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 Recent research shows that many businesses are using outdated backup technology, leaving them exposed to risks even if they think they’re protected.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 defence, 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 authorised 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.

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 the 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.

Let me ask you something: Do you lock your front door when you leave the house?

Of course you do.

But what if you get home and find that someone left a window open? You may as well have left the door unlocked, right?

Now think about your business.

You’ve probably invested in good cyber security to protect it, using strong passwords, firewalls, and the latest software updates. But if your employees accidentally leave the “windows” open, all that security goes to waste.

It’s not about blame – it’s about awareness. The truth is that your employees might be your biggest security risk, without them even realising it.

More people are working remotely, and research shows that four out of five employees use their personal phones, tablets, or laptops for work. It makes sense. Why not use the devices they already own?

Here’s the problem: Your employees’ personal devices probably aren’t set up with the same security measures you’d use in the office. Their phones and laptops might use weak passwords, outdated software, or even be connected to unprotected Wi-Fi networks. All of this is a dream scenario for hackers. 

And here’s where it gets scary…

Two out of five employees admit to downloading customer data onto their own devices. That’s sensitive data leaving the safety of your business, now at risk of falling into the wrong hands.

If that’s not enough to worry you, here’s another shocker: More than 65% of employees admit they only follow cyber security rules “sometimes” or even “never”. This includes forwarding work emails to their personal accounts, using their phones as Wi-Fi hotspots, or ignoring guidelines about handling data when using AI tools.

Passwords are another issue, with nearly half of employees using the same passwords across different work accounts. Even worse, over a third of employees use the same passwords for both their work AND personal accounts.

Imagine a hacker getting into your employee’s social media account and using the same password to get into your business systems? It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

So, what can you do?

The key is education. 

Start by helping your team understand why cyber security is so important. Most people don’t break the rules on purpose – they just don’t realise the risks. Explain that those little habits that seem harmless (like reusing passwords or doing work on public Wi-Fi) can cause serious damage.

Create security rules that are clear, simple, and easy to follow. For example, you can tell your team to: 

• Use a password manager to create a strong, random and unique password for each of their work accounts
• Only access work systems on secure, approved devices
• Never forward work emails to their personal accounts

Also, make sure your employees are getting regular training sessions to keep cyber security at the front of their minds, and don’t forget to celebrate good habits. If someone flags a suspicious email or comes up with a clever way to keep sensitive data safe, be sure to let everyone else on your team know.

Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility.

By giving your employees the right tools and training, you can turn them into your first line of defence instead of your weakest link. 

If you’d like help keeping your team up to date on the latest security threats, get in touch.

You’re scanning your inbox and spot an important email with a Word document attached. Maybe it’s an invoice, a message from a supplier, or even a request from a colleague. You open it without thinking twice… and just like that, you’ve been scammed.

This scenario is exactly what cyber criminals are counting on. Now they’ve come up with another new way to get past even the most advanced email security filters – this time, using corrupted Microsoft Word files.

It’s a clever and dangerous tactic.

Phishing (pronounced “fishing”) is where scammers try to trick you into giving away sensitive information, like passwords or bank details. They “bait” you with an email that looks legitimate, maybe from your bank, a co-worker, or a company you trust.

These emails often include attachments or links. When you open the attachment or click the link, you could be downloading malicious software (malware) or visiting a fake website designed to steal your details.

Phishing attacks are constantly evolving, and they’re now one of the most common ways scammers break into businesses. Email security filters are usually pretty good at scanning attachments. But since corrupted files can’t be analysed properly, the Word file is able to sneak into your inbox.

When you open one of these corrupted files, Microsoft Word will “repair” it and show you what looks like a normal attachment. But the document will contain a malicious QR code or link that sends you to a phishing site (often a fake Microsoft 365 login page). If you enter your details, scammers could have access to your account – and potentially your entire business. 

Stealing just one employee’s login details can be enough. With access to your cloud systems, scammers could get hold of sensitive customer data, lock your team out of essential files, or even send phishing emails from your account to trick your contacts.

If this happens to you, it could be catastrophic. Your business could face financial losses, legal consequences, and a damaged reputation that could take a long time to rebuild.

Cyber attacks are getting more complicated. But you don’t need a degree in cyber security to help keep your business safe.

The best protection is awareness and caution.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Slow down and think twice before opening attachments or clicking on links
• If an email seems urgent, beware – scammers like to rush you, so you’ll act without thinking
• If you’re not sure an email is legit, check with the person or company that the email seems to be from
• Never trust an attachment or link just because it looks professional

Most importantly, make sure you educate yourself and your team about what phishing is, why it’s dangerous, and how to recognise the warning signs.

We help businesses like yours with this every day. If you’d like us to help you too, get in touch.

Windows 11 has brought some great features to the table for businesses. And Microsoft’s working to make it even better.

One thing I know many of us struggle with is the Recommendations feature in the Start menu. If you’ve ever clicked on it expecting to see something helpful, only to find suggestions that don’t make sense, you’re not alone. The good news is a fix is on the way.

First, let’s break down what the Recommendations feature is meant to do.

Essentially, it’s supposed to show you apps, files, or websites that Windows thinks you’ll want to open next, based on what you’ve used before. For example, any apps or websites you use regularly are supposed to pop up in your Recommendations for easy access.

Sounds useful, right? If it worked well, it could become a favourite time-saving feature for busy teams. But with suggestions often feeling random and unhelpful, many of us have been ignoring this part of the Start menu altogether.

So, what’s changing?

Microsoft’s started rolling out updates (currently in testing) to make Recommendations a lot smarter.

They’ve fine-tuned the way Windows understands what’s relevant to you. And early feedback suggests the updated feature is much better at showing things you actually need – like that file you were working on yesterday, or the app you use most during work hours.

If you’ve been frustrated by the Start menu in the past, keep an eye out for these improvements. They’re a step in the right direction.

Are you and your team taking advantage of all the other productivity-boosting features in Windows 11? If not, let us help you get started. Get in touch.

It feels like we have a gadget for everything these days, doesn’t it?

The average office worker now carries around three devices to get through the day. Think laptops, tablets, headphones… and even multiple phones.

Technology keeps teams connected and helps us work smarter – but there’s a downside: Managing so many devices can get a little overwhelming.

What happens every time we add a new device to our daily work routine? There’s something else to charge. Another thing to carry. One more item to keep track of.

In fact, carrying around all this tech adds up to an average 4.1 kg of extra weight. That’s like carrying an air fryer to work every day!

Another issue is the mental load. Many professionals say they feel bogged down by the notifications they get across all their devices. It’s common to get dozens of notifications every day, and the constant flow of alerts can be such a distraction.

One way to get around gadget overload is to try out devices that handle many functions, like foldable phones, or hybrid laptops. This way, one device could do the same thing two or three of your devices are doing.

Another great strategy is to upgrade to a smarter system, like Windows 11.

Windows 11 makes it easier to switch between tasks, reducing the need for extra devices. With a smoother, more integrated experience, your team might not feel they need as many gadgets to stay productive.

Need help streamlining your setup? We can help walk you through the options. Get in touch.

Public Wi-Fi is everywhere these days – cafés, airports, hotels, trains. It’s super convenient, especially for business travellers or anyone working remotely.

But what if I told you that hopping on that free Wi-Fi could expose your business data to cyber criminals? That’s the reality of using unsecured public networks.

When you connect to public Wi-Fi, you’re opening the door to scammers who know exactly how to exploit these networks. The two biggest threats you need to know about are called Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks and Evil Twin attacks.

Yes, they sound like something out of a spy movie… but they’re very real and can have serious consequences for your business. 

Let’s start with Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks. You’re sitting in a café, sending an email or logging in to your business bank account. You think your device is communicating directly with the Wi-Fi network, but in reality, a cyber criminal has inserted themself between you and the network. 

This “man in the middle” can see everything you’re doing – your passwords, your emails, even your credit card details. And the worst part? You probably won’t even notice it’s happening. 

Criminals use this stolen information in all sorts of ways. They might sell it to advertisers, use it to impersonate you in phishing scams (where they trick people into sharing sensitive information, like passwords or credit card details). Or even steal money from your accounts. For businesses, this could mean sensitive financial information or customer data ending up in the wrong hands. 

Now let’s talk about Evil Twin attacks. Imagine you’re in an airport and see two Wi-Fi networks: One called “Airport Free Wi-Fi” and another called “Airport Wi-Fi Secure”. They both sound legit, but one of them could be a fake network set up by cyber criminals. 

When you connect to the fake network, scammers can monitor everything you do online, just like in a MITM attack – but they can go even further. They can steal your cookies (little bits of data that websites use to remember you) and gain access to things like your login details or personal information. 

In some cases, they can even install malware (malicious software) on your device without you clicking a single thing. Scary, right? All it takes is connecting to the wrong Wi-Fi network, then your data – and your business’s security – could be compromised. 

Using public Wi-Fi doesn’t have to be a security nightmare, but you do need to be cautious. Here are some steps you can take to help keep your business protected: 

• Avoid accessing sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi. This includes anything involving passwords, personal data, or financial accounts. If you wouldn’t want a stranger looking over your shoulder, it’s best to save it for when you’re on a secure network. 

• Stick to websites that use HTTPS, which encrypts your data. You’ll know a site is secure if you see a padlock icon in the address bar or “https://” at the beginning of the web address. Most websites use this today.

• Consider using trusted browser extensions designed to boost your online safety. Many can block cookies, ads, and even malicious websites, reducing the risk of your information being exposed.

• Turn off auto-join on your business devices. This stops your work phone, tablet, or laptop from automatically connecting to any available network, including potentially dangerous ones. 

• Be wary of suspicious pop-ups. Scammers often use these to trick you into clicking something malicious. If a pop-up feels wrong, don’t interact with it – just close the window. 

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your business accounts whenever possible. This requires a second form of identification (like a code sent to your phone) to log you in, which makes it harder for anyone to break in even if they get hold of your password. 

• Finally, keep your software up to date. Updates often include security patches that protect your device from the latest threats. Ignoring them could leave your business devices vulnerable. 

A little caution goes a long way when it comes to keeping your business protected online. Ask yourself: Is the convenience of free Wi-Fi worth the risk of exposing my data?

If you’d like help keeping your business data protected no matter where you are, get in touch.

Still holding on to Windows 10 in your business? It’s time to start thinking about making the move to Windows 11.

Three years after its release, Windows 11 is making major headway, with its market share reaching 35.55% in October 2024. While Windows 10 still holds around 60.97% of the market, change is on the horizon – and there are some compelling reasons to consider the switch.

First, let’s talk about the big news: From 14th October, Windows 10 will no longer receive free support from Microsoft. Although this doesn’t mean Windows 10 will stop working, it will stop getting important updates, such as up-to-date protection against malicious software and cyber threats.

Microsoft will be offering extended security support for Windows 10 for an extra year, but this will cost businesses $30 (around £23) per device and could get expensive. And this is only a temporary solution.

So, why has interest in Windows 11 spiked recently?

For one, the PC market has picked up. This is partly because of the rise of “AI PCs”, which use hardware that is more capable of handling AI-based tasks. People want to make sure their devices are compatible with the latest software, including Windows 11. There’s also buzz around the rollout of “Windows Intelligence” – a possible rebrand of some Windows 11 AI features.

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about keeping up with the latest tech, though. Another reason people are moving to Windows 11 is that it offers a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. New features include customisable widgets and an improved File Explorer, helping you to get things done faster.

Another major benefit to businesses is that Windows 11 brings improved security, offering better protection against cyber threats like:

• Ransomware, where you get locked out of your files and held to ransom for its (possible) return
• Phishing attacks, where you get tricked into revealing sensitive information through things like fake emails

If you want to stick with Windows 10, Microsoft’s one-year extension could offer you a bit more time. But if you want our advice? You’d only be delaying the inevitable, while missing out on the benefits of upgrading.

We can help make the switch stress-free. Get in touch.