Cybersecurity 101 Safeguarding Small & Medium Businesses (SMBs) in an Online World

In the digital age, cybersecurity is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) are no exception. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how SMBs can safeguard their digital assets and thrive in an online world. As a small or medium business owner, you may think that you are not a target for cybercriminals, or that you have nothing valuable to lose. However, according to a recent study by Sage, 48% of SMBs in South Africa have experienced a cybersecurity incident in the past year, and 25% have experienced more than one. The most common incident reported was stolen laptops (28%), followed by ransomware attacks (9%).

Greater Anglia Trains Case Study

Greater Anglia Trains deployed Cynet 360 AutoXDR to secure their cloud-based services and respond to cyber threats with CyOps MDR. This enhanced their capability for detecting compromise in the new cyber work environment.

Reflecting on an Incredible 2023: A Digital On Demand Journey!

As we bid farewell to an exceptional year, we pause to express our deepest gratitude for being an integral part of the Digital On Demand journey throughout 2023.

Our journey in 2023 commenced with a vibrant, dedicated team, brimming with laughter, and an infectious spirit of celebration. This year was not without its challenges. Yet, in the face of adversity, we emerged stronger and more resilient. We confronted obstacles head-on, navigating uncharted territories, and overcoming hurdles that tested our mettle. Through dedication, perseverance, and collective effort, we transformed challenges into opportunities, paving the way for growth and advancement.

Digital On Demand division achieved full operational status, thanks to the unwavering commitment and hard work of our exceptional team. Together, we stood united, embracing laughter, celebrating milestones, and cherishing moments of triumph. Amidst the victories, we also navigated through constructive conflicts, understanding that growth often emerges from healthy discussions and diverse perspectives.

One of the greatest lessons learned in 2023 was the art of failing and growing together. We embraced failure not as a setback but as a stepping stone towards improvement. It’s through these shared experiences that we cultivated a culture of resilience, learning, and continuous evolution. Among the unforgettable highlights of 2023 was the monumental Digital On Demand launch event on 9th November. It was a culmination of our collective efforts, a celebration of tireless dedication, and a milestone that paved the way for a transformative digital experience.

Engineering and Industrial Supplies Case Study

EIS (Engineering and Industrial Supplies) is Durban’s largest professionally run independent engineering and industrial supplier of tools and hardware. The company offers everything for the manufacturing, engineering, and fabrication industries and even the smaller DIY market. Founded over 36 years ago, EIS supplies the industry with the nuts and bolts they need, literally.

Today, EIS has two branches, the original store in Jacobs, Durban, and a franchised store in Pinetown, which opened in 2007. Together these stores cover the greater Durban area with a delivery fleet of over 40 vehicles between them. The most significant part of EIS’s business is cash and accounts and giving walk-in customers the benefit of wholesale pricing.

“EIS has a great in-store shopping experience, allowing customers to walk the aisles and see the product, but some of our bigger clients simply phone through their orders. We have great customer relationships,” says EIS Operations & Marketing Manager Calvin Da Silva. Apart from customers in the urban areas, EIS also has a large customer base of farmers around South Africa.

Kay Care Agency Case Study

Kay Care Agency is a privately owned company based in Plymouth in the UK. The organisation provides personalised care and support to adults and elderly clients with outcome-driven care plans and the flexibility to suit individuals and government organisations. “Our main role is to provide domiciliary care services and supported living care services by placing healthcare assistance in society, either in people’s own homes or in nursing homes or supported living homes,” says Kundai Khupe, Director at Kay Care Agency. “Our main commodity is that we trade in healthcare assistance.” Kay Care Agency was founded in 2020 and has since outgrown its status as a startup. In fact, the growth has meant that the organisation’s rudimentary invoicing system became outdated almost overnight.

The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) Case Study

The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, WESSA, is one of the country’s oldest and largest independent non-profit environmental organisations. It has been instrumental in ecological, conservation and education efforts in South Africa for over 90 years. Ultimately the organisation’s core focus is to implement high-impact projects that promote participation in caring for Earth’s biodiversity, that lead to social and environmental justice.

WESSA is an integral part of the international environmental community too. The organisation is the appointed operator in South Africa for five FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) programmes and is a founding member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as well as the Centre for Environmental Rights. Then, as a UNESCO partner, it also supports education for sustainable development across the Southern African region.

WESSA understands the importance of environmental education and continually shifts its focus to align with global trends. Today, WESSA aims to increase public participation through citizen action in caring for the Earth. The organisation achieves these goals through education by training and advocacy aimed at private individuals, corporates, and all spheres of government.

As an accredited training provider with the ETDPSETA, LGSETA and CATHSSETA, and Services SETA, WESSA’s courses emphasise developing hands-on, practical skills, along with creatively engaging with complex environmental issues.