Introduction
This month, we’re excited to share how Astley Hire transformed their IT with Focus’s Managed IT Support!
Before partnering with us, they faced constant IT disruptions, making it difficult to plan ahead.
Watch how we helped Astley Hire with our Safe Launch Plan>>>
Now, thanks to our proactive IT services, they enjoy:
Seamless IT planning – looking 12-18 months ahead
Reliable Managed IT Support – reducing downtime & stress
Faster issue resolution – with a friendly, expert team
Watch the full testimonial to see how we made IT stress-free for Astley Hire!
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Here’s why you should stick to
work-specific tools
Here’s why you should stick to
work-specific tools
Picture this: It’s Monday morning, you sit down to start your day, and your computer flashes a red screen. A message appears: “Your files are encrypted. Pay to regain access.”
This is ransomware, one of the fastest-growing threats to businesses. Cybercriminals use tactics like phishing emails to install ransomware, locking your files and demanding payment – often in cryptocurrency. They may even threaten to leak sensitive data if you don’t comply.
The consequences? Lost data, expensive recovery efforts, and a damaged reputation.
Here’s how you can protect your business:
- Educate your team: Train employees to spot phishing emails and avoid suspicious links or attachments.
- Update regularly: Keep software and security systems up to date to close vulnerabilities.
- Back up wisely: Use isolated, offline backups and test them regularly to ensure they work.
Avoid becoming the next statistic
%
Of attacks are caused by phishing.
million
Cyber crimes faced by businesses.
%
Of businesses experienced a cyber attack.
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Did You Know?
Windows 11 is getting a new battery indicator?
Microsoft is finally fixing one of Windows 11’s more frustrating features: The battery indicator.
The current version is small, hard to read, and inconsistent, especially when charging. But in the latest Windows 11 preview there’s a new design. It’s larger and now uses colours to show its status: Green when charging and yellow when energy saver mode is on. This is a big step up from the current version, which only uses icons. For now, the update is only on the taskbar, but the lock screen version will likely follow soon.
New to Microsoft: File Explorer Updates
File Explorer will remember your open tabs
Some great updates are coming to File Explorer in Windows 11. The coolest new feature is that File Explorer can now restore all your open tabs after a restart, just like a web browser does.
It’s currently being tested with Windows Insiders, but we’d love to see a rollout soon.
Employee Spotlight
This month, we’re putting the spotlight on Lauren, our amazing Operations Coordinator!
Lauren is the backbone of our operations, ensuring everything runs seamlessly behind the scenes. As our Operations Coordinator, she’s dedicated to supporting both our team and partners, making sure they have everything they need to succeed. Lauren’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence help keep Focus running at its best.
Here are a few things to know about Lauren:
- Best part of the role: “Learning new technical skills and getting good feedback from customers.”
- Fun fact: Lauren is a proud dance teacher with a goal to open her own dance school by 2026.
- Valentine’s tradition: She loves to buy herself and her mum a bunch of flowers.
Need New Hardware? Start Here
If you use more than one device each day (and I think most of us do), switching from one to the other can become a pain.
But this Logitech Multi-Device wireless keyboard can connect to up to three devices – like your PC, a tablet, and even your phone – and lets you switch between each one seamlessly. It even has a stand to place your phone or tablet on for easier viewing. As a bonus, it makes your typing quiet too, so you don’t disturb those around you when you get into the zone.
Your Quick Tech Q&A
What does DNS stand for?
Domain Name System
What coding issue was expected to create havoc in computer networks around the world in 2000?
Y2K, or the “Millennium Bug”. This was a programming issue where many computer systems represented years with only two digits, potentially causing errors when the year rolled over from 1999 to 2000
What device, released in 1993, made the term “personal digital assistant” popular?
Apple’s Newton Message pad
Why is business premium your next move?
Running a business comes with challenges you might not expect, like phishing emails, stolen devices, or ex-employees still accessing your systems.
While Microsoft 365 Business Standard is a great package for getting work done, it doesn’t offer the advanced security and management tools needed to handle these risks.
That’s where Microsoft 365 Business Premium comes in.
Business Premium gives you everything you love about Business Standard – apps like Word and Excel, email hosting, Microsoft Teams, and OneDrive for cloud storage. And it adds powerful features to keep your business secure and efficient.
Take cyber threats, for example.
- Phishing emails, designed to trick you into clicking dangerous links, can install malware (malicious software) that locks your files or steals sensitive data.
With Business Premium, Microsoft Defender for Business scans for these threats and stops them in their tracks.
It’s like having a 24/7 security guard for your data.
Device management is another big advantage. If an employee loses their laptop, Business Premium’s Microsoft Intune lets you remotely erase company data, protecting your sensitive information.
You can also set policies to ensure every device connected to your business is secure.
And then there’s protecting your confidential information. Business Premium uses Purview Information Protection to label sensitive files and control who can access them.
Even if an email gets forwarded outside your company, the protections stay in place, safeguarding your data wherever it goes.
These tools aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential for modern businesses facing growing cyber security threats. The added cost is a small investment for the confidence that your team, data, and reputation are protected.
Upgrading to Business Premium can help prepare your business for the future. If you’re ready to take that step, it’s worth every penny. We can help you get started – get in touch.
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The post Focus Tech Insider – February appeared first on Focus Technology Solutions.
