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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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!

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You may think that there is no need to connect everyday items like egg trays or wine bottles to the internet, but these devices are being used globally to improve the efficiency of everyday tasks and aid in major programmes for manufacturers, retailers, and other business ventures. Here we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the Internet of Things.

IoT in the Home

You may not even realise that your home is becoming an IoT hotspot. How many of us now have smart speakers and casting devices that help us around the home? Products like the Amazon Alexa or Google Chromecast are all Internet of Things devices. They all connect to the WiFi and together form a network.

Here are some examples of wacky and wonderful IoT products for the home:

HapiFork

The HapiFork is a quirky electronic device that monitors and tracks an individual’s eating habits, ultimately aiming to help someone maintain a healthy eating pattern.

Source: HapiFork

ClickStick

Does your deodorant connect to an app and feature LED lights? Maybe we’re missing a trick when it comes to ClickStick’s smart, eco-friendly deodorant stick. This product can link to your phone, enabling each user to set application preferences and order refills, it even has features to help avoid skin irritation and leakage!

Source: ClickStick

Smalt

Dine with ease with the Smalt (get it? smart salt) saltshaker. This sleek device allows you to monitor and dispense different amounts of salt and can be connected to a smart speaker so you don’t have to lift a finger… “Alexa, one pinch of salt please”.

Source: Smalt

IoT in Industry

While smart saltshakers and deodorants are more novelty items that may seem ridiculous, IoT can be used within industry to help improve efficiency and productivity.

IoT in industry incorporates machinery, analytics and devices, connecting industrial machinery with communications channels and programmes to create a network of systems that can monitor, control, analyse and communicate.

These IoT devices contain sensors that are connected to the internet and can gather and share data. This helps improve, and in some cases allow for, machine-to-machine communication, improving efficiency and speeding up processes.

Here are some examples of IIoT:

Siemens MindSphere

MindSphere is a cloud based IoT unit that collates data from different devices within a site using AI and advanced analytics. It then processes the data to deliver results and analytics, aiming to improve operations and production quality, and deploy new business models across a network.

Source: Siemens

Airbus Factory of the Future

Airbus’s Factory of the Future initiative aims to reduce the amount of manual work required to build aircrafts. This will give them the ability to keep up with future demand and keep developing new variants. In 2019, Airbus opened their Finkenwerder plant in Germany to bring these plans to life.
Read more here.

Source: aeroTelegraph

ABB’s Robotics

Swiss-Swedish company, ABB is using IoT technology to aid its work in robotics. Using low-cost, connected sensors, ABB is able to monitor the maintenance of its robots, allowing the teams to assess the progress of the robots as well as identify and initiate any repairs or maintenance work before an issue arises.

Source: ABB

However, due to their increased connectivity, manufacturing and industrial sites are becoming increasing targets for cyber-attacks. However, there are simple steps you take to improve your cyber security and helping to keep hackers at bay.

Internet of Things technologies are doing wonders to improve the efficiencies of day to day life as well as production and manufacturing processes. Whether you are still sceptical, or are embracing IoT in your life, you should definitely consider the idea of a connected network and think about how it could benefit your business.

For more information, get in touch with a member of our team here.

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The manufacturing industry has seen a myriad of exciting tech developments in the last few years, helping to aid productivity, efficiency, and the overall capabilities of a business. But all this new tech can cause cyber security concerns to arise.

Manufacturing continues to be a target for cyber-attackers, and with 45% of manufacturers feeling like they don’t have access to the right tools to protect themselves from a cyber-attack, it is now more important than ever that manufacturers put procedures in place. We’ve rounded up our top five manufacturing cyber tips to help keep your business as cyber safe as possible.

Source: Cerasis

1. Ensure All Employees Have Cyber Security Training

It is vital that all members within your team receive regular cyber security training. When dealing with high tech equipment on a daily basis, it is crucial that employees are comfortable using certain tech and can identify and report any cyber security concerns quickly and efficiently. Being familiar with the technology and operating systems that are being used will ensure anything out of the ordinary can be flagged and dealt with in the correct way.

2. Update Your Protection Software

While it may seem obvious to install antivirus programmes, it is vital that all internet connected devices within a network are protected. Make sure antivirus software and intrusion detection software are regularly updated and deployed across your network. Automate this process where possible to make sure updates are done as soon as possible. It is important that any updates are done quickly as these will plug any holes or fix any errors that have been found.

3. Don’t Forget Your IIOT

Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) technologies are becoming commonplace in most UK manufacturing businesses. Whether you’ve got large pieces of machinery, connected sensors, or personal protection wearable devices, they all must be protected. These devices can often be forgotten when considering cyber security. We suggest adopting the mindset of if it’s got an internet connection, it can be hacked and therefore needs protecting!

4. Back Up Key Data and Programmes

In the event that a breach or error should occur, it is important that all files, data, and operating programmes are backed up and able to be recovered. In the manufacturing industry, data loss can bring your business to a halt, causing expensive downtime. Making sure everything is backed up and accessible should the worst happen could save a lot of time and money. We suggest you consider opting for an external data centre, these can be managed by an expert company and can keep your data safe should your network be accessed.

5. Think Like a Hackers

When it comes to manufacturing cyber tips, we recommend putting yourself in the shoes of a hacker. This may sound strange, but the best way to protect yourself from a hacker is to understand their motivations. Look at your business and identify any key areas, devices, or assets that would be of interest to a hacker. Cybercriminals are generally inspired by financial gains, so any data containing personal information, customer records, or actual cash is what they’ll be after. We recommend setting up multi-factor authentication as well as restricting access to just those employees who require it. These actions will help limit the opportunities for accessing valuable data and add an extra layer of protection.

Here at Probado, we regularly work with manufacturers to ensure their systems are safe and can operate at the highest level across all sites. For more manufacturing cyber tips, check out our blog on how to avoid manufacturing security risks.

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Zoom

The Pros of Zoom

One of the best things about Zoom is its ability to support large groups of people without compromising on quality. Different plans can support different amounts of people, for example, the Pro Plan can host up to 100 attendees with a 24-hour meeting duration limit, which is plenty for most businesses! When it comes to webinars, Zoom can host up to 10,000 delegates at a time. You may not need this capacity right now but the option for growth and scalability is there.

Zoom can also stream a webinar or meeting to Facebook, meaning your virtual events can be easy to access, all while helping to build your social media presence. Another great feature of Zoom is the ability to record meetings and webinars. If streaming isn’t for you, there is the option to record the session and then send to attendees, or those who were unable to attend, afterwards.

The Cons of Zoom

Despite those features, Zoom does have its drawbacks. One major downfall being ‘Zoombombing’. While no platform is completely safe from attempted breaches, during the Covid-19 lockdown reports of ‘Zoombombing’ have risen. This is where individuals take advantage of public Zoom meetings and either spam the chat function with inappropriate messages, or share their screens, taking over the call with unsolicited content. However, there are some easy ways to protect yourself against this:

• Make sure your meeting is private
• Use a password login for each call
• Don’t post your meeting links or logins online
• Make sure you have up to date anti-virus software installed.

The free plan is a great option for those without large video conferencing needs, or who just want to give Zoom a try, however it can be quite limited. The free plan allows for up to 100 attendees but has a time limit of 40 minutes. While this will be perfectly fine for a lot of businesses, others who need longer meetings might want to look into the paid plans as it can be a hassle to set up new meetings every time the clock runs out! However, during the pandemic Zoom has been automatically extending some meetings to help businesses and families keep in touch. While this is helpful it shouldn’t be relied on as a long-term solution.

Make it your own

No one can deny the popularity of virtual backgrounds on video calls, from tropical beaches to branded banners, there’s something for everyone and every occasion. We’ve gathered a few of our favourites below:

Home office

Pretend your actually in ‘The Office’ with this TV set background.

Source: Pocket-Lint

Zoom like you meme it

The viral ‘this is fine’ meme can add some humour to your 9am board meeting.

Source: Cnet

The force is strong with this background

Transport yourself to a galaxy far, far away and recreate your favourite film at home!

Source: Good Housekeeping

Teams

The Pros of Teams

Microsoft Teams is great for integrating with other platforms. As a Microsoft product, it integrates seamlessly with the Office 365 package as well as other platforms including HubSpot, Trello, and Google Drive. Being able to use Teams as a centralised hub for all these programmes can be great for productivity and bolstering team spirit.

Teams can host up to 10,000 in a call or chat making it perfect for larger organisations. Sharing content is also possible through Teams, with additional features such as note taking and meeting recording options which can then be shared with attendees. As with Zoom, Teams also has different plans to support different business needs, more information on this can be found here.

Another benefit of Teams is its industry specific features. Teams has options specifically for healthcare organisations including:

• Virtual patient visits
• Coordinated patient care
• Administration processes

There is also an option for the education sector which features:

• Secure online classrooms
• Remote learning tools
• Virtual gradebooks

The Cons of Teams

While Teams’ many features can be an asset, some have said that finding apps and files within the platform can be confusing. Tech Mag reported that users were finding the structure confusing and attempts to organise files were causing errors and file breaks. Another thing that might hinder the use of Teams is the lack of a browser option. To host or join a meeting an app is required. While this won’t be a problem for some users, others may have issues with file space or digital clutter. If you’re using multiple devices this could become a bit of a pain!

The Results

If you’re simply looking for a video conferencing tool, Zoom is probably your best bet. With multiple plans that can be upgraded when needed there’s something for everyone. Zoom also has great quality as well as options for streaming and hosting webinars. As well these serious features to help you get down to business, Zoom can also be used for a relaxed team catch up or Friday afternoon quiz, so get your backgrounds at the ready and have some fun!

However, if you’re looking for a more integrated system for more than just video conferencing, Teams could be the one, especially for larger organisations. Its ability to collate lots of programmes into one space and aid collaboration is a winning solution!

Here at Probado, we began using the free plan on Zoom but for us the 40-minute time limit wasn’t enough. As we were already familiar with the Office365 package, we decided to give Teams a try and found this worked better for us and our needs. Our team is currently investigating how we can best deliver Teams’ video content for those that use Thin Clients in a Terminal Services environment, we’ll be sure to update you with our findings.

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Spot the difference

While they sound similar and are both practices using the same techniques, ethical and unethical hacking should not be confused. An ethical hacker is legitimately hacking your system to find any issues or areas of weakness. Unethical hackers are hacking your system to cause trouble, steal data and/or information or to try and extort funds from your business. The use of ethical hacking can actually prevent unethical hackers from gaining access to your network and devices.

A common misconception with ethical hacking is the legality behind it, many individuals believe that hacking of all types is an illegal practice. However, that is not the case. Ethical hacking is perfectly legal. IT Governance explains that ethical hackers ‘have the same knowledge and tools as a criminal hacker, but their work is conducted in a lawful manner’.

Why do it?

It may sound counterproductive, employing people to hack your business. However, this can be a crucial defence mechanism in protecting your business. Ethical hackers will notify you of any weak spots, unprotected areas, or easy ways that malicious hackers can take advantage of and gain access to your network. This will allow you to patch these holes and add technical armour to any areas of weakness before a product goes to market or a system into use. Ethical hacking does what it says on the tin, it is the practice of hacking systems and devices in an ethical manner. It can also be referred to as penetration testing, trying to penetrate a system to test its defences.

Ethical hacking has been around since the early days of the internet. According to Medium.com, the United States Air Force used ethical hacking procedures to evaluate the security of an operating system which unearthed some vulnerable software and hardware. This then allowed them to fix the problem before the system was put into use.

Covering all bases

When engaging an ethical hacker, it is important that you have a clear brief. Be sure to specify which devices you wish to be tested or if it is the full network. We recommend testing the entire network, your individual devices may be secure but when operating with a company-wide network it is vital that all devices, systems, and applications are safe. Your business is only as strong as your weakest device or system.

If that still sounds too good to be true, check out Packt’s examples of successful ethical hacking missions here.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with a member of our team.

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Strong Passwords

A strong password is essential for staying safe on social media. Weak passwords can often be the window cybercriminals use to gain access to social media accounts. This means they can access any information posted or stored on the site. Make passwords complex and don’t include personal or widely known information such as your name or office address. Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible to ensure maximum security. This means having two or more layers of protection, for example a password and an additional PIN number sent to your mobile phone.

Use different passwords for each social media platform. This will ensure that if one account is compromised it will limit the potential risks across other accounts. For more tips on how to create and maintain strong passwords for your business, click here.

Don’t Share Personal Information

You wouldn’t stick a poster with all of your bank details on in a busy shop window, so why put them on social media? Lots of businesses are now using social media to help advertise their products and services, which can be a great tool to help get your brand noticed. While it may be easier to tick a box and save your bank details for the next time you run a campaign, we recommend that you do not do this. If for some reason your account is compromised, all of this information could be taken and used elsewhere. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Be wary of any details you choose to link to your social media accounts. If it isn’t direct contact or banking details, it might be personal details that could be used to guess a password or work out your security questions.

Privacy Settings

Privacy settings are there to keep you safe. Most social media sites allow you to decide what information is public or private on your account, including contact details and locations.

We recommend checking your settings regularly to ensure your privacy is respected even when the platform changes its rules. All platforms should inform you if anything changes with their privacy policies, but it is best to keep an eye on it yourself and manage what information is publicly available.

Keep Antivirus Up-to-date

Treat social media like you would any other website or app that can be subject to attack by cybercriminals. Make sure your antivirus programmes are up to date on all devices across your network. You may not think antivirus software does very much, but it is constantly running in the background, working hard to keep you safe.

Social media sites can be informative and helpful, but some individuals will use these channels to share fake news and bad links. Using an antivirus software will help protect you from straying into dark corners of the worldwide web.

Social media can be a great platform for businesses; however, there are risks and individuals that exist who will try to exploit these channels. The best way to ensure you and your employees are staying safe on social media is to regularly update training so everyone knows how to spot suspicious activity and is comfortable reporting it. Make sure you have a social media policy in place to make employees aware of best practices while using these channels.

For more information on how to keep your business safe, get in touch with a member of our team here.

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Why not try these witty Autoresponder emails?

We can all agree, the most exciting part of leaving the office before jetting off on our summer holiday is the prospect of switching on our autoresponder email and hitting shut down. Here is a round-up of some of the best out of office emails that positively oozed wit.

Taking it back to the Eighties

Who remembers 1980s pop hit Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley? Well one guy decided to turn his OOO into a song that certainly got people singing along. It went a little like this:

“Never gonna give you up, Never gonna let you down, Never gonna run around and desert you, “Never gonna make you cry, Never gonna say goodbye, Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you.

“I’m also never gonna reply to your message until 9th August as I’m off on holiday.”
Source: BBC

He admits his Rick Astley email rendition still makes him cringe to this day, but this hasn’t stopped him. In search of the perfect amusing auto response to counteract the serious nature of financial services, he is now in fierce competition with a colleague as they try to outwit one another via their out of office messages.

Email Russian Roulette

This person, decided to turn his auto response into a game of email Russian Roulette:
“I am on annual leave until dd/mm/yyyy. I will allow each sender one email and if you send me multiple emails, I will randomly delete your emails until there is only one remaining. Choose wisely. Please note that you have already sent me one email.”
Source: BBC

Thankfully, this auto response was only sent to internal colleagues – otherwise it could have led to some sticky situations with clients!

Simple and to the point

If you simply don’t have the time to insert that level of wit, because its 5.25pm and frankly you are itching to get out of the door, you can of course keep it short and sweet. However, here are a few amusing messages that made us smile:

“I am out of the office from mm/dd to mm/dd and will not be checking email. It’s likely your note will be swallowed in a sea of inbox banality, never to be seen again. If you require a response, please re-send your email after mm/dd.
On vacation. Hoping to win the lottery and never return.”

“I am away from the office right now. Unfortunately, I will be back tomorrow.”

“If you’re reading this, Doc Brown was unable to make lightning strike the clock tower, and I’m stuck in 1985. I won’t be able to respond to emails or voicemail until 9ish on mm/dd, or until email is invented – whatever comes first.”

“I am currently out of the office. I have a cell phone, but I will not be giving the number out. If you can guess the number, however, I will take your call.”

Whether it is to poke fun at the office atmosphere, or a tongue-in-cheek reference with the intention of making your colleagues insanely jealous, there are plenty of hilarious examples of people injecting some fun into their autoresponder emails.

Just remember though that at some point you will be returning to your desk so it’s unwise to use anything too cheeky if your clients will be on the receiving end of your message!

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It’s fair to say, digital communication and unified communication has come a long way in the past decade. Virtually all our daily tasks can be done at our fingertips.

In late 2015, mobile web traffic skyrocketed and surpassed desktop for the very first time. Since then, mobile technology has continued to evolve and adapt, rendering us increasingly dependent on our mobile devices, not just within our personal lives, but also in our professional lives.

A study carried out in 2017 by Asurion found that the average person checks their phone once every 12 minutes, this includes checking work emails and communicating with colleagues and clients alike.

Thanks to the introduction of clever applications, online communication has been streamlined and adapted to bring work to our fingertips. This integration is known as unified communications and more and more companies are seeing the undeniable benefits.

Unified communications nowadays are limitless. Voice, email, chat, video and web communications are brought together and accessible from almost anywhere using nothing more than a simple internet connection.

Whether we’re on the train or sitting in the comfort of our own home, we can participate in web conference calls, check emails and access work documents at the touch of a button without having to fire up our computers.

For business, this technological flexibility brings with it several advantages. Firstly, integrating unified communications allows tasks to be streamlined between locations and resources to be utilised to their full potential.

Unified communications mean a reduction in commute time which leads to greater productivity. There is also a significant increase in employee motivation as fewer distractions lead to reduced stress, and in turn lower sickness levels. Flexible working also has a positive impact on finances due to savings on office space and other facilities.

For employees, the main advantage to accessing work outside of the office is the increased work/ life balance. Employees with children can balance work with childcare and other home commitments. Calls, emails and important work documents can be seamlessly transferred to mobile devices and accessed anywhere.

Whilst to many of us, this seamless technology and working from home is a relatively new notion, the idea of unified communications has actually been around since the 1990s. However, as technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today, communications weren’t as streamlined and convenient. Everything had to be done via desktop with a wired internet connection.

Implementing unified communications into company policy doesn’t require much work. Firstly, every main email service provider used in business has an application that can be downloaded from both Apple and Android app stores. Once downloaded, all employees need to do is log in using their work credentials.

Secondly, work documents and filing systems can be accessed using remote cloud applications. The convenience of cloud storage cannot be underestimated, the amount of desktop storage is greatly reduced which is beneficial for the overall health of computer devices and employees can access work files from wherever they are.

It is clear to see that as technology evolves, we gain more and more flexibility in both our home lives and our professional lives – everything we need is at our fingertips, in our pockets and even on our wrists.

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