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Attending cybersecurity conferences is always a game changer for Net Primates, helping us develop our security provision for customers, and Zero Trust World 2024 was no exception. Here Steve explains the benefits of mixing with industry peers…  Attending the Zero Trust World 2024 was an enlightening experience, one that not only broadened my understanding of cybersecurity but also armed me with the necessary tools and knowledge to better serve Net Primates’ customers. Set against the sunny backdrop of Orlando, the event unfolded in a beautiful venue buzzing with energy and enthusiasm from cybersecurity professionals from across the globe.  Understanding the depths of risk  The theme of this year’s event, ‘Diving Deep into the Threat Landscape’, was particularly impactful. It emphasised the critical need for an in-depth understanding of the emerging threats that organisations face today. Zero Trust is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. The sessions were geared towards uncovering the nuances of cyber threats, making it clear that knowing your enemy is the first step in robust defence strategies.  Real conversations, real business  One of the most useful aspects of Zero Trust World was the opportunity for side conversations. It wasn’t just about listening to speakers but also engaging in meaningful discussions with peers, experts, and vendors. These interactions weren’t just theoretical; they were practical, focused on real-world applications and business outcomes. Networking here went beyond exchanging business cards – it was about building future-facing partnerships and sharing…

Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX and supplied by Net Primates, has revolutionised internet access, particularly in rural and remote areas where traditional broadband services struggle to reach. In October we wrote about how Net Primates worked with Buchannan Marquees to increase their connectivity. Here we dive into the specifics of how Starlink serves rural communities, addressing common questions about its capabilities, limitations, and suitability for different environments.  What are the benefits of Starlink in rural areas?  Starlink offers high-speed internet with lower lag compared to traditional satellite internet services. This is particularly beneficial in rural areas of the UK where options may be limited to slower, less reliable broadband services. The primary benefits include:  Faster internet speed for everything from streaming videos to browsing the web  Broad coverage, capable of reaching remote locations that are otherwise unreachable by cable or fibre optics  Speedy setup wherever you are  Does Starlink work in multiple locations?  Yes, Starlink can be used in multiple locations. Originally, the service required a fixed address for use, but with the introduction of the ‘Portability’ feature, users can now move their Starlink service to different locations, though it works best within the same continent.  Is Starlink fast enough for Zoom?  Absolutely, Starlink’s speeds are generally sufficient for video conferencing applications like Zoom. Most users report download speeds well above the minimum requirements for HD video conferencing.  What speed is Starlink rural internet?  In rural areas,…

As a Managed Service Provider (MSP) we are constantly monitoring the threat of cyberattacks and data breaches. Recognising the importance of preparedness, Steve Cole recently led an Incident Response Practical Workshop, helping to educate the MSP community. Read the highlights of Steve’s contributions to cyber resilience education among his peers, which ultimately positively impacts everyone’s businesses.  The power of collaboration in Network Group  Steve Cole, and an industry associate, Michael Freeman, have demonstrated the strength of collaborative learning. As members of Network Group, a coalition of MSPs who prioritise collaboration over competition, they have encouraged a supportive environment conducive to shared learning and growth. During Network Group’s recent roadshow held in Dorking, they took a proactive stance in educating fellow MSPs on the intricacies of incident response.  The workshop experience in Dorking’s Wotton House  The Incident Response Practical Workshop, a critical component of the Network Group Roadshow, took place in the scenic surroundings of Dorking’s Wotton House. Here, Steve and Michael provided 60 delegates with a hypothetical scenario coined their ‘worst day ever’ – there has been a data breach and you’re under attack!  Delegates were placed in teams and each participant was given a specific role. They then took part in a series of hands-on exercises, designed to give the necessary knowledge and skills needed to defend an IT infrastructure against the very latest cyber threats. This hands-on approach was not merely about exposing the participants to a stressful…

We’re so proud of our team at Net Primates, and never more so than when our very own Chris Dewey recently went above and beyond over a weekend.  What’s the emergency?  So, let’s set the scene. It’s Sunday afternoon and Chris is enjoying some well-deserved leisure time. Ever vigilant, Chris sees an urgent notification come in via the 24/7 monitoring service that Net Primates subscribes to. The notification details how a client’s hard drive inside their server is failing with degraded RAID array (the data is intact but at risk), so Chris (aka Superman) springs into action.   Server warranties  As you know, we recommend that servers are replaced every five years so that they can handle the latest requirements and security updates, but also so that they are within warranty. The failing hard drive contained within the server is 4.5 years old, so still covered. Chris is therefore able to contact HP and arrange for a new hard drive to be provided ASAP.  Once in possession of the new HP kit Chris prepares it for installation.  Monday morning  Monday morning arrives (less than 24 hours after the original notification). The client turns up at their office bemused to find Chris Dewey waiting on the doorstep. Whilst the client has enjoyed a carefree weekend Chris has had their back.  Chris has fully-prepped the new hard drive ready to swap out with the old one. The clients carry on with their working week as…

Cyberattack notification  Following a cyberattack on Southern Water, many have received a letter informing them that their data may have been stolen. Southern Water has reportedly had to inform 5-10% of its customers, alongside current and former employees, about the data breach. The affected data includes personal details such as names, contact information, national insurance numbers, dates of birth, and banking information.  Immediate actions and short-term response  In response to the cyberattack, Southern Water has taken immediate steps by engaging leading cybersecurity experts to monitor potential data misuse on the dark web and coordinating with police, the Information Commissioner’s Office, government bodies, regulators, and the National Cyber Security Centre. They promise diligent monitoring for as long as necessary.  Medium-term measures  To mitigate the impact, Southern Water is offering free Experian credit monitoring for 12 months to detect and prevent fraudulent use of personal information. The company will continue to collaborate with regulators to investigate the breach’s origins and address potential regulatory consequences.  Long-term implications  The cyberattack exacerbates the already challenging reputational issues facing UK water authorities. Despite potential cybersecurity measures, convincing customers of their effectiveness remains difficult. The breach underscores the industry’s likely need for enhanced security practices.  Financial consequences  Cyberattacks pose significant financial burdens, often greatly surpassing the costs of preventive cybersecurity measures. Southern Water faces expenses related to expert assistance, credit monitoring, ongoing data protection, customer communication, and administrative tasks. This incident adds to the financial pressure on…

In September last year, MGM Resorts became victim of a cyberattack where they had to close down their computers for 10 days. It got so bad that pen and paper had to be used for some transactions! They had current backups, so they were able to reinstall the data that had been stolen, and didn’t need to pay the ransom. However, the resulting losses are reportedly around $100 million and phenomenal disruption was caused to customers and staff.  We must view this as yet another warning to continue focusing on the strength of our own cybersecurity and resilience. Below we draw lessons from the MGM Resorts incident and outline practical steps you can take to bolster your organisation’s cybersecurity defences.  Social engineering  Highly sophisticated social engineering tactics were employed by cybercriminals, exploiting human vulnerabilities. It is understood that hackers identified an MGM IT Support employee on LinkedIn and made a call to the helpdesk. Using a technique known as ‘vishing’ or voice phishing, they were able to use impersonation skills to trick the staff member. Apparently, the attack took no more than 10 minutes! Personal data of customers, including names, contact information, and even social security numbers, were compromised.   Key lessons for businesses  Recognise the threat of social engineering  Social engineering was a critical factor in the MGM breach where hackers manipulated employees into divulging confidential information.  Train your staff regularly on how to recognise and respond to social…

Welcome to the fascinating world of Microsoft Copilot! Microsoft has introduced an innovative tool that’s reshaping how we interact with digital platforms. Copilot is continually evolving, and we at Net Primates are still learning. Here we give an introduction and will keep you informed as we find out more, and let you know when and how you can take advantage of the features it has to offer.  What is Microsoft Copilot?  Microsoft Copilot is a cutting-edge AI tool developed launched as Bing Chat on 7th February 2023. It has been designed to enhance user experience across various Microsoft platforms, including Bing and Microsoft 365.  Features  Copilot stands out for its multilingual capabilities and the chatbot can cite sources, create poems, write lyrics, and even compose music. Some of its unique features include:  Microsoft Designer: a tool for generating images based on text prompts.  Travel Planner, Cooking Assistant, Fitness Trainer: tailored chatbots for specific tasks.  Copilot Pro: a premium service offering access to advanced models like GPT-4 Turbo and custom creation tools.  Integration with Microsoft products: Copilot is integrated into Windows 11, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft 365 applications, enhancing productivity and creativity.  History and evolution  Bing Chat  Copilot began as Bing Chat, transforming Bing with a chatbot feature. Despite initial challenges Microsoft refined it by imposing chat limits and adjusting the model’s emotional expression.  Microsoft 365 Copilot  Launched on 16th March 2023, this variant focused on Microsoft 365 applications to boost…

We are delighted to end the year by announcing that we have earned Britain’s 50 Best Managed IT Companies Award for 2023! The award, organised by TechnoPlanet Productions, not only highlights our expertise in IT and cybersecurity but also reinforces our commitment to fostering collaboration over competition within our industry; the positive impact can be significant on many levels. To win our place we have demonstrated that we use excellent business processes and, as a result, convey a strong value proposition to you – our customers – and also our suppliers. Combating cybercrime Our belief in the power of partnership is crucial in our approach to combating cybercrime and enhancing service quality for our customers. In an era of evolving digital threats, we understand the importance of uniting with other industry players to build a stronger, more resilient defence against these challenges.  Teamwork The expertise and dedication of our team, particularly in cybersecurity, have been central to this recognition. Their relentless pursuit of excellence and deep understanding of the evolving cybersecurity landscape have been key to our success. However, we firmly believe that our strength is significantly enhanced when combined with the knowledge and resources of our peers in the IT sector.  Robust IT support This award is not just a testament to our capabilities but also a reminder of the importance of industry-wide collaboration. By working together with other leaders in our field, we ensure that you receive the…

As with all things IT, by the time they are commonplace, they’ve probably been around a while, but just haven’t been adopted by the mainstream audience (remember when Zoom was only used by those with a love of technology). Here we list three developments within IT that we feel have become standard within 2023. Connectivity  Starlink is now becoming commonplace for business and domestic users that demand great connectivity wherever they are. According to makers, SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s most advanced broadband satellite internet. We have installed Starlink in permanent locations, such as within the Buchannan Marquees site in King’s Somborne. Plus, Steve took Starlink for a spin in the Oxfordshire countryside over the summer when he spent some time at a folk festival (he couldn’t resist the allure of IT kit even while he listened to the soothing sounds).  If you are suffering from connectivity issues then Starlink could be the perfect solution for you. Make 2024 the year you move into the fast lane with broadband that can keep up with your business needs (and the needs of your customers).  Artificial Intelligence  2023 has definitely been the year where AI tools have become far more obvious, sparking debate around the globe about creativity, safety and regulation. Some love it, some hate it, but in reality, many of us are using it to our advantage without even realising it; if you regularly say “Hi Alexa,…”, you’re embracing AI.…

Net Primates services are closing for Christmas on Friday 22nd December at 1pm, reopening on Tuesday 2nd January at 9am. During this time we’ll be periodically checking the support queue but only responding to emergency issues subject to staff availability. All other requests will be processed when our offices reopen on January 2nd. A reminder of our Normal Opening Hours Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Remember to prepare your business for Christmas closures – see our tips here