If we’re going to be honest, a lot of phishing training doesn’t really work.
Once a year, everyone in the business sits through an online cyber security course. They click through a few slides about “spotting suspicious emails”, and tick the “complete” box. Then life goes back to normal.
The problem?
Cyber criminals haven’t gone back to normal.
In fact, phishing, where a scammer tricks you into clicking a link or giving away details like passwords or bank information, still accounts for around 15% of all data breaches.
So even though awareness is higher than ever, the number of successful attacks keeps rising.
That’s because the traditional approach to training isn’t changing people’s behaviour.
It’s easy to click through a course without taking it in. And when you’re busy, it’s even easier to fall for a realistic-looking email.
Most people don’t learn best from annual lectures. They learn from experiences that feel real, relevant, and ongoing.
That’s why phishing training needs a rethink.
Instead of once-a-year box ticking, businesses need regular, bite-sized, and engaging learning
that sticks. Think of it more like brushing your teeth than going to the dentist: A little, often, and part of your everyday routine.
Modern phishing training works best when it’s built into company culture. Employees need to feel comfortable reporting suspicious emails, without fear of blame, and know exactly what steps to take if something looks off.
Training should be interactive, fun, and even a bit competitive. Gamified tools that reward people for spotting phishing attempts are far more effective than dry PowerPoints.
And of course, training should be backed up by solid technology like two-factor authentication (that’s when you need an extra code or approval on your phone to log in). Because even the best-trained people still make mistakes. And you don’t want a single click to bring your whole business down.
So, if your phishing training hasn’t changed in a few years, now’s the time to shake things up. Your people, and your data, deserve better protection.
If you need a hand with that, we can help. Get in touch.
DID
YOU KNOW...
data centres could soon leave Earth?
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has suggested that future data centres, those giant facilities that power AI and cloud computing, could operate in space.
He explained that orbit offers endless solar power, no weather, and ideal conditions for cooling huge AI systems.
Bezos believes that within 20 years, it could be cheaper to run data centres in orbit than on Earth. But imagine the technical challenges of maintaining and repairing computers hundreds of miles above us.
TechFacts
Microsoft holds the record for creating the quietest place on Earth. The anechoic chamber at its Redmond, Washington headquarters absorbs all sound and blocks outside noise, measuring an astonishing -20.35 decibels, which is below the threshold of human hearing. It’s so quiet that visitors can hear their own heartbeat. Microsoft uses the chamber to test microphones, speakers, and other devices in perfect silence.
2
Oracle has unveiled Zettascale10, the world’s largest AI supercomputer in the cloud. It’s designed with OpenAI and connects to 800,000 NVIDIA GPUs across massive data centres in Texas, all working together as one. It will power the next generation of AI training, using less energy and faster networking than ever before.
3
In 1968, engineer Douglas Engelbart gave the first public demo of the computer mouse. It was a wooden, two-button device that changed computing forever. His 90-minute presentation also introduced hypertext and video conferencing to an audience of 1,000 amazed computer professionals.
Windows 11 goes hands-free
Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 is becoming an “Agentic OS”. That means your PC will soon be able to think, plan, and act on your behalf.
It’s powered by Copilot Actions, Voice, and Vision. You’ll be able to tell your computer what to do, and it’ll handle the task. You won’t need to touch the keyboard or even your mouse.
NEW TO
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Nelson Mandela, activist and politician.
JULIAN’S NEWS UPDATE
As we wrap up the year, I’ve been reflecting on how much our clients have focused on strengthening their IT and cybersecurity in 2025. It’s been great to see more businesses treating IT as a strategic priority, not just a support function.
Behind the scenes we’ve continued investing in our team, our tools and our security services to stay ahead of the curve and keep your systems running smoothly. Thank you for your trust and for working with us this year - it genuinely means a lot!
If you’re planning any changes for 2026 (expansions, office moves, security upgrades or simply reviewing what you have), please do involve us early. We’re here to help make things as simple and stress-free as possible.
Wishing you and your teams a very happy Christmas and a successful New Year!
Cheers, Julian
Taking screenshots on Windows 11 just got a major upgrade.
The handy Win + Shift + S shortcut now includes live annotation, which lets you draw, highlight, or add notes directly on your screen. No need to open Snipping Tool or Paint.
The new Quick Markup bar appears right after you capture an area, giving you instant tools to edit, share, or even send your screenshot to Copilot.
Help your team to bridge the AI gap
A couple of years ago, most of us were just starting to hear about tools like ChatGPT. Now, they’re part of everyday work life.
From writing proposals to analysing data, AI is everywhere. And it’s moving faster than most businesses can keep up.
That’s where the problem lies.
The technology has raced ahead, but people haven’t always had the time or support to catch up.
Many business owners assume “AI training” means hiring experts or sending staff on technical courses. But that’s not really what’s needed.
What matters most right now is helping ordinary employees feel confident using AI tools in their day-today jobs.
The truth is, most people learn best by doing. Some of the most successful companies are giving their teams space to experiment, using AI safely inside “sandbox” environments, where nothing mission-critical is at risk.
Others are weaving quick, practical lessons into everyday work systems.
Imagine your team getting little pop-up hints or examples while they’re using a tool, instead of sitting through hours of classroom-style training.
Mindset matters too.
AI can write emails or crunch numbers, but it can’t replace curiosity or creativity. The businesses doing this well are encouraging people to explore, test ideas, and find clever ways to combine human insight with AI speed.
And while it’s tempting to think “we’ll deal with that later”, this skills gap is only going to widen if you wait. The sooner your team gets hands-on, the faster they’ll see how AI can make their jobs easier, not scarier.
So maybe it’s time to rethink what training means.
Less theory, more tinkering. Less pressure to be an expert, more encouragement to just give it a go.
Because when your people are confident using AI, that’s when the real benefits start showing up in productivity, innovation, and a business that’s ready for whatever comes next.
Need help getting started? Get in touch.
Vivo Standing Desk Converter
You already know the benefits a standing desk can bring. Better posture, improved focus, and less back pain from long hours sitting down… but you’ve already spent money on desks at the office and at home.
That’s where the VIVO standing desk converter comes in. It sits right on top of your existing desk and easily lifts to standing height, letting you switch between sitting and standing in seconds.
No tools, no hassle, and no need to replace your furniture, just a smarter, healthier way to work.
£99.99 from Amazon.
Q: How do I know if our backups work?
A: Test them regularly. A backup isn’t useful unless you’ve confirmed it can be restored.
Q: Can AI really help my business?
A: Yes. Tools like Copilot can help save you and your team time on admin, reports, and communication. And that means more productivity.
Q: Is Microsoft 365 secure enough for my business?
A: Yes, especially with Business Premium. It includes advanced protection against phishing and ransomware.
