News
What's breaking, and whether it matters to you
We watch the outages, security incidents and telecoms deadlines that reach UK small businesses, and write up the ones worth knowing about.
Business closure linked to inadequate security investment
A small business has ceased operations several months after a ransomware attack destroyed its digital infrastructure. The company had previously declined professional security services, opting instead for informal, low-cost support.
Read itUS authorities charge ransomware recovery provider with fraud
A ransomware recovery specialist has been charged with defrauding clients by claiming to decrypt data while secretly paying ransoms to attackers. The provider allegedly charged fees higher than the ransom amounts and pocketed the difference without disclosing the payments to victims.
Endpoint monitoring for meeting room hardware management
Cloud-based telemetry now allows IT teams to monitor meeting room hardware as managed endpoints. This allows for the identification of equipment failures before they disrupt scheduled business meetings.
Microsoft to update offline data synchronisation for Dynamics 365 Field Service
Microsoft is updating the Dynamics 365 Field Service mobile app to improve how data captured offline is sent back to central systems. The update adds background synchronisation and clearer notifications for technicians regarding their data status.
Microsoft to add PDF presentation mode for OneDrive on iPad
Microsoft is adding a dedicated presentation mode for PDF files within the OneDrive app for iPad. This feature locks the view to prevent accidental scrolling between pages during meetings.
Microsoft introduces automated archiving for inactive SharePoint files
Microsoft is launching a new feature that automatically moves older, unused files into a lower-cost storage tier. The system targets files that have not been accessed for a set period, ranging from six months to four years.
Debian Linux security update addresses large volume of vulnerabilities
The Debian project has released a kernel update addressing over 1,300 identified vulnerabilities. This high number is attributed to changes in how security flaws are reported and the use of automated tools to find code errors.
Microsoft to introduce side conversations within Teams meetings
Microsoft is adding a feature to Teams that allows participants to start private or small group chats within an active meeting. This is intended to allow for parallel discussions without using the main meeting chat visible to all attendees.
Microsoft Entra ID adds passkey support for guest users
Microsoft is extending passkey authentication to B2B guest users, allowing external partners to use secure hardware or device-based credentials. This update will be enabled by default for organisations currently using passkeys for internal staff.
Password complexity and software patching requirements for business security
Recent security incidents demonstrate that substituting characters in passwords does not prevent automated attacks. Maintaining up-to-date software remains as important as credential management for protecting business data.
Microsoft Azure maintenance error affects hybrid networks and VPN services
A routine maintenance update by Microsoft caused unplanned downtime for several Azure services, including virtual private networks and hybrid cloud connections. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue but has not yet confirmed the specific technical cause of the failure.
Microsoft to launch skill catalog for Copilot Studio
Microsoft is introducing a central catalog for Copilot Studio that allows businesses to store and share pre-configured AI instructions and workflows. This system aims to prevent staff from duplicating work by providing a library of approved tasks for AI agents.
Want someone watching this for you?
We keep an eye on the platforms our customers depend on and tell you when something is theirs rather than yours.