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Mobile applications have become an integral part of our lives. We use them to browse the internet, network, communicate, and much more. But they open us up to risks caused by fraudsters who may steal information or damage our phones. According to 2024 data from Asee, over 75% of published apps have at least one security vulnerability. This means that 3 out of every 4 your favourite apps could be risky to use. It’s important to be cautious while downloading and maintaining apps. Here are ten simple tips that can help keep your mobile apps secure. Why Is Mobile App Security Important? Not only do 75% of apps risk our security, but business apps are three times more likely to leak log-in information. These risks also include even the most popular apps. Those with over 5 million downloads still have at least one security flaw. Using mobile apps is not always safe. There are many ways for hackers and criminals to steal your data. This can happen because of your internet connection, app permissions, and more. Next, we’ll cover ten essential security tips to keep your data safe when using mobile apps. Top 10 Security Tips For Mobile App Users Mobile apps can be dangerous, but there are ways to reduce these risks. If you’re careful about where you download apps, the permissions you allow, the internet connection you use, and more, you can keep your data as safe as possible. Here are the top ten security tips for mobile app users: 1. Only download from official stores The first step of mobile app security is choosing safe apps. Some apps are not secure, even when they look legit. It’s important to be aware of the source before you click download. Always download your apps from the App Store or Google Play. These stores check apps to make sure they're safe. Don't download from random websites. They might have fake apps that can hurt your phone. 2. Check app ratings and reviews Before you download an app, see what other people are saying about it. If lots of people like it and say it's safe, it is probably fine . But if people are saying it has problems, perhaps you don't want to install it. 3. Read app permissions When you find an app you want to download, stop and do research first. If you download a fake app by mistake, your device may be attacked. It can open you up to malware, ransomware, and more threats. Apps frequently request permission to access certain parts of your phone. Maybe they want to know your location or use your camera. Consider whether they really need that information. If an app requests access to too much, do not install it. 4. Update your phone’s operating system Keep the software on your phone up to date. New updates frequently patch security vulnerabilities. This makes it more difficult for the bad guys to hack into your phone. 5. Use strong passwords We use apps for many day-to-day tasks like sending emails, storing files, and sharing on social media. If an app is hacked, your personal information can be stolen. Passwords protect your apps. Make sure your password is difficult to guess. Use letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password for all apps. That way, if a person guesses one password, he or she cannot access all your apps. 6. Enable two-factor authentication Two-factor authentication means an additional step in order to log in. It can send a code to your phone or email. This will make it way harder for bad people to get into your accounts. 7. Beware of public Wi-Fi Public Wi-Fi is never a safe space. There may be bad guys watching what you do online. Never use public Wi-Fi on important apps. Wait until you're on a safe network, like the apps for banking. 8. Log out of apps not in use Log out of apps whenever you're done using them. This is even more important when the apps hold personal information, such as banking or email apps. In case someone steals your phone, it's much harder for them to access your apps. 9. Update your apps Developers of applications usually fix security issues in updates. Keep updating your apps whenever newer versions get released. It will help in safeguarding your information. 10. Use security features Lots of apps have additional security features. These may include fingerprint locks or face recognition. Switch these on if you can, as they can help stop other people using your apps. Even with these security tips, it’s important to take other measures to protect your data. Be sure to follow our tips on safe downloads and data protection in addition. Stay Safe While Using Mobile Apps It's not hard to stay safe with mobile apps. Just be careful and think before you act. Only download apps you trust. Keep your phone and apps updated. Use strong passwords and extra security when you can.  Remember, safety is in your hands. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with app security. For more mobile app security tips, feel free to contact us today.

Malware and ransomware are two types of bad software. They can damage your computer or steal your data. Downloading this harmful software comes with serious consequences. In 2024, there were more than 60 million new strains of malware found on the internet. This is why it’s critical to understand the difference between them. This article will help you understand both types of threats. What is Malware? Malware is a general term that means "malicious software." It includes many types of harmful programs. Depending on the type, malware can do different bad things to your computer. These are the four main types of malware: Viruses: These spread from one computer to another. Worms: They can copy themselves without your help. Trojans: They trick you into thinking they're good programs. Spyware: This type watches what you do on your computer. Malware can cause a lot of problems. If you get malware on your device, it can: Slow down your computer Delete your files Steal your personal info Use your computer to attack others What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malware. It locks your files or your entire computer. Then it demands money to unlock them. It is a form of digital kidnapping of your data. Ransomware goes by a pretty basic pattern: It infects your computer, normally through an e-mail or download. It encrypts your files. This means it locks them with a secret code. It displays a message. The message requests money to decrypt your files. You may be provided with a key to unlock the files if you pay. In other cases, the attackers abscond with your money. As of 2024, the average ransom was $2.73 million . This is almost a $1 million increase from the previous year according to Sophos. There are primarily two types of ransomware: Locker ransomware: This locks the whole computer. Crypto ransomware: This only encrypts your files. How are Malware and Ransomware Different? The main difference between malware and ransomware is their goal. Malware wants to cause damage or steal info. Ransomware wants to get money from you directly. While malware wants to take your data, ransomware will lock your files and demand payment to unlock them. Their methods are also different. Malware works in secret and you may not know it’s there. Ransomware makes its presence known so the attackers can ask you for money. How Does It Get Onto Your Computer? Malware and ransomware can end up on your computer in many of the same ways. These include: Through email attachments Via phony websites Via a USB drive with an infection From using outdated software These are the most common methods, but new techniques are on the rise. Fileless malware was expected to grow 65% in 2024 , and AI-assisted malware may make up 20% of strains in 2025. If you get infected by malware or ransomware, it’s important to act quickly. You should know these signs of infection to protect yourself. For malware: Your computer is slow Strange pop-ups appear Programs crash often For ransomware: You can't open your files You see a ransom note on your screen Your desktop background changes to a warning How Can You Protect Yourself? You can take steps to stay safe from both malware and ransomware. First, here are some general safety tips for malware and ransomware: Keep your software up to date Use strong passwords Don't click on strange links or attachments Backup your files regularly For malware specifically, you can protect yourself by using anti-virus programs and being selective with what you download. To stay safe from ransomware, take offline backups of your files and use ransomware-specific protection tools. What to Do If You’re Attacked If you suspect that you have malware or ransomware, take action right away. For Malware: Go offline Run full anti-virus Delete infected files Change all your passwords For Ransomware: Go offline Don't pay the ransom (it may not work) Report the attack to the police Restore your files from a backup Why It Pays to Know the Difference Knowing the difference between malware and ransomware can help with better protection. This will help you respond in the best way when attacked. The more you know what you are against, the better your chance at taking the right steps to keep yourself safe. If you are under attack, knowing what type of threat it is helps you take quicker action. You can take proper steps towards rectifying the problem and keeping your data safe. Stay Safe in the Digital World The digital world can be hazardous. But you can keep safe if you’re careful. Keep in mind the differences between malware and ransomware, and practice good safety habits daily. And, if you are in need of help to keep yourself safe on the internet, never hesitate to ask for assistance.  For further information on protecting your digital life, contact us. We want to help keep you secure in the face of all types of cyber threats.

Technology is fast, and in no time, our gadgets get outdated. According to data from Statista , consumers replace their devices about every 2-3 years. Still, it can be tricky to determine when an upgrade is needed. Upgrading your device isn’t just about having the latest gadget. An up-to-date device is safer and more efficient. This article will help you in spotting the signs that your gadget needs replacement. We will talk about seven signs that it is time to get a new one. 7 Signs It’s Time for a Device Upgrade It can be hard to tell when you need a new device, especially if you feel the current one is working fine. There are a few ways to tell your device is outdated, from slow loading times to lack of storage. Here are 7 signs it’s time for a device upgrade: 1. Is Your Device Slow and Laggy? Slow performance is a major indicator. If your device takes an eternity to boot up, that might be a sign to get an upgrade. Apps that take too long to open can be really frustrating. Slow internet access could mean your gadget is getting older. Most of us use our phones, computers, and tablets for day-to-day activities. A slow device makes texting, sending emails, managing calendars, and doing work more difficult. If you can save time in your day with work and personal tasks, the cost of an upgrade may be worth it. 2. Frequent Freezing and Crashing Does your device freeze often? Crashes are another bad sign . If you see the spinning wheel a lot, your device might be struggling. These issues mean your device can't keep up with today's demands. Freezing and crashing can impact your productivity. Imagine working on a document on your computer and losing everything when it crashes, or taking 20 minutes to type a simple email. This is why it’s important to have an up-to-date device. 3. How’s You Battery Life? Battery problems are a clear upgrade sign. If your device dies quickly, it's a red flag. Needing to charge multiple times a day is not normal. A healthy device should last most of the day on one charge. Check to see if your battery is swollen. This is a safety hazard and should be dealt with immediately. If your device often overheats, the battery may be malfunctioning. These are some pretty serious issues that, in most cases, mean it's time for a new device. 4. Is Your Storage Always Full? Running out of space all the time? That's a good indication that an upgrade is due. It is frustrating when you can't install new apps. Constantly deleting photos and files is a pain. More storage is one great reason to upgrade. 5. Are You Missing Out on New Features? New devices boast cool new features. If your device can't get the latest updates, you're missing out. Newer models often boast better cameras and screens. They also have faster processors and more memory. Age plays a huge factor in device performance. Most smartphones last around 2-3 years, and laptops, perhaps 3-5 years. If your device is older than this, then it might be time for an upgrade. Older devices struggle with new software and apps. 6. Are Repairs Costing Too Much? Repairing old devices can be costly. If the repair costs are high, upgrading may be wiser. Sometimes, the repair costs are almost equal to a new device. In such cases, it is often better to buy a new one. Since older devices usually go for less on the market, repair costs can add up quickly. For example, if you break the screen on your iPhone X, it can cost more than £230 to repair it. An iPhone X can be purchased for around £135. These repair costs are more than the value of the actual device. If you’ve had it for a while, you may have paid closer to £700 at the time of release. When you combine what you spent on your current device with any repair costs, you’ll notice it’s much better to upgrade. 7. Does Your Device Support the Latest Software? Older devices often can't run new software. This may be a security risk and also means you miss new features. Consider upgrading if your device can't update to the latest OS. Old software has security holes in it. Your data can easily be compromised by this kind of threat. Most hackers usually attack those gadgets operating on older, obsolete systems. This is why it’s important to keep your devices updated . If you keep an old device around, your data becomes vulnerable. You won’t be protected by the latest security patches. A new device running on the latest update is the safest option. Ready for a Fresh Start? If you have been noticing these signs, then that is probably the time for an upgrade. The new device will make your digital life easier, more fun, and a bit safer. Think about your needs and budget in choosing a new device. Don't wrestle with an older, slower device; upgrade to one that will serve you much better. Your increased security and productivity will thank you in the future. If you need help choosing a new device, contact us today.

Device storage decides how many applications, photos, and files you can retain on your device. When you run out of storage, it can affect your productivity and device performance. But finding the right storage amount isn’t always easy. We can underestimate what we need or get too much storage. This guide will help you figure out how much storage is actually needed. What is device storage? Device storage refers to space on the phone, tablet, or computer. The device storage stores all your data such as apps, photos, videos, and documents. When you fill up your storage space, you can no longer save videos and documents. In that case, you would need to pay for additional storage or get a new device. There are two major types of storage: Internal Storage: This is a built-in device. It can't be removed, and is usually faster compared to external storage. External Storage: This includes SD cards and USB drives, which can be added or removed. They give you more space but may be slower. Different devices come with various storage options. Let's look at some common ones: Smartphones: Most smartphones start at 64GB. High-end models can have up to 1TB. iPhones don't have SD card slots. Many Android phones do. Tablets: Tablets typically range from 32GB to 256GB. Some have slots for memory cards if you need more space. Laptops : Laptops tend to contain 128GB to 1TB of storage. You can generally upgrade that later. Desktops : Desktop computers can have really large storage. 1TB to 4TB is common. You can easily add more if needed. How Much Storage Do You Really Need? It can be difficult to know how much storage you really need. Many people get too much or too little storage. Your storage needs depend on how you use your device. Let's look at some common user types: Basic Users If you mostly browse the web and use simple apps, 64GB might do the job. This is enough for: Email Social media Light photo taking Average Users For people who take lots of photos and use many apps, 128GB to 256GB works best. This covers: Many apps Photo libraries Some video storage Power Users Video editing Large game libraries Huge photo collections Professional Users Some jobs need even more space. 1TB or more is common for: 4K video production Large datasets Professional photo editing How Can You Manage Device Storage Better? You can optimise your storage to avoid running out of space. Here are some tips; Use cloud storage: Services like Google Drive or iCloud can store your files online and save device space. 65.2% of people use cloud storage as their primary storage. Delete unused apps: Remove apps you don't use. They take up space and might slow down your device. Clear cache regularly: Many apps store temporary files. Clearing these can free up space. Use streaming services: Stream music and videos rather than download them. That saves a lot of space. What Takes Up The More Storage? Some things use more storage than others. Here are the biggest storage users: Videos : Videos are space hungry. A 1-hour 4K video can take up 7GB or more. Photos : Photos take less space compared to videos. However, they accumulate rather fast. 1000 high-quality photos may take up 5GB. Games: Modern games are huge. Some can be over 100GB each. Apps: Most apps are small. But some, like editing tools, can be very large. What to Do If You Run Out of Storage? If you run out of space, you can add more storage by using SD cards or an external drive. This is a great option instead of buying a new device. If possible, change your device for one with higher storage. An upgrade will give you more space internally. You can also put more files in the cloud with cloud storage solutions. Some popular options are Google Drive and Dropbox. This frees up more space on your device. How to Choose the Right Storage for Your Next Device When buying a new device, keep in mind how many photos and videos you take, how many apps or games you download, and whether you work with big files. Choose a device that will have enough storage for your needs. It's better to have too much than too little. Now you are aware of much more about device storage. You can make a better choice for your next device. Your needs may change over time, so it’s usually wise to get more storage than you think you need.  Do you still have questions about device storage? Contact us for personalised advice. We are here to help you find the right device with just the right amount of storage.

We use our devices every day, so they need to work well for our needs. A device that’s slow or broken is inconvenient and can affect productivity for day-to-day tasks. But buying a brand new phone or laptop isn’t always the best option. We’ll cover eight things you should consider before making the purchase of a used device. 8 Things to Consider Before Buying Used Technology Tech that's used can be a way to save cash. According to recent data, 70% of consumers bought or sold used technology in 2023. It’s a popular market that’s expected to grow to $2.7 trillion in 2025. However, you still have to exercise caution when buying any used device. Before purchasing used electronics, consider these seven things: 1. Is the Device Still Supported? Before actually buying used tech , check to see if it still gets updated. Older devices may not receive new software, which could make them less safe to use. Security updates protect your gadget against cyber attackers. When a device is no longer supported, it can’t get security patches in the latest updates. This leaves an opening for hackers to get in. To protect your information, you should always be able to update the device you’re using. If a device doesn't get these updates, then it’s not something worth buying. Check the manufacturer's website and see how long they support the device. This will let you know how long you can use it safely. Other brands could support their products longer than others do. 2. Device Age The age of the device is very important. New devices generally work better and have long-lasting quality. If your device is a few years old, you may notice some performance issues. Check when your device originally hit the market. This will tell you how old it is. You can look into newer models of devices and see their capabilities, too. Decide if the device will still provide whatever you require in the way of functionality. 3. Battery Health Try to get a rough idea about the battery health . Certain vendors may provide that information for you. A healthy battery will allow you to use your device for long periods without having to charge it. If your battery health is low, it may be time for an upgrade. Check out how much the replacement of the battery will be. Then, add it to the system cost. 4. Any Apparent Damage? Visible damage on the device could mean bad performance. Cracks and dents might indicate falls or rough handling. They could also signal severe internal problems within the gadget. Water damage can also cause a number of problems. Look for discoloration or rust. If there’s noticeable damage to the device, it may not be worth it. Major defects can impact how the device works when you use it daily. 5. Are All Accessories Available? Ensure that you get everything that you might need with the gadget. Missing items could mean additional purchases later. Chargers and cables are important. Ensure that they are present with your purchase. Extra things such as cases and headphones are always nice to have. Check whether they are included. If you have to purchase these items separately, it will add to the overall cost. 6. What’s the Return Policy? It is always important to know the details of the return policy. This way, you can take it back if something goes wrong. If anything happens to the device, a warranty can help with repair or replacement. Check these details before purchasing to be safe. 7. What is the Cost? Compare it with new and other used alternatives to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Sometimes buying a brand new device doesn't cost much more. You may consider buying one as new instead if it’s not too far off. Research several sellers to make sure you’re not overpaying. 8. Is It Possible to Try Before You Buy? It's always a good idea to try a device before you buy. This is especially true when buying on a peer marketplace. If at all possible, meet the seller and try out the device in person. It's the best way to test before making a commitment. Not able to meet in person? Ask for a video. The seller can make a video demonstrating the device. This way, you can make sure you’re not wasting your time meeting them. To be safe, you can purchase a used device from a major retailer and test the device in the store. Buying Used Tech Buying used technology can be a little tricky, but if you think about these things, you're likely to make a good choice. Remember to check key things like battery health, device support, and prices before you buy. While used tech can be cheaper than new, it’s not always a better deal.  Make sure the device you choose will work well for your needs. It should also be secure to use and be functional for a long time. If you can find a used device that’s not too old at a comparable price to new ones, you may have a great deal on your hands. Contact us today for help finding a quality used device.

Data breaches can harm your business. They can cost you money and trust. Let’s look at how to stop them from happening. What is a data breach? A data breach is when someone steals information. This can be names, emails, or credit card numbers. It’s bad for your customers and your business. Why should you care about data breaches? Data breaches are terrible things. They will cost you money. Perhaps your customers will stop trusting you. You may even be fined. It is vital to try to prevent them from occurring in the first place. How do you prevent a data breach? Here are 10 steps to help keep your data safe: 1. Use strong passwords Use long, complex passwords that are hard to guess. Include letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password for all of your accounts. 2. Update your software Always update your computer programs. Updates usually patch security holes. Have your computer set to update automatically. 3. Train your employees Educate your employees on data security. Teach them how to identify fake emails. Inform them to not click on suspicious links. 4. Use encryption Encryption scrambles your data. Only people who have a special key can read it. Use encryption on important information. 5. Limit access to data Not everyone needs to know everything. Only give people access to what they need for their work. 6. Create backups of your data Create copies of your important information. Keep these copies in a safe location. This helps in case anyone steals or destroys your data. 7. Use a firewall A firewall acts like a guard for your computer. It blocks the bad things from getting inside. Always turn the firewall on. 8. Be careful with emails Almost every data breach starts with a trick email. Don’t open emails from people you don’t know. Never click on links unless you are sure that they are safe. 8. Protect your Wi-fi Use a strong password on your Wi-Fi. Do not leave the default password on. Update your Wi-Fi password frequently. 10. Have a plan Prepare a plan if, in case of a data breach. Know whom to contact and what you should do. Do a practice drill so you are ready if there is an intrusion. Even with good plans, data breaches can still happen. If one does, take action quickly. Inform your customers about the breach ASAP. Fix the problem that led to the breach. Then, use what you learned from that mistake to make your security better. At what frequency is security checked? Keep checking your security. Look over it at least once a month. There are new dangers all the time. Keep informed about the most up-to-date ways of keeping the data safe. Can small businesses be targets for data breaches? Yes, small businesses can be targets too. Actually, most hackers target small businesses. They perceive their security level to be low. Whatever the size, make sure your business is prepared. What are some tools that can prevent data breaches? The cost may be high to prevent data breaches. But it costs less than fixing a breach after it has happened. Consider this as insurance for your data; thus, the cost is well worth keeping your business safe. How much does it cost to prevent a data breach? The cost may be high to prevent data breaches. But it costs less than fixing a breach after it has happened. Consider this as insurance for your data; thus, the cost is well worth keeping your business safe. Stay Safe and Secure Data safety is very important; it keeps your business and customers safe. Take these steps to prevent data breaches. Always be on guard against new threats. If you need help, ask an expert. They can make sure your data stays safe.  Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start protecting your data today.

Ransomware has now become a big problem for many people and businesses . It can lock up your files and make you pay money to get them back . This article will show how one can protect themselves from ransomware and what to do in case of an attack. What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of bad software. It penetrates your computer, locks up your files, and then they ask you to pay money to unlock your files . This can be very scary and costly. How does ransomware work? Ransomware usually comes in through email or bad websites. It can also spread through networks. Once it’s in, it starts to lock up your files with strong codes. Then you see a message asking for money. How does Encryption Work? Encryption uses algorithms and keys. An algorithm is a set of rules for solving problems. A key is somewhat like a password that unlocks the secret message. How can you prevent ransomware attacks? There are many ways to stop ransomware before it hurts you. Here are some key steps: Keep your software up to date Always keep your computer and programs up to date. Updates often fix problems that ransomware uses to get in. Use good antivirus software Get strong antivirus software. Keep it turned on and updated. It can detect many kinds of ransomware. Be careful with emails Don’t open emails from people you don’t know. Don’t click links or download files unless you are sure they’re safe. Back up your files Copy your most important files, and store them on something other than your primary computer. That way, if ransomware locks your files, you’ll still have copies. What do you do if you get ransomware? So you think you have ransomware? Don’t panic. Here’s what to do: Disconnect from the network Immediately disconnect your computer from the internet. This may prevent the ransomware from spreading or worsening. Don’t pay the ransom Experts say you shouldn’t pay. There’s no guarantee you’ll get your files back. Plus, paying encourages more attacks. Report the attack Tell the police about the attack. Also, report it to your country’s cyber security centre. They can help and use the info to stop future attacks. Use your backups If you have backups, then you can restore your files from them. That is what backups are for, after all. How can businesses protect themselves? Businesses will want to take a few additional steps to remain safe. Here are some suggestions: Train your employees Train your employees about ransomware. Give them examples of what to watch out for, and what to do in case they encounter something suspicious. Limit access to key files Not everyone needs access to every file. Provide access only to those needed to perform the job. This may limit how far ransomware can spread. Have a plan ready Have a strategy in place, in case you become a target of ransomware. Exercise it. Preparation will make you swift, and thereby contain the damages. How is ransomware evolving? Ransomware is getting newer tricks all the time. Watch for this: