Category Archives: Security

Reviewing Your IT Needs as a Small Business

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As a small business owner, your IT infrastructure is critical to your operations. It’s essential to review your IT periodically needs to ensure they align with your business goals and are optimized for efficiency and security.

Key Areas to Evaluate

  1. Hardware and Software:
    • Age and condition: Are your computers and servers outdated or need repair?
    • Compatibility: Do your software applications work seamlessly together?
    • Security: Are your systems protected from cyber threats?
  2. Network Infrastructure:
    • Speed: Is your internet connection fast enough to support your business operations?
    • Reliability: Are there frequent network outages or connectivity issues?
    • Security: Are your network devices and data properly protected from unauthorized access?
  3. Data Backup and Recovery:
    • Frequency: How often are your data backed up?
    • Storage: Where are your backups stored? Are they accessible in case of disaster?
    • Testing: Are your backup procedures regularly tested to ensure they work as intended?
  4. Cloud Computing:
    • Benefits: Could cloud-based solutions help reduce costs or improve flexibility?
    • Risks: Are there any security or compliance concerns associated with using cloud services?
  5. IT Support:
    • In-house vs. outsourced: Are your current IT support arrangements meeting your needs?
    • Expertise: Do your IT staff have the necessary skills and knowledge to address your challenges?

Tips for Effective Review

  • Involve your team: Get input from employees who use IT systems daily.
  • Prioritize needs: Identify the most critical IT functions for your business.
  • Consult with an IT professional: A qualified IT consultant can provide expert advice and recommendations. Here at IT Turning Point this is what we do.
  • Consider future growth: Plan for your IT needs as your business expands.
  • Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest technology trends and security best practices.

By regularly reviewing your IT needs, you can ensure that your technology infrastructure is supporting your business goals and helping you achieve success.

May The Force Be with You!

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Why is getting an I.T. needs Analysis is not just a good idea, but an essential one?

it analysis

In today’s digital age, technology is the backbone of most successful businesses. But for small businesses, navigating the ever-changing tech landscape can be daunting. This is where regular IT checks come in. Just like a car needs tune-ups, your business technology needs regular assessments to ensure it’s running smoothly and meeting your evolving needs.

Why Regular IT Checks Matter

Here are three key reasons why small businesses should prioritize regular IT check-ups:

  • Security: Cybersecurity threats are a constant concern. Regular IT checks can identify vulnerabilities in your systems, outdated software, and weak passwords, all of which leave you open to attacks. IT professionals can recommend and implement security measures to keep your data and operations safe.
  • Efficiency and Productivity: The right technology can streamline processes and boost employee productivity. IT checks can identify outdated software that’s slowing you down and suggest more efficient options. They can also ensure your systems are properly configured for your specific needs, eliminating unnecessary steps and wasted time.
  • Cost Savings: Small problems left unchecked can snowball into expensive repairs or data loss. Regular IT checks can catch small issues before they become major problems, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, IT professionals can help identify areas where you might be overspending on technology and suggest cost-effective alternatives.

Finding the Right IT Support

Many IT service providers offer flexible plans tailored to small businesses. Look for a provider who understands your specific needs and budget. Regular check-ups can be scheduled quarterly or even annually, depending on your risk profile and how often your technology changes.

Investing in regular IT checks is an investment in the future of your business. By proactively managing your technology, you can ensure it’s working for you, not against you.

Check out our IT needs analysis packages here, all tailored to you and your budget and needs. Needs Analysis.

The Worst That Can Happen If You Don’t Update Your IT Equipment as A Business

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Worse that could happen

In today’s digital world, it is more important than ever for businesses to keep their IT equipment up to date. Outdated equipment can lead to a number of problems, including:

  • Security breaches: Outdated software and hardware are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers can exploit known vulnerabilities to gain access to your systems and steal data or disrupt your operations.
  • Compliance issues: Many industries have regulations that require businesses to use certain types of IT equipment or software. If you don’t update your equipment, you could face fines or other penalties.
  • Performance problems: Outdated equipment is often slower and less efficient than newer models. This can lead to productivity losses and customer dissatisfaction.
  • Compatibility problems: Newer software and hardware may not be compatible with older equipment. This can make it difficult to integrate new systems into your existing infrastructure and can lead to data loss or corruption.
  • Increased costs: In the long run, outdated equipment can cost you more money. You may have to pay for more expensive repairs or replacements, or you may lose business to competitors who have invested in newer technology.

Here are some of the worst things that can happen to your business if you don’t update your IT equipment:

  • Data loss: A data breach can be devastating for a business. If your IT equipment is outdated and vulnerable to attack, hackers could steal your customer data, financial information, or intellectual property. This could lead to lost revenue, reputational damage, and even legal liability.
  • System outages: Outdated equipment is more likely to fail, which can lead to system outages. This can disrupt your operations and cost you money. For example, if your online store goes down, you could lose sales and damage your customer relationships.
  • Compliance violations: Many industries have regulations that require businesses to use certain types of IT equipment or software. If you don’t update your equipment, you could face fines or other penalties. For example, healthcare providers must comply with HIPAA regulations, which require them to use certain security measures to protect patient data.
  • Competitive disadvantage: Your competitors are probably investing in new IT equipment to improve their efficiency and productivity. If you don’t do the same, you will quickly fall behind. Outdated equipment can make it difficult to keep up with customer demand and offer innovative new products and services.

What can you do to avoid these problems?

The best way to avoid the problems associated with outdated IT equipment is to have a regular replacement schedule. You should also keep your software up to date by applying security patches and updates as soon as they are available.

If you are not sure whether your IT equipment is up to date, you can consult with an IT professional. They can assess your needs and recommend the best way to update your systems. We at ITTP carry out I.T. needs analysis surveys for this very reason.

Here are some tips for updating your IT equipment:

  • Create a budget and a timeline: Before you start updating your IT equipment, it is important to create a budget and a timeline. This will help you to stay on track and avoid overspending.
  • Prioritize your needs: Not all IT equipment is created equal. Some equipment is more important to your business than others. Prioritize your needs and update the most important equipment first.
  • Consider your options: There are a number of different ways to update your IT equipment. You can buy new equipment, lease equipment, or rent equipment. Consider your budget and your needs to choose the best option for your business.
  • Get help from an IT professional: If you are not sure how to update your IT equipment, you can get help from an IT professional. They can help you to choose the right equipment and install it correctly.

 Contact us on our Contact form page here. Updating your IT equipment is an investment in the future of your business. By keeping your systems up to date, you can avoid a number of problems and improve your efficiency, productivity, and security.

The AI Revolution, Pros and Cons. Article 2

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AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that deals with the creation of intelligent agents, which are systems that can reason, learn, and act autonomously. AI has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, from the way we work to the way we interact with the world around us.

There are many potential benefits to the AI revolution. For example, AI could be used to automate tasks that are currently done by humans, freeing up our time for more creative and fulfilling pursuits. AI could also be used to improve healthcare, education, and transportation.

However, there are also some potential risks associated with the AI revolution. For example, AI could be used to create autonomous weapons that could kill without human intervention. AI could also be used to create systems that are able to manipulate and control human behaviour.

It is important to be aware of both the potential benefits and risks of the AI revolution. We need to ensure that AI is used in a way that benefits all of humanity, and that we do not allow AI to become a threat to our existence.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the AI revolution:

Pros:

  • AI can automate tasks that are currently done by humans, freeing up our time for more creative and fulfilling pursuits.
  • AI can improve healthcare, education, and transportation.
  • AI can help us to better understand the world around us.
  • AI can help us to make better decisions.

Cons:

  • AI could be used to create autonomous weapons that could kill without human intervention.
  • AI could be used to create systems that are able to manipulate and control human behaviour.
  • AI could lead to mass unemployment, as machines become capable of doing many of the jobs that are currently done by humans.
  • AI could lead to a widening of the gap between the rich and the poor, as those who own the AI systems will benefit from increased productivity and efficiency, while those who do not will be left behind.

In Conclusion

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of the AI revolution carefully before making any decisions about how to use this technology. We need to ensure that AI is used in a way that benefits all of humanity, and that we do not allow AI to become a threat to our existence.

The AI Revolution, Pros and Cons. Article 1

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working smarter
Time for change

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm and is revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact with each other. AI is a technology that enables machines to learn and perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and natural language processing. The AI revolution is happening right now, and it has both pros and cons.

On the positive side, AI is bringing about significant improvements in various industries, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and manufacturing. AI-powered robots and machines are taking over tedious, repetitive, and dangerous tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative and productive work. AI-powered medical devices are helping doctors and healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat diseases more accurately and efficiently. AI-powered vehicles are making transportation safer and more sustainable.

AI is also helping businesses to improve their operations, increase their efficiency, and reduce costs. AI-powered systems can analyse vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and provide insights that help businesses to make informed decisions. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are enhancing customer service, providing 24/7 support to customers, and improving customer satisfaction.

However, the AI revolution also has its downsides. One of the most significant concerns is job displacement. As machines become more intelligent, they are taking over jobs traditionally performed by humans, leading to job losses and unemployment. This could have a severe impact on society, particularly for low-skilled workers who may find it challenging to find new employment.

Another significant concern is the potential misuse of AI. As AI becomes more advanced, it could be used to create autonomous weapons, surveillance systems, and other technologies that could threaten human rights and freedoms. There is also the risk of AI being used to perpetrate cyber-attacks or manipulate public opinion, which could have disastrous consequences.

In Conclusion

The AI revolution is happening right now, and it has both pros and cons. While AI has the potential to bring about significant improvements in various industries, it also poses significant challenges and risks. As we continue to develop and deploy AI technologies, it is essential to be mindful of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. Ultimately, the key to harnessing the power of AI lies in responsible development, deployment, and regulation.

Pixel Devices Update

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An update on Pixel usage

Thought we would pop on and give an update on the pixel devices now we have been using them and they have had a number of updates.

Google Pixel 7 Pro Phone

As mentioned in our first post we have been using the phone for business and leisure.

What are we finding?

Well, it does the job and has only had a few glitches that have caused concern. The screen has on occasion went faded out and then come back again after pressing a few buttons. It also hasn’t responded quickly to some light changes in the room I have been in. A slight lag as they say.

The battery is OK and it seems to cope with all the apps I use and the constant usage for business and then leisure. (And I assure you that’s a lot.)

The screen is large and very clear once you step it up to the higher display setting. Very sharp and clear. The camera is doing what it says as well and you can zoom in a great distance and still get clear pictures, due to the AI taking over. Also, Macro is good and I find myself using portrait mode when taking closer photos and it blurs the background. I have only played with the magic eraser a few times and it works. Sometimes it guesses and gets the filing background slightly askew.

Processors are fast and the security levels are much improved. I now have access to Google VPN when out and about as well. So, all in all, tick, tick, tick.

The leather case I ordered from Google as well and I am slightly disappointed with it. It is becoming dirty very fast and scuffing at comers and edges are becoming visible. I may have to replace this.

Onto the Pixel Watch

Well, as mentioned in the initial post, the battery life here is the problem and I still charge it around three times per day. I have had some updates and I thought this might cure things. But alas no.

It has also had some glitches with the use of NFC for payments and sometimes just doesn’t perform.

I also had problems adding my company card to the watch for payment and have had to contact my bank on each occasion. It crashed on me after an update and I had to research getting it running again as it had frozen on restarting screen. Got there eventually. It just seems a bit buggy. I have had Wear watches for a good few years now. Staring with a Motorola one and then a Huawei W1 and then the Fossil Gen 5. So, no stranger to them. This one just needs something that would make it more stable.

The strap design, for getting on and off is good and I have ordered some extra straps and can change them easily. The battery and the bugginess are the main issues. Will see how things go.

All these devices were purchased from the Google Store. https://store.google.com/gb/?hl=en-GB

Watch this space and we may be back soon, let us know what your thoughts are if you have dived into the Pixel train

What is the key factor about adopting technology?

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A question I am asked a lot is, “What technology should I be using?”

The better question would be why should I use that technology?

So, what is the point of this article.? It is all about what you need and what you do.

The technology of yesterday, is not the technology of tomorrow as it is changing so fast. This matters because of the reason that technology is changing. It is changing because of customer demand a lot of the time and the new technology helps users work smarter and not harder.

So, what are the key factors about adopting new technology?

The ultimate answer is you are the key factor, let me explain further: –

I could easily go into any of my clients and simply say here is the new tech and you need it now. This of course is a broad-brush approach and they may not need half of what I am telling them they need.

So, I never do that, I ask loads and I mean loads of questions. I need to get inside their heads and their business. My forte is that I keep an eye and focus on what is out there and can advise accordingly.

I try and establish the following: –

  1. What do you and your business do just now?
  2. What may you be doing in the shorter term?
  3. Where do you see things in the longer term?

This enables me to focus on exactly you do and how you currently are doing it.

I can then look at solutions that are there just now that may make your tasks smarter and with emerging tech, I can advise on when you should maybe put your toe in the water.

I.T. is an ever-changing horizon and you have your focus and business to run. So why not hand it over to someone who focusses on the tech and get them to advise on what may be beneficial for you.

So, the key factors about adopting technology is you and your team and business. I always start from that point.

I.T. Needs Analysis Packages

Relaunch video for parent organisation

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Check out the new video from our parent organisation. (Sorry for the bitable banners)

IoT’s, I don’t have any IoT’s do I?

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IoT devices

IoT devices, do I have any?

Here is a newish term that has been getting brandished around the Internet for some time now. At first as a techie I may think, Institute of Technology devices, Oh, I don’t have any of these. However, I would be so wrong. So what are they and what does it stand for?

IoT’s or Internet of things devices are now all around us whether we like it or not. They are devices that require an IP address to access the network or Internet. I like to think of them as Internet on Technology.

Your mobiles and any tech wear that you have, card reader machines, cash points, smart TV’s Tablet computers and any smart home devices that you may own. Your car, security cameras, home thermostats, amoung other things, even ticket machines and some vending machines.

What does it mean?

It means that things have progressed along a road that had been predicted, but the faster broadband speeds and methods of connectivity have meant it is now a reality.

Let’s rewind a little, A few years ago we have a desktop PC and then maybe a laptop and at first they did not connect to the Internet at all. We then got dial up Internet and we all tentatively put our toes in the water that was the Internet. Well, from there speeds just got faster and faster and Mobile phones came along, then they became smart. This meant connecting to the Internet and using it as a resource to feed you constant information. This meant improving phone signal strength and so we got up to 4G with 5G on its way.

Other devices then came along and allowed us to stream content around our houses and cars, how great was all this connectivity. Well, it is amazing how far we have come in such a short time.

So what’s all the fuss about, surely this is great news?

The reason that these devices are in the news a lot today is that there are now hundreds of thousands of them, being made by well-known companies and also so not so well known but less expensive alternatives and they all connect to the Internet. Now, securing our stand alone network that had no Internet connection was easy, what you put into it was the only danger. Now that these devices are on the Internet all the time they are able to pull all sorts of data into your device and if it is connected to your network, then onto your network as well.

You would think that this was matter of the device being smart and you being able to configure all the settings and hence protecting all that is does. However, loopholes in the software on these devices, not them all, but some are causing the security world a massive headache and some of the attacks to systems that you have read about recently have been because the software on these devices is not well written and is very insecure. Hackers are catching onto the fact that the world has a massive amount of these types of devices and there are more switched on each day and they are targeting their weaknesses.

So really the question is, “When is a smart device not so smart?” when it runs badly written software that has security holes that you can drive a programming bus through.

Here are a few articles to give you some more information: –

http://www.csoonline.com/article/3119765/security/hackers-found-47-new-vulnerabilities-in-23-iot-devices-at-def-con.html

http://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities—threats/internet-of-things-contains-average-of-25-vulnerabilities-per-device/d/d-id/1297623

What are your thoughts about this and have you bought into any of these devices and are you using them. I have to admit I have some.

Big Brother is watching you and has been for a while

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data capture nline

Big Brother is watching you

“‘Who controls the past’, ran the Party slogan, ‘controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.'” Part 1, Chapter 3, pg. 37

The above is all inspired by someone the other day putting up a quote about the fact they had read 1984 and couldn’t believe how bad things were back then. Which made me laugh.

George Orwell’s 1984 was a book I read at high school for my higher in English prep. I was into science fiction and that genre and this sort off ticked some of those boxes. Obviously, it was about the state watching everything that the populate did and the perceived freedom people had was really not freedom at all. Orwell based it on the communist state in 1948 and his publisher’s enforced that he change the title to 1984 to make it more sellable and not offend the communist state of Russia.

History lesson over now, I came across a comic photo of Cortana, Microsoft’s office help in Windows 10, based on their game character from their Halo franchise. She will listen to you and answer questions to help. Similar to the OK Google in Android Google NOW.

But what are these helps really doing?

In the comic photo I saw that someone was happy that Cortana was there and they could chat, until eventually they had to switch Cortana off as she was so intrusive the person’s privacy ceased to exist.

My title is that Big Brother, the state in Orwell’s book that spied on everyone, has been watching us for a long time is in fact very true. Since the Internet has been around we have been spied on and catalogued in our preferences and histories and then email allowed us to be spied on. Particularly when it went online and became web based. Our shopping habits are spied on by supermarkets and stores, again with loyalty cards, as we scan, they record. We get vouchers emailed and sent through the post that give us money of the things we buy each week and use. Isn’t it amazing how do they know?

Should we be worried and concerned?

I meet a lot of different people in my IT travels from training to techie talks with geeks like myself. They range from the extremists who are so paranoid that they don’t use a lot of the available tech and systems that are around just now, to the laid back who use everything and deal with the aftermath.

I must admit to being nearer the second type of person with some criteria on what I would and would not do. I do love the latest tech and am slightly addicted to where it is taking us.

I would suggest to you that you are kept on record on the World Wide Web at a host of locations from government bodies who use your ID and unique NI number to shops and web page stored info. (Cookies and their friends). So worrying would be a fruitless activity and probably not get you any real benefit. Paranoia is the other extreme I find and people go to amazing lengths to avoid their real data and identity getting out there. It will get out there and to be honest it already is out there, is the amazing and correct answer to that.

Precautions

Of course I am not saying forget everything and lay abandon to any security and common sense, now that would be absurd, and I do meet that category of person as well.

We really need to use the latter, common sense and be aware of what we are doing.

  • Not clicking on everything that pops up.
  • Not filling in every form of filed that is asked of us by companies.
  • Unticking boxes that want to store our info and sent us data all the time.
  • Have all updates on and installed.
  • Make sure we have the latest and up to date Anti-Virus and spyware/Malware kit on our machines.
  • AND above all use common sense.

What are your thoughts on this and what do you do? Are you paranoid or very open?

Great to hear your comments.