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7 Helpful Features Rolled Out in the Autumn Windows 11 Update

13th December 2023
Windows 11 Autumn update

In a world where technology constantly evolves, Microsoft stands at the forefront. It continues to pioneer innovations. Innovations that transform how we interact with our digital universe.

The fall Windows 11 update is a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to excellence. It’s more than just an upgrade. It’s a leap into the future of computing. Microsoft touts it as “The most personal Windows 11 experience.”

Let’s explore some of the great features that make this update so significant.

Microsoft Copilot: Your Intelligent Partner in Creativity

A standout feature of the fall Windows 11 update is Microsoft Copilot. This AI-driven marvel is like your personal PC assistant.

Need help summarizing a web page? Want to change to dark mode, but forgot how? Looking for a quick custom image for a social media post? Microsoft Copilot can do all that and more.

Windows Co Pilot

Image credit: Microsoft

Copilot is seamlessly integrated into Windows 11. It offers real-time suggestions and turns ideas into reality with remarkable ease. Ask it what you need, and the AI engine gets to work.

Updated Apps (Paint, Snipping Tool, Clipchamp & More)

Have you ever wished that Windows’ Snipping Tool could do more? This update grants that wish. The Snipping Tool is just one of many to get an AI upgrade.

Look for new capabilities in Paint, Clipchamp, and Photos. Get a unique image from inputting a text prompt and style. The Cocreator tool in Paint makes it easy to jumpstart your creativity. It will generate the image, then you can edit it in the same app.

Microsoft Clipchamp is one of the easiest video creator tools out there. You can now just drag in your assets and clips. Then, click to have the AI engine work its magic to create a video for you.

The new Clipchamp Auto Compose feature can:

  • Recommend scenes
  • Make edits
  • Create a narrative based on your inputs       

Easy Data Migration with Windows Backup

When you buy a new computer, moving data can be a pain. It can take hours to move your “pc life” between devices. And there’s always the risk you’ll miss something.

The new Windows Backup feature makes moving between computers easier. You can choose backup options and folders. When ready to move, it’s a simple process. You can restore the new PC from another backed-up PC.

Microsoft Edge: A Faster and More Secure Browsing Experience

Microsoft Edge received significant enhancements. These focus on speed, responsiveness, and security. The Edge Secure Network feature offers more gigabytes. Microsoft increased user storage from 1GB to 5GB. This function encrypts your internet connection to secure data.

Edge Secure Network has many features of a VPN. This is great for extra online security. It’s also helpful for companies trying to prevent breaches from clicks on phishing links

Save Energy & Battery Power

A feature called Adaptive Dimming is another enhancement of this update. Your screen slowly dims if you’re no longer paying attention. This has the dual benefit of saving energy and helping you refocus.

PC sensors power this feature as well as two others. So, it’s going to be more common with newer computers.

The other two features that use sensors are:

  • Wake on Approach
  • Lock on Leave

A More Personal Windows 11 Experience

Beyond the technical innovations, this update brings more. Including a more personal touch to the user experience. Tailored to individual preferences, Windows 11 becomes an extension of the user’s identity.

This includes things like:

  • Personalized themes
  • Custom widgets
  • Intelligent assistants

Every interaction feels curated and intuitive. It makes for a truly personalized operating system.

Other Cool Enhancements

There’s a lot of excitement packed into Windows 11. Here are a few more new features you can explore.

  • Copilot in Microsoft Shopping: Find what you need fast when shopping online. Bing will provide tailored recommendations based on your requests.
  • Content Credentials: Add an invisible digital watermark to your AI-generated images in Bing. Cryptographic methods help you tag your work.
  • Bing Chat Enterprise Updates: Boost work creativity and enjoy multimodal visual search. Find information using only images.
  • DALL.E 3 Model from Open AI: Use the Image Creator in Bing and you’ll likely be impressed. It’s had an upgrade and uses the DALL.E 3 model to render images from text prompts.

Harness the Power of Microsoft Products

Microsoft is definitely a leader in work productivity tools. And it has been for a long time. If you’re still working like it was 2020, let us help you upgrade. Employees can be more efficient than ever with the right apps.  

We’ve got your back with Microsoft 365, Windows 11, and other solutions. Our experts will guide you, so you can gain an edge on the competition.

Give us a call today to schedule a chat.Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

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Is app overload slowing down your team?

11th December 2023
Are you suffering from app overload?

Ever had one of those days where you feel like your inbox is staging a coup against your productivity?

You’re not alone.

In fact, a recent study revealed that 80% of our communications are still happening via email.

Yes, despite all the apps, chat services, and digital tools we have at our disposal, we’re still stuck in our old ways, sifting through an avalanche of emails. It’s a little like using a carrier pigeon in the age of the telephone.

The study also found that employees are wasting precious hours navigating through a maze of apps. Imagine this: Your employee is about to send an important report but gets lost between Slack, Teams, Google Docs, and a dozen other tools. It’s like playing a never-ending game of digital hide-and-seek. And spoiler alert: It’s not fun.

What about video conferencing? That’s got to be better, right? Well, not quite. Sure, it gives us the illusion of being productive, but the truth is, most employees find only three in five meetings genuinely valuable. The rest? Unproductive.

And let’s not forget about the constant need to repeat or clarify ourselves. We’re talking about 74% of workers having to repeat themselves some of the time, with almost a quarter saying this happens often. It’s enough to make you want to scream into the void, isn’t it?

So, what’s the solution?

Well, it’s time to take a step back and rethink your digital strategy.

Instead of piling on more apps and tools, why not work with a technology strategist who can help you create a plan that makes sense for your business? Think of us as the Marie Kondo of the digital world, helping you declutter your digital workspace and sparking joy (and productivity) in your team.

If you’re ready to get away from the endless loop of emails and app notifications and boost your productivity again, let us help.

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What Is the Most Secure Way to Share Passwords with Employees

6th December 2023

Breached or stolen passwords are the bane of any organization’s cybersecurity. Passwords cause over 80% of data breaches. Hackers get in using stolen, weak, or reused (and easily breached) passwords.

Secure ways to share passwords

But passwords are a part of life. Technologies like biometrics or passkeys haven’t yet replaced them. We use them for websites, apps, and more. So, companies need a secure way to share passwords with employees. As well as help them manage those passwords more effectively.

Cybersecurity threats are rampant and safeguarding sensitive information has never been more critical. Properly managing passwords securely is a top priority. At the same time, employees deal with more passwords than ever. LastPass estimates that people have an average of 191 work passwords.

Since you can’t get around passwords, how do you share them with employees safely? One solution that has gained popularity in recent years is using password managers.

Let’s explore the benefits of password managers next. We’ll also delve into why it’s one of the most secure ways to share passwords with employees.

Why Use a Business Password Management App?

Password managers give you a secure digital vault for safeguarding passwords. The business versions have setups for separating work and personal passwords. They also have special administrative functions so companies never lose a critical password.

Here are some of the reasons to consider getting a password manager for better data security.

Centralized Password Management

A primary advantage of password managers is their ability to centralize password management. They keep employees from using weak, repetitive passwords. And from storing them in vulnerable places. Instead, a password manager stores all passwords in an encrypted vault. This centralized enhances security. It also streamlines the process of sharing passwords securely within a team.

End-to-End Encryption

Leading password managers use robust encryption techniques to protect sensitive data. End-to-end encryption scrambles passwords. It turns them into unreadable text when stored and transmitted. This makes it nearly impossible for unauthorized users to access the information.

When sharing passwords with employees, encryption provides an extra layer of security. It helps ensure that the data remains confidential even during transmission.

Secure Password Sharing Features

Password managers often come with secure password-sharing features. They allow administrators to share passwords with team members. And to do this without revealing the actual password.

Instead, employees can access the required credentials without seeing the characters. This ensures that employees do not have direct access to sensitive information. This feature is particularly useful when onboarding new team members. As well as when collaborating on projects that require access to specific accounts.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Many password managers support multi-factor authentication. This adds an extra and important layer of security. MFA requires two or more forms of verification before accessing an account.

MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. According to Microsoft, it lowers the risk by 99.9%. This makes it an essential feature for businesses looking to enhance password security. Especially when sharing sensitive information with employees.

Password Generation and Complexity

Password managers often come with built-in password generators. They create strong, complex passwords that are difficult to crack. When sharing passwords with employees, employers can use these generated passwords. They ensure that employees are using strong, unique passwords for each account.

This eliminates the common practice of using weak passwords. As well as reusing passwords across many accounts. This feature mitigates the risk of security breaches.

Audit Trails and Activity Monitoring

Monitoring is a valuable feature offered by many password managers. It provides the ability to track user activity and access history. Admins can track who accessed which passwords and when. This provides transparency and accountability within the organization.

This audit trail helps in identifying any suspicious activities. It also allows companies to take prompt action. This ensures the security of the shared passwords.

Secure Sharing with Third Parties

Password managers offer secure methods for sharing credentials with third-party collaborators or contractors. Companies can grant these external parties limited access to specific passwords. They can do this without compromising security.

This functionality is particularly useful for businesses. Especially those working with external agencies or freelancers on various projects. It keeps control of the passwords within the organization.

You also never have to worry about losing a password when the only employee who knows it leaves.

Ready to Try a Password Manager at Your Office?

Password managers offer a secure and convenient way to share passwords with employees. They’re an indispensable tool for businesses aiming to enhance their cybersecurity posture.

By adopting password managers, businesses can protect their sensitive information. They also promote a culture of security awareness among employees. Investing in password management solutions is a proactive step toward safeguarding valuable data.

Need help securing a password manager? Give us a call today to schedule a chat.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

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You’ve heard of Copilot… but what is it?

4th December 2023
You’ve heard of Copilot… but what is it?

What if we told you your business could have its own personal assistant that’s always ready to help, can answer virtually any question, and even change system settings on your devices?

It might sound too good to be true, but thanks to Microsoft’s innovative new AI chatbot, Copilot, it’s a reality.

Imagine this: You’re busy. Your day is packed with meetings, and you need to quickly find information or change a setting on your device. What do you do?

Instead of panicking or wasting time you don’t have, just ask Copilot.

It’s the new kid on the block, replacing Cortana as Microsoft’s go-to AI assistant. But what makes Copilot stand out from the crowd? Well, it’s built into the Microsoft Edge browser and integrated directly into Windows 11, allowing it to perform a broader range of tasks than ever before.

Ever tried to find a specific setting on your device and ended up lost in a sea of menus? With Copilot, you can simply ask it to change the setting for you.

But Copilot isn’t part of the operating system. It’s more like a bonus feature of the Microsoft Edge browser that’s been cleverly disguised to look like a native part of Windows 11.

When you summon Copilot, a sidebar appears from the right, revealing an interface identical to Bing Chat’s web version. Here, you can set your conversation style and ask questions on virtually any topic. From “Make me a picture of a tropical beach with palm trees” to “Create a five-day itinerary for my business trip in March,” Copilot is ready to assist.

The best bit? Copilot understands context, meaning you can ask follow-up questions without repeating specific keywords. It’s like having a conversation with a real person.

You can also use Copilot to get answers from any page on Microsoft Edge. Simply ask something like, “Give me a summary of the page I have opened on Microsoft Edge,” and Copilot will scan the webpage content and respond accordingly.

So, what’s the catch? Well, the preview of Copilot in the Windows 11 2023 update doesn’t reflect the final product that Microsoft plans to roll out. But they’re continually polishing the interface and will be adding more features in future updates.

While it might still be finding its feet, there’s no denying its potential.

If you’d like a hand navigating Copilot, or any other productivity tools, get in touch.

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New And Urgent Bank Account Fraud Alert

1st December 2023
Xenomorph Android malware

The infamous Xenomorph Android malware, known for targeting 56 European banks in 2022, is back and in full force targeting US banks, financial institutions and cryptocurrency wallets.

The cyber security and fraud detection company ThreatFabric has called this one of the most advanced and dangerous Android malware variants they’ve seen.

This malware is being spread mostly by posing as a Chrome browser or Google Play Store update. When a user clicks on the “update,” it installs the malware designed to automate the process of accessing your online accounts and extracting and transferring funds.

Besides being alert to this scam (and you should let your spouse, partners and family know as well), you should be aware of a few ways to protect yourself:

  • Avoid links and attachments in any unsolicited e-mail. Simply previewing a document could infect your device, so never open or click on anything suspicious.
  • To update your browser, simply close it and reopen. You don’t have to download an application to update it. Furthermore, the Google Play Store app will not ask you for an update, so don’t fall for any website alert or text stating you need to download an update.

But remember, bank fraud can manifest itself in several forms, including:

  1. Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals send deceptive e-mails or messages, often impersonating trusted entities like banks or government agencies, to trick you or your employees into revealing sensitive information like login credentials. Sometimes these are facilitated by phone calls, so make sure your team is fully aware of this. The latest MGM hack happened when a hacker called the company’s IT department requesting a password reset.

  2. Check Fraud: Criminals may forge or alter your business’s checks to siphon funds from your account, making it essential for you to secure your checkbook and be careful about sharing or e-mailing your account information. You might consider going checkless to cut down on the chances of your account being hacked.

  3. Unauthorized Wire Transfers: Hackers may compromise your online banking credentials to initiate unauthorized transfers, diverting funds to their accounts.

  4. Account Takeover: Criminals may gain control of your business’s online banking accounts by exploiting weak passwords, reused passwords or security gaps, such as e-mailing your passwords to others or storing your bank password in your browser, allowing them to make unauthorized transactions.

  5. Employee Fraud: Sometimes, even employees may engage in fraudulent activities, such as embezzlement or manipulating financial records.

To protect yourself, use strong, unique passwords for your online banking accounts and never store them in your browser. Also, update your passwords monthly with significant changes to them, using uppercase and lowercase, symbols and numbers that are at least 14 to 16 characters.

Second, always turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) so you’re notified if anyone tries to log into your accounts without your knowledge.

Third, set up alerts for large withdrawals. You can ask your bank to require a physical signature for wire transfers to protect you from someone taking money from your account without your signature.

Fourth, get fraud insurance that specifically covers employee and online theft so you are protected in the event a cybercriminal steals money from your account.

And, as always, make sure you have strong cyberprotections in place for ANY device that logs into a bank account or critical application. Far too many businesses think that if their data is “in the cloud,” they are safe. Remember, your bank account is “in the cloud,” and the bank likely has a secure portal, but that doesn’t mean YOU can’t be hacked.

If you want to ensure your organization is truly secure, click here to request a free Cyber Security Risk Assessment to see just how protected your organization is against known predators. If you haven’t had an independent third party conduct this audit in the last 6 months, you’re due.

It’s completely free and confidential, without obligation. Voice scams are just the latest in a tsunami of threats aimed at small business owners, with the most susceptible being the ones who never “check the locks” to ensure their current IT company is doing what they should. Claim your complimentary Risk Assessment today.

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3 essential security tools for every business

16th May 2023
3 essential security tools for every business

Your data is one of your most valuable business assets. Keeping it safe should be one of your main priorities. So if you don’t have much security in place, there’s a minimum standard you should be implementing, right now.

There are dozens of security solutions available that all perform different tasks – from preventing criminals gaining access, to recognising attacks in progress, and then limiting the damage that can be done. There’s no one-size-fits-all as every business has different priorities and different types of data to protect.

Here are three essentials that every business should put in place as a basic level of protection.

  1. A firewall

A firewall monitors the internet traffic coming into and leaving your IT network. It acts as a wall between your network and the outside world. It’s your first line of defence against an intruder breaking in to your network.

  •  A password manager for everyone in the business.

A password manager stores all your credentials securely, and can also generate nearly impossible-to-guess passwords for all your accounts and applications.

That’s useful against brute force attacks, where cyber criminals essentially try to force their way into your system by guessing the password. It also stops you writing down your passwords somewhere ‘safe’!

  • A VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is important for any remote or hybrid workers in your business.

It means your employees can access your network from wherever they’re working, without worrying that their online activity is being watched by a criminal.

VPNs make your browsing completely private, hiding your device and location details, and anything you download. If you or your employees regularly use public Wi-Fi – especially to access your network – a VPN is essential.

These are our absolute minimum recommendations.

The strongest security uses additional tools like Multi-Factor Authentication to prove the identity of all users, and antivirus software to deal with any intrusions.

These work together to create a multi-layered security shield to defend against threats on many fronts.

But it’s important you create a security plan that’s right for your specific business. It’s a good idea to seek some professional help.

Not everyone’s as excited about IT security as we are! But we definitely have a passion for it.

If we can help you, get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Microsoft 365 makes Multi-Factor Authentication easier

3rd May 2023
Multi Facto Authnetication made Easier

Microsoft is planning to enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) directly in its Outlook app for many 365 business users.

MFA is a vital tool to help protect your online accounts from cyber criminals. It works by generating a second, single-use passcode every time you log into an account. It’s usually sent to an authenticator app on your phone that you have to download and set up first.

Security codes can also be sent via SMS text message, by a phone call, or you might be given a special USB key to plug into your computer.

The process is often made quicker by using a biometric login like your fingerprint or face ID. It’s a minor chore, but the protection it offers far outweighs the couple of extra seconds it takes to access your account.

Microsoft isn’t so sure about those extra seconds, though. If the tech giant can save you that time, it’s going to do it. That’s why it’s looking to streamline MFA for Microsoft 365 business accounts.

It’s rolling out the improvement by building MFA directly into the Outlook app in a feature called Authenticator Lite. Until now, it’s relied on a separate authenticator app or sending login codes.

There’s no news yet for those of us who want faster authentication on our personal PCs. If Microsoft does announce plans to make this feature available to more hardware or operating systems, we’ll update you with any news.

If you don’t already use MFA for your apps and online accounts, we recommend that all businesses implement it as soon as possible. The additional security it offers protects against the vast majority of today’s cyber threats.

For more help and advice about implementing MFA or getting the best from Microsoft 365, just get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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What is AI?

16th March 2023
Let's start talking about AI

The whole world is suddenly talking about Artificial Intelligence.

From Alexa in your kitchen, to Siri on your phone, AI is already all around us, but new names like ChatGPT, Dall-E, Jasper and more feel like they’ve blown up the internet.

These new concepts take things WAY further, helping us to write articles, search the web with natural conversation, generate images, create code, and introduce new ways to make our daily lives even easier.

But emerging technology nearly always launches in a blizzard of geek-speak before it settles into everyday life. Early PC users might remember the ‘DOS prompt’. And when did you ever have to ‘defrag’ your phone?

Experts believe that these new AI tools will become the building blocks of a whole new world of tech, redefining the way we interact with computers and machines.

So let’s help you decode some of the terms you’ll hear this year.

Chatbot Starting with the basics, a chatbot is an app that mimics human-to-human contact. Just type or speak normally, and the chatbot will respond the same way. ChatGPT is a chatbot. If you haven’t tried it out yet, give it a go.

Deep learning This is the technique that’s used to imitate the human brain, by learning from data. Current search tools and systems use pre-programmed algorithms to respond to requests. AI tools are trained on concepts and conversations in the real-world, and learn as they go to provide human-like responses.

Machine intelligence The umbrella term for machine learning, deep learning, and conventional algorithms. “Will machine intelligence surpass human ingenuity?”

Natural Language Understanding (NLU) helps machines understand the meaning of what we say, even if we make grammatical errors or speak with different regional accents.

Weak AI is the most common form of AI in use right now. Weak AI is non-sentient and typically focuses on a single or small range of activities – for instance writing, or repurposing video content. Strong AI, on the other hand has the goal of producing systems that are as intelligent and skilled as the human mind. Just not yet.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, but trust us – you’re going to be hearing a lot more about AI in the months and years to come.

If you’d like more help to understand how AI might form part of your business, just get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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Windows is the prime target for cyber criminals

18th December 2022
Windows is the prime target for cyber criminals

Windows is the prome target for cyber criminals, the bigget reason why is its huge dominance in the workplace. The bad actors are trying to steal your information, disrupt your business, or hold your data to ransom.

Tens of millions of attempted malware attacks were discovered throughout this year, and a massive 95% of those threats were targeted at Windows.

Although most of these are unsuccessful, those that are succsessful can cause havoc for the affected businesses. The best way to minimise or prevent this is by taking all possible precautions to protect your business and your data.

  • Hardware and software companies release regular updates to address threats to Windows users, as well as security patches designed specifically to deal with new risks. These should all be installed as soon as they become available.
  • Your people should be regularly trained in how to spot cyber security threats and what to do if they suspect one.
  • And because it’s not possible to protect every business from 100% of all threats, it’s also important that you have a strong resilience plan in place.

Resilience Plan

This should detail exactly how your business should react if it falls victim to a cyber attack and who should be notified to take action. Everyone in the company should have access to this document and know to report any potential attack as quickly as possible – that’s the best way to lessen its impact.

If you have an IT service provider, they’ll be able to make the best recommendations to keep your business safe and secure, train your people, and even provide monitoring to spot any potential danger before it becomes a problem.

This is something we do every day. So if we can help your business become more resilient, just get in touch.

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Are you sure you are downloading Zoom?

10th October 2022
Is that Zoom....Or is it malware.

Are you downloading Zoom or 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 download sites. They’re not the real thing. They’re designed to tempt you into downloading FAKE Zoom software, containing ‘info stealers’ and other forms of malware (malicious software).

Outcomes!

Accidentally use one of these sites thinking that you’re downloading a Zoom update… and you risk having sensitive data stolen. Possibly your banking info, passwords or browser history.

Some can even steal your multi-factor authentication details. That could give cyber criminals access to your most sensitive data.

The research also found these ‘stealer logs’ for sale on the dark web, where criminals can buy this information and use it to gain access to business networks.

Once a cyber criminal has access to your network, every piece of data you have stored becomes a target. In extreme cases, this can leave you vulnerable to ransomware attacks, or data theft.

While these fake sites can be incredibly convincing, take these simple steps to avoid being fooled.

  • Before you download the Zoom application (or any application), double check the address of the website you’re on. Is it what you’re expecting? If you clicked an email to get to that site, are you 100% sure it’s from the real company?
  • Study the rest of the web page too, looking for anything that doesn’t ring true, such as spelling mistakes or a clunky layout.
  • Make sure your security software is up to date and is actively scanning for malware and suspicious downloads.
  • Have a plan to roll out this advice across your business.

If you need any help or advice to keep your business protected from malware and other security threats, get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

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