The little things that make a big difference

The little things that make a big difference

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update has dropped, and it’s got a small change that could make a big difference to you and your team.

Microsoft has given Copilot, its handy AI assistant, a new place on the taskbar. No more hunting around for the button. Now it sits on the far right of the taskbar, in what we tech folks call the ‘system tray area’.

If Copilot isn’t your thing, no worries. You can easily remove it from the taskbar altogether. But having an AI assistant at your fingertips can be a real boost for productivity, so we’d recommend you give it a chance before giving it the boot.

Before you rush to check if your Copilot button has relocated, let’s talk details.

First off, this update has been rolling out over the last few weeks.

It’s known as Patch KB5034765 (catchy name) and isn’t just about moving buttons around. It’s also packed with important security and bug fixes, including a crucial one for Explorer.exe. This was causing some PCs to freeze up when restarting with a game controller attached.

Probably not an issue in your business, but you never know…

There was also a problem with slow announcements from Narrator, the screen reading tool. That’s been fixed.

While this Windows 11 update may seem like small fry, it’s these little tweaks that can really streamline your workflow and stop your team from being interrupted by problems while they work.

Has your business switched over to Windows 11 yet? Our team can look at your set-up and advise whether you’d benefit from upgrading, or you should stay on Windows 10.

Get in touch and ask us for a tech audit.

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Why we do Security packages and not support

Why we do Security packages and not support

For the last 2 years, we have been working on moving from providing support to providing security. We no long just sale support!

Why!

Since I started Limbtec way back in 2002, what we did and how we did it was far different to today. About 50% of our work was support including installing, and configuring, and about 50% from sales of hardware and software.

Our business model has changed over time, most recently to providing support mainly via remote means. And this being around 80% of our business model, with the remaining being cloud services.

Security

A little over 2 years ago, I sat down and looked at whats next! And the continual biggest issue facing our customer base was Cyber Security, and Cyber Hygene. There is a saying, that if you haven’t had a cyber security breech, then you either don’t know about it, or you are about to!

What needed to change.

The biggest problem is up to this point we were looking at what could be done to help businesses grow. And use technology to achieve that. What the whole of the IT industry seemed to have done is forgotten about making sure this was done in a secure manner! A security first approach.

Methodology

I am not a great fan of reinventing the wheel! And in the UK, there is a certifcation scheme called Cyber Essentials. So we used this framework to build out 3 tiers to achieve Cyber Essentials Standards. Even if Cyber Essentials Certification is not taken up! Our clients should be secure, due to massively improved Cyber Hygene.

Monitoring

So the biggest issue with Cyber Essentials is that it is done on a snap shot. At that point you have a good cyber hygene, but there is no requirement to monitor this. This is where our packages come in, we will monitor the items required, and we budle extra measures in to the mix (depending on package) to strengthen your security.

We haven’t forgotten Support

We started as a support company! And as the biggest growing support requests are around Cyber Security, we are facing these head on, but haven’t forgotten about other support issues, we bundle support into all packages at various levels.

Over the coming weeks, On a wednesday I will be blogging details of what we thing is important to consider, with your business and cyber security. If you want to have a free review please contact us

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And the award for most common phishing scam goes to…

And the award for most common phishing scam goes to…

If there’s one thing that’s 100% certain when it comes to protecting your business data, it’s that you need to be aware of phishing emails.

First things first, what exactly is a phishing email? Picture it as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, posing as a legitimate communication to deceive unsuspecting recipients. These emails often contain malicious links, attachments, or requests for sensitive data, all disguised as a business or person you already know and trust.

And you know what they say: Knowledge is power. One of the best ways to stay safe is to stay informed. We can do that by looking at the most common phishing emails of last year.

There are three main categories of phishing themes: Major, moderate, and minor.

Major themes

The biggest category is finance-related phishing emails, making up a huge 54% of attacks. These emails often contain pretend invoices or payment requests, aiming to lure recipients into giving away financial information.

Following closely are notification phishing emails, making up 35% of attacks. These emails prey on urgency, claiming your password is about to expire or you must take some urgent action.

Moderate themes

Document and voicemail scams take centre stage here, accounting for 38% and 25% of attacks respectively. These tactics involve deceptive files or messages designed to trick you into compromising your security.

Minor themes

While less common, minor phishing themes still pose a risk to people who don’t know what to look out for. These include emails related to benefits, taxes, job applications, and property.

Why should you be concerned about phishing emails? Falling victim to these scams can have serious consequences, including financial loss, data breaches, and damage to your company’s reputation. It’s essential to educate your employees about the dangers of phishing and put in place robust cyber security measures to protect your business.

Awareness and vigilance are your best defences against phishing attacks. By staying informed, training your employees, and using strong security protocols, you can safeguard your company’s valuable assets from cyber threats. We help businesses like yours stay safe. If you’re not 100% sure you’re fully protected… let’s talk.

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Before you replace your slow PCs…

Before you replace your slow PCs…

You rely on your team to be efficient and productive. But slow and sluggish computers can make it difficult for them to do their work – and could affect you personally too. Which impacts your business’s overall performance.

Before you jump to the (expensive) conclusion that you need to replace your PCs, there are several ways you can increase computer performance on Windows 10 and 11.

Here are just a few…

Restart your computer

Yes, it might be our favourite advice as IT support professionals, but a basic shutdown and restart can work wonders. Restarting your computer clears background processes, applications, and memory data. This often resolves common performance issues, especially if your computer has been running for a while.

Manage start-up apps

Many apps register themselves to start automatically with Windows 11, and this can slow down your computer’s start-up process. To regain some speed, consider disabling unnecessary start-up apps:

  • Open Settings
  • Click on Apps
  • Select the Start-up page
  • Sort apps by their “Start-up impact”
  • Turn off the toggle switch for any unnecessary apps
  • Restart your computer

This will prevent these apps from launching automatically during start-up and save valuable system resources.

Disable restartable apps

Windows 11 has a feature that saves and restarts certain applications when you reboot your computer. While it can be convenient, it may not be ideal for performance. To turn off this feature:

  • Open Settings
  • Click on Accounts
  • Go to the Sign-in options page
  • Turn off the “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” toggle switch

Disabling this feature can help improve your computer’s speed, especially if you have many applications that you don’t use regularly.

Uninstall unnecessary apps

Unused or unnecessary apps can clutter your system and slow it down. To remove them:

  • Open Settings
  • Click on Apps
  • Select the Installed apps page
  • Choose the app you want to uninstall and click the Uninstall option
  • Follow the on-screen directions if necessary

By removing apps you don’t need, you’ll free up space and resources for better performance.

Always be cautious about what software you install on your computer. Poorly designed or outdated applications can have a negative impact on performance. Stick to reputable apps (preferably those available in the Microsoft Store) because they have thorough reviews for both security and performance.

Before installing any software, do some online research to check for user experiences and potential issues. Trustworthy sources and well-known companies are your best bet.

Take the time to optimise your existing Windows computers before you consider upgrading your devices. Of course, rather than doing all of this yourself, why not get our team to do it for you. They can check every aspect of your computers and network to look for other hidden problems. Get in touch.

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Addressing the Dangers of Browser Extensions

Addressing the Dangers of Browser Extensions

How many browser extensions have you downloaded? Do you know the Dangers of these Browser Extensions?

People download browser extensions as common as they us mobile apps. Once downloaded they tend to not use them? There are over 176,000 browser extensions available on Google Chrome alone. These extensions offer users extra functionalities and customisation options.

Today we look at this and the risks to online security and privacy.

The Allure and Perils of Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are often hailed for their convenience and versatility. They can be a wonderful addition to the browser, and we use them to help use the systems we use every day. But the ease with which users can install these extensions is a weakness. Because it also introduces inherent security risks.
Next, we’ll delve into the hazards associated with browser extensions. It is imperative to strike a balance between the benefits and dangers.

What are the Key Risks Posed by Browser Extensions

Phishing and Social Engineering

Some malicious extensions engage in phishing attacks. As well as social engineering tactics. These attacks can trick users into divulging sensitive information.
This can include creating fake login pages or mimicking popular websites. These tactics lead unsuspecting users to unknowingly provide data. Sensitive data, like usernames, passwords, or other confidential details.

Malicious Intent

There are many extensions developed with genuine intentions. But some extensions harbor malicious code. This code can exploit users for financial gain or other malicious purposes. These rogue extensions may inject unwanted ads. As well as track user activities or even deliver malware.
These extensions often use deceptive practices. They make it challenging for users to distinguish between legitimate and malicious software.

Privacy Intrusions

Many browser extensions request broad permissions. If abused, they can compromise user privacy. Some of these include accessing browsing history and monitoring keystrokes. Certain extensions may overstep their intended functionality. This can lead to the unauthorized collection of sensitive information.
Users often grant permissions without thoroughly reviewing them. This causes them to unintentionally expose personal data to potential misuse.

Outdated or Abandoned Extensions

Extensions that are no longer maintained or updated pose a significant security risk. Outdated extensions may have unresolved vulnerabilities. Hackers can exploit them to gain access to a user’s browser. As well as potentially compromising their entire system. Without regular updates and security patches, these extensions become a liability.

Browser Performance Impact

Certain extensions can significantly impact browser performance. This can happen due to being poorly coded or laden with unnecessary features. This results in a subpar user experience. It can also lead to system slowdowns, crashes, or freezing. An extension’s perceived benefits may attract users. But they end up unwittingly sacrificing performance.

Mitigating the Risks: Best Practices for Browser Extension Security

1. Stick to Official Marketplaces

Download extensions only from official browser marketplaces. Such as those connected with the browser developer (Google, Microsoft, etc.). These platforms have stringent security measures in place. This reduces the likelihood of encountering malicious software.

2. Review Permissions Carefully

Before installing any extension, carefully review the permissions it requests. Be cautious if an extension seeks access to unusual data. Such as data that seems unrelated to its core functionality. Limit permissions to only what is essential for the extension’s intended purpose.

3. Keep Extensions Updated

Regularly update your browser extensions. This ensures you have the latest security patches. Developers release updates to address vulnerabilities and enhance security. If an extension is no longer receiving updates, consider finding an alternative.

4. Limit the Number of Extensions

It’s tempting to install several extensions for various functionalities. But each added extension increases the potential attack surface. Only install extensions that are genuinely needed. Regularly review and uninstall those that are no longer in use.

5. Use Security Software

Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software. This adds an extra layer of protection against malicious extensions. These tools can detect and remove threats that may bypass browser security.

6. Educate Yourself

Stay informed about the potential risks associated with browser extensions. Understand the permissions you grant. Be aware of the types of threats that can arise from malicious software. Education is a powerful tool in mitigating security risks.

7. Report Suspicious Extensions

If you encounter a suspicious extension, report it. You should report it to the official browser extension marketplace and your IT team. This proactive step helps browser developers take prompt action. That action protects users from potential threats.

8. Regularly Audit Your Extensions

Conduct regular audits of the extensions installed on your browser. Remove any that are unnecessary or pose potential security risks. Maintain a lean and secure browsing environment. This is a key aspect of online security.

Contact Us for Help with Online Cybersecurity

Browser extensions are just one way you or your employees can put a network at risk. Online security is multi-layered. It includes protections from phishing, endpoint threats, and more.
Don’t stay in the dark about your defenses. We can assess your cybersecurity measures and provide proactive steps for better protection.
Give us a call today to schedule a chat.

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Gamers Beware!Hackers are Targeting You.       

Gamers haven’t really been the focus of cybersecurity for a long time. You mostly hear about attacks on businesses. Or stolen personal data due to phishing attacks. But gamers are not safe from hackers targeting them.

As cyberattacks continue to escalate, gamers have become prime hacking targets. Malicious actors seek to exploit vulnerabilities in the digital realm. The gaming industry continues to expand. Also, more users immerse themselves in virtual worlds. As this happens, the risks associated with cyberattacks on gamers are on the rise.

Cyberattacks on young gamers increased by 57% in 2022.

Younger gamers playing games like Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite are particularly at risk. They’re also often playing on their parents’ devices. Data that holds the interest of hackers fills these devices.

Next, we’ll delve into the reasons behind the increasing threat landscape. As well as discuss ways for gamers to safeguard themselves against potential threats.

The Gaming Boom and Cybersecurity Concerns

The exponential growth of the gaming industry has brought entertainment to millions. But it has also attracted the attention of cybercriminals looking for lucrative opportunities.

According to an MSN article, cyberattacks on gaming platforms are becoming more prevalent. Hackers are deploying sophisticated techniques to compromise user accounts. As well as stealing sensitive information and disrupting online gaming experiences.

Stolen Credentials and In-Game Items

What’s one of the primary motivations behind these cyberattacks? It’s the prospect of acquiring valuable in-game items. As well as the account’s credentials. Virtual goods, such as rare skins, weapons, or characters, hold real-world value. Hackers exploit weak passwords and security loopholes. This allows them to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. Once they do, they pilfer these coveted items for illicit gains.

Ransom Attacks on Gaming Accounts

Ransom attacks have become increasingly prevalent in the gaming world. In these instances, cybercriminals gain control of a user’s account. They then demand a ransom for its release. Hackers often demand the ransom in untraceable cryptocurrency. Gamers may follow the hacker’s demands. As they do not want to lose a meticulously curated game profile. As well as their progress and achievements.

Disruption of Online Gaming Services

Beyond individual attacks, hackers are now targeting gaming platforms. Their intent is to disrupt online services. They launch DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks to overwhelm servers. This renders them inaccessible to legitimate users.

This frustrates gamers. But can also have severe financial repercussions for gaming companies. They must grapple with the costs of mitigating these attacks. As well as the potential revenue losses.

Understanding the Motivations of Cybercriminals

Effectively combating the rising tide of cyber threats in gaming takes knowledge. It’s crucial to understand the motivations driving these attacks. Virtual economies within games have created a lucrative market for cybercriminals. Additionally, the anonymity of the gaming community makes gamers attractive targets.

Safeguarding Your Gaming Experience: Tips for Gamers

The cyberattack risks are escalating. Gamers must take proactive steps to protect themselves from potential cyber threats. Parents also need to watch out for younger gamers.

Here are some essential tips to enhance gaming cybersecurity.

Strengthen Your Passwords

What’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to secure your gaming accounts? It is using strong, unique passwords. Avoid using easily guessable passwords. Incorporate a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Regularly updating your passwords adds an extra layer of security.

Enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor Authentication is a powerful tool that adds significantly to security.  MFA users verify their identity through a secondary method. Such as a code sent to their mobile device. Enabling 2FA greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Even if a hacker has compromised your password.

Stay Informed and Vigilant

Be aware of the latest cybersecurity threats targeting the gaming community. Stay informed about potential risks. As well as new hacking techniques and security best practices. Additionally, be vigilant when clicking on links or downloading files. Keep your guard up when interacting with unknown users within gaming platforms.

Keep Software and Antivirus Programs Updated

Regularly update your gaming platform, antivirus software, and operating system. This will patch vulnerabilities and protect against known exploits. Cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Staying up to date is crucial in thwarting potential attacks.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection. This enhances your privacy. It also adds an extra layer of protection against potential DDoS attacks. As well as other malicious activities.

Need Help with Home Cybersecurity?

The gaming landscape continues to flourish. This emphasizes the need for heightened cybersecurity awareness. Many types of home devices need protection. We can help.

Don’t leave your personal or business data at risk. We can help you with affordable options for home cybersecurity. Give us a call today to schedule a chat.Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

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Should you make a ransomware payment!

Should you make a ransomware payment!

Should you make a ransomware Payment?
Your business gets hit by a ransomware attack, and your valuable data is locked away by cyber criminals demanding a huge ransom fee.

You can’t afford to pay it. But there’s a twist – just like those “buy now, pay later” schemes, some ransomware gangs are offering victims payment extension options.

Recent research reveals that ransomware groups are getting creative with their extortion strategies. One group is even offering victims various choices when it comes to their ransom demands. These “choices” include:

Paying to delay the publication of their stolen data, with a standard fee of $10,000… or paying to have their stolen data deleted before it’s made public.

The exact amounts charged are often negotiated with victims, adding a chilling dimension to the whole ordeal.

To increase the pressure on victims, these ransomware groups have added some terrifying features to their web sites. These include countdown timers displaying how much time businesses have before their data is released, view counters, and even tags revealing the victim’s identity and description.

It’s all designed to make victims feel cornered and more likely to give in to the demands.

You might be tempted to pay that ransom to protect your business data. Paying is always a bad idea and here’s why…

Paying doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get your data back or that the cyber criminals won’t demand more money later.

By paying, you’re essentially funding criminal activities, encouraging them to continue their attacks on others.

Paying a ransom might even get you into legal trouble, as some governments have made it illegal to pay cyber criminals.

So, what can you do to safeguard your business from falling victim to ransomware?

  • Ensure you have regular, secure backups of your data. This way, you won’t be at the mercy of cyber criminals.
  • Educate your staff about the risks of ransomware and train them to recognise phishing emails and suspicious links.
  • Invest in robust cyber security software and keep it up to date.
  • Keep your systems and software updated with the latest security patches.
  • Segment your network to limit the spread of ransomware if one device gets infected.
  • Develop a clear incident response plan, so you know exactly what to do if you’re ever hit by a ransomware attack.

Paying cyber criminals rarely makes things better, and we’re seeing businesses that do pay become targets time and time again. Instead, invest in the proactive measures above to help you stay secure. And if we can help you with that, get in touch.

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Best Practices To ‘Celebrate’ National Change Your Password Day: How Does Your Password Stack Up?

Each year on February 1st, we celebrate Change Your Password Day. While it’s not a holiday that gets you off work, it serves as a good opportunity each year to do a quick check-in and make sure you’re using strong passwords that will keep your accounts protected.

The suggested ‘rule’ used to be to change your password every three months. With advanced tools like password managers and data encryption, experts now say the type of password you use is more important than how often you create a new one. We’re sharing up-to-date advice on how to create a strong password that will keep your account secure and hackers guessing.

Make It Complex

Aim for complexity by combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays, names or common words. The more intricate and unique your password, the harder it is for hackers to crack it.

Longer Passwords Are Harder To Crack

Long passwords provide an added layer of security. According to Hive Systems, brute-force hacking can crack an eight-character password in less than one hour! When creating a new password, aim for a minimum of 12 characters, and consider using passphrases—sequences of random words or a sentence—which can be both strong and easier to remember.

A random passphrase would be something like: cogwheel-rosy-cathouse-jailbreak.

This passphrase was generated from the website useapassphrase.com, which will auto-create a four-word passphrase for you if you’re stumped.

Use Unique Passwords For Each Account

Resisting the temptation to reuse passwords across multiple accounts is crucial. If one account is compromised, having unique passwords for other accounts ensures that the damage is contained. Consider using a reputable password manager to help you generate and store complex passwords securely.

*Do NOT use Google or your browser’s password manager. If your Google account is compromised, all of your passwords will be too. Talk with your IT team about what password management tool they recommend for you and your organization.

Update Passwords Yearly

As long as your account hasn’t been compromised, you only need to change your passwords once a year to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. The only time a regular password change routine would be exceptionally helpful is if someone has access that you don’t know about. A frequent password change can make it more challenging for attackers to maintain access to your accounts over an extended period of time.

Engage Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Implementing multi-factor authentication is another easy way to make your password bulletproof. MFA typically involves combining something you know (your password) with something you have (like a code sent to your phone). Even if your password is compromised, MFA significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access.

Set Up Strong Password Recovery Alternatives

Leverage password recovery options like security questions or alternative e-mail addresses. It’s important to choose questions with answers that are not easily guessable or have publicly available information so “What’s your mother’s maiden name” is out!

Use Password Managers

You don’t have to try and remember every password, and you shouldn’t write them down on a sticky note on your desk. Instead, use a good password management tool that is secure and will handle keeping track of your passwords for you.

Bonus points for turning off the auto-fill feature. Hackers can infiltrate sites and install a little bit of code on a page that creates a second, invisible password box. When your password manager autofills the login box, it will also fill in the invisible box, giving hackers your password. This isn’t overly common, but it still poses a risk.

Regularly Review Account Activity

Monitor your account activity for any suspicious logins or activities. Many online platforms offer features that notify you of login attempts from unfamiliar devices, allowing you to take swift action in the event of unauthorized access.

It’s also always good to be aware of phishing attempts, never click suspicious links or attachments in e-mails, avoid public Wi-Fi and only use secure connections and educate and train your team on what to look for when it comes to cybercrime so they can protect themselves, you and the company.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, mastering the fundamentals of cybersecurity, like creating strong passwords, becomes paramount. By making informed choices and staying proactive, you can significantly enhance your online security.

However, as the leader of your organization, it’s important to remember that nothing is foolproof. Educating your team on cybersecurity best practices is essential, but mistakes can and will still happen. For most, it’s not a matter of if, but when. You must have a robust cybersecurity plan in place. The right IT team will make sure you have every protection in place to keep you safe and a crisis management plan ready if something goes wrong. To find out what gaps you have in your cybersecurity system, we’ll do a FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment. Click here to book yours now.

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5 Ways to Leverage Microsoft 365’sNew AI Innovations

Microsoft 365 AI

Microsoft 365 has a powerful suite of cloud-based productivity tools. They can help you work smarter and faster. Microsoft has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. M365 was one of the very first all-in-one cloud tools, introduced as Office 365 in 2013. Now, Microsoft and its business tools are at the leading edge of generative AI.

The Microsoft 365 platform has been adding some amazing AI innovations. They sit inside tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and more. If you know how to use them, these smart features can enhance your experience. As well as significantly boosting your productivity.

Next, we will explore some of the ways you can leverage Microsoft 365’s new AI innovations. So that you can get more out of your work.

Microsoft Copilot: A Game-Changer in Collaboration

Microsoft Copilot is the crown jewel of Microsoft’s AI innovations. It’s designed to be your virtual collaborator. It can help you generate code, write documents, and even craft emails more efficiently. This AI-powered tool is built on the foundations of OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. This enables it to understand context and anticipate your needs. As well as generate content in a remarkably human-like manner.

Here are some of the tools in the Microsoft universe that incorporate Copilot:

  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Outlook
  • Teams
  • Edge
  • Windows
  • Bing
  • Dynamics 365 Sales

How can you take advantage of the benefits offered by Microsoft Copilot? Here are a few ways to jump on the added efficiency and time-savings they bring.

1. Speed Up Document Creation

In the realm of document creation, Copilot shines as a versatile writing companion. It helps when drafting a report, crafting a presentation, or composing an email. Copilot provides intelligent suggestions, helping you articulate your thoughts more effectively. It speeds up the writing process. It also ensures that your content is clear, concise, and tailored to your audience.

2. Enhance Your Teams Meeting Experience

One of the key strengths of Copilot is its ability to enhance collaboration across teams. It can create coherent and context-aware responses. Such as a summary of meeting notes and an action item list.

Another helpful feature is the ability to catch up on what you’ve missed. Have you arrived late to a Teams meeting? You can just ask it to summarize the important points of the conversation so far.

3. Create PowerPoints with Ease

More people can become “PowerPoint Masters” with Copilot. The AI-infused features in PPT can create a slide deck for you based on text prompts.

It can tap into Microsoft’s stock images to fill your slides. Copilot will also suggest text to use based on your presentation topic. Do you have a PowerPoint that you need help with? The tool can reorganize your slides for a better presentation flow.

4. Enjoy Smart Business Insights in Excel

Another new AI innovation in Microsoft 365 is Excel Ideas. This feature can help you analyze and visualize your data with ease. Excel Ideas can automatically detect patterns and trends in your data. It will suggest charts, tables, and summaries that best suit your needs.

You can also use Excel Ideas to ask natural language questions about your data. Such as, “What is the average sales by region?” or “Which product has the highest profit margin?” You’ll get instant answers in the form of charts or formulas.

5. Save Time in Outlook with AI Help

We all get those long emails from time to time. The ones that you push to the bottom of your inbox for when you have more time. Well, the new Copilot feature in Outlook can help. Just ask it to summarize the key points of an email for you to save yourself reading time.

You can also use Copilot in Outlook to help write emails. It will save help by providing a first draft. As well as suggesting responses to emails in your inbox.

A Future of Intelligent Productivity

As we embrace the era of intelligent productivity, Microsoft 365 becomes more powerful. Its new AI innovations pave the way for a more efficient work environment.

By incorporating these capabilities into your daily workflow, you’re staying competitive. As well as setting the pace for the future of work.

Tap into the Future with Our M365 Services

Microsoft 365’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures that you have cutting-edge tools. The ones needed to stay ahead, innovate, and thrive. Especially in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Embrace the power of AI. Unlock a new dimension of productivity with Microsoft 365.

Our team of M365 experts can help you ensure you’re getting the full benefit of these features. As well as new ones Microsoft is developing and rolling out in the coming months.  We’ll help your team save time and improve your bottom line.

Give us a call today to schedule a chat.Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

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Bridging the trust gap between your employees and AI

Bridging the trust gap between your employees and AI

You’ve probably been considering how to harness the potential of AI to boost your company’s efficiency and productivity.

But there’s a small problem. A recent study revealed something fascinating but not entirely surprising: A trust gap when it comes to AI in the workplace.

While you see AI as a fantastic opportunity for business transformation, your employees might be sceptical and even worried about their job security.

Here’s a snapshot of the findings:

  • 62% of C-suite executives welcome AI, but only 52% of employees share the same enthusiasm.
  • 23% of employees doubt their company’s commitment to employee interests when implementing AI.
  • However, 70% of business leaders believe that AI should include human review and intervention, showing they view AI as an assistant rather than a replacement.

Now that we understand the situation, how can you introduce AI gently and reassure your employees that their roles are safe?

Start by having open and honest conversations with your employees. Explain why you’re introducing AI and how it will benefit both the company and individual roles. Show them that AI is meant to be a helping hand, not a jobs terminator.

Invest in training that helps your people acquire the skills they need to work alongside AI. Make them feel empowered by showing that it can make their jobs more interesting and valuable.

Emphasise that your AI initiatives are designed to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. Let your team know that it will handle repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their work.

Develop clear guidelines for responsible AI use in your business. Highlight your commitment to ethical practices and ensure that employees are aware of these policies.

Involve your employees in the implementation process. Seek their input, listen to their concerns, and make them part of the solution. This shows that you value their contributions.

Encourage a culture of continuous learning. Let your employees know that they’ll have opportunities for ongoing education and development, ensuring they stay relevant and valuable in the AI-driven workplace.

Introducing AI into your workplace doesn’t have to be a cause for concern among your employees. AI is a tool for growth and innovation, not a threat to job security.

If we can help you introduce the right AI tools in the right way, get in touch.

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