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And breathe… the “file too large to send” problem is over

Ever been in the thick of sending an urgent email, trying to attach a vital document, when you’re greeted by that all-too-familiar message: “file too large to send”? Annoying, right?

Well, good news! Microsoft has been listening to our collective grumbles. They’ve rolled out an update aimed at making that frustrating “file too large” warning a thing of the past.

Believe it or not, this isn’t one of those “too good to be true” moments. It’s the real deal!

According to an official update on the Microsoft 365 roadmap, the company plans to seamlessly integrate Outlook with OneDrive, their cloud storage service. So, when you bump up against those pesky attachment size limits, Outlook will kindly suggest uploading your file to OneDrive. This ensures your important document still lands in the right inbox.

Smart, isn’t it?

Android users are the first in line to enjoy this new feature, but the rest of us won’t be far behind—the full rollout is slated for this month. No more scrambling to compress, resize, or even ditch your bulky files. And you can forget about relying on third-party services that might compromise security. Microsoft is setting the stage for a more streamlined, secure email experience.

If you fancy a bit of help in maximising your Microsoft 365 subscription, feel free to give us a shout.

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Microsoft and Samsung team up to boost work phone security

You’ve checked your pockets, your bag, under cushions… and then it hits you. You left your work phone on the table at the coffee shop.

You panic.

It’s not the device itself that’s got you worried, but all the sensitive business information stored on it. If that mobile ends up in the wrong hands, you’re facing a nightmare.

But that worry could be over. Microsoft and Samsung are joining forces to make your work phones safer. This month, they’re launching a groundbreaking solution to help protect anyone who uses a Samsung Galaxy device in the workplace.

How?

With something called on-device attestation. It lets companies see if mobile devices have been compromised, even at their deepest components. Think of it as a security guard for your phone.

Samsung brings its software and hardware innovations to the table, whilst Microsoft provides its endpoint management expertise.

And whilst other device attestation tools require a network connection and access to cloud services, this solution works reliably regardless of network connectivity or device ownership model.

This solution will be released alongside Microsoft Intune (previously known as Windows Intune), a unified endpoint management service for both corporate devices and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). And it will be available to select Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets, especially those “Secured by Knox”.

So, whether you’re working from the office, a busy coffee shop, or a remote cabin in the woods, you can rest assured your device is safe.

In business, your phone is more than just a communication device. It’s a vault of sensitive (and valuable) information. And with Microsoft and Samsung on the case, that vault just got a lot safer.

If we can help you keep any of your devices more secure, get in touch.

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Is that Microsoft email actually a phishing attack?

You’re probably well aware of the dangers lurking in your email inbox, but have you ever thought that an email appearing to be from Microsoft could actually be a disaster waiting to happen?

Microsoft, a brand we all recognise and trust, has unfortunately become the top target for phishing scams. In these scams, cybercriminals send you an email with a dodgy link or file, aiming to nick your data.

While Microsoft isn’t at fault here, it’s crucial for you and your team to be extra vigilant for anything that looks fishy.

In Q2 of 2023, Microsoft took the lead as the most impersonated brand by scammers, making up a staggering 29% of all brand phishing attempts. This puts them well ahead of Google in second place (19.5%) and Apple in third (5.2%). Combined, these three tech giants are responsible for over half of all brand impersonation attacks.

So, what does this mean for your business?

Even though there’s been a noticeable uptick in fraudulent emails targeting Windows and Microsoft 365 users globally, being observant can go a long way in shielding you from identity theft and fraudulent activities.

While the brands being mimicked may change over time, the tactics used by cybercriminals often remain the same. They’ll use convincing logos, colours, and fonts, and their phishing scams often feature URLs that look almost identical to the real thing. However, a closer look will usually reveal typos and mistakes—dead giveaways of a phishing attempt.

One of the latest scams warns you of unusual activity on your Microsoft account and directs you to a harmful link. These links are crafted to snatch everything from your login details to your payment information.

And it’s not just tech companies that are popular targets. Many scammers have shifted their focus to financial services like online banking, gift cards, and e-commerce. Wells Fargo and Amazon also made it to the top five in Q2 2023, accounting for 4.2% and 4% of brand phishing attempts, respectively.

How can you safeguard your business?

The way to protect your business is more straightforward than you might imagine. The most effective defence against phishing is not just individual vigilance but also equipping your staff with the right training. Teach them to pause, observe, and critically examine emails for red flags such as inconsistent URLs, domains, and textual errors. By making sure everyone on your team knows what to look out for, you’re adding an extra layer of security against these types of attacks.

If we can help you keep your team aware of the risks, get in touch.

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3 ways AI makes almost any business task easier

In the rapidly changing landscape of technology, entrepreneurs like you are constantly searching for the next innovation to boost your competitive edge. Are you curious about how AI tools might lend a hand?

Introducing ChatGPT, or the Generative Pretrained Transformer if you prefer the technical term. It’s been the talk of the town all year! Created by OpenAI, this AI model crafts text that feels incredibly human. Imagine having an expert writer at your fingertips, ready to whip up content, respond to questions, or even pen emails at a moment’s notice.

But that’s not all – there’s a whole host of AI models out there, like Google’s Bard. Unlike ChatGPT (which can browse the web if you’re a Plus subscriber with the right settings), Bard has the ability to scour the internet for answers.

Some businesses have already dipped their toes into the world of AI, mainly for customer service and crafting content. But that’s like owning a Ferrari and only using it for the weekly shop. There’s so much more potential!

Here’s how an AI tool could put your business into overdrive:

  1. Stay Ahead with Trend Detection: Ever kicked yourself for missing out on the last big trend? With AI, you’ll be leading the charge, not trailing behind. Simply prompt it to “Provide a short analysis of the latest [insert your industry] trends,” and you’ll be armed with invaluable insights.
  2. Enhance Productivity with Keystone Habits: Boosting productivity is every business owner’s dream. With AI, you can delve into the latest research to elevate your work routines. Just ask for the “top 5 latest ways to [improve a specific area].” You might stumble upon a gem you’d never considered.
  3. Make Better Decisions through Easy Summaries: Need to explain [something complex]? Ask your AI to break it down for a 12-year-old. It’s a clever trick to get a clear and concise summary.

ChatGPT, Bard, and their counterparts aren’t just writing aides – they’re your hidden ace in the business game. It’s high time to take your metaphorical Ferrari out for a thrilling ride, beyond the mundane supermarket trips.

Curious about how AI might transform your business? Get in touch!

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The hidden dangers of free VPNs: Are you at risk?

Did you know that global VPN usage has soared in recent times? It’s easy to see why: Virtual Private Networks provide enhanced security, anonymity, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions online.

But here’s the critical question: Are all VPNs on equal footing?

Emphatically, no. And this disparity could have serious implications for your business.

The allure of free VPNs, with their promise of zero cost, can be tempting. But are they all they claim to be? Let’s delve into the world of free VPN services.

First off, recognise that operating a VPN service involves substantial expenses. From servers to infrastructure, maintenance to staffing – none of these come without a cost.

So how do free VPN providers manage to stay afloat? Unfortunately, some may resort to strategies that can endanger your privacy and security.

Picture this: While enjoying your morning coffee, you’re browsing online via a free VPN, thinking you’re in a private space. Unbeknownst to you, your confidential data might be gathered and auctioned off to the highest bidder. It could fall into the hands of cybercriminals, advertisers, or even governmental bodies.

Astonishing, right?

Furthermore, free VPNs have a reputation for pushing unsolicited ads and tracking cookies into your browsing activity. Ever noticed alarmingly precise ads popping up? Your free VPN might be monetising your online behaviour.

Consider the potential risks if an employee were to install a free VPN on a company or personal device used for work. Such an act could expose vital company data, presenting a grave business threat. Imagine a scenario where your organisation’s confidential information ends up in the wrong hands. It’s a terrifying thought, isn’t it?

So, what should you do?

It’s vital to inform your employees about the perils of free VPNs. Advocate for trustworthy, paid VPN services that assure no data logging, robust encryption, and paramount user privacy.

You might even decide to offer them one. Should you require assistance in identifying the safest and most appropriate VPN for your business, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Bear in mind, when it comes to digital security, opting for a free option might lead to hidden costs. Isn’t it worthwhile to invest a few extra pounds monthly to safeguard your business’s invaluable information?

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Is this the ultimate browser for business?

Hold onto your hats, because Microsoft is back at it with another impressive reveal. It does make one question whether their team ever catches any shut-eye!

Their latest game-changer? A browser tailor-made for businesses, aptly named Edge for Business.

This revamped tool is replete with top-notch security and productivity enhancements, offering a veritable treasure trove of benefits for bosses and their teams alike.

Edge for Business could soon be the top-drawer choice for internet browsing on work-related devices, whether managed or unmanaged. It offers companies the ability to maintain a level of control over employees without impinging on their personal privacy.

That’s just tickety-boo for the way many of us work today. If you operate under a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model, then Edge for Business is going to be just the ticket for you.

One of the standout features of Edge for Business is its automatic separation of work and personal browsing into distinct browser windows. It comes with its own favourites, separate caches, and storage locations.

Certain sites will even launch automatically in the relevant browser. For instance, Microsoft 365 will open directly in your work browser, while a shopping site will launch in your personal browser.

That ensures you won’t have to fret about accidentally sharing that hilarious meme you found on social media with a colleague.

Edge for Business is currently ready for a test drive. However, as much as we understand the temptation to take it for a spin, we’d recommend holding your horses until its official launch come autumn. Let’s leave the guinea pig role to others, shall we?

Microsoft still needs to introduce custom branding capabilities for businesses, but they assure us that this feature is just around the corner. The waiting does add a bit of spice, doesn’t it?

Edge for Business aims to seamlessly integrate work and personal use on the same device while ensuring both personal and professional information remains segregated and secure. This fresh and exciting business browser promises to boost productivity and security.

If you’re looking for ways to stay productive and secure in the interim, don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

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Scary stat: 87% of businesses hit by this in the last year

One might assume that cyber attacks are a problem solely for large corporations. Sadly, this isn’t true.

A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have experienced at least one cyber attack in the last year. This shocking statistic should serve as a crucial wake-up call to businesses of all sizes.

But there’s more.

An increasing number of businesses are reporting repeat attacks, with 87% noting at least two successful breaches within the past year. On average, a company experiences nearly five successful cyber incidents. Quite frankly, it’s terrifying.

So why are these attacks occurring, and what steps can be taken to prevent them?

The most frequent types of cyber attack that businesses encounter are malware and ransomware.

Malware is malicious software that invades your system, causing a variety of issues ranging from disrupting operations to data theft.

Ransomware, on the other hand, is even more menacing as it encrypts your data, making it inaccessible unless a ransom is paid. This can be catastrophic for any business, leading to substantial losses and significant downtime.

What’s behind the rise in successful attacks?

One factor is the increasing trend of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), where employees use their personal devices for work purposes, posing security risks.

The rapid proliferation of productivity apps also contributes, as they can create security vulnerabilities if not adequately protected.

Finally, the sheer number of devices in use today provides more entry points for cybercriminals to exploit.

Fortunately, there are measures you can take to safeguard your business. Here are five robust security steps to consider:

Use robust passwords
Passwords are your first line of defence. Ensure they’re robust and unique. Even better, use a password manager that can generate and remember random passwords for you.

Keep your software updated
Updates often include security fixes. Always run the latest versions of both your operating system and applications.

Train your team
Make sure your employees can spot phishing emails and other scams. Regular security awareness training sessions can help keep everyone informed.

Backup your data
This allows you to restore your systems quickly and with minimal disruption in the event of a cyber attack.
Use antivirus software: It can help safeguard your systems from malware and other threats. Ensure you’re running a reliable and current solution.

Remember, prevention is indeed better than cure. Take action today to stay protected.

And if all this seems like a tall order, we’re here to assist. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.