September 16, 2024 - Convergence Networks

Posted on September 16, 2024

You might have heard the buzz around Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft calls them the fastest, most secure and intelligent Window PCs ever built. These new thin and light laptops have new processor architecture that allows for better battery life, instant on functionality, and enhanced AI capabilities. While all this sounds great, the new architecture brings potential compatibility concerns. New Windows 11 AI capabilities only available to Co-Pilot+ PC are mostly lacklustre, and the headline feature “Recall” is not yet available, with many misunderstandings about privacy and security. Here we will take a deeper dive into some of these concerns.

Microsoft Recall Feature

In June 2024, Microsoft introduced the Recall feature with its Copilot+ AI PCs. This tool allows users to retrieve past activities on their PC, including screenshots, by using any cues they can remember. While it promises to improve efficiency, initial reactions raised concerns about how securely this data would be stored.

However, much of this criticism overlooked the security measures built into these devices. Microsoft had already planned for encrypted data storage and user verification through Windows Hello. In response to feedback, the company also made the feature opt-in, emphasizing Microsoft’s commitment to privacy.

While concerns remain, Microsoft is taking steps to ensure the feature is as secure as possible, especially as it faces increased pressure from competitors like Apple, who have made privacy a central focus in their own AI-driven offerings.

Other Concerns

The most significant challenge with the new Copilot+ PCs is that they are running Windows on ARM processors, which brings immediate compatibility concerns. Many applications that businesses rely on daily may not function efficiently—or at all—on these new devices, since they were originally designed for traditional x86-based architectures.

According to TechRadar, Microsoft has acknowledged that these systems face several weak points, particularly in terms of app and driver compatibility. Here are some key areas of concern:

Driver Issues: There are gaps in driver availability, meaning certain peripherals or software that rely on specific drivers may not work as expected on Copilot+ PCs.

App Compatibility: Many common business applications encounter issues when running on these devices. Some apps may exhibit glitches or performance problems, while others may not run at all until developers release updates for the new architecture.

These limitations present a significant hurdle for businesses considering the early adoption of Copilot+ PCs. Developers will need time to make their apps fully compatible with this new hardware, meaning businesses could face downtime or need to find alternative solutions in the meantime.

Should Businesses Adopt Copilot+ PCs?

While Copilot+ PCs come with advanced specs, including enhanced AI capabilities and improved battery life, businesses should proceed with caution. The compatibility challenges, particularly with drivers and apps, make these systems less ideal for businesses that rely on a seamless and stable IT environment.

While the Copilot+ PCs sound great, we do not recommend diving into these systems just yet, as app developers need time to build compatibility for your everyday apps, as well as management and security tools. Speak to your Account Manager if you have any questions.

Posted on September 16, 2024

As 2025 approaches, many organizations are beginning to evaluate how to best allocate their budgets for the year ahead. With technology evolving rapidly and cyber threats on the rise, it is more important now than ever to ensure your IT & Cybersecurity investments are both strategic and comprehensive. Here are four key areas to consider when planning your IT and cybersecurity budget heading into 2025.

1) Business Continuity Consideration

One of the key priorities for any organization should be ensuring business continuity, with backups and recovery at the forefront of this effort. These should be non-negotiable elements in your IT budget, regularly assessed to confirm that recovery times and retention periods align with your current business needs. If adjustments are required, budget allocations should be revised if changes are necessary.

Human error accounts for 74% of data breaches, and nearly 40% of small businesses report losing crucial data as a result of cyberattacks. With reliable disaster recovery plans and backup solutions in place, your business is better prepared to navigate unforeseen disruptions, keeping your operations running smoothly.

2) Productivity and Optimization Consideration

When making an IT Budget, productivity, and process optimization are vital considerations. A strong IT budget should include investments in tools that empower productivity. Solutions like workflow automation can reduce manual tasks, streamline processes, and save valuable time. Additionally, using Microsoft 365 apps, that you might already have access to, can help teams collaborate more effectively. Our Microsoft Resource Center is an excellent place to learn more about tools to improve efficiency.

For remote and hybrid employees, using Microsoft Teams for calling can be a practical solution. This is a secure voice service that can replace your traditional phone structure by using Microsoft Teams as a cloud-based phone system. You can learn more about Teams Calling Here.

By investing in automation and collaborative tools, you enhance productivity while optimizing your team’s daily workflows.

3) Security Consideration

Security is more than a consideration, it’s a priority. With the rise in cyber threats, budgeting for proactive security measures is crucial. Cyber threats are a reality, and organizations should consider strengthening security through protocols such as Modern Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or securing the edge of their network with next generation firewalls. You can also consider strengthening the first line of defence against cyber criminals – your employees! This can be done through employee training. But regardless of what the improvement is, organizations must budget for security improvements each and every year.

The Identity Theft Resource Center reported a 490% increase in the number of data breaches in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. If you are confident about your security protocols, consider Penetration Testing (Pen Tests). These simulated attacks, conducted by penetration testers, expose vulnerabilities in your systems before malicious actors can exploit them. If you are interested in learning about Penetration Testing and how it fits into your cybersecurity strategy, we recommend registering for our Ethical Hacking webinar on the 26th of September 2024.

Additionally, budgeting for cyber insurance provides an essential safety net. While prevention is key, incidents can still occur, and cyber insurance can protect against the financial impact of breaches or ransomware attacks.

4) General Budgeting

When planning your IT budget, it’s important to account for both short-term needs and long-term growth. Effective budgeting balances routine maintenance, system upgrades, and unexpected expenses, ensuring your business remains agile and resilient. One significant challenge is managing the costs associated with aging hardware, which can become a financial strain as technology needs evolve.

To address this, programs like Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) offer a flexible solution by spreading out costs over time while keeping your equipment up to date, ensuring smooth and efficient operations without large upfront investments.

Budgeting for a Secure Future

Budgeting for IT and cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to focus on areas that directly support your organization’s goals. By prioritizing productivity, business continuity, security, and hardware upgrades, you can create a balanced budget that not only keeps your business protected and operational but also helps move the organization forward in a meaningful way. At Convergence Networks, we specialize in IT and cybersecurity solutions tailored to your specific needs. From workflow automation to penetration testing and hardware solutions like HaaS, we offer the expertise and tools to keep your business running smoothly. Contact us to learn more.

Talk of the Town: Microsoft Copilot + Pcs, Security, Compatibility, and What Businesses Need to Know