SmartCity Malta – November 11, 2024 – BMIT Technologies (MSE: BMIT), Malta’s leading provider of infrastructure, hybrid cloud, cyber resilience, and managed IT services is announcing today that it has achieved the prestigious Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Platinum Solution Provider Partner status.
This recognition highlights BMIT’s dedication to delivering exceptional value and expertise in deploying HPE’s cutting-edge technologies to its clients. Achieving HPE Platinum Partner status signifies that BMIT has met stringent requirements in technical specialisations and certifications, and commercial engagements.
This is the highest level of HPE Partner status in the HPE Partner Ready programme. Platinum signifies the highest level of expertise and certification to build and configure HPE solutions. As a Platinum Partner, BMIT gains access to exclusive HPE resources, including advanced training, certifications, and the latest technologies, enabling BMIT’s team to deliver exceptional service and solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.
“Reaching HPE Platinum Partner status is confirmation of BMIT’s commitment and expertise designing and implementing HPE IT solutions for our customers,” said Sean Cohen, Chief Customer Delivery & Support Services Officer at BMIT.
“This achievement not only validates our capabilities but also strengthens our ability to drive innovation and success for the businesses we serve. We are excited to leverage this enhanced partnership to offer even greater value to our clients and help them accelerate their digital transformation journeys using HPE’s hybrid cloud, AI, and edge computing solutions.”
Zoran Balaban, CDG Sales Lead at HPE , said, “We are excited to welcome BMIT to the HPE Platinum Partner community. Their achievement reflects BMIT’s commitment to delivering transformative solutions that help businesses thrive in today’s digital economy. We look forward to working alongside BMIT to meet and exceed our mutual clients’ expectations and build on what is already a very successful partnership.”
About BMIT Technologies plc
BMIT Technologies plc is a technology company providing digital infrastructure, including tower operations and datacentre services, hybrid cloud solutions, cyber resilience, IT governance, implementation and managed services. The company specialises in designing, building, modernising, and managing enterprise IT setups that businesses rely on for growth, security, resilient operations and to thrive in a digital world. For more information visit: www.bmit.com.mt.
Phishing attacks show no sign of abating and continue to be one of the most pervasive and damaging.
Despite new technologies, training and awareness programmes, phishing persists, targeting the most vulnerable element in any security infrastructure: human judgment.
In the Email Security Risk Report 2024 by Egress, nine in 10 organisations said they were the victims of phishing attacks (94%), with nearly all of them (96%) saying they were ‘negatively impacted’.
Looking at the bigger cybersecurity picture, phishing accounted for 71% of cyber threats (ReliaQuest) with social engineering being the “most common route to achieve initial access” by cyber criminals to exploit legitimate users.
The same report said that AI’s generative technologies helped phishers to create more “realistic emails” and, for voice scammers, deep fake voice recordings of key colleagues.
Zscaler observed a nearly 60% year-on-year increase in phishing attacks in 2023 compared to the previous years.
It is safe to say that phishing is not going away any time soon. Even worse, it’s taking less time for a phishing attack to be successful. Palo Alto, in their incidence response report 2024, cite an example of how attackers gained access to an organisation, exfiltrated terabytes of data, and deployed ransomware to nearly 10,000 endpoints – in less than 14 hours. Initial entry started 30 minutes after the phishing email was sent.
As these malicious actors refine their techniques, it becomes increasingly crucial for both individuals and organisations to remain vigilant and well-informed about recognising and responding to phishing threats.
Two particularly dangerous variants of phishing have gained prominence in recent years: spear-phishing and business email compromise (BEC).
Spear-phishing represents a more targeted approach, where attackers craft messages tailored to specific individuals or organizations. These personalised attacks often leverage information gleaned from social media profiles or previous data breaches, significantly increasing their credibility and potential for success.
BEC attacks, on the other hand, involve the infiltration or spoofing of legitimate business email accounts. Cybercriminals use these compromised or imitated accounts to trick employees into making unauthorised financial transactions or transferring sensitive data. The consequences of these attacks can be severe, often resulting in substantial financial losses and irreparable damage to an organisation’s reputation.
Recognising the Signs of Phishing
Identifying phishing attempts requires a keen eye and a healthy dose of scepticism. While attackers continually refine their techniques, several common red flags can help individuals spot potential threats:
Language: Phishing emails often contain grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, or inconsistent formatting that can indicate a fraudulent source.
Unexpected Attachments or Links: Be wary of emails containing attachments or links you weren't expecting, especially if they come with vague or urgent messages encouraging you to open them.
Requests for Sensitive Information: Legitimate organisations rarely, if ever, ask for sensitive personal or financial information via email. Any such request should be treated with extreme caution.
Mismatched or Suspicious URLs: Hover over links without clicking to reveal their true destination. If the URL doesn't match the purported sender or seems off in any way, it's likely a phishing attempt.
Pressure Tactics: Phishing emails often create a false sense of urgency, threatening negative consequences if immediate action isn't taken. This pressure is designed to override rational decision-making.
When faced with a suspicious email, it's important to pause, assess the situation carefully, and verify the sender's identity through alternative means before taking any action, regardless of how urgent the message may seem.
Always report suspect attempts
Recognising phishing is only half the battle; reporting these attempts is equally important. Employees should follow their organisation's established procedures for reporting suspicious communications. Some companies may also have dedicated channels or teams responsible for handling potential security threats. Prompt reporting can prevent further damage and help protect colleagues from falling victim to the same attack.
A Comprehensive Defence Strategy
Effectively preventing phishing attacks requires a multi-faceted approach that combines technological solutions with human vigilance. On the technical side, organisations should implement robust security measures such as advanced spam filters, next-generation firewalls, and email authentication protocols like DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance).
However, even the most sophisticated technical defences can be circumvented by a single moment of human error. This is why employee awareness and training are indispensable components of a comprehensive anti-phishing strategy. Regular phishing simulations expose employees to realistic but safe examples of phishing attempts, helping them develop the skills needed to identify and respond to real threats. Comprehensive security awareness training should cover not only how to recognise phishing but also the proper procedures for reporting suspicious communications.
Creating a security culture within an organisation is perhaps the most effective long-term strategy for mitigating the risk of phishing attacks. This involves fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to question suspicious communications, share potential threats with their colleagues, and actively participate in the organisation's security efforts.
The threat of phishing is unlikely to disappear entirely, so a combination of technological defences, human awareness, and proactive reporting can significantly mitigate the risks.
Not every organisation has the resources or skillset to develop and run regular awareness programmes. Partnering with a managed service provider like BMIT can make all the difference to your security efforts. Contact us today for more information about our training and awareness programmes.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a powerful security tool that significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access and protects an organisation’s digital assets and sensitive information.
According to Microsoft, more than 99.9% of all compromised accounts do not have MFA enabled. Adoption figures vary according to company size, with larger organisations more likely to have implemented MFA (62%) than smaller organisations (38%). A survey by JumpCloud of 1,000 SMEs found that 83% of respondents required employees to use MFA to access all their resources.
What is multi-factor authentication?
At its core, MFA is a security system that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an online account, VPN, or application. It combines something you know (like a password), something you have (mobile app or hardware token), and something you are (biometric data like a fingerprint). This layered approach significantly enhances security by making it a lot more difficult for unauthorised users to gain access, even if they manage to compromise one factor.
The need for MFA has never been more pressing. At a time when sophisticated hacking techniques and data breaches are commonplace, relying solely on passwords is akin to leaving your front door unlocked in a high-crime neighbourhood. Passwords, once the gold standard of digital security, are now often the weakest link in our cybersecurity chain. They can be guessed, stolen, or cracked.
No security measure provides 100% security but have MFA is better than nothing at all. MFA can be attacked in several ways such as SIM-Jacking and Other Telephony Vulnerabilities; MFA Hammering or Grieving Attacks, and Adversary-in-the-Middle (AiTM) Attacks. These attacks target weaknesses in some types of MFA.
The weakest form of MFA uses text messages or voice. The next level, which is adopted by most, uses an application to provide a One-Time Password (OTP), mobile push notifications (with or without number matching) and token-based OTP. The most secure option is phishing-resistant MFA and this uses FIDO / WebAuthn authentication. The use of FIDO is strongly recommended by the US’s Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Where to implement MFA?
The simple answer is wherever you can. Start by auditing your accounts to identify which ones offer MFA and prioritise enabling it on the most critical ones. Email accounts, financial services, social media accounts, online stores and gaming and entertainment services should all authenticate with some form of MFA.
Implementation is but part of the game. Educating employees on the importance of MFA is crucial as is dispelling some of their ‘concerns’ that it is a nuisance and takes time and so on. There should be a balance between security and productivity (user complaints) but security should always take priority. Most platforms today are user-friendly and enabling MFA is a fast process. Yes, authentication requires an extra step but that should not be a reason not to implement MFA.
Many compliance requirements for regulations such as GDPR, PCI-DSS, DORA and HIPAA recommend or indirectly refer to MFA as a critical layer of security needed to a build resilience and have a robust security posture.
There is no overarching reason why MFA should not be implemented. Integration with legacy systems may pose a challenge but most modern platforms support multi-factor authentication. MFA reduces an organisation's vulnerability to unauthorised access, data breaches, and cyberattacks.
Don't wait for a breach to occur before acting.
How can BMIT help?
Do you need help to implement multi-factor authentication or other security measures in your organisation? Are you employees fully prepared to use MFA or have the awareness to notice and attack? Fill in the form below to talk to one of BMIT’s security experts today.
October 2025: BMIT Technologies’ ISO 27001 and PCI DSS certifications have been renewed following separate annual independent audits.
Both audits confirmed that BMIT’s systems and processes were operating to a consistently very high standard.
The ISO 27001:2022 certification is an internationally recognised standard for information security management systems. It demonstrates our robust approach to protecting customer data from unauthorised access, loss or damage as well as our commitment to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its customers' data.
The PCI DSS standard defines security requirements to protect environments where payment account data is stored, processed, or transmitted. PCI DSS provides a baseline of technical and operational requirements designed to protect payment account data.
"Renewing our ISO 27001:2022 and PCI-DSS certifications reflects our continued focus on maintaining strong security practices and meeting compliance requirements. These certifications ensure that we are following recognised standards for protecting customer infrastructures trusted to BMIT," said Dione Vella, Chief Digital and Compliance Officer at BMIT.
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A lot has changed since the first Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiative began in 2004. The pervasive adoption of technology has been matched by an exponential increase in the number of cyber threats and attacks. Every day we come across new and sophisticated threats.
The theme “Secure Our World”, highlights the pressing need for organisations to focus on stronger cybersecurity measures to safeguard their assets, data and reputation and enhance organisational resilience. This concept encompasses preparedness for attacks and the ability to emerge from such incidents with minimal damage.
Small businesses face a diverse and evolving threat landscape, including ransomware attacks that can cripple operations, sophisticated phishing schemes exploiting human vulnerabilities, business email compromise attempts manipulating employees, and insider threats that can inadvertently expose companies to significant risks.
The advice to every organisation should be consistent: focus on the fundamentals and adopt a security culture at every level of the organisation.
Adopt a zero-trust strategy. Trust no one, verify all the time. This approach should extend beyond identity and access management (IAM) and become a mindset for every individual. Does that email look suspicious? Yes. Don’t trust. Verify its authenticity. An urgent request for payment comes from the CEO. Stop and think. Does the CEO make these kinds of requests? Verify first before processing.
Passwords. If you’re still using passwords, make sure they are strong and use a password manager – not a piece of paper. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. It is a strong technical control against unauthorised access, requiring something you have (token, authentication app), something you are (fingerprint, retinal scan), and something you know (passphrase, password).
Regular employee training on identifying phishing attempts, handling sensitive information, and adhering to security protocols is essential and should be an ongoing effort.
Patch, patch, patch. It only takes one vulnerability on an unpatched machine that is exposed to the internet to cause some serious damage. Don’t underestimate the importance of regular vulnerability scanning and remediation (after testing) to address potential weaknesses.
Implement frequent data backups, coupled with robust encryption practices, with one or more copies offsite, along with detailed incident response plans for mitigating damage in the event of a breach.
Regular monitoring. You need to know what is happening on your network. Are you seeing unusual network activity? Are some machines sending data to an external IP address? Setting up alerts and logging with regular monitoring can stop an attack before it causes more harm. Automate this process using a SIEM (Security information and Event Management) solution.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we urge all organisations to take concrete steps towards enhancing their digital security but more importantly to work towards instilling a strong security culture within the organisation. Every employee has a role to play, and it is up to management to lead the way and set an example. Ongoing training plays a big part in this.
For many organisations cybersecurity can be a challenge, but it should not be so. There are providers, like BMIT, who understand the challenges facing small businesses and what it takes to build a resilient business. Remember: It is never too late to start.
Take Action Now
If you have any cybersecurity concerns or need assistance enhancing your organisation's security posture, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experts are ready to help you navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and build a robust, resilient infrastructure to protect your business. Fill in the below form and take the first step towards securing your world.
Learning how to prompt effectively is key to making the most of generative AI tools like Microsoft’s Copilot. As powerful as the algorithms are, how users interact with them makes all the difference. A well-crafted prompt improves the quality and relevance of the output.
The Basics of Prompting
A prompt in the context of generative AI is the initial input provided to the system to generate a desired output. This input can range from a simple question to a detailed description, depending on the complexity of the task.
Crafting Effective Prompts
Be Specific and Clear: The more specific the prompt, the more accurate the output. Vague prompts can lead to generic or irrelevant responses. For instance, instead of asking Copilot to “write about AI”, a more effective prompt would be, “Explain how AI can enhance productivity in the workplace.”
Provide Context: Contextual information helps AI understand the background and nuances of the task. This can include the target audience, the purpose of the content, and any specific points that need to be covered.
Set Clear Objectives: Define what you want to achieve with the AI’s assistance. Whether it’s drafting an email, creating a code snippet, or generating a report, stating the objective helps in aligning the output with your expectations.
Ready to unlock the full potential of generative AI with expert guidance? Fill in the form below to learn how we can assist you in achieving more with Microsoft Copilot and other AI solutions!
Examples of Effective Prompts
Content Creation: “Draft a blog post about the benefits of remote work for technology companies, focusing on increased productivity, reduced overhead costs, and access to a global talent pool.”
Technical Documentation: “Write a user guide for setting up a home Wi-Fi network, including steps for choosing a router, connecting devices, and troubleshooting common issues.”
Email Marketing: “Create a marketing email for our new fitness app, highlighting its personalized workout plans, real-time progress tracking, and community support features. Target audience: young adults aged 18-35.”
Customer Support: “Generate a response to a customer complaint about delayed delivery, emphasising our commitment to service, the steps we’re taking to resolve the issue, and an offer of a discount on their next purchase.”
Social Media Content: “Write a LinkedIn post announcing our company’s latest software update, detailing the new features and improvements, and inviting users to join a webinar for an in-depth demonstration.”
Code Generation: “Create a Python script that reads a CSV file of sales data, calculates the total sales for each product category, and outputs the results in a new CSV file.”
Business Proposals: “Draft a business proposal for a new client outlining our digital marketing services, including SEO, content marketing, and social media management, with a focus on increasing their online presence and engagement.”
Educational Content: “Write a lesson plan for senior school students on the basics of climate change, covering causes, effects, and potential solutions, with interactive activities and discussion questions.”
Data Analysis: “Analyse the attached sales data for the past year and provide a summary of key trends, including seasonal variations and top-performing products, with visual charts and graphs.”
Creative Writing: “Write a short story set in a dystopian future where AI governs human society, exploring themes of freedom, control, and the human spirit.”
Repetition and refinement
If the initial output is not as expected, refine your prompt and try again. Providing feedback on what was missing or incorrect in the previous output can guide the AI towards better results.
Check the output
AI-generated content can sometimes include inaccuracies, biases, or misinterpretations of the prompt due to certain limitations. Therefore, reviewing and editing AI-generated content helps ensure factual accuracy, alignment with ethical standards, and overall quality.
Conclusion
As AI continues to evolve, the ability to craft effective prompts will become an increasingly valuable skill, empowering users to achieve more with these advanced tools. We understand the transformative power of generative AI and are here to help you harness it. Whether you're looking to improve content creation, streamline technical documentation, or enhance customer support, our experts can guide you in crafting effective prompts and integrating AI tools into your workflows.
Ready to unlock the full potential of generative AI with expert guidance? Fill in the form below to learn how we can assist you in achieving more with Microsoft Copilot and other AI solutions!
Microsoft Copilot for Security is an AI-driven tool integrated with Microsoft 365, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of security professionals. Leveraging advanced machine learning models and the vast data resources of the Microsoft Graph, Copilot assists in detecting, investigating, and responding to threats more efficiently and effectively.
Key Features
Automated Threat Detection and Response
Copilot for Security uses AI to analyse large volumes of data in real-time, identifying potential threats and anomalies that might be missed by traditional security tools. It offers automated responses to common security incidents, significantly reducing the time required to mitigate risks.
Enhanced Threat Intelligence
Integration with Microsoft’s extensive threat intelligence database allows Copilot to provide contextually rich insights into threats. This aids security teams in understanding the nature of threats, their potential impact, and the best response strategies.
Streamlined Security Operations
Copilot automates routine security tasks such as alert triage, log analysis, and threat hunting. This automation allows security teams to focus on more complex tasks that require human expertise, improving overall efficiency.
Advanced Compliance Management
Compliance is a critical aspect of cybersecurity. Copilot for Security helps organisations stay compliant with industry regulations by automating compliance checks and generating detailed reports, ensuring all security measures meet required standards.
We can help you implement and maximise the benefits of Microsoft Copilot for Security. Enhance your security posture, ensure compliance, and focus on your core business. Fill in the form at the end of this blog post to get started!
Benefits of Microsoft Copilot for Security
Increased Efficiency
By automating routine tasks and providing intelligent recommendations, Copilot significantly enhances the efficiency of security operations. Security professionals can then allocate their time and resources more effectively to high-priority issues.
Improved Threat Detection
Copilot’s AI capabilities enable it to detect sophisticated threats that traditional security measures might overlook. This improved detection ensures potential threats are identified and mitigated before they can cause significant harm.
Proactive Security Posture
With Copilot’s advanced threat intelligence and automated response features, organizations can adopt a more proactive security posture. This means anticipating potential threats and taking pre-emptive measures to protect against them.
Enhanced Compliance and Reporting
Copilot simplifies the process of maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations. By automating compliance checks and report generation, it ensures organizations can easily demonstrate their adherence to required security practices.
Strategic Importance of Microsoft Copilot for Security
Incorporating Microsoft Copilot for Security into your organization’s cybersecurity strategy is not just about leveraging advanced technology; it's about transforming how your security operations function. Here’s why it’s strategically important:
Scalability
As your organization grows, so do its security needs. Copilot for Security scales with your organization, ensuring you have the necessary tools to protect a larger, more complex infrastructure without a proportional increase in security personnel.
Integration with Existing Tools
Copilot integrates seamlessly with existing Microsoft 365 security tools such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Microsoft Sentinel. This ensures a unified and coherent security strategy, maximising the effectiveness of your security measures. Here is a breakdown of how Copilot integrates with Microsoft 365:
Microsoft Defender: Copilot integrates with Microsoft Defender products, including Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Cloud, and Defender External Attack Surface Management.
Microsoft Sentinel: Copilot works with Microsoft Sentinel to collect security data from various sources, correlate alerts, and provide intelligent security analytics. This helps security operations centres (SOCs) to manage and mitigate threats more effectively (Microsoft Cloud).
Microsoft Intune: Copilot aids in managing devices, ensuring compliance, and protecting data across various environments. It automates and simplifies complex device management tasks.
Microsoft Entra: Copilot's integration with Microsoft Entra assists in managing identities and securing access to resources. It provides insights into access policies and helps in mitigating identity-related risks.
Microsoft Purview: In Microsoft Purview, Copilot helps in data governance, protection, and compliance by analysing data usage and compliance policies, ensuring that organisations meet regulatory requirement.
Microsoft Power Platform: Through Copilot Studio, users can create custom copilots that integrate with low-code applications within the Power Platform. This enables businesses to extend the capabilities of their line-of-business applications and automate workflows.
Cost-Effective Security Management
By automating routine tasks and improving the efficiency of your security operations, Copilot for Security helps reduce the overall cost of managing cybersecurity. This makes it a cost-effective solution for organisations looking to enhance their security posture without significant additional investment.
Microsoft Copilot for Security can be a game-changer for many organisations, particularly those with security and compliance needs but lacking the resources for a dedicated IT security operations team. Microsoft Copilot for Security it offers support to security professionals, enabling them to detect, investigate, and respond to threats more effectively.
Which is the best plan to get the best security options with Copilot?
To get the best security options with Copilot, subscribing to Microsoft 365 E5 is recommended. This plan includes advanced security features, compliance tools, and analytics, providing comprehensive protection and insights to bolster security operations.
Incorporating Microsoft Copilot for Security into your organisation’s cybersecurity strategy is not just about leveraging advanced technology; it's about transforming how your security operations function. It scales with your needs, integrates seamlessly with existing tools, and provides cost-effective security management.
Ready to boost your cybersecurity with Microsoft Copilot for Security? Fill in the form below to get started!
As cyber threats become more sophisticated and frequent, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) represents a critical step forward in fortifying the financial sector against digital disruptions.
Understanding DORA and Its Implications
DORA, which will be enforced as of January 2025, aims to enhance the digital operational resilience of financial entities within the EU. It mandates comprehensive measures for ICT risk management, incident reporting, resilience testing, and oversight of third-party service providers. The goal is to ensure that financial institutions can withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of ICT-related disruptions.
Compliance with DORA is not merely about avoiding penalties; it is about safeguarding the trust and stability of the financial system. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, the potential for disruption grows.
The role of ICT in Compliance
ICT is at the heart of modern compliance strategies. Technology gives structure to an organisation’s efforts to meet regulatory requirements, helps to automate tasks but more importantly it helps to improve the overall security posture.
A cornerstone of DORA is the establishment of a robust ICT risk management framework. Financial institutions must implement strategies, policies, and tools to protect all ICT assets, including software, hardware, and infrastructure, especially critical infrastructure, and manage third party and supply chain risks.
ICT tools enable the automation of risk assessment and management processes, reducing the likelihood of human error and ensuring consistent compliance.
Incident Reporting and Response
Effective incident reporting and response are important under DORA. Financial entities must have mechanisms for reporting cyber incidents based on their impact on clients, data loss, and service downtime. Rapid response to incidents is essential to minimise damage and comply with regulatory requirements. Technology helps achieve this.
ICT solutions such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems aggregate and analyse security alerts from across the organisation, providing real-time insights and facilitating rapid response. Moreover, automated incident response platforms can execute predefined actions to mitigate threats immediately upon detection, ensuring compliance.
Third-Party Risk Management
Managing third-party risks is another critical requirement. Financial institutions must ensure that their contracts with ICT providers comply with DORA's standards. This involves assessing the systemic impact of these providers on the financial system and conducting thorough due diligence on subcontractors.
ICT solutions for third-party risk management allow organisations to continuously monitor the security posture of their vendors. These tools provide insights into potential vulnerabilities within the supply chain and ensure that all partners adhere to the same high standards of cybersecurity, as required by DORA.
Testing and Resilience Strategies
Regular testing of ICT systems is mandated to validate the resilience of institutions against cyber threats. DORA requires financial entities to conduct tests at least yearly to identify potential weaknesses and improve the robustness of their ICT systems. Continuous monitoring and control of ICT systems are necessary to ensure their security and functionality.
By conducting thorough and realistic testing, organisations can identify weaknesses and enhance their defensive measures, thereby meeting regulatory expectations and improving their resilience.
Backup Policies and Harmonization
Effective backup policies and harmonization of ICT risk management tools are vital for minimising ICT risks. Financial institutions must deploy appropriate strategies and tools to ensure data integrity and availability. ICT solutions such as encryption, tokenisation, and robust access controls ensure that sensitive information is protected both at rest and in transit.
Continuous Compliance Monitoring
ICT enables continuous monitoring of compliance status through integrated dashboards and reporting tools. These systems provide real-time insights into compliance metrics, helping organisations to quickly identify and address any deviations from regulatory requirements. Continuous monitoring not only ensures ongoing compliance but also supports a culture of accountability and proactive risk management.
Cybersecurity Awareness and Training
Human error remains one of the most significant cybersecurity risks. ICT platforms can deliver comprehensive training programs to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices and emerging threats. Interactive modules, phishing simulations, and ongoing education ensure that staff remain vigilant and informed, thereby enhancing the organisation's overall security posture.
In conclusion, an ICT framework and strategy is indispensable for maintaining operational resilience and ensuring the security and trustworthiness of the financial system in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Every business wants to maximise productivity and efficiency and AI-powered solutions are starting to have a huge impact on how people work. Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered assistant integrated into Microsoft 365 applications, helps businesses to automate and enhance a multitude of tasks.
From writing and coding to data analysis and security operations, Copilot offers a suite of tools that streamline workflows and boost productivity across different platforms. In this Q&A we look at how Copilot can benefit every organisation.
What are the various Copilot options available?
There are several Copilot options available to cater to different needs:
Copilot for Microsoft 365: Integrated into Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote.
Copilot for Security: Provides generative AI tools to enhance security operations, helping identify and respond to threats quickly.
Custom Copilots: Businesses can build custom Copilots using Copilot Studio to tailor AI solutions to specific tasks and workflows.
Copilot Pro: A premium subscription offering advanced AI capabilities, including access to the latest models and enhanced performance. This is for INDIVIDUAL users only.
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Is Copilot available for small and medium-sized businesses?
Yes, Microsoft Copilot is available for businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized businesses, without any seat minimums. This accessibility ensures that organisations of various scales can benefit from AI-powered assistance.
Which Microsoft 365 apps include Copilot functionality?
Microsoft Copilot is integrated into several Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, and more. This integration helps users perform various tasks more efficiently across different platforms.
What is the role of Copilot in Microsoft Teams?
In Microsoft Teams, Copilot enhances collaboration by managing meeting agendas, taking notes, tracking tasks, and summarising discussions. It helps streamline communication and ensures that team members stay organised and informed.
How does Copilot improve Outlook usage?
Copilot improves Outlook by organising emails, drafting responses, scheduling meetings, and synthesising information from email threads to prepare users for upcoming meetings. This functionality helps users manage their email more efficiently and stay on top of their schedules.
What is Copilot Studio?
Copilot Studio is a tool designed for building custom Copilots tailored to unique business processes. It provides an end-to-end conversational design studio within the Microsoft Cloud, enabling businesses to create and deploy AI solutions that address specific tasks and workflows.
Can businesses build their own Copilots?
Yes, businesses can build their own Copilots using Copilot Studio. This platform offers tools to create and deploy custom AI solutions tailored to specific business processes, ensuring that organisations can meet their unique needs.
How does Copilot enhance security operations?
Copilot for Security enhances the efficiency and impact of security teams by providing generative AI tools that help identify and respond to threats quickly. These tools assist in threat detection, analysis, and response, improving overall security operations.
Which is the best plan to get the best security options with Copilot?
To get the best security options with Copilot, subscribing to Microsoft 365 E5 is recommended. This plan includes advanced security features, compliance tools, and analytics, providing comprehensive protection and insights to bolster security operations.
What is the availability of the Copilot app on mobile devices?
The Copilot app is available for both iOS and Android devices, enabling users to access AI capabilities on the go. This mobile accessibility ensures that users can benefit from Copilot's features regardless of their location.
What kind of support and training is available for Copilot users?
Microsoft provides extensive support and training for Copilot users, including tutorials, documentation, and customer support. Resources like Microsoft Learn offer detailed guides on using Copilot, while customer support teams are available to assist with specific issues. Additionally, Microsoft offers training programs and webinars to help users get the most out of Copilot.
Ready to experience the next level of productivity with Microsoft Copilot?
Enhance your business operations with the power of AI. Let Microsoft Copilot guide you to a smarter working environment. Embrace the opportunity to boost your efficiency and streamline workflows across Microsoft 365 apps. For more details on how to get started or to explore tailored solutions, fill in the form below or contact us today!
The second edition of The Cybersecurity Imperative conference, organised by BMIT Technologies, was held on May 14.
The conference, which was hosted by well-known presenter, Trudy Kerr, brought together cybersecurity experts, professionals, and IT decision makers from a wide range of companies to listen to an excellent line-up of local and international speakers discussing the evolving landscape of digital security and resilience building.
The excellent turnout spoke volumes about the importance and significance of cybersecurity to businesses and organisations in Malta.
There is an ever-growing urgency surrounding cybersecurity. Recent cyber threats and breaches have underscored the critical need for everyone to act decisively and collaboratively to safeguard their businesses.
Overall theme: Resilience building
The main theme at this year’s event was building resilience today for a secure tomorrow, and the speakers addressed his topic by discussing the elements that comprise resilience building.
BMIT’s CEO, Christian Sammut welcomed the attendees, talking about the key themes being discussed and why BMIT organised that conference.
The first speaker, Inspector Clive Brimmer from the Malta Police Force, certainly set the tone for the day with some shocking statistics on cyber fraud and cyber scams impacting organisations in Malta, with Business Email Compromise (BEC) the major attack method used.
Christian Bajada, Head of Information Security at BMIT, pitched an interesting battle between compliance and security, with the latter emerging as the winner. His point: without a security-first mindset, all you have is Security Theatre.
Brian Wagner, CTO of Revenir and former Head of Compliance EMEA at AWS, giving his experience also as an engineer, spoke about transforming businesses through a security-first approach and how with that mindset in place throughout the organisation, building resilience becomes almost second nature.
Overview of cybersecurity legislation
Compliance was certainly not ignored, or its importance minimised as Dr Ian Gauci from GTG, explained the development of the cybersecurity legislation in the EU, giving some tips on how businesses can achieve compliance with the least pain during a panel session.
It goes without saying that AI was a hot topic. Microsoft’s Nicolas Yiallouros showed how AI can boost cybersecurity. He spoke on the importance of threat intelligence and the need for more information sharing between organisations.
BMIT’s Chief Digital and Compliance Officer, Dione Vella, followed on from Brian Wagner, taking attendees on a step by step approach to developing a security culture and why it is crucial to building resilience.
A glimpse of the future
While the present is important, attendees also got a glimpse of the very near future. Prof. Andre Xuereb, a quantum physicist, introduced the basics of quantum computing and quantum cybersecurity, and the practical application and impact of quantum on security.
A panel discussion followed. Taking questions were Brian Wagner, Dr Ian Gauci, Nicolas Yiallouros, Prof. Andre Xuereb, BMIT’s head of customer delivery Sean Cohen and Brian Zarb Adami, CEO of CyberSift.
Wrapping up the event, Nick Tonna, chief customer officer at BMIT, spoke about BMIT’s portfolio of solutions and services that help businesses achieve a strong security posture and assistance with their journey towards compliance and resilience-building.
