Tag: proactive IT

Strengthening Your IT Security with Automated Patch Management

Posted on May 28, 2024 by vickihorn - Blogs

Strengthening Your IT Security with Automated Patch Management

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Written By

Juan Lyall

Publish Date

28/05/2024

Categories

Blogs

Keeping your business safe from cyber threats is a top priority in today’s digital landscape. One key aspect of this is ensuring your systems are regularly updated with the latest patches.

Cyber attackers often exploit vulnerabilities left unaddressed by outdated software, leading to potential financial losses and breaches for businesses. Addressing these vulnerabilities through regular patch management is crucial.

In a 2019 survey conducted by Ponemon Institute, 60% of breach victims said they were compromised due to known vulnerabilities they didn’t patch. In 2021, Microsoft found that more than half of known network vulnerabilities were due to missing patches, and a staggering 68% of organisations hit by ransomware lacked effective patch management. Clearly, patching is an absolute necessity for any business when it comes to their cyber security.

So, what exactly is patch management?

Patch management involves the timely deployment of updates by third-party applications to address evolving vulnerability gaps. This ensures that the software remains resilient against potential security breaches, mitigating the risk of exploitation by malicious actors.

By promptly applying updates as they become available, organisations can minimise their exposure to vulnerabilities, reducing the window of opportunity for a breach. Basically, you’re keeping your digital defences up-to-date to ward off potential attacks.

With technology advancing rapidly, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, especially with the rise of AI. Attackers can now exploit vulnerabilities faster than ever, meaning developers are having to constantly release patches where there may be a security gap.

And how do I ‘patch’ my devices?

While patching manually is possible, it can be time-consuming and prone to delays which is not ideal when it’s neck and neck between you and a potential cyber-attack. In fact, it is estimated it takes 28 days to patch once a high-risk vulnerability is detected on-premises.

On the other hand, automating patch updates streamlines the process, ensuring your systems stay protected without the risk of human error. Just remember to plan out these automatic patch updates so that you have the least amount of disruption for your business as possible. Not only does then mean less downtime for your business, but your IT team will have greater internal availability for other projects.

The solution to always being set to best practice

It may not always be possible with every application to just ‘automatically patch’. But if external management is the route you want to take, you could consider working with a managed service provider (MSP) to ensure seamless patch management.

Integrating patch management into your IT strategy is crucial for maintaining security best practices. Partnering with an MSP that offers automated patch management, along with device management and proactive monitoring, ensures your systems are always protected.

At Cobweb, we provide a comprehensive Microsoft managed service with third-party patch management for over 1500 applications. Our experts will handle the patching process, freeing you to focus on your core strengths and responsibilities. Learn more here about our managed services to keep your business secure and resilient.

Why patching is your biggest vulnerability

Thursday 13th June 2024 @ 3PM

Opting for Managed IT over in-house expansion

Posted on May 13, 2024 by vickihorn - Blogs

Opting for Managed IT over in-house expansion

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Written By

Keir Nolan

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.

So what are the benefits of Managed IT?

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.

How will a Managed Service help my IT budget?

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.

Gain a competitive edge

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.

Choosing Managed IT enhances security and compliance

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.

How Cobweb can help

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.

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How to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Attacks

Posted on March 27, 2024 by vickihorn - Blogs

How to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Cyber Attacks

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Written By

Juan Lyall

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?

Prevention:

Stay Informed: Stay updated on technology, software changes, and application updates. Understanding alterations and design differences in IT infrastructure can help identify vulnerabilities.

Employee Training: Equip your employees with the knowledge of cyber risks, including phishing emails, unvetted software downloads, and malicious attachments.

Incident Response Tests: Conduct regular incident response tests to evaluate your company’s preparedness and communication protocols.

Prioritise Back-ups: Safeguarding your data with regular back-ups is crucial. Having a clean back-up readily available ensures you can restore your information swiftly in case of an attack.

Detection:

Early Signals: Familiarise yourself with the common indicators of a ransomware attack, like encrypted files, slow systems, and ransom notes.

Behavioural Analysis: Learn how ransomware attacks unfold so that you’re able to detect deviations from normal activity, triggering alerts faster.

Response:

Effective Communication: Establish open communication channels within your company, ensuring a prompt response to any breach. Every employee plays a role in safeguarding data and digital security.

Identify Affected Systems: Identify and isolate the IT software to compromised by the ransomware attack.

Engage with Experts: Involve cyber security experts in your response strategy to effectively combat ransomware attacks and understand where the source of where the ransomware came from.

System Remediation: Initiate system remediation using various strategies:

Utilise clean versions from your data backups to restore your system.
If no data backups exist, attempt to reconstruct lost data.
As a last resort, consider paying the ransom, hoping for a decryption key.

Uncover Hidden Threats: Before restoring your systems, thoroughly inspect them for concealed malware left by ransom attackers. Additionally, ensure all patches are current to prevent vulnerabilities.

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.

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UK Government’s New Code of Practice: Treat Cyber risk on par with Financial & Legal risk

Posted on January 25, 2024 by vickihorn - Blogs, Hot Topic

UK Government’s New Code of Practice: Treat Cyber risk on par with Financial & Legal risk

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Written By

Keir Nolan

Publish Date

25/01/2024

Categories

Blogs Hot Topic

The UK government has unveiled a ground breaking C ode 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.

Risk Management

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.

Cyber Strategy

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.

People

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.

Incident Planning and Response

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.

Assurance and Oversight

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.

Incorporating Global Trends:

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.

Want to strengthen your IT strategy?

Swapping out bad email habits for secure ones…

Posted on January 23, 2024 by vickihorn - Blogs

Swapping out bad email habits for secure ones…

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Written By

Vicki Horn

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 automatic trigger response

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?

What’s the solution?

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.

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Choosing the right Managed Service Provider

Posted on January 9, 2024 by vickihorn - Blogs

Choosing the right Managed Service Provider

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Written By

Juan Lyall

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.

The real question

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.

How to find the right MSP

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:

Define your objectives: Start by outlining your IT needs and objectives. Identify your pain points and improvement goals. If unsure, most reputable service providers offer consultancy and assessment services to help you get started and you shouldn’t be pushed into buying a service straight away – in fact a credible MSP won’t want to do that. They will need to understand your direction and outline this journey.
Evaluate expertise and experience: With numerous MSPs available, their size, skill, and experience vary widely. Inquire about their track record in assisting organisations similar to yours.
Seek comprehensive offerings: A quality MSP should provide a holistic approach to IT Management, including Proactive Monitoring, Security Solutions, help desk, Cloud Services, Backup/Disaster Recovery, and more. However, comprehensive offerings does not mean a ‘jack of all trades’. Rather, you should make sure they cover a suite of services which cover your needs.
Consider scalability: On the assumption that your business will grow and change, your MSP should be flexible to be able to meet these changes. How do they adapt to new technologies? How do they adjust their service levels and offerings not just to meet the changing nature of your business but the wider IT and IT Security world?
Evaluate availability: Do you need a 24/7 offering and if so, do they offer that? Asking about their average response and resolutions times is a good idea.
Prioritise security: Cyber threats are a major concern for any organisation today, large or small. News of attacks go way beyond just IT press and are a serious threat to your company’s credibility and very existence. Ask how they intend to strengthen your own security protocols and ask about their own security practices – Do they practice what they preach? A robust security should absolutely be your top priority – and theirs.
Emphasise communication: It’s very easy to engage with an MSP and sign a contract, but a good MSP will offer timely and transparent reporting and regular updates on the status of the infrastructure they manage. So ask yourself, are their channels of communication open and clear?
Demand personalisation: All businesses are different, and as such, a good MSP should be able to demonstrate how they are able to tailor their service to your needs. IT Managed Services are not a one size fits all and are not an all or nothing.
Check references: Ask them for testimonials and references from companies similar to yours. Most providers will present and measure customer satisfaction, the good ones will compensate their staff on those metrics. So, ask to see them.
Evaluate cost and ROI: While cost matters, it shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor. Consider how the MSP’s services will contribute to your ROI by saving time, resource optimisation, and other areas. Assuming they seem proficient enough in getting to this point, they should be able to offer you some valuable guidance here.
Review SLA/Contract: Obviously, the points on which you have agreed with the MSP should reflect in the Service Level Agreement and specific delivery points should be in the contract document. Read it carefully. Remind yourself of what you were looking to achieve and make sure this aligns.

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.

Find out more about a Cobweb Managed Service

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IT Continuity over Christmas… No more sleepless nights

Posted on December 6, 2023 by vickihorn - Blogs

IT Continuity over Christmas… No more sleepless nights

Home » proactive IT

Written By

Juan Lyall

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).

The dreaded IT challenges during Christmas

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.

Advantages of partnering with an MSP

Proactive Monitoring and Support: With an MSP you can have 24/7 monitoring of your IT systems, ensuring that potential issues are identified and resolved before they escalate.
Expertise and Experience: Due to their experience, MSPs bring a wealth of knowledge when it comes to handling complex IT environments. Their expertise is invaluable when navigating unique challenges that your business may face during the festive season.
Scalability and Flexibility: A significant advantage of MSPs is the ability to scale resources according to the demand of your business. Directors and business owners often find that this flexibility is crucial over Christmas, especially when web traffic can increase, and additional support may be required.
Increased Security: Partnerships with MSPs involve tightening your security, which in turn ensures compliance (which is a pretty large component in business these days). Handing over your security won’t only help you to sleep better at a highly risky time but could also save you from losing lots of money if an attack were to cause a breach.

Cost-Effectiveness and ROI

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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5 Signals It’s Time To Look For A New MSP…

Posted on November 7, 2023 by vickihorn - Blogs

A man looks down at his notebook with a laptop in front of him. He is thinking to himself.

5 Signals It’s Time To Look For A New MSP…

Home » proactive IT

Written By

Juan Lyall

Publish Date

07/11/2023

Categories

Blogs

Is it time to re-evaluate your Managed Service Provider’s (MSP) effectiveness?

While changing MSPs might seem like a hassle, a poor relationship or lack of two-way communication with your provider can lead to bigger issues down the road, including cyber security vulnerabilities.

Here are 5 warning signs that suggest your company needs a new MSP:

They’re a one timer

An MSP should do what it says in the name – manage. This means frequently assessing and recommending improvements to your IT infrastructure. It should not just be a one-time job, just as it is not a one size fits all approach. Building a relationship with your MSP based on trust and frequent communication ensures a better understanding and personalised service for your business.

Unreliable customer service

What’s one of the main reasons a company will go to use an MSP? The expertise and skill they provide. If your current MSP doesn’t meet it’s SLA (Service Level Agreement), or is slow responding to queries raised, it’s a clear indicator that you may be better served elsewhere.

They are a supplier, not a partner

Your MSP should not merely offer basic licensing and support. Instead, they should act as a strategic partner and advisor, guiding you in mapping out future services and solutions, enabling effective budgeting and long-term strategic planning.

They lack transparency

Transparency is crucial in any MSP-client relationship. Your SLA should clearly outline:

The services
Monthly charges
Agreement limitations
Customer service options

The last thing you want is a surprise invoice or bill! Moreover, If you don’t understand some of the technical jargon used in the contact, your MSP should attend to this matter and never force you to sign into a contract which you don’t understand.

They don’t do their research

An effective MSP stays up-to-date with IT infrastructure and your company’s needs. Do you always find out the latest industry news, price increases and new offerings from your MSP? They should be there to guide you on industry changes to make sure you can plan and budget your IT roadmap.

If you’re not receiving this support and advise, it might be time for a change.

Don’t let your business be short-changed. At Cobweb, we offer highly personalised and flexible managed service options, empowering you to focus on innovation while we handle the rest. Book a free consultation with our experts to discover the right fit for your needs. Your success is our priority.

Build a partnership with us, today.

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From Reactive to Proactive: The Magic of Managed Services

Posted on October 31, 2023 by vickihorn - Blogs

From Reactive to Proactive: The Magic of Managed Services

Home » proactive IT

Written By

Juan Lyall

Publish Date

31/10/2023

Categories

Blogs

In the ever-evolving world of IT management, businesses must adapt to keep their competitive edge. Reacting to IT issues as they arise is no longer an effective approach and to truly keep ahead of the game, companies need to stay proactive with their technology which is why many IT directors are turning towards a managed service. But why should you invest in a proactive action? Let’s have a dive into the world of IT response types…

The Reactive Approach Revisited

Not too long ago, the standard approach to IT management was predominantly reactive. Organisations would wait until an issue emerged—be it a server crash, a data breach, or a software failure—before taking action. Yes, that has us quaking in our boots too. While this approach may have provided a temporary fix, it was far from ideal. Downtime would disrupt operations, productivity would suffer, and costs would skyrocket as IT teams scrambled to resolve the problem…

An Easy Fix

We understand that the old reactive model is simply not sufficient in today’s digital landscape. The solution is clear and it’s what most IT decision makers are turning too: a managed service. Pairing with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is one of the quickest, easiest and most affordable ways to optimise your proactive IT management. Here’s how…

Proactive Monitoring:

Proactive: A proactive approach, means consistently monitoring IT infrastructure to catch and rectify issues before they become significant. Using advanced tools, an MSP will identify potential threats or breakdowns early, averting bigger crises.

If a business was only to address these problems as they arise, extended downtimes, disruption, and potential data loss could easily become the consequence.

Cyber Security Expertise:

With the digital landscape becoming increasingly more complex, when partnering with an MSP, you should find they prioritise cyber security. By staying updated with the latest threats and security measures, they implement and maintain robust security protocols within your IT systems. This ensures that your business’s data stays well-protected against cyber predators.

Without a proactive approach, you may find yourself having to pay thousands due to a surprise ransom attack or explain to your customers how their data was stolen…

Strategic Planning:

MSPs don’t just offer solutions to existing problems. They engage in strategic IT planning, working alongside businesses to ensure that their technology infrastructure aligns with long-term goals and objectives. This proactive collaboration facilitates technological growth and drives innovation tailored to the business’s needs!

Cost Efficiency:

Partnering with an MSP is a cost-effective decision. By proactively preventing issues, optimising systems, and streamlining IT processes, businesses will see a reduced total cost in their IT ownership.

On the other hand, having a reactive model can result in unbudgeted spend as unexpected remediations occur.

Focus on Your Core Business:

An MSP proactively manages daily IT operations, meaning you can allocate internal resources more effectively. This allows teams to concentrate on strategic initiatives, core competencies, and other vital areas of the business.

If you were to stay reactive, focusing on the core of your business may be out of your control if your systems suffer a failure, meaning increased downtime is the consequence.

Scalability:

One of the key advantages of partnering with an MSP is the inherent scalability of managed services. As a business expands or contracts, its IT support structure can adjust accordingly. This ensures that your IT infrastructure remains robust and responsive to business needs, without the necessity for extensive hiring or substantial infrastructure investments.

With reactive action, you may find your infrastructure can’t so easily be altered to large expansions or team growth, resulting in a lack of time to focus on revenue driving activities, and ultimately, what you do best.

A Partnership for Success

The magic of managed services lies in their ability to transform businesses from reactive to proactive IT management. By partnering with us at Cobweb, your business can harness the power of technology to drive growth, enhance security, and let you focus on innovation. With over 27 years of experience and a portfolio of satisfied customers, Cobweb specialises in safeguarding and empowering SMBs with tailored IT solutions, joining them on their cloud journey. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, embracing an MSP is not just a choice; it’s a necessity for businesses looking to thrive and reach that next competitive edge in the 21st century.

Optimise your business today

Cobweb Managed Services

3 things your IT team should be doing but don’t have time to…

Posted on October 10, 2023 by vickihorn - Blogs

A man with blonde hair has his back to the camera and is looking at multiple screens full of code. The ambiance is dark and resembles an IT team.

3 things your IT team should be doing but don’t have time to…

Home » proactive IT

Written By

Juan Lyall

Publish Date

10/10/2023

Categories

Blogs

Navigating the fast-paced evolution of the IT landscape can be daunting for any IT team, often diverting their attention from core responsibilities. Amid juggling various internal roles, certain critical IT operations may unintentionally be overlooked.

So which IT processes in your business could be being missed out?

Meeting Strategic Objectives

Aligning IT with business strategic initiatives is crucial for ensuring that technology is being leveraged effectively to achieve organisational goals. This can drive productivity, enhance customer experience, and provide a competitive edge. Having time for regular training ensures the IT team understands business processes, while key performance indicators help measure alignment. Effective change management processes and an emphasis on innovation further ensure that IT initiatives not only support but also drive business goals. By removing the mundane tasks, businesses can accelerate the rate they are able to work towards these objectives.

Vulnerability Assessments

As cyber attacks persistently threaten businesses, frequent vulnerability assessments are vital to identify software flaws and potential risk factors. In fact, 97% of IT decision makers moved to a manged service due to being a target of phishing attacks. Vulnerability assessments should be second nature to your IT team, ensuring your business remains one step ahead of these potential attackers. However, faced with an abundance of responsibilities, consistently managing these assessments can become increasingly challenging.

Patching

Patching is one of those jobs a lot of technicians think about as ‘I’ll just do that later’. And that may be because the flaw in the system isn’t seen as that serious, or there are more pressing needs elsewhere. But fixing these flaws may be the only barrier in the way between your business and a large data breach. It should never be left as a ‘later’ job as it could leave you and your business at serious risk.

If any of these processes are being overlooked due to overwhelming workloads in your business, it might be time to consider a Managed Service Provider (MSP). At Cobweb, we prioritise making our customers’ lives easier by offering comprehensive solutions:

teal tick with a circle in the background Expert Talent at Your Service: No need to expand budgets or hire new IT members; our team has all the expertise you require.

teal tick with a circle in the background Proactive Vulnerability Assessments: We constantly monitor your systems, recommend improvements, and implement measures to keep attackers at bay.

teal tick with a circle in the background Patching Made Simple: Your workstation, server, and security appliances receive regular patching, minimising security risks.

teal tick with a circle in the background Staying Ahead of Technology: We keep up to date with the latest technology and implement it into your systems.

teal tick with a circle in the background Focus on Innovation: With Cobweb managing your tech systems, you’ll have ample time to focus on your business’s innovation. Simply put, we are just an extension of your team!

If your IT team is stretched thin, there’s a viable solution. Get in touch with our team today for a free consultation, and let’s tailor Managed Service options to suit your unique needs. Your IT team might lack time, but a feasible solution is within reach!

Find out more about our Award-Winning Managed Services

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Build a partnership with us, today.

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Scalability:

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