The massive online threat against all business continues to grow

Computer security is a critical IT issue that remains in the news. Every week it seems a different country’s government servers are hacked, or a big business has its credit card or customer data stolen by criminals (http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/10/carphone-warehouse-uk-data-watchdog-investigating-customer-hack).

Many businesses think they’re simply not targets, or that this threat will never happen to them. They’re unaware that all businesses are targets, and it is happening to them. Through a huge range of internet service, web server and browser weaknesses, millions of attacks are automatically launched every day.

At the same time, millions more automated phishing attacks attempt to use social engineering techniques to get passwords from employees or contractors. While only a small percentage of these work, that’s enough to open up thousands of businesses to attack every day. Data may be stolen outright, held for digital ransom or publicly exposed to embarrass and potentially ruin the company.

To combat this, you need network and internet security at every level, from the desktop to the server. We can provide Watchguard Managed Firewalls, and wireless network security and management for your business, to help protect against these threats. We can also offer advice for your workers on how to be aware of suspicious emails, approaches on social media and websites that could allow criminals access to your business data.

Whatever your business, if it relies on PCs and data in the form of databases or spreadsheets, ensuring that information is secure, regularly backed up, and available in case of disaster is key to ensuring the viability of your company in case of an attack. We can help provide services to ensure business continuity and can also help move your business to the cloud to cut your IT costs and improve the likelihood of your business avoiding and surviving any threat.

The ‘it will never happen to us’ attitude is as redundant as the floppy disk, and if there are senior managers in your business who still believe that, we can provide hard evidence to the contrary and help your business fortify itself against the never-ending threats that face all companies today.

The massive online threat against all business continues to grow

The pros and cons of Microsoft’s Windows 10 90-day trial for business

Windows 10 is already being installed across millions of consumer and small business PCs around the world, but the company is encouraging larger businesses to upgrade with the offer of a free 90-day trial of the new operating system.

Unlike previous trials, one of the main advantages is that Windows 10 provides an easy way to downgrade to your old operating system if your company finds that it interferes with business applications or provides no useful new benefits. However, that assumes that the in-place installation works fine, with many users still having trouble getting the OS to update.

Among the advantages of upgrading your business to Windows 10 are the device management features of the OS, making it easier to manage data and apps across employee machines and mobile devices. All sizes of business can benefit from protection against modern security threats, with updating and support.

Counting against Microsoft in this respect is that most businesses prefer to put their enterprise security in the care of third parties. Also, with increasing use of the cloud, the OS on a PC is becoming less important. With so many apps managed from the browser, businesses will be questioning the need to upgrade.

Microsoft is involved in this too, with Office 365, OneDrive and other services all cloud-focused, reducing the importance of the OS. So, if your business is looking to upgrade to Windows 10, or is considering the possibility, check how we can offer network security, cloud computing, BYOD and other services that may save your company the need to upgrade, or to help make it a more beneficial move for your business.

We can also help make sure your business has enough protection, with disaster and business continuity planning to make sure that if you have trouble with Windows 10, or suffer major service interruptions, then your business can continue to work or can get back up to speed with the minimum of delay.

Windows 10 is a great new opportunity to refresh and improve your business’ IT capabilities, but it needs to be done in a managed and controlled way, and we can help find the right mix of services that actually benefits your organisation.

The pros and cons of Microsoft"s Windows 10 90-day trial for business

Tips on how to improve WiFi connections

A common question IT support technicians are asked is why the WiFi connection keeps disconnecting – its signal quality fluctuates or seems to be slow. This is a problem most readers have faced in the past and here are a few pointers on how you can fix it.

1. Placement of router

The most common cause of wireless network problems is poor placement – whether the router is placed too far away from the computer or near electrical devices. Try moving your router into an area without TVs, microwaves and cordless phones to preventing them interfering with your router’s signal. If successful, you should see an instant improvement with your device’s wireless connection.

2. Improve your router

For most, the router or hub your broadband provider sent you is enough for your home’s internet network and while they do work well, sometimes it is worth paying for a more efficient and powerful router. A good suggestion would be to buy a dual band 802.11n router, which has a stronger signal, prevents interference from your neighbours’ WiFi networks and has improved wireless network security and management.

3. Purchase a WiFi extender

If you cannot afford to buy an expensive new router, a WiFi extender would be a great alternative. A WiFi extender connects to your router, relays the connection and broadcasts the signal in your house’s weak spots, allowing you to have a stronger and more reliable connection. These devices are relatively cheap, simple to set up and definitely worth considering.

4. Upgrade your firmware

Another simple error users make when improving their wireless network is forgetting to update their device’s firmware. Outdated firmware can cause your router to be slow and potentially leave your network at risk to hackers, which is why it is essential that your router’s firmware is up-to-date. The latest firmware ensures your router is running at its best.

5. Call a technician

If these suggestions fail to work, calling an IT support technician to resolve the problem is a wise move. Ring us at 01494 857572, describe your problem and we will do our best to help you.

Tips on how to improve WiFi connections

As Apple Pay is released, how will it drive new iOS device sales?

On 14th July 2015, Apple Pay officially arrived in the United Kingdom, marking another big step in bringing UK users in line with their counterparts from across the Atlantic Ocean. Wi-Fi Calling was relatively slow to make it over here after an extended period in the USA, and it has also taken a while for Apple Pay to be activated on compatible Apple products. As of now, owners of iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3 and the Apple Watch can simply add their credit or debit card to their device, and through Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the mobile device works in the same way as contactless payment cards. After a few seconds, the payment is authorised and the transaction is complete.

As this feature was originally announced in an Apple press conference in autumn 2014, users have been steadily upgrading their devices in time for the launch. In terms of convenience, it removes the need to rifle through a crowded wallet to find the right card, and in an era when many people seem to have their phone constantly to hand, it’s clear to see how this will speed up times at the supermarket checkout. In terms of security, it also offers another added benefit over chip and PIN transactions – the authentication is carried out by taking a fingerprint scan from the shopper. To the consumer who enjoys looking a bit ‘flash’ when they reach the cashier, this new feature may well be the incentive they need to upgrade to an Apple Pay compatible device.

At the same time, there are drawbacks to the new system that may be ironed out over time. While it is possible for these transactions to be carried out without a maximum sale value, retailers will be limited to £20 (£30 from September) until they carry out an upgrade to their back office payment processing systems. In addition to this, there may be a limited audience of consumers who are willing to use the feature on the iPad Air 2 or the iPad Mini 3. A ‘phablet’ or tablet, is probably a little too large and cumbersome to pull out at the checkout, and tapping it on the card reader may look odd enough to draw a lot of unwanted attention!

As Apple Pay is released, how will it drive new iOS device sales?

Cloud storage could save your business

If you’re contemplating switching your storage to the cloud, then don’t hesitate. As well as saving money replacing your own servers, it could literally save your business.

Take a look at the server at your company. Is it invincible? Of course it isn’t, and although you might have back-up, a server failure can leave even the most prepared companies scrambling to get back up and running. With cloud storage, you’ll have much greater peace of mind.

Cloud storage simply cannot be allowed to go down; there’s too much at stake. So instead of a frazzled IT technician trying to keep the company afloat, you get an army of specialists protecting your data and making sure it’s ‘always on’. All you have to do is log on and not worry about the complexity of keeping your data intact, readily accessible and organised.

Of course you can support your company server with cloud back-up, which means even in the event of a disaster in the office you can run seamlessly from the cloud.

Cloud storage systems also have much stronger security than your typical company desktop, which means that sensitive data can be safely protected from malware attacks and viruses. If your company stores payment information, or even personal data for your customers, then you owe it to them and yourselves to make sure it is properly protected.

In-house security systems are an option, but again there are specialist systems designed to keep thousands of companies safe with cloud storage systems; it can be simpler and more cost-effective to place your sensitive data in their hands.

Finally, cloud storage also makes it easier for your staff to use crucial data at any time, from anywhere. If a critical file is sat on a company server then it can simply be out of bounds until office hours, whereas cloud storage means that anybody with the correct authorisation can simply log in, get the file and get back to work.

Of course there are many other benefits to cloud storage, including cost, but these are ways it could literally save your business. At these times, it will be priceless.

Cloud storage could save your business

The benefits of cloud computing for small businesses

At Premier Computer Services we recognise that it can be difficult for small businesses to stand out from their competitors without the financial and technological resources that larger corporations have at their disposal. Fortunately, there are many online resources upon which small businesses can capitalise to expand and evolve within their chosen field or industry. Of all these resources, cloud computing is one of the most efficient and affordable. So, if you have searched for creative ways to improve your small business operations then listed below are some of the reasons why cloud computing may be the ideal solution for you:

1 – Streamlined administrative operations

Cloud computing is an ingenious resource through which businesses can store and access their company data at any given time from any place they wish, using just an internet connection. Subsequently, this revolutionary process enables small businesses to rapidly and efficiently carry out all their daily administrative duties for a fraction of the cost that they would have previously expended on conventional offline methods.

2 – Disaster recovery and business continuity planning

Cyber-crime can be harmful for small businesses because they lack the necessary funds to pay for comprehensive security protocols and business continuity planning consultants. However, with cloud computing, all of your company data will be saved remotely and backed up on a regular basis. As a result, by investing in a cloud computing service for your company you can rest assured that your essential business data will be securely protected from cyber-crime, technical difficulties and any other unfortunate eventualities that may occur.

3 – Affordable IT support

Large corporations will often employ a team of IT support consultants to safeguard their business data at all times. Before the advent of cloud computing, small businesses would not have been able to afford this type of 24/7 IT support. However, by equipping your company with a comprehensive cloud computing package you will be able to acquire reliable and consistent IT support which will safeguard your business processes, administrative data and essential programs at any given time, from any given place.

The benefits of cloud computing for small businesses

IT support needs to watch out for Windows 10 upgrade scams

Whenever anything is available for free, there are plenty of people who will try to make money by ‘selling’ it. Perhaps along with an extra service or two, but also as a direct scam for the unwary. So, when the free Windows 10 upgrade offer starts on 29 July, expect your users’ email accounts to be hosed with spam offering ‘unique opportunities,’ ‘expert delivery’ and ‘bargain prices’ for this ‘once in a lifetime’ Microsoft offer.

Naturally, it will all be rubbish. Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users with a Pro version can upgrade for free, while businesses with volume agreements will be making their own arrangements. However, many workers and PC users won’t know this, and might be tempted to click on the link. This could lead to a direct payment page where people can give £10 for the luxury of being redirected to the official Microsoft upgrade site. Or, it could encourage people to enter their business credit card details or their Microsoft account log-in, so the scammer can use those for their own ends. Not only could that cause untold damage to the business, but should urge you to upgrade your email and spam filtering, if such messages are getting through.

Either way, make sure that your workers are informed of your company’s Windows 10 upgrade strategy, and explain what they should do if they see any tempting offers. Compatibility shouldn’t be an issue for upgraders, and the operating system requirements are broadly in line with Windows 8.1, so you shouldn’t need new hardware. If you don’t have an upgrade plan, then talk to us about managed computer services that can remove these issues and free your time to focus on running your business.

See our earlier post on preventing workers upgrading by accident (https://oswin.com/how-to-stop-upgrading-to-windows-10/) to stop users running consumer versions of Windows getting ahead of your policy. Even if you weren’t planning on upgrading, it should be on your calendar, as support for previous editions will soon fade away, and Microsoft’s security focus will be on the latest product.

When you do get round to upgrading your company’s IT systems, a full audit of your business IT requirements can help reduce the upgrade bill by transitioning to hosted servers and cloud services. We can discuss your needs and requirements to help you save money and improve productivity.

IT support needs to watch out for Windows 10 upgrade scams