Summer looks to be making a decent attempt at arriving at last, so I hope you are making the most of the good weather.
The big news recently - overshadowing even the impacts of AI - was the massive outage of worldwide computer systems in July. It just demonstrates that, even if you yourself never touch a computer, everything surrounding you is governed by organisations relying on IT systems. The impact was massive and some institutions saw huge financial losses and/or operational paralysis. The questions and legal cases will run and run on this.
No longer a backroom sideshow, IT is now global news. It's a fascinating time to be dancing with technology.
Keeping You In Step
Some current news articles that caught our eye, from the world of IT and technology.
Worldwide Outage – Crowdstrike
Your business was probably not seriously affected by the recent CrowdStrike outage. However, there are a few lessons to be learned from the event. The software update they issued in July 24 contained a corrupted file which affected Windows systems, in that they either wouldn’t start. So, this was not a Windows issue per-se nor was it a Cyber Security issue it was a software application fault. Key points are -
- Your IT team should be the first port of call.
- Cybercriminals often exploit such situations to launch phishing attacks.
- Make sure any remedial actions taken are from reputable sources.
- It's important to note that cyber insurance policies primarily respond to malicious cyber-attacks – not software errors!
More detail is here in our B4 Business News piece
However, before this drops off your list of actions, we would urge you to stick with the original timeframes. Check out the details here:
What Services Are Affected by the Big Switch-Off?
If you're not sure you are ready for the Big Switch Off then call us on 0333 101 7300 or reply to this email.
Oxford leading the way in the future of Computing
Pivotal' quantum computing chip unveiled by Oxford Iconics. A chip that experts have said could be "pivotal" to creating effective quantum computers has been unveiled. Check out this BBC article.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgxq789931go
New Oxford quantum hub to tackle key challenges in quantum technologies. Read all about it here -
Tech Tips
Some tech tips to keep you on your toes, so you can get even more from your IT.
TIP 1
It’s best practice to remove / deactivate old unused accounts to prevent them being used unnoticed by attackers. Click here to see why this is so important.
TIP 2
SIM swap is a type of fraud in which a fraudster takes over a user's account by fraudulently managing to get a user’s phone number transferred to the fraudster’s SIM card and ultimately, their smartphone. Check out the details here.
TIP 3
It’s easy to put off installing updates but you should perform them as soon as possible to minimize the risk of a security breach or malware infection. Software updates often include security patches and bug fixes essential to your computer’s security and performance. Computers are a part of our everyday lives, so when a problem arises, it’s important to fix it ASAP.
In the Spotlight
Staff Member Focus - Rob Andrews – Support Engineer and Kart Driver
Rob started kart racing when he was fifteen while living in Cyprus and it’s been his passion ever since. Rob is his own mechanic and he’s usually in the clubs workshop every Wednesday evening maintaining the kart and prepping for the next race.
He currently races with RAF Brize Norton’s team, competing in the Premier class of the Armed Forces Kart Championship (AFKC). They race at tracks as far south as Kent, and as far north as Cumbria so it’s not easy for friends to watch. There are seven rounds on the calendar between May and September and Rob participates in as many as he can.
The next time you speak with Rob why not ask him about his worst crashes!
Jamie Read - Cyber champion!
Cyber champions are an outstanding initiative. It doesn't just enlighten children; it enlightens adults as well.
Champions is a finalist for the Not-for-Profit Award 2024 as part of the UK National Cyber Awards! We are proud to have supported this highly worthwhile cause, Jamie Read who is also a lead ambassador for OxCyber can be seen here with just a few of the children who attended the workshop. Click Here.
If you know anyone who is interested in the project, they can reach out to Champions on info@cyberchampions.org
Preview Time
In the next edition.
In the next edition, we’ll tell you all about our latest client and the work we’ve done for them. We’ll also bring you a taste of “Strictly” with another Staff Member Focus!
If there’s a hot topic that you’d like us to cover, we’re open to suggestions, please give us a call: 0333 101 7300