

Publish Date
13/05/2024
Categories
Blogs
The IT infrastructure within your organisation is crucial for its success in today’s digital era. Business expansion is heavily dependent on the effective utilisation of technology to make a significant impact and the companies that excel are those that employ technology most innovatively and have the time to manage it.
However, with the UK grappling with significant issues like the skills shortage and the rising cost of living, the ability for many businesses to invest in IT to the necessary extent for success is becoming increasingly challenging.
But what about opting for a service which offers the same efficiency, practicality, security and expertise of an in-house IT team? This is a managed IT service. It’s like having an IT manager 24/7, who never leaves or goes on holiday, is never sick and yet costs only a fraction of what it would to hire one.
To remain competitive, your business must operate efficiently. A lack of efficiency can cause your entire operation to decelerate, preventing it from being well-equipped to handle the workload and challenges of a modern business environment.
Without an expensive IT department, maintaining efficiency is difficult. One IT technician or a small team may not suffice for all your requirements and they are often restricted to assisting just one or two individuals simultaneously, decelerating your operations and possibly resulting in greater downtime. Time is money after all!
Choosing a Managed IT Service resolves this issue at a minimal cost, providing on-demand access to a full team (which should possess strategic vendor relationships to expedite recovery times) without the need to enlarge your IT staff. Essentially, it grants access to IT specialists, enhanced security, and rapid resolution times, all while being more cost-effective than hiring and expanding your IT team.
For many businesses, budgeting for IT can be challenging due to the skills shortage, making it hard to find the right employee and agree on a wage that satisfies both the business and the individual’s needs.
Opting for a managed IT service, businesses only need to pay a pre-agreed service charge per term, gaining access to a team of experts and continuous support. This team can function as an extension of your existing IT department, liberating resources that can be redirected towards business growth.
Having access to IT expertise can provide your business with a competitive advantage. You will receive guidance on the latest technologies that can drive organisational change, enabling you to leverage tools like AI and business process automation (BPA) effectively.
The support of a knowledgeable team from a managed IT service provider ensures that you receive comprehensive assistance and can resolve issues swiftly, minimising operational downtime.
Much like security cameras monitoring your home 24/7, a Managed IT service will proactively monitor for any suspicious activity within your own digital environment, to mitigate malicious actors causing harm to your organisation’s data.
Protecting your business around the clock is a resource most businesses simply don’t have without using Managed IT services. Even if you employ an IT specialist to monitor your organisation’s security, there will be times when they are not available and need to go home. However, a Managed Service provides continuous 24/7 monitoring and ensures that new security patches and updates are applied promptly, so your business is never left exposed.
Managed IT service providers can also help you understand compliance regulations and provide advice to ensure you’re not violating these regulations. This helps to prevent noncompliance, which could lead to litigation consequences.
We’ve seen why IT for businesses can be costly. A managed IT service removes this stress and gives you access to a team of experts who work in the background and can help whenever you need it.
Check out Cobweb’s award winning managed services! We’ll be able to work with you and guarantee that your organisation has everything it needs to grow, as well as take care of anything else that you may require.
We’re Your Team, Extended.

Publish Date
29/04/2024
Categories
Blogs
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital transformation, where businesses and individuals increasingly rely on online platforms for their daily operations and transactions, the risk of falling prey to sophisticated cyber threats has escalated. As a Managed Service Provider (MSP) committed to safeguarding your digital journey, we believe it’s imperative to address a crucial aspect of cybersecurity: the normalisation of discussions around online scams. It’s not a matter of if you might encounter a scam or attack, but when.
Online scams have undergone a dramatic evolution, leveraging advanced technology and psychological tactics to exploit vulnerabilities. These scams range from phishing attempts that mimic trusted entities to elaborate schemes promising high returns on investments. It’s essential to understand that these scams are designed to deceive, making no one immune to their traps, regardless of their level of digital savviness or intelligence.
There’s a pervasive stigma surrounding victims of online scams, often tinged with embarrassment and self-blame. This sentiment stems from a misconception that falling victim to a scam is a sign of naivety. However, the real danger of this stigma lies in its potential to deter victims from reporting these incidents, thereby hindering their recovery process and allowing scammers to operate with impunity.
As your MSP, we are on the front lines of your digital security, and part of our mission is to change the narrative around online scams. Here’s how we’re doing it:
Proactive Communication: We are committed to keeping you informed about the latest scam tactics and preventive measures. Regular updates and educational content are part of our strategy to empower you and your team, ensuring you’re always a step ahead.
Offering Robust Support Systems: Our dedicated support team is here to assist you in the event of a scam. From identifying the breach to navigating the recovery process, we provide the resources and expertise needed to minimize the impact on your operations.
Emphasising the ‘When’ Not ‘If’: We operate under the premise that encountering online scams and attacks is a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’. This mindset is crucial for developing robust prevention strategies and resilience against potential threats.
Advocating for Transparency and Reporting: Encouraging transparency and prompt reporting of scams within your organisation can significantly mitigate risks. It also plays a vital role in our collective efforts to combat online fraud, enabling us to update our defensive measures in real-time.
Educating your business: We work with leading awareness training companies to provide cost effective training and education, and threat simulations to your employees. We help you prepare for the ‘when’, meaning these threats will go no further.
Managing Your Services: Our management of the products we provide, such as Microsoft 365, Azure, Acronis, and Mimecast & KnowBe4 means that threats are being monitored and dealt with by experts who work in this field day in and day out. They are also the most up-to-date on changes to products and licenses and evolving threats.
Together, by fostering an environment of openness, education, and support, we can strengthen our defences and maintain the integrity of our digital ecosystem. Remember, in the realm of cybersecurity, preparedness and partnership are our most potent weapons.

Publish Date
09/04/2024
Categories
Blogs Hot Topic
There is often great debate about creating backups for data in services such as Microsoft 365 Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, and Microsoft Teams. The common assumption amongst many is that Microsoft backsup, so everything is covered.
When explaining that 3rd party backup provides a more holistic, secure safety net for your business, customers often tell me, “you would say that, you want to sell more products!” But there’s usually one response that gets their attention:
Microsoft’s shared responsibility model firmly puts data in the court of the user. Microsoft have got you covered when it comes to Global Infrastructure, Uptime and Cloud Service. But access and control of data in your M365 tenant? That’s on you.
In an on-premises data centre, you own the whole responsibility stack. As you move to the cloud, some responsibilities transfer to Microsoft. The following Microsoft diagram illustrates the areas of responsibility between you and Microsoft, according to the type of deployment of your stack. Note that your businesses setup, data, devices and accounts & identity remain your responsibility.

As a Microsoft 365 user, you act as the data custodian. Your main task is to ensure that your data is not only accessible but also securely backed up, separate from Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure and ready for recovery whenever necessary. Microsoft actually state this in their Service Agreement under section 6b:
“In the event of an outage or disruption to the Service, you may temporarily not be able to retrieve Your Content. We recommend that you regularly backup Your Content and Data that you store on the Services or store using Third-Party Apps and Services.”
Microsoft Service Agreement, Section 6b
Dependence on Microsoft for all aspects of data recovery, especially in scenarios like data deletion or security breaches, is risky. Microsoft’s built-in safeguards, such as recycle bins and retention policies, are meant for short-term fixes and may not suffice for comprehensive data recovery strategies.
Statistics reveal a troubling trend: a significant portion of businesses experience data loss or corruption within their SaaS applications, including Microsoft 365. The reality is stark – recovering 100% of data without a dedicated backup solution is often unattainable.
Opting to backup Microsoft 365 data with a third party solution such as Acronis safeguards against data loss and cyber threats. Cobweb’s alignment with Acronis for its backup solutions reflects a commitment to delivering advanced, secure, and dependable data protection services, enabling businesses to operate confidently in the knowledge that their cloud data is comprehensively secured.
If you’d like to learn more about M365 and backup, we’re hosting a virtual roundtable on the 2nd May with Microsoft MVP Andy Malone and Acronis experts. To sign up, please click here.

Publish Date
27/03/2024
Categories
Blogs
Creating a solid cyber security strategy is crucial, especially in the face of the rising threat of ransomware which has surged by 13% in the last five years. Recent data reveals that 4 in 10 victims fail to recover their data after an attack, and 1 in 5 organisations forced to deal with ransomware had to halt their operations.
While these statistics might seem daunting, having a plan in place is your best defence. The prospect of an attack becomes even more dangerous when you lack a comprehensive response strategy.
At our most recent networking event, Cobweb Connect, we had the privilege of hearing insights from Sarah Armstrong Smith, Microsoft’s Chief Security Advisor for Europe. She delved into incident response and crisis management, stressing the importance of preparing your employees to handle breaches. It’s safe to say our attendees absorbed a lot from Sarah’s experience, underscoring the need for decision makers to grasp the potential consequences of not having solid plans or incident response protocols in place.
So, how can you effectively prevent, detect, and respond to a ransomware attack?
Understanding how to safeguard against ransomware risks is essential, and a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can help ease these concerns. With Cobweb as your MSP, you can concentrate on your core business while we manage and monitor your IT systems, enhancing security. Our proactive approach shields your devices, endpoints, gateways, and cloud services from potential threats. Contact Cobweb to explore how our MSP solutions can fortify your cyber defences and become part of a community dedicated to a risk-free digital future.

Publish Date
05/02/2024
Categories
Blogs Hot Topic
The arrival of Microsoft Copilot has brought a new era of productivity and innovation to software development. This AI-powered assistant has the potential to transform how developers write code and streamline the development process. However, while the excitement around Copilot is palpable, it is crucial to temper that enthusiasm with careful planning and a robust data strategy.
Microsoft Copilot is designed to be a powerful assistant, but it needs access to data to be effective. Ensuring that your company data resides within Microsoft 365 is essential. This enables Copilot to consume and interrogate the data efficiently, allowing it to provide more accurate suggestions.
Cobweb can help you migrate your data to Microsoft 365 seamlessly. We offer expert services in data migration, ensuring that your valuable information is stored securely and accessible for Copilot’s use.
Before integrating Microsoft Copilot into your Microsoft environment, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your existing data, permissions, and access controls. Copilot’s effectiveness depends on having the right data at its disposal, and a deep understanding of your data landscape is crucial.
Cobweb’s expertise in Microsoft 365 can help you gain insights into your data structure. We can assist in conducting data audits, helping you identify and classify data that Copilot should prioritise. This ensures that Copilot is equipped with the most relevant information to assist your developers effectively.
Microsoft recommends using sensitivity labels to add an extra layer of protection to confidential data. Sensitivity labels ensure that only authorised personnel can access and view sensitive information. Integrating sensitivity labels into your data strategy is crucial, especially when Copilot is dealing with proprietary code or sensitive data.
Cobweb can assist in implementing sensitivity labels across your Microsoft 365 environment. We can help you define policies and permissions, ensuring that confidential data remains protected, even as Copilot interacts with it.
Security should always be a top priority when implementing new tools like Copilot. Microsoft’s Conditional Access and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are essential components of a robust security strategy. These features help ensure that only authorised users can access your organisation’s resources.
At Cobweb, we specialise in security solutions for Microsoft 365, by helping you configure and implement Conditional Access policies and MFA. This adds an additional layer of protection to your data and Copilot interactions.
To maximise Copilot’s capabilities, it’s important to have a standardised and secure device environment. Microsoft recommends Windows 11 as the preferred operating system for Copilot, although support for Windows 10 is being enabled in select markets. Ensuring that your devices are secure and up to date is essential for a smooth Copilot experience.
Cobweb can assist in device management and software updates, helping you maintain a secure and compatible environment for Copilot.
Being specific in your needs and goals when using Copilot is essential for maximising its effectiveness and ensuring a successful integration into your business operations. Copilot is a powerful AI tool, but its capabilities are not limitless, and it operates within defined parameters. To make the most of Copilot, you need to clearly understand what tasks it can automate and what tasks it cannot. By identifying the specific business units where you want to deploy Copilot, you can tailor its usage to suit the unique needs of each department, optimising its impact.
By ensuring your company data is well-organised, protected, and accessible, you can harness the full potential of Microsoft Copilot while safeguarding your organisation’s valuable assets. So, as you embark on your Copilot journey, remember that a solid data strategy and a partner like Cobweb can make all the difference in your success.

Publish Date
25/01/2024
Categories
Blogs Hot Topic
The UK government has unveiled a ground breaking Code of Practice on cybersecurity governance, specifically targeting directors and senior business leaders. This draft document seeks to elevate the importance of cybersecurity to the same level as financial and legal risks within organisations, offering a concise yet comprehensive framework for safeguarding digital assets and effectively managing cyber risks.
This section underlines the significance of robust risk management, urging organisations to identify, prioritise, and regularly assess digital processes, information, and services essential for business continuity and success. Cybersecurity risks must be integrated into broader enterprise risk management, extending ownership beyond the CISO. Ensuring supplier information aligns with risk levels is paramount.
The code emphasises the need to monitor and adapt the cyber resilience strategy in line with accepted cyber risk, business strategy, and legal obligations. Adequate resources should be allocated to develop cybersecurity capabilities that effectively combat evolving threats while remaining flexible and adaptable.
Fostering a culture of cyber resilience is critical. Senior leaders should sponsor communications emphasising its importance within the business strategy. Establishing clear cybersecurity policies that promote a positive culture and aligning the organisation’s culture with the cyber resilience strategy is essential. Individuals must take responsibility for cyber literacy and secure data handling practices, supported by an effective training and awareness programme.
Being prepared for cyber incidents is paramount. Organisations should have well-defined plans for responding to and recovering from incidents affecting critical processes, technology, and services. Regular testing, involving internal and external stakeholders, and drawing lessons from testing and external incidents is vital. In an incident, individuals should take responsibility for regulatory obligations, support executives, and manage external communications. Post-incident reviews must be conducted to enhance future response and recovery plans.
The code advocates for a governance structure that aligns with the organisation’s existing framework. This includes defining roles and responsibilities for directors in managing cyber resilience. Implement regular monitoring, maintain dialogue with senior executives, and establish formal quarterly reporting aligned with business objectives. Ensure integration of the cyber resilience strategy into existing assurance mechanisms, achieving internal assurance.
In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced new rules requiring publicly-listed companies to describe the board of directors’ oversight of risks stemming from cyber threats. This underscores the growing global recognition of the significance of cybersecurity in corporate governance.
In conclusion, the UK government’s new Code of Practice on Cybersecurity Governance for Senior Business Leaders places a resounding emphasis on the importance of senior leaders treating cybersecurity with the same gravity as financial and legal risks. By prioritising risk management, establishing an adaptable cyber strategy, promoting a culture of cyber resilience, preparing for incidents, and ensuring robust assurance mechanisms, organisations are better equipped to safeguard their digital assets in an ever-evolving digital landscape. With this code, businesses can proactively address today’s cyber risks, ensuring their continued success and resilience while aligning cybersecurity with core business objectives.

Publish Date
23/01/2024
Categories
Blogs
In a regular workday, where we can receive hundreds of emails, it can sometimes be difficult to know which ones are legitimate and malicious. Especially when our schedules are full.
Getting an anti-virus or anti-phishing solution is of course essential in the business world these days. A ransomware attack can cost you thousands per day (check out how much you could lose here). But of course, that doesn’t stop a few slipping through the net and into our inboxes, which is why your first line of defence when it comes to cyber attacks, are your employees.
The psychology used within these threats is pretty disturbing. Hackers know that a well-crafted email, seemingly from a trusted ‘HR/IT/Manager,’ can trigger an automatic, almost reflexive response, especially if it has ‘urgent’ in the title. In fact, more than 90% of security breaches involve an error by an employee. Whether it’s forgetting to check an email domain, downloading unverified attachments or opening a URL from an external source, it can be pretty difficult to remind ourselves to double check things in the moment. So how can we change our engrained email habits to become more secure?
The answer lies in awareness through regular interactive training. Addressing cyber threats effectively requires a shift in behavioural patterns, so relying solely on an annual presentation is often not enough. Interactive training like KnowBe4, engages you and your team to respond to cyber threats. Through a library of content including modules, videos, newsletters and games, you can foster a stronger security culture within your business. The ability to forget is also off the cards as regular reminder emails are sent. The best part? With KnowBe4, you can simulate personalised phishing attacks, directly targeting your employees’ inboxes, so you can see the results!
Safeguarding against cyber threats is as much about building a resilient culture as it is about using the right tools. Encouraging a mindset where caution comes before curiosity can make all the difference.
If you’re in a leadership position such as an Owner, CTO, CFO or IT manager, who believes in empowering your team, consider exploring interactive platforms such as KnowBe4 to change your employees’ email habits. Look for solutions that are known for their effectiveness without disrupting the flow of your operations. At Cobweb, we’re known for helping businesses start or continue their cyber security journey. With a multitude of solutions (KnowBe4 just being one), we tailor ourselves to your organisation so that together we can meet your unique security goals. For more advice or information, get in touch with one of our experts here.

Publish Date
09/01/2024
Categories
Blogs
Whichever study you choose to pay attention to, the number of companies moving their IT operations, either fully or partially, to managed service providers exceeds 80%. I remember reading a Jump Factor report from 2021 which mentioned that 90% of IT and Business leaders were making this choice. More recent research suggests that little has changed, and I think we can all agree that’s a huge majority!
The benefits extend far beyond just addressing skills gaps and saving costs. It’s about concentrating your resources, becoming faster, fostering innovation, accelerating transformation, and gaining that competitive edge.
In a recent study by PwC, I found that among the top 20% of high-performing companies, all of them were turning to MSPs, or at least to some extent.
So, as an MSP, convincing businesses to engage with one is often pushing on an open door. The question shifts from “should I be engaging with an MSP?” to “which one?”. Seeing as there are 150,000 MSPs globally, it’s safe to assume there is a wide choice! The difficulty is knowing which MSP fits your business best.
Partnering with the right Managed Service Provider can significantly enhance your organisation’s success, not only in the IT department but throughout the entire business, so it’s vital you choose the right one for you:
In conclusion, your agreement with an MSP forms the foundation of a strong partnership. Choosing the right MSP should be a strategic decision that impacts your business’s efficiency, security, and growth. With multiple options available, following these guidelines and conducting your own research will help you find the right fit. I sometimes talk about the utopian objective finding excellence in IT, the right MSP should help you towards that.

Publish Date
02/01/2024
Categories
Blogs
The start of a new year is often seen to be a time for reflection and setting goals. It’s also a time when social media is flooded with posts about new year’s resolutions and the iconic saying of ‘new year, new me’. Unfortunately, while there seems to be no harm in this, it can be easy to forget how effortlessly cyber criminals can take advantage of people’s eagerness to share their personal information online.
We now live in a world where everything is posted to social media. Social engineering is a type of cybercrime that involves psychological manipulation, getting you to hand over confidential information online. And what do these cyber criminals use as their prime source to ‘get to know you’? Social media. So remind yourself and your colleagues when they’re writing up their next LinkedIn caption or post their next job promotion, to think carefully about the information displayed and how it could be used against them.
For businesses, social engineering attacks can be particularly devastating. A single successful attack can result in the loss of sensitive data, financial loss, and damage to the company’s reputation, resulting in customer mistrust.
Make sure your employees are aware of the risks of social engineering attacks and how to identify them. Provide regular training sessions to keep them up to date on the latest threats. More often than not, interactive training software retains information far better than a 20-minute presentation.
Regularly monitor your social media accounts for suspicious activity. If you notice anything unusual, investigate it immediately.
Be careful about what information you share on social media. Do not post sensitive information such as financial data, trade secrets, or customer information.
Whichever social media platform you are on, most will have settings to privatise certain parts of your account. This acts as a barrier to cyber attackers gaining huge amounts of information.
Many employees sign into their social media accounts such as LinkedIn on a work device. Make sure your employees use strong, unique passwords here to decrease the chances of their account becoming hacked. Using a password manager helps to keep track of all the complex passwords they (now don’t) need to remember!
As a business owner or IT manager, it’s crucial to remind your colleagues and employees of the dangers of social engineering. With the start of a new year, it’s an ideal time to make positive changes and step up your online security. While anti-virus and anti-phishing software are essential, your employees are pretty much your first line of defence. Unfortunately, according to email security provider Mimecast, more than 90% of security breaches involve an error by an employee, making it vital to keep them aware of the increasing cyber threats.
Our interactive training software, KnowBe4, provides non-intrusive, regular training to change behaviour and help employees retain information, keeping them up-to-date on the latest threats. Let’s face it, hour-long presentations aren’t going to keep your employees’ attention for long! Reach out to us today to see how we can help your business’s first line of defence – your people.

Publish Date
06/12/2023
Categories
Blogs
The holiday season is often a time for celebration, but for businesses, it can also be a period of heightened stress, especially when it comes to IT continuity. With increased potential security threats and staff taking their well-deserved breaks, the risk of IT disruption is far higher. So how can you rest easy over the Christmas period if your IT systems aren’t being managed and your staff are off enjoying their Christmas pudding? Well, there’s a simple solution – you can partner with a Managed Service Provider (MSP).
During Christmas, depending which industry your business is in, you often face a surge in online activity which can frustratingly, strain your IT systems. The risk of cyber crime also rises as attackers know systems can be overrun and staff are more off the ball. But as many businesses are aware, uninterrupted IT operations during this busy period is crucial for maintaining customer trust and business continuity.
Outsourcing IT management to an MSP can be cost-effective in several ways. Whether that’s downsizing on recruitment or having your IT staff focus on alternative in-house management, MSPs offer a predictable cost-effective model and can help reduce overall IT expenses while maximizing return on investment.
Partnering with an MSP this Christmas could be the solution you’ve always needed for your business. By ensuring uninterrupted IT services, enhancing your security, and having the ability to scale resources, you can focus on what truly matters (both within your company and at home over the holidays).
You deserve a Christmas just like the rest. In partnering with Cobweb, we can keep your IT seamless over the festive period (and every other day of the year!). To learn more about a Cobweb Managed Service and how we can help your business thrive during Christmas and the New Year, check out our services here.
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