Welcome to Upstream IT: Business IT support since 1998

Business IT support since 1998

Call 0131 513 9971
STRESS FREE IT SUPPORT
CALL 0131 513 9971
VIEW PACKAGES GET IN TOUCH

IT Support in Edinburgh

We provide stress free Business IT Support to help
your business meet its everyday challenges.

Welcome to Upstream IT, your one-stop solution for IT system support, provided by our friendly, qualified and experienced support team. We provide consulting, planning, implementation and hands-on support services for business IT systems and tailored IT services to complement your business.

Upstream IT Comprehensive Support Package:

We provide professional, reliable and cost-effective technology planning, implementation and full-time support services to save you the expense of full-time in-house staffing.

From support for workstations and servers, linking your offices, providing secure remote access to building and supporting your entire IT infrastructure, email services and many others.

GET SUPPORT
FIND OUT MORE

IT Consultants - advice and experience.

For further information, book a free consultation or to speak to one of our experienced team about your current or future technology needs, please contact us today.

Upstream IT, providing friendly and professional IT support services for Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow, Central Scotland and the UK since 1998.

Cyber Security Awareness Month

Author: | Updated: 0

Today is Cyber Security Awareness Month which is an important reminder of online safety and protecting your business from cyber threats. Over the years, we’ve supported many organisations by providing the right cyber security solutions to help safeguard their operations. As cyber attackers become more sophisticated each year, this month serves as a timely reminder for everyone to strengthen their defences and stay vigilant online.

In this article, we’ll explore what cyber security is and outline the key steps you can take to protect your business.

What is Cyber Security Awareness Month?

Cyber Security Awareness Month began as early as 2004. The Department of Homeland security recognised the risks as technology developed and dedicated this month each year to raise awareness and share ways organisations can protect themselves from potential attacks.

This is an important campaign at a global scale, encouraging businesses to roll out awareness campaigns, and provide employees with training and resources. It also is a strong reminder to create a culture of vigilance against security attacks such as phishing and data breaches.

Safeguarding your Business This Cyber Security Awareness Month

Over the last 21 years since the campaign began, the internet has progressed at a rapid rate with AI becoming dominant in recent years. This has been in many ways a benefit to businesses as it has helped them to reach a massive client base from every corner of the country. However, it has also led to a sharp rise in cyber attacks, making it harder than ever to tell what’s genuine and what’s not.

Cyber Security Awareness Month reminds organisations can take simple security measures to stop attackers in their tracks. This can include using stronger passwords, regularly updating software, introducing two factor authentication, and recognising digital threats.

Strong Passwords and 2FA

The best place to start is by creating strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication. Encourage employees to use unique passwords for each account. Mix it up with letters, numbers, and symbols because ‘1234’ or ‘password’ just won’t cut it anymore. It’s also important to set up two-factor authentication for an added layer of protection.

Software updates

It’s important to stay up to date with the latest software updates on all devices. This includes the installation of antivirus software. This is the best way to defend against new threats. 

Access control

Ensure that access to sensitive or confidential data is restricted strictly to employees who require it to perform their duties. Implement appropriate permissions and regularly review access levels to prevent unauthorised use. In addition, these files should be securely encrypted, both in storage and during transmission, to provide an extra layer of protection against data breaches or misuse.

Raise Awareness

Cyber Security Awareness Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness and educate your employees on how to protect your business and its data online. Consider scheduling a session this month to cover the essentials — such as safeguarding data, recognising suspicious emails, reporting unusual activity, and understanding how everyone can contribute to building a more cyber-aware workplace culture.

Cyber Security Awareness Training

Cyber security awareness training is an opportunity to educate staff on digital threats, understanding the types of threats out there, and how to avoid them. Our team can deliver training programmes that covers the basics such as:

  • Understanding the latest cyber threats
  • The importance of strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
  • How to protect personal and company information
  • Software updates and why it’s important to do this on a regular basis

Keeping Your Business Secure with Upstream IT

Let us share our expertise to help you achieve your business and IT objectives. We provide specialist consultancy services across all areas of information technology — from network design and architecture to internet security, server systems, cloud solutions, hardware, operating systems, and a wide range of applications.

Whether you need support for a one-off project or long-term partnership, our highly qualified consultants are here to help. We offer reliable, expert advice whenever you need it.

At Upstream, our experienced team provides tailored Business IT Support packages designed to meet the needs of all businesses.

Contact Us

Cyber Security Awareness Month is a great way to raise awareness. However, it’s important that online safety is prioritised all year round. If you would like support from our IT experts, contact us on 0131 513 9971 or

Author: | Updated: 0

The Business Case for Upgrading to Windows 11 Before Windows 10 End of Life

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025. For businesses, this marks a critical decision point: whether to upgrade to Windows 11 now or delay the transition. While Windows 11 offers modern security, productivity enhancements, and a fresh interface, there are also considerations regarding hardware compatibility, potential training, and software support. This article examines the pros and cons of upgrading to Windows 11 before Windows 10’s end of life to help business leaders make an informed decision.

Pros of Upgrading to Windows 11 for Businesses

  1. Enhanced Security and Compliance

Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses, and Windows 11 provides substantial security upgrades:

TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot: Windows 11 mandates the use of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, providing hardware-level security that helps prevent cyber threats like ransomware and firmware attacks.

Zero Trust Security Model: Windows 11 aligns with Microsoft’s Zero Trust framework, which enhances access controls and identity management.

Windows Defender Improvements: Built-in antivirus and malware protection in Windows 11 have been improved to detect and mitigate advanced threats.

By upgrading to Windows 11, businesses can ensure their systems remain compliant with evolving security regulations and industry standards.

  1. Improved Performance and Productivity

Windows 11 is designed to be faster and more efficient:

Optimised Memory and CPU Usage: The operating system prioritises active applications, reducing background resource consumption and improving multitasking.

Faster Boot and Load Times: Business users will notice shorter startup times, leading to improved efficiency.

Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops: These new features help users organise workflows, making multitasking more intuitive.

  1. Better Integration with Cloud and Collaboration Tools

For businesses using Microsoft 365 and Teams, Windows 11 offers native integration that enhances collaboration:

Microsoft Teams in Taskbar: Easier access to Teams improves communication among remote and hybrid workforces.

OneDrive and Cloud Integration: Seamless file synchronization ensures data accessibility and security across devices.

  1. Long-Term Support and Future-Proofing

Windows 11 will receive continuous feature updates and support beyond 2025, unlike Windows 10, which will require expensive extended security updates after its end of life. Transitioning early ensures businesses stay ahead of technological advancements without last-minute migration stress.

Cons of Upgrading to Windows 11 for Businesses

  1. Hardware Compatibility Issues

One of the biggest challenges of upgrading to Windows 11 is the stringent hardware requirements:

Processor Requirements: Windows 11 requires at least an 8th-generation Intel or AMD Ryzen 2000 processor, which many existing business PCs may not meet.

TPM 2.0 Requirement: Older hardware lacking TPM 2.0 will be ineligible for the upgrade without costly hardware replacements.

For businesses with a large fleet of computers, upgrading may require significant investment in new devices.

  1. Software Compatibility Risks

Not all legacy applications and enterprise software may be fully compatible with Windows 11:

Industry-Specific Applications: Businesses using custom or older software may encounter compatibility issues, requiring updates or replacements.

Driver and Peripheral Support: Printers, scanners, and other peripherals may need new drivers or replacements if they are not supported by Windows 11.

Businesses should conduct thorough testing before committing to a full-scale upgrade.

  1. Learning Curve and Potential Training Costs

Windows 11 introduces UI changes that may require employee training:

Redesigned Start Menu and Taskbar: The centred Start menu and streamlined taskbar may initially reduce efficiency as employees adapt.

Modified Settings and Features: Changes in system settings and features might disrupt established workflows.

Organisations should consider training sessions to minimise disruptions during the transition.

  1. Migration Costs and IT Workload

Upgrading an entire business infrastructure requires planning and resources:

IT Department Workload: The IT team will need to manage deployments, troubleshoot issues, and ensure data migration goes smoothly.

Potential Downtime: Even with careful planning, some downtime during the upgrade process is inevitable, potentially affecting productivity.

Key Considerations Before Upgrading

Before making a decision, businesses should:

Conduct a Hardware Audit: Determine how many devices meet Windows 11’s requirements and budget for upgrades.

Test Compatibility: Run pilot upgrades on a few systems to identify any software or hardware conflicts.

Plan for Training: Ensure employees are equipped to handle the UI and workflow changes.

Evaluate Timing: If a hardware refresh is already planned, aligning it with the Windows 11 upgrade may be cost-effective.

Final Verdict: Should Businesses Upgrade Now?

The decision to upgrade depends on individual business needs and readiness:

For businesses with modern hardware: Upgrading sooner rather than later ensures improved security and productivity gains.

For businesses with older systems: A phased approach, including hardware refresh planning, is advisable to avoid compatibility issues and financial strain.

For businesses using legacy software: Testing is crucial to ensure mission-critical applications function as expected before upgrading.

Ultimately, transitioning to Windows 11 is inevitable. Planning ahead and upgrading before Windows 10 reaches its end of life can help businesses avoid security vulnerabilities, compliance risks, and last-minute disruptions. However, careful consideration of costs, compatibility, and training needs is essential to ensuring a smooth transition.

If you would like to have a discussion around how Upstream IT can help you with your upgrade plans, please email info@upstreamit.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

https://upstreamit.co.uk/windows10upgrade/