Tag Archives: Technology

Cybersecurity, IT Support, MSP, Strategy, Technology

Why a Quarterly Business Review is important

Why a Quarterly Business Review is important

In our rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead of the competition requires constant adaptation and optimisation. As a business owner, you need to regularly assess your operations, identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to drive growth. This is where a QBR (Quarterly Business Review) from an MSP (Managed Service Provider) comes into play

What is a QBR?

A QBR is a comprehensive review conducted by an MSP, usually every quarter, to evaluate the performance, progress and alignment of your business objectives with the implemented IT strategies. It goes beyond simply analysing data and metrics; it is an opportunity to discuss challenges, uncover opportunities and strengthen the relationship between you and your MSP. Smaller businesses may only receive a QBR once or twice a year but ask your MSP what their processes are around this.

A QBR is not just a mundane business review; it holds significant emotional weight. It evokes feelings of security, reassurance and confidence in the path your business is taking. Knowing that experts are analysing your performance, identifying areas of improvement and providing guidance instils a sense of trust and peace of mind.

The QBR experience is an opportunity to have open, honest conversations about challenges, fears and aspirations. It allows you to express your concerns and receive personalised recommendations tailored to your specific circumstances. The empathetic approach of the MSP, coupled with active listening and understanding, creates an emotional connection that transcends the usual business-client relationship.

Components of a QBR

  • Infrastructure Assessment: The MSP assesses the client’s network, hardware, software and other technology infrastructure components. This evaluation helps identify any potential vulnerabilities, outdated systems or areas that require optimisation.
  • Performance Analysis: The MSP reviews the client’s technology performance metrics, such as network uptime, response times and system utilisation. This analysis helps identify bottlenecks, areas of improvement or potential risks.
  • Security Evaluation: The MSP examines the client’s security posture, including Cyber Security measures, data protection practices and compliance adherence. This assessment helps identify any vulnerabilities or areas where security can be enhanced.
  • Service Level Agreement (SLA) Review: The MSP reviews the SLA with the client, ensuring that the agreed-upon service levels are being met. This includes evaluating response times, issue resolution and overall customer satisfaction.
  • Future Planning and Recommendations: Based on the assessment findings, the MSP provides recommendations and strategic guidance to the client. This may include suggestions for technology upgrades, process improvements, security enhancements or cost optimisation measures.

The Importance of a QBR from an MSP

A QBR from an MSP holds significant importance for businesses of all sizes. Let’s delve into some key reasons why a QBR is crucial:

Gaining a Holistic View of Your Business

A quarterly business review provides you with a comprehensive overview of your company’s performance during a specific period. It does this by analysing various aspects, including financial performance, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and employee productivity. By assessing these critical areas, you can identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. It allows you to identify what areas of your business are excelling and which ones require attention. By recognising your strengths, you can leverage them to gain a competitive advantage. Additionally, addressing weaknesses helps you minimise risks and enhance overall performance.

Uncovering Growth Opportunities

Through a QBR, an MSP can identify untapped growth opportunities that may have gone unnoticed. Analysing market trends, customer feedback and industry benchmarks can provide valuable insights into new markets, product enhancements and innovative strategies to drive business growth.

Enhancing Collaboration and Alignment

A QBR fosters collaboration and alignment within your organisation. By involving key stakeholders, such as department heads and senior management, in the review process, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding goals, challenges and strategies. This collaborative approach promotes a unified vision and encourages teamwork.

Optimising Operational Efficiency

Identifying inefficiencies in your operations is vital for streamlining processes and maximising productivity. An MSP conducting a QBR can analyse your workflows, technology infrastructure and resource allocation to pinpoint areas where improvements can be made. By optimising operational efficiency, you can reduce costs, enhance customer service and achieve better overall performance.

Strengthening IT Infrastructure

A robust IT infrastructure is essential for business success in today’s digital age. A QBR from an MSP can evaluate your current IT systems, Cyber Security measures and data management practices. They can identify vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to enhance your IT infrastructure’s reliability, security and scalability.

Strategic Planning and Risk Mitigation

A QBR enables you to develop effective strategic plans and mitigate potential risks. By examining market trends, competitive landscape and emerging technologies, an MSP can help you formulate strategies that align with your business goals. Additionally, they can identify risks and provide proactive measures to minimise their impact.

Strengthens the Relationship with your MSP

A QBR serves as a bridge between you and your MSP. It fosters open communication, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of your unique business needs. This strengthened partnership allows the MSP to provide tailored solutions and support, ensuring your business thrives. When your MSP invests time and effort in conducting a QBR, it also demonstrates its commitment to your success. The personalised attention, proactive approach and customised recommendations leave you feeling valued and supported, leading to higher client satisfaction and long-term loyalty.

Learning your Business’ Technology Score

When an MSP completes a QBR for your business, oftentimes, you will receive a technology score. The concept of a technology score can vary depending on the specific MSP or service provider you are working with. It is not a universally standardised metric, but rather a subjective evaluation conducted by the MSP based on various factors related to your business’s technology infrastructure and performance.

The technology score typically reflects the MSP’s assessment of your business’s overall technology health, efficiency and alignment with industry best practices. It may consider factors such as:

  • Infrastructure: The MSP evaluates the robustness and scalability of your network, servers, storage and other hardware components. They assess whether your infrastructure meets the requirements of your business operations and future growth.
  • Security: The MSP examines your Cyber Security measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, data encryption, access controls and employee training. They look for potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your security posture.
  • Software and Applications: The MSP reviews the software and applications you use, assessing their relevance, performance and integration capabilities. They may consider factors such as licencing compliance, software updates and utilisation efficiency.
  • Performance and Reliability: The MSP evaluates the performance and reliability of your technology systems, including network uptime, response times and system availability. They may analyse historical data and metrics to identify areas for improvement.
  • IT Governance and Processes: The MSP assesses your IT governance structure, policies and processes. This includes evaluating IT documentation, change management practices, backup and disaster recovery plans, and adherence to industry standards.

Based on these factors, the MSP assigns a technology score to provide you with an indication of how well your business’s technology environment is performing and where improvements can be made. The score may be presented as a numerical value, a rating scale or a qualitative assessment, depending on the MSP’s methodology.

A QBR from an MSP is a critical component for achieving business success. It provides a holistic view of your organisation, uncovers growth opportunities, enhances collaboration, optimises operational efficiency, strengthens IT infrastructure and facilitates strategic planning and risk mitigation. By regularly conducting QBRs, you can stay ahead of the competition, adapt to market changes and drive growth. Remember to involve key stakeholders, seek a reliable MSP and embrace the insights and recommendations provided through the QBR process.

It’s important to note that each MSP may have its own methodology for calculating the technology score, so the specific details may vary. It’s best to consult with your MSP directly to understand how they determine and interpret the technology score for your business.

FAQs about QBRs

  • What is the purpose of a QBR?

A QBR aims to evaluate your business performance, identify improvement areas and develop growth strategies. It provides a comprehensive analysis of your operations and fosters collaboration within your organisation.

  • How often should QBRs be conducted?

Quarterly QBRs are typically recommended, as they provide a balanced frequency for evaluation and allow for timely adjustments. However, the frequency can be adjusted based on your business needs and industry dynamics.

  • Who should be involved in the QBR process?

A QBR should involve key stakeholders from different departments within your organisation. This includes senior management, department heads and individuals responsible for key areas such as finance, operations, marketing, HR and IT. By involving a diverse range of perspectives, you can ensure comprehensive insights and foster collaboration.

  • How long does a QBR typically take?

The duration of a QBR can vary depending on the size and complexity of your business. Generally, it can range from a few hours to a full day. It is important to allocate sufficient time to thoroughly discuss each aspect of the review and develop actionable plans.

  • What outcomes can I expect from a QBR?

A QBR can deliver several valuable outcomes for your business. These include a clear understanding of your business performance, identified growth opportunities, actionable recommendations for improvement, enhanced collaboration and aligned strategic plans. It also provides an opportunity to address any concerns or challenges faced by your organisation.

Cybersecurity, Essential Eight, MSP, Technology

Essential Eight and why your business needs to Integrate Cyber Security

Essential Eight and why your business needs to Integrate Cyber Security

In today’s world, IT systems are an essential part of any organisation. They help in improving efficiency, communication and productivity. However, with the increasing use of technology, the risks associated with IT systems have also increased.

You must know what Essential Eight is if you’re an Australian organisation. It’s a cyber self-assessment security maturity tool to help organisations reduce Cyber Security incidents caused by cyber threats

The government currently recommends that organisations implement the eight essential mitigations as a baseline but we believe this will change in the future to be mandated so it is something we advise our clients and prospects to implement.

Developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) to protect Microsoft Windows-based internet-connected networks, the framework has four maturity levels for each business’ risk category.

  • Level Zero: not aligned with strategic objectives.
  • Level One: partially aligned with the objectives.
  • Level Two: mostly aligned with the mitigation strategy objectives.
  • Level Three: fully aligned with objectives.

The levels depend on your business’ risk status and data sensitivity. Level One businesses, for example, are not commonly targeted specifically, so they just receive the typical mass scam emails. Level Two has the potential to be targeted but criminals will often move on if they find the security systems to be too hard to breach. Level Three are where attackers primarily focus as they have high dollar value data, such as banks and telecommunication companies.

Why should your business measure against Essential Eight?

Essentially, Essential Eight is all about Cyber Security and can be seen as a baseline for businesses to measure their maturity against, but it should be just one part of a wider framework that you should have in place. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, so businesses need to adapt to disruptions caused by Cyber Security incidents so that they can maintain business operations. This includes detecting, managing and recovering from incidents. We have other articles on our blog relating to these, so please read those to understand what your business should be doing to protect itself.

By measuring your business against the framework, your business can increase its knowledge of Cyber Security in business and identify company risks and how to control them. It allows your business to create a roadmap going forward that you can tick off to know that your company is becoming secure, and it gives you something to assess your service provider with to ensure they are integrating the Cyber Security processes within your business.

Limitations of Essential Eight

As mentioned, Essential Eight should not be used in isolation to protect your organisation. It’s not a fully-fledged Cyber Security framework and will not protect you from ever having cyber threats. For example, if you’re at Maturity level Three, this will not stop adversaries with the time, money and effort to compromise your business.

The Essential Eight is currently just a loose framework for your business to get started with implementing Cyber Security strategies to protect your businesses. When data leaks can cause your business to be in breach of laws such as The Privacy Act, you need to ensure that you are adequately covered.

The framework is also primarily designed for Microsoft Windows-based businesses, which represent the majority of public sector organisations’ corporate environments, hence why it was introduced by the government. So, while it’s not specifically designed for other operating systems like Mac, Cloud, Operational Technology (OT) or Linux, you can still use it to support your organisation’s Cyber Security development.

So, what are the Essential Eight strategies?

The Essential Eight strategies are designed to address the most common types of cyberattacks that businesses face. They are practical, actionable and cost-effective. Here’s a brief overview of each of the Essential Eight strategies:

  1. Application control: This strategy involves creating a list of approved applications that can be executed on a system. By doing this, organisations can prevent malicious software from running on their systems.
  2. Patch applications: Regularly patching applications can help businesses fix vulnerabilities in their software. This reduces the likelihood of cyberattacks that exploit these vulnerabilities.
  3. Configure Microsoft Office macro settings: Cybercriminals often use Microsoft Office macros to deliver malware. Configuring the macro settings in Microsoft Office can help SMEs prevent this type of attack.
  4. User application hardening: Blocks or removes common software used to download or run malicious software and prevents malicious software from running on business’ networks.
  5. Restrict administrative privileges: Limiting administrative privileges can help businesses prevent malicious actors from gaining access to critical systems.
  6. Patch operating systems: Similarly, regularly patching operating systems can help organizations fix vulnerabilities in the underlying software. This reduces the likelihood of cyberattacks that exploit these vulnerabilities.
  7. Multi-factor authentication: Using multi-factor authentication can help organisations prevent unauthorised access to their systems. It involves requiring two or more forms of authentication before granting access.
  8. Daily backups: Regularly backing up data can help businesses recover from cyberattacks. In the event of a ransomware attack, for example, businesses can restore their data from a backup rather than paying the ransom.

While you might not understand the technical processes of each of the Essential Eight, your IT service provider should be implementing these strategies to help your organisation protect itself against cyber threats. Talk with your MSP to see how and if they’re implementing these into your business.

Does my business need to implement Essential Eight?

While it is not mandated to do so, the framework is highly recommended by the government for Australian businesses to follow. At Pronet Technology, we recommend your company start integrating the framework as soon as possible. Even though we’re an MSP, over the last five so years, we’ve been doing all we can to learn more about and specialise in Cyber Security as we believe it plays an integral role in the longevity of businesses.

While ACSC recommends all businesses be at maturity level 3, each organisation’s Cyber Security level depends on its business need, size and complexity. As a business, conduct a risk assessment alongside your IT service provider to determine, analyse and prioritise the gaps in your business that can be strengthened and then act on those.

There are always going to be some challenges to improving Cyber Security within your business. It could be that you lack the staff and funding or that you don’t have the knowledge to successfully implement Cyber Security. You could have other organisational priorities or believe ad-hoc security is enough. Some people in the business might not yet be on board or you just don’t know how to improve. Cyber Security runs throughout the business so it’s something that everyone needs to understand and come on board with.

Most companies these days outsource their IT systems to service providers. Make sure you know the cyber maturity of your MSP in relation to Essential Eight so that you can build a strong working relationship with the MSP to ensure your business is protected.

By implementing these strategies, SMEs can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks. Essential Eight is not a silver bullet, but it’s a great starting point for any organisation looking to improve its Cyber Security posture. It’s important to note that Cyber Security is an ongoing process, and businesses should continually assess and improve their security measures.

IT Support, Technology

12 Technical Jargon terms you need to know

12 Technical Jargon terms you need to know

Technical jargon can often be confusing and overwhelming, especially for those who are not familiar with the IT industry.

As a company with tech staff, we know that one concern businesses have with dealing with IT support is that they might not answer your questions in a way you completely understand. They may seem as though they are talking down to you with their complicated technical jargon, but in reality, they are terms they are using with each other on a daily basis and sometimes they forget that others don’t know what on Earth they’re talking about.

While you don’t need a comprehensive education in technical jargon — you simply don’t have the time and possibly cannot be bothered learning about it, especially if technology is not an industry you’re interested in — having a brief understanding of these terms can be extremely helpful in communicating with IT professionals and making informed decisions about your IT infrastructure. In this guide, I’ll break down some common technical jargon you might encounter in the IT world.

  • Bandwidth: This refers to the amount of data that can be transferred over a network connection in a given amount of time. It’s often measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).
  • Firewall: A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that monitors and controls the flow of data between a computer or network and the internet. It acts as a barrier, blocking unwanted traffic while allowing authorised traffic to pass through
  • VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure connection between two or more devices that allows them to communicate over the internet as if they were on the same physical network. They allow users to use a public network to securely and remotely access a different network, such as a company intranet.
  • Cloud computing: Cloud computing is a way for businesses to store and manage their data, and run software applications on a data centre. Specifically, it’s a way for employees to access their work files, databases, software and analytics via the internet remotely, no matter where they are located or whichever device they use. It allows for greater flexibility, scalability and cost-effectiveness than traditional on-premises IT infrastructure.
  • SSL/TLS: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols used to establish secure connections between web browsers and servers. They encrypt the data that is transmitted over the internet, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept and steal sensitive information.
  • API: An application programming interface (API) is a set of protocols and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs are commonly used to integrate different software systems and automate tasks.
  • DNS: The domain name system (DNS) is a hierarchical naming system that translates domain names into IP addresses. It’s essentially a phone book for the internet that allows users to access websites by entering domain names rather than hard-to-remember IP addresses.
  • RAID: RAID (redundant array of independent disks) is a storage technology that combines multiple hard drives into a single logical unit for greater performance, reliability and capacity. There are several different RAID levels, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
  • LAN/WAN: LAN (local area network) refers to a network of devices that are connected within a relatively small area, such as a home or office. WAN (wide area network) refers to a network that spans a larger geographic area, such as multiple offices or cities.
  • Patch: A patch is a piece of software that is designed to fix a specific issue or vulnerability in an operating system, application or other software system. Patches are released periodically by software vendors to address security concerns and improve performance.
  • Cache: A way to store frequently-accessed information is through a data cache. For example, web browsers use caches to store and load previously visited web pages more quickly. For a cache to be efficient, it must be quite small, so as they take up space over time and store more data, it can grow too large and slow your computer down rather than speed up processes. When this happens, you will need to clear the cache.
  • Cookies: HTTP cookies are small files sent by a website and stored in your browser to help the website remember information about the user, like usernames and passwords, billing addresses and browser history. While convenient, they also raise privacy concerns as they can be a security vulnerability.

These are just a few examples of the technical jargon you might encounter in the IT industry. While it may seem daunting at first, taking the time to understand these terms can go a long way in improving your communication with IT professionals and making informed decisions about your IT infrastructure. Since IT is very technical, it has more jargon than most other fields but these words help IT professionals communicate very specific information to each other, especially since the industry is so complex. If you’re ever unsure about a term or concept, don’t hesitate to ask your IT provider for clarification.

Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook as we post explanations of technical concepts once or twice a week. These are in digestible snippets and are in layman’s terms to help you understand a bit more about the technological and Cyber Security world.

IT Support, MSP, Technology

What are Tech Warranties?

What are Tech Warranties?

All genuine Australian-certified products sold by a genuine Australian online or physical store have implied warranties under Australian Consumer Law.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC):

“Warranties are extra promises that a business makes about the quality of a product or how it will fix any problems with a product or service.”

These are on top of consumer rights to a repair, replacement, refund or cancellation when there’s a problem with a product or service. Warranties must be honoured by businesses and staff must not pressure or mislead consumers to purchase extended warranties.

That doesn’t mean they don’t ask if you want to purchase an extension though, and nearly every time you purchase some new tech, there’s an option to add an extended warranty. You’ve probably found yourself asking, is it worth it? Would I even need it? Am I crazy not to purchase it?

Honestly, the answer is usually no for personal electronics.

Most of the time, the only people that benefit from tech warranties are retailers as they translate into serious profit margins. If people knew the actual statistics for how long their products last, they probably wouldn’t purchase extended warranties. According to Cyber Shack, a quality smartphone has less than a two per cent failure rate while a good laptop is under five.

Under the ACCC, your product has a warranty for however long it is reasonably expected to last. No one purchases a computer with the expectation it’s going to last only one year, but years, so that’s how long you can legally claim a refund, replacement or repair — your choice — as long as you provide proof of purchase and the fault is a manufacturing one. You may also be able to claim compensation if you can prove loss due to the item and companies cannot deny a claim or refer you to the manufacturer unless you agree. Make sure you also register the standard warranty after purchase so there is no hassle when you do need repairs.

Rather than spending money on extended warranties which can cost between 10 to 20 per cent of the retail price, consider spending that money on backup devices.

Extended tech warranties for businesses are different

When considering warranties for your business, you have different factors to consider, such as risk reduction, business longevity and employee productivity, which means extended warranties for business are needed and are usually part of the cost of doing business.

Pronet only sells our clients servers with 3-year warranties and then just before the end of those 3 years, we highly recommend clients purchase an extra 2 years, which we find most businesses are willing to do. Replacing servers are not as simple as replacing workstations as they take longer to install, test and get up and running as they have to be reconfigured around other network components which can cause delays to your business. If you have the warranty, manufacturers will then keep components available to honour the warranty so if you have older equipment without one, you may no longer be able to find the parts to fix them.

Businesses relying heavily on their computers should only be purchasing business-grade computers which have a base 3-year warranty period rather than the 1-year that personal, domestic computers offer. Our clients are then recommended to purchase an extra 2 years to push this up to 5 years, after which business computers are usually replaced.

Businesses that rely on their computers and technology should be using a managed service provider to look after their systems. It saves you the stress and time of dealing with having to contact and wait for manufacturers to come out and fix or replace the device. Experienced MSPs usually carry spare parts for common devices and systems they set up in your business, so if you have an issue, they can fix it for you promptly. Some MSPs would even carry ‘spares’ of critical equipment which they can loan you while your equipment is being fixed.

As a business owner or decision-maker, you’re constantly evaluating how to lower your risk, and using an MSP is the way to do this. We hope that answered some of your questions regarding tech warranties, but if you have any further questions, feel free to give us a call!

Cybersecurity, IT Support, Technology

IT solutions for SMEs with limited budgets

IT solutions for SMEs with limited budgets

As a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with a limited budget, it can be challenging to invest in IT solutions that can improve your business operations. However, several cost-effective IT solutions can help SMEs streamline their processes and remain competitive.

To decide what is best for your business, you need to understand your business’ needs, the people who work there, your budget and how staff need to work to meet the company’s objectives. When it comes to your staff, think about what they really need and if you’re unsure, ask them. Do they all need the same level of licences for the Adobe Suite or other software? Can you work from anywhere or do you need a traditional office setup? Identify what your business constraints are; if that’s a technology solution, direct your limited budget there.

One of the best ways to save money as a business is to make sure your initial investments are quality ones. For example, make sure your Wi-Fi network is properly set up, don’t purchase outdated, subpar equipment, make sure to update and maintain all your devices, invest in a web or mobile presence, install, update and regularly use anti-malware programs and most importantly, work with an IT service to manage your IT systems for you.

Managed service providers are cheaper than hiring an in-house IT team and they ensure your systems are working properly. An MSP is a way to reduce costs in your IT systems as it consolidates your technical support with one IT service. MSPs can provide businesses with access to experienced IT professionals who can help manage their IT systems, monitor for security threats and provide ongoing support and maintenance. A good MSP can help you determine what IT your unique business needs without pushing services on you that won’t benefit your business.

Low-budget IT Tools

Software can quickly become expensive, especially if you rely on multiple, complex systems to run your business and smaller businesses often turn away from investing in good software which can be detrimental to your business.

One of the most popular and cost-effective IT solutions for SMEs is cloud computing. Cloud-based solutions, such as storage and software-as-a-service (SaaS), can be accessed through the internet and can help businesses save money on IT infrastructure and maintenance costs. If you have one, ask your managed services provider to transfer your systems and data to the cloud.

Another IT solution that SMEs can consider is open-source software. Open-source software is software that is freely available to use and modify and can help businesses save money on licensing fees. Popular open-source software includes the operating system Linux, as well as productivity software such as LibreOffice. SMEs can also consider using open-source CRM (customer relationship management) software to manage their customer interactions and sales processes. Open-source CRM solutions, such as SuiteCRM or SugarCRM, can be customised to meet the specific needs of a business and can help SMEs improve customer engagement without breaking the bank.

Keep in mind, however, that open-source software does not come with support and is normally not as stable and reliable as commercial software. If you run into issues with open-source, you’ll need to rely on the goodwill of the community to assist you. As long as you understand this risk, then open-source is a low-cost solution. We generally would not recommend companies with more than five employees rely on open-source software as the risk of business interruption can be costly.

Virtualisation is another cost-effective IT solution that can help SMEs optimise their IT infrastructure. With virtualisation, businesses can run multiple virtual machines on a single physical server, which can help save money on hardware costs and reduce energy consumption.

Cyber Security

When times are tough for business, it might be tempting to cut costs in areas that might seem unnecessary, such as Cyber Security, but it is a decision that can see customers, clients and employees being exposed to cyberthreats.

There are a range of steps a business can take to create a defensive posture around Cyber Security that does not cost a fortune.

Your company should start with procedures and policies to create a Cyber Security culture within the business. This outlines how you will protect your employees, clients and customers. An incident response plan is essential to mitigate damage and protect your business operations, and even more so, training your staff about Cyber Security threats is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce threats as most attacks occur due to human error. Regularly provide tips and refreshers, or ask your MSP to help with training.

There are certain budget-friendly security software you can use to help protect your business and its data. For example, to secure your digital assets and control them when they might be at risk, you can use a software called DriveStrike that can remotely locate, lock and wipe devices.

It’s also a good idea to invest in encryption. Many devices already have some sort of encryption options built into them, so take the time to configure these. Also, if you’re heavily reliant on email, there are security email services that encrypt your information while in transit. Make sure you encrypt your backups too and that these are stored in multiple locations.

While it might seem a hassle, using two-factor authentication adds an extra step of security when logging into accounts, such as emails, bank accounts, work machines or software. Many services and accounts already have this option built-in, so check if yours do and if not, make sure to use a program that does this as it increases the difficulty of cybercriminals accessing your data.

A way to protect your business freely is by making sure your software and applications are up to date. If a vendor notices a security risk in its service, it will fix the issue and release a security update. Make sure you immediately install these to prevent criminals from taking advantage of these risks. This goes with older software too. If you’re not already, make sure you are using Microsoft 365 rather than an older version as these older versions are not updated anymore. This gives cybercriminals the time to build complex threats that they can then use to infiltrate your business as they have no time constraint as they’re no longer being updated.

If your workforce is hybrid or remote, ensure employees know how to secure their home routers as they are usually only using consumer-grade ones compared to a more secure one in the office.

Make sure you’re educating yourself on the technology your company needs so you can understand the value you are receiving from the technology, hardware or software you are using or buying.

There are several cost-effective IT solutions available for SMEs with limited budgets. From cloud computing and open-source software to virtualisation and outsourcing IT support to MSPs, SMEs can take advantage of these solutions to optimise their IT infrastructure and improve business operations. By considering these IT solutions, SMEs can remain competitive in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven business environment.

Do keep in mind though, that to maximise your business’ collaboration, processes, Network and Cyber Security, and long-term growth, businesses should be investing in their IT systems. As your business grows, so do your IT needs, so if you’re trying to cut back on costs, your business might not reach the potential it possibly can. Investing in your IT systems can actually save you time and money, help you stay competitive, inform better decisions and increase revenue.

Well-thought-out IT solutions for SMEs can make the difference between thriving or barely surviving.

Strategy, Technology

10 ways to Include QR Codes in your marketing plan

10 ways to Include QR Codes in your marketing plan

Did you know that the use of QR codes skyrocketed in 2020, reaching a market size of $916.7 million? This is expected to grow an additional 5.6 per cent by 2026, which will exceed $1 billion!

QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by a smartphone camera to access digital content such as a website, video or social media page.

When using QR codes in your marketing plan, it’s important to make sure the code is easily scannable and that the landing page or content it directs to is optimised for mobile devices.

Additionally, providing clear instructions on how to scan the code can increase the chances of customers using it.

How to incorporate QR codes into your business

  • Business cards

Adding a QR code to your business card is a quick and easy way for customers to access your website, a video or your social media account, or even for them to take an action, such as calling a business number, sending an email or filling out an online form. You can print different versions of the business card with different QR codes linking to whichever form you’re after at that moment in time.

  • Special Offers

When scanned, the QR code can direct customers to a landing page with a coupon or promotional code to redeem the offer.

  • Ask for reviews or to conduct customer surveys

Businesses can gather customer feedback through QR codes as when a customer scans it, they can be directed to a survey or feedback form, where they can provide their thoughts on the product or service.

  • Improve customer experience

QR codes can allow customers to move through experiences at their own pace and interact with your brand in various ways. They let you provide more positive and memorable touchpoints without necessarily requiring more staff or an increased marketing budget.

Many museums and attractions place QR codes throughout venues that link to audio and video files, text and maps, among other things. You can also use QR codes to engage customers in interactive games, such as a scavenger hunt.

  • Payments

Incorporate QR codes into your mobile POS system. Customers can scan the QR code to make a payment or use a discount. Restaurants often do this with their ordering systems, linking QR codes to their menu and ordering page, allowing customers to order directly from their tables.

  • Information

QR codes can be printed on product packaging to provide customers with more information about the product, such as ingredients, video demos, detailed product descriptions, reviews or customer testimonials. You can even try adding QR codes to your direct mail marketing campaigns to give consumers your business’ contact data or direct them to your website’s landing page.

  • Products, giveaways and apps

Share a QR code via social media or through a printed code to download your app on the App Store or Play Store. You can also place QR codes on giveaways like T-shirts and pens to spread the word about your business. 

  • Wi-Fi

Cafes, libraries and public spaces can have customers scan a QR code to access Wi-Fi instead of having them enter a password. 

  • Events, social accounts and website

Market your events, such as concerts, trade shows or conferences, via a QR code on your social media account. When scanned, the QR code can direct customers to a landing page with event details, ticket information and registration forms. When scanned, QR codes can direct customers to your company’s social media page, where they can follow or like the page to stay up to date on your company’s news and promotions.

  • Job listings

Use QR codes in job listings so applicants can read the job description, understand the qualifications needed and apply. 

Benefits

Ease of use: QR codes can be scanned using a smartphone camera or a QR code reader app, making it a simple and quick way for users to access information without the need for typing in URLs or searching for information.

Versatility: QR codes can be used in a variety of ways, from product packaging to event tickets, business cards and customer self-service, providing a convenient way to share information and connect with and serve customers.

Cost-effectiveness: It’s relatively cheap for businesses to print QR codes, making them an affordable way to incorporate digital marketing strategies into your operations. They’re an easy way to connect offline and online media to diversify your business’ presence.

Data tracking: QR codes can be used to track user engagement and collect valuable data on consumer behaviour, allowing businesses to adjust their marketing strategies accordingly.

Enhanced user experience: By providing quick access to relevant information, QR codes can improve the user experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction and engagement.

Security Risks

While QR codes are a convenient tool for accessing digital content quickly, they can also pose security risks if used improperly.

Here are some security risks associated with QR codes:

Malware: Scanning a QR code can redirect the user to a website or download a file that contains malware. Hackers can use QR codes to deliver malware to unsuspecting users.

Phishing: QR codes can be used to direct users to a phishing site designed to steal personal or financial information. Users may not be able to tell if the site is legitimate, as the QR code may be used to mask the true URL.

Social engineering: Hackers can use QR codes to manipulate users into disclosing sensitive information. For example, a QR code could direct a user to a fake login page that captures their login credentials.

Unauthorised access: QR codes can be used to grant unauthorised access to sensitive information or locations. For example, a QR code could be used to bypass a security checkpoint or grant access to a restricted area.

Privacy violations: QR codes can be used to track user behaviour and collect personal information without their consent. This can lead to privacy violations and identity theft.

To mitigate the risks associated with QR codes, it’s important to take the following steps:

  • Only scan QR codes from trusted sources.
  • Verify the URL before entering sensitive information.
  • Use a mobile security app to scan QR codes for malware and phishing attempts.
  • Limit the personal information shared via QR codes.
  • Avoid using QR codes to access sensitive information or grant access to restricted areas.

Small and medium-sized businesses should ensure they are telling staff to check that QR codes haven’t been covered by another as QR codes cannot be hacked, only the destination of the QR codes.