Making Sense of IT and CyberSecurity
My name is Suzanne Girdlestone and I make IT/CyberSecurity make sense.
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have worked in IT for over 20 years, in various industries. Predominantly in insurance and highly regulated financial organisations, and over 10 of them were specifically in IT and Computer Security. I have 2 passions my IT business and horses I’m a crazy horse lady who loves everything rural and I have an affinity with the countryside. Cyber Security | Computer Security | Information Security | IT Security Whichever title you use, they all do the same thing, they’re all the practice of protecting computer systems and networks from information disclosure, and theft or damage. In a connected technological world, all businesses are vulnerable and are not always aware of what RISKs their business faces. I often hear comments from business owners saying: “I am too small and insignificant to be hacked” “I use public WiFi all the time and have never been hacked” “I have an iPhone or Apple Mac”
It is my mission to help educate and inform business owners so they understand the RISK and THREATS to their business and be able to implement a holistic security system that can reduce those risks. If in the event an incident does occur, they are able to recover and provide business continuity. www.lancmag.com
I ensure working with me is easy-going and I explain everything in relatable terms, so it is easy to understand. I ensure when we work that the policies and processes fit your business model and are specifically tailored to your business functions and operations. I like to say that ‘IT Security’ is like a CAKE; you need many different ingredients. You need many different controls, software and processes to make a good Security management system/framework. It’s also important that your IT support is providing Security Policies and Processes to help IT run smoothly and securely. Many SMEs see IT Security as a cost, but when it is implemented correctly, it can be very cost-effective and actually save you time and money. Simply put - by having great IT Hygiene and efficient processes you will be able to connect to all your departments. Here’s some great comments I have received from my clients: “Suzanne’s knowledge and support has been accurate as to our requirements and more importantly, completely clear for a team who aren’t experts in the language of IT security.” “We consider Suzanne to be an extended member of our team and this is testament to her approach and engagement with our business.“ “I feel totally prepared to take on more and more IT security questionnaires myself especially as I know Suzanne is only an email or a call away if I need help.” If you don’t know where to start or you are a proactive business owner who doesn’t want to be vulnerable, please email: E suzanne@smartbusinessit.co.uk and find out how I can support your business. I support Zoom calls too! LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 191
