Ray Wesner on LinkedIn: The world's first Miss AI has been crowned (2024)

On the 1st of August 1986, Apple discontinued the Macintosh XL, marking the end of the Apple Lisa computer platform. This might seem like a blast from the past, but it holds valuable lessons for today's business owners.Back in January 1985, while the Macintosh line was soaring, the Lisa struggled with sales. Apple’s innovative response? They transformed the Lisa 2/10 into the Macintosh XL, combining the best of both worlds. This hybrid machine ran the Macintosh operating system, allowing Apple to salvage and repurpose their advanced technology for greater success.The Lisa's story is a powerful reminder for businesses about the importance of adaptability and leveraging existing assets. While it didn't hit the market as intended, its technology laid the groundwork for future innovations. Apple’s strategic pivot with the Macintosh XL showcases how repurposing resources can lead to breakthroughs and continued growth.Today, we celebrate the pioneering spirit of the Lisa and the lessons it offers in resilience and innovation. What’s an example of when you decided to embrace change and turn a challenge into an opportunity? #TechHistory #AppleLisa #MacintoshXL

I presume you heard about the problematic update from cyber security company CrowdStrike, which caused major disruption globally? Millions of Windows PCs were caused to continuously reboot due to Blue Screen of Death errors. While CrowdStrike and Microsoft have provided official guides to recover from this mess, cyber criminals are swooping in to exploit the situation.Here’s what’s happening: Cyber criminals are distributing a malicious file named crowdstrike-hotfix .zip, which they claim will fix the problem. But instead, the file contains harmful malicious software (malware). This tactic is all too common. Cyber criminals love to strike when panic and urgency are high, tricking people into downloading malware disguised as helpful tools.In addition to this fake fix, phishing campaigns are rampant. Criminals are sending fake emails posing as CrowdStrike support, making phone calls pretending to be CrowdStrike employees, and even posing as independent researchers offering recovery scripts.To stay safe, always connect with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels and follow the technical guidance provided by CrowdStrike and Microsoft. Avoid downloading any unsolicited files or clicking on suspicious links.The same goes for any other company you deal with if you have any concerns about the authenticity of their emails. In the meantime, if you need help with keeping your systems safe and secure, get in touch. #CyberSecurity #CrowdStrike #malware

Google is adding passkey support to its Advanced Protection Program (APP) - that’s the highest level of security Google offers. Previously, APP required a physical security key, which wasn’t always convenient for everyone. But now people can choose between using a passkey or a physical key. It’s a great step towards better security measures.But, what are passkeys and why should you care? Passkeys are a modern, secure way to log in without needing a traditional password. Instead of typing a password, you can use something you have, like your phone or a fingerprint, making it much harder for cyber criminals to get into your accounts. This is especially important for those at high risk of attack, as well as businesses with a lot of data to protect.The great thing about passkeys is that they are not only more secure but also more convenient. No more worrying about forgetting passwords or having them stolen. Google has already rolled out passkeys for Android and Chrome, and they’re now available for all Google accounts. As of this year, more than 400 million accounts have used passkeys more than a billion times.For your business, adopting passkeys can add an extra layer of security, protecting sensitive information and keeping your operations running smoothly. You can set them up easily on the accounts that currently have the option. It’s easy, secure, and a great way to ensure your business data stays safe.Need a hand with that? My team can help - get in touch. #Google #Passkeys #CyberSecurity

Hey, it's Laura from CloudNett with your latest tech update!Ever feel irritated by the constant "ping" of Microsoft Teams notifications? Ping… ping… ping… well, you're not alone, me too.Good news then! Microsoft has just rolled out an update that lets you customize your notification sounds on Teams. Imagine replacing that generic ping with a soothing chime or a subtle whoosh. This might seem like a small change, but it can have a big impact on your day.By choosing different sounds for different notifications, you can prioritize your work more effectively and minimize distractions. For business owners, this isn't just a new feature – it's a productivity booster. Custom notification sounds mean your team can tailor their alerts to their preferences. Urgent messages from key contacts? Give them a distinct sound. Routine notifications? Something softer and less intrusive.We can help you customize Microsoft Teams to be perfect for your business. Get in touch with us for more information.That’s your tech update. Stay tuned for more next week!#MicrosoftTeams #TechUpdate #CloudNett #Productivity

Microsoft recently sent out emails warning some customers about a data breach, but there's a big problem: The emails looked like spam. It’s caused a bit of confusion and concern.So, what happened?Microsoft didn’t follow their usual data breach process. Instead of using their secure customer portal, they emailed admins directly. Unfortunately, these emails often end up in spam folders. Even worse, admin accounts should be secure and not used for regular email communications. Oh, and the emails contained a “secure link” that leads to a domain not immediately recognizable as Microsoft’s, which caused even more alarm. Many people submitted the link to urlscan.io, a service that checks if a website is safe, to verify its legitimacy.You might be wondering how you can tell if an email like this is spam or legitimate.First, look at the sender's email address and see if it matches what you’d expect from Microsoft. Check for grammar mistakes or unusual formatting, which are common in spam. Be cautious of any links – you can hover over them without clicking to see where they lead. If they don’t look right, don’t click.If you’re still unsure, you can contact Microsoft support directly through their official website, or my team will be happy to help. It’s better to be safe and verify the email than to risk a potential scam. Have you seen one of these emails? And did you think it looked suspicious? #CyberSecurity #Microsoft #DataBreach

Today we celebrate a major milestone in tech history – the anniversary of IBM's first desktop computer, the System/23 Datamaster, introduced July 28, 1981.It was designed for small businesses, doubling as a word processor and data processor. The best part? It could be set up by employees without needing a tech specialist. Imagine how revolutionary that was back then.Though it’s now a historical footnote, the Datamaster played a crucial role in shaping the future of computing. The brilliant minds behind it were quickly reassigned to the top-secret IBM PC project. Their experience with the Datamaster, especially the Intel 8085 processor, directly influenced the development of the iconic IBM PC and its choice of the Intel 8088 processor.Raise a glass to the IBM System/23 Datamaster and the incredible advancements it paved the way for.#TechHistory #IBM #LegacyTech👀 ➡️ https://cloudnett.net #TechHistory #IBM #LegacyTech

Do you have a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy? With more employees using their personal devices for work, you need to understand the risks and how to keep your business safe.Lots of companies have reduced the number of in-office PCs, letting employees bring their own laptops or devices. While that could be good for budget, there are some things you need to consider - most importantly, the right security to protect business and customer data.Criminals target employees through emails, calls, and voice messages in order to steal sensitive information. Whether personal devices are used in the office or remotely, they must have robust, ongoing security measures to keep your data safe.Personal devices often lack the same protection as corporate ones. It’s important to make sure that all personal devices have security features installed and that they’re regularly updated.Access control is another concern. Personal devices are more susceptible to unauthorized access by family (children!) or friends. Implement strict access controls and make sure devices are used exclusively for work when accessing company data.Mixing personal and work data can lead to privacy issues and compliance breaches. Make your employees aware of these risks and provide guidelines on separating personal and work data.While BYOD can seem cost-effective upfront, the potential security risks and costs associated with data breaches or attacks can outweigh these savings. Investing in secure, company-managed devices might save money in the long run.Carefully weigh up the pros and cons before deciding. My team and I can help you do that. Get in touch.#BYOD #CyberSecurity #HybridWork👀 ➡️ https://cloudnett.net #BYOD #CyberSecurity #HybridWork

Hey, it's Laura with your latest tech update from CloudNett!If you use Google Chrome, you probably love the extensions. They can block ads, reduce distractions, and help you be more productive. But beware! Some Chrome extensions can be packed with malware. Cybercriminals use them to steal your data or cash.Even though Google keeps a close eye on the Chrome Web Store, some bad ones do slip through. In fact, a report claims 280 million people installed extensions with malware over a three-year period.So, how can you protect your business?Think Twice: Before installing a new extension, ask yourself if you really need it or if it's just nice to have.Stick to Well-Known Developers: Always choose extensions from reputable developers.Be Suspicious: If an extension asks for a lot of permissions, question why a simple tool would need access to all your data.Use Good Security Software: It's always a great safety net.We can help ensure your systems stay safe and secure. Get in touch with us for more information.That’s your tech update. Stay tuned for more next week!#ChromeExtensions #Malware #TechUpdate #CloudNett

How many times have you mispronounced someone’s name in a Microsoft Teams meeting? It happens to the best of us and can be quite embarrassing. Microsoft has a new feature that could save us all from those awkward moments: Real-time name mispronunciation detection in Teams.This innovative technology, described in a recent patent, automatically detects when you mispronounce a colleague's name and notifies you instantly. It works smoothly during online meetings by listening carefully and comparing the names spoken with a reference pronunciation. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?Here’s how it works: Before the meeting begins, it gathers the names of all participants and creates a custom language model. During the meeting, if a name is mispronounced, the system compares the audio to the correct pronunciation and gives you a pronunciation score. If your score is low, indicating a wrong pronunciation, you'll get a notification to help you correct it. Plus, you can practice saying the name until you get it right, making future interactions smoother and more respectful.This feature adapts to the nuances of human speech and cultural name variations, showcasing advancements in speech recognition and machine learning. It’s a perfect example of how technology can bring us closer together by making sure everyone feels seen and respected.I don’t have a date for the rollout of this one yet, but of course I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, if you need a hand getting started with Teams, I can help - get in touch. #MicrosoftTeams #BetterCommunication #InclusiveTech

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