Unless you are into stocks and shares, foreign exchange or Crypto, where every second makes the difference between huge profits and losses, there is actually not a single situation where you need to have instant access apps on your mobile phone ...
You are more likely to make mistakes trying to reply or respond instantly and may not spot fake emails on your phone!
For example, if you sit back and think about it, emails should not be used for critical correspondence as you never know if the recipient has received it in time to respond to whatever the emergency may be at that moment in time.
Email, in reality, should never be of such great magnitude that it requires an instant response. If it's that important, the potential sender should be picking up the phone and calling you directly!
In my opinion, having Outlook or other email apps on your phone is a 'nice to have', but not essential. These days, with the sheer amount of hacking and phishing attacks, it's time to rethink security on all devices.
You are more likely to make mistakes trying to reply or respond instantly and may not spot fake emails on your phone, compared to on your laptop or PC!
We all need to retrain ourselves and our customers and suppliers that there may be a 24-hour delay (or more if you are on vacation/holiday) and if it is a life-or-death matter, to call you for an instant response.
Are apps like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat really necessary on company devices (such as work-supplied mobiles and laptops) and what method are users using to help them store passwords?
IT security is absolutely essential and even more complex than just ten years ago. For mobile devices, Mobile Device Management (MDM), such as SOTI Mobicontrol, is the de facto standard in keeping devices locked down in line with company policies.
For general IT equipment, Email Security, Antivirus and software that helps clean up Windows (such as CCleaner) all help in keeping an eye on Malware and other nasties, to prevent slow functionality and viruses from spreading to the wider network.
We need to reverse the trend of us being 'wired in 24/7' as this is leading to increases in mental health issues. We also need to conduct a serious review of what apps are permitted on company devices. What an individual does on their personal devices is not in question, though you must wonder if they should be allowed access to your business networks? There should also be a HR document in place, outlining the parameters of use and covering the terms and conditions under which a company device is issued.
The volume of knowledge required by both IT and Telecom professionals is enormous, and not everyone has the necessary skill set to keep up with the pace of change. It's even more apparent when you factor the burgeoning AI industry into the equation.
IT is now not just about general IT support and Microsoft 365, it is fully encompassed with Cybersecurity and secure data back-up, which could be the difference between a company being able to continue trading or folding in the event of a cyberattack or data breach.
"Your IT Support company should be able to advise of what's available to keep your company safe!"
However, do not be complacent in thinking that your IT company is up-to-date with all aspects of network vulnerability. You must have an external audit from a dedicated company that performs penetration testing and sends out test emails, which have deliberate mistakes.
This will help to spot the users who require more training dealing with fake emails.
Until next time ...
PRITESH GANATRA
Would you like to know more?
If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more about business security and whether your users need work-supplied devices or will use their own, it may be a great idea to give me a call on 01604 926100 or take a look at my website which you can find by clicking here.
The word 'Technology' has too many connotations in today's world!
Where do we start? Simple terms like 'IT' and 'Telecoms'? or terms that appear NOT to have an actual meaning at all!, e.g. 'Internet of Things (IoT).
Technology also encompasses specialist products and services like 'Rugged' and 'Tough' android devices, Lone Worker Software, panic alarm devices, smart energy devices, low energy lighting, credit card terminal (PCI DSS) security, indoor/ outdoor Wi-Fi systems, Ultrafast Gigabit internet connectivity, access control systems, industrial IoT circuit controllers.
BTS UK can consult from simple solutions to the most complex, provide some of the products through a wholesale channel, bring together a multi-disciplined 'Task Force' to deliver and implement complete Technology 'projects'.
I am your technology problem solver and I look forward to helping you.
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