by Nouveau | Feb 11, 2019 | Articles
Let’s work together to understand your security posture
As the climate of cybersecurity continues to evolve, we at Nouveau cut through the complexities to help businesses keep their security posture in shape. Businesses of all shapes and sizes are now realising the effects of the many growing threats. We would like to offer our guidance to all existing customers and prospective clients to help ensure that together we fully understand what needs to be done to maintain and enhance your security defences.
We are passionate about the standard of our customers’ cyber security posture. That’s why we are offering to discuss with you the current state of your cyber security to help uncover or confirm any potential weaknesses so we can offer advice to help minimise cyber-risks to your business going forward.
To explore the current state of your security landscape, we would like to talk with you personally to ensure nothing is missed so that we can help keep you ahead of the game. When it comes to the indefinite evolution of threats, vulnerabilities and all things cyber security it’s important that you take everything into account.
We would like to offer you the initial phase of our cyber security lifecycle process. Please take the time out to complete the questionnaire below to help us understand which phase of your complex cyber security you are currently at. Let’s work together to better understand, and solve, your individual challenges.
Some of our Security Partners
If you would like to speak to a member of our team right away, please call 01189 186822.
by Nouveau | Feb 4, 2019 | Articles
Outsourcing your Business as Usual IT support can massively reduce your IT workload.
Every business needs a dedicated team, whether that’s in-house or outsourced to a specialist, that helps keep your organisation’s lights on and blood pumping. By outsourcing your IT services from Nouveau, your company can focus on work without having to worry about your business’ IT functioning the way you expect it to.
Your IT setup is one of the most integral aspects of your business, so why not relieve some of the stress and leave the everyday running of your Business as Usual IT to our friendly team of experts.
What we think you’ll love about Business as Usual IT Support
Firstly, Nouveau’s definition of Business as Usual (BAU) in IT means carrying out your every-day important IT-related tasks while allowing the business to operate at its maximum efficiency. This means our BAU support covers an extremely wide range of general operations such as ensuring email services are working correctly, setting up new users and quickly fixing any system breakages (unfortunately they do happen!). We’ll keep your systems working, and if by any chance they encounter any issues, we will make sure they get fixed. Our aim is to provide you with maximum uptime whilst encountering the least number of faults. By ensuring that your business has a fully functioning and efficient IT setup, you can focus your attention on the larger scale projects that require your undivided focus and attention.
By shifting the IT workload over to us, you can begin to focus on important business matters with the assurance that Nouveau are swiftly dealing with day to day IT operations and mitigating various business critical issues.
Why Nouveau?
Our proactive approach means we can spot any potential issues and provide expert advice on how to prevent and minimise any risk. Instead of being reactive to a fault, our specialists across our networking, server and technical support teams can provide guidance on what actions your business needs to take to prevent these issues. If your systems are starting to look tired and need updating, we can let you know. If your systems are running on an operating system that is soon to be no longer supported with security patches, we’ll kindly give you advice on that too.
By reducing your IT workload with Business as Usual support, you can focus on the projects that matter whilst we deal with your daily IT operations.
Our friendly service desk
Although our primary goal is enabling you to focus on your business without having to worry about your IT, there will come a time where you do need some extra support with your Business as Usual operations. Luckily, when you do need extra support with day-to-day issues, our Service Desk will be there to give you a helping hand. Our team of experts is on hand to respond quickly with high-level advice to aid you in your pursuit to solve any problem that you have.
Clifford Poole, one of Nouveau’s expert support engineers, told us that some common problems the service desk deal with on a day-to-day basis can range from simple password expiration resets to advanced email bounce issues and minor system changes. As part of BAU support, Nouveau’s friendly support team strive to provide as much help as possible and will do their best to leave no stone unturned when it comes to your queries. Their objective is to maintain the efficiency of the operations that keep your business’ engines running.
Nouveau can help
If you are an organisation who needs help with your everyday IT projects and workloads, Nouveau will be happy to help. With over 25 years of experience in the IT Solutions and Services industry, our friendly support experts can cater to your individual business requirements. Whether you need help because your existing IT resource does not have the in-house skills to complete a task, because your business doesn’t have an IT department at all, or you simply need holiday or sickness cover, Nouveau can help.
To get in touch, send an email to hello@nouveau.co.uk or give one of our friendly account managers a call on 01189 186822
by Nouveau | Jan 18, 2019 | Articles
13th January marks the day that Microsoft’s Windows 7 passes from mainstream support into extended Support which will finally cease in January 2020. Whilst 2020 may seem some time away, now is the time to start planning.
Research deriving from content delivery firm Kollective indicates that over 43 percent of enterprises within the US and the UK still run Windows 7, which could potentially have unwanted consequences come January next year. Back in January 2015, Microsoft announced that they were ending mainstream support for Windows 7 with extended support running through till January 14th, 2020.
This could cause concern for businesses who haven’t yet thought about upgrading their systems. Considering that moving away from Windows XP took up to three whole years for large organisations, businesses are urged to think about upgrading as soon as possible.
Nouveau reminds customers that once on Windows 10, businesses will need to continuously update their systems as part of Microsoft’s new ‘Windows-as-a-service” initiative. Gareth Scott, our Senior Consultant Engineer, says that ‘older versions of Windows previously updated every so often, maybe every 18 months or so. Now Windows 10 is already past its fifth iteration because it gets updated much more regularly ensuring that your environment is benefiting from the most uptodate security patches and bug fixes ’. For businesses with outdated infrastructure, distributing frequent updates across all their systems may prove to be rather vexatious.
Gareth recommends testing the migration on duplicate systems. This means copying your environment onto a ‘test-bench’ PC or server, including all the applications that your business relies on. The Nouveau team can help you with this transition and work with you to select the right upgrade path for your environment.
What’s the danger? Why you can’t just stick with Windows 7.
A lack of support for Windows 7 means that there will be no further security patches for the operating system. It’s quite clear what this means for your business: you are unfortunately much more susceptible to cyber-attacks.
When the cyberattack known as ‘WannaCry’ broke out back in May 2017, it was discovered that the ransomware spread much more rapidly by exploiting vulnerabilities in PCs that used outdated and under-protected systems such as Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. When Windows 7 goes end-of-life, expect a higher proportion of cyberattacks to be aimed at the unsupported operating system. We here at Nouveau are making it one of our priorities to ensure that our customers start thinking about upgrading if they haven’t done so already and ensure your transition is as seamless as possible.
By preparing sooner rather than later, you can make sure your transition is as seamless as possible
How Nouveau can help
We here at Nouveau can offer full scale migration services and can help your business upgrade outdated systems and infrastructure as the need arises.
If you would like to speak to one of our experts, please send an email to hello@nouveau.co.uk or call 01189 699290 for more information.
by seoadmin | Jan 18, 2019 | Articles
As a key component of your business’ IT security, a firewall acts as a guard against harmful traffic, protecting your data and preventing unauthorised access.
Whether it’s through hardware, software, or a combination of both, a firewall should be at the core of your network, determining which traffic you let into your network and which you keep out.
What is FortiGate Firewall?
FortiGate, a next-generation firewall from IT Cyber Security leaders Fortinet, provides the ultimate threat protection for businesses of all sizes. Utilising purpose-built security processors and threat intelligence from FortiGuard, a FortiGate firewall delivers unmatched performance and protection while simplifying your network.
Fortinet offers FortiGate models to satisfy any deployment requirement, from the entry-level FortiGate-20 series for small offices and retail networks to the FortiGate-1500 series for large enterprises.
How Does FortiGate Firewall Work?
In short, a FortiGate firewall works by examining the data that flows in to your network and verifying if it is safe to pass through to your business.
Lower specification firewalls will typically examine this data by information such as its location and source. This information will then be evaluated against a set list of permissions to assess whether it can be allowed through.
A firewall provides front line defence against security threats, however, as cyber criminals become more sophisticated, it becomes more challenging for just a firewall alone to defend against the myriad of cyber-security threats., which can be encrypted behind what appears to be a reliable source.
In 2019, Gartner estimate that 80% of traffic to your business will be encrypted, with 50% of attacks targeting businesses, such as yourselves, hidden in encrypted traffic.
With purpose-built security processors, working alongside top of the line threat detection from FortiGuard, FortiGate firewalls provide advanced protection, even from encrypted traffic, for your business.
FortiGate Firewall Features
- High-performance threat protection – such as web filtering, antivirus and application control ensures that your business is not harmed by cyber security threats such as Malware and Social Engineering.
- Mission critical application protection – highly scalable segmentation and ultra-low latency to protect network segments.
- Automated risk assessments – automated workflow and auditing features lifts the burden on IT department.
- Security ratings – adopt ‘best practice’ security measures, with security ratings provided by FortiGate.
- Independently certified and continuous threat intelligence – ensures you’re protected from known and unknown attacks.
- Enterprise class security management – allows you to manage security assets regardless of location.
- Security Fabric integration – share threats across the entire IT security infrastructure to provide quick and automated protection. Learn more about the Fortinet Security Fabric.
Why Choose FortiGate Firewall?
IT security threats are constantly evolving, and your business needs to evolve with them. As we move in to a business environment that is more connected than ever before, one breach could be enough to create serious consequences for your organisation.
A FortiGate firewall can provide you, and your business, with the peace of mind that your business is protected from the latest threats.
What Does FortiGate Firewall Protect Against?
The next-generation FortiGate firewall can protect against a number of security threats. Including:
- Malware
- Spyware (Grayware)
- Phishing / Social Engineering schemes
- Pharming attacks
- Instant messaging viruses
- Peer-to-Peer networks
- Blended network attacks
- Email
- Intrusions
FortiGate Firewall from Nouveau Solutions
We are experts in IT security and have been a Fortinet Platinum Partner for many years. Amongst our team of security professionals we hold a host of Fortinet accreditations, NSE 4, 5, 6, 7 and the much sought after NSE 8 (the highest technical accreditation you can achieve as a Fortinet partner).
As a Fortinet Platinum level partner, we are fully-qualified to take care of your entire security infrastructure. Our managed IT security service includes assessing your entire network for weaknesses, before designing, configuring, supporting and proactively monitoring the integrity of your network. Our proactive managed IT security service oversees the management of your firewall, compliance, email security, endpoint protection and SIEM, constantly checking for potential threats and taking appropriate action to keep your network safe.
To learn more about the benefits of choosing a FortiGate firewall, get in touch today. Or, alternatively, you can purchase a FortiGate firewall directly from https://www.nouveau-store.co.uk/.
by Nouveau | Nov 27, 2018 | Articles
Robbie Langsbury, Technical Delivery Lead
1: What is your position at Nouveau?
Technical Delivery Lead. I act as the glue between the Technical & Sales departments to help improve the customer journey and experience. It’s my top priority to ensure that every customer of ours can have their queries resolved as quickly, efficiently and as effectively as possible.
2: How long have you been working here?
I have been working at Nouveau for just over 2 months. It’s been great so far! I am keen to keep on developing the processes between the sales and technical teams to improve service for our customers. I have also thoroughly enjoyed the social aspect of working here – everyone is a pleasure to work with and we often participate in fun sessions like barbeques and carry out charity events, which is always good.
3: What do you love about your job?
A huge passion of mine is developing the interaction between Nouveau’s technical team, the sales team & our customers. I also love getting into project planning and helping to deliver on-time & with minimum disruption.
4: Have you got any cool hobbies?
I am a Level 1 FA Qualified Coach and run an Under 10’s Football Team. I have been doing this since 2008 – I love their enthusiasm and it’s great to be an integral part of their footballing development.
5: What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?
I love sports – as a huge fan of Chelsea FC and Swindon Wildcats Ice Hockey team, I try to go to as many matches as possible.
6: Name one thing you can’t live without
My Fitbit Smartwatch! I exercise regularly and am obsessed with fitness tracking. I find the statistics extremely interesting and they keep me motivated to keep exercising.
7: What is a secret talent of yours?
Not many people know, but I am a Black-Belt in Wado-Ryu Karate and obtained Silver in a Martial Arts tournament I entered. It’s something I’m quite proud of!
by Nouveau | Nov 26, 2018 | Articles
How to stay safe online during Cyber Monday
Following Black Friday, Cyber Monday gives online shoppers a second chance to steal great deals that they may have missed out on the week before. A fancy 4K television for 40% off, 25% off of a brand-new pair of shoes, half price on a snazzy electric toothbrush that promises to give you a smile whiter than the snow around Santa’s grotto – the deals are limitless, and it is totally okay to feel excited.
While it is perfectly okay to feel excited about the fantastic deals (as we here at Nouveau are) it is still extremely important to stay safe online during the sales. The increase in internet traffic with millions of people shopping online, many malicious sites seek to scam you by hiding in the midst of all these fantastic deals.
Luckily for you, we’ve got your back. Below, you can find some of our top tips for staying safe online during Cyber Monday.
If it’s “too good to be true”, it probably is (sorry about that!)
During Cyber Monday, you will be able to find hundreds of great, legitimate deals offered by trusted online retailers. Although this is true, you will also find yourself stumbling across some horrible scams from cybercriminals that intend to steal your money and your personal data. As shoppers search and compare prices to find the lowest of the low, unfortunately a different type of “the lowest of the low” are out to prey on bargain hunters. Watch out for fake sites, emails, text messages and browser pop-ups advertising deal your eyes can barely believe. 90% off a brand-spanking new Xbox One or PS4 is most likely an elaborate ruse to empty your pocket without providing the goods. If something looks suspicious – don’t even click the link or open any attachments. Malware and viruses may also be hidden in these evil emails and adverts.
Plan your spending
Within seconds you could go from thinking you have found yourself a great deal to being in a bucket load of trouble due to a cyberattack. On many occasions, all it takes to become infected by malware is to click on the wrong link. Be sure to look at the link for valid SSL certifications (https://) and make sure there aren’t any extensions such as “.cc” on otherwise trusted domains. Use your wits before clicking on anything.
Use unique passwords on each site
By using unique passwords on each site, you are ensuring that if one site is dodgy, you are not giving your details away to someone who intends to use it maliciously. If you use the same password for every site, then one slight hiccup could mean that a hacker has your password to every site on the internet, and that can lead to a whole load of problems. They could access your personal accounts and use your cards to buy things for themselves and could even access your bank accounts.
If possible, use a credit card
Debit cards offer much less protection than credit cards. If you get scammed on your debit card, it will be much harder to get your money back. When shopping online, try and use your credit card as often as possible, but just be sure to pay it off as soon as you can!
Use trusted retailers and vendors
Shop on sites you know you can trust, like Amazon or John Lewis, for example. By doing this, you are hugely reducing your chances of being scammed online. Furthermore, if a site looks suspicious, or you have never used it, search online for reviews of the site before you buy or sign up to anything. If you can not find any reviews, don’t use it: if the reviews are bad – definitely do not use it.
Secure computer and a secure connection
If your computer isn’t protected by antivirus software, it is much more likely to be compromised by malware. If there is no protection, your data on the computer or phone is at risk of being stolen, including all forms your personal information and credit card numbers. Ensure that your software is up to date, including your operating system, as the latest versions have the most secure security patches.
Using a secure connection is just as important, as data is heavily at risk if an attacker has control over the network you are connected to. Be sure to keep an eye out for that SSL certificate we mentioned earlier, you can identify this by looking for the HTTPS padlock in the top left of your search bar.
You should be safe now…
We hope some of our tips help you stay safe online this shopping season – whether that’s during Cyber Monday or throughout the entire Christmas period. As a company who specialise in IT Security, we feel it’s important to keep an eye out for everyone online.
Happy shopping!
