How Application Rationalisation Can Save Your Business Money

How Application Rationalisation Can Save Your Business Money

When was the last time you audited your organisation’s application portfolio – all the software that’s currently sitting in your network? If you preside over a particularly large IT network with many users, the chances are you’ll be quite shocked at what you find.

More importantly, however, there’s a good chance that you’ll be surprised at just how much software waste is costing your business.

You may be paying for software applications you don’t really need. You may be paying for multiple application licences when you only need one. That’s needless waste that directly impacts your bottom line.

To perform a full application usage audit across all your user accounts, devices and networks would take you away from your primary responsibilities. Not only that; once the results are in, it is potentially much more time and effort to deal with the duplications and unused software titles.

That’s where Workspace IT can help. We offer a comprehensive application rationalisation service that separates the wheat from the chaff. Most organisations will have a tool or software product to audit installed software. This may be a specialist monitoring product, or it could be your deployment tool such as Config Manager, Intune or ManageEngine. Workspace IT can take the output and use it to identify redundant software and streamline your entire portfolio.

In short, our software waste experts can help decide which applications you need, which can be consolidated, and which can be reduced or permanently deleted.

Want to find out more about our approach to application rationalisation? Keep reading!

Software Underutilisation Is Costing Your Business in a Number of Ways

The most obvious cost of underutilised software is the upfront cost of the software or licences. If your business genuinely benefits from a particular application, great! Embrace it. Double down on it. Make it the go-to application in your business. But if only Bob from accounts is using it while your other 200 employees are using something else, it has to go.

Whether it’s CRM software or accounting applications, underutilised software is eating into your profitability. Redundant, dormant and duplicate licenses are also a big problem. Given the right raw information, our end-user computing specialists can review and optimise resource utilisation to prevent some or all of these potential pitfalls.

Wasted Resources

Some business software is paid for via a licence or subscription – based on the required features and user count. If you don’t need all the features or most users are utilising alternative applications that do the same job, you’re pretty much throwing money away.

If 90% of your employees use McAfee but you’re paying for multiple AVG licences, you’re needlessly wasting money. The same goes for CRM software, word processing packages, accounting platforms and countless other applications.

Security and Compliance Risks

All applications receive regular updates and security patches. Even for a single application with multiple end-users, staying on top of these essential security updates can be a logistical nightmare unless you have the necessary expertise and specialised software. If you have five applications to manage, your workload and risk factors increase five-fold. In short, the more applications you have – regardless of how often they’re used – the greater the risk of data breaches and cyber threats.

Remove Freeware

Freeware software can be a risk to an organisation. It rarely comes with any warranty or support and is often littered with advertisements or requests for donations. Vulnerabilities in the software are common and there is no guarantee that the developer will make any effort to address them. An enterprise business should not reply on freeware, if there is a business need for software to perform a particular function, it should be paid for, supported and maintained. The team at Workspace IT will identify these products and highlight opportunities to improve your security posture.

Decreased Productivity

Perhaps you’re paying for a great application that no one is using. Whether it’s due to a lack of training or operational issues, underutilising a valuable application might lead to members of your team performing vital functions manually or turning to less capable alternatives. The results include less efficient workflows, slower processing times and missed automation opportunities.

Employee Frustration

It’s easy to become frustrated when you’re trying to deliver a project, and seven members of your team are using seven different applications. When this is the case, software is rarely optimised, which can exacerbate frustrations and lead to low morale levels and higher staff turnover rates.

Reduced Competitiveness

When you’re utilising multiple applications when sticking to the best one for the job will suffice, you’re probably not using any of those applications to their full potential. This can leave you at a competitive disadvantage and prevent your organisation from scaling up when growth starts to kick in.

Higher Training Costs

If you stick to a single PDF solution across your organisation, you can deliver one training session to address features. If you have 10 PDF editor solutions in operation, however, you’ll need 10 different training sessions. That’s expensive. It’s also needlessly time-consuming.

The Benefits of Removing Unused Software

Now imagine the expert team of end-user computing specialists from Workspace IT is on the case. After reviewing the software inventory or usage reports, they identify the software that can be removed without affecting your operations. The benefits are as impressive as they are tangible.

Cost Savings

Why pay for five licenses when one covers all your users? Why use three FTP programs when one will do? You’re paying for software you simply don’t need. Get rid of it, and you can save a significant amount of money – improving your cash flow and freeing up capital for long-term investments in your business.

Improved Security

The more applications you have, the more vulnerabilities you have – it really is that simple. By drastically reducing the number of applications and software licences on your system, you drastically reduce the number of cyber threats you must contend with. Also, by streamlining your software environment, you make IT security and compliance a great deal easier, cheaper and more effective.

Enhanced Productivity

What happens when three people in your organisation are performing the same task using three different applications? Maybe nothing. However, there’s a chance that all three applications deliver very different results. Or, at the very least, they deliver results at different speeds.

Maybe some employees are confused about which application to use, so they use multiple options when only one will do. Switch to one software platform across your entire organisation, and you negate these potential issues and enhance productivity with minimal effort on your part.

Simplified Training and Onboarding

When you have multiple applications running concurrently in your organisation, the logistics involved in training and onboarding everyone are mind-blowing. But when you whittle your software down to just one title, you can simplify and streamline your training processes – saving you time, money and a lot of headaches!

Improved Decision-Making

If everyone in your organisation uses a single application, the data and insights you get will be high-quality, reliable, and contemporaneous – and that’s a recipe for better-informed decision-making. Get rid of the noise and irrelevant metrics produced by having multiple applications running at once, and drill down on the data that really matters.

Improved Collaborative Working

It stands to reason that collaborations between people and departments in an organisation are easier and more efficient when everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. And by hymn sheet, we mean software application. You won’t need to call a meeting to discuss processes and communication methods every time you decide to collaborate if everyone is already using a particular tool from the outset.

Reclaim Value from Your Software Assets with Application Rationalisation

You really can have it all: lower costs, better decision-making, optimised resource allocation, enhanced IT security, streamlined operational processes and more. All you need to do is embrace application usage tracking and the insights it delivers.

Here at Workspace IT, we perform detailed and rigorous software rationalisations to identify needless software waste. Our approach to application rationalisation that leaves no stone unturned in pursuit of software to optimise.

Analysis of Your Software’s Productivity

A full assessment of your organisation’s use of applications provides application rationalisation experts with a clear picture of how your users perform their duties. The software that goes unused or underutilised is then flagged for review. Recommendations are made as to which applications are essential to overall productivity and which can be discarded.

Analysis of Potential Security and Compliance Risks

Applications that don’t receive regular updates and patches because they’re rarely used can jeopardise your entire system. Application rationalisation identifies these applications and assesses the security risks they represent. Using specialised software and a tried-and-tested process, IT specialists can identify unauthorised use of applications, policy violations and risks. To cut a long story short, this means a streamlined IT security process that’s easy to follow for all users.

Streamline Your Application Usage with the Help of Workspace IT

Application usage is a vital part of your operational efficiency. More importantly, it has a direct and significant impact on your organisation’s cost base. All we need to get started is the output from your existing software inventory. By removing redundant apps, streamlining processes, and getting all your users singing from the same hymn sheet, you can make a positive difference to both the service you deliver and the health of your bottom line.

Want to save your business a small fortune on software waste and inappropriate or profligate application usage? Get in touch today for an initial consultation.

PSAppDeployToolkit - What is it and why do we use it?

PSAppDeployToolkit - What is it and why do we use it? - written by Donald Leckie

What is the PSAppDeployToolkit?

The Powershell Application Deployment Toolkit or PSADT is an essential tool for the Application Packaging team at Workspace IT, not one day goes past without it. It is a powerful and robust wrapper, that I would encourage anyone who is into application packaging or application deployments to spend a little time getting familiar with.

What does the PSAppDeployToolkit do?

Well, if delivered as part of the payload or installation media of an app package, it can be used to control the installation. If you have multiple MSI's with MST's you can script them all in order and just call the overarching executable at launch and it will take care of the rest. Same if you have a few executables with various prerequisites. Yes, I did say "script" it, so why is it better than VBScripting, Command Prompt, or just plain Powershell? Well, let me answer by explaining why we use it.

Why do we use PSAppDeployToolkit?

PSADT is a very complete toolkit that already has inbuilt features for many scenarios that an applications packager will likely experience on a day to day basis. For example, there is an inbuilt command that can uninstall all versions of a particular application by name without needing the relevant MSI product code. You can use PSADT to copy files or directories into user profile locations at the point of install, meaning that you don’t have to wait for a reboot or for something like active setup to come in and copy those files in place. Similar tasks can be performed with user registry values.

Admittedly, this could all be done through any of the aforementioned scripting methods, so PSADT isn't really doing that much new if you look at it from a certain perspective. What it does do though, is it simplifies and puts all these options in one place. If you include PSADT as part of your packaging template, you will ensure a greater level of consistency and your method and process, and it makes future updates to an application package simpler and more straightforward.

Favourite Features

Two of my favorite features of PSADT are the logging, and the customization:

The logging is consistent and easy to read. It clearly tells you the exit codes or what is wrong with your package. Error handling is fairly robust, and the exit codes are well documented online. This makes PSADT easy to learn and troubleshoot. Customization isn't necessary for every application, but it is important if you have multiple customers with different requirements.

At Workspace IT we place our customers' needs and wants at the forefront of any solution. We have packages which deliver silently for the majority of customers, but we also cater to customers where an update to critical software at a time where they are using it could lose them their work. For this, we use PSADT to prompt users to check if it is ok to install, even if the deployment tool would otherwise allow it. And even yet, we have some niche or bespoke applications which just will not install silently or conventionally at all, and in some instances we have to rely on Send-Keys functionality to get the job done – again this is built in to PSADT should you require it. Custom dialogue prompts can be used to reassure the user as this is happening, if it is necessary. It isn't always pretty, but we can use it to get the job done where others can't.

PSAppDeployToolkit

Ultimately, I feel that PSADT is a value add to any App Packager who gets to know it. It works with most deployment platforms such as Config Manager, Intune or ManageEngine, so will be suitable for most environments. It can be as hands off or as hands on as you need it to be. I feel that it is a useful arrow in an application packager's quiver, and with the years of work that has been put into it already making it an excellent tool, and the stewardship it has received from PatchMyPC, I look forward to see what we can do with PSAppDeployToolkit next.

PSAppDeployToolkit

IGEL OS Creator for Windows (OSCW) - Enhanced

For those that don't know, IGEL have a Windows agent capable of converting Windows 7, 10 & 11 devices to OS11/12 - check it out here: IGEL OS Creator for Windows (OSCW)

Now this agent does a fantastic job of converting devices but requires some very specific conditions to in order for it to be usable. The pre-requisites can be found here: OSCW Prerequisites.

The main requirement that can hinder conversions is the fact that "All machines are in a network that can be reached by the UMS."

Why is this a problem?

Recently I was talking with a customer about how to convert remote devices in the easiest way possible. As we talked through the options available such as UDPocket, Bootable Installation Media, OSCW Agent it was clear that the first 2 options were not going to be suitable. Why? Imagine 200 devices, all working from home offices - That's a lot of home visits or sending USB devices around in the post!

The OSCW Agent would be of been ideal except for the home office part. Many of the users do not use a VPN and have no network access to the UMS. As the UMS cannot find the installed agent, send the required configuration files and instruct the agent to convert the device this wouldn't work.

Thinking outside the box

Now one thing the team at Workspace IT are fantastic at is "Thinking outside the box". So I started working through what I would need to cut out the need for the UMS but still utilise the OSCW.

One thing many customers have these days is an internet enabled remote management tool such as Microsoft Intune, ManageEngine, etc. Why is this important? Well because we can push software, updates and configurations to them without any direct network access...

After some investigation into how the OSCW agent works, some digging into Grub boot loaders and working through the requirements with the Application Packaging team at Workspace IT - we did it!

The Solution

We created an application that can be deployed by any application deployment tool that will enable remote conversion of a Windows device without the need for any physical visits. Without any user interaction at all if you wish.

We created 2 versions of this application:

See it in action

In this example, the application is deployed via Manage Engine:

IGEL OS Converter ManageEngine Deployment

Now the application has deployed successfully we can see the newly created Start Menu entry on the Windows device:

IGEL OS Converter Start Menu Entry

When the user clicks the entry as they are ready to convert, they get an intrusive countdown window until the conversion begins. Once the countdown has reached zero or the user clicked restart now, the process begins.

IGEL OS Converter Restart Prompt

Upton restart, the IGEL installation begins as pictured: (This is an unattended install)

IGEL OS Install

The IGEL Installation finishes and restarts for a final time.

The Device boots into its newly installed IGEL OS and begins the onboarding process. Once onboarding is complete the device restarts itself and is ready for the user to continue working from their newly installed IGEL OS. Hooray!

IGEL OS Onboarding

To see the full onboarding process give the 2 minute video below a watch.

This solved our customers problem and made the roll-out of IGEL OS12 incredibly hands off.

Disclaimer - This is not officially supported by IGEL, it was purpose built to provide a workaround to the problem detailed above.

Outside the box thinking -> Expert technical staff -> Happy Customer

Relieve Your IT Struggles: Unleash the Power of Managed IT Services for Seamless Resource Availability and Project Success!

Managed Service Providers such as Workspace IT can help you manage applications, end-user devices, VDI, IT infrastructure and more.

Is your IT infrastructure the source of more headaches than solutions? Are you struggling to maintain a fully trained IT workforce? Looking for ways to make your IT infrastructure more efficient?

Perhaps you’re also grappling with the costs of constant upgrades, patches, IT security measures, and hardware issues.

Any of this ring true?

Fortunately, expert help is on hand if you need it—and it doesn’t require new hires and a burgeoning payroll.

We’ve seen these issues for ourselves—in businesses of all shapes and sizes. In recent years, we’ve discovered that too many businesses are struggling to keep up with technological advances. Whether that’s because of a lack of resources or a lack of skills, the results are always the same: needless costs, low morale, inefficiencies and, in some cases, customer satisfaction issues.

Far too many businesses are taking a reactive approach to IT issues. They only fully address longstanding problems when “the computer says no”. And that’s a recipe for inefficiencies and various operational problems.

Rather than splurge on an unprecedented, profit-busting hiring spree, why not consider outsourcing your IT requirements?

Managed service providers such as Workspace IT can help you manage end-user devices, applications, VDIs, IT infrastructure and more. And contrary to popular belief, enlisting the help of a third party isn’t just the privilege of multinational corporations.

If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to your organisation’s IT infrastructure, keep reading to find out more.

What Are the Most Common IT Issues Facing Businesses Today?

The average business in the UK isn’t really set up to embrace the benefits of new technologies as they’re made available. Whether that relates to in-house skills, new Windows releases, remote working or application management , the results include needless waste, inefficiencies and low morale.

Managed IT service providers such as Workspace IT are there to plug the skills gap within IT workforces. They’re there to become an extension of in-house teams. They’re there to help businesses reduce the cost of maintaining IT infrastructure. Most of all, however, managed service providers work tirelessly to solve the most pressing problems facing businesses right now, including:

IT Workforce Issues

There should be a national college for the refresher training of the UK’s IT workforce. That’s because things change quickly and regularly in this wonderful industry of ours.

IT workforce issues such as low staff retention rates, spiralling costs and IT recruitment problems are holding businesses back.

Managers and business owners are, quite rightly, focusing on their customers, their staff and their everyday operations. And that doesn’t leave much time to tackle these pressing issues.

Scalability

As businesses grow, their dependency on increasingly complex and disparate IT infrastructure grows. But all too often, the skills, knowledge or resources to invest in IT simply aren’t there.

Companies are also too slow to react to downturns when it comes to their IT infrastructures. How do you scale back your IT infrastructure when demand temporarily dries up or the wider economy begins to struggle?

High Labour Costs

The cost of hiring IT talent in the UK has never been higher — and that’s before you even think about training and development costs. Rather than beefing up their IT skill set, companies are making do with what they’ve got.

Managing Increasingly Complex and Diverse Applications

Businesses have never had it so good when it comes to applications that make doing business easier and more cost-effective. But as more and more applications are added to IT infrastructure, the process of managing them becomes increasingly complex — and expensive!

Digital Workspace Management

Digital workspaces are changing the way the world works. The ability to log into a corporate IT workspace from anywhere in the world and turn a hotel room or beach bed into an office is great for morale, flexible working practices, and streamlining operations. However, a digital workspace that is not properly understood and managed can soon lead to a less-than-ideal user experience.

Managing Multiple Devices Around the Country (or the world!)

Remote, flexible working patterns are good for both employees and businesses. The ability to log in to a company system from a personal phone, laptop or tablet is liberating and cost-effective, but how do you manage issues such as IT security, patching and updates when so many devices are being used for access?

The good news is that there’s an answer to all of these common IT issues. So, before you chuck that problematic laptop out of your bedroom window, think about managed IT services as a way forward.

Rather than take on permanent, and costly, IT staff, tap into a pool of expertise — as and when you need it.

How Managed IT Companies Are Saving the Day

Managed service providers are a flexible, cost-effective alternative to permanent hires. Whether you need temporary assistance with a specific issue or an ongoing IT partner who’ll become an extension of your permanent team, help is available for a range of common issues facing UK businesses right now.

Building Skilled and Experienced IT Workforces

The top IT talent in the UK is in high demand. Unless you know where to look and how to entice that talent to your business, you’re at a disadvantage.

Skilled IT workforces don’t grow on trees — they need to be built, developed and retained over time. And who better to provide expert IT recruitment advice than IT professionals themselves?

But there’s a third way, and it involves making managed service providers your de facto IT department. This flexible and scalable approach means you don’t have to spend time, resources and effort on issues such as recruiting staff, retention initiatives and training.

When you need help, simply tap into your service agreement — and it’s right there for you. No recruiting, no training, no problem. And you get the added bonus of IT professionals who can seamlessly integrate into your existing team.

Providing Custom Application Management Services

You’ve embraced the future by leveraging the power of the latest applications. That’s great news! But this brave new world isn’t without its drawbacks. For example, who manages all of these applications? Your IT department. Your computer whiz kid? Brenda from accounts who’s good with computers?

With managed IT support in your corner, application management becomes easier and more effective than ever.

Maximise ROI

The primary benefit of partnering with a managed service provider is the ability to maximise the return on your investments. Buying all the latest software is a great start — but are you using it effectively?

Cut Costs

Managed IT services can help your company cut the cost of doing business. An IT partner’s ready-made network of contacts and vendor relationships can help you deliver lower pricing for your clients. And when they’re leveraged fully, these partnerships can offer up a range of IT options you’d never thought of.

Enhance IT Security

Application management specialists focus on enhancing the security of your applications by reducing the risk of data breaches and cyber threats. They ensure updates and patches are implemented on time and in full. And they’re always hunting down patching blind spots  — something you can learn more about from one of our previous blog posts "Remove VPN Dependancy and Make Patching Blind Spots a thing of the past".

Increase Efficiency

By offloading application management tasks to experts, your internal IT team — or those responsible for dealing with IT issues — can focus on more strategic initiatives. This improves operational efficiency and makes your customers very happy indeed!

Enhance Scalability

The right application management services allow organisations to scale their IT support and infrastructure quickly and seamlessly as they grow.

VDI Implementation

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is changing the way businesses operate — and we’re all over it! The ability to host and manage virtual desktops on centralised servers facilitates remote working, long-distance collaborations, automated security management, enhanced disaster recovery and infrastructure scalability.

Here at Workspace IT, we leverage the full power of products such as Microsoft AVD, Citrix and VMware to boost the remote working capabilities of our clients.

Microsoft AVD

We use Microsoft’s cloud-based virtualisation service to give our clients the ability to create virtual Windows desktops that are accessible on a range of devices.

Citrix

The boffins at Workspace IT and there are a few of us, use Citrix to ensure our clients have secure access to their applications and content. We use it to facilitate access to applications such as web-based apps, virtual desktops and SaaS (software as a service) platforms.

VMware Horizon

VMware Horizon is a comprehensive digital workspace solution that allows you to manage applications on any device. VMware's digital workspaces allow centralised control over a range of IT assets, including applications and data.

End-User Device Management

We’re here to support IT users across your organisation. We understand that the typical business IT infrastructure these days involves a baffling combination of devices and applications.

Managing all these devices and their various needs is challenging for even the most hardened of managed IT service warriors, so leaving it to people with more important things on their plates isn’t always the best way forward.

Our end-user device managers can take care of everything from setting up devices to security monitoring and patching. We can secure access to various cloud-based services with the flick of a switch! OK, it’s a little more complicated than that, but our clients usually don’t want to know how the sausage is made.

By leveraging some powerful tools, we can offer your business a complete end-user device management solution.

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution. In normal speak, this means it allows us to manage user access, simplify app and device management and enhance security for mobile and desktop devices — all from a central point.

Microsoft Configuration Manager

Microsoft Configuration Manager is an endpoint management tool that helps organisations manage devices, applications and servers. Here at Workspace IT, we use it to configure and maintain software, implement IT security measures and monitor management activities.

ManageEngine Endpoint Central

ManageEngine Endpoint Central is designed to help businesses manage and secure various endpoints in their network. The software provides tools for automating routine endpoint management tasks — enhancing system security and ensuring compliance with IT policies.

IGEL OS

IGEL OS is a purpose-built operating system designed for enterprise access to virtual environments. We use it to securely access SaaS-based services and digital workspaces because it’s simple, secure and efficient.

Discuss Your IT Struggles with an Experience Managed IT Services Provider

If you want to banish those dreaded IT struggles for good, we’d love the opportunity to talk you through our managed IT services. Give us a call on 0118 432 0017 for an initial chat. Alternatively, head to the Workspace IT contact page and complete the contact form.

Conquer Cyber Essentials Compliance: From Struggle to Certification

Cyber Essentials Certification - Your path to increased security and simplicity.

If your organisation is responsible for storing and securing the data of individuals and businesses, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to protect it from cybercriminals and the latest threats.

But how do you do that every time a client asks?

You’ll be pleased to know there’s a way to demonstrate your cybersecurity credentials to clients quickly and easily.

It’s a national certification called Cyber Essentials; and while acquiring the certificate involves a lot of hard work and effort, doing the work now will save your organisation time and costs in the long run.

More importantly, however, you’ll be able to demonstrate your ability to protect your company. And that could be the difference between winning a big contract and losing it to one of your more cybersecurity-proficient competitors.

So, how would you like to enhance your organisation’s reputation, establish trust instantly with prospective customers and become an authority in the latest cybersecurity best practices?

Of course you’d like all those things! Who wouldn’t? So it’s just as well you’ve landed right here at Workspace IT. We offer extensive experience and knowledge of Cyber Essentials — and can help you navigate and implement many of the processes and policies required to work towards attaining your Cyber Essentials Certification.

What Is the Cyber Essentials Initiative?

Before we get started on the benefits of Cyber Essentials — and how to acquire the prestigious certification — we’d best start by telling you exactly what it is.

Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed and industry-supported scheme designed to enhance the cybersecurity measures taken by organisations that handle data. The scheme provides a framework to protect against common online threats, which includes a set of cybersecurity principles and best practices.

Organisations that have satisfied the qualifying criteria of the Cyber Essentials initiative have successfully demonstrated their ability to secure their systems against the latest cyber threats — by utilising various methods and tools, including:

Patch Management

Keeping software up-to-date to address known vulnerabilities. Overseeing multiple, regularly published security patches across multiple apps and devices requires a clear strategy and advanced tools such as Microsoft Configuration Manager and Microsoft Intune.

Malware Protection

Malware protection involves proactive measures to safeguard systems and devices against the threat of malicious software. Employing robust antivirus and anti-spyware software — alongside secure authentication methods — forms a crucial aspect of this defence strategy. Regularly updating operating systems, using secure networks and staying vigilant against phishing attempts are additional key practices to enhance overall malware protection. This is one of the core managed IT services we offer here at Workspace IT.

Boundary Firewalls and Internet Gateways

Firewalls and Internet Gateways play a crucial role in enhancing the security of devices connected to the internet. They’re often the first line of defence, controlling traffic and preventing unauthorised access. Ensuring secure configurations is vital for safeguarding network infrastructure.

Secure Configuration

Secure configuration is a critical aspect of cybersecurity — encompassing the implementation of robust settings for software, devices and systems in order to minimise vulnerabilities. By adhering to secure configuration practices, organisations for strengthen their defence against potential cyber threats.

Access Control

Access control is a security measure that restricts access to sensitive data by unauthorised personnel. This process ensures that only individuals with the appropriate permissions can access confidential information — providing robust protection against data theft and misuse. This often involves incorporating strong authentication tools such as multi-factor authentication to enhance the verification process and overall security measures.

Vulnerability Monitoring and Management

Taking a proactive approach to the search and remediation of vulnerabilities is always the best way to stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

You’ll be pleased to know that Workspace IT has been helping businesses work towards certification. And we can help you achieve yours, too. That’s because we leverage them every day to protect our clients against the ever-evolving cyber threats that pose a risk to data security, profitability and reputation.

Why Get a Cyber Essentials Certification?

This Cyber Essentials stuff seems like a lot of hard work and hassle, right? Well, the self-assessment process is stringent and comprehensive. And there’s a good chance you’ll need to make some improvements to your existing cybersecurity measures to comply.

However, with the expertise, experience and detailed guidance of Workspace IT, you can ensure that crucial requirements involved in the certification process are covered — making your task simpler and more likely to be successful.

Improved Security Processes

Yes, there are kudos and trust to be gained from Cyber Essentials certification, but it’s important not to lose sight of the ultimate goal. Certification is a process that will help you develop robust security practices — protecting your organisation’s financial interests.

Build Trust with Customers

More and more businesses look for the Cyber Essentials logo when they know a potential contractor will need to manage or store their sensitive information. Yes, you can go to the time and effort of detailing your cybersecurity measures every time you meet with a prospective client, but that’s probably not the best use of your resources.

Cyber Essentials certification often instigates immediate trust with customers, suppliers and partners, as it showcases a proactive approach to protecting data from cyber threats.

Bid for Government Contracts

Certification qualifies businesses to bid for government contracts, as many government departments and agencies require suppliers to have Cyber Essentials accreditation to ensure a minimum standard of cybersecurity measures.

Trusted Register of Suppliers

Being on a trusted register of Cyber Essentials certified suppliers provides businesses with visibility and recognition — potentially leading to new opportunities and partnerships.

Enhanced Protection Against 80% of Common Cyber Attacks

Cyber Essentials certification equips businesses with enhanced protection against common cyber threats.

Compliance and GDPR Readiness

Certification aids businesses in achieving compliance with data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) fostering an organisational culture of data security.

Cyber Insurance Coverage

Many businesses gain access to cyber insurance coverage following Cyber Essentials certification — providing an additional layer of financial protection in the event of a cyber incident.

Increased Efficiency

The principles of Cyber Essentials are often based on having streamlined and automated cybersecurity measures in place. Simply by complying with the initiative’s requirements, you’ll be creating more efficient management processes and, potentially, cutting costs.

What Is the Cyber Essentials Plus Initiative?

If you want to go above and beyond the already stringent requirements of Cyber Essentials, consider becoming Cyber Essentials Plus certified. Compliance offers even stronger protection from cyber threats — and tells the world that you’re serious about protecting the data entrusted to you.

Both certifications share the same foundational requirements — focusing on essential security practices to safeguard against common cyber threats. However, Cyber Essentials Plus involves an additional and more rigorous assessment.

To attain the enhanced certification, organisations undergo a thorough verification process conducted by an external certifying body. This process includes a comprehensive examination of the implemented cybersecurity controls, real-time testing of systems and a more in-depth evaluation of security measures.

Not Sure Where to Start?

There’s no doubt that Cyber Essentials certification offers a wide range of benefits for any business that’s charged with the management and protection of sensitive data. But make no mistake: there’s a lot of hard work involved — even during the self-assessment process.

For a start, you’ll need a range of technologies to effectively manage fundamental processes such as patch management and malware protection. You’ll also need the knowledge and know-how to create the policies needed to secure and maintain your Cyber Essentials accreditation.

The self-assessment process involved is labour-intensive enough — that’s before you start implementing the required policies and processes involved. But fear not! Workspace IT has your back. We’ll help you put many of the measures in place needed to achieve your Cyber Essentials accreditation, so you and your team can remain focused on your core tasks and objectives.

Save time, money and a whole lot of hassle by contacting us today to discuss your road to Cyber Essentials certification. Our managed IT services included patching, vulnerability remediation and automated upgrades — ensuring you’re well on the way to attaining that all-important accreditation.

Start your journey towards certification today!

Cyber Essentials Certified

Remove VPN Dependency and Make Patching Blind Spots for Windows Devices a Thing of the Past

Do you have a VPN Dependancy for remote client management? Are Windows patching blindspots keeping you up at night?

The Virtual Private Network has dominated corporate IT architecture for years — giving remote users convenient and secure access to internal network services from anywhere in the world.

But is there a better way? Support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025, so now is a good time to consider a new, more efficient way to access organisational IT resources remotely. Checkout our "Transition to Windows 11" blog.

If it’s not broken, why fix it, right? Well, many of us think the reign of the almighty VPN is about to end. Why? Because Virtual Private Networks are now being stretched to the limit as more of what we do is switched to remote working models.

Thankfully, there’s an easier, safer and more efficient alternative to VPNs, and it’s both easy to implement and cost-effective. But more about that later.

As this blog post is all about the perils of VPN dependency, let’s start by addressing the obvious disadvantages of this diminishing technology.

Why Depending on VPN Connections for Managing Windows Devices Is a Bad Idea

Just a few years ago, remote working was often considered a luxury. The chance to avoid the daily commute and work in pyjamas for a day or two was largely a rare treat for those in the corporate world.

While there was already a modest move to remote working models, everything changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Almost overnight, millions of us were working remotely — in our homes.

While there have always been concerns about the limitations of VPNs, those concerns became starker than ever during the midst of the global health crisis. And despite the pandemic now being a thing of the past, its legacy of remote and hybrid working is here to stay.

Put simply, VPNs can’t cope with the volume of remote users that rely on them these days. And the biggest issues are linked to three critical areas.

Scalability

VPNs were only ever designed to provide a small number of users with occasional remote access to internal IT infrastructure. So now that millions of people are relying on them, a lot of VPNs are buckling under the strain. A lot of firms are desperately trying to upscale their remote operations, but their legacy networks aren’t up to the job.

Security

VPNs communicate with internal IT networks via the public internet. While this might be a cost-effective method to gain remote access, it provides potential access points for fraudsters and scammers. The tiniest crack in your organisation’s VPN security shield might be all criminals need to inflict catastrophic damage to your systems and data.

Complexity

When VPNs were first developed, they didn’t have to cope with the plethora of devices, operating systems and applications they deal with today. Guaranteed, hassle-free compatibility across all these VPN clients and systems has become something of a battle for even the most talented IT superstars.

Connection-Reliant

If you rely on a VPN for remote network access, you can’t manage devices if they’re not connected to it. And that’s the reason why patching your Windows devices and applications has become a labour-intensive chore riddled with security implications.

More and more businesses are now looking for VPN alternatives to avoid these issues and create more efficient and flexible workforces.

How to Break Free from VPN Dependency

The good news is that there is another way, and it solves all the issues we’ve already discussed in this post. It’s called Microsoft Intune, and it’s something we at Workspace IT use every day.

Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way. Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management platform that allows IT administrators to manage a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops and mobile devices running operating systems such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS.

That’s probably enough technical stuff for this post. In short, Intune is a device management tool that communicates over the internet instead of a VPN. It allows you to remotely manage all your essential patches, applications and policies with ease.

There’s now no need to connect devices to a VPN in order to manage them from remote locations — thanks to Intune!

In short, Microsoft Intune extends management capabilities to remote, internet-connected devices. By making the transition, your organisation can scale up your remote working practices and say goodbye to the costs, complexities and limitations of VPNs for good.

Are You Patching Your Windows Devices and Applications Fully?

OK, so we’ve already mentioned the issue of patching blind spots when it comes to Windows. It’s now time to put some meat on the bones!

Windows is constantly fighting newly emerging threats and vulnerabilities. That’s why Windows patches are crucial to the security of IT infrastructure around the world.

But how do you maintain a stringent patching schedule when you’re managing dozens — or even hundreds — of Windows devices and applications at the same time?

Are you confident that your devices are fully patched, safeguarding them against vulnerabilities and potential cyber threats? OK, you might be. But if your business is like countless others around the world, it might be vulnerable to patching blind spots no one knows about.

Why is this happening? Well, there are a few issues at play.

Not Prioritising the Most Important Patches

Put simply, some Windows patches are more important and urgent than others. Only experienced, highly capable IT professionals can sift through the endless stream of patches and prioritise them appropriately.

Unfortunately, too many organisations simply don’t have the time, talent or resources to do this.

Testing Issues

What happens if a Windows patch has a catastrophic impact on your IT infrastructure? After a few minutes of blind panic, you realise the patch should have been tested in isolation before being unleashed on your network. But this is another time-consuming and laborious process that makes patching even more difficult.

Coordination and Timing

How do you update multiple Windows devices and applications around the world in a timely and accurate manner? What do you do with Sophie’s laptop; the one she uses for catching up on work at home? And Jill’s personal phone? And Sanjay’s family tablet?

If all that’s not complicated enough, how do you implement complex patches across multiple remote devices and applications when timing is crucial to security?

Patching Status Uncertainty

Put yourself in the shoes of a stressed and overworked IT manager who is responsible for ensuring hundreds of devices around the world are updated fully and on time. Imagine trying to monitor the patching status of all those desktops, laptops, phones, tablets and apps simultaneously.

At best, it’s complicated. At worst, it’s a nightmare!

It’s Time to Implement a Windows and Application Patch Management Solution That Works

So, let’s do a little recap!

We’ve discussed the demise of the VPN due to an increasingly transient global workforce that increasingly prefers remote and hybrid working models, as well as the challenge of managing devices that aren’t always connected to a VPN.

We’ve touched on the powerful UEM/EMM Microsoft Intune and its role in giving you all the tools to simplify endpoint management, strengthen security and reduce costs.

And we’ve covered the issue of Windows patching blind spots

Let’s bring everything together with a tried-and-tested Windows patch management solution. To learn more about what Workspace IT do in this space, checkout our Application & Patch Managed Services.

Microsoft Intune is an enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution. You probably don’t need to know that, but here at Workspace IT, we like everyone to know that we’re experts in this field!

The ultimate goal of this powerful platform is to empower workforces to work flexibly and productively while ensuring organisations keep their devices and users well-managed and secure.

Microsoft Intune Can Banish Those Patching Blind Spots for Good

At Workspace IT, we implement Microsoft Intune as a powerful endpoint management tool. We do this to give our clients scalable, flexible, cost-effective remote working solutions.

We’re able to manage multiple mobile devices and PCs centrally — hugely enhancing management capabilities by including internet-reliant devices seamlessly.

The work we do with Intune improves IT security, enhances user experience and reduces the complexity of managing multiple devices.

Crucially, however, Microsoft Intune — implemented and monitored by experienced managed IT professionals — makes remote working easier, faster, and more efficient.

But if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably wondering what this has to do with Windows patches.

So here it goes…

Intune automates real-time patches and updates across multiple devices and applications. With VPN networks, it’s often necessary for users to log in to their devices and connect to the corporate network when patches are required. But that’s often a logistical nightmare.

We’re in the business of closing windows of opportunity for hackers, scammers and fraudsters.

The time between a new threat emerging and the installation of the relevant Windows patch is a window of opportunity for fraudsters and scammers. This is when your data and systems are at their most vulnerable. Thanks to Intune, however, these windows are smaller than ever!

Let’s Talk About Eliminating Windows Patching Blind Spots

If you’re worried about Windows patching blind spots, or you’re ready to embrace the brave new world of efficient remote working, we’re here to help.

We offer a range of managed IT services designed to make business IT infrastructure more efficient, more secure and more cost-effective. Contact us for a chat by calling 0118 432 0017, or head to the Contact page of our website and complete the contact form.

IGEL Secure

IGEL Secure - On the 12th of June some of the Workspace IT gang got to spend the day listening to "front-men" from some of the EUC industries best vendors at the IGEL hosted "IGEL Secure" event. After a day absorbing information and some interesting discussions I decided to write this blog to summarise what i heard.

So lets get into it, after an early start at 6am I headed into London to the venue - 30 Euston Square, London. A great location and a fantastic comfortable auditorium which you will see in the pictures coming up.

After a quick breakfast we headed in to the auditorium for the keynote sessions. First onstage was Darren Fields, IGEL VP Sales, who provided a warm welcome and set the scene for the day.

IGEL Secure16

Next up was Klaus Oestermann, IGEL CEO. Klaus gave an overview of how IGEL have re-positioned themselves within the market and redefined what IGEL's strategy and direction is. Introducing....

IGEL Secure18
IGEL Secure17

What's the IGEL Preventative Security Model (PSM)?
In my own words, IGELs PSM is essentially removing attack surfaces from the endpoint, therefore lessening the risk of a cyber attack due to a by design "hardened" device. The next pictures show some of the differences between using IGEL and other traditional endpoints operating systems such as Windows 11 and the additional technologies and complexities involved to try and manage additional attack surfaces and product integrations.

For more details on the PSM, you can checkout the whitepaper here:
IGEL-Security-Whitepaper_Preventative-Security-Model.pdf

One of the major benefits of transitioning to IGEL and its Preventative Security Model is the impact on cost. Everyone knows cost more often than not provides major influence in any companies strategy and technology. Klaus went on to talk about a customer that has saved over £32M over a 3 year period in equated cost. This was achieved by using IGEL on the customer endpoints allowing the customer to:

Next Klaus moved on to show the current landscape of IGEL Ready partners. The partner ecosystem is changing rapidly with more and more partners on-boarding to the program, each time I see an updated chart there are more and more vendors.

"An exclusive partner program designed for hardware, software and peripheral companies that want to develop verified, integrated solutions with IGEL technologies."

Matthias Haas, IGEL CTO took the reigns from Klaus at this stage and went on to talk about the current state of IGEL OS12, the App Portal and how its showing 25% more velocity in how apps are appearing bringing updates and new features. Local Apps on OS12 were then highlighted allowing more flexibility in utilising the local devices hardware for potential performance improvements - a key feature for me was the introduction of the Microsoft Teams Progressive Web App (PWA), allowing a user to run Teams in a browser directly on the IGEL.

Matthias expanded on more functionality within OS12 such as:

IGEL Secure11

For me personally, a couple of those announcements are a big deal!

First, SSO from the OS level right through to the desktop or application you want to use - No more entering your credentials multiple times.

Second, Microsoft Teams PWA, locally installed on the IGEL. Unified Comms straight from the endpoint.

Lastly, my favourite and what I have been talking with IGEL about for quite some time, Microsoft Intune Enrollment! This is huge! Enroll your devices then apply Compliance and/or Conditional Access Policies to your devices like you would with any other device currently within your tenant.

Next up, Justin Thorogood took centre stage as a referee to chat with Jim Moyle, Microsoft, Spencer Pitts, Omnissa and Gerry Lavin, Citrix. Justin had the red card ready if things were to get out of hand between these tech giants. The panel discussed their views on the current state of their respective companies and gave a bit of insight around the changes since acquisition for the likes of Citrix and Omnissa. Jim caught my attention with his insight on the highly debated "AppV is end of life 04/2026" topic.

I caught up with Jim in-between sessions to quiz him on this subject a little more. After some digging here's what I learnt:

Realistically, the AppV client is going to be around until at least 2030.... maybe more... shhh.

Back into the auditorium and Joe Cleary from Lenovo was on stage to talk about how IGEL and Lenovo are "Securing Devices at the Edge".

This session had some specific use cases in mind such as Point of Sale (POS) devices, Digital Signage and Patient Kiosks and how Lenovos ThinkShield offers a lower layer of protection against Cyber-Attacks - right down to protecting the Firmware and BIOS of the device. For more info, checkout the Lenovo site here.

Now, I need to highlight my favorite presentation of the day, this was delivered by Nathaniel Comer, CEO & Founder of Sun Screen IT Group. What do Sun Screen IT do? I am not a good enough writer to convey the message in the way i received it so I have instead here are some of the slides from the presentation.

Since the event I have spoken to Nathaniel to get permission to provide a snippet of video from what he presented for the first time. The actual video was just shy of 15 minutes, once publicly released, I urge you to watch it.

If you can help or want to get involved please reach out directly to Nathaniel (link above) and he will be more than happy to speak to you about Sun Screen IT and their mission.

Breakout Sessions were next on the Agenda where I headed over to get an update on the IGEL Channel changes. Some exciting changes, enhancements and some insightful Q&A with the presenters, Justin Thorogood (Looking shook!), Ken Millard, Brendan Williams, Eric Kline & Mads Skalbo. Thanks for the update guys! Unfortunately the detail shared here is still to be kept under wraps.

And finally it was time for the the social afterwards to dig into the detail with a beer and some banter. Obligatory selfies with the main man Rene Recker who heads up the IGEL Community. Joe Cleary from Lenovo. And a trip to re-enact the Spice Girls Wannabe music video on the stairs in St Pancreas International featuring, Jim Moyle, Colin Eales & myself (Dan Goss).

Hopefully you learnt something from this post, if not i'm sure you at least enjoyed the Spice Girls reenactment. If you would like anymore information on anything mentioned above to reach out to me, if I cant help I can put you in touch with someone that can. Thanks for reading.

Cyber-Attacks: Don’t be the next business in the headlines!

Cyber-Attacks are on the rise...

Anyone reading or watching the news recently would have found it hard not to notice the recent spate of high-profile cyber-attacks during May and June 2024. Above are just a few of the more noticeable ones.

Of course there are many ways that a business can fall victim to cyber-attacks, right through from socially engineered attacks on specific employees to the most sophisticated manipulation of software. In all cases there has to be a weakness to go after – limiting these weaknesses is by far the best way to defend yourself.

Admittedly zero-day attacks still happen, but these are rare. In the vast majority of cases where software-based vulnerabilities are exploited it is because an attacker is using a known issue with an out-of-date application or operating system.

Keeping your operating systems and applications patched and up to date is one of the most effective defences against Cyber-Attacks.

Day-to-day patching is often seen as “boring” or can be the last thing that a busy IT Team have time to do – it is often too easy to put off when something else is being demanded or a high-profile new IT project is being implemented.

Workspace IT can help. Operating System updates and application management are our bread and butter. We can help put in tools and processes that will ensure that your Windows desktops are always patched and up to date and that your application estate is effectively managed and updated proactively to a schedule. For more info on our Vulnerability Management click here.

We can work with your IT and Security teams to take the maintenance burden away and react to alerts from any vulnerability management tool such as ControlUp SecureDX, Rapid7, Tenable, Qualys, etc.

How can I find out more?

If you want to know more, reach out and one of our experts will be more than happy to discuss your requirements and explore how we can help you increase your security posture. Contact Us

Say Goodbye to Windows 10: Are You Prepared for the Impending Transition to Windows 11?

The clock is ticking. The end of an era is less than two years away. Yes, that’s right — support and updates for Windows 10 will cease permanently  on October 14, 2025. Are you ready to transition to Windows 11?

OK, you might think it’s too far away to worry about. But the sooner you start preparing for the transition, the smoother the process will be.

If you haven’t even begun to worry about the big switchover, don’t worry — you’re not alone. According to Statcounter, Windows 10 was still running on 72% of all Windows computers in the world in September 2023. What’s even more surprising is that figure wasn’t much different to the October 2022 figure.

So what happens when security updates for Windows 10 end? While you won’t have to worry about suddenly losing all your data, you will have to accept the fact that your system won’t be as secure. There will be no further security updates from October 14, 2025.

To put it simply: your environment will be more vulnerable than it is today.

But we’re here for you. The Workspace IT team has your back. We’ve put together a brief guide to preparing for the end of Windows 10.

And if you still need expert assistance once you’ve reached the end of this post, one of our experts will be at the other end of the phone for you.

Getting Ready for a New Windows Launch Isn’t Always Plain Sailing

We feel your pain. While the launch of a new Windows variant is exciting for many, it sparks a sense of doom within offices up and down the country. The transition can be expensive, time-consuming and fraught with risk if you don’t have the right support by your side.

The headaches caused by Windows transitions will be familiar to many business owners, managers and office hotshots.

Do You Have a TPM?

Did you know that in order to run Windows 11, you need a tiny chip in your hardware that’s responsible for a relatively new PC security feature? It’s called a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and it’s essential if you want to embrace the brave new world of PC operating systems.

If you bought your PCs within the last three years, you’re living on Easy Street. But if they’re older than that, you might need to upgrade.

Do Your Processors Have Muscle?

Before installing any software, it’s always a good idea to check the minimum system requirements. Windows 11 requires a little more muscle than the brand’s previous incarnation.

You’ll need a processor capable of 1GHz or more — with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). If you know, you know. If you don’t, your computers need to be faster and more powerful than ever.

Check out Microsoft Windows 11 system requirements here.

Do You Know How to Best Deploy Windows 11?

Microsoft recommends switching to a cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) platform such as Microsoft Intune. Or if you’d prefer to avoid the cloud-based route to deployment, you can use Microsoft Configuration Manager to make the switch.

The technologies that will make the transition to Windows 11 seamless include:

Microsoft Intune

A cloud-based mobile device management and endpoint security platform.

Microsoft Configuration Manager

An on-premises software management and endpoint deployment solution.

Autopilot

A cloud-based deployment and provisioning service for Windows devices

Do you have a plan for moving your operations to Windows 11 with minimal disruption and risk?

Are you familiar with Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Configuration Manager?

Do you know that it’s possible to use both platforms concurrently to transition across all your IT infrastructure at the same time?

Do you know which approach to making the Windows 11 transition quick and painless is best for your organisation?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, it might be worth enlisting the help of an experienced managed IT service provider.

Is Your Hardware Up to the Job?

Which devices in your organisation are ready for Windows 11 and which need upgrading? If you’re planning the switch to Microsoft’s latest operating system, this is the perfect time to assess your hardware inventory and prioritise eligible devices. A little planning today could make the transition smoother and more efficient for everyone concerned.

If you bought your hardware within the last three years, it’s likely compatible with Windows 11. Not sure? Not a problem. Microsoft is providing tools that will help you ascertain the eligibility of your devices.

The good news is that those running Windows 10 Home, Pro and Pro for Workstations can use the PC Health Check app for guidance. If you’re an enterprise organisation, compliance checks will be available within tools such as Windows Update for Business reports and Endpoint Analytics.

Seem like a lot of hard work? Well, it can be if your infrastructure requires significant upgrades. If you need IT support professionals to review your hardware refresh plans, contact Workspace IT today.

Are Your Apps Compatible?

The transition between Windows variants always puts one or two spanners in the works. This latest upgrade will be no different. That’s why Microsoft’s Compatibility Promise is so important.

Microsoft's Compatibility Promise is a commitment to ensuring that applications and devices remain compatible with new Windows operating system releases.

The key elements of Microsoft's Compatibility Promise include:

This is an area in which Microsoft performs admirably. Windows 10 compatibility rates are close to 100% for enterprise organisations according to the App Assure program. Put simply, Microsoft will work tirelessly to ensure your apps and devices are compatible when you switch to Windows 11.

A lot of businesses won’t realise their apps and devices aren’t ready for Windows 11 until AFTER they’ve made the switch. The best approach is to assess compatibility issues before upgrading.

Either way, there are two tools that will help you iron out compatibility issues:

App Assure

Enrol with App Assure and Microsoft will assess compatibility problems and provide remedies for free.

Test Base for Microsoft 365

This cloud-based testing platform evaluates the compatibility of apps to ensure they work normally following the upgrade. 

Moving Your Workloads Doesn’t Have to Involve Heavy Workloads!

If you’re about to assess and potentially upgrade your IT infrastructure in readiness for the switch to Windows 11, now might be a good time to consider moving your workloads to digital workspaces. Why? Well, there are a few benefits to consider:

Easier Remote Working

Wherever you connect to the internet could be your office — whether that’s on a delayed train in the UK or a sun-kissed beach in Phuket! Moving your workloads to digital workspaces opens up the world to remote working possibilities.

More Effective Collaboration

Collaborating across multiple platforms and channels is easier when the entire workload is digitalised and cloud-based.

Improve Efficiency

Automate certain tasks and streamline others. Digital workspaces reduce manual tasks and increase efficiency levels — a recipe for lower operating costs.

In-Built Scalability

Combine your switch to Windows 11 with the digitalisation of your workloads, and you’ll be able to scale your system up and down in line with the needs of your business — without expense or delay.

Enhanced Security

Say goodbye to manual updates and security patches. Comply with your data protection obligations and give your customers peace of mind. Digital workspaces are safer and more secure than legacy systems.

We utilise platforms such as Microsoft AVD, Citrix, VMware "Omnissa" Horizon and many others to transition our clients to digital workspaces seamlessly. Contact us today to discuss your requirements in detail.

Repurposing Your Hardware? Not So Fast…

Wait! Stop what you’re doing, and put down the company credit card!

Don’t spend thousands upgrading your devices in readiness for Windows 11 when there might be a simpler, far cheaper alternative. While you won’t be able to run the new operating system natively, you’ll get the same functionality for a fraction of the price.

Windows 11 Virtualisation and Remote Working Solutions

There’s a way to run Windows 11 virtually on non-compatible devices, and it’s an area we specialise in here at Workspace IT. By leveraging virtualisation and remote working solutions, you can enjoy all the benefits of upgrading without the cost of upgrading your hardware.

Our end-user device management experts use systems such as IGEL OS to access virtualised Windows 11 environments. With our expertise, you’ll be able to:

Make the Switch to Windows 11 a Breeze with Workspace IT

Upgrading to Windows 11 represents a great opportunity to assess your current IT infrastructure operational processes and data security measures.

Call Workspace IT today on 0118 432 0017 for help with everything from standard Windows transitions to comprehensive hardware refreshes. We’re ready to prepare your IT systems for the post-Windows 10 world.


Securing Your Applications from Ransomware: Solutions and Strategies to Safeguard Your Digital Assets

Vulnerability Management & Remediation to help beat Ransomware!

According to the Information Commissioner’s Office, ransomware attacks on organisations in the UK reached record levels in 2022. It is estimated that more than five million people were affected by serious data breaches involving the use of malware.

700 organisations were targeted by these increasingly sophisticated attacks — many of which had sophisticated security measures in place. Make no mistake; no business is completely safe from such malicious acts.

While you can never fully eliminate the threat, you can take steps to minimise the vulnerabilities within your IT infrastructure. Only a proactive approach to protecting your IT infrastructure from this ever-evolving problem will deliver ongoing protection and peace of mind for you and your partners. And that’s where Workspace IT can help. But more about that later!

Of course, you could go it alone in the fight against ransomware. But if you’re responsible for updating multiple systems several times a year, can you be certain that you’re always on top of the essential updates and patches needed to keep such digital evil at bay?

Let’s take a look at the growing problem of ransomware among the UK’s business community and assess the measures you can take to protect your organisation.

What Is Ransomware?

Lots of people have heard of the term ‘ransomware’, but not everyone knows exactly what it is. And that’s fine. As long as you take proactive measures to protect your IT infrastructure from this evolving threat — with the help of experts — you’re on the right path.

But as we’re discussing the issue, it’s probably a good idea to define it.

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a user's files or locks them out of their system. The malware then demands a ransom payment for the release of the data or restoration of access.

Different ransomware variants work in different ways. For example, some encrypt critical files — making them inaccessible. Others lock the system’s screen in order to prevent anyone from accessing data.

In effect, your data is held hostage, and the criminals won’t release it until you pay the ransom. Increasingly, the criminals using ransomware ask for payment in untraceable cryptocurrency, which makes tracking wrongdoers down that much harder.

Sadly, a lot of people — in their sheer desperation — pay the ransom. But once those people have demonstrated their willingness to cooperate, criminals can take advantage by asking for more… and more… and more.

You could hand over millions in ransom payments, but you’ll never be guaranteed access to your data. The latest ransomware statistics made for sobering reading!

The best remedy for ransomware is prevention — and that involves taking a proactive approach to identifying and rectifying vulnerabilities within your IT system.

Here at Workspace IT, we offer a range of managed IT services designed to protect organisations from ransomware attacks. As well as fully managed services, we provide individual services such as Application Management, Endpoint Management and ad-hoc support services.

Whether you outsource vulnerability protection or manage it in-house, it’s always a good idea to know what’s at stake. While investing in a managed IT solution might seem like an unnecessary expense, it could be far cheaper than the alternative.

What Are the Implications of Ransomware Attacks?

If your organisation’s crucial data is held for ransom by criminals, the eventual costs could be catastrophic. In fact, in our experience, those costs can stretch far beyond the task of recovering the lost data.

Data Encryption

Ransomware encrypts files, making them inaccessible to the victim. This can lead to the temporary or permanent loss of sensitive or proprietary information.

Operational Disruption

Ransomware can disrupt regular operations, causing extended downtime and financial losses for businesses.

Financial Consequences

The potential impacts include financial losses due to ransom payments, operational disruptions and damage to brand reputation.

Reputational Damage

If you can’t protect your data from ransomware attacks, why should your clients trust you to manage theirs? Once you lose personal data this way, regaining the trust of your target audience can be an almost insurmountable task.

Compromised Data

Customer and financial information may be compromised, leaving individuals vulnerable to identity theft and other cybercrime. Your inability to protect users’ data could leave other businesses and individuals at the mercy of cybercriminals.

Our Approach to Ransomware Protection

As a trusted managed IT solution provider in the UK, we utilise a range of measures and tools to protect our clients from the scourge of ransomware.

Proactive Application Management Can Prevent Ransomware Attacks

Some of the companies we protect against ransomware have hundreds of applications — across thousands of devices and users. Managing every application’s security measures individually would take hundreds of personnel hours every month, and that would mean taking the focus of employees away from essential operational and customer service-related tasks.

But not on our watch.

We use years of experience, extensive expertise and leading technologies such as Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM) and Microsoft Intune to manage multiple applications centrally — and without the need for a VPN.

Leaving the vital work of application management to people and manual processes is fraught with the potential for creating and exacerbating vulnerabilities. That’s why we automate and streamline application management. This means you don’t have to worry about Geoff and Inaya updating the applications on their personal computers.

Why is this important? Well, the threat of ransomware is continually evolving. It’s a cat-and-mouse game between IT experts and criminals. Protection from the very latest threats is delivered in the form of updates and patches. And that’s great news! But every second an update is ignored or missed is a second of opportunity for ransomware.

Be honest. How many times have you put off or forgotten about updating your systems, devices and apps after being prompted? It’s only natural. We’re all so busy these days, so it’s easy to forget or miss an update prompt. That’s why a proactive application management strategy is more important than ever.

What Is Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM )?

Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM) facilitates application management through various features and capabilities that streamline the deployment, updating and monitoring of applications — across multiple users, devices and accounts. Functions such as application deployment, endpoint protection and asset intelligence help us update and manage hundreds of apps across devices around the world.

What Is Microsoft Intune?

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that allows remote administration to manage the deployment, configuration and security of applications from a central location.

Zero-Day Patches Are Vital in the Fight Against Ransomware

So, we’ve discussed the window of opportunity ransomware has to unleash its latest functionality on unprotected apps and devices. The time between a crucial update being launched and it actually being installed is when apps are often at their most vulnerable. For this reason, zero-day patches are essential.

A zero-day patch is a software update released by a vendor on the same day a vulnerability is discovered. This type of patch is crucial because it addresses a security flaw that was previously unknown to the vendor, making it a race against potential attacks.

Zero-day patches are critical in mitigating the risks associated with zero-day vulnerabilities. These patches aim to close the security gap and protect users from potential exploits. Vendors work urgently to develop and release these patches as soon as they become aware of the vulnerability.

Here at Workspace IT, we use tools such as PSADT (PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit) to eliminate human error or inaction. We use this tool to streamline and automate the zero-day patching process.

What Is PSADT?

The PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (PSADT) is a framework designed to simplify the deployment and management of applications using PowerShell scripts. In human speak, it provides the functionality and tools needed to perform common application deployment tasks. We use it to customise patch deployment processes for our clients.

The Growing Importance of Modern Application Deployment Technologies

We couldn’t protect the IT systems of our clients without the latest and most powerful application deployment technologies. We use them to fully customise and audit the patching process — providing around-the-clock protection from the latest ransomware threats.

No matter how vigilant we are with regard to patching, however, ransomware always has the potential to strike. That’s why we use various tools to identify and manage vulnerabilities, some of the leading tools are briefly mentioned below.

Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management

Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management provides asset visibility, intelligent assessments and built-in remediation tools for Windows, macOS and Linux systems. Put simply, we use it to detect, assess, identify and isolate cyber threats through a process of continuous monitoring.

Tenable Vulnerability Management

Tenable Vulnerability Management helps us identify and prioritise vulnerabilities. This powerful tool uses data, machine learning and threat intelligence to flag critical vulnerabilities as and when they arise. We use the Tenable platform to take a risk-based approach to managing known and newly emerging cyber threats.

The InsightVM Vulnerability Tool Rapid 7

This powerful vulnerability management tool automates various aspects of the overall process, from data collection to risk analysis. It also provides us with an active risk score — allowing us to prioritise our threat mitigation efforts.

What’s the Best Way to Minimise Ransomware Vulnerabilities?

How do you currently manage crucial updates and zero-day patches within your organisation? Do you have a solution to identify vulnerabilities? And what’s your current exposure to potential ransomware attacks?

You may already have the answers to these questions, which means you’ve probably already taken preventative measures. Whether that’s the case or not, is controlling this process the best use of your time? And are there potential vulnerabilities you’re missing?

At Workspace IT, we provide fully managed vulnerability packages that deliver a comprehensive and proactive approach to monitoring and protecting against ransomware. If you don’t need that level of security, our application management and Windows patching services could give you peace of mind and a cost-effective way to keep all your apps and devices up to date.

If you’d like to learn more about our approach to securing applications from ever-evolving ransomware threats, get in touch today.