Scams aren’t what they used to be. 

They’re not always obvious, they’re not always clumsy, and they don’t always come with spelling mistakes or odd graphics. 

Today’s digital fraud is faster, smarter, and often created with the help of AI. Which means it’s becoming harder for even the most careful people to spot.

And it doesn’t matter whether it’s Christmas, summer, or an ordinary Tuesday. Scammers don’t take days off. 

That’s why it’s so important for every business, no matter the size, to understand the basics of staying safe online.

The first thing scammers try to do is rush you. 

They love creating pressure. Countdown timers, “urgent” warnings, messages that say your account will close in minutes, or delivery alerts claiming you must act right now. 

The moment they make you panic, your guard drops. That’s why one of the most powerful habits you can build is: Stop. Think. Verify.

If anything makes you feel rushed or stressed, pause immediately. Then check what’s going on using a trusted source. 

Don’t click the link inside a suspicious email or text. Instead, visit the company’s official website or call their real phone number. 

Scammers often use tiny tricks, like slightly misspelled website addresses, to fool you into thinking they’re legitimate.

It also helps to know what scammers are usually after. Most of the time, they want your money or your data. That’s why so many fake messages claim there’s a problem with your bank, a missed delivery, a locked account, or a prize waiting for you. 

Real companies won’t ask for your full bank details, passwords, or remote access over email, text, or unexpected phone calls. If someone does, it’s a scam.

But awareness isn’t enough on its own. You also need good defences in place. 

Thankfully, modern tools make this much easier. 

Using an authenticator app (for multi-factor authentication) adds an extra lock to your accounts, even if someone steals your password. 

A password manager can generate strong passwords for you and remember them safely, so you don’t have to reuse simple ones. 

And keeping your software updated means you’re closing known weaknesses that scammers love to exploit.

Another smart habit is regularly checking which apps and devices have access to your accounts. Especially if you use Google or Facebook to sign in to other services. Sometimes old devices or unused apps stay connected without you realising, and that’s a risk worth clearing up.

There’s one final step many people forget: Reporting scams. 

It’s not just for your benefit. It helps protect everyone else too. Every report helps experts take down dangerous websites and warn others.

Digital fraud is getting more advanced, but the good news is that simple, consistent habits can keep you and your business safe. Stay calm, stay cautious, and stay informed.

And if you’d like help putting the right protections in place for your team, get in touch.

The post Important: Protect your business from digital fraud appeared first on Sussex Tech Support.

Cyber criminals aren’t simply causing chaos anymore. 

They’re getting smarter, more organised, and much better at finding weak spots in businesses of every size. 

And while that sounds worrying, understanding what’s happening is the first step to protecting your business.

One big change we’re seeing is a shift from traditional ransomware to something far more damaging: Data theft and extortion. 

Instead of locking your systems and asking for money, attackers are now breaking in, quietly stealing sensitive files, and threatening to publish them unless you pay up. 

This can include anything from financial records to customer details. 

And because privacy laws are stricter than ever, the pressure on victims is huge.

Another trend is criminals taking advantage of unpatched devices. That’s equipment that hasn’t been updated. This could be a file sharing tool, a system that connects your office to the internet, or something else. 

When these devices are out of date, they have gaps that attackers can slip through. In some cases, a single unpatched device has allowed criminals to break into dozens of businesses at once.

We’re also seeing more attacks on virtual servers (the systems many businesses use to run their IT behind the scenes). If attackers get into these, they can cause serious disruption very quickly. 

And to make matters worse, modern cyber criminals are getting better at hiding. They often use everyday tools already built into Windows or other systems to blend in, making it harder for security software to spot them.

It can sound overwhelming, but here’s the good news: You can protect your business from these newer, more refined threats. You just need the right approach.

The strongest businesses are focusing on the basics done well. 

That means keeping systems updated, watching for unusual activity, and having good visibility of what’s happening across all devices (not just the obvious ones). 

It also means knowing what you’d do if something went wrong. A clear incident response plan can dramatically reduce damage and downtime.

Cyber threats may be getting more sophisticated, but your defences can stay one step ahead with the right preparation. And for that, you need the right people supporting you.

If you’d like help understanding your risks or strengthening your cyber protection, we’re here whenever you need us. Get in touch.

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When you download a new app for work, how sure are you that it’s really the genuine thing?

A new wave of cyber attacks is making that question more important than ever.

Hackers are creating fake versions of popular apps. Things like WhatsApp, Chrome, and even secure messaging platforms such as Signal or Telegram.

On the surface these look exactly like the real deal. But hidden inside is malware designed to spy on you, steal data, or even give attackers control of your device.

The trick that makes this so dangerous is something called SEO poisoning.

In simple terms, attackers use search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques to push their fake websites to the very top of search results. So even if you’re usually careful online, you could still end up on a malicious site without realising it.

From there, downloading what looks like a safe installer could also install hidden software that logs your keystrokes, monitors your clipboard, captures your screen, and even bypasses security tools.

The risks are obvious. One mistaken download by a staff member could expose sensitive company data, compromise client communications, or open the door to further attacks.

And because these fake apps sometimes also install the real version alongside the malicious one, people often have no idea anything is wrong until it’s too late.

So how can you stay safe?

The simplest step is to only ever download apps from official app stores or directly from a company’s website you’ve typed in yourself.

Encourage staff to double-check web addresses before clicking on download links. They should look for subtle misspellings or odd characters that give away a fake.

And make sure your security software is up to date so it can help spot threats if something slips through.

Most importantly, don’t forget that awareness is one of your strongest defences.

Talk to your employees about scams like these and keep them updated on new threats. A quick reminder in a team meeting or an internal email could be enough to stop someone making an expensive mistake.

Fake apps aren’t going away any time soon. But by staying alert and building good security habits across your business, you can make sure your people, and your data, stay safe.

If you need help training your team, or checking your security is up to task, get in touch.

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When you hire someone new, do you think about how secure your business really is?

Most business owners focus on making sure their new starter has what they need. You know, a laptop, email account, access to the right systems… maybe a quick intro to the team.

But those first few months of a new employee’s journey are one of the most dangerous times for your business’s cyber security.

And it often flies completely under the radar.

New research has revealed a worrying truth. Nearly three-quarters of new hires (71% to be precise) fall for phishing or social engineering attacks within their first 90 days on the job.

That means cyber criminals are actively targeting your newest team members. And too often, they succeed.

Why is this happening?

Well, think about how it feels to start a new job. You’re trying to make a good impression. You don’t know all the processes yet. You’re keen to follow instructions and do the right thing.

Cyber criminals know this. They take advantage of that uncertainty with cleverly written emails or messages that look like they come from the boss, HR, or even tech support.

These scams might ask your new hire to update their details on a fake HR portal. Or they might send a bogus invoice that looks urgent. Sometimes it’s as simple as an email pretending to be from a senior manager, asking for sensitive information or for a quick favour.

Because that new employee hasn’t yet learned who’s who and what’s normal, they’re much more likely to fall for it. In fact, new employees are 44% more likely to click on these traps than colleagues who’ve been around a while.

It’s not just theory. The stats back it up. When attackers pose as company executives, new starters are 45% more likely to be fooled than experienced staff.

That’s a big gap, and it shows just how vulnerable your business can be during the onboarding period.

So… what can you do about it?

The key is to recognise that cyber security training shouldn’t wait until your new hire has “settled in”. Those early days are exactly when they need clear guidance on spotting phishing emails, understanding how cyber criminals operate, and knowing what to do if something seems off.

Businesses that take this seriously see real results. The same report found that companies offering tailored security awareness training and running realistic simulations for new staff saw their phishing risk drop by 30% after onboarding. That’s a massive difference. It shows that a bit of extra effort at the start pays off.

Of course, tools like good security software and firewalls are still essential. But on their own, they’re not enough. People are your first line of defence.

And right now, your newest people might just be your weakest link. Unless you give them the tools and knowledge to help protect your business from day one.

If you’d like help setting up simple, effective cyber security training for new starters, or want to talk about making your business more secure overall, we can help. Get in touch.  

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What would you do if you arrived at work tomorrow and all your files were gone?

Not just missing. But locked up. Encrypted. Held for ransom by criminals demanding a massive payout just to get them back.

Maybe.

That’s the reality of ransomware. And it’s getting worse.

In the first quarter of 2025, ransomware attacks hit a new high. Up 84% compared to the same period last year.

It’s no longer a case of “if” your business might be targeted… but “when”.

In fact, two-thirds of businesses have been hit by ransomware in the last two years. It’s the kind of stat that makes you stop and think: Is your business ready?

Now, the good news (yes, there is some) is that there is a very effective way to protect your business: Immutable backup storage.

I’ll explain what that is in a second.

First, a quick refresher on ransomware. It’s a type of cyber attack where criminals gain access to your systems, encrypt your files, and then demand a ransom payment to unlock them.

It’s nasty stuff.

And these attacks don’t just target your day-to-day files anymore. According to recent research, 96% of businesses that were hit by ransomware in the last two years saw their backups targeted too.

That’s right. The attackers know about that safety net you thought would save you. And they’re gunning for it.

This is where immutable backup storage comes in.

“Immutable” means unchangeable. With immutable storage, once your backup data is written, it can’t be edited, deleted, or overwritten. Even by someone with admin access.

That means if a ransomware attacker does manage to get into your system, they still can’t tamper with these backups. It’s like putting your most important information into a vault, locking it up, and throwing away the key… except you still have a secure way to access it when you really need it.

Traditionally, businesses achieved this by storing backups on devices that were physically disconnected from the network. What we call “air-gapped” storage.

But these days, we’ve got smarter, cloud-based options that offer the same level of protection without the need for bulky hardware or complex routines.

So, why isn’t every business using immutable backups?

That’s a great question. Even though 81% of IT professionals say it’s the best way to protect against ransomware, only 59% of businesses are using it. And that’s a worry.

Today, security hardening alone isn’t enough. Firewalls, security software, and careful user permissions are all part of the picture. But if ransomware gets through (and often, it does), your last line of defence is your backups.

They need to be untouchable.

I call it having a “breach mentality”. Working on the assumption that an attack will happen at some point. That means preparing for recovery, not just prevention.

Immutable backup storage is one of the smartest investments you can make right now. When the worst happens, being able to restore your data quickly and safely (without paying a ransom) can be the difference between a bad day… and business-ending disaster.

Got questions about how to get started with immutable storage or want help reviewing your backup strategy? My team and I can help. Get in touch.

The post The BEST protection against ransomware appeared first on Sussex Tech Support.

Imagine this: Your business grinds to a halt because your critical files are locked away by scammers. And they’re demanding a ransom for their release.

This is called a ransomware attack, and it’s a growing threat to businesses all around the world.

Ransomware is a type of cyber attack where criminals break into your systems and encrypt your data, making it unusable. They’ll then demand payment (often in cryptocurrency) for the key to unlock it.

Even if you pay the ransom, there’s no guarantee you’ll get your data back. This is why a strong backup system is one of the best safety nets you can have.

Backups are copies of your important files and systems, stored separately from your main network. If something goes wrong (like a ransomware attack or even accidental deletion) you can use your backup tools to restore your data and keep your business running.

Backups are essential for businesses of all sizes. But here’s the catch: Not all backup systems are created equal. Recent research shows that many businesses are using outdated backup technology, leaving them exposed to risks even if they think they’re protected.

Older backup systems weren’t designed to handle today’s sophisticated ransomware attacks. And they leave businesses vulnerable in three main ways:

1. Backup data is a target

Ransomware attackers are getting smarter. They know that backups are your last line of defence, so they target them directly. If your backup system isn’t designed to protect against these attacks, your safety net could be cut away when you need it most.

2. Lack of encryption

Encryption is a way of scrambling your data so only authorised people can access it. Without encryption, scammers can tamper with your backup data – yet nearly a third of businesses report that their backup data isn’t encrypted.

3. Failed backups

It can be difficult to restore lost data with older systems, and this is the point where they often fail. Imagine finding out that your backup didn’t work just as your business is trying to recover from an attack. It can mean long downtimes and expensive repair efforts, which many businesses simply can’t afford.

So, how can you fight back against ransomware threats?

Rethink your approach to backups. Modern solutions like immutable storage are designed to offer the strongest protection against ransomware attacks. Immutable storage makes sure your backup data can’t be altered or deleted, no matter what. 

This technology is built on something called Zero Trust, a security model that assumes nobody and nothing can be trusted. Every access request is validated, and permissions are strictly limited, ensuring your important business data stays safe even if an attacker breaches your system. 

Ransomware attacks are not going away. If anything, they’re getting smarter and even more common. Now is the time to make sure your backup system is solid.

Not sure where to start? This is what we do. Get in touch.

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Losing access to your business’s data – even temporarily – is a nightmare worthy of a horror movie.

Data backup tools create copies of your data and store them in a safe place. If something goes wrong, recovery tools will use these copies to restore your lost files.

So, if your business already uses backup and recovery tools, you’d think your data is safe… but this isn’t necessarily true.

A new report shows that some backup tools aren’t always as reliable as they should be. In fact, a third of all data losses are caused by backup-related issues. When people try to recover data, they discover it’s been lost or corrupted.

It’s not just corrupted backups that you should be aware of.

One of the biggest threats to businesses right now is ransomware. This is a type of malicious software (or “malware”) that locks you out of your files unless you pay a ransom to regain access.

The report found that half of businesses using backup tools still ended up paying ransoms to retrieve their files, because it was faster than trying to use their own recovery tools. Even worse? Only a small number of businesses that paid ransoms were able to fully recover their data.

Backup tools are supposed to keep your data safe, so why are they unreliable for so many businesses?

Often, it’s because they haven’t been set up properly. And even when they are, they still need to be verified regularly to make sure they are still backing up your files.

Also, older backup and recovery tools can’t always keep up with today’s sophisticated cyber attacks.

Setting up and maintaining a reliable backup system can be complicated. IT experts (like us) can make sure your tools are running correctly every day.

We can also put in place extra safeguards such as continuous data protection (CDP). This constantly saves changes to your files, allowing you to go back in time and restore your data as it was just before an attack or loss.

This is something we do for businesses like yours every day. If you’d like us to help you too, get in touch.

The post A third of all data loss is caused by problems with backups appeared first on Sussex Tech Support.

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of seeing the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your computer, you know just how frustrating it can be. It’s that moment when your screen turns an ominous shade of blue, and you’re left wondering what went wrong and how much work you’ve just lost.

For businesses, these crashes are more than just annoying – they can be disruptive and cost money.

Recent research highlights just how common BSODs have become, with one in 200 devices crashing under normal use. And it gets worse. During the recent CrowdStrike outage, that number shot up to one in ten devices.

While the tech industry seems to be hit the hardest, with more than 15% of devices affected monthly, even sectors like healthcare and retail, which are less prone to these crashes, still get about 8-10% of devices displaying the dreaded blue screen.

So, what’s causing all these crashes? And more importantly, how can you reduce the risk of them happening in your business?

The good news is that about half of these incidents are avoidable.

The bad news is that many businesses simply don’t have the tools or strategies in place to prevent them.

One of the key takeaways from the study is that many BSODs are linked to a few common issues. Problematic hardware, poorly managed Windows updates, and misconfigured drivers for things like graphics cards, networks, and audio systems are among the top culprits.

When these aren’t working properly, it can lead to system instability, which often manifests as a BSOD.

For business owners, this means taking a proactive approach to IT management is crucial.

Instead of waiting for something to go wrong and then scrambling to fix it, businesses should focus on identifying potential problem areas before they lead to a crash. By monitoring the health of your devices and making sure that updates and drivers are properly managed, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of BSODs disrupting your operations.

The research suggests that with the right preventative measures, businesses could cut the number of BSOD incidents in half, reducing the occurrence to about one in 400 devices. This not only minimises downtime but also frees up your IT team to focus on more strategic tasks rather than constantly putting out fires.

Unfortunately, many businesses lack the necessary tools to identify these risks early on. In fact, most companies don’t even know which of their devices are at risk right now, let alone which ones might crash in the future.

To move from a reactive approach to a proactive one, invest in tools that can provide insights into your IT systems. These tools allow you to make data-driven decisions, which can reduce costs, relieve employee stress, and ultimately increase productivity.

Better still, get experts to do it for you. Our approach is proactive IT management. This prevents problems before they can interrupt your work.

Let us keep your business crash-free. Get in touch.

The post How to cheat (the Blue Screen of) Death appeared first on Sussex Tech Support.

Imagine waking up one morning, turning on your computer, and finding that all your important files – everything from customer data to financial records – are locked. Tight.

And then a scary message pops up demanding a ransom fee to unlock them.

That’s ransomware in a nutshell. It’s a type of malicious software that hijacks your data and holds it for ransom.

It usually starts with an innocent-looking email or link. You might get an email that seems legitimate, asking you to click on a link or open an attachment.

This is known as a phishing email, where the sender appears to be genuine but isn’t. Once you click, malicious software is silently installed on your system. From there, the cyber criminals quickly go to work.

They’ll be encrypting your files so you can’t access them. Then, you get that dreaded ransom note, demanding payment in exchange for a decryption key to unlock your files. Paying the ransom is a risky move because there’s no guarantee you’ll get your data back, and it just encourages the attackers to target more victims.

2023 was a particularly bad year for ransomware, with attacks surging after a two-year decline. According to a report, there was a huge increase in ransomware incidents, breaking a six-year record.

One reason for this spike is the rise of something called Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS). This model lets cyber criminals “rent” ransomware tools, making it easier than ever for them to launch attacks.

As a result, more businesses are finding themselves posted on data leak sites, with a 75% increase in the number of victims between 2022 and 2023.

Ouch.

And it gets worse. Attackers are getting smarter. They’re developing new variants of old ransomware, sharing resources, and using legitimate tools for malicious purposes.

They’re also working faster, often deploying ransomware within 48 hours of gaining access to a network. And they tend to strike outside of work hours, such as when you’re tucked up in your bed, so they’re less likely to be noticed.

If your business falls victim to a ransomware attack, the consequences can be devastating. You might face significant financial losses, not just from the ransom itself but also from the cost of downtime and recovery.

There’s also the risk of losing critical data if you can’t decrypt your files.

Your reputation could take a hit if customers find out their information was compromised. Oh, and your business operations could be severely disrupted, affecting your ability to serve your clients.

The most important question then: How can you protect your business from this growing threat?

• Start by educating your team. Make sure everyone knows how to spot phishing emails and avoid suspicious links and attachments
• Regularly back up your critical data and securely store those backups offline
• Keep your software and systems up to date with the latest security patches, and invest in strong security tools
• It’s also important to limit access to your data. Only give employees access to the information they need for their jobs
• Monitor your network for unusual activity and have a plan in place to respond to incidents quickly

If you do get hit by a ransomware attack, don’t panic. Work with cyber security experts (like us) to resolve the issue.

Remember, it’s best not to pay the ransom, as it only fuels the cyber criminals’ activities.

My team and I help businesses take proactive action to protect their data. If we can help you, get in touch.

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