Tag Archives: recruitment

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Explained: IT storage, backup, disaster recovery and business continuity

As an IT specialist, we understand that getting the best hardware and operating system for your business is crucial. There are two major ones we can take a look at today – Microsoft and Apple. Both have advantages and disadvantages which set them apart from each other. To make things as easy as possible, we’ve set about our comparison below between the two.

We know not everyone is tech-savvy when it comes to IT and computing, including dealing with processes such as storage, backup, disaster recovery and business continuity. To eliminate any confusion, we’ve put together an article which should help straighten things out. Read more below.

Storage

All of your data needs to be stored securely. For example, if you’re writing a novel with a pen and paper, the paper in computing could represent a hard drive which is already in your computer, or external storage options such as a USB pen drive or the cloud.

In a digital world, you can have lots of versions of your data in different places. This means you can go back to previous copies if you make a mistake. However, stored data is not necessarily safe data. It is still at risk of deletion, either accidentally or through internal/external threats such as viruses, spyware or ransomware. This is why as well as (primary) storage, you should also have a backup (secondary or tertiary) system in place.

Backup

When backing up your files, all of your digital data, the operating system, configuration files and personal preference are all duplicated at set time intervals to another storage place. These set intervals are usually once a day. Therefore, should your current data get compromised, you will have backed up versions in a secondary place.

You can take this even further and do what’s called ‘replication’. This is essentially like a backup, but it shortens the time between backup intervals to near real-time. Both are integral in keeping your data secure in the event of a disaster.

Disaster recovery plan

Everyone loves a plan. Your disaster recovery plan should detail what steps are needed to restore your systems from backup.

It’s hard to think clearly in a time of crisis. Preparing it now can save a lot of time and pain later.

Your disaster recovery plan will clearly set out Recovery Point Objectives (RPO’s) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO’s). This will include details about what order data and functionality will be restored and how much time it will take.

Business continuity

Business continuity works in conjunction with backup and the disaster recovery plan. These will detail alternative methods of functionality, while your main systems are recovered and restored from backups.

This ensures your business continues to run smoothly during a crisis.

If you need any advice on storage, backup, disaster recovery or business continuity, get in contact, we’d be happy to help.

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Recruitment: what to look for in an IT provider

The recruitment industry is large and ever-growing in the UK. In fact, there has been a growth of 198% in 2013 – 2017 from 2008 – 2012 and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down*. The fast-paced nature of the industry coupled with driven targets can make it a breeding ground for technology to go wrong. With this in mind, you need to ensure that your systems are safe, efficient and effective, so your employees can carry on working without interruption to the best of their ability.

Why do I need an IT service provider for my business?

Did you know that 46% of UK businesses suffered a serious data loss in 2016*? This could be due to any number of reasons from innocent power cuts to both internal and external threats. SMY IT have a disaster recovery package which covers every detail to make sure your business is prepared should the worst ever happen. A package like this is integral should something happen to your data whether its email, a CV or your CRM database. SMY IT have numerous partnerships with a range of providers such as Ekran System. This is a user monitoring and reporting software for threats inside and outside the workplace. Ekran System allows you to monitor your employees (in a CCTV style) as well as third-party providers. They also have a very quick incident response.

What should an IT service provider do for my business?

All service providers should do a full audit and run down of your systems both in the initial stage and at regular intervals. This is to find out where your security risks lie so they can ensure your systems are protected going forward. They can also then tailor packages best suited to your area of business. SMY IT are specialists in recruitment. With over 15 years of experience, they would be able to ensure protection of your systems with ease. Your service provider should be on hand 24/7. Should anything happen, day or night, your service provider should be available around the clock to speak to you, so they can rectify issues there and then. They should also be testing and monitoring your system constantly to deal with issues as they arise and well before you notice them. You should feel at ease that your service provider is certified with relevant experience. SMY IT for example are recognised by Microsoft for their expertise in the cloud platform and small/midmarket cloud solutions. They are also a direct Microsoft CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) partner. If you are in the recruitment industry and looking to get more out of your IT systems, contact SMY IT. *https://recruitmentbuzz.co.uk/uk-recruitment-industry-growing-rapidly/ *https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2017/04/19/cyber-attacks-hit-half-uk-businesses-2016/
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Introducing Ekran System

As the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) looms, understanding who has access to a businesses data is increasingly important. If you believe that this could be an issue for you, we can help!  We can introduce you to Ekran System. It’s a screen recording, user monitoring/reporting and auditing software for both internal and external threats in your workplace.

What does Ekran System do?

Provides customers with an efficient, easy-to-use tool which addresses all monitoring needs as well as meeting security audit requirements.

When thinking about security, you might not necessarily think about your own employees being a threat. In 2016, 69% of surveyed businesses said they had experienced theft and corruption of sensitive data caused by internal users. These employees could be doing it for malicious intent, but it is also common for the individual to be naïve and impressionable.

Ekran System can record all privileged user systems and is capable of both application and internet monitoring. It can also provide several in-built access management tools. While still obeying industry rules and regulations it enables complete visibility into your IT infrastructure. The Ekran System can also be used to alert your security about potentially dangerous actions as they occur. A security specialist can block a user/ dangerous action if needed.

It also has the option to create complete video records of every user screen as well as activity details.

What are the benefits of Ekran System?

– Control and visibility of user activity
– Employee monitoring
– Third-party providers and contractors monitoring
– Suitable for businesses from all industry types
– Easy record archiving
– Quick incident response
– Enhanced record process protection
– Compliant with regulations
– Affordability

How can I get more information on introducing Ekran System to my workplace?

If you’re interested in adopting Ekran System, contact Smy IT Services and we’d be happy to help. We know the importance of security in your IT systems, and we are committed to giving you the best protection.