New Starter and Leaver IT Checklist for Small Businesses
Getting a new starter productive on day one, and making sure a leaver's access ends on their last day, both depend on a simple, repeatable checklist. Here is one you can adapt.
The Cyber Fits blog
Guides and insights
Practical, jargon free guides to cyber security, Microsoft 365, backups, networks and planning your IT, written by our team in Sunderland for busy business owners.
Productivity
Cyber security
Cyber Insurance Explained: What It Covers and What Insurers Ask
Cyber insurance can help a business recover from an attack, but only if the policy fits and the answers on the proposal form are accurate. Here is what cover usually includes, what insurers ask and how good IT helps.
Cyber security
Ransomware Attack: What Your Business Should Do in the First Hour
If ransomware hits your business, the first hour shapes everything that follows. This guide covers what to do straight away, who to call, your reporting duties and how to stop it happening again.
IT strategy
How to Build an IT Roadmap and Budget for a Small Business
An IT roadmap turns IT from a series of surprises into a plan. This guide shows how a small business can build a 12 to 24 month roadmap and budget, with a template you can copy.
IT strategy
When to Replace Business Computers: A Practical Refresh Guide
Replacing computers before they fail saves money and frustration. This guide covers sensible lifespans, the warning signs, budgeting, leasing versus buying and secure, legal disposal of old equipment.
Cyber security
What Is EDR? Antivirus vs EDR vs MDR vs XDR Explained
Traditional antivirus looks for known threats. EDR watches what is happening on each device and can stop an attack in progress. Here is how antivirus, EDR, MDR and XDR differ and what a small business really needs.
Cyber security
Invoice Fraud and Business Email Compromise: How to Stop It
Invoice and payment diversion fraud can cost a small business thousands in a single transfer. Here is how the scams work, how to stop them and what to do immediately if money has already gone.
Backup and continuity
How to Write a Simple Business Continuity Plan (With Template)
You do not need a hundred page document to be prepared. This guide walks through a short, practical business continuity and IT disaster recovery plan that a small business can write in an afternoon and actually use.
IT strategy
Windows 10 After 13 October 2026: ESU Year Two Explained
Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025, and the first year of Microsoft's paid Extended Security Updates for organisations covered PCs up to 13 October 2026. Here is what that means and the options for businesses still running Windows 10.
Productivity
Using AI Safely at Work: Copilot, ChatGPT and Your Data
AI assistants can save real time, but only if they are used with care. This guide covers data protection, what never to paste into an AI tool, tidying SharePoint permissions before Copilot, and a simple acceptable use policy.
Business phones
PSTN Switch Off 2027: What UK Businesses Need to Do Now
Openreach is due to complete the withdrawal of the old analogue phone network by 31 January 2027. Here is what is affected, from phone lines to alarms and card machines, and a practical plan for moving before the deadline.
Networks and connectivity
Business WiFi Tips: How to Fix Slow and Patchy Office WiFi
A straightforward guide to better office WiFi, covering where to put access points, which frequency bands to use, what WiFi 6, 6E and 7 actually change, and when a cable is the better answer.
Let's talk
Rather talk it through?
If a guide has raised a question about your own setup, our team is happy to help. Book a free IT review or give us a call.