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Access Control

If you specialise in Access Control for IT systems we want to hear from you!

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Each month on Cyber Security Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the cyber security market – and in February we’re focussing on Access Control solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help IT security buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re an Access Control solutions specialist and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Jenny Lane on j.lane@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our full features list:

Feb 2024 – Access Control
Mar 2024 – Intrusion Detection & Prevention
Apr 2024 – Phishing Detection
May 2024 – Advanced Threat Dashboard
Jun 2024 – Browser/Web Security
July 2024 – Authentication
Aug 2024 – Penetration Testing
Sep 2024 – Vulnerability Management
Oct 2024 – Employee Security Awareness
Nov 2024 – Malware
Dec 2024 – Network Security Management
Jan 2025 – Anti Virus

IT Services will be largest recipient of CIO spending in 2024

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Global IT spending is expected to total $5 trillion in 2024, an increase of 6.8% from 2023, down from the previous quarter’s forecast of 8% growth – and while generative AI (GenAI) had significant hype in 2023, it will not significantly change the growth of IT spending in the near-term.

That’s according to new analysis from Gartner, which predicts that IT Services will become largest segment of spending in this year.

“While GenAI will change everything, it won’t impact IT spending significantly, similar to IoT, blockchain and other big trends we have experienced,” said John-David Lovelock, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner. “2024 will be the year when organizations actually invest in planning for how to use GenAI, however IT spending will be driven by more traditional forces, such as profitability, labor, and dragged down by a continued wave of change fatigue.”

IT services will continue to see an increase in growth in 2024, becoming the largest segment of IT spending for the first time. Spending on IT services is expected to grow 8.7% in 2024, reaching $1.5 trillion (see Table 1). This is largely due to enterprises investing in organizational efficiency and optimization projects. These investments will be crucial during this period of economic uncertainty.

“Adoption rates among consumers for devices and communications services plateaued over a decade ago. Consumer spending levels are primarily driven by price changes and replacement cycles, leaving room for only incremental growths, so being surpassed by software and services was inevitable,” said Lovelock. “Enterprises continue to find more uses for technology – IT has moved out of the back office, through the front office and is now revenue producing, until there is a plateau for how and where technology can be used in an enterprise, there cannot be a plateau in enterprise IT spending.”

Table 1. Worldwide IT Spending Forecast (Millions of U.S. Dollars) 

  2023 Spending 2023 Growth (%) 2024 Spending 2024 Growth (%)
Data Center Systems 243,063 7.1 261,332 7.5
Software 699,791 -8.7 732,287 4.6
Devices 913,334 12.4 1,029,421 12.7
IT Services 1,381,832 5.8 1,501,365 8.7
Communications Services 1,440,827 1.5 1,473,314 2.3
Overall IT 4,678,847 3.3 4,997,718 6.8

Source: Gartner (January 2024)

The overall IT spending growth rate for 2023 was 3.3%, only a 0.3% increase from 2022. This was largely due to change fatigue among CIOs. Momentum will regain in 2024, with overall IT spending increasing 6.8%.

Even with the expected regained momentum in 2024, the broader IT spending environment remains slightly constrained by change fatigue. Change fatigue could manifest as change resistance — with CIOs hesitating to sign new contracts, commit to long-term initiatives or take on new technology partners. For the new initiatives that do get launched, CIOs require higher levels of risk mitigation and greater certainty of outcomes.

ANTI-VIRUS MONTH: Moving from reactive to proactive measures

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In the UK as with anywhere in the world, the commercial and public sectors are constantly under the threat of cyber-attacks, making robust cybersecurity measures, including anti-virus solutions, essential. Over the years, approaches to anti-virus measures have evolved significantly among cybersecurity professionals. This evolution is driven by the changing nature of cyber threats, technological advancements, and the need for more comprehensive security strategies.

Traditionally, anti-virus measures in the UK’s commercial and public sectors were largely reactive. Organisations would deploy standard anti-virus software that primarily relied on signature-based detection to identify and remove known malware. This method was effective against common viruses but struggled to keep pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats, particularly those not yet known or identified.

The rise of sophisticated cyber threats, including zero-day exploits, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs), has necessitated a more proactive and multi-layered approach to anti-virus measures. Cybersecurity professionals now recognise that a single line of defence is insufficient. As a result, there is an increased focus on deploying a combination of traditional anti-virus software with more advanced tools like behavioural analytics, machine learning algorithms, and heuristic-based detection.

Behavioural analytics has become a cornerstone in modern anti-virus strategies. Unlike traditional methods, it does not rely solely on known virus signatures. Instead, it monitors the behaviour of applications and files, flagging any activity that deviates from the norm. This approach enables the detection of malware that might otherwise evade signature-based detection systems.

Machine learning and AI have also been game-changers in anti-virus measures. These technologies allow cybersecurity systems to learn and evolve, improving their ability to detect new and sophisticated threats. By analysing vast datasets, machine learning algorithms can identify patterns and anomalies indicative of cyber threats, enhancing the overall effectiveness of anti-virus measures.

Another key development is the integration of anti-virus measures with wider cybersecurity frameworks. Cybersecurity professionals now emphasise the importance of a holistic security posture that includes network security, endpoint protection, employee training, and robust incident response plans. This integrated approach ensures that anti-virus measures are part of a comprehensive defence strategy, rather than a standalone solution.

Furthermore, the increasing adoption of cloud-based anti-virus solutions reflects a shift towards more flexible and scalable security models. Cloud-based solutions offer the advantages of real-time updates, global threat intelligence, and reduced reliance on local system resources. They also enable more efficient management of anti-virus measures across distributed organisational networks.

In conclusion, the approach to anti-virus measures among the UK’s commercial and public sector cybersecurity professionals has evolved from a reactive, signature-based model to a more proactive, layered, and intelligent strategy. By leveraging advanced technologies and integrating anti-virus measures into broader cybersecurity frameworks, these professionals are better equipped to protect their organisations against an ever-changing landscape of cyber threats.

Are you on the hunt for Anti-Virus solutions for your organisation? The Cyber Secure Forum can help!

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Access online courses to boost your cybersecurity skills

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We have a wide selection of online courses tailored specifically for the IT security sector, enabling you to both amass new skills and improve existing ones in 2024 and beyond – start learning today!

The IT and Personal Development online learning bundle provides you with over 50 courses, which cover all areas of both professional and personal development:

  • CSS Certification Level 1
  • HTML 5 Certification Level 2
  • Introduction to Cloud Computing Certification
  • IT Security Certification
  • Website Development Foundations Certification
  • WordPress Certification
  • How to Handle Criticism at Work Certification
  • How to Improve Your Mental Health Certification
  • Building Your Confidence and Self-Esteem Certification
  • Managing Teams Certification
  • Master Planning Certification

And many more! Find out more and purchase your online bundle here For just £99 +vat (usually £149), you can share the courses with your colleagues over a 12-month period. Additionally, there are a variety of bundles available on all spectrums;

  • Personal & Professional Development
  • Healthcare
  • Sports & Personal Development
  • Human Resources
  • Customer Services
  • Health & Safety
  • Education & Social Care Skills
  • Sales & Marketing
  • IT & Personal Development

Book your courses today and come out of this stronger and more skilled!

Is generative AI the next big cyber threat for businesses?

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By Robert Smith, Product Manager, Cyber Security at M247

Unless you’ve been living under a rock over the past twelve months, you will have heard all about ChatGPT by now.

A shorthand for ‘Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer’, the smart chatbot exploded onto the tech scene in November last year, amassing 100 million users in its first two months to become the fastest growing consumer application in history. Since then, it has piqued the curiosity of almost every sector – from artists and musicians to marketers and IT managers.

ChatGPT is, in many ways, the poster child for the new wave of generative AI tools taking these sectors by storm – Bing, Google’s Vertex AI and Bard, to name a few. These tools’ user-friendly interfaces, and ability to take even the most niche, specific prompts, and convert them into everything from artwork to detailed essays, have left most of us wondering: what is next for us, and more specifically, what is next for our jobs? So much so that a report released last year found that nearly two thirds of UK workers think AI will take over more jobs than it creates.

However, while the question around AI and what it means for the future of work is certainly an important one, something that is too often overlooked in these discussions is the impact this technology is currently having on our security and safety.

The threat of ‘FraudGPT’

According to Check Point Research, the arrival of advanced AI technology had already contributed to an 8% rise in weekly cyber-attacks in the second quarter of 2023. We even asked ChatGPT if its technology is being used by cyber-criminals to target businesses. “It’s certainly possible they could attempt to use advanced language models or similar technology to assist in their activities…”, said ChatGPT.

And it was right. Just as businesses are constantly looking for new solutions to adopt, or more sophisticated tools to develop that will enhance their objectives, bad actors and cyber-criminals are doing the same. The only difference between the two is that cyber-criminals are using tools such as AI to steal your data and intercept your devices. And now we’re witnessing this in plain sight with the likes of ‘FraudGPT’ flooding the dark web.

FraudGPT is an AI-powered chatbot marketed to cyber-criminals as a tool to support the creation of malware, malicious code, phishing e-mails, and many other fraudulent outputs. Using the same user-friendly prompts as its predecessor, ChatGPT, FraudGPT and other tools are allowing hackers to take similar shortcuts and produce useful content in order to steal data and create havoc for businesses.

As with any sophisticated language model, one of FraudGPT’s biggest strengths (or threats) is its ability to produce convincing e-mails, documents and even replicate human conversations in order to steal data or gain access to a business’ systems. Very soon, it’s highly likely that those blatantly obvious phishing e-mails in your inbox may not be so easy to spot.

And it doesn’t stop there. More and more hackers are likely to start using these AI-powered tools across every stage of the cyber ‘kill chain’, leveraging this technology to develop malware, identifying vulnerabilities, and even operate their malicious attacks. There are already bots out there that can scan the entire internet within 24 hours for potential vulnerabilities to exploit, and these are constantly being updated. So, if AI is going to become a hacker’s best friend, businesses will need to evolve and adopt the latest technology too, in order to keep pace with them.

What can businesses do?

To start with, IT managers (or whoever is responsible for cyber-security within your organisation) must make it their priority to stay on top of the latest hacking methods and constantly scan for new solutions that can safeguard data.

Endpoint Threat Detection and Response (EDR) is one great example of a robust defence businesses can put in place today. EDR uses smart behavioural analysis to monitor your data and the things you usually do on your devices, and can therefore detect when there are even minor abnormalities in your daily activities. If an EDR system detects that an AI has launched an attack on your business, it can give your IT team a heads up so they can form a response and resolve the issue. In fact, most cyber insurers today insist that businesses adopt EDR as a key risk control before offering cover.

Cyber-security providers, such as Fortinet and Microsoft, have already begun incorporating AI into their solutions, too, but making sure you have the latest machine learning and AI (not just simple, predictive AI) operating in the background to detect threats will give your business the upper hand when it comes to hackers.

And finally, educate your workforce. Although many are worried that AI will overtake us in the workplace and steal our jobs, it’s unlikely the power of human intuition will be replaced anytime soon. So, by arming your team with the latest training on AI and cyber-threats – and what to do when they suspect an AI-powered threat is happening – you can outsmart this new technology and keep the hackers at bay.

NETWORK SECURITY MONTH: A decade of evolution to combat networking threats

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In an era marked by sophisticated cyber threats, corporate cybersecurity professionals have had to evolve their strategies and technologies to protect organisational assets effectively. Here we delve into the key developments that have shaped IT network security management for cybersecurity professionals over the last decade, informed be attendees at the Security IT Summit…

1. From Perimeter Defence to Layered Security

Traditionally, network security focused on perimeter defence, akin to a fortress with strong walls. However, this approach has shifted due to the rise of cloud computing, mobile computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which have expanded the corporate network beyond traditional boundaries. The modern approach is layered security, also known as defence in depth, where multiple layers of security controls are deployed throughout the IT network. This method ensures that even if one layer is breached, others are in place to protect the network.

2. The Adoption of Advanced Threat Detection Technologies

The last decade has seen a surge in the adoption of advanced threat detection technologies. Tools such as Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), advanced malware protection, and anomaly detection systems have become standard. These technologies employ artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to detect and respond to threats in real-time, a significant leap from the traditional, signature-based antivirus and anti-malware software.

3. Emphasis on Network Segmentation

Network segmentation, the practice of splitting a network into subnetworks, has become increasingly popular. This approach limits the spread of cyber-attacks within networks. By segmenting networks, cybersecurity professionals can apply more stringent security controls to sensitive areas, thus reducing the attack surface.

4. Rise of Zero Trust Security Models

The concept of ‘Zero Trust’ has gained traction, fundamentally altering how network access is managed. Under a Zero Trust model, trust is never assumed, regardless of whether the user is inside or outside the network perimeter. This necessitates rigorous identity and access management (IAM) strategies, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) and least privilege access controls.

5. Increased Focus on Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

There has been an increased emphasis on compliance with legal and regulatory standards, particularly with the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU. UK businesses have had to ensure that their network security practices comply with GDPR and other regulations, mandating a more rigorous approach to data security and privacy.

6. Integration of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems

SIEM systems have become a cornerstone of network security, providing a holistic view of an organisation’s security posture. These systems aggregate and analyse data from various sources within the network, enabling cybersecurity professionals to detect patterns and signs of malicious activity more effectively.

7. The Importance of Employee Training and Awareness

Finally, there is a growing recognition of the role of human error in network security breaches. As a result, there has been a concerted effort to enhance employee cybersecurity awareness and training. Regular training sessions, simulations, and awareness campaigns are now common, reducing the likelihood of breaches caused by employee negligence or error.

In conclusion, the evolution of IT network security management in the UK has been marked by a transition from traditional perimeter-based defence to more sophisticated, multi-layered approaches. Today’s cybersecurity professionals must navigate a complex landscape of advanced threats, regulatory requirements, and rapidly changing technologies. By adopting a more holistic, proactive, and adaptive approach to network security, they can better protect their organisations in an increasingly interconnected world.

Are you on the hunt for network security solutions? The Security IT Summit can help!

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Health Tech and Personal Data: What ‘Powered by Data’ means for healthcare tech

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By Lucy Pegler, partner, and Noel Hung, solicitor, at independent UK law firm Burges Salmon

In June 2023, the NHS launched the ‘Powered by Data’ campaign to demonstrate how use of health data delivers benefits for patients and society. The campaign draws on examples of how the responsible use of patient data can support innovation in the healthcare sector from developing new tools to support patients and helping to understand how to deliver better care.

Although framed in the context of public health services, the concept of ‘Powered by Data’ is applicable more widely to the healthcare sector. Public and private providers of healthcare whether in-person in healthcare settings or through increasingly innovative digital services, will collect data in every interaction with their patients or clients. The responsible and trustworthy use of patient data is fundamental to improve care and deliver better, safer treatment to patients. 

What is health data?

The Data Protection Act 2018 (“DPA”) defines “data concerning health” as personal data relating to the physical or mental health of an individual, including the provision of health care services, which reveals information about their health status.

Healthcare organisations that typically manage data concerning health have an additional obligation to also maintain “genetic data” and “biometric data” to a higher standard of protection than personal data generally.

If you process (e.g. collect, store and use) health data in the UK, UK data protection laws will apply. Broadly speaking, UK data protection law imposes a set of obligations in relation to your processing of health data. These include:

  • demonstrating your lawful basis for processing health data – health data is considered special category personal data meaning that for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation, healthcare providers must demonstrate both an Article 6 and an Article 9 condition for processing data. Typically, for the processing of health data, one of the following three conditions for processing must apply:
  1. the data subject must have given “explicit consent”;
  2. processing is necessary for the purposes of preventive or occupational medicine, for the assessment of the working capacity of the employee, medical diagnosis, the provision of health or social care or treatment or the management of health or social care systems and services; or
  3. processing is necessary for reasons of public interest in the area of public health, such as protecting against serious cross-border threats to health or ensuring high standards of quality and safety of healthcare and of medicinal products or medical devices.
  • transparency – being clear, open, and honest with data subjects about who you are, and how and why you use their personal data.
  • data protection by design and default – considering data protection and privacy issues from the outset and integrating data protection into your processing activities and organisation-wide business practices.
  • technical and organisational measures– taking appropriate and proportionate technical and organisational measures to manage the risks to your systems. These measures must ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk posed.
  • data mapping – understanding how data is used and held in your organisation (including carrying out frequent information audits).
  • use of data processors – only engaging another processor (a ‘sub-processor’) after receiving the controller’s prior specific or general written authorisation.

The NHS and the adult social care system have stated their commitment to upholding the public’s rights in law, including those enshrined in the DPA 2018 and the common law duty of confidentiality. These obligations extend to healthcare providers, whether NHS, local authority and private, whether through online, digital healthcare solutions or more traditional in-person settings.

The Caldicott principles

The Caldicott principles were first introduced in 1997 and have since expanded to become a set of good practice guidelines for using and keeping safe people’s health and care data.

There are eight principles that apply, and all NHS organisations and local authorities which provide social services must appoint a Caldicott guardian in place to support with keeping people’s information confidential and maintaining certain standards. Private and third sector organisations that do not deliver any publicly funded work do not need to appoint a Caldicott guardian.

However, the UK Caldicott Guardian Council (“UKCGC”) considers it best practice for any organisation that processes confidential patient information to have a Caldicott Guardian, irrespective of how they are funded.

The role of the Caldicott guardian includes ensuring that health and care information is used ethically, legally and appropriately. The principles also allow for the secure transfer of sensitive information across other agencies, for example the Social Services Education, Police and Judicial System. Further details of the principles can be found here.

The Common Law Duty of Confidentiality (“CLDC”)

Under the CLDC, information that has been obtained in confidence should not be used or disclosed further, unless the individual who originally confided such information is aware or subsequently provides their permission.

All NHS Bodies and those carrying out functions on behalf of the NHS have a duty of confidence to service users and a duty to support professional and ethical standards of confidentiality. This duty of confidence also extends to private and third-sector organisations providing healthcare services.

NHS-specific guidance

Providers who work under the NHS Standard Contract may also utilise the NHS Digital Data Security and Protection Toolkit to measure their performance against the National Data Guardian’s 10 data security standards. All organisations that have access to NHS patient data and systems must use this toolkit to provide assurance that they are practising good data security and that personal information is handled appropriately.

Furthermore, the toolkit contains a breach assessment grid to support with deciding the severity of the breach using a risk score matrix to determine whether the breach needs to be reported, which supports with reporting security incidents to the ICO, the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England.

Health and Care Act 2022

As integrated care systems continue to develop, the new Health and Care Act 2022 introduces significant reforms to the organisation and delivery of health and care services in England. In particular, the Act makes numerous changes to NHS England (which has now subsumed NHS Digital) to require data from private health care providers when it considers it necessary or expedient for it to have such data to comply with a direction from the Secretary of State to establish an information system.

The Act also allows the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to mandate standards for processing of information to both private and public bodies that deliver health and adult social care, so that data flows through the system in a usable way, and that when it is accessed or provided (for whatever purpose) it is in a standard form, both readable by and consistently meaningful to the user or recipient.

Benefits of sharing personal data  

Healthcare professionals have a legal duty to share information to support individual care (unless the individual objects). This is set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and the Health and Social Care (Quality and Safety) Act 2015. The sharing of health and social data between NHS organisations and pharmacies could better transform the way healthcare services are provided as well as grant continuity between the various providers. Having a single point of contact with patients is what makes the healthcare system in the UK distinct from other systems around the world. In addition, patient information could be used for research purposes as well as in the development and deployment of data-driven technologies.

A note on cyber security

Given the sensitive nature of health data and patient information, healthcare providers are particularly susceptible to data breaches. In response to the UK government’s cyber security strategy to 2030, the Department of Health & Social Care published a policy paper entitled ‘A cyber resilient health and adult social care system in England: cyber security strategy to 2023’ in March 2023.

Cyber resilience is critical in the healthcare sector and providers must be able to prevent, mitigate and recover from cyber incidents. Strong cyber resilience dovetails with providers’ obligations under UK GDPR to maintain appropriate technical and organisational measure. For public providers and those providing into the public sector, a deep awareness of the DHSC’s Strategy is critical.

Consequences for failure to comply

Whilst there is a lot of focus on the maximum fines under UK GDPR of £17.5 million or 4% of the company’s total worldwide annual turnover (whichever is higher), in the context of the healthcare sector, there is also significant reputational risk in terms of both an organisation’s relationship with its patients and with its customers and supply chain. Organisations should also be aware of their potential liability resulting from claims from patients and potential contractual liability and consequences.

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Have you registered for the 2024 Security IT Summit?

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Do you have an upcoming security project that you need help with? The Security IT Summit is a bespoke and highly targeted event, where you can meet with a selection of suppliers, who can help with your upcoming business plans and projects.

You will be provided with a personalised itinerary of pre-arranged, 1-2-1 meetings with suppliers relevant to you. No hard sell, and no time wasted.

The event is entirely free for security professionals, like you, to attend.

19th & 20th March 2024

Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre, London Heathrow

Your free pass includes;

A corporate itinerary of one-to-one meetings with solution providers

A seat at our industry seminar sessions (live attendance only)

All meals and refreshments throughout

Networking breaks to make new connections in your field

Register Here

Private wireless networks set for ‘substantial’ growth as demand for security soars

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The global private wireless network market is on the cusp of substantial growth, driven by the escalating demand for reliable and secure wireless connectivity across various industries. Against this backdrop, the market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.3% from $2.8 billion in 2022 to $7.9 billion in 2027.

That’s according to GlobalData’s latest report, “Private Wireless Networks Market Opportunity Forecasts by Geography, Technology Segments and Industry Verticals to 2027,” which reveals that the US emerged as the largest market for private wireless networks in 2022, capturing 21% of the total revenue share, followed by China at 11%. Furthermore, the US is expected to record the highest growth rate with a CAGR of 30.6% over the forecast period, with Germany and the UK following closely at CAGRs of 26.4% and 26.2%, respectively.

The early availability of spectrum for private cellular networks has been a key driver behind the growth of the private wireless network market in these countries. In Europe, there is a strong emphasis on industry automation and smart factories, which is fueling the growing adoption of private wireless networks in a number of sectors.

Rohit Sharma, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, commented: “Businesses are increasingly adopting private wireless networks, recognizing the importance of dependable and secure connectivity in the age of increasingly connected business operations and the proliferation of the industrial Internet of Things (IoT). This surge is enabled by the rollout of 5G technology by major industry players including availability of flexible solutions designed for use in private enterprise networks.”

GlobalData highlights manufacturing, mining, utilities, and government as the key verticals for private wireless network market, which collectively accounted for 51.3% of the overall market in 2022. The rollout of devices supporting 5.5G technology starting in 2025 is set to enhance 5G private networks significantly. This advancement will unlock a plethora of new device capabilities, harnessing advanced features like NR-Light (Redcap) and expanded side link functionality.

John Marcus, Senior Principal Analyst at GlobalData, explained: “The convergence of operational technologies (OT) with IT systems in the manufacturing industry is further bolstering the adoption of private wireless networks as it requires a robust and reliable communications infrastructure. Private 5G networks will accelerate this integration with their ability to provide ultra-reliable, low-latency communications to enable real-time automation of industrial processes.”

Additionally, innovations in indoor/outdoor positioning techniques and passive IoT tag technology will further amplify the potential of these networks. These groundbreaking developments are poised to facilitate the emergence of novel applications and foster growth in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities, where sensitive data and critical operations require a high level of protection and will benefit greatly from the ability of private wireless networks to provide enhanced security and control over the network.

Sharma continueed: “With the evolving use cases in industrial IoT, traditional LAN/WiFi connectivity can often have limitations in coverage and stability. Private 4G/5G wireless provides consistently stable connections using fewer access points, increasing performance for connected devices on an organization’s premises whether the devices move around the campus or are fixed in one location. Digital twins, computer vision, autonomous vehicles/drones, and AR/VR-assisted applications will all benefit from the private wireless connectivity integrated with edge computing for local data processing.”

Marcus concludes: “As organizations continue to embrace their digital transformation, private wireless networks are positioned to become the fundamental element of future operations, enabling seamless connectivity and empowering industries to innovate and thrive. With the ongoing technological advancements, robust security measures, and a growing demand for IoT solutions, the private wireless network market is on a strong growth trajectory which is reshaping the future of wireless enterprise connectivity.”

Choosing Secure Web Hosting Environments: Seven top tips for IT Managers

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The security of a brand’s website is paramount. For IT managers, selecting a hosting environment is a crucial decision that significantly impacts security, performance, and reliability. So what are the essential factors? Here are seven to get you started…

1. Security Features

The foremost consideration is the security features offered by the hosting provider. This includes firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), regular malware scanning, and DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection. It’s essential that the provider implements robust measures to safeguard against common threats such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other types of cyberattacks. Additionally, options for SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates are crucial for encrypting data transmitted between the server and the users.

2. Compliance and Data Protection

Compliance with legal and regulatory standards, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is a critical factor. The hosting provider must ensure that their operations comply with these regulations, especially in handling and storing user data. This includes having clear data protection policies and potentially offering data hosting within specific geographical locations to meet regulatory requirements.

3. Server Location

The physical location of the servers can significantly impact website performance and latency. Server locations closer to the website’s primary user base can improve loading times, enhancing user experience. Furthermore, IT managers must consider the legal and political stability of the server location, as it can affect data security and accessibility.

4. Scalability and Performance

The ability of the hosting environment to scale according to the website’s traffic and resource demands is vital. IT managers should assess the hosting provider’s capacity to handle traffic spikes and scalability options to accommodate business growth. Performance metrics such as uptime guarantees are also critical, as downtime can severely impact the brand’s reputation and revenue.

5. Backup and Disaster Recovery

Effective backup and disaster recovery solutions are crucial in maintaining data integrity. IT managers must ensure that the hosting provider offers regular backups, easy data retrieval, and a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. This is essential for mitigating data loss risks due to hardware failures, cyberattacks, or other unforeseen events.

6. Technical Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Reliable technical support is a key aspect of a secure hosting environment. IT managers should seek providers who offer 24/7 support with a proven track record of responsiveness and technical expertise. Additionally, clear SLAs outlining service expectations, responsibilities, and response times can provide assurance of the hosting provider’s commitment to quality service.

7. Reviews and Reputation

Lastly, the reputation and reviews of the hosting provider should be considered. IT managers can gain valuable insights from other customers’ experiences, particularly regarding the provider’s reliability, customer service, and security incident handling.

When selecting a hosting environment for a brand’s website, IT managers must undertake a thorough assessment of security features, compliance, server location, scalability, performance, backup, support, and provider reputation. By carefully considering these factors, they can ensure a secure and reliable online presence for the brand, safeguarding both the company and its customers against the ever-present threats in the digital landscape.

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