Tag Archives: security

News

Six top tips to increase computer security

Technology is a huge part of most peoples lives, as many of us use computers, smartphones and tablets regularly. However, as technology advances, so does the complexity of viruses, scams and hackers. Below we have highlighted six simple steps to help you increase your computer security and keep your computer safe.

  1. Keep your computer up to date

    One of the best things you can do for your computer is to keep it updated. This includes your security software. Having the latest version of the software installed means you’re in the best position to protect your device.

 

  1. Make secure passwords

    You often hear of people making their password, ‘password’. But it makes it incredibly easy for people to hack into your accounts. When choosing a password, make sure its long and complex without the need to write it down. We suggest it has a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Don’t forget to change them every few months and never reuse the same password. For our top ten tips for a secure password, read our World Password Day blog.

 

  1. Be wary of suspicious emails

    One way that hackers target computers is by sending an email with a link which contains a virus once it is opened or trick you into divulging your password. If you receive an email which you’re not expecting, and it seems out of the ordinary, be wary not to click on any links or download any files as they may contain something that will harm your computer. The emails might come from a name you don’t recognise or people and organisations you know well. If in doubt, take a look at the email address it came from. Does the wording and layout look right? Hover over the link, does it look like a reputable www website? If you’re not sure, get in contact with us.

 

  1. Install security software

    Installing an anti-virus programme usually includes several other features to protect your device from security breaches will make keeping your computer safe and secure a lot easier. Investing in a good-quality programme will help keep your computer safe and alert you if it finds a problem on your computer. We can offer advice on the best programme for your computer.

 

  1. Don’t leave your computer/laptop unlocked when unattended

    If you are stepping away from your desk, or taking a break from some work, it’s always safer to lock your device before you leave it. That way, nobody can access your files, change your background or alter your homepage. To lock your computer, press the Windows Key + L.

 

  1. Back up your data.

    In the rare case that your computer gets a virus and needs to be reloaded, it’s a safe bet to keep all your files safely stored away. This means you not only have peace of mind, but you’ll have all of your files in one place. To find out more about the importance of backing your data up, read our blog here.

Increasing computer security can be daunting for even the most experienced computer-user. If you ever need any advice on increasing your computer security, feel free to get in contact with us.

News

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/
News

Apple or Microsoft? Here’s our comparison

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.

Compatibility

Microsoft Windows has the biggest market share in computing. This means that it is more likely to be compatible with other programmes and software.

Microsoft have released a version of this for Mac and it looks very similar to the Windows version. This means that well-known software such as Microsoft Office can be on Apple devices. For more unique or specialised programmes, Apple users might have a hard time finding one compatible with an Apple Mac.

What many Apple Mac users can do is install Parallels. This allows the Microsoft Windows operating system to run on their system. Very few business software packages are compatible on an Apple Mac natively.

It’s important to decide which operating system is right for you. It is best to consider what you will be mainly using your computer for and what programmes you would require.

Durability

Apple hardware used to arguably be more reliable than Microsoft Windows. This is because the Apple Mac operating system was written specifically hardware components which were optimised to work together and allows everything to run more smoothly. That all changed several years ago when Apple stopped manufacturing their own computer chips. They instead chose to resell Intel which means both Apple Mac and Windows now use common hardware.

Microsoft is more open in this regard allowing Microsoft Windows to be installed on virtually any hardware. As a result of this, you have more flexibility in the type of device you want to use.

Many users choose to have an Apple Mac because it looks nice and sleek. Microsoft manufactures hardware and have a range of products to suit every type of user. For more details see the Microsoft Surface site here or contact SMY IT Services for guidance.

Security

Microsoft has the biggest market share which makes it a target for attackers, rendering their users more vulnerable.

A wide range of malware is available for Microsoft Windows, but Mac users still need Antivirus and Malware protection. Due to increasing popularity, more malware is released for Apple than Windows. As a result of this, both devices are equally as likely to be affected by a security issue.

Cost

Compared to Microsoft computers, Apple computers are very expensive.  This is because users tend to compare the spec of £2,000 Apple Macbook Pro with a basic Windows device and expect it to perform on a comparable level.

Nearly all Microsoft Windows based computers will wind up less expensive than buying an Apple computer. That is until you compare it with Microsoft’s Surface range here.

Repairs

With Apple components being so integrated, it can be a difficult repair job to pinpoint what isn’t working properly. This can therefore mean that Apple repairs can be more costly than Microsoft repairs as Microsoft components are easily accessible.

Depending on what your business does can have a hand in choosing which hardware is best for you.

Creative professionals might lean towards using Apple computers because the Adobe products they work with were originally made for Apple.

Microsoft computers are the larger market share, it can benefit nearly all businesses because there is no limitation on software compatibility or customisation.

SMY IT works with both Microsoft and Apple and is knowledgeable in both systems. Contact us today if you need advice for your business.

News

Beware of hackable smart home devices

Here are SMY IT, we are a big advocate of evolving technology and we embrace it into our own tailored IT solutions for our clients. However, the progression of technology also opens the door for hackers. They can use smart systems against you for their own personal gain. This means you need to be extra careful about smart home devices. You can do this by making sure you take the necessary precautions to prevent a security breach.

What are smart home devices?

Smart home devices are still a relatively new concept, but you most likely already use them! They are essentially devices that allow you to control lighting or thermostat, as well as playing music. They’re basically devices that help you control what happens in your home. Examples of these include the Amazon Echo range, which permits you to control these activities using your voice.

Why are smart home devices hackable?

Sometimes, the vendors are solely focused on the functionality of the product with little regard for anything else such as security, meaning it’s even easier for them to hack into your networks.

How can I make my smart home devices more secure?

Make sure you create secure passwords for each of your device, try not to use the same one twice. You can also ensure you have two separate wireless networks at home – one for your smart home devices and one for everything else. You should make sure you have security software installed such as anti-malware and firewalls to protect against these external threats, and making sure your product has the latest updates will ensure it has the most recent security measures.

This information shouldn’t make you afraid to use smart home devices, as these devices are very useful, hence why they’re so popular! You should simply be wary that hackers could be trying to compromise your personal data.

If you’re worried about this or want advice on how to protect your devices, give us a call. We’d be happy to help.

News

The importance of anti-spyware for your computer

Spyware is arguably one of the most dangerous types of malicious software in computing. This means it is really important to stay vigilant and protect your computer system from it. This especially goes for businesses, as you have a responsibility to protect the data of your clients.

What exactly does spyware do to my computer system?

The way the programme works is to gather your personal information without your knowledge or consent. They mostly exist to steal usernames and passwords as well as email accounts. Like a virus, a lot of spyware cannot be easily removed from a computer system. Some people may never be aware that spyware is on their computer. This is because it tends to work in the background of most systems.

What are the benefits of having anti-spyware software?

Anti-spyware software is intended to prevent and detect unwanted spyware and, consequently, removes them. Anti-spyware software will perform routine checks on your computer to ensure your system is safe. As well as this, it will also make sure your privacy is protected 24/7 from any possible intrusions.

There are a lot of programmes on the internet that can pose as well-established anti-spyware but are viruses themselves. You can usually tell the difference between genuine and fake anti-spyware. You can do this by running a simple review search on the internet of products.

What else can I do to prevent this?

One way to prevent this happening to you to is to make sure you run your IT systems through a reputable IT company, such as SMY IT. We can do all this work for you as well as providing valuable advice and answers to your questions.

If you’re worried about spyware on your computer, you can give SMY IT a call today to find out how we can help you.