Most SMEs start their business journey with an informal IT support setup. It’s easy to manage, with minimal responsibilities and a relatively low cost. Even if things start going wrong or above your expertise, you could always tap in an ad hoc freelancer to troubleshoot on the odd occasion. However, as the business grows, expectations…
Even the most talented of IT support team members will one day become overwhelmed with the amount of work they might be facing. As businesses grow, so do the demands on the IT department in charge of keeping the business running. Systems become more complex and cybersecurity responsibilities increase. There will come a time when…
It’s not a matter of if anymore For a long time, cyber crime was seen as a problem for big enterprises with big budgets and big headlines. Unfortunately, that thinking is now dangerously outdated. Today, small and medium‑sized businesses, along with individuals are just as likely to be targeted. Cyber criminals don’t need sophisticated zero‑day…
It is a common misconception that low-cost or reactive IT support can save you money. Realistically, the holes left exposed by poor IT support can have a bigger financial knock-on than the money you save from cutting costs on your initial IT support. The real cost is often seen in lost time, repeated disruption, staff…
In the past, most SMEs assumed that hiring in-house IT support was not only the right thing to do, but also the cheapest. In theory, they spend all their time focused on your business and its IT needs; however, in recent years, business owners have begun to see the benefits of outsourced IT support. While…
For an SME, the effects of a data breach can have serious consequences. A data breach is unauthorised access, loss, or disclosure of sensitive information and impacts both the customer and the company in equal measure. Due to their size, small to medium-sized businesses are usually prime targets for scammers and hackers, as businesses of…
In a world where anyone can post anything online, it’s important to remember that not everything we read is accurate or trustworthy. The internet gives everyone a voice, but it doesn’t guarantee honesty, context, or credibility. Taking information at face value can lead to misunderstandings, so a little scepticism goes a long way. Over the…
As a small business, you will have been told all about keeping your customer and company data safe and secure. However, you might not have been made aware not only why, but also how you can do just that. Of course, as a business owner, you don’t have all the time in the world to…
As a small business, a cyber attack can have a devastating effect on your day-to-day operations and even your business’s future as a whole. They can be costly affairs, so learning how to prevent cyberattacks is critical for any small business that utilises technology for running its business. It is critical that you’re doing all…
There is no denying that the vast majority of businesses are run predominantly using technology to some degree. Whether you use a computer to do your accounts or your whole business is run solely online, you need to take every measure to keep it safe. When something breaks within your online infrastructure, do you know…
In an ideal world, all businesses of every size would be protected by high-quality cybersecurity. But as we are well aware, even the biggest businesses can come under fire from hackers, and it shows us that not everyone’s cyber defences are up to scratch. The main reason most businesses do not have the proper defences…
As a small to medium-sized business owner, you will be well aware of how much of your business relies on IT infrastructure. There are few modern businesses that aren’t built online and rely on a secure network to continue to trade day in and day out. With this in mind, it is no secret how…
The topic of cyberattacks on businesses in the UK has been a hotly discussed one as of late, especially after the attacks suffered by businesses such as Marks & Spencers. While the effects of these attacks are yet to be fully disclosed, it more than highlights the need for watertight cybersecurity. The average small business…
There are more cybersecurity threats to businesses than there ever have been. With so much technology becoming key in the infrastructure, it means that if one aspect is targeted by an attack, the whole system is likely to fall. This downtime is obviously less than ideal, causing businesses to lose out on time, money and…
No matter the size of your business, losing money is the last thing you want to be doing. It can slow down or even halt business growth, cost people their jobs, and ultimately affect your overall well-being. Poor IT security is one of the most common ways we see businesses of all sizes lose money…
Cybersecurity is a hot topic across all businesses at the moment, with an increasing number of businesses being affected by cyberattacks than ever before. For smaller businesses, you may think that you won’t get caught up in these attacks, but there is just as much chance you do, and with the smaller size, so much…
We think that IT support is often misunderstood as a service. Many people think that IT support is as simple and one-dimensional as just fixing computers. And while it can sometimes include fixing computers, it actually involves a whole lot more, things that many small businesses would benefit from professional help with. It is within…
As a keen cyclist in my teenage years I accumulated a lot of tools which were specific to the smooth running and maintenance of my bike. Over the years, my toolkit requirements changed and grew; power tools for home maintenance, specialist tools for technology hardware, etc. In much the same way, the VCI toolkit has…
IT support is essential to the running of most businesses. In fact, we’d even argue that there isn’t a business that wouldn’t benefit from IT support. To keep up with fast-paced and evolving industries, many businesses turn to outsourcing their IT support so they can focus fully on their business while being sure their IT…
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) have both become key tools helping protect us from cyber threats. Requiring two or more verification steps to access an account adds a strong layer of security beyond just a password. However, even with its strengths, MFA and 2FA can still be vulnerable, especially when users approve sign-in…
How many people were familiar with Teams or Zoom before 2020? As the world changed dramatically in late March 2020, a significant portion of our communications and meetings suddenly shifted to a completely digital format, overtaking traditional phone calls and conference calls. The convenience of the format has lasted well beyond the lock-down years. Although…
It’s so easy to be tricked into doing things you really shouldn’t do when on-line, especially when you’re very busy. Fraud can cause serious financial loss, mental stress and reputation damage. Cyber criminals don’t care about company size – they look for an easy target and often exploit small businesses. Let’s take a look…
Keeping your IT running properly so you stay productive is our top priority. Many of VCI’s customers are benefiting from our Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Service to keep them safe, continuously optimising their IT system’s performance. RMM delivers premier monitoring and management services of your technology assets, with proactive support that greatly reduces any…
Our emails contain a treasure trove of valuable information – from important work documents to cherished memories in personal correspondences. It’s crucial to safeguard this data, but are you aware of the differences between email archiving and email backup? These two services serve distinct purposes, and understanding their unique features can help you make the…
With Microsoft 365 growing in popularity, this short brief explains the importance of backing-up its data and how you can minimise disruption risk to your business. The Importance of Backing-Up Microsoft 365 Like any other data storage repository, Microsoft 365 can be vulnerable to data loss or corruption and is not automatically protected. Back-up is…
IT security has often taken the form of a boxed product, either an appliance on a network or software on a device, which could be purchased and installed. With the increasing complexity of modern IT environments, this is no longer enough and the security requirements dictate the need for a more flexible service approach. Big…
Technology has seen prices fluctuate significantly over the last three years. As the world rushed to work from home we saw hardware shortages combine with the wider silicon chip shortage leaving costs rising. 2022 saw Microsoft introduce their first significant price changes in their subscription model in a number of years and they are set…
With Valentine’s Day looming, cards & hearts appearing in all the shops and Lindor introducing their valentine’s chocolate box (yum!), we’re jumping on the band-waggon and turning our attention to helping you find the perfect <IT Support> Partner! Are you looking for a team with a GSOH? Or perhaps a Partner who is DTE (down…
Do you use any of these extremely popular – and eminently hackable – passwords? If so, Philip Muncaster from our security partner, ESET, has a New Year’s resolution for you! Security experts have been predicting the death of the password for well over a decade. But it’s still the main way we log-in to our online accounts…
We are delighted to have recently completed our Cyber Essentials Accreditation and are now helping several customers achieve theirs too. This is a government-backed scheme that will help protect your organisation, whatever its size, against a whole range of the most common cyber-attacks. With Cyber hackers becoming more intelligent and adapting to many counter-hacking measures,…
Hoping the latest tech may be waiting under the tree for you this Christmas? When the time comes, be sure to recycle any unwanted IT equipment in line with data deletion guidelines & existing laws on disposal of electrical goods. According to Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)…
First established by Robert Creech on 1st December 1997, VCI is excited to be celebrating 25 years in business! We are even more delighted to still be supporting our very first customer – AEL Solutions – who have recently given us this lovely five-star review! Since 1997, our customer base has widened, our skill-set has…
With the recent changes in the financial climate and a realisation that remote working can often bring about huge cost savings, many organisations are now considering downsizing their office space. Over the years VCI has relocated twice but, during that time, I have helped with countless office moves for clients, ranging from moving up one…
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday fast approaching, consumers are being warned to be vigilant when shopping in this week’s sales, with a rise in scams expected to cost shoppers millions. According to Barclays Bank data, the number of reported purchase scams rose by 34 per cent immediately after Black Friday and Cyber Monday last year…
How secure are your systems and data? Are your systems regularly monitored for cyber-attacks? Can you be sure any security breaches are stopped in their tracks immediately? Dealing with advanced threats is the most significant concern for cybersecurity professionals and organisations these days. With system downtime, disruption of business operations and reduced productivity costing businesses…
The first rule of passwords is, “We do not use the same password everywhere.”The second rule of passwords is “WE DO NOT USE the same password everywhere!” There have been plenty of well-publicised losses of data by various organisations where user names, email addresses and passwords have been obtained. You may have never actually purchased…
At VCI, we are all about family. And we want to help look after yours too. With children spending a lot of time online these days and with many potential risks lurking online, it is essential we teach our children how to read and understand online information and navigate the internet safely. As children get…
Let’s face it – it is a tough time for businesses of all shapes and sizes right now. But have you considered outsourcing your IT services in order to save you time, money and stress? Whether you’re a one-man band working from a single laptop and printer or you have a team of people needing…
On occasions where we ask someone to check or move a cable there may be understandable confusion as to which cable is which – particularly given the almost supernatural ability possessing all cables where they entangle themselves seemingly without any external input. We recently received a call from a client whose screen display had a…
Are you concerned that your PC has been hacked? Whatever happens, don’t panic! Here Philip Muncaster from our security partner, ESET, explains ten signs that show your PC has been hacked and gives you handy tips on how to fix it. Global cybercriminals make trillions of dollars each year. Much of their success comes from exploiting the…
We hope you’ll be able to switch off, unwind and enjoy your Summer holiday! But we also know that many of us will slip our laptop into our suitcase…just in case! Here we give you the 7 essential measures to help you secure your laptop this summer! According to the technology research firm Gartner, a…
Hopefully business is booming during the Summer months but we also know that some of you may be hit by the holiday exodus and find yourself with a little extra time. We would always advise you to switch off and enjoy these quieter periods but, if you are working and fancy making the most of…
How active are you at work? Are you often on your feet or do you tend to sit at a desk for long periods of time? If the latter applies to you, it is worth considering installing a standing desk to encourage healthier living. So many of us are now working from home and we…
With the realisation that remote working can often bring about huge cost savings and an increase in productivity, many organisations are now introducing Hybrid working – a combination of home-working and hot-desking. Hot-desking is the practice in an office of allocating desks to workers for the days when they are required or on a rotating…
As the war in Ukraine sadly continues, so does the potential for further escalation in kinetic hostilities. At the same time, the odds that the conflict may lead to major cyberattacks against targets beyond Ukraine’s borders seem to shorten. This has put the world on heightened alert, and one critical component of today’s digital-centric world…
The concept of the password has been around for centuries and one reason for the enduring popularity of passwords is that people know instinctively how they work. But there’s also a problem, as Phil Muncaster from our Security Partner, ESET, goes on to explain. Passwords are the Achilles’ heel of the digital lives of many…
Short on time? Always looking to work efficiently & most productively? Using keyboard shortcuts will help you get around much faster and can cut down the time needed to complete a task. Here we’ve put together a handy Infographic to show the key Keyboard Shortcuts – some you may recognise, others you can have fun…
Looking to 2022, for most people a New Year’s Resolution is all about self-improvement, trying to be that little bit better than last year. However, you don’t need a fad diet, a new exercise routine or time to contemplate and achieve peace of mind. If you want a better, stress-free day look no further than…
Are you currently looking to open a new office or relocate to new premises? The key to a smooth move is plenty of planning well in advance so there are no hidden surprises! We are delighted to have recently helped several clients open new premises and understand just how stressful it can be. At its…
Are you hoping to book a much-needed getaway for next year? Did you know your browsing habits could affect the price you pay? Find out how you can Clear Cookies and save money! Every time you visit a site Cookies are created to track and monitor your movement around the web. You are probably all…
Passwords definitely have their disadvantages so could passwordless authentication be the answer? As Microsoft further nudges the world away from passwords, Phil Muncaster from ESET explains what your organisation should consider before going password-free. For such a clumsy sounding word, “passwordless” actually promises to make life a lot easier – for both users and security teams….
From phishing and clones, to romance and verification badge scams, Amer Owaida at our Security Partner, ESET, explains the most common tactics fraudsters use to trick us on Instagram. Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms. Indeed, with over one billion monthly active users it is among the top four most popular social media networks in…
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday fast approaching, consumers are being warned to be vigilant when shopping in this week’s sales, with a rise in scams expected to cost shoppers millions. Police said crime over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period last year defrauded online shoppers in Britain of £2.5m. Many never received goods they ordered from…
We’re delighted to welcome Connor Chiles to the VCI Team! Connor joins us an IT Support Apprentice so will be on the phone helping to resolve any IT queries you may have, alongside studying at Reading College. His love of all things IT means Connor is already fitting in brilliantly & will be a great…
At first glance, this looks like just a bit of fun! A trip down memory lane, your place of birth, your month of birth, your first holiday abroad… But all is not as it seems – and just look at the number of comments attached to these posts, the number of people taken in by…
Your spam filter will hopefully pick up the majority of erroneous fake emails doing the rounds but, should one slip through the net, here are 5 key clues to look out for, based on the above message, to help ensure you click DELETE! 1. SENDING ‘FROM’ ADDRESS Firstly, check out the sending email address for…
Read the 7 essential steps to take in order to keep your laptop, mobile devices & data secure when you’re back on the road for work.
It’s quite probably the case that 2020 has seen more online shopping than ever so, as Christmas approaches, the following reminders are worth keeping in mind. Purchase from known sites and stores – don’t fall into the trap of searching for a product and clicking on the top link, or get lured into an impulse…
Not quite the original song lyric but scammers appear to have targeted customers of London’s Ritz Hotel by contacting customers and asking to double check payment details. The BBC article can be found here – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-53793922 A worrying detail here is that the scammers had an amount of information to hand to make the approach,…
So, how have your fitness levels survived Lockdown? Perhaps you’ve been self-motivated enough to tune into Joe Wicks daily, work up a sweat with his high intensity interval training workouts and now feel fitter than ever? Or, like us, have your motivation levels for exercise slipped somewhat over the lockdown months? As a team of…
With many of us currently working from home, it seems that we’re becoming more sedentary than normal. Rather than the usual commute to work which will involve at least some movement, even if that’s just to and from the car, our ‘commute’ nowadays to our desks can often be made in just a few paces….
This week EasyJet have announced a data breach affecting up to 9 million of its customers which includes email addresses, travel details and, in some cases, credit card details. If you have previously travelled with EasyJet here are 5 things you should be doing right now. 1 – check whether your credit card details have…
At a time when we all seek out good news, I take no pleasure in finding sufficient material to warrant writing this particular article. It remains, however, very much a part of my job to warn clients and our wider audience of the current scams and threats. Sadly, at a time when decent people are…
unsplash-logoDaoudi Aissa We have helped hundreds of users prepare for remote and home working in the last couple of weeks. For some, remote working has been an existing option of convenience but, for others, it is one of the many new changes to daily life. We have the perfect storm scenario at the moment; school…
So, how have your weekends been recently? Are you missing your regular Saturday night out with friends or your Sunday roast with family? Or have you been getting creative and making the most of technology to bring you all together and still have fun? With so many new online apps & ideas out there, we…
With Coronavirus seemingly getting ever closer and the prospect of self-isolation becoming ever more real, here we offer you some handy tips to help you prepare for the possibility of working from home if you’re not already set up to do so. One positive thing to note in all this is that, with ever-advancing technology,…
With the arrival of the end of Microsoft’s support for their Windows 7 operating system today, users still working with it now have a clear, on-screen notification. Some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions; Will my W7 PC stop working from today? No. The PC will continue to boot and function. Can VCI…
With Ransomware increasingly in the news, it is worth remembering the current advice on how best to protect our businesses against Ransomware and ensure these security procedures are in place and fully supported company-wide. 1. Run Software Updates Are you ever tempted to skip software updates as they take up valuable time and perhaps seem…
When running a start-up or SME, we understand that there are so many things for you to focus on. Not only are you trying to perfect your product or service, you have to think about sales, investors, customer service and logistics, at the same time as building the right team. You may be a one-man…
For most a New Year’s Resolution is all about self-improvement and if you want to keep that going long into the year you don’t need to look much further than your office PC. Small changes and new habits can soon add up and have a massive effect on how easy it is for you to…
In today’s society, we all seem so busy, juggling the many hats we wear, often over-committing and feeling under significant time pressure. Technology, specifically social media, can sometimes be the cause of this. Seeing the happy faces of friends and family enjoying festivities can lead to a feeling of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), whilst…
With less than a month to go now until Christmas Day and Black Friday on the horizon, here are a few things to consider when carrying out your Christmas shopping online! Compassionate Christmas Shopping Did you know that there are sites which give a percentage of your spend as a charitable donation every time you…
The eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed a change to our email signature – Please be aware of the possibility of cybercrime and fraud. We have no plans to change our bank details – if you receive an email purporting to be from someone at this firm which seeks to direct payment to a different…
Changing situations present new opportunities for the dishonest minority and scams, whether by email or telephone, are no exception and are constantly being adapted to spoof the unsuspecting. Many of us will have received emails advising that we are in line for a small fortune of overseas wealth……subject to confirming our banking details or covering…
Communication is key to a successful business these days but just what is key to successful communication? With information being exchanged through a variety of communication channels both internally and externally, an organised set up and system for each chosen communication channel will help your company run efficiently, boost productivity and reduce stress. Companies and…
Everyone has a favourite Disney movie. Not many people make a habit of visiting a public space, setting up camp and then shouting it out. Amongst friends you’d happily discuss this but, in general, the public has no need to know. But it’s only a film, what danger can it do? Suppose that information is…
Well, we really hope you’re having a fabulously sunny Summer holiday! My husband and I have just got back from a weekend of camping with the kids, in Norfolk, in the rain! We went crabbing in Wells-next-the-Sea. We caught 37 crabs (one of which is featured above) – and 1 shrimp (as my son keeps…
With Summer here, temperatures soaring and holiday plans afoot, we hope you’ll be able to swap your laptops for flip flops! We also understand that some of you will be trying to juggle work responsibilities with family time. So, for those moments when you have to log-in to a vital meeting or send off an…
With school out for Summer, hopefully there’ll be lots of time for fun and games in the sun! But sometimes we all need a little down-time in the shade and perhaps the odd device may be brought out for a relaxing minute or two..! With technology continuing to advance at a sometimes terrifying pace, keeping…
Lucky enough to have already booked your Summer holiday? Or are you still searching for a last minute bargain? Did you know your browsing habits could affect the price you pay? Every time you visit a site Cookies are created to track and monitor your movement around the web. You are probably all familiar with…
Looking for new premises as your business is expanding? Or are you opening a second office? Exciting times but perhaps also a little stressful!
Here we talk you through the considerations to bear in mind from an IT perspective when moving to a new office space.
Your spam filter will hopefully pick up the majority of erroneous fake emails doing the rounds but, should one slip through the net, here are 5 key clues to look out for, based on the above message, to help ensure you click DELETE!
Is your PC on a go-slow? Or perhaps your laptop is lagging? It may well be time for an upgrade!
Here we help you choose the best value solution and give advice on how and when you should make the move.
With support for Windows 7 being withdrawn on 14th Jan 2020, what happens to your trusty operating system now? We explain all here.
How can the innocent post-it note end up costing you a fortune? Find out more and make sure you don’t let that happen to you & your business!
From new-fangled exercise equipment to the latest wearable technology, find out more about the many aids to help us trim down and tone up for Summer.
Whether you’re on the road with work or trying to work whilst on a road-trip, we have several hints and tips to make your travel with technology easier.
I have written plenty about passwords over the last few years but I still have people happily telling me they use the same, single password for everything – a fact only made worse when the follow up comment is along the lines of, “..and I can’t be done with complex passwords.” Good passwords are essential….
As Technology advances, the equipment we are able to offer is getting more and more compact. Here we discuss the benefits of investing in smaller PCs.
Short on time? Always looking to work efficiently & most productively? Check out our handy Infographic showing the key Keyboard Shortcuts to help!
When was the last time you cleaned your PC? Did you know that dust bunnies can reduce its performance? We give you top tips on keeping your PC dust-free.
Security analysts have discovered a vulnerability with Chrome running on Windows 7 machines. Anyone using the Chrome browser should ensure that he or she is using the latest version of Chrome. More information on the vulnerability can be found here The Chrome browser can be updated by clicking the three-dot button to the right of…
A quick look out through the window this morning confirmed the overnight arrival of the forecast snow. In previous years the first arrival of snow has brought with it a number of calls from users requiring remote access to the network, emails configured on external devices, telephone numbers redirected and voicemail greetings amended. For many…
Welcome to 2019 and with the start of a fresh year come the many promises of a “New Year, New Me”. Thanks to social media and its hashtags it is easy for everyone to find a bandwagon to jump on – For those looking to give their livers a break after an indulgent festive period…
It all started when we had a power cut…my alarm didn’t go off…and the next thing I knew it was 8am…! We were in a panic, we were in a rush, kids dressed, quick breakfast, no coffee, brush teeth, grab bags…and we’re out of the door…! I’m off to a meeting at an office I’ve…
“Your account has been compromised and, to prove it, here is your password.” In recent weeks we have taken a number of calls from users who have received emails which, in amongst whatever scam is being run, try to offer up some validity to the claims by presenting a user with his or her password….
“The screen says, something, something, error, random numbers” “OK, I’m going to need to see a copy of that error, could you send me a screenshot please?” “I don’t know how, please help!” This is a situation we often come across. Passing along screenshots is simple enough but if you don’t know how to then…
With twinkly lights going up, shops stocking up on mince pies and the first of the mulled wine being sampled, it’s beginning to feel a little like Christmas..! And no doubt lots of you are much more organised than us and have even actually started Christmas shopping already! Well, for those of you turning your thoughts to…
We are here to support you with any ad hoc IT issues whenever you need us – on the phone or on-site. We also provide behind-the-scenes support in order to ensure all IT systems are running smoothly and resolve any issues as they occur. In early 2017 we took on a new client who was unhappy with both the reliability of their network and…
I’m not quite old enough to have worked with spools of half inch tape but magnetic tape was certainly the go-to medium for data backup on the first networks I managed. Backup solutions have changed considerably over the years – where we once talked about data backups we now talk about disaster recovery and business…
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