Online security is a constant concern for businesses, and protecting against email security threats is essential for maintaining data privacy and trust. Yet, a recent FBI alert has shed light on a growing threat: cybercriminals gaining access to email accounts. Even those protected by multi-factor authentication (MFA). This latest security challenge involves a sneaky tactic called session or “remember me” cookie theft.

What Is Session Cookie Theft?

When you log into a website, session cookies are created to remember your login information, allowing you to bypass re-entering your credentials every time you visit. This is the “remember me” function used by Gmail, Outlook, and most web-based accounts. While convenient, these session cookies are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals who gain access to them through malicious links or phishing attacks. Once they have your session cookie, attackers can bypass MFA and access your account without needing your password or verification code.

How Cybercriminals Exploit Session Cookies

Cybercriminals launch attacks by luring users into clicking on phishing links that download malware to their devices. This malware then steals the session cookies from the user’s browser, allowing attackers to access the account as if they were the legitimate user. This type of attack is particularly dangerous because, even if a user has MFA enabled, it can still be bypassed.

Email Platforms at Risk

The FBI warns that this threat affects all major email platforms that offer web logins, such as Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and AOL. However, this attack isn’t just limited to email accounts. Any online platform that uses session cookies for convenience, such as e-commerce and financial sites, could be a potential target.

How to Protect Your Business From Session Cookie Theft

To defend against this type of attack, businesses should adopt a proactive approach to cyber security. Here are some steps to help protect your accounts from session cookie theft:

  • Clear Cookies Regularly: Regularly deleting cookies from your browser limits the chances of session cookies being stolen by attackers. Set reminders for your team to clear their browsing data periodically.
  • Avoid Using “Remember Me” on Public or Shared Devices: Remind employees to be cautious with the “remember me” function, especially on shared or public devices where cookies are more vulnerable.
  • Be Wary of Phishing Links: Educate your team on identifying suspicious emails and links. Remind them to hover over links before clicking and to only visit trusted websites with secure connections (HTTPS).
  • Monitor Login Activity: Regularly check the recent login history on accounts to spot any suspicious access. This can often be done directly through the settings of most web-based email accounts.

Why MFA Still Matters

While these recent developments may raise questions about the effectiveness of MFA, it remains one of the most important tools for securing your accounts. Although cookie theft bypasses MFA, most cyber-attacks are still successfully blocked by having this additional layer of security. MFA should remain an essential part of your security setup, alongside good online practices.

Consider Passkeys as a Future Solution

Many tech companies are working on alternatives to the traditional password, such as passkeys. Passkeys link login credentials to your device’s biometric security, making them harder to steal than passwords or session cookies. While passkeys are still catching on, they are set to become more widely available, especially for consumers. In the long run, passkeys may offer a more secure alternative for businesses and individuals alike.

Nxt Steps

Protecting your business from evolving dangers, like these email security threats, requires a solid strategy and the right tools. Regularly updating security practices, educating employees, and reviewing the latest security options can help your business stay secure against emerging cyber threats. If you’d like support in setting up a comprehensive cyber defence for your business, including MFA, passkeys, and cookie management, contact us for help.

Want to learn more about protecting your business against online threats? Click here to explore our cyber security services.

Countdown To Windows 10 End Of Life

With Windows 10 End of Life (EOL) fast approaching, Microsoft has confirmed broader details of their Extended Security Update (ESU) options. They now offer support to both businesses and consumers who need additional time to transition to newer operating systems. Here’s what you need to know:

Windows 10 End of Life (EOL)

  • EOL Date: Windows 10 Home and Pro editions will reach EOL on October 14, 2025. After this date, free security updates will no longer be available, making unsupported systems increasingly vulnerable to security risks.
  • Upgrade Encouragement: Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11. This newer OS will continue receiving security and feature updates. However, not all hardware may meet the requirements for Windows 11. Many users may need ESU options for continued support on Windows 10.

Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10

For users and organizations needing additional time, Microsoft provides ESUs, which ensure ongoing security updates for critical and important vulnerabilities. ESU availability and pricing vary for Azure customers, on-premises users (SMEs and larger businesses), and individual consumers.

a. ESU for Azure Users

  • Availability: Azure users with Windows 10 Virtual Machines (VMs) hosted on Azure Virtual Machines are happy. They can access free ESUs for up to three additional years after EOL, through October 14, 2028.
  • Purpose: This no-cost ESU option gives Azure customers time to transition workloads and applications to supported operating systems on Azure. This ensures continued security without additional ESU purchase costs.

b. ESU for On-Premises Users (Including SMEs)

  • Duration and Availability: Businesses can purchase ESUs annually for up to three years after EOL. This provides continued support until October 14, 2028. Each ESU license is purchased annually, and pricing increases each year to encourage transition to supported systems.
  • Pricing for SMEs: For SMEs, the pricing for Windows 10 ESUs is tiered over the three-year period:
    • First Year (October 2025 – October 2026): $61 (£48.19) per device
    • Second Year (October 2026 – October 2027): $122 (£96.39) per device
    • Third Year (October 2027 – October 2028): $244 (£192.78) per device
  • How to Purchase: ESU licenses for on-premises installations are available through Microsoft’s Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC), Cloud Solution Providers (CSPs), or by contacting Microsoft directly.

c. New Consumer ESU Option

To accommodate individual users who may need to remain on Windows 10, Microsoft is introducing a consumer ESU option.

  • Structure: The consumer ESU will offered as an annual subscription of $30, allowing individual users to receive essential security updates.
  • Availability: This ESU option is expected to be available starting October 2025 and for one year only.

Considerations for Choosing ESU Options

With multiple ESU options available, here’s a breakdown to help users decide on their best approach:

  • SMEs: For SMEs with on-premises Windows 10 installations, it’s cost-effective to consider ESUs if hardware or budget limitations make immediate upgrades difficult. However, as ESU pricing doubles each year, it’s advisable to plan for an eventual upgrade or replacement strategy.
  • Azure Customers: Azure-based organizations benefit from free ESUs for up to three years, providing an excellent option for those using Azure VMs.
  • Consumers: Individuals with older devices or systems incompatible with Windows 11 should look out for Microsoft’s new consumer ESU subscription. This will offer a secure alternative to EOL without requiring immediate hardware upgrades.
  • Security and Compliance: Users running Windows 10 after EOL without ESUs may face significant security risks, particularly in regulated environments that require compliance with data protection laws.

Key Dates and ESU Pricing Summary

ESU Coverage PeriodAzure CustomersSMEs and On-Premises (Per Device)Consumer ESU*
First Year (2025-2026)Free$61 (£48.19)$30 (£24
Second Year (2026-2027)Free$122 (£96.39)Not available
Third Year (2027-2028)Free$244 (£192.78)Not available

* Consumer ESU pricing is expected to be available through the Microsoft Store or direct subscription.

Recommendations for Windows 10 End Of LifeTransition

  • Assess Your Needs: SMEs and larger businesses should evaluate device compatibility with Windows 11 and consider migration timelines to reduce reliance on ESUs.
  • Plan ESU Budgeting: For SMEs, it’s essential to factor in the escalating costs of ESUs, especially given the doubling in price each year, which can quickly add up for multiple devices.
  • Explore Azure: Azure users benefit from three years of free ESUs, making it a highly viable option for those already using or willing to transition to Azure VMs.
  • Consumer Options: Individuals should monitor Microsoft’s announcements for consumer ESU details to help them decide between extending Windows 10 use or exploring new devices compatible with Windows 11.

By understanding the tiered pricing, eligibility, and extended support options, both businesses and individuals can plan for Windows 10’s end of support while minimizing disruption and maintaining security.

Nxt Steps

With the approaching Windows 10 End of Life deadline, ensuring your organisation’s systems remain secure and compliant is essential. Nxt Gen IT offers expert support for businesses navigating this transition, with tailored services to ensure a smooth upgrade or implementation of ESU where necessary. Here’s how we can help:

  • Windows 10 Migration Planning: Our specialists will assess your current infrastructure and provide an actionable roadmap to transition to Windows 11 or secure your systems using ESUs.
  • Extended Security Update (ESU) Management: For businesses choosing to remain on Windows 10 temporarily, we handle the entire ESU setup and management process, ensuring your systems receive essential security updates and remain compliant.
  • Azure Migration and Optimisation: Take advantage of free ESUs on Azure. Nxt Gen IT can seamlessly migrate your workloads to Azure Virtual Machines, providing secure, scalable, and cost-effective cloud solutions with extended support.
  • Compliance and Risk Management: With the escalation in cyber threats, our team helps you navigate the security and compliance challenges of using unsupported OS versions. We provide risk assessments and solutions aligned with your industry standards.
  • Cost-Effective Solutions for SMEs: We understand budget constraints for small and medium-sized enterprises. Our team offers flexible options to help you manage ESU costs and transition smoothly without disrupting business operations.

Contact Nxt Gen IT today to discuss how we can support your transition from Windows 10. Let us help you safeguard your IT environment with robust, future-proof solutions tailored to your unique business needs.

Having a reliable internet connection is vital for the success of modern recruitment agencies. Fast, stable, and secure internet is essential for handling the daily demands of candidate sourcing, client communication, and online interviews. Without this, recruitment agencies risk slow processes and a poor candidate experience, which can affect business outcomes.

More Than Just Speed

At Nxt Gen IT, we understand that connectivity isn’t just about speed; it’s about ensuring your business can run smoothly without interruptions. That’s why we offer a range of connectivity solutions designed specifically for recruitment agencies to help you maintain productivity.

How a Reliable Internet Connection Enhances Efficiency

Recruitment agencies rely on fast and secure communication. From initial contact with candidates to finalising contracts with clients, every step involves the internet. A reliable internet connection helps improve key aspects of recruitment:

  • Smooth Communication: Communication is central to any recruitment business. Whether you’re coordinating interviews, following up on leads, or hosting video calls, a high-speed, stable connection makes sure these activities happen without delays.
  • Efficient Video Interviews: Video conferencing is now a standard part of recruitment. With a poor internet connection, interviews can be interrupted by buffering, dropped calls, or freezing video. A strong connection helps ensure interviews are professional and glitch-free.
  • Faster Candidate Management: Recruitment tools like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms rely on cloud-based access. These systems need a stable connection to work efficiently, and a reliable internet setup ensures you can access candidate information quickly and smoothly.

Benefits of High-Speed Internet and Low Latency

A high-speed internet connection ensures you can handle the large amounts of data involved in recruitment, such as receiving CVs, managing large email campaigns, and running video interviews. Low latency ensures that communication happens in real-time, reducing delays during video calls and chats.

Connectivity Solutions for Recruitment Agencies

At Nxt Gen IT, we offer a variety of connectivity solutions to meet the specific needs of recruitment businesses:

  • Broadband Solutions: Our broadband service offers high-speed connections at a lower cost, perfect for small and medium-sized agencies. It provides reliable internet access for day-to-day recruitment activities without interruptions.
  • Leased Lines: Larger agencies or those handling high volumes of online activity may benefit from leased lines. These provide a dedicated internet connection, ensuring consistent speed and bandwidth even during peak times.
  • Wireless Solutions: For agencies working across multiple locations or with remote teams, wireless solutions offer flexibility and secure connectivity.

Nxt Steps

Investing in a reliable internet connection helps recruitment agencies operate more efficiently and keeps both candidates and clients happy. At Nxt Gen IT, we provide tailored solutions to make sure your agency runs without a hitch.

Want to know more about how Nxt Gen IT can keep your agency connected? Explore our range of connectvity services.

As a recruitment agency in the UK, your primary concern is managing relationships with clients and candidates while ensuring the smooth operation of your business. However, in today’s world, recruitment agencies are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyberattacks due to the vast amounts of sensitive personal data they handle. This makes cyber security a critical issue for the sector and why the need for Cyber Essentials for recruitment agencies is on the up.

Obtaining Cyber Essentials certification is one of the most effective ways to secure your business against cyber threats. This government-backed certification demonstrates that your agency takes cyber security seriously, adheres to best practices, and is compliant with essential security standards. But why does compliance matter so much for recruitment agencies, and how can the Cyber Essentials certification benefit your business?

What is Cyber Essentials Certification?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme that helps businesses protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. It sets out basic security controls that companies should have in place to reduce the risk of cyberattacks. There are two levels of certification:

  1. Cyber Essentials: A self-assessment process that ensures your organisation meets the basic security requirements to defend against cyberattacks.
  2. Cyber Essentials Plus: A more in-depth certification, which includes a third-party audit and testing of your systems to ensure that the security measures are functioning as they should.

The Risks Faced by Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies handle a wealth of sensitive data, including personal information, employment histories, and financial details. This makes them attractive targets for cyber criminals, who may seek to exploit this data for identity theft, fraud, or ransomware attacks. Moreover, many agencies rely heavily on digital platforms and cloud-based systems to manage candidate databases, client information, and communications, making data integrity and security critical for business operations.

Key cyber risks for recruitment agencies include:

  • Phishing attacks: Malicious emails aimed at extracting sensitive data or gaining access to the agency’s systems.
  • Data breaches: Unauthorised access to personal data of candidates or clients. This could lead to identity theft and significant financial penalties for the business.
  • Ransomware: Malicious software that locks down your systems and demands payment to restore access.
  • Human error: Unintentional mistakes by employees, such as sharing sensitive data via unsecured channels, that can compromise security.

These threats highlight the importance of having a robust cyber security framework in place. And with 82% of UK recruitment firms have adopted some form of remote working in recent years, your risks are even higher

Why Cyber Essentials Compliance Matters

Cyber Essentials certification offers several advantages to recruitment agencies.From data protection and legal compliance to enhanced trust and business growth.

1. Compliance with Data Protection Regulations

Recruitment agencies are subject to stringent data protection regulations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. These regulations mandate that personal data must be processed and stored securely. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and loss of business.

Cyber Essentials certification helps your agency align with these regulatory requirements. It ensures that your security measures meet the minimum standards for protecting personal data, helping you avoid penalties and ensuring that you comply with the law.

2. Protection from Common Cyber Threats

Cyber Essentials focuses on defending against the most common cyber threats. By implementing the basic security controls outlined in the certification, your recruitment agency can significantly reduce the risk of being compromised by phishing attacks, malware, and other forms of cybercrime.

For example, Cyber Essentials ensures that:

  • Firewalls and internet gateways are correctly configured to block unauthorised access.
  • Secure configuration is applied to all devices, minimising vulnerabilities in software and hardware.
  • User access control is enforced, ensuring that employees only have access to data and systems they need.
  • Malware protection is up to date and effective at detecting and blocking malicious software.
  • Patch management is in place to ensure that your systems are always running the latest, most secure versions of software.

By following these basic guidelines, your agency becomes a much harder target for cyber criminals. This helps you protect your data and business operations.

3. Building Trust with Clients and Candidates

In the recruitment business, trust is everything. Clients and candidates need to know that their personal information is safe in your hands. Achieving Cyber Essentials certification provides a clear signal to your clients and candidates that you take cyber security seriously.

Certification shows that you are proactive in safeguarding their data and complying with legal obligations. This can set you apart from competitors who have not yet taken these steps. It could even be the deciding factor when a client is choosing between multiple agencies. Moreover, it can help you win business with clients who are themselves required to meet strict data protection regulations.

4. Reduced Risk of Financial Loss

Cyberattacks can be costly. Not just in terms of data recovery, but also in terms of lost revenue, reputational damage, and potential legal fines. Research indicates that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack adequate preparation for cyberattacks. However, they face the highest risk of financial damage.

By achieving Cyber Essentials certification, you minimise your vulnerability to common cyber threats, reducing the risk of a data breach or ransomware attack. This can save your agency significant amounts of money in the long run by avoiding the costs associated with cybercrime, from legal fees to business interruption.

5. Access to New Business Opportunities

In an increasingly competitive market, businesses often require their suppliers and partners to have Cyber Essentials certification as a condition of doing business. By obtaining certification, your recruitment agency opens itself up to new business opportunities. This is especially true with clients in the public sector or other regulated industries.

Having the certification demonstrates that you meet the industry standard for cyber security and data protection. In turn, this makes you a more attractive and trustworthy partner.

Nxt Steps: Achieving Cyber Essentials

Do you want to reduce the risk of cyber threats and enhance the security of your recruitment agency? Cyber Essentials certification is the place to start. By following the five core security principles, your business can protect itself from the most common cyber threats while demonstrating a commitment to data security and legal compliance.

Discover how Cyber Essentials certification can elevate your recruitment business. Contact us today to learn more or to begin the certification process.

At Nxt Gen IT, we specialise in helping recruitment agencies navigate the Cyber Essentials certification process with ease. We ensure that your systems are fully compliant and that the necessary security measures are in place to keep your business and its data safe.

Want to explore our other IT security services?

Imagine an AI assistant that never tires as you ask yourside do I need Copilot in my business. Imagine it never missing a detail, and helping with everything from writing emails to organising meetings. Sounds great, right? Well, that’s what Microsoft Copilot offers. Copilot is an AI-powered tool built into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and Teams, designed to handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks for you. But how do you know if this tool is the right fit for your business? The big question on your mind might be: Do I need Copilot?

The simple answer is, if your business is looking to boost productivity, reduce admin burdens, and improve collaboration across teams, then yes, you need Copilot. It’s especially helpful for businesses trying to get more done without adding extra hours to the workday.

How does Copilot work?

For those asking, Do I need Copilot?, it’s crucial to understand its operation. Seamlessly integrated into Microsoft Office applications, it works quietly in the background to help you complete tasks that often slow you down. Whether you’re typing up reports, analysing data in Excel, or scheduling meetings in Teams, Copilot is always on standby. And because it’s built into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, there’s no complicated software installation or extensive training required.

From drafting documents to summarising long emails, get real-time assistance. You can even change the tone or length of the generated text with a few clicks, helping you tailor responses that are either formal or casual based on your needs. And since it’s cloud-based, Copilot works across all your devices whether you’re in the office or working remotely.

Why should your business care?

Now, you might still be wondering, Do I need Copilot for my business?

Think about the amount of time your team spends on mundane tasks. Things like as sorting emails, organising meetings, or sifting through project notes. Copilot streamlines these tasks, saving you valuable time. For example, it can sift through email threads, summarise conversations, and even suggest responses. No more of your time wasted, bogged down by email clutter.

When it comes to meetings, Copilot shines in improving collaboration. It takes notes, highlights key points, and summarises decisions made in your Teams calls. It even suggests action items based on the conversation, so you never miss a thing. Imagine never worrying about manually recording meeting minutes again!

Boosting creativity with Copilot

One of the most frustrating parts of any workday can be the moment when you’re staring at a blank screen, unsure where to begin. Whether it’s a client proposal, an internal memo, or a presentation, using Copilot gets the creative process started for you. It can generate an outline or a first draft based on the prompts you provide, giving you a solid foundation to build from. By doing this early-stage work, your time is free to add a personal touch or make refinements.

In short, using Copilot helps businesses be more creative, productive, and efficient. It does the heavy lifting when it comes to everyday tasks so that your team can focus on the bigger picture.

Case Study: How Copilot Transformed Efficiency

A mid-sized marketing agency, was struggling with time management and workflow inefficiencies. Much of the team’s time was spent on writing emails, preparing project proposals, and setting up team meetings. Despite their best efforts, their productivity was lagging, with employees constantly battling the administrative tasks that bogged down their creativity.

After integrating Microsoft Copilot, they saw a significant change. Copilot’s email drafting capabilities cut the time spent on communications by 50%. What’s more, its ability to summarise meetings in Microsoft Teams enabled team members to focus on the discussion. No more disractions, worrying about taking notes or missing key points.

“We were initially hesitant about the need for an AI tool,” explained the agency’s founder, “but using Copilot quickly proved its value. Now, our team spends more time focusing on creative strategies and client engagement, rather than being bogged down by admin tasks.”

Thanks to Copilot, they have experienced a 20% boost in overall team efficiency, allowing them to take on more projects without hiring additional staff.

Nxt Steps

If you’re asking yourself, Do I need Copilot?, the answer is most likely yes, especially if you’re looking for ways to make your business more productive and efficient. At Nxt Gen IT, we help businesses harness the power of AI tools like Copilot to transform the way they work.

Find out how Nxt Gen IT helps businesses just like yours harness the cloud and AI.

There’s a groundbreaking new feature in Microsoft’s Edge browser that promises to make your work life significantly smoother. Introducing ‘Draft with Copilot,’ an AI-powered tool designed to write text on any topic you need at lightning speed. Whether you’re drafting an email, writing a social media post, or even composing a detailed report, using Copilot can save you time and effort.

Imagine this: you’re in the middle of writing an important email or filling in a comment box online, but the words just won’t come. You’re staring at the screen, trying to figure out where to begin. That’s where using Copilot comes in. Simply right-click in the text field, select the ‘Draft with Copilot’ option, and a window will appear, ready to assist you. You can enter the topic or subject you’re working on, hit ‘Generate,’ and let Copilot work its magic.

How Does ‘Draft with Copilot’ Work?

Using Copilot is easy and intuitive. Once the AI generates the text, you can customise it to suit your needs. Want the text to sound more formal or casual? Need it to be shorter or longer? No problem! With just a few adjustments, you can tailor the tone and length of the text. This feature is incredibly useful for a variety of scenarios, including:

  • Drafting quick emails to colleagues or clients
  • Writing social media updates or blog posts
  • Filling out web forms and comments without hassle

One of the biggest benefits of is the time you’ll save. We all know that time is money, and this tool can drastically cut down the time spent crafting everyday communications. Instead of wasting minutes, or even hours, agonising over wording, Copilot does the heavy lifting for you.

Using Copilot for Non-Native Speakers

Another excellent feature of using Copilot is its ability to ensure your text is grammatically correct and well-structured. This can be especially beneficial for those who are writing in a language that isn’t their first. Using Copilot can help non-native speakers communicate more clearly and professionally, without worrying about grammatical errors or awkward phrasing.

At the moment, this feature is available only in US English, but Microsoft has plans to roll it out to other languages soon, making it even more accessible.

Caution: Add Your Personal Touch

While using Copilot is undeniably efficient, it’s always wise to review and tweak the content it generates. AI-generated text can sometimes come off as generic, lacking the personal touch or specific details that truly resonate with your audience. Whether it’s for business emails or creative projects, make sure you give the final draft a human touch before sending it out.

Using Copilot is Just the Beginning

Currently, ‘Draft with Copilot’ is available in the Edge Canary preview build, meaning it’s still being fine-tuned. Microsoft is gradually integrating Copilot into more of its apps, making AI-driven tools a natural part of the workflow across Windows platforms. From quick drafts to detailed reports, using Copilot promises to make writing easier, faster, and more accurate.

Nxt Steps

If you haven’t yet tried using amazing tools like this in your business yet, now’s the perfect time to see how it can streamline your workflow and boost productivity. Whether you need help setting it up or would like advice on other time-saving tools, Nxt Gen IT is here to guide you.

Want to learn more about how we can assist your business in harnessing the power of cloud technology?

If your business uses Google Chrome, you’re likely familiar with extensions, and may have had your fair chasre of Chrome extension issues. When working, these handy add-ons can enhance your browsing experience by blocking unwanted ads, boosting productivity, and reducing distractions. But while Chrome extensions offer convenience, they can also introduce a hidden risk: malware. If you’re having odd behaviour or peformance Chrome extension issues, that might be a clue. But others look like they’re doing their job. Sneaky.

What Is Malware?

Malware (short for malicious software) is intentionally designed to damage or gain unauthorised access to computer systems. Cyber criminals frequently use malware to steal data, hijack systems, or even siphon money from your accounts. With Chrome holding 65% of the global browser market share, it’s an attractive target for these attacks. And one common way they exploit vulnerabilities is through malicious Chrome extensions.

Although Google maintains a tight grip on the Chrome Web Store, some dangerous extensions can still slip through the cracks. A recent report revealed that between July 2020 and February 2023, 280 million users installed malware-infected Chrome extensions. That staggering figure underscores the importance of vigilance when adding new extensions.

In some cases, malicious extensions remain available for a shockingly long time. The report found that on average, infected extensions stayed on the Web Store for 380 days. Extensions with vulnerable code were available for about 1,248 days, with one notorious extension remaining downloadable for an astonishing 8.5 years before it was finally removed.

Get Protected

So, how can you protect yourself from Chrome extension issues? Here are five critical steps your business should follow to stay safe:

  1. External reviews: Don’t rely solely on the Chrome Web Store reviews. Malicious extensions often have fake reviews. Instead, look for trusted tech sites and security forums for more accurate assessments of an extension’s safety.
  2. Permissions: Be cautious of any extension that requests unnecessary access to your data or system. If an extension asks for more permissions than it needs, this could signal a potential threat.
  3. Security software: Ensure that you have robust security software installed that can detect and block malware before it does any harm. This acts as a final line of defence in case you install a dangerous extension.
  4. Necessity: Ask yourself if you really need the extension. Often, the functionality can be achieved by visiting a secure website rather than installing additional software.
  5. Trusted sources: Stick to extensions from trusted sources or well-known providers. Avoid obscure or unknown developers to minimise your risk.

Even though Google works hard to secure Chrome, the browser’s popularity makes it a prime target for cyber criminals. The best defence is a proactive approach that includes regularly reviewing your extensions and using security measures that can catch malware before it causes damage.

Nxt Steps

Keeping your business secure from Chrome extension issues and other online threats is a full-time job. If you’re unsure whether your current extensions are safe or you need advice on how to improve your overall cybersecurity strategy, Nxt Gen IT can help. Our expert team provides proactive IT support that ensures you stay protected from the latest threats.

Want to find out how Nxt Gen IT helps businesses like yours stay safe from malware and other threats?

Microsoft’s Windows update deadline for version 23H2 has passed. Businesses using older versions of Windows 11 are now vulnerable to security threats if they haven’t updated. As of 8th October 2024, Microsoft has stopped providing essential security updates to any device running older versions of Windows 11. This could leave many businesses exposed to cyber-attacks and data breaches.

Some businesses are right to hold back on updating to new software versions immediately, especially when it comes to major updates like this. While newer versions often bring enhancements in security and performance, rushing into an update without thorough verification can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with existing software or systems.

At Nxt Gen IT, we understand the importance of balancing security with operational stability. That’s why we always take a measured approach to rolling out updates for our customers. We first verify the impact of new updates on existing workflows, ensuring that the latest features don’t disrupt your business. This careful evaluation helps us avoid any unnecessary downtime.

However, specific security updates are a different story. You need to apply right away to reduce risks and protect PCs. Ignoring these updates means leaving your business exposed to potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Why Is It Important to Meet the Windows Update Deadline?

Without the regular security updates that come with Windows 11 version 23H2, your systems will be at risk of attack from increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals. These updates include vital patches that safeguard your business from known exploits and vulnerabilities. Left unaddressed, this could result in significant financial and reputational damage.

Aside from security, version 23H2 offers performance improvements and new tools to streamline workflows, helping your business operate more efficiently. Upgrading to the latest version ensures compatibility with new software and technologies, helping your business stay ahead of the curve.

What Happens If You Miss the Windows Update Deadline?

Watch out because after the Windows update deadline, Microsoft may enforce this update automatically. This will affect any of your devices that aren’t managed by an IT department. However, it’s better to be proactive and upgrade on your own schedule rather than waiting for these enforced updates, which may occur at inconvenient times.

If you’ve missed the deadline, it’s not too late to take action. Here’s what to do:

  1. Check your current version: Go to Settings > System > About to see which version of Windows you’re running.
  2. Back up your data: You should make sure your important files are backed up before installing the update.
  3. Update to version 23H2: Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click “Check for updates” and install the latest version.
  4. Restart and verify: Once the update is installed, restart your computer and check the new version has been applied.

Stay Secure and Productive with Nxt Gen IT

At Nxt Gen IT, we prioritise keeping your systems secure while ensuring smooth business operations. We closely manage updates for our customers, verifying new versions and applying crucial security patches immediately.

Nxt Steps

If you need help with your Windows update deadline, or want to learn more about how we can keep your business protected and productive, get in touch. We’re here to make technology easy for you.

Want to find out how Nxt Gen IT’s IT support services can help keep your business safe and productive?

Think the Windows 11 Photos app is just for viewing and managing images? Well, Microsoft is about to take things up a notch. Welcome the new reverse image search feature, powered by Visual Search with Bing. It adds powerful functionality to the app that could have real benefits for your business.

Reverse Image Search: Making Purchasing and Marketing Simpler

Traditionally, the Photos app has been a basic tool. But with this new feature, you can now perform a reverse image search directly from the app, allowing you to find similar images, identify products, or gather more information about the contents of any image.

Here’s how this can be a game changer for your business:

  • eCommerce benefits: Let’s say you have a photo of a product, but need more details about it. Maybe where it’s sold, how much it costs elsewhere, or who manufactures it. A reverse image search can help you instantly compare prices or discover new suppliers. It can even check for counterfeit versions of your product.
  • Marketing: For marketing teams, this feature is invaluable. Do you want to find out where your images are being used? Or perhaps you need similar visuals for a campaign? A reverse image search lets you track the origin of visuals and ensure you’re using images legally, or find alternatives that work for your brand.
  • Research and Property: If your business is in real estate or research, reverse image search can speed up identifying locations, objects, or details within photos—saving time and providing quicker, more accurate results.

Beyond this great feature, Microsoft has added more benefits to the Photos app, such as improved navigation, easier editing tools, and the ability to sync photos with iCloud, which is great for businesses using both Apple and Windows devices.

This exciting update is rolling out now with a Windows 11 update.

Nxt Steps To Upgrade

If your business hasn’t upgraded to Windows 11 yet, it’s worth considering the advantages, and we’re here to help with that. Get in touch to learn how we can make the transition seamless for your business.

Find out more about how Nxt Gen IT helps businesses like yours get the most from the technology you already have!