​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.

​So, you’ve gone ahead and upgraded to Windows 11. You’re ready to explore the fresh design and all the new features. But instead of smooth sailing, your computer slows to a crawl… random errors start popping up… and you can’t install any security updates…
 
That’s the nightmare faced by businesses that try to run Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
 
Hardware requirements are a checklist you should use to make sure your business devices can handle an upgrade. 
 
Think of it like a recipe: If you’re missing a key ingredient, the dish won’t turn out quite right. And while you might like to improvise in the kitchen, it’s better not to risk it with your business tech. 
 
Windows 11 brings a leap forward in both performance and security. If you want to make that jump, you need a solid foundation in the form of modern hardware that can support its advanced features. 
 
One of the key requirements for Windows 11 is something called TPM 2.0. This is a small chip that acts like a security vault for your PC, locking away passwords, encryption keys, and other sensitive data. TPM 2.0 is also essential for preventing certain types of cyber attacks. Without it, your system is more vulnerable. 
 
Other requirements – like enough memory (RAM), sufficient storage, and a compatible processor – help to make sure your device can run Windows 11 smoothly.
 
Microsoft has warned that forcing Windows 11 onto unsupported hardware is a risky move. Sure, you can do it – but you’ll be on your own if things go wrong. Your device won’t receive updates, including critical security patches that keep your systems safe from cyber attacks and other threats. Without updates, your business’s devices become an easy target.
 
So, you might be thinking – why not just stick with Windows 10? 
 
Here’s the thing: Microsoft is ending free support for Windows 10 in October this year. After that…
 

• No more updates
• No more fixes
• And no more free security patches. 

 
There is an option to pay for extended security updates, but it’s not a permanent solution. Upgrading to Windows 11 helps to make sure your systems stay secure for the long haul, without extra costs and headaches down the line. And beyond the security benefits, Windows 11 comes with loads of productivity tools designed to make your business run more smoothly. 
 
If upgrading your hardware feels like an unnecessary expense, think of it as an investment. Modern devices don’t just meet Windows 11’s requirements; they run faster, last longer, and reduce the risk of downtime. 
 
The bottom line is that hardware requirements aren’t just suggestions – they’re there to protect your business and give your team the tools they need to succeed. 
 
If your devices don’t meet Windows 11’s requirements, now is the time to plan your next steps. Don’t wait until Windows 10 support ends or your systems become a security risk for your business. 
 
We can help you upgrade without the stress. Get in touch.

​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.