Introduction

Data governance and compliance are no longer optional — they’re business-critical. As organizations generate enormous amounts of data across Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint, IT teams must ensure information is discoverable, secure, and compliant with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

Enter Microsoft Purview — the new umbrella solution that unifies Microsoft’s data governance, risk, and compliance tools. Within Purview, the eDiscovery and Compliance Center gives IT and legal teams everything they need to investigate, preserve, and export data while staying audit-ready.

This blog will walk you through the essentials of eDiscovery in Microsoft Purview and why it matters for IT teams today.

What is Microsoft Purview?

Microsoft Purview is Microsoft’s comprehensive data governance and compliance platform. It brings together compliance solutions like:

• eDiscovery for legal investigations

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

• Information Protection & Sensitivity Labels

• Audit & Insider Risk Management

• Communication Compliance

For IT teams, this means one unified hub for managing compliance policies, legal holds, and data governance across the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

eDiscovery in Microsoft Purview: Core Capabilities

1. Case Management

Create and manage legal cases, assign roles, and keep all investigation-related data in one place.

2. Content Search & Export

Search across Exchange mailboxes, Teams chats, SharePoint sites, and OneDrive accounts. Export findings for legal review.

3. Legal Hold

Preserve relevant data to prevent deletion or tampering during investigations.

4. Advanced eDiscovery (E5)

• Collects and processes large datasets.

• Provides analytics like email threading and near-duplicate detection.

• Uses machine learning to reduce review workloads.

Why IT Teams Need Microsoft Purview for eDiscovery

Regulatory Compliance Made Easy

Whether it’s GDPR in Europe, HIPAA in healthcare, or local data protection laws, Purview helps IT teams enforce consistent compliance policies across Microsoft 365.

Faster Legal Investigations

Legal departments often need quick access to relevant files. With Purview, IT teams can locate and secure information in minutes instead of weeks.

End-to-End Data Protection

Beyond eDiscovery, Purview integrates DLP, sensitivity labels, and insider risk management, ensuring compliance and security go hand in hand.

Best Practices for Using eDiscovery in Microsoft Purview

1. Set Up Data Classification Early
   Use sensitivity labels and retention policies to tag and organize data.

2. Leverage Automation with PowerShell
   Run scripted searches or automate legal hold assignments.

3. Train Teams on Search Queries
   Teach compliance officers how to use KQL (Keyword Query Language) for precise searches.

4. Regularly Monitor & Audit
   Use Purview’s built-in reports to track unusual data activity.

5. Align Licensing with Needs
   Choose between Core eDiscovery (E3) or Advanced eDiscovery (E5) depending on your organization’s size and legal requirements.

   

Microsoft Purview Licensing & Availability

• Core eDiscovery: Included with Microsoft 365 E3 and higher.

• Advanced eDiscovery: Available with Microsoft 365 E5 or as an add-on.

Organizations should evaluate compliance requirements before selecting the right plan.

Conclusion

The eDiscovery and Compliance Center in Microsoft Purview empowers IT teams to handle regulatory challenges, legal investigations, and data governance in one unified platform. By combining powerful eDiscovery tools with Purview’s broader compliance capabilities, IT teams can ensure their organization stays secure, compliant, and audit-ready.

If your business is scaling or operating in regulated industries, now is the time to explore Microsoft Purview and leverage its compliance-first approach.

Do you need help configuring Microsoft Purview for your business? Contact ITCS today — your trusted Microsoft 365 partner in Pakistan.

For a long time, businesses trusted on-premises systems, servers and hardware kept inside the office or data center. While this setup gave full control, it also came with many problems: high costs, complex maintenance, and very limited flexibility.

Today, the smarter choice for most companies is moving from On-Prem to Azure Cloud. Microsoft Azure takes away the burden of physical servers and provides a reliable, secure, and cost-effective solution. With Azure, you can run your business with more freedom and less worry about IT infrastructure.

Why Move from On-Premises to Azure Cloud?

On-Prem to Azure Cloud

Lower Costs

Running servers in-house is expensive. You must buy the hardware, pay electricity bills, arrange cooling, keep backup systems, and hire IT staff for maintenance. These costs never stop, and as your business grows, the expenses grow too.

By switching from On-Prem to Azure Cloud, you only pay for what you use. There is no need for big upfront investments, no unused resources, and no wasted money. The pay-as-you-go model makes Azure much more budget-friendly and scalable compared to on-premises systems.

Better Security

Security is one of the biggest challenges with on-premises servers. You are responsible for everything, from installing firewalls to handling cyber threats. This can be stressful and risky.

With Azure Cloud, Microsoft provides enterprise-grade security. Features like data encryption, firewalls, identity protection, and access management come built-in. Azure also meets global compliance standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO. Moving from On-Prem to Azure Cloud means your business data stays much safer without you having to manage everything on your own.

Better Security

Business Continuity

On-premises servers can easily fail during a power outage, hardware breakdown, or natural disaster. This downtime can harm your operations and customer trust.

Azure solves this problem with built-in backup and disaster recovery options. Even if something unexpected happens, your business will stay online with minimum downtime. This is one of the strongest reasons why businesses move from On-Prem to Azure Cloud, it guarantees stability and continuity.

Easy Scalability

When your business grows, your technology must grow too. With on-premises systems, scaling means buying new servers and waiting for setup, which is costly and time-consuming.

With Azure Cloud scalability, you can instantly add or remove resources as needed. During peak seasons, you can increase capacity, and during slower times, you can reduce it paying only for what you use. Moving from On-Prem to Azure Cloud gives you flexibility that on-premises systems can never match.

Work from Anywhere

Today’s workforce is not limited to the office. Teams need to work remotely and collaborate globally. On-premises systems make remote access difficult and less secure.

With Azure Cloud, employees can securely access apps and files from anywhere. Azure integrates with Microsoft 365 and Teams, enabling smooth collaboration. Businesses moving from On-Prem to Azure Cloud enjoy easier remote work, better productivity, and more connected teams.

The Bottom Line

Migrating from On-Prem to Azure Cloud is not just about technology, it’s about transforming your business for the future. Azure makes your operations more cost-effective, more secure, always available, highly scalable, and ready for remote work.

By choosing Azure, you free your business from the limits of physical servers and open the door to growth and flexibility. ITCS, the switch from On-Prem to Azure Cloud is the key step toward long-term success and digital transformation.

👉 If you are considering the move, start with a clear plan and the right migration partner to make the journey smooth and successful.

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, data-driven decision-making and application efficiency are essential for businesses across all industries. From banking and finance to e-commerce, manufacturing, and IT services, organizations in Pakistan are increasingly seeking solutions that can simplify development, streamline operations, and enhance productivity.

This is where Devart’s world-class products and services come in. Known globally for their reliability, innovation, and performance, Devart solutions empower businesses to manage data seamlessly, integrate applications efficiently, and accelerate software development. And now, through ITCS as the Official Devart Partner in Pakistan, businesses can access authentic Devart licenses at competitive pricing with local support.

What Devart Offers

1. Database Connectivity Solutions

Devart provides a wide range of connectivity solutions for popular databases like MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and more. These tools enable developers to integrate databases effortlessly into their applications, improving speed, scalability, and reliability.

Business Benefit: Banks, fintech companies, and ERP providers in Pakistan can streamline data handling and reduce integration complexities.

2. Database Management Tools

With powerful tools like dbForge Studio, Devart makes it easier for database administrators and developers to manage, monitor, and optimize databases. From query building to schema comparison, businesses can boost productivity while maintaining data integrity.

Business Benefit: Enterprises in industries like healthcare, logistics, and retail can maintain robust databases that ensure accuracy and performance.

3. Data Integration and ETL Solutions

Devart’s SSIS Data Flow Components and ODBC Drivers allow organizations to connect applications with external systems, enabling smooth data transfer, transformation, and reporting.

Business Benefit: E-commerce and supply chain companies can achieve real-time data synchronization across platforms, ensuring smooth operations and accurate insights.

4. Developer Productivity Tools

Devart’s development tools, including Code Compare and Review Assistant, help teams collaborate more effectively, ensuring clean code and streamlined workflows.

Business Benefit: IT companies, startups, and software houses in Pakistan can reduce project timelines and improve team efficiency.

5. Cloud and Big Data Connectivity

With cloud drivers and big data solutions, Devart supports seamless connectivity to cloud platforms and services.

Business Benefit: Enterprises moving toward digital transformation can easily integrate cloud solutions into their existing infrastructure.

Why Devart Matters for Businesses in Pakistan

• Scalability: Supports small businesses and large enterprises alike.

• Cost Efficiency: Reduces development and operational costs by saving time and improving productivity.

• Flexibility: Wide range of solutions compatible with diverse systems.

• Reliability: Globally trusted with enterprise-grade performance.

ITCS – Your Official Devart Partner in Pakistan

While many vendors may claim to offer database tools, only ITCS is the official Devart partner in Pakistan, ensuring that businesses receive:

• Genuine Devart licenses backed by global standards

• Competitive and cost-effective pricing tailored for the local market

• Expert consultation and technical support to guide implementation

• End-to-end solutions for integration, deployment, and scalability

As a trusted technology solutions provider, ITCS brings together internationally recognized products like Devart with local expertise to empower businesses across industries.

Conclusion

Whether you’re running a financial institution, managing a retail chain, building IT solutions, or scaling an e-commerce platform, Devart’s products and services can transform the way you handle data, development, and integration.

With ITCS as the official Devart partner in Pakistan, you don’t just get access to world-class tools—you also benefit from local expertise, customer-first support, and competitive pricing.

Get in touch with ITCS today to explore Devart solutions for your business and unlock new levels of efficiency.

It started as a casual chat with my junior colleagues. But soon, it turned into a heated debate:
Should we stick with On-Prem infrastructure or embrace Azure Cloud?

I was firmly on the Cloud side. They were holding tight to On-Prem.
Here’s how the conversation unfolded — point by point, with tension rising.

I didn’t begin with fancy cloud features or buzzwords.
I started with the core pain — the kind every On-Prem setup in Pakistan knows too well.

“Let’s talk about electricity,” I said. “Voltage fluctuations, outages, cooling costs, hardware failures… we’ve all faced them.

Our Discussion points.

Electricity & Hardware Risks

💬 Me:
“On-prem servers in Pakistan are vulnerable to voltage fluctuations and outages. Azure removes that risk entirely.”

🗣️ Them:
“We have UPS and generators. We’re covered.”

My Counter:
“UPSs fail. Generators need fuel and maintenance. Azure gives you SLA-backed uptime, no cooling costs, and zero hardware worries.”

Internet Connectivity

💬 Me:
“Even if the internet goes down, Azure keeps your data safe. You reconnect, and everything’s back.”

🗣️ Them:
“But we can’t work without internet. On-Prem lets us stay productive offline.”

My Counter:
“Hybrid cloud setups like Azure Stack let you work locally and sync with the cloud. You get the best of both worlds.”

The Cost Trap – Where It Got Interesting

💬 Me:
“Cloud isn’t expensive if you use it wisely. Azure gives you tools to control and optimize costs.”

🗣️ Them:
“Cloud bills are unpredictable. On-Prem is fixed cost.”

My Counter:
I opened Azure Cost Management and showed them:

• Reserved Instances → Save up to 72% on VMs.
• Autoscaling → Scale up during peak, scale down during idle.
• Azure Advisor → Personalized cost-saving recommendations.
• Budgets & Alerts → Set limits, get notified before overspending.
• Spot VMs → Use unused capacity at massive discounts.

This screenshot refers to Azure Cost Management + Billing. It shows the total cost, and a breakdown of how much each service is consuming.

Logs & Monitoring – The Hidden Superpower

💬 Me:
“Azure Monitor and Log Analytics give you deep visibility into your infrastructure. You can track performance, security, and usage in real time.”

🗣️ Them:
“We use manual logs and scripts. It works.”

My Counter:
“Manual logs miss patterns. Azure logs integrate with alerts, dashboards, and even AI-driven insights. You don’t just monitor — you predict and prevent issues.”

Storage Resilience – LRS, ZRS, GRS

💬 Me:
“Azure offers multiple storage redundancy options:”

• LRS (Locally Redundant Storage) → 3 copies in one region.
• ZRS (Zone-Redundant Storage) → Copies across availability zones.
• GRS (Geo-Redundant Storage) → Copies across regions for disaster recovery.

🗣️ Them:
“We take backups manually. It’s enough.”

My Counter:
“Manual backups are risky. Azure automates redundancy, ensures consistency, and gives you peace of mind — even during regional outages.”

Scalability – The Game Changer

💬 Me:
“Need more power? Azure scales instantly. Need less? It scales down. You pay only for what you use.”

🗣️ Them:
“We can upgrade our servers when needed.”

My Counter:
“That takes time, money, and planning. Azure scales in seconds — no procurement, no downtime.”

Azure Advisor –

Just when I thought the debate was cooling down, I dropped one more card on the table:

“Have you ever had a system that tells you how to save money, improve performance, and boost security — automatically?”

They looked puzzled.

That’s when I introduced Azure Advisor.

💬 Me:
“Azure Advisor is like a smart assistant for your cloud setup. It continuously analyzes your resources and gives personalized recommendations.”

What Azure Advisor Offers:

• Cost Optimization
  → Resize or shut down underused VMs, switch to reserved instances, remove idle resources.
•  Performance Enhancements
  → Improve app responsiveness, reduce latency, and optimize configurations.
•  Security Recommendations
  → Identify vulnerabilities, enforce best practices, and integrate with Microsoft Defender.
• High Availability Suggestions
  → Ensure redundancy, configure load balancers, and avoid single points of failure.
• Operational Excellence
  → Streamline deployments, monitor health, and automate routine tasks.

• 🗣️ Them:
  “That sounds powerful… but is it easy to use?”

My Counter:
“Absolutely. It’s built into the Azure Portal. You don’t need to install anything — just open it, and it starts helping you right away.”

By the end of the discussion, the room wasn’t the same.

What started as resistance turned into curiosity.
What began with doubts ended with questions like:

“How do we start with Azure?”
“Can we migrate gradually?”
“Will we get support during the transition?”

Azure didn’t win because it’s trendy.
It won because it solves real problems — the ones we’ve been patching for years.

 Ready to Rethink Your Infrastructure?

If you’re still relying on On-Prem and wondering whether it’s time to move forward — let’s talk.

We help teams like yours:

• Migrate to Azure with confidence
• Optimize costs using Azure Advisor
• Set up secure, scalable, and resilient cloud environments
• Train your team for cloud-first operations

For consultation, support, or Azure purchasing:
Reach out and unlock premium business operations

Introduction

In today’s hyper-connected world, cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses in Pakistan. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, cloud services, and remote work, B2B organizations are more exposed to cyber risks than ever before. From phishing attacks to ransomware and data breaches, threats continue to evolve.

This is where Kaspersky comes in. Recognized globally as a leader in cybersecurity solutions, Kaspersky provides enterprise-grade protection tailored for businesses of all sizes. For Pakistani B2B companies looking to safeguard sensitive data, maintain customer trust, and ensure uninterrupted operations, Kaspersky is a smart investment.

Why Cybersecurity Matters for Pakistani B2B Businesses

Pakistani enterprises across industries—finance, healthcare, IT, logistics, and manufacturing—are rapidly adopting digital transformation. However, this growth also increases the risk of:

• Ransomware attacks that can paralyze business operations.

• Data theft and breaches targeting sensitive financial and customer information.

• Email phishing scams targeting employees and supply chains.

• Cloud vulnerabilities due to misconfigurations and weak security policies.

For B2B companies, a single breach doesn’t just impact internal teams—it can disrupt the trust of multiple partners, vendors, and clients in the ecosystem. That’s why a strong cybersecurity solution like Kaspersky is crucial.

Key Benefits of Kaspersky for Pakistani B2B Businesses

1. Comprehensive Threat Protection

Kaspersky offers protection against malware, ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats. Its real-time monitoring ensures threats are detected and neutralized before they cause damage.

2. Advanced Endpoint Security

With Kaspersky Endpoint Security, businesses can safeguard devices, servers, and mobile endpoints. This is critical for Pakistani companies with remote teams or multiple branch offices.

3. Cloud Security for Modern Workloads

As more Pakistani B2B companies migrate to cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure or AWS, Kaspersky provides specialized solutions to secure virtual workloads and prevent cloud-based breaches.

4. Cost-Effective for Local Businesses

Kaspersky offers scalable licensing options, making it accessible for both small firms and large enterprises in Pakistan. Businesses can choose plans that fit their team size and infrastructure.

5. Regulatory Compliance Support

For industries such as banking, telecom, and healthcare in Pakistan, Kaspersky helps organizations meet compliance requirements by ensuring strong data protection and reporting mechanisms.

6. Centralized Management

With an easy-to-use dashboard, IT teams can manage policies, monitor threats, and deploy updates across the entire organization—saving time and reducing complexity.

Why ITCS Recommends Kaspersky

At ITCS, we understand the unique challenges Pakistani businesses face when it comes to cybersecurity. As a trusted Kaspersky Partner in Pakistan, we help organizations:

• Assess current cybersecurity gaps.

• Deploy the right Kaspersky solution for their business size.

• Provide ongoing support, training, and maintenance.

This ensures our clients stay protected while focusing on growth and innovation.

Conclusion

For Pakistani B2B businesses, cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Kaspersky offers reliable, cost-effective, and scalable security solutions that safeguard against evolving threats. Whether you’re a small enterprise or a large corporation, choosing Kaspersky means protecting your data, your partners, and your reputation.

Partner with ITCS today to implement Kaspersky and strengthen your cybersecurity posture.

In today’s hyper-connected world, where digital threats are evolving faster than ever, Pakistani businesses need robust, proactive, and reliable cybersecurity solutions. IT Consulting & Services (ITCS) is proud to be a Premier Kaspersky Partner in Pakistan, offering enterprise-grade protection to businesses of all sizes — from agile startups to large-scale corporations.

Why Choose ITCS as Your Kaspersky Partner?

As a Kaspersky-certified premier partner, ITCS provides a comprehensive range of cybersecurity services and support backed by one of the world’s leading cybersecurity brands. Here’s why hundreds of Pakistani enterprises trust ITCS to secure their digital infrastructure:

✅ Certified Expertise & Consultation

ITCS’s security consultants are Kaspersky-certified professionals, enabling them to deliver tailored solutions that align with your industry needs — whether you operate in finance, healthcare, manufacturing, education, or retail.

✅ End-to-End Cybersecurity Coverage

From endpoint protection and threat intelligence to cloud security and network defense, ITCS ensures 360° protection across your digital environment using the latest Kaspersky technologies.

✅ Scalable for Businesses of All Sizes

Whether you’re a small business looking for antivirus protection or a large enterprise requiring advanced threat prevention, ITCS offers scalable Kaspersky security packages designed for every budget and business size.

✅ Local Presence with Global Standards

Based in Pakistan, ITCS brings local support and on-ground deployment with global-grade Kaspersky protection — enabling faster response times, regulatory compliance, and personalized service.

What Does ITCS Offer as a Kaspersky Premier Partner?

As an official Kaspersky Partner in Pakistan, ITCS delivers:

• Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business

• Kaspersky Small Office Security

• Kaspersky Security for Microsoft Office 365

• Kaspersky Hybrid Cloud Security

• Kaspersky EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response)

• Centralized license management and monitoring

• Threat analysis, deployment, and post-sale support

Each solution is implemented with the goal of reducing your organization’s attack surface, increasing threat visibility, and building long-term digital resilience.

Benefits for Pakistani Enterprises

Being a Kaspersky Premier Partner, ITCS enables businesses in Pakistan to:

• Prevent ransomware and phishing attacks

• Safeguard sensitive data and intellectual property

• Ensure business continuity

• Meet local and international cybersecurity compliance requirements

• Protect remote teams with cloud-integrated security

From Karachi to Lahore to Islamabad, ITCS empowers companies across Pakistan with trusted cyber defense, enabling them to innovate with confidence.

Client Success Snapshot

“Partnering with ITCS for Kaspersky solutions has significantly strengthened our cybersecurity posture. Their team understood our specific needs and provided exactly what we needed with excellent support.”
— IT Manager, Mid-Sized Manufacturing Company, Lahore

Ready to Fortify Your Business?

As a trusted Kaspersky Partner in Pakistan, ITCS is here to help you defend your digital assets and empower your workforce securely. Our cybersecurity experts are just one call away from delivering enterprise-grade protection customized to your business model. Looking to inquire about Kaspersky Licenses? Request a quote from our professionals today! 

Critical Zero-Day Vulnerability Detected in Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft has confirmed a critical zero-day vulnerability in SharePoint Server, tracked as CVE-2023-29357, which is currently being exploited in the wild. This spoofing vulnerability allows attackers to escalate privileges and impersonate privileged users—gaining unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data.

This issue impacts multiple versions of Microsoft SharePoint Server, making it a significant risk for enterprises relying on SharePoint for collaboration, document management, and workflow automation.

What Is CVE-2023-29357?

• Type: Spoofing vulnerability leading to privilege escalation

• Severity: Critical (CVSS Score: 9.8)

• Exploit Status: Active exploitation observed

• Impact: Unauthorized administrator-level access without credentials

• Cause: Improper validation of JSON Web Tokens (JWTs)

Who Is at Risk?

Organizations running unpatched or outdated versions of Microsoft SharePoint Server—especially self-hosted or hybrid environments—are vulnerable to this exploit. Attackers can bypass authentication mechanisms, gain elevated access, and potentially move laterally within an organization’s network.

What Are the Recommendations?

Barracuda, a renowned cybersecurity solution provider recommends the following immediate actions to mitigate this threat:

1. Apply Emergency Microsoft Updates

• For SharePoint Server 2019:

  • KB5002754 (Core)

  • KB5002753 (Language Pack)

• For SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016:

  • KB5002760 (Core)

  • KB5002759 (Language Pack)

• For SharePoint Subscription Edition:

  • KB5002768

2. Rotate SharePoint Machine Keys After Applying Patches

• Using PowerShell:

  • Generate keys:
    Set-SPMachineKey -WebApplication <SPWebApplicationPipeBind>

  • Deploy keys:
    Update-SPMachineKey -WebApplication <SPWebApplicationPipeBind>

• Using Central Admin:

  • Go to Central Administration > Monitoring > Review job definitions

  • Locate Machine Key Rotation Job and select Run Now

  • After completion, run iisreset.exe on all SharePoint servers

3. Check for Signs of Exploitation

• Look for:

  • The creation of:
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Web Server Extensions\16\TEMPLATE\LAYOUTS\spinstall0.aspx

  • IIS logs showing POST requests to:
    _layouts/15/ToolPane.aspx?DisplayMode=Edit&a=/ToolPane.aspx
    with HTTP referrer _layouts/SignOut.aspx

• Run the following Microsoft 365 Defender query:

kusto

DeviceFileEvents
| where FolderPath has "MICROS~1\\WEBSER~1\\16\\TEMPLATE\\LAYOUTS"
| where FileName =~ "spinstall0.aspx" or FileName has "spinstall0"
| project Timestamp, DeviceName, InitiatingProcessFileName, InitiatingProcessCommandLine, FileName, FolderPath, ReportId, ActionType, SHA256
| order by Timestamp desc

4. Reduce External Exposure and Monitor Activity

• Restrict internet exposure of SharePoint servers using:

  • Firewalls

  • VPNs

  • Zero-trust access controls

• Enable detailed SharePoint logging

• Monitor for:

  • Unusual file uploads or web shell activity

  • Unexpected changes or connections from suspicious IPs

5. Isolate Critical Infrastructure

• Separate SharePoint servers from critical internal systems to reduce the impact of a breach

• Reinforce patch management processes and employee awareness of vulnerabilities

How ITCS and Barracuda Can Help

As a certified Barracuda partner, ITCS helps organizations respond quickly and effectively to zero-day threats through:

• Advanced threat protection and monitoring

• Automated patch management and vulnerability scanning

• Secure SharePoint backup and cloud continuity solutions

• Strategic threat response planning and training

Our team is ready to assess your SharePoint environment and implement Barracuda-powered mitigation strategies tailored to your organization’s needs.

Take Action Now

This zero-day vulnerability presents a serious risk. ITCS is here to help you:

• Assess your exposure

• Apply the right patches

• Secure your SharePoint environment against future threats

Contact us today for a free consultation or emergency assessment.

Visit: www.itcs.com.pk
Email: info@itcs.com.pk

Emerging Trends in Tech: How AI, IoT, and Blockchain Are Shaping Our Future

The world of technology is evolving rapidly, and three transformative innovations — Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain Technology — are redefining how we live, work, and do business. From predictive automation to intelligent data management, these trends are fueling digital transformation across sectors.

At the heart of this transformation are IT solution providers like ITCS, a Microsoft Tier 1 CSP Direct Partner, helping over 300 SMEs and enterprises unlock the true potential of modern technology through cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and scalable software services.

Let’s explore how AI, IoT, and Blockchain are reshaping the digital world — and how ITCS delivers the tools and expertise to help businesses stay ahead.

Artificial Intelligence: Powering a Smarter Tomorrow

From self-driving cars to AI-driven chatbots, Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing how decisions are made, products are delivered, and experiences are personalized.

AI applications are now deeply embedded across industries:

• In the modern workplace, Microsoft 365 Copilot uses AI to streamline workflows, generate content, and automate repetitive tasks — all integrated with the Microsoft Modern Work suite offered by ITCS.

• In cybersecurity, AI-enabled platforms such as Sophos Intercept X, Rapid7 Insight, and Kaspersky Endpoint Security proactively detect and respond to threats before they cause harm — all available in ITCS’s product portfolio.

As organizations increasingly rely on data to drive operations, AI serves as the analytical backbone — and with ITCS providing Microsoft Azure Cloud solutions, businesses can deploy, scale, and manage AI workloads securely and efficiently.

Internet of Things: Interconnecting Devices for Greater Efficiency

The Internet of Things (IoT) is creating smart environments by connecting everyday devices to the internet — enabling automation, monitoring, and real-time control.

From smart homes to smart cities and industrial automation, IoT is transforming entire ecosystems:

• In enterprise IT, IoT-ready infrastructure from Huawei, Lenovo, Dell, and HPE enables seamless integration of devices and data.

• In network management, tools like SolarWinds, Ruckus, and Ruijie help monitor and optimize performance across large-scale connected environments.

At ITCS, we help businesses implement and manage IoT-ready infrastructure with end-to-end solutions — from device deployment to security management — ensuring reliable and scalable outcomes.

Blockchain Technology: Securing the Future of Trust

Often associated with cryptocurrency, Blockchain is a game-changing ledger technology that offers secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions. But its applications go far beyond finance.

• In supply chain management, blockchain helps track goods from origin to delivery, reducing fraud and increasing transparency.

• In cloud security, integrations with Microsoft Azure Confidential Ledger and secure tools like Fortinet, Acunetix, and Burp Suite ensure immutable data storage and zero-trust environments.

ITCS enables businesses to build secure digital ecosystems by combining blockchain-enabled cloud architecture with enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions — making data integrity and compliance easier to achieve than ever.

The Convergence of AI, IoT, and Blockchain: Real-World Impact

The true power of these technologies is realized when they converge. For example:

• A smart factory uses IoT sensors to track machine performance, AI to predict failures, and blockchain to log every maintenance event — creating a closed-loop system of intelligence and trust.

• In healthcare, AI algorithms diagnose conditions faster, IoT medical devices monitor patient vitals in real time, and blockchain secures patient records for tamper-free data exchange.

ITCS helps enterprises bring this vision to life. Our broad portfolio includes tools from Microsoft, VMWare, AutoCAD, Zoom, and Adobe, empowering every department — from IT and operations to marketing and development — to participate in the future of innovation.

Why ITCS?

As a trusted IT consulting and services provider, ITCS offers:

• Microsoft Modern Work and Azure Cloud solutions for seamless digital transformation

• A wide array of IT products from top brands, including Barracuda, Veeam, PRTG, Plesk, Nessus Professional, and many others

• Competitive pricing, local support, and expert guidance for product acquisition, licensing, renewals, and deployment

Final Thoughts

As we move into an increasingly interconnected and intelligent future, embracing emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and Blockchain isn’t just innovative — it’s essential. Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, the right partners and tools will define your success.

🔍 Need expert guidance on deploying next-gen tech in your business?

Contact ITCS today to explore future-ready IT solutions backed by top-tier support and a portfolio of world-class technology providers.

Are you looking to optimize cloud costs and performance? Learn how to automatically resize your Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) using Azure Automation Accounts.

Managing cloud resources efficiently is key to optimizing performance and controlling costs. In this guide, you’ll learn how to automate Azure VM resizing using Azure Automation Accounts and Runbooks. Whether you’re scaling up for high-traffic hours or scaling down after hours, this tutorial shows you how to schedule automatic virtual machine size changes based on your business needs — no manual intervention required.

Step 1:

Go to Azure portal and search for Automation Accounts.

Step 2:

Click on Create Automation Account.

Step 3:

Enter the detail and click on Review + Create.

Step 4:

Verify detail and click on Create and wait for the deployment to be complete.

Step 5:

Once deployment is complete, Click on Go to Resource.

Step 6:

Search Identity and copy Object ID.

Step 7:

Go to the Resource Group of VM you want to Automatically Resize.

Access Control (IAM) -> Add Role Assignment

Step 8:

On the Job function roles, select Virtual Machine Contributor.

Step 9:

Go to the members tab and select Managed Identity then select Review + Assign.

Step 10:

Now go back to Automation Account which was created earlier. Then Go to Runbooks and Create a runbook.

Step 11:

Fill the details and click review and create.

Step 12:

Enter the following command in the Runbook by entering your VM’s Resource Group, VM Name, New VM Size and then click Publish.

param (

    [string]$ResourceGroupName = "VM Resource Group",

    [string]$VMName = "VM Name",

    [string]$NewVMSize = "New VM Size"

)

# Login to Azure

Connect-AzAccount -identity

# Stop the VM

Stop-AzVM -ResourceGroupName $ResourceGroupName -Name $VMName -Force

# Update VM size

$vm = Get-AzVM -ResourceGroupName $ResourceGroupName -Name $VMName

$vm.HardwareProfile.VmSize = $NewVMSize

Update-AzVM -ResourceGroupName $ResourceGroupName -VM $vm

# Start the VM

Start-AzVM -ResourceGroupName $ResourceGroupName -Name $VMName

Write-Output "VM $VMName resized to $NewVMSize"

Step 13:

Schedule VM to resize automatically.

Go to Schedules then Add a Schedule then link Runbook with your schedule.

Note: You can create multiple runbooks within the same Automation Account by following the same steps and schedule them as needed. For example, you might want your VM to run with 16 GB RAM in the morning and 4 GB RAM at night.

Please be aware that the virtual machine will reboot to apply the size changes according to the defined schedules.

Conclusion

Automating your Azure Virtual Machine resizing with Automation Accounts and Runbooks is a smart way to optimize performance, reduce costs, and streamline resource management. With just a few steps, you can take full control over your VM scaling strategy and align your cloud infrastructure with your business needs.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) has officially entered the mainstream. According to a recent Deloitte report, 78% of companies plan to increase their AI investments in 2025, with 74% reporting that their generative AI (GenAI) projects have met or exceeded expectations.

But as AI becomes more accessible, so does its potential for misuse. While businesses benefit from smarter tools and faster processes, malicious actors are also leveraging large language models (LLMs) to launch sophisticated cyberattacks. These “dark LLMs” are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible — in all the wrong ways.

What Are Dark LLMs?

Dark LLMs are large language models with their safety guardrails removed or deliberately disabled. Built on powerful open-source platforms, these models are trained like their legitimate counterparts — using enormous datasets to understand and generate human-like language. But instead of helping businesses or individuals solve problems, they’re designed for harm.

Guardrails in mainstream LLMs (like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Bard) are there to prevent harmful outputs. They typically block prompts that ask for illegal advice, malicious code, or dangerous misinformation. However, with the right “jailbreak” commands or custom training, these models can be manipulated — or created from scratch — to deliver exactly what attackers want.

Dark LLMs don’t just bypass safeguards. They are the safeguard-free versions.

Meet the Malicious Models

The dark web and encrypted platforms are now home to several widely used dark LLMs. Here’s a look at some of the most notorious:

• WormGPT: A powerful model with 6 billion parameters, WormGPT is sold behind a paywall on the dark web. It’s frequently used to generate highly convincing phishing emails and business email compromise (BEC) attacks.

• FraudGPT: A cousin of WormGPT, this LLM can write malicious code, build fake websites, and discover system vulnerabilities. It’s available on both the dark web and platforms like Telegram.

• DarkBard: A malicious clone of Google’s Bard. It mimics Bard’s functionalities, but with zero ethical restraints.

• WolfGPT: A newer entrant, WolfGPT is written in Python and advertised as an “uncensored” version of ChatGPT.

These dark LLMs are often sold as subscriptions or as-a-service offerings, giving hackers access to on-demand AI capable of launching large-scale, personalized attacks.

Why Should Businesses Be Concerned?

Dark LLMs give cybercriminals a serious upgrade. They:

• Write malware or exploit code faster and more effectively

• Generate realistic phishing emails that are nearly impossible to detect

• Help attackers identify weak points in enterprise infrastructure

In other words, they automate malicious creativity — at scale.

Worse, even standard LLMs can be turned “dark” using advanced jailbreak prompts. This means that nefarious capabilities are only a few steps away, even for someone using a publicly accessible tool.

Mitigating the Risks of Dark LLMs

Yes, dark LLMs are dangerous — but they’re not infallible. Their capabilities still depend on human input and direction. And like all AI, they make mistakes. Even mainstream LLMs have shown quirks when applied in the real world, such as generating fake book titles or failing at fast food orders (like accidentally adding 260 chicken nuggets).

The good news? Strong cybersecurity hygiene still works. Here’s how companies can defend themselves:

1. Empower Your People

Even the most sophisticated AI-powered phishing attempt still requires one thing: a click. That’s where human training comes in.

• Run regular phishing simulations

• Teach employees how to spot social engineering red flags

• Foster a “see something, say something” culture

Humans are still your first and strongest line of defense.

2. Focus on the Fundamentals

Go back to cybersecurity basics:

• Strong password policies

• Multi-factor authentication

• Zero trust architectures

• Encryption protocols

These best practices are just as effective against LLM-enabled threats as traditional ones.

3. Use AI Against AI

Don’t just defend — fight fire with fire. AI-powered security platforms can detect anomalies faster than human teams alone.

• Use machine learning models to identify unusual traffic

• Invest in real-time threat detection and response tools

• Regularly update systems and patch vulnerabilities

AI may be the weapon of choice for cybercriminals, but it can also be the shield for defenders.

Final Thoughts

The rise of dark LLMs shows the double-edged nature of generative AI. For every advancement in productivity or creativity, there’s an equal opportunity for exploitation.

But dark LLMs don’t have to win. With a combination of strong human oversight, foundational security protocols, and next-gen detection tools, businesses can stay a step ahead of cybercriminals — and shine a light into the darkest corners of AI misuse.

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