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8 tips for keeping your business secure in 2021

The Editor
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8 tips for keeping your business secure in 2021

Hopefully, 2021 will be a much better one than the previous year, as most businesses have now learned to live with the new normal. That being said, it is more important than ever to keep your business secure by adopting the latest technology and new security features. In this article, we’ll share 8 top tips for keeping your business secure in 2021.

1. Appoint a security manager or floor marshall

A security manager is essential even for small companies, while large operations will need a Floor Marshall to oversee each floor or area. Intruders are smart enough to exploit the absence of a proper visitor management policy in a business. Remember, employees rarely notice the presence of a new face on the premises but the security manager’s job is to monitor newcomers and ask for proof of identity to ensure only authorized people gain access.

2. Secure contactless payments

The COVID-19 outbreak forced most businesses to adopt contactless payment methods, and this means it is important to focus on encryption and security of the credentials for such systems. The use of mobile wallets is on the rise and it is your duty to secure your clients’ private data from spying tools and potential hacking attempts.

Always choose to use the most secure payment methods and invest in the latest digital and networking security solutions.  A safe payment method is one part, and you must also offer a protective encryption shield to protect private financial data from decryption attempts.

3. Automatic vehicle identification

This is one of the best ways to make life hard for intruders looking to gain access to your site. Efficient AI-driven automatic vehicle identification solutions will not only improve the security of your premises but will also optimise parking efficiency.

These solutions include:

Automatic vehicle identification solutions lower the chances of criminal activities and unauthorized access to locks, rooms, and important locations. On the other hand, unchecked entry to your business’ premises increases the chances of theft or asset or information, damage, or harm coming to your employees and visitors.

4. Cybersecurity

Our ways are now largely digital and not only payment gateways but also client data remains at risk of unauthorized access. There is a huge variety of free cybersecurity software available these days, but they are largely ineffective. Always go for paid cybersecurity solutions to ensure the highest level of protection. Otherwise, you risk huge fines, possible legal action, and irreversible damage to your business’ reputation.

Cybersecurity solutions must include the following aspects:

  • Multi-Factor Authentication
  • Adopt Passphrase (minimum 16 characters)
  • Restrict USB Devices
  • Constantly Upgrade Firewall Configurations

5. Always stay informed

Criminals will use the same methods as long as they do not become outdated or the usual suspect. Not only the same group of criminals but also copycat criminals may try to replicate successful crimes in your business. Therefore, it is critical to stay informed of current trends in cybercrimes to anticipate threats and take suitable proactive measures.

6. AI-driven access control

Conventional digital locks are largely ineffective these days since they can be easily hacked by most cybercriminals. Easy access to your company’s server room can cause a lot of damage to your business. It is better to install smart, AI-driven access control systems featuring fingerprint scanners or even eye scanners. These locks are expensive but offer a higher level of protection for your most precious files, drives, servers, and assets of your business.

7. Hire ethical hackers

Frequent evaluation of your business’ security measures should also include regularly testing your cybersecurity systems. Ethical hackers can pinpoint minor, significant, as well as usually-overlooked loopholes. They help your business to stay one step ahead of the hackers trying to infiltrate your network to steal confidential data. These days, hacking has become the major source of compromised information that further contributes to a major criminal activity.

8. Review your business security regularly

Compromise of business security systems is typically the result of a lack of regular evaluation. Adversity often strikes when it is least expected. Quiet times when you feel safe are when intruders are likely preparing for their next score. Readiness and anticipation are key! The major purpose of hiring a security manager or Floor Marshall is to use their experience, knowledge, and wisdom to think like an intruder to anticipate potential malicious attempts.

Regardless of the efficiency of the security systems of your business, make sure to regularly conduct a comprehensive risk assessment regularly, preferably every six months. Technology is developing fast, but so are cybercriminals, and they are surprisingly quick at finding new ways to hack security measures. This skill at taking advantage of vulnerabilities makes regular risk assessments and security upgrades essential.

Suffolk Gazette mugs found at Sutton Hoo burial site

The Editor
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Suffolk Gazette mugs found at Sutton Hoo burial site

Two Suffolk Gazette mugs have been unearthed at the Sutton Hoo burial site, now featuring in the hit film The Dig on Netflix.

There is no suggestion that the two mugs – How to Talk Suffolk and Sloightly on th’ Huh – were part of Anglo Saxon King Raedwald’s treasure trove because that would be rather far-fetched.

Instead, it is thought the two mugs were used by archaeologist Basil Brown as he worked on excavating the site, near Woodbridge, in 1939.

A check back through the records shows that landowner Edith Pretty purchased two mugs online from our sister site, the funny mugs shop Dirty Old Goat.

And it is now believed she gave the mugs to Mr Brown because she adored his local Suffolk accent.

He would have used them to drink his coffee and tea every day during the dig.

Museum experts say the two mugs were then left in the ground when the excavation site was covered over.

Lorraine Fisher, 34, of Ipswich Museum, explained: “The two mugs were found in perfect condition during maintenance on the Sutton Hoo site last week.

“At first we thought they could be even more treasure from the Anglo Saxon burial site.

“But now we think they were Mr Brown’s mugs that he left behind for others to find years later.

“It’s lovely how this is exactly what happened in the same week that The Dig was launched on Netflix.”

A Suffolk Gazette spokesman said: “You couldn’t make it up.”

Buy a mug just like Basil Brown

Now you can have a How to Talk Suffolk or a Sloightly on th’ Huh mug, just like Basil Brown enjoyed.

Buy direct from the images below, or visit DirtyOldGoat.com

The Dig on Netflix: the Suffolk Gazette’s crucial role in the Sutton Hoo discovery

The Editor
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The Dig on Netflix: the Suffolk Gazette’s crucial role in the Sutton Hoo discovery

DRUNK EDITOR STUMBLES ACROSS TREASURE SITE

As The Dig launches on Netflix, the Suffolk Gazette can today reveal the extraordinary role it played in finding the Sutton Hoo treasure back in 1939.

Our founding editor, Arthur Aspall, was meandering home after a heavy night in the pub when, overcome with fatigue, he stopped on a small mound in a field to take a nap.

He was still out of it when landowner Edith Pretty found him the next morning. Knowing Mr Aspall had to update his website with the latest Suffolk pig prices, she awoke him and offered him a lift to the Suffolk Gazette offices.

But it was only then that she noticed the mound that had been our former editor’s rather large pillow for the night.

Mr Aspall suggested she ask his friend and drinking partner, Basil Brown (played in The Dig by Ralph Fiennes) to investigate what was there.

It was only then that the 7th-century burial ship, thought to be the grave of King Raedwald of East Anglia, was discovered.

Ralph Fiennes in The Dig
Ralph Fiennes plays basil Brown in The Dig (Photo: Netflix)

The Sutton Hoo treasure is one of the most important ever finds.

Suffolk Gazette historian Lorraine Fisher, 34, said the fundamental role the website played in the Sutton Hoo discovery back in 1939 had been kept under wraps. Until now.

“Unfortunately, the scriptwriters of The Dig did not want to include our drunken editor’s role in the discovery of the Sutton Hoo treasure.

“But we never forget it. Our present editor also binge drinks and wanders around fields late at night, trying to find his way home. We like to keep traditions going.”

Fans of The Dig adore the Suffolk accents in the film. The Suffolk Gazette has its own How to Talk Suffolk mug – you can buy it from our Dirty Old Goat website, via the product description below this preview of the film…

Ms Fisher said Suffolk Gazette archives showed former editor Mr Aspall, who died of liver complications in 1956, was given the exclusive story about the treasure find.

But he spent too long in the pub on deadline day and got scooped by the East Anglian Daily Times.

“He never got over missing out on the big story, even though it was him that kicked it all off,” lamented Ms Fisher.

Buy our mugs – a real treasure trove

Our Suffolk Gazette mugs will be worth millions one day. Make sure you own one, but don’t go burying it in your back garden – use it to drink tea or coffee. Browse mugs on our Dirty Old Goat mugs website – or direct from the items below…

Rich Ricci’s best chances of victory at this year’s Cheltenham Festival

The Editor
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Rich Ricci’s best chances of victory at this year’s Cheltenham Festival

The pink and green polka dot silks of Rich Ricci have become somewhat iconic at the Cheltenham Festival over the course of the last few years. Punters have fallen in love with the likes of Faugheen, Annie Power, Vroum Vroum Mag and Douvan due to their performances at the Prestbury Park meeting, and the colours are now donned by thousands in the concourses of the Cotswolds venue.

Of course, given the calibre of the horses under his ownership, and the hard work put in by top trainer Willie Mullins at the stables, it’s no surprise that the pink and green polka dot colours are no stranger to the Prestbury Park winners enclosure.

In 2016, the American owner pocketed almost £400,000 in winnings on the opening day of the Festival, whilst the bookmakers recorded almost £10million in loses after three of his horses romped over the line in first place.

That’s why punters are often on the lookout for Ricci’s horses when the Cheltenham racecards are revealed, and to save you scouring the internet or the newspapers, we have put together this guide to his best chances of victory at this year’s Festival. Read on to find out more!

Monkfish – Festival Novices’ Chase

There’s hope amongst the Ricci camp that Monkfish can go on to become a Gold Cup-winning horse, and the upcoming Festival Novices’ Chase, where Monkfish is considered as the favourite if you’re interested in betting on Cheltenham, will be a true test of the seven-year-old’s mettle. Several winners of the day-two Grade 1 race have gone on to win the Festival showpiece, and should Monkfish prevail on his favourite status in the Festival Novices’ Chase, then next year (or in the years to come) he could be the key to landing Ricci his first Gold Cup triumph.

Chacun Pour Soi – Queen Mother Champion Chase

Chacun Pour Soi was tipped to have a dream Cheltenham Festival debut last year, as he was amongst the market leaders for the Queen Mother Champion Chase. However, an injury subsequently ruled him out of the meeting. But he has bounced back since then, winning rather comfortably in Cork and landing the Grade 1 Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown in the back end of last year, and he has once again been named the market leader for this year’s Queen Mother.

Min – Ryanair Chase

There was a sigh of relief around Prestbury Park last year as Min finally landed his maiden Cheltenham Festival victory in the Ryanair Chase, albeit by a neck. Not often is a Ricci horse left in the shadows, but year-after-year Altior proved too good for Min. Last year, however, the 10-year-old was released from those shackles, and he showed his class by winning the Ryanair Chase. After another Grade 1 victory in Punchestown, the horse racing tips have Min to defend his title this year.

Benie Des Dieux – Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase

Benie Des Dieux is another horse who hasn’t had the best of luck in the Cotswolds. The 10-year-old won the Grade 1 Mares’ Hurdle in 2018 but fell at the last hurdle when well in the lead on the defence of her crown in 2019 and was beaten by Honeysuckle in an attempt to regain the Mares’ Hurdle last year. This year, Benie Des Dieux is expected to sway clear of the unbeaten Honeysuckle in the Mares’ Hurdle and instead go for the Mrs Paddy Power Mares Chase, where she is the 5/1 favourite.

Old man waiting for the pub to reopen

The Editor
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Old man waiting for the pub to reopen

As Britain waits for the pubs to open again, one old man has taken to sitting patiently at the bar.

Mr Bernie Sanders, 79, has been waiting to get served in the Greyhound pub in Ipswich since it closed at Christmas owing to lockdown restrictions.

Bernie Sanders in the pub
Bernie Sanders in the Greyhound

The pensioner is a big fan of the pub, which just happens to be the official corporate headquarters of the Suffolk Gazette.

Bernie, of Vermont Close in Ipswich, is prepared to stick with his vigil for as long as it takes.

Wearing a smart brown-but-oversized parka jacket and some pretty, hand-knitted mittens, he said: “I just want a pint, for Christ’s sake.”

Pub landlord Dan Lightfoot explained: “Normally we have lightning-quick service but Mr Sanders might have to wait a month or two longer for his beer.”

Pub regular Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “Bernie is a sweet old man. A bit eccentric, perhaps – he seems to think he should be President of the United States.

“But he has great stories to tell about the old days when Ipswich Town used to win football matches.”

Bernie misses his poker games with his mates but is hoping the WSOP schedule for Las Vegas is released soon, as he plans to play in the seniors event.

Looking for gift ideas?

Look no further than the Suffolk Gazette mugs available at our sister site, Dirty Old Goat mugs. Buy from the website or direct from the lovely collection below…

Australia wants to be ruled by Britain again

The Editor
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Australia wants to be ruled by Britain again

EXCLUSIVE
By Bruce Patterson, Diplomatic Correspondent

Australians have finally admitted that they would prefer to live under British rule, a major study has found.

They acknowledged that they wished Captain James Cook’s “discovery” of the country’s Eastern coast in 1770, which put a spanner in the works of the Dutch imperialistic plans, had led to long-term British colonial control.

The study by Professor Steven Gruber, who is on secondment at the University of Sydney from Suffolk in the UK, was commissioned by Australian officials following reports of a growing affection towards Britain and her people.

“The Aussies come across as brash and uncouth,” Professor Gruber told the Suffolk Gazette in an exclusive Skype call during Australia Day 2021.

“But really this is covering up for the fact they are softies at heart who long for the values and protection afforded by Great Britain.”

His university team sent out a detailed questionnaire to nearly 300,000 households across Australia to get a proper insight into the country’s beliefs, and only now have the results have been evaluated.

“I can confirm that, in fact, it is only the noisy minority who want Australia to remain independent. The rest of the country drink too much and swear a lot to try to fit in, but they find it all unbearable. They want instead to be able to speak proper English and drink tea, not weak lager.

“We also found most people here hate Australian rules football, preferring the proper game which was invented in England. Controversially, most secretly admire the English cricket team as well.”

 

sydneyVision: Sydney could soon become a British town

 

It is thought Australian premier Scott Morrison will call for further consultation following the study’s official release next Monday.

But British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already been informed of the results and has spoken to his military advisors to explore the possibility of sending a naval armada to “visit” Australia this summer.

Downing Street insider Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “Mr Johnson thinks embracing Australia as part of a rejuvenated British Empire will play very well at home. Those noisy Aussies have had it their way for far too long – and now we have proof that the silent minority wants a change.

“The Prime Minister wants to welcome Australia back into the sheltering arms of the UK – so long as they keep their spiders and snakes down there.”

Struth! Buy one of these mugs

G’day and welcome to the cool Suffolk Gazette mug collection. Browse our cool mugs at our sister site Dirty Old Goat, or buy direct from one of the beauts below…

 

Chelsea to name Paul Lambert as new manager

The Editor
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Chelsea to name Paul Lambert as new manager

Roman Abramovich is in talks with Ipswich Town about taking Paul Lambert to be his new manager at Chelsea.

Chelsea are impressed with the Ipswich boss’ record since taking over at Portman Road and see him as an ideal replacement for Frank Lampard.

Lampard was sacked today with the London club in ninth position in the Premier League, after finishing fourth last season.

Meanwhile, Lambert has guided Ipswich to League One survival yet again, with the once giant of European football sitting in ninth place in English football’s third tier.

The Scot failed to keep Ipswich in the Championship when he joined in 2018. Despite being favourites for an instant return, the Suffolk club ended last season in a dismal 11th place.

With this season being equally uninspiring, the fans are calling for Lambert’s head. Even the sleepy local paper (not the loyal Suffolk Gazette, course) has now called on Ipswich owner Marcus Evans to sack him.

However, it now seems clear Evans has kept hold of Lambert this long so that he can claim compensation from Chelsea.

Chelsea insider Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “Lampard had to go, and when we found out Paul Lambert was under pressure at Ipswich, the decision was easy.

“He told us in secret calls that he’s played at big clubs, and it’s nae normal that Ipswich are unhappy with him.”

Despite success at Norwich, Lambert has been unlucky not to do well at other clubs, including Wolves, Aston Villa, Stoke and Blackburn.

Get a handle on these mugs

The handles come free with our Suffolk Gazette mugs, purchased from our partner Dirty Old Goat. Buy direct from the goodies below…

Haggis herd colonises Suffolk, ravages crops

The Editor
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Haggis herd colonises Suffolk, ravages crops

 

 

 

 

 

The traditional ginger and black Scottish haggis is on the loose in Suffolk

 

Exclusive
By Ivor Traktor, Farming Correspondent (intern)

A herd of haggis has colonised an area of north Suffolk after being accidentally released into the countryside.

The small furry rodents are normally kept in battery farming conditions in Scotland, bred for the dinner plates of Scotsmen celebrating Burns night every January 25.

But five of the animals escaped from their pen during a rare breeds show at Fressingfield village hall last Autumn, scurrying off into the fields before they could be caught. With each female haggis capable of giving birth to 200 cubs each year, experts fear the herd now totals over 600 animals.

Escaped Haggis

The haggis are not a danger to humans, although they could give a nasty nip if cornered, but farmers are fearful for their crops if the population is not brought under control.

Haggis’ favourite food is carrot and turnip – and the Suffolk Gazette agriculture bureau has already had calls from two farmers affected.

Jack Jarvis, 42, who farms just outside Stradbroke, told us he lost an entire field of carrots to the hungry haggis.

“At first I thought I must have had a load of rabbits, but when we sent off some droppings to the labs at the National Farmers’ Union, they confirmed we had a haggis problem.”

The NFU is now calling for urgent action to trap the haggis and return them to Scotland before entire areas of Suffolk become infested and vegetable crops are wiped out.

Haggis are no larger than a rabbit, and their long bushy hair gives them the appearance of a guinea pig. They have sharp claws which they use to dig out carrots or turnips from the fields, leaving tell-tale holes in the earth behind them.They are not normally spotted by humans as they prefer to operate at night, but their loud squeaking call can now often be heard around the north Suffolk area.

Lorraine McFisher, 34, a spokesman for Scottish haggis production farm Hootsman, said: “We can confirm we lost five of our stock at a show in Suffolk. We did not expect them to survive in the wild, but it appears they have thrived in the local countryside and there is now something of a problem.

“We will assist in any way we can, and will be sending a consignment of turnip traps, which are the best way to catch them. Meanwhile, if any locals managed to grab one, we will be happy to pass on one of our fine recipes, free of charge.”

Buy an item to hold a hot drink

Yes, now you can put your hot drinks in something to make them easier to consume. They are called mugs, and you can buy them online from the Suffolk Gazette’s partner DirtyOldGoat.com, or direct below.

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