in place. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of problems escalating into bigger issues that could potentially lead to IT downtime and disrupt business operations. 

Is cloud computing less secure than using remote servers?

Small to medium businesses are often wary of cloud-based services such as those provided by Google or Microsoft, but in fact these are very safe and secure. This is because these huge corporations deploy the most cutting-edge encryption and cybersecurity technologies that generally cannot be matched by smaller enterprises. 

In this era when many employees work remotely, cloud computing is often the most secure and efficient way to operate your IT infrastructure. It can lead to more streamlined workflows that are easier to manage and more cost effective. 

Migrating your entire operations to the cloud can be a complex and daunting task, even if you do have your own in-house IT team. Therefore, many businesses of all sizes will work with an MSP to oversee the transformation process. This will ensure that everything runs smoothly and securely.

The MSP will be able to make suggestions and recommendations to ensure that you are using the most appropriate technologies and software for your business. They can help with email migration, enabling you to collaborate with your team more efficiently. They can also host your website and applications in the cloud and virtualise your infrastructure. 

How do you choose an IT support provider?

There are hundreds of MSPs to choose from, so knowing which one might be right for you can be a difficult task. First of all, decide if you want to have only remote support or on-site support, as if you want the engineers to visit your premises, then it makes sense to narrow your search down to your local geographical area.

Next, decide what issues you want to have support with, whether it’s security, cloud migration, telecommunications, or general support and maintenance. If you have frequent IT failures and downtime, it may be a good idea to appoint an MSP to carry out an initial review of your infrastructure and then work with them to establish the best course of action. 

Check if the MSP prefers to work with small to medium sized businesses or larger organisations, and if they specialise in the types of licensing and products that you have, such as Microsoft or iOS. 

If the MSP is promising to offer expertise in every service and speciality across all business types and sizes, then this is not necessarily a good thing. Their knowledge may be too general, or they may be deliberately disguising weaker areas of the service.  It may be better to focus on those MSPs who most closely match your needs and business model. 

What should you do if you suspect a cyberattack?

If you suspect that your computer is infected with malware, it’s important to disconnect from the internet as soon as possible to prevent malware spreading to other devices. The computer should then be run with anti-virus scans, data backup and system updates. If in doubt, contact an IT professional for more information and advice.

Cybersecurity Healthcare - services

The Importance Of Cybersecurity In Healthcare Facilities

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The Importance Of Cybersecurity In Healthcare Facilities

The healthcare sector is increasingly dependent on technology, from maintaining daily operations to crucial patient care and data management. There is no doubt that this is driving up standards of quality and efficiency in hospitals, care homes, and other healthcare settings, but it also carries significant cyber security risks. 

BBC News reports on the latest cybersecurity attack that affected major London hospitals in early June, including King’s College Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’, and the Royal Brompton and the Evelina London Children’s Hospital. This has caused serious disruption to services, as some departments could not connect to the main server. 

The cyberattack has led to cancelled operations, diverted emergency services, and blocked access to pathology results, including blood tests and blood transfusion results. This could delay emergency care as IT experts work to establish how widespread the ransomware attack is, and which parts of the network can be safely accessed.

This is just the latest example of how vulnerable healthcare services are to cybersecurity threats. Here’s an overview of the main cybersecurity threats and challenges faced by the sector, and how they can be addressed. 

Patient data security

As we have seen, the security of patient data is of paramount importance. This includes access to vital test results, and also highly sensitive and confidential information that can lead to patient identification and medical histories. If this data is accessed by cybercriminals, they may use it as a method of blackmail or for identity theft. 

Furthermore, UK healthcare providers must comply with strict data safeguarding regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). If the provider is found to be in breach of these regulations, it can result in severe penalties and a loss of public trust and confidence. 

Complex and outdated IT infrastructure

Hospitals can have huge and extremely complex IT infrastructure that supports a range of interconnected systems and operations, with very little capacity for downtime for updates or repairs. The systems should ideally be compatible with all aspects of daily operations, and this can present enormous IT security challenges and risks. 

Furthermore, some hospitals and care homes may still be running legacy systems that are too outdated to support new security updates or have the necessary features to safeguard from cyber attacks. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are adept at exploiting these vulnerabilities and will deliberately target organisations with outdated systems.

Lack of resources and training

Many healthcare organisations are facing severe budget restraints, which limits their ability to maintain up to date IT systems and implement the best cyber security systems. This can leave them vulnerable to security breaches and lapses that are exploited by cybercriminals. 

There may be further constraints due to staff shortages, or the lack of time and resources to train staff in cyber security awareness. The care home sector is particularly reliant on staff from diverse backgrounds and they may not be familiar with UK security requirements or procedures. The sector also has a high staff turnover, bringing a further barrier to training.

This can increase the risk of human error causing cyber security breaches, and undermine the prompt reporting and an effective response to the incident.

How can healthcare organisations minimise their cybersecurity risks?

Regular risk assessments

The first step to robust cybersecurity management is to carry out a risk assessment to identify current and potential risks and vulnerabilities in the system. The assessment should be fully comprehensive and leave no stone unturned, from patient data security to the operation of medical devices and equipment. 

Implementing updates and patching

When upgrading the entire network is out of the question due to budget or operational constraints, regular patching or individual software updates should be installed to guard against the latest security threats. 

Extra layers of security can be added with data encryption that protects data when in transit, so even if it is intercepted the data remains unreadable. 

Multi-factor authentication

Multi factor authentication (MFA) can make it more difficult for attackers to gain access to systems and data, even if they do manage to gain the login details of a member of staff. MFA relies on not just a password, but a second or third means of authentication, such as biometric data, or a pin code sent to a mobile device, or an email.

Comprehensive IT monitoring and support services

Healthcare organisations often work with a third party IT management and support service, who have access to the most up to date information and techniques for best cyber security practice.

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