Have you heard about the latest productivity update from our friends at Google?

They’ve just added a little feature to Google Calendar that could make your life a whole lot easier – especially if you’re a hybrid worker.

Remember back in 2021 when they first introduced the option to share your working location with your colleagues? They’ve taken it up a notch.

Now, you can set up multiple locations for any given day on your calendar. So whether you’re splitting your time between the office and home, or out and about as a mobile worker, Google’s got you covered.

Picture this: you’re only in the office for half a day before you head off to a client meeting. With this new feature, your colleagues will know exactly when and where to find you.

Google is all about helping us work smarter, not harder. They know that heaps of us are still working remotely, or juggling a mix of office and remote work. This update is specially designed for hybrid workers.

It’s only available to those with a Workspace account, including:

• Google Workspace Business Standard/Plus
• Enterprise Standard/Plus
• Education Fundamentals/Standard/Plus
• The Teaching and Learning Upgrade
• Nonprofits

Unfortunately, personal accounts won’t have access just yet.

The working location feature will be switched on by default. But if you prefer that your colleagues can’t find you (we’re not judging… we all get distracted at work) you can easily disable it.

If we can help you get the most out of everyday applications like calendars and email, get in touch.

The post Google Calendar has a great update for hybrid workers appeared first on Sussex Tech Support.

Are you aware that the rise in global VPN usage has skyrocketed? The reasons are clear as day: Virtual Private Networks offer increased security, anonymity, and allow access to geo-restricted content online.

But here’s the million-dollar question: Are all VPNs created equal?

The answer is a resounding no. And that has potential implications for your business.

Free VPNs, although tempting with their zero-cost allure, aren’t always what they promise to be. Why, you ask? Let’s take a closer look at free VPN services.

For starters, it’s important to understand that running a VPN service comes with substantial costs. Servers, infrastructure, maintenance, staff – these aren’t free.

So how do free VPN providers keep the lights on? Some employ tactics that could compromise your privacy and security.

Imagine this: You’re sipping your morning coffee, browsing the net through a free VPN, believing your online activities are private. In reality, your sensitive information might be collected and sold to the highest bidder.

Cyber criminals, advertisers, even government agencies could potentially get their hands on your data.

Shocking, isn’t it?

Moreover, free VPNs are notorious for injecting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into your browsing sessions. Ever wondered why you’re suddenly bombarded with eerily accurate ads? It’s probably your free VPN service cashing in on your browsing habits.

Now, consider the potential danger if an employee downloads a free VPN on a company device, or on their personal device that they use for work. Company data could be exposed, representing a significant business risk. Picture a scenario where your company’s sensitive data falls into the wrong hands – a chilling thought, isn’t it?

So, what’s the solution?

It’s crucial to educate your employees about the risks associated with free VPNs. Encourage the use of reliable, paid VPN services that guarantee no logging of data, robust encryption, and superior user privacy.

In fact, you may choose to provide one to them. If we can help you find the safest, most suitable VPN for your business, get in touch.

Remember, when it comes to online security, free often comes at a higher cost. Isn’t it worth investing a few ££ a month to protect your company’s valuable information?

The post The hidden dangers of free VPNs: Are you at risk? appeared first on Sussex Tech Support.