Weak passwords are one of the biggest security risks to your business.

Why?

Because cyber criminals are getting smarter than ever before. If they manage to crack just one password, they could gain access to your sensitive business data, financial information, or even gain control of your entire system.

Cyber criminals use automated tools to guess passwords, allowing them to try out millions of combinations in seconds. So, if you’re using something like “Password123” or “CompanyName2025”, you’re practically handing them the keys to your business.

A compromised password can lead to big issues, such as:

• Data breaches
• Financial losses
• Identity theft
• Reputation damage

But how do you create strong passwords without driving yourself (and your team) mad?

Think of your password like a secret recipe, where only you should know the ingredients. It should:

• Be at least 14 characters long (the longer, the better)
• Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
• Contain a few numbers and symbols (like @, $, %, or &)
• Not contain any common words or easily guessable information (like birthdays, names, or the word “password”)

Instead of using a single word, you could try a passphrase – a short, random sentence that only you would understand. For example, instead of “Sailing2025”, try something like “Coffee&CloudsAreGreat9!”. This is much harder to crack, yet still easy to remember.

You should also steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Using personal info (your name, birthday, business name, etc.)
• Reusing the same passwords across multiple accounts
• Using simple sequences (“123456” or “abcdef”)
• Storing passwords in an easily accessible place (like a sticky note on your desk)

If remembering unique passwords for every account sounds impossible, there is another option: Password managers. These generate strong passwords, store them securely and autofill them for you.

With a password manager, you only need to remember one strong master password for the manager app itself. The rest are encrypted and stored safely, reducing the risk of data breaches.

Even the strongest password isn’t foolproof, which is why multi-factor authentication (MFA) is also important. MFA requires a second form of verification, like a one-time code sent to your phone or generated from an authentication app.

If you have employees accessing your business systems, it’s a good idea to have a password policy in place to explain your rules and why they’re important. This should include:

• Unique passwords for each system and account
• Regular security training on password best practices
• Business-wide use of MFA for critical systems
• Scanning for compromised passwords regularly

By making password security a priority, you can reduce the chances of a cyber attack creating a nightmare for your business.

And if you need help making your business more secure, get in touch.

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.

Recognising 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 defence – 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 scepticism 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 area.

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, prioritise 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 defence 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.