2 月 2024 - Version 2

Potential disruptions for MSPs in the wake of VMware’s acquisition by Broadcom

The foundations of a successful MSP business model are stability, predictability, and reliability.

This encompasses vendor partnerships and continuity in delivering managed services to customers.

As the bridge connecting organizations to solutions that deliver reliable technical services, the success of the MSP model hinges on the dependability and reliability of their chosen vendors and platforms.

In other words, building a profitable managed services portfolio depends on forging strong partnerships with vendors like Parallels RAS, who can provide long-term stability, support, and innovation.

These partnerships ensure the delivery of seamless services and contribute to the financial stability crucial for the MSP model to operate successfully.

Equally vital is the cultivation of trust with vendor partnerships — a trust rooted in their partner programs’ reliability.

The recent disruptions sparked by Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware have left some MSPs facing a significant hurdle. It’s been reported that their ability to transact as Cloud Services Providers under the VMware Partner Connect Program ends in April.

This shift requires MSPs delivering VMware solutions to sign up for a new Partner Program. This adds uncertainty and potential changes to their existing partner terms and agreements.

This shift could cause disruption of services for MSPs or, even worse, their customers opting to switch providers, resulting in the loss of long-term customers.

Are you an MSP looking to shift from VMWare? Sign up for our Parallels RAS Partner Program!

Why stability is critical for MSPs

MSPs are entrusted with delivering seamless services to their customers.

They rely heavily on vendors to provide stable solutions across infrastructure, platforms, and software to ensure business continuity for everyone involved.

Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware introduces an element of unpredictability, emphasizing the need for MSPs to swiftly adapt and maintain the reliability their clients depend on.

The effect of the VMware acquisition on managed services

For MSPs, service disruptions (regardless of the cause) can be devastating.

This is true for their operations but, more importantly, for their customers who rely on uninterrupted access to critical applications and resources.

Changes to the business ecosystem may pose challenges, threatening the smooth delivery of services that MSPs build their reputations upon.

Maintaining recurring income streams

The business model of MSPs is intricately tied to a steady and recurring income stream, often generated through monthly billing and long-term contracts.

The turbulence caused by changes to vendor partnerships raises concerns about potential disruptions impacting financial stability.

Navigating the impact of change

Amidst this turbulence, MSPs must have a strategic mindset. Some key considerations include:

1. Swift adaptation

MSPs must swiftly adapt to the new changes in Partner Programs, ensuring a seamless transition for both their internal operations and customer services.

2. Customer communication

Clear and transparent communication with customers is essential. MSPs need to inform customers about potential changes in services and reassure them of their commitment to continued excellence.

3. Diversification

Exploring additional partnerships and service offerings can provide MSPs with a diversified portfolio, mitigating risks associated with a single vendor reliance.

Leveraging Parallels RAS: Navigating the transition with ease

As MSPs try to adapt to the shifts brought on by the Broadcom acquisition of VMware, a silver lining emerges – the seamless and comprehensive solution provided by Parallels RAS.

In times of uncertainty, Parallels RAS stands out as a stable option, offering MSPs a robust platform to deliver managed desktop and application services without interruption.

Unified solution, single license model

Parallels RAS simplifies the complex landscape for MSPs by providing a unified solution with a single license model.

This not only streamlines the licensing process but also ensures that MSPs clearly understand their operational costs, offering financial stability and control.

Flexible management across environments

One of the standout features of Parallels RAS is its ability to manage and administer customer environments across on-premises, cloud environments, and/or hybrid scenarios.

MSPs using Parallels RAS are empowered with the flexibility to provide services from their platform(s) of choice, adapting to the diverse needs of their customers without compromising efficiency or security.

Seamless integration

Parallels RAS excels in providing a user-friendly experience for both MSPs and their customers. Its seamless integration capabilities enable MSPs to effortlessly incorporate Parallels RAS into their existing infrastructure, reducing the technical learning curve and minimizing disruptions to ongoing operations.

Enhanced flexibility with multi-cloud support

In an era where multi-cloud strategies are growing in popularity, Parallels RAS can be delivered across a mix of public cloud vendors like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

You can select the best cloud platform to deliver your solutions of choice and avoid vendor lock-ins.

Efficient administration and monitoring

Parallels simplifies management and administrative aspects for MSPs.

With centralized management and monitoring tools, MSPs have granular control over their clients’ environments, facilitating efficient administration, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.

Technical training and support included

The Parallels MSP Partner program provides free technical training and certifications to ensure your technical staff is equipped with the latest knowledge and expertise.

The free 24/7 technical support also alleviates the pressure on internal staff, providing a safety net for troubleshooting and problem resolution.

Providing future confidence

As MSPs navigate uncertainty, adopting Parallels RAS offers a unified, flexible, and comprehensive solution.

Parallels RAS equips MSPs with the tools and technical training they need to confidently approach the future, ensuring the continuity of services for their clients while maintaining the financial stability crucial to building an MSP business model.

Sign up for the Parallels Partner program and learn how Parallels RAS can help your MSP business.

About Version 2
Version 2 is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Parallels
Parallels® is a global leader in cross-platform solutions, enabling businesses and individuals to access and use the applications and files they need on any device or operating system. Parallels helps customers leverage the best technology available, whether it’s Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android or the cloud.

2024 Parallels

I am not sorry for wasting your time: Lessons to learn from Texonto PSYOPs targeting Ukraine

Since the invasion started, ESET has both investigated and prevented a significant number of attacks launched by Russia-aligned groups against Ukraine.

In 1998, one of the most annoying things IT-equipped employees needed to deal with, SPAM, made it into the New Oxford Dictionary of English. Prior to 1998, the word “spam” only referenced a variety of processed canned meat produced by the Hormel Foods Corporation.

“It’s sort of unfortunate that we’ve gotten this far,” John Mozena, then board member of the U.S.-based Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email commented in the news. And that was just the beginning. More than 20 years later, spam messages accounted for over 45 percent of 333 billion emails sent and received daily around the world in 2022.

The latest ESET research about Operation Texonto highlights a scheme targeting Ukrainian citizens with a combination of spam and phishing messages. This situation reminds us that spam not only frustrates employees, but can also serve as a vehicle for disinformation, psychological operations, and data theft attempts against businesses and institutions.

These cyber incidents may look simple, but just the sheer volume of unsolicited emails coming on a daily basis can be so overwhelming that the situation begs for a professional solution. Especially now, that businesses are moving to the cloud.

After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago, all critical institutions and operators of critical infrastructure in Ukraine were offered a free upgrade to ESET’s highest-grade solution. When it comes to spam and phishing, for example, ESET Cloud Office Security (ECOS) offers broad coverage with advanced protection for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace applications.

Constant pressure

The use of spam as a popular term for unsolicited email, comes from an episode of the 1970s TV show Monty Python’s Flying Circus. In one episode, a couple tries to order food in a cafe, but every course of the meal contains spam. To make things even more irritating, a group of Vikings sitting nearby are passionately singing about spam. The word “spam” is uttered at least 132 times.

While Monty Python was clearly trying to mock annoying things in people’s lives, their “spam” numbers were no match for the number of today’s spam emails. We are talking about a staggering 150 billion unsolicited emails sent and received daily. Well, that’s annoying, right?

With this influx of emails, it is no surprise that 2022 data showed that up to 80 person-hours a year ago in vain just with filtering spam messages.

Moreover, this problem is not only about getting rid of unwanted emails but also avoiding being caught on the hooks of phishing attacks, the most common type of cyberthreat.

According to the latest government survey in the United Kingdom, one third of businesses identified a data breach in 2022, and 79 percent of those attacks were phishing. Similarly, in the US, the FBI received more than 300,000 phishing complaints in 2022, making it to the top of the bureau’s cybercrime victim list. To compare, personal data breach was the second most reported cybercrime with almost 59,000 victims.

ESET Telemetry confirms that trend. According to the latest ESET H2 2023 Threat Report, spam has increased by 6 percent and malicious HTML files sending victims to phishing websites (HTML/Phishing.Agent trojan) are still by far the most detected email threat. Overall, these email attacks comprise almost a quarter (23.4 percent) of all cyber threats detected by ESET.

According to the latest government survey in the United Kingdom, one third of businesses identified a data breach during 2022, and 79% percent of those attacks were phishing. Similarly, in the US, the FBI received more than 300,000 phishing complaints in 2022, making it to the top of the bureau’s cybercrime victim list. To compare, personal data breach was the second most reported cybercrime with almost 59,000 victims.

ESET Telemetry confirms the trend. According to the latest ESET H2 2023 Threat Report, spam has increased by 6 percent and malicious HTML files sending victims to phishing websites (HTML/Phishing.Agent trojan) are still by far the most detected email threat. Overall, these email attacks comprise almost a quarter (23.4%) of all cyber threats detected by ESET.

Lessons from Ukraine

Operation Texonto in Ukraine shows what such a campaign combining spam emails and phishing can look like.

At the end of 2023, Russia-aligned threat actors tried to demoralize Ukrainian citizens with two waves of spam emails. Additionally, ESET detected a spear phishing campaign conducted by the same group and within the same time period.

Employees working at a major Ukrainian defense company received a phishing email in October 2023, purportedly coming from their IT department.

It was an old-fashioned but still popular phishing message claiming that the employee’s email account was about to expire and they needed to fill in their login details on a given website to keep the account alive. The attached link sent victims to a phishing website posing as a legitimate Microsoft login page, but in reality, trying to steal credentials for Microsoft Office 365 accounts.

To deal with such threats, companies need to not only focus on employee awareness training but also have reliable anti-spam and anti-phishing protection.

Mitigating the threat

If you want to know more about spotting phishing attacks, you can check this blog, but let’s now focus more on a technical solutions implemented in the ESET Cloud Office Security such as Antispam which consecutively won spam filtering tests by Virus Bulletin, a leading security testing authority, and received the VBSpam+ certification for several years.

The ECOS Antispam technology has high catch rates and being a cloud-based service, allows for prompt data updates that provide quicker reaction times when new spam emerges. This essential component filters all spam emails and keeps user mailboxes free of unsolicited or undesired messages.

ECOS Anti-Phishing prevents users from accessing web pages that are known to be phishing sites. Because phishing emails often contain links leading victims to phishing webpages, ESET Cloud Office Security searches the message body and the subject of incoming email messages to identify such links (URLs). The links are compared against the phishing database, which is being constantly updated.

Combining these powerful tools together with anti-malware scanning, ultimate zero-day threat defense, and an easy-to-use cloud management console, ECOS helps to protect companies’ communications, collaboration, and cloud applications.

Conclusion

When looking at spam and phishing data, it is clear that no one has come up with a definitive answer for these threats, but that doesn’t mean you should give up the fight. Quite the contrary. You need professional protection in order not to be overwhelmed by tons of emails both soaking up employees’ time and trying to sneak some phishing messages into corporate mailboxes.

How ESET helps:

• ESET products and threat intelligence have been protecting Ukrainian IT infrastructure for years. Since the start of the full-scale war in February 2022, ESET have prevented and investigated a significant number of attacks launched by Russia-aligned groups such as HermeticWiper and Industroyer2.

• As the leading endpoint protection platform vendor headquartered in the European Union, ESET also announced that it has stopped all sales to any individuals, businesses, and organizations in Russia and Belarus.

• ESET offered critical institutions and operators of critical infrastructure in Ukraine a free upgrade to ESET’s highest-grade solution.

• Between March and May 2022, ESET automatically extended expiring licenses for consumers in Ukraine at no cost.

• On top of that, ESET Foundation has allocated 1,277,700 euros for humanitarian relief in Ukraine.

About Version 2
Version 2 is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.

ESET 2024

Revolutionizing Healthcare IT: How Atera transforms medical IT ops

As healthcare providers strive to deliver superior patient care in an increasingly digital world, the role of IT has never been more critical. Healthcare organizations rely heavily on IT systems to support patient care, manage critical data, and ensure efficient operations.

However, the healthcare industry faces unique challenges when it comes to IT infrastructure and management.

In this blog, we will explore how Atera is revolutionizing healthcare IT, providing healthcare professionals with a powerful toolset to streamline operations, enhance cybersecurity, and navigate the complex landscape of healthcare technology.

Common Healthcare IT challenges

Explore the intricate landscape of healthcare IT as we uncover and address prevalent challenges. From data security concerns to interoperability issues, gain insights into overcoming obstacles for seamless healthcare technology integration.

Legacy systems and integration

Many healthcare facilities still rely on outdated legacy systems, which pose challenges in terms of interoperability and scalability. Integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure can be a daunting task, often requiring significant time and resources. Legacy systems not only hinder operational efficiency but also limit the adoption of innovative solutions that could enhance patient care delivery.

Interoperability barriers

The lack of interoperability between different healthcare IT systems remains a significant challenge. Healthcare organizations often struggle to exchange patient information seamlessly across disparate platforms, leading to fragmented care and communication gaps between providers. Achieving true interoperability requires overcoming technical barriers, aligning standards, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

Resource constraints and budgetary limitations

Budgetary constraints pose a constant challenge for healthcare IT departments, limiting their ability to invest in technology upgrades and cybersecurity measures. Balancing the need for innovation with financial limitations requires careful prioritization and strategic planning. Healthcare organizations must allocate resources effectively to address critical IT needs while ensuring cost-effective solutions.

Workflow optimization and user adoption

Implementing new IT systems and workflows can disrupt established processes and workflows within healthcare settings. Healthcare professionals may resist change or face challenges in adapting to unfamiliar technologies, leading to resistance and decreased productivity. Effective user training and change management strategies are essential to promote user adoption and optimize workflow efficiency.

Compliance and security: protecting patient data

The healthcare industry is subject to strict compliance standards, with regulations like HIPAA, HITECH, and the 21st Century Cures Act governing the protection of patient data. Healthcare IT professionals must ensure that electronic medical records, patient management systems, and other critical applications comply with these regulations. Failure to do so can result in severe consequences, including hefty fines and reputational damage.

Cybersecurity is another pressing concern in healthcare IT. Phishing attacks are the most common vector for cyberattacks in the healthcare sector, making robust security measures essential. Healthcare organizations must implement measures like multi-factor authentication, encryption of sensitive data, and granular permissions to protect patient information from unauthorized access.

Streamlining healthcare IT with Atera

Atera offers a comprehensive solution to revolutionize healthcare IT operations, addressing the unique challenges faced by the industry.

Here’s are some of the ways that Atera transforms healthcare IT:

Consolidation and cost optimization: Atera’s all-in-one IT platform allows healthcare organizations to consolidate various IT functionalities into a single solution. This streamlines management, reduces the need for multiple software applications, and optimizes costs.

With Atera’s fixed-cost model, healthcare organizations can scale their IT infrastructure to unlimited devices, without worrying about per-seat pricing or device limitations that increase their bottom line.

Enhanced control and visibility: Atera provides real-time monitoring and alerts, enabling healthcare IT professionals to proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact patient care. The platform’s reporting and analytics tools offer valuable insights into IT operations, empowering data-driven decision-making and resource optimization.

Robust cybersecurity features: Atera understands the criticality of cybersecurity in healthcare. The platform offers essential cybersecurity features such as antivirus software, automated patch management, and vulnerability assessments. These features help protect patient data, ensure compliance with regulations, and create a secure digital environment for healthcare professionals and patients.

User authentication and role-based access: Healthcare organizations often have diverse user bases and shared devices. Atera allows IT administrators to implement user authentication and role-based access control, ensuring that each user has the appropriate level of access to shared devices and resources, enhancing security and data privacy in healthcare settings.

Tech stack optimization: Atera helps healthcare organizations evaluate their tech stack and make informed decisions about upgrading or replacing outdated systems. By optimizing the tech stack, healthcare IT professionals can reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance patient care.

Dedicated support and training: Atera is committed to providing exceptional support and training to healthcare organizations. The platform offers 24/7 support and a wealth of training resources, including webinars, recorded videos, and documentation. This ensures that healthcare IT professionals can maximize the value of the platform and effectively manage their IT operations.

Supercharge your Healthcare IT management with Atera

With its cost-effective pricing, robust cybersecurity features, user authentication capabilities, tech stack optimization, and dedicated support, Atera empowers healthcare organizations to streamline their IT operations and deliver high-quality patient care. Experience the power of Atera and take your healthcare IT to new heights, all while staying within your budget.

About Version 2
Version 2 is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Atera
Small and medium IT operators are the heroes behind the scenes supporting companies around the world. They care a lot for their clients (external or internal) and often work virtually 24/7. However, small and medium IT service providers have always been underserved.
Atera was built for exactly that. With the vision to simplify and streamline the work of Managed Service Providers and IT professionals. To create something that saves them time, energy, and money. To free them from needing to constantly put out fires.
That vision created the remote-first IT management software – enabling IT professionals to shift from reactive task takers to proactive problem solvers.
Now operating from our beautiful offices on Rothchild in Tel Aviv, Atera is currently used by thousands and thousands of IT professionals all over the world (105+ countries).
As we rapidly grow, our goal remains the same: to transform the IT industry with revolutionary technology, while creating one of the happiest and healthiest work environments in the world.

Atera 2024

Russian-made PSYOPs in Ukraine: Operation Texonto targets Ukrainians with war-related disinformation, ESET Research discovers

A Russian-aligned aligned threat actor spread war-related disinformation to Ukrainian readers via spam emails.
The spearphishing campaign targeted a Ukrainian defense company and an EU agency.
Due to the similarities in the network infrastructure used in these PSYOPs and phishing operations, ESET research can say with high confidence that they are linked.
Operation Texonto loosely resembles Russia-aligned Callisto APT group activities; however, ESET Research does not have enough evidence to attribute the operations to any specific group.
In the first wave of disinformation emails in November 2023, the Russia-aligned threat actors tried to influence and demoralize Ukrainian citizens with disinformation messages about war-related topics. The second wave in December 2023 was even darker in tone.

BRATISLAVA, MONTREAL — February 21, 2024 — ESET Research recently discovered Operation Texonto, a disinformation/psychological operations (PSYOPs) campaign using spam emails as the main distribution method. Via messages sent in two waves of PSYOPs, the Russia-aligned threat actors tried to influence and demoralize Ukrainian citizens with disinformation messages about war-related topics. The first wave took place in November 2023 and the second one at the end of December 2023. The contents of the emails were about heating interruptions, drug shortages, and food shortages, which are typical themes of Russian propaganda. Additionally, in October 2023, ESET detected a spearphishing campaign that targeted a Ukrainian defense company, and one targeting an EU agency in November 2023 utilizing standard-looking fake Microsoft login pages. The goal of both was to steal credentials for Microsoft Office 365 accounts. Due to the similarities in the network infrastructure used in these PSYOPs and phishing operations, ESET research can say with high confidence that they are linked.

“Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia-aligned groups such as Sandworm have been busy disrupting Ukrainian IT infrastructure using wipers. In recent months, we have observed an uptick in cyberespionage operations, especially by the infamous Gamaredon group. Operation Texonto shows yet another use of technologies to try to influence the war,” says ESET researcher Matthieu Faou, who discovered Operation Texonto.

“The strange brew of espionage, information operations, and fake pharma messages can only remind us of Callisto, a well-known Russia-aligned cyberespionage group, some members of which were the subject of an indictment by the U.S. Department of Justice in December 2023. Callisto targets government officials, staff in think tanks, and military-related organizations via spearphishing websites designed to mimic common cloud providers. The group has also run disinformation operations such as a document leak just ahead of the 2019 UK general election. Finally, pivoting on its old network infrastructure leads to fake pharma domains,” continues Faou. However, he concludes: “While there are several high-level points of similarity between Operation Texonto and Callisto operations, we haven’t found any technical overlap, and we currently do not attribute Operation Texonto to a specific threat actor. However, given the TTPs, targeting, and the spread of messages, we attribute the operation with high confidence to a group that is Russia aligned.”

An email server, operated by the attackers and used to send the PSYOPs emails, was reused two weeks later to send typical Canadian pharmacy spam. This category of illegal business has been very popular within the Russian cybercrime community for a long time. A few more pivots also revealed domain names that are part of Operation Texonto and related to internal Russian topics, such as Alexei Navalny, the well-known Russian opposition leader who was in jail and died on 2024-02-16. This means that Operation Texonto probably includes spearphishing or information operations targeting Russian dissidents and supporters of the late opposition leader.

The goal of the first wave of disinformation emails was to sow doubt in the minds of Ukrainians; for instance, one email says “There may be heating interruptions this winter.” Others purportedly from the Ministry of Health talk about medicine shortages. It doesn’t seem that there were any malicious links or malware in this specific wave, only disinformation. One domain masquerading as the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine recommended replacing unavailable medicine with herbs. In yet another email “from” the Ministry, they suggest eating “pigeon risotto” a photo of a live pigeon and a cooked pigeon. Those documents were purposely created in order to rile up and demoralize the readers. Overall, these fake messages align with common Russian propaganda themes. They are trying to make Ukrainian people believe they won’t have drugs, food, and heating because of the Russia-Ukraine war.

About a month after the first wave, ESET detected a second PSYOPs email campaign targeting not only Ukrainians, but also people in other European countries. The targets are somewhat random, ranging from the Ukrainian government to an Italian shoe manufacturer. According to ESET telemetry, a few hundred people received emails in this wave. The second wave was darker in its messaging, with the attackers suggesting people amputate a leg or an arm to avoid military deployment. Overall, it has all the characteristics of PSYOPs during wartime.

ESET products and research have been protecting Ukrainian IT infrastructure for many years. And since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, ESET Research has prevented and investigated a significant number of attacks launched by Russia-aligned groups.

For more technical information about Operation Texonto, check out the blogpost “Operation Texonto: Information operation targeting Ukrainian speakers in the context of the war” on WeLiveSecurity.com. Make sure to follow ESET Research on Twitter (today known as X) for the latest news from ESET Research.

Timeline of Operation Texonto

About Version 2
Version 2 is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.

ESET 2024

IT Departments Increase IT efficiency in your organization

Think of your organization’s IT infrastructure as a bustling city: networks buzzing like highways, servers humming like skyscrapers, and data flowing like rivers. Now, imagine if you could transform that city into a well-planned metropolis, with streamlined traffic, efficient public services, and seamless connectivity. That’s the vision of IT efficiency—a vision where every byte counts, every process is optimized, and every user experience is smooth as silk.

As the world is getting more digital by the second. Remote work, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) practices, and an ever-evolving landscape of IT technologies pose new challenges for any IT department.

As the workload increases, IT specialists require solutions that boost ‌overall IT efficiency. This allows IT teams to stay ahead of the challenges digitalization poses, such as meeting IT needs of the organization, while keeping up with the highest standards of security and reliability.

In this blog we’ll give you actionable insights and tips to turbocharge your organization’s IT efficiency and productivity.

What is IT efficiency?

IT efficiency refers to the ability of an organization to maximize the productivity and effectiveness of its Information Technology (IT) resources, systems, and processes. It involves optimizing various aspects of IT operations to achieve desired outcomes such as streamlined workflows, reduced IT costs, improved performance, enhanced security, and increased innovation.

IT efficiency encompasses a range of activities, including resource allocation, process automation, infrastructure optimization, and performance monitoring.

Key components of IT efficiency include:

Resource optimization: Efficiently allocating and utilizing IT resources, such as hardware, software, and human capital, to meet organizational objectives while minimizing waste.

Process streamlining: Streamlining IT processes and workflows to eliminate redundancies, reduce complexity, and improve overall agility and responsiveness.

IT automation(s): Leveraging automation tools and technologies to automate repetitive IT tasks, increase operational speed, and reduce manual errors.

Infrastructure optimization: Optimizing IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and storage systems, to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and reliability.

Optimizing costs: Identifying and implementing cost-saving measures within IT operations, such as consolidating resources, adopting cloud services, and optimizing licensing agreements.

Performance monitoring and management: Monitoring and manage IT systems and applications to identify performance bottlenecks, proactively address issues, and ensure continuous improvement.

Security enhancement: Enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Overall, IT efficiency is essential for organizations seeking to leverage technology as a strategic asset to drive innovation, gain competitive advantage, and achieve business success in today’s digital landscape.

Why aim for IT efficiency?

Aiming for IT efficiency offers numerous benefits and advantages for organizations across various industries. Here are several compelling reasons why organizations should prioritize and strive to achieve IT efficiency:

Cost savings: Efficient IT operations result in reduced operational costs through resource optimization, process automation, and streamlined workflows. By minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization, organizations can achieve significant cost savings over time.

Improved productivity: IT efficiency enables organizations to accomplish more with fewer resources and in less time. Streamlined processes, automated tasks, and optimized workflows free up valuable time and resources, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities and strategic initiatives.

Enhanced agility and flexibility: Efficient IT systems and processes are inherently more agile and adaptable to change. Organizations can respond quickly to evolving business requirements, market dynamics, and technological advancements, enabling them to stay ahead of the competition and seize new opportunities.

Better decision-making: IT efficiency provides organizations with access to accurate, timely, and actionable data insights. With improved data management and analytics capabilities, decision-makers can make informed decisions based on real-time information, driving better business outcomes and strategic planning.

Enhanced customer experience: Efficient IT systems and processes contribute to a seamless and positive customer experience. Faster response times, personalized services, and reliable digital channels help organizations deliver superior customer service, build customer loyalty, and differentiate themselves in the marketplace.

Increased innovation: IT efficiency creates a conducive environment for innovation by freeing up resources, fostering collaboration, and encouraging experimentation. Organizations can invest in research and development, explore new technologies, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to fuel innovation and stay ahead of market trends.

How to improve your IT efficiency

Improving IT efficiency is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a combination of strategic planning, technological innovation, and organizational commitment. Here are several key strategies to enhance IT efficiency within your organization:

Streamline processes: Streamlining IT processes is essential for eliminating bottlenecks, reducing redundancy, and improving overall productivity. By mapping out existing workflows and identifying areas for optimization, organizations can streamline processes to ensure smoother operations and faster task completion.

Invest in IT automation: Automation is a game-changer when it comes to boosting IT efficiency. By automating routine tasks such as system updates, data backups, and software deployments, organizations can save time, reduce errors, and free up IT personnel to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Atera’s IT management platform offers advanced automation capabilities, allowing organizations to automate repetitive tasks and streamline IT operations seamlessly.

Implement AI-powered IT (AIT) solutions: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize IT management by providing predictive insights, automating repetitive tasks, and enhancing decision-making capabilities. Atera’s AI-powered IT management platform leverages machine learning algorithms to analyze data, detect anomalies, and proactively address issues before they escalate. By harnessing the power of AI, organizations can improve IT efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize resource allocation.

In more detail, AIT can include various capabilities, such as:

Automatically resolving tickets
Generating responses
Providing potential solutions to employees and customers – especially for frequently asked questions or issues.

Moreover, it can also contain capabilities like automatically summarizing tickets, so the IT specialists quickly get an overview over the problem and can dive straight into resolving it, automatically generating scripts to resolve issues and many more.

Prioritize security: Cybersecurity is a critical component of IT efficiency, as security breaches can result in costly downtime, data loss, and reputational damage. Organizations should prioritize security measures such as robust access controls, regular security assessments, and employee training to mitigate risks and safeguard sensitive information. Atera’s IT management platform offers built-in security features, including endpoint protection, patch management, and vulnerability scanning, to help organizations defend against cyber threats and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

Promote collaboration and communication: Effective collaboration and communication are essential for maximizing IT efficiency. By fostering a culture of collaboration, organizations can break down silos, improve knowledge sharing, and accelerate problem-solving. Atera’s IT management platform includes collaboration tools such as ticketing systems, chat, and knowledge bases, enabling IT teams to collaborate more effectively and resolve issues faster.

Supercharge your IT efficiency today

In conclusion, improving IT efficiency requires a holistic approach that encompasses process optimization, automation, cloud technology adoption, AI-powered solutions, cybersecurity measures, and collaboration.

By implementing these strategies and leveraging tools such as Atera’s AI-powered IT management platform, organizations can enhance IT efficiency, drive innovation, and achieve greater success in today’s digital landscape.

About Version 2
Version 2 is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Atera
Small and medium IT operators are the heroes behind the scenes supporting companies around the world. They care a lot for their clients (external or internal) and often work virtually 24/7. However, small and medium IT service providers have always been underserved.
Atera was built for exactly that. With the vision to simplify and streamline the work of Managed Service Providers and IT professionals. To create something that saves them time, energy, and money. To free them from needing to constantly put out fires.
That vision created the remote-first IT management software – enabling IT professionals to shift from reactive task takers to proactive problem solvers.
Now operating from our beautiful offices on Rothchild in Tel Aviv, Atera is currently used by thousands and thousands of IT professionals all over the world (105+ countries).
As we rapidly grow, our goal remains the same: to transform the IT industry with revolutionary technology, while creating one of the happiest and healthiest work environments in the world.