Thames Valley: GDPR and cyber threats addressed by Complete IT

With developments in General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the dramatic increase in cyber threats against businesses and individuals, it’s more important than ever to prepare against the dangers that we face in this technological era, says Complete IT.

With that in mind, Complete IT took a proactive approach to ensuring the best education for its valued clients, by launching the Cyber Crime Essentials Events. 

What are the ‘Cyber Crime Essentials Events’?

Research has shown that 70% of all cyber-attacks begin with human error. To protect clients against this statistic, Complete IT worked alongside its partners to put together an educational seminar that addressed the main concerns facing businesses.

Cyber threats and how to educate your team

Matt Riley, general manager of Complete IT’s Thames Valley Office, discussed the various forms of cyber-crime that we are all vulnerable to. As well as how they often manage to enter our systems undetected. These methods range from a simple scam email to hackers utilising unsecure wi-fi networks to flood servers with infection.

To offer a solution for these threats, Riley explained the benefits of a multi-layered approach to cyber security and an emphasis on user awareness and education.  

Multi-layered approach to cyber security

To protect your business from being at risk, you must be prepared. Complete IT’s partner Redscan (experts in cyber security) spoke about the importance of testing how secure your business is through intentional penetration that shines a light on the weaknesses in your security – a service that is now available to clients through the partnership with Redscan.

Protecting against ransomware with disaster recovery

Aside from developing a strong offence against cyber-attacks, it’s just as necessary to have a strong back-up solution in place, should the worst happen.

Complete IT partners Datto, experts in cloud-based back-up solutions, demonstrated a live Ransomware attack at the event – before using a ‘screenshot’ back-up system to return the device to a moment before the attack occurred, preventing any business downtime.

Using Microsoft Office 365 to increase business productivity

As gold partners with Microsoft, Complete IT believes in the benefits for the cloud-based Office 365 product and how it can make business processes more efficient. Rebecca Tuck, development manager at Microsoft, explained the ever-increasing applications available through Office 365 and how they can transform the way you work.

The key points to GDPR

Like most businesses throughout the UK, Complete IT has been aware of upcoming developments in tGDPR. As well as ensuring that its business is completely compliant before the deadline on May 25, the company also wanted to offer information to its clients to help guide them in their journey to GDPR compliance.

To offer the best possible education to the attendees of the Cyber Crime Essentials event, Complete IT partnered with GDPR experts TrueSwift.

Kris Jones, founder of TrueSwift, spoke at the event explaining the different ways to hold data in a compliant and efficient manner to avoid the large fines that are due to come into play at the start of 2018.

Cyber Essentials Version 2

Over the course of 2017, Complete IT has held at least one educational event per month, sometimes two, at a range of locations close to its six offices – ensuring that the opportunity to attend was available for all clients.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and Complete IT has seen the benefits that user education can have on a business, which is why it has started to develop ‘Cyber Crime Essentials Version 2’.

The next series, due to be launched in early 2018, will focus on cyber threats and developments in technology that can have either a positive or negative impact on your business.

To learn more about future educational events or other services that Complete IT offers, call 01628-552850 or email enquiries@complete-it.co.uk