Your Network Is Only as Safe as the Devices on It
When people think about cyber security, they often picture hackers, ransomware, or scary headlines about data breaches.
What’s less obvious is that many network security issues don’t start with an attack at all – they start quietly, with everyday devices sitting on the network doing exactly what they were designed to do.
In this blog, we’ll look at what actually sits on a modern business network, why some devices quietly introduce risk over time, and how sensible network design can reduce that risk without making day-to-day work harder. It’s not about technical jargon or over-engineering – just clear, practical thinking around how networks are structured and maintained.
Printers, Wi-Fi access points, firewalls, switches, door systems, cameras, even meeting room screens – all of them are “endpoints”.
And if they’re not properly managed or separated, they can unintentionally open doors you didn’t even realise existed.
New Year, New IT Resolutions for 2026
A new year always brings fresh energy – new goals, new plans, and the familiar feeling that this might be the year things finally run a little smoother.
For many businesses, 2026 will be about working smarter, reducing risk, and getting more value from the technology they already rely on every single day.
The start of a new year is also a natural pause point. A chance to step back and ask a simple question: Is our IT actually helping the business move forward, or is it quietly holding us back?
In this blog we look at a few IT-focused New Year’s resolutions we’re seeing more companies think about as they head into 2026 – not as wishful thinking, but as practical steps that can make a real difference.
Understanding Modern Cyber Security Protection
NextGen, EDR, XDR, MDR, SOC… Cyber security terminology evolves quickly, and it can feel as though a new acronym appears every few months, with products all promising stronger protection, but understanding the differences can be challenging. Traditional signature-based antivirus used to be enough, but today’s attacks move faster and target businesses of all sizes, including SMBs across Halifax and the wider Nova Scotia region.
Signature Antivirus, NextGen, EDR, XDR, MDR and SOC – what they really mean for your business
Black Friday & Christmas Scams – Protecting Your Business and Staff
The festive season brings increased pressure, higher email volumes, and a surge in online shopping. Unfortunately, it also brings a significant rise in cyber scams. Criminals target businesses and employees with convincing emails, texts, and phone calls that appear urgent or legitimate, hoping to trick people into clicking harmful links or sharing sensitive information. As decision-makers, now is the ideal time to ensure your teams are aware of the risks and understand how to spot and avoid common seasonal threats.
What to Look Out For
1. Fake Delivery Emails and Texts
Scammers exploit the spike in parcel traffic by imitating delivery companies. These messages often include tracking links or requests for “re-delivery fees” that lead to malware or phishing pages.
2. Suspicious Online Deals
Fraudulent websites offer unrealistic discounts, particularly on tech, gaming consoles, or popular gifts. These sites may steal card details or deliver counterfeit products.
3. Email Phishing and Invoice Fraud
Cybercriminals target finance teams and executives with emails that appear to come from suppliers, colleagues, or known brands. They often request urgent payments, password resets, or access to accounts.
4. Gift Card Scams
A classic seasonal trick: attackers impersonate senior staff requesting “urgent” gift card purchases for clients or internal rewards.
5. Voice Phishing (Vishing)
Scammers make phone calls pretending to be banks, IT support, or delivery services, pressuring staff to reveal credentials or approve payments.
Best Practices to Keep Your Organisation Safe
Educate and Remind Staff
Share guidance with your teams about common scams, especially those working in finance, HR, and customer service. Encourage a culture where questioning suspicious messages is normal and expected.
Verify Before Clicking or Paying
Employees should verify any unexpected requests via a known phone number or internal chat. Never use contact details supplied in a suspicious message.
Use Strong Access Controls
Ensure staff accounts use MFA, strong passwords, and role-based access so attackers cannot escalate privileges if one account becomes compromised.
Keep Devices Updated
Regular security updates reduce the risk of malware affecting workstations, mobile devices, and company systems.
Promote Safe Online Shopping for Staff
Remind employees to avoid shopping on work devices or using business email addresses for personal purchases. This helps contain risk and prevents corporate systems from being exposed to consumer-focused attacks.
How ITCS Global Can Help
While this isn’t a sales message, it’s important to know you aren’t alone in protecting your business. ITCS Global provides ongoing security monitoring, staff awareness training, and best-practice guidance to help prevent cyber threats all year round. If you’d like support reviewing your security posture or sharing educational material with your team, we’re here to
How Global Conflicts Are Quietly Threatening Your Business IT
Why SMBs Can’t Ignore What’s Happening in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and China… It’s easy to assume the impact stops at fuel prices, shipping delays, or headlines in the news.
But there’s another, quieter front where these global tensions are playing out: your business IT.
In this blog, we’ll explore four keyways global instability is affecting UK businesses’ IT – and what you can do to prepare for the ripple effects before they hit your bottom line.
Business Phone Systems in 2025: Landline, Mobile, VoIP or UC?
With the UK’s PSTN switch-off drawing closer, businesses are being forced to rethink their phone systems. Whether you’re a small office, a growing team, or managing remote staff, the way you communicate matters — and the options have changed significantly in recent years.
So what’s best for your business today — and tomorrow? In this guide, we break down the four main types of phone systems available in 2025, and what each means for performance, cost, and long-term viability.
Why Your Employees Are Your Biggest Cyber Risk – and Asset
When it comes to cybersecurity, the biggest threat often isn’t a hacker — it’s an employee clicking the wrong link. But here’s the good news: your staff can also be your strongest line of defence. In this post, we explore why employees are at the centre of most data breaches, how human error fuels cyber attacks, and what you can do to turn risk into resilience.
With the right training, culture, and tools, your team can go from vulnerable to vigilant — and be a key part of your cyber protection strategy.
Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace – Which One Is Right for Your Business?
Choosing the right productivity suite is a major decision for any business. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace dominate the market, but which one is the best fit for your team? In this post, we explore the key differences in functionality, collaboration tools, security, and long-term scalability.
While both platforms are strong, Microsoft 365 often proves a better choice for UK businesses that need deeper integration, compliance, and advanced IT control. We break it down without bias – so you can make the right call for your future growth.
10 IT Problems We Fix Every Week (and How to Avoid Them)
Some IT problems happen so often, they become accepted as “normal” – but they don’t have to be. At ITCS Global, we resolve countless everyday IT headaches for small and medium-sized businesses every single week. From forgotten passwords and dodgy Wi-Fi to syncing issues and failed backups, these recurring problems waste time, drain productivity, and frustrate staff.
In this blog, we share the 10 most common IT issues we fix (often preventively), and how your business can avoid them altogether with the right systems, support, and training in place.
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint (at No Extra Cost)
Reducing your business’s carbon footprint isn’t just good for the planet — it’s increasingly important for customers, partners, and compliance too. But what if your IT partner could help you move toward Net Zero without lifting a finger or increasing your costs?
At ITCS Global, every one of our Managed IT suites includes full carbon offsetting — not just for your IT equipment’s energy use, but for the entire lifecycle of each device. From manufacturing to disposal, we help you take a meaningful step towards sustainability. Here’s how it works, and why it matters.