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.
Cyber security
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 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
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 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
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
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
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.
Backup and continuity
The 3 2 1 rule is the simplest way to check whether your backups would really save you. Here is what it means, the modern 3 2 1 1 0 version, and how to apply it to a typical North East business.
Backup and continuity
Microsoft keeps its service running, but protecting your emails and files is your job. Here is what the built in retention really covers, where it falls short and what a proper Microsoft 365 backup adds.
Microsoft 365
A straightforward guide to the Microsoft 365 business plans: what Basic, Standard and Premium each include, when the extra security in Premium is worth it, and where E3 fits.
Cyber security
Cyber Essentials is the UK Government backed scheme that shows your business has the basic security controls in place. Here is how it works, what it costs and how to prepare.
Cyber security
Multi factor authentication is one of the most effective security steps a small business can take. Here is how the different methods compare and how to roll MFA out across Microsoft 365 without upsetting your team.
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.
