Riverbank It management

Bumbling idiots. That’s how one IT manager described his computer users. They are the threat within. They sit next to the sort of internal threat you might imagine – the disgruntled employee who knows enough about IT to try to inflict real damage. Together these two groups of people pose the greatest risk to your IT security.

So how do you reduce the risks from the people on the inside?

Riverbank is proud to be a sponsor of the Martin & Audrey Wood Enterprise Awards. They are a celebration of the achievements of companies, innovators and entrepreneurs located in Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley area.

The Awards were established in 2005 by Oxford Innovation in honour of Sir Martin and Lady Wood, who co-founded Oxford Instruments plc and continue to support start-up and growing companies in Oxfordshire and beyond.

More information is available from Oxford Innovation. The closing date for applications is Monday 28 September.

If you were on holiday in August you might have missed the news that a US man has been charged with the theft of 130 million credit card numbers from a variety of US-based companies.

This case highlights the need to take IT security seriously. If you aren't confident about the security of your IT systems ask for a copy of the new Riverbank guide to IT security.

And you will be interested to know that the man charged by police was already in custody - charged with the theft of 40 million credit card details.

If you are thinking about outsourcing your IT, and you haven't yet signed up with Riverbank, I recommend you read this article from Fresh Business Thinking.

Find it here - http://www.freshbusinessthinking.com/business_advice.php?CID=3&AID=3106&PGID=1

Topping the Fortune magazine list of the world's fastest-growing companies is Research in Motion, manufacturer of the BlackBerry phone. The BlackBerry is a hit with business users and consumers alike, and the BlackBerry Curve has become the top-selling handheld device in the US.

How long RIM can keep up this rate of growth is debatable, with serious  competiton from the iPhone and Windows Mobile devices. But for now sales are powering along, due in large part to the great software that makes the BlackBerry a delight to use.

If you aren't already hooked on BlackBerry (or iPhone), speak to Riverbank. We'd be pleased to show you what you are missing out on.

Parcel delivery company UPS has given a formal undertaking to the UK Information Commissioner's Office to encrypt all laptops following the theft of a laptop last year.

The laptop was password-protected but not encrypted. It contained personal details of UPS employees.

Mick Gorrill, Assistant Information Commissioner, said "Password protected laptops are not secure. I urge all organisations to restrict the amount of personal information that is taken off secure sites. I am pleased that UPS has encrypted its laptops and smartphones, and I urge other organisations to follow suit."

We have received a number of enquiries from clients making preparations to minimise disruption if there is a major outbreak of the disease.

In response to this we have produced a guide called "Use IT to reduce the impact of swine flu on your business". If you would like a copy of this free guide please e-mail help@riverbank.co.uk or call 01844 278036.

If you would like our help to create a plan for your business, do contact us. We would be pleased to arrange an initial telephone meeting with you to advise on the action you need to take.

Printing is one of the hidden costs in your business. Like driving the car, it’s free at the point of consumption. You only wince at the cost when you buy fuel (or toner cartridges) or have to get it serviced or repaired.

Riverbank partner company BCB is offering a free assessment of your printing costs, helping you to reduce your costs. If you would like to take up this offer, just let us know and we will put you in touch. E-mail help@riverbank.co.uk or call 01844 278036.

The US parent company of retailer TK Maxx has agreed to pay out $9.75m as the settlement for its data security breach. The security breach enabled an international gang to connect to its wireless network and access credit card details being transmitted from its tills.

It's a lot of money to pay for an unsecured wireless network, and the moral is clear. Make sure your wireless network is secure, because the damage to your bank balance and your company reputation could be severe.

If you need help or advice about your wireless network, just ask Riverbank.

Riverbank will be exhibiting at Venturefest, the business event that links investors, entrepreneurs and innovators, on 29 June at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford. It’s a great opportunity to network with an interesting group of people from businesses across the south-east region.

We look forward to seeing you there.