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…
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…
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-optimized workspace. It’s a game-changer for productivity and performance. 51% of employees use…
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 optimize its settings. Otherwise, you may only be using a fraction of the power you have. Ready to…
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…
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…
A business network is the lifeblood of operations. It’s the digital artery that pumps data through your organization. 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…
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…
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 check them 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…
Staying ahead of threats is a challenge for organizations of all sizes. Reported global security incidents grew between February and March of 2024. They increased by 69.8%. It’s important to use a structured approach to cybersecurity. This helps to protect your organization. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) created a Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).…
Microsoft Copilot has been heading up the business AI charge. It’s used in Word, Excel, Edge, Windows, and more. This genAI-powered app is also showing up in various function-related activities. The latest of which is finance processes. Microsoft Copilot for Finance is a game-changer. It injects the power of next-generation AI into the heart of…
Let’s face it, iPhones are amazing devices. But even the sleekest, most powerful iPhone can succumb to the dreaded slowdown. Apps take forever to load and scrolling feels sluggish. Pretty soon, simple tasks become frustrating ordeals. If your iPhone has gone from speedy sidekick to sluggish snail, don’t despair! We are sharing some easy tips…
Shiny new tech can be exciting! It promises increased efficiency, happier employees, and a competitive edge. It’s also necessary to stay competitive in today’s technology-driven business world. But that promise can turn into a financial nightmare if you neglect two important things. These are employee training and change management. You can end up losing money…
Cyberattacks are a constant threat in today’s digital world. Phishing emails, malware downloads, and data breaches. They can cripple businesses and devastate personal lives. Employee error is the reason many threats get introduced to a business network. A lack of cybersecurity awareness is generally the culprit. People don’t know any better, so they accidentally click…
In this week’s tech news report, the top stories include a brand-new Atari console and a look at bees that can smell cancer. GADGETS – A cheap way to extend your WiFi signal at home To ensure good WiFi coverage, access points should always be cabled directly back to your router. However, when that’s not…
The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was an exciting one this year. It left us with a mind-blowing glimpse into the future of technology. CES 2024 showcased a smorgasbord of cutting-edge gadgets. Including transparent TVs and robot pet buddies. These gadgets promise to revolutionize our homes and the way we interact with the world. With…
In our first of hopefully many weekly tech news reports, we look at the fallout from the recent NHS hack and leaked details about Samsung’s upcoming high-end smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra. GADGETS – Leaked photos of new high-end Samsung smartwatch The highly anticipated Apple Watch Ultra 2 rival from Samsung now has…
Calendars, task lists, and project planning are important business tools. Many people use Microsoft’s apps to power these processes. Including Planner, Microsoft To Do, and Project for the web. These tools help keep processes on track and enable task accountability. But they’re separate apps. Switching between apps can be cumbersome. It adds more complexity to…
The Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s rapidly transforming industries and reshaping how businesses operate. IoT is a blanket term to describe smart devices that are internet enabled. One example is smart sensors monitoring production lines. Connected thermostats optimizing energy consumption is another. Experts project the number of connected devices…
With cyber threats evolving at an alarming pace, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. It’s a must for safeguarding sensitive information. Data security threats are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent. The landscape must change to keep up. In 2024, we can expect exciting developments alongside persistent challenges. Over 70% of business professionals say their…
Have you been hearing more about email authentication lately? There is a reason for that. It’s the prevalence of phishing as a major security threat. Phishing continues as the main cause of data breaches and security incidents. This has been the case for many years. A major shift in the email landscape is happening. The…
Have you ever seen a video of your favorite celebrity saying something outrageous? Then later, you find out it was completely fabricated? Or perhaps you’ve received an urgent email seemingly from your boss. But something felt off. Welcome to the world of deepfakes. This is a rapidly evolving technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI). It…
Back when you were a kid, living in a “smart home” probably sounded futuristic. Something out of Back to the Future II or The Jetsons. Well, we don’t yet have flying cars, but we do have video telephones as well as smart refrigerators and voice-activated lights. But even the most advanced technology can have analog…
It can be challenging to keep up with the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Companies need to process large amounts of data. As well as respond to incidents quickly and effectively. Managing an organization’s security posture is complex. That’s where Microsoft Security Copilot comes in. Microsoft Security Copilot is a generative AI-powered security solution. It provides…
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate. It offers scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. But cloud services also come with a downside: cloud waste. Cloud waste is the unnecessary spending of resources and money on cloud services. These services are often not fully utilized or optimized. About 32% of cloud spending is wasted. This can…
Microsoft 365 has a powerful suite of cloud-based productivity tools. They can help you work smarter and faster. Microsoft has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. M365 was one of the very first all-in-one cloud tools, introduced as Office 365 in 2013. Now, Microsoft and its business tools are at the leading edge of…
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool. It can enhance the productivity, efficiency, and creativity of your staff. But AI also comes with some challenges and risks. Businesses need to address and manage these to use AI effectively. Establishing clear and ethical guidelines, or “AI rules,” for staff interaction is essential. Otherwise, you may not…
Gamers haven’t really been the focus of cybersecurity for a long time. You mostly hear about attacks on businesses. Or stolen personal data due to phishing attacks. But gamers are not safe from hackers targeting them. As cyberattacks continue to escalate, gamers have become prime hacking targets. Malicious actors seek to exploit vulnerabilities in the…
Technology plays a pivotal role in driving efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. For small businesses, workforce technology modernization is both an opportunity and a challenge. Embracing modern technology can empower small businesses. It can help them thrive in a digital era. Yet many of them don’t keep up with modernization. For example, over 30% of small…
You cannot overstate the importance of cybersecurity. Especially in an era dominated by digital advancements. Businesses and organizations are increasingly reliant on technology to drive operations. This makes them more susceptible to cyber threats. 66% of small businesses are concerned about cybersecurity risk. Forty-seven percent lack the understanding to protect themselves. This leaves them vulnerable…
The battle against cyber threats is an ongoing challenge. Unfortunately, 2023 has proven to be a watershed year for data breaches. Data compromises have surged to an all-time high in the U.S. This is based on data from the first 9 months of the year. Meaning that numbers will only end up higher for the…
Cybersecurity has become paramount for businesses across the globe. As technology advances, so do the threats. Recognizing this, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced new rules. They revolve around cybersecurity. These new requirements are set to significantly impact businesses. These rules are a response to the growing sophistication of cyber threats. As…
Are you a small business owner or a freelancer who offers services online? If so, you might be wondering how to get paid by your customers in a fast and convenient way. You might have tried different payment platforms. But they often require you to switch between different apps or websites. This can be time-consuming…
Running a small business can be challenging. But advancements in technology have opened a world of opportunities. Small business owners can use digital tools to streamline operations. As well as improve efficiency, and boost productivity. From innovative software to cutting-edge hardware, there are a lot of tools to choose from. The right technology can help…
In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, small businesses have more opportunities than ever. Many of these call for leveraging technology to their advantage. Embracing the right tech trends can help businesses compete. It enables them to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and fuel growth. But it can be confusing knowing which routes to take. Most small…
Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent times. It provides flexibility and convenience for employees. Additionally, telecommuting reduces office costs for employers. Many also cite productivity benefits due to fewer distractions. Research shows a 56% reduction in unproductive time when working at home vs. the office. But there are some drawbacks to working outside…
In today’s digital workplace, printing remains an essential function. This is true for just about all businesses. But keeping up with your print infrastructure can be a time-consuming task. One printer down can mean work comes to a standstill. Another issue is keeping up with all those printer drivers. If firmware updates aren’t done, vulnerabilities…
Moving can be a chaotic and stressful time. Especially when it comes to handling your valuable technology. Whether you’re relocating your home or office, it’s essential to take extra care. Both with fragile items and when packing and moving your devices and other tech items. To help you navigate this process smoothly, we’ve put together…
In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in our lives. But along with the rapid advancements and innovations, several myths have persisted. Is it okay to leave your smartphone charging overnight? Do Macs get viruses? And what about those 5G towers? What’s going on with those? Common tech myths can often lead to…
Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. In 2022, ransomware attacks jumped by 93%. The introduction of ChatGPT will only increase the potential damage of cyber-attacks. Protecting sensitive data and systems requires a comprehensive approach. One that goes beyond a single security solution. This is where a defense-in-depth cybersecurity strategy comes into play. In…
Advanced AI is a new buzzword in cloud computing. The launch of tools like ChatGPT and Bard have made big waves. Developers are now racing to introduce the next level of features to apps. Features that do part of your work for you. Such as writing emails or making follow-up checklists based on contact data.…
Online shopping has become a common activity for many people. It’s convenient, easy, and allows us to buy items from the comfort of our homes. But with the rise of online shopping, there are concerns about privacy and security. Not all shopping apps are created equally. Often people get excited and install an app without…
As cyber threats continue to increase, businesses must take proactive steps. They need to protect their sensitive data and assets from cybercriminals. Threats to data security are persistent and they come from many different places. Today’s offices are digitally sophisticated. Just about every activity relies on some type of technology and data sharing. Hackers can…
In recent years, electronic mail (email for short) has become an essential part of our daily lives. Many people use it for various purposes, including business transactions. With the increasing dependence on digital technology, cybercrime has grown. A significant cyber threat facing businesses today is Business Email Compromise (BEC). Why is it important to pay…
What would you do if your business suffered a ransomware attack tomorrow? Do you have a contingency plan in case of a tornado, hurricane, or earthquake? The unexpected can happen anytime, and small businesses can get hit particularly hard. Small businesses are the backbone of many economies. They are critical for job creation, innovation, and…
In today’s world, technology is ubiquitous, and connectivity is a must. Securing your home network has become more critical than ever. A secure home network is essential for protecting your personal data from hackers. From phishing to smishing (SMS phishing), it’s getting harder to avoid a breach. Individuals often have fewer safeguards in place at…
Cloud account takeover has become a major problem for organizations. Think about how much work your company does that requires a username and password. Employees end up having to log into many different systems or cloud apps. Hackers use various methods to get those login credentials. The goal is to gain access to business data…
Passwords are the most used method of authentication, but they are also one of the weakest. Passwords are often easy to guess or steal. Also, many people use the same password across several accounts. This makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The sheer volume of passwords that people need to remember is large. This leads to…
Data visualization is a powerful tool for communicating complex data. It presents it in a simple, easily understandable format. But it is not enough to simply create a graph or chart and call it a day. To truly make use of information, it is important to create insightful reports. Reports that effectively communicate the story…
It’s hard to turn around online these days without running into ChatGPT. Both Bing and Google are levering this advanced artificial intelligence language model. And you can expect it to show up in more business and personal tools that you use every day. ChatGPT has revolutionized the way businesses interact with their customers. It has…
Many people worry about someone hacking their computer. But they’re not really thinking about their wireless printer getting breached. It’s a tool that most individuals use sporadically. For example, when you want to print out tax forms or mailing labels. Printers tend to be out of sight, out of mind. That is until you need…
Netflix is one of the most popular and well-known streaming services. It has nearly 231 million subscribers around the world. It has been growing steadily for almost a decade. The platform has become an essential part of many people’s daily entertainment routines. They fire up their devices, log in, and pick right back up on…
The number of apps and web tools that employees use on a regular basis continues to increase. Most departments have about 40-60 different digital tools that they use. 71% of employees feel they use so many apps that it makes work more complex. Many of the apps that we use every day have various alerts.…
You wouldn’t think a child’s toy could lead to a breach of your personal data. But this happens all the time. What about your trash can sitting outside? Is it a treasure trove for an identity thief trolling the neighborhood at night? Many everyday objects can lead to identity theft. They often get overlooked because…
Outsourced I.T. companies like Wilson Computers, who support small businesses in Belfast and beyond, will usually use a variety of security tools to protect your systems. However there are many good reasons why your business would benefit from Cyber Essentials Certification. 1. Dramatically reduce your risk from cyber attacks Many of the systems we use…
At the beginning of each year, a group of global innovators meets. They introduce and show off breakthrough technologies. It’s done at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is typically held each January in the U.S. This year, over 3,200 exhibitors from 173 countries showed off the future. Giving us a glimpse of what could…
IT Support If you’re paying for a managed IT service, you might be unaware of several things. As part of any managed IT service it is quite common that your systems will be covered with software referred to as RMM – which stands for remote monitoring and management. It’s crucial for the success of a…
Here at Wilson Computers we monitor hundreds of computers to protect our clients against cybercrime attacks. Some of the worst business fraud cases we have investigated originated from an attacker getting access to a user’s mailbox. This article describes how to avoid some of the most common attacks and offers support to victims of business…
Many businesses are thinking about their return to the office and life after lockdown, but with social distancing likely to be in place for some time to come, and a significant number of staff having to shield due to conditions such as asthma or diabetes, it could be quite a few months before things start…
As of 25th May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was enforced in accordance with the European Union (EU) requirements, it is a regulation that impacts all shape and size of businesses in Belfast and Northern Ireland. From sole proprietary to the multi-billion pounds organizations as they will all need to comply with the…
Data is so crucial these days for businesses in Northern Ireland that most organizations rely on secure online backup service providers to protect data and keep it safe and available through a network in a secure manner. And with the internet becoming much faster, servers more accessible, as well as new-generation technologies, it is now…
Now more than ever, malicious software continues to be a huge problem for businesses in Belfast and Northern Ireland. However, the best way to avoid a virus is to be aware of what to look out for, to begin with. As prevention will always be the safest and overall cheapest solution to protect businesses against…
Outsourcing computer services and IT functions, whether be it simple tasks or professional functions, has become common practice today with businesses in Northern Ireland. As it saves not only time but resources and money. And while many companies will be generally apprehensive in outsourcing most core functions, they are more than happy to pass over…
Outsourcing IT support and solutions can be intimidating for any organisation, with the vested time and money as well as the handing over of sensitive data. And it can just be a daunting process. In this jet-age, when the IT industry is growing like never before, it is a must to pick the best fit…
Password Scam – How Does It Work? Here at Wilson Computers we get contacted on a regular basis by businesses who are targeted by scams. Consequently, we see many different techniques that scammers use to try and extort money. Recently this “Password Scam” has became very prevalent and has been causing many un-due concerns. The…
The industry of cybercrime has been around since the advent of the internet, and with modern-day malware and vulnerabilities, the industry is growing every day. It also affects one and all of us as we are all connected to the network. Unfortunately there is no real way to completely rid of cybercrime, so, instead, we…
Windows 7 is going End Of Life in less than 6 months. This is what that means to your business and the importance for a Windows Upgrade for Businesses in Belfast and Northern Ireland. Windows 7 will become End Of Life on 14th January 2020 and it is important that businesses take action before this…
Here at Wilson Computers we monitor hundreds of computers in real time to protect our clients from a wide variety of malicious cyber attacks. Recently we have seen a surge in the two most common threats, ransomware and phishing. On a daily basis, local businesses just like yours are being scammed out of large sums…
Part of what we do here at Wilson Computers is to keep up to date with scams and security risks so that we can continue to protect our clients. A threat that we are seeing more and more often has seen scammers walk away with millions of pounds from businesses in the Greater Belfast area.…
The NHS Cyber Attack – What Your Business Needs To Know What exactly happened? A major cyber attack hit over 200,000 computers in 150 different countries. The virus used known vulnerabilities in Windows server and desktop operating systems to spread from computer to computer and was extremely effective due to the fact that it was capable…
Microsoft DO NOT phone home users. If someone phones claiming to be from Microsoft, hang up straight away. Please refer this page to anyone you think might benefit, because it is important to get this message out there. Microsoft themselves state “Remember, Microsoft will never proactively reach out to you to provide unsolicited PC or technical…
If, like me, you used to get very excited watching Tomorrow’s World and films like The Lawnmower Man or The Matrix, then you’ve probably been wondering why we can’t yet take a virtual holiday on Mars. The technology that has always been just around the corner has finally arrived and here at Wilson Computers, we…
Picture this, you arrive into work and sit down at your desk. There’s a big space where your keyboard, monitor and mouse used to be. You have extra legroom where your tower once was and all that extra desk space! Now let’s get down to work. Time to check your calendar, login to your inbox,…
At the end of this month Microsoft will stop offering a free upgrade to Windows 10. Here is a list of pros and cons to help your business make the decision whether or not to take the leap. PROS Long term support – Windows 10 (and future updates) will be supported by Microsoft with updates…
Cybercrime at an all time high Cybercrime is a word that is becoming more and more mainstream. There doesn’t seem to be a week goes by where there isn’t another headline story. Whether it’s major data leaks such as the TalkTalk incident or even extortion attempts against the police or hospitals, cybercrime is a threat…
Windows 10 Latest – What your business needs to know Windows 10 has been out for 5 months now and Microsoft are extremely keen for users to upgrade. Users may have noticed the notification in the bottom right of their screen encouraging them to take the leap. Some very observant users may even have noticed…
There have been a number of reports in the media recently about sophisticated attempts to defraud local companies. This week one of our clients was targeted by a scam attempt. The person in charge of payments at the company received an email reporting to be from the MD requesting a wire transfer. To the…
First impressions At Wilson Computers we have been testing pre-release versions of Windows 10 for nearly a year now and we have to say we’re impressed. Microsoft seem to have engaged properly with users and corrected many of the mistakes they made in Windows 8 and 8.1. The interface is drastically improved and some of…
HP 8000 Elite Special Purchase Ideal replacement for XP Machines HP 8000 Elite SFF Desktop/ 3.0Ghz Intel Core2Duo/ 2Gb/ 250Gb/ Windows 7 Pro HP 8000 Elite refurbished SFF desktop. As standard: Intel Core2Duo 3.0Ghz Processor 2Gb RAM 250Gb Hard Drive Windows 7 Pro 12 Month Warranty Grade A Special Purchase: £145 + VAT with 2 GB RAM…