What would happen to your business if one of your key tools suddenly stopped being safe to use?

That’s the situation many businesses are heading for right now. With Windows 10.

Because time is running out. Fast.

Microsoft has confirmed that free support for Windows 10 ends on 14th October when it reaches end of life.

That’s only a few weeks away. And with the time it takes to plan, budget and roll out a full upgrade across your business, it’s dangerously close.

Here’s the thing: When support ends, it really ends.

That means no more security updates. No more bug fixes. No help from Microsoft if something goes wrong.

Yes, you’ll still be able to use your Windows 10 devices. But you’ll be doing so in the dark, with a big target painted on your back for cyber criminals.

What’s even more worrying is that many business owners haven’t realised this is coming. A recent survey found that 18% had no idea support was ending. Another 14% had considered it but hadn’t started planning. That’s a lot of businesses at serious risk of disruption, data breaches, or worse.

And yes, Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs). But they’re not free. It’s a temporary patch, not a solution. And the price goes up every year.

The better option? Moving to Windows 11 now, while there’s still time to do it properly and without stress.

Windows 11 isn’t just the next version of Windows. It’s built to be faster, more secure, and better suited to the way modern businesses work. It’s designed for hybrid teams, packed with productivity features, and includes the latest security tools to help protect against today’s threats.

You’ll notice smoother performance and better integration with tools like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive and Copilot.

But there’s a catch. Not all devices that run Windows 10 can run Windows 11.

You might need to upgrade your hardware too. That’s why you need to act now, rather than waiting until you’re forced into last-second decisions that cost more and cause more disruption.

The bottom line? October 2025 is a deadline. And the longer you leave it, the harder and more expensive the transition becomes.

If you haven’t started preparing, please, do it now. Ask your IT support partner: “Are we ready for Windows 10 end of life?” If the answer’s anything but a confident “yes,” make a plan.

Not just about upgrading to Windows 11, but about whether your IT support partner is as much of a partner as you thought.

Need a hand making the upgrade? My team and I can help. Get in touch.  

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank PowerPoint slide? Trying to figure out how to turn a pile of notes into something that looks half decent?

Maybe you’ve got a well-written Word document but no idea how to turn it into a presentation that’s clear, professional, and visually engaging?

It can take hours to get it right. Especially if you’re juggling other work at the same time.

Well, here’s some very good news: Microsoft has just made that problem a lot easier to solve.

A new update to Microsoft Copilot means it can now create individual PowerPoint slides directly from a Word file. Yes, what used to take you ages can now be done in seconds.

I can’t be the only one who’s thrilled about this.

Copilot is Microsoft’s AI assistant, built into tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Think of it as a smart helper that understands what you’re trying to do and takes care of the heavy lifting.

With this new feature, you can ask Copilot to create a slide based on a section of your Word doc. Or even the whole thing. And it will generate a ready to edit slide with your content already there.

No more copy-pasting text. No more fiddling with layouts or wondering if your fonts match. Amazing.

It won’t yet handle things like custom colours or background images. But it will give you a solid, professional looking starting point to work from. That means your team can focus on fine tuning the message, not wrestling with formatting.

This is a big win for businesses.

Presentation slides are still a huge part of how we share information. Whether it’s pitching to clients, reporting to the team, or planning your next move. But creating them takes time, attention to detail, and let’s face it… some days you’d rather be doing anything else.

Now, you can start with a well written Word doc and have Copilot turn it into slides in just a few clicks. You still get full control to make tweaks and add your personal touch, but the most time-consuming part is done for you.

If your business already uses Microsoft 365 and you’ve got a Copilot license, you can try this now. Just make sure you’re on the latest version of the apps.

In PowerPoint, look for the “New Slide with Copilot” option under the Home tab, or just click the Copilot button and choose “Add a slide.”

This isn’t just about saving time (although it will do that). It’s about freeing your team to focus on communicating ideas clearly and confidently, without getting stuck fiddling with bullet points and box sizes.

So, if PowerPoint presentations are part of your day-to-day, it might be time to give Copilot a go. If you need help getting started, get in touch.  

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?

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.

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.

What would you do if you arrived at work tomorrow and all your files were gone?

Not just missing. But locked up. Encrypted. Held for ransom by criminals demanding a massive payout just to get them back.

Maybe.

That’s the reality of ransomware. And it’s getting worse.

In the first quarter of 2025, ransomware attacks hit a new high. Up 84% compared to the same period last year.

It’s no longer a case of “if” your business might be targeted… but “when”.

In fact, two-thirds of businesses have been hit by ransomware in the last two years. It’s the kind of stat that makes you stop and think: Is your business ready?

Now, the good news (yes, there is some) is that there is a very effective way to protect your business: Immutable backup storage.

I’ll explain what that is in a second.

First, a quick refresher on ransomware. It’s a type of cyber attack where criminals gain access to your systems, encrypt your files, and then demand a ransom payment to unlock them.

It’s nasty stuff.

And these attacks don’t just target your day-to-day files anymore. According to recent research, 96% of businesses that were hit by ransomware in the last two years saw their backups targeted too.

That’s right. The attackers know about that safety net you thought would save you. And they’re gunning for it.

This is where immutable backup storage comes in.

“Immutable” means unchangeable. With immutable storage, once your backup data is written, it can’t be edited, deleted, or overwritten. Even by someone with admin access.

That means if a ransomware attacker does manage to get into your system, they still can’t tamper with these backups. It’s like putting your most important information into a vault, locking it up, and throwing away the key… except you still have a secure way to access it when you really need it.

Traditionally, businesses achieved this by storing backups on devices that were physically disconnected from the network. What we call “air-gapped” storage.

But these days, we’ve got smarter, cloud-based options that offer the same level of protection without the need for bulky hardware or complex routines.

So, why isn’t every business using immutable backups?

That’s a great question. Even though 81% of IT professionals say it’s the best way to protect against ransomware, only 59% of businesses are using it. And that’s a worry.

Today, security hardening alone isn’t enough. Firewalls, security software, and careful user permissions are all part of the picture. But if ransomware gets through (and often, it does), your last line of defence is your backups.

They need to be untouchable.

I call it having a “breach mentality”. Working on the assumption that an attack will happen at some point. That means preparing for recovery, not just prevention.

Immutable backup storage is one of the smartest investments you can make right now. When the worst happens, being able to restore your data quickly and safely (without paying a ransom) can be the difference between a bad day… and business-ending disaster.

Got questions about how to get started with immutable storage or want help reviewing your backup strategy? My team and I can help. Get in touch.

Be honest. Do you still have at least one password that looks like “12345” or “password123”?

If so, you’re not alone.

But that doesn’t mean it’s OK.

Despite years of warnings from IT experts (people like me), weak passwords are still everywhere. And that’s a real problem. Because they’re one of the easiest ways for cyber criminals to break into your business systems.

You’d be amazed how many companies are still using passwords that can be cracked in less than a second.

Recent research found that the most common business password is still “123456”.

Right behind it? “123456789”, “password”, and even the ever popular “qwerty123”.

These aren’t just lazy choices. They’re open doors for hackers.

What’s worse, it’s not just huge enterprises that are getting this wrong. Small and medium sized businesses are guilty too. And they’re often hit harder when things go wrong, because they don’t always have the same resources to recover.

A single stolen password can let an attacker access your email, files, financial systems, or even customer data.

The damage? It can be serious. Both financially and to your reputation.

You might think, “But we don’t have anything worth stealing.” Trust me, you do. Even if you’re a team of five, your accounts, client data, and communications are all valuable targets. Cyber criminals don’t discriminate. They go for easy wins. And weak passwords are the easiest win there is.

Now here’s the kicker: Even if you’re not using “123456”, that doesn’t necessarily mean your passwords are secure. The research also found people using their own email address or their name as a password (eye roll). Some even used phrases like “iloveyou”.

It’s all very sweet… until a cyber criminal uses it to get into your systems.

So… what can you do to protect your business?

Start by making sure everyone uses strong, unique randomly generated passwords. That means longer phrases with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Nothing predictable.

Nobody wants to remember 30 complex passwords. That’s where a password manager comes in. It can create super strong passwords for every login and store them securely, so your team doesn’t have to rely on memory (or sticky notes).

Better still, consider enabling two-factor authentication. That’s the thing where you get a code on your phone or app when logging in. Even if someone does steal a password, they can’t get in without that second code. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to add a layer of protection.

And if you want to future-proof your security, look at passkeys. These are a new way to log in without traditional passwords at all. Using biometrics like fingerprint or facial recognition, or secure device-based authentication. It’s safer and simpler, and it’s quickly becoming the new standard.

At the end of the day, strong passwords—or better, password alternatives—are your first line of defence. Don’t wait for a security scare to take them seriously. If your team is still using “abc123”, now’s the time for a change.

Need a hand reviewing your password policy or setting up a secure login system for your team? My team and I would love to help. Get in touch.

Have you ever stopped to think how much fraud could be costing your business?

It’s easy to consider fraud as a problem for big companies. The kind with thousands of employees and dedicated security teams.

But that’s a dangerous assumption.

Fraud is a growing threat to companies of every size. And small to medium sized businesses are often more exposed.

Why?

Because they typically don’t have the same layers of protection, resources, or formal training in place.

I’m talking specifically about identity fraud. When someone pretends to be a trusted contact (like your staff, suppliers, or customers) to steal money, access data, or infiltrate systems.

It might be a fake email from someone posing as your finance manager requesting an urgent payment. Or a cyber criminal using stolen login credentials to access sensitive business tools.

And the most common entry point? Stolen usernames and passwords. A trick that’s been around forever but still works.

With modern AI tools, scams are becoming harder to spot. Criminals can now fake emails, voices, and even videos that look and sound just like the real thing.

Around 69% of businesses say they’ve seen a rise in fraud attempts.

There is good news.

Businesses that adopt better identity protection, like biometric logins, device recognition, and AI-driven fraud detection, are seeing real results. Many are reporting significant savings and far fewer fraud-related costs.

Even small improvements can make a big difference. Start by reviewing your login practices:

• Are passwords randomly generated and never used for more than one application?
• Do you use multi-factor authentication, where you get a code on another device to prove it’s you?
• Can your team spot suspicious emails or messages, thanks to training?

The goal isn’t to make life harder. It’s to build smart, people-friendly security that protects your business without slowing you down.

Need a hand reviewing your current setup or figuring out which tools fit your needs? My team and I are here to help. Get in touch.

Have you ever felt like just when you’ve nailed your cyber security – BAM! – something new comes along to throw a spanner in the works?

That’s exactly what’s happening right now.

There’s a new scam doing the rounds. And it’s catching out businesses just like yours.

The worst part?

Cyber criminals don’t even need your password.

Scary…

It’s called device code phishing. It’s a clever trick that’s becoming more and more popular. Microsoft recently flagged a wave of these attacks, and we’re likely to see many more.

This one’s different to the usual phishing scams you’ve probably heard about. Normally, phishing is all about tricking people into giving away their usernames and passwords on fake websites.

But with device code phishing, scammers play a smarter game.

Instead of stealing your password, they get you to voluntarily give them access to your account. And they do it using real Microsoft login pages, so it looks totally legit.

It usually starts with a convincing email. Maybe it looks like it’s from your HR person, or a colleague, inviting you to a Microsoft Teams meeting. You click the link, and it takes you to a real Microsoft login screen.

Nothing seems out of place.

You’re asked to enter a code. Just a short one, called a “device code.” This code is supplied in the email, and you’re told it’s needed to join the meeting or finish logging in.

Here’s the catch: By entering that code, you’re not logging yourself in… you’re logging them in.

You’re unknowingly giving the attacker access to your Microsoft account on their device. And because the login goes through the proper channels, it can even bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Yep, even if you’ve got extra security in place, they might still get in.

Once they’re in, they can do a lot of damage. Reading your emails, accessing your files, even using your account to trick others in your company. It’s like handing over the keys to your office and you don’t even realise it.

It’s dangerous because it doesn’t look suspicious. You’re on a real Microsoft site, not some suspicious fake. You didn’t click a weird link or enter your password into a phishing form. Everything looks above board… except it’s not.

And because attackers are using legitimate Microsoft login flows, traditional security tools don’t always catch it.

Plus, once they’re in, they can stay in. They don’t need to keep logging in if they’ve captured your session token (that’s a sort of digital “pass” that keeps you logged in behind the scenes). So even changing your password won’t necessarily kick them out right away.

A big question then: How can you protect your business?

Start by getting your team to be extra cautious with login requests. Especially ones that involve entering codes. If you get a device code from someone, stop and think: Did I request this? Do I know for sure this is real?

If you’re not sure, don’t go through with it. Use a separate method, like a direct phone call or your company’s messaging system, to double-check with the person who sent the email.

Remember, real Microsoft logins don’t involve someone else giving you a code to enter. If that ever happens, it’s a red flag.

From a technical side, your IT team (or IT provider) can also tighten things up. If your business doesn’t need device code login as part of its daily operations, it’s safest to turn it off altogether. They can also put in place extra security rules that only allow logins from trusted locations or devices.

And finally, keep training your people. Good cyber security is about awareness. If your team knows what to look out for, they’re much less likely to fall for these kinds of tricks.

Can we help you tighten up your security? Get in touch.

How many times have you tried searching for a file, only to forget what you called it?

You know it’s there. You remember writing it, maybe even roughly when.

But Windows search just stares blankly back at you. Or worse, throws up ten random web results and a document from 2019 that has nothing to do with anything.

Sound familiar? So annoying.

It’s a common pain point, especially for teams juggling multiple files, folders, and projects.

Well, get your hands ready to applaud: Microsoft is finally doing something about it.

A new update for Windows 11 promises to make search feel a lot more like a conversation. Instead of needing to remember exact file names, you’ll be able to type something like “find the notes I made for the July project meeting”. Or “show me pictures of the team at the summer BBQ”. And your PC will understand what you mean.

It’s called natural language search, and it’s a big step forward. But only if you’re using what Microsoft calls a Copilot+ PC.

These Copilot+ PCs are Microsoft’s new breed of AI-powered computers. They come with a special chip called an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). This is designed to handle AI tasks locally, right there on your computer, without needing the internet. It’s not just faster, it’s also more private. It powers new features like this smarter search and taps into Microsoft’s Copilot assistant.

Copilot’s built into Windows 11 and Microsoft 365. It can help with everything from drafting emails to generating images. And now, even finding files with vague descriptions.

The feature’s still in testing, but it’s showing up in preview builds of Windows 11 for Copilot+ devices. That means it’s likely not far off from a full rollout. It even works with cloud files in OneDrive, so if your business uses that, you’ll get an even smarter experience.

Of course, if you’re not using a Copilot+ PC, you won’t see this update. At least not yet. But if you’re thinking about refreshing your hardware this year, this might be one of those features worth keeping an eye on. It’s exactly the kind of everyday improvement that saves time and frustration. And gives your team one less thing to wrestle with.

Curious about whether a Copilot+ PC is a smart move for your business? My team and I can help you weigh up the pros and cons… and make sure you’re getting tools that work for how you work. Get in touch.