​Picture this: Your business gets hit by a ransomware attack, and your valuable data is locked away by cyber criminals demanding a huge ransom fee. 
 
You can’t afford to pay it. But there's a twist – just like those "buy now, pay later" schemes, some ransomware gangs are offering victims payment extension options. 
 
Recent research reveals that ransomware groups are getting creative with their extortion strategies. One group is even offering victims various choices when it comes to their ransom demands. These "choices" include:
 
Paying to delay the publication of their stolen data, with a standard fee of $10,000… or paying to have their stolen data deleted before it's made public.
 
The exact amounts charged are often negotiated with victims, adding a chilling dimension to the whole ordeal.
 
To increase the pressure on victims, these ransomware groups have added some terrifying features to their web sites. These include countdown timers displaying how much time businesses have before their data is released, view counters, and even tags revealing the victim's identity and description. 
 
It's all designed to make victims feel cornered and more likely to give in to the demands.
 
You might be tempted to pay that ransom to protect your business data. Not so fast. Paying is always a bad idea and here’s why…
 
Paying doesn't guarantee that you'll get your data back or that the cyber criminals won't demand more money later.
 
By paying, you're essentially funding criminal activities, encouraging them to continue their attacks on others.
 
Paying a ransom might even get you into legal trouble, as some governments have made it illegal to pay cyber criminals.
 
So, what can you do to safeguard your business from falling victim to ransomware?
 

• Ensure you have regular, secure backups of your data. This way, you won't be at the mercy of cyber criminals.

 

• Educate your staff about the risks of ransomware and train them to recognize phishing emails and suspicious links.

 

• Invest in robust cyber security software and keep it up to date.

 

• Keep your systems and software updated with the latest security patches.

 

• Segment your network to limit the spread of ransomware if one device gets infected.

 

• Develop a clear incident response plan, so you know exactly what to do if you're ever hit by a ransomware attack.

 
Paying cyber criminals rarely makes things better, and we’re seeing businesses that do pay become targets time and time again. Instead, invest in the proactive measures above to help you stay secure. And if we can help you with that, get in touch.

​You've probably been considering how to harness the potential of AI to boost your company's efficiency and productivity. 
 
But there's a small problem. A recent study revealed something fascinating but not entirely surprising: A trust gap when it comes to AI in the workplace. 
 
While you see AI as a fantastic opportunity for business transformation, your employees might be skeptical and even worried about their job security.
 
Here's a snapshot of the findings:
 

• 62% of C-suite executives welcome AI, but only 52% of employees share the same enthusiasm.
• 23% of employees doubt their company’s commitment to employee interests when implementing AI.
• However, 70% of business leaders believe that AI should include human review and intervention, showing they view AI as an assistant rather than a replacement.

 
Now that we understand the situation, how can you introduce AI gently and reassure your employees that their roles are safe? 
 
Start by having open and honest conversations with your employees. Explain why you're introducing AI and how it will benefit both the company and individual roles. Show them that AI is meant to be a helping hand, not a jobs terminator.
 
Invest in training that helps your people acquire the skills they need to work alongside AI. Make them feel empowered by showing that it can make their jobs more interesting and valuable.
 
Emphasize that your AI initiatives are designed to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. Let your team know that it will handle repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their work.
 
Develop clear guidelines for responsible AI use in your business. Highlight your commitment to ethical practices and ensure that employees are aware of these policies.
 
Involve your employees in the implementation process. Seek their input, listen to their concerns, and make them part of the solution. This shows that you value their contributions.
 
Encourage a culture of continuous learning. Let your employees know that they'll have opportunities for ongoing education and development, ensuring they stay relevant and valuable in the AI-driven workplace.
 
Introducing AI into your workplace doesn't have to be a cause for concern among your employees. AI is a tool for growth and innovation, not a threat to job security.
 
If we can help you introduce the right AI tools in the right way, get in touch.

Microsoft is soon going to release its latest update for Windows 11, known as "Moment 5" or the "February 24 Moment." This update is expected to start rolling out in the next few weeks and it comes with some noteworthy changes that you'll want to keep an eye on.
 
But first, let's address one thing: After this update, Microsoft is going back to its roots with annual updates for Windows 11. 
 
What does that mean for you? Well, it means you can expect more stability and fewer major overhauls to your operating system. It's time to bid farewell to those frequent "moment" updates and embrace a more predictable schedule.
 
Now, let's dive into what Moment 5 has in store for us…
 
One of the standout features of this update is the enhancement of Windows 11's built-in accessibility features. Microsoft is improving the user experience for those who rely on these. 
 
Voice Access now supports multiple monitors and additional languages. It introduces "voice shortcuts" for custom voice-activated commands. Narrator gains the ability to preview new natural voices and works alongside voice access for various tasks.
 
One notable change is the ability to write directly into text boxes using a stylus across the operating system. This feature streamlines the use of digital pens, eliminating the need for a dedicated handwriting panel.
 
For the first time ever, Microsoft is making some in-box apps uninstallable. Apps like Edge, Camera, and Photos can be removed if you don't intend to use them. 
 
Microsoft is also making the Windows Search pane more flexible. This update allows third-party search providers like Google or Yahoo to create plugins for the Windows Search pane. So, if you prefer another search engine over Bing (and let’s face it, many of us do), you'll have the option to switch.
 
The Nearby Share feature (it’s like Apple's AirDrop) gets a boost with "friendly name" support. You can give your PC a more readable name, making file sharing more user-friendly. Additionally, Windows Spotlight, which displays Bing's background of the day, will become the default wallpaper setting.
 
Copilot is getting better. It can now be "undocked," making it more versatile and accessible. You'll also find the Copilot interface in the Windows ALT+TAB menu for quick and easy access.
 
And Microsoft is making changes to the Widgets Board. You’ll be able to disable Microsoft News integration, allowing for a widget-only layout if you prefer not to have news headlines in your Widgets Board. Plus, third-party news services can build plugins to integrate with the Widgets Board, providing more options for users.
 
Notepad will include a character count feature and an "Edit with Notepad" shortcut in context menus for select file types. 
 
In a nutshell, Moment 5 brings a host of improvements and enhancements to Windows 11, making it more accessible, user-friendly, and versatile. 
 
For business owners, these updates can improve productivity and streamline workflows for you and your team. If you haven’t already made the move to Windows 11, now’s the time! We can help you with that – get in touch.