IT Support Vs Cyber Security: What Does My Business Need

In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the fields of Information Technology (IT) support and cyber security. We will delve into their respective definitions, explore the various applications of these domains, and discuss the unique benefits they offer. Additionally, we will highlight the key differences between these two areas, helping you to better understand their distinct roles and functions.

To begin with, you need to have a clear understanding of who ITRM is. ITRM is a highly regarded Managed Service Provider (MSP) that has earned numerous awards for its exceptional services. Our headquarters are located in Sidcup, Greater London, and we have been operating since 1999. As we enter our 25th year in business, we remain dedicated to providing our clients with top-notch IT services comprising of IT support, cyber security, consultancy, advisory, network cabling and more. Our expertise in these areas gives us a unique perspective and allows us to offer valuable insights to our blog.

IT Support:

What is IT Support?

As businesses increasingly rely on technology to carry out their operations, IT has become a crucial component of their success. However, like any other technology, there are bound to be hiccups and issues that arise from time to time. This is where IT support from a Managed Service Provider (MSP) comes in handy. IT support is the process of providing assistance to end-users when they require it, usually in the form of raising a ticket through a service desk. Once the ticket is received, a member of the IT support team begins to work on the issue and resolves it as quickly and effectively as possible. The quality of IT support provided by the MSP you choose can have a significant impact on the overall quality of service and operational efficiency you’re provided.

How could IT Support help my organisation?

IT support can help your organisation in a wide range of ways. One of the ways IT support can help is by providing a centralised point of contact for all employees. This is particularly beneficial for established SMEs or larger companies. The reason is that a centralised desk saves countless hours of in-house productivity spent on resolving problems.

Another benefit of using IT support is that you have easy access to technical knowledge that you wouldn't otherwise have. IT is a very technical topic and often problems require a specialised solution that many won't be able to discover by themselves. By opting for IT support, you are massively increasing your organisation's knowledge base without employing a specific member of staff. To caveat, if you do have in-house IT staff, outsourcing certain IT support services can help facilitate them, thus further improving your organisation’s IT infrastructure and alleviating that singular internal source so they can focus on other business IT solutions.

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Cyber Security:

What is Cyber Security:

The rate at which technology is progressing has reached an exceptional level. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, the risk to your organisation's security is also increasing at an equal pace. In 2023, 59% of medium businesses and 69% of large businesses reported breaches in 2023. Cyber security is a preventative measure. It is the practice of protecting digital devices, networks, and sensitive information from unauthorised access, theft, and damage. This involves implementing various measures and multi-layered solutions such as firewalls, encryption, and virus detection systems to prevent cyber-attacks and data breaches, to name a few. 

How can Cyber Security help my business?

Cyber security is a critical aspect that should not be overlooked by businesses in today's digital age. The topic is vast, and there are various defences that organisations can implement to safeguard their sensitive information from cyber criminals. The consequences of a data breach can be severe and could include the exposure of credit card information, addresses, email addresses, passwords, and substantial business fines to name a few. The implications of such an event could be disastrous for the business's reputation and could result in legal ramifications. It is not just the business's sensitive information that is at risk, but also your customers' data. The thought of exposing customers' sensitive data is a nightmare for any business owner. By incorporating robust cyber security measures, you can assure your customers that their information is safe and secure. This, in turn, can help build trust and confidence in your customers, leading to increased customer loyalty and business growth.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that struck in 2020, organisations have had to adapt to a new way of operating, promoting hybrid or remote working. However, this new environment presents cyber criminals with an excellent opportunity to impersonate senior staff members to gain access to an organisation's infrastructure. This act is commonly referred to as phishing, and it has become a prevalent threat since the rise of remote and hybrid work. Cyber criminals will use social engineering as a strategy to manipulate people into getting valuable information, and/or monetary gains. Online social engineering is the act of impersonation, phishing often enables cyber criminals to understand someone’s habits, like email formatting, to better manipulate victims. To ensure cyber safety, it is essential to provide your team with adequate training, especially in identifying phishing attacks. In 2023, there was recorded an alarming surge in phishing attempts, with an increase of 40% in 2023. This means that it is now more critical than ever to train your staff to understand how to identify a cyber attack and respond appropriately. An organisation could invest millions in cyber security, believing they are safe, only for an end-user to accidentally expose their systems. Therefore, providing ample training to your team is an incredibly important security layer to your IT infrastructure that should not be neglected and is often cost-effective. Providing the training puts preventative measures in place to safeguard your business, protect your valuable infrastructure and protect your internal mistakes that could be costly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CYBER SECURITY SOLUTIONS HERE

What Actions Should I Take?

The Differences between IT Support and Cyber Security:

After learning about the advantages that both IT support and cyber security can provide to your organisation, it is crucial to understand the fundamental distinctions between the two. IT support entails receiving expert help to manage and maintain your existing IT infrastructure with expert knowledge, ensuring that your systems are running smoothly and efficiently. In contrast, cyber security is focused on implementing proactive measures to safeguard your business from potential cyber threats and attacks, such as data breaches, hacking attempts, and malware infections.

Should I Choose IT Support or Cyber Security?

The best course of action for your organisation in terms of IT support and cyber security is heavily dependent on your current IT infrastructure and business requirements. However, it's crucial to prioritise both IT support and cyber security to ensure that your digital environment is robust, secure, and conducive to sustained growth and success. With the right approach to IT support and cyber security, your organisation can enjoy seamless IT operations, enhanced productivity, and efficient management of digital assets with complete peace of mind.

ITRM, as a Managed Service Provider (MSP), specialises in both IT support and cyber security. If your business needs reliable IT support and strong cyber security, our expert team is here to help. We have the knowledge and expertise to deliver exceptional IT solutions tailored to your specific business needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business stay secure and efficient in today's digital landscape.