​Imagine having an assistant by your side that never gets tired, never misses a detail, and can help with everything from drafting emails to organizing meetings. 
 
Sounds great, right? 
 
Well, that’s what Microsoft Copilot is. It’s a smart, AI-driven tool built into the Microsoft apps you already use, like Word, Excel, and Teams. It’s designed to handle time-consuming tasks that slow your team down. 
 
But how exactly does it work, and why should you care? 
 
In simple terms, Copilot is AI embedded into the Microsoft Office suite. It’s always there to assist you, whether you're typing up a report, analyzing data in Excel, or even planning your next big meeting. And the best part is, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it. If you can use Word, you can use Copilot.
 
So, how can it make a difference in your business?
 
First off, one of the most exciting things about Copilot is that it’s seamlessly integrated into the software you already know. There’s no need for complicated installations or training sessions. And because it’s built into Microsoft 365, your team can jump right in with minimal disruption. It works across devices too, so whether you're in the office or travelling, Copilot is always there.
 
One area where Copilot really shines is how it simplifies your daily grind. Think about how much time gets wasted on things like sorting through emails or organizing meetings. We’ve all been there, spending way too long combing through endless email chains or trying to figure out who said what in a meeting. 
 
Copilot tackles this for you. It can summarize long email threads and even suggest responses, so you can get back to what really matters. It’s like having someone do all the heavy lifting while you focus on the more important tasks.
 
Speaking of meetings, Copilot is a big help when it comes to collaboration. Let’s say you’re wrapping up a Teams call. Instead of manually taking notes or worrying about missing key action items, Copilot will summarize the entire meeting for you, highlighting decisions and tasks. It listens in, captures the key points, and even helps you plan the next steps.
 
But Copilot isn’t just about cutting down on admin work, it’s also a creativity booster. You know that moment where you stare at a blank document, unsure how to start? Whether it’s drafting a client proposal or putting together a presentation, sometimes the hardest part is getting the ball rolling.
 
That’s where Copilot comes in. Give it a few prompts, and it’ll generate a first draft or outline to get you started. You don’t have to be a creative genius to produce something great. Copilot takes care of that early-stage work, freeing you up to fine-tune and add your personal touch. 
 
All this leads to a more productive, efficient, and creative workplace. That’s what makes Microsoft Copilot such a powerful tool. It not only takes care of the little things but also helps you unlock your team’s full potential. 
 
Want to find out what Copilot could do for your business? We can help, get in touch.

​If you’ve ever had the misfortune of seeing the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your computer, you know just how frustrating it can be. It’s that moment when your screen turns an ominous shade of blue, and you’re left wondering what went wrong and how much work you’ve just lost. 
 
For businesses, these crashes are more than just annoying – they can be disruptive and cost money.
 
Recent research highlights just how common BSODs have become, with one in 200 devices crashing under normal use. And it gets worse. During the recent CrowdStrike outage, that number shot up to one in ten devices. 
 
While the tech industry seems to be hit the hardest, with more than 15% of devices affected monthly, even sectors like healthcare and retail, which are less prone to these crashes, still get about 8-10% of devices displaying the dreaded blue screen.
 
So, what’s causing all these crashes? And more importantly, how can you reduce the risk of them happening in your business? 
 
The good news is that about half of these incidents are avoidable. 
 
The bad news is that many businesses simply don’t have the tools or strategies in place to prevent them.
 
One of the key takeaways from the study is that many BSODs are linked to a few common issues. Problematic hardware, poorly managed Windows updates, and misconfigured drivers for things like graphics cards, networks, and audio systems are among the top culprits. 
 
When these aren’t working properly, it can lead to system instability, which often manifests as a BSOD.
 
For business owners, this means taking a proactive approach to IT management is crucial. 
 
Instead of waiting for something to go wrong and then scrambling to fix it, businesses should focus on identifying potential problem areas before they lead to a crash. By monitoring the health of your devices and making sure that updates and drivers are properly managed, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of BSODs disrupting your operations.
 
The research suggests that with the right preventative measures, businesses could cut the number of BSOD incidents in half, reducing the occurrence to about one in 400 devices. This not only minimizes downtime but also frees up your IT team to focus on more strategic tasks rather than constantly putting out fires.
 
Unfortunately, many businesses lack the necessary tools to identify these risks early on. In fact, most companies don’t even know which of their devices are at risk right now, let alone which ones might crash in the future. 
 
To move from a reactive approach to a proactive one, invest in tools that can provide insights into your IT systems. These tools allow you to make data-driven decisions, which can reduce costs, relieve employee stress, and ultimately increase productivity.
 
Better still, get experts to do it for you. Our approach is proactive IT management. This prevents problems before they can interrupt your work. 
 
Let us keep your business crash-free. Get in touch.

​Microsoft recently announced that all Azure sign-ins will soon require multi-factor authentication (MFA) to boost security. Even if you don’t use Azure, a cloud computing platform, this is something you should pay attention to. Because MFA is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your digital assets.
 
What is multi-factor authentication? Think of it like adding an extra security measure to the door of your business. 
 
Normally, you log into your accounts with just a password. But passwords aren’t as safe as they used to be; cyber criminals are good at cracking them. MFA adds another layer of security. It’s like saying, “OK, you have the key, but I’m going to need to see some ID too.”
 
After entering your password, you’re asked to verify your identity a second time. This could be a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint scan, or a quick tap on an app like Microsoft Authenticator. It’s an extra step, but an important one. Even if someone manages to steal your password, they’d still need this second form of verification to get into your account. That’s a massive roadblock.
 
Yes, adding another step to your sign-in process might sound like a hassle. But the reality is, it’s a small inconvenience that can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Imagine the fallout if someone gained access to your sensitive business information. The cost of a breach, in terms of both money and reputation, is much higher than the few extra seconds it takes to use MFA.
 
There are a few different ways to set up MFA. Some people prefer getting a one-time passcode via text message, while others like the convenience of a push notification on their phone. Biometric options, like fingerprints or facial recognition, are also becoming more common. And for those who want something extra secure, there are physical security keys that plug into your computer.
 
Microsoft’s push for MFA with Azure is just the tip of the iceberg. The truth is this kind of security measure is a business security basic.
 
Need help setting this up and making it easy for your business? It’s what we do. Get in touch.

​If you’re like most people, you probably find system updates a hassle. They take ages and those big downloads eat up precious bandwidth and storage. 
 
Good news then: Microsoft is about to make your life a whole lot easier with the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. 
 
It’s introducing something called ‘checkpoint cumulative updates.’ That might sound a bit technical, but don’t worry – it’s simple and very beneficial.
 
Normally, Windows gets its updates every month. These are known as cumulative updates, which bundle all the latest fixes and enhancements together. These bundles can be large and take a while to download and install.
 
The new checkpoint cumulative updates change this process. Instead of downloading a big update every time, your system will now receive smaller updates more frequently. These are tweaks to the last major update or checkpoint. 
 
So, what does this mean for your business? It’s great news… you’ll spend less time waiting for updates to finish so you can get back to work.
 
And, if you have a limited internet connection, smaller updates are a blessing. They use less bandwidth, so less chance of interrupting someone else’s video call.
 
The best part? All of this happens automatically through Windows Update. You don’t need to do anything differently. Your system will keep running smoothly, with most updates happening in the background. This seamless experience ensures that your work is not interrupted.
 
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has streamlined updates. When Windows 11 was first launched, Microsoft used new compression technology to reduce the size of updates by 40%. With the 24H2 update, they’re taking it a step further to ensure that your experience is even more efficient.
 
It’s also worth noting that while this new update system will be standard for Windows 11 and the upcoming Windows Server 2025, it’s less likely to be implemented for Windows 10, as that version is nearing its end of life. This means there’s even more incentive to upgrade your business to Windows 11 if you haven’t already.
 
Want to migrate to Windows 11 with zero hassle? We’re the people to talk to.

​There's an exciting new feature coming to Microsoft's Edge browser that’s going to make your life - and your employees' lives - a whole lot easier. 'Draft with Copilot' is an AI-powered tool that can instantly write text on any topic you need. 
 
When you're in Edge and you find yourself staring at an empty text field (like the body of an email or a comment box), just right-click. You'll see an option to 'Draft with Copilot.' 
 
Click on it, and a window will pop up. You just enter the subject or topic you need text for, hit 'Generate,' and watch Copilot do its thing. In a few moments, you'll have a piece of text on the topic you specified. 
 
You can then change the tone and length of the generated text to suit your style. Want it to be more formal or casual? Need it longer or shorter? No problem. 
 
We all know time is money, ’Draft with Copilot' can help save you both. Imagine how much time your team spend on writing everyday text. With Copilot, drafting a quick email or coming up with a social media update becomes easier. 
 
And Copilot not only helps you write faster but also makes sure the text is grammatically correct and well-structured. This is especially helpful if you're writing in a language that's not your native one.
 
Right now, this feature is only available in US English, but Microsoft is working on expanding it to more languages. 
 
One warning: It's important to review what it produces. Critics of AI-generated text sometimes say it can feel a bit generic. You might want to add a personal touch or specific details to make it more engaging for your audience.
 
This feature is currently in the Edge Canary preview build, which means it's still being fine-tuned. 
 
Microsoft is steadily integrating Copilot into more Windows apps, making these AI tools more accessible and versatile across different platforms. It's clear that the future holds even more convenient AI-assisted features that will make our digital lives easier.
 
Not tried Copilot in your business yet? We can help you get started. Get in touch.

​Microsoft has issued an important update: If you’re using Windows 11, you need to upgrade to version 23H2 before October 8th, 2024. After this, older versions will no longer receive essential security updates, putting your systems at risk.
 
Why is this important?
 
Because Microsoft will stop supporting older Windows 11 versions for business accounts. This includes stopping security updates, which are vital for protecting your systems against the latest cyber threats. 
 
The latest version includes advanced security features to protect against new threats, making sure your business data remains safe. But updating to Windows 11 version 23H2 brings other benefits beyond security.  
 
You’ll also notice performance improvements, making your systems run faster and more efficiently, which is great for productivity. Plus, new tools and features are continually added, helping streamline your workflows and improve overall efficiency. Staying updated ensures compatibility with new software and technologies, maintaining smooth business operations.
 
Delaying the update could leave your business vulnerable to cyber attacks. Without security updates, your systems will be exposed to potential exploits, risking data breaches and financial loss. 
 
Microsoft typically enforces updates post-deadline to keep people safe, especially for business devices not managed by IT departments. While this is helpful, it’s better to update proactively on your own schedule.
 
Updating to version 23H2 is straightforward. 
 

• First, check your current version by going to Settings, then System, and selecting About. 

 

• Before updating, make sure to back up all your important files to prevent data loss. 

 

• Navigate to Settings, then Update & Security, and select Windows Update. 

 

• Click on "Check for updates" and follow the prompts to install version 23H2. 

 

• Once the update is complete, restart your computer and verify the new version in Settings, System, and About again.

 
Making sure your systems are up to date will keep your business secure and running efficiently. Don’t wait until the last minute… upgrade to Windows 11 version 23H2 now. 
 
Keeping businesses protected and productive is our top priority. So, if you need any help with that, get in touch.  

​Here’s a topic that’s been making headlines and causing sleepless nights for many: Cyber extortion. 
 
Is it something that’s on your radar? It should be, because it might affect your business one day. 
 
What is cyber extortion?
 
It’s a type of cyber crime where criminals threaten to harm your business by compromising its data and digital assets unless a ransom is paid. These threats often involve ransomware, a malicious software that encrypts your data, making it inaccessible until you pay the ransom. 
 
Sometimes, cyber criminals go a step further by stealing data and threatening to release it publicly on dark web leak sites if their demands aren't met. This dual threat is known as double extortion.
 
According to a 2024 report, the number of victims of cyber extortion scams has skyrocketed by 77% over the past year. What’s more, small businesses are four times more likely to be targeted compared to their larger counterparts. This is a worrying trend, especially considering that smaller businesses often have fewer resources to defend against these attacks.
 
In the first quarter of this year alone, 1,046 businesses fell victim to double extortion. That may not seem huge, but bear in mind the actual number is likely much higher since many cases go unreported, hiding in the shadows of what experts call the "dark number."
 
The truth is, all businesses, regardless of size or industry, are potential targets. However, certain sectors are more frequently attacked. Manufacturing, professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as wholesale trade, top the list. Alarmingly, the healthcare and social assistance sectors are also seeing a significant rise in attacks, despite the potential societal and political repercussions.
 
Cyber criminals are opportunistic and strategic. They target regions with strong economic growth and shared languages. For instance, cyber extortion attacks in the US have increased by 108%.
 
While the rise in cyber extortion is a big worry, there are steps you can take to protect your business. Here are some key strategies:
 
Back up your data: Make sure you have a robust backup plan. Keep your critical data in an offline or offsite location and regularly test your backup restoration process. 
 
Keep software updated: Make sure all your devices use the latest software, especially those connected to the internet. 
 
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strengthen your access controls with MFA. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before access is granted (such as a code on a separate device). Also, limit user access to only the systems they need for their job.
 
Patch and vulnerability management: Regularly update your systems to fix any security vulnerabilities. Cyber criminals often exploit known weaknesses, so staying on top of patches can prevent many attacks.
 
By understanding what cyber extortion is and how it works, you can better prepare your business to defend against it. Remember, the key is to be proactive. 
 
If we can help prepare your business and keep it safe, get in touch.

​If you've ever found yourself wincing at the sound of a Microsoft Teams notification breaking your concentration, you're not alone. 
 
Here’s some news that might be music to your ears then: Microsoft has just rolled out an update that promises to make these interruptions much more manageable. With the latest update, you can customize your notification sounds on Teams. We believe that will make it easier to stay focused and prioritize your work.
 
Instead of the generic "ping" that jolts you out of your workflow, you could opt for a more soothing chime or even a subtle whoosh. This might seem like a small change, but it can make a big impact on how you manage your day. Being able to differentiate between urgent alerts and less critical messages through sound can help you prioritize effectively and reduce unnecessary distractions.
 
For business owners like you, this update is more than just a new feature – it's a tool to enhance productivity and team efficiency. By allowing your team to customize their notification sounds, you make it easy for them to tailor their work environment to their personal needs. For instance, urgent messages from key contacts can be assigned a distinct sound that grabs attention immediately, while routine notifications can have a softer, less intrusive tone.
 
This kind of prioritization is essential in a busy work environment where managing time and focus is vital. It can help prevent important messages from getting lost in the noise of everyday communications and ensure that team members can respond promptly to those pressing issues without being constantly disrupted.
 
The business benefits of this update are clear. First, it helps create a more focused and efficient work environment. When employees aren't constantly interrupted by generic notification sounds, they can maintain their concentration for longer periods, leading to higher productivity levels.
 
And by enabling the muting of notifications during meetings or focused work sessions, the update makes sure that important discussions and deep work sessions go uninterrupted. This feature is particularly handy in today’s hybrid work environment, where distractions can come from multiple channels.
 
While the customizable notification sounds are a standout feature, Microsoft Teams offers a huge range of other benefits that make it an invaluable tool for business. It integrates smoothly with other 365 applications, providing a unified platform for all your business needs. 
 
Whether it's collaborating on documents, scheduling meetings, or managing projects, Teams brings everything together in one place. Teams has a robust set of tools that make teamwork easier and more efficient.
 
If you’re not already using Teams, where have you been? Give it a try and see how it can help you streamline your workflows and communication.
 
We can help you customize Microsoft Teams to be perfect for your business. Get in touch.

​Microsoft Edge for Business has just rolled out new data leak control capabilities. And that could be a good thing for keeping your sensitive info safe.
 
What are data leak control capabilities?
 
In plain English, they help prevent your sensitive information from getting out to the wrong people. Think of it as having an extra lock on your digital doors, making sure only the right people can access your important data.
 
Every business handles sensitive information, whether it’s financial records, client details, or proprietary data. If this information leaks, it could mean big trouble: Financial loss, legal headaches, and a hit to your reputation. 
 
This new feature in Microsoft Edge helps keep your data secure by making sure only authorized people can access it. It also stops accidental sharing.
 
Depending on your industry, you may have strict rules about data protection. These new controls can help you stay on the right side of regulations.
 
And let’s not forget your customers. They’re more aware than ever about data privacy. Using a browser with strong data leak controls shows you’re serious about protecting their information, which can boost their trust in your business.
 
Microsoft Edge for Business has added this new feature into an easy-to-use package. You can set policies on how data can be shared – like stopping certain types of data from being copied or emailed to unauthorized recipients. This way, you’re less likely to have accidental leaks.
 
It uses artificial intelligence to spot potential threats and unusual data movements. Edge can alert you to a potential leak before it happens, giving you a chance to act proactively.
 
If you’re already using other Microsoft products like 365 or Microsoft Teams, good news: Edge for Business integrates smoothly with them, letting you apply consistent data protection across all your tools.
 
 
Ready to give it a spin? Here’s what to do:
 
1. Update your browser: Make sure all your business’s devices are using the latest version of Microsoft Edge for Business. This makes sure you have all the newest features and security updates.
 
2. Set your policies: Work with your IT support partner to set up data sharing policies that make sense for your business. Microsoft provides guidelines and templates to help you get started.
 
3. Train your team: Make sure your employees know about the importance of data security and how to use the new features. A quick training session can do the trick.
 
4. Monitor and adjust: Keep an eye on how things are working and tweak your policies as needed. You want to find a balance that keeps your data secure without disrupting your workflow.
 
Better still, why not get our team to just do this for you. Get in touch.

​We all know how important it is to keep our data safe, whether it's our business secrets or just personal info. Passwords used to be the number one way to keep things under wraps.
 
But are they still cutting it today?
 
According to a recent report, it seems many people are sticking to their guns when it comes to passwords, with only a small fraction opting for biometrics like fingerprints. But why the hesitation? It seems like everyone's got data privacy and security on their minds, and that's totally fair.
 
So, what exactly are biometrics, and why should we consider them as a more secure alternative to passwords?
 
Biometrics are all about using your unique physical or behavioral traits – like your fingerprints, face, or even your eye scan – to prove it's really you. Unlike passwords, which can be forgotten, stolen, or cracked, biometrics bring a whole new level of security to the table.
 
Sure, there's still some worry about biometric data getting into the wrong hands. But don't worry too much. It's rare and takes a lot of effort and know-how.
 
Biometrics are still a solid weapon in the fight against cyber threats. They're not only harder to copy than passwords but also offer unparalleled convenience. No more struggling to remember a jumbled mess of letters and numbers… just a quick scan of your fingerprint or face, and you're good to go.
 
But what if you're not sold on biometrics just yet?
 
There’s an alternative: Passkeys.
 
These clever authentication methods offer another option to the old-school password. Passkeys use special codes unique to each person and are tough to phish (that's when someone tries to trick you into giving away your login credentials).
 
By mixing biometrics with passkeys, you can make a big enhancement to your business’s security without making your staff’s lives harder (in fact most people find biometrics and passkeys easier).
 
Passwords may have served us well in the past, but it's time to embrace new, safer methods of authentication.
 
Need a hand implementing biometrics or passkeys? We can help – get in touch.