Cybersecurity is a leadership responsibility, not just an IT task. For most Irish SMEs it comes down to a small set of habits done consistently: strong sign-in, protected devices, filtered web access, and backups that have actually been restored. Host-It is a managed IT and cybersecurity provider based in Bray, Co. Wicklow, and we build security into the standard service for every client. There is no scare tactic involved, just a framework and a routine.
The controls that matter most
Reports such as the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report and IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach study keep pointing to the same causes: stolen credentials, phishing and unpatched systems. These are the controls that address them, and how we deliver each one.
| Control | What it means for your business | How we deliver it |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-factor authentication everywhere | A stolen password on its own is not enough to get in | Microsoft Entra MFA with conditional access |
| Endpoint detection and response | Threats on laptops and servers are detected and acted on, not just logged | Huntress managed EDR |
| DNS filtering | Malicious and unsuitable sites are blocked before a page loads | DNSFilter |
| Backups with restore testing | If something goes wrong, you get your data back, and you know how long it takes | Comet Backup |
| Patching and monitoring | Known weaknesses are closed quickly instead of lingering for months | Remote monitoring and management |
| Network segmentation | A problem on one part of the network does not reach everything else | VLANs and firewall rules designed around your setup |
Why a framework beats buying tools one at a time
Most security gaps come from products bought in response to the last scare, with nobody checking how they fit together. We work from the CIS Controls as a checklist, align to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and help clients prepare for Cyber Essentials, which is a sensible first certification for many SMEs. The result is a security routine you can evidence to customers, insurers and your own board. See how this applies to accountancy practices and law firms.
Security that fits the way you work
- Standard baseline. Every client gets the same proven stack, so nothing is left to chance.
- People, not just products. Alerts are reviewed by humans, and clients are told what happened in plain English.
- Documented. Your configuration is written down, so your security does not depend on one person’s memory.
- Calm and practical. We focus on what reduces risk, not on frightening you into spending more.
What happens if something goes wrong
No set of controls removes risk entirely, so the question is how quickly you recover. Tested backups and monitored devices are what make the difference.
We use their Online Backup and Disaster recovery services. Had to completely restore our systems after we were hit with a crypto virus, can’t fault these guys, we had our data back in a few hours.
Danny Knight
Start with a free 30-minute security advisory
Book a short call with us. We will walk through where your business stands against the controls above and tell you what is worth doing first. If you would like to read first, download our free guide, Secured: The Cybersecurity Survival Guide for Protecting Your Business.
Common questions
Is antivirus enough?
Traditional antivirus is not enough on its own. It matches known threats, whereas managed endpoint detection and response watches how software behaves and lets a person investigate anything suspicious. We use Huntress for this.
Do we need Cyber Essentials?
It is not a legal requirement for most SMEs, but customers, tenders and insurers increasingly ask about it, and the controls it covers are the right ones to have anyway. We can help you prepare.
Will this satisfy our cyber insurance?
Insurers commonly ask about multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection and backups, which are all part of our standard setup. Check your policy wording, and we can help you answer the questions accurately.
Do you work with our existing IT provider?
Yes. We can add security and backup alongside your current support, or take over the whole function.
Where are you based?
We are in Bray, Co. Wicklow, and support businesses across Ireland, mostly remotely with on-site visits when needed. See our page for IT support in Wicklow and Bray.