While WhatsApp might be better known as a mobile app to communicate with friends and family – it can actually be a valuable business tool.

Here, we look at WhatsApp Business and the ways you can use it to boost your marketing and improve connections with your customers.

What is WhatsApp Business?

WhatsApp Business is a version of the popular encrypted app designed to meet the needs of small and medium business owners.

It’s free to download and use – although if you want to use both the business and personal version on your same device, you’ll need to use a separate number for both.

For larger businesses (50+ users) WhatsApp offers a premium, paid-for enterprise version – WhatsApp Cloud.

The key benefits of using WhatsApp Business

There are numerous benefits of using WhatsApp Business for your business communications.

With a dedicated profile, your business is easily approachable and provides customers with essential details such as business hours, location and website.

It enables you to have direct conversations with customers around the world in a way that can be easily categorised and filtered.

What’s more, it enables automated greetings, away message and quick replies. That means you can respond to messages promptly, even if you’re not actively managing the account.

But most importantly, WhatsApp Business is cost-effective. It is free for small business and reduces the costs associated with customer service calls and traditional SMS.

Other key benefits include:

• End-to-end encryption – meaning it’s private and secure between the business and customer.
• It can be integrated with CRM tools and other business systems to streamline operations.
• Businesses can also receive a verified badge to assure customers they are communicating with a genuine business.
• The ability to share rich media including images, videos and documents.

How does it differ from regular WhatsApp?

WhatsApp Business is designed with the unique needs of companies in mind. Key differences include:

• Chatbot integration
• Automated messaging
• Unique business profile
• QR codes and short links
• Broadcast feature for mass messaging
• Label conversations ability
• Streamlined purchase process

Example ways to use WhatsApp Business

Using WhatsApp Business should streamline processes and improve your relationship with customers. Here are a few tips to do this with a view of boosting profits too:

• Use the Group Chat feature to facilitate team discussions
• Create One-to-One conversations to build and maintain strong relationships with individual customers
• Use the Broadcast feature to efficiently send news and announcements to wide audiences
• Utilise the cost-effective video call option
• Use QR codes and short links on your website to direct customers to WhatsApp
• Engage with customers after a sale to provide a more personalised service
• Collect feedback and valuable insights
• Use notifications to keep customers up to date on the latest offers
• Use auto reply to respond to customers while you are offline

The importance of personalised service

WhatsApp Business enables a more personalised service – something numerous studies have shown to have a real benefit.

These include Epsilons 2018 “The Power of Me” study which revealed 80% of customers said they are more likely to do business with a company if it offers personalised experiences.

Likewise, Smarther HQ’s “Privacy & Personalisation Report” in 2019 found 72% of consumers said they would only engage with marketing messages tailored to their interests.

Finally, Salesforce’s “State of the Connected Customer” report in 2021 revealed 66% of customers expect companies to understand their unique needs and expectations, with 52% adding they always expect offers to be personalised.

What does this mean for your business?

WhatsApp Business offers various tools that businesses can leverage to enhance their communication, foster relationships and personalise customer interactions. Together, these can all lead to improved customer satisfaction and business growth.

WhatsApp Business is more than just another communication tool, it is a paradigm shift for small businesses. Customers today want to feel valued as part of a shared “journey”. And this is where WhatsApp Business can help foster real-time interactions and experiences that are more genuine and resonant.

One of the platform’s most important implications is in its democratisation of marketing. For example, traditional advertising avenues can be costly and often out of reach for smaller businesses. WhatsApp Business provides an avenue for these businesses to connect directly with their customer base.

In a world where trust is a pivotal currency among a sea of risks and scams, promoting yourself as a genuine business is key. WhatsApp Business, with its direct communication and verification features, can bridge this gap and signal to customers that behind the digital storefront is a genuine business, and one that listens, cares, and values the relationship.

Need support in introducing WhatsApp Business at your organisation? Contact the SMY team today to learn more about how we can help.

Multi-factor authentication is becoming an ever-present feature of our most-loved apps and services – but just how good is it at stopping hackers? Here, we look at the benefits of enabling it on your accounts.

Enhanced security protocols are becoming increasingly important as cybercriminals diversify their ways to gain access to our accounts.

As worrying as it sounds, a strong password isn’t necessarily enough to protect you. And that’s what makes multi-factor authentication so important.

How does it work?

Multi-factor authentication is one of the strongest tools in our arsenal as it requires users to identify themselves using more than just their username and passwords.

Security questions are a perfect example of this, although most websites and apps are now requiring new ways to verify your identity after each log-in attempt.

The technology comes in various forms, but the principle behind it always works the same. It makes it mandatory for a user to follow an additional security check that a hacker shouldn’t be able to follow.

This typically comes in the form of downloading apps that provide one-time passwords (OTPs), which you must provide after a log-in attempt. These can also be sent by text or email.

But arguably the strongest form comes through inherence – using biometrics to verify your identity. You might already use this when logging into your bank app for example, when you are asked to provide fingerprint or facial recognition.

Multi-factor authentication encompasses at least two forms of enhanced factors for each attempt, meaning users may be asked to verify their identity multiple times before a successful log-in.

Why does this matter?

Multi-factor authentication significantly bolsters defences against some of the most dangerous and prevalent attacks.

It can be scarily simple for hackers to find your passwords through so-called “brute force” attacks. Enabling multi-factor authentication stops them in their tracks should the worst happen.

More sophisticated methods such as keylogging and man-in-the-middle attacks can also be prevented.

In all cases, multi-factor authentication can build a barrier to a breach. Without access to secondary devices such as your mobile phone – or your biometrics, they cannot get any further.

Does it have any issues?

Just like with all technology, multi-factor authentication isn’t perfect. Although that’s not necessarily the fault of the technology itself.

So-called “multi-factor authentication fatigue” has hit the headlines in recent months. That is because hackers have found a way to get through – and in a simple way.

Hackers are spamming log-in requests to compromised accounts, flooding users’ authentication apps with verification requests. Believing this may be a glitch, increasing numbers of people are approving the requests just to make them stop.

Software giants are quickly responding to the issue however, with Microsoft now making number matching on multiple devices a default feature on its authentication tool.

Users can also become annoyed with constant authentication requests, although thankfully adaptive authentication is becoming increasingly popular.

The technology ensures each log-in attempt is analysed before sending an authentication request. That can save the annoyance of having to verify every login you make thanks to the way it analyses behavioural patterns such as log-in times, locations and Wi-Fi networks.

So do I need multi-factor authentication for my business?

Every business should have multi-factor authentication enabled on all staff accounts.

With phishing attacks becoming more prevalent, a strong frontline is vital in preventing hackers gaining access.

A range of tools are available to help you set up multi-factor authentication and make each request a speedy and safe experience.

The SMY IT Services team has decades of cybersecurity experience and is here to help with all your security needs.

Contact the team today to find out more.

The New Year brings exciting opportunities to shake up your life for the better – and that extends to technology for your business, too.

Here, SMY IT Services Managing Director Jonathan Smy shares his tech tips every business should look to implement in 2023.

Look to the cloud

The cloud has revolutionised the tech industry. It is no longer the future – it is the reality.

Cloud computing offers businesses more agility, better performance, easier maintenance – and importantly, a reduced cost. But that isn’t the best thing about it.

Storing your files on the cloud mean you and your staff can access data wherever you are, from any device.

Almost every business you know will use the cloud in some shape or form. Now it is important your business isn’t left behind.

Thankfully for those yet to harness its power – the SMY team have been experts in cloud technology since its inception. And we want every business to realise its advantages.

Introduce Multi-Factor Authentication on all accounts

Applying Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to all your business accounts is one of the most simple and effective forms of cybersecurity. Simply put, businesses without it are prime targets for cybercrime in 2023.

Using MFA means every log-in on a business account must be verified using another source. Simply logging in with the correct password isn’t enough to gain you access.

This is typically achieved through mobile apps which provide the user with a code to enter online. The simple step is said to prevent as much as 99.9% of hacks.

All accounts should have MFA in place – from the very top to the bottom of your business pyramid.

Revisit your cybersecurity protocols

On the topic of cybercrime, the New Year brings fresh opportunity to revisit your existing cybersecurity protocols.

The world of cybersecurity is ever changing and criminals are always discovering new ways to offend. As such, it is vital to regularly update your protocols and identify any loose ends that could grant a criminal access to your business’ data.

SMY IT Services’ customers never have to worry about this – our team work around the clock to keep tabs on the latest developments and identify your vulnerabilities.

What’s more, our customers benefit from industry-leading firewalls and anti-virus technology. We’ll also alert you should your software or operating system be out of date.

Internally, it is always a good idea to check which accounts still require access to sensitive information or files.

Switch to VoIP

Just like with the cloud, switching from traditional telephony to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is more than just a trend. It is the future.

Moving away from a landline phone system – known as PBX – can save your business valuable money while enhancing security.

The technology also enables clearer voice quality and can be scaled up as your business grows. What’s more, the calls can be made anywhere with a reliable internet connection – making it the perfect choice for today’s agile workforce.

The SMY IT Services team are experts in cloud telephony, what we believe to be the best communication method for businesses. Whatever your needs, we are here to help.

Sign up to SMY Learning

There are dozens of top tips and trends we’d like to share in this blog – but the reality is, we might be here for hours!

That’s why we produce a monthly newsletter with our top tech tips and guides of the month, ranging from cybersecurity advice to Microsoft 365 advice and more.

And the good news is – anyone can sign up. It’s free!

If you are looking to advance your business through the power of technology, sign up to our SMY Learning newsletter here.

SMY are here to help

Our biggest aim at SMY IT Services is to make your business more profitable through the power of technology. And that is why the latest technology trends make us so excited.

Should you like to discuss more tech tips and learn how to technology can help your business grow, why not get in touch?

Contact our friendly team via this form, or give us a call on 01473 557203.

Fake news is dangerous and continues to spread around the world. Disinformation is a threat not just to democracy, but bogus websites can also pose a malware threat to your devices.

Here, SMY IT Services Managing Director Jonathan Smy shares his top tips on how to spot fake news articles and stay safe online.

A staggering 45% of UK adults report coming across a fake news item daily, with the epidemic showing no signs of stopping despite efforts to crack down.

Many of the ways to detect fake news link to phishing – with fraudsters using similar tricks to deceive readers. They also tend to make the same mistakes.

Always check your sources

Fake news writers often post their bogus works on websites cleverly designed to look like well-established, trusted news outlets. It is therefore incredibly important to stop and check where an article is coming from.

Just like with phishing, fraudsters regularly create similar website URLs to legitimate websites. The difference often is only the odd letter being out of place or a different domain.

Hovering over links to reveal their destination is a great way to identify fake news articles before opening them. Simply move your mouse cursor over the link and it will appear, or copy and paste the link into your search bar, without pressing enter.

Think about the writing style

Most news websites refrain from using constant capital letters in their copy. Tabloid headlines can be wild, however fake news articles often take this to another level.

News pieces should (mostly) be free of opinion and at the very least be balanced, giving the other side of the argument a chance to have their voice heard.

Hard-leaning articles in either political direction, or that are purely designed to shock, are more often than not full of falsehoods, overlooked statistics or shoddy journalism.

Doctored photos

Bogus news articles often use Photoshopped or stolen images that are designed to shock readers and draw them in.

Taking the time to stop and look for any imperfections can help identify a fake – particularly when faces are involved.

Tools such as Google Lens and TinEye can also help reveal a fake.

Check fact checkers

There are a range of websites offering free fact checking services and its team are often quick to identify disinformation.

Websites such as FactCheck and Snopes are great places to visit alongside the Washington Post Fact Checker and PolitiFact for the more serious stories.

You can also check other news websites to see if they’ve covered the story. If larger outlets aren’t picking it up, chances are it is because it’s fake.

Fake news and malware

Many fraudsters will use freakish headlines to lure readers in and infect their devices with malware.

Many will use so-called “watering hole” attacks that attract readers to follow further links before infecting their computers or mobile devices with Trojan horse viruses.

Using a good anti-virus software and security extensions on your browser can help identify malicious websites and stop you from clicking on a link that could cause disaster.

SMY are here to help

If someone at your business has fallen victim to a fake news article and compromised your organisation’s security, we are here to help.

Our team has more than 30 years’ experience in cybersecurity and know how to keep your business safe.

Visit our services page to learn more, or call our friendly team on 01473 557203.

Christmas is almost upon us – and many will be looking forward to shutting up shop for the festive break. But for business owners, there are some important steps to take to ensure a smooth return to work in the New Year.

Here, our Managing Director Jonathan looks at a simple checklist for every business to consider this December.

Ensure your firewall and security software is up to date

Cybercriminals don’t take time off at Christmas – and they know it is a time your business is most vulnerable.

One of the easiest ways to give them access to your files is by not updating your security software. Double checking that you are up to date will provide you a far greater degree of protection – and it is a simple thing to remember thanks to automatic reminders.

This also applies for your operating system, so make sure everything is up to date before you bring down the shutters.

Backup your files

Should cybercriminals find a way in, it is imperative you have a backup of your data.

There are numerous ways to do this, ranging from simple external USB sticks and hard drives to cloud-based alternatives. This vital step shouldn’t take you long.

Keeping your files secure is always important, but this is of even greater significance should you be storing client data.

This is also helpful in the event of an “act of god” incident such as flooding, heavy snowfall or fires.

Double check your office security

It’s all well and good focusing on protecting your digital assets – but don’t forget about your office.

With so long away, it is important to ensure all doors and windows are locked and alarms are set.

It is always important to ensure you have more than one person in the office for health and safety reasons – but if any of your staff do decide to come in over the Christmas break, for security reasons it is also good practice to ensure they are not alone.

Consider an external IT agency

External IT consulting service providers like SMY are a good option throughout the year – especially at Christmas time.

We don’t need access to your physical infrastructure for most of our work and can monitor your servers and systems automatically from afar. You can rest assured that we’ll be in touch should we detect anything wrong.

At SMY we are not just specialists in diagnostics, cybersecurity and support – we are experts in cloud-based storage. Our innovative systems help keep your data safe and secure, alleviating the stress at any time of year.

We will help you ensure everything is ready for the Christmas break and help make for a stress-free return in January.

Work with us to help keep your business and its most valuable assets safe.

Visit our services page to learn more about the support we offer or give our friendly team a call on 01473 557203.

Former prime minister and foreign secretary Liz Truss’ phone was reportedly the target of Russian hackers. In a world where even the average person could be the target of phone hacking, we look at the best ways to keep your device safe.

It is believed Liz Truss’ phone was hacked by foreign agents during her time as foreign secretary, with private messages – including those regarding the war in Ukraine – intercepted.

Further details of the suspected security breach are few and far between, although initial reports said hackers could have used the Israeli-built Pegasus spyware.

The software can be incredibly invasive, monitoring the vast majority of a device’s usage. It is so under-the-radar that those targeted will have no idea of its existence.

While attacks using such sophisticated software are unlikely for those outside of politics and big business, it is still important to keep your devices safe. Here are five of our top tips to keep your phone secure.

Never click a link if you are unsure

It doesn’t matter where a link comes from – if you are unsure of its legitimacy, don’t click it. Links can lead to malicious websites that install malware on your phone that are used to steal data.

Many malicious links come in the form of phishing text messages offering offers or discounts. There has been a recent spike in fraudulent offers of energy bill discounts to help with the cost of living.

Whether the link is in an email, a text message or a social media post, take the time to think about clicking it. If it looks suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.

Keep your phone updated

Constant reminders to update your phone’s software can be annoying, but they are there to keep you safe.

Updates regularly resolve any existing vulnerabilities, particularly on Android devices. Constant updates help you stay ahead of the game and prevent hackers from getting a way in.

Make sure to regularly check for updates in your device’s settings menu, don’t just rely on a reminder to let you know.

Don’t store log-in details on your phone

We always recommend people to use different passwords for each app they use. While they may be hard to remember, saving log-in or card details in apps – or worse in a note or text document – is the worst thing you can do.

Using an encrypted password manager is the safest way to store your personal details and there is a variety available through the app store.

Make sure to always use a mix of lower case, uppercase, numbers and symbols in your passwords to keep them as secure as possible.

Use a VPN when connected to public Wi-Fi

Free public Wi-Fi is great – but networks can provide hackers easy access to your device.

Many unsecured public networks lack important security features and encryption, effectively leaving the door open to those wanting to get into your phone and steal data.

Using a VPN connects your to an external server, bolstering your security and keeping you safe from any malicious actors.

Install security apps

Antivirus alone isn’t enough to protect your computer. Most packages now include additional security features to extend the level of protection they offer (just make sure it is all enabled).

The protection antivirus products provide isn’t just available on computers, you should use them or other security apps on your mobile devices too.

There are various free apps available, although it is best to stick with the big names you can trust (such as McAfee, Trend Micro or Kaspersky) to keep you safe from any harmful websites or files.

If you have already purchased an antivirus or security package on your computer, double check your account – a mobile app may have also been included in your purchase.

The SMY team is here to help

At SMY IT Services we help keep you and your business safe from harm.

Our expert team are on hand to build a plan that protects your devices from attack, keeping your and your client’s data away from the hands of criminals.

Contact our team for advice today.

Cost of living scams are on the rise – with cybercriminals looking for ways to profit off the misery of the ongoing energy bills crisis.

Here, SMY IT Services’ Managing Director Jonathan SMY shares his tips on how to stay safe.

Fraudulent text messages on the rise

The warnings come after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published research showing a significant increase in phishing attacks where fraudsters posed as energy providers or government agencies.

More than 1,500 reports were made to the National Cyber Security Centre in the two weeks to August 5 alone about scam emails offering energy rebates from Ofgem.

These text messages direct people to a website where they are asked to enter their personal details.

Disclosed information is then often used to steal funds, make fraudulent purchases or for identity theft.

How to spot a fraudulent message

Everyone would like a discount on their energy bills. But it is important you take the time to spot a fraudulent message – as not doing so could lead to disaster.

Phishing messages are becoming increasingly harder to spot. But when you take a closer look, it is often very easy to spot a fake.

The first thing to look for is the sender. Messages are often sent from mobile phone numbers that are quickly taken down. If the message starts with “07” it is very unlikely to be from the government.

Likewise, taking a look at the link they want to direct you to almost always reveals it’s a scam. Official government websites always end with “.gov.uk.”

If you are ever in doubt about a link or a service, you can search for it on the official government website.

These messages often come with spelling mistakes, so take the time to read them carefully. Misspelt words are a clear sign that something is not right.

What to do if you receive a fraudulent message

People across the UK are receiving cost of living scam messages. If you receive one – you are not alone.

The most important thing to remember is to never click a link in the message. If you accidentally do, do not disclose any information and close it immediately.

If you are still in doubt about the legitimacy of a message, you can contact the supposed sender using their genuine channels to check.

Likewise, the government also offers a scam checking service. Simply send an email with information about the message to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Scam messages can also be reported by forwarding them to 7726.

What to do if you fall victim

Those who believe they have fallen victim to a cost of living scam should contact Action Fraud immediately.

Crimes can be reported online via the Action Fraud website, or by phone on 0300 123 2040.

It is vital to change your passwords should you think any of your accounts have been compromised.

Good password practice and using multi-factor authentication on your accounts in future can help keep you protected.

Need advice?

The SMY IT Services team has more than 50 years’ tech and cybersecurity experience between them.

If you need advice on how to stay safe online, give us a call on 01473 557203 or visit our news page for further tips.

SMY IT is delighted to be supporting Phoenix Group – a charity working to support deaf children and young adults in Hertfordshire.

The charity provides activities, British Sign Language, life skills and deaf awareness training for hundreds of children with hearing loss.

The charity, which is affiliated to the National Deaf Children’s Society, had realised its laptops were becoming a bit outdated, so put the call out for donations of IT equipment.

On finding out about the charity’s request for help, Jonathan Smy, Managing Director at SMY IT, was happy to help, donating a brand-new Dell Inspiron laptop, with expert assistance in setting it up.

Jonathan, said: “Phoenix Group do incredible work supporting deaf children and young adults, so when I discovered they were in need of laptops, I was delighted to help.

“I wish them all the best in the future and hope our donation goes a little way in helping children and young people in the area.”

A spokesperson for Phoenix Group said: “The Phoenix Group for Deaf Children and Young Adults are a Hertfordshire based charity for young people with a hearing loss and their families.

“Deafness can be extremely impactful and the charity work to reduce loneliness, isolation and provide fun and educational opportunities for their young members.

“The charity’s fundraising has been particularly challenging over the past few years and a much-needed donation of a laptop has meant that we can use our funding to directly support our members, rather than need to spend it on IT equipment.

“Many thanks to SMY IT Services for your kind donation and support to the charity.”

For more on Phoenix Group, visit www.phoenixgroup.org.uk

The most innocent of mistakes online can have the most disastrous effects on your business. From just one accidental click, your staff – from trainees to heads of departments – can all cause a cybersecurity nightmare.

Here are some tips on how to ensure your staff are aware of the dangers faced.

Don’t blame your employees

Everyone makes mistakes. While accidents can have serious consequences for your business, that doesn’t stop them from being accidents.

Businesses should have plans in place to ensure staff are well-versed in the dangers posed online. Every business has a responsibility to keep its employees trained on keeping its network and data safe.

If your staff aren’t asking questions when faced with something online, then your training hasn’t given them the answers.

Think before you click

Many of the most effective cyberattacks rely purely on human error. They tend to be the most simple, too.

Phishing attacks are among the most common, and regularly come via an email with very subtle differences to their genuine counterparts. It could be just one letter’s difference in the email address, or a bogus link.

Staff should be trained to stop and think when faced with an unexpected email or website link. A few seconds to double-check the domain, to hover their mouse over a link to reveal its destination, or to ask someone for help can prevent disaster.

The importance of passwords

Repeated or easy-to-crack passwords should never be tolerated in a business.

Staff should be trained to ensure their passwords are a minimum of eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.

Likewise, they should be encouraged to never reuse passwords across any of their accounts – and ensure they are changed regularly through reminders.

What’s more, you could invest in a password manager to help save your staff the hassle of remembering numerous passwords.

Encourage conversation

Cybersecurity is an ever-changing field as hackers and their tactics evolve. Businesses and their IT departments should stay in the loop with the latest trends and ensure that information is passed down.

Keep your employees up to date on the latest developments affecting cybersecurity. This doesn’t have to be through an uninspiring newsletter – a healthy reminder in a meeting or a piece on a bulletin board will all help raise awareness.

A business is only truly secure when its staff are aware of the dangers they face, so don’t be afraid to share any tips your IT provider may have.

Cybersecurity doesn’t end in the office

The pandemic has made agile working an ever-prevalent feature of numerous industries – and it can be hard to keep track of any security slip-ups from afar.

Make sure your staff are aware of the dangers they face online, be it in the office, in their homes or out and about on client meetings.

The same applies for any devices you give to your staff. A work phone is an extension of your business and as such should be treated in the same way by staff as their computer.

Questions?

At SMY IT Services, we understand cybersecurity can be a minefield. That’s why our expert team are constantly monitoring the latest developments to keep our clients safe.

Our aim is to help your business grow through technology – and no company can develop when it’s vulnerable to criminals.

Looking to protect your and your client’s data? Contact our team for support.