Managed IT & Cloud Service providers – FAQ

Azure is a cloud service platform provided by Microsoft that allows you to build, deploy and manage resources like virtual machines, Cloud applications, virtual networks etc through a global network of Data Centres.

Benefits include scalability, high availability, robust security, cost management and seamless integration with other Microsoft services.

Azure enables you to scale your resources to meet demand, ensuring your business can grow without being limited by an IT infrastructure.

Azure provides advanced security features such as data encryption, active threat detection and compliance with Industry standards through data compliance and governance to protect your data.

Yes, Azure can be integrated with your existing IT infrastructure, allowing for a hybrid environment that combines on-premises and Cloud resources.

Azure offers comprehensive disaster recovery solutions, including automated backups and quick recovery options to ensure business continuity.

Vertical scaling, or scaling up or down, is where you increase or decrease computing power or databases as needed—either by changing performance levels or by using elastic database pools to adjust to your workload demands automatically.

Horizontal scaling, or scaling out or in, where you add more databases or divide your large database into smaller nodes, using a data partitioning approach called sharding, which can be managed faster and more easily across servers.

Microsoft 365 is a Cloud-based suite of productivity tools that includes Office applications, email and calendar services, collaboration tools and advanced security features.

Benefits include access to the latest Office applications, enhanced collaboration with Teams and SharePoint, professional email services and robust security features.

Microsoft 365 offers real-time collaboration tools such as Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive, allowing your team to work together efficiently from anywhere.

Microsoft 365 includes advanced security features such as data encryption, threat protection and compliance with Industry regulations to safeguard your data.

Yes, Microsoft 365 applications can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, providing flexibility and supporting remote work.

Microsoft 365 offers tools and features to help you meet compliance requirements, including data loss prevention, information protection and audit logs.

Cloud services refer to the delivery of computing resources, such as virtual servers, storage and applications, over the internet, allowing for scalable and flexible IT solutions.

Advantages include cost savings, scalability, flexibility, enhanced security and the ability to access resources from anywhere.

Cloud services reduce IT costs by eliminating the need for on-premises hardware, providing a pay-as-you-go model and reducing maintenance expenses. Taking into consideration that an on-premises server consumes high volume of electricity as they run 24 hours of the day and require manual management. There is also a need to ensure the server is in an access-controlled environment and needs cooling to prevent overheating.

CIS offers a range of Cloud services, including Managed IT Services, Azure Cloud Services, Microsoft 365 and Data Loss Prevention solutions.

Cloud services ensure data security through advanced encryption, access controls, threat detection and compliance with industry standards.

Yes, CIS can assist with migrating your existing applications to the cloud, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal downtime.

Astutus Cyber Security is a comprehensive suite of managed security services designed to protect your digital assets from evolving cyber threats. It offers advanced protection for medium-to-large enterprises in various industries.

Services include Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Next Generation Firewall (NGFW), Email Security and Archiving, DNS Filtering, Security Awareness Training, Remote Management, Penetration Testing, Risk Management, Data Backup, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Security Operations Centre (SOC) services.

Astutus uses advanced threat detection technologies through AI, real-time monitoring and pro-active security measures to identify and neutralise threats before they can cause harm.

EDR provides real-time monitoring and response capabilities across all endpoints, detecting, investigating and remediating threats quickly to minimise potential damage.  It uses behavioural analysis and machine learning to identify suspicious activities and automate responses.

NGFW offers deep packet inspection, application-level awareness and integrated intrusion prevention to provide comprehensive protection against advanced threats. It also includes features like SSL inspection, sandboxing and advanced malware protection.

Email Security protects against phishing, malware and spam, naming a few while archiving ensures compliance, e-discovery and secure storage of emails for easy retrieval

DNS Filtering protects the DNS infrastructure from attacks like DNS spoofing and hijacking, ensuring reliable and secure internet connectivity.  It uses DNS Filtering profiles to block malicious domains and prevent data exfiltration.

Security Awareness Training educates employees on cybersecurity best practices, helping to reduce the risk of human error and improve overall security posture. It covers topics such as phishing, social engineering and secure password practices.

Remote Management includes continuous monitoring and maintenance of your IT infrastructure, while Penetration Testing simulates cyber-attacks to identify and fix vulnerabilities. Penetration testing involves both automated and manual testing techniques to uncover security weaknesses.

Risk Management involves identifying, assessing and mitigating risks to protect your organisation’s assets and data, ensuring compliance with Industry regulations. It includes risk assessments, vulnerability management and incident response planning.

Best Practices include regular backups, using the 3-2-1 backup strategy (three copies of data, on two different media, with one copy off-site) and ensuring quick recovery options. Astutus provides automated backup solutions with encryption and secure storage.

DLP monitors data flows, enforces policies and uses encryption to prevent unauthorised sharing, downloads and transfers or the use of sensitive data. It includes content discovery, data classification and policy enforcement to protect sensitive information.

The SOC provides continuous monitoring, threat detection and incident response to ensure your IT environment remains secure and compliant. It uses advanced analytics, threat intelligence and automated response tools to manage security incidents.

Astutus offers comprehensive security solutions that include compliance management, ensuring your business meets Industry-specific Regulatory requirements. It provides audit trails, reporting and policy enforcement to support compliance efforts.

Astutus combines advanced in Industry leading products and technologies, pro-active monitoring and customisable features to provide a holistic and strategic approach to cybersecurity, tailored to the needs of medium-to-large Enterprises. It integrates seamlessly with existing IT infrastructure and offers scalable solutions to grow with your business.

Cybersecurity involves protecting systems, networks and data from digital attacks. It’s crucial for safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring business continuity. 

Common threats include malware, ransomware, phishing and DDoS attacks. 

By implementing strong passwords, regular software updates, employee training and using advanced security solutions can enhance your cybersecurity. 

A SOC monitors, detects and responds to cybersecurity incidents, providing continuous protection for your IT environment. 

An NGFW is a network security device that provides capabilities beyond traditional firewalls, including application awareness, integrated intrusion prevention and cloud-delivered threat intelligence. 

Unlike traditional firewalls, NGFWs offer deep packet inspection, application-level awareness and advanced threat detection. 

Benefits include enhanced security, better visibility into network traffic and improved threat detection and response. 

Yes, NGFWs are designed to prevent advanced threats such as malware, ransomware and application-layer attacks. 

Email security involves protecting email accounts and communications from unauthorised access, loss or compromise. 

Email archiving helps in compliance, e-discovery and storage management by securely storing emails for easy retrieval. 

Implementing spam filters, encryption and regular security training can help protect against email threats. 

Look for features such as fast eDiscovery, advanced search capabilities, secure encryption and compliance support. 

DNS filtering involves protecting the DNS infrastructure from cyber-attacks to ensure reliable and secure internet connectivity. .

Common attacks include DNS spoofing, DNS tunnelling and DNS hijacking. 

Using DNSSEC, redundant DNS servers and rigorous DNS logging can enhance DNS security. 

DNS filtering is crucial for preventing disruptions in internet services and protecting against data breaches. 

EDR is a cybersecurity technology that continuously monitors endpoints to detect and respond to threats. 

EDR solutions log endpoint behaviours, analyse data for suspicious activity and perform automatic actions to contain threats. 

Benefits include real-time threat detection, improved incident response and enhanced visibility into endpoint activities. 

Unlike traditional antivirus, EDR provides continuous monitoring and advanced threat detection capabilities. EDR uses behavioural AI and machine learning whereas your traditional antivirus depends on signature updates which are released by the antivirus vendor.

Security awareness training educates employees about Cybersecurity Best Practices and how to recognise and respond to threats. 

It helps reduce the risk of human error, which is a common cause of security breaches. 

Topics include phishing, password management, data protection and recognising social engineering attacks. 

Training should be conducted regularly, at least annually and whenever there are significant changes in the threat landscape. 

Penetration testing involves simulating cyber-attacks to identify and fix vulnerabilities in your systems. 

Remote penetration testing uses secure connections to test systems without being physically present on site. 

Benefits include identifying security weaknesses, improving security measures and ensuring compliance with regulations. 

A report should include identified vulnerabilities, potential impacts and recommended remediation steps. 

Risk Management involves identifying, assessing and mitigating risks to protect your organisation’s assets and data. 

It helps prioritise security efforts and allocate resources effectively to address the most significant threats. 

Risk Assessments should be conducted regularly and whenever there are significant changes to the IT environment. 

Key components include Risk identification, Risk assessment, Risk mitigation and continuous monitoring. 

Data backup involves creating copies of data to protect against loss or corruption. 

It ensures data can be recovered in case of a cyber-attack, hardware failure or other data loss events. 

Best Practices include using the 3-2-1 backup strategy: three copies of data on two different media, with one copy off-site. 

Data backups should be performed regularly, ideally daily, to ensure data is up-to-date and recoverable. 

DLP is a security solution that prevents the unauthorised sharing, transfer and downloading or use of sensitive data. 

DLP solutions monitor data flows, enforce policies and use technologies like encryption to protect data. 

It helps prevent data breaches, ensures compliance with regulations and protects sensitive information. 

Types include network DLP, endpoint DLP and cloud DLP, each focusing on different aspects of data protection. 

A SOC is a centralised unit that monitors, detects and responds to cybersecurity incidents. 

Benefits include improved threat detection, faster incident response and enhanced security posture. 

A SOC uses advanced tools and technologies to monitor network traffic, analyse threats and co–ordinate responses to security incidents. 

Roles include SOC analysts, incident responders, threat hunters and SOC managers.