You may have stumbled across this blog after searching for reasons why IT support for business nowadays is crucial.
It's simple. Effective IT support can make a significant difference, from protecting against cyber threats to ensuring seamless productivity.
In this blog, we'll explore 7 key reasons why investing in IT support is a smart move for your business.
As cyber-attacks become more advanced, every business, big or small, is a potential target.
According to Statista, the cost of cybercrime is expected to surge in the next four years, rising from $9.22 trillion in 2024 to $13.82 trillion by 2028.
Without strong cybersecurity in place, your business could face severe financial losses and damage to your reputation.
An IT support team can help by setting up advanced security measures, monitoring your systems for unusual activity, and ensuring your data stays safe from breaches.
They can also train your employees to spot phishing attempts and other common threats, helping to prevent security incidents before they happen.
IT issues such as slow computers, network outages, or software glitches can disrupt your workflow and reduce productivity.
Dedicated IT support for businesses means problems are resolved quickly and efficiently, minimising downtime and keeping operations running smoothly.
IT professionals can also recommend and implement technology solutions to streamline processes and enhance productivity.
Technology is ever evolving, and keeping up with the latest trends and updates can be overwhelming.
IT support solution brings expertise and experience to your company, ensuring your systems are up-to-date and running optimally.
These professionals are well-versed in various IT disciplines, including network management, data backup, cloud computing, and more.
By leveraging their knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your IT strategy and avoid costly mistakes.
Hiring a full-time, in-house IT team can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses. Outsourcing your IT support for business provides a more cost-effective solution.
With outsourced IT support, you only pay for the services you need when you need them.
This flexible approach allows you to allocate resources more efficiently and focus on your core business activities.
Additionally, IT support companies often have access to the latest tools and technologies, which can save you money on software and hardware expenses.
Data is one of your most valuable assets. Effective data management is crucial for maintaining customer trust and complying with regulations.
IT support for businesses can help you implement robust data management strategies, ensuring your information is organised, accessible, and secure.
In a disaster, such as a hardware failure or cyber-attack, a reliable data recovery plan is essential.
IT support can set up automated backups and create a disaster recovery plan tailored to your business needs, ensuring you can quickly recover and resume operations with minimal disruption.
As your business grows, your IT needs will evolve. A scalable IT infrastructure is key to supporting expansion and adapting to changing demands.
IT support for businesses can help you scale your systems up or down, depending on your requirements.
Whether you're opening a new office, launching an e-commerce platform, or integrating new software, IT professionals can ensure a smooth transition and minimal downtime.
Their expertise allows your business to remain agile and responsive in a dynamic market.
Prevention is better than cure. IT support for business teams offers proactive monitoring and maintenance services to identify and resolve potential issues before they become significant problems.
This proactive approach helps to minimise downtime, prevent data loss, and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
IT support ensures your systems remain reliable and secure by regularly updating software, monitoring networks, and performing routine maintenance.
This level of oversight allows you to focus on your business, knowing that your IT infrastructure is in good hands.
Getting IT support for your business isn't just a smart move—it's crucial for your company's growth and success today.
IT support helps protect your data, increase productivity, and save costs while giving you expert advice to improve your operations.
Silver Lining is the go-to choice for companies across Hampshire County in South East England for reliable business IT support.
Whether you're a medium-sized or small business, our IT support services are tailored to keep your operations running without a hitch.
We provide fast, effective solutions with both remote and on-site support to ensure technical issues are quickly resolved. With our 24/7 coverage, you can trust that IT problems won't slow your business down.
Let our team of experts at Silver Lining handle your IT needs so you can concentrate on growing your business.
Your business likely needs IT support to manage its technology infrastructure effectively, protect against cyber threats, enhance productivity, and ensure smooth operations.
IT support is essential for troubleshooting technical issues, maintaining systems, and implementing new technologies to improve business processes.
IT support is required to keep your business's technology running smoothly. It provides proactive monitoring, regular maintenance, cybersecurity protection, and rapid problem resolution.
Therefore, minimal downtime helps prevent potential data breaches or losses, which could have severe financial and reputational impacts on your business.
For comprehensive IT support tailored to your business needs, Silver Lining can help. We offer various services to protect your data, enhance productivity, and provide cost-effective solutions.
Whether you need advanced security measures, ongoing maintenance, or expert advice, we have the expertise to support your business.
Don't wait for problems to arise—check out our Business IT Support page to see how we can help safeguard your business.
The cost of IT support for a small business in the UK can vary widely depending on the level of service required.
On average, small businesses might spend anywhere from £50 to £200 per user per month for managed IT services.
It's important to compare different service providers and packages to find one that offers the best value for your needs. Check out our pricing on our dedicated IT Support page.
PCI Compliance, short for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), is a set of rules to keep credit card information safe.
These rules apply to any company, big or small, that handles credit card data, whether it accepts, processes, stores, or transmits it.
The PCI Security Standards Council created these standards to ensure a secure environment for all businesses worldwide, including those in the UK.
Use this detailed guide to help you better understand PCI Compliance in the UK.
Here are three critical reasons why it matters:
Businesses must meet 12 requirements established by the PCI Security Standards Council.
These requirements help organisations secure cardholder data and maintain a robust security posture. Here’s a breakdown of these 12 requirements:
Any business in the UK that handles credit card transactions, whether online or offline, must comply with PCI DSS.
This includes retailers, e-commerce platforms, service providers, and small businesses. Compliance requirements apply regardless of the volume of transactions processed.
The cost of PCI compliance in the UK can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the business size, the volume of transactions processed, and the specific level of compliance required.
Achieving PCI compliance involves several steps, including:
For more detailed guidelines on achieving PCI compliance, you can visit the official PCI Security Standards Council website.
Failing to comply with PCI DSS can result in severe consequences, such as:
PCI compliance is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Businesses must validate their compliance annually and perform regular security checks and updates to maintain compliance. This includes completing annual SAQs, conducting quarterly vulnerability scans, and regularly monitoring and testing security systems.
Navigating the complexities of PCI compliance can be challenging, especially for businesses without dedicated IT security teams. That’s where Silver Lining comes in. Silver Lining offers comprehensive PCI Compliance Solutions tailored to your business needs, ensuring that you meet all 12 PCI DSS requirements efficiently and effectively.
By partnering with Silver Lining, you can benefit from:
With Silver Lining’s PCI Compliance Solutions, you can focus on your core business activities while ensuring your customers’ data is protected.
On Wednesday, 21st August, we combined sport with spirit at our Charity Golf Day 2024 at Skylark Golf Course, all in aid of Naomi House and Jacksplace. With the support of enthusiastic participants and generous sponsors, we successfully raised a whopping £5000! We thought now would be the best time to tell you exactly what happened and what the money raised will do for the fantastic charity.
The day began bright and early, with registration from 7:45 AM to 8:30 AM. Golfers arrived and registered, being warmly welcomed with a hot drink and a bacon roll, setting the stage for a day of spirited competition and camaraderie. At 8:30 AM, during the welcome presentation, participants were briefed on their starting holes and the day's proceedings. This year, we introduced using Stableford points to level the playing field and give everyone a fair chance at winning.
By 9:00 AM, golfers had made their way to their designated starting points, gearing up for the action. The golfing officially began at 9:30 AM with a shotgun start, allowing all groups to tee off simultaneously across different holes for a seamless experience. After a morning filled with spirited play, participants enjoyed a well-deserved lunch from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, offering them a chance to relax and network.
The event culminated from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM with a presentation celebrating the winners and a raffle drawing. This added an extra layer of excitement to the day and offered fabulous prizes, further contributing to the fundraising efforts.
After the success of last year's challenges, we thought we would bring them back, adding a unique twist to the course.
A massive thank you goes out to our headline sponsors, Gamma and Beyond Encryption, whose support was instrumental in the success of this event. Their contributions enhanced the event's profile and significantly boosted our fundraising efforts.
Our heartfelt thanks also extend to our hole sponsors, who added a special touch to each hole:
We are equally grateful to the businesses that sponsored our unique challenges, making them even more exciting:
A heartfelt thank you to all the organisations that donated prizes, making our raffle a major highlight of the day:
The £5000 raised at your charity golf day will significantly impact Naomi House & Jacksplace, which provides expert hospice care for children and young adults with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. This donation can help cover the costs of essential services such as respite care, which offers families a much-needed break, or it can contribute towards the specialised palliative care that the hospice provides.
Additionally, funds might support the day-to-day operations needed to maintain the comforting and supportive environment of the hospice, including the provision of therapies that enhance the quality of life for the children and young adults they care for. Every pound raised plays a crucial role in ensuring that these vital services continue uninterrupted, offering medical care and emotional and social support to those in need.
You have helped children like Ebony, who loves to visit Jacksplace, where she enjoys socialising with friends and doing activities like cooking and baking, safe in the knowledge that she will receive the specialist nursing care that she needs. This is her story.
Silver Lining Convergence is proud to have organised this impactful event. As a company specialising in business IT support, we understand the importance of reliable technology and expert service in driving business success. Our offerings range from managed IT services to cloud solutions and VoIP services, all designed to enhance operational efficiency and improve uptime for businesses of all sizes. Discover more about how we can support your business IT needs by visiting our Business IT Support page.
Building on this year's success, we are already gearing up for next year's event with even higher goals. Here's how you can continue to support and stay engaged
Feedback and Ideas: We value your feedback! Let us know what you loved about the event and what we can improve.
Spread the Word: Share your experiences on social media and encourage friends and colleagues to participate.
We raised money through participant registrations, sponsorships, on-site raffles, and the added challenges, which attracted additional donations—a testament to the collective effort of all attendees.
The funds will be allocated to specialised palliative care for life-limited and life-threatened children and young adults, ensuring they receive the comfort and support they deserve.
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the announcement of next year's event details and registration information.
Absolutely! We welcome businesses to contribute to this noble cause through various sponsorship packages, which will be detailed on our event page soon.
The Charity Golf Day 2024 was not just a day of sport but a powerful platform for change. Your participation and donations have directly contributed to a brighter future for those under the care of Naomi House & Jacksplace. We thank each participant, sponsor, and supporter for making this event a monumental success and look forward to seeing you again next year!
If you’ve searched ‘IT support near me’ and stumbled upon this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to find a support partner who has your back.
Businesses, big and small, increasingly rely on technology for day-to-day operations. But technology isn’t immune from issues.
Suddenly, your emails can stop going, or the network within your office may be down. Moreover, your employees may face the dreaded blue screen of death.
The gist is computers, networks, and applications can run into problems. And, that’s when IT support services come into action to resolve the underlying issue and get your business operations back on track.
Use this detailed guide to find a high-quality IT support provider near you.
IT support is a broad term that covers support for various IT-related areas, including devices, networks and applications.
The type and level of IT support you need depends on how you use technology in your operations.
Some businesses may have a diverse tech stack, while others may run commonly used laptop applications.
Here are some questions to answer:
The answer to these questions will help you understand your tech ecosystem, identify how your business relies on technology, and what areas may potentially need tech support.
Some businesses may have fairly straightforward needs, such as ensuring Internet connectivity, website availability, or smooth running of their computers.
Others may need more advanced technical support if they’re working with more on-premise hardware, such as servers and storage or running applications with complex configurations and integrations.
The next step is to start your search for an IT support provider. Now, there are a few ways to go about it.
The easiest way to find a company that offers IT support services is to simply type in ‘IT support near me’ on a search engine and check out the top results.
You may find advertised businesses and some that appear organically in the results. There’s no harm in checking out sponsored businesses.
Keep in mind that the top results may not necessarily be the best or even ‘near you.’
You can also search for lists of the best IT support providers in your city or region.
Another way to look for IT support services is to use an online directory that contains business contact information.
You can typically look for businesses by their service. To find IT support services, you can filter the directory by area and business type, i.e., IT services.
If you don’t want to search online or in a directory, you may find luck asking other businesses. You may inquire about businesses in the area or those you work with for reliable IT service providers.
Not every business may use a dedicated IT support provider or give out who they’re using.
Still, it’s a viable way to find a company already doing business with someone you know.
While searching for IT support nearby, you may also come across services provided remotely.
Remote IT support service is similar to what you’ll get from a local provider, except technicians won’t necessarily visit on-site.
They’ll access your network and devices remotely, troubleshooting issues and fixing them remotely.
Remote IT support services are growing in popularity and are helpful. Still, some businesses may benefit from having support providers nearby who can be on-site just in time to fix issues.
Local support is a better option for businesses with on-premise hardware, like servers and little to no hardware engineering expertise onboard.
Once you’ve found a few viable candidates to provide IT support services, take your time to evaluate them.
Ideally, you want to hire a provider with expertise that aligns with your technical requirements and meets your budget.
While most IT support companies claim to be the best, they may not be the best match for your business.
So, what should you look for in IT support services? Consider the following when selecting an IT support service provider:
First and foremost, find out what they specialize in specifically. Some support providers offer all-rounder services for small and medium-sized enterprises, while others may cater to more high-tech clients like data centres.
Also, pay attention to the years of experience. How long have they been in the IT support business?
While a new provider may not necessarily be bad, having some experience assures that they know what they’re doing.
What kind of services do they offer? Do they offer on-site support or remote only? Do they offer technical support for software and operating system?
The services should cover your tech stack. For instance, if your business is completely cloud-based, they should provide cloud support.
Similarly, if you have on-premise networking hardware, they should provide network configuration and error support.
This is a big one. Your IT support provider should be available around-the-clock if your business runs 24/7.
Even if you operate during normal business hours, having a support provider available 24/7 can be a pretty good deal.
Besides availability, look at the contact options. The more options there are, the faster you may be able to reach them.
Phone support is usually highly desirable as that’s a fast way to get in touch. An online ticketing system is also a viable solution, as it offers tracking and accountability.
Inquire about the provider’s response time. The response time can range from a few minutes to several hours.
A fast response shows that the provider can help you resolve issues quickly. This is all the more important for time-sensitive operations.
For instance, if your website is down for hours, you may lose business.
Needless to say, time is of the essence when it comes to tech support, so choose a provider that guarantees a quick response time.
Ensure that the provider takes all the necessary measures when using and interacting with your systems.
They should use firewalls and comply with any applicable data protection regulations, whether accessing systems locally or remotely.
Security is incredibly important. Consider this: 39% of businesses in the UK were attracted in 2022, and phishing attacks were leading.
Lastly, check out what other customers say about them. Positive reviews are a sign that the provider is indeed reliable.
See how they handle complaints or negative reviews.
Hiring IT support offers many advantages for businesses in any industry:
Silver Lining offers reliable IT support services in Hampshire County in South East England. Whether you’re a medium-sized company or a small business with a few employees, our support services can ensure business continuity.
We can handle issues remotely and dispatch tech support to your location with a quick service-level agreement. You’ll get coverage 24/7 to ensure your business isn’t stopped by technical issues. We can handle all your technical issues with our team of experts.
Local IT support providers typically offer various services, including computer repair, network setup, virus removal, data recovery and IT consulting.
Check online reviews, ask for recommendations and compare services and pricing from different companies.
The cost of IT support services varies depending on the specific services required, the size of the business and the provider's rates.
It's best to get quotes from multiple providers to compare prices. You’d usually be paying a monthly fee for ongoing support.
As we prepare for the 2024 Olympics, it is not only the athletes who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Artificial Intelligence will play a key role in making these Games the most innovative and efficient yet.
AI is making an impact on every aspect of the Olympics, from boosting athlete performance to enhancing the spectator experience. But how far has Artificial Intelligence really come in the modern world? Let’s explore this technological advancement in more detail…
Imagine a world where machines can think, learn, and solve problems just like humans. That’s the essence of Artificial Intelligence. It is a type of technology that allows computers and robots to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. This includes understanding language, recognising patterns, making decisions, and even driving cars!
But how does it work? At its core, special programs called algorithms process vast amounts of data, learn from it, and make smart decisions. For example, when you use a voice assistant like Siri or Alexa, AI is what understands your questions and finds the right answers.
This intelligence is everywhere, from the smartphones we use daily to advanced medical systems that diagnose diseases. It is transforming industries, making our lives easier, safer, and more exciting.
Boosting Athletes to New Heights
AI is transforming how athletes train and compete. Advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms provide athletes and coaches with insights previously unimaginable. By analysing vast amounts of training data, AI can pinpoint strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, helping athletes optimise their routines and performance.
Smarter Venues, Smoother Operations
Thanks to AI, the 2024 Olympics will feature smarter venues and smoother operations. AI-driven systems will manage everything from crowd control to energy consumption, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone involved.
Tailoring the Spectator Experience
AI is set to transform how fans experience the Olympics, both on-site and remotely. Personalised recommendations driven by expert systems will ensure that spectators never miss their favourite events.
Redefining Media Coverage
AI is transforming sports journalism and broadcasting. Automated systems will provide real-time data and analytics, enabling commentators to offer deeper insights during live broadcasts.
This is what Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee, had to say about the topic:
"The IOC will use AI at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, in different areas. A very important one is safeguarding from cyber abuse, since we expect about half a billion social media posts during these Games.
AI will also be used to create highlights videos in multiple formats and languages during these Games. We are also using AI to make the Olympic Games more sustainable, through a very sophisticated first-ever data capture and energy management system.
AI is also opening up new ways for talent identification, and this project will be launched by us globally in 2025 to live up to the commitment we made that AI in sport must be accessible to everybody."
Picture this: you've been eagerly anticipating your summer holiday for months. You've bought new summer clothes and toiletries, meticulously packed everything within the weight limit, and ensured your boarding pass is ready. You've checked your passport at least twenty times on the way to the airport. Finally, you are fully prepared and ready to embark on your holiday!
Regrettably, the airport is not. Due to a significant global IT outage affecting travel and banking systems worldwide, airports across the globe are experiencing severe delays for holidaymakers. This outage forced airports to revert to manual check-ins, reminiscent of the old days. Unsurprisingly, this is causing substantial wait times for travellers.
July is the peak holiday season, and this weekend was the busiest of the entire year. If there were ever a time for an IT outage to be particularly ill-timed, it would be now.
Nevertheless, this incident impacted more than just airports. The disruption extended to the following:
All and more of these sectors encountered significant challenges due to the Information Technology outage. The ripple effect of this incident was felt across various facets of daily life, highlighting the pervasive dependence on reliable IT systems.
The recent cyber-attack on London hospital services highlights the need for strong cybersecurity, especially in healthcare. As a telecommunications and IT security leader, our company understands the damage these breaches can cause to vital services. We are committed to providing the solutions needed to prevent such incidents.
On Monday, Russian hackers, thought to be the Qilin group, launched a ransomware attack on Synnovis. Synnovis supplies blood tests to major hospitals like St Thomas' and King's College. This attack caused significant disruption, leading to the cancellation of many cancer surgeries and other critical procedures. The cancellations were mainly due to the inability to provide patients with blood transfusions, demonstrating the breach's widespread impact.
A senior NHS manager called the attack "everyone's worst nightmare." The Health Service Journal (HSJ) reported that this is one of the largest cyber-attacks ever to hit the NHS. The disruption extends beyond the hospitals, impacting six NHS trusts and dozens of GP practices.
Despite the severe impact, NHS England has provided limited information on the extent of the disruption. The number of postponed operations, including cancer and transplant surgeries, remains undisclosed. NHS London region spokesperson confirmed that the attack has severely disrupted pathology services, essential for many treatments, resulting in numerous cancellations.
Dr Chris Streather, the NHS medical director, expressed his regret, saying, "We apologise to everyone impacted." Staff will work hard to re-arrange appointments and treatments as quickly as possible. The NHS is working tirelessly to assess the full extent of the disruption and to reschedule affected appointments promptly.
Launched in 2004, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is a set of security measures that enhances the security of cardholder data and combats payment fraud.
It's not a law but a contractual requirement enforced by payment card companies and banks to protect sensitive credit card information, thus fostering trust between merchants and customers.
It is the latest iteration, emphasising continuous monitoring, enhanced data protection, and incorporating new technologies into compliance efforts.
It introduces a "Customised Approach" for compliance, allowing more flexibility in meeting security requirements based on the organisation's specific circumstances.
Introducing the ' Customised Approach ' is the most significant change from PCI DSS 3.2.1 to 4.0. This update differs from the traditional 'Defined Approach', which requires strict compliance with the technical controls specified in the standard.
This new approach allows users to select the most suitable environmental controls to manage associated risks. As a result, it offers greater adaptability and the ability to embrace innovative solutions.
In PCI DSS 4.0, users can use the Defined or Customised Approach, depending on their specific needs and circumstances
Other notable updates include:
The PCI Security Standards Council introduced this new audit on March 31, 2024.
It has a transition period for adopting the 64 new requirements, which allows organisations time to adjust to the comprehensive changes.
In recent years, the cyber threat intelligence community has identified risks about the alarming increase of 'deepfake' technology. This technology allows for the creation of compelling fake audio and video. Fraudsters exploit it to target companies and individuals, posing a significant cybersecurity threat.
"Deepfakes" use AI to take existing sound and video clips to create a new recording that shows someone saying or doing anything the deepfake tool is programmed to mimic.
Common types of deepfakes include;
LastPass, the password manager application, has issued a warning that one of its employees fell victim to a social engineering attack involving an audio deepfake, which imitated the voice of the company's CEO.
LastPass' Senior principal intelligence analyst, Mike Kosak, had this to say about the incident in a recent blog post:
"In our case, an employee received a series of calls, texts, and at least one voicemail featuring an audio deepfake from a threat actor impersonating our CEO via WhatsApp."
Mike goes on to explain, "As the attempted communication was outside of normal business communication channels and due to the employee's suspicion regarding the presence of many of the hallmarks of a social engineering attempt (such as forced urgency), our employee rightly ignored the messages and reported the incident to our internal security team."
Fraud occurs when someone uses deception or manipulation to unfairly gain an advantage over you, often to acquire money, goods, services, or property dishonestly.
Some common types of fraud include:
Authorised Push Payment (APP), or bank transfer fraud, occurs when a scammer manipulates an individual into sending money from their bank account to the fraudsters under the impression it is for a legitimate reason. A frequent tactic includes impersonating a bank and persuading the victim that they need to move funds to a 'secure account' for safety purposes.
Identity fraud involves the unauthorised use of your personal information for deceptive purposes. Perpetrators may exploit this information to perform actions like opening new bank accounts, securing loans, or engaging in transactions under your name, potentially leading to further fraudulent activities against others.
Phishing is a cyberattack in which individuals are tricked into disclosing personal information like passwords and credit card numbers via fraudulent emails, messages, or websites. These scams mimic trustworthy sources to lure victims into clicking harmful links or sharing sensitive data, aiming to steal identities or funds.
Anyone can experience fraud, regardless of age, education, or financial status.
Fraudsters often target individuals, businesses, and organisations using tactics tailored to exploit specific vulnerabilities or situations.
While certain groups may be more frequently targeted due to perceived vulnerabilities or valuable information they possess, such as the elderly, online shoppers, or small businesses, the reality is that no one is immune to the risk of fraud.
Awareness, education, and preventive measures are vital to reducing one's risk of becoming a victim.
The BDO FraudTrack 2024 report reveals a significant rise in UK fraud, with a total of £2.3 billion reported, doubling from 2022 and marking a decade high.
BDO attributes the significant increase in fraud to the rising prevalence of online scams, including phishing attacks and security breaches, along with the surge in authorised push payment (APP) schemes, where individuals are tricked into sending money to fraudsters.
The FraudTrack 2024 report also highlights the emerging threat of fraudsters using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to target consumers more precisely and efficiently. This advancement underscores a significant shift towards more sophisticated and harder-to-detect methods of fraud, addressing a critical need for increased awareness and advanced protective measures among consumers.
