News

Cornerstone Business Solutions has renewed it partnership with Boro for a further season.
Boro released a fans’ favourite Hummel kit this summer which harks back to the club’s iconic Ayresome Park days and features a white chest band across the middle of the home shirt.

And leading Stockton IT firm Cornerstone will feature heavily on our home and away First Team kit once again as they sponsor Boro’s shorts for the second season running.

Cornerstone were Boro’s first-ever shorts sponsors last season as Boro reached the Championship play-off semi-finals, and the company’s managing director Chris Petty is delighted to extend his deal with the club he has supported since he was a boy.

Middlesbrough’s first team squad with Cornerstone Business Solutions directors Chris Petty and Chris Bibby at the club’s Rockliffe Park training HQ.
“We are all passionate Boro fans at Cornerstone and have a corporate box at the Riverside where we like to entertain our staff and clients,” he explained.

“It proved a massive success when we sponsored the First Team’s shorts last season, and we were eager to get involved again this year for what is sure to be an exciting campaign.

“While we think of ourselves as Teesside’s leading IT company, we are still relatively small in real terms in that we have 25 staff.

“So it gives us a massive buzz to have Cornerstone branding on Boro’s kit.”

Petty said the renewed sponsorship package arrives at an ideal time for his firm – who have been Boro’s official IT partner since 2015 – as they look to increase their turnover while branching out into new areas.

Previous advertising at the Riverside Stadium has netted Cornerstone work with companies such as Virgin Media.

“It means we are raising our profile, not only on Teesside, but around the country and around the world,” he added.

“That fits with us perfectly at the moment, as we are looking to expand and increase our turnover from £2m to £5m, and we are soon to open new offices in Leeds, while Manchester is also a future target. Up the Boro!”

Rose Stoker, MFC’s head of partnerships, said: “We are delighted to see Cornerstone appear on the back of the shorts for the second year, following a very successful 10-year partnership with the football club.

“Cornerstone is a local but very ambitious company and this will again give them the opportunity to expose the brand further. They will join 32Red and Ramsdens as the club’s kit sponsors.”

A business mentor who advises dozens of businesses across the North-East and Yorkshire has joined Cornerstone Business Solutions as a non-executive director.

Gary Lumby MBE has joined the board of Stockton-based IT firm to support their expansion into Leeds and Manchester as they look to propel turnover from £2m to £5 over the next three years.

Lumby already advises a long list of local businesses including Erimus Insurance Brokers, Active Chartered Financial Planners, Psyche, Techconsult, CP Waites, Personal Support Network, JDM Earth and Biochemica.

Now Cornerstone hope his track record will help catapult the firm to further growth as they mark 10 years in business by opening their first Leeds office.

Cornerstone managing director Chris Petty, who runs the firm with fellow directors Chris Clark, John Storey and Chris Bibby, said: “We’ve confident enough to describe ourselves as the leading IT firm on Teesside but we’re now setting out horizons much further afield to Leeds, Manchester and then Birmingham.

“We believe Gary’s corporate expertise, along with his little black book of top contacts, will be a really positive influence is helping us achieve our goals.

“With this wide-ranging skillset, he has shown at other businesses that he’s just the man to support an SME that’s looking to achieve real growth.

“He comes with detailed knowledge, not only of businesses in the North-East but in Yorkshire too, which is the focus of our next phase of expansion.

“Gary will guide and advise us as we grow, putting in place key performance indicators and goals that will stretch us.

“Until now, all our growth has been organic but we’re looking at potential acquisitions going forward, so Gary’s vast corporate experience will be essential to us.”

Lumby said: “I’m delighted to be working with Chris and his team.

“I’ve known the business some time and have always been impressed with their focus on customer service, a wide range of services, in-depth expertise and their overall brand promotional activities.

“I’m not, therefore, surprised that this has led to a sustained period of growth.

“I hope to be able to contribute to the further acceleration of that growth and to help Chris guide the business to even greater heights.”

A former president of Leeds Chamber of Commerce, Lumby spent 30 years in the banking sector, rising from cashier to become UK director of SME banking for Yorkshire Bank and Clydesdale Bank.

Founded in 2008, in the middle of the global recession, Cornerstone has achieved a record £2 million turnover and increased its workforce to 25 at its existing offices in Stockton and Newton Aycliffe.

Along with being Official Technology Partner for Middlesbrough Football Club, the firm’s long-term contracts include Durham Tees Valley Airport, Camerons Brewery, Tecnicas Reunidas, OSB, Punch Robson Solicitors, Endeavour Partnership and TTE.

Cornerstone has also launched software to support clients with their GDPR compliance, while they boast partnerships with such leading brands as Microsoft, Apple, IBM, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Vmware, ESET and Cisco.

Chris Petty, managing Director of Cornerstone Business Solutions,
explain why his firm has the answer to an issue that’s never far from our
minds…
You might think it’s boring, boring, boring but we all know GDPR can’t be ignored. It feels like that all we’ve heard about recently and no doubt, like me, you received what seemed like a million emails pleading with you “Please don’t go! We want to stay in touch.” It all reminded me a bit about that time back when the new millennium was coming and everyone thought the so-called Millennium Bug was going to crash every
computer. Many people panicked but, of course, nothing happened. So what happened on May 25? Well,
nothing much, as it turned out, apart from the fact that we all received a lot more emails. You were no doubt invited to and perhaps attended a seminar with someone for a boring talk about GDPR and, like many
others, left feeling none the wiser and probably even more confused about what was expected of you and your business.
So what do you have to do?

GDPR isn’t just a “Europe thing”, even though the biggest impact will be on organisations based in the european Union. Literally every business in the world that collects data about any individual living in the EU is
impacted. Organisations that are found to be non-compliant with these sweeping new privacy regulations could even be subject to significant fines and crippling sanctions.
Now for the scary bit…organisations in breach of GDPR can be fined up to 4% of their annual global turnover or £20m, whichever is greater.
But how do we find a data breach? How do we make sure we are compliant? And how do we stay compliant?
Here at Cornerstone, we’ve been working quietly in the background on a software programme that not only helps make your business GDPR-compliant but can also monitor your network to keep you compliant.
With this powerful software appliance connected to your network we can provide:
• Initial GDPR assessment:
Scan the network environment and answer a set of pre-configured questions to quickly and easily determine if all GDPR requirements are being met and, if not, what needs to be done to become compliant.
• GDPR remediation services:
Document and prioritise issues that must be remediated to address GDPR related security vulnerabilities through ongoing managed services.
• GDPR approved documentation:
Produce all regularly scheduled mandatory reports as required by GDPR and be prepared, in advance, in the
event of an audit. Demonstrate your “best efforts” to comply with the law.
• Ongoing GDPR compliance:
Regular, automated network scans detect any ongoing issues, identify potential threats and provide alert
notifications.
“We’ve been working quietly in the background on a software programme that not only helps make your business GDPR compliant but can also monitor your network to keep you compliant
This is definitely NOT just another checklist product. There are many checklist products on the market that provide you with a laundry list of tasks you must perform, and information you need to gather, process, analyse and validate to be GDPR-compliant. But Cornerstone take the process to the next level by automating the collection of much of the data you need, analysing it for you and providing you with dynamic worksheets that are customised based on the results of the collected data.
So for all that it’s a bit boring and very confusing, we all have to make sure we are compliant. Let us take the stress away – let Cornerstone get you compliant and keep you that way, ensuring that 4% of annual
turnover fine doesn’t become a reality.
Speak to us about our unique GDPR product. Get in touch today.

A fast-growing utility broker is celebrating two major deals as it strengthens its foothold in the Tees region.

Middlesbrough-based Splash Utilities has signed an agreement with Cornerstone Business Solutions, hiring the Stockton firm to look after all of its IT solutions.

And Splash has also signed a 24-month deal with Middlesbrough FC’s Business Club, in partnership with Eleven Sports Media, committing to two seasons of involvement with the corporate side of the club.

Cornerstone, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary by announcing an expansion to Leeds, will offer complete IT service desk support as Splash continues its recruitment drive.

“Cornerstone have a great reputation and we want to be seen as working with reputable businesses in the Tees region,” said Splash managing director Tony Anderson.

“We see ourselves as a Tees Valley business. This is our hub and where our foothold is, and although our product is national, we want to make an impact in the Tees Valley, not just from an economic point of view, but to partner with good solid businesses.

“So we’re delighted to be getting expert advice and to be working with a credible brand, and we see it as very much a long-term arrangement.”

Although originally a Leeds fan, Tony is an adopted Teessider, having been here for 20 years since moving to the area.

“I know what the club means to the people of the area,” he added. “So we want to do our bit for the local football club, which is a huge source of local pride, to local people and our employees.

“We’ve signed a two-year deal with Middlesbrough FC’s Business Club, which will see us being active in the local business community in attending events while supporting the football club at the same time.

“There’ll be an element of sponsorship, including advertising around the ground on matchdays, and we’ll be attending business networking events.

“But, again, it’s about partnering with a credible brand in the region.”

Splash was formed in 2017 after Tony and his team spotted an opportunity in the sector following the deregulation of the water industry.

The business moved into the 8,000 sq ft vacant premises in Royal Middlehaven House on Gosford Street in Middlesbrough.

Since then more than 50 staff have already been recruited, with another 50-plus roles yet to be filled – including team managers, business lead generators and energy consultants.

“We’re always recruiting and that’s ongoing,” added Tony.

“We attended a major Jobs Fair at Middlesbrough Town Hall in June as part of our recruitment drive, and we’re working to recruit staff at all levels over the next few months.

“We already have a marketing and PR team in place which is constantly active and driving our key messages across social media and keeping our new website up-to-date.

“In September we’ll have been here 12 months, so we’re already approaching our first birthday here on Teesside. It has flown by and we’re maturing all the time as a business.”

Splash has already established key relationships with suppliers including Scottish Power, Npower and Total Gas and Power.

And after a number of contract wins, Splash is already providing three utilities to businesses – not just gas and electricity, but water as well.

“It’s a multi-utility offering with improved discounts across the board,” added Tony.

“We offer businesses not just the chance to get better pricing but better services and an opportunity to access cutting-edge technology, including cloud monitoring of energy usage.

“The deregulation has motivated suppliers to look at reducing pricing and improving customer services, so ultimately that can only be a good thing for customers.”

Cornerstone Business Solutions has thrown its weight behind the first-ever business awards competition for women by sponsoring one of the categories.

Tees Business will host the Tees Businesswomen Awards at a glitzy ceremony in Wynyard Hall’s beautiful Conservatory Room in November.

And Stockton-based Cornerstone, the Tees region’s leading IT specialists, is one of the first businesses to back the competition by sponsoring the Business of the Year category.

The firm’s managing director Chris Petty, pictured above (right) with Tees Business co-editor Dave Allan, said: “We think this is a fantastic idea. It’s something great for us to get involved with.

“It’s a new awards ceremony, a first for Teesside to recognise women in the region, and as the region’s leading IT company it’s fantastic to get involved.

“We always want to get involved in local initiatives. We’re from the region, we love the region, so to get involved in things like this and help to establish other businesses and people is always good to do.

“I hope the awards will bring more business-minded local women into the spotlight and show what can be achieved.”

The Tees Businesswomen Awards will celebrate women in business on Teesside, inspiring a new generation of females to succeed in business, creating more female entrepreneurs and business leaders than ever before.

Dave Allan said: “This is an opportunity for Tees businesses to shout about the opportunities they give to women in their workplace.

“It’s also a chance for us all to shout about the female entrepreneurs, business owners, directors, managers and apprentices that drive our Tees organisations

“As the Tees region’s business magazine, we’re proud to be giving this opportunity for local firms, organisations and individuals to shout from the rooftop about the women who are making an outstanding contribution – and to the organisations that champion them.”

Ten awards will be dished out at the first Tees Businesswomen Awards ceremony on November 8, including Businesswoman of the Year, Lifelong Inspiration Award, Breaking the Mould Award, Inspiring Others Award, Best Newcomer and SME of the Year, among others.

Teesside IT company Cornerstone Business Solutions is celebrating 10 years in business with an expansion into Leeds – whilst aiming to more than double turnover to £5m within three years.

Founded in 2008, in the middle of the global recession, Cornerstone is targeting Leeds on the back of exceeding a record £2m turnover and increasing its workforce to 25 at its existing offices in Stockton and Newton Aycliffe.

Along with being Official Technology Partner for Middlesbrough Football Club, Cornerstone also boasts long-term contracts with the likes of Durham Tees Valley Airport, Camerons Brewery, Tecnicas Reunidas, OSB, Punch Robson Solicitors, Endeavour Partnership and many more.

Party! Party! Party! – see our pictures from Cornerstone’s special birthday celebrations

Now managing director Chris Petty, whose dreams of life as a soldier in the Green Howards were ended by injury, is setting his sights on a new target as Cornerstone continue to shoot for the top.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Cornerstone,” said Petty. “What better way to celebrate 10 years in business than by expanding into a major city?

“We believe we’re the best known IT brand on Teesside now, but there are thousands more businesses in Leeds that give us huge growth opportunities.

“We’re set to open an office in the city centre and recruit some senior staff with detailed knowledge of Leeds, so we’re aiming to make a real statement of intent there.

“But we won’t be resting on our laurels. We’ve already got our eyes on continuing our expansion into Manchester, Birmingham and London.

“But Teesside will remain our headquarters and main focus, so much so that we have growth plans that would see us achieve a £5 million turnover in three years, driven mostly by further expansion across the North-East.”

The move into Leeds comes on the back of the recent opening of the firm’s new Newton Aycliffe office to accompany their established headquarters at Preston Park, Stockton.

Cornerstone has also launched software to support clients with their GDPR compliance, while they boast partnerships with such leading brands as Microsoft, Apple, IBM, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Vmware, ESET and Cisco.

“We have simply strategies that have underpinned Cornerstone’s success and ongoing growth,” added Petty. “It’s about providing a first-class service, real expertise, a professional call management system, looking after our customers and all supported by partnering global brands.

“Ultimately, our core values are customer service and making sure our customers are happy.

“It’s no coincidence that over the years we’ve won multiple awards for our customer service and IT offerings. Each day we’re always looking at ways to further improve our customer experience and make sure we never rest on our laurels.”

Having recently recruited four new staff, Petty says a happy workforce is crucial to further success.

“We give our staff an opportunity to build a great career and work with some fantastic local and national clients,” said Petty, who runs the firm with fellow directors Chris Clark, John Storey and Chris Bibby.

“Staff love working here because, while they know they’re expected to work hard for our clients, they are encouraged to have fun while they do that.”

Having always embraced a spirit of fun and adventure, Cornerstone celebrated its tenth birthday with hundreds of staff, clients and invited guests at a party featuring a singer, magician, party games and fish ‘n’ chips.

“The party was a typical Cornerstone celebration,” said Petty.

“Our clients and Teesside’s business community know that we love to have fun in everything we do.

“We love to have a party and they know what they’re in for when they join us as guests in our executive box for matchdays at Middlesbrough FC.

“But the team know everything we do is always about putting clients first. If we didn’t do that, we wouldn’t keep growing.”

Now the firm is looking forward to the next 10 years.

“We have a lot more exciting plans in the pipeline,” promises Petty. “After hitting this milestone, we are looking forward to keep growing, working with some great new clients, and expanding further afield to new markets.

“We can’t wait to make a real impact in Leeds. The world’s our oyster and this is just the start.”

• Pictured (above): Cornerstone directors John Storey, Chris Petty and Chris Bibby plan to celebrate 10 years in business for Tees firm Cornerstone Business Solutions with expansion into Leeds

THERE’S a Steve Jobs quote I have always related to: ‘It’s better to be a pirate than join the navy’.

If you’ve already started tutting and think that means sailing the seven seas and plundering bounty, then you might want to move on – this one’s not for you.

For entrepreneurs – and Teesside is particularly well-stocked with them at the moment – the quote is all about individuality, a spirit of rebellion and the freedom to plot your own course… and have some fun on the journey.

So… Chris Petty, then.

The MD of Stockton-based Cornerstone since he set it up a decade ago has an executive box at his beloved Boro that has seen more business done (and fun had) than half the industrial estates in Teesside. For Chris the mix is completely symbiotic – you have to blend business with pleasure to get the most out of relationships, many of which started when he first turned the key in the office door back in 2008 and are still as strong today.

Now the award-winning IT services business employs 25 and has hundreds of customers just as eager for a match day invitation to the Riverside as they are on upgrading their broadband. It isn’t afraid of taking on the big boys and fearlessly flies the flag for buying local and backing Teesside businesses.

“When I joined the Army I thought that was me for the rest of my life, so running my own IT company wasn’t something I planned,” says Chris.

“But I have always carried with me a sense of service and an ambition to be the best at whatever I do, so when the time was right I took my opportunity and knew from the first few days how I wanted it to be run and what it would stand for.

“There are simple strategies underpinning Cornerstone – offering the right

service from the very first phone call, right through to the problem being solved.

“IT is a constantly growing sector which crosses everyone’s lives with people relying on it for business and at home, so we have built and trained a team that can tackle any job – but always with a trademark level of service to keep us one step ahead. We all know from the number of updates we get on our phones and laptops how fast technology changes, so we have people working for us who love tech and are obsessed with the latest software or hardware. They can’t wait to get stuck into GDPR, and that’s what I mean about having fun while you work — sometimes it means drinks and dinner but more often it means really enjoying your job and not being afraid to stop for a chat with a customer and have a good laugh with them.”

That blueprint for success has led to growth and awards in equal measure, and the company is about to take the next step in its business plan by setting up a satellite office in Newton Aycliffe to go with the headquarters in George Stephenson Court on Preston Park — and has eyes on Leeds as its next move as it also rolls out new software that will enable the firm to run GDPR compliance operations for its clients.

So there is no shortage of ambition or forward planning here and, with the enjoyment cranked up to 11, it’s no

wonder Cornerstone staff tend to stick around. Teessiders like them want to build careers here, buy their homes here and raise the next generation with the same principles their boss has — work hard, play hard. In that order.

The perfect example of that loyalty is Chris Bibby, sitting alongside us in the Riverside box. Cornerstone’s Sales Director started as an administrator and now has his place at the boardroom table.

“I had worked with Chris previously and his management style and business plan really clicked with me,” Chris explains.

“He’s a salesman through and through, so when he called me in and offered me a role at this new business he was setting

up, I had pretty much said ‘yes’ before he finished the sentence.

“We have worked together over the years to make Cornerstone an instinctive business that doesn’t have to check the rule book each time a decision is made.

“Chris knows what to do in each situation – from a single sale to a new office – and has passed that through his team so that we all know what makes our business tick. And none of us would apologise for enjoying that enormously because we make our money here and we look forward to coming to work a few miles from where we live — who wouldn’t want that?”

“That approach is building the brand all the time and earning us great traction in the community, which means we can deal with bigger Teesside clients who might otherwise have had to head North or South. That’s clearly good for us, but it’s an investment in the region as well, and if the region keeps growing then all the Teesside businesses who have been here through good times and bad can grow along with it, and create the jobs we need for the future.”

Back in his boardroom, the other Chris has assembled and grown his team with great care.

“When we started out, it was easy –

you just shouted across the room to get something done,” he says.

Second-tier English soccer side Middlesbrough have expanded their partnership with Cornerstone Business Solutions.

The IT firm, which has been the Championship outfit’s technology partner since 2008, has been named as the club’s first-ever shorts sponsor, in a deal which will see the Teesside-based company’s logo adorn the back of all first-team players’ home and away shorts for the duration of the 2017/18 season.

The enhanced agreement also ensures that Cornerstone will continue its sponsorship of Boro’s matchday family zone and official mobile app.

Lee Fryett, Middlesbrough’s head of partnerships, said: “Although shorts sponsorships have been in place elsewhere this is a first for the club. We had a lot of interest in sponsoring the shorts but we’re delighted that Cornerstone’s name will appear on our kit as the firm has been a loyal partner and supporter of the club for many years.”

Chris Petty, managing director of Cornerstone Business Solutions, said: “It’s a fantastic buzz for everyone at Cornerstone to be sponsoring part of the Boro kit. We have a close and long-term working relationship with the football club and this naturally strengthens our partnership in a very tangible way.”

Middlesbrough, who were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2016/17 season, are ninth in the Championship following their goalless draw at home to Preston North End on Saturday. They play their next game away to bottom side Bolton Wanderers on 9th September.

http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/middlesbrough-expand-cornerstone-partnership

Teesside IT leaders Cornerstone Business Solutions have strengthened their links with Middlesbrough Football Club by becoming the Championship side’s new Shorts Sponsors, in a move that is a first for Boro.

As part of the deal, the logo of the Stockton-based business IT firm will appear at the base of the back of all home and away shorts worn by Boro’s first team squad during the 2016-17 Championship season.

Cornerstone’s name joined fellow kit sponsors Ramsdens and Durham Tees Valley Airport on the Boro kit from the home game with Preston North End on Saturday.

Cornerstone has been Middlesbrough FC’s Official Technology Partner since 2008, sponsoring the Riverside Stadium’s popular Family Zone.

Lee Fryett, Middlesbrough FC’s head of partnerships, said: “Although shorts sponsorships have been in place elsewhere this is a first for the club.

“We had a lot of interest in sponsoring the shorts but we’re delighted that Cornerstone’s name will appear on our kit as the firm has been a loyal partner and supporter of the club for many years.

“It’s very fitting that Cornerstone should join Ramsdens and Durham Tees Valley Airport as the club’s kit sponsors, as all three are passionate and ambitious local brands.”

Cornerstone managing director Chris Petty, a lifelong Middlesbrough supporter pictured above (right) with Boro boss Garry Monk, said: “It’s a fantastic buzz for everyone at Cornerstone to be sponsoring part of the Boro kit.

“As a Teesside firm that’s focused on supporting local businesses, you’ve got to be excited to see your brand on the Boro kit. What better way to celebrate your Boro support?

“We have a close and long-term working relationship with the football club and this naturally strengthens our partnership in a very tangible way.

“We’re a fast-growing business who – just like the Boro – have big ambitions for the next 12 months. We’re really going for it on the back of new contract wins and this will certainly get our name out there.

“I’m very confident they’ll be promoted this season so this type of opportunity won’t realistically be there once Boro are back in the Premier League, so we’re delighted to be on board.”

Cornerstone, whose key clients also include training firm TTE, Butterwick Hospice and Cameron’s Brewery, kicked off the new football season by supplying IT equipment to new Boro manager Garry Monk and his coaching team.

Cornerstone ensured the new Boro coaching team have all the Apple technology they need at their fingertips as the club looks to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt following last season’s relegation.

Petty added: “The use of technology is ever increasing within the professional game in terms of the backroom staff working with it to prepare and inform the players ahead of each game.

“All of the club’s IT equipment – both at the Rockliffe Park training HQ and in the commercial operations at the Riverside Stadium – has been supplied by Cornerstone.

“It’s great to know the equipment we’ve supplied is being used by Garry Monk and his team. We’re hoping to play our own small part in helping Boro bounce back by winning promotion this season, whilst also helping the business side of the club continue to thrive.”

Last summer Cornerstone further strengthened its bond with its flagship client by carrying out a major contract to upgrade the Riverside Stadium’s cabling and increase internet speeds including the installation of high-quality CAT6 cabling to the refurbished media facilities, corporate suites, office locations and kitchens.

Cornerstone’s IT engineering department have also been providing critical support at the Riverside Stadium on match days.

The partnership means Cornerstone also sponsor the club’s Technology Zone within the Riverside Stadium’s popular East Stand Family Zone, featuring arcade machines and giving young fans the chance to take on members of the Boro first team squad at FIFA 17 on a large screen within the concourse.

Cornerstone also hire a match day executive box at the Riverside whilst sponsoring the official MFC app.

http://teesbusiness.co.uk/2017/08/29/cornerstone-unveiled-as-boro-shorts-sponsors/

Leading IT specialist Cornerstone Business Solutions has warned that hundreds of Teesside organisations could be leaving themselves wide open to cyber-attacks similar to the one that paralysed NHS systems over the weekend. Their managing director Chris Petty has issued the following advice for organisations to follow to help protect their IT security…

A number of hospital trusts are still suffering ongoing disruption following last Friday’s ransomware virus that is believed to have affected 200,000 machines in 150 countries.

But Teesside organisations would be making a big mistake to believe the danger had now passed.

We don’t want to spread any unnecessary alarm, but it’s very possible that hundreds, maybe even thousands of North-East firms are leaving themselves wide open to cyber-attack, especially smaller businesses.

Although it has only hit the headlines following the attack on the NHS at the end of last week, this particular ransomware has been around for a while – and it’s fair to assume it’s not about to disappear.

Cyber-attacks are a real and present danger. We know of several local organisations that have been the subject of this particular ransomware in the past.

It’s crazy for an organisation with the size and importance of the NHS to have had systems running on Windows XP. Microsoft ceased to support XP a couple of years ago, which means there have been no security updates.

Like any organisation running an out-of-date system, the NHS was leaving itself wide open to a cyber-attack. Quite frankly, they have been relying on a system that I wouldn’t recommend to my grandma.

Anyone who is still on XP should be looking to urgently update. It’s crazy to have kit of that age. IT equipment typically has a three-year lifespan, though most organisations probably wait five years to update their kit.

Of course, everyone thinks ‘it won’t happen to me’, but I’ve seen a grown man cry after losing all of his data from his PC. He basically ran his entire business from his computer so he lost everything because he had failed to carry out regular backups.

Ultimately, though, there is no need to panic. The most sensible thing for everyone to consider is to avoid opening emails if they are in any way suspicious of their contents or the sender. Simply delete it completely.

Here’s our advice for organisations to follow to help protect their IT security:

Backups
Backing up your data on a daily basis is the most important action. This will mean that even the worst case scenario means losing only a day’s data. Business that do carry out daily backups should also check that the backup is working as it should, paying particular attention to any notifications they receive. An offsite backup solution is safest.

AntiVirus
All businesses and individuals should ensure that their antivirus is up-to-date and enabled. Antivirus should be installed on every server, PC, laptop and tablet within a network. If you have machines that have not been used for a while, check to make sure they have the required protection before connecting them to your networks. Don’t rely on free antivirus protection. This may provide some protection but it is not enough. It’s the equivalent of having a house alarm that only protects your back door.

Malware Protection
Malware is software specifically designed to disrupt, damage or gain access to a computer system.
Some Antivirus products claim to offer Malware protection as well as Antivirus Protection. There is no product on the market that can rightly claim this, so a product specifically designed to protect against Malware is recommended, in addition to a recognised and up-to-date Antivirus product.

Security Policy
All staff should reset their passwords immediately and ensure that the new password includes: i) At least eight characters, ii) At least one uppercase, iii) One number and one special character.

Windows Updates
Ensure your machines are fully up-to-date with Windows Updates. If you haven’t checked or updated your machine for a while then do it now. Windows XP and Windows 2003 Server are no longer supported by Microsoft and are therefore vulnerable. Disconnect Windows XP PCs or laptops from your network.

Common Sense
Don’t open any emails that you are suspicious of. If you don’t recognise the sender then delete these emails immediately by pressing and holding the “shift” key and pressing delete. This will permanently delete the email instead of sending it to your deleted items. NEVER click on any hyperlinks in emails unless you are 100% sure of their source.

Chris Petty
Cornerstone Business Solutions

http://teesbusiness.co.uk/2017/05/17/how-to-avoid-leaving-yourself-wide-open-to-cyber-attack/