Vorboss launches Simply Connected to simplify connectivity, IT and cybersecurity management for London businesses
When you think about tools for remote working and chatting online, one of the first names in your mind is Zoom.
But its popularity has opened the door for cyber criminals. They’re using its name to steal sensitive data.
Researchers have discovered at least six convincing-looking download sites. They’re not the real thing. They’re designed to tempt you into downloading FAKE Zoom software, containing ‘info stealers’ and other forms of malware (malicious software).
Accidentally use one of these sites thinking that you’re downloading a Zoom update… and you risk having sensitive data stolen. Possibly your banking info, passwords or browser history.
Some can even steal your multi-factor authentication details. That could give cyber criminals access to your most sensitive data.
The research also found these ‘stealer logs’ for sale on the dark web, where criminals can buy this information and use it to gain access to business networks.
Once a cyber criminal has access to your network, every piece of data you have stored becomes a target. In extreme cases, this can leave you vulnerable to ransomware attacks, or data theft.
While these fake sites can be incredibly convincing, take these simple steps to avoid being fooled.
- Before you download the Zoom application (or any application), double check the address of the website you’re on. Is it what you’re expecting? If you clicked an email to get to that site, are you 100% sure it’s from the real company?
- Study the rest of the web page too, looking for anything that doesn’t ring true, such as spelling mistakes or a clunky layout.
- Make sure your security software is up to date and is actively scanning for malware and suspicious downloads.
- Have a plan to roll out this advice across your business.
If you need any help or advice to keep your business protected from malware and other security threats, get in touch.
A huge number of small and medium-sized businesses would consider using pirated software to try and save money. A new study has revealed a surprising number of businesses willing to break the law to save costs. Our advice? Think twice before you walk the plank.
Right now, the most popular types of pirated software are project management tools, and marketing and sales software. But a huge 56% of business owners said they’d even think about using illegal cyber security software in an effort to cut costs.
Don’t do it.
Not only is pirated software unsupported – so if you have a problem with it (which you probably will) there’s no help available to rectify the issue – but it can open your business up to bigger problems too.
It’s common for cyber criminals to use pirated software to distribute malware. Some of this is designed to evade firewalls, which means once installed, it can spread malicious files beyond your device to your entire network. That can lead to your sensitive data being compromised or stolen.
The cost of putting things right after this kind of cyber attack can end up costing a fortune, and the pirated software can damage your devices by causing them to slow down or overheat.
We advise our clients to always use genuine software from a reputable source. If the cost of the software seems too good to be true… it probably is.
But there’s more you can do. You should prevent unauthorised employees from downloading software that could be harmful by managing admin rights properly. And you should ensure your whole team has regular cyber security awareness training to make everyone aware of the risks to your business data.
If you’d like help finding genuine software for your business, or creating a cyber security plan, just get in touch.
Microsoft Teams has fast become one of THE most useful business tools for the way we work today.
No matter where your people work from, they can communicate and collaborate quickly and reliably.
But this remote way of working can also open the door to some MAJOR security issues.
New research shows that nearly HALF of employees frequently share confidential and sensitive files via Teams.
That can be a big problem if employees are using personal equipment rather than company issued kit… it's simply not as secure as work devices.
More than half of people surveyed say they’ve shared ‘business critical’ information using personal devices. Worse still, 48% admitted they’ve accidentally sent files they shouldn’t have – possibly to the wrong person!
So how can you be sure that your people are using Teams in the safest, most secure way?
The solution lies with regular training and cyber security awareness for employees at all levels of your business – from trainee to CEO.
And you need to make sure you have all the right safeguards in place to protect your sensitive business data. Because if it fell into the wrong hands, the results could be an expensive nightmare, potentially with legal consequences. Just imagine if sensitive employee information got shared outside of the business…
Remember, even a trusted app like Teams is only as safe as the people who use it and the devices it’s installed on.
If you need help with cyber security training, or putting the right protections in place, get in touch!
It seems that Gen Z and even some Millennial employees are less tech savvy than many employers might expect. It’s an assumption that’s leading to a sense of ‘tech shame’.
Younger workers may have grown up using Snapchat, TikTok and Minecraft, but they’re not always equipped with the skills they need to adapt to the workplace.
A recent study has found that one in five employees aged 18 to 29 feel judged when they encounter technical issues at work. That’s compared to just one in 25 employees aged 40 or over.
The solution may lie in providing better training, not just for younger colleagues and first-jobbers, but for the whole team. Some Gen Z workers may have started their careers during the pandemic. That means they will never have experienced anything other than a digital working environment. Especially if they work remotely or in a hybrid role.
As well as fixing any skill gaps there may be, whole-team training can provide a much-needed confidence boost for young employees.
Another consideration is the provision of tools and devices your team has access to – especially if they’re working remotely.
Younger workers with less available income to spend on home office equipment may be less likely to speak up if they’re struggling.
Simply checking in with employees – particularly if they’re not in the office – can make a big difference to their engagement, productivity, and confidence. If there are any issues, big or small, find a way to put them right, and you’ll notice a positive shift in the whole business.
If you’d like any advice about tech shame or help with training, boosting efficiency or sourcing equipment, we’re here when you need us. Just get in touch.
You think Zoom, you think video calls. For millions around the world, it’s a tool they rely on at work every day.
But for productivity, collaboration and workplace integration (as well as video calls), it’s Microsoft Teams that’s leading the way. Its tight integration with other Microsoft 365 services makes it so easy.
Now Zoom is looking for a piece of that action with the launch of a whole suite of features and services. They’re clearly designed to take on Teams and Slack head-to-head.
These will include email, a calendar app, and a virtual co-working space called Zoom Spots. Meanwhile a bunch of upgrades to the Zoom One platform are aiming to improve collaboration, keep chats flowing, and keep projects moving.
While it feels like a logical step for the video conferencing giant, it remains to be seen how widely adopted the new services will be. And before we recommend it to our clients, we’ll want to know that the levels of support, reliability and security are all bulletproof.
Many businesses are already committed to Microsoft Teams, which releases its own improvements almost on a weekly basis. But this is an interesting new development and we’ll be watching what happens carefully.
If you want to know more about the best tools to keep your team working smoothly together, just get in touch.
Countless employers still don’t trust their people to do their best work unless they’re physically in the office. But while managers may be struggling to adjust to our new hybrid world, this perception is a long way from the truth.
Research from around the world reveals that greater flexibility from remote and hybrid working often results in a major boost to productivity. Yet still some firms are bringing back an office-only policy.
Employers may be grappling with the fallout of the last few years and hoping that a return to the office will result in a post-pandemic productivity boost.
But seeing as hybrid workers show improved morale, greater creativity and better collaboration (compared with pre-pandemic levels), this could be a big step in the wrong direction.
Big Brother will never be popular
Some businesses have increased their employee monitoring to try and track performance. But this is often perceived as a Big Brother tactic that ends up having the opposite effect – a drop in productivity, a lack of trust, demoralised teams, and a greater feeling of ‘us and them’.
All businesses need to understand how they are performing and decide which metrics give the best insight into productivity. But this has to be done in a way that doesn’t leave employees feeling like cogs in a machine.
So what’s the answer?
There is some clear advice for building a productive and successful hybrid environment:
- Encourage people to work in the way that’s best for them
- Find the right ways to measure performance – without people feeling like they’re constantly being watched
- Automate repetitive tasks to free up your team’s creativity
- And provide everyone with the tools and tech they need to do their job properly. That could include choosing the right devices, using communication tools that aid collaboration, and making the right connectivity choices.
We can help with all of this.
So if you’re having trouble adjusting to a hybrid world, get in touch – we’re here to help.
Latest from the press room
As companies grow, so does the technology behind them. Connectivity, IT and cybersecurity often end up spread across multiple suppliers, contracts and support models. Simply Connected brings it all together under one provider, making it easier to manage, easier to support, and clearer to understand costs.
At the heart of it is Vorboss’ own fibre network spanning over 750km across London, built, owned and operated in-house, with the same team designing, installing and managing the full setup end-to-end.
“Office technology has become overcomplicated,”
said Rhod Morgan, Chief Operations Officer at Vorboss.
“Many businesses have the right services on paper, but the experience feels disjointed. We wanted to remove the grey areas. Customers manage one relationship, have access to local support and receive one predictable monthly bill. The same team that builds the solution runs and supports it day-to-day.”
Simply Connected includes modular services that flex around each business and scale as it grows:
- Dedicated internet connectivity from Vorboss
- Fully managed office networks
- Managed IT and hardware provisioning
- Cybersecurity
- Ongoing support delivered by local London experts
Vorboss is powering the ambitions of London’s businesses with blazing-fast connectivity, managed IT, and serious cybersecurity. As we grow, we are focused on building a team that reflects the diversity of the customers we serve.
This year’s gender pay gap results mark a clear step forward, with both our median and mean pay gaps in favour of women, placing us ahead of the UK benchmark.
We recognise that lasting change depends on improving representation across roles and levels, and we are taking deliberate action to support this through inclusive hiring, clear career pathways and ongoing development. We are proud of the progress made and remain committed to achieving gender parity across Vorboss by 2028.
Read the full report here.
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