We don't often connect the price of our daily essentials with the world of cybercrime - but recently we have all had to a little more. What might seem a distant concept is hitting home as a series of cyber attacks on critical parts of retail supply chain is having a very real consequence for your weekly shop. So, how can a cyber attack affect the price of a litre of milk, and why you might find yourself heading to a different supermarket?

The Ripple Effect

Imagine a large supermarket chain falls victim to a sophisticated cyber attack. The hackers target the retailer's supply chain management system, disrupting their ability to order and distribute products. Suddenly, lorries can't deliver goods to stores, warehouses are in chaos, and shelves start to empty.

IFB is pleased to announce that we have been acquired by Converged Communication Solutions, a leading Scottish provider of secure, scalable, and resilient digital solutions for businesses. This strategic move brings together two well-known Scottish technology firms, reinforcing Converged’s position as a leading provider of secure, scalable, and resilient digital solutions for businesses across Scotland. 

The trend in the modern workplace is setting expectations and more emphasis on being able to work from anywhere and anytime. This shift has been accelerated by advancements in technology, enabling businesses to maintain productivity across multiple locations. While some companies have returned to traditional office settings, hybrid working remains a key strategy, sparking ongoing discussions about the future of work.

One of the critical components of this transformation is the adoption of digital phone systems - commonly known as Hosted Voice or VoIP (Voice over IP). These systems have become indispensable for businesses looking to enhance communication, improve flexibility, and ensure seamless connectivity, no matter where their teams are located.

The threat of cyber attacks is a reality for every business, however many SMEs still believe their business isn't a target for cyber criminals as they are too small.
But the statistics show,  SMEs are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals as these businesses often lack the same resources as larger organisations to defend against cyber threats.

As the owner or CEO of small or medium-size organisation, you can't afford to ignore the importance of cyber security. Your company's reputation, finances, customer data and business continuity are all at risk and cyber security should be at the top of your board member's agenda.

Technology is often the star of the show so it’s easy to overlook the importance of the real human - colleague, customer, supplier and relationships of what we do in business. For an increasing number of decision makers, the need for a Managed IT Services provider (MSP) that can prioritise human connections is more critical than ever.

Aberdeen-based Managed IT Services provider IFB is excited to announce the launch of its new podcast series The In’Abooters. With a passion for technology, people's stories, and the local area they've thrived in, IFB brings engaging conversations to the forefront.  

The In’Abooters podcast is offering exceptional conversations with a diverse array of individuals who share a common love for the vibrant city of Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland. Each episode, hosted by Graeme Gordon, explores the unique stories and experiences of guests - whether they're natives to Aberdeen, adventurous souls, or newcomers who have fallen for the charm of the North East - they have one thing in common: an unbreakable bond with this North East region.

A building without digital connectivity? They don’t exist anymore, partly due to the rapid advance of new technologies and, more recently, compliance standards and regulations within the building and property sectors. This is especially relevant when we consider that over 80% of business premises, offices, warehouses, pubs, shops, hotels, that need to meet the 2030 Net Zero commitment are already here and in use, or in some cases, unfortunately not.

In an era where cyber threats are rampant and constantly evolving, businesses must prioritise cyber resilience to safeguard their operations. The stakes are high as we witness a significant rise in the incidents of data breach: The stats from Cyber Security Breaches survey 2023 show, 59% of medium size businesses and 59% of large organisations reported breaches or security attacks, resulting in significant disruption to their operation and daily business life.

While it is challenging to predict how the threat landscape will evolve, taking a proactive and thoughtful approach to cyber security enables businesses and business owners to stay one step ahead of cyber criminals.