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Microsoft's Digital Shake-Up: Are Your Passwords Disappearing? Plus, The Windows 10 Deadline Looms!

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In our increasingly digital world, technology is both the backbone of our lives and businesses, and a constantly evolving landscape. Keeping pace with these changes can feel like a full-time job in itself. Right now, two significant shifts from Microsoft demand your immediate attention: a major push towards a passwordless future that's already impacting how you sign in, and the fast-approaching End-of-Life (EOL) deadline for Windows 10. For families navigating connected homes and small businesses operating with lean resources, understanding and acting on these changes isn't just about convenience; it's about safeguarding your digital security, maintaining productivity, and protecting your precious data. Ignoring these alerts could leave you vulnerable, exposed, and facing costly disruptions. The Password Puzzle: Is Microsoft Really Deleting Your Passwords? The headline "Microsoft Starts Deleting Your Passwords" might sound like something out of a sci-fi thriller, ...

5 Common Tech Problems and How to Solve Them

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I thought I'd start off 2025 with something simple for everyone, so here are 5 common IT issues you might get at home or work... Technology is an integral part of our daily lives, both at home and in the workplace. However, it can also be a source of frustration when things go wrong. Here are five common tech problems and how to solve them: Slow Internet Speeds Home Restart your modem and router: This simple step often resolves temporary connection issues. Sometimes 10 seconds is needed to clear any cached issues Check for interference: Cordless phones, microwaves, and even baby monitors can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Try moving your router to a different location. But before moving you can use your mobile connected to the Wi-Fi to see if there's interference between rooms by watch in the signal strength or use a Wi-Fi Analyser App Run a speed test: Use online tools like Speedtest.net to measure your actual internet speed. If it's significantly slower than your plan, c...

Why Outsourcing IT Services is a Smart Move for Your Business

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Owning a small business can be both rewarding and challenging. With tight budgets and limited resources, it can be difficult to prioritise spending and dedicate time to digital tools. However, outsourcing IT services can be a game-changer.   Let's explore four key benefits: Increased Productivity By entrusting your IT tasks to qualified professionals, you empower your employees to focus on their core competencies. This leads to increased productivity and efficiency, ultimately driving business growth. Access to Highly Trained Professionals Outsourcing IT services provides access to a pool of skilled and experienced IT experts. These professionals can handle complex technical issues, ensuring smooth operations and minimising downtime. Enhanced Security In today's digital age, cybersecurity is paramount. Outsourcing IT services offers robust security measures, including round-the-clock monitoring, threat detection, and data protection. This helps safeguard your business from cyb...

Cyber Security Awareness 007: Token-Based

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What Is a Token? Think of a token like a digital pass. When you go to a concert, you might get a ticket that lets you in and out of the venue. Similarly, in the online world, a token is a small, unique piece of data that acts like a ticket to access certain websites or services. Once you're logged in, this token confirms that you're allowed to be there without asking for your password every time. How Does Token-Based Authentication Work? Here’s how the process typically happens: User Login : You start by entering your username and password, just like when you log in to your favourite app or website Token Generation : Once your login details are verified as correct, the website or app generates a special token for you. This token is a bit like a temporary ID card Token Storage : Your device (whether it’s your phone, tablet, or computer) stores this token safely. Think of it as your phone holding onto a pass that lets you move around the website or app without needing to log in a...

Cyber Security Awareness 006: Biometric

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Have you ever unlocked your phone or laptop using your fingerprint or face? If so, you've already experienced the convenience of biometrics. Biometrics, also known as "something you have" authentication, is a technology that uses unique physical or behavioural characteristics to verify your identity and grant access to information. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, simple measures like passwords are no longer sufficient to keep up with sophisticated cyber threats. Biometric authentication systems, which gained widespread popularity around the 2010s, offer a more secure and efficient way to protect your data. By leveraging complex algorithms that analyse a user's unique physical and behavioural traits, biometrics provide a fast and easy way to authenticate individuals. Biometrics utilise various human attributes, including fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scanning, and voice recognition, to verify identity. Unlike passwords, which can be easily c...

Cyber Security Awareness 005: Multi-factor Authentication

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What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is like adding a second lock to your front door. It's an extra layer of security that requires you to provide more than one piece of information to access your online accounts. These additional steps make it much harder for hackers to break in. Why is MFA Important? Even the strongest password can be cracked. By adding an extra layer of security, MFA considerably increases the difficulty for hackers to access your accounts. By using MFA, you're reducing the risk of your personal information falling into the wrong hands.  How does MFA work?  There are three authentication techniques, as I covered in the blog post "Cyber Security Awareness 004: Authentication.".  Something you know : This is usually a password or a PIN. It's information only you should know. Something you are : This uses unique parts of your body, like your fingerprint or facial features. It's a part of you. Somethin...