Monthly Archives: October 2023

Appointments, News

Electrolux UK & Ireland appoints new General Manager

Leading home appliance company, Electrolux, has announced Sara Erman as its new General Manager

Having worked in Electrolux Group for over seven years, Sara Erman starts the position with extensive knowledge of the business from working across a variety of roles within the company. Erman started her journey as a Marketing Director in 2016 and will bring not only a wealth of experience, but invigorating plans to her new role.

A global business leader, Erman has over 20 years’ experience in brand and marketing management following her role as Vice President of Direct-to-Consumer E-Commerce at Electrolux Group. Erman encourages growth not only within her team but throughout the company by intertwining strategy and operations through a transformational approach to brand development.

Erman comments on her new role: “I am delighted to be continuing my journey and taking on responsibility for Electrolux UK & Ireland during such an important time for our company. Not only am I committed to a strategy of continued investment in our brands to further accelerate the growth they have seen in recent years, but I also look forward to continuing our commitment to the Better Living Programme we implemented in 2019. As a leader in home appliances, Electrolux is perfectly positioned to assist consumers in living a more sustainable lifestyle and our innovative technology and product solutions, along with our brand and corporate partnerships, aim to answer that need.”

Erman succeeds Luke Harding who has been promoted into a Vice President role within the European business.

Also commenting on the announcement, Harding says, “Sara’s experience across Brand and commerce made her the perfect candidate to take on the General Manager role. Her innovative approach and hands-on expertise create an environment that fuels excitement and propels our brands forward, which is crucial as we seek to grow and innovate.”

Electrolux is continuing to explore new ways of maximising its contributions to society that flow across all areas of the business. The brand continues to adapt this approach through product innovation, key sustainability frameworks and commitment to shape living for the better.

News

11:11 Systems Announces New Case Study with Rivermark Community Credit Union 

Rivermark Community Credit Union Partners with 11:11 Systems for Data Protection and Business Continuity Transformation  

11:11 Systems (“11:11”), a managed infrastructure solutions provider, today announced a new case study with Rivermark Community Credit Union.

Founded more than 70 years ago, Rivermark Community Credit Union provides financial solutions to over 90,000 members across the Pacific Northwest. Rivermark is entrusted with making sure that all its data, including that of its members, is always running, accessible and protected.

As Rivermark’s data continued to grow so did their need for a more sophisticated backup and disaster recovery strategy. The team seized the opportunity to innovate and its digital-first approach led them to 11:11 Systems. With 11:11 DRaaS for Zerto, 11:11 Cloud Backup for Veeam Cloud Connect and 11:11 Cloud Backup for Microsoft 365 combined to offer ever-ready integrated and multi-layered security, Rivermark’s data will remain secure, continuously available, and easily recoverable while adhering to strict industry regulations and standards.

Scalability and recovery speed were key factors in Rivermark’s decision to select 11:11 Systems. This trusted partnership allows Rivermark to maintain performance metrics while continuing to grow its business.

Read the 11:11 and the Rivermark Community Credit Union case study  here.

 

ABOUT 11:11 SYSTEMS

11:11 Systems is a managed infrastructure solutions provider that holistically addresses the challenges of next-generation managed cloud, connectivity and security requirements. The 11:11 model empowers customers and partners to “Rethink Connected,” which includes integrated services that deliver increased performance, optimization and savings. Learn more at 1111Systems.com.

 

News

College explorers to scale great heights for menstrual health charity

A GROUP of intrepid explorers will again scale great heights for charity.

Led by Karl Jackson, the team from Coleg Cambria are aiming to raise more than £1,000 for Menstrual Health Project (MHP) by taking on the Cairngorm 4000s later this month.

They will brave the elements while journeying over three days across the 4,000ft+ mountains of the region, in Scotland’s eastern highlands, and camping in the wild.

Assistant Principal for the Institute of Technology and site lead at the college’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham, Karl hopes the public will back their challenge and help the campaign, which was founded by friends Anna Cooper and Gabz Pearson.

“We are pleased to again be supported by the Anwyl Group as we take on another huge adventure for a brilliant cause,” he said.

“This is an incredible independent charity which is already having a major impact in supporting women nationwide, so we want to raise as much as we can to help them continue that amazing work.”

This latest fundraising drive comes just months after 16 staff from Bersham Road took on the Welsh Three Peaks in aid of Stepping Stones North Wales, climbing Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan in just 22 hours.

Menstrual Health Project’s mission is to provide practical support for those suffering with menstrual health concerns and conditionals, providing educational tools and resources.

Gabz and Anna created the organisation having struggled with endometriosis, and found nowhere to turn to for guidance and support.

“Endometriosis has impacted our lives considerably and is extremely debilitating,” they said.

“It is a constant battle of fatigue, pain, is emotionally draining and has social limitations.

“We decided it was time to use the knowledge and experience we have gathered to create something positive, channelling our passion for advocating and raising awareness, not only about endometriosis but all menstrual health concerns and conditions.”

Emma Williams-Tully, Fundraising Trustee for Menstrual Health Project, added: “We are incredibly grateful for Karl and his team’s amazing fundraising efforts and for taking on such a challenge to ensure our charity can have vital funds.

“MHP is so thankful they have chosen to support us so we can help those who need it the most through educational resources such as toolkits, educational talks and workshops.

“Being a new charity means word of mouth is essential for us so we can grow and continue all the work we do.

“People like Karl and the team from Cambria are so kind, thoughtful, and empathetic to take time out of their lives to do something so selfless.

“Thank you again for supporting us, we wish them the best of luck with this epic challenge.”

To sponsor the team from Coleg Cambria, visit the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/karl-jackson-1.

Visit www.menstrualhealthproject.org.uk for more news and information from Menstrual Health Project.

News

From startup to beyond: PaperCut Software celebrates 25 years of planet-saving print management

PaperCut Software is proud to announce its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of crafting smart planet-saving print management software. Since its humble origins in 1998, PaperCut has grown to an industry-leading print management vendor, spending two and a half decades helping 100 million users from 100,000 organisations in 195 countries to minimise waste with a secure and easy printing experience. PaperCut calculates that to date its solutions have enabled customers to prevent 3.2B pages from being printed, which amounts to 386,391 trees saved over 25 years.

PaperCut’s founders’ shock at the amount of paper wasted through print drove the team to establish PaperCut in 1998 to help ensure more thoughtful and environmentally-friendly printing. The company’s solutions – which can scale to accommodate the needs of SMEs to large corporates – combined with its values, has seen it attract many customers in many sectors ranging from education to healthcare, local government, and legal; such is the trust in the brand, 1 in 3 schools in the U.K. already use PaperCut.

In its 25 years, the company has been witness to some of the major changes in print and the workplace; from the move from mono to colour devices, the emergence of the networked MFP, the transition to print in the cloud, and, most recently, the adoption of hybrid working models.

Reflecting on how the last quarter of a century has evolved, one of PaperCut’s founders and its CEO, Chris Dance, said: “It’s amazing to think that 25 years ago this little bit of software to help Parkdale Secondary College would grow into what it has. An anniversary is a great time to reflect and an opportunity to say thank you to our customers and partners. For me, the highlight has been working with our customers and partners to truly create great software together. There is something magic about building something as a team. PaperCut was founded on the vision of being a 100-year company. 25 years down, 75 to go.”

 

About PaperCut Software

Around the world, people continue to wrestle with printing costs and complexity – and PaperCut is solving both one workplace at a time. Since 1998, PaperCut has helped over 139 million users in 195 countries save over three billion pages of paper. Today, businesses of all shapes and sizes enjoy unbeatable control, security, and savings in their printing. Learn more at www.papercut.com.

Music

The Legacy of The Ramones

Whether or not you’ve listened to The Ramones before there is a good chance that you have heard of them. This can be attributed in part due to their logo being replicated on clothing items sold at high street shops and bought for its perceived coolness factor by many people who may not necessarily know much about the band itself.

However despite this phenomenon, those familiar with The Ramones are deserving of their fame and legacy because they were an incredibly powerful musical force – especially live – whose influence continues even today long after they stopped performing and recording new material.  Their impact has been felt across countless other bands since then making it clear why so many continue to hold them in such high regard. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of experiencing what makes them truly great do yourself a favour and give some of their music a listen! You won’t regret it.

The task of capturing the raw vitality that defined The Ramones’ live performances on record was no easy feat according to Paul Miles from Select Recording Studios. Attending any one of their shows during peak performance periods would have been an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to be there – such is the legendary status surrounding these hallowed dates in music history!

The London Roundhouse hosted an unforgettable date on July 4th, 1976 that marked a turning point for punk music in England. This event is widely regarded as the moment when punk burst out of obscurity and into mainstream consciousness across London’s capital city. It remains one of the most significant moments in rock history.

The Ramones, hailing from Queens in New York City released their self titled album with an opening track that would become iconic – Blitzkrieg Bop. The song was accompanied by the exhilarating “Hey ho! Lets go!” line which set off a chain reaction of excitement among listeners worldwide upon its release on May 1976. It is no overstatement to say that this record changed the face of music forever; paving way for other punk bands who adopted similar styles and approaches towards creating music. focusing solely on energy rather than technical prowess or complexity. This minimalist approach resulted in some truly memorable tracks like those produced by The Ramones themselves whose talent lay not only in paring down but also in making it sound so good!

The Ramones are often associated with the punk movement but they were much more than just another band in that genre. They had a unique sound that drew inspiration from various sources including MC5, Sabbath and The Stooges – this gave them an edge over other acts at the time who only focused on replicating what was already popular within their scene. Their music resonated beyond any label or classification; it transcended boundaries and continues to be celebrated today as timeless rock n roll classics.

The Ramones were a game changing force in the world of music. Hailing from Forest Hills, Queens these young men left an indelible mark on so many important bands that followed them. Without their influence its hard to imagine what rock and punk would look like today – or even if those genres would exist at all! From Nirvana’s grunge sound to Poison Ideas hardcore approach The Clashes politically charged anthems and beyond- theres no denying how much they influenced others with their unique style and attitude. songwriting prowess and stage presence.

And let us not forget The Beastie Boys who sampled The Ramones on “High Plains Drifter” as just one example of how far reaching this groups impact truly was. Their legacy is undeniable: without them modern music might be vastly different than it currently stands today. That kind of power speaks volumes about their importance within popular culture history.

 

Image:

Concert by the touring Ramones, at the New Yorker Theater, by Pilsmo, CC BY-SA 3.0

Appointments, News

AML Group Announces New Hires

AML Group has today announced two new appointments: Aidan Williams joins as Junior Strategist and Robyn Simpson as Marketing Manager.

Aidan joins the strategy team at AML from ski tech start-up, Carv, where his role covered a broad mix of disciplines including: brand positioning, web design and email marketing. He joins a busy  and growing strategy team headed up by Christian Barnes and will work across a number of key accounts.

Robyn joins AML Group from a sustainability marketing role at Ulster University and will be responsible for AML’s comms and marketing programme.

Commenting on the new appointments Tim Lloyd, MD, AML Group says: “It gives me real pleasure to welcome Aidan and Robyn to the AML family. Two exceptional individuals with an instinctive understanding of our ‘simple ideas for a complicated world’ positioning – I know they will have a positive impact on the business.”

Business & Property News

What Provides Structural Reinforcement for Buildings

Buildings stay up because of the proper structural reinforcement. Learn what provides structural reinforcement in buildings in this guide.

Do you know a little about what goes into making a building stronger and more safe? You must have them, as they play a critical role in its overall function.

If you don’t know much about it, you need to ask a reliable expert! In this comprehensive article, we’ll talk about what provides structural reinforcement for buildings, so that you can understand how they work, how they’re built, and how they comply with building standards.

Read on!

Steel Reinforcement Bars (Rebar)

Steel reinforcement bars, or shear reinforcement bars known as rebar, provide structural reinforcement for buildings. This material is an extremely common household item, and it is used in all kinds of construction projects.

Rebar is available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and grades, and it is the most common material used for structural upgrade projects. It is made of steel which is:

  • strong
  • durable
  • corrosion-resistant

This makes it a preferred choice for buildings. It is used to strengthen and reinforce concrete structures. It can also be used to support steel structures, improve seismic performance, and resist wind and lateral forces.

The rebar is either wrapped around a structural member or threaded through it, and the rebar in a structure can also be welded together if needed. Rebar provides a strong support structure for buildings.

Concrete Masonry Units

Concrete masonry units and concrete piles are an integral component of building construction. Concrete masonry units are made from concrete that is formed into blocks or bricks. These units are incredibly strong and durable and can support large loads. This makes them ideal for structural reinforcement.

They are also versatile and can be used in various forms, including:

  • beams
  • columns
  • walls
  • foundations

Concrete masonry units act as a substrate for other building materials, providing an additional layer of protection. Furthermore, they are fire-resistant and able to withstand destructive forces, making them essential for durable, long-lasting structures. Concrete masonry units are an economical solution to provide the concrete structure needed in buildings. This is because they are easy to manufacture.

Shear Walls

Shear walls provide structural reinforcement for buildings, playing a key role in the continuous load path in a building’s structural system. Shear walls are vertical or horizontal elements that resist lateral forces acting in two directions on the walls, such as:

  • wind
  • seismic
  • other loads

This allows shear walls to work better than bracing and diagonal braces for providing structural reinforcement. Shear walls are typically made with reinforced concrete or sheathing board. The materials and the sizes are chosen according to building size and geographical location.

Building codes provide design guidance for shear walls. This gives specifications for bracing elements. It’s also used for the proportioning of vertical and horizontal members, anchorage connection, and other details. As with any structural element, shear walls require the right design and engineering to perform effectively.

Understand Different Structural Reinforcement

Buildings must have structural reinforcement to remain safe and functional. Steel and concrete are two materials that provide the necessary reinforcement.

By incorporating these materials, you can ensure your building is safe and secure. Talk to professionals who specialize in structural reinforcement for more information.

For more topics, visit our blog. We’ve got more!

Business Advice

Spotless Success: The Essential Role of Commercial Cleaning Across Key Business Sectors

The Importance of Commercial Cleaning Across Business Sectors

In an increasingly globalised world, businesses are not just competing on products or services, but also on presentation, environment, and the overall experience they offer to their clients and employees. One of the fundamental aspects of this is the cleanliness and hygiene of their premises. Regardless of the sector, a well-maintained space speaks volumes about a company’s values, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.

From retail outlets to hospitals, from gyms to film studios, cleanliness plays a pivotal role. It not only ensures a safe and healthy environment but also reflects the brand’s image and ethos. A clean workplace can enhance employee morale, reduce sick days, and even increase productivity. For customers, a spotless environment can enhance their overall experience, leading to longer visits, more purchases, or better reviews.

The Role of Cleanliness in Business Reputation and Profitability

In today’s digital age, where reviews can be posted in real-time and shared with millions, the stakes have never been higher. A single negative review about a dirty restroom or an untidy showroom can tarnish a brand’s reputation, potentially leading to lost sales and opportunities. On the flip side, businesses that prioritise cleanliness can see a direct impact on their bottom line. Clean spaces can attract more customers, foster loyalty, and even justify premium pricing in some cases.

Moreover, in sectors like healthcare or food services, cleanliness isn’t just about reputation; it’s a matter of safety and compliance. Proper commercial cleaning ensures that businesses meet industry regulations and standards, avoiding potential fines or legal actions.

In the sections that follow, we will delve deeper into the specific needs and benefits of commercial cleaning across various business sectors, highlighting the undeniable connection between a clean space and business success.

Retail & Supermarkets

Why Cleanliness Matters in Retail Spaces

The bustling aisles of a supermarket or the elegant displays of a retail store are often the first points of physical contact between a brand and its customers. As such, ensuring these spaces are immaculate is of utmost importance. Cleanliness in retail isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a shopping experience that feels safe, inviting, and premium.

Addressing High Traffic Areas: Challenges and Solutions

Retail spaces and supermarkets often see a high volume of foot traffic. Fitting rooms, checkout counters, trolley bays, and entrance areas are constantly in use, making them prone to wear and tear, and more importantly, dirt and grime. Regular cleaning, using the right equipment and eco-friendly products, can ensure these spaces remain sparkling, reducing the risk of germ transmission and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Techniques and Equipment Tailored for Retail Spaces

The diverse nature of items and spaces within retail outlets demands a tailored approach to cleaning. For instance, electronic sections may require anti-static cleaning solutions, while food aisles in supermarkets need disinfectants that are safe for food contact surfaces. Professional commercial cleaning services often employ advanced techniques like steam cleaning for carpets, electrostatic spraying for disinfection, and HEPA-filter vacuums to ensure thorough dust removal.

Profitability Impact: How Clean Stores Boost Sales

A clean store isn’t just about maintaining a brand’s image; it directly influences sales. Studies have shown that consumers tend to spend more time in clean stores, increasing the likelihood of purchases. Moreover, cleanliness plays a critical role in word-of-mouth marketing. A pleasant shopping experience, accentuated by a clean environment, can lead to positive reviews and recommendations, driving more foot traffic and, by extension, sales.

Hospitality: Kitchens & Hotels

Significance of Cleanliness in Hospitality

In the hospitality sector, cleanliness directly impacts customer trust. Whether it’s a hotel room or a restaurant kitchen, maintaining impeccable hygiene is paramount for safety and reputation.

Deep Cleaning in Commercial Kitchens

Kitchens, the heart of restaurants, require regular deep cleaning. With a myriad of ingredients and high heat, grease buildup is common. Ensuring thorough commercial kitchen deep cleaning not only complies with health regulations but also enhances food safety and quality.

Hotel Deep Cleaning: Beyond the Basics

Hotels cater to a diverse clientele, making deep cleaning vital. It’s not just about tidy beds; it’s about ensuring every corner, from the bathroom tiles to the remote control, is germ-free. A clean room elevates the guest experience, leading to better reviews and repeat bookings.

Hygiene: A Pillar of Customer Satisfaction

In hospitality, customer satisfaction hinges on many factors, with cleanliness at the forefront. A pristine environment ensures guests feel valued, safe, and more likely to return.

Industrial: High-Level & Warehouse Cleaning

Scope of Industrial Cleaning

Industrial settings, be it manufacturing units or storage warehouses, have unique cleaning challenges. Due to the nature of operations, these spaces are prone to dust accumulation, chemical spills, and other hazards.

High-Level Cleaning: Reaching New Heights

In large facilities, dust and grime can settle in hard-to-reach areas, like overhead beams or high shelves. Using specialised equipment, high-level cleaning ensures these spots remain as clean as ground-level spaces, preventing potential hazards and maintaining a safe environment.

Warehouse Cleaning: Beyond Storage

Warehouses are more than just storage spaces; they’re hubs of logistic operations. Keeping them clean ensures products remain uncontaminated, machinery operates efficiently, and workers stay safe. Regular warehouse cleaning also reduces pest infestations, a common concern in large storage areas.

Safety and Efficiency: Two Sides of the Same Coin

In industrial settings, cleanliness directly impacts operational efficiency and safety. Well-maintained spaces reduce the risk of accidents, equipment malfunctions, and ensure smoother workflows, making cleanliness an investment in productivity.

Leisure: Gyms & Film Studios

Wellness in Fitness: The Gym Cleanliness Quotient

Gyms, with their high-touch equipment and sweaty environments, are prime spots for germ proliferation. Ensuring these spaces are disinfected regularly is essential not only for member health but also for retaining clientele. After all, members are more likely to frequent a gym that smells fresh and looks spotless.

Film Studios: Behind-the-Scenes Cleanliness

While audiences see the glitz and glamour on screen, maintaining a clean film studio behind the scenes is crucial. From makeup rooms to set pieces, ensuring every space is tidy prevents equipment damage, reduces post-production delays, and ensures the well-being of the cast and crew.

A Clean Space: Enhancing Leisure Experiences

Whether lifting weights or shooting a scene, the environment plays a significant role in the leisure experience. Clean spaces ensure safety, improve efficiency, and elevate the overall experience for everyone involved.

Conclusion

The Pervasive Need for Commercial Cleaning Across Sectors

From the bustling aisles of supermarkets to the quiet corridors of hospitals, the importance of commercial cleaning resonates universally across business sectors. Cleanliness is not a mere accessory to business operations; it’s a foundational pillar that upholds brand reputation, ensures safety, and fosters trust.

Investing in Quality Cleaning: A Business Imperative

In today’s competitive landscape, businesses can’t afford to cut corners when it comes to maintaining their premises. Investing in top-tier commercial cleaning services not only safeguards the health of employees and customers but also solidifies a company’s standing in the market.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

As businesses evolve and adapt to changing consumer expectations, the emphasis on cleanliness remains constant. It’s a universal standard that speaks volumes about a company’s values and commitment to excellence. For businesses aiming to make a mark and stand out, prioritising commercial cleaning is not just recommended; it’s essential.

Awards, Farming & Agriculture, Mid Wales, News

Tom finally receives Points of Light award eight years after presentation

Prominent Mid Wales farmer Tom Evans, MBE, has finally received a Points of Light award presented to him at the Royal Welsh Show in 2015 by then Prime Minister David Cameron.

Tom received an envelope from Mr Cameron but, due to an oversight by the Prime Minister’s team, there was no certificate inside. The award was to recognise his outstanding contribution to agriculture, Young Farmers Clubs and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS).

Now, eight years later, former Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) chief executive Steve Hughson and Brecon and Radnor MP Fay Jones have rectified the mistake.

They travelled to Tom’s Beulah home last week to present the certificate, this time signed by current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, to him.

 

Points of Light awards are presented by the Prime Minister to outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community.

A retired sheep farmer, Tom is renowned as the ‘voice of Welsh shearing’, having commentated for nearly 40 years at the Royal Welsh Show, the Three Counties Show and world championship shearing competitions across the globe.

 

Tom was presented with an MBE in 2020 by King Charles, who was Prince of Wales at the time, at Buckingham Palace for services to farming heritage.

At this year’s Royal Welsh Show, he launched his autobiography ‘Where the Hell’s the Time Gone: A Life in Farming’, a fascinating account of his life.

Steve only recently discovered that Tom, who has suffered ill health, had never received his Points of Light award, so set about rectifying the oversight with Fay’s support.

 

Helped by Tom’s daughter, Amanda and grandson, Greg, the pair arranged a surprise presentation at his home. Tom said he was delighted to have finally received the award from the current Prime Minister and thanked Fay and Steve for rectifying this error.

He had been surprised when, on arriving home after the 2015 Royal Welsh Show in 2015, that there was no certificate enclosed, he added.

“Even an MBE and now this certificate doesn’t feel quite enough to recognise Tom’s enormous contribution to his community,” said Fay. “He is a truly great man and I’m so proud to have played a tiny part in getting him his certificate.

“I have always enjoyed my chats with Tom in the market or at local shows and this meeting was no different, still full of brilliant stories and a sharp message for politicians. His book is a hilarious account of a life dedicated to farming.  I am so very proud to know him and his wonderful family.”

 

Steve added: “As former RWAS chief executive, I understand the huge contribution that Tom has made to agriculture and rural skills and simply wanted to do something for him. Getting this certificate seemed appropriate.

“Knowing Tom is an honour. Amongst his many achievements, he was instrumental in securing the future of the World Shearing Championships and he is, of course, a champion hedger, having worked alongside King Charles at Highgrove.

“I am delighted that we were able to surprise Tom with this certificate and we all offer him our very best wishes as he deals with his ongoing health issues.”

 

Picture caption:

Tom Evans finally receives his Points of Light award from Steve Hughson watched by Fay Jones, MP and Amanda Thomas, Tom’s daughter.

 

Cybersecurity, Tech Thought Leadership, Thought Leadership

From Weak Link to Impenetrable Shield: Empowering Employees to Reduce Cyber Risk

Written by Anurag Lal, President, and CEO of NetSfere

 A major risk exposure for enterprises today is cyber risk with 84% of organisations experiencing one or more breaches in 2022. Enterprises are working daily to combat cyber threats which are growing in frequency and sophistication. When successful these threats have costly reputational, legal, and financial repercussions. IBM’s most recent Cost of a Data Breach report revealed that in 2023 the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.45 million , which is a 15% increase over the last 3 years.

A majority of data breaches – 74% – involved the human element. Humans make mistakes.

Cybercriminals are very aware of this and work overtime to exploit that fallibility, attacking people more often than technology to gain access to networks and systems. Research from cybersecurity company Fortinet found that 81% of organisations faced malware, phishing, and password attacks last year which were mainly targeted at users. Fortinet noted that this data “underscores that employees can be an organisation’s weakest point or one of its most powerful defences”.

As the risk of cyber threats continues to increase, enterprises can significantly reduce that risk by empowering employees to become an impenetrable shield against cyberattacks, proactively stopping these attacks before they start.

To help employees become powerful security assets, organisations should take the following proactive steps:

 

Establish a strong security culture

Establishing a strong security culture is critical for mitigating cyber risk and reducing the potential of costly data breaches. An enterprise-wide commitment to cybersecurity makes for a shared responsibility across the organisation, creating an environment where everyone understands their role in reducing cyber risk.

Making employees partners in advancing a security-conscious culture encourages cyber-secure behaviours and attitudes and helps minimise risky behaviours such as using unauthorised apps, accessing malicious websites, and clicking on suspicious links in e-mails.

 

Provide secure collaboration tools

When employees are provided with secure collaboration platforms, they will not turn to unsecure messaging and collaboration tools that expand the cyberattack surface in organisations.

Many consumer-grade messaging apps and unsecure collaboration tools do not have the enterprise-grade security, compliance and governance features needed to keep organisations secure. Bad actors are well aware of the vulnerabilities in these less-than-secure tools, tailoring their attack mechanisms to these channels. Research shows that cyberattack numbers increased 38% in 2022 compared to 2021, driven up “by smaller, more agile hacker and ransomware gangs who widened their aim to target business collaboration tools”.

 

Using a secure, user-friendly all-in-one platform which is designed for the enterprise with end-to-end encryption (E2EE) reduces the attack surface and keep organisations secure. E2EE locks down sensitive data in transit and at rest, ensuring that only the sender and receiver can read messages. Secure by-design collaboration technology like this provides employees with a convenient and frictionless way to share ideas, files, and data without compromising the security of networks and systems.

 

Set and enforce clear policies

Employees can become one of the most effective security controls in an organisation when clear cybersecurity policies are established, communicated, and enforced. Policies prohibiting the use of shadow IT (the use of unsanctioned applications that are not monitored and managed by the enterprise IT department) are particularly important for employees to be aware of and understand.

The danger of employee use of shadow IT lies in the lack of IT control. IT teams can’t control what they don’t know about which can lead to unauthorised access to an organisation’s IT infrastructure, according to Randori’s State of Attack Surface Management 2022 report.

Policies prohibiting the use of shadow IT means employees will avoid using apps and tools that can increase enterprise risk exposure to data breaches and compliance violations.

 

Provide training

When employees are trained to recognise cyber threats, they are better equipped to identify, report, and prevent cyberattacks.

Providing regular cybersecurity training that educates employees on common threats such as phishing, malware and social engineering teaches them best practices for password management, secure remote working and data handling reduces the risk of human error, helping employees take proactive steps to protect sensitive company data and information.

 

Cybersecurity tools alone are not enough

Tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems and VPNs help defend against potential cyber threats, but they are not enough to fend off cybercriminals. Effectively combatting cyber threats and reducing cyber risks today requires organisations to empower employees to become an impenetrable shield in cyber securing the enterprise. A strong security culture, secure collaboration platforms, clear policies, and cybersecurity training are the way forward to achieving that.