As if Windows 11 wasn’t already packed with enough goodies, it’s about to get even better.

Are you ready for a major upgrade to your favourite tools included with the operating system?

First, let’s talk about the Snipping Tool. This humble screenshotting tool has been quietly serving us for years, capturing our screens one snip at a time. But now, with a new text capture and recognition capability, called ‘Text Actions,’ we’re looking at a drastic game-changer. You can copy and paste text straight from a screenshot. No more typing out information from an image like a caveman (or a more modern version of a caveman anyway).

And that’s not all. A new ‘Quick Redact’ function, lets you hide sensitive information right in the screenshot. Gone are the days of awkwardly scribbling over confidential data with a digital marker.

With integration from Windows 11’s Phone Link feature, your Android devices and PC are going to be best friends too. Syncing will be so much easier.

Now, let’s talk about the Photos app. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, Microsoft pulls another rabbit out of the hat. Based on community feedback – yes, they do listen to us – the Photos app is getting a makeover complete with a new Background Blur option.

Want to make your subject pop by blurring out the background? No problem. Need to control the intensity of the blur or select specific areas to blur? They’ve sorted it.

The new ‘Content Search’ capability for photos backed up on OneDrive is a game-changer as well.

Ever wished you could search for a photo based on its content? Wish granted! Using intelligent image detection software, Microsoft will now scan and label your photos with searchable tags. And yes, you can also search for photos based on location, across local files, OneDrive, and even Apple’s iCloud. That’s right, iPhone users haven’t been left out.

Now, we know some people are still smarting from the changes to the Windows 10 Photos app, notably the removal of the Video Editor feature. But it looks like Microsoft may be making amends. The vague mention in Microsoft’s announcement that “Edit and Create Video options are now easily accessible at the top of the gallery view” suggests some video editing functions might be heading our way. We’ll just have to wait and see what that means.

As we eagerly await these updates, one thing is clear: Microsoft is not resting on its laurels. They’re working tirelessly to make our lives easier one update at a time. I’m thrilled, and as a business owner, you should be too. After all, who doesn’t love a good upgrade?

If you’d like to get started with Windows 11 or need a hand spreading its productivity features to your team, we can help. Get in touch.

Did you know that a staggering 60% of phishing websites are only online for a fleeting 10 minutes?

Yes, you read that right. Just ten minutes.

This surprising fact underlines just how rapidly cyber threats are evolving and how vital it is for us to stay ahead of the game.

Phishing sites are fake sites that try to trick you into entering your login details. Or to get you to download malware.

The idea is that cyber criminals drive huge amounts of traffic to them… scam people… then take down the site before it can be detected.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could spot these threats before they vanish into thin air and pop-up elsewhere? Well, Google Chrome has a trick up its sleeve to help us do just that.

Imagine this: You’re running your business, constantly on the move, making split-second decisions. You absent-mindedly visit a website which looks a little… odd. But you don’t panic. You’re using Google Chrome and it scans websites you visit against its list of malicious URLs. 

But uh oh. Google’s list of bad websites is only updated every 30 to 60 minutes. That 60% of phishing domains that are active for just 10 minutes may slip through the net.

Enter Google Chrome’s new security tool, Enhanced Safe Browsing.

As part of a recent update, Chrome has switched it on for everyone. It will now check URLs against a list of domains in real time. Think of it as a cyber bodyguard who can spot and neutralise threats at lightning speed.

Google has confirmed that Enhanced Safe Browsing will continue to offer features like deep scans for files and protection from malicious extensions.

So, does this mean Google will know every URL you visit?

Well, yes. But whilst this new feature does share all visited URLs with Google, the information won’t be used to power other features, including advertising. It’s a trade-off between security and privacy. Given the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, isn’t it worth having an extra layer of protection?

We say embrace these new tools and stay one step ahead of the cyber criminals. After all, the safety of all our businesses depends on it.

If you need additional support protecting your business from phishing scams – or anything else – get in touch.

Can you believe it? After 30 years of faithful service, Microsoft is finally pulling the plug on WordPad. The app that debuted with Windows 95, and lets you open a .doc file if you don’t have Word installed, is being shown the door.

But why now and what does it mean for your business?

Microsoft recently announced plans to stop updating WordPad and eventually remove it from Windows altogether. It was a quiet reveal, and it’s unclear when this will happen, but it’s in the works.

Let’s be honest though… how many times have you accidentally opened a document in WordPad when you were aiming for Notepad?

Notepad is what you use for plain text. WordPad is more like a word processor. Everyone gets them confused.

Could this common mix-up be the reason behind WordPad’s impending demise? Or perhaps Microsoft is trying to nudge more people towards paying for Microsoft Word, a key part of its Microsoft 365 suite.

In an excerpt from Microsoft’s recently updated Windows deprecated features list, they recommend using Microsoft Word for rich text documents and Windows Notepad for plain text documents. So, in other words, “WordPad who?”

But let’s not get too sentimental here. As a lifelong Windows user, I can confess that I’ve mostly opened WordPad only by mistake. And if it does vanish, I won’t be losing sleep. There are plenty of other word processors out there, and I’m quite fond of Word.

However, if you’re a diehard WordPad fan, don’t despair just yet. Microsoft is asking for feedback via the Windows Feedback Hub app. So, if there’s an outpouring of support, who knows? Maybe Microsoft will reconsider and allow WordPad to stick around, even if it’s just as an optional, rarely-updated app from the Microsoft Store. If we can help you discover the best apps for your business, get in touch.

Ever been tempted to download the beta version of your favourite app, ready to test out all the cool new features before everyone else?

STOP!!

The FBI has some news that might just make you think twice.

Cyber criminals have come up with a brand new trick to lure us into their lair. They’re hiding malicious code in fake beta versions of popular apps, turning unsuspecting people’s smartphones into their personal piggy banks.

Now, don’t get us wrong, we love innovation as much as the next team of tech enthusiasts. But whilst beta versions have a certain allure, they haven’t gone through the rigorous security checks that apps in the official app stores must pass.

Criminals send fake emails pretending to be the developers of popular apps, offering early access to new beta versions.

But of course they’re fake too. Once installed, they can do all sorts of bad things, including accessing data from your finance apps and even taking over your phone.

If your staff download them onto company devices, could your business be compromised?

There’s a moral to our story. And it’s a simple one: Patience is a virtue.

Hold off on downloading beta versions of apps. Wait until they’re stable and officially released in app stores. Good things come to those who wait, and that includes secure apps.

If you have downloaded beta versions in the past, keep an eye out for red flags like faster battery drain, poor performance, persistent pop-up ads, and apps asking for unnecessary permissions.

In this digital age, we must be as smart and savvy as the technology we use. So, before you hit download, take a moment to think: is this app worth the risk?

Train your staff to think the same way. And if you do give them business phones, consider a Mobile Device Management solution to control what they can do with them.

We can help keep all your devices better protected. Get in touch.

You’ve checked your pockets, your bag, under cushions… and then it hits you. You left your work phone on the table at the coffee shop.

You panic.

It’s not the device itself that’s got you worried, but all the sensitive business information stored on it. If that mobile ends up in the wrong hands, you’re facing a nightmare.

But that worry could be over. Microsoft and Samsung are joining forces to make your work phones safer. This month, they’re launching a groundbreaking solution to help protect anyone who uses a Samsung Galaxy device in the workplace.

How?

With something called on-device attestation. It lets companies see if mobile devices have been compromised, even at their deepest components. Think of it as a security guard for your phone.

Samsung brings its software and hardware innovations to the table, whilst Microsoft provides its endpoint management expertise.

And whilst other device attestation tools require a network connection and access to cloud services, this solution works reliably regardless of network connectivity or device ownership model.

This solution will be released alongside Microsoft Intune (previously known as Windows Intune), a unified endpoint management service for both corporate devices and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). And it will be available to select Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets, especially those “Secured by Knox”.

So, whether you’re working from the office, a busy coffee shop, or a remote cabin in the woods, you can rest assured your device is safe.

In business, your phone is more than just a communication device. It’s a vault of sensitive (and valuable) information. And with Microsoft and Samsung on the case, that vault just got a lot safer.

If we can help you keep any of your devices more secure, get in touch.

Have you heard about the latest productivity update from our friends at Google?

They’ve just added a little feature to Google Calendar that could make your life a whole lot easier – especially if you’re a hybrid worker.

Remember back in 2021 when they first introduced the option to share your working location with your colleagues? They’ve taken it up a notch.

Now, you can set up multiple locations for any given day on your calendar. So whether you’re splitting your time between the office and home, or out and about as a mobile worker, Google’s got you covered.

Picture this: you’re only in the office for half a day before you head off to a client meeting. With this new feature, your colleagues will know exactly when and where to find you.

Google is all about helping us work smarter, not harder. They know that heaps of us are still working remotely, or juggling a mix of office and remote work. This update is specially designed for hybrid workers.

It’s only available to those with a Workspace account, including:

• Google Workspace Business Standard/Plus
• Enterprise Standard/Plus
• Education Fundamentals/Standard/Plus
• The Teaching and Learning Upgrade
• Nonprofits

Unfortunately, personal accounts won’t have access just yet.

The working location feature will be switched on by default. But if you prefer that your colleagues can’t find you (we’re not judging… we all get distracted at work) you can easily disable it.

If we can help you get the most out of everyday applications like calendars and email, get in touch.

In the fast evolving world of technology, business owners and managers like you are always on the lookout for the next big thing to give them a competitive edge.

Have you considered how AI tools might be able to help?

ChatGPT – or Generative Pretrained Transformer, if you want to get technical – has been making big waves all year. It’s an AI model developed by OpenAI that’s designed to generate human-like text based on the prompts it’s given. Think of it like having a professional writer at your beck and call, ready to generate content, answer queries, or even draft emails whenever you need.

Lots of other AI models have also been released, including one from Google called Bard. Unlike ChatGPT, Bard can browse the web for its answers (you can do this in ChatGPT, but you must be a paying Plus subscriber and have switched on web browsing in the settings).

Some businesses are already using AI tools, mainly for customer service and content creation. That’s like buying a Ferrari just to drive to the supermarket. They can do so much more!

Here are three of the other ways an AI tool can turbocharge your business…

1. Stay ahead with trend detection: Remember the feeling when you realised too late that the last ‘big thing’ could’ve been a gold mine? With an AI tool, you’ll be the one setting the trends, not following them. Simply ask it to “Provide a short analysis of the latest [insert your industry] trends”, and you’re armed with powerful knowledge.

• Enhance productivity with keystone habits: Increased productivity is the holy grail for any business owner. With an AI tool, you can tap into cutting-edge research to supercharge your work habits. Just ask for the “top 5 latest ways to [improve a specific area]”. We bet you spot a new idea you’d never thought of.

• Make better decisions with summaries of complex events: Ask your tool to explain [something complex] to a 12 year old… that’s a clever way to get a summary anyone can understand.

ChatGPT, Bard and all the others are more than just AI writing assistants… they’re your secret weapon in the business world. It’s time to stop using your Ferrari just for the supermarket run and start taking it for a real spin.

If we can help you use AI more in your business, get in touch.

You may think that cyber attacks only happen to large corporations. But unfortunately, that’s not the case.

According to a recent report, almost two-thirds of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) suffered at least one cyber attack over the past year. That’s a staggering number, and it should serve as a wake-up call for businesses everywhere.

But it gets worse.

More and more businesses are also experiencing repeat attacks, with 87% reporting at least two successful attacks over the past year. And on average, a company suffers almost five successful cyber incidents.

Terrifying.

The question is, why are these attacks happening, and what can you do to prevent them?

The most common types of cyber attack that businesses face are malware and ransomware.

Malware is malicious software. It invades your system and can cause all sorts of problems, from slowing down your operations to stealing your data.

Ransomware is even more dangerous as it encrypts your data, making it impossible for you to access it unless you pay a ransom fee. This can be devastating for any business and can lead to significant losses and downtime.

What factors are contributing to more successful attacks?

One reason is the rise in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). This means employees using their personal devices to access company information, which can be risky.

Another factor is the explosion of productivity apps, which can create security vulnerabilities if not properly secured.

Finally, the number of devices we’re using now means there are more entry points for cyber criminals to exploit.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your business. Here are five solid security steps you can take.

1. Use strong passwords: Passwords are your first line of defence, so make sure they’re strong and unique. Better yet, use a password manager that can create and remember randomly generated passwords
2. Keep software up to date: Software updates often contain security fixes, so make sure you’re always running the latest version. This applies to both your operating system and all applications you use
3. Train your staff: Educate your employees on how to identify phishing emails and other scams. You can also run regular security awareness training sessions to keep everyone up to date
4. Backup your data: Doing this means if you do suffer a cyber attack, you can restore your systems quickly and with less disruption
5. Use antivirus software: This can help protect your systems from malware and other threats. Make sure you’re running a reputable and up-to-date solution

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Take action today to help you stay protected.

And if that seems like a lot of extra work, let us help. Get in touch today.

Have you heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words”? It seems cyber criminals have too, and they’re using it to their advantage.

In a new twist on phishing campaigns, cyber criminals are luring victims to click on images rather than downloading malicious files or clicking suspicious links.

Let’s dive into the warning signs, so you can keep your business safe from these sneaky attacks.

First things first, what’s the big deal about clicking on an image? It might be promoting a killer deal or one time offer.

But when you click on the image, you don’t go to the real website. Instead it’s a fake site designed to steal your personal information.

Imagine being lured in by a cute cat photo only to find out that Mr. Whiskers was actually a wolf in sheep’s clothing! Not so cute anymore, right?

So, how can you tell if an image is part of a phishing campaign? Here are some warning signs to look out for:

• Unexpected emails: Did you receive an email from someone you don’t know or weren’t expecting? Be cautious! It’s like accepting sweets from a stranger – you never know what you’re getting yourself into.

• Too good to be true: If an email promises you a free holiday or a million pounds just for clicking on an image, remember the golden rule: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Spelling and grammar mistakes: We all make typos, but if an email is riddled with errors, it could be a sign that something is going on.

• Mismatched logos or branding: If an email claims to be from a reputable company but the logo or branding doesn’t match up, assume it’s a scam

Now that you know what to look for, let’s talk about how to protect your business from these image-based phishing attacks:

1. Educate your employees: Knowledge is power! Make sure your team is aware of the latest phishing tactics and knows how to spot the warning signs.

• Keep software up-to-date: Just like you wouldn’t drive a car with bald tyres, don’t let your software become outdated. Regular updates help patch security vulnerabilities that cyber criminals might exploit.

• Use strong passwords: It might be tempting to use “password123” for all your accounts, but resist the urge! A strong, unique password for each account can help prevent unauthorised access. Using a password manager is even better.

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring people to verify their identity through another method, such as a text message or fingerprint scan.

• Backup your data: In case disaster strikes, make sure you have a backup of all your files. That way, you won’t be left high and dry if your data is compromised.

Whilst cyber criminals are getting smarter and smarter with their tactics, there’s no need to panic. By being aware of the warning signs and taking proactive steps to protect your business, you can stay one step ahead of these digital tricksters.

Remember, not all that glitters is gold – or in this case, not every cute cat picture is just a cute cat picture. Stay vigilant, and don’t let the scammers win!

Don’t be mistaken, we love Microsoft Edge (and think you will too), but lately, something has come to our attention that we wanted to share.

It’s always a good idea to be aware of what your browser is doing behind the scenes. And there’s an Edge setting that you might be interested to learn about. It’s one that sends the images you view online to Microsoft.

While this might not seem like a big deal on the surface – it’s done to enhance the images – some business owners might be concerned about the privacy implications. After all, you never know who might be looking at your browsing history.

The good news is that it’s easy to disable this setting if you’re concerned about it. Here’s how:

1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots (“More actions”) in the upper-right corner of the screen

• Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu

• Scroll down and click on “Privacy, search, and services”

• Under the “Services” section, turn off the toggle switch next to “Improve your web experience by allowing Microsoft to use information about websites you browse to improve search suggestions, or to show you more relevant advertising”

That’s it! With just a few clicks, you’ve disabled the feature that sends images to Microsoft.

Of course, there are other settings in Edge that you might want to explore as well. Like the ones that control your data collection preferences, or the ones that limit pop-ups and redirects.

Why should you take a few minutes to check out your browser settings? Well, for one thing, it can help protect your privacy and security online. By being aware of what your browser is doing, you can make informed decisions about what data to share (and what to keep private).

Plus, exploring your browser settings can be a fun and educational experience in its own right. You might discover new features or hidden gems you never knew existed.

And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a tech expert to understand these settings. In fact, Microsoft has done a great job of making them simple and straightforward, with clear explanations and helpful tips along the way.

If you ever get stuck, our team is happy to help. Get in touch.