How much time do you waste sorting through emails every day, trying to figure out what really needs your attention?

If you’re like most business owners, the answer is probably “too much”.

Between customer queries, supplier updates, internal messages, and the occasional bit of junk, your inbox can feel overwhelming.

And if you or your team miss something important because it got buried, that can cause delays, confusion, or worse.

Well guess what?

Microsoft is adding a clever new tool to help with this.

Outlook for iOS and Android will soon use Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant, to flag your most important emails. It’s called Priority view, and will sort your inbox into two simple categories: High Priority and Needs Replies.

That means when you open Outlook on your phone, the emails that matter most will stand out straight away.

We all know how easy it is for important messages to slip through the cracks, especially when you’re busy or juggling multiple roles. With Priority view, you’ll spend less time digging through your inbox. And that leaves you more time for other, more important things.

For employees, it can take away some of the stress of keeping up with emails. No more worrying that they’ve missed something vital buried under a pile of newsletters or group updates.

It’s worth noting that this feature will be rolling out gradually. It could take until late 2025 before everyone sees it. Also, it’s only available to businesses using Microsoft 365 with a Copilot license, as Copilot is a paid add-on.

But if you’re already considering AI tools to help your business work smarter, this is one to watch.

Curious about how Copilot could help your business? Whether it’s with Outlook, Teams, or other tools, or you want to chat about making your email setup more efficient, get in touch. Helping you stay on top of your tech is what we’re here for.   

Here’s a question to make you pause: Do you know exactly who in your business can access your critical data right now?

And more importantly, do they need that access to do their job?

If you’re like most business owners, you probably assume that access is sorted out during setup and that’s the end of it. But new research says otherwise.

It turns out that around half of staff in businesses have access to far more data than they should.

Which is a big problem.

Not just because of the risk of someone doing something malicious, but because mistakes happen. When people can see things they don’t need, it opens the door to accidents, breaches, and headaches with compliance and audits.

This is what’s known as insider risk.

It simply means the risk that comes from people inside your business, whether they’re employees, contractors, or anyone else who has access to your systems.

Sometimes insider risk is deliberate, like when someone steals data.

But far more often it’s unintentional. Someone clicks on the wrong thing, sends information to the wrong person, or keeps hold of access when they leave the business. And that’s when trouble starts.

One of the biggest issues is what’s called “privilege creep”.

That’s where people gradually build up more access than they really need, often because they move roles, get added to new systems, or no one takes a close look at what they can see.

The research shows that only a tiny percentage of businesses are actively managing this properly. And that means huge amounts of data are being left exposed.

Even scarier, nearly half of businesses admit that some of their ex-staff still have access to systems months after leaving. That’s like leaving the keys to your office in the hands of someone who no longer works for you.

The solution is to make sure your people can only access what they need, and nothing more. This is often called “least privilege”.

It means setting up systems so that permissions are limited to what’s necessary. And access is only given temporarily when required. That’s sometimes referred to as “just in time” access.

And just as important, when someone leaves your business, all their access should be removed straight away.

Today’s world of cloud apps, AI tools, and “invisible IT” (where software is used without IT even knowing about it) makes this trickier. But it’s not impossible. It just means being proactive.

Regularly reviewing who has access to what, tightening permissions, and using tools that help automate this can make a huge difference.

The aim isn’t to slow people down. It’s to protect your data, your customers, and your business’s reputation.

If you need help checking how secure your access controls are, get in touch. It’s better to know now than after a breach.   

When was the last time you thought about how you log in to your accounts?

Or how secure those logins really are?

For years, we’ve relied on passwords. But let’s be honest, passwords are a pain. They’re easy to forget, often reused, and a prime target for cyber criminals.

That’s where passkeys come in. And, at last, Windows is making it much easier to use them.

So… what is a passkey?

Think of it as a modern replacement for your password. Instead of typing in a string of characters that could be stolen or guessed, a passkey lets you sign in using something far safer. Your face, fingerprint, or a secure PIN tied to your device.

Behind the scenes, passkeys work using advanced cryptography. There’s no password for hackers to steal, because the passkey is made up of two parts: One stays on your device, and one stays with the service you’re logging into.

They work together like a lock and key. But the key never leaves your pocket, so to speak. And because you can’t accidentally hand it over, it’s much harder for phishing scams to trick you.

Until now, using passkeys in Windows has felt clunky. You often had to rely on third-party apps or websites, and it wasn’t always clear how to set things up or manage them.

But Microsoft is changing that.

It’s started rolling out new features in Windows 11 that make passkeys far easier to use and manage.

One big improvement is a new partnership with 1Password, a password manager. This means you’ll be able to sync your passkeys smoothly in Windows 11.

And if you don’t use 1Password, don’t worry. Microsoft has also released a new tool for other password managers to integrate with Windows more easily.

In simple terms, your passkeys will work better with the tools you already use to keep your business secure.

Right now, these improvements are being tested in the latest Windows 11 preview build, so they’re not available to everyone yet. But this is a clear sign of where things are headed.

Microsoft is serious about moving away from passwords. In fact, the Microsoft Authenticator app is phasing out its password management capability. Instead, passkeys will be the default way to sign in to your Microsoft accounts going forward.

Passkeys are much more secure and far less hassle than managing endless passwords. And with Windows making it easier to adopt them, now’s a good time to start thinking about how your business can make the switch.

If you’d like help understanding passkeys or getting your business ready for a password-free future, get in touch.   

When you hire someone new, do you think about how secure your business really is?

Most business owners focus on making sure their new starter has what they need. You know, a laptop, email account, access to the right systems… maybe a quick intro to the team.

But those first few months of a new employee’s journey are one of the most dangerous times for your business’s cyber security.

And it often flies completely under the radar.

New research has revealed a worrying truth. Nearly three-quarters of new hires (71% to be precise) fall for phishing or social engineering attacks within their first 90 days on the job.

That means cyber criminals are actively targeting your newest team members. And too often, they succeed.

Why is this happening?

Well, think about how it feels to start a new job. You’re trying to make a good impression. You don’t know all the processes yet. You’re keen to follow instructions and do the right thing.

Cyber criminals know this. They take advantage of that uncertainty with cleverly written emails or messages that look like they come from the boss, HR, or even tech support.

These scams might ask your new hire to update their details on a fake HR portal. Or they might send a bogus invoice that looks urgent. Sometimes it’s as simple as an email pretending to be from a senior manager, asking for sensitive information or for a quick favour.

Because that new employee hasn’t yet learned who’s who and what’s normal, they’re much more likely to fall for it. In fact, new employees are 44% more likely to click on these traps than colleagues who’ve been around a while.

It’s not just theory. The stats back it up. When attackers pose as company executives, new starters are 45% more likely to be fooled than experienced staff.

That’s a big gap, and it shows just how vulnerable your business can be during the onboarding period.

So… what can you do about it?

The key is to recognise that cyber security training shouldn’t wait until your new hire has “settled in”. Those early days are exactly when they need clear guidance on spotting phishing emails, understanding how cyber criminals operate, and knowing what to do if something seems off.

Businesses that take this seriously see real results. The same report found that companies offering tailored security awareness training and running realistic simulations for new staff saw their phishing risk drop by 30% after onboarding. That’s a massive difference. It shows that a bit of extra effort at the start pays off.

Of course, tools like good security software and firewalls are still essential. But on their own, they’re not enough. People are your first line of defence.

And right now, your newest people might just be your weakest link. Unless you give them the tools and knowledge to help protect your business from day one.

If you’d like help setting up simple, effective cyber security training for new starters, or want to talk about making your business more secure overall, we can help. Get in touch.  

What would it take for your business to come to a standstill?

It might not be a flood, a fire, or a power cut. It could be something as simple as sticking with an old operating system.

In just over two weeks, Microsoft will officially stop providing free support for Windows 10.

It’s reaching end of life. That means no more security updates, no bug fixes, and no help from Microsoft if something breaks.

For businesses still running Windows 10, this isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a serious risk.

Without security updates, every Windows 10 machine becomes a potential entry point for cyber criminals.

And with cyber attacks on the rise, this isn’t a “maybe someday” kind of problem. It’s a right-now threat. You wouldn’t leave the front door to your office wide open – so why leave your systems vulnerable?

Some businesses are hoping they can buy themselves a little time with Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESUs). Yes, they’ll be available. But they aren’t free. And they’re just a temporary sticking plaster, not a long-term solution. They also get more expensive each year, and don’t give you access to any new features or improvements. Just basic protection.

The better choice is to upgrade to Windows 11. It’s faster, more secure, and better equipped to support the way businesses work today.

But here’s the thing: Upgrading isn’t always as simple as pressing a button. Some older devices won’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11. That means you might need to plan for new hardware too. Which is why waiting until the last minute isn’t a good idea.

Right now, time is short. If you’re still on Windows 10, you need to act immediately.

Your first step is to find out which devices can be upgraded, and which ones can’t. From there, you’ll need a clear plan to make the switch quickly, with as little disruption as possible.

That’s exactly where we come in. My team and I can help you move to Windows 11 smoothly, safely, and quickly. Whether it’s reviewing your current setup, helping you choose the right new devices, or handling the upgrade for you from start to finish, we’ve got you covered.

Please don’t leave this until the clock runs out. Get in touch today, and let’s make sure your business stays protected.

When you’re trying to protect your business, what could possibly go wrong by downloading antivirus software?

More than you might think.

If you’re not careful, that “antivirus” might be the threat.

Cyber criminals are getting better and better at creating fake websites that look just like the real thing. One recent example involved a convincing copy of the website of one of the most trusted names in cyber security.

The fake site looked nearly identical to the real one, complete with the download button in all the right places. But behind that button was a nasty surprise: Malware disguised as a helpful tool.

Clicking “Download” on the fake site didn’t install antivirus protection.

It triggered a download called StoreInstaller.exe, which installed something called VenomRAT. That’s short for Remote Access Trojan. A type of malware that gives attackers complete control of your computer without you knowing. It can steal passwords, record keystrokes, access webcams, and even open the door for more malicious software.

In this case, the goal wasn’t only spying. It was stealing.

Researchers say the cyber criminals behind this fake antivirus site were trying to grab login credentials and cryptocurrency wallet information. Once they had access, they could sell it to others or use it to steal money directly.

And it’s not just antivirus software they’re faking.

These criminals have also impersonated banks and IT service companies to trick people into letting their guard down. It’s easy to fall for. Especially when the fake sites are hosted on platforms like Amazon, making them look even more legitimate at a glance.

If your business falls victim to this kind of scam, the consequences can be severe. You could lose sensitive company data, have customer details exposed, or suffer financial losses.

The clean-up is expensive and stressful, not to mention the damage to your reputation if client information is involved.

The best defence is to be cautious.

Always check website addresses carefully. Never click on a link in an email or message unless you’re sure it’s genuine. And only download software – especially security tools – directly from a provider’s official website.

It’s also worth having a trusted IT partner (like us) who can double-check things if you’re not sure.

This is a reminder that cyber criminals don’t just rely on technical tricks. They rely on people being busy, distracted, or just trying to do the right thing. A little extra vigilance now can save you a huge headache later.

If you’re ever in doubt, we’re here to help you stay safe. Get in touch.  

When was the last time you opened Notepad and thought, “I wish I could make this text bold or add a heading”?

Probably never, right?

But Microsoft is quietly giving Notepad a little upgrade that could make a surprising difference. Especially for those of us who use it to jot down quick notes, meeting minutes, or even team checklists.

Notepad has always been the simplest of simple tools. It opens instantly, saves fast, and doesn’t get in your way. That’s exactly why so many people love it.

Now, Microsoft is testing a light touch of formatting features. Things like bold and italic text, hyperlinks, headings, and even basic bullet points.

The idea is to give us just enough control to make our notes clearer, without turning Notepad into a full-blown word processor.

The formatting is based on something called markdown. That’s a widely used, no-fuss way to add structure to plain text using simple symbols. For example, putting a couple of asterisks around a word makes it bold.

It’s neat, clean, and doesn’t add any of the heaviness you’d associate with Word or other big editing tools. And if formatting isn’t your thing? No problem. It can be turned off completely.

Some people worry that adding features like this risks bloating the app and making it slower. But in this case, the changes are minimal and optional. It’s more like giving your notebook a nicer pen. Not turning it into a printing press.

And with WordPad now officially retired, there’s definitely a gap for a tool that sits somewhere between “plain text” and “full document.”

For businesses, especially smaller ones without complex systems for documentation, this could be a handy middle ground. Being able to better structure your notes can save time and make your messages clearer.

It’s not flashy, but it’s thoughtful.

And it’s another small sign that Microsoft is modernising even the most basic tools in Windows 11 without losing what made them useful in the first place.

Keep an eye out for the update if you’re using Windows 11. And maybe give those bold headings a try next time you’re scribbling a to-do list.  

Ever tried to follow a show where the main villain had four different names?

Impossible, right?

But that’s exactly what it’s like in the world of cyber security right now.

One hacking group can be tracked under completely different names, depending on who’s writing about them. Whether it’s Microsoft, Google, CrowdStrike, or another security firm.

It’s confusing. And worse, it can slow down how quickly us experts, and the businesses we protect, can respond to a cyber attack.

That’s why Microsoft and security firm CrowdStrike are teaming up to fix this problem.

They’ve announced plans for a new, unified naming system for hacking groups. Think of it like giving each cyber criminal gang one official label that everyone agrees on. It’s not just about tidying up the names. It’s about making it faster and easier to understand who’s attacking, how they operate, and how to stop them.

Right now, let’s say there’s a hacking group targeting businesses like yours. Microsoft might call them Salt Typhoon. Another security company might call the same group GhostEmperor, or OPERATOR PANDA.

Unless you know they’re all the same threat, it’s easy to miss the full picture. And that’s a big problem when every second counts in a cyber attack.

The new naming system Microsoft’s working on will organise these groups by type and origin using weather-themed terms. For example, Chinese state-backed groups will get “Typhoon” in their name, Russian ones will get “Blizzard.” Other attackers like ransomware gangs or commercial spyware developers will be labelled using words like “Tempest,” “Storm,” or “Tsunami.”

It’s a simple idea, but a powerful one.

And it matters to your business more than you might think.

The more clearly cyber threats are identified and communicated, the quicker your IT team or your cyber security provider can spot patterns and act. It means better threat intelligence, fewer missed warnings, and a stronger, faster response when something suspicious appears.

Ultimately, this kind of collaboration between big players like Microsoft, CrowdStrike, Google, and others helps level the playing field for smaller businesses. You don’t need to be a cyber security expert to benefit. Simply knowing that everyone’s speaking the same language when a threat hits can make all the difference.

This is one of those behind-the-scenes changes that won’t make headlines but could have a big impact on keeping your business safe. It’s another step towards making cyber security a bit less chaotic, and a lot more effective.

Want help keeping your business better protected from cyber attacks? Get in touch.   

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.