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The Importance of Cyber Security: Why It's Your Digital Insurance in Uncertain Times

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Why do you buy insurance?

It’s because you know life is a numbers game. Whilst you don’t expect anything bad to happen, you have insurance as a precaution because, heaven forbid, should the unthinkable happen, there is a way to carry on thanks to the insurance. Actuaries process numbers to work out how likely something is to happen and set insurance premiums based on the likelihood of something happening to the policy holder, hence it being a numbers game.

When things get a little financially tight, most people wouldn’t consider stopping insurance premiums until times are better, they treat it as something critical that needs to be kept no matter what?

Why am I asking all these things about insurance?

The reason is that most people understand what insurance is and why it is so important to have it. It is also because the easiest way to teach someone something is to link the unknown to the known so that the unknown becomes understandable.

Understanding the Value of Cyber Protection When the World Feels Unstable

In our increasingly digital world, cyber security has become as essential as locking your front door or taking out insurance on your home. It’s not just about protecting data or systems; it’s about safeguarding your business, your finances, and your reputation from threats that are often invisible but can be deeply damaging. As global uncertainty rises—especially during periods of conflict, such as the Iran-US war—cyber security should be at the top of every business leader’s priority list.

Cyber Security vs Insurance - they are more alike than you think

Think of cyber security as buying insurance against the unexpected. Just as insurance protects you from losses due to fires, floods, or theft, investing in robust cyber defences shields your organisation from digital disasters. No one expects to be the victim of a cyber-attack, but when it happens, the consequences can be as catastrophic as any natural disaster. The small upfront cost of cyber security is dwarfed by the potential losses from data breaches, ransomware, or reputational harm.

Global Uncertainty: When the World Gets Riskier

Periods of global instability, like the tensions and conflict between Iran and the US, often bring more than just a localised conflict. Global economic downturns and market volatility are common, but so too are increases in cyber-attacks.

When the world is uncertain, opportunistic hackers and hostile states ramp up their efforts, knowing that organisations may be distracted or under-resourced. It is precisely in these moments that neglecting cyber security can prove most costly.

Cyber Warfare: The Modern Battlefield

Governments under threat have increasingly turned to cyber-attacks as weapons of war. These aren’t just attacks on military targets, they’re aimed at destabilising markets, disrupting supply chains, and undermining businesses of all sizes.

Unlike conventional warfare, the digital front lines are everywhere: your email inbox, your customer database, your payment systems. Cyber weapons are deployed with the click of a mouse, and their effects can ripple across borders in seconds.

Business Implications: Neglect is Not an Option

For businesses, the message is clear: ignoring cyber security is no longer an option. The risks are real, and the potential damage is severe. Cyber-attacks can halt operations, erode customer trust, and lead to hefty regulatory fines. In a world where markets can be destabilised overnight, a strong cyber security posture is not just a technical necessity, it is a core business strategy and a competitive advantage.

What does this mean for your business?

If you wouldn’t leave your business uninsured, you shouldn’t leave it unprotected online.

Now, more than ever, investing in cyber security is an act of prudence and foresight. Don’t wait for uncertainty or conflict to force your hand. Make cyber security your digital insurance policy and give your business the resilience it needs to thrive in any climate.

If you want to understand how robust your cyber security is or talk about additional options to help protect your business, call us on 01722 411 999 and we can provide you with an assessment of your environment, including a security scan of your Microsoft 365 tenant.

A technology drought is coming, if you need kit, buy it now before the prices shoot up

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Both Iran and America blockading the Strait of Hormuz is having some significant knock on effects, not only to oil but to some lesser known products that also traverse this narrow stretch of water.

Everyone is aware that fuel prices are only going one way and scarcity of fuel is impacting many areas of our lives however it is not just fuel that is being blocked.

One of the largest exports from the region is helium, which is also being impacted, with 33% of helium production travelling through—or not, in this case—the Strait of Hormuz.

So what, you might think, I am not putting party balloons high on my list of essential items to stock pile, however, helium has many uses, not just for balloons and making people's voices sound funny.

Helium is critical for the manufacture of semiconductor components, the building blocks of technology. Here are a few examples of why it is so essential:

Helium provides an inert atmosphere, which prevents unwanted chemical reactions during semiconductor manufacturing processes.
It is used for cooling purposes, especially in applications requiring extremely low temperatures, such as superconducting magnets and cryogenic pumps.
Helium’s high thermal conductivity helps dissipate heat efficiently, protecting sensitive components from thermal damage.
Its low density and non-reactivity make it ideal for purging and cleaning production equipment, ensuring high purity levels in semiconductor fabrication.
Helium is essential in plasma etching and leak detection, both critical steps in creating integrated circuits and microchips.

20% of the world's oil travels through the Strait of Hormuz and the impact of the blockade is causing significant impacts around the world so imagine what impact losing access to 33% (a third) of all helium production will do to manufacturing.

How does this affect my business?

If you are thinking about buying or upgrading technology, do it now. Manufactured goods are not as volatile as the oil market but significant price rises are on the way. As manufacturers struggle to source helium, it will impact their ability to produce semiconductors. If helium becomes scarce, the cost of it will rise, which will also see the cost of manufacturing go up, which is passed onto the consumer.

Here are some things to consider:

There will be rapid price spikes - Helium spot prices have already surged by 70% to 100% and prolonged disruptions could see prices rise to over US $2,000 per thousand cubic feet, representing a 50% increase in cost.
Electronics price inflation - while helium costs are only a small part of total chip production costs, a sustained shortage forcing production slowdowns or stoppages would cause price increases in final electronics, especially for AI-related hardware, smartphones, and computers, this will cause significant price rises to the consumer as demand for fewer devices drives prices higher and higher.
Hard disk drive price rise - High-capacity hard drives (10TB+) are already in a constrained market. With helium being critical to their production, prices for these drives have already risen by 46% to 50% since late 2025 increasing costs of data centres which will get passed onto the consumers, the more data you store in the cloud, the more it will cost you for both storage and backups.
Production Bottlenecks - The semiconductor industry, particularly in South Korea and Taiwan, faces severe threats because they rely heavily on Qatari helium (55%–69% of imports) which are being impacted by the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

As production costs rise, so will prices of electronic goods, things that are what you'd expect to pay today will either skyrocket or be unavailable as priority is given to AI datacentre growth.

If you are planning on purchasing equipment in the near future, avoid the price rises and call us today on 01722 411 999 and we can source what you need.

Note - prices tend to go up much faster at the time of crisis than they come down after the crisis has ended, if they come down at all, because manufacturers take advantage of people being used to the much higher prices.

Why Outdated IT Equipment Is Could Be Costing Your Business More Than You Think

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Upgrade to Energy Efficient Solutions for Improved Performance and Savings

Many businesses underestimate the true cost of running outdated IT equipment, often using the mantra, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", thinking that computers run at a certain speed and don't slow down over time, which alas, isn't true.

While it may seem economical to squeeze as much life as possible from old computers, monitors and network devices, the reality is that older technology is often far less efficient, both in terms of energy usage and staff productivity.

Let’s start with the basics: older computers (servers, desktops and laptops) tend to consume significantly more electricity than their modern alternatives. Older machines often lack the advanced power management features, more energy efficient processors and optimised components found in new models.

This means older computers draw a lot more power, they generate a lot more heat, and typically require greater cooling if they are running in close proximity to each other, further driving up energy bills.

Moreover, legacy monitors—especially those using outdated fluorescent backlighting—can be up to 60% less energy efficient than modern LED equivalent displays.

Storage is another area where inefficiency lurks. Old spinning hard disks (HDDs) not only use a lot more energy but they also operate more slowly and are prone to more data errors than solid state drives (SSDs). SSDs consume less power, produce less heat, run significantly faster, greatly reduce boot times and application load speeds, leading to much more efficient workflows and resulting in less waiting around for staff.

What happens if you upgrade

The cumulative effects are tangible:

A significant boost to staff productivity and efficiency, often lifting morale—after all, no one enjoys working with sluggish systems.
Energy consumption come down, as does the bill, which in this uncertain world is no bad thing, especially with the current price fluctuations due to the Iran / US war
Improve work flexibility by switching staff away from desktop computers to laptops with a dock, allowing staff to work as if they are using a desktop, with the option of working anywhere with a laptop
Switching to laptops improves data protection, if energy becomes less stable, a laptop has a built in battery so that if there is a power cut, the laptop stays on, allowing staff to open the laptop (if using a dock) and save their work to the local storage
Newer networks are more energy efficient and run at faster speeds, especially newer wireless protocols that run much faster

But the costs don’t stop at energy and improved speed and efficiency. Older equipment is prone to hardware failures, leading to unexpected outages, repair expenses and potential data loss.

Older equipment is also more prone to security vulnerabilities because the manufacturers stop issuing updates for these legacy devices, putting your business at risk from cyber threats. Modern hardware not only helps reduce these risks but often comes with enhanced security features baked into the devices.

Investing in new, energy efficient equipment is more than just a cost-saving measure. It is a strategic move that supports sustainable business growth with:

Lower energy bills
Improved staff productivity
Reduced maintenance headaches
Enhanced security
Support for new functionality that is coming like support for AI

All of which combine together to create a robust IT infrastructure that empowers your team and protects your bottom line. If you are still running your business on outdated technology, now is the time to reconsider and plan for an upgrade.

Call us on 01722 411 999 to see how much your business would benefit from improved staff productivity and reduced energy costs.

Lockdown II - The rationing

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

"Lockdown II - The Rationing" sounds like the worst 'made for TV' horror movie title ever, but unfortunately this is today's reality, the British government is considering fuel rationing and asking businesses to either consider a four day work week or asking people to work from home more, to drive less and to fly less. Fuel rationing and lockdowns, restricting travel, all because of a war approx. 4000 miles away that the UK is not directly participating in.

Further lockdown-style measures are being proposed, (remember Covid and how that impacted the economy?). There is concern that restricting business activity may have wider economic consequences, and that alternative ways of maintaining operations should be considered.

Real world impact

I was speaking with a food producer this week about the potential impact of fuel rationing and what plans they had made, it was enlightening when we went through all of the different things they use that need power to run their business:

Computers and the internet for business admin and banking
CCTV to keep an eye on the livestock shed (it's lambing season)
Machines to grade and size products
Fuel for local deliveries
Lighting in all of the sheds
Farm equipment such as tractors
Irrigation pumps
Climate control for produce storage
Being rural, further to travel to deliver goods

We were talking about the impact that proposed fuel rationing would have and it is potentially catastrophic. This could result in spoilage of some of the produce, something that hard pressed farmers could do without.

We then got onto mitigation plans and we got very creative:

using a biofuel generator
coupled with some solar to keep the business going to smooth out any power glitches
using AI to consolidate deliveries by planning smarter, more fuel efficient delivery routes

What is the impact to other businesses

The Covid lockdown introduced a lot of people to the new experience of working from home and a lot of people liked it so much, they refused to go back to the office. As a result it has taken a long time for a large number of businesses to get staff to return to normal office working five days a week.

In fact the civil service still suffers from struggling to get staff back into the office, which is probably why it is no surprise the same civil service is recommending to the government that they tell businesses to look at a 4 day work week or to ask staff to work from home. This is because they also think they should:

Prioritise fuel for emergency service vehicles
Reduce speed limits on faster roads to help with fuel economy
Reduce non essential travel
Encourage more public transport use

What does this specifically mean for your business?

Businesses once again find themselves potentially gearing up for working from home where roles will allow because they are being asked by the government to reduce fuel demand and commuting pressure. The Covid lockdown was six years ago, so a lot of businesses that purchased laptops so staff could work from home, might be needing to get replacement equipment to allow their staff to securely work from home again.

Some businesses though have operational challenges for roles that cannot be done remotely such as healthcare, some retail outlets, manufacturing, trades, and logistics potentially worsening workforce availability. Then there is the knock-on disruption to schools/colleges if staff and transport are constrained, requiring additional greater dependence on remote learning, where feasible.

Let's also consider digital strain - power interruptions can impact internet connectivity, device charging and resilience of home and business networks.

The other pitfall is that there is the potential for a short-term demand spike regarding equipment to help with working from home again, with businesses gearing up for potential outages. There is a rise in demand for laptops, power protection such as personal UPS devices for desktops and power generation, including generators to help businesses try to smooth out power issues.

As businesses buy the same tech at the same time, it drives up demand, reduces supplies and may lead to shortages and price hikes, especially for those putting things off and coming late to the party.

Now is really a time to plan for the worst, hope for the best because the world is becoming unpredictable and more volatile and businesses need to adapt and become more resilient in how and where they work.

Call us on 01722 411 999 if you would like more information on how to add resilience into how your business can adapt and how to smooth the up coming bumps in the road.

Power instability can really hurt your business

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The world is currently a very unpredictable place and things have been changing at a rapid pace, it is often difficult to keep up with the pace of change or what is happening, making it really difficult to plan for the future.

Slovenia has already introduced fuel rationing, there is speculation of gas shortages, LNG (liquid natural gas) tankers destined for Europe have been rerouted to Asia, resulting in unexpected shortages and speculation of power cuts and further fuel rationing to spread across Europe and the UK.

One thing a business can do is make a small investment to protect critical bits of infrastructure so if there is any interruption to the power supplied to the business, it doesn't cause issues.

Most businesses use the cloud for productivity applications and services, such as email, data storage and collaboration, so what happens if there is a power outage? It's not so bad if you are using a laptop because it has a built in battery, however if you use a desktop PC and there is a power cut, even a small one, you risk losing data. Even brown outs can cause systems to power off unexpectedly, causing data corruption and issues with power delivery can cause surges which can also cause component damage to equipment.

It's not only computers that are critical either because of reliance on the cloud, which means the network is also critical and needs protection.

So what can you do?

Businesses should consider making an investment in small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) devices that can keep critical services running for long enough to smooth out the hiccups and allow you to save data and shutdown systems cleanly.

A UPS also protects devices from variations in power, smoothing out any surges or brownouts protecting the electronics.

What you should consider protecting

We live in a very connected world where more than just computers connect to the internet. Things to think of are:

The network - this includes things like the router, the ONT (the fibre connection), the firewall, network switch and wireless access points.
Telephony and comms - Telephone systems and VoIP handset base stations, if you have a small PBX/VoIP gateway
Servers and storage - single host server, NAS/SAN, virtualisation host, critical application appliances
Endpoints that matter - reception, accounts, dispatch PC, line-of-business workstation, clinician/engineering workstation (as applicable)
Security & safety - CCTV recorder, door access controller, burglar and fire alarm panels, critical sensors/monitoring
Facilities controls - Building management systems control PC, comms for HVAC (heating ventilation air conditioning)/boiler controls

Without the network or internet, nothing can connect to the cloud, which is why protecting these critical components is essential, especially for monitored alarm systems.

If you would like more information about uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and to discuss how to protect your business call us on 01722 411 999

What are the real benefits of Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus to my business?

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cyber Essentials can bring several practical benefits to a UK business, but what are the real benefits of getting the Cyber Essentials and the Cyber Essentials Plus certifications for your business?

Win more work (especially public sector)

An up-to-date Cyber Essentials certificate can enable you to bid for UK government contracts (particularly where you’ll handle personal or financial data).

This could open up new markets and opportunities that are otherwise inaccessible, giving your business a competitive edge and demonstrating your commitment to robust security practices.

Prove you meet a recognised baseline

It shows customers and suppliers you’ve implemented key cyber security controls (useful for due diligence and supply-chain requirements). This assurance builds trust and confidence among stakeholders, helping to establish your reputation as a reliable and security-conscious partner.

Reduce risk of common attacks

The required controls target the most frequent “commodity” threats (e.g., phishing-driven malware, basic hacking of poorly configured systems). By addressing these threats, your business can minimise costly downtime, data breaches, and reputational harm, keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly.

Potential cyber insurance benefit for some SMEs

The NCSC notes that some organisations under £20m turnover may be automatically entitled to cyber liability insurance when certified (subject to scheme conditions).

This can provide valuable financial protection and peace of mind should an incident occur.

Support compliance and governance

Helps demonstrate “reasonable” security steps for frameworks and expectations around data protection and risk management (often helpful for audits and client questionnaires). This proactive stance can simplify regulatory compliance and reduce the risk of penalties related to data breaches.

Clear, structured improvement plan

The process gives you an actionable checklist for tightening basics like patching, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and firewall settings. This ongoing improvement fosters a culture of security awareness and resilience throughout the organisation.

Cyber Essentials Plus: Independent verification and higher assurance

Cyber Essentials Plus offers all the benefits of Cyber Essentials, but with the added reassurance of an independent technical assessment. This hands-on verification provides greater confidence to clients and stakeholders that controls are not just documented but are actually effective in practice.

Enhanced reputation and trust

Achieving Cyber Essentials Plus demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to the highest level of cyber security. This can differentiate your business in the marketplace, helping to win new contracts and reassure existing clients of your robust security posture.

Identifies hidden vulnerabilities

The independent assessment can uncover overlooked weaknesses or misconfigurations that may have been missed internally, allowing you to remediate issues before they can be exploited by attackers.

Stronger defence against targeted attacks

With Cyber Essentials Plus, your security is tested against more sophisticated attack scenarios, providing an extra layer of defence and demonstrating your readiness to tackle not just common threats but also more determined adversaries.

What are the next steps?

If you are interested in your business attaining either Cyber Essentials or Cyber Essentials Plus certifications, give us a call on 01722 411 999, we can talk you through the process, how we can help your business get certified, just like we do with many other customers. It could open up a whole new path of opportunities for your business.