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.  

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.