Sussex Tech Support Ltd, Delta House, 16 Bridge Road, Bridge road (2026)

01/03/2025

Holding on to old tech can feel like a smart way to save money, especially when it’s still working just fine.

But did you know outdated devices can become a serious security risk for your business?

Scammers are constantly changing their strategies, and older hardware and software often can’t keep up. Manufacturers stop releasing updates, vulnerabilities go unpatched… and suddenly, that reliable device you’ve been using for years becomes an open door for cyber attacks.

Think about it: If your router, laptop, or even smartphone isn’t receiving security updates, it’s no longer protecting your data - or your customers'.

And it’s not just about the devices themselves. Old tech can make your entire network vulnerable, potentially giving scammers access to your business systems and sensitive information.

Upgrading may seem like a hassle, but modern hardware isn’t just about shiny features; it’s about staying protected in an ever-changing landscape.

When investing in new tech for your business, look for devices that offer long-term support, strong security features (like encryption and Secure Boot), and compatibility with the latest software.

These upgrades aren’t just an expense, they’re an investment in your business’s future.

Are there any apps or devices in your office that might be holding you back? Maybe it’s time to say goodbye to the old and hello to smarter, safer tools.

If you’re not sure, my team and I can help you find the most suitable tech for your business. Get in touch.

Sometimes you have to move on before you’re truly ready—especially when it’s a matter of safety.

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2531985/your-beloved-old-tech-is-a-security-risk-its-time-to-let-go.html

28/02/2025

Remember Clippy, the paperclip-shaped assistant from Windows of yesteryear?

It was always there to offer “helpful” advice when we needed a little assistance (and sometimes when we didn’t…).

Microsoft waved goodbye to Clippy in 2007 - but now, the cheery paperclip some of us loved to hate has been immortalised in song.

A Finnish artist and DJ who goes by the name “Windows95Man" dropped a track called "Paperclip". And it’s a love letter to the tireless assistant we all remember from the early days of Microsoft Office.

The ode to Clippy mixes of ’90s rave with nostalgic nods to Clippy’s legacy, and the music video even features WordArt… because how could it not?

It’s quirky, it’s fun, and it’s a reminder of how far Windows has come.

Today, Windows is a powerhouse platform for businesses, helping millions of us get work done. But it’s probably fair to say nobody loves it quite like Windows95Man.

If you’re curious, "Paperclip" is available to stream on Spotify.

Did Clippy make your workday better or drive you up the wall?

'Paperclip' is the new track from Windows95man and you can stream it today

https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/streaming-video/clippy-is-my-best-friend-windows95man-drops-another-banger-dedicated-to-everyones-favorite-office-assistant

27/02/2025

Ever heard of the Apple Newton operating system?

Apple discontinued it on this day in 1998, along with their MessagePad series.

Back then, this was a bold move.

The Newton was one of the very first handheld devices, offering features like note-taking and email. But let’s face it, it was ahead of its time and struggled to find its place in the business world.

Axing the Newton allowed Apple to double down on their core product, the Macintosh. It was a decision that set the stage for the company’s future success, paving the way for innovations like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad - devices that have revolutionised how we work and connect.

For businesses, there’s a lesson to be learnt here: Sometimes, it’s better to focus on what you do best and let go of what’s not working.

It’s not just about having great ideas; it’s about timing, strategy, and knowing when to pivot.

What bold decisions could help you to focus your business and thrive in the future?

February 27, 1998 Apple Computer announces that it will discontinue development of the five year-old Newton Operating System and all of its Newton OS-based products, including the MessagePad series and EMate 300. Apple will focus on developing the Macintosh, which is once again left as Apple’s only computing platform … at least until the iPod,…

https://thisdayintechhistory.com/02/27/apple-discontinues-the-newton/

26/02/2025

You and your team don’t use consumer messaging apps like WhatsApp for work, do you? If you do, you might want to think twice.

WhatsApp recently fixed a flaw in its "View Once" feature (where you can set messages to disappear once they’ve been read), which had allowed some people get around it.

While the fix is a step forward in protecting sensitive data, general-purpose messaging apps still aren’t ideal for business communication. Sure, they might be convenient, but it’s just not worth the risk of your data falling into the wrong hands.

Tools like Microsoft Teams are built specifically for businesses, with advanced security measures designed to keep your data safe and private. From encrypted chats to secure file sharing, Teams helps make sure your business information stays exactly where it belongs - away from vulnerabilities like this.

When it comes to protecting your business, is it time to rethink how you’re communicating?

We can help you find more secure tools to help give you peace of mind. Get in touch.

A bug previously let users bypass the protection

https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/whatsapp-has-fixed-its-view-once-feature-but-has-left-more-of-your-data-at-risk

25/02/2025

Microsoft Copilot is a fantastic AI tool for businesses. It’s designed to help you quickly gather information from Teams messages, Word documents, emails, and the rest of your Microsoft 365 suite.

Copilot is great for boosting productivity and helping you work smarter. But as powerful as it is, some businesses have raised concerns about how it handles sensitive data.

For example, if files don’t have strict enough access settings, it could accidentally put confidential information in front of the wrong people.

Data security should be a top priority for every business, so it’s understandable that these questions have been raised.

The good news? Microsoft's taking action.

It's introduced new tools in SharePoint and Purview to help businesses tighten permissions and control what Copilot can access. From detecting “overshared” files to adding sensitivity labels, these updates are designed to give you confidence in using AI without compromising security.

With privacy concerns being actively addressed, Copilot has even more potential to transform how businesses work.

Do you already use AI tools like this in your business, or do security worries hold you back?

The generative AI assistant can surface sensitive information in over-permissioned files, a growing concern for businesses testing the technology. Microsoft is adding new features to SharePoint and Purview to make it easier to control what the tool can access.

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3616459/microsoft-moves-to-stop-m365-copilot-from-oversharing-data.html

24/02/2025

Microsoft Teams is about to get even better: A new “Take Control” feature is on its way that lets participants interact with shared content during meetings.

Imagine being able to step in and take control of a shared screen, make live edits, fix issues, or walk your employees through a process step by step. It’s a smarter, faster way to collaborate.

This upcoming feature will boost productivity, letting you and your team work together more seamlessly.

For example, if someone accidentally shares sensitive information during a call, you can quickly step in to resolve it and get on with the meeting.

Or let’s say you need to demonstrate something - you’ll be able to take control of the shared screen and show everyone else, instead of just trying to explain it.

Of course, the meeting presenter will be able to approve (or deny) any requests for screen control first.

While this feature is currently being tested, it’s worth waiting for the full rollout before using it in your business. Once it’s fully available, it’ll be yet another reason Teams is now the most popular collaboration tool used by businesses today.

Do you think a feature like this could improve your meetings?

It's now possible to take control during screen sharing in Teams for the web. This feature is already available on Windows and Mac.

https://www.neowin.net/news/you-can-now-take-control-during-screen-sharing-in-teams-for-the-web/

22/02/2025

Have you heard of the dark web? It might sound like a far-off concept, but its dangers are closer than you think.

If you aren’t familiar, the dark web is a hidden layer of the internet where criminals can anonymously engage in all kinds of illegal activities - from buying and selling stolen data to sharing confidential business files.

Unlike the websites we use daily, the dark web isn’t searchable or easily accessed. You need special tools and specific browsers to get there.

The dark web actually started as a secure communication platform, developed by the US government. Nowadays, it’s a notorious illegal marketplace where scammers trade information that can harm businesses.

And if you think the dark web could never impact your business, think again. Data breaches can expose sensitive information, like customer details or internal documents, and share it on these hidden forums.

Scammers can even use leaked credentials to access your business systems, steal money, or bring operations to a halt.

So, what can you do to help protect your business?

Start by accepting that some of your information may already be out there. Regularly scan for leaked data, and track mentions of your business or dark web activity tied to it.

It’s also important to be proactive with your security measures, and to make sure your team understands the risks of the dark web.

If you’d like more advice or need help keeping your business secure, get in touch.

Protect your business from dark web threats with proactive security strategies

https://www.techradar.com/pro/dark-web-dangers-arent-as-hidden-as-you-think

21/02/2025

Do you remember searching for names in the phone book? Long before smartphones and the internet, this was how you’d track down contacts.

It was on this day way back in 1878 that the first ever phone book was published, in New Haven, Connecticut... and it contained just 21 names.

But it revolutionised communication in its time, helping people to stay connected in an entirely new way.

Fast forward to today, and while the book is mostly a thing of the past, its spirit still lives on in modern communication tools.

For businesses, tools like Microsoft Teams have replaced bulky directories, meaning you can call, message, or video chat - whether you're on the other side of the office or the other side of the world.

With built-in features like shared files and team chats, communication has never been faster or more integrated than it is today.

It’s amazing how far we’ve come since that little list of 21 names.

What are your go-to tools for staying connected in your business?

February 21, 1878 The first telephone book is issued in New Haven, Connecticut by the New Haven Telephone Company. It lists twenty-one names. You probably have at least twice as many names in your cell phone today!

https://thisdayintechhistory.com/02/21/first-telephone-book-published/

20/02/2025

Ever heard of the Microsoft Excel World Championship?

It’s part of Excel Esports, where competitors have to solve game tasks using spreadsheets.

The most recent battle revolved around a simulation of the hugely popular online role-playing game, World of Warcraft.

Players used spreadsheets to track things like experience points, gold, and even raid stats like armour and healing ability.

Competitors didn’t just crunch numbers, either - they had to think fast, solve bonus puzzles, and even tackle Excel challenges like counting specific letters in quest descriptions.

Adding to all the excitement, players with the lowest scores got eliminated every five minutes; until Canadian Excel wizard Michael Jarman took the victory (and a pro-wrestling style champion’s belt).

If you ever needed proof that spreadsheets can be both nerdy AND epic, this is it.

This story is also a great reminder of the power of skill mastery, don’t you think?

Even if you aren’t planning to use Excel for a virtual raid involving dragons and orcs, knowing your way around the tools you use in your business puts you one step ahead of the game.

What do you use Excel for in your business? Could you and your team improve your skills?

Michael Jarman has won the Super Bowl for nerds: the 2024 Microsoft Excel World Championship, managing a simulated World of Warcraft clan in a series of quests via spreadsheet.

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2548148/excel-world-champion-solves-warcraft-spreadsheet-to-win-crown.html

19/02/2025

How much attention do you pay to the web addresses of the sites you visit?

You might want to start being more careful… especially if the link ends in something like .shop, .xyz, or .top.

Why?

Because these newer domain names are becoming a favourite tool for cyber criminals. They’re cheap, easy to register, and look convincing enough to fool you, even if you’re already aware of cyber threats.

While alternative domains can be genuine, there has been a rise in scammers using them to set up fake websites and send phishing emails (where they pretend to be a company or person you know). They're trying to trick you into giving away sensitive data or even money.

Imagine receiving an email that looks like it’s from a trusted supplier, with a link to a .shop website. It’s easy to assume it’s legit - until it’s too late.

Phishing attacks jumped by nearly 40% last year, and steering away from mainstream domain names has offered scammers a low-cost, high-reward strategy.

So, how can you help to keep your business safe?

Always double-check links before clicking on them, even if you think the sender is someone you know. Also, make sure your employees know how to spot the latest phishing scams.

Have you ever spotted a suspicious link in your inbox? What tipped you off?

The domains are cheap and offer quick registration

https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/new-domain-names-such-as-shop-and-xyz-are-proving-popular-for-cybercrime

18/02/2025

Watch out for fake Google Calendar invites.

Cyber criminals are targeting inboxes with phishing scams disguised as meeting invitations. These emails look legit, often appearing to come from a known contact, and include a calendar file (.ics) or links to what seem like Google Forms or support pages.

But clicking through leads to a fake site designed to steal your personal and business information - or worse, financial details.

To stay safe, double-check every invitation.

If the sender isn’t someone you’ve interacted with before, it’s a red flag. Google’s “known senders” feature in Calendar can help - it alerts you to invites from unfamiliar sources.

If you’re unsure about an invite, don’t click any links. Instead, reach out directly to the sender by phone or text to confirm it’s genuine.

Cyber criminals are getting smarter, but you and your team can too.

Have you ever spotted a fake email or invite before? How did you handle it?

Crooks are spoofing Google Calendar to send phishing emails

https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/watch-out-that-google-calendar-meeting-invite-could-be-dangerous-malware

17/02/2025

If you have a Microsoft 365 Enterprise subscription for your business, heads up: The transition to new Outlook will begin next year.

It’s already happening for Business Standard and Premium subscribers. And it will come around to those on the Enterprise plan from April 2026.

It might feel like a long way off, but it will be here before you know it - and it’s better to be prepared. Why wait until you're forced to switch?

Shifting away from the old Outlook app now will give you time to get comfortable with new Outlook and enjoy its benefits. Improvements include a sleek and modern design, smart time-saving tools (like pinning and snoozing emails), and built-in AI magic via Copilot.

All these features are designed to make your inbox less stressful and help your day run more smoothly.

If you’re worried you’ll miss some of the features from classic Outlook, Microsoft's already actively addressing any concerns. And waiting until the last minute could leave your team scrambling... so why not get ahead of the curve?

What’s the biggest challenge you face when it comes to adapting to new tech in your business?

After Client editions, Microsoft 365 Enterprise users to be migrated to web-based Outlook in April 2026 as an optional preview.

https://www.windowslatest.com/2024/12/08/microsoft-365-enterprise-will-migrate-outlook-classic-to-new-outlook-on-windows-11/

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