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Cyber Security Month is here and we’re kicking off with some simple tips that you can follow in order to protect your business online. It’s easy to think that because you’re a small to medium sized business, you’re safe from cybercriminals as they only target large corporations. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth – any business, any size is a target, no one is safe. If you haven’t put in place safeguarding procedures to shield your business online, continue reading this blog for tips on how to protect yourself, your employees, your customers and most importantly, your business from cyber-attacks and breaches.  Back it up – don’t risk losing it all You’ve probably heard this before, it’s one of the best and easiest defence methods to implement, there really is no excuse not to be running a regular back up function, it is essential. Cyber criminals manufacturer powerful ransomware and infiltrate it into company networks – this means that not only have they gained access to your IT systems, they now have the power to lock you out and demand money from you. Backing up your data frequently means that if the worst does happen you can restore the last backup and get your business back up and running quickly, without having to cough up cash to hackers.  Security updates, patches and anti-virus Is your operating software up to date? If you’re unsure then we highly suggest that you check asap. Updating your operating software is a key part of your overall network security along with a robust firewall, anti-virus, spyware and malware protection. Failing to frequently update your operating systems leaves you at greater risk of a cyber-attack. *UPDATE ALL SYSTEMS RIGHT NOW*.  Firewall software Following on from the above point, a firewall is an essential barrier that sits between your devices and the internet or other external sources of data. They form a vital part of your IT systems, overseeing the safety of outgoing and incoming network traffic. Ensuring your firewall is up-to-date and working properly is another simple step to help protect your online presence. You don’t need to know the details as to how it works, just be satisfied you have a robust firewall in place and that it is being monitored. Email filtering How often do you receive a spammy-looking email? One of the most common types of security breaches are via emails containing malware. Once opened your systems could become riddled with viruses, data-stealing software or even spyware. Educate your employees on the dangers of hoax emails and be mindful when opening new emails that look mis-leading. Hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and the nature of the emails that they send look less and less spammy so make sure you pay close attention. Two step authentication: For that extra level of security – download a two-step authentication app. Two factor or multi-way authentications typically require the confirmation of the ‘username and password’ along with added authentications such as: confirming an authorisation code sent to the account holder via email or text, or to answer a security question chosen by the account holder. Other methods include fingerprint and facial recognition. Set these up and you’re one step ahead of any hacker. Set permissions and limit access You should restrict and limit access to within your IT systems – not every employee will need access to every file. By allowing anyone to access personal information or accounts you’re opening yourself up as an easy target. Consider what access or information each of your employee’s need for their role and give them the relevant permissions. First, restrict employee permissions and secondly limit access. This will help to protect your business against unauthorised access to company devices, accounts and data, and ultimately a security breach. To find out what cyber security services we provide to businesses both large and small, visit our website here or contact us directly here.

Outsourced IT – do you know what the benefits are? No? This blog is for you. Are you currently managing your IT in-house? Perhaps it started as a bolt on to an employee’s main job role and has grown to a point where you’re now considering recruiting for it? Maybe it’s a function that simply gets looked at on an adhoc basis whenever a problem arises? Whatever your current set up, it’s definitely worth considering the benefits of outsourcing your IT through a managed service provider. We know your time is precious, so we are going to make this quick – here’s the top 5 benefits of outsourcing your IT. READY? LET’S GO!  Managed IT costs and savings  One of the most significant benefits of outsourcing IT is that it can actually save you £££. That’s right cold hard cash! Outsourcing converts fixed IT costs into variable ones, which allows you to budget effectively. What this means is that you only ever pay for the IT services you need, when you need them. Furthermore, in-house IT teams can be expensive to hire, train and manage, especially if some of your employees are temporary. Outsourcing your IT allows you to focus your human resources where you need them most.  Qualified doesn’t always mean experienced  If you’re not an expert in IT yourself, how do you know if an employee really is? Certifications and qualifications are great, but do they have the knowledge and experience you’re after? Utilising a managed service provider means this has already been taken care of, so you know you’re in the very best hands. Additionally, an in-house team only sees the IT problems that have already surfaced, whereas a managed service provider sees a wide range of IT problems every day. This means when a new problem occurs, they already have the knowledge and experience to fix it, within a fast timescale and at a lower cost.   Implementing new technology  Solving an IT issue in-house could take days, weeks, even months if you have to find the appropriate people, train them, and then support them. However, a managed service provider has the capacity and resources to start new projects straight away. They are also constantly undergoing training in the latest technology to provide their clients with the best service, providing years of experience saving you time and money.   Stay focused on your business goals  Every company has limited resources. If you’re having to focus on IT decisions, you’re losing time and energy that is needed elsewhere – especially if IT isn’t your thing! Outsourcing your IT gives you that time and energy back so you can continue to focus and strive towards your business goals knowing your IT is being taken care of (by professionals).  Security and compliance  Cybercrime is one the world’s biggest criminal industries. Do you know how to protect your business online? Do you know to how to shield your networks and servers from hackers? Another massive benefit of outsourcing means you’ll receive tensive advice and knowledge from professionally trained experts who will safeguard your business using top-of-the-range technology and software. Furthermore, most industries have compliance standards that must be met and maintained. Without additional support, falling behind on compliance can become a slippery slope and one that’s costly. A managed service provider can provide an IT system audit and implement strategies to keep you compliant for your industry.  It’s no surprise that computers and technology are becoming ever more complex whilst a standard piece of intelligent kit for nearly all businesses. However, maintaining an in-house IT team isn’t always a practical or feasible solution. If you’re looking for quality service without the hefty price tag, speak to our team today – outsourcing might the right choice for your business. 

Cyber security – how protected is your business?  Here’s a question for you…  Cyber security – how protected is your business?  The chances are that this isn’t at the forefront of your mind unless you’ve recently had a near miss or worse, and it’s quite likely that your answer is “not sure” or perhaps even “not at all”. We’re not in the scaremongering business, we don’t need to be, data loss, virus outbreaks, stolen personal information and hackers should be more than enough to motivate you into reviewing your IT systems. The purpose of this blog is to really assist you in looking at the big picture and to ensure that your business is adequately supported to achieve its growth objectives from the perspective of one of the (if not the most) crucial systems that underpins your everyday activities.  Let’s get straight to the point – you’re operating a successful business; trading has increased, customer satisfaction has gone through the roof and you’ve decided that now is the time to expand your business to multiple locations, meaning your IT networks need to grow to support your additional capacity.   Do you know where to start? If they answer is “yes” – great, but do you REALLY understand how to leverage your business whilst ensuring it’s safe and secure from a systems point of view? To protect your business online whilst maintaining PCI compliance? Do you know how easy it is for your business to become a victim of cybercrime? When was the last time you received a dodgy-looking email asking you to click the link? This morning perhaps – are we right? That email isn’t just spam, it could be riddled with malware, viruses, and hacking software all of which would ruin your business financially, destroy your reputation and potentially shut you down.   If you’ve not heard of an IT audit before, the purpose of one is to examine and evaluate your internal IT systems, policies and processes (don’t worry we won’t go into full tech talk – we know it’s boring). The objective of the audit it is to find any areas within your systems that need support, whether that’s in security, PCI compliance or system set up and management. We don’t simply examine the tech – we make it our mission to get to know your business and your objectives so that we can ensure your systems are fit for purpose to grow with you. An audit is essential if you’re thinking of making the leap to open up more premises, with more users and more devices as you’re presenting an even larger playing field for cyber security threats if not managed correctly.  We don’t expect you to know anything about IT – we understand that’s not your fort. But don’t cast IT considerations aside because you don’t have the knowledge, it’s important that you undergo annual audits. Afterall, why put blood, sweat and tears into your business for it to be poorly maintained behind the scenes, and worse yet, risk being held hostage by a digital thief.    Treat your business to one of the most crucial health checks – book your FREE IT audit today without any obligation. Get in touch with our IT experts and see how we can improve your business’s IT. 

Name: Nurul Mansor Job role: Office Manager Qualifications: B.Eng Mechanical Engineering (Hons) – IIU MBA – University of Chester Certificates: N3 level – Japanese Language Proficiency Test Length of time at Cirrus: Over a year In a nutshell, what do you do at Cirrus? Order processing and process creation When you are not at Cirrus you can be found… At home, reading and chilling. If the weather is nice, I am mostly with my friends out at the park What inspires you? My parents If your team members had to describe you in one word what would it be? Asian 😀 What is your go to drink order? Coffee What will you never be seen without? My glasses Favourite quote: There is always a blessing in disguise Something no one knows about me is… I once fell off from 2nd floor when I was a kid and walk away fine If you had to be an animal what would you be and why? A squirrel so I can climb trees

Hospitality IT – do you know where to start with your IT? Whether you’re new to the industry or an establish business, hospitality IT is essential. Your skills and knowledge are in the hospitality industry, not in IT. So why would you want to spend precious time working out what IT systems your business needs and how they all work together? The answer – you don’t, that’s where Think Cirrus come in. IT support is at the very forefront of what we do and we’re on hand to provide you and your business – whether it be a bar, restaurant or hotel – with a fast, reliable technology infrastructure that is fully supported by our IT experts 24/7, because IT isn’t just 9-5. We also have advanced 24/7 monitoring tools that alert us to any IT issues within your business – this then allows us to rapidly resolve the problem before it affects you and your customers. We have support plans available for a small fixed monthly fee which incorporates all the daily support your business needs or the choice of adhoc support. Networks and Infrastructure A major priority within any hospitality business is your IT networks and infrastructure as they consist of several fundamental services that work together in order to provide you with performance and efficiency that will streamline your trading process. Wifi – having fast and reliable internet connection is key, which is why we supply and install superior, high-quality wifi equipment that promises complete coverage for your entire premises. Guest wifi (which is usually for public use) and the business’s internal wifi are kept completely separate so that all data and personal information is kept safe and secure. Cloud-based applications – not only do we provide tools such as Microsoft 365 and SharePoint for all of your administrative needs, we also manage and maintain cloud-based applications that help facilitate online bookings and payments such as an Electronic Point of Sale (POS) which stores your sales information securely within the cloud, making it easy to access and manage from anywhere. The advanced data synchronisation framework allows the till to stay online even if the internet connection goes offline. We can also supply you with the latest IT equipment and business broadband solutions that will help your business run at optimum speed and at the highest performance levels. Telecoms Technology is ever-changing but the need for ‘traditional’ voice telephony stays, especially in the hospitality business. However, the way in which we utilise telecoms has progressed since the landline. VoIP – this internet-based telephone system is much cheaper than your standard phone line and less restrictive than a mobile tariff. This voice and conferencing system is really simple to use and boasts several smart features like the ability to answer calls anywhere using the ‘twinning’ functionality that twins your mobile to your landline, giving you and your staff the flexibility to work wherever you want. Our experts can install your VoIP system at a day and time that suits you, so your business isn’t interrupted. CCTV CCTV is an essential tool for most business premises – not only is it an effective deterrent, it can also help to ensure the safety of your customers and staff, and supplies a source of evidence should you need it for an incident. Security systems – Our expert team of engineers have the skills and knowledge to install a modern, digital CCTV system that will monitor all activity. We provide tailored CCTV solutions that work for you and your business’s needs, whether that is with a standard security system or amped up to include vehicle registration sensors or offsite monitoring streamed to your phone, we have you covered… literally. Cyber security “One-size fits all” is not how we operate when it comes to cyber security – we will provide your individual hospitality business with a bespoke solution that will keep it robust against cybercrime. Cybercrime is one of the biggest business challenges of our generation, and a failure to prevent it can have serious financial and brand reputational consequences. PCI compliance – in today’s digital age, most people pay via card which means you hold sensitive data and payment details. It’s vital that you become PCI compliant in order to protect your customers and your business against cyber attacks and data breaches. We will work hard to maintain your network, devices, and internet connection to protect data and help to keep you compliant. PCI compliance – in today’s digital age, most people pay via card which means you hold sensitive data and payment details. It’s vital that you become PCI compliant in order to protect your customers and your business against cyber attacks and data breaches. We will work hard to maintain your network, devices, and internet connection to protect data and help to keep you compliant. Think Cirrus have been supporting hospitality businesses like yours for years, which is why we are proud to say that when it comes to IT, we know our stuff! Ask any of our clients such as The Chesterfields Pub, Bar Lounge and Vin Santo to name a few – each of these successful hospitality businesses had their own IT needs and after an audit of the premises and a meeting with the managers, we provided each business with their very own tailored IT package. Have you recently opened a hospitality business and not sure where to start with IT? Are you considering changing your outsourced IT supplier? Does your IT system need upgrading? Contact us today and we will talk you through a bespoke package for your individual business’s needs.

Ransomware – regardless of the size of the company, no one is protected from a cyber-attack. For those of you who don’t know who Brown-Forman is, they are a US multi-billion-dollar parent company who own the well-known spirit brand Jack Daniel’s whiskey amongst other global brands. In recent news, Brown-Forman has been the latest high-profile victim of a ransomware attack that is rumoured to be the result of notorious cyber criminals known as REvil or the Sodinokibi gang. The infamous REvil group are a generation of “new wave” cyber criminals who’s three-step strategy ends in double-barrelled blackmail. Here is how they operate their menacing master plan: Breaking and entering – not the physical kind, but the digital kind. These are highly intelligent cyber criminals who have obtained the skills to hack their victim’s network and grant themselves system admin level access without being noticed. They will then scope the victim’s sensitive data on their servers, hunt for online backups and inject system administration tools that can be exploited when they come to attack later. They then tamper with system security settings and create a set of ‘mini-attacks’ using malware to test which methods are successful at striking the main system. Just like a thief, they steal – we’re not talking jewellery or cars, we’re talking sensitive data and lots of it. In the Brown-Forman attack, the cyber criminals claimed to have stolen 1 terabyte of data spanning back over the past 10 years. Encryption is key (for them) – just when you think it cannot get any worse, the cyber criminals encrypt as many files as possible on the network using a clever scrambling algorithm that they hold the key for. The aim of this is to cause maximum disruption in minimum time. Luckily for Brown-Forman they managed to prevent step 3 of the attack so didn’t have to go offline which would have caused a detrimental impact on the business. How does this relate to my business? Anyone can be a victim of cybercrime – companies large or small and in the majority of cases, the aim of a ransomware attack is to steal data. If the breach is successful, not only is your business now a victim of a cybercrime but it also means your business has failed to protect data that it was meant to protect – this could be staff, customers or company data. Prevention, prevention, prevention – we really mean that! Cyber security is one of the most important IT systems that all businesses should have in place. It is crucial. But don’t worry, if you don’t have a system in place or are concerned your present practices may not be robust enough, we can help you. Visit our dedicated cyber security page for more details or contact our experts today to arrange a meeting.

Microsoft teams – What is it exactly? Over the years we have tried and tested multiple collaboration-based platforms, but there is only one winner in our eyes – Microsoft Teams. Better yet, it is totally free to use making it the ideal solution for businesses who work in a professional team setting. What is Microsoft teams exactly? Well, it is a chat-based collaboration platform that provides global, remote, and dispersed teams with the ability to work together and collaborate using highly effective features such as document sharing, one-on-one chat, online meetings, video calls and screen sharing just to name a few. In today’s modern era, not every employee is required to work within the company’s office – some prefer to work from home or even oversees, so having an intelligent team space like Microsoft Teams is fundamental because it allows the ability for colleagues to continue working productively and communicate instantly regardless of where they are located. Image courtesy of www.techcommunity.microsoft.com Chat from anywhere Chat between teams, groups, and individuals – you can even send gifs, stickers and emojis. Meet from anywhere Teams of 10 – 10,000 can meet in one conference call – invite people from inside and outside your business, it is the ideal solution for company-wide meetings and even training. You can take full advantage of the scheduling aid, note-taking app, file uploading and in-meeting chat features. Call from anywhere Anyone can join an online meeting via phone with a dial-in number – you can even jump on a call whilst on the move. Microsoft Teams can even fully replace your VoIP phone system which could save your business £££. Collaborate from anywhere High-quality, fast video calls can be made within your business or externally to your clients with a click of a button. Utilise Microsoft’s SharePoint and document library to share files such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations across all conversations in real-time. Why should your business use Microsoft Teams? Apart from the fact that it is one of the smartest collaborate-based tools, it is also extremely user-friendly and be rolled out over small and large businesses with ease. At Think Cirrus we are Microsoft Cloud Partner so we can provide tailored training to team members should they require any help. If you would like to discuss Microsoft Teams in more detail and find out how it could help your business with collaboration and productivity, please get in touch with one of our experts today.

Microsoft 365 – what does it have to offer? Back in April 2020, Office 365 evolved into Microsoft 365 – forming the new and improved subscription that would further support you and your business through everyday life using new artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-powered experiences to better manage your time, enhance connectivity and amplify security. Grab a coffee and take a few minutes to think about the bigger picture of your business and how you want it to operate moving forwards because we are about to reveal why this productivity cloud ticks all the boxes for slicker, smarter working. Productivity on the move – whether you are working from home, in the office or even at the airport, Microsoft 365 focuses on connectivity between you, your employees, your clients, managing key information and vital content so that collectively you can continue to collaborate with your teams using the following features: Office applications – Word, Excel, PowerPoint plus more Email and calendars – Outlook and Exchange Chat, calls and meetings – Microsoft Teams Cloud storage – 1 TB of OneDrive storage Modernising paperwork – do not let piles of paperwork swallow you up! Improve the way you and your employees get work done by switching to smart tools designed to help streamline your business processes such as: Minimise manual paperwork – Microsoft Forms Tracked insights – Create surveys, polls, and questionnaires Repetitive tasks – Automate with Power Automate Apps – Integrate third-party apps with Microsoft Teams Safeguarding information – protect your business, employees, and clients by shielding sensitive information with enterprise-grade security that works as hard as you do with: Cyberthreat tools – Fights viruses, malware, phishing, ransomware, and spam attacks Device security – Manage your data across devices, apps etc IT management – Easy to set up and manage users, devices, and data Customer data protection – Defends against cybercriminals, unauthorised access, and accidental deletion   We think you will agree that the features are impressive, which is why we recommend Microsoft 365 to all our clients – large or small. If you are looking to make the move to remote working and virtual collaboration, then I would definitely advise having a chat with one of our team. As a Microsoft Cloud Partner we can examine your business and provide you with insight as to the best application in order to get you working smarter, furthermore we price match Microsoft so you get all the benefits of our expertise tailored to your business at the same cost as going direct. Our technical teams are Microsoft-certified and can provide you with in-depth and knowledge support whenever you need it. Contact us today for more information on how we can help your business integrate with Microsoft 365. Alternatively, if you are looking for a fully managed IT support solution that involves 24/7 support visit our dedicated page here.

Operating systems – do you know how to keep yours happy and healthy? As we become ever more tied to our tech it is crucial that we give it a bit of TLC. We get it – we know how busy you are – you most likely run day-to-day, week-to-week with our laptop docked or desktop permanently switched on, not providing it with so much as a restart until it becomes a bit laggy and you are forced to – are we close? ? Whether you are an SME or operating a larger setup, responsible for a bank of machines or just your own, Apple or Windows orientated, the rule is the same:  your operating system is your best friend – it is something that you should be familiar with, it is what sits in the background and makes all the apps, programmes and systems you are so reliant on for your day to day activity run smoothly. Simple – treat it with respect and it will in turn be kind to you. Without an operating system your computer is useless, so you want to look after it, be familiar with which system you are running (so updates and any issues are on your radar) and try to keep it current. So, first things first – which operating system are you running? For the purposes of this post we are going to keep it simple and just stick to Windows and OS – if you have queries about your Linux system feel free to get in touch and one of our friendly IT specialists will be happy to advise. Windows As all versions of Windows look slightly different the easiest way to find which system you are running is to create a Run command > you do this by pressing the Windows button + R button together – when the black box appears type winver and press enter.  You want to take note of the version and edition of Windows that you are running so that you know how current your system is, what updates may be available, what software you can install, what is compatible in terms of device drivers, if you have a problem and need to contact an expert for tech support they will probably ask which system you are running first. The most current version of Windows is Windows 10 version 2004 which was released May of this year. Microsoft releases updates every 6 months or so and it is good practice.  Point to note: if you complete the above and discover you are running Windows 7 – support for this system ended in January so we strongly advise you upgrade your system – please talk to us for advice if you are unsure. Mac OSMac currently name their operating systems after landmarks in California – Catalina, Mojave and High Sierra being the most recent with Big Sur on the horizon for launch this autumn.  To discover which system you are running: From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You’ll see the macOS name, such as macOS Mojave, followed by its version number. Ensuring you keep your operating system up to date will ensure that your computer receives all the latest features and is working as efficiently as possible for you. TOP TIP: Think carefully about when you are going to run an update – it can put your machine out of action or at least slow it down, we advise running an update in the evening or overnight so it causes you minimal disruption.  All feel a little overwhelming? At Cirrus we take care of all things IT related for our clients so that it is one less thing to worry about. Our fully managed IT support solution ensures that our client’s systems are supported 24/7, patch dates are completed as needed without you having to lift a finger. Fancy treating your business to a FREE IT health check – get in touch and we will be glad to give your systems our expert attention.

5G – understanding the technology and how it can impact your business!   In light of the recent Government decision to ban Huawei’s kit from the UK’s 5G network and also stop the use of its equipment in full-fibre broadband networks by 2027, we take a look at 5G and examine how it’s changing the way we connect and communicate on a fundamental scale, but most importantly, what it does and how it works.   Most of us know what 4G is – up until recently it was the current standard for mobile networks that enabled faster browsing which allowed us to do more things on the move, like watch videos for example. However, back in 2019, 5G started its worldwide roll-out that would further surpass its earlier generations, meaning BIGGER and BETTER things to put it in laymen’s terms. Why Is 5G Better Than Other Generations?  5G technology is not only more reliable, efficient, smarter, and faster than anything before, it also boasts ultra-low latency which is the time it takes for your wireless device to perform an action and that action then being completed, meaning a rapid increase in responsiveness.   Let’s talk speed – 5G promises high data speeds that exceed the fastest home broadband network currently available on the consumer market (that’s HUGE). 5G has a current max speed of up to 10 gigabits per second making it 100 times faster than 4G.   But the biggest difference is connectivity and capacity – these developments provide the potential for new, innovative services and that’s VERY exciting…  How Can 5G Be Used?  With greater capacity, thousands of devices in a small area can be connected at the same time, that includes machines, objects, and other devices. With this incredible innovative technology that virtually connects everyone together, it comes as no surprise that 5G has already been tried and tested across a multitude of sectors, potentially affecting every industry, every business and individual.   With the use of 5G, manufacturers could use smart machinery to gain and retract real-time data to improve efficiency. For example, transport networks, local councils and public bodies could dramatically improve services such as parking, traffic maintenance and street lighting.  Healthcare is another sector that could massively benefit from embracing 5G as the technology could allow medical students to practise surgeries in a connected, virtual reality environment that reflects a real-life experience.  Is 5G Available In The UK?  Yes, 5G became available in the UK at the end of May 2019 via EE and Vodafone networks, shortly followed by O2 and Three. With the release of 5G plans from the UK’s main networks there is already an abundance of 5G phones available such as the Samsung Galaxy S20 range OnePlus 8 and LG’s Dual Screen V60 (you will need a 5G supported phone to use 5G). However, Apple is still yet to launch a 5G phone – some rumours being that the next iPhone launch in September 2020 (or slightly later due to Covid-19) will support 5G but this has not been confirmed yet.   How Will The Huawei Ban Effect My Business?  To date Vodafone, Three and EE have all invested in installing Huawei 5G kit which will now need to be replaced. The main impact will be a possible disruption to the 5G service that businesses are currently utilising as this is completed, however, given that the companies have until 2027 to carry out the replacement then this is unlikely.  The main impact is that 5G is expected to remain patchy for longer with a completion date for full coverage of the UK further down the line. There is also a potential impact to fibre broadband which relies upon Huawei kit at local exchanges. Again, it is early days and alternative suppliers are being sought, however, this could affect the speed at which that nationwide rollout of gigabit broadband will take place – particularly crucial for more rural businesses. On the flip side it may also speed up the rollout of 5G as the ban has now resolved the caution issues over Huawei which was causing a lot of companies to hold off from upgrading their hardware – only time will tell.  For more information on 5G and the impact this new wireless technology means to you and your business, click here to read Ofcom’s report. We will be tracking the developments and will keep you updated as new information unfolds. Make sure you are signed up to our mailing list to get our regular blog round up direct to your inbox!