Ok, so as a Business owner or CEO, you don’t expect to come back off holiday to find you’re £24,000 out of pocket right? What a way to head back down to reality with a crash. Unfortunately, this tale of woe has happened very recently to one of our new clients. Whilst abroad, hackers who have been monitoring his emails for a while, swooped in to change the payment details to one of his main suppliers. His staff didn’t notice the switch, and voila, the hackers were suddenly £12k richer.
Our client on the other hand still had to pay his supplier which meant he finished his holiday £24k down. Not cool. Which is why he got in contact with us to ensure he was protected for the future.
Email hacking can be highly lucrative, and when done right (or wrong, whichever way you look at it), hackers can change your passwords, access your bank accounts and pretty much take control of any apps or sensitive data in your files.
Prevention is better than dealing with the aftermath, so what can you put in place to ensure you never end up in the same shoes?
Multi-factor authentication
Every time you log in to your email or any other system, you can confirm it’s you via another device. Usually done on a mobile phone by receiving a code, it’s straightforward, quick and increases your security.
Monitoring for unauthorised email forwarders
Some hackers are in it for the long game. Once receiving access to your email, they sit and wait for days, weeks or even months waiting for the best opportunity. They can set up unauthorised email forwarders to monitor anything going out; it doesn’t even need to be a senior staff members, it’s amazing how much we can give away in our day to day emails.
Email back-up
Unless specifically bought, your emails are not backed up and therefore not protected. Proper back up ensures your IT company has a number of options in the event of an email hack attack including a complete reboot without losing any crucial emails.
AI email screening
If you’ve been emailing a guy called Jon, and one day they sign off their email using their full name of Jonathan, this may seem insignificant to you but AI will pick up this sudden small change and investigate further. It’s sometimes the smallest details which can be a giveaway.
Improved security endpoints
Sounds like IT jargon, and it is (our bad!) but basically this means that every single computer you use to access emails is locked down and protected. From enhanced security to encrypted data and even preventing any usb devices from working when plugged in.
Office 365 advanced threat protection
You absolutely need this. It’s robust Microsoft protection working for you behind the scenes. Your IT company should know the correct way to implement it for your specific setup
Awareness training
The last line of defence is you and your staff. By ensuring everyone is trained up to spot the signs, stay protected and to question any thing which may arouse even the slightest of suspicions.
Business process culture
Follow processes to the letter, particularly when it comes to things like approving payments, cutting a corner (even a very small one) is when a fraudster can jump straight in and do their worst.
If you fancy a chat on how to ensure you’re fully covered against the evils of hackers, then we’re here to answer your questions and put a plan or system in place for you. Give us a bell, drop us an email or send us an instant message (you can find the icon on the bottom corner of the screen). Better safe than sorry right?
It’s now easier to change broadband providers thanks to new government rules. Anyone who has ever wanted to change their broadband provider understands how difficult and frustrating this process could be. Until just recently making this switch was so complicated and difficult for customers that many did not even bother. Providers certainly didn’t mind the fact that jumping through so many hoops completely discouraged even their most dissatisfied customers from finding a better deal elsewhere. The flip side of that coin was that providers wouldn’t be attracting much business away from their competitors either. This has changed thanks to the efforts of telecommunications and broadband regulator Ofcom. Starting in 2015, Ofcom was successful in working with the government to remove many of the obstacles that prevented consumers from having a true choice in the marketplace. They were able to eliminate the requirement for migration authorisation codes necessary to make the switch.
The 2015 rule change was a result of Ofcom’s consultation work in 2012. Through this work they were able to determine that the process for switching providers was so difficult on the consumer side, it in essence took the choice away from the consumer who wanted a better deal. The providers also could delay the transfer to the further frustrations of consumers. The solution, according to Ofcom, was to implement a single process. This new system, called “gaining provider led” ensures that it is now no longer the responsibility of the customer to contact their current provider to request switching.
Additionally, steps were put into place to protect providers against “slamming” where customers were misled into switching. The system helps protect against accidental switching, however this may occur, and makes sure provider/customer contracts are written more clearly in regards to what charges may be incurred when switching.
Have questions about how to switch to a new broadband provider? Give AGT Computers a ring. We would be happy to answer your questions about this or any other tech support, hardware or software issues. We help customers in Blackpool, Lancashire, Fylde, Lytham and surrounding areas with installation of new software, backups, repairs, upgrades and all the computing needs of both individuals and businesses. Cloud storage, cyber security and system upgrades are a part of our list of services too. We are a Microsoft Silver Partner for Small and Midmarket solutions and can work with you to meet all of your personal computer or company’s IT needs.
You’ve no doubt heard of the Black Market. It’s the illegal underground marketplace where goods are sold without any oversight, regulation and certainly no VAT. It’s a shadow economy where you may find a good deal on a device, but you may also get ripped off with no recourse. The Grey Market is a term used to describe a marketplace where goods are sold, many of them imports, that is legal, but they can be just as shady.
A wide variety of tech products, including computer hardware and smartphones, can be purchased through the Grey Market at bargain prices, but a what risk? Do these products even work? Is a high-end Chinese smartphone sold at an insanely low price an offer that is too good to be true. Is it worth finding out?
In the UK it can be difficult to purchase a name brand product like Sony or Samsung. Ordering online maybe the only option. Is is safe to do so? How comfortable are you purchasing an import by the name of Doogee or Gionee. For many, the Grey Market may be the only option. Of course suppliers in the UK would tell you not to patronize these markets, but they have a financial stake in this and they would prefer that you buy their products.
Here are a few things to be aware of when considering whether or not to make a purchase on an import:
Beware of Packing Tricks
Looks are deceiving. A brand new box may contain an old phone. Some of the components may be counterfeit as well. It’s a risk, especially when buying second hand goods: you don’t really know how many hands have been on them.
VAT fees
If you purchase computer hardware and the supplier has not paid VAT on it, you will be liable for those costs. You also run the risk of your new, inexpensive computer equipment being seized. Worse case scenario, you could be prosecuted.
No Tech Support, No Warranties
You can forget about the warm fuzzy feeling that comes with warranty protection. Even if your product does have a warranty, the supplier may not honor it if they think the equipment was obtained fraudulently. The same goes for free tech support. Having to pay for support or repairs on a nonfunctioning device may quickly cancel out any savings made in the initial purchase.
Don’t know who to trust for support and information on software and hardware products? You can trust AGT Computers. We would be happy to answer your questions about products, services tech support, or any hardware and software issues. We help customers in Blackpool, Lancashire, Fylde, Lytham and surrounding areas with installation of new software, backups, repairs, upgrades and all the computing needs of both individuals and businesses. Cloud storage, cyber security and system upgrades are a part of our list of services too. We are a Microsoft Silver Partner for Small and Midmarket solutions and can work with you to meet all of your personal computer or company’s IT needs.
Just how important having is reliable IT support to your business? Just imagine operating without it. That means there would be no one to install the latest software updates across your network. There would be no one to help protect your network against malware and viruses and attacks and theft from hackers. No one who would get your computers and network back up and running after a power failure or natural or manmade disaster. How important is reliable IT support to a business? It’s absolutely critical.
Businesses, no matter what size, cannot hope to survive in today’s digital world without IT support, but keeping full-time IT workers on the payroll can be prohibitively expensive. Is outsourcing the answer for your company? This is the second installment of AGT Computer’s three part series on outsourcing IT support to a trusted third party.
Time is Money
You’ve no doubt heard the term, time is money. Nowhere is this more true than in business. Training new IT employees takes both time and money. It is an ongoing cost of doing business and it’s an expense that adds up over time. Many businesses cannot afford to cover this constant need for training, but neither can they afford to employ in-house IT support staff who lack the right skills and knowledge to fully benefit the company. Proper training is added insurance against being left in the lurch when systems go down.
Another aspect of keeping IT support on staff is the time it takes for the recruitment of new IT workers. That’s time that your employees could better spend on other things. Even if you do have a trusted IT employee or several on staff, outsourcing can complement their skills even further. This provides a higher level of support, and the outsourced help won’t take a holiday or call in sick.
Check back for more information on the benefits of outsourcing IT support for small and medium-sized companies. Until then, if you have read enough and think your company might be ready to outsource some, or all, of its IT needs, then give AGT Computers a call. We would be happy to provide you with a list of affordable solutions for all of your information technology needs. In addition to full IT support, at AGT Computer Services, we also provide cloud storage to businesses in the Blackpool, Lancashire, Lytham and Fylde area. Let your employees focus on their work while we focus on your IT issues. We are a Microsoft Silver Partner for Small and Midmarket solutions and can work with you to meet all of your personal computer or company’s IT needs.
If you use Google Chrome as the browser on your laptop, desktop or other device, there are many great extensions you can use. Using these apps will make your browsing experience better and will enhance security and help you manage things like passwords and block annoying ads. The following are AGT Computer’s Top 5 Google Chrome Extensions.
1. LastPass
LastPass is a very useful extension that helps users manage the never-ending number of passwords they need to remember on a daily basis. LastPass lets you keep your decrypted database on your computer, but stores it in the cloud as well. Filling out forms is a breeze and so is their great login and password completion tools. LastPass is a smart way to keep your passwords safe and saves time when surfing the web.
2. AdBlock
AdBlock claims to be the best ad blocker out there with over 200 million downloads and counting. If seeing ads on Facebook, makes you see red, then this Google Chrome extension may be exactly what you’re looking for. It blocks ads across all sites and it’s incredibly easy to ad to your browser.
3. Google Image Search
This is a great extension for finding similar images located elsewhere on the web. Once the extension has been installed, you just hover over it and the Google Image Search link will be revealed. Once it recognizes the image it will bring up others that are similar.
4. Earth View
This extension may not help you manage your time, in fact, it definitely won’t, but it is absolutely fascinating nonetheless. The Earth View tab screen features plenty of satellite photos from every imaginable spot on the globe. Open a new tab and find a random location to explore from dizzying heights.
5. Google Dictionary
Feel less like an idiot immediately with this extension. Google Dictionary allows you to double click on any word that appears on a web page and the short definition will pop up. You can also bring up the full definition of any word.
What are your favorite extensions? Try out these great extension of Chrome and let us know what you think and remember AGT Computers also provides IT support to both individuals and businesses in Blackpool, Lytham, and Preston. We can help you backup data, protect your network and keep you updated with the latest tools to prevent hacking. We are a Microsoft Silver Partner for Small and Midmarket solutions and can work with you to meet all of your personal computer or company’s IT needs.
According to energy studies, as much as 1.5 percent of all the electricity used globally goes to power and cool data centers. If you’ve ever been in a room full of servers on a hot summer day, you know they can generate a lot of heat. Not only is this energy that is lost, it requires additional energy to cool those servers down so they don’t overheat. Not to worry, the tech nerds at Nerdalize Radiator UK are on the case with free heat and data storage options combined in one device.
The Dutch startup company has developed what they call the eRadiator, which uses the heat from hardworking servers to warm residential homes. Even if you don’t need a server in your home for your own personal use, you can still have one installed and take advantage of this recycled resource. Companies benefit from this symbiotic relationship by freeing up space and lowering the energy costs of cooling server rooms.
One of the beauties of the eRadiator is, it doesn’t even look like a server. It doesn’t quite look like a traditional radiator either.It has been designed to be unobtrusive and to blend into the rest of the homes decor. The best part of the eRadiator is, it’s free heat for homeowners and free data storage the company. Creating this win-win situation also benefits the environment. The eRadiator innovation is still in the testing stage, and its practicality hasn’t been firmly established. If it does indeed generate enough heat to significantly lowers monthly heating costs, we could see a worldwide proliferation of this ingeniuos device. If not, it was certainly a noble effort.
Have questions about servers, Nerdalize Radiator UK, software or other tech devices? Call AGT Computers, Ltd today. We provide solutions to cloud storage, cybersecurity and data management. We are also a repair shop servicing laptop, desktops, tablets and smartphones. AGT Computers serves the Blackpool, Lancashire, Fylde, Lytham and surrounding areas with cloud storage, cyber security and system upgrades. We are a Microsoft Silver Partner for Small and Midmarket solutions and can work with you to meet all of your personal computer or company’s IT needs.
Are you still stuck in the past using an outdated browser? If you are stubbornly, or perhaps lazily. putting off updating to the latest browser, you are missing out. Not only are you most likely dealing with poor performance issues, but you’re also putting your computer and your data at risk to security breaches. Here’s another incentive to update your browser to the current version: starting in January of next year Microsoft will end support for outdated browsers. That includes support for Internet Explorer versions 8, 9 and 10. This news means it is finally time to upgrade, and what better way to start the new year than with increased speed and security. Without this upgrade to the latest supported operating system, users will no longer be able to receive the technical support they need. Important security updates will also not be available.
Those who choose to live with their outdated browsers do so at their own peril. They put themselves at risk of being infected by malware and viruses that are far more sophisticated than their current security programs can protect against. There’s also the annoying problem of slow loading images and less choices in plug-ins and add-ons.
Microsoft, of course, would like to see all users of their products using the latest versions of IE. That means upgrading to Internet Explorer for Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and the new Windows 10 operating system. Of course, Internet Explorer isn’t the only option. Chrome has become one of the most widely used Internet browsers around, but IE has certainly come a long way in a few short years. No matter what browser you choose, do yourself a favour and take advantage of the latest version and increase your productivity and speed. The tech world moves fast enough as it is and it’s simple to get updated.
If you have any questions about getting updated to the latest version of Internet Explorer, give AGT Computers a ring. Surf the web worry free, download movies and music and backup and protect your data. We are your one-stop shop for repairs to laptops, desktops, tablets and smartphones. AGT Computers, Ltd. serves Blackpool, Lancashire, Fylde, Lytham and the surrounding areas with cloud storage, cyber security and system upgrades. We are a Microsoft Silver Partner for Small and Midmarket solutions and can work with you to meet all of your personal computer or company’s IT needs.
If you’ve been following this blog at all in the past year, then you know that here at AGT Computers, Ltd., we have been big cheerleaders for the new Windows 10 operating system. We love the new Edge browser which allows users to quickly navigate the web and make notes directly onto web pages and share with friends. We love the new personal assistant Cortana which lets users highlight web text and ask for more information. Microsoft wasn’t quite done with new innovations with the system for 2015, however, and the company will soon be rolling out Window 10 phones, hopefully starting next month. With the upcoming Windows 10 phone a new adapter will be available which will turn that smart phone into a working computer. Microsoft likes to refer to their new phone as a PC in your pocket.
With the display adapter, users can plug in a mouse and keyboard and harness the power of Windows 10 without lugging around a laptop. This portable PC enables the use of all the shortcuts you can take on a PC installed with Windows. Take your new phone, either a Lumia 950 or 906 XL, and connect it to the display dock and you are ready to use your favorite applications like Microsoft Office and Outlook.
While the new Windows 10 phones will be released in November, the Windows 10 update may take another month before it is available. Installing the update requires 8GM of internal memory and a Lumia 950 or 950 XL phone. These phones will include a 5.2 inch display and a hexa-core Qualcomm processor for the 950 and a 5.7 inch display and a octa-core Qualcomm processor for the 950 XL.
Check back for updates on these new Windows phones and until then remember that at AGT Computer, we are here to help with all of your computing needs. This includes repairs to laptop, desktops, tablets and smartphones. We can help you install the Windows 10 operating system, as well as software updates. AGT Computers serves the Blackpool, Lancashire, Fylde, Lytham and surrounding areas with cloud storage, cyber security and system upgrades. We are a Microsoft Silver Partner for Small and Midmarket solutions and can work with you to meet all of your personal computer or company’s IT needs.
A successful business is a growing business. As a company expands it begins to outgrow its current structure. This could mean that more space is needed for new employees, office equipment or inventory. It can also mean that your current computer network can no longer meet the demands of your workforce and workflow. When this happens it’s time to consider moving from a workgroup to a domain-based network.
As a small company, you may be able to survive on a peer-to-peer network. You can designate a single PC as the de facto server, but this will limit you as the number of computers in your workgroup grows. Being proactive and making the switch early will limit the growing pains your company will experience later.
It’s hard to say where the exact tipping point is — that moment when you’ve outgrown your current computer setup. Functionality and output may begin to slow before you’re even aware is happening. Generally speaking, when your workgroup has expanded beyond five computers, then switching to a domain-based network becomes an attractive option.
There are a few questions to ask when considering whether to move to a domain-based network. Does your business requires a centralised location for sharing files? Are your employees required to change passwords frequently? How competent are they at installing their own software and updates? These are all questions you need to ask when considering when to make the move to a network. Once you make the transition, you can add secondary domain controllers or backup domain controllers as the needs arises, so you can continue to grow unimpeded.
Some advantages of a domain-based network are easier updates to all computers, better management of email and an overall reduction in network traffic. This will also allow users to share calendars and inboxes and can help reduce the risk of data loss from individual PCs that breakdown unexpectedly or become corrupted by viruses or malware. Central system management though a network allows for tighter security, better communication, increased data storage and easier file sharing and password management.
At AGT Computers, we can help you transition as seamlessly as possible. We can assist your business with the installation of operating systems and servers. We can help your company backup files and utilize the cloud for data storage. We can help with cyber security, system upgrades and devise IT solutions to ensure the further growth of your company. We are a Microsoft Silver Partner for Small and Midmarket solutions and can work with you to meet all of your company’s IT needs.
It seems like it’s always been Apple vs Microsoft, but thisongoing battle between PCs and Macs has ultimately benefited all parties. Apple, Microsoft, and faithful consumers of both iconic computer companies, have come out winners in this long war of attrition. Healthy competition makes companies work harder to win the hearts and minds (and pounds) of the public. The long back and forth friction between these rival computer giants, as well as between their devoted followers, has allowed consumers to enjoy the best of both worlds.
For example, Intel® Core processors are available in products across both platforms. Memory capacity, hard drive space and stability are now very much the same between the two. There is still some ground to gain, however. While Macs are capable of running Microsoft Windows, PCs are unable to run Apple’s OS X operating system.
It has long been the stereotype that Macs were used exclusively by creative types, while PCs were strictly used in office environments for boring things like spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. However, with Adobe Creative Suite now available on PCs, and Office 2016 now available for Mac with an Office 365 subscription, integration has come a long way. With cloud software and storage available to both platforms, public opinion and attitudes towards the two companies have changed.
Even though Mac users have traditionally been immune to many of the viruses and malware that have affected PC users, that has changed as well, and not in a good way. Macs have become increasingly vulnerable to attacks, but with properly installed antivirus software this risk can be greatly reduced for both. It’s important to keep this software updated for best results.
For repairs, a shop like AGT Computers can easily diagnose and fix PCs. Macs, on the other hand, usually require an authorized Apple dealership to perform repairs, but even this is changing. PCs were always the better deal from a financial standpoint, but the price gap between the two has closed in recent years with Apple making more budget friendly products.
If you have any compatibility concerns with software or hardware across Mac and PC platforms, give us a call at AGT Computer Services, Ltd. Our trained staff can answer any questions you might have about those issues or about Office 365, cloud storage, cyber security or system upgrades. We serve the Blackpool, Lancashire, Fylde, Lytham and surrounding areas. We are a Microsoft Silver Partner for Small and Midmarket solutions and can work with you to meet all of your company’s IT needs.
