Welcome to the October edition of Technology Today

Quick tech news for the busy professional! Here you will find:

• Don’t Be Caught Off Guard: stay safe from cyber threats
• Benefits of a Modern Workplace: our new Microsoft Partner status
• Microsoft: what’s new?
• Tech Facts: did you know?
• Q & A: what everyone’s asking
• Quiz Time: test your team!
   

Don’t Be Caught Off Guard

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to ensure your business is protected from the ever-growing cyber threats.

Whether you run a small business or a larger operation, cybercriminals don’t discriminate. Here are some of the most common threats and how you can protect yourself: 

• Ransomware: This malicious software locks you out of your system until a ransom is paid. It’s especially dangerous for smaller businesses that may not have the resources to defend themselves. 
• Phishing: With AI making fake emails look more convincing than ever, it’s easy for employees to accidentally reveal sensitive information. Training your team to spot phishing attempts is critical. 
• Data Breaches: Beyond financial damage, data breaches can destroy your reputation. Being prepared with a response plan is a must. 
• Denial-of-Service Attacks: These attacks flood your system with traffic, bringing operations to a halt, as we’ve seen with even large companies like Microsoft. 
• Deep Fakes & Smishing: Fake videos and text message scams are on the rise, and they can lead to fraud and data theft.

So, how do you stay safe and secure in the face of these cyber threats?

• Backups & Testing: Ensure your critical data is backed up securely and regularly tested so you can recover quickly if needed. 
• Dark Web Monitoring: Be proactive! If your data appears on the Dark Web, you’ll know in time to act. 
• Cyber Training: Equip your team to spot phishing, manage passwords, and stay alert to potential threats. 
• Strong Security: Use multi-factor authentication and keep your systems up to date with the latest patches. 

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be scary! By taking a few simple steps, you can protect your business and gain peace of mind. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Just reach out, and we’ll guide you through it.

Or download our free cyber security training guide ‣

Benefits of a Modern Workplace

In case you missed it: GZD was recently awarded the Microsoft Modern Work Solutions Partner status! 

This prestigious designation acknowledges our proven expertise in helping businesses like yours unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 and other modern work solutions.

Here are some of the benefits of a Modern Workplace for SMBs:

• Boost Collaboration: Real-time document sharing, video conferencing, and integrated communication tools keep your team in sync—wherever they are. 
• Seamless Remote Work: Ensure productivity no matter the location, with powerful tools that empower remote working. 
• Enhanced Security: Protect sensitive data with advanced Microsoft cloud security features. 

Read more here ‣

What’s new to Microsoft?

Microsoft 365 Copilot gets new AI-powered features

Microsoft has rolled out new AI-powered features to its 365 Copilot, designed to make you more productive and creative. One of the standout updates is the integration of Copilot into Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. This makes tasks like generating images and editing text faster and easier. For example, you can now quickly adjust the tone of your content in SharePoint or generate visuals directly within Word and PowerPoint.

Microsoft Designer is now available across platforms

Microsoft has officially launched Microsoft Designer across its platforms. You can enjoy 15 free daily AI-powered design boosts, with an option to upgrade to 100 boosts per day with a Copilot Pro subscription. New features include prompt templates for easy design creation, custom sticker and emoji creation, and an upcoming background replacement feature.

Did you know?

Google and Microsoft use more power than some countries…

In 2023, Google and Microsoft each used a whopping 24 TWh of electricity. That’s more than entire countries like Iceland and Ghana. On the bright side, these tech giants are leading the way in renewable energy, with Google aiming for 24/7 carbon-free operations by 2030 and Microsoft striving to be carbon-negative by the same year.

Tech Facts:

1. The name for robot has dark origins. It comes from the Czech word “robota,” which translates to forced labour or work. The word was first used to refer to a fictional humanoid, in a 1920 play.
2. Remember the Video Cassette Recorder (VCR)? When production stopped in 2016 the models were compact for their time. But the first-ever VCR was the size of a piano!
3. The original Xbox contained edited sound bites from transmissions from the Apollo missions. If you left the Xbox on the home screen, eventually, you’d hear whispers of conversation that was actual chatter from the Apollo mission.

Q & A

Q: How frequently should we perform backups?

A: Ideally, constantly to make sure your data is fully protected and can be quickly restored if needed.

Q: How should we manage and track our IT assets, like hardware and software licenses?

A: Use an IT asset management (ITAM) system to track all hardware, software licenses, and related information. We can help with this.

Q: What steps should we take to ensure our cloud services are secure?

A: Use strong access controls, encryption for all data, and regularly update all software. You can also monitor for suspicious activity. Get in touch for help.

Quiz answers:
1. Broadband. 2. Motorola.
3. Nintendo Wii. 4. iPhone. 5. Touch screen.

How can we help you?

Just give us a call  ‣  031 818 9060