Ireland’s First Zero Trust ICT Managed Services

In today’s competitive business landscape, a reliable IT infrastructure is crucial. However, managing IT internally can be time-consuming and costly. A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a third-party company, like Evad, that remotely manages a client’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems on a proactive basis. This ensures optimal performance, security, and reliability. Evad’s Zero Trust Managed ICT Services contract is the first step in our mission to Protect and Empower your business.

Zero Trust – what does this mean?

Our Zero Trust contract is the first of its kind in Ireland, setting a new standard in cybersecurity for Managed Service Providers. In cybercrime, trusting blindly can be the gateway to vulnerability and compromise. Our goal is to remove the risk. We implemented a range of protections as standard in our new Zero Trust ICT Managed Services. And by Zero Trust, we really mean ZERO.

The Details

Our comprehensive Zero Trust Managed Services package includes Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Ransomware Protection, Next-Generation Anti-Virus solutions, and the achievement and management of Microsoft’s Mission 65. 

Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)

EDR is a cybersecurity technology that focuses on monitoring and responding to potential security threats on endpoints, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and servers.

Our EDR solutions monitor endpoints for signs of suspicious or malicious activities. The systems automatically respond to threats by blocking the malicious activity, isolating the affected endpoint, and alerting security personnel for further investigation and remediation.

Ransomware Protection

Ransomware attacks are malicious software that encrypt files or lock computer systems, demanding payment for your systems back. Supported by a knowledgeable IT team, this strategy protects your business against ransomware attacks, ensuring swift response and protection of critical assets.

Next Gen Antivirus (NGAV)

NGAV represents a paradigm shift in cybersecurity, offering advanced capabilities beyond traditional antivirus solutions to combat increasingly sophisticated threats. The Antivirus proactively identifies and stops malware strains that are unknown on your systems.

NGAV identifies suspicious activities indicative of malicious intent, enabling organisations to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats.

With its automatic response capabilities and centralised administration dashboard, NGAV streamlines security operations and improves overall resilience against changing cyber threats.

Microsoft Mission 65

This standard, set forth by Microsoft, signifies a comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity. By attaining Mission 65 compliance, businesses demonstrate their commitment to adhering to industry-leading security protocols, bolstering customer trust, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Mission 65 empowers organisations to detect and respond to emerging threats swiftly, minimising the impact of cyber incidents on operations and reputation.

How Evad’s Zero Trust Package Differs from a Regular MSP Contract?

A regular MSP contract typically includes a range of services aimed at managing and maintaining a client’s IT infrastructure and systems. These services can include monitoring of network devices, servers, and endpoints to detect issues, as well as regular software updates and patch management to keep systems secure and up to date.

Additionally, MSPs commonly provide help desk support to address user inquiries and technical issues promptly. Backup and disaster recovery solutions are also typically included to ensure data protection and business continuity in case of unforeseen events.

At Evad, we offer all of the above and more with our new Zero Trust Managed Service offer. Providing an all-inclusive IT package, Evad can protect and empower your business in all its IT needs.

Get in touch today to chat with one of our experienced ICT consultants to see how Evad can Protect and Empower your Business.

Firstly, what is Azure Virtual Desktop?

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is a cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) service provided by Microsoft Azure.

AVD empowers businesses to centrally manage and deploy virtual desktop environments, allowing employees to access their desktops and applications securely from anywhere, at any time. This service offers features such as multi-session Windows 10, support for Windows Server Remote Desktop Services (RDS) desktops and apps, integration with Microsoft 365, and advanced security capabilities.

Azure Virtual Desktop enables organisations to host and manage Windows desktops and apps on Azure, providing flexibility, scalability, and security. AVD has the potential to protect your business and empower your teams, let us tell you how.

Why is AVD important?

The workforce is increasingly remote, whether by choice or necessity. By migrating desktops and applications to the cloud, organisations gain unparalleled flexibility and accessibility. This shift facilitates seamless remote work, enabling employees to access their virtual desktops and applications from any location with an internet connection. From the employees’ point of view, AVD functions the same as a local desktop, with no difference in data access, applications, or communication.

Centralising desktop management and deployment in the cloud streamlines IT processes, reducing complexity and enhancing scalability and security. AVD offers cost-effective solutions, allowing businesses to scale their desktop infrastructure according to demand without significant upfront costs, this comes as a benefit to the reduction of hardware needed.

AVD offers additional security measures by utilising numerous data centres located in various geographic areas. This reduces the need for disaster recovery plans and lowers the chance of system outages.

The Potential

• – Enhanced flexibility for remote work

Allows employees to log on from anywhere, at any time, empowering remote work across the globe. It allows for a seamless and productive remote working experience, promoting work-life balance and ensuring continuity of business operations even in challenging circumstances such as office closures or travel restrictions.

• – Centralised management and deployment

IT managers can monitor and manage desktop configurations, upgrades, and deployments from a single base. This reduces complexity, minimises errors, and ensures consistency throughout the virtual desktop environment of the company, all of which help to streamline IT procedures by doing away with the need to manually maintain individual workstations. 

• – Improved scalability and security

As your business grows or experiences fluctuations in demand, AVD can easily scale to accommodate increased workloads without compromising performance or security. It offers the flexibility to add or remove virtual desktops and applications as needed. AVD also provides robust security features, including built-in threat protection, identity management, and compliance controls, ensuring that your data and applications are safeguarded against cyber threats and compliance risks.

• – Cost-effective solutions for desktop infrastructure

AVD operates on a pay-as-you-go model, allowing businesses to only pay for the resources they consume. This is possible because expensive hardware and infrastructure are no longer required. Compared to typical on-premises desktop solutions, this economical method helps organisations maximise their IT spending, lower total cost of ownership, and obtain a higher return on investment. Through cloud software, AVD also does away with the expense of physical hardware.

Maximising the potential of AVD

To fully leverage the potential of Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), businesses can adopt several strategies to make the most out of this powerful cloud-based solution. AVD has the potential to Protect and Empower your business if you know how to use it!

Embrace Remote Work Culture

Encourage employees to embrace remote work opportunities facilitated by AVD. Provide training and support to ensure they are comfortable accessing their virtual desktops and applications from any location. Foster a culture of trust and accountability, focusing on productivity rather than physical presence.

Optimise Resource Allocation

Utilise AVD’s scalability features to optimise resource allocation based on fluctuating demand. Monitor usage patterns and adjust resources accordingly to ensure optimal performance and cost efficiency. This flexibility enables businesses to scale up or down as needed, maximising resource utilisation and minimising unnecessary expenses.

Enhance Security Measures

Leverage AVD’s robust security features to enhance data protection and compliance. Implement multi-factor authentication, encryption, and access controls to protect sensitive information and mitigate cyber threats. Regularly audit security configurations and monitor for suspicious activities to maintain a secure environment for virtual desktops and applications.

Foster Collaboration and Innovation

Utilise AVD to foster collaboration and innovation among remote teams. Leverage features such as shared desktops and applications, virtual meetings, and document collaboration tools, leading to seamless communication and teamwork. Encourage creativity and knowledge sharing across departments and geographical locations to drive innovation and business growth.

Continuously Monitor and Optimise Performance

Implement monitoring tools to track performance metrics and identify areas for optimisation. Regularly assess user experience, application performance, and infrastructure health to ensure the smooth operation of AVD environments. Proactively address any issues or bottlenecks to maintain high availability and responsiveness for users. Ticking these boxes will empower your teams to work and communicate efficiently from anywhere in the world.

By adopting these strategies, your business can maximise the benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop, empowering your employees to work, communicate, and flourish while optimising resource utilisation, enhancing security, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. AVD serves as a catalyst for digital transformation, enabling businesses to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving work landscape.

Contact us today to receive a FREE Microsoft Cloud Assessment Solution and start on your journey to unleash AVDs potential.

What is IT infrastructure?

Information technology infrastructure refers to the combined components needed for the operation and management of enterprise IT services and IT environments. Implementing a stable IT infrastructure and working with a reliable Managed Service Provider (MSP) Protects your business and Empowers you to succeed.  

Why is IT infrastructure important?

Technology powers nearly every aspect of today’s businesses, from an individual employee’s work to companywide operations. When properly networked, technology can be optimised to improve efficiency, create scalability, and increase productivity.

If your infrastructure is flexible, reliable, and secure, it can help an enterprise meet its goals and provide a competitive edge in the market. Alternatively, if it is not properly implemented, businesses can face connectivity, productivity, and security issues, like system disruptions and security breaches.

Evad can build a stable and reliable infrastructure to Protect and Empower your business to reach its goals. Overall, having a properly implemented infrastructure can be a major factor in whether a business is profitable or not.

With a strong foundation, a company can:

– Provide a positive customer experience by allowing uninterrupted access to its website and/or online store.

– Develop and launch solutions to market with speed and without error.

– Collect data in real time to make quick decisions.

– Improve employee productivity and communication.

– Minimise system downtime and increase business performance.

– Protect and Empower your Business

How do the components of infrastructure work?

The components of infrastructure are made up of interdependent elements. The two core groups of components are hardware and software. Hardware uses software like an operating system to work. Likewise, an operating system manages system resources and hardware. Operating systems also connect software applications and physical resources using networking components.

The Growing Threat of Cyber Crime

In an era where digital innovation propels society forward, the shadow of cybercrime looms larger than ever. With each technological advancement, new vulnerabilities emerge, presenting challenges that demand proactive and agile cybersecurity solutions. As a leading Managed Service Provider, Evad stands at the forefront of this battle, offering insights into the evolving threat landscape and strategies to protect and empower your business.

The Shifting Paradigm of Cyber Threats

Cyber threats are not static entities; they evolve constantly, adapting to technological advancements and exploiting newfound vulnerabilities. From sophisticated phishing attacks to ransomware assaults on critical infrastructure, the breadth and complexity of threats continue to escalate. As businesses embrace digital transformation, they become prime targets for malicious actors seeking to exploit weaknesses in their defences.

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, cloud computing, and interconnected systems has expanded the attack surface, providing cybercriminals with more entry points to infiltrate networks and steal sensitive information. Furthermore, the remote work paradigm spurred by global events has exacerbated cybersecurity challenges, with employees accessing corporate networks from disparate locations and often using unsecured devices.

The Role of Managed Services in Cybersecurity

In this ever-evolving landscape, traditional cybersecurity approaches are no longer sufficient. Businesses require proactive, adaptive, and scalable solutions to defend against sophisticated threats. We created our Zero Trust Managed Service Contract for this rising issue, providing businesses with Next-Gen Anti-Virus, End Point Detection and Response (EDR), Ransomware Protection, and the achievement and management of Mission 65 as standard. By leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and behavioural analytics, Evad delivers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, set up before the threat exists.

At Evad, we believe in a proactive approach to cybersecurity that goes beyond mere incident response. Our team of experts continuously monitors the threat landscape, leveraging threat intelligence to anticipate and mitigate emerging risks before they escalate into full-blown breaches. By staying ahead of the curve, we empower our clients to navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence.

The Importance of Collaboration and Education

In the face of evolving cyber threats, collaboration and education are key pillars of effective cybersecurity. Evad collaborates closely with clients to cultivate a culture of security consciousness. We empower clients to foster a culture of security awareness, providing training programs and resources to empower employees with the knowledge and skills needed to recognise and mitigate potential threats. Additionally, we collaborate with industry partners and regulatory bodies to share insights and best practices, collectively strengthening the resilience of the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Cyber Resilience

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been greater. At Evad, we remain committed to empowering businesses with the tools and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of the digital world securely. By embracing proactive defence strategies, leveraging advanced technologies, and fostering a culture of security awareness, we can build a future where cybersecurity threats are met with resilience and confidence.

In conclusion, the growing threats in cybersecurity demand a proactive and adaptive approach to defence. With Evad as a trusted partner, businesses can navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence, knowing that their cybersecurity needs are in capable hands. Together, we can build a more secure future for all.