Cyber Security & Support

Launching a startup involves numerous decisions, and building a secure and efficient IT infrastructure is one of the most critical. In the digital age, cybersecurity, IT support, and productivity tools like Microsoft 365 are not just add-ons—they’re fundamental to your success. Here's how to set your business up for growth and resilience:

1. Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Startup from the Ground Up
Startups are often targeted by cybercriminals because they may lack robust defenses. A single breach can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. Establishing cybersecurity measures early safeguards your data and ensures customer trust.

Key Steps to Build Cybersecurity:

1. Conduct a Risk Assessment:

   • Identify sensitive data and potential threats.

   • Evaluate vulnerabilities in your systems and processes.

2. Implement Essential Security Tools:

   • Firewall and Antivirus: Protect against external and internal threats.

   • Endpoint Protection: Secure devices such as laptops, mobile phones, and tablets.

   • Email Security: Use tools to filter phishing attempts and spam.

3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

   • Add a second layer of protection beyond passwords to secure accounts.

4. Train Employees:

   • Educate your team on recognizing phishing scams, using strong passwords, and adhering to cybersecurity policies.

5. Backup Your Data:

   • Regularly back up critical data using encrypted cloud storage or offline solutions.

6. Monitor and Respond:

   • Set up systems to detect unusual activities and respond promptly to potential breaches.

2. IT Support: Building a Reliable Foundation
Startups need reliable IT infrastructure to operate efficiently, troubleshoot issues, and scale as they grow. Proactive IT support minimizes downtime, improves productivity, and helps you stay focused on your business goals.

Key Steps for Effective IT Support:

1. Outsource IT Services:

   • Partner with a managed IT service provider (MSP) for cost-effective support and expertise.

2. Standardize Devices and Software:

   • Use consistent hardware and software across your team for easier management and compatibility.

3. Implement Remote Support Solutions:

   • Equip your team with remote access and support tools to troubleshoot issues quickly, especially if operating in a hybrid work environment.

4. Plan for Scalability:

   • Choose solutions that can grow with your business, such as cloud-based tools and modular IT services.

5. Proactive Maintenance:

   • Regular updates and maintenance ensure systems stay secure and performant.

3. Microsoft 365: Your Productivity Powerhouse
Microsoft 365 offers a suite of tools to enhance collaboration, communication, and productivity, making it an essential component for startups. Its cloud-based nature ensures accessibility and scalability.

Key Features for Startups:

1. Collaboration Tools:

   • Microsoft Teams: Centralized platform for chats, video calls, and file sharing.

   • SharePoint and OneDrive: Easy storage and sharing of files, enabling team collaboration in real time.

2. Office Applications:

   • Access industry-standard tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for creating and managing business content.

3. Email and Calendar:

   • Professional-grade email through Exchange Online and integrated scheduling with Outlook.

4. Security and Compliance:

   • Microsoft 365 offers built-in compliance tools and data loss prevention features, ensuring your data meets industry standards.

5. Automation and Workflow:

   • Use tools like Power Automate to streamline repetitive tasks and boost efficiency.

6. Scalability:

   • As your team grows, you can easily add licenses and services without disrupting workflows.

4. Integration for Seamless Operations
To maximize efficiency, integrate your cybersecurity, IT support, and Microsoft 365 into a unified strategy:

• Use Azure Active Directory for identity and access management across Microsoft 365 and other services.

• Implement single sign-on (SSO) to simplify access for employees.

• Partner with an MSP that specializes in Microsoft solutions and cybersecurity for streamlined setup and management.

5. Benefits of Starting Right

• Operational Efficiency: A robust IT foundation ensures smooth day-to-day operations.

• Resilience Against Threats: Early investment in cybersecurity protects against costly breaches.

• Scalability: Your IT infrastructure grows seamlessly with your business.

• Enhanced Collaboration: Tools like Microsoft Teams and OneDrive foster a connected and productive team.

STA1
Antivirus
Antimalware
Windows Patching*
3rd Party Patching**
Web Filtering
8 x 5 Cyber Support

£165 for 12 months

STA2
Antivirus
Antimalware
Windows Patching*
3rd Party Patching**
Web Filtering
Managed Emails
Microsoft Office, Web Version
8 x 5 Cyber Support

£275 for 12 months

STA3
Antivirus
Antimalware
Windows Patching*
3rd Party Patching**
Web Filtering
Managed Emails
Microsoft Office, Desktop Version
27 x 7 Cyber Support
Remote IT Support

£385 for 12 months

Microsoft Windows 7, 10 and 11, MacOS and Microsoft Server 2012, 2016, 2022 supported for Antivirus, Antimalware and Ransomware protection.

Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Server and Linux support for Remote Support.

* Windows Patching covers official Microsoft patches only

** Third Party Patching covers common apps such as Chrome, Java, Zoom etc. and is only available on Windows PC's

*** Cloud document storage requires some user interaction to save to cloud.

VoIP Phone Systems

For startups, effective communication is vital for success, but traditional phone systems can be costly and inflexible. A 3CX VoIP phone system offers an affordable, scalable, and feature-rich solution tailored to the needs of new businesses.

Key Benefits of 3CX and VoIP for Startups:

1. Cost-Effectiveness:

   • VoIP reduces call costs, especially for international communication, and eliminates the need for expensive hardware.

   • 3CX includes advanced features like video conferencing, mobile apps, and call routing at no extra cost.

2. Scalability:

   • Easily add users and extensions as your business grows without significant upfront investments.

   • The system adapts to increasing call volumes and evolving business needs.

3. Flexibility and Mobility:

   • Access the 3CX system from anywhere using mobile and desktop apps, supporting remote work and on-the-go communication.

   • Cloud deployment options ensure reliability and high availability.

4. Professional Features:

   • Includes tools like IVR, call queues, and CRM integration to enhance customer experience and streamline operations.

   • Unified communications combine voice, video, and messaging in a single platform.

5. Ease of Use and Management:

   • Simple to deploy and manage with a user-friendly web-based interface.

   • Automated updates and built-in security ensure hassle-free operation.

At A500 we will setup and manage you phone system for you.

STAP1
1 user 3CX Phone System
1 SIP Trunk, 1 Call
Mobile Phone App
0333 Number
8 x 5 support
Expandable up to 10 users

£190, 12 months, per user

Desk Phone
£88

Extra Simultaneous Calls
£120

GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a key data privacy law applicable to businesses operating in or dealing with customers in the European Union. For startups, GDPR compliance is not just a legal obligation but a critical factor in building trust, avoiding penalties, and ensuring sustainable growth.

Why GDPR is Important for Startups

1. Avoid Costly Penalties:

   • Non-compliance can result in fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover—potentially crippling for a startup.

   • Addressing GDPR from the beginning minimizes legal risks as your business scales.

2. Build Trust with Customers:

   • Startups often rely on collecting and processing personal data for marketing, sales, and product development.

   • GDPR compliance demonstrates your commitment to data privacy, fostering trust and loyalty among customers.

3. Competitive Advantage:

   • Compliance with GDPR can set your startup apart, especially when dealing with privacy-conscious consumers or enterprise clients who value secure data handling.

4. Future-Proofing Your Business:

   • Embedding GDPR principles from the start ensures your processes remain scalable and compliant as you grow.

   • Retroactive fixes to address data privacy gaps can be time-consuming and expensive.

Key Steps for Startups to Ensure GDPR Compliance

1. Map and Document Data Flows:

   • Identify what personal data you collect, why you collect it, and where it is stored or processed.

2. Obtain Informed Consent:

   • Ensure individuals explicitly consent to data collection and processing, and provide clear privacy policies.

3. Secure Data Properly:

   • Implement robust cybersecurity measures to prevent breaches and unauthorized access.

4. Honor Individual Rights:

   • Be prepared to respond to requests for data access, correction, or deletion.

5. Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) (if required):

   • For startups handling large-scale data, a DPO ensures ongoing compliance and oversight.

GDPR Setup
Includes:
GDPR Policy
GDPR Subject Access Request Policy
Data Breach Policy
Data Handling& Security Policy

£250

GDPR Assessment
We will review your policies and procedures and advise on changes to ensure compliance.

£250

Office Networks

Our office network setup packages are designed to give you and your business a secure, modern and scalable network infrastructure. Fully managed by ourselves, these are truly plug and play solutions for your business.

TP-Link ER605
The TP-Link Omada ER605 (also known as the TL-R605) is a business-class VPN router designed to provide reliable and secure network management for small to medium-sized businesses. It is part of TP-Link's Omada series, which focuses on creating scalable and easily managed network solutions. Here's an overview of the key features and functionalities of the ER605 gateway:

Key Features

1. Multi-WAN Load Balancing and Failover

   • The ER605 supports up to 4 WAN ports (1 Gigabit WAN port and 3 switchable WAN/LAN ports) to ensure high availability and flexible internet access.

   • Load balancing distributes traffic across multiple WAN connections, optimizing bandwidth usage and minimizing congestion.

   • Automatic failover ensures uninterrupted internet connectivity by switching to a backup WAN connection if the primary one fails.

2. Advanced Security Features

   • The gateway includes robust security measures like SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) firewall, DoS (Denial of Service) protection, and access control to safeguard the network.

   • IP/MAC/URL filtering allows administrators to define rules for network access, ensuring tighter control over the network.

   • VPN capabilities such as IPsec, PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN ensure secure remote connections for users accessing the network remotely.

3. Quality of Service (QoS)

   • QoS settings allow prioritization of bandwidth for specific devices or applications, ensuring smooth performance for critical tasks like video conferencing or VoIP calls.

4. Gigabit Connectivity

   • All ports (WAN, LAN, and switchable WAN/LAN) are Gigabit-capable, ensuring high-speed wired connections.

   • Ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like HD streaming, large file transfers, and online gaming.

5. VPN Support

   • Supports up to 20 LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16 OpenVPN, and 16 PPTP/L2TP VPN tunnels.

   • Provides secure and encrypted communication for remote workers and branch offices.

TP-Link ES205G
The TP-Link Omada TL-ES205G is a professional 16-port gigabit switch designed for small to medium-sized businesses, with advanced features tailored for efficient network management and high performance. Below is a detailed overview of the switch:

Key Features

1. Advanced Managed Switch:

   • Part of the Omada SDN (Software-Defined Networking) ecosystem, this switch offers centralized management through the Omada Cloud Controller or the Omada app.

   • Supports Layer 2+ features, including VLANs, link aggregation, IGMP snooping, QoS, and ACLs, providing enhanced network security and traffic management.

2. High Performance:

   • Non-blocking architecture ensures full gigabit speed across all ports, maximizing throughput and minimizing latency.

   • Supports up to 32Gbps switching capacity for handling demanding traffic loads.

3. Durability and Reliability:

   • Built with robust hardware to ensure long-term reliability.

   • Fanless design for silent operation, ideal for noise-sensitive environments like offices.

4. Security Features:

   • Advanced security options, such as Access Control Lists (ACL), 802.1X authentication, and DHCP Snooping, help protect against unauthorized access and potential network threats.

5. Easy Deployment:

   • Plug-and-play capability for straightforward setup.

   • Advanced configurations can be done using the Omada app, a web-based GUI, or the cloud platform.

TP-Link EAP610
The TP-Link Omada EAP610 is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) access point designed to deliver fast, reliable, and scalable wireless connectivity for small to medium-sized businesses. It is part of TP-Link’s Omada SDN (Software-Defined Networking) ecosystem, offering advanced features for centralized network management.

Key Features

1. Wi-Fi 6 Technology

   • Higher Speeds: The EAP610 supports dual-band Wi-Fi with speeds up to 1.8 Gbps (574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz), ensuring fast and efficient data transmission.

   • OFDMA and MU-MIMO: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) technologies allow the EAP610 to handle multiple devices simultaneously with reduced latency.

   • Improved Efficiency: BSS (Basic Service Set) Colouring minimizes signal interference in dense environments, making it ideal for high-density deployments.

2. Seamless Omada SDN Integration

   • Fully compatible with the Omada SDN ecosystem, allowing centralized cloud-based management via the Omada Controller, Omada app, or the web interface.

   • Supports zero-touch provisioning for quick deployment and scaling of the network.

3. PoE Support

   • The EAP610 supports both 802.3af/at PoE and passive PoE, providing flexible installation options without needing an additional power source.

4. Robust Wireless Coverage

   • Equipped with advanced beamforming technology, the EAP610 ensures a stable and focused wireless signal, enhancing coverage across large spaces.

   • Suitable for offices, classrooms, cafes, and other business environments.

5. Advanced Security Features

   • WPA3 Encryption: Offers the latest in Wi-Fi security to protect sensitive data.

   • Secure Guest Network: Provides an isolated network for visitors with customizable login methods, such as vouchers or Facebook Wi-Fi.

   • 802.1X Authentication: Ensures secure access to the network using RADIUS servers.

6. High User Capacity

   • Supports up to hundreds of devices connected simultaneously, making it ideal for high-density environments like conference rooms and retail spaces.

STAO1

TP-Link Omada ER605 Router
TP-Link Omada ES205G 5 port Switch
TP-Link Omada EAP610 Wireless Access

Fully Managed for 12 months

Onsite Setup By Quote

£255

Quotation

If you can't find what you are looking for or you would like a quote on a specific quantity, why not drop us a request and we can provide you with a quotation ASAP.