Nexgen Technology Services

If you're still surgically attached to Windows 10, I've got some news that might push you towards an upgrade... 🗞️ Microsoft has officially announced that after October 14 this year, it will no longer support Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10.

What does this mean? 🤔

Well, your go-to apps – like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook – won’t get any more updates. You’ll still be able to open and edit files, but you’ll miss out on important security patches. This means over time your Office apps could become vulnerable to cyber threats. Not exactly ideal for businesses. 😬

It’s all part of Microsoft’s mission to move you over to Windows 11. And while many businesses have already made the switch, a huge 63% of people using Windows are still on Windows 10.

That’s a lot of people about to be left behind.

So, what are your options? 🔎

🔹 Upgrade to Windows 11 if your devices meet the requirements (some older devices will need replacing first).

🔹 Stick with Windows 10 but risk security issues (I do NOT recommend this for businesses).

🔹 Use Microsoft 365 apps in your web browser - Edge, Chrome, and Safari all work fine (though Teams meetings on Firefox get a bit... iffy).

Microsoft is pushing the switch so you can enjoy a faster, more powerful, AI-optimized system. And in my opinion, it’s a smart move for businesses.

But let’s be real – not everyone is ready (or willing) to buy new hardware until they have no other choice.

What do you think? Are you planning to upgrade before October?

My team and I can help check your devices are compatible with Windows 11 - get in touch. 📞

Ever had one of those terrifying pop-ups telling you your computer is infected?

You know the ones - big, red, flashing banners screaming 🚨 WARNING! Your PC has been hacked! 🚨

Maybe there’s an alarm blaring. And a phone number with a message saying to call immediately.

It’s all designed to make you panic. This is scareware. 😱

It’s a nasty trick cyber criminals use to make you think your device has a virus. If you or your employees call the number, you’ll be connected to a scammer posing as "tech support" 📞 and they’ll try to get you to hand over personal or financial details.

Some attackers will even manage to convince you to grant them remote access to your computer. Once that happens, they can install malware (malicious software), lock you out of your files, or demand payment to “fix” a problem that never existed in the first place. 🦠

Scareware has been around for years, but it still catches many businesses out. In fact, the FBI reports that tech support scams are costing victims millions every year.

But here’s some good news: Microsoft just released a new Scareware Blocker for Edge, and it could help put an end to this type of scam for good. 🚫

The clever tool uses AI to spot scareware pop-ups in real time and shut them down before they have a chance to trick you. If it detects a suspicious warning page, it’ll exit full-screen mode, mute any annoying alarm sounds, and alert you to what’s really going on. ✅ You’ll even see an option to report the scam to Microsoft to help improve the system.

While the blocker isn’t foolproof and scammers are always looking for ways to get around security tools, it’s still a big step forward. And if it stops even a fraction of these scams from happening, it’s well worth it.

Of course, the best protection is still awareness.

If you ever see a pop-up telling you to call a number or install security software you weren’t searching for, ignore it. 📵 Remember that legitimate companies don’t work this way. And if you ever feel unsure, check with someone you trust (like your specialist IT partner) before you take any action.

So, what do you think? Could a tool like this stop tech support scams, or will scammers just find another way to trick businesses?

What’s your business’s view on Return to Office?

Do you love keeping your employees happy by allowing them to work remotely? Or do think everyone is more productive in the office? Businesses are divided on this right now… here are some important considerations before you decide what’s best for your team.

Outdated backup systems could leave your business vulnerable

When did you last review your business’s backup tools? Outdated backup systems can fail to protect you from modern threats, like ransomware attacks. If you want a reliable backup system, here’s what you need to know…

Cyber threats are everywhere these days. From scammers to nosy service providers, your business data is at risk every time it’s shared or stored.

That’s why end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is so important. It’s like having a bodyguard for your most sensitive information. 💼

But what exactly is E2EE?

Let’s say you’re sending a private message to an employee or client. With E2EE, the message gets “locked” (encrypted) on your device before it’s sent – and it only gets “unlocked” (decrypted) once it reaches the other person’s device. 📨🔑

Here’s what this means:

🚫 No third party (like cyber criminals, internet providers, or even the app itself) can see the message or interfere with it.

🔐 Only you and the person you’re messaging have the keys to unlock it.

So, why does your business need E2EE?

🔒 It protects against data breaches

Even if someone manages to intercept your data, they can’t read it without the decryption key. It’s like a locked suitcase only you and the recipient can open. 🧳🔓

🔒 It keeps your conversations private: Whether it’s client details or internal strategy, E2EE makes sure nobody’s eavesdropping. 📱🤐

🔒 It helps you stay compliant: Do you handle sensitive data, like personal details or financial records? E2EE helps make sure you tick those legal boxes. ✅

🔒 It reduces risk during cyber attacks: Unlike relying on the security of a single server, E2EE spreads the protection across multiple devices, making it harder for attackers to access your data. 🖥️🛡️

OK, what’s the catch?

E2EE isn’t a silver bullet. If your devices get compromised (think malware), your data could still be at risk. 🖥️🚨 Plus, metadata – showing things like who you’re talking to and when – can still be visible.

That’s why it’s important to pair E2EE with solid security on your devices, as well as making sure your employees build smart security habits.

With cyber attacks making headlines every week, protecting your business isn’t optional. E2EE isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must for businesses that value security and customer trust.

Is your business using end-to-end encryption yet? If not, what’s holding you back?

If you need advice on using security tools like this in your business, my team can help. Get in touch. 😊

Microsoft’s fixing this annoying Windows 11 fault

Fed up seeing useless “Recommendations” in the Windows 11 Start menu? Good news – Microsoft’s making them more helpful. Here’s how the improvements could help your team save time…

Beware that corrupted email attachment: It could be a scam

Cyber criminals get more creative every day. The latest scam designed to steal your business data uses corrupted Word files – and getting fooled is easier than you might think…