Passwords could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to Passkeys. If you hate passwords, our latest tech update will make your day…
BlueCastle IT Insights
Tired of waiting for Teams to load? Microsoft has heard your frustration and has rebuilt it from the ground up. The all-new Teams is faster and uses less memory; we give you all the details
Even passwords of 15 characters can be cracked by cyber criminals. Our latest tech update explains what to do instead
Even passwords of 15 characters can be cracked by cyber criminals. Our latest tech update explains what to do instead
Microsoft is working hard to lead the AI revolution and its latest update to Teams will certainly make it a front-runner. We think the potential is unlimited, here we'll tell you why.
Windows 11 has already boosted our productivity and saved us time, but it hasn’t finished improving our working lives just yet. We have all the details.
This latest stat we learned about phishing websites really surprised us. And it comes with good news about an enhanced way to protect your business. We give you all the details
Can you believe it? After 30 years of faithful service, Microsoft is finally pulling the plug on WordPad. The app that debuted with Windows 95, and lets you open a .doc file if you don’t have Word installed, is being shown the door. But why now and what does it mean for your business? Microsoft […]
We’ve all been there. You're scrolling through your Facebook feed, and an ad pops up promising to help you grow your business with some AI-powered software… Sounds tempting, doesn't it? Without giving it much thought, you click to see what it’s about. Bad news: This is a big 🚩 Cybercriminals have been found creating Facebook […]
Ever been tempted to download the beta version of your favorite app, ready to test out all the cool new features before everyone else? STOP!! The FBI has some news that might just make you think twice. Cyber criminals have come up with a brand new trick to lure us into their lair. They’re hiding […]
How many times have you been in the middle of an urgent email, attaching a critical file, only to be met with the dreaded notification – "file too large to send"? Frustrating, isn't it? Well, Microsoft has heard our collective sighs of exasperation. They've announced an update that promises to banish the 'file too large' […]
You’ve checked your pockets, your bag, under pillows … and then it hits you. You left your work phone on the table at the coffee shop. You panic. It's not the device itself that’s got you worried, but all the sensitive business information stored on it. If that mobile ends up in the wrong hands, […]
You’re no stranger to the endless threats lurking in your email inbox. But have you ever considered that an email that seems to be from Microsoft could end up being your worst nightmare? Microsoft, the tech giant we all know and trust, has become the most imitated brand when it comes to phishing attacks. That’s […]
Have you heard about the latest productivity update from our friends at Google? They've just added a little feature to Google Calendar that could make your life a whole lot easier – especially if you’re a hybrid worker. Remember back in 2021 when they first introduced the option to share your working location with your […]
In the fast-evolving world of technology, business owners and managers like you are always on the lookout for the next big thing to give them a competitive edge. Have you considered how AI tools might be able to help? ChatGPT – or Generative Pretrained Transformer, if you want to get technical – has been making […]
Are you aware that the rise in global VPN usage has skyrocketed? The reasons are clear as day: Virtual Private Networks offer increased security, anonymity, and allow access to geo-restricted content online. But here's the million-dollar question: Are all VPNs created equal? The answer is a resounding no. And that has potential implications for your […]
You may think that cyber-attacks only happen to large corporations. But unfortunately, that's not the case. According to a recent report, almost two-thirds of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) suffered at least one cyber attack over the past year. That's a staggering number, and it should serve as a wake-up call for businesses everywhere. But […]
Have you heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words"? It seems cybercriminals have too, and they're using it to their advantage. In a new twist on phishing campaigns, cybercriminals are luring victims to click on images rather than downloading malicious files or clicking suspicious links. Let's dive into the warning signs, so […]
UPDATE: This controversial image enhancement feature now seems to have been removed by Microsoft, following privacy concerns. Don't be mistaken, we love Microsoft Edge (and think you will too), but lately, something has come to our attention that we wanted to share. It's always a good idea to be aware of what your browser is […]
Are you tired of wasting precious time in meetings, only to leave feeling confused and disorganized? Do you struggle to keep track of all the action items and follow-up tasks that come out of these meetings? Microsoft Teams has launched a new feature that could solve your problems and boost productivity. Meeting Recap is an […]
How many times a day do you respond to an email without really thinking about its contents? Maybe it's a request for some information. Perhaps it’s asking you to pay an invoice. All mundane stuff. But no sooner than you’ve hit send, you've fallen victim to a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack. A BEC […]
When you replace old computers or external drives, do you delete data and then just… get rid of them? You could be putting your sensitive data at risk. A new study by a data recovery specialist shows that millions of deleted files can be recovered from improperly wiped hard drives that are sold online. It’s […]
Have you ever felt frustrated by the flood of notifications from your multi-factor authentication (MFA) app? Well, cybercriminals have too. And they're taking advantage of “MFA fatigue" to try to gain access to your sensitive business data. MFA is essential for keeping your data secure. It adds an extra layer of security to your apps […]
Microsoft has announced that the current version of Windows 10, released in 2022, will be its final release. If you're currently using Windows 10, you might wonder what this means for your day-to-day operations. The good news is that your computers won’t suddenly stop working. The current updates and security patches for Windows 10 won’t […]
Microsoft has just announced an option for people to trial new features before their general release in Windows 11. This isn’t about fixes to security flaws – everyone gets those at the same time. This is an opportunity for businesses to jump the queue to receive new features and updates first. Sound exciting? Yes! Worth […]
Productivity tools are supposed to make you more, well… productive. But if they’re not embedded properly within your business, tasks can actually end up taking longer than they should. That’s frustrating for employees and you. It wastes time, and it costs money – which is the opposite of being productive. So how can this happen? […]
The whole world is suddenly talking about Artificial Intelligence. From Alexa in your kitchen to Siri on your phone, AI is already all around us, but new names like ChatGPT, Dall-E, Jasper, and more feel like they’ve blown up the internet. These new concepts take things WAY further, helping us to write articles, search the […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page A major change to your IT infrastructure isn’t something to be planned in a hurry. So if you’re starting to think about ending it with your current systems and bringing your business into the 2020s, there’s plenty to […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) means you need at least two pieces of information to log in to a device or an app. Perhaps a password plus a fingerprint, and possibly an extra, single-use code sent to your phone. Cyber […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Does IT jargon feel like an alien language? We steer clear of tech talk as much as possible when we’re working with our clients. But next time you need help with an IT issue, it could save you […]
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. Who are your most tech-savvy workers? Here’s a hint: it’s probably not your Gen Z employees. Our latest video explores the ways that you can help with your Gen Z employees' tech confidence.
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Owners of small and medium-sized businesses often make the mistake of thinking that they aren’t on the criminals’ radar. But more than 40% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses – and email is usually the criminals’ […]
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. How do you feel about remote and hybrid workers in your business? Should you be monitoring them constantly to make sure they’re not slacking off? We think not… watch our latest tech update to find out why.
the next 10 years of tech trends You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page The growth of cloud computing has completely changed how we work. But security in a cloud environment can create a long list of its own challenges. You’ll discover what you can […]
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. Have you heard of whaling? It’s where criminals pretend to be the boss, to get employees to pay fake invoices or give access to data. Our new video has the lowdown
the next 10 years of tech trends You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page December is a month when many of us take time to plan for the year ahead. But instead of looking at your forecasts for the next 12 months, we’d like you […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page The quickest way to upset your staff is by giving them slow access to the internet. Bad Wi-Fi quickly creates tension in the team and is a real productivity killer. You don’t have to suffer slow Wi-Fi. Here’s […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page If you’re confused about password managers, you’re not alone. A password manager is software that generates safe passwords, remembers them, and autofill logins for you. That saves time. But means your business can quickly lock out staff when […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Everything you need to know to keep your team and data safe Chances are you know about phishing. This tactic is when someone sends you a fake email pretending to be someone else. They’re hoping you’ll click a […]
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. Your staff cares about your business’s cyber security – but not all employees think the same. In fact, half are using software that’s been banned by their IT department. Our new video explores why.
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. Only half of businesses have cloud-based cyber security protection that protects their staff wherever they work… and yet three-quarters of businesses now have people working away from the office regularly. Here’s how to check if your business is protected.
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page The Entrepreneurial Operating System can help your business focus on growth. As IT professionals, we spend a lot of time thinking and talking about operating systems. Without Windows, your computer is just a useless lump of metal and […]
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. Has the global chip shortage affected your business yet? If you want to upgrade devices in the next year, it might do. Here’s why it’s happening and what you can do to stay ahead.
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. Can you guess which company was most impersonated in financial phishing emails last year? You’ve probably got an account with them yourself. Watch this week’s tech tip video to find out how to keep your business protected from financial phishing scams.
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. Cyber criminals have come up with another way to spread malware and ransomware – using the contact form on your business’s website. Watch our latest tech tip video to learn about this new form of attack, and what you can do to keep your business safe.
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Focus more, be interrupted less… and get stuff done When you own or manage a business, your mental load can be overwhelming. Not only do you have your own work to think about, but your focus has to […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page How to ensure your business’s spend on IT is an investment, and never an expense No matter what kind of business you run, technology sits at the heart of it today. And it’s going to become more and […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Your essential cloud migration strategy checklist If you’ve ever considered moving your business’s data and applications over to a cloud-based solution, you’d be forgiven for breaking out in a cold sweat and forgetting about the entire thing. It’s […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page How to keep your business’s data ultra-safe during the Work From Home revolution Working From Home and hybrid working are here to stay. And that means as businesses, we need to get a grip on security in our […]
Check out the latest BlueCastle IT Solutions weekly tech tip. In case you haven’t heard, Microsoft’s increasing its subscription prices for Microsoft 365 in March. It could cost you up to 40% more. Here’s what you need to know
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. If your business is the victim of a cybercrime, it’s not just money and productivity you’ll lose. It’s also reputation and trust.
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Did you get a short break during the holidays? Even if it was just a few days, that break can give you a clear mind about where to take your business this year. We call this the January […]
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. Have you heard of whaling? It’s where criminals pretend to be the boss, to get employees to pay fake invoices or give access to data. Our new video has the lowdown
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Are you paying your IT support partner enough? I bet that’s a question you’ve never asked yourself before… But it’s important you do. Because in the world of technology like anywhere else, there’s a definite link between what […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Windows 11: The wait is over All the benefits of using the very latest version of Windows in your business After a four-month wait, a brand new version of Windows is finally here. It’s a lot more secure, […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page 5 steps to improve your ransomware resilience Ransomware is the most terrifying data security threat your business has ever faced. Imagine your team trying to log in one morning. But all of them get a bright red screen […]
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. It’s way too easy to be tricked by an online scam these days. What would happen if a member of your team realized they had accidentally clicked a bad link? Our new video explores how the company culture you create affects your data security.
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. Of course you’ve heard of the cloud. And that lots of businesses are embracing it. But maybe you’ve never really understood exactly what it is, and what the benefits are. Reality is, you’re probably already using the cloud in parts of your business.
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Improve profits with your IT partner’s. Proactive Problem Prevention Just fixing technology when it breaks is so 2010. These days most businesses prefer an IT partner who proactively prevents problems from happening. If you don’t have this, you […]
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. Let's talk about the increase in Ransomware events in 2020 and a big component of why - Ransomware-as-a-Service. Then we'll talk about what you can do to protect your business - including in my opinion a very sexy phrase - "Data Immutability"
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Boost productivity, save time and improve customer experience Most people see Microsoft 365 as the pathway to access Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. But there’s so much more to it than that. There are so many apps bundled […]
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. Did you know your team is the weakest link in your business’s data security? Our new video explains why it’s so important and why you should contact us if you have more questions about it.
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page The biggest security threat to your business is on your payroll The chance of your business data being compromised by an inside attack is quite high. The majority of the inside attacks are accidental. Sometimes well-meaning employees can […]
Check out our latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip Video. A firewall is an essential part of cybersecurity. But in our experience, most business managers overlook the importance or what it could mean for your business to have one. Here’s why it’s so important and why you should contact us if you have more questions about […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Check out this guide describing the 9 most terrifying kinds of malware. All companies are constantly being targeted by malware. It's estimated there are now over one billion pieces of malware in the world wide web. So what […]
Check out the latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip video. Keep your emails safe! Despite there being lots of different ways to communicate and collaborate, the majority of businesses still rely on email. This makes email very popular with hackers. A large quantity of cyber-attacks start with your mailbox. Here are some ways to protect your […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page This is something none of us wants to experience. But it does happen. There’s a small fire in your office. No-one is hurt and everyone is safe. But the damage to your workplace is unbelievable. The flames. The […]
Check out the latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip video. Does your team forget to track their mileage when driving for business? It can be a real pain. Luckily there’s an app that can track mileage automatically for you. And you probably already have it, as it’s part of Microsoft 365. Here are the details: --------------------------- […]
Check out the latest BlueCastle IT Tech Tip video. We often focus on email as the primary place where malicious actors will try and break into your business' IT systems. But it's not the only avenue at their disposal. Here are some other malware scams to be aware of. Check out our other videos over […]
“Downtime costs money.” That’s no secret, but it doesn’t quite capture the whole experience…you arrive to work in the morning, grab your coffee knowing you’ve got a hectic day ahead, and are ready to dive in. For some reason your computer can’t access the database and neither can anyone else’s. You restart the server while […]
The Value of Virtual Machines for Your Business You invest a lot of time researching the best technology for your business. Your Apple computers work well for your needs, plus, the sleek desktops look great in client-visible locations. Yet occasionally, something comes up that you can’t do on an iMac. It doesn’t work on the […]
Productivity is the great goal of business. If you’re a Microsoft 365 user, you have access to a tool that can easily increase your process efficiency. Here’s what you need to know about Microsoft’s Power Automate. Power Automate is a cloud-based product available to Windows 10 users. The tool, formerly known as Microsoft Flows, brings […]
You don't want to miss this month's eGuide resource. This is one that every business owner needs to take a moment to read! Access this month's eGuide on our Resources page Two years ago, two thirds of all organizations reported some type of incident relating to cyber-crime. That’s bound to be higher now because of […]
Proprietary information makes your business special, whether you’re a tech startup with a smart algorithm or a food manufacturer with a secret sauce. Regardless of industry, business gains competitive advantage from distinct practices or unique data. The last thing you want is someone with ill intent getting their hands on your differentiators. Here’s how to […]
The law industry isn’t known for embracing change quickly: tradition can trump a willingness to embrace new technologies. Yet digital technology has become an essential part of many lawyers' working day. Partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) provides support and enhanced cybersecurity during this evolution. Lawyers rely on technology today to: Now, imagine the […]
The passing of the recent COVID-19 relief Bill earlier this month includes funding that will be set aside to address cybersecurity concerns and a rise in the issues that have increased as a result of the pandemic. As we often say when the topic can become divisive or political, regardless of which side you stand […]
The law profession has been slow to embrace virtual work. It’s a people-oriented business, and there is great reliance on sensitive files and court documents, yet the pandemic pushed lawyers – and the rest of us – to embrace more digital technology. Sure, lawyers were using mobile devices before. They worked in satellite offices, on-site […]
Trusting identity is foundational to a law firm’s work. In a law office, the documents going back and forth contain sensitive information, and contracts, negotiations, or transactions can't be shared with the wrong parties. The industry needs to be cautious about validating identities. Legal service providers need to achieve compliance and protect clients and their […]
There is always information being collected and shared at a law firm. Files go between employees and back and forth among clients, too, and these can contain critical data. One mistake could cost the firm money – and reputation. Workflow automation technology tackles document sharing and data collection to offer several benefits. #1 Improved accuracy […]
Setting up a meeting or training can be such a headache. You send an email or leave a voicemail with some suggested times, and the other participants respond with completely different times, often within the time window you identified as unavailable. Sigh! The possibilities go back and forth until finally at least a few of […]
It's no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives around the globe, and challenged economic progress. Unfortunately, even at a time when many people are unemployed with limited or no savings, phishing scams related to COVID-19 have been on the rise too. These scams have become more targeted with more […]
With the percentage of employees working from home over the past year after COVID-19 forced businesses to close, more employees have been online more often as a result. On the opposite side of the spectrum, cybercriminals and threats have increased significantly as well, and they will continue to exploit the pandemic over the next weeks […]
Once the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down, small businesses were impacted as well. One of the major trends over the past year has been the increase in widespread remote work. Companies had to not only develop, but also execute and maintain policies for employees to work remotely. While 2020 may be over, the […]