by Richard Jones | Jul 8, 2024 | Business, Business Continuity, Cybersecurity, IT Management, Microsoft, New Technology, Productivity
Protect your business from a data leak with Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge for Business has just rolled out new data leak control capabilities. And that could be a good thing for keeping your sensitive info safe.
What are data leak control capabilities?
In plain English, they help prevent your sensitive information from getting out to the wrong people. Think of it as having an extra lock on your digital doors, making sure only the right people can access your important data.
Every business handles sensitive information, whether it’s financial records, client details, or proprietary data. If this information leaks, it could mean big trouble: Financial loss, legal headaches, and a hit to your reputation.
This new feature in Microsoft Edge helps keep your data secure by making sure only authorised people can access it. It also stops accidental sharing.
Depending on your industry, you may have strict rules about data protection. These new controls can help you stay on the right side of regulations.
And let’s not forget your customers. They’re more aware than ever about data privacy. Using a browser with strong data leak controls shows you’re serious about protecting their information, which can boost their trust in your business.
Microsoft Edge for Business has added this new feature into an easy-to-use package. You can set policies on how data can be shared – like stopping certain types of data from being copied or emailed to unauthorised recipients. This way, you’re less likely to have accidental leaks.
It uses artificial intelligence to spot potential threats and unusual data movements. Edge can alert you to a potential leak before it happens, giving you a chance to act proactively.
If you’re already using other Microsoft products like 365 or Microsoft Teams, good news: Edge for Business integrates smoothly with them, letting you apply consistent data protection across all your tools.
Ready to give it a spin? Here’s what to do:
1. Update your browser: Make sure all your business’s devices are using the latest version of Microsoft Edge for Business. This makes sure you have all the newest features and security updates.
2. Set your policies: Work with your IT support partner to set up data sharing policies that make sense for your business. Microsoft provides guidelines and templates to help you get started.
3. Train your team: Make sure your employees know about the importance of data security and how to use the new features. A quick training session can do the trick.
4. Monitor and adjust: Keep an eye on how things are working and tweak your policies as needed. You want to find a balance that keeps your data secure without disrupting your workflow.
Better still, why not get our team to just do this for you. Get in touch.
by Richard Jones | Jun 10, 2024 | Business, Business Continuity, Cybersecurity, IT Management, New Technology
More and more businesses are making the smart decision to be proactive and invest in their cyber security defences. This is fantastic news, especially since stats show that about half of small and medium-sized businesses still have no cyber security measures at all.
If your business falls into that category, it’s time to change.
Cyber security might sound complex, but it starts with a few simple steps. Let’s talk about some basics you can put in place right away.
First, think about encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Encryption is like putting your data in a secure vault. It ensures that even if someone intercepts your information, they can’t read it without the encryption key.
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to verify your identity using a second device, like your phone, whenever you log in. It’s a bit like needing two keys to open a lock instead of just one.
Another easy step is using a password manager. These generate long, random passwords for every account and remember them for you. Password managers make life easier and your business more secure in one package. Amazing.
Advanced monitoring tools are another great way to protect your business. They’re a little like security cameras for your digital space, always on the lookout for anything suspicious. These tools help detect unusual activity in your systems, giving you a heads-up if something’s not right.
And let’s not forget about protecting your business from phishing scams. These are attempts by criminals to trick you into giving away personal information by pretending to be someone you trust, like a supplier or a bank. Educating your team on how to spot these scams is crucial. If something feels off, it probably is.
Why is investing in cyber security so important?
- It protects your data
- Avoids financial loss
- And builds trust with your customers and partners
Your business data is valuable, and protecting it means safeguarding your business’s operations and reputation.
Cyber attacks can be costly, not just in terms of money but also time and resources. Prevention is ALWAYS cheaper than dealing with the aftermath of a breach. Plus, showing that you take security seriously helps build trust with your customers and partners. They need to know that their information is safe with you.
Investing in cyber security doesn’t have to be daunting. We’re the experts in this field and would love to help you secure your business. Whether you need advice on getting started or want a comprehensive security plan, get in touch.
by Richard Jones | Mar 11, 2024 | Business, Business Continuity, Cybersecurity, IT Management, Mobile, Online Presence
If there’s one thing that’s 100% certain when it comes to protecting your business data, it’s that you need to be aware of phishing emails.
First things first, what exactly is a phishing email? Picture it as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, posing as a legitimate communication to deceive unsuspecting recipients. These emails often contain malicious links, attachments, or requests for sensitive data, all disguised as a business or person you already know and trust.
And you know what they say: Knowledge is power. One of the best ways to stay safe is to stay informed. We can do that by looking at the most common phishing emails of last year.
There are three main categories of phishing themes: Major, moderate, and minor.
Major themes
The biggest category is finance-related phishing emails, making up a huge 54% of attacks. These emails often contain pretend invoices or payment requests, aiming to lure recipients into giving away financial information.
Following closely are notification phishing emails, making up 35% of attacks. These emails prey on urgency, claiming your password is about to expire or you must take some urgent action.
Moderate themes
Document and voicemail scams take centre stage here, accounting for 38% and 25% of attacks respectively. These tactics involve deceptive files or messages designed to trick you into compromising your security.
Minor themes
While less common, minor phishing themes still pose a risk to people who don’t know what to look out for. These include emails related to benefits, taxes, job applications, and property.
Why should you be concerned about phishing emails? Falling victim to these scams can have serious consequences, including financial loss, data breaches, and damage to your company’s reputation. It’s essential to educate your employees about the dangers of phishing and put in place robust cyber security measures to protect your business.
Awareness and vigilance are your best defences against phishing attacks. By staying informed, training your employees, and using strong security protocols, you can safeguard your company’s valuable assets from cyber threats.
We help businesses like yours stay safe. If you’re not 100% sure you’re fully protected… let’s talk.
by Richard Jones | Mar 4, 2024 | Business, Business Continuity, IT Management, Productivity, Working from Home
You rely on your team to be efficient and productive. But slow and sluggish computers can make it difficult for them to do their work – and could affect you personally too. Which impacts your business’s overall performance.
Before you jump to the (expensive) conclusion that you need to replace your PCs, there are several ways you can increase computer performance on Windows 10 and 11.
Here are just a few…
Restart your computer
Yes, it might be our favourite advice as IT support professionals, but a basic shutdown and restart can work wonders. Restarting your computer clears background processes, applications, and memory data. This often resolves common performance issues, especially if your computer has been running for a while.
Manage start-up apps
Many apps register themselves to start automatically with Windows 11, and this can slow down your computer’s start-up process. To regain some speed, consider disabling unnecessary start-up apps:
- Open Settings
- Click on Apps
- Select the Start-up page
- Sort apps by their “Start-up impact”
- Turn off the toggle switch for any unnecessary apps
- Restart your computer
This will prevent these apps from launching automatically during start-up and save valuable system resources.
Disable restartable apps
Windows 11 has a feature that saves and restarts certain applications when you reboot your computer. While it can be convenient, it may not be ideal for performance. To turn off this feature:
- Open Settings
- Click on Accounts
- Go to the Sign-in options page
- Turn off the “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” toggle switch
Disabling this feature can help improve your computer’s speed, especially if you have many applications that you don’t use regularly.
Uninstall unnecessary apps
Unused or unnecessary apps can clutter your system and slow it down. To remove them:
- Open Settings
- Click on Apps
- Select the Installed apps page
- Choose the app you want to uninstall and click the Uninstall option
- Follow the on-screen directions if necessary
By removing apps you don’t need, you’ll free up space and resources for better performance.
Always be cautious about what software you install on your computer. Poorly designed or outdated applications can have a negative impact on performance. Stick to reputable apps (preferably those available in the Microsoft Store) because they have thorough reviews for both security and performance.
Before installing any software, do some online research to check for user experiences and potential issues. Trustworthy sources and well-known companies are your best bet.
Take the time to optimise your existing Windows computers before you consider upgrading your devices. Of course, rather than doing all of this yourself, why not get our team to do it for you. They can check every aspect of your computers and network to look for other hidden problems. Get in touch.
by Richard Jones | Feb 26, 2024 | Business Continuity, Cybersecurity, IT Management
Picture this: Your business gets hit by a ransomware attack, and your valuable data is locked away by cyber criminals demanding a huge ransom fee.
You can’t afford to pay it. But there’s a twist – just like those “buy now, pay later” schemes, some ransomware gangs are offering victims payment extension options.
Recent research reveals that ransomware groups are getting creative with their extortion strategies. One group is even offering victims various choices when it comes to their ransom demands. These “choices” include:
Paying to delay the publication of their stolen data, with a standard fee of $10,000… or paying to have their stolen data deleted before it’s made public.
The exact amounts charged are often negotiated with victims, adding a chilling dimension to the whole ordeal.
To increase the pressure on victims, these ransomware groups have added some terrifying features to their web sites. These include countdown timers displaying how much time businesses have before their data is released, view counters, and even tags revealing the victim’s identity and description.
It’s all designed to make victims feel cornered and more likely to give in to the demands.
You might be tempted to pay that ransom to protect your business data. Not so fast. Paying is always a bad idea and here’s why…
Paying doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get your data back or that the cyber criminals won’t demand more money later.
By paying, you’re essentially funding criminal activities, encouraging them to continue their attacks on others.
Paying a ransom might even get you into legal trouble, as some governments have made it illegal to pay cyber criminals.
So, what can you do to safeguard your business from falling victim to ransomware?
- Ensure you have regular, secure backups of your data. This way, you won’t be at the mercy of cyber criminals.
- Educate your staff about the risks of ransomware and train them to recognise phishing emails and suspicious links.
- Invest in robust cyber security software and keep it up to date.
- Keep your systems and software updated with the latest security patches.
- Segment your network to limit the spread of ransomware if one device gets infected.
- Develop a clear incident response plan, so you know exactly what to do if you’re ever hit by a ransomware attack.
Paying cyber criminals rarely makes things better, and we’re seeing businesses that do pay become targets time and time again. Instead, invest in the proactive measures above to help you stay secure. And if we can help you with that, get in touch.
by Adrian Giddings | Aug 15, 2023 | Business, Business Continuity, Working from Home
Moving can be a chaotic and stressful time. Especially when it comes to handling your valuable technology. Whether you’re relocating your home or office, it’s essential to take extra care. Both with fragile items and when packing and moving your devices and other tech items.
To help you navigate this process smoothly, we’ve put together a handy checklist. Use this to help ensure your technology remains safe and sound during the move.
Back Up Everything
Before you start disassembling your technology, make sure to back up all your data. Create copies of important files, documents, photos, and any other irreplaceable information. You can either use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or both. By doing this, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve protected your data. Should something unfortunate happen during the move, your files will be intact.
Organise and Label Cables
We all know the struggle of untangling a mess of cables. This is true especially when you’re eager to set up your devices in the new place. To avoid this headache, take the time to organise and label your cables before packing.
Use cable ties or twist ties to keep them neatly bundled. Attach labels to identify which cable belongs to which device. Trust us; this simple step will save you a lot of time and frustration later on.
Pack Devices Carefully
When packing your devices, opt for their original boxes whenever possible. If you have the storage space, this is why you don’t want to toss those out. The original packaging is designed to provide the best protection during shipping. There are usually specific compartments to secure each component.
If you don’t have the original boxes, use sturdy cardboard boxes. Wrap each device in bubble wrap or anti-static foam to prevent any damage. Fill any empty spaces in the boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to ensure a snug fit.
Remove Ink Cartridges and Batteries
It might seem easier to just load up your printers “as is” to move them. But that’s not a good idea. For printers and devices that use ink, it’s crucial to remove those cartridges. Do this before packing the devices. Ink cartridges can leak or dry out during transit. This can cause a mess or render them useless.
Also, remove batteries from devices such as laptops, cameras, or remote controls. This precaution prevents accidental power-on and potential damage during the move. Pack the cartridges and batteries separately in sealed bags and label them.
Take Photos of Cable Connections
Before unplugging cables from your devices, snap a quick photo of the connections. This visual reference will be very helpful when it’s time to set up everything at your new location. You won’t have to worry about remembering which cable goes where. And won’t need to spend hours trying to figure it out. Simply refer to the photos, and you’ll be back up and running in no time!
Pack Your Wi-Fi Equipment Separately
Reconnecting to the internet is usually one of the first things done for both home and office moves. To make it easier, pack all your Wi-Fi network equipment separately from other items.
This includes your modem, router, ethernet cables, and other network connectors. Clearly label the box “Wi-Fi Equipment” so you’ll know right where to go first to get online.
Secure Fragile Screens
Are you moving devices with delicate screens, such as TVs or monitors? Then take extra precautions to protect them from scratches and cracks.
Place a soft cloth or microfiber cloth over the screen. Secure it with elastic bands or tape. This barrier will shield the screen from any accidental contact during transit. Additionally, make sure to pack these items in a vertical position to reduce the risk of damage.
Inform the Movers about Fragile Items
When enlisting professional movers, be sure to be clear about your technology. Inform them about the fragile nature of your devices and other tech items. Clearly label the boxes containing your valuable devices as “fragile.” Provide any necessary instructions to handle them with care. By communicating your concerns upfront, you reduce the chances of accidents while moving.
Test Everything After the Move
If you’ve moved offices, you don’t want to find out about problems on a busy Monday morning. Once you’ve moved your technology and reconnected cables, turn your devices on. Test them to ensure they work as usual and weren’t damaged.
Something may not look damaged on the outside. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t internal damage. You want to know this upfront so you can file a claim and call in an IT service professional to help.
Need Help with a Safe Technology Move?
Moving can be a hectic and challenging process, especially when moving office tech. But with the right approach, you can ensure the safety of your devices from point A to point B.
Need help from the pros to move your technology securely? Give us a call today to schedule a chat.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
