Cyber security threats are constantly evolving, with new and ever more complex attacks continually emerging. According to the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, the top five sectors affected are public administration/government, digital service providers, the general public, healthcare/medical, and finance/banking. However, it is important to recognise that organisations of all sizes and across all sectors are vulnerable to attack if they don’t have sufficient protection.

Here at incovo, our IT experts make it their mission to remain one step ahead of these threats. We offer vital protection to businesses like yours, whatever your sector, so you can continue to operate without disruption.

Read on as we shine a spotlight on three of the most common and devastating cyber threats that you and your team should be aware of.

Ransomware
According to one of the leading creators of cyber security software, Sophos, ransomware is defined as ‘A family of malware that takes files on a computer, network share, backup server, etc. and encrypts them before extorting the user for money to unlock the files. If the user doesn’t pay within a few days, they lose their files’.

Most ransomware uses robust encryption methods which makes it extremely difficult to decrypt and get your files back unless you pay the ransom. And even if you do pay the ransom, there is absolutely no guarantee that you will get your files back or that you won’t be targeted again in future. For this reason, we recommend that you do not pay the ransom.

Instead, we recommend you restore your files from backups. incovo offers a secure cloud-based backup service, Microsoft Azure, hosted within Microsoft’s highly secure Data Centres. Data is held safely in a virtual vault users can recover up to five years’ worth of data. This means if you ever fall victim to ransomware and are unable to decrypt your critical data, you can rest assured your backups will enable you to bounce back as quickly as possible.

Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking involves a cybercriminal gaining unauthorised access to a victim’s computing resources to illicitly mine for crypto coins and generate cryptocurrency.

Modern cryptojacking attacks can be so sophisticated you might not even realise it is happening. One of the most common ways cryptojackers attack is by sending a legitimate-looking email that encourages the unsuspecting victim to click on a link. By clicking on the link, a cryptomining script begins to run on their computer. Another method is via embedded malicious scripts on websites and pop-up ads. After clicking on these, the script will start to run in the background but the user might be completely unaware they have fallen victim to the cryptojacking cyber attack.

Telltale signs to look out for include your computer running slowly, lags in execution, overheating, excessive power consumption, or abnormally high cloud bills. Stay safe by installing antivirus and malware protection software, and make sure you keep them up to date. Use ad blockers in your browser, and never click a suspicious link in an email.

Data breaches
A data breach is when an unauthorised person gains access to confidential, sensitive, or protected information. This can be corporate intellectual data or Personally Identifiable Information (PII), so the risk can affect businesses and individuals alike.

The three most common methods behind malicious data breaches are phishing, brute force, and malware.

• Phishing: This involves the attacker posing as a person or organisations that you know and trust, and convincing you to reveal sensitive data.
• Brute force attacks: This involves the attacker working through all the possibilities for your password until they guess correctly. This is why it is so important to choose separate, strong passwords for every account.
• Malware: Malware takes advantage of any security flaws in your device’s operating system, software, hardware, network or servers. Malicious software such as spyware enables cyber attackers to steal private data completely undetected.

Protect your business
Managed Threat Response (MTR) from leading cyber security experts, Sophos, is a 24/7 service which continually searches for online threats. Available at incovo, this service ensures your business is protected from ransomware, cryptojacking, and data breach threats. Threats are detected, contained, and neutralised before they even have a chance to harm to your business.

Speak to the cyber security experts at incovo by calling 0345 450 8400 or email enquiries@incovo.com and enquire about our choice of Sophos Standard and Advanced MTR packages, each one designed to give your business the protection it needs.

Screen-sharing can be an incredibly useful tool for businesses. Sharing the content that is on your screen in real time with other people is a great way to collaborate, get immediate feedback, and drive projects forward. For the team here at incovo, it can also help us to solve our clients’ IT issues remotely as quickly as possible.

However, despite these obvious advantages, it is important to be aware of a rise in the number of screen-sharing scams. Read on as the IT experts at incovo reveal how widespread the problem is, the devastating financial impact screen-sharing scams can have, and how you can best protect your business.

The science of scamming
As screen-sharing becomes increasingly commonplace, thanks to essential business software such as Microsoft Teams, scammers are taking advantage of this familiarity and persuading victims to go one step further – granting them control of their device, by either expanding permissions or downloading remote access software.

The danger is that this can give scammers direct access to online bank accounts. It also gives them the opportunity to install their own malware, which would grant them full access to your device at any time.

A growing problem
New research from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found 47% of investors would fail to identify a screen sharing scam. They also reported a staggering 86% increase in cases in one year – that’s a total of 2,014 cases and over £25million in loses.

One key case study from their report focused on 59-year-old Angela Underhill. The unscrupulous scammers persuaded Angela to download remote desktop software which she was led to believe was required in order to secure an investment. However, this software actually enabled the scammers to access her banking details and her pension, and they even applied for loans on her behalf. As a result, Angela lost over £48,000.

Protect yourself and your business
The FCA has created a useful ScamSmart Warning List for investors which can check and confirm if the firm you are dealing with is registered, or known to be suspicious.

In addition, incovo suggests all individuals and businesses interacting online keep the following in mind:

1. Stop and think carefully before proceeding if you are asked to download anything new or share a screen with someone you do not know. Your bank, for example, will never need to access your screen to view your information. So, if someone claiming to be from your bank asks you to do so, STOP!
2. Watch out for phishing emails and phone calls. Remember, never share your card details such as the CVV number, expiry date, or PIN with any person, not even someone claiming to be from your bank.
3. Never click on adverts shown on websites or social media that are advertising investment or pension opportunities. If you are interested in something that you see advertised, it’s best to go direct to their website and conduct some thorough research.

Professional protection from Sophos
As well as following these top three tips, it pays to have some professional protection. Managed Threat Response (MTR) from leading cyber security experts, Sophos, is a 24/7 service which continually searches for online threats. If and when they are detected, a team of cyber security experts can respond to them immediately – containing and neutralising them to prevent damage to your business.

So for example, if a scammer tries to install malware in an attempt to gain full access and control of your device, the Sophos cyber experts can react in real time and step in before any damage is done.

Why choose incovo?
incovo offers a choice of Sophos Standard or Advanced MTR packages so you can choose whichever service suits your business best.

Speak to the cyber security experts at incovo by calling 0345 450 8400 or email enquiries@incovo.com and we’ll ensure your business gets the 24/7 protection it needs.

incovo’s 20-year journey of continual growth to becoming one of Scotland’s leading IT, telecoms and managed print providers has not been an easy one. Founder, Richard Thomas, passed away suddenly and tragically in 2016, leaving his then 18-year-old son, Chris Thomas, to take the reins. Despite Chris’ young age, he rose to the challenge and revolutionised the business, earning himself a raft of award nominations, including a place on the coveted shortlist of The Institute of Directors ‘Young Director of the Year’ awards.

And now, as incovo reaches its 20th anniversary, Chris is marking this significant milestone by announcing the acquisition of Edinburgh-based IT services provider, RGB Solutions.

The acquisition is the result of several months of strategic talks and negotiations between Chris Thomas and RGB Solutions’ founder, Richard Blades, with Stephen Paterson of Quest Corporate playing a pivotal role in facilitating the deal.

Speaking about the acquisition, Chris says, “incovo has undergone considerable changes in the past 20 years as it has grown and evolved in response to the ever-changing technological landscape. Demand for our IT services in particular has increased dramatically as a result of increasingly sophisticated cyber security threats. By acquiring RGB Solutions and introducing our leadership team and global technology partners, we can continue the positive trajectory that RGB Solutions is moving in and begin yet another exciting chapter in the incovo story”.

Richard is in agreement as he states, “Since its inception in 2004, RGB Solutions has stayed true to its founding vision and core values of providing a reliable and customer-focused approach to IT services. For almost two decades I have been fortunate to work towards building a fantastic team and client-base. With the support of this acquisition, RGB Solutions can continue on this positive path.”

The move is set to cement incovo’s position as one of the leading IT services providers in Scotland, boosting the group’s turnover by an additional £700,000. Five new team members and 97 new clients will come under incovo’s wing, with RGB Solutions’ established Edinburgh office remaining, bolstering incovo’s presence across Scotland’s Central Belt.

The acquisition will marry together RGB Solutions’ specialist expertise in cyber security, IT support and consultancy, and incovo’s long-standing reputation for managed print, connectivity, and cloud telecommunications. As a result, team members and clients alike are set to benefit as the two teams work together to source and deliver the most innovative solutions, services, and support.

How cyber aware is your team and how resilient is your business? These are questions that businesses up and down the country should be asking themselves this week, with the return of Cyber Scotland Week which runs from Monday 28th February to Sunday 6th March. The aim is to educate, inform and support cyber resilience, so we’re backing the campaign by sharing the latest facts, figures and recommendations from the cyber specialists at incovo.

What are the most common cyber threats today?
According to the National Crime Agency, the most common cyber threats include:

• Hacking: Obtaining email passwords and taking over social media profiles.
• Phishing: Sending bogus emails requesting security information and personal details.
• Malicious software: For example ransomware which enables criminals to hijack files and hold them to ransom.
• Distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks against websites: This is often accompanied by extortion.

How widespread is the problem of cyber attacks?
A recent UK government survey, The Cyber Security Breaches Survey, showed just how widespread and damaging cyber attacks on businesses can be. It reported:

• 46% of UK businesses and charities reported a cyber attack during 2020.
• Of those, 33% claimed they experienced a cyber attack in 2020 at least once a week. This was an increase of 22% compared to 2017.
• The average cost of a cyber attack for a small business in 2019 was £11,000. This figure includes costs such as ransom payments and hardware replacements, as well as indirect factors such as business interruption.

How can I protect my business from cyber attacks?
The key things to consider are how to keep your internet connection, devices and software secure and up to date, and how to control access to your data.

The best ways to do this are to:

• Ensure all staff receive comprehensive cyber security training
• Use strong and unique passwords for all user accounts
• Use firewalls and security software
• Ensure all software is updated regularly
• Back up your system
• Formulate a business continuity plan

What do the cyber specialists at incovo recommend?
For full peace of mind, businesses need their devices, software and data to be protected 24/7. They also need to have confidence that, should a cyber attack happen, they have a team of experts on-hand to respond to the situation as soon as possible to limit the damage.

Sophos MTR (Managed Threat Response) delivers on both fronts. This advanced cyber software offers 24/7 threat hunting, detection and response, delivered by an expert team as a fully-managed service. Plus, it gives customers access to Rapid Response – a deeper level of ransom attack protection, where specialists at Sophos are on standby to proactively prevent and react to threats in real time.

Sophos MTR is available from incovo, a newly certified and fully accredited Managed Security Services Provider.

How can I find out more?
To find out more about protecting your business from cyber attacks, arrange an appointment with the cyber specialists at incovo by calling 0345 450 8400 or email support@incovo.com to book a consultation today.

After almost two years of covid restrictions and selfless sacrifices that have impacted businesses as well as the personal lives of so many, it’s fair to say we are all looking forward to making this Christmas one to remember. However, with cases of the Omicron covid variant rising by the day, the question on many people’s mind is – what effect will it have on this year’s festive celebrations? The UK and Scottish Governments have been clear in their message that we must all act now to slow the spread of Omicron, and one key thing businesses should consider is reverting to remote working. Here’s how incovo is making that possible…

A mixed response to the return to the office

As restrictions eased up earlier in the year, many businesses reopened their offices in a bid to get back to normal. However, as incovo reported in September, there was a considerable number of employees that pushed back against this return to the office, having experienced a new-found sense of freedom, flexibility and autonomy as a remote worker.

In addition, this quest to get ‘back to normal’ wasn’t quite as smooth sailing as many business owners had originally hoped – with self-isolation still preventing many employees from physically getting back to the office.

Add in to the mix COP26 in October 2021, which saw the biggest world leaders descend upon Glasgow to raise awareness of climate change. For many businesses, this event marked a genuine turning point in their attitude and behaviour. Reducing emissions by cutting out the unnecessary commute to the office became a genuine priority for many. Remote working became an ethical as well as practical preference for many employees.

Winter 2021: The race to save Christmas

As cases of the Omicron covid variant have increased, the UK and Scottish Governments have been tasked with trying to slow the spread as much as possible, in a bid prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed this winter. One of the first approaches was to encourage all employees to work from home where possible, to reduce contact and chance of transmission.

Why remote working is here to stay

What the latest Omicron variant has taught us, is that the fight against covid is far from over. As a result, we here at incovo are seeing more and more businesses view remote working not just as a temporary measure, but as a permanent solution. Remote working has proved itself to be an effective way of enabling businesses to continue operating throughout disruptive and unpredictable times which, it would appear, are set to continue.

Four ways incovo makes remote working easy for every business

What came as a surprise to many of our traditional office-based clients was the relative ease of switching to remote working. And that is because incovo can take care of four key aspects:

1. Technology: Thanks to advances in technology, it is easier than ever for teams to remain connected, no matter where they are based. Microsoft Teams, for example, enables colleagues to chat and collaborate seamlessly and intuitively. From instant messaging chat to more in-depth discussions involving the sharing of files and documents such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint – it can facilitate it all. The digital experts at incovo can install the software and train your employees to ensure they get the most out of this advanced technology.
2. Accessibility: One of the main barriers to productive working prior to the days of remote working was not having access to particular files, folders, and documents. However, moving such documents to the cloud has been a real gamer-changer for many businesses, and enabled employees to access essential files whenever and from wherever they need to be. Talk to the IT department at incovo about moving your business to the cloud.
3. Security: Protecting customer data and business information is of utmost important to companies across all sectors. It therefore pays to invest in quality cyber security to give you and your customers real peace of mind. Speak to the cyber security team at incovo about the latest protection from leaders in the field, Sophos.
4. Practicalities: From the basics of a desk, chair, and computer – right through to all the added extras that make a home office a seriously productive and inspiring place to work – Remote Easy from incovo can take care of it all. Phone systems, headsets, web cams, printers and much more – we can supply, deliver, install, and maintain it all. To find out more, head to www.remoteeasy.co.uk and request the latest catalogue.