Windows 11 will warn you if someone’s snooping

Windows 11 will warn you if someone’s snooping

Ever get a creepy feeling while you’re working in a coffee shop or on the train?

Like someone’s looking over your shoulder at what’s on your screen?

It’s a real privacy concern. Especially when you’re dealing with sensitive emails or confidential documents. Or even when you simply prefer to keep your screen to yourself.

Well, Microsoft may soon have your solution.

A new privacy feature called Onlooker Detection is reportedly in the works for Windows 11. It’s designed to do exactly what it says on the tin: Spot when someone is trying to glance at your screen and let you know about it.

This clever bit of tech builds on something already in Windows, called Presence Sensing. Right now, that’s used to dim or lock your screen when you walk away and wake it up when you return (it works with Windows Hello for seamless sign-ins).

But this new development takes things a step further. If an onlooker is detected, your laptop can automatically dim the screen to make it harder for them to read. Or send you a warning. Or both.

The goal here is simple: Better privacy, without you having to lift a finger.

Of course, your laptop needs the right hardware to make this work. That’s a presence sensor, known technically as Human Presence Detection (HPD).

It’s something found in newer laptops, often those using chips from Qualcomm, AMD, or Intel. If you’re not sure whether your device has it, you can check in the Settings app under System > Power & battery.

While Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed this feature just yet, it has shown up in recent Windows 11 preview builds. So, while we can’t say for sure when it’s coming, the signs are promising.

Frankly, it’s about time. Data privacy matters more than ever. This kind of smart, subtle protection could make a real difference. It’s one more way Microsoft is trying to make Windows 11 not just more powerful, but more personal and private too.

Would a feature like this give you more peace of mind when working in public?

90% of businesses are now using generative AI

90% of businesses are now using generative AI

Have you ever wondered what the workplace of the near future looks like?

Surprise. It’s already here. And it’s powered by Generative AI.

You’ve probably heard the term thrown around. It’s not just tech jargon or a passing trend.

Generative AI is the kind of artificial intelligence that doesn’t simply analyse data, it creates things. Like text, images, code, even music. And that’s all based on what it has learned from massive amounts of information.

It’s the technology behind tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and dozens of others. It’s transforming the way businesses operate.

And here’s the big headline: 90% of businesses are already using Generative AI in some way.

That’s not a small pilot test or cautious toe-dip in the water. That’s nearly everyone doing something with AI right now.

It’s even overtaken cyber security in terms of business spending.

Think about that for a second: Companies are now investing more in AI tools than in protecting themselves from cyber crime. That tells you how serious they are about tapping into the power of this technology.

So, what’s behind this surge?

For starters, Generative AI can seriously improve productivity. You can generate first drafts of reports, marketing copy, or emails in seconds. Developers can write code faster. Customer service teams can automate common queries. It’s not about replacing people. It’s about helping them get more done, more easily.

And businesses aren’t picking up pre-built tools. They’re getting ambitious. Many are building their own AI-powered applications using their own data. That means they’re customising it to suit their unique goals, challenges, and customer needs.

The result? Smarter automation, better insights, and a serious competitive edge.

But like anything powerful, Generative AI comes with its own set of challenges.

Some businesses are still figuring out how to train their teams.

Others are working out how to define the right AI skillsets during hiring. It’s a fast-moving space, and there’s a big learning curve.

By the end of 2025, three out of four companies are expected to have in-house AI training programmes. That’s a huge jump. And a sign that AI’s becoming a core business skill.

Of course, it’s not all plain sailing. There are concerns around accuracy, data privacy, and how to manage this technology responsibly. Generative AI can be very confident in its answers… even when it’s totally wrong about something. That’s why it’s so important to have the right checks and balances in place, and not blindly trust whatever it produces.

If you’re not already thinking about how your business can use AI, now’s the time. Whether you want to boost productivity, improve customer experience, or simply stay ahead of your competitors, Generative AI has something to offer.

And if you feel overwhelmed by it all, that’s OK. You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start small, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to ask your IT partner (or me and my team) for guidance.

From Slow and Outdated to Fast and Future-Ready: A Complete Network Overhaul for a High-Demand Public Venue

Simplifying things for you

At Bluebox Integration, we don’t just install broadband, we engineer connectivity that works. And our latest project is a prime example of how the right infrastructure can transform performance, reliability, and day-to-day operations.

The Challenge

Our client, a busy public venue hosting multiple businesses, was struggling with a patchy and underpowered network setup. While we’d already delivered a robust 1Gbps leased line to the building, the internal infrastructure hadn’t kept pace.

Outdated switches, ageing Wi-Fi access points, and a neglected comms cabinet were all contributing to sluggish performance and growing frustration among tenants and staff.

The Solution

We carried out a full internal network refresh, designed to meet the venues’ demands for today and the years ahead. Here’s what we delivered:

  • Replaced legacy switches with high-speed, gigabit-ready equipment
  • Upgraded router and Wi-Fi access points for seamless site-wide coverage
  • Refreshed and reorganised the comms cabinet for improved airflow, easier access, and better performance

The Result

The entire site is now running on a fast, secure, and fully future-proofed network. No more bottlenecks. No more downtime. Just a stable system that supports productivity,  whether it’s the businesses renting space, the visitors passing through, or the behind-the-scenes team keeping everything running smoothly.

Future-Proof Your Building

Is your network equipment in need of a review? We can help. Whether it’s a simple upgrade or a complete infrastructure overhaul, Bluebox Integration has the experience and solutions to bring your setup up to speed.

Get in touch to find out how we can future-proof your connectivity. You can give us a call on 01204 221101

Beware: Is that Microsoft… or a phishing attempt?

Beware: Is that Microsoft… or a phishing attempt?

When you get an email from Microsoft, you probably don’t think twice about opening it. Right?

After all, it’s Microsoft. One of the biggest, most trusted tech companies in the world.

But what if that email isn’t from Microsoft at all?

Cyber criminals love using trusted brands to trick people. And right now, Microsoft is the most impersonated company in the world when it comes to phishing scams.

In fact, new research shows that 36% of brand-related phishing attacks in early 2025 were pretending to be Microsoft.

That’s a huge number.

Google and Apple were next on the list. Together, the three tech giants made up more than half of all phishing scams.

So, what’s going on? And more importantly, how can you keep your business safe?

First, let’s quickly talk about what phishing is.

Phishing is when a criminal sends you a fake email, text, or message that looks like it’s from a real company. One you know and trust.

The goal is to get you to click on a link, open a malicious attachment, or hand over sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or even your full identity.

Once that happens, the consequences can be nasty: Stolen money, hacked systems, confidential data leaks. And a world of pain for your business.

The worst part: Phishing emails are getting smarter. There’s a lot less bad spelling and suspicious-looking links.

Scammers copy real company logos. Set up fake websites that look exactly like the real thing. They even spoof email addresses so it looks like the message really is coming from Microsoft, Google, or Apple.

In fact, researchers recently found a rise in phishing attacks pretending to be Mastercard. Fake websites are tricking people into entering their card details.

It’s a worrying trend, and it shows that cyber criminals are constantly finding new ways to catch people out.

So, how can you tell if that email from Microsoft is the real deal, or a dangerous fake?

It’s all about slowing down and staying sharp.

Real emails from companies like Microsoft will never pressure you into urgent actions like “Click this link immediately or your account will be locked.” That kind of language is a big red flag.

Always check the sender’s email address carefully. At first glance it might look right, but a closer look could reveal slight changes. Like “micros0ft.com” instead of “microsoft.com”. Cyber criminals rely on you not noticing these small details.


And whatever you do, don’t click on links straight from an email you’re not sure about. If in doubt, go to your browser and type the official website address manually. It’s always safer that way.

Being cautious might feel like a hassle sometimes. But it’s nothing compared to the hassle of cleaning up after a cyber attack.

Phishing scams are only going to get more convincing. That’s why it’s vital to:

  • Stay alert
  • Invest in good cyber security tools
  • Use smart protections like multi-factor authentication (where you need two forms of ID to log in, not just a password)

Remember: The more trusted the brand, the bigger the target it becomes for scammers.
And that email that looks like it’s from Microsoft? It might just be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

We can help you and your team stay better protected – and more vigilant – against phishing scams like these. Get in touch.