Navigating the digital landscape requires more than just staying current; it demands a proactive approach to IT management. As someone who has helmed a managed service provider for two decades, I understand the critical need for maintaining robust and efficient IT systems, not only to keep pace but to stay ahead.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CERTIFICATION
At the core of all robust IT practices is the Cyber Essentials certification. This government-backed initiative is crucial for safeguarding against common cyber threats. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about ensuring your infrastructure is fortified across key areas:

1. Firewalls and internet gateways: Securing your network from unauthorized access.
2. Secure configuration: Ensuring systems and devices are set up to maximize security.
3. User access control: Tight control over who accesses what.
4. Malware protection: Robust defences against malicious software.
5. Patch management: Keeping systems up-to-date and secure.

Achieving and maintaining this certification signals to clients and partners alike that you take cyber security seriously — a non-negotiable in today’s business environment.

STREAMLINING EMAIL SYSTEMS
Email is indispensable in business communication, but it’s also a potential weak point. Regular checks to ensure your email system is up to scratch are essential. We focus on:

1. Quarterly email failure reports: These help us catch and rectify issues before they impact business operations.
2. Domain email monitoring: Keeping an eye on outbound emails to prevent misuse and protect your reputation. Monitoring any emails being sent from your domain and ensuring that they are being sent with the correct security.

CALL TO ACTION
With the Sizewell C project advancing, Suffolk is seeing a spike in IT demands. Businesses large and small are gearing up, and robust IT setups are more crucial than ever. For those of us in this region, aligning with best practices isn’t just good sense, it’s business survival.

If it’s been a while since your last IT review, let’s change that. My team is ready to provide the support you need to ensure your systems are not just current but future-proof. Reach out today, and let’s make sure your IT infrastructure is as strong and flexible as it needs to be to support your ongoing success.

To read the article in the Suffolk Director magazine please go here.