Six ways to defend your company against a ransomware attack

Ransomware criminalRansomware – cyber extortion that occurs when malicious software infiltrates your computer systems and encrypts your data, holding it hostage until the victim pays a ransom. Failing to pay the ransom will result in the data being published online and extensive downtime. The likelihood of ransomware attacks can be reduced using a plan covering these actions:

1. Conduct risk assessments and penetration tests to determine the attack surface and current state of security resilience and preparedness in terms of tools, processes and skills.

2. Establish processes and compliance procedures that involve key decision makers in the organisation, even before preparing for the technical response to a ransomware attack.

3. Conduct frequent exercises and drills to ensure that systems are always able to detect the attacks.

4. Back up not only the data but also every non-standard application and its supporting IT infrastructure. Maintain frequent and reliable backup and recovery capabilities. If online backups are used, ensure they cannot become encrypted by ransomware.

5. Restrict permissions and deny unauthorised access to devices. Remove local administrator rights from end users and block application installation by standard users, replacing this with a centrally managed software distribution facility.

6. Research government and regional authorities that have provided guidelines on how organisations can fortify their IT infrastructure against ransomware.

Another layer of protection would be to implement anti-ransomware software RC from Bullwall. It is an innovative, last line of defence software which protects your confidential data against ransomware attacks from any user on any device. It provides a complete 24/7 containment solution.

Contact Martyn to book a demo on 01794 526088 or email  m.pegram@aomltd.co.uk

Source: ‘6 Ways to Defend Against a Ransomware Attack’, Gartner


Allied Office Machines have been supporting Southampton Special Purpose Workshop for the last ten years

Southampton Special Purpose Workshop (SSPW, www.sspw.co.uk) is the longest established private and independent day service provider for adults with special needs in Southampton. It was founded in 1993 by Jim Parker as an alternative to the traditional day services. The main workshop in Portswood is divided into four areas: woodwork, garage, craft and a canteen. The group also includes a farm in Durley and a shop in Woolston. 

SSPW always tries to find meaningful, useful and enriching activities for their clients. To help with one of these activities, Allied Office Machines donate all their old photocopiers to SSPW. The clients take part in the whole process where they come and collect the copiers, load them onto a trailer and take them back to their workshop. Here the equipment is stripped down and all metal components are prepared for recycling while the clients learn about the different types of metal and copier parts. Once completed, all the metal parts are sold to a scrap yard. 

This generates an income for the recreational fund, which is used to fund trips to museums and other fun activities chosen by the service users.  

Sean Parker, Service Manager at Southampton Special Purpose Workshop, commented: “We have been proud to provide the day service for the last twenty-five years and many clients rely on us. It was very difficult with Covid where we had to close our doors. We still offered doorstep visits, phone calls and activity packs as our service is vital for some of our vulnerable clients. It is great to be fully open again and provide the full range of services which enhance our clients’ lives.” 

Steve Drayson, MD at Allied Office Machines, added: “We are very happy to donate our old equipment to SSPW. It’s reassuring to know that the old upgraded equipment is not only put to good use but is also fully recycled and helps to fund the worthwhile activities for the clients of SSPW.” 

Photo – Jamie Paulton from Allied Office Machines and SSPW team


Window Warehouse boosts their cybersecurity and protects their business from ransomware

Based in Portsmouth, Window Warehouse is the south coast’s leading manufacturer of quality uPVC and aluminium windows and doors to the domestic and commercial sectors.

Many large corporations spend millions on cybersecurity and still get attacked by cyber criminals, their private data encrypted, stolen and used for ransom. Experts agree that it is no longer a question of if, but when you get targeted. A business needs to take every precaution they can in building strong perimeter and end point defences, however, they also need to plan for when there is a breach and how to manage it. 

Andy Bulcock, IT Manager at Window Warehouse explained: “We are always looking at ways in which we can strengthen our cybersecurity defences. Since ransomware attacks have become more frequent across all business sectors, we knew we needed to invest in an effective solution which would neutralise this specific threat. As a business we have grown in size in the last few years and now have more users to protect. After extensive research we have selected RansomCare which was implemented by our technology partner Allied Office Machines.” 

RansomCare(RC) is a cost effective and easy to install solution from BullWall. It is an innovative, last line of defence software which protects your confidential data against ransomware attacks from any user on any device. It provides a complete 24/7 containment solution. 

Steve Drayson, MD at Allied Office Machines added: “Allied Office Machines have been working closely with Window Warehouse for the last ten years in supplying and maintaining their printers and copiers. We view our relationship with all our clients as a long-term partnership to understand the business and add value. Supplying another layer of protection to their cybersecurity will help to safeguard their company for the future.” 

Photo – Remi Cake from Window Warehouse and Martyn Pegram from Allied Office Machines 


How much time do you have to react to a ransomware attack?  

Not very long at all.

Ransomware attacks are becoming faster and more sophisticated. In this latest attack referenced below, it only took 3 hours and 44 minutes from the initial infection until all the files on all devices were encrypted. 

3h and 44min does not provide a large window for network and security admins to detect and respond to the attack and implement counter measures – considering they rely on manual human intervention and that many attacks occur at night.

An automated solution which reacts in seconds and stops the encryption instantly can improve your response times, prevent downtime, disruption and loss of revenue.

Would you like to know more?

Contact Martyn to book a demo on 01794 526088 or email  m.pegram@aomltd.co.uk

Read the full article here:

Quantum ransomware seen deployed in rapid network attacks 


Is it time to check the facts about the supply of copiers and copier parts? 

We have found there is a little misinformation out there and we seek to clarify it. 
 
Statement 
We cannot supply the upgrade for your current brand of copier due to the global chip problem. We would prefer for you to take an alternative brand
 
Fact checked 
The global chip shortage has affected all manufacturers that produce a product with a computer interface. So in fact all manufacturers of copiers or MFP’s are suffering with the same issues. This does not mean you don’t have a choice. 
 
Statement 
We couldn’t get to service your equipment today as there are supply problems with the parts required to fix it. 
 
Fact checked 
Although there are delays on the supply of certain equipment models across all manufacturers, there are no such issues with parts and consumables supplies. Most parts and consumables are readily available from most independent dealers, including ourselves. 
 
Statement 
Currently we are only able to service your equipment using “compatible” non OEM parts and consumables due to global supply problems. 
 
Fact checked 
99% of all genuine OEM parts and consumables are readily available from most independent dealers. 

For more information contact Martyn on 01794 526088 or info@aomltd.co.uk

 


Sales Manager Frankie raises money for Alzheimer’s Research UK

A daredevil fundraiser is gearing up to abseil 529 ft. down an iconic London landmark to raise funds for a charity close to her heart.

Francesca Girardelli (Frankie), from Fareham, will scale Broadgate Tower on 8th September, before descending the almost vertical skyscraper to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Frankie’s Dad, Adrian Girardelli was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 55, despite the family not having any history of the disease, and since then it has rapidly transformed the entire family’s lives.

Frankie will be supported by her colleagues at local organisation Allied Office Machines and partners at Ricoh EMEA, as they hope to raise as much awareness and donations as possible, to fund groundbreaking research to change the lives of individuals and families affected by dementia.

Frankie, 29, said: “When I heard about the abseil, my immediate reaction was, I have to take part. This was something I wanted to do for my Dad, but also for families just like mine. I believe with the right support, people can live very well with dementia, I’ve just watched ‘The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes’ on Channel 4 and it showed just how anything is possible!

“My concern is that with all the work amazing charities like Alzheimer’s Research UK undergo, this area of research remains extremely underfunded, and for that reason, I am choosing to face my fear of heights and raise vital funds and awareness for dementia research.

“Although this will be a huge challenge for me, it doesn’t compare to the daily struggles of someone living with Alzheimer’s or any kind of dementia for that matter. That’s why we must do everything we can to find a cure.”

Kate Moss, Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “I am blown away by how brave and determined Frankie has been in her fundraising efforts for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Our mission is to bring about a life-changing dementia treatment and it’s incredible individuals like Frankie who will help make that possible. From everyone at Alzheimer’s Research UK, we’d like to say thank you for all your hard work so far and good luck with your abseil!”

According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, dementia is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the UK. Yet just half (51%) of the public recognise that dementia can cause death. The overall number of people developing dementia is increasing and this will continue to rise unless we find effective treatments to slow, stop and prevent the diseases, like Alzheimer’s, that cause dementia. Through improved public awareness, for example Frankie’s abseil, this will help to challenge the social stigma around Alzheimer’s. This will encourage more people to seek help when symptoms of dementia appear, while also building much-needed support for dementia research.

Ambitious Frankie has already raised just over £400 for Alzheimer Research UK and is determined to grow her donations. To help Frankie reach new heights, please donate to her Everyday Hero page here.


Our Brand New Website Goes Live

We are excited to announce the launch of our brand new website. With the launch of many exciting new products for 2017, we wanted our website to correspond with our products and services, as we continue to extend our document processing services into the digital field.

Our homepage has been modernised, making it easier for our customers to locate their way around the site. Whereas our old site had 8 different menu options, this has now been simplified to just 4 tabs, focusing on our key areas of expertise, of which we are extremely proud.

A ‘Why choose Allied?’ section has also been added to the homepage. We are proud to have remained an independent, family-run business since we were established in 1994, and we have been recognised for our commitment to quality, tailor-made service by the electronics industry leader, Ricoh. This section allows us to showcase our accomplishments and expertise.

Customer service has always been integral to our business model, and therefore a new contact functionality has been integrated into the website. The ‘Get in Touch’ tab makes contacting our team a lot simpler, and gives the user more options as to how they wish to make contact.

The multifunctional printers section under the products tab has also been
re-imagined. Previously our site advertised the products in one list. This has now been split up into various tabs, making it a lot easier and quicker for the user to find the product that they are looking for.

Although the content has largely remained the same, the new look and feel of the website highlights our new digital offering. This should in turn improve the web experience for both existing and new customers.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on our new website! Give us a call on 01794 526088.


Allied Office Machines announce support for charity SSAFA

Hampshire-based specialists in Ricoh copier and print technology, Allied Office Machines, are continuing their ongoing support of their local community with a generous donation of £700.00 to SSAFA the Armed Forces charity.

Frankie Girardelli and Graham Robbins, Representatives of Allied Office Machines present Lawrence Ashbridge MBE, SSAFA Hampshire Awareness Officer and Patricia Lyons, Branch Chairman of SSAFA with donation.

Founded in 1885, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity provides lifelong support to our Armed Forces, veterans and their families. During 2016, SSAFA’s staff and team of volunteers helped over 67,000 people – from World War Two veterans to those involved in more recent conflicts and their families. The funding received from Allied Office Machines will be used to directly support SSAFA’s work with the military family in Hampshire.

Lawrence Ashbridge MBE, the SSAFA Hampshire Awareness Officer said: ‘We are so grateful to have received this generous funding from Allied Office Machines. Having served in the Regular Army for 30 years and now as a Reservist, I have first hand-experience of just how much the support of SSAFA can help our Armed Forces, veterans and their families – it all makes a huge difference.’

Francesca Girardelli, Representative of Allied Office Machines said: ‘We are delighted that Allied Office Machines are now an official SSAFA Friend in Hampshire, joining organisations including Hampshire NHS Hospitals Trust. Looking forward to the year 2018, this will have a real significance for the nation and the Armed Forces as it will mark the centenary of the end of WW1 and the whole Team wanted to help as we know what a significant difference the charity makes to Armed Forces personnel on a daily basis.’

Allied Office Machines have supported a number of local charities in the past few years, including the Jubilee Sailing Trust, Youth Options and Winchester Rugby Club.

To find out more about SSAFA Hampshire or to donate, contact The Secretary at: www.ssafa.org.uk/hampshire


Allied Office is supporting Winchester Veterans

The Veterans Team of Winchester Rugby Football Club are proud to announce a new three year sponsorship deal with local office solutions provider Allied Office Machines Ltd.  The Vets team is nearly as old as the club itself and many senior players are well past the requisite 35 years. The vets ambition for this year is to field an entirely fathers and sons team. Romsey based Allied Office Machines has donated an up to date Ricoh multifunctional printer to help with the ever increasing administration of the club. The new equipment will allow the club to produce tournament and match day programmes.dennis

Allied representative and self confessed rugby fanatic Dennis Hey said “We are delighted to support Winchester Rugby Football Club in this way and wish the Vets every success for the new season and beyond.”  Winchester RFC’s Facilities Manager, Adriaan van Jaarsveld said, “It is the generous support that we get from our Sponsors that helps our Senior Players to play rugby and improve their game to a higher level.  I hope that we will have a happy and productive association which will be of benefit to both our organisations.

 


We are recruiting!

We are currently looking for a Sales Account Manager to join our sales team.

The candidate

A position has become available for a highly skilled and market savvy sales executive to join a small but growing company in the south of England. The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate their ability to sell solutions into new and existing accounts, including print audit and Managed Print Services (MPS).

The position

The successful candidate will be reporting directly to the managing director and supported by two lead generators and print audit compiler. Covering the Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire area, the candidate will be required to work with a small but dedicated team.

The Opportunity

The package is flexible and can be tailored to the right candidate. The financial package is open to negotiation,  but the right candidate should expect an attractive OTE, together with the usual benefits including car and expenses etc. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to move into a senior management role, reporting directly to the board of directors and have the opportunity to acquire share options.

Please email steve.drayson@aomltd.co.uk with your CV.

Thank you.