Vorboss launches Simply Connected to simplify connectivity, IT and cybersecurity management for London businesses

Did you ever imagine a world where the lengthy, complicated passwords people often forget would become a thing of the past?

It seems that day might be arriving sooner than we anticipated.

Google has officially made Passkeys the default sign-in method for all personal accounts on its network, signalling the beginning of a new era in online security.

What's a Passkey, you ask?

It's the next big thing in internet safety. And as a business owner with staff, you should pay attention to this game-changing innovation.

Here’s everything you need to know.


What are Passkeys?

Imagine logging into your account using just a four-digit PIN or your biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition. That's precisely what a Passkey is.

Simple, isn't it?

But don't let the simplicity fool you. This new technology significantly reduces the likelihood of having your credentials stolen or your account taken over by cyber criminals.


How do Passkeys work?

Creating a Passkey is easy. Head over to Google's official Passkeys website, create a PIN or connect your biometrics (fingerprint or face), link your smartphone, and you're done.

Just remember, your PC needs to run at least Windows 10, or your Mac should have macOS Ventura or above. And on your phone, you need Android 9 or iOS 16.

As of now, this tech works only on Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Google Chrome browsers.


What are the benefits of Passkeys?

According to Google, 64% of people find Passkeys easier to use than traditional login methods.

Not only are they simpler and more secure, they're also faster. Logging in with a Passkey is 40% quicker than using a regular password.


What's next?

Google's decision to make Passkeys the default sign-in method is just the beginning. The tech giant is already working with select partners to make this new login usable across Chrome and Android. It's already available on Uber and eBay, with plans to expand to WhatsApp soon.

So, it might be wise to start thinking about how Passkeys can benefit your business. After all, Google could soon roll out this feature for business accounts too.

Meantime, if you're not quite ready to embrace Passkeys, you can still opt-out. Just head to the Sign-in options page, find "Skip Password When Possible", and toggle off the switch.

We’d recommend you give it a try and see how much easier – and more secure – it can make things. And of course, if you need any help, get in touch.

As if Windows 11 wasn’t already packed with enough goodies, it’s about to get even better.

Are you ready for a significant upgrade to your favourite tools included with the operating system?

First, let's talk about the Snipping Tool. This humble screenshotting tool has been quietly serving us for years, capturing our screens one snip at a time. But now, with a new text capture and recognition capability, called 'Text Actions,' we're looking at a drastic game-changer. You can copy and paste text straight from a screenshot. No more typing out information from an image like a caveman (or a more modern version of a caveman, anyway).

And that's not all. A new 'Quick Redact' function, lets you hide sensitive information in the screenshot. Gone are the days of awkwardly scribbling over confidential data with a digital marker.

With integration from Windows 11’s Phone Link feature, your Android devices and PC will be best friends too. Syncing will be so much easier.

Now, let's talk about the Photos app. When we thought it couldn't get any better, Microsoft pulls another rabbit out of the hat. Based on community feedback – yes, they do listen to us – the Photos app is getting a makeover, complete with a new Background Blur option.

Want to make your subject pop by blurring out the background? No problem. Need to control the intensity of the blur or select specific areas to blur? They've sorted it.

The new ‘Content Search’ capability for photos backed up on OneDrive is also a game-changer.

Ever wished you could search for a photo based on its content? Wish granted! Using intelligent image detection software, Microsoft will now scan and label your photos with searchable tags. And yes, you can also search for photos based on location across local files, OneDrive, and even Apple’s iCloud. That's right, iPhone users haven’t been left out.

Now, we know some people are still smarting from the Windows 10 Photos app changes, notably removing the Video Editor feature. But Microsoft may be making amends. The vague mention in Microsoft’s announcement that "Edit and Create Video options are now easily accessible at the top of the gallery view" suggests some video editing functions might be heading our way. We’ll have to wait and see what that means.

As we eagerly await these updates, one thing is clear: Microsoft is not resting on its laurels. They're working tirelessly to make our lives easier one update at a time. I’m thrilled, and as a business owner, you should be too. After all, who doesn't love a good upgrade?

If you’d like to get started with Windows 11 or need a hand spreading its productivity features to your team, we can help. Get in touch.

Merry Christmas!

With the holiday season in full swing, you should be enjoying some well-deserved downtime. But what if I told you that you could make the most of your few days off from your business and prepare to seize the AI opportunity in 2024?

The world of AI is booming, rapidly transforming industries, and redefining how we do business. In fact, according to PwC, AI could contribute up to £12 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

Microsoft has released five free courses on AI that you can take advantage of during your time off.

An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Let's begin with the basics. This course helps you grasp the key concepts in AI. It's designed for anyone and everyone, regardless of their technical background. By the end of this course, you'll have a solid understanding of what AI is and how it can benefit your business.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/introduction-to-artificial-intelligence

What is Generative AI?

Once you're comfortable with the basics, dive into the world of generative AI. This course covers the fundamentals, including what it is, how it works, different models, and future predictions and implications. You'll learn how generative AI can be used to create new content and ideas, opening exciting possibilities for innovation and creativity in your business.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/what-is-generative-ai

Generative AI: The Evolution of Thoughtful Online Search

This course takes a deeper look at the core concepts of generative AI-driven reasoning engines and how they differ from traditional search engine strategies. With a better understanding of these concepts, you'll be able to leverage the power of AI to improve your online search capabilities, making your business more efficient and effective.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/generative-ai-the-evolution-of-thoughtful-online-search

Streamlining Your Work with Microsoft Bing Chat

Chatbots are revolutionising the way businesses interact with their customers. This course helps you discover the power of chatbots and how to use them effectively. Learn how to streamline your customer service, automate routine tasks, and provide a better user experience with the help of AI-powered chatbots.

https://www.linkedin.com/learning/streamlining-your-work-with-microsoft-bing-chat

Ethics in the Age of Generative AI

Finally, this course addresses one of the most pressing issues in AI – ethics. As AI continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, it's crucial that we consider the ethical implications of using these tools and products. This course will guide you on how to navigate these complex ethical issues, ensuring that your use of AI aligns with your values and principles.

You can find it here: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/ethics-in-the-age-of-generative-ai

Make the most of these free courses to help you stay ahead of the curve, enhance efficiency, build trust with your customers, and unlock new opportunities.

I know you want to kick back and relax for the next few days, and you should!

But when you hit that no-man’s land between Christmas and New Year and you start to forget what day it is, this is a great investment of your time.

If you use Google Chrome, you’ll love this. Google has just rolled out a game-changing update that's going to make your browser more powerful than ever.

It’s the revamped Chrome Web Store, featuring a fresh design and exciting new features.

Now, if you're like me, you've probably spent more time than you'd care to admit sifting through the Chrome Web Store in search of the perfect extensions for your browser. Those days of endless scrolling and hunting for that elusive add-on are officially over.

First off, they've introduced new categories to help you quickly find what you need. Whether you're shopping, looking for productivity tools, or are just in the mood for some entertainment, there's a category for you. And the cherry on top? There's now a dedicated section for AI-powered extensions.

These AI-powered extensions are not to be underestimated. Many of them integrate popular chatbots and even some of the best ChatGPT extensions available. Imagine having your own virtual assistant right in your browser, ready to answer questions, provide recommendations, and assist with various tasks.

And it doesn't stop there. Google has also included a 'suggested extensions' section that tailors recommendations based on what you've previously downloaded.

There’s an 'Editors’ spotlight' section which promises to showcase up-and-coming extensions you might have otherwise missed.

Navigating the Chrome Web Store has become even more intuitive. The search bar has moved to the top-right corner of the screen, and Google has enhanced its capabilities. You can filter by all items or focus on featured extensions and themes, making it a breeze to find exactly what you want.

In the top-left corner, you'll find the Extensions tab to dive deeper into add-ons for your browser. Fancy changing the look of Chrome? Simply navigate to the Themes tab. Customisation has never been this easy.

While this new Chrome Web Store update is undoubtedly exciting, let's not forget about the importance of staying vigilant when it comes to browser security. Here are a few reminders:

1. Monitor downloads to make sure they’re safe and relevant
2. Never download extensions from third-party websites
3. Make sure everyone in your business is aware of and follows the correct security measures.
4. Regularly update Chrome and your extensions and educate your team about the importance of strong passwords and safe browsing practices.
   
   If you’d like help finding even more productivity-boosting tools for your business, get in touch.

Picture this: 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. Not so fast. 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.

You know that feeling when you've spent way too much time in virtual meetings, and you'd trade your favourite coffee mug for some real face-to-face interaction? That’s called Zoom fatigue.

It turns out there's scientific evidence to back up what we've all been feeling.

Recently, researchers from Austrian universities decided to take a closer look at the impact of video conferencing on our bodies and minds. They strapped participants with EEG and ECG monitors and went to town with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and similar platforms.

The results were eye-opening.

Brain signal frequency, as measured by EEG, showed a noticeable increase in higher-level frequencies associated with concentration, attention, and stress during online meetings compared to in-person encounters. So, it's not just your imagination – those video calls are really making you work extra hard to stay focused.

Additionally, the study revealed changes in heart rate variability, indicating ongoing signs of fatigue throughout the course of an online meeting.

Before you swear off video meetings forever, it's essential to consider the study's context. The participants were university students, not corporate warriors, and the study was conducted on-campus, not from cosy home offices. So, there might be some variations based on age and environment.

However, the key takeaway is that communicating face-to-face versus through a screen can significantly impact the human body. So, even if you're not a 24-year-old student on a college campus, video conferencing fatigue is a real thing.

What can businesses do if they want to keep the benefits of video conferencing without driving their employees up the virtual wall?

Consider using collaboration tools like Teams, Slack, or even good old-fashioned email to reduce the need for real-time video meetings. Give your team the flexibility to respond when it suits them best.

If possible, schedule in-person meetings when it's safe and practical to do so. Nothing beats the personal touch of a face-to-face conversation, and it's a refreshing break from the virtual world.

The simplest solution can often be the most effective. Have an open conversation with your employees about their preferences for communication. Some may thrive in video meetings, while others may prefer written updates or phone calls.

When you do schedule video meetings, keep them short and sweet. Avoid back-to-back calls and allow time for breaks between meetings to prevent burnout.

Just to let you know, the message is clear: don't throw out your webcam just yet. Instead, take a step back, assess your communication methods, and find the right mix that keeps your team engaged and energised.

Can we help you find the tech tools to keep your people productive and engaged? Get in touch.