In many organisations, there is a separate information security team that deals with all things relating to security. So why does the help desk need to be involved, and what contribution should it make? Here are five reasons that you should consider:
Everyone’s Responsible for Security
The first and most obvious reason is that information
security, also known simply as InfoSec, isn’t just about process controls
or technology controls that we can delegate to the InfoSec team and then ignore
unless they affect us directly.
Help desk agents, like everyone else in the organization, need to know what information security policies apply to them and need to take responsibility for following these policies.
Typical policies that everyone needs to
follow include:
- Acceptable use policies– what you are allowed to do with email, social media, the company network, etc.
- A mobile device or BYOD policies– how personal devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones should be managed
- Password management policies– how often you have to change your password, rules about how passwords are made up, and whether you’re allowed to record passwords
- Remote working policy– rules for how people should work from remote locations, such as their home or a hotel room
Help Desks Are the Eyes and Ears of IT
Major security breaches at some organizations have remained
undiscovered for many months, during which time the attackers have been able to
make off with vast amounts of highly confidential data. Early detection
is crucial.
Your help desk is the main interface between the IT
organization and the people who use your IT services. This means people who
work on the help desk are uniquely placed to understand what is happening
within your user community. If they are appropriately trained, they can
be the first line of defence against many potential security breaches.
Help Desks Can Communicate Information
Security Messages to Users
The help desk is in regular contact with users, and you can
use this as an opportunity to communicate essential InfoSec messages, to
reinforce other training and awareness activity.
Help Desks Have a Major Role to Play in
Security Incident Management
Most organizations have a security incident management
process that is designed to:
- Log, track, and manage security incidents
- Escalate security incidents to people with appropriate skills and management responsibility
- Triage incidents and implement an initial response to contain the damage and stop it from spreading
- Ensure that confidential information about security incidents is suitably protected
The help desk is often the first place to become aware of
security incidents, so they have a major role in this process flow. In some
organizations, the help desk will also be responsible for logging, tracking,
escalating, and managing security incidents.
In closing
Don’t just leave information security to your InfoSec team.
Your help desk staff can play a big role in helping to protect your information
if you give them the skills, knowledge, tools, and training they need to play
their part.
For additional information about help desk solutions,
contact ABACON IT via their website.
Author: Ryan Danvers
ABACON IT
Windows 11 Upgrade - Will it work on your lapop?
So, you’re wondering about Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It looks snazzy and has some neat features. But can your current laptop actually run it? Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in IT to figure this out! We at abacon IT in Cape Town are here to help you understand the basics.
Upgrading your laptop to Windows 11 can give it a new lease on life. However, Windows 11 has certain system requirements. These are the minimum specifications your laptop needs to have to run the software smoothly. Think of it like needing the right ingredients for a recipe – without them, it just won’t work properly.
One of the most important parts is your laptop’s processor, often called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is the “brain” of your computer. Windows 11 needs a fairly recent and capable CPU to function well.
Which Processors Work with Windows 11?
Here’s a simplified look at the processors that are generally compatible:
Intel Processors:
- Generally, Windows 11 requires an 8th-generation Intel Core processor or newer. You might see names like “Intel Core i5-8xxx” or “Intel Core i7-11xxx.” The first number after the “i” (or “i3”) usually indicates the generation. So, an “i5-8250u” is an 8th-generation processor.
- Intel also has its Pentium and Celeron processors. For Windows 11, only certain newer models are compatible.
AMD Processors:
- For AMD, Windows 11 requires Ryzen 2000 Series and newer. You’ll see names like “AMD Ryzen 5 2xxx” or “AMD Ryzen 7 5xxx”. Again, the first number after “Ryzen” indicates the series.
- AMD also has Athlon processors. Similar to Intel’s Pentium and Celeron, only specific newer Athlon models will work with Windows 11.
Important Note: This is a general guideline. There can be exceptions, so it’s always best to double-check your specific processor.
How to Find Out Which Processor Your Laptop Has
Don’t fret, Windows makes it pretty easy to see what CPU is inside your laptop:
- Right-click the Start Button: This is the Windows logo (usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
- Select “System”: A new window will pop up with information about your computer.
- Look for “Processor”: You’ll find this listed under the “Device specifications” section. It will tell you the name of your processor, including the manufacturer (Intel or AMD) and the model number, which usually indicates the generation or series.
Once you have this information, you can compare it to the general lists above.
Other Important Bits for Windows 11
Besides the processor, there are a few other things Windows 11 needs:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Consider this your laptop’s short-term memory. Windows 11 requires at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. More is always better for smoother performance. Instead, consider 16 gigabytes (GB).
- Storage: To install Windows 11, you’ll need at least 64 GB of free space on your hard drive or SSD (Solid-State Drive). An SSD generally makes your computer much faster.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This is a security feature. Most modern laptops have this, but it’s worth checking. You can usually find information on how to check for TPM 2.0 in your laptop’s BIOS settings (you might need to consult your laptop manufacturer’s website for instructions on accessing this).
- Graphics Card: Your graphics card needs to be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. Most reasonably recent graphics cards will meet this requirement.
- Display: You’ll need a screen with a resolution of at least 720p (HD).
Still Not Sure? We Can Help!
Figuring out all these technical details can be daunting. If you’re still unsure whether your laptop is ready for Windows 11, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at abacon IT in Cape Town.
Our friendly team can quickly assess your system and give you straightforward advice. We’re here to help your SME thrive with reliable IT solutions! Contact us at 072-601-2858 or email info@abacon.co.za, and we will call you back.
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