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Which ransomware payment option is best? (Hint: none)


Picture this: Your business gets hit by a ransomware attack, and your valuable data is locked away by cyber criminals demanding a huge ransom fee.

You can’t afford to pay it. But there’s a twist – just like those “buy now, pay later” schemes, some ransomware gangs are offering victims payment extension options.

Recent research reveals that ransomware groups are getting creative with their extortion strategies. One group is even offering victims various choices when it comes to their ransom demands. These “choices” include:

Paying to delay the publication of their stolen data, with a standard fee of $10,000… or paying to have their stolen data deleted before it’s made public.

The exact amounts charged are often negotiated with victims, adding a chilling dimension to the whole ordeal.

To increase the pressure on victims, these ransomware groups have added some terrifying features to their web sites. These include countdown timers displaying how much time businesses have before their data is released, view counters, and even tags revealing the victim’s identity and description.

It’s all designed to make victims feel cornered and more likely to give in to the demands.

You might be tempted to pay that ransom to protect your business data. Not so fast. Paying is always a bad idea and here’s why…

Paying doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get your data back or that the cyber criminals won’t demand more money later.

By paying, you’re essentially funding criminal activities, encouraging them to continue their attacks on others.

Paying a ransom might even get you into legal trouble, as some governments have made it illegal to pay cyber criminals.

So, what can you do to safeguard your business from falling victim to ransomware?

  • Ensure you have regular, secure backups of your data. This way, you won’t be at the mercy of cyber criminals.
  • Educate your staff about the risks of ransomware and train them to recognize phishing emails and suspicious links.
  • Invest in robust cyber security software and keep it up to date.
  • Keep your systems and software updated with the latest security patches.
  • Segment your network to limit the spread of ransomware if one device gets infected.
  • Develop a clear incident response plan, so you know exactly what to do if you’re ever hit by a ransomware attack.

Paying cyber criminals rarely makes things better, and we’re seeing businesses that do pay become targets time and time again. Instead, invest in the proactive measures above to help you stay secure. And if we can help you with that, get in touch.

Are you ready for Windows 11 to get even better?

As if Windows 11 wasn’t already packed with enough goodies, it’s about to get even better.

Are you ready for a major upgrade to your favorite tools included with the operating system?

First, let’s talk about the Snipping Tool. This humble screenshotting tool has been quietly serving us for years, capturing our screens one snip at a time. But now, with a new text capture and recognition capability, called ‘Text Actions,’ we’re looking at a drastic game-changer. You can copy and paste text straight from a screenshot. No more typing out information from an image like a caveman (or a more modern version of a caveman anyway).

And that’s not all. A new ‘Quick Redact’ function, lets you hide sensitive information right in the screenshot. Gone are the days of awkwardly scribbling over confidential data with a digital marker.

With integration from Windows 11’s Phone Link feature, your Android devices and PC are going to be best friends too. Syncing will be so much easier.

Now, let’s talk about the Photos app. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, Microsoft pulls another rabbit out of the hat. Based on community feedback – yes, they do listen to us – the Photos app is getting a makeover complete with a new Background Blur option.

Want to make your subject pop by blurring out the background? No problem. Need to control the intensity of the blur or select specific areas to blur? They’ve sorted it.

The new ‘Content Search’ capability for photos backed up on OneDrive is a game-changer as well.

Ever wished you could search for a photo based on its content? Wish granted! Using intelligent image detection software, Microsoft will now scan and label your photos with searchable tags. And yes, you can also search for photos based on location, across local files, OneDrive, and even Apple’s iCloud. That’s right, iPhone users haven’t been left out.

Now, we know some people are still smarting from the changes to the Windows 10 Photos app, notably the removal of the Video Editor feature. But it looks like Microsoft may be making amends. The vague mention in Microsoft’s announcement that “Edit and Create Video options are now easily accessible at the top of the gallery view” suggests some video editing functions might be heading our way. We’ll just have to wait and see what that means.

As we eagerly await these updates, one thing is clear: Microsoft is not resting on its laurels. They’re working tirelessly to make our lives easier one update at a time. I’m thrilled, and as a business owner, you should be too. After all, who doesn’t love a good upgrade?

If you’d like to get started with Windows 11 or need a hand spreading its productivity features to your team, we can help. Get in touch.

Bosses think people do less when working from home


Microsoft has become the leader of productivity over many decades. Can you imagine doing your day to day work without their software?

So, it’s no surprise the tech giant recently conducted a major new survey into productivity in the workplace – and some of the results might surprise you.

Researchers surveyed 20,000 people working for businesses in 11 different countries.

They discovered the majority of bosses don’t believe their employees are as productive when working from home.

In fact, four out of five employers said they thought their people got less done when working remotely.

On the other hand, a massive 87% of staff felt they were MORE productive when working from home.

How is there such a big disconnect?

Microsoft boss, Satya Nadella blames what he calls “productivity paranoia”. What that means is a gap between what employers expect from their people, and what employees feel.

Maybe some bosses want to go back to the way we worked before 2020… but their people prefer the flexibility of today’s hybrid working.

There’s a lot to gain from less commuting and a better work/life balance.

We believe bosses need to communicate better with their people.

Yes, that’s about setting clear expectations and giving feedback if they feel people aren’t performing properly.

But it’s also important to make sure your team have the right tools and technology to allow them to get things done, no matter where they’re working.

Are their devices suitable for the job they’re doing? Do they have the right applications to communicate effectively and collaborate on projects?

Take the time to discuss the tools and technology you’re using with the people who use it every day.

You should also demonstrate how much you trust and value your people. In the long-term you’ll be rewarded with a loyal and productive team.

Need a hand finding the right tools and tech for your specific kind of business? We can help – just get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

Android 13 is safer for your business


We all use our phones for a lot more than sending messages and making the occasional call.

And that means most of your staff are probably using their personal mobile for work now and then. Everyone does it.

The downside of this is it puts your business data at risk. If it can be accessed on a personal mobile and that device gets breached, that’s a risk.

That’s why the upcoming Android 13 is big news for businesses.

Google’s released more information about the new features on its latest operating system for mobile devices.

There are many features aimed at keeping business data safe and secure, while also helping your people maintain a good work/life balance.

We’re already able to create separate work and personal profiles on our Android devices. This new update makes managing these profiles even easier.

For example, your team can choose which profile they open their apps in.

Let’s say they had to watch a training video for work. They can set their phone to open it in the browser rather than the YouTube app, so it doesn’t affect their personal viewing history (and therefore suggested videos).

IT admins will benefit from more control over how business devices are used. They’ll also be able to monitor security logs for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and passwords. And install security patches faster.

But it’s not all about the control that admins have over work-issued devices. Your employees will benefit from having their data encrypted while using their personal profile.

There will also be separate photo galleries for business and personal photos; an improved Lost Mode to lock and locate lost devices; and end-to-end encryption when using the new ChromeOS integration feature.

If you have a Google device, you should already have access to Android 13. Other Android devices can expect to receive the update in the coming weeks.

If you want to talk through the best way to manage mobile devices for your business, get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

Make sure your cloud server is protected from this


Using a cloud server to drive your business’s technology is a smart idea.

The benefits are huge.

You can use as little or as much storage as you need, without having to worry about limitations or huge bills. Perfect for growing businesses.

Your team can access any data anywhere. Cloud servers were made for the hybrid work world we have today.

And you don’t need to use lots of your office space to house big servers and other equipment.

But when you’re using a cloud server, you must make sure it’s properly secured.

A recent report has revealed cloud servers are increasingly being used as an entry point for cyber criminals to launch attacks.

A huge 41% of businesses that have been hacked revealed their cloud server was how cyber criminals got in.

Scarily, this figure is rising 10% year on year.

Why? Often, it’s because companies don’t invest as much into the security of their cloud servers as they should.

In technology as in life, you really do get what you pay for. Many of the free cloud servers available don’t provide the same level of security and encryption that paid-for services do. Often, they are less reliable as well.

It’s vital that your business does full research when choosing a cloud server to make sure it meets all your requirements and is as safe as possible.

Better still, ask an expert to do this research for you (we can help).

We also recommend a few standard security measures are always followed.

Give all of your team a password manager to encourage them to generate separate long random passwords for every login they have.

The beauty of password managers is they’ll remember these passwords and even autofill the login boxes. That means better security and greater convenience in one package.

You should also provide regular cyber security training for everyone in your business. Business emails are the second most likely place an attack will start.

The first line of defense should always be a human asking themselves “wait, does this look right?”

It’s never possible to prevent 100% of attacks. But if you take all the right steps to keep your business safe your chances of suffering a successful attack, go down dramatically.

If you’d like help choosing the right cloud server for your business, we can advise you – get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

None of your team would fall for this trick… would they?


Cyber criminals have a reputation for constantly coming up with new ways to scam us into handing over login details or sensitive data.

And while you might think your team would spot an attempted attack, you could be surprised. We’ve seen a lot of intelligent people – including many business leaders – caught out over the years.

One of the latest scams is very retro… and that seems to be why people are falling for it.

Cyber criminals have gone back to basics. They’re sending USB drives in the post.

The packaging and branding on the drives suggests they’re from Microsoft (they are not).

The story is there’s an updated version of Microsoft Office Professional Plus on the drive and it needs to be installed straightaway.

Of course, this is a complete lie. Microsoft has confirmed that these packages aren’t genuine. It’s warning people it would never send out unsolicited packages.

If you plug the drive into your computer, it will detect a “virus” and ask you to call a support line.

The scammers at the other end will pretend to remove the virus, gaining your trust. And then they’ll ask for payment details to help complete your subscription setup.

It’s old fashioned, but we can see how the mixture of the physical USB, the belief it’s from Microsoft and the fake support line would be compelling for someone who’s busy and just wants to get back to work.

We’re expecting elaborate, clever attacks through our email. Our guard is down with this mix of events.

Play it safe and warn everyone in your business about this scam.

This is also a good time to review the software and staff training you use to protect your business.

You need the right combination of the two… we can help with that. Get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

Unapproved apps are a security risk for your business

It’s likely a lot of the applications and software tools you’re using now are different from the ones your business used before the pandemic.

That’s because we’ve all had to make big adjustments to the way we communicate and collaborate.

And to begin with, it may have been hit and miss. It’s possible in the first few weeks and months that your employees had to use whatever tools they had available to them.

Now that we’ve settled into permanent new ways of working, we can pick the software tools that best suit our businesses.

Unfortunately, your employees might not like your choice of which apps should be used within the company. And some of them may continue to use the ones they prefer, despite the security risk that comes with that.

A recent survey found a massive 92% of employees want more control over the software, collaboration tools, and applications they use. And 51% continue to use apps that have been banned by IT departments.

It’s putting business owners in a difficult position.

Blocking apps and software may lead to employees feeling untrusted. This can lead to frustration and lack of motivation. It can really have a negative impact on your business.

But ignoring the issue can be just as bad. Unvetted apps can be a big security risk, leaving your data open to theft and your systems vulnerable to malware.

So, what’s the answer?

We’d always suggest having open conversations with your people. It’s a good idea to invite feedback on the software you want to use. After all, your people are the ones using it day-in, day-out.

Take their suggestions on alternatives if the consensus is you’re using the wrong solutions and commit to looking into their viability.

It’s also a very good idea to make sure your people fully understand the risks that come with using unapproved apps, and the impact that can have on a business.

Even in cases where your team are all sticking to approved tools, keeping them educated on the latest cyber security initiatives is a smart move.

Can we help you find the most suitable communication and productivity tools for your business? We’ve helped lots of business owners do this. Get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

Frustrated man computer network

Common Business Communication Fears

What’s the biggest fear in running your company? For many entrepreneurs and executive teams it’s the potential of losing clients or prospects  due to simple communication issues. Even though these issues are easily avoidable, it happens all the time, and is incredibly frustrating for all involved. Nothing annoys business owners more than easily preventable issues that cost them business.

Here are some common problems that can scare clients away:

  1. Never reaching a real person.


    If your phone system is too complicated and your employees can’t be reached quickly, or the call is dropped, clients can’t communicate efficiently. It’s important to be available at all times, especially if your company distinguishes itself by providing stellar customer service. Make sure your phone system can handle your business needs. It’s also important that employees are trained on how to use it effectively. Also, double check to make sure your connection is solid.

  2. Being out-of-date.


    No one wants to work with a company that uses out-of-date tools. Not only will it hurt efficiency when working together, but gives the appearance of a low-budget and lack of knowledge. From conference room equipment to shared file storage and business phone systems, having outdated equipment means your impression with current clients falls flat — and certainly won’t impress potential clients. Always have a backup method for storing information and consider updating any tool that’s no longer serving its purpose. If you aren’t sure, contact BCS Voice and Data for a consultation.

  3. Down time.


    No matter what your business does, it’s important that your network is working at all times. Frequent downtime is sure to hurt your bottom line and scare away any clients that rely on you to make announcements, initiate updates or run their services. One of the best investments to make if your company relies on technology, is in IT support and network monitoring that can help your office run smoothly.

If you want to prevent these client and prospecting fears, give BCS a call. Whether it’s remote network monitoring services and IT support, cloud-based phone systems or conference room solutions, our experts are here to improve communication and keep your information safe and accessible. Contact us today at (757) 497-3100 today, or use our online form.

digital signs

The Benefits of Digital Signage

Digital signage is an electronic display platform used for advertising, generating brand awareness and delivering important information about a company’s products or services via high-quality graphics and videos.

This technology has transformed the way businesses large and small communicate with customers. From finding a gate at the airport to ordering lunch, consumers see information everywhere. As digital signs become the industry standard, here are three ways every company can benefit from their use.

1.Low Cost 

Digital signage eliminates the need for printing, which is a big savings. The cost of printing brochures, menu boards, traditional billboards and posters represents a large part of marketing budgets. By saving here, businesses can invest more in creating high-quality and compelling content, instead.

2. Stay Competitive 

Research shows that consumers respond less to print ads due to heightened awareness of digital communications. That makes it more important than ever to keep up with digital forms of communication, or risk being seen as out of touch and obsolete.  

3. Easily Stay Up-To-Date

The best aspect of this digital platform is it’s convenience. Changes are done on- or off-site, as often as necessary and with just a few clicks. Adding a new service, updating information or menu item doesn’t require the time or money that comes with re-printing traditional marketing materials. 

4. Grab Attention 

You can incorporate anything from emergency alerts to full-motion graphics into these modern displays. That means, they can grab and hold attention that would otherwise be lost.  

With digital signage, the possibilities are endless. BCS Voice and Data works closely with you to design the perfect solution for your operational requirements and aesthetic tastes.  Contact us today to learn more about options for your business.

How To Tap Into The Remote Workforce 

New technologies are making it easier than ever to collaborate with teams of freelancers and remote employees. With less overhead, greater flexibility and access to a bigger talent pool, many companies are eager to tap into this modernization advantage. 

Read more