​Think about the last online ad you clicked…
 
Did you just assume it was genuine? 
 
If you said yes, you’re not alone – and this is exactly what scammers are counting on.


“Malvertising”, or malicious advertising, is where scammers use online ads to trick you into downloading malware (malicious software), sharing sensitive information like passwords, or even handing over money. 
 
These attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and they’re a growing threat to businesses of all sizes. Worse yet, you don’t even need to click on these ads to become a victim; just loading the ad in an out of date browser can be enough to compromise your device. 
 
The three most common malvertising techniques are known as scam malvertising, fake installer malvertising, and drive-by download malvertising. Here’s a little more about them: 
 

• Scam malvertising is where an ad claims that your computer is infected and urges you to call for support. Once you do, the scammers convince you to install software that gives them control over your system. Then they charge you to “fix” the fake issue.

 

• Fake installer malvertising often uses ads that lead you to cloned websites of brands you trust. You download software, thinking it’s legit… but, instead, you’re downloading malware onto your device. 

 

• Drive-by download malvertising is where ads infect your computer without you even clicking on anything. This type of malvertising exploits outdated browsers and installs malicious files or extensions automatically.

 
Recognizing these scams is the first step to keeping your business safe. If you see an ad claiming you’ve been hacked or urgently need to act, stop and think: How would this company even know anything about your computer? 
 
Also, make sure you double-check links before you click. If the link isn’t sending you to a legitimate domain, steer clear. And most importantly, make sure you’re running the latest version of your browser, as updates patch vulnerabilities that malvertising often exploits.
 
Don’t forget to share this knowledge with your employees, too. They’re your first line of defense – and training them to spot suspicious ads can save your business from serious trouble. 
 
Scammers want you to trust without thinking. But a healthy dose of skepticism can make all the difference. Next time you see an ad that feels wrong, trust your gut… and ask yourself if it’s safe before you click.
 
Want to train your team to protect your business from malvertising and other online scams? We can help, get in touch.

​Imagine you’re watching the news and see that a criminal is targeting houses in your neighborhood. 
 
Would you leave your front door unlocked tonight? 
 
I wouldn’t think so.

Yet this is essentially what many businesses do when they put off fixing vulnerabilities in their systems. And it happens a lot, with over two-thirds of businesses taking more than 24 hours to address serious security issues. 
 
This is a worrying statistic. Because the longer vulnerabilities remain open, the greater the risk of cyber attacks, data breaches, and major disruptions.
 
So, what exactly is a vulnerability? 
 
In simple terms, it’s a weakness in your system (like outdated software or misconfigured security settings) that cyber criminals can use to gain access to your business data. These weaknesses are often flagged by security tools. But responding to them fast enough is where many businesses fall short.
 
Many businesses have IT staff. But they can get bogged down by manual processes, wasting hours trying to make sense of incomplete data or juggling multiple tools that don’t talk to each other. This slows down response times and increases costs… while your business remains exposed. 
 
The problem is this: Every hour a vulnerability is left unaddressed is another hour cyber criminals have to exploit it.
 
Luckily, there’s an easy solution. Partnering with a reliable IT support provider can make things easier. Instead of your team scrambling to identify and patch vulnerabilities, an expert technology partner (like us) can step in with smarter tools and faster processes. We combine automation and expertise to identify risks, prioritize what needs fixing, and respond quickly to make sure your systems are secure.  
 
Cyber criminals are always looking for ways to exploit weaknesses. Don’t give them the chance. 
 
If keeping on top of vulnerabilities feels overwhelming, let us make it simple for you. Get in touch.

​Have you ever stopped to wonder how many phishing scams your employees encounter each day? The answer might come as a nasty surprise. 
 
Last year, the number of employees clicking on phishing links TRIPLED – and businesses everywhere are paying the price. 
 
Before we dive into this situation a little more, let’s rewind a bit. 
 
Phishing is where scammers try to steal sensitive information (like passwords or payment details) by pretending to be a trusted source. 
 
Maybe your employee gets an email that looks like it’s from Microsoft, with a link to a login page. Once your employee enters their details, that information falls right into the hands of criminals… and from this, they get the keys to your business.  
 
Here’s the really worrying part: Phishing attacks aren’t just happening more often, they’re getting harder to spot, too. 
 
Email phishing is still a big issue, but scammers are branching out; planting fake links in search engines, social media, online ads, and website comments. Scammers know that employees are taught to be cautious about emails, so they’re finding new ways to slip through the cracks.  
 
So, why are more people falling for these scams? 
 
Part of the problem is fatigue. Employees see so many phishing attempts in their inboxes, it’s difficult to keep their guard up every minute of the day. Scammers are also getting more creative, using fake websites and emails that are almost impossible to tell apart from the real thing. 
 
And they’re now targeting trusted platforms like Microsoft 365, which hold a goldmine of business data.
 
Your people can either be your greatest defense or your biggest vulnerability. A well-trained, alert team can spot phishing attempts before any damage is done. But if they’re unaware or unprepared, a single click can open the door to financial losses, stolen data, and a whole world of trouble for your business. 
 
So, what’s the solution? 
 
Start with education. Make sure your team knows what phishing looks like, not just in emails but across the web. Teach them to question unexpected requests for their login details, double-check links, and report anything suspicious. And don’t rely on memory alone; regular training sessions can keep the risk of phishing scams fresh in your employees’ minds.
 
At the same time, don’t leave all the responsibility on your team’s shoulders. Tools like multi-factor authentication (MFA) add an extra layer of security, so even if a password does get stolen, attackers can’t get in. Combine this with up-to-date software and a strong cyber security plan, and you’ve got a much better chance of keeping your business safe.  
 
Phishing scams aren’t going away any time soon, but with the right approach, you can stop your business from becoming another statistic. 
 
Need help protecting your business data? We can help – get in touch.

Imagine this: Your business grinds to a halt because your critical files are locked away by scammers. And they’re demanding a ransom for their release. 
 
This is called a ransomware attack, and it’s a growing threat to businesses all around the world.
 
Ransomware is a type of cyber attack where criminals break into your systems and encrypt your data, making it unusable. They’ll then demand payment (often in cryptocurrency) for the key to unlock it. 
 
Even if you pay the ransom, there’s no guarantee you’ll get your data back. This is why a strong backup system is one of the best safety nets you can have. 
 
Backups are copies of your important files and systems, stored separately from your main network. If something goes wrong (like a ransomware attack or even accidental deletion) you can use your backup tools to restore your data and keep your business running.
 
Backups are essential for businesses of all sizes. But here’s the catch: Not all backup systems are created equal. Recent research shows that many businesses are using outdated backup technology, leaving them exposed to risks even if they think they’re protected. 
 
Older backup systems weren’t designed to handle today’s sophisticated ransomware attacks. And they leave businesses vulnerable in three main ways: 
 
1. Backup data is a target 
Ransomware attackers are getting smarter. They know that backups are your last line of defense, so they target them directly. If your backup system isn’t designed to protect against these attacks, your safety net could be cut away when you need it most. 
 
2. Lack of encryption 
Encryption is a way of scrambling your data so only authorized people can access it. Without encryption, scammers can tamper with your backup data - yet nearly a third of businesses report that their backup data isn’t encrypted.
 
3. Failed backups
It can be difficult to restore lost data with older systems, and this is the point where they often fail. Imagine finding out that your backup didn’t work just as your business is trying to recover from an attack. It can mean long downtimes and expensive repair efforts, which many businesses simply can’t afford.
 
So, how can you fight back against ransomware threats? 
 
Rethink your approach to backups. Modern solutions like immutable storage are designed to offer the strongest protection against ransomware attacks. Immutable storage makes sure your backup data can’t be altered or deleted, no matter what.  
 
This technology is built on something called Zero Trust, a security model that assumes nobody and nothing can be trusted. Every access request is validated, and permissions are strictly limited, ensuring your important business data stays safe even if an attacker breaches your system.  
 
Ransomware attacks are not going away. If anything, they’re getting smarter and even more common. Now is the time to make sure your backup system is solid. 
 
Not sure where to start? This is what we do. 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.

​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.

​Are you tired of juggling a multitude of passwords like a circus act? You're not alone. According to a recent report, around 1 in 4 of us feel the same. But it's not just the sheer number of passwords that's causing headaches – it's the security risks they pose.
 
Let's face it, when it comes to setting passwords, most people aren't cyber security experts. From weak and easily guessable passwords to the cardinal sin of reusing passwords across multiple accounts, human error is everywhere.
 
Another study revealed that, on average, people use the same password for five different accounts. And don't get us started on classics like '123456'… used on a mind-boggling 23 million breached accounts.
 
But here's the thing: Cyber criminals don't need any extra help. They're already pros at cracking passwords, and our lax habits are like an open invitation to wreak havoc. And let's not forget the staggering stats – a projected $434 billion loss to online payment fraud globally between 2024 and 2027, with 90% of data leaks attributed to stolen login details.
 
So, what's the solution?
 
Password managers.
 
These are essential software tools that take the hassle out of password management by generating and storing complex, unique passwords for each account. No more '123456' disasters. Just robust security.
 
And the best part? Password managers not only beef up your security defenses but they also streamline your digital life. With one-click logins and autofill features, you'll wonder how you ever lived without one. And with the right password manager, you can rest easy knowing your sensitive data is under lock and key.
 
A password manager makes your life easier and business safer at the same time. Want to know which one we recommend? Get in touch.

A new security report has revealed some alarming trends.

First off, cyber attacks are becoming faster than ever. Breakout times (that’s the time it takes for a criminal to move within your network after first getting in) have dropped significantly. We're talking an average of just 62 minutes compared to 84 minutes last year.


This is not good news.


Not only are these attacks faster, but they're also becoming more common. The report has identified a whopping 34 new cyber criminal groups, bringing the total to over 230 groups tracked by the company.

And guess what? These cyber criminals aren't sitting around twiddling their thumbs. They're getting smarter and more sophisticated. The report highlights a new record breakout time of just two minutes and seven seconds. That's barely enough time to grab a coffee, let alone mount a defense.

But here's the real kicker: The human factor is increasingly becoming the main entry point for these cyber attacks.

They will try to get your people to click a link in a phishing email, which will take them to a fake login page. Once your employee enters their real login details, they have inadvertently handed them over.

Or they pretend to be someone your team trusts. This is called social engineering.


So, what can you do to protect your business from these cyber threats?


· Educate your employees
Make sure your team is aware of the latest cyber threats and how to spot them. Regular training sessions can go a long way in preventing costly mistakes.


· Implement strong password policies
Encourage the use of complex random passwords generated and remembered by password managers. Use multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security (this is where you use a second device to confirm it’s really you logging in).


· Keep your systems updated
Make sure all software and systems are up to date with the latest security patches. Cyber criminals often exploit known vulnerabilities, so staying current is key.


· Invest in cyber security software
Consider investing in reputable cyber security software that can help detect and mitigate threats in real-time (we can help with this).


· Backup your data
Regularly backup your data and store it in a secure location. In the event of a cyber attack, having backups can help minimize downtime and data loss.


When it comes to cyber security, it's better to be safe than sorry. If we can help you to stay better prepared, get in touch.

​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.

​Google has unleashed a powerful new tool to make your Gmail inbox a safer and spam-free haven, and it's called RETVec.
 
But what exactly is RETVec? 
 
Well, let's break it down in simple terms. RETVec stands for Resilient and Efficient Text Vectorizer. Fancy. In plain English, it's a tool that makes Gmail even better at spotting annoying spam emails that try to sneak into your inbox.
 
Did you know that the people behind spam emails can be very smart to try to avoid detection? Some use invisible characters, something called LEET substitution (like "3xpl4in3d" instead of "explained"), and intentional typos to get past our defenses. But RETVec is trained to be resilient against all these tricks.
 
Google explains it as mapping words or phrases to real numbers and then using these numbers for further analysis, predictions, and figuring out word similarities. In short, it's like giving Gmail a supercharged spam radar. 
 
How does this benefit you? Gmail's spam detection rate shot up by an impressive 38% with RETVec on the scene. Plus, Gmail's false positive rate dropped by nearly a fifth (that's 19.4% fewer false alarms). 
 
I know that some of you might be wondering if there’s a catch. Well, there's a tiny caveat you should be aware of, especially if your business sends promotional emails. 
 
With RETVec's increased vigilance, some legitimate emails might get caught in the crossfire. It's a good idea to keep an eye on your email analytics to ensure your messages reach their intended recipients.
 
RETVec isn't just about better security. It's more efficient too. Google reports that the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) usage of the model dropped by a whopping 83%. Smaller models mean reduced computational costs and faster delivery, which is a game-changer for large-scale applications and on-device models. So, it's a win-win situation.
 
Spam is a go-to weapon for cyber criminals and now RETVec can help keep us better protected. It blocks malicious emails, keeping our data safe and our inboxes clutter-free.
 
If you don’t use Gmail, don’t feel too left out. It’s likely we’ll see other email providers including Microsoft bringing similar protection in the future. 
 
In the meantime, if you’d like us to review your business’s email security, get in touch.