​The way we work has changed massively over the past few years, hasn’t it? The global pandemic created a huge shift towards remote working. And now businesses are divided on the right way to move forward. 
 
Some businesses are eager to bring everyone back to the office. But others are keen to keep things flexible. If you’re wondering what’s best for your business, it may be time to look at the big picture: What works, what doesn’t, and what do you need to keep an eye on?
 
Let’s face it, working from home has its perks. No commute, fewer interruptions, and a chance to keep up with laundry between meetings. For many employees, it can boost productivity, improve work-life balance, and reduce stress. 
 
Remote working isn’t just about employee happiness, though. 
 
Businesses forcing staff back into full-time office work are losing people - particularly their top talent. A recent study found that companies with strict Return to Office policies saw a 14% jump in employees quitting... and these aren’t the ones you can replace in a snap. We’re talking about senior staff and highly skilled workers who take a lot of knowledge with them.
 
On top of that, finding new people to fill those roles is taking longer (23% longer, according to the report). And it’s not cheap to hire replacements, either. Today’s employees want flexibility. And businesses offering remote or hybrid roles are getting a recruitment advantage.
 
Where things get difficult is around the issue of data security. Although working from home or a coffee shop might sound great, public Wi-Fi can be like an open door for cyber criminals.
 
Your business data could also be at risk if your employees work from their personal devices (which might not have seen a software update in months). Or if they work from a home PC they share with their partner or kids. 
 
The good news is that there are some simple ways to protect your business while allowing your employees to work flexibly. 
 
Extra security measures like multi-factor authentication (that extra code you’re asked to enter when you log in) can help to keep things locked down. And a little training to teach your team how to spot email scams can also make a huge difference. 
 
So, should you bring your employees back to the office or embrace remote working? There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. 
 
Some businesses thrive with everyone in the office, while others find that giving people the choice brings out the best in their employees. The real trick is finding what works for your team.
 
Just remember: If you’re letting people work from anywhere, don’t skimp on security. A flexible approach with strong protections can give you the best of both worlds - happy employees and a secure business.
 
If you’d like advice on how to keep your business data secure while supporting flexible working, 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. 

​Whether you’re drafting emails, writing reports, or creating presentations, spelling mistakes and typos can easily be missed. This means you run the risk of looking unprofessional, especially when communicating with clients or business partners. 
 
Here’s the good news: Windows 11 comes with built-in spell check and autocorrect tools that can put an end to embarrassing spelling mistakes. 
 
These tools are easy to set up. And once that’s done, you won’t need any extra software to make sure your text always looks clear and professional.
 
Want to know how to use them?
 
First, open Windows Settings. Then select Time & Language and click on the Typing page. From there, you can turn on options like ‘Autocorrect misspelled words’ and ‘Highlight misspelled words’. 
 
These features will work across most apps, fixing errors and flagging possible spelling mistakes.
 
You can even get word predictions as you type by enabling text suggestions.
 
Does your business run in multiple languages? Be sure to switch on the ‘Multilingual text suggestions’ feature. This will bring up word suggestions in whatever language you are using.
 
While the spelling tools built into Windows 11 will work across most apps once enabled, some apps (like Notepad and Outlook) need a little extra set up. 
 
For example, in Notepad, you’ll need to click the gear icon for settings to switch on the spell check feature. 
 
Your team probably spends a lot of time in Outlook sending emails, so it’s well worth switching on grammar tools here. Go to Editor Settings under the Options tab. From there, you can turn on features like autocorrect, text predictions, and even tone adjustment. 
 
And if your team uses Microsoft Edge for browsing, you can set up spell check and grammar tools there as well. Just head to Settings, click on Languages, and turn on the grammar and spell check options.
 
By setting up spell check and autocorrect in Windows 11, you’re not just avoiding small mistakes - you’re helping your business run more smoothly. 
 
If you need a hand with this or want more advice on how to save time in 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.

​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.

​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.

​Could you imagine what it must have been like doing business 30 years ago, before you had a decent laptop?
 
It’s a horrible thought. And one that you only need to consider now and then, when you have an hour’s worth of work to do… but only 30 mins left on your laptop battery. Nightmare.
 
No one wants to be caught in the dreaded low battery limbo during a crucial meeting or presentation. But with a little know-how, you can extend your laptop battery's lifespan and keep it running optimally for years to come.
 
Understanding your battery is key. Most laptops today rely on lithium-ion batteries, which have a finite number of charge cycles. A charge cycle equals a full discharge from 0% to 100%, and each cycle diminishes the battery's capacity.
 
The golden rule? Avoid full discharges whenever possible… which means, don’t let the battery run out completely.
 
Let’s dive into your laptop's power settings to customize your battery preferences. Hibernation mode is your friend – it kicks in before your battery hits rock bottom. And don't forget to activate Battery Saver mode, a godsend for preserving power when your battery is running on fumes.
 
Next, it's time to declutter. Close background apps and say goodbye to unnecessary power drains. Toggle off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when they're not in use and dim screen brightness to conserve energy.
 
But what about charging etiquette? Contrary to popular belief, keeping your laptop plugged in won't harm your battery – modern devices are smarter than you think. Just steer clear of extreme temperatures and never let your battery dip below 20% if you can help it.
 
When it comes to storing your laptop for a little longer than usual, put it away with around 50% charge. And if you’re ever in doubt, some battery apps offer real-time insights into your battery's health.
 
Lastly, stay on top of software updates. New patches and upgrades can optimize performance and minimize energy consumption, giving your battery a new lease of life.
 
We help businesses round here get the most from their devices for as long as possible. If we can do the same for you, get in touch.

​New research has uncovered an unexpected twist in the tale of cyber security risks – your tech-savvy younger employees may be your biggest vulnerability. 
 
Shocked? Let's dive into the details.
 
More than 6,500 employees across the globe were surveyed, with an almost equal representation of demographics. The results were rather alarming. 
 
The study found that younger office workers, those 40 or under, are more likely to disregard standard password safety guidelines. Can you believe that 34% admitted to using their birth dates as passwords, compared to just 19% of those over 40?
 
And it doesn't stop there. 
 
The habit of using the same password across multiple devices was also more prevalent among younger workers, with 38% admitting to doing this. 
 
And let's not even get started on phishing scams. A whopping 23% of the younger demographic didn't report the last phishing attempt they received. Their reasoning? "I didn't think it was important".
 
But surely they understand the gravity of security threats against businesses, right? Well, not quite. 
 
While ransomware and phishing were acknowledged as critical threats by 23% and 22% of employees respectively, the overall attitude towards cyber security leaves much to be desired.
 
Here's the kicker: a staggering number of those surveyed revealed that their organizations did NOT provide any mandatory cyber security training. 
 
From the US (30%) to the UK (17%), Netherlands (32%), Japan (35%), India (31%), Germany (22%), France (43%), Australia (29%) and China (65%) – the numbers speak for themselves.
 
So, are we really to blame our young workforce when it's clear that businesses aren't doing enough to equip their employees with the necessary cyber security skills?
 
It's high time we stopped treating cyber security as an afterthought and started investing in regular cyber awareness training for everyone in our businesses. Yes, EVERYONE. Not just the tech team or the executives, but every single employee.
 
At the end of the day, it's not just about protecting your business; it's about creating a safer digital world for us all.
 
We can help you do that. Get in touch.