Multi-factor authentication ( MFA ) may help to reduce the risk of insider attacks from people in the immediate vicinity , as combining authentication factors can make a machine less vulnerable to opportune break-in attempts . An IT MSP can deploy robust security measures , including MFA and firewalls , and back-up systems to ensure yours and your customers ’ critical data is always protected .
Maintaining productivity , customer retention and business reputation This is a tough time for businesses all across the country . Many still have staff on furlough , and some have even had to make redundancies . Staff that remain need to be empowered to be able to perform to a high level , not only for the purpose of staff wellbeing , but also for the positive impact on customer retention and business reputation . As the disruption due to the pandemic continues , business leaders may want to consider investing in technologies to upscale productivity and efficiency .
Many tools exist to facilitate automation of repetitive administration , freeing up staff time to focus on tasks that increase business value . Additionally , new technologies such as
artificial intelligence ( AI ) are playing an everincreasing role in upscaling business operations , particularly in the use of chatbots in customer service and providing insights to augment digital sales .
However , it ’ s important not to rush into decisions and to continue to assess the efficacy and potential security risks of software and applications before committing to use . The term ‘ Zoom-bombing ’, in which malicious individuals listen in or interfere with private meetings , has become well-known due to the number of incidents during the pandemic , as companies were forced to turn to virtual conferencing software at short notice .
Business owners have enough to worry about during these turbulent times , without fear that the introduction of new collaborative software designed to help remote teams could lead to a crisis . Leading MSPs use the best technologies and equipment on the market , so that software and applications used are safe and reliable .
An outdated IT system not only runs the risk of becoming obsolete and hampering productivity ; it can present a serious security threat to business operations , finances and people , should a costly scam damage business reputation and hamper growth . Businesses absolutely need to be prepared to cope with the ‘ new normal ’ and an onslaught of new security and financial threats , particularly while many companies are still vulnerable whilst recovering from the fall out of the lockdown period .
On an optimistic note , the pandemic has highlighted many little-known system weaknesses and security threats posed by remote working . This knowledge should serve to strengthen the security of IT systems nationwide and make it harder for criminals to target businesses .
Doug Watts 07770 837 829 doug @ lakeland2k . co . uk
Brian Edwards 07831 617 616 brianedwards @ rtnltd . co . uk Richard Bulmer 07584 239 297 richardbulmer @ rtnltd . co . uk Adrian Mason 07703 715701 adrianmason @ rtnltd . co . uk
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