SHOCK STAT: A third of business owners don’t trust their staff

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Do you trust your employees with confidential information?

If you do, you’ll be surprised by this stat…

For a third of small and medium-sized business leaders, the answer is a resounding “no”!

Maybe it’s because Jim from accounting still has his password on a Post-it note under his keyboard? Or perhaps it’s because they’ve been burnt in the past?

Either way, it’s clear that trust isn’t enough when it comes to data security.

We believe the problem isn’t your employees; it’s the lack of good training and security measures.

So, what can you do about it?

Booking training for everyone is an easy first step. It empowers employees with the tools, techniques, and best practices they need to spot potential threats and take appropriate actions.

Think of it this way: well-trained staff pose less of a risk to the overall security of your business’s digital network. They become your first line of defense, helping to improve your company’s security, and significantly reducing the risk of a breach.

Next, there are your security measures. Many companies admit they don’t have sufficient technology or checks to protect confidential information. 

This is where we come in. We can help set up your company’s system so that people can only access the data they’re supposed to.

But our job wouldn’t stop there. We can also ensure that your company has adequate policies relating to information sharing, gaining access to confidential data, and what happens when an employee leaves. By doing this we help you create a more secure working environment for everyone.

Here’s the truth: trust isn’t enough in data security. But with the right training and security measures in place, you can transform your employees from potential security risks into your greatest assets.

Are you ready to move from a place of fear and mistrust to one of empowerment and confidence? Get in touch.

It’s time to say goodbye to traditional passwords

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Did you ever imagine a world where the lengthy, complicated passwords people often forget would become a thing of the past?

It seems that day might be arriving sooner than we anticipated.

Google has officially made Passkeys the default sign-in method for all personal accounts on its network, signaling the beginning of a new era in online security.

What’s a Passkey, you ask?

It’s the next big thing in internet safety. And as a business owner with staff, you should pay attention to this game-changing innovation.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What are Passkeys?

Imagine logging into your account using just a four-digit PIN or your biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition. That’s precisely what a Passkey is.

Simple, isn’t it?

But don’t let the simplicity fool you. This new technology significantly reduces the likelihood of having your credentials stolen or your account taken over by cyber criminals.

How do Passkeys work?

Creating a Passkey is easy. Head over to Google’s official Passkeys website, create a PIN or connect your biometrics (fingerprint or face), link your smartphone, and you’re done.

Just remember, your PC needs to run at least Windows 10, or your Mac should have macOS Ventura or above. And on your phone, you need Android 9 or iOS 16.

As of now, this tech works only on Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Google Chrome browsers.

What are the benefits of Passkeys?

According to Google, 64% of people find Passkeys easier to use than traditional login methods.

Not only are they simpler and more secure, they’re also faster. Logging in with a Passkey is 40% quicker than using a regular password.

What’s next?

Google’s decision to make Passkeys the default sign-in method is just the beginning. The tech giant is already working with select partners to make this new login usable across Chrome and Android. It’s already available on Uber and eBay, with plans to expand to WhatsApp soon.

So, it might be wise to start thinking about how Passkeys can benefit your business. After all, Google could soon roll out this feature for business accounts too.

Meantime, if you’re not quite ready to embrace Passkeys, you can still opt-out. Just head to the Sign-in options page, find “Skip Password When Possible”, and toggle off the switch.

We’d recommend you give it a try and see how much easier – and more secure – it can make things. And of course, if you need any help, get in touch.

Are you using the all-new Teams yet?

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Microsoft is rolling out a brand-new version of Teams, its video conference, collaboration, and chat platform. We’re being promised a faster and easier way to work. And we all could use a bit of that, couldn’t we?

The new Teams is like the superhero of apps for Windows and Mac. It’s faster than a speeding bullet… well, at least twice as fast as the classic version. Plus, it’s on a diet, using up to 50% less memory and disk space.

Microsoft went back to the drawing board to reimagine it, make it simpler and more flexible. Now Teams:

  • Plays better with third-party apps
  • Is happier calling phones outside of Teams
  • Gets you into meetings quicker than you can say “not another meeting”

This pumped-up version of Teams uses some tech which allows it to share resources with your browser. That reduces how much memory and disk space it needs.

And the initial test results? Teams is twice as quick when loading the app, joining meetings, and switching chats and channels.

This isn’t just for businesses using Windows. Teams on Mac is also getting this performance boost.

Microsoft promises this update will be a game-changer for your productivity. They’ve improved the user interface, adding in a “mark all as read” feature in activity.

Plus, they’re introducing Copilot, an AI assistant that can summarize key points from your chats and calls. Sort of like having your very own personal assistant, just without the coffee runs.

Are you ready to switch to the new and improved Teams? It’s rolling out now. Look at the top left corner of your Teams app… if you see “try the new Teams”, then you can flick the switch and try it out.

If you need help with Teams for your business, get in touch.

Never mind “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”…

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New research has uncovered an unexpected twist in the tale of cyber security risks – your tech-savvy younger employees may be your biggest vulnerability.

Shocked? Let’s dive into the details.

More than 6,500 employees across the globe were surveyed, with an almost equal representation of demographics. The results were rather alarming.

The study found that younger office workers, those 40 or under, are more likely to disregard standard password safety guidelines. Can you believe that 34% admitted to using their birth dates as passwords, compared to just 19% of those over 40?

And it doesn’t stop there.

The habit of using the same password across multiple devices was also more prevalent among younger workers, with 38% admitting to doing this.

And let’s not even get started on phishing scams. A whopping 23% of the younger demographic didn’t report the last phishing attempt they received. Their reasoning? “I didn’t think it was important”.

But surely they understand the gravity of security threats against businesses, right? Well, not quite.

While ransomware and phishing were acknowledged as critical threats by 23% and 22% of employees respectively, the overall attitude towards cyber security leaves much to be desired.

Here’s the kicker: a staggering number of those surveyed revealed that their organizations did NOT provide any mandatory cyber security training.

From the US (30%) to the UK (17%), Netherlands (32%), Japan (35%), India (31%), Germany (22%), France (43%), Australia (29%) and China (65%) – the numbers speak for themselves.

So, are we really to blame our young workforce when it’s clear that businesses aren’t doing enough to equip their employees with the necessary cyber security skills?

It’s high time we stopped treating cyber security as an afterthought and started investing in regular cyber awareness training for everyone in our businesses. Yes, EVERYONE. Not just the tech team or the executives, but every single employee.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about protecting your business; it’s about creating a safer digital world for us all.

We can help you do that. Get in touch.

That long password isn’t keeping you better protected

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How secure do you think your passwords are? Do you believe that longer is always better? Well, we have some news for you. It’s time for a serious talk about password security.

New research has revealed a sobering truth – even passwords that are 15 characters long can be compromised. Yes, you read that right. It’s time to face the stark reality… length doesn’t always mean strength.

The eight-character password reigns supreme as the most compromised length of password. But don’t breathe a sigh of relief if yours is a longer one. The 15-character password also makes an appearance in the top ten most compromised lengths.

You might ask, “How could this be?” The answer lies not only in the password length but also in the content of the password and whether you use the same password on multiple sites.

The most compromised eight-character password is none other than “password” itself, while the most compromised 15-character password is “Sym_newhireOEIE”.

Doesn’t exactly feel secure, does it?

It’s not just about individual people. Businesses like yours are at high risk too. An alarming 86% of all cyber attacks start with stolen credentials. That’s nearly nine out of ten attacks. Can you afford to be complacent?

Sure, longer passwords do offer more resistance to brute force cracking. An eight-character password can be cracked in five minutes, while a good 15-character one could take up to 37 million years if it’s not following any obvious pattern (i.e., it’s random and uses many types of character). Impressive, isn’t it?

But remember, this is just one piece of the puzzle. Length alone won’t save you from stolen credentials via phishing attacks.

Use a robust business password manager. Not only will it randomly generate long passwords for you, but it will also remember them and fill in the login box for you.

You should also use two factor authentication, where you generate a code on a separate device to prove its you. Even if cyber criminals crack your password, they still won’t be able to access your data.

If you need help keeping your business better protected, get in touch.

Get ready for another game-changer from Teams

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Picture an AI-enhanced experience that streamlines your business communication and improves overall productivity to unprecedented levels.

Sounds a little like science fiction, right? But with Microsoft’s latest announcement, this future is closer than you think.

Microsoft Teams is launching an ‘AI library’ that promises to revolutionize our Teams experience.

The goal?

To empower developers to integrate Large Language Models (LLMs) into their Teams apps. The most famous LLM right now is ChatGPT.

You might wonder how that will help your business. Well essentially, it could mean you have a sophisticated AI at your beck and call during your Teams meetings.

The AI library, rolling out right now, will provide developers with a suite of code functionalities making it easier for them to integrate LLMs into their apps. This means creating Bots, Message Extensions, and Adaptive Cards for more engaging conversational experiences will be a breeze.

Microsoft assures us that the AI library will also aid the seamless migration of existing Bots, Message Extensions, and Adaptive Cards functionalities into Teams.

Isn’t this the same company that gave us the Copilot tool? Yep! Back in March 2023, Microsoft introduced GPT-4 integration across Microsoft 365 with its Copilot tool, which can whip up emails, compile reports, and, as Microsoft claimed very grandly, “rediscover the soul of work”. Who knew AI could be so poetic?

And let’s not forget the recently unveiled tool which uses AI to generate meeting notes, suggest follow-up actions, and even provide timeline markers for instant access to relevant parts of a call.

Microsoft Teams is on a mission to redefine our experience with AI. This isn’t just about making our lives easier; it’s about unlocking new possibilities for productivity and efficiency. Honestly, we can’t wait to see what the new AI library will bring.

If you need help getting more from Teams across your business, get in touch.

Are you ready for Windows 11 to get even better?

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As if Windows 11 wasn’t already packed with enough goodies, it’s about to get even better.

Are you ready for a major upgrade to your favorite tools included with the operating system?

First, let’s talk about the Snipping Tool. This humble screenshotting tool has been quietly serving us for years, capturing our screens one snip at a time. But now, with a new text capture and recognition capability, called ‘Text Actions,’ we’re looking at a drastic game-changer. You can copy and paste text straight from a screenshot. No more typing out information from an image like a caveman (or a more modern version of a caveman anyway).

And that’s not all. A new ‘Quick Redact’ function, lets you hide sensitive information right in the screenshot. Gone are the days of awkwardly scribbling over confidential data with a digital marker.

With integration from Windows 11’s Phone Link feature, your Android devices and PC are going to be best friends too. Syncing will be so much easier.

Now, let’s talk about the Photos app. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, Microsoft pulls another rabbit out of the hat. Based on community feedback – yes, they do listen to us – the Photos app is getting a makeover complete with a new Background Blur option.

Want to make your subject pop by blurring out the background? No problem. Need to control the intensity of the blur or select specific areas to blur? They’ve sorted it.

The new ‘Content Search’ capability for photos backed up on OneDrive is a game-changer as well.

Ever wished you could search for a photo based on its content? Wish granted! Using intelligent image detection software, Microsoft will now scan and label your photos with searchable tags. And yes, you can also search for photos based on location, across local files, OneDrive, and even Apple’s iCloud. That’s right, iPhone users haven’t been left out.

Now, we know some people are still smarting from the changes to the Windows 10 Photos app, notably the removal of the Video Editor feature. But it looks like Microsoft may be making amends. The vague mention in Microsoft’s announcement that “Edit and Create Video options are now easily accessible at the top of the gallery view” suggests some video editing functions might be heading our way. We’ll just have to wait and see what that means.

As we eagerly await these updates, one thing is clear: Microsoft is not resting on its laurels. They’re working tirelessly to make our lives easier one update at a time. I’m thrilled, and as a business owner, you should be too. After all, who doesn’t love a good upgrade?

If you’d like to get started with Windows 11 or need a hand spreading its productivity features to your team, we can help. Get in touch.

 The Art of UI/UX Design: Creating Intuitive and Engaging Digital Experiences

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UI/UX design is the art of creating user interfaces and user experiences for digital products. It is a critical discipline in the development of any successful digital product, as it can make or break the user’s experience.

A good UI/UX design is intuitive and engaging. It makes it easy for users to understand how to use the product and to complete their tasks. It is also visually appealing and enjoyable to use.

There are many different elements that go into creating a good UI/UX design. Some of the most important elements include:

  • Clarity: The design should be clear and easy to understand. Users should be able to figure out how to use the product without having to read a lot of instructions.
  • Consistency: The design should be consistent throughout the product. This means that users should be able to expect the same controls and interactions in different parts of the product.
  • Efficiency: The design should be efficient. Users should be able to complete their tasks quickly and easily.
  • Engagement: The design should be engaging. Users should want to use the product and to spend time interacting with it.

UI/UX designers use a variety of tools and techniques to create their designs. Some of the most common tools include:

  • Wireframes: Wireframes are low-fidelity sketches of the user interface. They are used to quickly prototype ideas and to get feedback from users.
  • Mockups: Mockups are high-fidelity prototypes of the user interface. They are used to test the design with users and to make sure that it is functional and meets the user’s needs.
  • User testing: User testing is a critical part of the UI/UX design process. It involves observing users as they interact with the design and getting their feedback.

UI/UX design is a complex and challenging discipline, but it is also a rewarding one. A good UI/UX design can make a big difference in the success of a digital product.

Here are some additional tips for creating intuitive and engaging UI/UX designs:

  • Put the user first: Always put the user at the center of your design process. Think about what the user needs and wants, and design the product accordingly.
  • Keep it simple: Don’t overload the user with information or controls. The design should be simple and easy to understand.
  • Use clear and concise language: Use clear and concise language in the design. Avoid jargon and technical terms that the user may not understand.
  • Use visuals to communicate: Visuals can be a powerful way to communicate with users. Use images, icons, and other visuals to make the design more engaging and easier to understand.
  • Test, test, test: Get feedback from users early and often in the design process. This will help you to identify any usability issues and to improve the design.

By following these tips, you can create intuitive and engaging UI/UX designs that will help you to create successful digital products.

The Evolution of E-Commerce: From Online Shopping to Personalized Experiences

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The world of e-commerce has come a long way since its early days. In the past, e-commerce was simply a way for consumers to buy products online. But today, e-commerce is so much more than that. It is a way for businesses to connect with customers on a deeper level and provide them with a personalized shopping experience.

Here is a look at the evolution of e-commerce and how it has changed the way we shop:

  • The early days of e-commerce (1990s-2000s): The early days of e-commerce were marked by a lot of trial and error. There were few established businesses selling online, and the technology was not as advanced as it is today. However, there were some early successes, such as Amazon and eBay. These companies paved the way for the growth of e-commerce in the years to come.
  • The rise of mobile commerce (2010s): The 2010s saw the rise of mobile commerce, or m-commerce. This was driven by the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets. M-commerce made it possible for consumers to shop online from anywhere, at any time. This led to a surge in e-commerce sales.
  • The era of personalization (2020s): The 2020s are seeing the rise of personalized e-commerce. This is driven by the increasing availability of data and the development of artificial intelligence (AI). AI can be used to track customer behavior and preferences, and to deliver personalized product recommendations and offers. This is leading to a more engaging and satisfying shopping experience for consumers.

The evolution of e-commerce is not over yet. There are still many new technologies and trends that are emerging, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we shop online, making it even more immersive and interactive.

As e-commerce continues to evolve, it is clear that it will play an increasingly important role in our lives. E-commerce is already a major part of the retail landscape, and it is only going to grow in the years to come. Businesses that want to succeed in the future need to embrace e-commerce and use it to connect with customers on a deeper level.

Here are some of the key trends that are shaping the future of e-commerce:

  • Personalization: As mentioned above, personalization is becoming increasingly important in e-commerce. Businesses are using data and AI to track customer behavior and preferences, and to deliver personalized product recommendations and offers. This is leading to a more engaging and satisfying shopping experience for consumers.
  • Social commerce: Social media is becoming a major driver of e-commerce sales. Consumers are increasingly using social media to discover new products, learn about brands, and make purchases. Businesses are using social media to connect with customers, promote their products, and drive sales.
  • Voice commerce: Voice commerce is a new trend that is gaining popularity. Consumers are using voice-activated devices, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, to make purchases online. This is a convenient way for consumers to shop, and it is expected to grow in popularity in the years to come.
  • AR/VR: AR and VR are still in their early stages, but they have the potential to revolutionize the way we shop online. AR can be used to overlay digital information on the real world, and VR can be used to create immersive virtual shopping experiences. These technologies are still evolving, but they have the potential to make online shopping more engaging and realistic.

The future of e-commerce is bright. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and personalized shopping experiences. Businesses that want to succeed in the future need to embrace e-commerce and use it to connect with customers on a deeper level.

The Role of Augmented Reality in Enhancing User Experience

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Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. AR has the potential to enhance user experience in a variety of ways, including:

  • Visualization: AR can be used to visualize products and services in a more immersive way. For example, a furniture retailer could use AR to let customers see how a piece of furniture would look in their home. This can help customers make better buying decisions and increase their satisfaction with their purchases.
  • Personalization: AR can be used to create personalized experiences for users. For example, a museum could use AR to provide users with information about exhibits that is relevant to their interests. This can help users learn more about the exhibits and make the most of their visit.
  • Education: AR can be used to educate users about products and services in a more interactive way. For example, a science museum could use AR to let users explore the human body in a virtual environment. This can help users learn about the body in a fun and engaging way.
  • Gamification: AR can be used to gamify the user experience, making it more engaging and enjoyable. For example, a game developer could use AR to create a scavenger hunt that encourages users to explore their surroundings. This can help users learn about their surroundings in a fun and interactive way.
  • Convenience: AR can make the user experience more convenient by providing information and assistance in real-time. For example, a delivery service could use AR to let users track their package in real time. This can help users know when their package is arriving and be there to receive it.

These are just a few examples of how AR can be used to enhance user experience. As AR technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and creative ways to use AR to improve the way we interact with the world around us.

Here are some specific examples of how AR is being used to enhance user experience in different industries:

  • Retail: AR is being used by retailers to let customers visualize products in their homes before they buy them. For example, Ikea offers an AR app that lets customers see how furniture would look in their living room. This app has been very popular with customers, and it has helped Ikea increase sales.
  • Education: AR is being used by schools and universities to create more engaging and interactive learning experiences. For example, the University of Southern California offers an AR app that lets students explore the human body in a virtual environment. This app has been very popular with students, and it has helped them learn about the body in a fun and engaging way.
  • Healthcare: AR is being used by healthcare providers to diagnose and treat patients. For example, doctors can use AR to see inside a patient’s body without surgery. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered.
  • Manufacturing: AR is being used by manufacturers to improve the efficiency and safety of their operations. For example, AR can be used to guide workers through complex assembly processes. This technology has the potential to save manufacturers time and money.
  • Travel and tourism: AR is being used by travel and tourism companies to let customers explore destinations before they visit. For example, the travel website TripAdvisor offers an AR app that lets customers see what it’s like to be in different cities. This app has been very popular with travelers, and it has helped them plan their trips more effectively.

These are just a few examples of how AR is being used to enhance user experience in different industries. As AR technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and creative ways to use AR to improve the way we interact with the world around us.