IT news for UK small businesses – without the jargon
This week we’re looking at what’s actually working with AI (spoiler: most companies haven’t cracked it yet), a nasty new phishing trick using ChatGPT, and why your staff might be your strongest defence against email scams. Plus – a practical tip you can use today.
ChatGPT phishing vulnerability exposes small business email risk
Security researchers have found a way that phishing scams can use ChatGPT’s web summary feature to trick people into clicking malicious links. It works because the summaries look legitimate – they appear to come from a trusted source. The good news is this isn’t invisible. Your team spotting something odd in an email is still your strongest line of defence.
What this means for you: teach your staff to pause before clicking links in emails – even ones that look like they’re summarising legitimate websites.
Most UK companies still waiting for AI to deliver real business results
According to Accenture’s latest research, nine in ten companies haven’t yet seen the productivity boost they expected from AI. This isn’t because AI doesn’t work – it’s because many businesses are still experimenting rather than implementing. The companies seeing results are using AI for specific tasks – like drafting emails or sorting data – not vague ‘transformation’ projects.
What this means for you: pick one real problem in your business (slow email drafting, repetitive admin) and test an AI tool there rather than trying to overhaul everything at once.
Dutch police shut down botnet controlling 17 million infected computers
Dutch law enforcement has shut down a large botnet – a network of hacked computers controlled remotely by criminals. The botnet had infected around 17 million devices globally. This kind of attack usually starts quietly – malware (malicious software) gets onto a machine through an old security gap, then the computer starts doing damage without the owner realising.
What this means for you: keeping Windows, antivirus, and software updates current closes the doors that botnet malware tries to sneak through.
Nvidia AI chips coming to standard business computers this year
Nvidia – the company behind most AI technology – has announced new chips designed for ordinary personal computers rather than expensive servers. The firm’s boss called it the ‘reinvention of the computer’. For small businesses, this means AI tools will start running faster on regular laptops and desktops, without needing cloud connections or extra hardware.
What this means for you: over the next 12 months, standard business computers will get smarter and faster – your current devices are about to get better without you replacing them.
Before clicking any link in an email – especially one with an attachment or asking for action – hover your mouse over it (don’t click). A small box appears showing the real web address. If it doesn’t match what the email claims, it’s a scam. Takes two seconds. Stops most email fraud dead.
Stay safe out there – and let us know if your team spots anything odd. We’re here to help.
