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News

Protect your business from Ransomware

Posted on by Sean Lucas
protect ransomware DNA IT Solutions
08
May

All organisations are increasing their reliance on IT for the day to day running of their business.

There is more sharing of information and storage of data in a digital format.  There are more remote workers and that is the shape of the modern enterprise – people working from home, working remotely on site, working while on the go.   With this sharing of data comes great advantages but it is accompanied by increased risks also.

Cyber Criminals

Cyber criminals are on the lookout for businesses they can target.  They look for the ones that are vulnerable.  According to World back up day, 60 million computers will fail in the next 12 months, 30% of us do not back up and 10% of computers are infected with a virus each month.

Smartphones, tablets and laptops are especially vulnerable.  Users can unwittingly download malicious files that will infect a device or even put them in a situation where ransomware holds their data for hostage.

Ransomware   

We all remember WannaCry.  Once it had infected a device, it encrypted files, displays a “ransom note” and demanded bitcoin payment.  In a situation like that many panicked users just paid up making it more attractive for the cyber criminals to plan their next attack.

You might imagine that it takes much expertise, time and resources to create something like WannaCry.  However, ransomware kits are easily accessible and virus protection only recognises existing strains.  That is why back up is such an important element of your security solution.

Protect your business

The good news is that there are ways of protecting both your data and your business.  Security products that add a layer of security to email systems will help prevent malicious emails from arriving in the user’s inbox.  Security training for end users can be helpful in allowing them to identify an email that may cause issues.  Protection not just for the PCs in the office, but for all mobile devices is crucial with remote working practices.

Even if you do get attacked, you can put in place processes to ensure that the data that is lost is restored.  A proper backup plan will ensure you have copies of the files stored in another location that is secure and readily accessible by your IT team.  Restored within hours not days, enabling you to get on with your business.

Ransomware is a scary word but with the right IT Security you can reduce your risk and have methods in place to counteract an attack.  To discuss your options, talk to the team at DNA IT Solutions today.

 

News

5 IT Challenges your Business will Face

Posted on by Sean Lucas
5 IT challenges DNA IT Solutions
28
Apr

Starting your own business is a challenge, growing it to become a successful business is an even bigger challenge.   There are many business challenges that we face and overcome every week, that’s what makes it so exciting.

The challenge of hiring great staff, the challenge of financing your dreams, the challenge of building your brand and making money are common to most businesses.  When it comes to IT within a business, that also comes with its own challenges.

Common IT Challenges

Based on our experience over the many years we have been meeting new clients to discuss IT, we believe that these are the 5 most common challenges that a business faces in this area:

  1. To retain a competitive edge

In order to keep up with your competitors you need to have certain systems in place.  If you want to access new markets, streamline your processes or launch new services you will need IT agility.  When you have to catch up fast and jump on opportunities as they emerge you need the IT infrastructure in place to do so.

  1. Technology that works for you

IT should be there when you need it but something you don’t have to think about.  You need reliable systems, proven technology and access to the best available products in the market.  You don’t need downtime or issues holding you up and damaging your reputation.

  1. Data secure but accessible by team

With more fluid work practices it is essential that you team can access data remotely but in a secure fashion.  You can’t afford a data breach or loss of information.  You must consider disaster recovery planning and ensure you have your data backed up securely with layers of security protecting it at every stage.

  1. IT budget and resources

While IT is essential to your business you may not think you have the budget to afford the best systems.  However, when you have a solution that is tailored to your needs you will only pay for what you need.  Fixed monthly costs that are priced for SMEs and offer cost effective enterprise technology available to all.

  1. Ability to grow

Your business will probably look much different in 5 years’ time.  That is why you need systems that are right for today and ready to grow for tomorrow.  Built with the future in mind will save you time and money in the long term.

 

Are any of these challenges familiar to you?   If you are struggling with IT and the challenges seem to great, then it’s time you spoke to our expert team.  We are ready to offer you a consultation and come up with solutions to suit your plans.

News

Disaster Recovery for Financial Services

Posted on by Sean Lucas
Disaster recovery for financial services DNA IT Solutions
23
Apr

While each industry brings its own challenges, when it comes to Financial Services you have your own additional pressures.

The pressure of being ‘on’ 24 hours a day, every day for customers often at stressful situations is one.  Add to that the challenges of security of sensitive information, data protection and compliance and this all adds up to more pressure.

Banks, Insurance companies, Brokers, Credit Unions all operate in this area and are highly regarded so expectations are high.

A Solid Disaster Plan

As a financial service company, what would happen if you lost some data?  Or data was compromised?  Think about what the cost to your organisation would be.  Not only the loss of reputation, clients or money but the regulations in this sector could result in the closure of the business.  That is why it is so important to have a plan in place when it comes to business continuity and disaster recovery.

Cyber Criminals

The failure of hardware or software can be an issue but the more worrying risk at present is of cyber criminals attacking the business.  An attack can lead to loss of data, freezing of systems and demands for ransom with the threat of malware.  These attacks are real and all too familiar and if you suffer an attack you could lose everything.

What is Business Continuity

These cyber attacks can and do happen regularly.  However, having a plan in place to ensure your critical business applications can continue during a disaster is the best solution.  Attacks can be man-made, natural or via cyber criminals, you need a robust plan and systems in place that offer peace of mind should the worst happen.

A Solution

DNA IT Solutions work with Veeam to offer enterprise grade disaster recovery planning.   Some of the issues that we plan for are:

Recovery Time Objectives – We set the amount of time it will take to get you back up and running fully.

Recovery Point Objective – This is the point at which the last back up exists prior to the disaster, it could be 30 minutes or an hour.  Can you afford to lose that much?  Maybe it needs to be less than 5 minutes.  A lot of planning and resources are needed for that but it’s all possible.

Backup – A backup / recovery solution is needed that is robust enough to survive anything.  A secure secondary site location for storage will be in the cloud.

As a financial services organisation you need enterprise grade solutions and that is why we work with Veeam to offer this service.  You need the best technology and tools to make this a reality.  A system that has been tried and tested and is used all over the world by similar businesses.

At DNA IT we know about the need to test the solution to ensure it will work.  You don’t want the worst to happen and then be crossing your fingers that it will do.  We will test and see if there are any weak spots or areas that need attention.   DNA IT Solutions working with Veeam for the always on enterprise – that’s you!

To download a full guide explaining how this all works visit the Veeam website

To discuss Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity or any other aspect of IT security you can arrange a consultation with the expert team at DNA IT Solutions.

 

 

News

Cloud for Business

Posted on by Sean Lucas
cloud for business DNA IT Solutions
16
Apr

Why is it that so many Irish businesses are moving to the cloud?

It’s not just the large companies but smaller independent business with less than ten employees.  In the past these organisations would have run their programs from software they had downloaded on a PC or a server in their office.  Now cloud computing allows all this to be done via the internet.

Not sure what cloud computing means?

When you check your bank balance on your smartphone, when you check that weather app or when you comment on your friends Facebook post – that is all cloud computing.  It is using the power of the cloud to interact with platforms and programs.  Now with Microsoft 365 you no longer purchase CDs and download onto a PC.  It’s cloud computing at its best, providing automatic updates and access when and how you need it.

When you access the cloud here is what you get:

On demand – You get access to the resource right there when you need it.  No waiting around and you are only paying for what you use when you use it.  It’s a new mind-set to think that you are no longer paying for it whether or not you use it.   This cost effectiveness is the main driver for businesses to move to a cloud solution.

Resource Pooling – Once the domain of only multinationals, now an small business can access a huge pool of resources based on their user needs.  The resource is automatically assigned and with secure sharing there is little to be concerned about.

Rapid Elasticity – The space with cloud is limitless so resources can grow as you need them.  When you need them you can scale up or down in a quick time, not like before.  If it is more storage space or more power that you need, all can be spun up or down as required.

Broad Network access – It’s all there waiting for you when you are ready to access it.  With few barriers relating to adoption and no reason to avoid it, it makes sense.

When you are ready to consider cloud computing and cloud storage you should consider all the options available.  Talk to our expert team, we migrate businesses like yours to the cloud every day of the week.  Make your journey to the cloud a great one with DNA IT Solutions.

News

Web Security Threats

Posted on by Sean Lucas
Web Security threats DNA IT
16
Apr

There are many security threats facing organisations today.

They are not only the concern of large global companies but can effect even the smallest of businesses.  If you are aware of what may attack your business, then you can put plans in place to ensure you have the right level of cover to protect your systems and data.

Here are some of the most popular types of cyber security threats today:

Malware

Malware is software that is designed to gain access to a computer system in order to damage or disrupt.  Malware can appear on both the computer and the network and can cause significant damage.   Cloud based web security system prevents downloads which will stop the initial infection.  It can also stop the malware connecting to the internet to make more problems.

Spyware

This is software that allows the attacker to spy on the user’s computer activity.  It records activity to learn about the user, stalking it and then uses the information gathered to create some harm. Web security products can reduce the risk of this happening by preventing the users machine from interacting with installed spyware.

Ransomware

Ransomware is software designed to block access to the computer system.  In essence it freezes everything until a ransom is paid.  Many organisations will then pay to get their systems back which makes the hackers become more active.  Web security systems will implement sandboxing to help counteract this threat.  This is where all downloads are analysed off the network to check they are safe before delivering them to the network.

Phishing

Phishing is where a fraudulent email is sent pretending to be from a reputable person or company.  It is sent in the hope that the user will divulge personal and financial details.  Phishing call also be in the form of a website that pretends to be something they are not.  Web security services can check to see what websites or emails are trustworthy and stop the risk at source.

Social engineering

Also known as spear phishing, this is the gathering of personal information either directly or online to later target somebody for financial gain.  By having an additional layer of security on email systems, this can reduce or even eliminate such harmful issues.  Likewise, having security that prevents showing links to harmful websites will give additional protection to the user.

Zero hour Attacks

Also known as zero day attacks, these target well known but unpatched vulnerabilities in operating systems.  Security services will work with other layers of security on end point protection.  Fixes can be rolled out in a matter of hours to help protect against attack.  In addition, systems will detect any breach and block it.

These are only some of the threats to an organisations IT Systems, there are countless other ones that will cause significant damage.

One product that can form part of your security solution is Fusemail.  This is part of our security portfolio at DNA IT Solutions and will provide protection against many threats.  We only work with world leading technology solutions to protect our clients.  Fusemail can be part of your web security service that help protect you, talk to us about it today.

News

GDPR – Your Challenge, Our Solution

Posted on by Sean Lucas
GDPR challenge DNA IT Solutions
09
Apr

With the introduction of GDPR comes a whole new set of challenges that all businesses must face.

Data protection has always been high on the list of priorities for our clients but is now more critical than ever.  With such a variety of clients in many sectors, we must offer a range of solutions that work together to provide the ultimate protection.

Our experience has shown us that we can break down the requirements for data protection into three main sectors – People, Processes and Proper Tools.

Data Protection & People

Your employees can be the most important asset but they can also be a threat to the security of your information.   The majority of data breaches are unintentional but can still cause a lot of serious issues for the organisation.   Lost laptops, files left on trains, files shared by mistake – all human error but unfortunately all too common.

To safe guard against these data losses there are solutions that can be employed to secure data.  The first is file sharing in secure ways using information that is encrypted.  This allows the freedom needed to share projects yet strong control.  With remote working it is important to employ methods to protect mobile devices and manage devices effectively.  In addition, CRM systems that can run in the cloud are secure and accessible to authorised users.

 

Data Protection & Processes

Having the correct procedures and processes in place will prevent privilege misuse.  Insider threats can be avoided by setting user access levels and having credential authentication ensuring only the right people can access information.  User training is vital when it comes to issues such as cyber security and email phishing.  Monitoring web use can be a useful method of preventing malware and ransomware issues.  Procedures can be put in place by your IT team that will encompass all these methods of protecting company data.  All the while ensuring your processes are compliant with GDPR requirements and allow your team to work effectively.

Data Protection & Proper Tools

Once you have looked at the people and processes element you must then enable them with the proper tools to do the job.  There is not only one solution, protection involves different layers depending on your business.  Detection and prevention work hand in hand to offer protection at all points.  World class antivirus and security software can be employed with hardware you can trust.   Email systems that are tamper proof, allow secure archiving and less chance of phishing will protect your business against attack.

Having an expert team providing you with a security solution to suit your needs, world leading technology and full support will help prevent data breaches and keep your information secure.

The Full Data Protection Picture

When it comes to protecting your business data you need a full solution.  Disaster Recovery planning should be on your agenda to ensure business continuity should the worst happen.  Planning and testing against data loss and suitable backup strategies are vital.  Cloud options that are trustworthy and the provision of dedicated private space where needed are all considerations.

DNA IT Solutions work hard to keep client’s data secure in order to help them to be compliant in GDPR.   We work with expert GDPR consultants to provide a robust solution for organisations of all sizes.  For more information on options for your business get in contact with us today.

 

News

Why use a managed IT Service provider?

Posted on by Sean Lucas
why use managed IT service provider DNA IT
03
Apr

When you make the decision to use a managed IT Service provider what you are actually doing is taking all your IT operations and putting them in the hands of an expert team to look after.

They are now responsible for ensuring that your IT systems are not only fit for purpose but are there for your business 24 hours a day.  They will monitor, manage and resolve any issue relating to the IT system and ensure you can get on with your business.

Reliance on IT

Many years ago when the reliance on IT was not the way it is now, it was sufficient to have a guy you could call when things went wrong.  He would hop into his van and drive to your office and fix your computer.  You may have had to wait a day or two for this, but hey, back in the day that was just the way it was.

As the years went on, it became a more complex situation as business came to be more reliant on technology.  This is when the IT professional started to be more pro-active by reviewing systems and trying to figure out what issues might occur and try to prevent them.

Benefits of IT Managed Service Provider (MSP)

Your MSP will know what new hardware, improved software, new technologies and better options for your business are available.  They will know what new security threats may be around and how to protect your data.  They will know your system, they will watch out for any issues or risk and address it before it becomes a problem.

As a smaller business you will now be able to access enterprise level technologies and support when working with the right partner.  Technologies that were only reserved for global brands not so long ago will be within your grasp.

Modern Enterprise

Every business needs technology and suitable IT systems to operate in the modern business world.  Reliance on IT is something that increases each day and if a smaller business does not keep up it will be passed by.  It is a complex area, you don’t have the time or the expertise to manage it and your time is too precious to be spent trying to fix an issue.

If your email goes down, if you lose data, all that downtime has a cost both financially and damage to your brand.   Can you afford the expense of not having a trusted IT partner today?

Put in simple terms – one of the biggest benefits of managed IT services is discovering and fixing problems before they can negatively affect your business.  If your systems are well maintained they will perform better, you will see less issues and have the benefit of increased performance in all aspects of your business.

If you are looking for enterprise level IT support at a cost effective price, then DNA IT Solutions may be the partner for you.  We manage all aspects of your IT, being a one stop shop for IT security, hardware, software, printers, cloud storage and much more.

News

How Autotask can help generate revenue for your business

Posted on by Sean Lucas
Generate revenue with Autotask DNA IT
26
Mar

You might be aware of Autotask as a file sharing platform, however, it is so much more than that.

Autotask has grown to become a valuable business tool that is streamlining business processes.  Its vision of unifying people, processes and data is driving growth for many businesses across the globe today.

Autotask PSA

Autotask professional services automation (PSA) is a complete solution offering unlimited opportunity to organisations.   This IT business management platform allows you have everything at your fingertips to manage your critical business functions.

The CRM (Customer Relationship Management) capabilities allow you to capture every interaction with all of your customers.  Every phone call, meeting and email will be recorded so a full record is available when you need it.   A great tool for pricing, it will record all the time spent on a project and convert that to a cost, plus include any additional expense incurred.

Project management becomes easier as timesheets can be integrated within the system.   By adding the expense information from the finance department, it will create an accurate picture of all ongoing and completed projects.  You will have more success getting paid earlier and on time as they will be less disputes on billing.  Any queries will be handled quicker as all information will be there on screen.  It is simple to approve all amounts and post the invoice and we know that greater invoice detail will keep the customer happy too.

 

Customised Platform

The Autotask platform is customisable for your needs and the way you like to work.  You can create a custom company dashboard with your preferences by choosing from built in features.    We know that better systems make better business.   Efficiencies are gained by automating simple tasks and freeing up time for valuable team members.  Another bonus is that customers are happier as their account is managed better.  Happy customers and happy staff equal business success.

Somebody once claimed that information was power.  Autotask customised reports will give you the whole picture that will help you make better business decisions.    Customer service levels will be higher because you know more about your customer and their projects.  Plus, you will be better able to see opportunities and room for improvement, allowing you to create a vision for the future.

All this in one place, easy to use and available to you from Autotask.  For more information on Autotask professional services automation and how it may fit into your business please contact DNA IT Solutions today.

 

News

Layers of security

Posted on by Sean Lucas
Layers of Security DNA IT
20
Mar

Security Alerts

With each passing month there seems to be another story of a company who got hacked, some piece of ransomware that is making the rounds or even news of a colleague whose laptop got infected by a virus.  When you are busy with your business the last thing you should be concerned about is Cyber Security but unfortunately it has become a significant risk.

More places to attack

With IT being the heartbeat of most businesses today, there are more devices and technologies in use than ever.  Even the smallest of offices will have a PC and a laptop.  Add to that the smart phones and tablets that most people seem to use and before long the numbers start to add up.  As we move to the cloud we then concern ourselves with cloud security, network security and sharing information that is not encrypted.

More advanced methods

Cyber-attacks can be lucrative business for hackers and now they are becoming more co-ordinated.  With the ease of communication globally they can be arranged quite easily.  Recent attacks that have been investigated have been found to have been very well thought out and planned well in advance.

Did you know that you can now purchase a kit online that is ready for use and can enable somebody with even basic IT skills to launch an attack?  That means more attackers and an increase in the number of attacks each day.  Sophisticated technology means one keyboard warrior can launch an all-out battle against a victim of choice.

Layers of Security

However, all is not lost so there is no need to give up hope just yet.  As the bad guys get more sophisticated so do the world leaders in IT security.   It is important to know that there is not one single solution that will protect you against everything, rather it will be the layers of security working together that will provide the best protection.

These layers work like a team – they are more effective when all working together and covering all the bases.

  • Proactive – Keeping a watch out for attacks
  • Detection – Knowing and identifying the attack
  • Preventing – Stopping it before it damages
  • Investigating – Checking it out to shield from future attacks
  • Protecting – Protecting your data and your business interests.

In today’s world an organisation needs to look to the protection of the whole business environment.  Having a single centrally managed security approach by amalgamating many vendors will ensure solutions that work together.  Offering consistent protection that helps to provide better security is the key.

At DNA IT Solutions we work with world leading IT Security technologies to provide the best protection for our clients.  Everything from anti-virus software, anti-ransomware methods, secure email systems, mobile protection, perimeter and gate protection.  We also specialise in data loss prevention and end user training for a complete offering.   If you are concerned about the level of protection you have in your organisation maybe it is time to speak with the expert team at DNA IT Solutions.

News

Cloud Computing for the SME

Posted on by Sean Lucas
Cloud computing for SME DNA IT
12
Mar

Many businesses today began at the kitchen table as a start-up then grew to having its first employee.  Before long these small enterprises were looking at office space and within a couple of years had grown to a team with a great future ahead.

No matter what stage your business is at we are pretty sure that you rely on IT each and every day to help you run your business.  As your business grows so does your reliance on IT and what you expect from it.

How can Cloud be a benefit?

Traditionally your IT infrastructure would be housed within your own premises, however, as you develop your IT needs become more complex.  You may decide you want to free yourself from the traditional IT that is holding you back and make the move to Cloud services.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is using the internet to enable on demand network access to computing resources such as storage, applications, networks and more.  Smaller businesses might have a server room that serves a purpose for several years. However, when businesses start to grow they also outgrow this form of on-premises reliance and start to consider a move to the cloud.

Types of Cloud

Every business is unique and their needs will differ and that is why there are several options to consider.

Public Cloud – This is a cloud infrastructure made available to the public.  Microsoft Azure is an example of a cloud provider popular with Irish businesses.  Trust and reliability comes with the Microsoft name and an understanding of the flexibility and scalability that businesses need is assured.  Secure and reliable, this is quite often the perfect choice for the SME.

Private Cloud – While the public cloud may be the perfect fit for most customers, sometimes dedicated storage space is needed and that is when private cloud becomes an option.  IBM Cloud is enterprise level dedicated private cloud for situations where needs are more complex.

Hybrid Cloud – As in many industries, sometimes a one size fits all is not the answer and that is where hybrid cloud comes in.  Depending on customer needs a solution which is a mix of on premise and cloud is the best option.  Every combination will be different but a bespoke solution can always be found.

The move to the cloud can seem daunting for most business owners but it’s only fear of the unknown.  Once you have an IT partner you can trust, they will advise and guide you to pick the right solution for your business.  At DNA IT Solutions we help businesses like yours transition to the cloud every day of the week.  With a promise of less hassle and as little downtime as possible we can help move your business to the cloud.  Leaving you to concentrate on developing your business for the future.