You might think that cyber criminals are only interested in large companies or those with huge financial assets. After all, that’s where the big bucks are, right?

Think again.

Recent reports have shown that cyber criminals are casting their nets wide, targeting businesses of all sizes, from mom-and-pop stores to global enterprises. And they’re doing it with the help of something called “botnets.”

You may have heard about the rise of malicious botnets, and you’re probably wondering, “what on earth is a botnet, and why should I care?” Botnets are the secret weapons of cyber criminals. They’re armies of compromised devices, all under the control of a single, malicious puppeteer. These can be anything from your computer to your smart refrigerator. Yes, even your refrigerator can be turned into a cyber weapon.

A new report observed “massive spikes” in the activity of these botnets, with over a million devices involved in malicious activities at one point. To put it into perspective, that’s a hundred times the usual levels of botnet activity.

Usually, there are around 10,000 devices doing naughty stuff each day, with 20,000 being the highest number researchers had seen. But in December 2023, things got crazy. The number shot up to 35,144, and two weeks later, it rose even further to 43,194. That’s a lot of compromised devices.

And it didn’t stop there; the researchers saw the biggest spike yet, hitting a whopping 143,957 distinct devices being used at the same time. In fact, on January 5 and 6 there were spikes of more than a million devices!

Why are they doing this? These botnets are being used to scan the internet, searching for weaknesses in websites, servers, and even email systems.

Think of the internet as a fortress with many doors and windows. These cyber criminals are looking for unlocked doors and open windows to sneak in. They focus on specific “ports” that serve as entry points.

What can you do to protect yourself from these cyber threats?

It’s all about strengthening those doors and windows. Here are a few simple steps:

• Keep your software, operating systems, and applications up-to-date. Regular updates often fix vulnerabilities.

• Install a good firewall and reliable antivirus software to protect your devices.

• Educate your employees about cyber security best practices, such as avoiding suspicious links and emails.

• Enforce strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices.

• Regularly back up your data to prevent loss in case of a cyber attack.

• Keep an eye on your network for any unusual activity.

• Consider hiring a cyber security expert (that’s us) to assess and enhance your security measures.

If we can help you keep your business better protected, get in touch.

Microsoft’s at it again, presenting us with new features week after week. This time it’s all about making our online searches smarter and more efficient in the Edge browser. If you’ve been on the fence about switching to it, this might just be the push you need.

Edge has a cool new feature, as revealed by Mikhail Parakhin, CEO of Advertising and Web Services at Microsoft. Imagine this: you’re searching for something important for your business – maybe it’s market research or the latest trends in your industry. You type in your query, and you get results from not one but two search engines at the same time.

How does it work?

Let’s break it down. Say Bing is your default search engine. Now, when you hit the search icon, you won’t just see Bing’s results, you’ll also get a peek at what Google (or your alternative search engine of choice) has to offer. This dual view works both ways, ensuring you’re not missing out on any valuable information.

In business, information is gold. Having access to comprehensive search results means you’re more likely to find the most relevant, diverse, and valuable information. No more switching between browsers or tabs to compare search results – Edge now does that for you in a single view.

Some people have raised concerns about potential visual clutter from combining two engines’ results. It’s a valid point, and thankfully, Microsoft is listening. Parakhin hinted at the possibility of customizing your ‘backup’ search engine to streamline the experience. While the sidebar’s width is currently fixed, there’s an openness to explore deeper customization options soon.

This feature in Edge is quite a lure. It simplifies the task of searching, making research quicker and more effective. You get the best of both worlds without the hassle of juggling multiple windows.

And it’s more than just a convenience; it’s a step towards smarter, more efficient browsing, especially for us in the business community. It demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to improving user experience and staying competitive in the browser game.

For current Edge fans, this is an exciting upgrade. For everyone else, it’s a compelling reason to consider making the switch.

Need a hand finding time-saving tools for your business? Get in touch.

Microsoft is soon going to release its latest update for Windows 11, known as “Moment 5” or the “February 24 Moment.” This update is expected to start rolling out in the next few weeks and it comes with some noteworthy changes that you’ll want to keep an eye on.

But first, let’s address one thing: After this update, Microsoft is going back to its roots with annual updates for Windows 11.

What does that mean for you? Well, it means you can expect more stability and fewer major overhauls to your operating system. It’s time to bid farewell to those frequent “moment” updates and embrace a more predictable schedule.

Now, let’s dive into what Moment 5 has in store for us…

One of the standout features of this update is the enhancement of Windows 11’s built-in accessibility features. Microsoft is improving the user experience for those who rely on these.

Voice Access now supports multiple monitors and additional languages. It introduces “voice shortcuts” for custom voice-activated commands. Narrator gains the ability to preview new natural voices and works alongside voice access for various tasks.

One notable change is the ability to write directly into text boxes using a stylus across the operating system. This feature streamlines the use of digital pens, eliminating the need for a dedicated handwriting panel.

For the first time ever, Microsoft is making some in-box apps uninstallable. Apps like Edge, Camera, and Photos can be removed if you don’t intend to use them.

Microsoft is also making the Windows Search pane more flexible. This update allows third-party search providers like Google or Yahoo to create plugins for the Windows Search pane. So, if you prefer another search engine over Bing (and let’s face it, many of us do), you’ll have the option to switch.

The Nearby Share feature (it’s like Apple’s AirDrop) gets a boost with “friendly name” support. You can give your PC a more readable name, making file sharing more user-friendly. Additionally, Windows Spotlight, which displays Bing’s background of the day, will become the default wallpaper setting.

Copilot is getting better. It can now be “undocked,” making it more versatile and accessible. You’ll also find the Copilot interface in the Windows ALT+TAB menu for quick and easy access.

And Microsoft is making changes to the Widgets Board. You’ll be able to disable Microsoft News integration, allowing for a widget-only layout if you prefer not to have news headlines in your Widgets Board. Plus, third-party news services can build plugins to integrate with the Widgets Board, providing more options for users.

Notepad will include a character count feature and an “Edit with Notepad” shortcut in context menus for select file types.

In a nutshell, Moment 5 brings a host of improvements and enhancements to Windows 11, making it more accessible, user-friendly, and versatile.

For business owners, these updates can improve productivity and streamline workflows for you and your team. If you haven’t already made the move to Windows 11, now’s the time! We can help you with that – get in touch.

Microsoft has announced that starting on October 14, 2025, they will no longer provide free support and security updates for Windows 10.

While the idea of paying for updates might raise some eyebrows, let’s put this into perspective. By 2025, Windows 10 will be a decade old, and Microsoft is likely to have introduced Windows 12. And as we know, Windows 11 is available today.

Supporting multiple old operating systems can be quite a handful, even for a tech giant like Microsoft.

2025 may seem like a way off, but it’s a good idea to start weighing up your options now. Here they are:

Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft’s preferred option is for you to switch to Windows 11. It’s got some fantastic features and free updates until its end of life.

Option 2: Stick with Windows 10 and pay

You can choose to stay with Windows 10, but you’ll need to pay for security updates (no new features, though). The exact cost isn’t known yet. It’ll likely be a subscription for monthly updates.

Option 3: Stick with Windows 10 and don’t update it

Sure, you can continue using Windows 10 without paying, but this isn’t advisable. Without updates, your business’s PCs will become vulnerable to threats and security issues. And without Microsoft’s support to fix problems, even tech experts like us have nowhere to go for help. Please don’t take this option!

You’ve got until October 2025 to decide, so there’s no rush. But if you want your business to thrive this year, we’d highly recommend upgrading to Windows 11 sooner than later. You’ll immediately benefit from some features that could improve your processes and make your team’s jobs easier. 

If you’re considering the move to Windows 11, or exploring other options, we’re here to help make the transition smooth and hassle-free. Get in touch.

Google has unleashed a powerful new tool to make your Gmail inbox a safer and spam-free haven, and it’s called RETVec.

But what exactly is RETVec?

Well, let’s break it down in simple terms. RETVec stands for Resilient and Efficient Text Vectorizer. Fancy. In plain English, it’s a tool that makes Gmail even better at spotting annoying spam emails that try to sneak into your inbox.

Did you know that the people behind spam emails can be very smart to try to avoid detection? Some use invisible characters, something called LEET substitution (like “3xpl4in3d” instead of “explained”), and intentional typos to get past our defenses. But RETVec is trained to be resilient against all these tricks.

Google explains it as mapping words or phrases to real numbers and then using these numbers for further analysis, predictions, and figuring out word similarities. In short, it’s like giving Gmail a supercharged spam radar.

How does this benefit you? Gmail’s spam detection rate shot up by an impressive 38% with RETVec on the scene. Plus, Gmail’s false positive rate dropped by nearly a fifth (that’s 19.4% fewer false alarms).

I know that some of you might be wondering if there’s a catch. Well, there’s a tiny caveat you should be aware of, especially if your business sends promotional emails.

With RETVec’s increased vigilance, some legitimate emails might get caught in the crossfire. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your email analytics to ensure your messages reach their intended recipients.

RETVec isn’t just about better security. It’s more efficient too. Google reports that the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) usage of the model dropped by a whopping 83%. Smaller models mean reduced computational costs and faster delivery, which is a game-changer for large-scale applications and on-device models. So, it’s a win-win situation.

Spam is a go-to weapon for cyber criminals and now RETVec can help keep us better protected. It blocks malicious emails, keeping our data safe and our inboxes clutter-free.

If you don’t use Gmail, don’t feel too left out. It’s likely we’ll see other email providers including Microsoft bringing similar protection in the future.

In the meantime, if you’d like us to review your business’s email security, get in touch.

You know that feeling when you’ve spent way too much time in virtual meetings, and you’d trade your favorite coffee mug for some real face-to-face interaction? That’s called Zoom fatigue.

It turns out there’s scientific evidence to back up what we’ve all been feeling.

Recently, researchers from Austrian universities decided to take a closer look at the impact of video conferencing on our bodies and minds. They strapped participants with EEG and EKG monitors and went to town with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and similar platforms.

The results were eye-opening.

Brain signal frequency, as measured by EEG, showed a noticeable increase in higher-level frequencies associated with concentration, attention, and stress during online meetings compared to in-person encounters. So, it’s not just your imagination – those video calls are really making you work extra hard to stay focused.

Additionally, the study revealed changes in heart rate variability, indicating ongoing signs of fatigue throughout the course of an online meeting.

Before you swear off video meetings forever, it’s essential to consider the study’s context. The participants were university students, not corporate warriors, and the study was conducted on-campus, not from cozy home offices. So, there might be some variations based on age and environment.

However, the key takeaway is that communicating face-to-face versus through a screen can have a significant impact on the human body. So, even if you’re not a 24-year-old student on a college campus, video conferencing fatigue is a real thing.

What can businesses do if they want to keep the benefits of video conferencing without driving their employees up the virtual wall?

Consider using collaboration tools like Teams, Slack, or even good old-fashioned email to reduce the need for real-time video meetings. Give your team the flexibility to respond when it suits them best.

If possible, schedule in-person meetings when it’s safe and practical to do so. Nothing beats the personal touch of a face-to-face conversation, and it’s a refreshing break from the virtual world.

The simplest solution can often be the most effective. Have an open conversation with your employees about their preferences for communication. Some may thrive in video meetings, while others may prefer written updates or phone calls.

When you do schedule video meetings, keep them short and sweet. Avoid back-to-back calls and allow time for breaks between meetings to prevent burnout.

The message is clear: don’t throw out your webcam just yet. Instead, take a step back, assess your communication methods, and find the right mix that keeps your team engaged and energized.

Can we help you find the tech tools to keep your people productive and engaged? Get in touch.

Happy New Year.

Remember Microsoft Paint? The simple drawing tool that many of us used to create pixelated masterpieces in our youth? It’s probably not an app you use very much these days. But what if I told you there’s a reason you might want to revisit it right now?

Microsoft Paint is getting a serious upgrade in Windows 11 – and it’s all about AI.

The big news is the introduction of Dall-E 3 support to Paint, or as it’s known in the app, Cocreator.

Sound familiar?

If you’ve seen the feature in Bing AI, you know it’s a game-changer. This isn’t just any old image creation feature. With Cocreator, you can tell it what you want, specify an art style, and an image based on your description magically appears.

And this isn’t some gimmicky add-on. When Cocreator first rolled out with Bing Chat (now called Copilot), there was a massive rush to use the image generation capability. And the buzz around how good it is? Well, let’s just say it’s been substantial.

Sure, there have been a few hiccups along the way, but when it comes to AI, a bit of turbulence is par for the course.

Windows Latest reports that Cocreator in Paint has left the testing phase and is ready for prime time – it’s now rolling out to all Windows 11 users.

If you’re not seeing the Cocreator feature yet, don’t worry, it’s coming. Just make sure you’re running the latest version of Paint. If Microsoft asks you to sign up for the waiting list, do it.

The Cocreator feature isn’t the only new addition to Paint. The app has been significantly beefed up this year. We’re talking a transparency effect, layers (a much-requested functionality), and even background removal. And these improvements aren’t just for Paint, Microsoft’s core Windows 11 apps are also getting a makeover.

At this point, you might be thinking, “That’s all well and good, but how does this help my business?”

Well, imagine being able to create custom graphics for presentations, reports, or social media posts in seconds. Think about how much time and money that could save.

With Cocreator, anyone on your team can become a graphic designer. No need for expensive software or lengthy training; just describe what you want, and let AI do the rest.

Raring to try this one out (it’s a nice way to start the new year)? You’ll need to have Windows 11 installed. If we can help with that, or any other tech problem this year, get in touch.

Happy holidays! With the holiday season in full swing, you should be enjoying some well-deserved downtime. But what if I told you that you could make the most of your few days off from your business and prepare to seize the AI opportunity in 2024?

The world of AI is booming, rapidly transforming industries, and redefining how we do business. In fact, according to PwC, AI could contribute up to $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

Microsoft has released five free courses on AI that you can take advantage of during your time off.

An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Let’s begin with the basics. This course helps you grasp the key concepts in AI. It’s designed for anyone and everyone, regardless of their technical background. By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid understanding of what AI is and how it can benefit your business.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/introduction-to-artificial-intelligence

What is Generative AI?

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, dive into the world of generative AI. This course covers the fundamentals, including what it is, how it works, different models, and future predictions and implications. You’ll learn how generative AI can be used to create new content and ideas, opening exciting possibilities for innovation and creativity in your business.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/what-is-generative-ai

Generative AI: The Evolution of Thoughtful Online Search

This course takes a deeper look at the core concepts of generative AI-driven reasoning engines and how they differ from traditional search engine strategies. With a better understanding of these concepts, you’ll be able to leverage the power of AI to improve your online search capabilities, making your business more efficient and effective.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/generative-ai-the-evolution-of-thoughtful-online-search

Streamlining Your Work with Microsoft Bing Chat

Chatbots are revolutionizing the way businesses interact with their customers. This course helps you discover the power of chatbots and how to use them effectively. Learn how to streamline your customer service, automate routine tasks, and provide a better user experience with the help of AI-powered chatbots.

https://www.linkedin.com/learning/streamlining-your-work-with-microsoft-bing-chat

Ethics in the Age of Generative AI

Finally, this course addresses one of the most pressing issues in AI – ethics. As AI continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, it’s crucial that we consider the ethical implications of using these tools and products. This course will guide you on how to navigate these complex ethical issues, ensuring that your use of AI aligns with your values and principles.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/ethics-in-the-age-of-generative-ai

Make the most of these free courses to help you stay ahead of the curve, enhance efficiency, build trust with your customers, and unlock new opportunities.

I know you want to kick back and relax for the next few days, and you should! But when you hit that no-man’s land between Christmas and New Year and you start to forget what day it is, this is a great investment of your time.

What are you waiting for? Oh, right, the turkey…