The Cable Monster Has Infected Your Business! But Don’t Panic…

      • The Cable Monster Has Infected Your Business! But Don’t Panic…

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      • Donna Aplin

      You head into work and begin knocking out your task list each day, unaware of a lurking threat right underneath your nose: The Cable Monster! It sticks to the shadows underneath your desk and inside your server closet, creating chaos among the unorganised technology and misplaced cables within your workplace. Its tendrils of tangled wires strangle your productivity and reputation, making it feel like there is no clear path to organising your technology.

      • Productivity Pays… It’s Time for Some Workplace Cleaning

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      • Donna Aplin

      The state of the physical environment of your business often takes a backseat to upcoming deadlines and responsibilities. Why worry about the cables under a desk when the monitors are working just fine?

      Among the overlooked areas, server closets and employee workstations stand out: these are epicenters of your business’s productivity, but they aren’t getting any attention! The saying”out of sight, out of mind” is completely true here, leading to a situation in many businesses where these critical areas become cluttered, disorganised, and, frankly, a bit of an eyesore.

      • How Password Managers Protect Your Accounts

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      • Donna Aplin

      Passwords unlock our digital lives. We use them for email, bank accounts, and more. 

      Remembering all these passwords is hard. Password managers help us keep our accounts safe and make our lives easier.

      What is a Password Manager?

      A password manager keeps all your passwords in one place. Think of it as a digital safe for your login information. 

      • Innovative Solutions to IoT Device Security

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      • Donna Aplin

      The Internet of Things is growing day by day. More devices are connecting to the internet. And with that growth comes new security risks.

      Let’s look at some new ways to keep your IoT devices safe.

      What are the security risks for IoT devices?

      IoT devices are vulnerable to many types of threats. Some of the common risks include:

      • Guide to Smart Windows 11 Settings to Boost Your Productivity

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      • Donna Aplin

      The newest Windows OS is fast gaining ground on Windows 10. As of August 2024, Windows 11 had over 31% of the Windows market share. That is bound to increase fast as Windows 10 retires in 2025.

      Already upgraded to the new operating system or planning to soon? Then, you’ll love these tips on optimising your Windows 11 experience. Windows 11 offers several great features. But you must use them to gain the productivity boost.

      • Steps to Take When You Get a Notice Your Data Was Breached                 

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      • Donna Aplin

      When it happens, you feel powerless. You get an email or letter from a business saying someone breached your data. It happens all too often today.

      Data breaches happen at banks, online sites like Facebook, and ecommerce stores. Not only that, but governments are also victims. This leaves things like your address, SSN, and credit card details exposed to thieves. 

      • How Can Small Businesses Embrace the Cashless Revolution? 

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      • Donna Aplin

      The world has gone digital. We see it everywhere people shop for goods and services. Cash, check, or debit used to be the norm. Now, there are payment wallets that people expect businesses to accept. They include things like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and more.

      Small businesses need to keep pace with these new methods of payment. It’s essential to adapt to stay competitive. You can easily lose business if people can’t pay the way they like.

      • Watch Out for Google Searches – “Malvertising” Is on the Rise!  

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      • Donna Aplin

      There are many types of malware. One of the most common is called “malvertising.” It crops up everywhere. Including social media sites and websites. You can also see these malicious ads on Google searches.

      Two things are making malvertising even more dangerous. One is that hackers use AI to make it very believable. The other is that it’s on the rise, according to Malwarebytes. In the fall of 2023, malvertising increased by 42% (month over month).

      • The Best Practices for Event Logging

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      • Donna Aplin

      Today’s businesses are no stranger to the word cybersecurity. They are facing a growing wave of cyberattacks. These come from ransomware to sophisticated phishing schemes. How do you stand ahead of these threats? A strong cybersecurity strategy is essential. One crucial component of this strategy is event logging. It’s one that not every business owner is aware of.

      • How AI is Helping Small Businesses

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      • Donna Aplin

      Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology reserved for companies with big budgets. Today, small businesses can access AI tools that help in several ways. Such as streamlining operations, improving customer experiences, and boosting profits. 

      The rise of affordable AI solutions has opened the door for small businesses. They can leverage these powerful technologies without spending a fortune. This post will explore seven great examples of how to use AI to succeed in a competitive market.

      • Having problems with your IT Provider?

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      • Donna Aplin

      In today’s fast-paced world, having reliable IT support is critical for any business. However, many companies find themselves grappling with issues that make their IT provider more of a headache than a help. If you’re based in Sheffield or anywhere nearby, and you’re struggling with IT problems, you’re not alone. At ESP Projects, we understand the challenges and are here to offer a solution.

      • Data Breach Damage Control: Avoid These Pitfalls

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      • Donna Aplin

      Data breaches are an unfortunate reality for businesses of all sizes. When a breach occurs, the immediate response is critical. How a company manages the aftermath can significantly impact its reputation. As well as financial stability and legal standing.

      Effective damage control requires a well-planned approach. But there are common pitfalls that can exacerbate the situation. This article will guide you through the key steps of data breach damage control. As well as highlight the pitfalls you should steer clear of to reduce the impact.

      • Copilot in Teams and its NEW features

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      • Donna Aplin

      Microsoft Teams continues to evolve. It is a powerful hub for collaboration and communication in the modern workplace. With the integration of AI-driven Copilot, Teams is pushing the boundaries. It’s innovating how we interact with technology to streamline workflows. As well as improve productivity and unlock new business value.

      Recent updates to Copilot in Teams include:

      • Navigating the Challenges of Data Lifecycle Management   

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      • Donna Aplin

      Data is one of the most valuable assets a business can have. Managing this data throughout its lifecycle can be challenging. Data lifecycle management (DLM) refers to several processes and policies. They govern the handling, storage, and eventual disposal of data.

      • Enhance Your Email Security

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      • Donna Aplin

      Email is a fundamental communication tool for businesses and individuals alike. But it’s also a prime target for cybercriminals. Cyberattacks are increasing in sophistication. This means enhancing your email security has never been more critical.

      Ninety-five percent of IT leaders say cyberattacks have become most sophisticated. Over half (51%) have already seen AI-powered attacks in their organization.

      • Enhancing Employee Performance with a Mobile-Optimised Workspace

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      • Donna Aplin

      In the whirlwind of today’s business landscape, adaptability reigns supreme. Today’s workspaces transcend physical boundaries. Employees work and collaborate seamlessly from anywhere. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a local café or lounging on their living room couch. That’s the magic of a mobile-optimised workspace. It’s a game-changer for productivity and performance.

      • Maximise Your Microsoft 365 Experience 

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      • Donna Aplin

      Microsoft 365 is a powerful suite of tools. It helps to enhance productivity and collaboration. This is especially true for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). But to get the most out of Microsoft 365, it’s important to optimise its settings. Otherwise, you may only be using a fraction of the power you have.

      Ready to get more from your M365 business subscription? This blog post will guide you through essential settings to power up your use of Microsoft 365.

      • Why Securing Your Software Supply Chain is Critical

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      • Donna Aplin

      In today’s world, everything’s connected. That includes the software your business relies on. Whether you’ve installed that software locally or use it in the cloud.

      Protecting the entire process that creates and delivers your software is very important. From the tools developers use to the way updates reach your computer, every step matters. A breach or vulnerability in any part of this chain can have severe consequences. 

      • Don’t Be a Victim: Common Mobile Malware Traps

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      • Donna Aplin

      Your smartphone is a digital wallet, communication hub, and personal assistant. All rolled into one portable device. It’s packed with sensitive data, from financial information to personal photos. This makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. 

      Mobile malware is often overlooked. People focus on securing their laptops or desktops. But they don’t pay as close attention to smartphone and tablet security.

      • Strategies for Tackling “Technical Debt” at Your Company

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      • Donna Aplin

      Did your company’s software system once seem sleek and nimble? But now it resembles a tangled web of shortcuts, patches, and workarounds. Welcome to the realm of technical debt. It’s a silent saboteur that accumulates over time, threatening your efficiency.

      What Is Technical Debt?

      Think of technical debt as the interest you pay on a loan you never intended to take. Technical debt accumulates when companies choose shortcut IT solutions. Rather than better, longer, more sustainable ones.