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    • Maximise Your Microsoft 365 Experience 

      • 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.

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    • What is Windows 10 End of Life?  

      • Jason Francis

      What is Windows 10 End of Life?  And why does it matter to my business?  Well, Microsoft Windows 10 will be the grand old age of 10 on July 15th 2025 (it was launched on July 15th 2015).  Microsoft have kept the Operating System alive that was meant to be the final ever release of Windows for ten whole years!  They haven’t quite kept their promise of it being the final ever release, but they have kept it running (and running well in our opinion) for a good chunk of time.  However, shortly after it’s tenth birthday, they will stop supporting the Operating System and only Windows 11 will be available with support (and updates).  

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    • Why Securing Your Software Supply Chain is Critical

      • 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. 

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

      • 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.

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    • Strategies for Tackling “Technical Debt” at Your Company

      • 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. 

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    • Troubleshoot Common Business Network Issues  

      • Donna Aplin

      A business network is the lifeblood of operations. It’s the digital artery that pumps data through your organisation. It enables everything from email to critical applications and cloud services. 

      When problems sever that lifeline, the consequences can be catastrophic. Communication is cut off and productivity grinds to a halt. Additionally, it can leave your customers hanging and dry up revenue streams. This is the stark reality of network downtime.

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    • Things To Consider Before Buying a Used Laptop?

      • Donna Aplin

      Buying a used laptop can be a great way to save money. But it comes with risks. You need to be careful and thorough in your evaluation. Otherwise, you could end up wasting your money. 

      You can’t only look at the outside when evaluating technology. This guide will help you understand what to look for when buying a used laptop (or desktop PC). These steps can keep you from losing money on a bad tech decision. 

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    • Smart Office Trends to Adopt for an Improved Workflow

      • Donna Aplin

      The office landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Gone are the days of sterile cubicles and monotonous routines. Today’s smart offices are hubs of innovation. They’re designed to empower employees, optimise workflows, and foster collaboration.

      This shift is driven by technology. Including smart features that seamlessly integrate into the physical workspace. But with so many options available, where do you begin? 

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    • Safeguarding Your Gadgets While Traveling

      • Donna Aplin

      Traveling with technology has become a necessity. Whether for work, communication, or entertainment, we rely heavily on our devices. But traveling exposes these gadgets to various risks. Theft, damage, and loss are common concerns. 

      We’ve put together some helpful tips to mitigate the risk of any tech mishaps on your next trip. Follow these eight best practices to ensure your devices remain safe when traveling.

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    • When ESP Projects Met Project 6...
    • Who are Project 6?

      • Donna Aplin

      Who are Project 6?  As you’re no doubt aware, a large proportion of ESP’s customer base are charities and other third sector organisations.  One of our longest customer relationships (and one of our favourites) is with Project 6 (previously Sheffield Alcohol Advisory Service and then Sheffield Alcohol Support Service and later becoming Project 6).  Project 6 provide support to individuals, families and communities in South & West Yorkshire, that are affected by some kind of substance use.

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    • Unmasking the True Price of IT Downtime     

      • Donna Aplin

      Imagine this: you walk into your office on a busy Monday morning, ready to tackle the week. But something’s wrong. Computers are unresponsive. Phones are silent. The internet is a ghost town. Your business has come to a grinding halt – victim of an IT outage.

      It’s a scenario every business owner fears. But beyond the initial frustration are expenses you may not immediately see. IT downtime carries hidden costs that can significantly impact your bottom line. Let’s peel back the layers and expose the true price of IT outages.

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    • A Guide to Task Automation for Small Enterprises

      • Donna Aplin

      Running a small business is a whirlwind. You juggle a million tasks and wear countless hats. You also constantly fight the clock. What if you could reclaim some of that precious time? 

      Enter task automation. It’s your secret weapon for streamlining your workflow and boosting productivity. By automating routine and repetitive tasks, small businesses can gain many benefits. Such as freeing up valuable time and resources. Every minute saved can translate to increased productivity and profitability.

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    • AI Data Breaches are Rising!

      • Donna Aplin

      Here’s How to Protect Your Company  

      Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries. It offers businesses innovative solutions and automation capabilities. But with this progress comes a growing concern: AI data breaches. As AI becomes more integrated into our systems, the risks increase. The data it collects, analyzes, and utilises becomes a target.

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    • The CrowdStrike Incident: A Global IT Outage Explained

      • Donna Aplin

      Was the CrowdStrike Incident the largest ever Global IT Outage?

      The scale of effects of the disruption caused make this event, which began on 18 July (according to Microsoft) or 19 July (according to CrowdStrike), makes it the worst cyber event in history, beating the WannaCry cyber-attack in 2017 where 300,000 computers in 150 countries were affected.  The CrowdStrike issue apparently affected 8.5 million global computers – totally dwarfing WannaCry, presuming that the numbers being quoted by the relevant bodies are accurate.

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    • Essential Security Practices for Remote Workers

      • Donna Aplin

      The rise of remote work has redefined the modern workplace. Gone are the days of rigid office schedules and commutes. But with this flexibility comes a new set of challenges – cybersecurity threats. Remote work environments often introduce vulnerabilities to your organisation’s data and systems. 

      But this doesn’t mean you can’t mitigate that risk. Below, we’ll equip you with essential security practices for remote teams. You’ll learn how to keep company data safe and secure, no matter your location.

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    • How AI is Amplifying the Danger and What You Can Do

      • Donna Aplin

      Phishing has always been a threat. Now, with AI, it’s more dangerous than ever. Phishing 2.0 is here. It’s smarter, more convincing, and harder to detect. Understanding this new threat is crucial. 

      A recent study found a 60% increase in AI-driven phishing attacks. This is a wake-up call that phishing is only getting worse. Here’s how AI is amplifying phishing and what you can do to protect yourself.

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    • How Technology Drives Office Productivity    

      • Donna Aplin

      Gone are the days of paper-laden desks and rows of filing cabinets. The modern office is a hub of innovation. Technology plays a starring role in this transformation. The right tech tools can significantly boost your team’s productivity. Including streamlining workflows and fostering collaboration. 

      Is your company leveraging technology as well as it could? This article dives into the ways technology fuels office productivity. We’ll explore the benefits and provide tips for creating a tech-savvy workspace.

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    • MISSY DUCKS SUMMER OF FUN….

      • Donna Aplin
      Missy Duck Summer 2024
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    • Why Continuous Monitoring is a Cybersecurity Must

      • Donna Aplin

      Imagine this: you leave your house for vacation. You live in a shady neighborhood but feel confident your locks are secure, but you also don’t checkthem daily. Are they really locked and safe? A tiny crack or hidden weakness could have occurred. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

      That’s the risk of neglecting continuous cybersecurity monitoring. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and traditional security measures are no longer enough. Continuous monitoring acts as your vigilant digital guard. It’s constantly checking for weaknesses. It sounds the alarm before attackers exploit them.

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