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Today marks a significant milestone in the history of technology: On this day in 1969, the first Interface Message Processor (IMP) was delivered to UCLA. You won’t have heard of it, but this device was the very first building block of the Internet as we know it today. The IMP was a revolutionary piece of technology that allowed different research networks to connect, and it became the first generation of what we now call network routers. Just a month later, the second IMP was installed at the Stanford Research Institute. These two devices made history on 29th of October 1969, when the first message was sent between them. UCLA student Charley Kline attempted to send the word 'login,' but the system crashed after just the first two letters, making 'lo' the first message ever transmitted over what would become the Internet. While simple, this first communication was the spark that ignited our digital revolution. For business owners, this anniversary is a reminder of the incredible impact that technology has had on the way we work and communicate. The Internet has grown from those first two letters - lo - into a tool that powers everything. Where would we be without it today? It’s a hard thought to comprehend isn’t it? #TechHistory #IMP #HappyAnniversary

Here’s some nightmare fodder for you: A global company recently fell victim to a sophisticated scam that cost them a massive $60 million (£46 million). This wasn’t due to a high-tech hack or a complex breach, but something much simpler - social engineering. An employee was tricked into transferring funds to scammers, thinking they were making legitimate payments. This kind of scam is known as a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack. Cyber criminals either impersonate a company executive or gain access to their email and then convince an unsuspecting employee to make a payment. They might claim it’s for a business deal that needs to be done quickly and quietly, adding pressure to act fast. For businesses, this is a sobering reminder that the biggest risks aren't always technical, they’re often human. Employees are prime targets for these kinds of attacks - especially if they have access to company funds. The best defence? Education. Training your team to recognise the signs of a scam could save your business millions. Encourage a culture where employees verify requests, especially when money is involved, and always double-check unusual demands, no matter how urgent they seem. Investing in security training isn’t just a smart move, it’s essential. If you need help getting your employees up to speed on cyber security, my team can help. #CyberSecurity #EmployeeTraining #CyberScams

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Microsoft’s announced a new change coming in January that could impact your OneDrive for Business accounts. If a OneDrive account has been inactive for more than 90 days and doesn’t have a license, Microsoft will automatically archive it. That could be an account of an ex-employee or one where the license has been removed. It’s part of their plan to enhance security and streamline cloud storage management. But once an account is archived, you’ll lose access to it, and getting it back won’t be simple or cheap. If you want to recover an archived account, your admin will need to enable billing, which will cost $0.05 (4p) per gigabyte each month in the Microsoft 365 Archive. Fully reactivating the account will be even more expensive, at $0.60 (46p) per gigabyte, and the process could take up to 24 hours. Unlicensed accounts can lead to security risks, file duplication, and confusion within your business. That’s why Microsoft is doing this. To avoid unexpected costs or data loss, it’s a good idea to have your admin check now for any unlicensed accounts. They can generate reports on these accounts using the SharePoint admin centre under OneDrive usage. If any unlicensed accounts are found, it’s best to either reassign licenses to keep them active or delete them entirely. Doing this now can help keep your data secure and prevent surprise charges down the road. If you need help with that, my team is on standby - get in touch. #Microsoft365 #OneDrive #CloudStorage

DDoS attacks made headlines recently when X (formerly Twitter) was hit during a high-profile interview. And this wasn’t an isolated incident - new research shows that these attacks have been on the rise throughout 2024. What is a DDoS attack? It stands for Distributed Denial of Service. And it's when cyber criminals overwhelm a website or online service with so much traffic that it crashes, making it inaccessible. For businesses, this can mean lost sales, disrupted services, and frustrated customers. It essentially brings your operations to a standstill. The numbers are alarming: DDoS attacks surged by nearly 50% in the first half of 2024 compared to last year. It’s not just the frequency either; the power of these attacks is also increasing. The most powerful attack in early 2024 reached a staggering 1.7 Tbps, enough to cripple most online services. So, how can you protect your business? Use a reputable DDoS protection service to filter out malicious traffic before it reaches your site. Regularly update your security software to defend against the latest threats. And create a response plan so your team knows exactly what to do if an attack occurs. While gaming and gambling industries are often hit the hardest, technology companies, financial services, and even ecommerce businesses are also at risk. Have you heard of DDoS attacks before? #DDoS #CyberSecurity #X

File Explorer is a trusted tool you use to navigate your files and folders in Windows. Here are some cool tips to get the most out of it… Open File Explorer with a keyboard shortcut: Just hit the Windows key + E on your keyboard. File Explorer opens right up to 'This PC.' Use multiple tabs: Did you know File Explorer has tabs now, just like your web browser? Click the plus icon at the top or press Ctrl + T to open a new tab. Need a separate window? Just drag the tab outside of File Explorer. Preview files on the fly: Sneak a peek at a file without opening it. Click on the View menu and select Preview pane, or simply press Alt + P. Now, when you click on a file, you’ll see a thumbnail preview on the right. More right-click menu options: Notice the right-click menu looks a bit short? Click 'Show more options' to see the full list. Bonus Tip: Nearby sharing Need to transfer files quickly to another device? Turn on Nearby Sharing. Go to Settings > System > Nearby sharing and choose Off, My devices only, or Everyone nearby. It’s helpful for quick file transfers. How many of these do you already use? #FileExplorerTips #Windows #TimeSaver

Start Me Up… On this day in 1995, Microsoft launched one of the most iconic operating systems ever - Windows 95. With more than a million copies sold in just the first four days, this was one of the biggest product launches in tech history. Windows 95 introduced us to the Start menu and taskbar, features we still use today. It merged MS-DOS and Windows into one, making it easier to use. For businesses, Windows 95 was a game-changer. It simplified operations with plug-and-play features, making it easier to connect new devices. The user-friendly interface and improved performance boosted productivity and set the stage for future innovations in the workplace. Remember the extensive marketing campaign? It was everywhere, showing the importance of a strong launch strategy - perhaps something to consider for your next big product or service release? Even after Windows 98 came out, Windows 95 remained the most popular operating system until 1998. Its impact is still felt today as many of its features are integrated into modern Windows versions. Do you still look back at Windows 95 fondly? Or are you too young to remember it? #Windows95 #TechAnniversary #Microsoft

Remember the Nintendo Wii? You might have had one, but not one like this… it's just been miniaturised into a tiny, keychain-sized console called the Nintendo Kawaii, thanks to some ingenious modders. This isn't just for show either. It can actually run games from the Wii era. It’s crafted from sleek aluminium and features magnetic pogo pin connectors for power and AV support. It even has a custom dock that supports four Gamecube controllers. Why should you care? Well, this little gadget shows us how thinking outside the box can be really useful. Just as these modders transformed an iconic gaming console into a portable novelty, your business could benefit from reimagining products or services in new, exciting ways. It’s about embracing creativity and seizing opportunities to stand out. The initial run of 30 units at $55 (£42) sold out instantly, proving there's a demand for unique, nostalgic tech. Could this inspire you to tap into niche markets or revive classic products with a modern twist? #NintendoKawaii #InnovationInBusiness #TechTrends

The latest Windows 11 build introduces a new flyout in the Microsoft Store that suggests apps you might be interested in when you search for content. While the Store already offers suggestions based on your searches, this new feature adds another layer of recommendations. But here’s the thing: Microsoft hasn't clarified whether these suggestions are organic or paid advertisements. Are these suggestions helpful, or just another form of advertising? Microsoft has been increasing its 'suggestions' within Windows 11, from recommended apps in the Start menu to prompts for signing up for services like Game Pass and OneDrive. Even built-in apps like the Weather app have started showing more ads. For business owners, this can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, these suggestions might help you discover useful apps that can boost productivity and streamline operations. On the other hand, they might feel intrusive and distract you from your main tasks. As Windows 11 evolves, it's important for Microsoft to find a balance that enhances our experience without overwhelming us with ads. What do you think? Are these suggestions beneficial or just another form of advertising? #Windows11 #MicrosoftStore #TechUpdates

Extending the life of your computer is important. But so is knowing when to repair or replace. When to repair: If your computer is slowing down, the first step is diagnosing the issue. It might be a software problem, so run a virus or malware scan. Check resource usage using Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) on a PC or Activity Monitor (Command+Space) on a Mac. If one application is hogging the memory, uninstalling it might speed things up. Sometimes, reinstalling your operating system can fix issues. If it’s a hardware issue, identify which component is failing. High CPU or memory usage suggests you might need more RAM or a new hard drive. There are tools that can test your hard drive’s health, and check your RAM. Upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) or adding more RAM can boost performance. When to replace: Consider the age and repair cost. If your computer is seven years old or more, and repairs cost more than 25% of a new computer, it’s time for a replacement. For newer computers (three to four years old), repairs costing up to 50% of a new machine can be worth it, giving you an extra one to three years of use. Running diagnostics helps pinpoint the problem. If a single component is the issue, an upgrade can extend your computer’s life. But if multiple parts are struggling, it’s probably time for a new machine. Balancing repair costs with the age and performance of your computer ensures you get the most out of your investment. If this is not your idea of fun, my team can assess your business’s machines and present you with simple options. Get in touch. #ComputerRepair #BusinessTech #UpgradeOrReplace