Trending in 2020

1. The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) has seen a huge rise throughout 2019 (with even the egg trays in the fridge having a WiFi connection) and it isn’t likely to slow down in 2020. According to research by Software Testing Help, by 2021 there may be approximately 20 billion connected smart devices on the planet. That’s over double the world’s population!

So, what exactly is an IoT device and should your business invest in any this year? The basic principle of the Internet of Things is the ability connect everything via the internet, allowing it to be controlled and monitored. You may in fact already have some IoT devices in your home or office, such as a smart speaker.

2. 5G

5G is already set to be one of the biggest technological changes in 2020, even at this early stage in the year. Spiceworks project that two thirds of large enterprises plan to deploy 5G technology by 2021. A full 5G upgrade will see the complete overall of the existing wireless data system into a newer, cheaper, more sustainable model. This global project has been subject to ongoing political debate over the companies involved and their jurisdiction over the networks. But what actually is 5G and how will it affect your business from this year onwards?

In a nutshell the completion of 5G’s installation means that, if all goes to plan, once the systems are fully in place and operational, mobile and fixed devices can become fully wireless.

3. Multi-cloud

While most businesses will be familiar with cloud computing, the IT trend set to sky rocket this year is multi-cloud. Essentially, multi-cloud is just that, multiple cloud services working in unison. Businesses can now incorporate private, public and hybrid clouds into their networks. A multi-cloud system is defined by Avi Networks as ‘the use of multiple cloud computing and storage services in a single network architecture.’ So, why adopt a multi-cloud strategy? The benefits include:

• Vendor lock-in avoidance
• Multiple cloud services
• GDPR compliance
• Resilience

4. Industry 4.0

You may have heard of Industry 4.0 but do you actually know what it means? Tech Radar defines it as “the growing combination of traditional manufacturing and industrial platforms and practices with the latest smart technology”. Industry 4.0, hailed as the fourth manufacturing revolution, can support automation and lead to better communication across sites.

Industry 3.0 saw the introduction of computers, but this new revolution is seeing computers working together and communicating with each other to work without human direction. This digitally connected network of machines is set to revolutionise the industry this year. Watch this space!

Troubling in 2020

While there are many exciting developments in the IT sector for 2020, there are also a number of challenges that businesses will face in the coming year . . .

1. Ransomware

We may have all heard of ransomware, but in the coming months ransomware attacks are set to rise. McAfee reported that in the first quarter of 2019, ransomware attacks grew by almost 120%. These shocking figures are only set to increase.

2020 has already seen ransomware attacks target schools, legal agencies and currency exchange firms. However, if businesses are proactive when a threat is identified and keep on top of staff training and updates, they will be in the best position to avoid an attack.

2. AI is a Target

More and more businesses are taking on artificial intelligence (AI) systems, and why not? From autonomous vehicles to smart speakers and chatbots, most of us will interact with artificial intelligence on a regular basis. However, with these fantastic developments comes enormous risk. There are a number of ways in which AI can be dangerous; as these new systems are developed, effective and reliable safety measures aren’t always available straight away.

While we can programme AI devices to help with day-to-day tasks, these devices can be manipulated to act in a dangerous way. These devices do not possess a moral compass as humans do, they are simply following their code. This makes AI devices a prime target for hackers and cybercriminals.

3. Skills Shortages

While there are so many incredible discoveries and advancements being made in the IT industry every day, many businesses are struggling to adopt these new technologies due to a lack of skills.

Edge estimated that in 2018 there were 600,000 tech vacancies in the UK alone, with that figure set to total one million in 2020. A lack of skilled professionals could lead decision makers to automate roles, removing the need for skilled individuals altogether. Look at ways your business can develop the skills of your existing staff as well as ways to inspire young people to get into the industry. A fantastic way to do this is through school visits, work placements, apprenticeships or mentoring schemes.

4. Data Privacy is Just as Vital as Ever

While GDPR will celebrate its second birthday in May 2020, data privacy and processing are just as important as they were two years ago. With all these amazing updates to technology and systems, companies will need to ensure new methods are compliant. Technology plays a crucial role in collecting, processing, storing, accessing and monitoring data. Any changes to these systems will need to be fully compliant. We are still seeing massive businesses being handed huge fines due to improper use, storage or distribution of data. It is estimated that, since its introduction, EU regulators have dished out fines worth £97.29m for GDPR related issues.

All things considered, 2020 is set to be a fantastic year for the IT industry. Yes, there are challenges to tackle, but with new developments come new problems that must be addressed – this has and will always be the case.

If you have any concerns about what 2020 hold for your business’s IT, get in touch with a member of our team here.

The post IT Trends and Challenges for 2020 appeared first on IT Support Services in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

The year was off to a brilliant start from quarter one as we reported a growth of 39% compared with the same period last year, against projected annual growth of 32%.

This year we have provided and managed telephony and IT services for over 40 clients on retained monthly contracts. We also offer training programmes, and throughout 2019 we delivered a series of FOC Cyber Security awareness events for the third sector and commercial clients.

As well as offering our services, we were invited to become a member of the University of Huddersfield’s Manufacturing Supply Chain Advisory Group as well as joining the National Physical Laboratory’s Manufacturer Measurement Network. Of course, all of this kept us busy and enabled us to take on two new members of staff, increasing our workforce by 50% to a team of six.

2019 saw us installing a number VoIP systems for our clients, six of which were installed in the last six months! This is an increasingly popular service as more and more businesses are moving towards a fully connected, flexible model of working.

Always striving to uphold our ethos of honesty, integrity, knowledge and excellence, our customer service is top of our list of priorities. We are thrilled to have received an average 94.88% ‘good’ rating from our clients for the entire year! We also processed 11,128 helpdesk calls throughout 2019, advising and supporting our clients.

We strive to do our bit and give back to the communities we work in, so over the last 12 months we have gifted services to Holme Valley Mountain Rescue, setting up a wireless communication grid which is now used during rescues. We have also worked with Inspire Oldham this year, joining other businesses in sponsoring their volunteers, attending the National Diversity Awards in September.

In 2019 we embraced social media and communications, working with an agency to help tell our stories and communicate our message. Since January, we have posted 13 blogs, helping to increase web traffic and gain a total of 6,356 page views this year, with a 144% increase from January to December.

We also posted 294 times on social media. Across Twitter and LinkedIn we received a combined total of 67,609 organic impressions and 1,047 engagements.

We’ve had a fantastic year here at Probado and can’t wait to continue in 2020. If your business is looking to improve your IT support and cyber security in the new year, get in touch with our team.

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Ransomware is a type of malicious software that sits in the background of your computer and encrypts your valuable files. This can include:

• Important financial data such as accounts or payroll data
• Sensitive business documentation
• Business/personal photos

“The Ransomware ‘CryptoWall 3’ was responsible for an estimated $325 (£224) million in damages in 2015.”

Upon successfully completing the encryption process your files become inaccessible and a message is then displayed on your screen asking to pay for them to become unlocked.

How do I become infected?

Ransomware typically is spread via phishing emails with links / attachments or ‘drive by download’ websites (a website which contains scripts when visited automatically start a download of malicious software).

The 5 stages of Ransomware

Stage 1: Exploitation and Infection

For ransomware to be able to be encrypt contents on a machine. It first needs to be downloaded and triggered. This typically happens via a email containing a malicious attachment or a website that automatically downloads a file to your computer. (Time taken for Stage 1: 0 Seconds )

Stage 2: Delivery and Continuity

At this point the program that actually performs the encryption of files is delivered to the compromised computer. The program then proceeds to ensure it can continue running should it be interrupted by a user logging off. (Time taken for Stage 2: 5 Seconds)

Stage 3: Backup Locations

Now installed, the ransomware both targets and spoils any known local backup files to ensure recovery is not possible via any connected backup means. (Time taken for Stage 3: 10 Seconds)

Stage 4: File Encryption Begins

Once the backup solutions have been taken out of the equation the Ransomware can now communicate with the criminals control server and generate keys to encrypt your data. At this point the encryption of your files begins. (Time taken for Stage 4: 2 to 20 minutes)

Stage 5: User Notification

Now with the encryption of user files complete. The Ransomware displays a notifications on screen and demands payment. (Time taken for Complete Encryption: 22 minutes)

How do I get my data back?

Well the short answer is off-site Backups. Modern day Ransomware specifically targets common backup strategies. Even though there is an option to pay a ransom. There are no guarantees upon paying your data will be released. Just like the bad guy in your favourite action movie. He gets his ransom then asks for more (how rude!).

So what do I do?

Well think about your data.

It’s vital to your business, your staff, clients – all of it. How is it being backed up? Is it even being backed up at all? What would happen if a member of staff inadvertently clicked a link which sent said Ransomware secretly gallivanting across your files making them permanently inaccessible?

Can you afford the downtime?

Ransomware can bring a company to a halt for days whilst data recovery processes are in operation. For an example at the start of 2016 a UK based council was brought to a halt for a week whilst their IT services recovered from a ransomware based attack.

“72 percent of companies are unable to access their files for two days, and 32 per cent for five days, or more.”

Recommendations

• Invest in an offsite backup strategy preferably one with a roll back period allowing you to recover from several days back if needed.
• Invest in a anti-spam solution for an added tier of support from email threats.
• Review and remove unnecessary permissions from users. If you have access to all data then your user account puts all that data at risk.
• Review and invest in a trusted reputable antivirus solution.
• Keep your staff members informed on what to watch out for. Phishing emails and malware are constantly evolving and ultimately these are let in to the system from a single user click.

If you would like further advice on any aspect of Ransomware please don’t hesitate to contact the Probado Support Team:

Telephone 01484 905103
Email info@probado.co.uk
www.probado.co.uk

The post The rise of Ransomware – a growing threat business in the UK appeared first on IT Support Services in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

Screenshots of the ransomware can be seen below. if you see these on your PC/Server please shutdown your computer as soon as possible to prevent any further encryption and contact us as soon as possible.

Whilst we do provide up to date antivirus on your systems. It takes time for antivirus companies to identify and develop updates that protect against new variants.

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