CyberSecuritiesUK

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

How’s this for a time saver? Microsoft’s making it easier to share files between your Windows PC and Android devices with a new feature that’s rolling out soon. Think of it like Apple’s AirDrop, but for people using Microsoft and Android. You can quickly send files back and forth between your computer and phone (or tablet). It really is a game-changer for your business: No more emailing files to yourself or looking for USB cables. With just a few clicks, you can share important documents and photos between your devices. To use it, all you need is a PC running Windows 10 (May 2019 update or later) or Windows 11, and an Android device with version 9.0 or later. Once set up, it’s so easy to use. Select what you want to send and choose the right device to send it to. Your files will be transferred instantly. Keep an eye out for this feature, as it’s expected to be available to everyone soon. How often do you think you will use this? #FileSharing #Microsoft #TimeSaver

Struggling to find the right words for that REALLY important email? That can be such a waste of time. But wait… here comes Microsoft with a solution. This time it’s an AI tool called Draft with Copilot. You won’t want to miss this new feature… https://lnkd.in/g-a2n8yv #Microsoft #Windows11 #Copilot

Time is money, and you know how much time you waste when you’re stuck staring at a blank screen. Draft with Copilot is the solution that can do all the hard work for you… #Microsoft #Windows11 #Copilot

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. https://lnkd.in/gr3Ku66r #ComputerRepair #BusinessTech #UpgradeOrReplace

Windows 11 is becoming more popular, with almost 30% of all Windows PCs now running Microsoft's latest operating system. Even though Windows 10 still dominates at 66.1%, the shift to 11 is noticeable as more businesses upgrade. Why is Windows 11 becoming so popular? Here are three big reasons… Enhanced productivity: Windows 11 offers improved multitasking with features like Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and Desktops. Time-saving tools: The new Start menu and streamlined taskbar make it easier to access your most-used apps and files. Better security: Windows 11 comes with built-in security features such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. With the end of Windows 10 support next year, now is the perfect time to consider upgrading your business. My team can help make it seamless - get in touch. https://lnkd.in/gr3Ku66r #Windows11 #ProductivityBoost #Microsoft

Here’s a scary stat: A fifth of employees say they've never received any cyber security training from their employers. That’s a big deal. A recent report revealed more than half haven't yet learned how to avoid phishing scams - the most widespread cyber threat out there, where a criminal pretends to be someone else. And almost half (48%) don't know how to create strong passwords either. The report also highlighted that many employees lack training in crucial areas. 60% of employees don't know remote working best practices, 66% are unsure what to do if their login details are breached, and 82% haven’t been taught about social engineering. Why does this matter? Because most cyber attacks start with human error. It could be as simple as clicking a malicious link, downloading malware, or using weak passwords that criminals can easily crack. But here’s the good news: When businesses provide advice, almost three-quarters of workers follow it. 29% admit they forget the advice, 22% find it too complicated, and 14% don’t see it as their responsibility. So as a business owner or manager, what can you do? Make cyber security training a regular part of your business routine. Keep it simple, clear, and engaging. Your employees are your best defence against cyber threats, but only if they’re equipped with the right knowledge. Need help with cyber security training? Get in touch. https://lnkd.in/gr3Ku66r #CyberSecurity #BusinessSafety #EmployeeTraining

If you’re using Windows 11 in your business, congratulations on all the additional productivity tools you’ve now unlocked. To keep up your momentum, you’ll need to make sure you’re running the most up to date version. That’s because Microsoft has released a date that older versions will stop receiving security updates. And it’s not that far away… https://lnkd.in/gA6AYr5X #Microsoft #Windows11 #update