Insights

Technology underpins nearly every aspect of modern business, including operations, decision-making, customer experience, and scalability. But many organisations continue to operate with underperforming or outdated systems that limit growth, drive up costs, and weaken their competitive edge.

A technology audit is a practical way to assess the current state of your IT ecosystem, including infrastructure, tools, and processes, and uncover what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to evolve.

At Heirs Technologies, we view it as a necessary first step towards future-proofing your business with sustainable business transformation.

Here are five clear signals your business may be overdue for a tech audit.

1. Legacy Systems Are Creating Hidden Risk

Older systems are often deeply embedded in operations, but that doesn’t mean they are still fit for purpose. They are harder to maintain, lack integration, and create vulnerabilities. Legacy infrastructure also limits innovation, slowing down service delivery and increasing operational costs. Worse, it puts you at risk of compliance and security failures.

Modern businesses require tunable architecture, systems designed to evolve with changing business needs. A tech audit helps identify where outdated tools are costing you more than they’re saving.

2. Tech Decisions Happen in Isolation

It’s a common scenario: a department adopts a new tool without consulting IT or aligning with business strategy. The result? Disconnected systems, duplicated data, and short-term fixes that don’t scale.

You can’t make technology decisions in a vacuum. Effective digital strategies are driven by both business and technology goals, working in sync. A tech audit brings alignment and helps you evaluate decisions based on long-term value.

3. Manual Processes Are Slowing You Down

When teams still rely on spreadsheets, email chains, and paper workflows to complete key tasks, the inefficiencies pile up. Errors increase, response times lag, and customer satisfaction drops.

These are signs that automation and process optimisation are urgently needed. A tech audit identifies where these gains can be made and how to implement them with minimal disruption.

4. Rising IT Costs, But No Performance Gains

If your IT spending keeps increasing but user experience and operational efficiency remain stagnant, it’s time to re-evaluate.

It shouldn’t be cost vs. stability. You need cost and stability, investments that align with business outcomes and reduce long-term technical debt.

A tech audit highlights wasteful spending and helps redirect resources toward scalable and performance-driven systems.

5. Your Infrastructure Can’t Support What’s Next

As your business grows, your systems must scale with you. If your infrastructure is rigid, patchwork, or overly dependent on legacy tools, it can’t support innovation or agility.

Architecture must be tunable, not fixed. A tech audit evaluates your readiness for modern capabilities like cloud integration, API connectivity, and secure remote access.

Get Ahead, Not Left Behind

Operational inefficiencies and tech underperformance don’t always appear obvious, but they compound over time. A tech audit is the strategic move to uncover bottlenecks, reduce costs, and realign your IT to your growth goals.

Book a Free Consultation. Discover how Heirs Technologies can help you future-proof your business with a practical, value-focused tech audit. Click here to book

When a “Hello” is More Than Just a Greeting

Imagine this: you receive an email from your HR department asking you to review your performance evaluation. It includes your name, the correct internal HR signature, and even references your most recent project. The link seems legitimate, but one click later, your credentials are stolen, and your organisation’s data is compromised. Welcome to the world of spear-phishing – a dangerous, highly personalised version of the classic email scam.  Unlike broad phishing scams that cast a wide net, spear-phishing attacks are targeted and convincing, often mimicking trusted sources to manipulate the victim into taking action. In 2024 alone, spear-phishing was responsible for over 65% of all corporate data breaches globally (Verizon DBIR). Let’s explore how these attacks work, why they’re so dangerous, and most importantly, how you can defend yourself and your organisation.

What is personalised spear-phishing?

Spear-phishing is a targeted email or message attack tailored specifically to an individual or organisation. Unlike mass phishing, it uses personal information to trick recipients into divulging sensitive data, transferring money, or downloading malware.

“Phishing is no longer a game of chance. It’s now a game of knowledge and precision.” — Lisa O’Donnell, Cyber Threat Analyst

How do attackers personalise spear-phishing?

Attackers today act like cyber-sleuths, collecting breadcrumbs of information from: - Social media profiles (LinkedIn, Facebook, X) - Company websites and employee bios - Data breaches and dark web forums - Public records and online mentions Armed with this intel, they craft messages that look, sound, and feel authentic.

Common Tactics Include:

- Impersonation: Using fake domains or lookalike email addresses (e.g., ceo@your-compnay.com) - Urgency or fear: Phrases like “Urgent: Invoice Overdue” or “Immediate action required” - Attachment traps: Files disguised as invoices, resumes, or reports containing malware - Fake login portals: Directing you to cloned login pages that steal credentials

8 Practical Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Company

For Individuals: ·       Think before you click: Hover over links to preview the URL. ·       Check the sender: Look out for subtle misspellings or suspicious domains or addresses. ·       Verify requests: When in doubt, call or message the sender to confirm the request. ·       Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Even if your password is compromised, MFA can block access. It adds a layer of protection. ·       Keep software updated: Security patches are your first line of defence. For Organisations: ·       Run phishing simulations: Regular training keeps employees alert. ·       Invest in email security tools: Solutions like Microsoft Defender or Proofpoint, Fortinet can help filter out threats. ·       Apply least privilege access: Only give employees the access they need. ·       Promote a ‘see something, say something’ culture: Encourage people to report suspicious emails without fear or blame. ·       Segment your network: If one area is breached, it limits the overall damage.

Real-World Case: The C-Level scam that cost millions

In 2020, a multinational firm lost $17 million after a spear-phishing email impersonating the CEO directed the finance team to transfer funds to a “new vendor.” The email included the CEO’s signature, tone, and project references, all sourced from LinkedIn and past press releases. What went wrong? - No two-factor verification for fund transfers - Lack of phishing awareness training - Over-trust in email communication What could have helped? - A standard protocol for verifying large transactions - Internal communication through secure platforms - Stronger cybersecurity policies and checks

The Growing Threat: Why It Matters

- 91% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing email (Cofense 2023) - 1 in 3 employees are likely to click on a malicious link if not trained - Business email compromise (BEC), a form of spear-phishing, has caused over $50 billion in losses globally (FBI IC3 Report). These numbers highlight one thing: cybersecurity is a team sport, and everyone plays a role.

Anatomy of a Spear-Phishing Email

Red flags to look out for

Stay Alert, Stay Secure

The rise of personalised spear-phishing is a wake-up call: cybercriminals are getting smarter, but so can we. By understanding their tactics and adopting strong cyber hygiene, we can defend our personal and professional data from being exploited. Remember: If something feels “off,” it probably is. Pause, verify, and report.

Have you ever been phished?

We’d love to hear from you – have you ever received a suspicious message that felt oddly personal? What tipped you off? How did you respond? Drop your stories or questions in the comments. Your experience could help someone else avoid a scam.

...Cutting IT Costs is Just the Beginning

Cloud computing has moved from a “maybe” to a “must” for most organisations. As the conversation around cloud adoption continues to grow, many leaders focus on the promise of reduced IT costs, chasing lower infrastructure expenses.

But here's a crucial insight: cost savings alone are just the surface. If that’s your sole focus, you're missing out on significant opportunities for growth and innovation.

To truly unlock the full potential of cloud computing, organisations need to broaden their understanding, balancing cost control with value creation.

The problem: Confusing savings with strategy

Cloud adoption is often marketed with a simple message: “Move to the cloud, save money.” It’s a tempting proposition: eliminate expensive on-prem servers, avoid costly hardware upgrades, and no more underutilised hardware.

While cost-cutting benefits are real, focusing only on these savings can create a narrow, shortsighted view. According to Gartner, 60% of infrastructure and operations leaders report that their cloud costs exceed initial budgets. Why? Because too many businesses approach cloud migration with a “lift and shift” mentality, without rethinking the strategic impact it could have.

This approach leads to several issues:

-  Over-provisioned resources, resulting in escalating costs - Poorly optimised workloads - Mismatched alignment with broader business goals

Cloud adoption should never be reduced to just a cost-reduction exercise; it’s a powerful strategic enabler.

What you miss by focusing only on cost cuts

When organisations treat the cloud as just another expense to minimise, they miss out on transformational benefits such as agility, scalability, innovation, and faster time to market.

Take companies like Netflix and Airbnb, which didn’t adopt the cloud to save money, they used it to innovate quickly, scale seamlessly, and respond to market demands in real-time.

By focusing solely on cost reduction, businesses risk:

- Delaying critical digital transformation efforts - Missing opportunities to enter new markets quickly - Limiting their ability to adapt to customer needs immediately - Falling behind more agile, cloud-first competitors

This mentality also leads to internal resistance. IT teams become overly cautious about cloud consumption, while business units lose confidence in IT’s ability to support growth. The result? Innovation stagnates.

A McKinsey report highlights that businesses adopting cloud strategically can see up to a 20-30% increase in revenue, on top of operational savings. So, while you're saving money, you're also leaving significant growth opportunities untapped.

The solution: From cost-cutting to value creation

To truly leverage the full potential of cloud computing, businesses need to adopt a two-pronged approach: optimise costs, but also design for impact. Here’s how:

1. Build a business case beyond costs

Don’t stop at savings. Expand the business case to include metrics like time-to-market, customer experience improvements, and the potential for innovation. A holistic approach will align cloud adoption with your broader strategic goals.

2. Right-size and rethink your approach

Use tools like AWS Cost Explorer or Azure Cost Management to assess cloud usage. But don’t stop at rehosting legacy systems. Reimagine them. Cloud-native apps provide performance, flexibility, and scalability that traditional systems simply can't match.

3. Implement a FinOps culture

Integrate FinOps (Financial Operations) to ensure accountability and optimisation across IT and finance teams. This practice ensures that cloud spending aligns with business outcomes while continuously refining cost efficiency.

4. Foster a culture of innovation

The cloud offers an unparalleled environment for experimentation. With technologies like serverless computing, containers, and AI services, organisations can turn the cloud into a sandbox for innovation, not just a place to store data.

5. Choose the right cloud model

Decide between public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud based on your business's specific workload, compliance, and agility needs—not just cost considerations.

Value: The True Metric of Cloud Success

Cloud computing is not simply a cheaper way to run your infrastructure. It’s a better way to operate your entire business. The most innovative organisations are not just cutting costs. They are reinventing their operations. They’re driving innovation, enhancing customer experiences, and launching new services faster than ever before.

The question is: Are you merely migrating, or are you transforming?

Ready to Rethink Your Cloud Strategy?

Let’s explore how you can unlock both savings and scalability. Contact us to discover how cloud adoption can power your next phase of growth.

www.heirstechnologies.com | support@heirstechnologies.com

 

Lagos, Nigeria – June 2, 2025 Heirs Technologies, a leading player in Africa’s digital transformation journey, has taken another major step toward developing the continent’s next generation of tech innovators. The company is executing this vision through its dedicated training academy, i-Academy, an in-house talent development platform designed to skill and certify young African professionals. As part of the academy’s Supplementary Technical Engineering Program (STEP), trainees recently visited the renowned Cisco Edge Centre to gain firsthand exposure to cutting-edge cloud networking technologies and professional expertise. The 2025 Cloud and Security Cohort commenced in April with the onboarding of 100 aspiring engineers, carefully selected from over 3,600 applicants across Nigeria. The program integrates global best practices from CompTIA, a recognized international partner, mentoring and coaching from expert instructors and exposure to industry leaders, leads to internationally recognized certificate of participation, positioning trainees to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy During the Cisco Edge Centre visit, trainees were exposed to Meraki, Cisco’s cloud-based networking solution, renowned for its AI-driven capabilities that allow engineers to rapidly detect, diagnose, and resolve network issues. They also explored real-world cybersecurity applications and gained insights into how Meraki is used by 75% of Fortune 500 companies, showcasing its impact on global enterprise infrastructure. But the highlight of the day was more than the tech. Trainees were inspired by a dynamic mentorship session with Chukwudi Theodore, a seasoned network engineer, who shared his personal journey from his early days of learning to becoming a leader in the field. His message was clear and impactful: be proactive, stay committed, maintain discipline, and always push yourself beyond the ordinary. “At Heirs Technologies, we’re not just solving today’s tech problems, we’re shaping tomorrow’s talent,” said Ivy Ikpeme-Mbakwem, VP, i-Academy, Heirs Technologies. “Visits like this form a crucial part of our mission to give African youth meaningful exposure, practical skills, and access to mentors who can guide them into global tech leadership.” This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Heirs Holdings Group, under the leadership of Tony O. Elumelu, to unlock Africa’s potential through youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. With the STEP programme, Heirs Technologies is positioning itself not only as a technology leader but also as a talent accelerator, offering structured learning, hands-on engagements, and real-industry experiences that prepare young Africans for success in a digital world.

Lagos, 28 March, 2025 – Heirs Technologies (Heirs Tech) has officially welcomed the first batch of trainees for the second cohort of its flagship Supplementary Technical Engineering Programme (STEP), marking another milestone in its mission to equip young African talents with in-demand technology skills. The 2025 STEP programme, delivered through Heirs Technologies’ training centre, i-Academy, in collaboration with its authorised delivery partner, CompTIA, will train 200 candidates across six specialised tracks. However, the programme is structured into quarterly training sessions, beginning with two key tracks: CompTIA Cloud+ and CompTIA Security+. This first training cycle features 100 candidates, carefully selected from a competitive pool of 3,068 applicants spanning 22 states across Nigeria. The CompTIA Cloud+ track has 50 candidates, comprising 20 females (40%) and 30 males (60%), while the CompTIA Security+ track also has 50 candidates, with 22 females (44%) and 28 males (56%). Building on the success of the inaugural STEP cohort, which trained 50 candidates from 14 states, this year's intake has expanded to 22 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, demonstrating growing national participation and Heirs Technologies' commitment to widening access to high-quality tech education. The STEP programme provides:

• - Expert-led training sessions facilitated by certified professionals
• - Industry-recognised certifications to boost employability
• - One year of free lab access post-completion for hands-on practice
• - Discounted certification exam vouchers to support career advancement

Speaking on the programme expansion, Ivy Ikpeme-Mbakwem, Vice President of i-Academy, highlighted its transformative impact: “Through i-Academy, Heirs Technologies is empowering young talent with world-class technical expertise to drive Africa’s digital transformation. The success of our first cohort demonstrated the impact of accessible and high-quality training. We are thrilled to extend this opportunity to even more candidates this year. With our continued partnership with CompTIA, we remain dedicated to equipping the next wave of IT professionals with the skills to excel in today’s competitive job market.” STEP reflects Heirs Technologies’ ongoing commitment to capacity-building, job creation, and the advancement of Africa’s digital economy.

Heirs Technologies, Africa's premier technology company, committed to providing innovative solutions tailored for the African market, officially launched its free Supplementary Technical Engineering Program (STEP) on Friday, 18 October 2024.

In this edition of the Digital Shift Series by Heirs Technologies, we’re tackling a conversation many businesses avoid but can no longer ignore: Demystifying Cloud Adoption for African Enterprises Too complex? Too expensive? Not “made” for our environment? We’ve heard it all. But here’s the truth: Staying offline, on-premise, and out-of-touch is costing more than you think. This webinar isn’t just about cloud. It’s about agility. Resilience. And making tech decisions that serve your business—not just your IT department. Date: Thursday June 26, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM WAT Register here → https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pwoYRxYSSKePB1vtUUMUbg#/registration