As millions of Brits optimistically plan their getaways, we have rounded up some of the best out of office messages that you need to try this summer.
Check them out below.

1. The Workaholic

We all have that one colleague who really struggles to switch off. Whether never taking a proper lunch break, or logging on at the weekend, it can be difficult for some people to truly take a much-needed break.

That is the case for venture capitalist, Josh Kopelman, who used this all too true OOO when he took a break:

“I am currently out of the office on vacation.

I know I’m supposed to say that I’ll have limited access to email and won’t be able to respond until I return, but that’s not true. My iPhone will be with me and I can respond if I need to. And I recognise that I’ll probably need to interrupt my vacation from time to time to deal with something urgent.

That said, I promised my wife that I am going to try to disconnect, get away and enjoy our vacation as much as possible. So, I’m going to experiment with something new. I’m going to leave the decision in your hands:

• If your email truly is urgent and you need a response while I’m on vacation, please resend it to interruptyourvacation@firstround.com and I’ll try to respond to it promptly.

• If you think someone else at First Round Capital might be able to help you, feel free to email my assistant, Fiona, and she’ll try to point you in the right direction.

Otherwise, I’ll respond when I return…

Warm regards,

Josh”

This comical out of office message leaves the decision in the emailer’s hands – is it really something that you should be disrupting someone’s holiday for?

Remember, everyone needs a break at some point, so, if you are on holiday, try to really switch off and allow yourself time to recharge.

2. The Snack Fiend

When taking a break from work, it is important to keep yourself well nourished and healthy. And while a tropical beach might be the perfect escape for some, a trip to the fridge is just as rewarding for others.

HubSpot shared this funny out of office message that you need to try:

“I’ll get back to you once I’m back from my long-awaited trip to the fridge.”

3. The Gambler

Everyone loves a good game from time to time and this trickster created a fun game of email roulette to deter repeat senders:

“I am on vacation from [MM/DD/YYYY] to [MM/DD/YYYY]. I will allow each sender one email. If you send me multiple emails, I will randomly delete your emails until it is pared down to one. Choose wisely. Please note that you already sent me one email.”

Make sure you choose wisely when emailing this individual!

4. The Brave One

Users of this out of office are either really brave, or they truly have lost interest for their role:

“I am currently out at a job interview and will reply to you if I fail to get the position.”

While we would not necessarily recommend this out of office, it is an amusing take and would certainly make us smile if it landed in our inbox! Maybe untick the ‘internal’ option when using this OOO…

5. The Truth Teller

It is a well-known fact that some people will just delete your email. Whether they get too many messages in general or frankly just don’t want to hear what you have to say, the world is rife with serial deleters. In this case, we believe that honesty is the best policy, and we commend the individual who used this OOO message:

“I am out of the lab on extended leave until September 4th 2018 and uncontactable. Sadly, your email will not be read and will be deleted.”

If you are struggling to find the best out of office message for your break, check out HubSpot’s OOO Generator. It is a great tool for finding a unique – or humorous – out of office message.

The best out of offices are often informative, with a light-hearted touch. Make sure you include when you will be back and who to contact in your absence.

Once you return to the office, if you need any support with your emails, our team are on hand to help. Get in touch here.

Until then, we are out of the office until further notice…

The post The best out of offices for this summer appeared first on IT Support Services in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

While some are super easy to spot (we’re talking mysterious royals with terrible spelling offering you billions of pounds to simply click their link), others can be harder to detect and can easily fly under the radar.

Our team has identified some small things that you can look out for and best practice habits to ensure you don’t fall victim to a malicious email.

What is a phishing email?

One of the best ways to avoid falling prey to a phishing email is to first educate yourself about them, what they are hoping to achieve and how they work.

Phishing is a method that hackers use to try and trick ordinary people into providing personal details, bank details, access to devices or networks, or money.

They do this by creating copycat emails designed to look like legitimate people, businesses or organisations.

It is worth noting that phishing isn’t a practice that is exclusive to emails. Phone calls, text messages and even some postal communications can be phishing for your details.

Common phishing attacks will aim to look like an individual’s bank, courier service, online shopping outlet or a Government agency such as HMRC.

A lot of phishing tactics use fear to try to persuade unsuspecting individuals to act quickly, without thinking things through or looking too closely at the fake email. This could include threats of accounts being closed or compromised, or even police action being taken.

It is very unlikely that HMRC will email you threatening arrest, so stay calm and fully evaluate the email in front of you without making any hasty clicks!

Spelling and grammar

One of the easiest ways to spot a phishing email is through spelling mistakes and grammar issues.

If you suspect an email is fake, read through it carefully and identify any errors. These may be minor, but they can be a useful indicator that an email is fraudulent.

Some fraudsters are very good at disguising discrepancies, so give the email a thorough check before taking any action.

Also check logos and company names. For example, two letter ‘N’s next to one another can easily be read as an ‘M’ at a glance. Or a zero as the letter ‘O’.

Source: PhishLabs

Too good to be true

If you receive an email that seems too good to be true, then it probably is! It is very unlikely that your bank will email you about winning millions of pounds. Be wary of any offers that arrive in your inbox.

While lots of brands do communicate offers and deals via email, keep a look out for any that seem to go above and beyond and always check their websites for corresponding messaging.

Source: Scam Detector

Personal details

Spot a phishing email by identifying what it is asking you to do. If it is asking you to provide personal details (such as address, bank details, national insurance number, etc), it is probably spam.

We recommend you contact the alleged sender via another method (for example a phone call or live chat feature on the legitimate site) to determine if the request is genuine.

All major organisations should have records of emails and requests for information so will be able to advise you on how to proceed.

Check and check again

Always double check emails before sending any information or clicking any links. You may have missed a vital clue in the first read, so give it a second look for good measure.

A handy tip is to check both the display name and the email address. When viewing emails on a mobile device, it is often just the display name that is visible at a first glance, which offers hackers a simple way to hide.

Check the email address before proceeding. People generally know the email addresses and domain names of their bank providers and any other businesses or organisations they use, so it can be easy to spot any fakers!

Source: DPD Local

Click savvy

If you think an email is suspicious, please do not click the link. If you want to check the message out by heading to an official site, do so by opening up an independent, secure browser and visit the site directly – do not click the link in the email.

Another useful tip is when you see a suspicious link, simply move your mouse pointer over the link, BUT DO NOT CLICK IT!

This will show you the true destination. If you click the link, these are often harvesting web sites which seek to secure more of your personal data. When cyber criminals have your data, its highly likely you will become the target of an exponential attack rate since your details will likely be traded with other malicious criminals and the circle continues.

Sometimes one click is all it takes for hackers to gain access, so don’t give them that opportunity! Head directly to the site on your own browser.

When it comes to suspicious attachments, we advise you reach out to whoever is supposedly sending them and verify that they are legitimate and safe. We also offer a FOC quarantine service to our clients to advise in these circumstances.

This can often occur in the workplace, so if a random attachment lands in your inbox that you were not expecting, the best thing to do would be to ask the person directly if it is truly them.

To avoid any issues, we suggest alerting someone if you need to send them an attachment and advise what method you will use to send this.

When you know what to look out for, it can be easy to spot a phishing email. Fraudsters often depend on quick, hurried actions so take your time and examine what is in front of you.

We work closely with security provider KnowBe4, with our clients using this platform to train staff on cyber security issues with increased awareness and accountability. Tools like this are fantastic to help minimise the costs of data loss and identify theft, all while helping employees to be more vigilant and aware of potential cyber threats.

For more information on KnowBe4 and how it can be implemented in your business, get in touch with our team via info@probado.co.uk.

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Many people have been working remotely for almost a year now as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Unsurprisingly, the concept of working away from the office is something that a diverse cross-section of businesses are considering introducing into their business models going forwards.

Remote working has a number of benefits, including a better work-life balance for employees, and lowered business expenses, such as the cost of office space and utilities.

If remote working is going to become part of your regular routine, then we highly recommend that you optimise your IT provision now in order to avoid any issues in the future.

Improve your connection

We’re all familiar with WiFi issues and, unfortunately, it is something that can ‘just happen’. There have been issues with the volume of users now connecting remotely, with bandwidths struggling to cope.

However, there are some quick and simple ways to improve your WiFi connection without spending a fortune.

It may seem like an obvious one, but being closer to your router actually does wonders for your connection. If possible, set up your workstation next to your router or even place it on the desk that you are working at.

If you’re still struggling, we recommend that you invest in a WiFi extender or booster, which can be purchased online at a reasonable cost.

You could also talk to your WiFi provider to see what options are available for you to update or increase your plan.

VoIP systems

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems are great when it comes to both remote and flexible working. It’s definitely something that we recommend you invest in (if you haven’t already).

A VoIP system converts your voice into a digital signal, allowing you to make a call directly from a computer.

These systems are powered by the internet, allowing devices to be moved around freely wherever there is WiFi. This is beneficial when scaling up or relocating as it eliminates lengthy downtimes and incurred maintenance costs. Simply plug in and connect to the internet, and voila! You’re ready to go!

VoIP systems are generally a more affordable option in comparison to traditional phone lines and require very little maintenance. And the majority of problems that do arise can generally be resolved remotely. It’s worth noting that traditional phone lines are in fact being phased out and will be completely replaced by VoIP by 2025.

We recommend that you switch to VoIP now to get ahead of the change.

Be resourceful

Use a second monitor. If you’re used to working with a bigger screen while in the office, a laptop might seem small in comparison, especially when working on tasks that require a keen eye.

Consider using your TV screen as your desktop or get a second monitor to connect to your laptop – all you need is an HDMI cable. Going wireless is also another option, and for this you could use Chromecast, AppleTV another streaming device.

Use headphones with a microphone. This might seem like a pretty obvious thing to suggest, but you will be surprised by the amount of people who use headphones without a microphone, or who don’t use headphones at all.

When you’re on a video call, try using headphones with a microphone to avoid any background noise interfering and ensure that you can be heard clearly.

Stay up to date

It can be easy to forget the importance of keeping your applications and software up to date when you’re out of the office.

Maybe your IT department usually takes care of this, or your work colleague reminds you to do them.

Don’t miss out on vital updates for any of your programs and devices. Ensuring that all updates are done as soon as possible means that your device will stay protected against hackers and cybercriminals, who are looking for weak spots to take advantage of.

It also helps to keep everything moving efficiently by staying up to date with the latest features and tools.

Protect your data

We recommend that you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to help protect your data. A VPN is essentially a secure tunnel to access the internet. Cybercriminals will look to exploit a range of areas, so it is important that your online activity is protected.

As employees spread out, so does your company data, making it an easier target for cybercriminals. Security is often cited as a major reason organisations are hesitant to allow remote working, but solutions and best practices are available.

Setting up extra cyber precautions, such as a VPN, can significantly reduce your risks and give your employer more peace of mind.

Having immediate and reliable access to company data is vital whilst working remotely. All members of staff need to be able to access servers and files easily, wherever they are. There are two main options when it comes to storing data, on premise or the cloud.

Cloud solutions are a great option for remote working as they can be accessed anywhere with the correct login credentials.

This means the security of a cloud server may be called into question; however, additional measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and better passwords will ensure your team can access files and data securely when working remotely.

On-premise refers to local hardware, which means all company data is stored on servers, computers and other devices within the company site.

One of the main advantages of an on-premise solution is the security, which is of critical importance today. Whilst no single method can ever be 100% effective at preventing breaches, storing data locally can help keep remote hackers out of a system. However, it is imperative that organisations implement safeguards to protect their on-premise devices.

A data centre is also an option for protecting your data. At its simplest, a data centre is a physical facility that organisations use to house their applications and data, incorporating software, firewalls and antivirus.

Additional benefits include round the clock monitoring and maintenance, constant accessibility and backup facilities.

For more information on our services and how they can assist remote working, get in touch with a member of our team.

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But, as with any digital overhaul, your IT needs to be able to keep up and support these changes.

What does it mean for me?

The first phase of making tax digital was introduced in 2019 and aims to make tax records and returns completely paperless by going digital. This should make it easier for businesses to manage their taxes and easily find, view and make changes.

The full digital overhaul is being managed in stages. 2019 saw the first phase affect VAT-registered firms with a taxable turnover above £85,000. The next stage of making tax digital will see all VAT-registered businesses becoming compliant for VAT from April 2022, with self-assessment taxpayers becoming compliant for income tax from April 2023.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Going digital may be a struggle for some firms, but there is no need to panic, as plenty of support is available. There are a range of apps and software that can help your business to make the change. Products like QuickBooks and Xero are good options for making tax digital, while an external advisor or agency can also help you make the change.

Installing new software, or developing your digital processes, in order to keep up can have an impact on your existing IT. However, there are some simple changes you can make yourself to help your IT keep up with making tax digital – and ensure the process is as smooth and efficient as possible.

1. Ensure updates to all applications, software and devices are completed quickly and regularly. Most devices give you the option to automate these updates, and this is a handy feature as it eliminates the need for manually installing the updates. Programmes that are not up to date can slow down performance and affect your device’s overall speed. Keeping on top of updates also ensures that any security vulnerabilities and useability issues are fixed, while you will also benefit from new and improved features as soon as they are available.
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2. We recommend that you regularly perform an IT health check. Make sure all your files are backed up, and run regular anti-virus checks to ensure everything is performing as it should. A data centre is a great option for this as it ensures that security software is deployed and maintained across your entire network, while keeping your files, data and everything else secure.
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3. If you install any new software to help with your digitisation, we recommend that you request a demonstration from the provider. They can show you the best, easiest way to use the software and answer any questions you may have. Obviously, you will learn more as you familiarise yourself with the software, but we always find that it’s useful to hit the ground running. This can save a lot of time and allow you to get on with the important job of running your business.
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4. Once you’re set up with new software, ensure all staff have access to training on how to use it. Whether this is from a trained individual within the team or through a session with the provider, it is important that everyone feels comfortable using the software. This will also help users spot anything out of the ordinary so that they can flag an issue as it arises or make you aware of areas where further training or guidance would be beneficial.

A Helping Hand

Making tax digital provides the perfect opportunity to optimise your IT. As with the tax system, many processes are going online – and even more so with the Covid-19 pandemic – so it is vital that your business stays ahead of the curve and is ready for digitisation. If you have any questions, or want to learn more about future-proofing your IT system, get in touch with a member of our team – we’re always happy to help.

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5G, or fifth generation, is the next generation of wireless technology following 3G and 4G. 5G is faster than its predecessors, with a much larger capacity. This means that more devices can access more data within less time.

How does 5G compare?

3G allowed for the launch of smartphones, while 4G improved browsing speed allowing us to do things like stream videos and browse the internet on the go. 5G is the next step on from this with improved speed, capacity and responsiveness. 5G can operate up to 100 times faster than 4G technologies. For example, if you were to download a film using 4G, it could take an average of 50 minutes. When using 5G, this process would take approximately nine minutes, significantly decreasing the download time.

Source: Raconteur

What does 5G mean for business?

5G can be used across of a range of sectors for a myriad of different tasks and is set to revolutionise the way we do business. A report from IHS Markit estimates 5G to enable over $12 trillion in global economic output by 2035.

While 5G can enable a number of highly skilled industries with advancements in automation, robotics, and virtual reality, it can also improve more basic operations and day-to-day tasks. With 5G, many machines and devices could become truly wireless, allowing for more flexibility and reducing costs. 5G technologies can also be used to aid developments with smart cities and autonomous cars, with uses in connected road sensors and smart highways.

5G can be used across all sectors in some way, here are some examples of 5G possibilities in different industries:
• Farming – 5G can be used in autonomous machinery using connected sensors and video cameras to monitor and carry out tasks.

• Transport – 5G technologies can be used to monitor and improve efficiency of services such as traffic management and street lighting.

• Healthcare – 5G can be used to facilitate virtual reality learning for medical students to provide a more realistic mock surgery.

• Energy – 5G will aid the energy industry in the development of new smart grid features as well as helping to create solutions to production and distribution.

• Retail – 5G can enable a whole new way of shopping on your smartphone, this could include features like trying on clothes in virtual reality.

5G in manufacturing

When it comes to the manufacturing industry, 5G can play a major role in Internet of Things technologies. These new technologies and devices that make up IoT factories will rely on 5G to enable the fast paced, improved efficiency models that will truly make up the factories of the future.

The increased connectivity needs of IoT will need to rely on the improved speed and capacity of 5G. The network needs to be able to keep pace with the new devices and connectivity needs, and 5G will be able to handle these developments.

A great example of this is Ericsson’s smart factories in Sweden, China and Estonia that fast-tracked the implementation of 5G to jump start a new generation of manufacturing. The factories implemented 5G in the very early stages of its life alongside new industrial IoT technologies to create an integrated factory, allowing the new tech to develop simultaneously in a manufacturing environment. This allowed it’s factories to be ready ahead of the curve.

Many have already adopted 5G now and, as we start to see its uses being implemented across industry, the benefits will be reaped in the form of reduced costs, improved connectivity and increased productivity. It really is an exciting time for businesses, especially those who are willing to embrace the changes and adopt these new technologies.

If you have any queries about what 5G means for your business’s IT, get in touch with a member of our team here.

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1. Internet of Things

Another IT trend with no intention of slowing down is the Internet of Things (IoT). It was recorded that in 2019, 26.66 billion IoT devices were installed, with experts predicting that this number will surpass 75 billion in 2025. It is estimated that every second, approximately 127 IoT devices are being connected to the internet. From industry to the everyday home, IoT is taking over, check out some examples of weird and wonderful IoT technologies here.

Here at Probado, we are monitoring systems using IoT technologies, helping our clients to save time, money and avoid wastage. If you’re interested in finding out more, give us a call – we have loads of different sensors and a visualisation platform that we can tailor to your needs.

2. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to be huge this year, with new uses for AI technology being found daily. AI technology dates back to the 1950s and is still growing, more so in recent years. AI technology is efficient, eliminates human error and is able to work around the clock, speeding up many processes. One of the most popular AI programmes is the ApachePredictionIO, with a user satisfaction of 100%. This software allows developers to build and publish a machine learning engine to the internet as well as providing access to multiple machine learning libraries.

3. Cybersecurity

With more and more businesses adopting remote and flexible working models, there is an increased focus on cyber security. More workers are now working outside of the safeties of the office, so it is vital that employees are staying protected when working from home. While we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the pandemic, it is predicted that over a third of workforces will remain remote for at least 18 months. Home cyber security systems may not be as robust as those within the office, and there are likely be inconsistencies from house to house.

4. 5G

5G was huge in 2020 and it is only set to get bigger in 2021 as more people take up this technology. Currently, Switzerland, South Korea and the USA are leading the way with 5G take up. 5G can operate up to 100 times faster than 4G technologies, allowing for a myriad of uses across many different industries. When 5G first appeared on the scene, many were sceptical about this new technology, however now that it has been tried and tested in the real world, those who were originally on the fence are being swayed to try 5G in 2021.

5. Internet of Behaviours

Internet of Behaviours (IoB) is the collection of data to influence behaviour using behavioural psychology. IoB data can be gathered from many different sources, such as GPS locations, social media and customer data. Axios describes IoB as trying to make sense of human behaviour through data mining.

Source: GBKSoft
IoB helps us to truly understand the masses of data we now have access to (partly thanks to IoT technologies) and helps organisations to apply that understanding and influence behaviours, whether that be within their employees or their customers.

2021 is set to be an exciting time for IT. There are a number of IT trends that we think will dominate the tech space this year. Whether it be 5G or Internet of Behaviours, we’d love to hear what your thoughts are on this year’s IT trends, head to Twitter to be part of the conversation!

The post Love is in the air: the IT trends you’re loving for 2021 appeared first on IT Support Services in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

Gone with the wind

VoIP works via the internet and is a fantastic option for those looking to future-proof their systems. VoIP also lends itself to remote working as there is no need for arduous installation or hardware. The phones can simply be plugged into a router and are good to go.

When it comes to extreme weather, if you’re leaving the office for a period of time, move all tech equipment and wires off the floor. Should the worst happen and water gets into your office, your tech will be out of harm’s way.

Location, location, location

When it comes to storing your devices, if you’re packing away the laptop in exchange for your kitchen table back, be mindful of where you relocate devices to. Don’t leave them in a damp or particularly cold area as this could cause damage to the screen or hard drive. If a laptop has been left in the cold for any period of time, when you bring it back to a warmer environment, be sure to give it time to come to room temperature first. The rapid change in temperature can cause condensation which may lead to electrical problems.

If you’re on the go, try and avoid keeping devices in the car for a long period of time. Not only does this increase the likelihood of them being stolen if spotted though the window, but extended exposure to moisture can cause damage to your screens, especially any with touch screens features.

If you do have to leave them in the car or a colder environment, make sure they’re bundled up and not able to slide around.

Back it up

It’s good practice to back up all your files and data. Make sure this is done before you log off for the festive period. It won’t be a happy New Year if you come back to the office and can’t access your files!

Data centres are a brilliant option as they are always up to date with antivirus software and firewalls, as well as having top physical security to ensure your data is safe and sound and protected from storms and break ins.

Cloud storage is another great option and aids those who will working remotely this winter. Users simply need to login and they can access their data from anywhere in the world at any time of day.

There are simple things you can do to winter-proof your IT, whether that be storing your devices safely or making sure your antivirus is up to date.

If you’re unsure about anything or would like some advice on how to keep your IT safe this winter, get in touch with a member of the team via info@probado.co.uk or give us a call on 01484 905103.

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The current uncertain times have made fundraising challenging for many charities, but Gordon Maclean, co-founder of Probado saw an opportunity to support local charity and client, Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire and fulfil the needs of another client, local 3D printing manufacturer, Wayland Additive.

Gordon Maclean said: “We’d just completed installing a new phone system at Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire and Victoria did an amazing job recording the voice prompts, so when Wayland approached us to install a phone system with voice prompts, I immediately knew that Victoria would do another great job.

“It was an absolute pleasure to facilitate this collaboration between Wayland Additive and Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire. Both organisations do fantastic work for the local communities and it is vital that we are able to collaborate to better Yorkshire’s businesses and charities. It is now more important than ever that we help each other out by sharing skills, resources, and expertise.”

Speaking of the project, Victoria Stratford, Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire’s locality manager, said: “I have never done any voice recording before, until I was asked to provide them for our own system that Probado fitted, where I was asked merely on the premise of being ‘a bit posh’.

“We are a charity, so any money raised goes towards helping provide care services to local families that need it. Being able to lend a hand and help bring in additional funds is a wonderful bonus, and an enjoyable experience for myself personally!”

In these difficult times, many charities are diversifying their fundraising methods to help bring in additional funds, Victoria added: “There are charities out there doing all sorts of weird and wonderful things to generate financial support. Wherever there are ways to help support charitable income it is so important to grab hold of those opportunities.”

In return for Victoria’s voice skills, Wayland Additive donated to Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire, helping to support them during these challenging times. Will Richardson, co-founder and CEO of Wayland Additive, continued: “First impressions are vital in business, so having a professional voice at the end of our new phone system was important for us.

“Collaboration, dedication and integrity are the core values of Wayland Additive, so when Gordon pointed us in the direction of Victoria at Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire, it was a perfect fit. We like to work with local partners as much as possible, and the idea of supporting a worthy cause at the same time made it even better.

“The new system which features Victoria’s voice offers a presentable front-end to our system, providing a professional output to our customers, suppliers and collaborators.”

Probado manages the phone systems for Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire and all IT system support, servers, and phone systems for Wayland Additive.

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What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and basically means using the phone service over the internet. An increasing number of businesses are finding themselves in a situation where working from home is essential, or are incorporating more flexible working patterns. With this shift towards non-office-based work, many are having to upgrade their phone systems to VoIP. Where setting up everyone within a team with a traditional telephone sounds like a mammoth and expensive task, all this can be easily avoided by making the switch to VoIP.

Is VoIP right for my business?

VoIP has many benefits for businesses, not least because operating over the internet allows for reduced setup and operational costs, reduced hardware and increased connectivity.

• Be flexible

VoIP allows businesses to set up remotely and with more firms incorporating flexible working, employees can simply connect their device to the internet. As well as allowing for staff flexibility, VoIP allows for flexibility within your business. Whether you are expanding or downsizing, VoIP systems can grow with your business and can be deployed quickly to suit your needs. The need for arduous and time-consuming installations is removed.

• Cost-effective

VoIP systems are cheaper than traditional phone lines. With reduced installation costs and hardware, it’s easy to get set up with VoIP quicky and cheaply. Using the internet to make calls means the cost per call is a fraction of traditional prices.

• Keep connected

VoIP is now very well established, and with newer internet connections, reliability has significantly improved. It is worth noting that traditional BT POTS and ISDN circuits will cease in December 2025, making VoIP the only choice. Switching over sooner rather than later will ensure your business is ready for the future of telephony. Here at Probado we have been delivering VoIP services for over ten years meaning our team is fully equipped to help build resilience into your telephony requirements in line with your budget.

At Probado we offer a free initial site visit to make sure your internet system can support VoIP phones. Our telephony service is tailored to your business and includes either the purchase or rent of handsets, call handling and recording services, and maintenance. We see your phone system as a central part of your company’s branding and day-to-day operations; therefore, it will be dealt the respect it deserves. If you have any questions or need a helping hand with the process, get in touch with a member of the team.

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Invisable Attacker

In a phishing scam, described by cyber security expert and bug bounty hunter, Craig Hays as the greatest password theft he’s ever seen, the culprit was somehow able to fly under the radar, undetected even by the experts. In a blog for Medium.com, Craig explained: “A typical phishing email comes from an email address you’ve never seen before. In this attack, however, all of the phishing links were sent as replies to emails in the compromised account’s mailbox. This gave every email an inherited sense of trust.”

The attacker used established email trails and trusted email addresses to trick victims into clicking. The original, legitimate email thread was maintained, also using the ‘reply all’ option to ensure everybody who was involved continued to receive the messages. This disguise within a legitimate conversation allowed the hacker to reply unnoticed and become part of an existing conversation.

So, how did Craig stop it? “We identified a pattern in the URL of the phishing pages being linked to which we could use to block them. Then we promptly rolled out Multi-Factor Authentication to anyone who didn’t have it.”

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a vital tool to help defend against cybercriminals, this can include factors such as pin codes, biometrics or card readers, in addition to a password.

Hollywood Horrors

In the world of IT, even famous figures are not untouchable. McAfee revealed that a group of celebrities were being used as bait for some dangerous cyberattacks. The security firm’s research found that searches for big names including Ricky Gervais, Ruth Jones, and Tom Hardy were to blame for leading people to suspicious sites. Graham Norton’s name was found to be the most likely term used by hackers to lure people into clicking on unsafe sites and potentially harmful pages.

McAfee fellow, Raj Samani said: “’We know that online criminals use consumers’ fascination with celebrity culture to drive unsuspecting fans to malicious websites that install malware on their devices. As cybercriminals continue to implement deceptive practices such as fake sites claiming to offer free content, it is crucial that fans stay vigilant about protecting their digital lives and think twice before clicking.”

Scary Speakers

Smart speakers and other devices are now commonplace in the home, but are they getting a little too comfortable? Back in 2018, Amazon received numerous reports that their Alexa smart speakers were laughing at random times, completely unprompted. The scary chuckle was freaking out users across the world. Amazon has since explained that the device was mishearing what it believed to be the command, ‘Alexa, laugh’ and acting on that. The company has since reprogrammed the speakers to respond to the phrase, ‘Alexa, can you laugh?’ a clearer command with less chance of being misinterpreted.

An Amazon spokesperson said: “We are also changing Alexa’s response from simply laughter to ‘sure, I can laugh’ followed by laughter.”

We hope these spooky stories from the world of IT have got you in the Halloween mood, but remember there is a moral to every story. Whether that be to enable Multi-Factor Authentication or to be wary of inviting robots into your home, our team is here to help with any scary IT issues that may arise, get in touch here.

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