​Picture this: You're on an important video call with a client, confidently presenting your latest project updates.
 
Suddenly, a notification pops up on your screen from your significant other, reminding you (not so discreetly) about the damage your child did during their temper tantrum this morning. Or worse, a message from your gym reminding you of your long absence.
 
Embarrassing, right?
 
We all know the struggle of trying to maintain professionalism during video calls while secretly battling the fear of embarrassing pop-ups stealing the show. But Microsoft is on it. They're reportedly working on a much-needed feature that could save us all from these cringeworthy moments.
 
Imagine being able to hide specific apps entirely while you're on a Teams call. No more worrying about intrusive notifications stealing your thunder. This means you can say goodbye to awkward interruptions from messaging apps, or reminders that you'd rather keep private.
 
How does it work? According to reports, Microsoft's new feature won't just minimize apps to the taskbar like the current workaround. Instead, it'll completely hide them from sight, sparing you from any unexpected surprises (and blushes).
 
And the best part? It's not just about saving face. This feature could also help boost your device's performance. By keeping those apps in the background, you free up valuable computing power and resources.
 
If you've ever found yourself frantically closing apps and browser windows to ensure a smooth video stream, this could be the end of that struggle. With the new feature, you can focus on what truly matters during your calls without worrying about technical hiccups or embarrassing distractions.
 
While we're excited about the potential of this new feature, we'll have to wait and see if it becomes a reality. We'll be keeping a close eye on the official Microsoft 365 roadmap for any updates and will keep you informed.
 
In the meantime, if we can help make your business’s video calls run more smoothly, 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.

​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.

We all know how important it is to keep our people up-to-date on the latest cyber threats. After all, with cyber attacks on the rise, staying one step ahead is crucial to protect your business from potential breaches.

But here's the thing – annual cyber security training just isn't cutting it anymore.

Sure, it's become a routine part of the calendar for many organizations. And it’s great that it’s happening at all. But ask any security leader, and they'll tell you… employees find it time-consuming and uninspiring. From clicking through slides to skimming through videos at double-speed, it's usually seen as just another box to check.

And let's be honest, even for those who do engage with the training, there's little evidence it leads to real behavior change.

That's because the traditional approach lacks interactivity and doesn’t connect with employees on a personal level. It's more about checking boxes than building a culture of cyber security vigilance.

Guess what? There's a better way. It's all about small, regular, human-centric interventions. Think of it like the speed signs you see when you’re driving. They remind people to stop and think before they engage in risky behavior. Just as the signs work for driving, this kind of training makes your employees more aware of what they’re clicking.

By nudging employees toward safer decisions in real-time, we can help them develop better cyber hygiene habits without overwhelming them with information overload. It's about empowering them to make smarter choices every day.

And with the amount of Generative AI and third-party tools we’re surrounded with right now, it's more important than ever to give employees the guidance they need to navigate potential risks. Whether it's through real-time coaching or policy reminders, we can help employees understand the importance of safeguarding sensitive data.

So, while there may be a place for annual training, it’s time to think about using a more proactive approach to cyber security education.


This is something we can help you with. If you want to learn more, get in touch.

​If you're all about doing everything you can to help your team max their productivity (who wouldn’t want that, right?), then you're going to love what Microsoft Teams has in store for us with its latest Copilot upgrades.
 
Imagine, you're mid-Teams meeting, brainstorming like there's no tomorrow. Ideas are flying all over the place! Even the quickest note-taker among you isn’t going to remember it all.
 
Never mind. Copilot's got it. It can transcribe your conversation and understand your live chat, then summarize the most valuable insights.
 
It doesn’t stop there. Ever wish you could hit "undo" on a chat message and reword your response? Copilot can help with that too. In fact, it can come up with a fresh message suggestion right there in the chat. That could save you lots of time – and brain power.
 
Copilot's call recap tool can help with normal phone calls too. Teams Premium subscribers will benefit from handy recaps. It's like having that personal assistant you always wished for (but you still have to make your own coffee).
 
Microsoft's also made IntelliFrame the default setting for video calls. What’s that, you ask? It uses AI to identify the individual video feeds of all participants so that everyone gets their moment in the spotlight during Teams Rooms calls. It also means no more awkwardly cropped faces or disappearing attendees.
 
Smoother team collaboration, more insightful meetings, and video calls that look like they're straight out of Hollywood… who doesn’t want that?!
 
If you’re not already maxing Teams in your business, we can help. Get in touch.

​Here’s something not-so-fun but incredibly important to talk about: Malware attacks.
 
And it’s bad news. These scary cyber threats are hitting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) harder than ever before. That means you need to know how you can defend your business.
 
First things first, what exactly is malware?
 
Think of it as the digital equivalent of the germs that make you sick. Malware, short for malicious software, is like the flu virus of the cyber world. It's designed to sneak into your computer systems or network and wreak havoc in all sorts of ways.
 
So, what kinds of malware are we talking about here?
 
Well, according to a recent report, there are a few major troublemakers: Information-stealing malware, ransomware, and business email compromise (BEC).
 
You might be wondering why you should care about malware. Let me set the scene. You're running your business smoothly, minding your own business, when BAM! A malware attack hits.
 
Suddenly, your files are encrypted, your systems are locked down, and you're being held hostage for ransom.
 
Sounds like a nightmare, right?
 
That's the reality for many SMBs facing malware attacks. It's not just about losing money - it's about the potential damage to your reputation, your operations, and your customers' trust.
 
But there are plenty of ways to fight back against malware and keep your business safe and sound:
 
Educate your team
Teach your employees to spot phishing emails (an email pretending to be from someone you trust), suspicious links, and other sneaky tactics used by cyber criminals. A little awareness goes a long way.
 
Armor up your devices
Make sure all your computers and devices are equipped with the best software to prevent attacks.
 
Back up, back up, back up
Regularly back up your data to secure offsite locations. That way, if you are attacked, you'll have a backup plan (literally) to restore your files.
 
Fortify your network
Improve your network security with firewalls, encryption, and other powerful weapons. We can help with all of that.
 
Stay skeptical
Be cautious of suspicious emails or requests for sensitive information. When in doubt, double-check the sender's identity and never click on risky links or attachments.
 
Have a plan
Prepare an incident response plan for dealing with malware attacks. Think of it as your emergency playbook, complete with steps for containing the threat, recovering your data, and reporting the incident.
 
That’s a lot to take in, but remember, knowledge is power. These are all things we help our clients with, so they don’t have to worry about it. If we can help you too, 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.

​Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update has dropped, and it's got a small change that could make a big difference to you and your team. 
 
Microsoft has given Copilot, its handy AI assistant, a new place on the taskbar. No more hunting around for the button. Now it sits on the far right of the taskbar, in what we tech folks call the ‘system tray area’.
 
If Copilot isn't your thing, no worries. You can easily remove it from the taskbar altogether. But having an AI assistant at your fingertips can be a real boost for productivity, so we’d recommend you give it a chance before giving it the boot.
 
Before you rush to check if your Copilot button has relocated, let's talk details. 
 
First off, this update has been rolling out over the last few weeks. 
 
It’s known as Patch KB5034765 (catchy name) and isn't just about moving buttons around. It's also packed with important security and bug fixes, including a crucial one for Explorer.exe. This was causing some PCs to freeze up when restarting with a game controller attached. 
 
Probably not an issue in your business, but you never know…
 
There was also a problem with slow announcements from Narrator, the screen reading tool. That’s been fixed.
 
While this Windows 11 update may seem like small fry, it's these little tweaks that can really streamline your workflow and stop your team from being interrupted by problems while they work. 
 
Has your business switched over to Windows 11 yet? Our team can look at your setup and advise whether you’d benefit from upgrading, or you should stay on Windows 10.
 
Get in touch and ask us for a tech audit.

​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.