blog – DSM Group

March 4, 2022March 4, 2022 By DSM Group blog, Cyber Security, Security, System Security

Cloud and Cybersecurity Insights: Trends & Best Practices

Building a cybersecurity strategy has never been more challenging – the rapidly evolving threat landscape,

combined with the acceleration of digital transformation and a workforce distributed beyond traditional office networks to the home have radically altered how IT teams defend their network, data, users and applications.

The astonishing value of the cyber crime industry and move towards cyber crime as-a-service via online dark web marketplaces and commoditisation of malware has not just seen more advanced and complex threats, but an increasingly lower barrier for entry. Anyone can now gain access to the tools needed to deliver ransomware and take payments via anonymous cryptocurrency, while tactics have evolved to include PR and extortion threats that have further muddied the waters of how organisations can respond – further ramping up the potential financial returns.

The last two years have seen the added complexity of an accelerated shift in the infrastructure and strategy of many organisations, as distributed workforces and working from home became the default. This necessitated migration to the cloud at unprecedented speed and digital transformation that helped keep businesses going, but created new risks and opportunities for threats to exploit.

As we move into 2022, we’ve commissioned a survey across hundreds of CTO, CIOs, CISOs and industry leaders to get their perspective of this changing threat landscape, how much cloud has become the core of today’s network, and the priorities from the boardroom to the SOC in defending against the next threat.

To view the full report and results, download your complimentary copy below.

Bitdefender_Survey_Report-DSM-Group22 Download

September 26, 2021February 25, 2022 By DSM Group blog, Cloud Backup, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Hardware & software, Hosting & Colocation, IT Support

6 Benefits Of Using Managed IT Services

“By giving IT staff more time to focus on progression and increasing productivity, a managed IT supplier offers businesses the support and room they need to grow.”

While new technologies present powerful opportunities for enterprises, they also introduce challenges. The pace of change in IT is unprecedented. IT departments can no longer survive on one or two computer models, a single operating system, and a short list of approved applications. The mobile devices and cloud-based technologies that have brought so much possibility have also introduced a multitude of devices, platforms and apps for IT departments to manage and secure.

For many organisations those challenges add up to significant expense: the cost of hiring and training qualified workers, purchasing the infrastructure to support emerging technologies, and keeping systems up to date. Rather than struggle to keep pace with technology, many organisations turn to managed IT providers for help. By trusting a third party such as DSM to handle cloud deployments, data center solutions, mobile initiatives, collaboration tools and security, organisations can focus their time and resources on their core business objectives.

IT service providers take a pragmatic approach to IT solutions resulting in a higher standard than many organisations are able to achieve in-house. Top service providers also offer ongoing management and maintenance of the underlying infrastructure, along with end-user support and service guarantees.

The benefits of managed IT services are clear: In 2014, only 30 percent of organisations used managed services, but within a year, that figure had nearly doubled. Managed services can cut IT costs by as much as 40 percent while doubling operational efficiency.

Turning to a trusted IT partner offers several advantages, including:

1. Freeing up IT staff

Most internal IT departments are at capacity. Outsourcing back-end functions or complex, rapidly changing technologies to a managed service provider, organisations can dedicate their in-house technology experts to projects that will further their core objectives and promote innovation.

2. Keeping pace with the demands for IT expertise

Organisations around the UK are struggling to fill IT positions, particularly in cybersecurity and cloud solutions. Outsourcing these functions to a partner with technically skilled and specialized engineers in new and emerging technologies alleviates these pressures.

3. Greater scalability

IT organisations spend weeks, even months, deploying massive systems. Many organisations are finding it more effective to start small, move fast and expand as needed. DSM’s modular approach to managed services makes it easy for enterprises to scale up or down depending on demand, such as a retailer increasing capacity around peak periods or a startup experiencing sudden growth.

4. 24/7 availability

The 9-to-5 workday is as outdated today as the phone booth. When users work around the clock, so must the network. With a managed IT provider, help is always available — days, nights, weekends or holidays — to support users.

5. Shifting the burden of compliance

In addition to regular audits, many organisations are obligated to meet standards and requirements with their IT initiatives. Reporting and security are imperative in the healthcare, education, financial services and retail industries. DSM understands the regulations that organisations are bound by and can provide the systems, processes and reports to guarantee that organisations meet their requirements — without placing that burden on in-house staff.

6. Predictable monthly costs

Every IT investment comes with peripheral costs. Organisations need adequate networks, storage, and security. They must train staff, deploy systems and manage equipment. Unexpected costs arise at any time. By outsourcing initiatives to a managed IT provider, organisations can break down their costs into fixed monthly payments. Instead of the large capital expenditures that come with managing systems in-house.

To discuss your requirement or book a free IT review please contact us @ support@dsmgroup.co.uk or call 03333 22 11 00

September 9, 2020February 25, 2022 By DSM Group blog, Covid-19, Workplace Recovery

Covid-19 – Home Working v Workplace Recovery

The covid-19 pandemic was/is not a ‘normal’ disaster; a normal disaster generally affects a single company whereby it is left unable to trade (normally) and amongst other things, faces loss to its competitors. Covid-19 affected the majority of businesses and thus competitors were also closed or subject to equally disruptive service offerings. There was hence no benefit to look for alternatives – none were available.

Home working whilst popular is beginning to show its foibles. De-centralised working in terms of technology alone is hugely problematic and requires significant and continued investment and management; The social aspect is the subject matter of many professional scholars with numerous articles circulating; Those relating to BC focus on the cost comparison of the increased HR + IT requirement against that of an out-sourced BC contract; a quote taken from a recent media posting provides a view: “Each home has its differences, each person has their differences. Combine the two and multiply by the additional tasks needed per ‘home-working-employee’ and there you have an immense management requirement which continues almost infinitum. Each house move, each home improvement, each new employee, necessitates some employer involvement. Even in times of economic calm, the involvement is likely to cause constant grief for the employer, throw in an unforeseen event, when it is critical that differences make no difference, and the potential for business damaging mayhem is all too apparent”

Other studies have focused on well-being and in particular mental health issues brought about by isolation which is widely publicised as being on the increase. Managing such issues in a centralised office is demanding enough but doing so on a widespread campus of decentralised home workers is fraught with complexities for which the employer is responsible and liable. Again, the problems of management become magnified when dealing with a company-wide crisis brought about by an unforeseen event.

Lockdown closed/disrupted 99% of businesses. Everyone became frustratingly patient – but this was because they had no choice; In a ‘normal’ crisis – where only one or a few businesses are affected – the ‘frustratingly patient’ person no longer remains ‘as patient’ – why? Because there is choice; The businesses that are closed, risk losing business to those that are open. This is evident when seeking to buy something as simple as a sandwich; if your normal sandwich shop is closed, you’ll go elsewhere – you won’t wait.

In a ‘normal’ crisis the first few days, leading up to the first few weeks are critical. Decentralise people with decentralised systems and there lays a good recipe for disaster. Essentially decentralising anything creates additional tasks; and no matter how much automation or planning is engaged, it is extremely unlikely the overall tasks will ever be less or even close to those of a centralised version or error free. Keeping tasks to a minimum (and simple) in a crisis is paramount to success. Ideally the task is singular – invoke contract and carry on with business (as normal). Centralising as much as possible is absolutely key to a smooth transition from normal-to-crisis-to-normal.

DSM’s view: Home working is an essential BC tool – it’s one spanner of a set – however, it isn’t a spanner that fits all. Try to make it fit all and serious damage may result.

Please note: All DSM’s positions are in-line with current UK government & WHO guidelines on Social Distancing.

July 20, 2020October 18, 2021 By DSM Group blog, Cloud Computing, Hosting & Colocation, IT Support, Server Replication

Cyberterrorism – The Silent Threat?

The business benefits of cloud computing are widely recognised but, for many organisations who have to comply with regulatory requirements, there is a need for evidence of enhanced security from their Data Centre partner. Stolen or corrupt data can lead to loss of customers, high recovery costs and – most of all – a damaged reputation. If an organisation is using a cloud solution they must rely on their supplier to provide the necessary level of security technology and processes. In the Data Centre environment both physical and virtual security requirements must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of their customers.

The physical security of a data centre plays a significant role in ensuring information is kept safe. Access to the site should be restricted to authorised people only and have round the clock surveillance. Electronic access control systems as well as interior and exterior high resolution CCTV is a must and Data Centre managers must ensure that security is not compromised by failure of resources such as electricity.

Not only must the site be physically secure, the network infrastructure must also be safe from unauthorised penetration. The scope of system security in the Data Centre should include security policies and practices, firewall protection, anti-virus software and continuous monitoring for incidents. Automated solutions can be used to detect security breaches and to replicate data for regulatory compliance requirements.

“Data Centre security is of vital importance. It’s up to the owner to ensure that the infrastructure is safe and all security procedures are fully documented and rigorously followed. This allows our clients to focus on their core business without having any concerns over the safety of their data,” said John Morton, Sales Director, DSM.

New solutions are being introduced constantly to counter threats and meet compliance requirements in web application security and data security. There is a wide range of security ‘add-ons’ including alerts to network events and real-time visibility into routing and traffic anomalies. Many Data Centres are now using smart monitoring features such as Intrusion Detection which quickly identifies and alerts if human attackers, network worms or bots are attempting to compromise the system.

Only by ensuring their Data Centre partners are well protected and incorporating the latest security technologies can organisations be confident that their data remains safe.

July 4, 2020October 18, 2021 By DSM Group blog, Hosting & Colocation

Benefits of Colocation

Why Colocation?

Over the last few years you will certainly have noticed the rise of technology – how it is becoming increasingly part of our daily lifestyle, oh, and this thing called the Internet. Well, as this has all been growing around us, protecting our data and access to our applications has become an even more vital part of business operations. The Internet has led to the introduction of Cloud computing which is one of the most popular ways of managing data and business processes. However, many organisations have recognised that Cloud solutions may not be secure or reliable enough for their needs, especially if they operate in a regulated industry.

This is why Colocation is still a highly popular and effective solution as you can partner with a company who specialises in hosting your equipment in a secure and robust environment with full accountability for ensuring your data is not lost or compromised. As a company that offers colocation, we would like to suggest a few reasons why it may be the best solution for your business:

Stability
First of all, stability is really the main reason people use Colocation. If your premises are hit by a disaster such as flood or a fire (though unlikely, it is possible and something you should plan for) then your data can still be accessed and recovered. Data centres used for colocation should have full resilience for power to eliminate downtime.

Security
Not only is your data not vulnerable to events in your premises, it is safe. Typically, companies that offer colocation services operate to high levels of security to ensure only authorised personnel can access your information.

Connectivity
Providers of colocation services ensure that your equipment is hosted in a controlled environment with high bandwidth speed so your equipment will run smoothly and efficiently. It is far more cost effective to use a colocation provider than to create such conditions in your own premises.

Money
Though there is no guarantee that using a colocation solution will increase your revenue, it will definitely save you money. This saving could be re-invested in your business to grow income and profits, so there’s really no down side to this as you’re saving money either way.

So if you are not already using a colocation solution, why not consider it? DSM is a specialist company based just outside Peterborough offering a range of services such as colocation, managed hosting, system recovery and IT support to companies across the UK.

For more information on how we can help your business, please feel free to check out our Twitter pages or contact us on 03333 221100.

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