Urban Network were born as a business-to-business IT provider in 2003, never diluting our service by delivering retail or residential services and focussing solely on the needs of the SME market. A managed service provider for over 20-years, our knowledge and expertise have helped Birmingham-based businesses succeed.
We believe that ultimately your IT systems exist to deliver a capability to your staff. It’s the staff, and what they can do using the systems that create value for your business. Our goal is to be the single point of contact for your people, engage with them and communicate regularly to help them understand and exploit the IT capabilities you give them. We leverage technology to your advantage, aligning your business goals with the most suitable IT solutions to achieve them. Whatever your challenge, you can move forward with confidence.
Urban Network have been working and helping Birmingham based businesses for over 20 years and have worked with some of the best known brands in the region.
Urban have consistently been voted as one of the Top 50 IT Companies within the UK, our founders are incredibly active within the IT community working hard towards improving the standards across the IT industry and to ensure the service levels every client receives meets an appropriate minimum standard from accredited people. Urban understands what good looks like when providing such a valuable service to our clients and we strive to exceed this standard every day
Interested in what Urban can do for you, but not ready for a conversation yet? We have put together 6 questions that we get asked in every new conversation to help you get the answers before you speak to us.
Our aim is to act as an in-house IT support department as much as possible and to cover all areas of your environment. We provide one comprehensive core IT Support service that is best broken down into day-to-day support, proactive maintenance, operational and strategic management.
We will support your London-based business with unlimited access to our engineering team from 8.00am to 6.00pm. Monday to Friday, ensuring we are there when you need us throughout your full working day. We also remove the administrative burden of new employee starters and leavers through a bespoke client portal tailored for your business. When your new starter joins your business, all they need to do is log on, everything will be ready for them. We can also provide full procurement for new hardware and software and manage the entire installation for you.
From a proactive perspective, we will keep all your devices we have under management up to date to ensure that your team are productive, and the device is secure. We even include a baseline anti-virus tool and additional web security agent provided by Cisco, one of the largest security firms in the world. Our remote management tools enable us to monitor all computers and servers and alert us ahead of time of any potential issues, allowing us to act before you become aware. You will receive regular weekly and monthly reporting on all device health and service desk activity to keep you informed on how your employees are engaging with us. Your named account manager will conduct proactive reviews with you of all service tickets every 30 or 60-days to help identify any trends or recurring issues and agree what actions can be taken to prevent them in the future. Everything is tracked to ensure that your business continually prospers through the use of technology.
Finally, we bring all of this together and perform the role of your IT Director and review all aspects of your IT environment with you every 90-days. We provide you access to our online system that collates all data points and signals from your business and distils this down to actionable insights about your technology. This report then forms your bespoke interactive roadmap for the future, tracking progress and agreeing next steps.
Although Urban are a 24/7 business and offer IT support coverage 24-hours a day, 7 days a week (Yes, even on Christmas Day!), it is not a service we offer as standard. The reality is that although most organisations feel that they need this level of cover, especially as we now operate in a hybrid world, it is rarely used, and so to keep our costs low we only offer this coverage as an optional feature.
New installations, PC Builds or projects are not included and will be scoped and priced separately to any day-to-day support that is needed. We do include setting up new starters within your business or removing leavers as standard though.
In the same vein, we don’t include site visits as standard within our service. We are more than happy to come to the site if needed but we just charge separately per hour for this. Once again, think about how often an engineer actually needs to come to the office—it is very rare, our own stats show we resolve over 95% of all requests remotely. The need for this has massively reduced, so why pay for a service you’re not going to use? We can add it on if you really want it, but let’s really review how likely it is first.
We have been a Microsoft partner over 20-years and so we can provide Microsoft 365 licenses to you, and many other services such as Internet, VoIP phones, managed printing and many cyber security services as additional and chargeable services.
Urban have been operating within the Birmingham area since 2003. We are currently based within the Jewellery Quarter, where our engineers are based. We support all of the Midlands region and extend throughout the UK. We truly are a local company with national reach.
The thinking that you should have a single provider to manage all of your IT requirements is a sound one, which is why Urban Network supply and manage a host of other services, including Internet connectivity, VoIP phones, managed printing, application development, data backup & disaster recovery and many cyber security services. We only partner with market-leading vendors and then offer these services, fully managed at very competitive pricing.
Urban Network are Cyber Essentials Plus accredited and have been a certification body for the UK Government’s body, IASME since its inception in 2014. We are authorised, accredited and knowledgeable on what SME’s need to protect themselves from today’s cyber risk.
We charge primarily on a per-user, per month basis, which can change monthly depending on your employee count. This means that it is very easy for you to understand our costs and for you to budget for your costs per employee. By fixing the rate you pay us per month we are completely aligned with your goals, we are financially incentivised to stabilise and improve your technology experience!
Our charges per user, per month range from £39 to £49. The price can be impacted by the complexity of your IT environment, the health or age of the devices being managed and your current cyber security profile. By implementing a strong cyber security posture and modern equipment within your business results in a lower risk for you and potentially less work for us so your support fees may be lower!
Moving from one provider to another is something many people get worried about, but it is honestly a very simple thing that doesn’t cause downtime or disruption. Clients coming and going is a normal situation, so it’s a standard operating procedure for all mature and professional IT providers.
Once you have given notice, we will introduce you to your dedicated onboarding engineer, who will explain the full process to you. They report weekly on the progress of the project, keeping you updated and organising quick catch-up calls. We ask the losing provider for as little as possible to make it easy for them, and then we do our own audit and documentation of all your systems. This is usually done over a minimum of 30 days, and we suggest a small overlap with the old provider. We manage the whole thing; you don’t need to be involved besides a discussion mainly spent agreeing on processes such as the new starter and leaver process, the new device build, who the point of contacts would be and any VIP’s we need to be aware of.
One day your employees will be supported by one company, and the other by the next. The only difference will be better service the next day.
If you are ready to take the next step, why not book a quick 15-minute call with our CEO, Perry Ashby and discuss how Urban can help transform your business and exceed beyond your competitors.
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In the whirlwind of today’s business landscape, adaptability reigns supreme. Today’s workspaces transcend physical boundaries. Employees work and collaborate seamlessly from anywhere. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a local café or lounging on their living room couch. That’s the magic of a mobile-optimized workspace. It’s...
Microsoft 365 is a powerful suite of tools. It helps to enhance productivity and collaboration. This is especially true for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs). But to get the most out of Microsoft 365, it’s important to optimize its settings. Otherwise, you may only be...
In today’s world, everything’s connected. That includes the software your business relies on. Whether you’ve installed that software locally or use it in the cloud. Protecting the entire process that creates and delivers your software is very important. From the tools developers use to the...
Your smartphone is a digital wallet, communication hub, and personal assistant. All rolled into one portable device. It’s packed with sensitive data, from financial information to personal photos. This makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. Mobile malware is often overlooked. People focus on securing...
A business network is the lifeblood of operations. It’s the digital artery that pumps data through your organization. It enables everything from email to critical applications and cloud services. When problems sever that lifeline, the consequences can be catastrophic. Communication is cut off and productivity...
Buying a used laptop can be a great way to save money. But it comes with risks. You need to be careful and thorough in your evaluation. Otherwise, you could end up wasting your money. You can’t only look at the outside when evaluating technology....
The office landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Gone are the days of sterile cubicles and monotonous routines. Today’s smart offices are hubs of innovation. They’re designed to empower employees, optimize workflows, and foster collaboration. This shift is driven by technology. Including smart features that...
Windows 10 has served us well. But its time is running out. Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means no more security updates, no more patches, and no more support. It’s time to upgrade to Windows 11. This...
Traveling with technology has become a necessity. Whether for work, communication, or entertainment, we rely heavily on our devices. But traveling exposes these gadgets to various risks. Theft, damage, and loss are common concerns. We’ve put together some helpful tips to mitigate the risk of...
Imagine this: you walk into your office on a busy Monday morning, ready to tackle the week. But something’s wrong. Computers are unresponsive. Phones are silent. The internet is a ghost town. Your business has come to a grinding halt – victim of an IT...
Running a small business is a whirlwind. You juggle a million tasks and wear countless hats. You also constantly fight the clock. What if you could reclaim some of that precious time? Enter task automation. It’s your secret weapon for streamlining your workflow and boosting...
Phishing has always been a threat. Now, with AI, it’s more dangerous than ever. Phishing 2.0 is here. It’s smarter, more convincing, and harder to detect. Understanding this new threat is crucial. A recent study found a 60% increase in AI-driven phishing attacks. This is...
Is your smart home turning into a smart mess? Do your smart office devices speak different languages? You’re not alone. The current smart home and office technology landscape is riddled with incompatibility issues. This forces you to juggle several apps and deal with frustrating setup...
The rise of remote work has redefined the modern workplace. Gone are the days of rigid office schedules and commutes. But with this flexibility comes a new set of challenges – cybersecurity threats. Remote work environments often introduce vulnerabilities to your organization’s data and systems. ...
Gone are the days of paper-laden desks and rows of filing cabinets. The modern office is a hub of innovation. Technology plays a starring role in this transformation. The right tech tools can significantly boost your team’s productivity. Including streamlining workflows and fostering collaboration. Is...
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries. It offers businesses innovative solutions and automation capabilities. But with this progress comes a growing concern: AI data breaches. As AI becomes more integrated into our systems, the risks increase. The data it collects, analyzes, and utilizes becomes...
Smart homes seem like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. They have lights that respond to your voice commands and thermostats that auto-adjust. Not to mention robot vacuums that clean your floors while you relax. It’s all very tempting. But before you rush out...
Imagine this: you leave your house for vacation. You live in a shady neighborhood but feel confident your locks are secure, but you also don’t checkthem daily. Are they really locked and safe? A tiny crack or hidden weakness could have occurred. It’s a disaster...
Staying ahead of threats is a challenge for organizations of all sizes. Reported global security incidents grew between February and March of 2024. They increased by 69.8%. It’s important to use a structured approach to cybersecurity. This helps to protect your organization. The National Institute...
Microsoft Copilot has been heading up the business AI charge. It’s used in Word, Excel, Edge, Windows, and more. This genAI-powered app is also showing up invarious function-related activities. The latest of which is finance processes. Microsoft Copilot for Finance is a game-changer. It injects...
Let’s face it, iPhones are amazing devices. But even the sleekest, most powerful iPhone can succumb to the dreaded slowdown. Apps take forever to load and scrolling feels sluggish. Pretty soon, simple tasks become frustrating ordeals. If your iPhone has gone from speedy sidekick to...
Shiny new tech can be exciting! It promises increased efficiency, happier employees, and a competitive edge. It’s also necessary to stay competitive in today’s technology-driven business world. But that promise can turn into a financial nightmare if you neglect two important things. These are employee...
Cyberattacks are a constant threat in today’s digital world. Phishing emails, malware downloads, and data breaches. They can cripple businesses and devastate personal lives. Employee error is the reason many threats get introduced to a business network. A lack of cybersecurity awareness is generally the...
The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was an exciting one this year. It left us with a mind-blowing glimpse into the future of technology. CES 2024 showcased a smorgasbord of cutting-edge gadgets. Including transparent TVs and robot pet buddies. These gadgets promise to revolutionize our...
Imagine a world where your lights turn on automatically as you walk in the door. Your coffee starts brewing before you even crawl out of bed. A simple voice command adjusts the temperature to your perfect setting. This is no longer just something out of...
Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses. It fuels insights, drives decision-making, and ultimately shapes your company’s success. But in today’s information age, data can quickly become overwhelming. Scattered spreadsheets, siloed databases, and inconsistent formatting. All these create a data management nightmare. This hinders your...
Cyber threats are a perpetual reality for business owners. Hackers are constantly innovating. They devise new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. For businesses of all sizes, a proactive approach to cybersecurity is essential. One of the most crucial elements of this...
Zero Trust security is rapidly transforming the cybersecurity landscape. It moves away from traditional perimeter-based security models. In this approach, every connection attempt is continuously verified before granting resource access. 56% of global organizations say adopting Zero Trust is a “Top” or “High” priority. This...
What are some of the key differentiators that can propel small businesses forward? They include efficiency, productivity, and innovation. Microsoft has expanded the availability of one of its most dynamic tools to SMBs. A tool that can be a real game-changer for growth. Copilot for...
Calendars, task lists, and project planning are important business tools. Many people use Microsoft’s apps to power these processes. Including Planner, Microsoft To Do, and Project for the web. These tools help keep processes on track and enable task accountability. But they’re separate apps. Switching...
The Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s rapidly transforming industries and reshaping how businesses operate. IoT is a blanket term to describe smart devices that are internet enabled. One example is smart sensors monitoring production lines. Connected thermostats optimizing energy...
With cyber threats evolving at an alarming pace, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. It’s a must for safeguarding sensitive information. Data security threats are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent. The landscape must change to keep up. In 2024, we can expect exciting developments...
Have you been hearing more about email authentication lately? There is a reason for that. It’s the prevalence of phishing as a major security threat. Phishing continues as the main cause of data breaches and security incidents. This has been the case for many years....
Have you ever seen a video of your favorite celebrity saying something outrageous? Then later, you find out it was completely fabricated? Or perhaps you’ve received an urgent email seemingly from your boss. But something felt off. Welcome to the world of deepfakes. This is...
Back when you were a kid, living in a “smart home” probably sounded futuristic. Something out of Back to the Future II or The Jetsons. Well, we don’t yet have flying cars, but we do have video telephones as well as smart refrigerators and voice-activated...
It can be challenging to keep up with the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Companies need to process large amounts of data. As well as respond to incidents quickly and effectively. Managing an organization’s security posture is complex. That’s where Microsoft Security Copilot comes in. Microsoft...
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate. It offers scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. But cloud services also come with a downside: cloud waste. Cloud waste is the unnecessary spending of resources and money on cloud services. These services are often not fully utilized or...
We are living in an era dominated by digital connectivity. You can’t overstate the importance of cybersecurity. As technology advances, so do the threats that lurk in the online world. Often, it’s our own actions that leave us most at risk of a cyberattack or...
QR codes are everywhere these days. You can find them on restaurant menus, flyers, and posters. They’re used both offline and online. QR codes are convenient and easy to use. You just scan them with your smartphone camera. You’re then directed to a link, a...
Smart home devices are becoming more popular and convenient. But they also pose some serious security risks. Hackers can target these devices to access your personal information. As well as spy on your activities or cause damage to your home. Often the dangers of smart...
Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field. There are new threats, technologies, and opportunities emerging every year. As we enter 2024, organizations need to be aware of current and future cyber threats. Businesses of all sizes and sectors should plan accordingly. Staying ahead of the curve...
Microsoft Edge continues to redefine user experiences. This is due to Microsoft’s commitment to innovation. The latest updates bring a host of features. These are designed to enhance productivity, security, and browsing satisfaction. Chrome may have been number one for years. But Edge has been...
Relentless digital innovation has defined the last few years. The symbiotic relationship between AI and cybersecurity has become pivotal especially when it comes to safeguarding sensitive information and digital assets. As cyber threats evolve in complexity, AI has emerged as a formidable ally. It empowers...
Browser extensions have become as common as mobile apps. People tend to download many and use few. There are over 176,000 browser extensions available on Google Chrome alone. These extensions offer users extra functionalities and customization options. While browser extensions enhance the browsing experience, they...
Staying ahead in business often means embracing cutting-edge technologies. New tools can unlock new avenues for growth especially for small businesses. SMBs are often looking for affordable ways to gain a competitive advantage. One such transformative force is Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). This is a...
In the digital age, data is the lifeblood of businesses. It fuels operations, decision-making, and customer interactions. But there is a dark underbelly of this data-centric landscape. It’s the persistent threat of data breaches. The repercussions of a data breach extend far beyond the immediate...
The integration of smart home devices has become synonymous with modern living. They offer convenience, efficiency, and connectivity at our fingertips. But a recent study has raised concerns about the darker side of these smart gadgets. It suggests that our beloved smart home devices may...
Microsoft 365 has a powerful suite of cloud-based productivity tools. They can help you work smarter and faster. Microsoft has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. M365 was one of the very first all-in-one cloud tools, introduced as Office 365 in 2013. Now, Microsoft...
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool. It can enhance the productivity, efficiency, and creativity of your staff. But AI also comes with some challenges and risks. Businesses need to address and manage these to use AI effectively. Establishing clear and ethical guidelines, or “AI...
Gamers haven’t really been the focus of cybersecurity for a long time. You mostly hear about attacks on businesses. Or stolen personal data due to phishing attacks. But gamers are not safe from hackers targeting them. As cyberattacks continue to escalate, gamers have become prime...
Technology plays a pivotal role in driving efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. For small businesses, workforce technology modernization is both an opportunity and a challenge. Embracing modern technology can empower small businesses. It can help them thrive in a digital era. Yet many of them don’t...
You cannot overstate the importance of cybersecurity. Especially in an era dominated by digital advancements. Businesses and organizations are increasingly reliant on technology to drive operations. This makes them more susceptible to cyber threats. 66% of small businesses are concerned about cybersecurity risk. Forty-seven percent...
As of March 2023, Microsoft 365 started sending aggregate DMARC reports. This update fixed a blind spot that had existed; previously, where Microsoft didn’t report on DMARC results, you would miss crucial insights and legitimate senders that could then be blocked from sending emails once...
The battle against cyber threats is an ongoing challenge. Unfortunately, 2023 has proven to be a watershed year for data breaches. Data compromises have surged to an all-time high in the U.S. This is based on data from the first 9 months of the year....
Cybersecurity has become paramount for businesses across the globe. As technology advances, so do the threats. Recognizing this, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced new rules. They revolve around cybersecurity. These new requirements are set to significantly impact businesses. These rules are...
Are you a small business owner or a freelancer who offers services online? If so, you might be wondering how to get paid by your customers in a fast and convenient way. You might have tried different payment platforms. But they often require you to...
The global cost of a data breach last year was USD $4.45 million. This is an increase of 15% over three years. As we step into 2024, it’s crucial to be aware of emerging technology threats. Ones that could potentially disrupt and harm your business....
These days, our lives are intricately woven into the digital fabric. From emails to photos, documents to apps, our devices store tons of information. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the sight of an endless inbox or app library. As the new year begins, it’s...
In our tech-driven world, electronic devices have become indispensable. But with constant upgrades, what happens to the old gadgets? They tend to pile up and eat up storage space. But you can’t just throw them in the trash. E-waste poses a significant environmental threat if...
Technology is reshaping the world of work at an unprecedented pace. From artificial intelligence to web3, from the metaverse to the hybrid work model. We are witnessing a series of technological revolutions. They are transforming how we communicate, collaborate, create, and innovate. Let’s explore some...
Breached or stolen passwords are the bane of any organization’s cybersecurity. Passwords cause over 80% of data breaches. Hackers get in using stolen, weak, or reused (and easily breached) passwords. But passwords are a part of life. Technologies like biometrics or passkeys haven’t yet replaced...
In the pulsating digital landscape, every click and keystroke echoes through cyberspace. The battle for data security rages on. Businesses stand as both guardians and targets. Unseen adversaries covet their digital assets. To navigate this treacherous terrain takes a two-pronged approach. Businesses must arm themselves...
Every year, tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Europe’s most prominent technology trade show. It’s the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin, or simply IFA. This is a showcase of the latest and greatest innovations in consumer electronics. The show includes everything from cutting-edge smartphones to futuristic smart home gadgets....
In the age of smart living, our homes are becoming increasingly intelligent. They’re designed to cater to our every need. Smart gadgets are transforming how we turn on the lights, home security, and more. They even help us feed our pets from afar. But with...
There is no escaping the relentless march of AI. Software companies are rapidly incorporating it into many business tools. This includes tools like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and others. Many people are still concerned about where AI will go. But there is no denying that it...
In a world where technology constantly evolves, Microsoft stands at the forefront. It continues to pioneer innovations. Innovations that transform how we interact with our digital universe. The fall Windows 11 update is a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to excellence. It’s more than just an...
Cybersecurity has become a critical foundation upon which many aspects of business rely. Whether you’re a large enterprise or small business, network security is a must. Cyberattacks can have long-term consequences. The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks continue to increase. In 2022, IoT malware attacks...
The use of AI-driven processes is exploding. Every time you turn around, software has gotten more intelligent. Harnessing the power of AI and machine learning is crucial for staying competitive. Microsoft is a pioneer in the tech industry and this new AI era. It continues...
Imagine you’re working away on your PC and see a Windows update prompt. Instead of ignoring it, you take action. After all, you want to keep your device safe. But when you install what you think is a legitimate update, you’re infected with ransomware. That’s...
In today’s world, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. Businesses around the globe are increasingly embracing eco-friendly practices. This isn’t only for the positive impact on the environment. It’s also for the benefits they can bring to the bottom line. Sustainable technology habits...
Smart homes have become a ubiquitous part of modern living. It doesn’t even seem unusual anymore to tell your refrigerator to add milk to the digital grocery list. Smart homes offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency. You can control your lights and thermostat with a smartphone...
Cybercriminals can launch very sophisticated attacks. But it’s often lax cybersecurity practices that enable most breaches. This is especially true when it comes to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Small business owners often don’t prioritize cybersecurity measures. They may be just fully focused on growing...
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has revolutionized the way businesses operate. It offers convenience, scalability, and efficiency. No more dragging software from one device to another. Everyone can collaborate easily in the cloud. But alongside its benefits, SaaS brings with it potential threats. When software and data are...
Endpoint management has changed a lot over the last two decades. There was a time when companies housed all endpoints in the same place. This made managing them simpler. But it held offices back from being mobile and flexible. Today’s office can include endpoints around...
Two monitors are often better than one when it comes to getting things done efficiently. A dual-monitor setup can significantly enhance your productivity. This is true whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or an office wiz who loves to multitask. A study by Jon...
Let’s dive into a topic that might give you the chills—cybersecurity skeletons in the closet. You may not have old skeletons hidden away in the basement. But there’s a good chance of cybersecurity vulnerabilities lurking in the shadows. Just waiting to wreak havoc. You can’t...
As technology continues to advance, so does the need for heightened awareness. As well as proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information. Cybersecurity can seem like an insurmountable task for everyday people. But it’s not only a job for the IT team. Everyone can play a...
Most people are familiar with their device’s Airplane Mode. You’ve probably used it when jetting off to exotic locations. But did you know that it’s not just for globetrotters? That’s right! Airplane Mode isn’t only for flying; it can be a handy feature for your...
Apple’s iOS updates have always been eagerly anticipated. iPhone and iPad users around the world get excited to see what their devices can do next. The newest major upcoming release will be for iOS 17. This fall, Apple is set to introduce a host of...
Running a small business can be challenging. But advancements in technology have opened a world of opportunities. Small business owners can use digital tools to streamline operations. As well as improve efficiency, and boost productivity. From innovative software to cutting-edge hardware, there are a lot...
In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, small businesses have more opportunities than ever. Many of these call for leveraging technology to their advantage. Embracing the right tech trends can help businesses compete. It enables them to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and fuel growth. But it...
LinkedIn has become an invaluable platform for professionals. People use it to connect, network, and explore business opportunities. But with its growing popularity have come some red flags. There has been an increase in the presence of fake LinkedIn sales bots. These bots impersonate real...
As technology continues to advance, so does the landscape of design tools. Microsoft has been a company at the forefront of business apps. Microsoft 365 began with about seven apps. It now offers new users access to over 20. One of the newest ones added...
When you hear about Microsoft adding security apps to M365, it’s often the business versions. But the pandemic has changed the way that we see the workplace. It’s now a hybrid world. One made up of several connected “mini-offices” located in employee homes. The outsourcing...
Cybersecurity has become paramount for businesses and individuals alike. Cyber threats abound, and data breaches and malware attacks are costly. Attacks come from all sectors, including the cloud tools you use every day. The average employee uses 36 cloud-based services daily. Managing access to sensitive...
In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity threats continue to evolve. They pose significant risks to individuals and organizations alike. One such threat gaining prominence is zero-click malware. This insidious form of malware requires no user interaction. It can silently compromise devices and networks. One example of...
Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent times. It provides flexibility and convenience for employees. Additionally, telecommuting reduces office costs for employers. Many also cite productivity benefits due to fewer distractions. Research shows a 56% reduction in unproductive time when working at home vs....
In today’s digital workplace, printing remains an essential function. This is true for just about all businesses. But keeping up with your print infrastructure can be a time-consuming task. One printer down can mean work comes to a standstill. Another issue is keeping up with...
Moving can be a chaotic and stressful time. Especially when it comes to handling your valuable technology. Whether you’re relocating your home or office, it’s essential to take extra care. Both with fragile items and when packing and moving your devices and other tech items....
In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in our lives. But along with the rapid advancements and innovations, several myths have persisted. Is it okay to leave your smartphone charging overnight? Do Macs get viruses? And what about those 5G towers? What’s going...
Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. In 2022, ransomware attacks jumped by 93%. The introduction of ChatGPT will only increase the potential damage of cyber-attacks. Protecting sensitive data and systems requires a comprehensive approach. One that goes beyond a single security solution. This...
Advanced AI is a new buzzword in cloud computing. The launch of tools like ChatGPT and Bard have made big waves. Developers are now racing to introduce the next level of features to apps. Features that do part of your work for you. Such as...
Online shopping has become a common activity for many people. It’s convenient, easy, and allows us to buy items from the comfort of our homes. But with the rise of online shopping, there are concerns about privacy and security. Not all shopping apps are created...
As cyber threats continue to increase, businesses must take proactive steps. They need to protect their sensitive data and assets from cybercriminals. Threats to data security are persistent and they come from many different places. Today’s offices are digitally sophisticated. Just about every activity relies...
In recent years, electronic mail (email for short) has become an essential part of our daily lives. Many people use it for various purposes, including business transactions. With the increasing dependence on digital technology, cybercrime has grown. A significant cyber threat facing businesses today is...
What would you do if your business suffered a ransomware attack tomorrow? Do you have a contingency plan in case of a tornado, hurricane, or earthquake? The unexpected can happen anytime, and small businesses can get hit particularly hard. Small businesses are the backbone of...
Cloud account takeover has become a major problem for organizations. Think about how much work your company does that requires a username and password. Employees end up having to log into many different systems or cloud apps. Hackers use various methods to get those login...
Passwords are the most used method of authentication, but they are also one of the weakest. Passwords are often easy to guess or steal. Also, many people use the same password across several accounts. This makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The sheer volume of passwords...
Data visualization is a powerful tool for communicating complex data. It presents it in a simple, easily understandable format. But it is not enough to simply create a graph or chart and call it a day. To truly make use of information, it is important...
It’s hard to turn around online these days without running into ChatGPT. Both Bing and Google are levering this advanced artificial intelligence language model. And you can expect it to show up in more business and personal tools that you use every day. ChatGPT has...
Many people worry about someone hacking their computer. But they’re not really thinking about their wireless printer getting breached. It’s a tool that most individuals use sporadically. For example, when you want to print out tax forms or mailing labels. Printers tend to be out...
Netflix is one of the most popular and well-known streaming services. It has nearly 231 million subscribers around the world. It has been growing steadily for almost a decade. The platform has become an essential part of many people’s daily entertainment routines. They fire up...
The number of apps and web tools that employees use on a regular basis continues to increase. Most departments have about 40-60 different digital tools that they use. 71% of employees feel they use so many apps that it makes work more complex. Many of...
You wouldn’t think a child’s toy could lead to a breach of your personal data. But this happens all the time. What about your trash can sitting outside? Is it a treasure trove for an identity thief trolling the neighborhood at night? Many everyday objects...
Scheduling appointments is a common activity. Salespeople often set up virtual appointments to answer questions about a product. Software companies allow people to schedule live demos. Telehealth therapists allow clients to book video sessions. Those are just a few examples of some groups that are...
At the beginning of each year, a group of global innovators meets. They introduce and show off breakthrough technologies. It’s done at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is typically held each January in the U.S. This year, over 3,200 exhibitors from 173 countries showed...
Data privacy has been a growing requirement ever since the internet age began. So much personal information is flying around through computer networks. Protecting it has become a mandate. Most companies must follow HIPAA, GDPR, or another industry or locality-based privacy rule. By the end...
Customers look for convenience. In today’s world that means technology that makes their life easier. From webforms to POS systems, you need to keep the customer experience in mind in all you do. When people aren’t happy with their experience interacting with a company, they...
Once data began going digital, authorities realized a need to protect it. Thus, the creation of data privacy rules and regulations to address cyber threats. Many organizations have one or more data privacy policies they need to meet. Those in the U.S. healthcare industry and...
Companies both large and small share this one cybersecurity problem. They have computers that are still running older operating systems. Staff might use these devices only occasionally. Or the company may be running customized software that won’t run on newer OS versions. The problem is...
It’s a common theme. You begin seeing these amazing CGI images of your friends on Facebook or Instagram. You think, “How can I make one?” Filters and self-portrait apps have come a long way. You can now make yourself look like Hollywood’s version of a...
Microsoft 365 is one of the most popular cloud platforms in the world, with about 345 million paid seats. Microsoft cloud tools numbers were up 32% in Q3 2022 compared to the previous year. One of the reasons for its continued growth is the suite...
The need to back up data has been around since floppy disks. Data loss happens due to viruses, hard drive crashes, and other mishaps. Most people using any type of technology have experienced data loss at least once. There are about 140,000 hard drive crashes...
We have made it to the finals, but need your help! We’re happy to announce that Urban Network are finalists in The Office Management Group 2023 awards for Service Provider of the Year – Please help us by clicking the link below and voting https://www.theofficemanagementgroup.com/awards-vote
Whether you sell shoes or run an accounting firm, you need some type of technology to operate. Today’s companies aren’t just in the business of selling their own goods and services anymore. They also must master various types of digital tools. These include software, payment...
Technology vulnerabilities are an unfortunate side effect of innovation. When software companies push new updates, there are often weaknesses in the code. Hackers exploit these. Software makers then address the vulnerabilities with a security patch. The cycle continues with each new software or hardware update....
Imagine you’re going about your day when suddenly you receive a text from the CEO. The head of the company is asking for your help. They’re out doing customer visits and someone else dropped the ball in providing gift cards. The CEO needs you to...
March 31st is WorldBackupDay: the day to prevent data loss! Go through the steps on the link below and read how you can easily secure your files via backups and how you can improve the security per device and solution. and take the pledge to...
Misconfiguration of cloud solutions is often overlooked when companies plan cybersecurity strategies. Cloud apps are typically quick and easy to sign up for. The user often assumes that they don’t need to worry about security because it’s handled. This is an incorrect assumption because cloud...
Since the pandemic, employers around the world have needed to change. They’ve had to shift how their employees operate. Remote work is very much here to stay. Organizations and employees can both benefit from the work-from-home and hybrid work revolution. Cost savings is a driver...
Great effort by the team to make sure we are certified again for IASME Cyber Assurance, and recognised as an authority within this sphere
There are a lot of things that have changed since the invention of the internet. One of these is how we bank and access our accounts. You used to have to go into a local bank branch to make deposits and withdrawals. Now, you can...
Microsoft released the Windows 11 operating system (OS) over a year ago. It was largely well-received as stable and user-friendly. The OS is not a large departure from the Windows 10 experience. But it does offer a lot of enhancements over the older environment. Yet...
We are proud to announce that we have recently been recognised as one of the TOP 50 Best Managed IT Companies Award for Britain in 2022 from an entry of 1200 competitors. CEO Perry Ashby received the trophy from Technoplanet “This is testament to the excellent...
No business wants to suffer a data breach. But unfortunately, in today’s environment, it’s difficult to completely avoid them. Approximately 83% of organizations have experienced more than one data breach. (IBM Security 2022 Cost of a Data Breach Report) These breaches hurt businesses in many...
Cybersecurity researchers uncovered an alarming mobile statistic. During the first few months of 2022, mobile malware attacks surged by 500%. This is alarming both in scale and because many people aren’t yet protecting smartphones. For years, mobile phones have become more powerful. They now do...
The new buzzword around town is “metaverse.” But what does that actually mean for businesses? Is it just something that social media companies need to be concerned about? According to people like Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, the metaverse is coming. He stated that “Life without...
There’s a reason that browsers like Edge have added breached password notifications. Data breaches are an unfortunate part of life. And can have costly consequences for individuals. Hackers can steal identities and compromise bank accounts, just to name a couple. Cybercriminals breach about 4,800 websites...
February happens to be Urban Network’s birthday. 20 years ago the foundations were laid to create something special. We are proud to say we have become something more than we expected – bigger, better, faster, stronger than ever before, with a portfolio of diverse skill...
Our technology inevitably comes with us when we travel. Most of us won’t even travel to the end of the block without our smartphones. When you go on a trip, not having your technology there when you need it can ruin your day. Travel smarter...
Zomentum Announced the Top Influential Partners of 2022: Leading the Way in Growth and Innovation – and we are proud to be among the top 8 Partners in Europe. Zomentum, is a leading provider of sales and billing automation solutions. The recognised partners were chosen based...
If you follow Microsoft products, then you may know about Microsoft Ignite. Held annually, it generates many exciting updates and announcements in the Microsoft world. Microsoft held its most recent conference last October. In the rush of the recent holidays, you may have missed some...
The new year is well underway, and it’s a time of renewal as we plan for the possibilities to come in 2023. It’s also a time when you need to plan for resiliency in the face of ever-present cyberattacks. Sixty-eight percent of surveyed business leaders...
The global home security market has been growing by leaps and bounds. By 2026, experts expect the market to expand at a rate of 20.1%. This is on top of an expected increase of 21.6% from 2021 to 2022. From Ring doorbell cams to entire...
You often hear the words “digital transformation” and “collaboration.” But what do they actually mean? What do they mean for the day-to-day of running your business? Collaboration can’t happen without shared goals. When departments are siloed and unconnected, priorities can conflict. People are doing their...
The global pandemic put a big emphasis on the need to run a business from anywhere. Enabling employees to work remotely requires cloud solutions. This includes collaborative platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems have also become critical....
One constant struggle in offices is the balance between productivity and security. If you give users too much freedom in your network, risk increases. But add too many security gates, and productivity can dwindle. It’s a fine balance between the two, but one you can...
Have you ever bought a new computer and then had buyer’s remorse a few months later? Maybe you didn’t pay attention to the storage capacity and ran out of space. Or you may have glossed over memory and experienced constant freeze-ups. An investment in a...
Cybersecurity insurance is still a pretty new concept for many SMBs. It was initially introduced in the 1990s to provide coverage for large enterprises. It covered things like data processing errors and online media. Since that time, the policies for this type of liability coverage...
Paying attention to your customer experience directly impacts your bottom line. Companies that are “customer-centric” are 60% more profitable than those that aren’t. In this digital age, customers also expect more from those they do business with. In today’s world, people can order something on...
Just five or six years ago, VoIP was still considered a “different” type of business phone system. One that wasn’t the norm. But the pandemic changed that way of thinking. Now internet-based phone systems aren’t simply the norm. They’re mandatory for business continuity. During the...
It seems that nearly as long as passwords have been around, they’ve been a major source of security concern. Eighty-one percent of security incidents happen due to stolen or weak passwords. Additionally, employees continue to neglect the basics of good cyber hygiene. For example, 61%...
Endpoints make up much of a company’s network and IT infrastructure. This is a collection of computers, mobile devices, servers, and smart gadgets. As well as other IoT devices that all connect to the company network. The number of endpoints a company has will vary...
When the year is coming to a close, it’s the perfect time to plan for the future. Most businesses begin the year with the hope of growing and improving operations. Much of how a business operates depends on technology. So, it makes sense to look...
One of the most difficult types of attacks to detect are those performed by insiders. An “insider” would be anyone that has legitimate access to your company network and data. This would be via a login or other authorized connection. Because insiders have authorized system...
Urban Network is proud to continue to support men’s mental health charity Andy’s Man Club as our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partner throughout 2022. Andy’s Man Club is a phenomenal charity which aims to reduce male suicide by providing non-judgmental spaces for men to talk...
Digital footprints cover today’s modern workplace. Employees begin making these the moment they’re hired. They get a company email address and application logins. They may even update their LinkedIn page to connect to your company. When an employee leaves a company, there is a process...
The Christmas shopping season is taking off. This means that scammers have also revved up their engines. They’re primed and ready to take advantage of all those online transactions. Don’t forget to stay safe online during the buying frenzy that occurs this time of year....
Have you felt more secure from cyberattacks because you have a smaller business? Maybe you thought that you couldn’t possibly have anything that a hacker could want? Didn’t think they even knew about your small business. Well, a new report by cybersecurity firm Barracuda Networks...
Paul Moore of Urban has stepped down from his position as Financial Director of the Network Group after some 4 year tenure. Paul initially joined the Network Group consortium as Managing Director of Birmingham based Heart Business Systems in 2013 but was invited to join the executive...
Microsoft 365 is the most popular of all major office productivity software. It has 48.8% of the global market share, just edging out Google’s apps, by a couple of percentage points. It’s used by individuals, small & mid-sized businesses, and larger enterprise organizations. It does...
The pandemic has been a reality that companies around the world have shared. It required major changes in how they operate. No longer, did the status quo of having everyone work in the office make sense for everyone. Many organizations had to quickly evolve to...
After being the main entry to the internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Internet Explorer (IE) is gone. As of June 15, 2022, Microsoft dropped the web browser from support. IE ushered in the age of connection to the world in 1995 and...
Software vulnerabilities are an unfortunate part of working with technology. A developer puts out a software release with millions of lines of code. Then, hackers look for loopholes that allow them to breach a system through that code. The developer issues a patch to fix...
Productivity can be challenging to track, no matter where employees are working. How do you know they’re using their tools as effectively as possible? How can you enable them to adopt best practices? These are questions that managers often ask themselves. If they’re looking at...
Phishing. It seems you can’t read an article on cybersecurity without it coming up. That’s because phishing is still the number one delivery vehicle for cyberattacks. A cybercriminal may want to steal employee login credentials. Or wish to launch a ransomware attack for a payout....
The Charity free@last has had a boost to its available hardware at its Community Centre in Nechells in the form of 4 new highly specified PCs from the Birmingham office of Urban Network. The charity free@last has, since 1999, offered support to young people and...
Many small businesses make the mistake of skipping policies. They feel that things don’t need to be so formal. They’ll just tell staff what’s expected when it comes up and think that’s good enough. But this way of thinking can cause issues for small and...
Cloud file storage revolutionized the way we handle documents. No more having to email files back and forth. No more wondering which person in the office has the most recent copy of a document. Between 2015 and 2022, the percentage of worldwide corporate data stored...
One of the big draws of a laptop computer is that you can use it anywhere. You don’t need to have it plugged in all the time because it has an internal battery. Your laptop may start out with several hours of battery life when...
Urban Network has completed the acquisition of Dedred Coms, further bolstering the Business Transformation Solutions offered to both existing and new clients, via a range of technical and development solutions. With the needs of the client at the centre of Urban Network’s expansion strategy, the...
One constant about technology is that it changes rapidly. Tools that were once staples, like Internet Explorer and Adobe Flash, age out. New tools replace those that are obsolete. Discontinued technology can leave computers and networks vulnerable to attacks. While older technology may still run...
The number of internet-connected devices in homes has been growing. It’s increased exponentially over the last decade. A typical home now has 10.37 devices connected to the internet. PCs and mobile devices make up a little over half of those and the rest are IoT...
“Hybrid office” is the new buzzword you’ll hear used in business discussions. It’s the mix of having employees both working at the office and working from home. This has become more than a buzzword and is now the reality for many companies. There was a...
Early this year Urban Network announced that they have chosen men’s mental health charity ANDYSMANCLUB, which aims to reduce male suicides, as their new Corporate Social Responsibility Partner (CSR). When asked what impact the donation from Urban has had Lucas Whitehead from ANDYSMANCLUB stated, “ANDYSMANCLUB...
Smartphones and tablets are often the preferred device for communications, web searching, and accessing many types of apps. They’re more portable and can be used from anywhere. We’re seeing the takeover of many activities that used to be performed on traditional computers. Now, people are...
Phishing is the number one method of attack delivery for everything from ransomware to credential theft. We are very aware of it coming by email, but other types of phishing have been growing rapidly. In recent years, phishing over social media has skyrocketed by 500%....
Any cyberattack is dangerous, but the particularly devastating ones are those on supply chain companies. These can be any supplier – digital or non-digital – of goods and services. We’ve seen several attacks on the supply chain occur in 2021 that had wide-reaching consequences. These...
Over 2.4 million searches happen every minute on Google. It’s often the first stop people make when they go online. We search daily for both personal and work needs, and often searching out the right information can take a lot of time if you have...
In 2020, 75% of companies around the world experienced a phishing attack. Phishing remains one of the biggest dangers to your business’s health and wellbeing because it’s the main delivery method for all types of cyberattacks. One phishing email can be responsible for a company...
Whether you work remotely or in an office, the line between personal and work tasks can become blurred when working on your company computer. If you’re in front of a computer for most of your time during work, then it’s not unusual to get attached...
Technology and IT constantly continues to move forwards, providing businesses with new and innovative solutions to the way they operate. Alongside this, companies that specialise in IT services also have to constantly seek new ways to service the needs of our clients. Which is why...
How would you feel if one day your printer whirred into motion and printed out a 5-step list on how to avoid being hacked, but you hadn’t asked it to print anything? This is exactly what happened to 28,000 printers which were targeted by Cybernews...
If you are considering outsourcing your IT support, then using an outsourced managed IT provider has considerable benefits for most businesses. A good service provider will fulfil all your IT needs, from hardware and software to managed security, e-commerce and cloud computing. This frees up...
What is phishing? Phishing is a common and increasingly sophisticated form of cybercrime, designed to lure target individuals into disclosing sensitive information, such as bank details, passwords or other confidential data. The attacks take the form of emails, website content, phone calls or text messages...
Urban Network has nominated men’s mental health charity Andy’s Man Club, which aims to reduce male suicide by providing non-judgmental spaces for men to talk about their lives and challenges, as our new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partner for 2022. Community involvement and social responsibility...
The world of Information Technology is fast-paced and ever-evolving, so at Urban Network we are constantly training our teams to maintain and improve skill levels and improve our knowledge base, to make sure our clients always get an expert service. Continuous Professional Development As part...
Managing your staff’s performance to increase productivity is a multi-faceted task in the modern office. Managers must take into account not just output, but also the quality of work, employee focus and distractions, time management and staff well-being, among other considerations. Google Chrome extensions...
Many businesses use Microsoft or MS Word as part of the Office suite of software. But are you and your staff getting the optimum use from this familiar mainstay of office IT? Word has features that can increase productivity and save time, so making sure...
Cyber Essentials – a reminder As covered in our recent series of blogs on the subject, and as you are no doubt aware, Cyber Essentials is a scheme from the government agency the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) that aims to support organisations to protect...
What is Multi-factor Authentication? Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is a cyber-security method that asks users to provide multiple pieces of information to access accounts, networks, apps or any other secure online resource. Asking for more forms of verification has key benefits for safeguarding against cyber-attacks and...
Over the last two years, the global pandemic has seen massive amounts of business activity taken online, from Zoom meetings to Microsoft Teams, to remote accessing of processes. This can only be a good thing for collaborative working, reducing running costs and sustainability. There has...
There has been a huge industry buzz around the release of Windows 11, the latest incarnation of Microsoft’s operating system and the first new version for six years. Microsoft is calling it “the Windows that brings you closer to what you love.” But what’s different...
After 10 years, Microsoft has announced what is being described as a “substantive’ change to commercial Office365/Microsoft365 plans and pricing. The changes took place in March 2022 The Changes to Microsoft365 pricing The new pricing is part of the New Commerce Experience (NCE) program and will align...
Microsoft Edge is finally upgrading one of its most useful features Tracking down the exact information you’re hunting for on a Microsoft Edge web page could soon be easier than ever thanks to a super-useful upgrade. The web browser has announced it is improving the...
Microsoft Excel is getting a whole lot more customization Microsoft is expanding its spreadsheet software with the addition of a new API which will allow developers to create their own custom data types in Excel. Countless solutions have been built in Excel using just text...
We’ve made it! We have discussed four of the five controls as required by Cyber Essentials to achieve their accreditation. In the remainder of this article we will explore Patch Management – the last of the five controls that will get you on your way...
We have already covered four of the five controls as required by Cyber Essentials to achieve their accreditation. In the following article we will explore Access Controls, the fourth control in our walkthrough to a successful certification. The aim of Access Controls The objective of...
The Cyber Essentials accreditation has five key controls that need to be implemented and maintained in order to guarantee successful certification. We have explored two of the five controls already (Firewalls and a Secure Configuration) and will now delve deeply into the third – Malware...
Microsoft 365 will tell your boss if you’re misbehaving online Microsoft is working on a couple of updates for its productivity suite that will help businesses keep closer tabs on the ways their employees are using the web. As per a new entry in the...
Microsoft Teams to get faster and more relevant search results Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that its Teams desktop app is getting a new search results experience that should provide more relevant and faster results. Today, the company shared a bit more information about the...
As we have explored, the Cyber Essentials accreditation has five key controls that need implementing and maintaining to a high standard to make a successful certification possible. We have already looked at Firewalls and the role they play in your cyber security and the quest...
As we explained previously, the Cyber Essentials accreditation has five key controls that need implementing and maintaining to a high standard to make a successful certification possible. This article is all you need to know about the first, Firewalls. Firewalls are one of the five...
The modern world of work is full of cyber security vulnerabilities, so it is essential that you do everything in your power to ensure the prolonged security of your systems, systems that contain your clients’ sensitive data. That is where Cyber Essentials comes in. Cyber...
Microsoft launches Surface Pro 8, Laptop Studio, and Duo 2 phone Windows 11 maker unveils hybrid PC products and accessibility kit for people with disabilities Microsoft Surface Go 3, Surface Duo, Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 8 and Surface Laptop Studio Microsoft has announced a...
Price change for Microsoft 365 Today we are announcing changes to our commercial pricing for Microsoft 365—the first substantive pricing update since we launched Office 365 a decade ago. This updated pricing reflects the increased value we have delivered to our customers over the past...
In the previous blog in the series we explored the power that technology holds in our lives in the modern world, and how our reliance on it is only going to grow as time goes on, more and more employers are becoming aware of what...
Our lives in the modern world revolve around technology – everything we do is influenced by it from the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep. We are entirely reliant upon technology – that is, after all, what allows our lives...
Microsoft Teams is dropping support for iOS 13 and lower in October Microsoft is preparing to drop support for its Teams mobile app on older versions of iOS in October of this year. The Redmond giant has announced via Microsoft 365 Admin Center that the...
Windows 365 release date, pricing, features and everything else you need to know Microsoft has finally unveiled Windows 365, its new PC-as-a-service offering that allows users to stream a Windows desktop to any of their devices and from any location. Billed as “a new way...
How to Quickly Clean Up Your Microsoft Outlook Inbox We see all sorts of advice and methods for tidying up our inboxes, from using search folders to sorting and prioritizing. But for a super quick cleanup of your inbox, check out the built-in cleaning tools...
BT and Microsoft announce strategic partnership BT and Microsoft today announced a new strategic partnership to accelerate innovation across enterprise voice, cyber security and industry-focused services in sectors from digital manufacturing to health, setting businesses in the UK and around the world back to growth....
Microsoft offers more detail on auto-delete of Microsoft Teams meeting recordings We recently reported that Microsoft is planning to offer a feature where Microsoft Teams recordings will be automatically deleted after a set period unless other action is taken, a good companion to Microsoft Team’s...
As we have explored in our previous article, technology is the driving force of our lives, and this is the case for most around the world – especially in the world of work. Recent advancements have increased our reliance on technology considerably more than has...
Technology, the lynchpin of our lives in the modern world – its presence in our lives is more important now than it has ever been before. Over recent years advancements in technology have been enormous – a lot of these advancements have made a remote...
Windows 11 is putting Microsoft Teams front and centre The latest tease of Windows 11 has suggested that Microsoft Teams will play an even more prominent role than expected in the new software platform. The new build is set to integrate the Microsoft Teams chat...
Microsoft Teams on mobile is finally getting this key feature Using Microsoft Teams on your smartphone could be about to get a lot more useful thanks to the latest update to the software. Microsoft has revealed its users will be able to access apps for...
Microsoft Teams is getting its own music mode and new meeting controls Microsoft is working on a new feature called “Music Mode” for Microsoft Teams that will improve the quality and accuracy of audio on desktop platforms. Additionally, Microsoft is also working on new meeting...
Has Microsoft Teams presented an analytics gap? Nearly a year on from the first UK lockdown and a mass move to working remotely, unified communications and collaboration technology has accelerated at a rapid rate – and shows no signs of slowing down. Nationwide workforces are,...
In our previous article we explored what Single Sign On (SSO) is, how it can benefit your business, and how it can improve the security of your organisation. In this article we will explore how SSO integrates with Microsoft 365 and how together they can...
The current digital landscape has developed at an alarming rate over recent years, and it has also felt as though terms such as ‘cyber threat’ and ‘cyber criminal’ are now common place in our work environment. Due to this rapid development, the strain on in-house...
What’s New in Teams Displays? Microsoft Teams is constantly introducing new features and functionalities for today’s collaborative teams. This includes new functionality not just for messaging, video chat, and calling, but also for Teams peripherals and meeting experiences too. In June 2021, Microsoft revealed a...
Microsoft Teams makes Together mode available for all meeting sizes Microsoft is expanding the availability of its Together mode feature in Teams meetings. As spotted by Microsoft MVP Amanda Sterner, the company is rolling out a new update that will make Together mode available for...
Microsoft Teams’ activity feed now integrated with Power BI Microsoft Teams logo with shapes around it in the various colors of the Teams logo Last month, Microsoft introduced a bunch of new features for Teams, including end-to-end encryption, Windows 10 native notifications, and more. With...
Microsoft Teams personal and work/school can now run side-by-side People using Microsoft Teams on their PC can now have a personal and work/school account open at the same time. Previously, you’d have to toggle between accounts. The functionality makes it much easier to communicate through...
Microsoft Teams Mobile Apps Get Overdue Updates Microsoft has fired out some updates to its Teams iOS and Android apps which make them far more useful for workers on the go. The Microsoft Teams app for Android and iOS have just received a host of...
7 New Features in Windows 11 Windows 11 is finally official after Microsoft’s big splashy Livestream. In case you missed it, Windows 11 features a completely redesigned UI, new aesthetics, Auto HDR for games, Android Apps, and much more. There’s plenty to get to know...
Microsoft Teams is finally solving one of its biggest issues New Microsoft Teams chat bubbles looks to keep you connected Sending messages using Microsoft Teams should be more effective than ever thanks to a new update coming to the platform. The video conferencing service has...
Vulnerability in Microsoft Teams granted attackers access to emails, messages, and personal files A vulnerability in Microsoft Teams could allow a malicious actor to steal sensitive data and access a victim’s communications, researchers have warned A vulnerability in Microsoft Teams could allow a malicious actor...
As we covered in our previous blog, the advancements in technology in the modern age have been enormous – they have revolutionised the way we work and changed the way we go about our daily activities. We established that moving with the times and getting...
The advancements in technology over the years has dramatically changed – and, most importantly, improved – the way we go about our daily activities in the workplace. Moving with the times is essential when it comes to technology; the landscape is ever-evolving and offering new,...
Microsoft has finally hinted toward a much-needed update to its Teams software. As revealed, Microsoft Teams will introduce end-to-end encryption to VoIP calls in July 2021. This feature will supposedly give more control to the admins to encrypt sensitive communications. Microsoft Teams End-to-End Encryption...
Microsoft Office for Android finally gets a dark mode Microsoft is finally adding a dark mode to its Office app for Android. While the Office app has been available on iOS and Android for more than a year, only the iOS version has included built-in...
You might want to ditch Chrome after seeing this update from Microsoft CHROME may remain the most popular browser on the planet but a big update from Microsoft might make you consider its Edge alternative. Google’s Chrome still reigns supreme when it comes to the...
Microsoft Teams now brings family and friends together to call, chat, and make plans For much of 2020 and 2021, people have endured missing their friends and loved ones. Yet while physical distance has separated us, we have also rediscovered the power and importance...
Microsoft Office 365 is getting a handy upgrade that will streamline your workflow Office apps will soon display a list of recommended files as a set of cards Keeping track of your files in Microsoft Office 365 is about to get a whole lot easier...
3 Windows settings that you can reset to work more efficiently in Microsoft 365 You might be surprised to learn that some Windows settings can be changed to your advantage as a Microsoft 365 user. Learn how to work more efficiently by setting them up...
Employers should prepare for ongoing working from home, experts warn Organisations told they can ‘no longer exclusively’ make all the decisions about how their staff work Businesses have been told to prepare for ongoing disruption to working patterns as government advisers have reportedly warned the...
Nearly all Microsoft 365 customers have suffered email data breaches 85% of Microsoft 365 business customers affected Using Microsoft 365, the software giant’s cloud-based communications and collaboration platform, could be a security liability for many organizations, a new report from Egress seems to suggest. The...
Browser wars: Microsoft Edge is showing the first signs of weakness Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge, the company’s flagship web browser, has enjoyed rapid growth since it went live last year, but new figures suggest the service may have reached an abrupt plateau. According to...
Adobe Flash: Microsoft lays out plans to remove it from Windows 10 PCs for good Microsoft is preparing to issue two more Windows 10 updates in June and July that will eliminate unsupported Adobe Flash Player from Windows PCs for good. The update KB4577586 called...
Do you have applications that are essential to the way you and your team work but have become outdated? Has the pandemic opened your eyes to the potential of having an entirely remote working team? Have you questioned whether you still need your staff work...
Why organisations must learn from remote working impact James Pomeroy, Director of Quality, Health, Environment and Safety at Lloyd’s Register, explains how results from the global safety assurance specialists’ latest report shines a light on the true impact working from home has had on staff...
How to Enable Transcription in Microsoft Teams Microsoft Teams is the go-to solution for collaboration in many hybrid work environments today. More than just a meetings tool, Teams acts as a hub of productivity features intended to help staff more effectively together. Part of what...
Microsoft Teams looks set to be part of working life for years to come The past year has introduced many of us to online conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams, but the latest releases from its parent company seem to suggest that video calls are...
Microsoft Announces Visual Studio 2022 Microsoft said today that it will release the first public preview of Visual Studio 2022 this summer ahead of an expected late 2021 release. And it looks like a major refresh. “The next major release of Visual Studio will be...
Moving analytics to the cloud requires new approaches, skills, and architectures compared with analysis done in-house the traditional way. Like so many other IT functions, data analytics is moving to the cloud. And as with other cloud-based endeavors, this presents both opportunities and challenges. One...
As we have explored previously in the blog series, your Microsoft 365 account being breached could have potentially catastrophic consequences to your business, we explored some security measures that can prevent this from happening, and how to implement those measures in your organisation. In the...
Now that we know smaller businesses are not immune to the threats that cyber criminals pose, it is essential that you use the resources available to defend yourself to the best of your ability – especially on the usually smaller budget in comparison to larger...
Cyber security should be at the forefront of concerns for all business owners / managers, with Covid-19 reaping havoc worldwide over the last year – the need for good cyber security is essential. Many do not understand the seriousness of not having adequate security measures...
The video conferencing game could be hotting up even more after Microsoft Teams revealed it will be rolling out one of the most useful features from Zoom to its own service. Over the past twelve months, one of the reasons Zoom quickly became a favourite with users around the...
Top features of the easy-to-use collaborative software for businesses Formerly Office 365, Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive tool with multiple applications to aid your business. Office 365 for small businesses has been, and continues as Microsoft 365 to be, a complete service that makes it...
There can be no doubt that the last year has been unprecedented for businesses. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused serious challenges with many companies not even being able to stay open for the majority of the year, and even those that were able to open...
Unless your business is big enough for its own IT department, outsourcing your IT may benefit your day-to-day operations greatly. Without this service, entire departments can become paralyzed, and your business can come to a grinding halt. Despite being particularly at risk of disaster without...
Many businesses are already shifting a great deal of time and attention towards cloud-based technology. If you have been a little slower on the uptake, there are several different reasons why you may need to rethink this particular strategy. Here, we will look at a...
In the previous blogs in the series, we have explored the ways in which cybercriminals attack your systems and some of the fundamentals you need to implement to ensure the best possible cyber security infrastructure for your business. In the last blog of the series,...
In the last blog in the series, we explored cyber security and how it should be at the forefront of concerns within a business, we looked at different methods that cyber-criminals use to attack your systems and learned how damaging they can be. In the...
Cyber security has rapidly become a vital necessity to everyone. Anyone connected to the internet needs a good level of cyber security as much as anyone that owns a home needs a good lock and key. The rapidly increasing technological landscape is partially to blame...
Data breaches cost UK organisations an average of £2.9 million per breach. In 2019, human error accounted for 90% of breaches. Those facts alone are usually enough to convince people security awareness training is important. Usually. Only 1 in 9 businesses (11%) provided cyber security training to non-cyber...
90 per cent of cyber data breaches were caused by user error last year, according to the analysis of data from the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) by the cybersecurity awareness and data analytics company, CybSafe. In 2019, UK organisations reported more cybersecurity breaches to...
A year after Prime Minister Boris Johnson started advising working from home where possible, Alex Dalglish, future workplace consultant at SoftwareONE discusses what we’ve learned about remote working Working from home has become a more common occurrence over the past year, and has bought its...
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of people who work remotely has dramatically risen, meaning IT infrastructures and online systems are more relied upon by businesses than ever before. Inevitably, as virtual activity has increased, so has the threat posed by cyber security attacks....
New view switcher feature provides a different outlook on Microsoft Teams Users of Microsoft Teams might be able to get a new outlook on their video conferencing calls thanks to a new feature for the platform. The view switcher tool will allow Microsoft Teams participants to switch between a...
Following a turbulent 2020, the stage is set for 2021 to become a year of growth and recovery. How can manufacturers leverage technology to overcome challenges and embrace opportunity in 2021 and beyond? 2020 was a turbulent year for the UK manufacturing sector. The Covid-19...
These six business technologies can help your company run smoother, gain and retain customers, improve productivity, and even avoid public scandals. When the entire world shut down due to the pandemic, that’s when technology shined really bright, showing its worth. Overnight, the ability to connect...
Cloud technology is not just growing quickly, it’s evolving! Pandemic has nudged many budding startups and big companies to adopt cloud services to ensure business continuity. Top cloud players like AWS, Azure, google cloud are expected to grow bigger by end of 2021 and 60%...
As companies prepare to make remote working permanent, cultural change will play a crucial role in building new, successful work environments. Remote working is nothing new, but as more businesses look towards making it an integral part of how they operate, work as we know...
The ongoing growth of cellular wireless network applications creates new demand for emerging technologies. Fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication includes several network layers that leverage technology such as Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN), network slicing, and cloud edge computing. Within cloud-edges, the broader artificial intelligence...
Microsoft on Monday announced it has started rolling out a guest access feature in Microsoft Teams. The ability to have guests in Teams requires that an organization have a particular subscription, but no separate licensing is needed for the guests. Here’s how it was explained in this “Guest...
BEFORE the Covid-19 pandemic, long-term trends such as the proliferation of new digital technologies, evolving demographics and rising social concerns about inequality and the environment were already changing the way work is done, by whom and where. The global pandemic served as an accelerator and...
Peter says that the cyber-attacks on his company are relentless. “We see tens of different hacking attacks every single week. It is never-ending.” A senior computer network manager for a global financial services company, Peter (who did not want to give his surname, or the...
Drive your business to IT confidence with the Cloud Problem: Organising meetings can be a difficult and inefficient use of time Meetings are an integral work process; they give you a chance to communicate with your employees when not in the midst of a busy...
Drive your business to IT confidence with the Cloud A key ingredient to a successful business is collaboration. Utilising this effectively can improve your day-to-day working, productivity and increase output. Over previous years it has been difficult to collaborate to a high standard unless sitting...
The transition into permanent remote working is inescapable now. Countless articles, morning talk shows and widely-shared social media polls have all indicated this irreversible trajectory. There is simply no recourse to ‘un-ring that bell’. What may have started off as a necessity to adhere to social distancing regulations is...
With the UK’s third lockdown expected to last until at least March, the longer-term challenges of remote working, beyond the practicalities of IT set ups, are starting to show. But remote working doesn’t need to cull creativity. Sharing her thoughts on the subject is Aleksandra...
Scrutinize those SMS messages before you click. A new phishing campaign has been identified that targets PayPal users with fraudulent text messages. The exploit attempts to steal a variety of sensitive user details, in addition to their PayPal credentials. The phishing campaign begins with an SMS message...
Work communication platform could become as integral as an internet browser, says chief Satya Nadella. If 2020 was the year of the video meeting, 2021 could be the year when the apps that went mainstream during the crisis cement their position at the centre of...
If you’re one of the many currently working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, read through these best practices for remote working, segmented into company-level, team-level and individual-level tips. As the world hunkers down to whether the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), work is...
Britain’s earliest dinosaur was a nimble omnivore that ran around on two legs, unlike its later relative’s brontosaurus and diplodocus, research suggests. Standing at about the height of a 10-year-old child, and 1.5 metres in length with a long thin tail, Thecodontosaurus antiquus roamed the Earth during...
A look at how remote life has accelerated connected technology Undoubtedly, connected technology is playing a key role in allowing employees to continue working, in spite of the current coronavirus pandemic. Consequentially, the pandemic has also accelerated the development of new technologies across various industries and professions....
Business process automation and how it improves workflow in a customer service department. As we have explained previously, business is predominantly digitised wherever possible for most in the modern world. Technology has grown from something that makes your job slightly easier to a staple of...
Business process Automation and how it improves workflow in an accounts department. As we touched on previously, the workplace has changed dramatically over recent years – it has become heavily digitised. Technology for all its benefits – with its ability to influence growth and the...
Business Process Automation and how it improves workflow in a sales setting. The world in which business is conducted is now heavily digitised and, as much as technology has been a driver for growth and evolution, so too has it brought additional complexity and process...
There’s a false sense of security among the UK workforce, a new report states. There is a “false sense of security” among British employees working remotely, a new report from Fasthosts claims. With remote working becoming the new normal, the majority of the country’s workers...
A new report outlines key areas that could help businesses cut down on emissions. Businesses worldwide could significantly reduce the emission of greenhouse gases through the use of state-of-the-art technology. This is according to a new report from the Royal Society, which claims that advanced tech could...
The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent global lockdown have forced many businesses to shut down, but the number would have been even greater if it weren’t for cloud technology and digital transformation. A report from the Cloud Industry Forum (CIF) claims two thirds of businesses sped...
A significant minority of businesses (31 percent) don’t have proper policies in place which would enable employees to work remotely and in a more agile way. This is according to a new report from Sigma, a UX design and development agency. The company uncovered the roadblock...
Digital transformation lets the boldest banks reimagine themselves – and Temenos is powering the changemakers by enabling customer-centric services and lasting relationships. The banking sector has come a long way since the global financial crisis. Faced with an existential moment, banks regained trust and have...
Cloud computing will account for an even bigger chunk of enterprise tech spending over the next few years, as businesses decide it’s time to migrate even more applications and services. Spending on public cloud services is expected to grow 18.4% next year, to a total of...
More and more, we see the cloud becoming a popular deployment option among organizations. The mobility and ease of access of the cloud make it one of the most convenient choices. While using the cloud, though, companies may be more susceptible to security threats and...
In the midst of a pandemic that’s led to unprecedented levels of remote working, digital tools to monitor employees in real time are gaining popularity among companies looking for new ways to track employee productivity. At the same time, the trend raises concerns about employee...
Venerable browser Internet Explorer continues to have millions of users worldwide, despite Microsoft actively trying to wean customers off the software, new data has found. The latest figures from NetMarketShare found that 5.57% of all users are still utilising the company’s venerable Internet Explorer browser. Microsoft has been hard...
When it comes to digital transformation, there’s a lot of attention on cloud computing and the implementation of AI and machine learning. But as Ky Nichol points out, automation is also a key consideration: There is no dispute that automation remains an instrumental driver of technology and business decisions, data insight, continuous delivery,...
Identifying security trends via Windows 10 antivirus should be easier than ever Microsoft has unveiled new changes to its Windows 10 antivirus platform designed to give administrators greater insight into the level of vulnerability present in device fleets. Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), recently rebranded as Microsoft...
Ways your remote working can be more effective through collaboration Collaboration is one of the most important aspects of remote working, without it, some tasks would simply be unachievable. When individuals work together openly, processes and goals become more aligned, leading the group toward their...
Ways Teams helps communications while remotely working Communication whilst remotely working is very important for keeping the standard of work and goals aligned for all staff. It also provides a small amount of normality allowing for members of the team to converse, regardless of their...
5 Ways your remote working can be more effective Working from home or remote working poses a particular set of challenges, many of which are different from the office setting challenges we face every day. In this series of blogs, we will be exploring some...
FREE Microsoft 365 Subscription from Urban. Fuelled by the current climate, the demand for efficient and productive remote working has never been greater, and the technology tools on which rely, have transitioned from important to absolutely essential overnight. Those platforms and applications that do not...
Urban signs strategic partnership with flagship email security vendor, Mimecast With the changing trend in the way businesses need to work in response to the challenges experienced during 2020, cyberattack attempts have grown by an alarmingly high 75% within the UK¹. Of the increase in...
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
It is now becoming more important than ever to ensure your business is protected and certified against the cyber risks. Cyber Essentials is the government’s flagship programme that helps businesses take structured steps to become cyber secure. Once achieved, Cyber Essentials provides a certification standard...
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
How would you summarise the level of impact COVID-19 has caused to your business? Along with a variety of other pinpoint questions, in the webinar, we discuss the impact that this worldwide pandemic is causing to the MSPs all around the country, including a...
One of the key measures to reduce the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 is social distancing, which for many organisations means encouraging – or instructing – staff to work from home.
The cumulative volume of coronavirus-related email lures and other threats is the largest collection of attack types exploiting a single theme for years, possibly ever. The total volume of phishing emails and other security threats relating to the Covid-19 coronavirus now represents the largest...
Organisations in the UK and Netherlands are more exposed to high-risk vulnerabilities than any others in Europe, with misconfiguration a major challenge, according to new data from Outpost24. The security provider analysed vulnerability data collected from over two million assets across 10 markets, over a 12-month...
Security experts say a spike in email scams linked to coronavirus is the worst they have seen in years. Cyber-criminals are targeting individuals as well as industries, including aerospace, transport, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare and insurance. Phishing emails written in English, French, Italian, Japanese, and...
The email addresses and travel details of about 10,000 people who used free wi-fi at UK railway stations have been exposed online. Network Rail and the service provider C3UK confirmed the incident three days after being contacted by BBC News about the matter.
(Image credit: GettyImages) A Virgin Media database containing the personal details of 900,000 people was left unsecured and accessible online for 10 months, the company has admitted. The information was accessed “on at least one occasion” by an unknown user. The database, which was for...
(Image credit: Shutterstock) Hackers employed a clever trick to get users to enable macros in a malicious Word document. The cybercriminals behind a recent phishing campaign used a fake Norton LifeLock document in order to trick victims into installing a remote access trojan (RAT) on their systems....
(Image credit: Shutterstock.com / Tharnapoom Voranavin) Employee and user data leaked due to unsecured server. Sporting company Decathlon has suffered a massive data breach exposing records of over 123 million users and employees. According to researchers at vpnMentor, more than 9GB of data was leaked from...
A new variant of the notorious Emotet Windows malware is able to spread wirelessly by brute-forcing Wi-Fi network passwords and scanning for shared drives to infect. The wormification of the trojan attack was detected by researchers at Binary Defense, who this month reported that the...
A new variant of the notorious Emotet Windows malware is able to spread wirelessly by brute-forcing Wi-Fi network passwords and scanning for shared drives to infect. The wormification of the trojan attack was detected by researchers at Binary Defense, who this month reported that the...
Software nasties targeted at MacOS are on the increase faster than ones for Windows, according to antivirus biz Malwarebytes. Malicious software targeting users of Apple Macs has leapt over the last year, the security outfit said in its latest State of Malware report. Describing this...
Prolific malware turned botnet shows no signs of slowing down as campaigns are launched against financial institutions in the US and UK. A notorious malware campaign is targeting banks and financial institutions in the US and the UK with cyberattacks that are not only destructive in their...
The desktop platform of WhatsApp has more than 1.5 billion monthly active users. The flaw affected WhatsApp desktop versions prior to 0.3.9309 when paired with WhatsApp for iPhone versions prior to 2.20.10. Researchers have reported a vulnerability in WhatsApp desktop client for iPhones which...
Remember the recent payment card breach at Wawa convenience stores? If you’re among those millions of customers who shopped at any of 850 Wawa stores last year but haven’t yet hotlisted your cards, it’s high time to take immediate action. That’s because hackers have finally...
The popular misconception that Macs don’t get viruses has become a lot less popular in recent years, as Apple devices have weathered their fair share of bugs. But it’s still surprising that the most prolific malware on macOS – by one count, affecting one in ten...
At least 200 people who were cheated out of more than $441,000 in total. To prevent yourself from falling to these traps, visit actionfraud.police.uk to know what to do and when. Recently, scammers impersonating representatives from Amazon were reported calling up Amazon users and offering...
According to the Google security team, the wave of fraudulent transactions began earlier this month. Tech giant Google has confirmed that all commercial extensions have been temporarily suspended from being published or updated in the Chrome Web Store in the wake of a significant...
UK businesses were deluged with cyber-attacks in 2019, with the average firm hit by over half a million attempts to compromise systems, according to new stats from Beaming. The Hastings-based business Internet Service Provider (ISP) extrapolated the findings from data on its own corporate customers across...
WannaCry was “the most ordinary type of hack” in 2019 Despite some security analysts saying the is dead, ransomware continues being one of the most popular and most devastating types of malware out there. A new report by PreciseSecurity.com claims that almost a quarter (23.56...
Let us guide your business to the Fort of Cyber Security! Cyber threats are everywhere… It’s important to understand the current trends in security threats; enabling you to identify your vulnerabilities and better protect your sensitive data. Cyber Security is largely about being aware...
In the digital age, internet connectivity is as vital to our livelihoods as electricity. Despite being in the country’s capital, you might still be suffering from a lack of full fibre broadband, which is holding back the productivity of your business and is ultimately costing you time & money.
We shouldn’t have to sit back and suffer… with the dangerous rate of attacks taking place, why should we not learn lessons from what’s happened and use those lessons to better advance our defences for next time?
In the rise of threats to our valuable & private data, cyber-criminals are forever creating new ways to disrupt and defraud our professional and personal lives. One of the many cyber threats that has seen a sharp increase in activity within recent years is Ransomware.
After recently celebrating their 9th year in business, HallidayMarx enjoyed some exciting news that their head office was moving to Lime Street in London. As a long-term valued client to Urban Network, we were proudly on-hand to deliver a seamless transition across all things technology...
Your details might be all over the Dark Web… what is it? Around 3% of the internet cordoned off typically for illegal activity. Identified as the ‘Dark Web’, untraceable and difficult to access, it is therefore a prime location for the shared activities between criminals of all kinds.
Thieves are stealing from you… but, no longer are they climbing out of the bedroom window with your television. Today’s cyber criminals want to get access to your valuable & sensitive data, and with some slightly more sophisticated tools at their disposal...
Thieves are stealing from you… but, no longer are they climbing out of the bedroom window with your television. Today’s cyber criminals want to get access to your valuable & sensitive data, and with some slightly more sophisticated tools at their disposal...
On January 14th 2020 Microsoft will end extended support for the Windows 7 Operating System. This is known in tech terms as end-of-life for the software. So, what does this mean and how do you prepare for Windows 7 End of Life?
Disaster recovery and business continuity planning should be considered a critical aspect of running a business. These 7 key principles of Business Continuity will help you get started in the right direction when crafting an effective business continuity plan. 1. Get employees involved Business Continuity...
Why backup and data protection is critical for a business? It is important to understand why backup is critical for a business. Today’s businesses are creating more data than ever and you need a robust backup and data protection for your business sensitive data. Successful...
Why do you need an IT Security Checklist? According to the Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2017: 46% of all UK businesses identified a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months 6 in 10 of those who identified breaches also say the...
This blog outlines how to set up email redirect in Outlook and Outlook Web App (OWA) You can use Outlook Inbox Rules to redirect any messages you received that match conditions specified in the Rule to another email account. There are two methods to set...
This blog outlines how to set up Outlook auto forward, including Outlook Web App. You can use Outlook Inbox Rules to forward any messages you received that match conditions specified in the Rule to another email account. There are two methods to set up an...
There are two ways to set up an email account on iOS. This blog will show you step by step how to set up automatically and manually your email account on iPhone, iPad. I. Set up your email account on iOS automatically 1. Go to...
There are two methods to set up an Outlook Out of Office (Automatic Replies) when using Microsoft’s Office 365. You can use the local Outlook application or the Outlook Web App via a browser. This blog will show you step by step how to set...
This month is a special month for Urban Network: our 15th anniversary! In 2003, our founders Perry and Stuart quit their jobs and embarked on a journey with a vision of becoming a leading IT provider, providing a unique customer-focused service. Fifteen years later, Urban...
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Imagine if you were hit with a major server failure… There’s no way to predict the future, and Murphy’s Law tells us that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. There are many sources of downtime. Some of the common causes are human error,...
Patch Management is one of the five key technical controls required in the UK Government-backed Cyber Essentials Scheme. Why Patch Management is important? Vulnerabilities or security flaws are common in software and are frequently discovered. Once known, it can quickly be exploited by malicious individuals...
Malware Protection is one of the five key technical controls required in the UK Government-backed Cyber Essentials Scheme. Why Malware Protection is important? An organisation should implement robust malware software on devices that have access to or are accessible from the Internet. Malware, such as...
Access Control is one of the five key technical controls required in the UK Government-backed Cyber Essentials Scheme. Why Access Control is important? This control aims to ensure that only authorised individuals have user accounts and have access and at the appropriate level to reduce...
Secure Configuration is one of the five key technical controls required in the UK Government-backed Cyber Essentials Scheme. Why Secure Configuration is important? A new computer, network devices or installed software cannot be considered secure upon default configurations. Standard or factory settings often use administrator...
Boundary Firewall & Internet Gateway is one of the five key technical controls required in the UK Government-backed Cyber Essentials Scheme. Why Boundary Firewall and Internet Gateway is important? This control applies to every business where employees have access to the Internet. Boundary Firewall and...
Over the past 12 months, we were busy producing useful blog content for our amazing audience of social followers, email subscribers, customers, and customers-to-be. Didn’t have time to read it all? Here are the top 9 most popular posts of 2017. #1 – What General...
![[Checklist] What to look for when choosing an outsourced IT Provider](https://www.urbannetwork.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/What-to-look-for-when-choosing-an-Outsourced-IT-Provider-©-Urban-Network.png)
What should business look for in their Outsourced IT Provider? One of the hardest decisions any business needs to make is who their partners will be. This is especially true when it comes to technology partnerships, as they can become integral to everything you do...
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) replaces the Data Protection Act (DPA) in May 2018. It provides a new data protection framework to cover the collection, processing and protection of personal data on EU citizens and will have an impact on all business. Why...
We are proud to announce that Urban Network have achieved the Information Assurance for Small and Medium Enterprises (IASME) Governance Gold standard in addition to our existing Cyber Essentials accreditation. About the IASME Governance standard The IASME Governance standard, based on international best practices and...
Mayday was growing rapidly, nearly double its size and turnover since last year. It soon realised that the existing IT system and infrastructure were not sufficient to keep pace with its growth. They were starting to search for a flexible IT partner who would react...
More than 90% of targeted attacks start with email as cybercriminals look to gain access to your organisation. With sophisticated cyber attacks on the rise, your email security must keep up. Microsoft is continuing to wage on war on phishing attacks and email scam with...
We are delighted to announce that Urban Network have been named B2B Reseller of the Year at the annual Network Group Awards in Brighton. Now in their 7th year with 14 prestigious awards on offer, the Network Group Awards celebrates the best in business and...
Customer at a Glance 21construction Industry Construction Size Over 35 users Website http://www.21construction.co.uk Urban Network Customer Since 2016 Founded in 2012, 21construction provides high quality fit out and refurbishment to clients and consultant teams in London and the South East of England. They specialise as...
Today there are so many great ways to learn and improve your business; you can read blogs, attend webinars, listen to podcasts and watch videos on YouTube to name a few. So why would you bother with the time and expense of an in-person conference...
We are finalist in the 2017 Network Group Awards! We are delighted to announce that Urban Network have received double nominations in this year’s Network Group Awards in two categories: Business to Business Reseller of the Year and Managed Service Provider of the Year. The...
Windows Vista End of Support is coming next month on April 11, 2017. What “End of support” means for you? Microsoft has provided support for Windows Vista for the past 10 years but after April 11, 2017, Windows Vista customers will no longer receive new...
Read on and you will find more interesting facts about our Managing Director. 1. How long have you been at Urban Network? Since the beginning of Urban time – 14 years 2. Describe your role at Urban Network in one sentence Oversight of the inner...
Customer at a Glance Jackson Stops & Staff Industry Property Management Size Over 150 users across 13 sites Website www.jackson-stops.co.uk Urban Network Customer Since 2005 Jackson-Stops & Staff are specialists in prime residential property with a national network of over 40 offices. Towards the end...
Are you prepared in the event of data loss, natural disaster, cyber-attack, hardware failure or human error? Every business has to prepare for the worst. That’s why we put together this “Ultimate Disaster Recovery Checklist” to help you stay one step ahead of unforeseen dramas....
You may have heard of Moore’s Law which is an observation of the speed in the advancement of computing power. The most simplistic way to describe this is that computing power doubles roughly every year to year and a half. This prediction has pretty much...
Today’s big IT advantages come with major risks. Your networks and systems serve as your silent partner in operations. Should they fail – and when they do, it’s usually without warning – you’re exposed not just to an IT problem, but to a potentially large...
Our Desktop Assistant, Monitoring & Automation tool – Sentinel is getting an upgrade, new code that allows us to make use of available technology, improving the services we deliver to our clients. Along with the new Sentinel code comes a new icon for the System...
Urban Network has been announced as the winner of Customer Service Award at the Thames Gateway Business Awards event, which took places in Canary Wharf, hosted by BBC business journalist Declan Curry on October 28, 2016. In the Customer Service Award category, the judges are...
Security breached are costly and rarely a day goes without you seeing a headline about a new data breach. You might wonder how best to keep yourself safe online. One simple advice: reinforcing the basics. Follow these simple steps in the infographic “10 steps for...
A strong password is your first defence against hackers and cyber criminals. This month is Cyber Security Awareness Month, we will share simple tips on how to create secure password to protect yourself online. DO DON’T Create unique passwords that use a combination of words,...
In 2015, we observed an increase of macro-based malware along with the spike in spam volume. The majority of the macro-based attacks often start with spammed messages containing attachments such as Microsoft Word document and Excel files. These messages often use attention-grabbing topics, mostly related...
There are numerous ways to spot a fake email. The list below is not exhaustive but covers most common types of phishing attempts. The message contains poor spelling and grammar Whenever a large company sends out a message on behalf of the company as a...
The World Wide Web is a wonderful thing, never has it been so easy to find information, research your favourite topics or shop from the comfort of your armchair; it’s brilliant. But, it is also a haven for bad software, viruses and spyware (Spyware is...
What is Malvertising? Malvertising, short for malicious online advertising, is a combination that describes the cybercrime of using advertising on websites to proliferate malware. This is now one of the most successful ways that cybercriminals have of spreading bad code, or malware and infecting machines....
In some cases, cybercriminals may have managed to gain access to systems belonging to somebody that you know and trust or potentially they have spoofed their address (sending with the correct email address, but not actually gaining control of the person’s accounts). This could be...
What is Phone Phishing, Voice Phising or Vishing? Phone Phishing or Vishing (short for Voice Phishing) is a rising type of Social Engineering fraud. It is becoming popular as it adds a level of human manipulation into the attack. The scam artist will initiate a...
![[CyberSecurity Blog Series] Spear Phishing](https://www.urbannetwork.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/CyberSecurity-Blog-Series-Spear-Phishing-1.jpg)
What is Spear Phishing? Spear Phishing is a form of Social Engineering. It may be defined as ‘highly targeted phishing aimed at specific individuals or groups within an organisation’. Due to the amount of information that can be found freely with just a little digging...
What is Phishing? Phishing is the most popular form of Social Engineering. Via email mainly, this describes when an email is received that resembles an authentic email sometimes (but not necessarily) even from a genuine sender. These emails are trying to illicit a response that...
![[CyberSecurity Blog Series] Social Engineering](https://www.urbannetwork.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/CyberSecurity-Blog-Series-Social-Engineering-1.jpg)
What is Social Engineering? When the term ‘Social Engineering’ is used in the context of cybersecurity, or cybercrime it is a generic term for any attempt to have an end user assist the perpetrator by having them do something. Outside of the cyber realm this...
We are excited and proud to announce that we’ve been selected as finalist in this year’s Thames Gateway Business Awards in the “Customer Service” category. Great customer service is at the core of everything we do and our customer’s experience of our service is paramount...
The reality is that EVERY business and individual are at risk from cybercrime and awareness is perhaps the most important defence against these threats. In this blog, the first installment of our CyberSecurity Blog series, we will be giving you an overview of current cybers...
As many of our clients may know, Urban Network are proactive in helping community and charity as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility. We are proud to be able to support public initiatives in our immediate surrounding area, and to be able to contribute toward...
Slow computers are the bane of most people’s existence and can put anyone in a bad mood. Luckily our tech guys have picked up 9 simple and free tools for you to help keep your computer performance at its best. Getting a message that your...
In the last edition of CompTIA “Spotlight on Success” blog series, our CEO Perry Ashby, a member of CompTIA’s UK Channel Community Executive Council, shares his insight about the impact, cultural changes and positive results of growing talent. CompTIA: What has been the biggest achievement...
We are delighted to announce that Urban Network has obtained the Sophos Managed Service Provider (MSP) Connect accreditations, one of only five companies in the UK currently with this status. With constant emerging threats and the enormous business costs associated with data breaches, it is...
Here at Urban Network, we offer a full range of services, and these include physical cabling within our customers premises, and beyond at larger locations with sprawling estates. We have specialist technicians with years of experience providing high quality certified structured cabling, and CCTV installations....
![[Infographic] 12 things you didn't know about Urban Network](https://www.urbannetwork.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/12-things-you-didnt-know-about-Urban-Network-Infographic.jpg)
Do you know we watch 4000 hours of movies a month? Sort of… Who’s our favourite politician? What Superhero do we think has the worst superpower? What colour makes Butterflies hiccup? None of these questions are answered below… Discover more about the world of Urban...
We are pleased to announce that Perry Ashby, CEO of Urban Network has been elected to CompTIA’s UK Channel Community Executive Council. Urban Network joined CompTIA UK Channel Community in 2014 and has been an active member. Perry was elected by the community members in...
WE MADE IT!! Woohooo! We are excited to announce that Urban Network won Silver Award at the Essex Digital Awards 2016 on April 14 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, Colchester. The Essex Digital Awards was set up in 2013 to recognise the online achievements...
This April the Urban Network team will head to the annual Sophos Partner Conference and Global Awards ceremony in Cannes on the French Riviera. With Urban Network having selected SOPHOS UTM devices for our Portfolio in 2015, we have achieved great success in providing these...
Your business can’t afford without protection, especially when the threats of downtime is all around you (network outages, human error, disaster, cyber attack, etc.) Traditional backup methods such as tape, disk, and strict NAS devices are no longer sufficient. In fact, leading edge business owners...
We are delighted to announce that Urban Network have been nominated as finalists in this year’s Network Group Awards in the Business to Business Reseller category. The event, to be held at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on the 28th of April is the group’s 6th...
Most companies have decided they need the business agility and want the cost savings that come when moving to the cloud. But with the bewildering amount of contradictory information floating around on the Internet, not many really understand exactly what that means or what it...
On the occasion of the National Apprenticeship Week 2016, Urban Network co-founders Perry and Stuart shared their thoughts on why Urban Network has taken on apprentices and on their positives impact on the business. “We knew that we were going to grow the business, and...
We are very excited and proud to announce that we’ve been selected as finalist in this year’s Essex Digital Awards in the “B2B Website in association with Essex Chambers of Commerce” category. The Essex Digital Awards is the first and only scheme dedicated to recognising...
As a guess, half of your employees love the file server, since it is fast, easy, and centralises all work files in a single location on the network at the main office. The other half of your of employees more than likely hate the file...
Kelvin has been with Urban Network for over a year as a Helpdesk Analyst apprentice. Today, he shares his inspirational thoughts on his decision to choose an apprenticeship with us and how this has opened the door to a career in IT. Why did you...
Love it or hate it, the Cloud is now ever-present in corporate life. It is now commonplace for businesses, big or small to access cloud services in some form or other as part of their day-to-day business operations. It has also been widely documented that...
Virtually every employee today has a smartphone. Many also have tablets, such as iPads and Android devices. Most businesses are underutilising these devices, because they belong to the employee in most cases. Ignoring these Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) devices is a mistake. Your hyper-connected...
At Urban Network, we are extremely proud of our smart and talented people. We will introduce a new blog series where you’ll get an inside peak into what make Urban Network so unique – our team members. We kicked off the series with the most...
London, UK, October 6, 2015 – Urban Network, a London-based Managed Service Provider announced today it has received the CompTIA IT Business Trustmark™, a respected industry credential that signifies its commitment to sound business practices and quality service. “Earning this credential identifies Urban Network as...
Our customer is a London based transformation consultancy, providing business coaching, executive placements, leadership training and workforce assessments to name a few services. Urban Network recently performed a comprehensive project to upgrade legacy Microsoft 2003 server systems for the business to a hybrid cloud storage...
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan Cancer Support’s biggest fundraising event where they ask people across the UK to hold a coffee morning and raise money for people living with cancer. Last year, Macmillan Cancer Support has raised a record £25 million and funded...
Broadband Connection Vouchers are being delivered by 50 cities across the UK. Each local scheme is designed to meet the needs of their local area and to help local businesses to grow and develop. The Government has extended the Connection Voucher Scheme with £40m of...
Miz is our Helpdesk Analyst apprentice and has been with Urban Network for more than a year. Today, he shares his inspirational thoughts on his decision to choose an Apprenticeship over university and the proudest achievements during his apprenticeship with us. Why did you decide...
London – June 30, 2015 – Urban Network, a London-based IT Managed Service Provider has today announced a new channel partnership with Sophos, a global IT security leader, to deliver Sophos Unified Threat Management (UTM) as its sole UTM solution. This collaboration is allowing Urban...
Make your Mac users more productive with Office 2016 for Mac. Office works great across multiple devices and platforms, and it’s included in your Office 365 subscription. See what’s new and improved since Office 2011 New! Jumpstart your work with one of the thousands of...
Last week, our CEO Perry Ashby attended “It’s a Knock Out!” Summer Fun event at Ardencote Manor Hotel, Warwick. The event, organised every year by the Network Group, the UK’s leading technology community provided a great opportunity for networking, product showcase, and business meeting. Dressed...
After July 14, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for any version of Windows Server 2003. If you are still running Windows Server 2003 in your datacentre, you need to take steps now to plan and execute a migration strategy to protect your infrastructure....
It’s National Apprenticeship Week, time to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. At Urban Network, apprenticeships are an important part of our culture which focuses on people. We would like to take the opportunity to say...
Urban Network recently delivered a fully managed WiFi system to one of our clients in the hospitality sector. We delivered free and paid Internet service options to all users within the building. The client now is able to collect information on everyone accessing their WiFi...
The Urbanites are making the world better with a sweater this Friday! Christmas Jumper Day is an annual fundraising campaign in the UK organised by Save the Children, a charity supporting vulnerable children across the world. On Friday December 12, we encouraged the Urban team...
| Cookie | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
| viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |
