Focus Tech Insider – November – Technologist
Introduction
Welcome back to this month’s Focus Tech Insider!
We had an amazing time celebrating Halloween with the team this year!
From “Pin the Face on the Pumpkin” to “Mummy Wrap” and “Witches Ring Toss”, it was a day filled with fun and some interesting costumes.
Speaking of costumes … who do you think took home the Best Dressed title?
Check out the highlights from our celebration and let us know your favourites!
Keep up to date with us
What Are You Using Your Work Laptop For?
Have you ever used your work laptop to check personal emails, stream a quick video, or browse social media? It might seem harmless, but these small actions could open the door to serious security threats for your business.
A recent study revealed that 90% of employees use their work devices for personal tasks, with some venturing into risky territory. From unsecured websites to public Wi-Fi, these behaviours expose your company to cyber threats like malware and phishing attacks. For businesses like yours, the cost of a breach isn’t just financial – it’s a hit to your reputation and operations.
The Challenge of Remote Work
With hybrid and remote work now the norm, it’s harder than ever to keep track of what employees are doing on company devices. People are working from cafes, libraries, and even holiday spots, often connecting to public networks without proper safeguards.
What’s worse? 18% of work devices don’t even have basic cyber security software installed, and 7% of workers don’t know if their device is protected.
Privacy Matters
There’s also a delicate balance to strike. Employees want to feel trusted, and many worry about their privacy being violated if their personal activity is monitored on work laptops. A third said they’d feel uneasy if their employer could see personal activity on their work laptop.
Open communication and clear guidelines can help ease these concerns while keeping your business secure. It’s not about policing their activity but ensuring they understand how their actions impact the security of your business.
How to Protect Your Business
Taking control of how work devices are used is easier than you might think. Here are three practical steps:
- Set Clear Policies – Define what’s acceptable and what’s not when it comes to work devices. Make sure your team understands the importance of separating personal and professional use.
- Strengthen Security – Invest in robust cyber security tools and remote management systems. These can block risky behaviour before it becomes a problem.
- Educate Your Team – Help employees understand how small actions, like connecting to public Wi-Fi, can lead to big problems. Empower them to make smart, secure decisions.
Employee Spotlight
This month, we’re putting the spotlight on Kasey, our amazing Marketing Assistant!
Kasey plays a key role in keeping our campaigns running smoothly, ensuring our content is always on point, and bringing creativity to everything she does. Whether it’s designing graphics or working on social media, Kasey’s contributions make a big difference every day.
Here are a few things to know about Kasey:
- Best part of the role: “Bringing ideas to life and seeing them resonate with our audience.”
- Fun fact: Kasey loves a good to-do list and is always super organised.
- Halloween highlight: “Pin the Face on the Pumpkin” – she might just be the team champion!
What’s New in the Tech World?
ActiveX Controls Disabled in Office 2024
ActiveX, which has allowed interactive document elements since the 90s, is finally being switched off by Microsoft in 2024. Why? It’s become a security risk, often exploited by cybercriminals. If you’ve relied on it, you can manually re-enable it, but we recommend keeping it off for better protection.
Declutter Your Microsoft Edge Toolbar
If Microsoft Edge feels a little too busy, a new update lets you customise your toolbar. You can now hide rarely used apps and streamline your browsing experience with just a few clicks.
Microsoft Collaborates on New Security Platform
After the global CrowdStrike outage earlier this year, Microsoft is working with top security providers to improve Windows’ stability. The goal? A platform that ensures robust protection without risking performance. It’s an important step forward for system security.
Cloud Telephony vs. VoIP: Which is Right for You?
Is your phone system overdue for an upgrade? There’s two common options: VoIP and Cloud Telephony. Both have their own strengths depending on what your business needs.
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, but let’s keep it simple: it’s a way to make phone calls using the internet instead of traditional phone lines.
Here’s how it works:
- Instead of plugging your phone into a wall jack, it connects to the internet.
- You can use desk phones, computers, or even your mobile phone to make and receive calls.
Think of it as a modern, flexible replacement for old-school landlines. It’s reliable, affordable, and great for businesses that need internet-based communication.
What is Cloud Telephony?
Cloud Telephony is like VoIP 2.0 – it takes VoIP technology and supercharges it by hosting everything in the cloud.
Here’s why it’s different:
- No hardware to maintain. Forget bulky phone systems and wires.
- Need a new phone line or feature? It’s all done online in minutes – no need to call in a technician.
- It’s incredibly scalable, so whether you’re a small business today or a growing company tomorrow, your phone system grows with you.
Essentially, Cloud Telephony offers all the flexibility of VoIP but without the hassle of managing physical equipment.
How Do They Compare?
|
Feature |
VoIP |
Cloud Telephony |
|
Technology |
Internet-based phone calls |
Internet-based and cloud-managed |
|
Hardware |
May require some equipment |
No hardware required |
|
Flexibility |
Flexible, but some limits |
Fully scalable and customisable |
|
Ease of Use |
User-friendly |
Extremely user-friendly |
|
Maintenance |
May involve minor upkeep |
No maintenance needed |
Which One Should You Choose?
Both options are reliable and modern, but your choice depends on your business needs:
- Stick with VoIP if:
a. You’re happy managing minimal hardware.
b. You only need basic internet-based calling. - Go for Cloud Telephony if:
a. You want a fully flexible, no-hardware solution.
b. You’re a fast-growing business that needs to scale easily.
c. You’d rather focus on your business and not worry about maintaining phone systems.
Why Does This Matter to Your Business?
Here’s the thing: communication is the backbone of your business. Whether it’s talking to clients, coordinating with your team, or closing deals, you need a system that works quickly, reliably, and flexibly.
A poor phone setup can:
- Make you miss important calls.
- Slow down your team’s productivity.
- Leave you stuck with outdated tech that doesn’t meet your growing needs.
Both VoIP and Cloud Telephony can solve these problems. The trick is choosing the one that fits your business today and supports where you’re heading tomorrow.
Your Quick Tech Q&A
How do I safely dispose of old PCs?
Start by securely wiping all data. Then, consider selling, recycling, or donating them. Need help? Let us know
Should we trial beta software features?
No! Beta features often have bugs. Wait for the general release for a stable and reliable experience.
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Seamless user onboarding and offboarding
We handle the onboarding and offboarding of users to your phone system, ensuring a smooth transition every time.
Comprehensive call management services
We handle the setup and management of voicemail, call recording, and call queuing, so you don’t have to.
Train your team with our experts
Our UK-based support team handles training, number porting, and setup for you, so you can focus on what you do best.
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About The Author
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Azeem Rajpoot, the author behind Technolo Gist, is a passionate tech enthusiast with a keen interest in exploring and sharing insights about the rapidly evolving world of technology. With a background in Technologist, Azeem brings a unique perspective to the blog, offering in-depth analyses, reviews, and thought-provoking articles. Committed to making technology accessible to all, Azeem strives to deliver content that not only keeps readers informed about the latest trends but also sparks curiosity and discussions. Follow Azeem on this exciting tech journey to stay updated and inspired.