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The Metaverse explained: How it could affect your business

The Metaverse is a term that’s been buzzing around the tech world for some time now, and it could revolutionise the way we live, work, and play. As a business owner, it’s important that you know what the Metaverse is so that you don’t fall behind your competition. Our latest free guide explains: What the […]

Technology Insider | July 2023

Could better tech really boost your team’s engagement? Welcome to the July 2023 edition of our Technology Insider newsletter.  As the stresses of everyday life increase, it can become difficult to keep your team engaged. If you’re asking more of your people – but are unable to keep their wages in line with inflation – […]

Human error : Your biggest cyber security risk

Small and medium-sized businesses are the most likely targets for all kinds of cyber attack. And the weakest link in your chain is your people. Good cyber security awareness training is critical – for everyone in your business. But first, you need a strategy. What’s your baseline level of security knowledge? What are the biggest […]

Thinking of moving to a smaller office?

Are you thinking about downsizing your office space, or going fully remote? Moves can be stressful, and relocating your IT systems takes careful planning. Read our top three suggestions to help make your move go smoothly. If your business doesn’t have a good cyber resiliency plan, a cyber attack could leave you dangerously exposed. Read […]

Back Up Your Data Every Day

Backing up your data is one of the strongest precautions you can take. Set it up properly and make it part of your routine to check that it’s working. Because one day your backup could save your business. What should you back up? How often should you do it? How do you choose a solution? What tech […]

A four-day week doesn’t mean four-day security

Are you one of the many companies around the world that’s looking at a four-day working week? Perhaps you’ve already made the leap. But what does it mean for your IT security? Do your people use their own phones for work? That’s something you may want to think about – because cyber crooks know a […]

“Wouldn’t it be great if…” How to start planning a big IT project

A major change to your IT infrastructure isn’t something to be planned in a hurry. So if you’re starting to think about ending it with your current systems and bringing your business into the 2020s, there’s plenty to think about before you commit to another long-term relationship. How do you determine your needs?  Who should […]

Smartphones are now the preferred device for mobile work

Smartphones have taken over from laptops as most people’s preferred portable work tool. But that creates a new set of security risks to be aware of. We have the latest advice. What’s all the fuss about ChatGPT? The AI chatbot has been making the news around the world for some of the remarkable possibilities it seems […]

All businesses should adopt MFA. Now

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) means you need at least two pieces of information to log in to a device or an app. Perhaps a password plus a fingerprint, and possibly an extra, single-use code sent to your phone. Cyber criminals use increasingly sophisticated techniques to bypass security. So the more barriers you put in their way, […]

Make your Chrome browser work harder

Google Chrome users could be ramping up their productivity by making more use of Extensions. There are hundreds of these small, free, add-on programs available for the world’s most-used web browser. Some just turn your cursor into a pizza slice – because why not? – but some have more practical uses that can help you […]

Learn to talk tech with our IT Jargon Buster

Does IT jargon feel like an alien language? We steer clear of tech talk as much as possible when we’re working with our clients. But next time you need help with an IT issue, it could save you a lot of time if you have a few words of lingo in your locker. That’s why […]

Don’t waste money on the wrong tech

Have you ever felt like you’ve wasted money on technology that you thought would change your world? The wrong IT choices can end up being more trouble than they’re worth. That leaves you to foot the bill for a solution that solves nothing or, worse, creates problems of its own. This month, we have some great advice […]

Getting to Grips with Email Security

Owners of small and medium-sized businesses often make the mistake of thinking that they aren’t on the criminals’ radar. But more than 40% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses – and email is usually the criminals’ way in. Our new guide, ‘Getting to Grips with Email Security’, reveals why you might be vulnerable, what you […]

IT hacks to help cut your energy bill

We’re all watching our energy bills going through the roof, but that doesn’t mean you should stand back and let it happen. There’s a lot you can do to reduce your IT energy costs, so we’re leading this month’s edition with our practical hacks to help you keep a lid on your consumption. Also inside […]

Your need-to-know guide to cloud security

The growth of cloud computing has completely changed how we work. But security in a cloud environment can create a long list of its own challenges. In our new guide, we cut through the jargon to give you all you need to know to protect your business. You’ll discover what you can do for yourself […]

Can you imagine doing business in the Metaverse?

We start this month discussing the Metaverse. Imagine a massive 3D virtual space which mimics aspects of the physical world. We can all meet there at the same time, perhaps using virtual reality goggles or augmented reality glasses. Have a read and let me know if you think it’s time to start thinking about where […]

The next 10 years: 8 tech trends you’ll need to be ready for

December is a month when many of us will be taking some time to plan for the year ahead. But, just for today, instead of looking at your forecasts for the next 12 months, I’d like you to take some time to think about what’s coming up over the next 10 years. Especially when it […]

Zero trust: The perfect security setup? Or a productivity killer?

We start this month discussing something called zero trust. This is a way of operating your network that treats every device and login as a threat until proven otherwise. Which is great for security but can have a negative effect on productivity. Have a read, and let me know if you think it’s time to […]

How to get faster Wi-Fi in your office and for remote workers

Let’s list the basic essentials for life: Air, water, food and fast Wi-Fi. If you have teenagers you’ll know that last one is only just beaten by air… We rely on Wi-Fi every day for: Basic communication Accessing our applications Storing and accessing data Keeping our devices up-to-date and safe Giving customers a great experience […]

How much do you know about ransomware?

How much do you know about ransomware? Could you tell the difference between ransomware fact and fiction? Here are 5 common ransomware myths #ransomware #CyberSecurity #CommonMyths

A bug in the Chrome browser…

A bug in the Chrome browser could add things to your clipboard without you realising. Update now and be careful what you’re copying! #Chrome #Google #ClipboardBug

Do you log into your network remotely?

Do you log into your network remotely? Most businesses with remote workers aren’t as safe as they think. Ask us about the best ways to secure your data. #RemoteAccess #DataSecurity #WFH #AskUsAnything

Working from really is here to stay…

The people have spoken! Working from home is here to stay and some employees would rather be FIRED than go back to the office full time. Is your security up to the challenge? #WFH #CyberSecurity #RemoteWorkers

Is ad closing eating up your time?

How much time would you save every week if you didn’t have to keep closing ads when you’re online? Here’s how to block ads in Google’s Chrome browser #GoogleChrome #ProductivityHack #BlockAds

Better performance for video calls

If you do a lot of video calls, you can make your monitor perform better by changing its dynamic refresh rate (DRR). Here’s how #DDR #MonitorPerformance #VideoCalls

Has Google Chrome conquered the world?

Has Google Chrome conquered the world? This cool map shows how the world’s web browsing habits have changed around over the years! Are you with the majority? #WebBrowser #WorldMap #PopularBrowsers

Do you remember Clippy?

Do you remember Clippy? Or Windows 8 and its first baby steps into touchscreen tech? Here’s a trip down memory lane… what are your favourite retro Windows features? #Microsoft #Windows #ThrowbackThursday

Ever smashed a hard drive with a big hammer?

Ever smashed a hard drive with a big hammer? Big tech has been found destroying thousands each year. But there’s a cleaner, greener solution. Ask us how #BigTech #OldDevices #DataProtection

Got a new Dell XPS 13 Plus laptop? Erm…

Got a new Dell XPS 13 Plus laptop? Erm… the screen might fall off. But don’t worry! Dell will repair all affected devices. If your business needs new laptops, get in touch #DellXPS13Plus #FaultyDevice #GroupChat

Is your book collection taking over?

Is your book collection taking over? This book scanner could digitise all your books, magazines and documents. Do you want one? #BookScanner #DigitalBooks #HelpfulGadget

Would you pay YouTube to watch 4K videos?

Reports suggest you might soon need a paid YouTube subscription to watch 4K videos. Would you shell out for higher quality? #YouTube #PremiumSubscription #4KVideo

A brand new security update to Microsoft Teams

At last, a new security update to Microsoft Teams means you’ll be able to report phishing emails received in the app. Has this been a problem for your business? #Microsoft #Teams #PhishingEmails

Unusual new feature on the new iPhone

Got an iPhone? This new app lets you download non-App Store apps. But BEWARE… it could also help cyber criminals install malware on your phone #AppStore #malware #TrollStore

Have you heard of the Speech Accessibility Project?

This is great. All the big tech companies have partnered to form the Speech Accessibility Project. It wants to improve speech recognition for people with disabilities #BigTech #SpeechRecognition #SpeechAccessibilityProject

A more silent iPhone keyboard?

If you love the keyboard clicks on your iPhone, did you know there’s a quieter way to type with iOS 16? #iPhone #TapTapTap #haptics

What? 32 people on a WhatsApp call?

You use WhatsApp, right? It’s testing a 32 person video call… that’s a big jump from the current limit of 8. For business, we advise sticking to professional tools like Teams #WhatsApp #VideoCall #NewLimit

Android 13 is safer for your business

Android 13 is safer for your business We all use our phones for a lot more than sending messages and making the occasional call. And that means most of your staff are probably using their personal mobile for work now and then. Everyone does it. The downside of this is it puts your business data […]

Some bosses think their people do less when working from home

Some bosses think their people do less when working from home Microsoft has become the leader of productivity over many decades. Can you imagine doing your day to day work without their software? So it’s no surprise the tech giant recently conducted a major new survey into productivity in the workplace – and some of […]

Are you really downloading Zoom… or is it malware?

Are you really downloading Zoom… or is it malware?  When you think about tools for remote working and chatting online, one of the first names in your mind is Zoom.  But its popularity has opened the door for cyber criminals. They’re using its name to steal sensitive data. Researchers have discovered at least six convincing-looking […]

Private Tweets?

On Twitter, there may be times where you only want certain people to see your tweets (such as hiding personal updates from clients). The new Twitter Circle feature does this #twitter #TwitterCircle #TargetedTweets

Apple still hasn’t launched buy now pay later…

Apple was due to release a ‘buy now pay later’ feature with its iOS 16 launch… but it’s been pushed back thanks to technical challenges. Would your business use this, for cash flow? #apple #BuyNowPayLater #TechnicalDifficulties

Not good… Android spyware is back.

Not good… Android spyware is back. Cyber criminals have launched a text message campaign that can steal your most sensitive data. Please warn your team #smishing #CyberAttacks #android

Automatic profile switching on Edge

Did you know you can enable automatic profile switching in the Edge browser, to keep work and personal things separate? Here’s how #MicrosoftEdge #ProfileSwitching #WorkLifeBalance

What happened to the Amazon bonus?

40% of recently promoted Amazon staff were told their bonus was smaller than promised, due to a software error. Would love to have sat in those meetings… #amazon #SoftwareError #EmbarrassingMeetings

Do you know exactly what services your staff are signing up for?

Do some of your team sign up for software to get a job done, and then abandon their accounts? Nothing wrong with that so long as they’ve followed password best practice, and your business has a log somewhere of what they’ve done. There’s a warning story to show you why in this month’s newsletter. Also […]

Everything you need to know about password managers

If you’re confused about password managers, you’re not alone. A password manager is software that generates safe passwords, remembers them, and autofills logins for you. That saves time. But means your business can quickly lock out staff when they leave. Some people say they’re the best thing ever. Others are more negative. We believe they’re […]

Have you heard about Passkeys?

Have you heard about Passkeys? They’re here to make passwords obsolete – and Apple’s new iOS 16 might be first to use them #Apple #Passkeys #iOS16

Seems like the financial crisis is hitting everyone.

Seems like the financial crisis is hitting everyone. Facebook recently reported its first ever decline in revenue (1%). Its parent company Meta saw a 36% fall in profit in Q2 #Facebook #Meta #RevenueDecline

Amazon’s emissions grew by 18% last year.

Despite its carbon neutrality goal, Amazon’s emissions grew by 18% last year. It’s blaming expansion and the pandemic. Do you think it can decrease its carbon footprint? #Amazon #CarbonNeutral #CarbonFootprint

Google’s so dominant in search…

Google’s so dominant in search… is it time for an underdog search engine to reinvent the economics of search? #GoogleVsYep #SearchFight

Do you use SharePoint in your business?

Do you use SharePoint in your business? And do some of the team hate it? Good news! New upgrades mean it should be clearer and more intuitive to use #SharePoint #NewTemplates #microsoft

Translates your multi-lingual calls

Teams has announced a new feature that translates your multi-lingual calls. But it’s not done by AI – there’ll be a human interpreter. Will you use this? #Teams #Microsoft #LiveInterpretation