ERPs and ransomware protection

Businesses great and small need to protect themselves from cyber criminals while also benefiting from useful business software. Luckily there are a few experts who can help...

OGL > Profit4 roll out + team expansion

Business software, IT support and cyber security specialist OGL has launched Profit4 – a new generation, fully integrated ERP system developed for wholesalers, distributors and merchants – as well as bolstered its team as part of an ambitious five-year growth plan.

Claire Jones, Head of Software Sales, has been appointed to the OGL leadership team. Jones celebrated her 20-year Long Service earlier this year and will be working closely with the OGL Software Sales teams, Account Managers and newly-appointed Head of Profit4 Operations, Charlie Grant. Other recent key hires include David Jubb, Head of Communications and Information Systems.

Jones’ role includes working closely with the marketing and account management teams to ensure OGL’s product placement is strong among target audiences. She will also work with the development, delivery and support teams to ensure the seamless roll-out of the software and excellent customer experience.

Jones says: “Following the launch of our fantastic new software product, Profit4, at the start of the year, I will be focused on ensuring we have the structure, tools and people to capitalise on every opportunity to grow and build on an already amazing 2021.”

Gary Reynolds, OGL’s Operations Director, adds: “OGL’s strength comes from our staff who are passionate about what they do and are committed to providing the best customer experience. Claire has excellent knowledge of the Software division having worked within it for 20 years; her role evolving from administration, software account management and now to Head of Software Sales.”

With over 35 years in the industry, OGL Software's ERP solutions help hundreds of UK businesses become more efficient and competitive by streamlining their stock control, automating their operations and optimising their order processing.

– CLAIRE JONES –

“Following the launch of our fantastic new software product, Profit4, at the start of the year, I will be focused on ensuring we have the structure, tools and people to capitalise on every opportunity to grow and build on an already amazing 2021.”

Intact Software > Relocated provider focuses on industry

Having outgrown its premises, industry specific ERP software specialist Intact Software had been on the look-out for new headquarters. Now the firm is safely installed in new office space in Hemel Hempstead (30 miles North West of London). The state-of-the-art facility (in the Maylands Building) provides the firm with space to grow the team and also to better collaborate with its customers, it says.

The newly relocated ERP software provider focuses on distributors, merchants and wholesalers across a number of industries, including the tools, fixings and parts distribution sector.

“Our ethos of the perfect fit ERP solution aspires for much more than a better version of your current system. It aspires to deliver the best version of your business. To future-proof it. “Our business management and ERP software is designed for your industry; robust enough to grow and flex to the future needs of your business.

“It delivers on everything you need; from dealing with serial number tracking to managing the stocking and sale of both expensive machinery and fast moving consumables.

“How you run your business should not be dictated by software alone. Our team looks beyond current issues, beyond specific features. We look at how your business relations are supported through technology.”

“How you run your business should not be dictated by software alone. Our team looks beyond current issues, beyond specific features. We look at how your business relations are supported through technology.

“We look at where your business is going and where it has come from. We use this knowledge to build your perfect fit solution and implementation roadmap.” It covers:

  • Serial number tracking
  • Machine servicing
  • Consumables and equipment
  • Fully integrated CRM
  • Predictive stock management
  • EDI and integration
  • Mobility and e-commerce

Construction & manufacturing industries most at risk from ransomware

Sobering analysis from US-based encrypted cloud service provider NordLocker (nothing to do with the similar sounding locking fasteners) found that companies within the construction and manufacturing industries were among the most likely to be a lucrative target for ransomware gangs.

For manufacturers, the move to Industry 4.o has provided the opportunity for cyber criminals, as cybersecurity expert Oliver Noble explains: “Manufacturing as a whole has wholeheartedly embraced the automation and digitization of its operations, which, on the one hand, have increased the industry’s efficiency exponentially, but, on the other, opened up Pandora’s box of modern malware that could knock the enterprise into a standstill.” Similarly, he notes that manufacturers are at an increased risk of ransomware due to their close relationship with suppliers and clients, as “hacking into one company might allow the perpetrators to extort several at the same time.”

“Hacking into one company might allow the perpetrators to extort several at the same time.”

Even though big companies are attractive targets – with a higher probability of offering larger ransoms – small companies are not safe either. “Small enterprises usually do not have the same cybersecurity checks in place as larger businesses, making them an easier target for ransomware attacks. That being said, major companies are still the preferred targets, as their deeper pockets and higher stakes make them more likely to pay up,” the expert notes.

NORDLOCKER HAS SOME EASY-TO-IMPLEMENT TIPS TO BOLSTER BUSINESS’ DEFENCES:

  • Make sure your employees use strong and unique passwords to connect to your systems. Better yet, implement multi-factor authentication.
  • Secure your email by training your staff to identify signs of phishing, especially when an email contains attachments and links.
  • Implement and enforce periodic data backup and restoration processes. An encrypted cloud might be the most secure solution for this.
  • Adopt zero-trust network access, meaning that every access request to digital resources by a member of staff should be granted only after their identity has been appropriately verified.

NordLocker is, it says, the world’s first end-to-end file encryption tool with a private cloud. It was created by the cybersecurity experts behind NordVPN – one of the most advanced VPN service providers in the world. NordLocker is available for Windows and macOS, supports all file types, offers a fast and intuitive interface and guarantees secure sync between devices. With NordLocker, files are protected from hacking, surveillance, and data collection, the firm says.