Client Background
Industry: Charity & Social Enterprise
Website: www.thebigissue.co.uk
Engagement Partner: Exquitech {Microsoft Tier one Direct Partner}
The Big Issue, a prominent UK social enterprise, addresses homelessness and poverty by providing individuals with economic opportunities and support. Handling significant volumes of sensitive data, The Big Issue required an IT security overhaul to bolster data integrity, enhance regulatory compliance, and streamline device management
The organisation’s legacy, on-premises infrastructure presented growing security risks, including limited endpoint protection, lack of centralised compliance, and an increasing need for data protection across diverse device types
Challenge
With an on-premises setup, The Big Issue faced several key challenges:
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Endpoint Vulnerabilities
The lack of centralised device management exposed security gaps.
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Data Compliance & Retention
Regulatory requirements demanded more robust compliance frameworks and document retention protocols.
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Email Threats
Phishing and ransomware attacks required stronger email security measures.
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Device & Application Management
The organisation needed secure, uniform management across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
Solutions
To address The Big Issue’s needs, Exquitech partnered with Microsoft to conduct an in-depth review of their IT environment, resulting in a strategic, security-focused deployment plan within the Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystems.
Key Components of the Solution:
Cyber Essentials Plus Compliance
Aligning with industry-recognised standards.
Microsoft 365 Security Hardening
Implementing protocols to secure data and user access.
Defender for Endpoint
Advanced threat detection and response across devices.
Email Anti-Threat Protection
Enhanced filters and detection against phishing and malware.
Conditional Access Policies
Access controls based on device and user risk assessments.
Microsoft Entra AD Security
Enhanced identity and access
management.
Cloud Security
Leveraging Microsoft’s suite to protect data and applications.
Intune & Automated Deployment (Autopilot)
Enabling consistent device
management, application deployment, and compliance monitoring for all devices.
Automated Patching & Compliance Reporting
Real-time threat response and compliance tracking through automated patching.
Mobile Application Management
Secure usage of corporate applications on both personal and corporate devices.
Redesigned SharePoint & Teams Integration
Enhanced document storage and secure collaborative workspaces.
Retention Policies
Implemented policies for data protection and regulatory compliance.
On-Site Support: Exquitech supported The Big Issue with three months of on-site assistance to ensure a smooth transition, oversee deployment, and address any immediate issues with hands-on guidance.
Outcomes
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Improved Data Security
End-to-end endpoint protection reduced the risk of breaches.
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Enhanced Compliance
Automated policies and patching ensured regulatory adherence.
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Optimized Device Management
Intune and Autopilot enabled seamless provisioning and secure application use.
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Efficient Collaboration
Updated SharePoint and Teams configurations enabled secure, efficient data sharing.
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Streamlined On-Site Support
Three months of Exquitech’s on-site support ensured an effective and secure rollout, providing added assurance for The Big Issue’s team.
Conclusion
The Big Issue’s digital transformation highlights Exquitech’s proficiency in implementing secure, compliant, and scalable Microsoft solutions. By leveraging Microsoft 365, Azure, and on-site support, Exquitech not only addressed The Big Issue’s immediate security needs but equipped them with a secure infrastructure ready for the future.
Exquitech’s tailored approach demonstrates the impact of expert cloud solutions in creating secure, future-ready IT environments across sectors.