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Protect your business from a data leak with Microsoft Edge

 

Microsoft Edge for Business has just rolled out new data leak control capabilities, and this could be a game-changer for safeguarding your sensitive information.

What are data leak control capabilities?

In simple terms, these features help prevent your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Think of it as an extra lock on your digital doors, ensuring only authorised individuals can access your important data.

Every business handles sensitive information, be it financial records, client details, or proprietary data. A data leak could result in significant consequences: financial losses, legal issues, and damage to your reputation.

This new feature in Microsoft Edge helps keep your data secure by ensuring only authorised personnel can access it and preventing accidental sharing.

Depending on your industry, strict data protection regulations may apply. These new controls can help you remain compliant.

Moreover, your customers are increasingly aware of data privacy. Using a browser with robust data leak controls demonstrates your commitment to protecting their information, enhancing their trust in your business.

Microsoft Edge for Business has integrated this new feature into an easy-to-use package. You can set policies on how data can be shared, such as preventing certain types of data from being copied or emailed to unauthorised recipients, thereby reducing the risk of accidental leaks.

Utilising artificial intelligence, Edge can detect potential threats and unusual data movements, alerting you to a potential leak before it happens, allowing proactive measures.

If you’re already using other Microsoft products like 365 or Microsoft Teams, there’s more good news: Edge for Business integrates seamlessly with them, enabling consistent data protection across all your tools.

Ready to give it a spin? Here’s what to do:

Update your browser: Ensure all your business’s devices are using the latest version of Microsoft Edge for Business to access the newest features and security updates.

Set your policies: Collaborate with your IT support partner to establish data sharing policies that suit your business. Microsoft provides guidelines and templates to help you get started.

Train your team: Educate your employees on the importance of data security and how to use the new features. A quick training session can be very effective.

Monitor and adjust: Keep an eye on how the policies are working and tweak them as needed. Find a balance that keeps your data secure without disrupting your workflow.

Better still, why not let our team handle this for you? Get in touch.

#DataSecurity #MicrosoftEdge #BusinessTools

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More businesses are proactively investing in cyber security defences

 

As more businesses take a proactive approach by investing in their cyber security defences, the trend is encouraging. However, statistics reveal that about half of small and medium-sized businesses still lack any cyber security measures.

If your business is one of them, it’s time to take action.

Cyber security might seem daunting, but it begins with a few straightforward steps. Here are some basics you can implement immediately.

Start by considering encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Encryption acts like a secure vault for your data, ensuring that even if intercepted, your information remains unreadable without the encryption key.

MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second device, such as your phone, to verify your identity when logging in. Think of it as needing two keys to unlock a door instead of just one.

Using a password manager is another simple step. These tools generate long, random passwords for each account and remember them for you, making life easier while enhancing your business’s security.

Advanced monitoring tools offer additional protection. These tools function like security cameras for your digital space, continuously monitoring for suspicious activity. They alert you to any unusual occurrences, providing early warnings if something’s amiss.

Phishing scams are another threat to be aware of. These scams involve criminals attempting to deceive you into revealing personal information by impersonating trusted entities like suppliers or banks. Educating your team on recognising these scams is vital. If something seems off, it probably is.

Why is investing in cyber security crucial?

  1. Protects your data
  2. Avoids financial loss
  3. Builds trust with your customers and partners

Your business data is valuable, and protecting it safeguards your operations and reputation. Cyber attacks can be costly, not just financially but also in terms of time and resources. Prevention is ALWAYS cheaper than dealing with the aftermath of a breach. Additionally, demonstrating a commitment to security builds trust with your customers and partners, assuring them that their information is safe with you.

Investing in cyber security doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We are experts in this field and are here to help secure your business. Whether you need initial advice or a comprehensive security plan, get in touch.

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Copilot is bringing another productivity boost to Teams

If you’re keen on boosting your team’s efficiency to the max (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), you’ll be thrilled with the new enhancements to Microsoft Teams, courtesy of its latest Copilot features.

Picture this: you’re deep in a Teams meeting, brainstorming at full speed. Ideas are zipping back and forth so fast that even the quickest among you can’t catch them all.

But don’t worry. Copilot is here to help. It can transcribe your discussions, comprehend your live chat, and then distill the key takeaways.

And that’s not all. Ever wanted to retract a message and rethink your reply? Copilot has your back there too. It can even offer a new message suggestion on the spot, potentially saving you heaps of time and mental energy.

For regular phone calls, Copilot’s call recap feature is also a game-changer. Subscribers to Teams Premium will appreciate these concise summaries—almost like having the executive assistant you’ve always wanted (though you’ll still need to brew your own coffee).

Additionally, Microsoft has set IntelliFrame as the standard for video calls. Wondering what that is? It’s an AI-driven feature that pinpoints each participant’s video feed, ensuring everyone is clearly visible and properly framed during Teams Rooms calls—no more cut-off faces or vanishing participants.

Enhanced team collaboration, more insightful meetings, and video calls that could pass for a professional broadcast… what’s not to love?

If you haven’t fully leveraged Teams for your business yet, we’re here to assist. Contact us.

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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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Training Employees on Cybersecurity

After completing your annual phishing training, which teaches employees how to spot phishing emails, you feel confident. However, your confidence is shattered when your company falls victim to a costly ransomware infection due to a click on a phishing link. Despite undergoing the same training every year, you continue to experience security incidents, which begs the question of how often you should train your employees.

How often do you need to train employees on cybersecurity awareness?

It’s not enough to train your employees just once a year. Without reinforcement, people are unlikely to change their behaviors or may forget what they’ve learned after a few months. According to research, the “sweet spot” for training frequency is every four months, as this results in more consistent improvements in IT security.

A recent study presented at the USENIX SOUPS security conference looked at the relationship between training frequency and users’ ability to detect phishing emails. The study tested employees’ phishing identification skills at various time increments, including four months, six months, eight months, ten months, and twelve months. The results suggest that training every four months is optimal for improving your team’s cybersecurity awareness.

Employees took phishing identification tests at several different time increments:

  • 4-months
  • 6-months
  • 8-months
  • 10-months
  • 12-months

The study revealed that four months after their initial training, employees had good scores in accurately identifying and avoiding phishing emails. However, their scores started to decline after six months and continued to worsen as more time passed since their training.

To ensure employees remain well-prepared, it is crucial to provide ongoing training and refreshers on security awareness. This will empower them to actively contribute to your cybersecurity strategy.

Tips for Training Employees and Cultivating a Cybersecure Culture

The ultimate goal of security awareness training is to foster a cybersecure culture. In this culture, everyone recognizes the importance of safeguarding sensitive data, avoiding phishing scams, and maintaining secure passwords.

Unfortunately, according to the 2021 Sophos Threat Report, most organizations do not exhibit this culture, and a lack of sound security practices poses a significant threat to network security.

According to the report, the root cause of numerous severe attacks we’ve investigated is a lack of attention to basic security hygiene. Having well-trained employees plays a crucial role in mitigating a company’s risk and reducing the likelihood of falling victim to various online attacks. Effective training doesn’t necessarily require lengthy cybersecurity sessions; it’s more effective to diversify the delivery methods.

Here are some examples of effective cybersecurity training methods that you can include in your training plan:

  1. Monthly self-service videos: Provide employees with self-service videos via email on a monthly basis to enhance their cybersecurity knowledge and awareness.

  2. Team-based roundtable discussions: Organize interactive roundtable discussions within teams to encourage knowledge sharing and collaborative learning about cybersecurity practices.

  3. “Tip of the Week” in company communications: Include a regular “Tip of the Week” in company newsletters or messaging channels to deliver bite-sized cybersecurity tips and best practices.

  4. IT professional-led training sessions: Arrange training sessions led by IT professionals who can provide in-depth insights and guidance on various cybersecurity topics.

  5. Simulated phishing tests: Conduct simulated phishing tests to assess employees’ susceptibility to phishing attacks and provide targeted training based on the results.

  6. Cybersecurity posters: Display informative and visually appealing cybersecurity posters in common areas to reinforce key security concepts and promote awareness.

  7. Celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Dedicate the month of October to celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month by organizing special events, workshops, or training sessions to emphasize the importance of cybersecurity within your organization.

By incorporating these diverse training methods, you can ensure a comprehensive and engaging approach to cybersecurity training for your employees.

When conducting awareness training, it’s essential to cover not only phishing but also other crucial topics. Here are some important areas that should be included in your training mix:

Phishing by Email, Text & Social Media

While email phishing remains the most common form, it’s crucial to address the growing threats of SMS phishing (“smishing”) and phishing through social media. Employees need to be able to recognise these deceptive tactics and avoid falling victim to these scams.

Credential & Password Security

With the widespread adoption of cloud-based platforms, credential theft has become a significant concern. It has become the leading cause of data breaches globally, particularly as it provides an easy pathway to breach SaaS cloud tools. It’s critical to discuss with your team the importance of maintaining secure passwords and using strong authentication methods. Additionally, provide guidance on tools such as business password managers to assist them in safeguarding their credentials.

Mobile Device Security

Mobile devices have become an integral part of daily work, enabling employees to access emails and perform tasks from anywhere. Considering this, it’s essential to review the security requirements for employee devices that access business data and applications. Emphasize the importance of securing mobile devices with passcodes, keeping them regularly updated with the latest security patches, and following best practices for mobile device security.

By addressing these topics in your awareness training, you can better equip your employees to recognize and mitigate the risks associated with phishing, credential theft, and mobile device security.

Data Security

As data privacy regulations continue to increase, it is crucial for companies to comply with multiple data privacy regulations. To mitigate the risk of data leaks or breaches that could result in costly compliance penalties, it is important to provide training to employees on proper data handling and security procedures. By ensuring employees are well-versed in data security, you can minimise the potential risks associated with mishandling sensitive information.

Need Assistance in Maintaining Your Team’s Cybersecurity Training?

Take the burden off your shoulders and entrust the training of your team to cybersecurity professionals. We offer an engaging training program designed to help your team develop better cybersecurity practices and enhance their cyber hygiene. With our expertise, we can provide the necessary guidance and knowledge to facilitate behavioral changes and improve your overall security posture.

Get in touch today to learn more

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The Best VoIP Features for Your Small Business

In recent years, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) was considered a non-traditional business phone system. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed this perception, and now internet-based phone systems are not just the norm, but essential for business continuity. The shift to remote work and hybrid offices has resulted in a 210% increase in the use of VoIP and video conferencing. In fact, 67% of surveyed companies believe that switching to VoIP has improved their call handling capabilities.

One of the significant advantages of VoIP is that it allows businesses to operate without being tied to a physical location. This flexibility enables efficient management of staff spread across multiple locations, providing seamless communication and collaboration. Moreover, VoIP offers cost savings compared to traditional landline-based systems. The technology itself is more affordable, and calling plans are often more cost-effective. Businesses can also add new numbers with minimal expense.

VoIP offers various features that can benefit small businesses, but business owners may not have the time to enable all of them. To drive efficiency, productivity, and provide a positive caller experience, here are some of the best features of cloud-based business phone systems:

Automated Attendant

In small companies, the person answering calls often has additional responsibilities. An automated attendant can free up their time and provide callers with a better experience. The auto-attendant acts as a company directory, forwarding calls to the appropriate department or staff member based on a recorded greeting and simple menu options. This minimizes the need for callers to explain their reason for calling multiple times.

 

VOIP phone closeup image

Find Me/Follow Me

This feature is highly favored by VoIP users, with 77% of surveyed employees finding it valuable. It allows the use of a virtual phone number that can be accessed from multiple devices, and calls can be easily transferred between devices. Whether on a PC, in a conference room, or using a smartphone, calls can be received without friction, providing a single phone number for callers to reach the person regardless of their location.

Hold Music

Playing pleasant music while callers are on hold may seem insignificant, but it can significantly impact customer satisfaction and lead generation activities. Studies have shown that callers are less likely to hang up when on hold with music compared to silence. Hold music reduces the percentage of callers who hang up and also creates a perception of shorter wait times, leading to happier customers and increased lead retention.

Voicemail Transcription to Email

Going through a string of voicemails can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially after a meeting. Voicemail to email feature in VoIP services sends recorded voicemails to email along with a transcription of the message. This allows users to quickly scan through the emails and prioritize callbacks without having to listen to each voicemail individually.

Ring Groups

Ring groups are particularly useful for small teams. They allow a group of numbers to ring simultaneously until one person in the group answers the call. This ensures that calls are answered promptly and reduces the need for callers to leave voicemails. Ring groups can be set up for various teams, such as sales, accounting, and customer support, to improve call handling and response times.

Call Reporting

VoIP phone systems provide real-time call reporting, which is not available with traditional analog systems. Call reporting can offer insights into call volumes, busiest call times, and call handling performance. This information can be used to optimize staffing levels and call handling processes, leading to improved customer service and operational efficiency.

Local Support

While not a system feature, having local support for VoIP is essential. Opting for a VoIP service provider that offers local support ensures that you have access to assistance when needed, such as setting up VoIP desk phones and optimizing system settings. Having reliable local support can help ensure that your business phone system operates smoothly and without interruptions

Get in touch to learn more about utilising VOIP in your business.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small to Medium Business with ChatGPT

ChatGPT image

The implementation of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning for small to medium businesses is becoming more accessible all of the time. Still, for many people, the concept of AI has remained something of an abstract idea. 

For most people engagement with AI usually forms part of a larger system- AI as part of an overall device or as part of a larger service. For example voice assistants within our phones or home smart speakers; and much of the cloud-based software that we use daily is implementing AI in some way. 

Recently, controversy has pushed AI Art to the forefront with the ability for people to generate complex and detailed artworks using just text prompts using platforms such as Midjourney and Stable Diffusion.  

ChatGPT image

One recent breakout service- ChatGPT, has garnered a lot of attention for its accessibility and ease of use. You simply log-in (free of charge) and start interacting with the AI with simple text. For example:

Write a blog article about ‘5 top tips to save with our accounting service’ 

Or

Write an article about skincare for an audience in Newcastle NSW

Or

Write a program outline for a 2 hour mindfulness workshop

If you are wondering how AI can save your business time and money then try it out- the results will amaze you! While implementation into your current systems and software is possible through APIs, the web interface has no tricky coding language or prompts to learn. It is a great way to test out the use of artificial intelligence for your businesses content creation.

Does this remove the need for experts and content creators? We don’t think so, but it does give your team the capacity to create more content without adding extra business resources. 

The results from ChatGPT and others can be a little hit and miss and most content will require some tweaks and adjustments but it can provide an excellent starting point for busy teams.

At the time of writing, Google has just announced its own ChatGPT rival Bard which is also worth a look.

It is an interesting time to be involved in technology- let us assist you in navigating the tech landscape and grow your business by getting in touch today!

We asked ChatCPT to tell us about itself, This is what it had to say: