• Multi-factor authentication – are you using it yet? 

 

 

We recommend you absolutely should be! 

 

Here’s why: 

 

Those annoying cyber criminals are repeatedly coming up with new ways to target businesses and their data, and so the more security you have in place, the less likely you are to be hacked, it’s as simple as that. 

 

So what is Multi-factor authentication?

It’s basically another level of safety for you when you or your team are logging into apps.
You’ll recognise it from things like logging into your bank account or anything which requires a high level of security. 

 

How does it work? 

You enter your password, then when you move onto the next screen, you agree to have a code texted to your phone with a second, single-use only password. This ensures it’s you who is requesting access and not a hacker from another location. 

 

You can use it to access a variety of apps that hold any data which you’d rather not fall into the wrong hands. 

 

It’s also incredibly easy to set up. 

 

What do you need to know?

 

There’s tons of different ways to do multi-factor authentication to protect your business’s data and these include:

 

• Text message approach – in all honesty, it’s better than having nothing at all BUT it’s also the least secure of them all so try these instead…
• Generating a code to your mobile phone – a safer method. 
• Using a small (but extra special) USB device which must be plugged into your laptop.

 

Need a hand setting it up? You know where to find us, but just in case, here’s our details 

 

 

• Still using Windows 7? STOP! ?

 

 

It was good while it lasted, it was a great operating system, it really was but if you’re still using it then you could be putting yourself at risk! Now we’re not the kind of people who employ scare tactics but we are incredibly passionate about data security which is why we’re giving you the heads up. 

 

Some data we recently saw from research company, Net Applications revealed that Windows 7 is still being used on 23.4% of PC’s. That’s almost a quarter… not cool. 

 

Why is it such an issue? 

 

When it was discontinued in January of this year, that meant that there are ZERO security patches, software updates or tech assistance from the people at Microsoft. 

 

Because of this, hackers (yeah, we hate these guys) are actively targeting Windows 7 users, because it’s an easy way in. In fact, over in the US, the FBI have released a formal warning highlighting the dangers. 

 

What do you need to do? 

 

If any of your machines are still on Windows 7, then you need to make it a priority to upgrade to Windows 10 immediately! Let’s get that sorted for you ASAP. Give us a bell here 

 

So, what a year this has turned out to be right? 

 

Who knew we’d be living in a world of social distancing and supermarket shopping in face masks  9 months ago? 

 

It’s been a huge time of change for everyone, in some ways bad but also there’s been some promising elements to come out of it all too. 

 

As we settle in for that brand new cliche of the ‘new normal’, many businesses have been able to test out and see that working from home and flexible working is actually a viable option for them long term, and now is a great opportunity to look at how you and your teams will be working in the future. 

 

Firstly, there are three main questions to consider here:

 

• How will your business be dealing with these new working patterns?
• Will your team be returning to as it was pre Covid-19?
• Will some of your staff members be continuing on with remote working full or part time?

 

Secondly, have you thought about these issues when it comes to your IT support?

 

• Will they have a work issued device to use at home and a computer for the office?
• Will they bring their laptop back and forth?
• Will they use a personal device at home and a work device in the office? 

 

There’s much to think about right? Whatever you decide, security should always be at the very forefront of your mind. 

 

Your IT support provider should be able to provide you with a FULL security checklist to ensure your data is NEVER compromised in the process. This should include whether your devices are up to date with their operating systems, any procedures for stolen devices, whether you can remotely restrict access to data, and even who will take responsibility to ensure all of these new processes are followed correctly. 

 

They should also be advising you on best practice when it comes to internal communication such as Microsoft Teams (check out our blog on that here) 

 

Plus, there’s your new IT infrastructure to consider too. E.g. Does your current VPN suit your needs? Do your devices work well together? Have there been any IT or comms problems your employees have encountered during the lockdown period?

 

Done properly, it should very well be a smooth transition, if it’s not, then it’s time to take a deeper look. Which is where we come in. 

 

Your friendly, local IT support team, on hand to provide you with all of the above. Let’s have a conversation and see what needs to be done for you. Get in touch here