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Browsing the web can be risky. It only takes one click on one bad link to put your business’s data at risk.

With cyber criminals constantly targeting businesses using automated tools, staying one step ahead with your online security is important.

That's why we're excited that Microsoft is working on a major security update for its Edge browser, which will bring enhanced security to everyone using it.

It’s adding new security features and beefing up existing ones.

Maybe you’ve already seen features such as Password Monitor. This alerts you if any of your saved passwords have been compromised in a data breach, prompting you to change them immediately.

There’s also SmartScreen technology, which will help safeguard you from phishing scams and malware.

This checks websites against a list of known malicious sites and analyses URLs for any suspicious patterns or characteristics. If it detects something that’s wrong, you'll be warned before proceeding to the site.

Why should you care about all these security updates?

It comes down to this: Using a less secure browser could leave you vulnerable to all sorts of online threats. Cyber criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to exploit weaknesses in software, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest security measures.

Plus, let's face it – no one wants to deal with the aftermath of a cyber attack. Whether it's dealing with financial losses, identity theft, or just the hassle of cleaning up the mess, the consequences of a breach can be far-reaching.

Using a secure browser like Edge reduces your risk of falling victim to such attacks.

Of course, we know that only some are experts on cyber security. That's why Microsoft is making it easy to stay safe without needing a degree in computer science.

The new security features are built-in and easy to use so you don't have to worry about configuring anything yourself. You can browse the web with peace of mind.

If you’re not already using Edge, give it a go. And if you need help getting your 365 suite optimised for your business, get in touch.

Microsoft has announced that the current version of Windows 10, released in 2022, will be its final release.

If you're currently using Windows 10, you might wonder what this means for your day-to-day operations.

The good news is that your computers won’t suddenly stop working. Nor will the current updates and security patches for Windows 10 disappear anytime soon.

However, you may want to consider upgrading to Windows 11 sooner rather than later. Microsoft has made it clear that it will be devoting all its attention to the new operating system from now on, so future developments and innovation will be focused on Windows 11.

Upgrading can be a daunting task, but moving to Windows 11 has so many benefits:


Enhanced performance

Windows 11 has been designed to maximise efficiency and performance across all types of devices, making it a no-brainer for businesses looking for faster and more efficient technology.

Improved user experience

The interface has been updated with a more modern look, making it easier to navigate and customise.

Increased security

Windows 11 comes with Microsoft's most advanced security features, making it harder for cyber criminals to breach your system.

Better integration with cloud services

Windows 11 gives you access to a range of cloud-based services, making it easier to collaborate with other team members and enhance your business' productivity.


If you're still hesitant about upgrading, keep in mind that Microsoft will eventually stop releasing security updates for Windows 10. We’re expecting it to be in late 2025. This means staying with Windows 10 for too long could put your business at risk of security threats.

The sooner you upgrade, the better your protection against these threats, and the more significant the benefits you'll be able to reap from Windows 11.

Like any big project, making the move to Windows 11 needs to be planned and implemented properly. Your hardware needs to meet certain requirements and, of course, you’ll need to make sure it’s done without affecting day to day operations.

If you’d like help making the transition with as little disruption as possible, get in touch.

How many times a day do you respond to an email without really thinking about its contents?

Maybe it's a request for some information. Perhaps it’s asking you to pay an invoice. All mundane stuff. But no sooner than you’ve hit send, you've fallen victim to a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack.

A BEC attack occurs when a cyber criminal gains access to your business email account and uses it to trick your employees, customers, or partners into sending them money or sensitive information. They do this by impersonating someone senior, and abusing their position of trust.

It might sound like something that only happens to big corporations, but that's not the case.

According to the FBI, small and medium-sized businesses are just as vulnerable to BEC attacks as larger ones. In fact, these attacks have cost businesses more than £20 billion over the past few years.

And Microsoft brings more bad news, with its recent findings showing that they’re getting both more destructive and harder to detect.

So, what can you do to protect your business from BEC attacks? Here’s our advice:


1. Educate your employees: They are the first line of defence against BEC attacks. They need to know how to spot phishing emails, suspicious requests, and fake invoices. Train them regularly on cyber security best practice, like strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and secure file sharing.

2. Use advanced email security solutions: Basic email protections like antispam and antivirus software are no longer enough to block BEC attacks. You need more advanced solutions that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and prevent these attacks in real-time. Look for email security providers that offer features like domain-based message authentication, reporting, and conformance (DMARC), sender policy framework (SPF), and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM).

3. Set up transaction verification procedures: Before transferring funds or sensitive information, establish a verification process that confirms the authenticity of the request. This could include a phone call, video conference, or face-to-face meeting. Don't rely on email alone to confirm these types of requests.

4. Monitor your email traffic: Regularly monitor your email traffic for anomalies and unusual patterns. Look for signs like unknown senders, unusual login locations, changes to email settings or forwarding rules, and unexpected emails. Make sure you have a clear protocol in place for reporting and responding to any suspicious activity.

5. Keep your software up to date: Ensure that you're always running the latest version of your operating system, email software, and other software applications. These updates often include vital security patches that address known vulnerabilities.

BEC attacks are becoming more common and more sophisticated, but with the right awareness, training, and security solutions, you can protect your business.

Don't wait until it's too late – take action today to keep your business safe.

If you want to know more about how to protect your business from cyber threats, our team is always ready to help you. Give us a call!

This is where Redstor steps in, offering a comprehensive suite of backup solutions that can effectively address your backup challenges.

1. Streamlined Backup and Recovery Processes

One of the primary challenges organisations face is the complexity of backup and recovery processes. Redstor simplifies this complexity with its unified backup platform, providing a centralised and streamlined approach to data protection. Whether it's on-premises, in the cloud, or across various endpoints, Redstor offers a single interface to manage and monitor backups, eliminating the need for multiple tools and reducing administrative overhead.

2. Seamless Data Protection Across Multiple Environments

Modern organisations operate in hybrid environments, utilising a mix of on-premises infrastructure, public cloud services, and remote endpoints. Redstor understands this complexity and offers a versatile solution capable of protecting data across diverse environments. It provides agentless and agent-based backup options, allowing you to effortlessly protect virtualised environments, physical servers, cloud workloads, and mobile devices, ensuring comprehensive data protection regardless of your infrastructure mix.

3. Robust Security and Compliance Measures

Data breaches and cyber threats pose significant risks to businesses. Redstor addresses these concerns by prioritising security and compliance. Its backup solutions incorporate industry-leading encryption algorithms, ensuring data confidentiality both in transit and at rest. Redstor also provides secure data centers and strict access controls, safeguarding your backups from unauthorised access. Additionally, the platform adheres to various regulatory requirements, such as GDPR and HIPAA, facilitating compliance and reducing legal risks.

4. Efficient Storage and Data Management

Data growth can strain storage infrastructure and drive up costs. Redstor optimises storage utilisation through advanced technologies like deduplication and compression, minimising storage requirements without compromising data integrity. By eliminating duplicate data blocks and reducing file sizes, Redstor allows you to store more backups in limited storage space, reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency. Furthermore, the platform enables intelligent retention and archiving policies, ensuring data is stored in line with your organisations data management requirements.

5. Rapid Recovery and Business Continuity

When data loss or system failures occur, rapid recovery is essential to minimise downtime and ensure business continuity. Redstor offers speedy recovery options, allowing you to restore critical data and systems quickly. Its granular recovery capabilities enable you to recover individual files or entire systems, reducing the impact of data loss on your operations. With Redstor's backup and recovery solutions, you can confidently navigate any disruption and keep your business running smoothly.

6. Scalability and Future-Proofing

As your organisation grows, your data protection needs will inevitably evolve. Redstor caters to scalability requirements, allowing you to seamlessly expand your backup infrastructure without disruptions. The platform's flexible architecture enables easy integration with new technologies, ensuring compatibility with future advancements. By partnering with Redstor, you gain a scalable and future-proof backup solution that can adapt to your changing business needs.


Redstor provides a comprehensive and innovative approach to solving your backup challenges.

From streamlining complex processes and ensuring data protection across diverse environments to offering robust security measures and enabling efficient storage management, Redstor empowers organisations to overcome the obstacles associated with data backup and recovery. With Redstor as your trusted partner, you can focus on driving your business forward, knowing that your data is secure, available, and protected against any unforeseen events.

Embrace the power of Redstor and unlock a world of possibilities for your data backup needs.

Microsoft has just announced an option for people to trial new features before their general release in Windows 11.

This isn’t about fixes to security flaws – everyone gets those at the same time.

This is an opportunity for businesses to jump the queue to receive new features and updates first.

Sound exciting?

Yes!

Worth the risk?

Not quite.

Our advice?

Patience is a virtue!

Sure, it may be tempting to give in to the tantalising prospect of new features… nobody ever wants to wait. But jumping aboard any trial phase comes with risks.

Bugs, errors, and other stumbling blocks could have a significant impact on your operations, potentially causing chaos in your daily workflow.

Waiting until features have completed a thorough trial process gives you the advantage of other people’s experience. They’ve already dealt with the complexities so, by the time you get the new features, they’ll be polished and dependable. And isn’t that more important for the smooth running of your business?

Trust us, the safe road is the smart road, especially when your business systems are involved. The benefits of being an early adopter may seem enticing, but you don't want to end up being the guinea pig.

Remember the old adage… good things come to those who wait!

We’re all for keeping up with the latest technology and software updates, but there is a time to exercise caution, and this is one of those times. Don't be tempted by the shiny new features.

• Be patient
• Stay safe
• And ensure that when the time comes, you're getting something that’s proven to work

Microsoft already has a lot of (tested and approved) features that can boost productivity and make your work processes smoother. We spend a lot of time helping businesses find the right ones for them.

If we can do the same for you, get in touch.

Tired of the constant flood of MFA notifications? 😩

Cybercriminals are banking on your "MFA fatigue" to access your sensitive data. BUT Microsoft's got a solution! Curious?

Let me explain:

1. Microsoft Authenticator now offers number matching to help protect users from MFA fatigue attacks. When you get an MFA notification, the app shows a random number you need to input, ensuring it's a real login attempt. No more guesswork! 🔢
2. But wait, there's more! Microsoft Authenticator also supports biometric authentication. That means you can use your face, fingerprint, or other unique physical features to verify your identity. Say goodbye to remembering all those codes! 👋🔐
3. This makes it harder for cybercriminals to exploit your MFA fatigue and gain access to your business data. Remember, these attackers deliberately flood employees with MFA notifications, counting on you giving in to frustration or exhaustion.
4. Microsoft Authenticator's number matching and biometric features act as extra security layers, making sure that cybercriminals can't take advantage of your alert overload.
5. Already using Microsoft Authenticator? Great news! Number matching is ready to use - just ensure your app is up-to-date and you're good to go. Start protecting your business data today. ✅
6. If you're using a different MFA system, consider how it can be improved or made easier. Don't let MFA fatigue compromise your security!

Stay safe out there! 🔒🚨

Need assistance? Reach out, and we'll help you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. 🚀