Let me ask you something: Do you lock your front door when you leave the house?

Of course you do.

But what if you get home and find that someone left a window open? You may as well have left the door unlocked, right?

Now think about your business.

You’ve probably invested in good cyber security to protect it, using strong passwords, firewalls, and the latest software updates. But if your employees accidentally leave the “windows” open, all that security goes to waste.

It’s not about blame – it’s about awareness. The truth is that your employees might be your biggest security risk, without them even realising it.

More people are working remotely, and research shows that four out of five employees use their personal phones, tablets, or laptops for work. It makes sense. Why not use the devices they already own?

Here’s the problem: Your employees’ personal devices probably aren’t set up with the same security measures you’d use in the office. Their phones and laptops might use weak passwords, outdated software, or even be connected to unprotected Wi-Fi networks. All of this is a dream scenario for hackers. 

And here’s where it gets scary…

Two out of five employees admit to downloading customer data onto their own devices. That’s sensitive data leaving the safety of your business, now at risk of falling into the wrong hands.

If that’s not enough to worry you, here’s another shocker: More than 65% of employees admit they only follow cyber security rules “sometimes” or even “never”. This includes forwarding work emails to their personal accounts, using their phones as Wi-Fi hotspots, or ignoring guidelines about handling data when using AI tools.

Passwords are another issue, with nearly half of employees using the same passwords across different work accounts. Even worse, over a third of employees use the same passwords for both their work AND personal accounts.

Imagine a hacker getting into your employee’s social media account and using the same password to get into your business systems? It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

So, what can you do?

The key is education. 

Start by helping your team understand why cyber security is so important. Most people don’t break the rules on purpose – they just don’t realise the risks. Explain that those little habits that seem harmless (like reusing passwords or doing work on public Wi-Fi) can cause serious damage.

Create security rules that are clear, simple, and easy to follow. For example, you can tell your team to: 

• Use a password manager to create a strong, random and unique password for each of their work accounts
• Only access work systems on secure, approved devices
• Never forward work emails to their personal accounts

Also, make sure your employees are getting regular training sessions to keep cyber security at the front of their minds, and don’t forget to celebrate good habits. If someone flags a suspicious email or comes up with a clever way to keep sensitive data safe, be sure to let everyone else on your team know.

Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility.

By giving your employees the right tools and training, you can turn them into your first line of defence instead of your weakest link. 

If you’d like help keeping your team up to date on the latest security threats, get in touch.

You’re scanning your inbox and spot an important email with a Word document attached. Maybe it’s an invoice, a message from a supplier, or even a request from a colleague. You open it without thinking twice… and just like that, you’ve been scammed.

This scenario is exactly what cyber criminals are counting on. Now they’ve come up with another new way to get past even the most advanced email security filters – this time, using corrupted Microsoft Word files.

It’s a clever and dangerous tactic.

Phishing (pronounced “fishing”) is where scammers try to trick you into giving away sensitive information, like passwords or bank details. They “bait” you with an email that looks legitimate, maybe from your bank, a co-worker, or a company you trust.

These emails often include attachments or links. When you open the attachment or click the link, you could be downloading malicious software (malware) or visiting a fake website designed to steal your details.

Phishing attacks are constantly evolving, and they’re now one of the most common ways scammers break into businesses. Email security filters are usually pretty good at scanning attachments. But since corrupted files can’t be analysed properly, the Word file is able to sneak into your inbox.

When you open one of these corrupted files, Microsoft Word will “repair” it and show you what looks like a normal attachment. But the document will contain a malicious QR code or link that sends you to a phishing site (often a fake Microsoft 365 login page). If you enter your details, scammers could have access to your account – and potentially your entire business. 

Stealing just one employee’s login details can be enough. With access to your cloud systems, scammers could get hold of sensitive customer data, lock your team out of essential files, or even send phishing emails from your account to trick your contacts.

If this happens to you, it could be catastrophic. Your business could face financial losses, legal consequences, and a damaged reputation that could take a long time to rebuild.

Cyber attacks are getting more complicated. But you don’t need a degree in cyber security to help keep your business safe.

The best protection is awareness and caution.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Slow down and think twice before opening attachments or clicking on links
• If an email seems urgent, beware – scammers like to rush you, so you’ll act without thinking
• If you’re not sure an email is legit, check with the person or company that the email seems to be from
• Never trust an attachment or link just because it looks professional

Most importantly, make sure you educate yourself and your team about what phishing is, why it’s dangerous, and how to recognise the warning signs.

We help businesses like yours with this every day. If you’d like us to help you too, get in touch.

Windows 11 has brought some great features to the table for businesses. And Microsoft’s working to make it even better.

One thing I know many of us struggle with is the Recommendations feature in the Start menu. If you’ve ever clicked on it expecting to see something helpful, only to find suggestions that don’t make sense, you’re not alone. The good news is a fix is on the way.

First, let’s break down what the Recommendations feature is meant to do.

Essentially, it’s supposed to show you apps, files, or websites that Windows thinks you’ll want to open next, based on what you’ve used before. For example, any apps or websites you use regularly are supposed to pop up in your Recommendations for easy access.

Sounds useful, right? If it worked well, it could become a favourite time-saving feature for busy teams. But with suggestions often feeling random and unhelpful, many of us have been ignoring this part of the Start menu altogether.

So, what’s changing?

Microsoft’s started rolling out updates (currently in testing) to make Recommendations a lot smarter.

They’ve fine-tuned the way Windows understands what’s relevant to you. And early feedback suggests the updated feature is much better at showing things you actually need – like that file you were working on yesterday, or the app you use most during work hours.

If you’ve been frustrated by the Start menu in the past, keep an eye out for these improvements. They’re a step in the right direction.

Are you and your team taking advantage of all the other productivity-boosting features in Windows 11? If not, let us help you get started. Get in touch.

Ever feel like you’re racing to keep up with all the new tech out there? You’re not the only one. Businesses are spending more on software than ever before… and it’s in no small part due to “FOMO” – fear of missing out.

In fact, a recent report shows that 76% of businesses are bumping up their software budgets for next year, with many planning to increase their spend by 5 to 15%. 

Why? 

It’s simple: No business owner wants to feel like they’re falling behind while their competitors are jumping on the next big thing. So, businesses are investing in tools that they think will make them better, faster, and more secure.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the top of the list when it comes to the tech businesses want to invest in. This is because AI is making it easier to get stuff done; whether that’s automating routine tasks, crunching numbers, or even improving customer service.   

But on the flip side, AI is also putting new tricks up the sleeves of cyber criminals. Meaning that businesses are having to spend more on cyber security to keep their data safe.

The hardest part about buying software isn’t usually the actual purchase – it’s what comes after. Using new software takes planning, and everyone in the team needs to learn how to use it. If your team isn’t ready, even the best software won’t help you much.

This is why many businesses are also investing in training tools, such as learning management systems (LMS). This helps bring employees up to speed, so your new tech doesn’t just sit there collecting virtual dust.

It can be tempting to be one of the first to adopt all the latest tools. But moving too fast can lead to headaches. It takes time to figure out what software is right for your business and how to make it fit into your processes. Jumping in without a clear plan could leave you with a tool that’s more trouble than it’s worth. 

The good news is that many businesses are getting smarter about how they choose software, using reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from experts (like us) to make informed decisions.

If you’re feeling the pressure to invest in new tools, take a breath. Think about what your business really needs:

• Do you want to improve efficiency?
• Keep your business data secure?
• Help your team work better?

Whatever the reason, make sure you choose tools that are in line with your goals and that your team is ready to use.

FOMO might be driving the trend, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it control your decisions.

We can help make sure the tech you invest in pays off for your business in the long run. Get in touch.

Imagine turning on your computer and having all the apps you need for the day already open and ready to go. That’d be useful, right?

Windows 11 lets you set your favorite apps to launch automatically when you log in.

Setting it up is easy. And it’ll help you and your team dive into work faster.

For some apps, you can set up auto-launch like this:

• Head to Settings
• Click Apps
• Then select Startup

Here, you’ll see a list of apps that support auto-launch. Flip the toggle for the apps you want to open when you start your computer, and they’ll be ready for you next time you log in.

If an app doesn’t appear in the Startup area of Settings, don’t worry. You can set the app to auto-launch another way.

For this, head to the special Startup folder in Windows 11. Here you can add shortcuts to any app you want to launch automatically.

Here’s how you do it:

• Hit “Windows Key + R” to open the Run tool
• Type ‘shell:startup’
• Click OK

Now you’ll be able to add a shortcut to your chosen app using its executable file (usually shown as an .exe file in Program Files).

If the thought of doing this makes you feel nauseous, get us to do it for you.

One thing to remember, though. While it’s tempting to set all your favorite apps to launch automatically, opening too many at once can slow down your computer. Stick to the essentials.

Need help getting your tech set up for your business? We can do that, get in touch.

Wouldn’t it be great if your Windows 11 computer could handle tasks just like a real-life assistant?

That’s exactly what Microsoft wants to achieve with Windows Agent Arena, its new AI project.

The goal is to create smart virtual assistants, known as AI agents. They will be able to complete tasks on your computer. They could save time by doing repetitive tasks for you, such as managing apps or organising files.

So, what exactly is an AI agent? And how could it help your business?

An AI agent is a type of artificial intelligence designed to interact with your computer. Instead of only giving you information, AI agents can perform actions for you.

For example, you could train an AI agent to run your morning routine. It would open your calendar, launch your email app, and check the news. When you begin your day, the agent would know what info to share with you, like a virtual assistant.

Imagine having AI agents that update your software, or even edit documents for you. They could enable privacy options in Microsoft Edge, install extensions or update settings. This saves you time and hassle, so you can focus on bigger things.

The project is open source. That means developers around the world can contribute to help these tools evolve. Although they’re still in development, the potential for businesses is exciting.

For now, one of the best ways to see how helpful AI can be for your business is to give Copilot a try. Need help getting started? Get in touch.

Do you dream of never having to remember another password ever again?

That’s what Windows Hello, Microsoft’s biometric sign-in tool is all about. It helps you log in to your Windows 11 devices quickly and securely – with just a glance or a touch.

Now, Windows Hello is getting a makeover, bringing not only a new look but also enhanced security features that are perfect for busy business owners.

If you’re not familiar with Windows Hello, it lets you skip traditional passwords and sign in using:

• Facial recognition
• Your fingerprint
• Or a simple PIN

This means faster access, better security, and a lot less frustration.

Windows Hello is invaluable for businesses, allowing employees to securely access their apps and devices without the risks associated with weak or reused passwords.

The refresh will improve the design of Windows Hello, so it fits right in with the sleek, modern look of Windows 11. The whole experience will feel smoother and easier, whether you’re logging in to your computer or accessing the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft have also made it easier to use passkeys – another secure, password-free login method. With Windows Hello’s new passkey experience, you can choose your preferred sign-in method and switch effortlessly between devices.

These updates are currently in testing, but we should see a rollout soon.

Want to give Windows Hello a go? We can help, get in touch.

If you get a call claiming to be from Microsoft Teams support, think twice before doing what they ask.

There’s a new trend for scammers to pose as “help desk” staff, with the aim of tricking employees into letting them take over their devices.

This is part of a larger ransomware attack, where you’ll be denied access to your business data unless you make a hefty payment to get it back.

Recently, a notorious cyber crime group has taken this scam to a new level.

First, they’ll flood an employee’s inbox with so much spam that it becomes unusable. Then they swoop in with a phone call, pretending to be from IT support, offering to “fix” the problem.

They may ask your employee to install remote desktop software like AnyDesk or use built-in tools like Windows Quick Assist. Once they have access, they can move around your network, collect sensitive data, and launch ransomware on your devices.

Be warned – they don’t only reach out over the phone. They’ve also started setting up Teams accounts to make employees think they’re part of IT support.

They do this by choosing usernames like “Help Desk” and using fake Microsoft tenant domains such as “securityadminhelper.onmicrosoft .com”. Then they send one-to-one messages to employees, saying they need access to their device.

Ransomware attacks are serious business. Along with locking you out of your data, they can also shut down your operations, disrupt customer service, and potentially leak confidential information.

Recovering from a ransomware attack can be expensive, both in terms of paying the ransom and dealing with the aftermath. It can cause loss of revenue, damage your reputation, and it could even have legal consequences.

Make your team aware of this scam and encourage everyone to be cautious with any unsolicited support calls or Teams chats. And make sure everyone knows to check with your actual IT department first, if someone is asking to install software or gain access.

Also, if you use Microsoft Teams in your business, make sure it’s set up securely. Only allow external chats from trusted domains, and make sure chat logging is enabled.

If you want extra help safeguarding your setup, we can do that. Get in touch.

If you’ve installed version 24H2 of Windows 11 for your business, you might have noticed an annoying glitch in File Explorer.

File Explorer is that familiar window you use to browse your files and folders. Normally, it’s straightforward – but some people are running into issues with the “See more” menu after downloading this update.

The menu, which is marked by three little dots, usually pops up below your mouse cursor, giving you options like “Select All” or “View Properties”.

But thanks to a recent bug, the “See more” menu is flying up to the top of the screen, often disappearing out of sight. And if you’re using File Explorer in full-screen mode, some menu options might not even be visible.

Frustrating, to say the least.

Luckily, there’s a simple workaround: Just make sure you’re running File Explorer in windowed mode where it shares the screen with other applications. To do this, click the square icon in the top-right corner (next to the “X” you’d click to close it).

You can then resize the File Explorer window, allowing you to use the “See more” menu, even if it’s still misbehaving.

The good news is that Microsoft are aware of the problem. They’re working on a fix.

Little glitches like this can be a nuisance when you and your team are trying to get things done.

Can we help you squeeze more productivity out of your applications? Get in touch.

Email has become an essential tool for any successful business, but as the saying goes, “with great power comes great responsibility”.

As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure your emails are secure. It’s one of the key ways to stop your business data falling into the wrong hands.

Business Email Compromise (or BEC) is a growing threat. And if you become a target, it could cost you – big time.

So, what exactly is a BEC attack?

In simple terms, it’s where scammers pose as people high up in the business, like CEOs, executives, and IT staff. The goal is to trick your employees into sharing sensitive information or sending money. Research shows that nearly 90% of BEC attacks are set up this way.

It’s easy to see how someone might quickly respond without a second thought, especially when they trust the sender.

BEC attacks have spiked dramatically this year, especially over the third quarter. Researchers have analysed 1.8 billion emails worldwide, discovering a shocking 208 million malicious emails among them. And of these malicious emails, more than half (58%) were BEC attempts.

The figures make it clear: BEC scams are now the biggest email threat to businesses.

Another thing worth noting? Most BEC scams target employees lower in the business, who might be less likely to question authority or be less aware of cyber threats.

Although BEC attacks are common, it’s also important to remember that scammers still use other methods too. This includes commercial spam and phishing attacks, which are designed to trick people into sharing personal information, like login details.

In fact, the combined effect of these types of scams now overshadows traditional ransomware and malware attacks.

Luckily, it isn’t complicated or expensive to protect your business.

Simply make sure that all members of your team are trained to think twice about every email they receive.

If an email asks for sensitive information or a financial transaction – especially if it feels urgent – your employees should know to stop and check with someone before they action anything.

If you need help making sure your business is secure, get in touch.