Patch Management: Preventing Breaches
Patch Management: Preventing breaches Ensuring cyber security In the current digital landscape, organisations encounter a rising multitude of cyber threats and vulnerabilities. To safeguard their systems and data from potential breaches, organisations must give paramount importance to Patch Management. This guide will explain Patch Management, why organizations should use it, and answer common questions about this important cybersecurity practice. Testimonial “Patch management is a necessary headache facing all businesses; however, it is one of the key weapons in the fight against cyber threats. Patch Management keeps us ahead of evolving threats by regularly applying software updates. It closes security gaps, addressing vulnerabilities before cybercriminals exploit them. With up-to-date security measures, we reduce the attack surface and fortify defences. Continuous monitoring and adaptation are essential for Patch Management. Automated tools streamline the process, ensuring timely vulnerability scanning and patch deployment. Regular reporting and analysis help us assess our status, identify gaps, and strengthen our security posture. Trustack’s robust patch management solution cover both operating systems and a large variety of commonly used 3rd party applications.” Russell Henderson, Technical Director What is patch management? Patch Management is crucial for cybersecurity. It involves identifying, acquiring, testing, and applying patches to software to address vulnerabilities. Effective management includes systematic approaches like vulnerability scanning and testing patches before applying them to production systems to ensure compatibility and security. Why should organisations implement patch management? Patch Management is essential for organisations to maintain security and integrity of systems and data. 1. Patch Management helps organisations reduce cyber attack risks by promptly applying patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities. 2. Patch Management protects against cybercriminals by applying security patches to software and systems to prevent malware and exploits. 3. Organisations must update security patches to comply with regulations like PCI DSS, Cyber Essentials Plus, and GDPR. 4. Regular patch management strengthens cybersecurity by reducing vulnerabilities and making it harder for cybercriminals to exploit weaknesses. 5. Implementing Patch Management improves system stability, performance, and user experience by addressing security vulnerabilities and bug fixes. FAQ’s Why is Patch Management important for cyber security? Patch management is crucial for cyber security as it fixes vulnerabilities in software to prevent cyber attacks. How often should organisations apply patches and updates? Apply critical patches promptly based on system importance and vulnerability risk, while less critical patches can follow a regular schedule. What are the challenges of Patch Management? Patch Management poses challenges such as compatibility issues, testing needs, and coordination across systems. Organisations must establish a thorough process with testing, risk assessment, and change management. What happens if organisations don’t apply patches? Not applying patches puts organisations at risk of cyber attacks, data breaches, and legal consequences. Prompt software updates are crucial to prevent vulnerabilities exploitation. How can organisations streamline their Patch Management process? Trustack provides automated patch management solutions to streamline the process for companies, helping prioritise critical patches and ensure timely application. What is the difference between a patch and an update? Patches fix software problems, updates add new features. Both are released by software vendors. Keeping software up to date is important for security and functionality. What is Auto Patch Management? Auto Patch Management automates patch deployment, ensuring systems are up to date with security patches. It offers benefits like timely updates, efficiency, and risk reduction. Proper planning, testing, and monitoring are still necessary for a secure IT infrastructure. Conclusion In conclusion, Patch Management is a critical practice for organisations aiming to maintain a secure cyber environment and prevent breaches. Patch Management helps organisations avoid security risks by updating software regularly. It also helps them comply with regulations and boost cyber security. Additionally, it enhances system performance and stability. With its numerous benefits, Patch Management should be an integral part of every organisation’s cybersecurity strategy. Get your business on the front foot
Hosted Telephony Solution Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Hosted telephony solution Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Article Publish Date: We have compiled several frequently asked questions about our hosted Telephony System. This is not an exhaustive list but is designed to cover several commonly asked questions. We acknowledge that every phone system is different, so feel free to reach out to your account manager with any particular inquiries. General features set FAQs What standard Telephony features are included for all users? Trustack Hosted Telephony platform offers basic phone features to all users without any additional charges. These features include voicemail and call forwarding: Voicemail Call Diversion Call Pickup Pick up Groups Paging Groups Hunt Groups Call Queues IVR (Auto Attendants) Speed Dials Time and date switching (Day/Night Service) Disaster Recovery Music on Hold & Remote Access and Hot Desking Does Trustack Voice require assignment to a set location, or can users easily change the location? Trustack Hosted Telephony is a cloud-based system, that is easy to implement and scale. It can be set up anywhere with an adequate internet connection for the number of users. Once a user has been allocated a telephone number no matter where they log in/access the telephone system this number will follow them. Devices FAQs Can home/agile users use a Desk Phone, and would they need a POE power source? Trustack provide a range of Desk phone devices that can be deployed on most office and home networks via Ethernet/CAT network cables. Desk Phones are POE powered and connect back via IP to Trustack Hosted Platform with no requirement for a VPN connection. If required, we can provide mains-powered POE adaptors or UK plugs for desk phone devices. Some devices may require a network cable, while others can be connected using a Wi-Fi dongle. Are wireless phones available with the Telephony System? Apart from Desk phones that can work wirelessly with a dongle, wireless (handheld) phones are also available, these wireless phones connect to the Telephony System through a Wi-Fi connection and only require a handset charging dock. DECT cordless handsets connect to the Telephony System through the DECT Base Station, allowing communication with the handsets using DECT technology. Both solutions provide users who are constantly on the move with a fully featured and integrated cordless phone avoiding the need for long cable runs around a home or office environment. Please see the Hardware list options for further information. Does the System allow the change of license type on short notice? Users’ license types can be amended at short notice via our included moves adds and changes support. This allows for User licences to be changed promptly. Any licence that is to be downgraded requires a 30-day cancellation notice. Recurring Licences are billed every month, Trustack would have to be instructed on which of the users were to be added/ removed. If you need to change your license, you will be billed for a full month. Users cannot be switched for less than a month (e.g. you cannot use the soft client for just one day). In reality, the likelihood is the user will be better aligned to one or the other and permanently have access to that license feature set only. The change would require an install/uninstall of the app on the user’s smartphone/ desktop. This can become cumbersome when swapping users back and forth regularly. Management & Support FAQs Does the offering from Trustack include any Support? Yes, the system is fully supported by Trustack, covering all aspects of the phone system and includes any system amends, moves adds or changes. Can Trustack Hosted Telephony provide Realtime call Statistics & user information? Trustack Hosted Telephony includes full wallboard functionality, including visibility of Call Queues Active Calls, Unanswered Calls, Average Answer Time, Daily Longest Ring Call, Inbound Calls per Number, Total Calls Made by Agent, Total Calls Answered, Total Calls Received, Total Calls Missed, Total Calls Available, Longest Waiting Call, Queue – Answered Now, Queue – Waiting Now and more Wallboards are priced per widget on the Wallboard + Initial set up fee – See investment summary for more information. Does Trustack Hosted Telephony offer any reporting? Trustack Hosted Telephony includes reports for Users (Extensions), Agents and Abandoned calls. Reports can be emailed out daily, weekly or monthly. Call History with different call statuses can be exported as a CSV file. Call Recording FAQs Does Trustack Hosted Telephony offer any Call Recording & is there flexibility on calls recorded? Call Recording is available and controlled by adding Call Recording Groups and assigning users to the relevant recording group. Recording Groups can be set to record inbound calls, outbound calls or both. Subject to recording requirements, each Recording group can be set to record from 5% to 100% of the calls and email the recordings to an email address/es or upload to a publicly accessible FTP/sftp site. Call Recording is an additional cost to any of the base licenses (TSV, TSV+ or TSUC) and billed ‘price per minute’ (PPM). Including additional costs for the storage of recordings (if required). Does Trustack Hosted Telephony include the ability to Listen in/intrude on calls? The system includes Intrude, talk to Extension/User and ‘Barge in’ all available as standard. Voice Mail and Emergency Messages FAQs Does Trustack Hosted Telephony include Emergency Messages, and can users configure them? One activation feature code can control and route all incoming calls to a single Emergency/ Evacuation Message and another restores all incoming calls to their normal destinations. You can set up different numbers with different feature codes. Does Trustack Hosted Telephony include Voicemail or is this an extra cost? Voicemail is available to all users at no extra cost/included within our base Trustack Voice (TSV) Bundle. Group Voicemailboxes can be added if required. Our system is fully compatible with Voicemail to email, including options to notify or directly email and attach voicemail messages as a WAV file. Call Flow FAQs Does Trustack Hosted Telephony offer a Multi-Level Auto Attendant? Yes, our platform provides multiple, multi-level Auto Attendants as standard.
What is MDR and how can it help my business?
What is MDR and how can it help my business? Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is a cybersecurity service that provides 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and response capabilities using automated and human methods. MDR helps organisations stay ahead of new threats, reduce the risk of breaches, improve security, and free up internal resources. Implementing MDR can be more cost-effective than setting up an internal security operations centre. Testimonial “MDR is the element many companies are still missing today. Undoubtedly investment in security products and solutions will have been made, however it is the investment in the team that manage and administer these solutions that often lacks, either in terms of resource numbers or skill set of those resources. Analysing and responding accordingly to hundreds of thousands of alerts per day is a challenge most businesses can’t meet. Outsourcing this pressure to a world leading team of security specialists with specifically designed threat hunting systems is the only real way to know your systems and the security platforms you have wrapped around them are delivering, and when they don’t, that someone will catch that threat in real time.” Russell Henderson, Technical Director at Trustack “The technology is there to support us from zero-day onwards in terms of looking at threats and there’s the whole peace of mind that we’ve got knowing we have eyes on our system 24×7.” Maeve Collier, Director of ICT and Change at Beyond Housing What is the difference between EDR and MDR? EDR is a software solution that collects and stores telemetry data from endpoints, such as computers, laptops, and mobile devices. This data includes file system changes, process creation, and network activity. EDR solutions then use this data to detect threats and send alerts to the relevant team. MDR provides EDR capabilities but also contains additional services such as threat hunting, incident response, and remediation. Providers of MDR usually have a security team who monitor the threats and respond to any incidents. MDR offers a wide range of security services with experts monitoring endpoints around the clock. This helps them respond faster and more effectively to security incidents compared to individual IT teams. What does MDR do? MDR is a security service that uses technology and human expertise to find and respond to threats. It includes services like Endpoint Detection and Response, threat hunting, and incident response. By actively seeking out threats and responding to security incidents, organisations can better protect their systems and data. Using an MDR solution can help improve security, save money, and make more resources available. Does MDR replace SIEM? No, Managed Detection and Response (MDR) does not replace Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). Both are valuable tools but offer different capabilities. A SIEM solution gathers and analyses security logs from different sources like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and web application firewalls. You can use these logs to detect threats, investigate incidents, and comply with security regulations.MDR is a security service that uses a combination of technology and human expertise to detect and respond to threats. Most providers usually have a security team who monitor and respond to threats on a 24/7 basis. Organisations should use both MDR and SIEM for better security and to improve overall security posture. Using Trustack to strengthen your security posture Trustack use “best in class” solutions that are tested before being offered to clients. We also use these products to secure our own internal infrastructure. We are a trusted cybersecurity company with glowing client testimonials and vendor awards. We work with a variety of industries, including housing, legal, architecture, and critical infrastructure. These businesses all use security services to different extents. We enable access to MDR services through subscription as part of a managed services bundle or as a stand alone solution. MDR providers can tell the difference between real and harmful activity. This helps reduce false alarms. It also saves organisations time and resources. MDR is important for organizations, but additional security measures are needed to enhance security. These important measures include a robust Next Gen Anti Virus and threat prevention solution, solid and tested immutable backup solution, employee education such as security awareness training, multifactor authentication and patching to name a few. Get your business on the front foot
Lake District National Park: Meraki SD-WAN
CASE STUDY Lake District National Park Authority: Meraki SD-WAN Implementation Background The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) has a head office and 12 remote sites spread over 900 square miles. When Trustack and Cisco Meraki engaged with them, they were using a mix of connectivity solutions – SDSL, ADSL, fibre to the premises and radio, plus VOIP and homeworkers on VPN. Challenge LDNPA had a traditional hub and spoke set up linking its sites, which gave a single point of failure. Ageing Cisco ASAs had reached the end of their useful life. There were limitations with the existing hardware as it was restricted to 10 nodes on many sites. The VPN routers also had limited functionality. Overall, the set up was complex and time-consuming to manage, and posed security risks. Solution To address these issues and, futureproof the LDNPA, we implemented Meraki SD-WAN. Smarter routing resolved the IP’s, ensured PCI compliance and improved malware detection. Meraki opened up unlimited node connections, removed dependence on fixed IP, ensured PCI compliance and improved malware detection. Implementation was efficient, with downtime for some sites as low as 10 minutes. Results Meraki SD-WAN has simplified the network, increased visibility and enhanced security. LDNPA can now manage the network remotely via the Meraki Portal. This has increased productivity as IT support personnel no longer have to spend a day travelling to remote sites. Meraki SD-WAN has enhanced communication between LDNPA’s 13 sites and improved user experience. “TruStack have continued to provide good advice and service since winning our SD-WAN tender three years ago, we would not hesitate to use them for future projects.” Frank Blackburn – ICT services manager, LDNPA Get your business on the front foot
Unipres improved data protection
CASE STUDY Unipres improved data protection Faster recovery, and increased peace of mind Background Unipres, a Tier 1 Automotive supplier to Nissan and Renault, embarked on a journey to enhance their cybersecurity measures in response to the evolving threat landscape. Challenge Unipres has seen a significant change in the role of IT over the last 20 years, with technology becoming more essential to their business operations. This shift brought challenges, especially an increase in cyber threats like ransomware. Recent attacks in Japan’s automotive industry highlighted their vulnerability, revealing that their current backup solution was inadequate. To protect critical data and maintain business continuity, Unipres recognised the need for a more robust and secure backup system. Solution To improve their recovery position, Unipres turned to Trustack, a trusted Managed Service Provider. Working closely with Trustack, they identified Dell Data Domain as the optimal solution to bolster their backup and security infrastructure. The key driver behind selecting Dell Data Domain was its provision of immutable storage. This feature enabled Unipres to create secure backup copies that couldn’t be altered, ensuring the integrity of their data even in the event of a ransomware attack. Additionally, the solution offered faster data recovery, enabling Unipres to restore the most recent backups promptly. Trustack played a crucial role in implementing and customising the solution to meet Unipres’ unique requirements. Dell data domain Provides immutable storage Secure backup copies Can not be altered Fast recovery Restore the most recent backups promptly Benefits and outcomes Implementing Dell Data Domain and partnering with Trustack yielded several significant benefits for Unipres. Firstly, the adoption of immutable storage provided a secure environment for their backup data, making it exceedingly difficult for ransomware attackers to locate and encrypt the backups. This ensured that Unipres had a reliable last line of defence in the event of a cybersecurity incident. Additionally, the enhanced data recovery capabilities offered by Dell Data Domain allowed Unipres to restore their critical systems quickly, minimising downtime and reducing the impact on their business operations. The collaboration with Trustack, characterised by their expertise and proactive support, instilled confidence in Unipres and reassured them that their investment was well-placed. Moving forward, Unipres plans to explore further proactive measures to strengthen their security posture and continue their partnership with Trustack for ongoing support and enhancements. Conclusion Through a collaborative effort with Trustack, Unipres fortified their backup and security infrastructure, achieving improved data protection, faster recovery, and increased peace of mind. With Trustack’s ongoing support, Unipres is well-positioned to proactively enhance their security posture and continue their successful partnership. “The implementation of Dell Data Domain has provided us with peace of mind. We now have a secure backup solution that allows us to recover quickly in the face of a ransomware attack. The support and expertise provided by Trustack throughout this process have been invaluable.” Andrew Furness – IT professional at Unipres Get your business on the front foot
(NGAV): Enhancing Cyber Security and Preventing Breaches
NGAV: Enhancing cyber security and preventing breaches In today’s connected world, organisations in every industry are worried about cyber threats and data breaches. To combat these evolving threats, many organisations are turning to Next Generation Anti-Virus (NGAV) solutions. This article will discuss NGAV, why organisations should use it, and answer common questions about this new technology. Testimonial “As Trustack’s technical director, I recognise the critical importance of staying ahead of the ever-evolving cyber threats that organisations face to keep ourselves and our clients business as secure as possible. Traditional antivirus solutions are no longer sufficient in combating sophisticated attacks. That’s why we have implemented Next Generation Anti-Virus (NGAV) as a proactive measure to enhance our cyber security defence offerings. NGAV goes beyond traditional antivirus software by leveraging advanced techniques such as behaviour-based detection, machine learning algorithms, and real-time threat intelligence. This enables us to detect and prevent both known and unknown threats, including zero-day attacks that pose a significant risk. This combined with our hosted SoC solutions provides a highly secure, proactive threat hunting set of defences for ourselves and our clients. The behaviour-based approach allows us to identify suspicious activities and block malicious behaviour before it can cause harm to business systems and compromise valuable data. In summary, Next Generation Anti-Virus empowers us to stay one step ahead of cyber threats, detect and prevent advanced attacks, and safeguard our critical assets. NGAV has become an essential investment for all businesses in their cyber security arsenal.” Russell Henderson, Technical Director What is next generation anti-virus (NGAV)? Next Generation Anti-Virus (NGAV) is an advanced cybersecurity solution that goes beyond traditional antivirus software to provide comprehensive protection against modern cyber threats. NGAV is not like traditional antivirus. It uses advanced methods such as behavior-based detection, machine learning, and real-time threat intelligence. These methods help to find and stop complex attacks. Traditional antivirus only looks for known malware signatures. NGAV watches how files and programs act on a computer to find signs of malware. It looks for strange behavior that could mean malware is present. By analysing the behaviour of files in real-time, NGAV can identify and block malicious activity, even if the malware has not been seen before. NGAV uses machine learning algorithms to analyze big data and find patterns that could show malware. By continuously learning from new threats and evolving attack techniques, NGAV can adapt and improve its detection capabilities over time. NGAV is always updated with real-time threat intelligence, providing info on new malware, weaknesses, and ways attackers may strike. This ensures that NGAV can detect and block new and emerging threats, providing organisations with up-to-date protection against the ever-evolving threat landscape. Why should organisations implement next generation anti-virus (NGAV)? Implementing NGAV offers several benefits and advantages for organisations looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect against data breaches. NGAV offers proactive threat detection to prevent significant damage by monitoring files and processes in real-time. NGAV improves system efficiency by using real-time threat intelligence, reducing the need for regular updates and minimising strain on performance. It works alongside existing security infrastructure, enhancing overall security posture. NGAV uses behaviour-based detection and machine learning to find and stop advanced attacks that traditional antivirus programs struggle with. It reduces false positives by accurately identifying and blocking malicious activity, minimising disruptions to legitimate operations. NGAV helps organisations strengthen cybersecurity defences, detect and prevent advanced attacks, and safeguard valuable data and assets. FAQ’s What is the difference between traditional Anti-Virus (AV) and Next Generation Anti-Virus (NGAV)? NGAV uses behavioural detection and machine learning for better protection against new threats compared to traditional antivirus software. What are the benefits of (NGAV)? NGAV uses machine learning and behavioural detection to provide better protection against malware with fewer false positives. Can (NGAV) prevent zero-day attacks? NGAV can prevent zero-day attacks using machine learning and behaviour-based detection to stop new threats before they can cause harm. Is (NGAV) compatible with existing security infrastructure? NGAV works with existing security systems like firewalls and SIEM platforms to enhance overall security posture and improve threat detection and response capabilities. Does (NGAV) require frequent updates like traditional antivirus software? NGAV uses real-time threat intelligence to stay updated on the latest threats, reducing the need for frequent updates and minimising impact on system performance compared to traditional antivirus software. Can (NGAV) detect and prevent insider threats? Next Generation Anti-Virus (NGAV) can detect and prevent insider threats by monitoring user behaviour for suspicious activities within an organisation, such as sudden access to sensitive files or large data transfers, reducing the risk of data breaches and insider attacks. Conslusion Next Generation Anti-Virus (NGAV) offers organisations a powerful and effective solution to combat cyber threats and prevent data breaches. By implementing NGAV, organisations can enhance their cyber security posture, detect and prevent advanced attacks, and safeguard their valuable data and assets. With its advanced features and capabilities, NGAV is undoubtedly a crucial component of any comprehensive cyber security strategy. Testimonial “Trustack understands the paramount importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our customers when it comes to the security of their data. Cyber threats continue to evolve and pose significant risks to businesses like ours. That’s why we have made the strategic decision to implement Next Generation Anti-Virus (NGAV) as a critical component of our cyber security strategy. NGAV offers us a proactive approach to combating modern cyber threats that traditional antivirus solutions struggle to address effectively. By leveraging advanced techniques such as behaviour-based detection, machine learning algorithms, and real-time threat intelligence, NGAV provides us with enhanced capabilities to detect and prevent sophisticated attacks. By investing in NGAV as part of our stack, we have demonstrated our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data security for our clients. This not only gives us a competitive edge but also instils confidence in our customers that their sensitive information is safeguarded. In conclusion, Next Generation Anti-Virus has become a vital investment for us as a commercial organisation. It empowers us to proactively protect against modern
PAM: Strengthening Cyber Security to Prevent Breaches
(PAM): Strengthening cyber security to prevent breaches In today’s interconnected and digitised landscape, organisations face a growing array of cyber threats and breaches. To safeguard sensitive data and critical systems from unauthorised access, organisations are increasingly adopting Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions. This article will explain what PAM is and why organisations should use it. We will also address common questions about this important cybersecurity practice. Testimonial “We collaborate intimately with clients to establish and implement PAM rules, routinely scrutinize privileges, and upgrade the scheme to adjust to emerging threats. In summary, PAM is vital for cybersecurity. It protects sensitive systems and data, mitigates insider threats, and maintains stakeholders’ trust.” Russell Henderson, Technical Director What is privileged access management (PAM)? Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a cybersecurity practice that focuses on managing and controlling privileged accounts within an organisation. Privileged accounts have elevated access privileges, allowing users to perform critical functions and access sensitive data. However, these accounts also pose a significant risk if compromised. Provides a comprehensive approach to securing privileged access by enforcing strong access controls, authentication mechanisms, and monitoring capabilities. Enables organisations to establish granular control over privileged accounts, ensuring that only authorised users have access to sensitive systems and data. It stops unauthorized access and breaches by only giving higher access to those who need it for their job. Organizations can lower the risk of insider threats, external attacks, and accidental misuse by closely managing access to privileged accounts. Additionally, PAM solutions offer advanced authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication, to protect privileged accounts from unauthorised access. These methods increase security by asking users to provide more than one piece of evidence to confirm their identities. Through the application of robust authentication, companies can substantially lower the threat of breached credentials being exploited for unauthorized entry into vital systems and information. It is important for our cybersecurity strategy. It helps protect against insider threats and unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data. Allows users to manage and monitor privileged accounts, enforcing the principle of least privilege. This reduces the risk of misuse or abuse, limiting potential malicious activities and data breaches. Provides accountability by tracking and monitoring privileged activities. This visibility helps to detect and investigate suspicious actions promptly. Enforces strong authentication and access control measures, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and credential theft. Assists in meeting compliance requirements by providing detailed audit logs and reports, ensuring adherence to regulations and avoiding penalties. Why should organisations implement privileged access management (PAM)? Implementing Privileged Access Management (PAM) offers several key benefits for organisations aiming to enhance their cybersecurity posture and prevent breaches: 1. Enhanced Security: PAM provides a comprehensive approach to managing privileged access, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorised access and potential breaches. Strong access controls and PAM systems limit access to critical systems to authorised users only. 2. Mitigation of Insider Threats:Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, can pose a significant risk to organisations.PAM solutions help organisations prevent insider threats by monitoring privileged accounts detecting suspicious behaviour in real-time. 3. Compliance Requirements: Many industry regulations and frameworks, such as PCI DSS and GDPR, require organisations to implement adequate controls over privileged access. PAM solutions help organisations meet compliance requirements through centralised management, auditing, and reporting functionalities. 4. Protecting against Credential Theft: Cybercriminals often target privileged accounts to gain unauthorised access to sensitive systems and data. PAM solutions enhance security by enforcing strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and regularly rotating privileged account credentials. 5. Efficiency: PAM solutions make managing privileged accounts easier for IT teams by automating tasks and reducing administrative work. PAM streamlines privileged access management, allowing IT teams to focus on other tasks. It also provides auditing and reporting features for compliance and audit requests. FAQ’s What is the difference between Privileged Access Management (PAM) and traditional access controls? Traditional access controls manage user access based on roles, while Privileged Access Management focuses on controlling privileged accounts with elevated access privileges to prevent unauthorised access and breaches. How does (PAM) help prevent data breaches? PAM prevents data breaches by controlling access, monitoring accounts, and responding to threats quickly. It implements least privilege and strong authentication to protect privileged accounts. Can (PAM) be integrated with existing cybersecurity tools and systems? PAM solutions can be integrated with IAM, SIEM, and vulnerability management tools to enhance cybersecurity posture by providing a holistic view of privileged access and potential security risks. Is (PAM) only relevant for large organisations? Privileged Access Management is important for all organisations, regardless of size. Smaller organisations may benefit even more due to limited resources and vulnerability to threats. How does (PAM) address remote access and third-party vendor management? Privileged Access Management tools enhance security by controlling and monitoring remote access to privileged accounts. What is the difference between Privileged Identity Management (PIM) and Privileged Access Management (PAM)? (PIM) focuses on securing identities associated with privileged accounts, while (PAM) controls access to those accounts. PIM manages creation, usage, and deletion of identities, while PAM governs how accounts are accessed, used, and monitored. Both are crucial for cybersecurity in organizations. Conslusion In conclusion, Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a critical component of any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. By implementing PAM, organisations can enhance their security posture, protect against insider threats, meet compliance requirements, prevent data breaches, and improve operational efficiency. With its robust access controls, monitoring capabilities, and integration possibilities, PAM is an essential tool for organisations seeking to strengthen their cybersecurity defences and safeguard their most critical assets. Testimonial “At Trustack we understand the significant role that Privileged Access Management (PAM) plays in safeguarding our business, customers, and reputation. PAM is a key pillar of our cybersecurity offerings, providing critical controls to protect against insider threats and unauthorised access to sensitive systems and data. By implementing PAM solutions for our clients, we can effectively manage and monitor privileged accounts, which have elevated access rights within our organisation. This ensures that users only have access to the resources necessary for their roles, reducing the risk
Future-Proof Your Business with Unified Communications
One of the outcomes in the post-pandemic world is the shift towards a new normal for workplace collaboration, communication and productivity. Guide Contents: Section 1. Introduction Section 2. The PSTN Switch-Off Section 3. Five Things to Consider When Moving to the Cloud Section 4. Why Unified Communications and Microsoft Teams? Section 5. Why Trustack? Section 6. Three Hosted Telephony Options from Trustack Introduction Businesses of all sizes have accepted the new landscape, investing in solutions that help them stay productive and connected to each other, irrespective of location. These companies have the edge in this new world of work and are already seeing more satisfied employees and the ability to deliver faster. Despite these advances in collaboration, and the impending PSTN switch-off, many are not realising the benefits of migrating traditional telephone systems to the cloud for more flexibility, or for integration with Microsoft Teams for the full unified communications experience. The leaders in the movement towards truly unified communications, will generate a competitive advantage as their workforces collaborate better, are more productive and they provide more satisfying user experiences. Now is the time to instigate change, integrate your communications and prepare your business for the next phase in its journey. The PSTN Switch-Off The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has provided the backbone of UK telecoms for over a century, but this legacy technology will finally be switched off at the end of 2027. For companies that rely on the PSTN and Private Branch eXchanges (PBX) to manage calls this is going to present significant issues if not planned for in advance. Why now? The PSTN is no longer fit for today’s hyperconnected world. IP (Internet Protocol) communication technologies have surpassed both the analogue and ISDN technologies, with voice calls being digitised and delivered using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), SIP (Session Initiated Protocol) or the mobile networks. Many businesses have already adopted a digital model, moving their communications to the cloud, making calls over the internet and embracing video conferencing. If you have the supporting infrastructure in place, then now is the time to start planning your move to a cloud telephony solution. One thing is sure, it is important to start to think about your move sooner rather than later as there could be a lot to plan for and resources to do this will become limited nearer the deadline date. Depending on your requirements, moving to a hosted cloud or SIP telephony solution provides a range of benefits, including more manageable costs and improved mobility via a greater choice of telephone hardware. You can also easily scale your hosted solution along with changing requirements. Whether it is simply an additional user, or a brand-new office location – all you need is internet connectivity. Hosted solutions are also more manageable, with call statistics more easily accessible and changes, such as routing and diverts, implemented much faster. The Impact on ISDN Although the switch off will happen in 2027, BT has already started phasing out ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and PSTN. In addition to standard telephony, here are some further impacted services: Redcare/Alarm lines that are on analogue PSTN lines will be affected. Emergency Phones in lifts, door entry systems and telemetry solution that are connected to analogue PSTN lines will be affected. Domestic analogue telephone lines will be affected. PDQ Machines that are connected to PSTN Lines will be affected. To mitigate the risk posed by the PSTN switch-off you need to consider migrating away from PSTN, to SIP Trunking or to a cloud-based telephony solution. But the real benefits of unified communications are realised when telephony and Microsoft Teams are combined to deliver a suite of collaboration and communication tools that give you the edge. Five Things to Consider When Moving to the Cloud Cloud hosted telephony future-proofs communication strategies by replacing physical systems with a more manageable and cost-effective alternative – but there are still some key things to consider: No telephony switch or control equipment is required at your premises With a cloud telephony system, there is no need to have physical phones or any control and routing equipment. However, you should think about employees that might want a desk phone as these will normally come at an extra cost to your softphone. Moves, adds and changes included, with no on-going support costs Unlike a traditional phone system, you can make any changes at the click of a button, or by talking to your managed services provider. Changes to company headcount can be quickly and easily actioned. Hosted telephony is scalable There is no limit to the number of users that you can have on a hosted telephony platform.The number of physical ISDN/PSTN lines, or capacity with your physical PBX, no longer determines how many users and concurrent calls you can have. Your maximum number of concurrent calls is now only restricted by your Internet connectivity. Users can work from the office or any location where they have connectivity There is no longer a need to be tied to a physical office. All calls can be made and received using an App on a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or web browser. Users can make a call from anywhere in the world while displaying the office number, still benefiting from live analytics, reporting and call recording. If integrating with Microsoft Teams, it is as easy as downloading the app to a device to get started. The call quality is dependent on your Internet connection You can only benefit from the freedoms of cloud telephony once the right infrastructure is in place. A reliable Internet connection is essential to making sure everything runs smoothly. Most new Internet lines use fibreoptic today and this is recommended for anyone who wants the best call quality. It is important that your Internet connection has appropriate spare bandwidth available, has low latency, and is error-free with zero packet loss. Talk to your managed services provider to help you validate the suitability of your connection.
Business Connectivity Guide
Guide Contents: Section 1. Introduction Section 2. Connectivity is central Section 3. Four Things to Consider When Moving to the Cloud Section 4. Lease lines explained Introduction As we all know, fast and reliable connectivity is central to modern business. Businesses are doing more online today than they were two or three years ago. Digital transformation is no longer a trite phrase or vague ambition. Increasingly, it is a business necessity. Much of what we’re doing online is central to the functioning of our organisations. We communicate and collaborate with VoIP, video conferencing and chat. connectivity is central We tempt customers with slick websites and seal the deal with fast, polished e-commerce stores. Many back-office functions – from bookkeeping to account management – are achieved via tools hosted in the cloud. Everything from stock control to data analysis is now tasked to connected digital tools and apps, and we’ve barely scratched the surface of what AI, VR and the Internet of Things (IoT) can do. We could continue but suffice to say that businesses’ reliance on being online is only going to grow. This brings huge opportunities and one extremely significant risk; if you don’t have the right connectivity, you can’t keep up. Cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions Cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions in particular are filtering through all strata of business, bringing enterprise-grade applications to SMEs and even small offices and one-man bands. They’re levelling the playground and allowing smaller businesses to compete with large competitors on equal terms. But only if they have the connectivity to match their digital ambitions. In the rest of this guide, we’ll look at what your connectivity options are, and what you need to think about before deciding whether to upgrade your internet connection or stick with what you’ve got. Connectivity options can sound complex, but in practice there are four main ways of getting online: Four things to consider when moving to the cloud Cloud hosted telephony future-proofs communication strategies by replacing physical systems with a more manageable and cost-effective alternative – but there are still some key things to consider: Standard Broadband Also known as ADSL or, more likely, ADSL2, standard broadband is the oldest and cheapest broadband option around. With ADSL, digital traffic travels across copper telephone wires all the way from the internet to your premises. ADSL is affordable and common, but it is the slowest option with download speeds up to 20Mbps. Even then, most businesses won’t achieve those maximum speeds. Superfast Broadband Also known as Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) or hybrid fibre, superfast broadband uses fibre optic cables to carry digital traffic from the internet to your local exchange. Data then switches onto copper wires for the short hop to your premises. The fibre part of the journey ups speeds significantly, to a maximum download of around 80Mbps. But the continued reliance on copper wiring for the last stretch means speeds slow down the further you are from the exchange. Ultrafast Broadband Ultrafast broadband usually refers to full-fibre (FTTP), though it can also mean a hybrid technology called G.fast. Download speeds start at 100Mbps but can go up to 1Gbps and more. Many ultrafast services currently offer maximum speeds of around 300Mbps, but you can get more if you want it. With full fibre, data travels on fibre optic cables all the way from the internet to your premises, which means you don’t suffer any slowdown for being further away from the exchange. Full fibre is currently the gold standard of broadband connectivity. Leased Lines Whichever broadband you choose, your data will use the same lines as other businesses in your area. By contrast, leased lines provide a dedicated connection for your exclusive use. That means they’re uncontended (there’s only your traffic on the line) and symmetrical (you get the same upload and download speeds – which is great for VoIP and video calls). Leased lines are reliable, and the speed, uptime and repair times set out in Service Level Agreements (SLA) are usually more stringent than broadband equivalents. The exact speed you get will depend on the type of leased line you choose – we’ll explore those on the next page. Leased Lines Explained GEA GEA is the most cost-effective leased line for small offices with moderate bandwidth demands, offering upload and download speeds of up to 20Mbps. GEA is quick to implement and uses an FTTC-enabled exchange, with copper over the last mile. EFM EFM is a good choice for small and medium-sized offices, offering upload and download speeds up to 35Mbps. It’s faster than GEA and quicker to implement than Fibre and is available even if you don’t have a local FTTC-enabled exchange. Fibre Fibre is the ideal choice for larger offices or any business with high bandwidth demands, offering ultra- reliable speeds of between 1Mbps and 10Gbps. Fibre is the right option for businesses that need guaranteed, high performance connectivity. Fibre vs Copper With broadband in particular, the general rule is that the more fibre your connectivity contains, the better it will be. Fibre is both faster and more reliable than copper, and though many small businesses remain on ADSL, the vast majority are likely to upgrade to a fibre alternative sooner rather than later. The difference in cost between the two is now minimal, making the benefits of fibre hard to ignore.
Security Operations Centre
Security Operations Centre (sOC) Article Publish Date: Security operations to protect your business 24/7 with the best-in-class cyber security solutions In most cybersecurity breaches, you will not know you have been compromised until the intruder runs their payload which may encrypt your files. In some compromises, there may not be a payload. The likelihood is that activity such as reconnaissance or data infiltration has been carried out over an extended length of time and is most likely not detected. But, how do you know if you have been compromised? Arctic Wolf is the market leader in security operations. Security Operations Centre can help by analysing, in real-time millions of events which your IT systems generate to very quickly detect, respond and recover from advanced threats. Using the cloud-native Arctic Wolf Platform, we help organisations end cyber risk by providing security operations as a concierge service. Highly trained Concierge Security experts work as an extension of internal teams to provide 24/7 monitoring, detection and response, as well as ongoing risk management and fully managed security awareness training to give your business the protection, resilience and guidance you need to defend against cyber threats. Managed Detection and Response Dedicated Security Analysts Monitor, Detect, and Respond to cyber threats before They Impact Your Business. The Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response solution is anchored by a dedicated Concierge Security Team who monitors your network 24/7, handles log aggregation and correlation, actively hunts for threats, and provides custom alerts and reports when cyberattacks occur. Managed Risk Continuous Vulnerability Scanning and Endpoint Analytics Managed by Security Experts. The Arctic Wolf Managed Risk solution helps your organisation reduce its attack surface by identifying vulnerabilities within your network continuously. Get your business on the front foot Our dedicated team is available to answer any queries and provide the guidance and support you need. Contact us on 0191 250 3000 or email at [email protected] to learn more about how we can help protect your business. FAQs What does a Security Operations Centre (SOC) do? A SOC, or Security Operations Centre, is a centralised facility or team responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats and incidents within an organisation. It serves as a dedicated command centre that focuses on maintaining the security and integrity of an organisation’s systems, networks, and data. A SOC typically leverages advanced technologies, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and other security tools, to collect and analyse security event data. The SOC team monitors this data in real time to identify potential security incidents, investigate them, and respond promptly to mitigate the impact of any threats. The goal of a SOC is to enhance an organisation’s overall security posture, protect against cyber threats, and minimise the risk of data breaches or unauthorised access. How much does a Security Operations Centre (SOC) cost in the UK? The cost of a Security Operations Centre (SOC) in the UK can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the size of the organisation, the desired level of sophistication, the scope of services offered, and whether the SOC is built in-house or outsourced. It is recommended to consult with cybersecurity service providers to get accurate cost estimates based on specific requirements. Do I need a Security Operations Centre (SOC)? The need for a Security Operations Centre (SOC) depends on the size of your organisation, the sensitivity of your data, and the level of cyber threats you face. Generally, organisations that handle sensitive data, have a large online presence or are subject to industry regulations can greatly benefit from having a SOC in place. A SOC helps detect and respond to security incidents promptly, minimising the potential impact on your business. What are the components of a Security Operations Centre (SOC)? A Security Operations Centre (SOC) typically consists of several key components, including: Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) system for log analysis and correlation. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) for monitoring network traffic. Threat intelligence feeds and vulnerability management systems. Incident response team for investigating and mitigating security incidents. Security analysts and engineers responsible for monitoring, analysis, and response. Incident ticketing and tracking system for managing incidents and their resolution. What are the capabilities of a Security Operations Centre (SOC)? The capabilities of a Security Operations Centre (SOC) typically include: Real-time monitoring of security events and alerts. Threat detection and analysis. Incident response and management. Vulnerability management. Forensic analysis. Threat intelligence integration. Continuous monitoring of security controls. Regular security assessments and audits. What are the levels of Security Operations Centre (SOC)? A Security Operations Centre (SOC) can be classified into different levels depending on its capabilities, resources, and maturity. The common levels are: Level 1: Basic monitoring and triage of security events. Level 2: Advanced monitoring, threat detection, and initial incident response. Level 3: Comprehensive threat detection, incident response, and ongoing management. Level 4: Advanced threat hunting, security analytics, and proactive threat intelligence. What is the difference between the Security Operations Centre (SOC) & the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC)? SOC stands for Security Operations Centre, while CSOC stands for Cyber Security Operations Centre. The terms are often used interchangeably. However, some organisations may use “CSOC” to emphasise a stronger focus on cybersecurity and advanced threat detection capabilities. How do I set up my own Security Operations Centre (SOC)? Setting up your own SOC requires careful planning and consideration. It involves defining objectives, identifying the necessary tools and technologies, hiring or training skilled personnel, establishing processes and procedures, and ensuring integration with existing security controls. It may be beneficial to consult with experienced cybersecurity professionals or consider partnering with a managed security services provider for guidance and support. How much does it cost to run a Security Operations Centre (SOC)? The cost of running a SOC can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size of the organisation, the level of sophistication required, the number of security analysts needed,