SquarePlanIT

10/17/2026

For a long time, businesses have been told to watch out for suspicious emails

And it's still good advice.

But cybercriminals have realized people are becoming much better at spotting them…

So, they're changing tactics

A recent campaign saw attackers contact employees through Microsoft Teams, pretending to be members of the company's IT team.

The conversation starts normally. They explain there's a problem with your computer, ask you to share your screen, and then guide you through installing what appears to be legitimate remote support software.

From that point on, the attackers are in control

They can install malware, access company data, and move around the network without needing to break through your security in the traditional sense.

What struck me about this story is how ordinary the attack sounds.

There’s no dramatic hack or technical exploit.

It's just someone pretending to help.

So, we need to change how we approach cybersecurity. Right now, we spend a lot of time teaching people not to click suspicious links.

But we also need to prepare them for unexpected phone calls, Teams messages and video calls from people claiming to be IT support.

When someone works in your IT team or for your IT partner, there should already be a recognized way they contact staff and verify who they are.

If something feels different, or you're being asked to install software or hand over control of your computer, it's a good idea to stop and check through another route before you do anything 🧐

Create a simple process for confirming you're talking to the right person.

Since we all now rely on tools like Microsoft Teams every day, it's only natural that attackers will try to blend into those app as well.

If someone claiming to be IT support contacted one of your employees through Teams today, would they know how to verify that person before following their instructions?

10/16/2026

Have you noticed how many websites, emails, and social posts are starting to sound the same?

Professional, polished… and completely forgettable.

As AI is used more, the businesses that stand out are the ones that still sound human…

10/14/2026

Cybercriminals don't need someone in your business to be careless.

They need them to be busy.

When your day is full of emails, meetings and interruptions, it's much easier to click first and think later…

10/13/2026

Made a change you wish you could undo? Your files may already have a built in safety net…

10/12/2026

Everyone notices the big technology problems.

The internet goes down; your systems stop working and everything grinds to a halt.

But smaller frustrations are easier to overlook.

A few extra clicks… information that's harder to find than it should be… they can steal hours from your week.

Our latest guide looks at where those hidden productivity leaks come from, why they often go unnoticed, and how small changes can help your team get more done without working harder.

Download your free copy now.

10/11/2026

One of the biggest questions businesses are asking about AI is, "When should we use it?"

I think that's why this update to Teams is a sensible one.

Microsoft’s making it easier for meeting organizers to switch AI features on or off.

That includes tools like meeting summaries, AI generated notes and Copilot assistance.

On the face of it, that might sound like a step backwards.

After all, if AI is supposed to save us time, why would anyone want to turn it off 🤷

But not every meeting is the same.

For a project catch up where you want automatic notes and action lists, AI could be genuinely useful.

But a confidential discussion about employees, finances or a potential acquisition? You might decide you'd rather keep AI out of the conversation altogether 🤐

Having that choice is key.

I also think we're reaching a more mature stage of AI adoption.

When these tools first appeared, there was a lot of excitement about adding AI to everything.

But now businesses are becoming more selective.

They're asking where AI improves productivity and where it adds another layer that isn't needed.

It's a healthy approach

Good technology should adapt to the way your business works… not force you to adapt to the technology.

For me, the real takeaway from this announcement is that businesses are recognizing AI works best when people remain in control.

There will be meetings where AI generated notes save hours of admin.

There will be meetings where nobody wants an AI assistant listening, summarizing or contributing.

The important thing is that you can decide which approach fits the situation.

Where do you think AI adds the most value in your business... and where would you rather leave it switched off?

10/10/2026

One of the biggest mistakes I see businesses make is thinking cybersecurity advice has a long shelf life.

It doesn't

The habits that kept you safe five or ten years ago aren't necessarily the ones that will protect you today.

Take passwords, for example.

There are still plenty of people using the same password for multiple accounts because it's easier to remember. But it's also much easier for cybercriminals. If one website suffers a data breach and your password is exposed, attackers will try that same password on dozens of other services…

Including your email and business accounts

Or think about public Wi Fi.

Many people still assume it's fine as long as they're "only checking emails".

10/09/2026

Microsoft is working on a new Windows feature that could make a serious PC problem much less disruptive

It’s called Cloud Rebuild.

While you may never use it yourself, it could make life easier for whoever looks after your IT.

If a Windows PC develops a major problem and needs to be completely rebuilt, your IT support partner normally must reinstall Windows and make sure everything the computer needs is put back in place.

Cloud Rebuild is designed to simplify that process.

Instead of relying on installation files stored on a USB drive, the computer can download a fresh copy of Windows directly from Microsoft. It can also reinstall the software Windows needs to work properly with the computer’s hardware.

In other words, there are fewer things for your IT support partner to find and prepare before they can get the machine working again

And when it’s a computer somebody relies on every day, anything that helps reduce downtime is welcome, right?

But there’s an important distinction.

Cloud Rebuild can help recover Windows. It doesn’t replace a proper backup of your business data

Getting a computer running again is only half the job if the files and information you need aren’t there when you log back in.

Developments like this are useful, but they don’t change the basics.

10/07/2026

We love supporting the Kiroli Foundation and the City of West Monroe's Pet Mayor contest! Make sure to get your nominations in before the deadline!

Plumber’s term is almost up… who’s got the paws for the job? 🐾

The City of West Monroe’s 2nd Annual Pet Mayor Contest is here, and nominations are officially OPEN!

This friendly competition raises funds for the Kiroli Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing West Monroe’s parks and bringing our community together through events like the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival and Christmas at Kiroli.

Nominate your pet October 6–30 for $20 per pet. Then, get ready to hit the campaign trail! Gather your favorite photos, write a fun campaign slogan and rally your friends, family and neighbors. Voting opens on Election Day, November 3, and continues through November 13.

The winning pet will receive an honorary title, plenty of hometown recognition and a prize package generously provided by The Neighborhood Vet! Thank you to The Neighborhood Vet and Square PlanIt for sponsoring this year’s contest and helping us celebrate our community’s pets while supporting our parks.

Think your pet has what it takes? Nominate your candidate and find the full contest rules at https://wmpetmayor.com/