Many people have been working remotely for almost a year now as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Unsurprisingly, the concept of working away from the office is something that a diverse cross-section of businesses are considering introducing into their business models going forwards.

Remote working has a number of benefits, including a better work-life balance for employees, and lowered business expenses, such as the cost of office space and utilities.

If remote working is going to become part of your regular routine, then we highly recommend that you optimise your IT provision now in order to avoid any issues in the future.

Improve your connection

We’re all familiar with WiFi issues and, unfortunately, it is something that can ‘just happen’. There have been issues with the volume of users now connecting remotely, with bandwidths struggling to cope.

However, there are some quick and simple ways to improve your WiFi connection without spending a fortune.

It may seem like an obvious one, but being closer to your router actually does wonders for your connection. If possible, set up your workstation next to your router or even place it on the desk that you are working at.

If you’re still struggling, we recommend that you invest in a WiFi extender or booster, which can be purchased online at a reasonable cost.

You could also talk to your WiFi provider to see what options are available for you to update or increase your plan.

VoIP systems

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems are great when it comes to both remote and flexible working. It’s definitely something that we recommend you invest in (if you haven’t already).

A VoIP system converts your voice into a digital signal, allowing you to make a call directly from a computer.

These systems are powered by the internet, allowing devices to be moved around freely wherever there is WiFi. This is beneficial when scaling up or relocating as it eliminates lengthy downtimes and incurred maintenance costs. Simply plug in and connect to the internet, and voila! You’re ready to go!

VoIP systems are generally a more affordable option in comparison to traditional phone lines and require very little maintenance. And the majority of problems that do arise can generally be resolved remotely. It’s worth noting that traditional phone lines are in fact being phased out and will be completely replaced by VoIP by 2025.

We recommend that you switch to VoIP now to get ahead of the change.

Be resourceful

Use a second monitor. If you’re used to working with a bigger screen while in the office, a laptop might seem small in comparison, especially when working on tasks that require a keen eye.

Consider using your TV screen as your desktop or get a second monitor to connect to your laptop – all you need is an HDMI cable. Going wireless is also another option, and for this you could use Chromecast, AppleTV another streaming device.

Use headphones with a microphone. This might seem like a pretty obvious thing to suggest, but you will be surprised by the amount of people who use headphones without a microphone, or who don’t use headphones at all.

When you’re on a video call, try using headphones with a microphone to avoid any background noise interfering and ensure that you can be heard clearly.

Stay up to date

It can be easy to forget the importance of keeping your applications and software up to date when you’re out of the office.

Maybe your IT department usually takes care of this, or your work colleague reminds you to do them.

Don’t miss out on vital updates for any of your programs and devices. Ensuring that all updates are done as soon as possible means that your device will stay protected against hackers and cybercriminals, who are looking for weak spots to take advantage of.

It also helps to keep everything moving efficiently by staying up to date with the latest features and tools.

Protect your data

We recommend that you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to help protect your data. A VPN is essentially a secure tunnel to access the internet. Cybercriminals will look to exploit a range of areas, so it is important that your online activity is protected.

As employees spread out, so does your company data, making it an easier target for cybercriminals. Security is often cited as a major reason organisations are hesitant to allow remote working, but solutions and best practices are available.

Setting up extra cyber precautions, such as a VPN, can significantly reduce your risks and give your employer more peace of mind.

Having immediate and reliable access to company data is vital whilst working remotely. All members of staff need to be able to access servers and files easily, wherever they are. There are two main options when it comes to storing data, on premise or the cloud.

Cloud solutions are a great option for remote working as they can be accessed anywhere with the correct login credentials.

This means the security of a cloud server may be called into question; however, additional measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and better passwords will ensure your team can access files and data securely when working remotely.

On-premise refers to local hardware, which means all company data is stored on servers, computers and other devices within the company site.

One of the main advantages of an on-premise solution is the security, which is of critical importance today. Whilst no single method can ever be 100% effective at preventing breaches, storing data locally can help keep remote hackers out of a system. However, it is imperative that organisations implement safeguards to protect their on-premise devices.

A data centre is also an option for protecting your data. At its simplest, a data centre is a physical facility that organisations use to house their applications and data, incorporating software, firewalls and antivirus.

Additional benefits include round the clock monitoring and maintenance, constant accessibility and backup facilities.

For more information on our services and how they can assist remote working, get in touch with a member of our team.

The post Optimise your IT for remote working appeared first on IT Support Services in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

According to Computer Weekly, almost half of UK manufacturers have experienced a cyber security incident, with Enscite also reporting that the manufacturing sector is the third most hit by cyberattacks in the UK.

Managing cyber security risks on just one site can be challenging let alone at multiple locations. Here is everything you need to consider to ensure all your manufacturing sites are as cyber-safe as possible.

Have a dedicated team

Most manufacturers will have a dedicated IT or cyber security team; however, they may only be based in the head office or one central location. Having a dedicated member of staff on each site (or at the very least, regular visits and audits) is crucial to being able to identify cyber security risks, data breaches or weak spots and manage them effectively and quickly.

There are many cyber-attacks that can lay undetected to the untrained eye until it is too late. It can take companies over six months to identify a data breach, therefore having specialist staff on the ground at each location can ensure that any breaches are identified and dealt with as soon as possible.

Provide training for all employees – your first and last line of defence

Training is essential for ensuring cyber security across multiple manufacturing sites. Providing training just for your IT team is not enough – all staff need to be trained in basic cyber security, covering everything from how to identify a spam email to the reporting procedure in your organisation. Whether they’re working with a single email account or a specialist piece of computer operated equipment, cyber security training is essential.

It is not always possible for the IT team to be on hand 24 hours a day but if all staff are vigilant and aware of what to look out for, it can help protect not just their site, but the entire network including admin systems, manufacturing equipment, specialist software and customer data.

Be vigilant with technology

More and more manufacturers are investing in artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and Industry 4.0. These are incredible developments in the manufacturing sector that can provide significant value to manufacturing sites and end products alike.

However, with great connectivity comes greater cyber security risk. The more devices that are connected to the internet and are controlled via automated technology, the more targets there are for hackers and cyber criminals. Ensure your entire network is covered by firewalls, anti-virus software and is password protected. Multi-factor authentication (including biometrics) is a great step to enforce, adding an extra layer of protection to devices, accounts and equipment.

Be equal across sites

Ensure all sites have the same level of cyber security in place. If one site has a weak spot, hackers can manipulate this to gain access to the entire network covering all locations. While manufacturers will want to invest in tools and equipment to improve the work they produce and the value they can give to customers, investing in cyber security programmes, equipment and training is just as important.

This will not only protect your business but also your customers’ information. With almost 60% of customers asking for proof of the robustness of a manufacturer’s cyber security system, its importance can’t be ignored. Having an even blanket of protection over all sites means that each base and each customer has the best possible chance at avoiding a cyber-attack.

We work with a number of manufacturing businesses across a variety of sectors to ensure their work across multiple sites is as safe as possible. If you’re looking to improve the cyber security of your manufacturing sites, get in touch with a member of our team here.

The post How to maximise cyber security across multiple manufacturing sites appeared first on IT Support Services in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

In today’s increasingly connected world, our reliance on technology is putting us more at risk of cybercrime. SMEs that put their head in the sand need to understand that without the right cyber security in place, this escalating threat could have a detrimental impact on their business.

Cyber security can come with a huge price tag for small businesses in the UK. Recent statistics show that 43% of businesses have suffered a cyber breach or attack in the past year alone and without proper protection in place, these breaches could cost as much as £25,000 to resolve.

It is very common for small businesses to ignore potential threats because they deem themselves as too insignificant to be targeted by cyber criminals. The truth is, by thinking they are too small, they are putting themselves at even greater risk.

In the wake of the new GDPR legislation, companies who fail to put adequate safeguards in place could face legal action and risk fines of up to £17 million or 4% of their annual turnover. According to specialist business insurance broker PolicyBee, at least 74% of small businesses do not have any funds put aside to deal with potential threats.

As technology advances, so does cybercrime. Any protection solutions businesses have in place need to be constantly improved and adapted to mitigate any potential threat.

Over the past few years, there has been a surge of new apps all designed to aid our productivity both in and out of the office. Like most IT software, these apps are designed with good intentions. Employees use them for their daily duties and whilst forward-thinking companies recognise their benefits, they may fail to realise the implications of staff using unsecure apps.

Unless they are fully encrypted, cyber criminals may be able to use such apps to gain access to sensitive data. This includes data stored on the cloud.

Many companies use one central cloud system in which all their work and information is stored and be able to share documents across the business. However, if cloud systems are breached, cyber criminals can gain access to sensitive data including personal information, not just for employees but also customers.

To protect against a breach and minimise the risk of sensitive data being accessed, organisations should operate regulatory control, regardless of their size. Any file stored on the cloud that contains sensitive data, including employee or customer details, should be properly locked down and only accessed by authorised personnel.

When looking to introduce new technology in the workplace, companies must ensure the implementation is correct and all staff are fully trained on the system. There must also be a procedure in place to ensure the technology is kept up to date. As potential flaws in encryption are realised, most software companies provide updates that recode the software, making it harder for hackers to gain access.

Cybercrime can be catastrophic for any business. Reputations are damaged, clients are lost and expenses are incurred to rectify the problem. Bouncing back from cyber-attacks is not a smooth process, statistics taken from Denver Post state that one single cyber-attack resulted in the closure of up to 60% of small businesses, in just six months.

Remember, the world at our fingertips isn’t always the safest and it is up to you to protect your business against cyber-attacks. Secure, up to date systems are key to protecting your business, so don’t leave your business open for attack – fight back.

The post How big a threat is cybercrime for SMEs appeared first on IT Support Services in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, behind your computer screen in the world of IT, a war is raging!

Developers of the software packages you use, the operating systems they run on and the firewalls you trust to protect you, are constantly battling with those that would seek to find and exploit any flaw in the software to steal your data, your credentials or even your identity.

So, each time the developer is made aware of a vulnerability they plug the gap and release a software update known as a patch. Once that update is available, the race is on – will the weakness be taken advantage of or will the patch be applied in time? That is largely up to you, just how busy are you?

Every second that a known vulnerability isn’t patched your business is at risk from hackers. Something as simple as out of date printer firmware or ignoring firewall updates could mean the wireless connection is unprotected, which could allow an intruder on to your network.

To save valuable time look to automate as much as possible:

• Enable automatic software updates on servers, desktops, laptops etc and schedule out of hours restarts to minimise disruption

• Check for firmware updates on these devices once a month, or if this is impractical for your business at least quarterly

• Enable automatic updates in software packages where possible or make it a weekly task to check for them

• Enable automatic firmware updates for firewalls, routers, modems, IP phones and even printers, or make it a monthly/quarterly task to check for them

If this all seems too time consuming, then it’s worth considering how long it might take your business to get back on track after a malicious attack or how costly a GDPR breach could be.

As a final recommendation, you could always employ a good, Managed Service Provider (MSP) to take care of things for you. If you’d like more information about this, just give us a call!

The post Why you should keep up to date with security and software updates appeared first on IT Support Services in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.