Improving Both Security and Productivity Single Sign-On (SSO) allows a user to log in once with one set of credentials to access all company-sanctioned applications and services (e.g., email, CRM, HR software). This uses identity management platforms like Okta, Azure AD, or specialized local services. SSO Benefits **Enhanced Security:** Forces users to use one, strong…

Identifying Bottlenecks Before They Cause Downtime Network performance monitoring (NPM) allows IT managers to track bandwidth usage, latency, device health, and application response times. This is vital in Kenya where bandwidth can fluctuate, and ISP issues are common. Essential Monitoring Metrics and Tools **Bandwidth Utilization:** Track how much data is being used and by whom….

Preventing Opportunity Theft and Visual Hacking A clean desk policy mandates that employees must clear their desks of all sensitive papers, removable media, and login details before leaving their workstation for any significant period. This is a simple, no-cost way to significantly boost both physical and digital security. Key Elements of the Policy **Lock Everything…

Knowing What You Own and Where It Is IT Asset Management (ITAM) is the practice of tracking and managing the lifecycle of IT assets, from purchase to disposal. Accurate inventory is the foundation for budgeting, maintenance, and, most critically, security. Key Components of ITAM **Hardware Inventory:** A detailed list of all devices (laptops, monitors, servers,…

The Next Wave of Connectivity As 5G networks become more prevalent across Africa, and the Internet of Things (IoT) brings more connected devices into the workplace (smart printers, cameras, climate control), IT infrastructure must adapt to handle the speed and the new security threats. Preparation Steps **Network Segmentation:** Isolate all IoT devices (which are often…

Your Security Action Plan Based on the 100 posts developed, this is the condensed, high-priority list of IT security measures every Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) in Kenya should have in place to achieve a resilient and compliant operation: The Top 5 Security Essentials **Implement 3-2-1 Backups:** Ensure all critical data is backed up (3…

The Gold Standard for Data Redundancy The 3-2-1 backup strategy is globally recognized as the most reliable way to protect against data loss from hardware failure, human error, ransomware, or natural disaster. For Kenyan businesses facing unreliable power and increasing cyber threats, adhering to this rule is critical. Breaking Down the 3-2-1 Rule **3 Copies…

The Backbone of Modern Business For corporate operations in Kenya, internet reliability is often more critical than speed. Downtime due to poor connectivity severely impacts customer service and transaction processing. When choosing an ISP, look beyond the advertised speed. Critical Factors for ISP Selection **Service Level Agreement (SLA):** A robust SLA is crucial. It defines…

The Human Element of Cybersecurity Phishing remains one of the most successful methods for compromising corporate networks, as it targets the employee rather than the system’s firewall. Scammers in Kenya often localize their tactics to increase credibility. Common Localized Phishing Types **CEO Fraud/Business Email Compromise (BEC):** An email appears to come from a senior executive…

Evaluating Infrastructure Choices The decision between storing data on a physical server in your office (local/on-premise) or using remote internet-based infrastructure (cloud computing) is fundamental to IT strategy, especially considering Kenya’s unique constraints. Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) **Pros:** Excellent scalability, high redundancy (built-in 3-2-1 backup), no capital expenditure (CAPEX) on hardware, and accessible…