Welcome to Upstream IT: Business IT support since 1998

Phishing threats have been around for years, but attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and much harder to spot. Recently, we’ve seen a rise in businesses coming to us for support after staff clicked on phishing link, resulting in their systems and clients’ systems being compromised.

One click can be enough to expose a business to malware, data theft or even a full-scale ransomware attack.

If you find yourself in this situation, acting quickly is essential to contain the threat and minimise the potential damage. In this blog post, we’ll share our top tips on what to do after your staff clicked on the phishing link and the immediate steps you should take to protect your business.

Disconnect From The Internet

The first thing to do is disconnect from the internet. The longer you leave the internet on, the attacker has more of an opportunity to spread the malware further throughout your network and servers. We understand that every business set up is different. Main ways to disconnect include:

Wifi Connection

To disconnect Wi-Fi, go to your device settings and turn the switch off. You can also click the network icon and select forget or disconnect.

If for any reason you’re unable to do this, turn off your internet router. This will disconnect every device, however, this may be the best way forward depending how far the threat has spread.

Ethernet

If you have Ethernet, you must unplug the cable. This is the quickest way to switch the system off.

Devices

Either quickly switch to Airplane mode which will disconnect wireless connections automatically. You can also simply use the wifi toggle.

Don’t switch your computer off

Your first instinct may be to just switch the computer off. However, this can cause more issues. Keeping the device switched on helps preserve evidence, allowing us to investigate the source of the problem and determine how far the malware has spread.

After disconnecting the affected device, simply hand it over to IT experts to get to the bottom of the issue. If you’ve clicked on a phishing link, we strongly advice that you don’t attempt to fix it yourself. You may miss threats that have been hidden by attackers.

Reset Passwords

Attackers move fast so it’s important that you move faster. This means changing passwords and setting up multi-factor authentication.

While they might not have accessed all sensitive data, you should assume that they have. That means changing passwords to devices, Microsoft 365, CRM systems, cloud storage, social media platforms, and banking platforms.

Start with your email account, as this is often one of the first places attackers will target. Gaining access to your email can make it easier for them to access other accounts and systems linked to it.

Set up multi-factor authentication

If you didn’t have multi-factor authentication before, now is the time to start. MFA makes it more difficult for hackers to access sensitive data as it requires more than just a password to access. Having multiple verification steps means they will need access to your email, phone, or authentication app.

Whether you are looking at setting up an authenticator app, sms codes, or biometrics, our team of experts are here to help.

check for Suspicious Activity

Look out for suspicious activities throughout your systems. This can include:

• Unexpected logins from unrecognised locations
• Password changes
• Unusual file access or downloads
• Suspicious email forwarding

Warn Other Employees

If the scam has reached one employee, assume that is has reached everyone. Make everyone in the business aware of the malicious email and advise them to avoid interacting with the message. If they have clicked on phishing link, encourage them to let the right people know immediately.

Provide Your Team with Cyber Security Training

Cyber security awareness training helps your employees understand the digital threats businesses face and, importantly, how they can play their part in preventing them.

Our team can deliver practical cyber security training that gives your employees the knowledge and confidence to recognise potential risks and respond appropriately. This can cover key areas such as:

• Recognising the latest cyber threats and common warning signs
• Creating strong passwords and understanding the importance of multi-factor authentication
• Protecting personal, company and client information
• Keeping software and devices up to date and understanding why regular updates are essential

How We Can Help

Has your employee clicked on phishing link? We are here to help. Our team of experts go above and beyond to ensure our clients are protected from cyber attacks through email protection, managed security services, MFA, cyber training, and continuous monitoring.

The key is to tackle the problem as quickly as possible. Expert IT specialists can help you to do this.

If you have any questions or are in need of emergency support, contact us today.

IT Network support is one of the many services we provide our clients. This can range from infrastructure setup to, in this case, strategies to limit usage and prevent extra charges.

This was a particularly unique project as we were supporting a client located on a remote Scottish Island with limited internet and mobile service. In this article, we will look at the problem in hand, how we helped to resolve the network issue, and strategies we put in place to ensure high quality service in the future.

Problem to be solved: 

Our client is located on the Isle of Arran and they are at a part of the island that does not benefit from decent internet or mobile service.

They purchased a Starlink service from another 3rd party provider and required IT network support to resolve the issues they were facing with the satellite internet. This service delivers a great internet connection, however at the time of purchase, they had to pick a monthly bandwidth allowance. Although they went with the maximum they could, they have since discovered that they are using way over that limit and are having to pay very hefty monthly fees for the extra bandwidth being used. 

The client approached us to see if there was a way we could limit the usage to prevent these extra charges. 

IT Network Support: The Solution 

We reviewed the existing setup and realised that some of the existing network hardware was not up to the task. Therefore, we researched the equipment needed and produced a proposal to the client. 

Once this was accepted, the new equipment was purchased. The initial configuration was then completed prior to planning the on-site visit to deployment. 

Leading up to the visit

In the days prior to the visit, we had to think through every possible bit of additional kit, tools and access equipment we might need. With jobs in remote areas like this, it isn’t possible to just nip to a shop or supplier for anything that might be needed to complete the job. Having to come back because of a forgotten item would not be easy. Therefore, a lot of planning went into the project to cover this eventuality. 

 Ferry Issues

Our first attempted visit didn’t go ahead as planned due to issues with the ferry. Thankfully as this was not an emergency visit, the client was very understanding, and we rebooked the visit for the following week. 

 On the Day

Steve left his house at 4:30am in order to ensure there were no issues in getting to Troon for the ferry over at 7:30. Any delays on the way would result in a missed ferry and potentially more delays for the work.

Thankfully he got there in plenty of time and managed to reach the client site for around 9:30.  

Implementing the IT Network Support

Once on site, the first task was to check over everything on the network to ensure we had accurate notes on how things were connected. This was to ensure we wouldn’t cause any unnecessary downtime for the client when putting in the new equipment.

The business has both an active retail and busy restaurant as part of the site. Due to this, we warned all of the various departments that there would be some downtime. However, it was important to try and minimise downtime as much as possible to prevent them having any customer issues. 

We started the equipment changed over around 11am and had the first parts of the site back online around 30 minutes later. Of course, the very minute we started removing the old kit, a customer wanted to make a payment so that added a bit of urgency to the works from the off.

We managed to get that particular department back online temporarily so they could complete their purchase. We could then get back to getting all the new kit installed and commissioned as part of the IT network support. 

 All New Equipment in Place

With all the new equipment in place in the main part of the building, we were then able to start testing to make sure the connected equipment was back online and functioning as normal. Thankfully that all went fine and we could then start testing out the connection limitation settings. 

In this case, we have setup two networks. An unrestricted network for the staff to use for business purposes, and a separate guest network to use for visitors. It is the guest network that has been limited to prevent the runaway costs that had been happening previously. 

With everything in that part of the building sorted it was onto the two other parts of the building which needed their own new equipment put in place. These changes went much quicker as there was less needed and all went in fine. 

Before and After

 Commissioning Completed

By 3:30pm, Steve had completed commissioning and testing and the client was happy that everything was still working as expected. All that was left to do was finish tidying up, pack the tools back in the car and head back to the port for the ferry back. 

Thankfully it was a lovely day so the wait for the 6:30pm ferry back to Troon was a chance to catch up with emails and enjoy the view. 

Steve arrived back home just after 9:30pm. A total of 230 miles travelled and 17 hours time on the day. 

 Ongoing Monitoring 

Following the visit, we are now monitoring usage to see if any further changes are needed in order to improve the setup. The new equipment installed has much better overview of what devices are using the network the most, and if needed, restrictions can be put in place to limit what they can do. 

IT Network Support With Upstream IT

If you are facing a similar network issue and are in need of expert IT support, our team are here to help. You can find out more about our IT services on our website. You can also contact us today on 0131 513 9971 or info@upstreamit.co.uk

Technology is at the heart of almost every modern business. From managing Microsoft 365 accounts and protecting against cyber threats to maintaining networks and implementing the right software, reliable IT support plays a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly.

Without the right systems and support in place, businesses can face costly downtime, security risks, and reduced productivity. That’s why choosing the right IT support partner is so important.

Every organisation has different requirements, and the level of support needed will vary depending on your size, industry, and goals. In this article, we’ll explore what an IT support company does, the services they provide, and how they can help your business operate more efficiently and securely.

Troubleshooting and Help Desk

As an IT support company, we help businesses identify and resolve technical issues that can negatively impact productivity. These issues can range from printer connectivity problems and outdated software to employees struggling to use systems efficiently and securely.

A reliable provider will offer a responsive help desk service, enabling problems to be diagnosed and resolved quickly. This minimises disruption, keeps operations running smoothly, and reduces the impact on employees, customers, and the wider business.

Depending on the nature of the issue, support can be provided either remotely or on-site. We offer both, ensuring you receive the right level of assistance whenever you need it.

Network Support

A business network is the backbone of your organisation’s technology, connecting devices, systems, servers, and internet services to keep your business running efficiently. An IT support company will manage, maintain, and monitor your network to ensure it remains secure, reliable, and fit for your business needs.

Network support services typically include:

• Wi-Fi and internet connectivity management
• Network setup, configuration, and maintenance
• Proactive monitoring to identify and resolve issues before they impact operations
• System setup, management, and optimisation
• Network security and access controls

Without effective network support, businesses can experience slow performance, unexpected downtime, security vulnerabilities, and reduced productivity. By proactively managing your network, an IT support company helps ensure your systems remain secure, stable, and available when your team needs them most.

Cybersecurity and data protection

Cyber threats are becoming more frequent, sophisticated, and damaging than ever before. While many organisations recognise the risks, a significant number remain unprepared to respond effectively when an attack occurs.

A robust cyber resilience plan helps protect your business from security breaches, minimises disruption, and enables a faster recovery. By putting the right processes, systems, and safeguards in place, you can reduce the impact of cyber incidents and keep your business operating securely and efficiently. We can support you with:

• Cyber security training with your employees to help them understand the dangers
• Install the right anti-virus, firewalls, and attack detection systems
• Monitoring systems to identify any security issues
• Back up data correctly

The financial impact of a cyber attack is far greater than investing in an IT support company for support.

Cloud services

Managed cloud services enable businesses to benefit from the latest technology without the cost and complexity of managing it internally. As organisations become increasingly reliant on digital tools and systems, cloud technology has become a vital part of everyday operations.

Whether employees are working from home, travelling, or collaborating across multiple locations, cloud services provide secure, reliable access to business applications, files, and data whenever they are needed.

By outsourcing the management of your cloud environment to an experienced IT support company, you can improve flexibility, enhance collaboration, strengthen security, and reduce pressure on your internal resources. This allows your team to focus on running the business while ensuring your systems remain efficient, secure, and fully supported.

First Line of Defence

IT support providers implement reliable backup and disaster recovery solutions to protect critical business data and maintain continuity. These measures ensure that:

• Data is backed up regularly and stored securely, both on-site and off-site.
• Business operations can be restored quickly in the event of an outage, cyberattack, or other disruption.
• Downtime and the risk of data loss are kept to a minimum.

This provides businesses with confidence that their essential data is protected and can be recovered whenever needed.

Compliance

If your organisation deals with sensitive data, compliance must be top priority. We can help you meet regulatory requirements by:

• Creating detailed policies
• Making sure data storage and transfer complies with rules such as GDPR.
• Monitoring access to sensitive information

This will ensure you are fully compliant and therefore avoid expensive fines.

Conclusion

IT support is about much more than fixing technical problems when they arise. A proactive IT support partner helps keep your systems secure, your employees productive, and your business running smoothly.

From troubleshooting and network management to cybersecurity, cloud services, disaster recovery, and compliance, the right IT support company can help reduce risk, improve efficiency, and give you confidence that your technology is supporting your business goals.

As technology continues to evolve, having access to expert advice and ongoing support is becoming increasingly important for organisations of all sizes. Whether you need occasional assistance or a fully managed IT service, investing in professional IT support can save time, reduce costs, and allow you to focus on what matters most – growing your business.

If you’re looking for reliable IT support tailored to your organisation’s needs, our experienced team is here to help. Get in touch to discuss how we can support your business.

Managed cloud services allow businesses to take advantage of technology without the stress of managing it in-house. As workplaces become increasingly digital, cloud computing has become essential for day-to-day operations. With more employees working remotely, travelling for business, or accessing systems from different locations, businesses need secure and reliable access to their data and applications at all times.

This service helps businesses stay connected, productive, and secure while reducing the burden on internal teams. From improving flexibility and collaboration to protecting company data, this IT solution plays a key role in supporting modern ways of working.

In this article, we will explain what this service is and explore the key benefits this can offer your business.

what is managed cloud services

Managed cloud services involve outsourcing the management of your system infrastructure to a specialist IT provider. Rather than handling complex systems internally, your IT partner will manage day-to-day operations, maintenance, performance, and security on your behalf. This helps ensure everything remains reliable, secure, and aligned with the needs of your business.

Whether you are planning to migrate data to the cloud, improve the efficiency of your current systems, or fully outsource your existing cloud infrastructure, our team of IT experts are here to support you every step of the way.

Types of Cloud Environments

There are three types of cloud environments that businesses can receive support with. This includes:

• Public – a shared platform that multiple users are able to access online.
• Private – for single to provide them with stronger security and control.
• Hybrid – combines both environments together to give organisations flexibility when it comes to control.

Why opt for Managed Cloud Services

The benefits of managed cloud services

There are many positive reasons to outsource your cloud function. Key benefits include:

Quicker cloud setup

Solutions are more likely to be implemented quicker. IT experts also have the knowledge and tools to set up systems correctly and in line with your business needs.

Cost

Outsourcing IT support can save your business significant time and money in the long run. Hiring and maintaining an in-house IT team can be costly, with expenses including recruitment, training, onboarding, and ongoing development.

With outsourced IT support, you also avoid gaps in cover during annual leave or absence. Instead, you have access to a team of experienced IT professionals who can provide consistent support all year round, helping your systems run smoothly while allowing your team to focus on the business.

Business Growth

Managed cloud services can scale alongside your business. As your organisation grows and evolves, your systems can be adapted to meet changing demands without disruption to day-to-day operations.

Improving Operations

This system can help businesses to improve operational efficiency through ongoing monitoring and automated processes.

By continuously optimising performance, businesses can reduce downtime, improve system reliability, and ensure their technology runs smoothly.

Simple Cloud Migration with Upstream IT

You may be considering migrating to the cloud, and feeling overwhelmed with the jargon around it. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. We can simplify the whole process for you and ensure your data, systems, and applications transition smoothly with little to no disruptions.

Our experienced team is here to help you find the right IT solutions for your business. We provide expert support across all areas of IT, including network infrastructure, cyber security, managed cloud services, hardware, operating systems, and business applications.

Whether you require support with a one-off project or are looking for a long-term IT partner, our consultants are on hand to provide practical, straightforward advice tailored to your needs. Get in touch today to find out how we can support your business.

IT support for small business is no longer a luxury, it is essential for staying competitive and keeping operations running smoothly. From managing customer data to supporting day-to-day systems, even the smallest organisations rely heavily on technology.

However, many small business owners are already juggling multiple responsibilities, from growth and operations to managing people. Adding IT into the mix can quickly become overwhelming, particularly when issues arise or systems become more complex.

That is where outsourcing IT support makes a real difference. By working with experienced professionals, you can ensure your systems, networks, and data are running efficiently and securely, without the added pressure. This gives you the peace of mind to focus on what matters most, running and growing your business.

The Benefits of IT Support for Small Business

There are many benefits that comes from outsourcing technical support. This includes:

Cost effective

Hiring an in-house IT specialist in the UK can cost between £31,000 and £52,000 per year, before factoring in additional costs such as National Insurance, pensions and benefits.

In contrast, outsourced IT support typically costs a fraction of this, often ranging from £480 to £2,160 per year depending on your needs.

For many businesses, this represents a significant saving, while also providing access to a wider team of experts across different systems, technologies and cyber security, rather than relying on a single individual.

Expert support

One of the main benefits of IT support for small business is that you have access to a team of experts who has it covered. You will no longer have to dedicate hours of your day searching for answers on Google to solve problems and potentially make costly mistakes. You just need to let your provider know and they will take it from there.

Tackling Cyber Security

According to the National Cyber Security centre, one in two businesses face cyber attacks each year. That’s a massive 50% and shows that no business is too small to face attacks. We are seeing cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated each year and having expert support in place will give you peace of mind that your business is well protected.

Reduced downtime

When systems are down, it means employees are unable to complete their work, clients are unable to access services, and you lose potential new business. This can be devastating for a small business. Therefore, getting systems up and running again as soon as possible is essential.

IT support for small business provides you with a team of experts regularly updating and monitoring systems to avoid this happening in the first place. This doesn’t mean downtime will never happen again, but reduces the chances dramatically. If you are faced with system issues, the IT support team will get this up and running fast with less impact on your business.

Access to Expert Technology

A dedicated team will have extensive knowledge of the latest software and the right ones to use. Your IT experts take full responsibility of introducing these softwares and maintaining them. They will complete regular system reviews to asses next steps and whether upgrades are required. If changes are required, they will implement this and continue to monitor all software and hardware.

Scalable support

As costs are typically linked to your headcount, your IT support can grow alongside your business. This means you can scale your support as needed, without the added expense and time involved in recruiting and training an in-house team.

Core Services for Small Business

There is a range of services that small businesses can benefit from. This includes:

• Licensing services – Choosing the right software is key to avoiding unnecessary issues and disruption. Microsoft 365 is a strong option for small businesses, bringing a wide range of tools together in one place to help streamline day-to-day operations.
• servers and cloud hosting – these services give small businesses the opportunity to manage, store and access data remotely and on multiple devices. SharePoint is a great example of this.
• IT hardware – We can support you by implementing the right hardware and equipment for your business.
• Cyber security services – As mentioned above, 50% of small businesses faced cyber attacks in the last year. This shows how important it is to invest in experts that will help you with encryption, firewalls, and security audits.

Upstream IT Support for Small Business

Our team of experts are here to offer support and find the best solution for your business. We offer expert support across all areas of IT, from network design and infrastructure to cyber security, cloud services, hardware, operating systems, and business applications.

Whether you need help with a one-off project or ongoing support from a trusted partner, our experienced consultants are on hand to guide you. You can rely on us for straightforward, practical advice that works for your business. Contact us today.

Choosing between outsourced IT support and an in-house IT team can feel like a big decision for any business. The best place to start is by understanding the advantages and limitations of each approach so you can determine which option fits your organisation’s needs.

Some businesses prefer having a specialist on site. Others look for a more flexible and cost-effective solution through outsourced IT support. In this guide, we explore the key differences between the two to help you make a confident and informed decision.

The cost of outsourced IT support compared to In-house

With many businesses facing rising operational costs, organisations are increasingly looking for practical ways to manage expenses without compromising on quality or reliability. One option that is becoming more common is outsourcing key services, including IT support.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an IT specialist in the UK ranges from around £31,000 to £52,000 per year, before factoring in additional costs such as National Insurance, pension contributions, training and other employee benefits. In comparison, outsourced IT support services in the UK typically range from around £480 to £2,160 per year, depending on the level of support required and the size of the business.

For many organisations, outsourcing can therefore represent a significant cost saving, potentially reducing annual spend by tens of thousands of pounds. Alongside the financial benefit, outsourcing also gives businesses access to a wider team of specialists with expertise across different systems, technologies and cyber security practices, rather than relying on the knowledge and availability of a single employee.

Key Differences Between In-House and Outsourced IT Support

In-house

An in-house IT specialist can be on site whenever needed. Because they work solely for your organisation, they develop a strong understanding of your systems and how your business operates day to day.

However, there are several challenges to consider:

• Higher cost – Employing an in-house specialist is usually significantly more expensive than outsourcing IT support. You are paying for a single employee, whereas an outsourced provider gives you access to a full team of experts.

• Lack of cover during absence – When your IT specialist is on annual leave or off sick, there may be no immediate cover available.

• Recruitment risk – If the employee leaves, the business must recruit and train a replacement quickly, which can take time and create gaps in support.

Outsourced IT Support

Outsourced specialists often support several clients at once. However, they typically have a wider team available, meaning you still have access to a dedicated person who understands your business and supports your needs.

While someone may not be physically present in your workplace at all times, the cost usually reflects this. In many cases, businesses find they do not need a constant on-site presence, as support can be provided quickly and effectively when required.

The Benefits of Outsourced IT Support

There are many benefits that comes with outsourced support, especially in the current climate where businesses are looking at making savings. Key highlights include:

Access to a Wider Range of Expertise

You are accessing a full team of professionals with a wide range of expertise.

Scalability as Your Business Grows

As service costs are usually based on the number of employees in your business, the support can scale as your organisation grows. This means you don’t need to worry about the recruitment or training costs that come with building an internal team.

Proactive Monitoring and Preventative Support

Outsourced IT support companies usually have a team of specialists with a wide range of expertise. This means problems can be identified and resolved more quickly. Rather than simply reacting to issues when they occur, IT providers take a proactive approach, helping to prevent problems before they disrupt your business.

Outsourced IT Support with Upstream IT

We hope this article has helped you make your mind up. Every business has different needs and it is important to weigh this up when making your decision. If you are looking for outsourced IT support, get in touch with out team of experts today.

We provide expert consultancy across all areas of information technology, including network design and architecture, cyber security, server infrastructure, cloud services, hardware, operating systems and business applications.

Whether you need support for a one-off project or are looking for a long-term IT partner, our experienced consultants are here to help. You can count on us for clear, practical advice whenever you need it.