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Australia's cyber agency and its Five Eyes partners say AI is making attacks faster and cheaper. Here is what that means for a Perth small business, and the practical steps worth taking this quarter. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

PHP has patched two critical remote code execution flaws (CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619). Here's what Perth businesses with a website need to check this week. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

On 10 November 2026 Microsoft ends support for .NET 8, PowerShell 7.4 and Windows 11 Enterprise and Education 23H2. Here is what it means for Perth businesses running custom software. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

The OAIC received a record 1,205 data breach notifications in 2025. Here is how the 30-day Notifiable Data Breaches rule works and what a Perth business should have ready. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Microsoft's October 2026 Patch Tuesday fixed a record 1,411 flaws, including a Windows Shell zero-day already being exploited. Here is what Perth businesses should check this week. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Microsoft 365 subscribers lose Publisher from October 2026, and old .pub files will no longer open. Here is how Perth businesses can convert flyers, brochures and price lists safely. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

The ACSC has confirmed Australian organisations are being compromised through Citrix NetScaler flaws. Here is what Perth businesses should check, patch and review this week. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Exchange 2016/2019, Office 2021 and Windows Server 2012 all stop receiving security updates in October 2026. Here's what Perth businesses running any of them need to do before then. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Two chained SonicWall SMA1000 flaws let an attacker take over the appliance without a password, and they're being exploited now. Here's what Perth businesses with remote staff should do this week. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Three ransomware groups have claimed attacks on ordinary Australian businesses in September 2026 — not banks or hospitals. Here's why Perth SMBs need an incident response plan before it happens, not after. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Check Point has patched two critical, unauthenticated RCE flaws (CVSS 9.8) in its VPN gateways, including the Spark Firewall used by many small offices. Here's what Perth businesses should check. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

September's Patch Tuesday fixed a critical, unauthenticated Remote Desktop flaw — then the same update broke RDS on Windows Server, forcing hard reboots. Here's what Perth businesses need to check. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Microsoft has switched Entra ID to passkeys by default and is retiring SMS and voice sign-in codes by February 2027. Here's what Perth businesses need to check now. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Google patched two actively exploited Chrome zero-days within a week, while CISA flagged actively exploited flaws in Cisco, Citrix and Fortinet security gear. Here's what Perth businesses should check this week. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Microsoft has made Copilot a permanent part of its small business plans, with a discounted add-on price ending 30 September 2026. Here's what Perth businesses should check first. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Microsoft's September 2026 Patch Tuesday fixed a record 966 flaws, including two zero-days already under attack — one inside Windows Update itself. Here's what Perth businesses need to check. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Reports of SIM-swap and phone port-out fraud are climbing in Australia, and the target is usually the SMS codes protecting your business banking and email. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Australia's SMS Sender ID Register became mandatory on 1 July 2026. Here's what Perth businesses that send appointment reminders, invoices or marketing texts need to check now. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard is now $21/user/month in Australia, up 12%, while Business Premium is unchanged. Here's what Perth businesses should check before renewal. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

CISA confirms hackers are actively exploiting a critical Windows VPN flaw, CVE-2026-33824, to break into business networks with no login required. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

This week's national Scams Awareness Week data shows four in five small businesses were targeted in the past year. Here's the 'Stop. Check. Protect.' test for your Perth business. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro editions reach end of updates on 13 October 2026. Here's how to check what your Perth business is running and what to do before then. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

In August 2026 attackers actively exploited a widely used remote IT management platform to reach into client networks. Here's what it means for your Perth business. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

A scam caller posing as the AFP made a genuine, fully-authenticated email from cyber.gov.au land in a Perth inbox as 'proof' he was real. Here's how the trick works and why a verified email never verifies the caller. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

ASIC says remote access scams have cost Australian small businesses $4.9 million, with callers posing as IT support to get onto your PC. Here's how Perth businesses can spot and stop it. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Payment redirection and invoice scams are the most common fraud reported by Australian small businesses, with losses in the hundreds of millions. Ahead of Scams Awareness Week 2026, here's how Perth businesses can stop them. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

The ACSC has warned that hackers are scanning websites worldwide, including many Perth small businesses, for outdated CMS software and plugins to plant hidden backdoors. Here's what to check. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

A representative walkthrough of how we respond when a Perth accounting firm spots a business email compromise (fake-invoice) scam — stop the payment, trace the intrusion, and close the hole for good. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

A representative walkthrough of how we respond when a staff member at a Perth medical practice is phished and their Microsoft 365 account is taken over — contain, assess breach exposure, and harden patient data. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

A representative walkthrough of how we recover a Perth business after a server failure — and what we do when the backup everyone trusted had silently stopped running. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Microsoft's August 2026 security update patched a Windows flaw that was already being exploited to seize full control of machines, plus a critical SharePoint hole. Here's what Perth businesses need to check this week. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

From August 2026, Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 stop getting new features and Copilot, with security updates until October 2028. What it means for Perth businesses and how to plan. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

QR code phishing (quishing) jumped 146% in the first quarter of 2026, and attackers are now hiding QR codes inside PDF attachments to dodge email filters. Here's how it works and how Perth businesses can stop it. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Microsoft 365 protects the platform, not your data. A plain-English look at the shared responsibility model, the retention limits that catch businesses out, and what a real backup needs to cover. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

ATO impersonation scam reports jumped 12% in June 2026. Here's how the scam targets Perth business owners and five steps to protect your business. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Microsoft 365 has had several major outages in 2026, including a wide North American incident in July. Here's how Perth businesses can keep operating when Teams, Outlook or SharePoint go down. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

In mid-2026 Microsoft folded premium security tools — Defender for Office 365, Intune features, link protection — into standard Microsoft 365 licences. Many Perth businesses now pay for protection they haven't turned on. Here's what changed and what to enable. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

A representative walkthrough of how we respond in the first hour of a ransomware attack on a Perth small business — contain, assess, protect the backups, and start recovery — and why that hour is really decided months earlier. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

A representative walkthrough of how we approach a sudden Microsoft 365 email outage at a Perth law firm — the diagnostic order we work through, the causes we most often find, and how we get people working again fast. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Windows 10 stopped getting security updates in October 2025, and the first year of paid Extended Security Updates runs out around October 2026. Here's how Perth businesses should decide between paying to delay and moving to Windows 11 — and how to plan the switch without the panic. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Most Perth businesses aren't undone by one huge disaster — it's the small IT gaps that stack up: missing MFA, delayed patching, old access nobody removed, and untested backups. Here's how teams under 50 users can close them. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

One trusted 'IT guy' works — until it doesn't. Here are five clear signs a Perth business has outgrown break-fix IT and needs a proper managed IT team. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

When a staff member leaves, their access is a security risk until it's properly closed off. A practical Perth-business checklist for offboarding an employee without losing data or leaving a door open. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

AI can now clone a voice from seconds of audio, and businesses are losing millions to fake 'CEO' calls. Here's how deepfake scams work, why Perth SMBs are targets, and the simple process that stops them. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Passwords are behind most account breaches. Here's how passkeys work, why they're safer, and how your Perth business can start using them. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

There's no single product that 'implements' the ACSC Essential Eight — you build a layered stack of tools, each carrying one or more controls. A practical guide to the tools worth shortlisting and the combination we'd recommend for a mid-sized Australian organisation. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

A plain-English buyer's guide to managed IT contracts for Perth businesses — how MSP pricing works, what should be in the monthly fee, the hidden costs to watch for, and the one question that cuts through it all. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. Here's what that means for Perth businesses still running it in 2026 — the real risks, your upgrade options, whether Extended Security Updates are worth it, and how to plan the move to Windows 11. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

A plain-English guide to cloud computing for Perth businesses — what Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 do, when you need each, what they cost, and how migration works. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Think your computer has a virus? Learn the warning signs, what to do right now, and how Computer Mechanics removes viruses and malware for Perth homes and businesses — same-day, since 1997.

AI chatbots boost productivity but staff can leak sensitive data into them. A practical guide for Perth businesses on the risks of ChatGPT at work and how to control AI data leaks — from Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

What cyber security actually costs for a Perth small or medium business in 2026 — the pricing model, what drives the price, and what's included at each tier. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Exchange Online to Microsoft 365 Business Standard adds Office apps, Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint — plus the annual-commitment catch to check first.

Discover the 7 critical reasons Perth small businesses with under 50 users need Microsoft 365 Business Premium for advanced security, device management, and Australian compliance. Learn what threats Basic/Standard leave you vulnerable to.

A plain-English guide to the ACSC Essential Eight for Perth businesses — what the eight strategies are, the maturity levels, and how to start. From Computer Mechanics, Perth IT specialists since 1997.

Thinking about using AI agents in your Perth business? Avoid these 7 common mistakes: lack of goals, no guardrails, over-trusting outputs, and more.

System got hacked & reinstated Windows, but attackers stayed logged in. Learn why fresh installs don't fix hijacked accounts and the 6-step process to secure your accounts: sign out of all devices, reset passwords, and re-register

Learn how Perth SMBs can detect high-risk AI agent identities with Microsoft Entra ID Protection and block them automatically using Conditional Access policies—before they compromise your data.

A step-by-step cloud migration checklist for Perth businesses — how to avoid the downtime, app failures and surprise costs of moving fast, not strategically.

Learn how device code phishing abuses Microsoft’s OAuth flow to bypass MFA in Microsoft 365, and get practical steps to block it across your tenants.

Learn what cybersecurity compliance is, why it matters, key standards like ISO 27001 and PCI DSS, and best practices to reduce cyber risks.

Attackers are abusing legitimate RMM tools like SimpleHelp and ScreenConnect to get in without malware. What VENOMOUS#HELPER did, and what it means for Perth.

Discover common cybersecurity mistakes SMBs make and how to fix them. Learn practical steps to protect your business from data breaches and cyber threats.

Microsoft Secure Score helps Perth SMBs measure Microsoft 365 security and fix high-impact issues like MFA, conditional access, and email protection.

Moved your ticketing and tracking system to the cloud? Great. But even when the provider secures the infrastructure, you still own your data, authentication, and access. Here’s how we locked down our cloud app with Entra ID, Conditional Access, and geo‑based policies — and how we can help your Perth business do the same.

Businesses lose thousands to BEC attacks. Learn how business email compromise works, who it targets, and how to protect your business before it is too late.

BitLocker recovery keys: Where they're stored, how to access without Entra ID, and third-party tools for SMBs. Complete guide for Perth businesses to enable safe encryption. Secure your data now!

A Perth SMB panicked when their “hacked” email disappeared—only to find it had been safely quarantined by Microsoft’s filters. See how Zero‑Hour Auto Purge works, why it’s included even on Business Standard, and how we hardened protection with Defender for Office 365 Plan 1.

Learn what Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) is and how it protects businesses from downtime, ransomware, and data loss with cloud-based recovery solutions.

Tired of unexpected IT failures hurting your business? Discover how proactive IT support helps Perth businesses reduce downtime, control costs, and stay secure.

Most small business owners believe end-to-end encryption means their messages are completely private. A recent FBI case proves that assumption is dangerously incomplete.

Learn why a firewall security manager is essential for Perth SMBs. Protect your business from malware, viruses, and cyber threats with expert firewall management.

Over 100,000 sensitive parliamentary emails were handed to a private company that had already been hacked—turning a routine data transfer into a major cybersecurity incident. Discover how third‑party vendor risk affects Perth SMBs and learn practical steps to protect your business when sharing data with contractors.

Discover why Perth SMBs are ditching on-prem Exchange for Exchange Online. Learn how Microsoft 365 delivers reliability, security & BYOD control.

A firewall is a digital security barrier that monitors and filters network traffic based on rules. Learn how it blocks cyber threats and protects your data.

The $1 Chevy Tahoe story shows how public-facing AI can be manipulated when controls are weak. Learn the key lessons for small business systems and chatbots.

Discover what endpoint security is and why it’s vital for modern businesses. Learn about endpoint protection services, EDR, and how to secure your Perth business.

This morning a client received a SharePoint link from a legitimate contact, followed the login flow, and triggered a phishing-style compromise attempt. Here’s what happened, what we did, and why trusted-source attacks can still bypass basic email filtering.

Check out the pros and cons of in-house vs outsourced IT support. Learn how Perth businesses can save costs, improve efficiency, and access expert IT services.

BYOD for Perth SMBs: Secure personal devices with Intune, avoid $120K+ breach costs from lost phones & malware.

Discover how a Perth SMB lost 200GB of sensitive SharePoint data to a fired employee due to missing DLP controls. ITsupportperth.net.au shares the real story, rapid Microsoft Purview fix, and prevention tips for small businesses. Free audit available.

Discover how managed IT services help small businesses reduce costs, enhance security, improve efficiency, and focus on growth without IT headaches.

Microsoft 365 E7 launches May 2026: Copilot, AI agents, E5 security bundled at $99/user/mo. Perth SMB guide to features, E5 comparison, and upgrade tips. Free health check at ITsupportperth.net.au

Learn what managed IT services are, how MSPs work, and the benefits for businesses. Discover key services, benefits, and how to choose the right IT provider.

SMB1001:2026 updates for Perth SMBs: Mandatory DMARC from Silver tier, 5 maturity levels, Essential Eight alignment. Get certified, cut insurance costs, win tenders—start your roadmap today!

Discover how Perth businesses can reduce rising cloud storage costs with secure, scalable local storage and hybrid solutions from IT Support Perth.

MFA was enabled — but a fake Xero support call led to a stolen browser session, email takeover, and full lockout. Learn how to prevent it with least privilege, Conditional Access, and phishing-resistant policies.

Discover why 95% of cyber breaches start with email clicks, not hackers – and how Perth businesses can stop them. Learn simple Microsoft 365 Conditional Access setup with MFA, Intune, and report-only mode for secure access without downtime. Get our expert fix now.

Your Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscription includes enterprise-grade security tools you're probably not using. Learn how to activate them and protect your business.

Explore common IT challenges faced by SMBs and discover scalable solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and growth potential.

Effective cloud cost management is essential for business continuity, revealing strategies to optimize usage and minimize expenses.

Explore how scalable cloud infrastructure can transform Perth SMBs by enhancing cost efficiency, security, and support for remote work.

Learn essential malware prevention strategies for SMBs to protect against cyberattacks and ensure business continuity.

Learn how SMBs can implement Zero Trust security on a budget, protecting vital assets without overwhelming costs.

Ransomware poses a significant threat to small businesses in Perth. Learn effective strategies to protect your organization from costly attacks.

Learn how to build a Zero Trust roadmap to enhance cybersecurity, protect critical assets, and adapt to evolving threats effectively.

Explore essential cloud performance monitoring tools for SMBs, comparing features, pricing, and AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and security.

Learn how Zero Trust Segmentation can safeguard SMBs against cyber threats by implementing strict access controls and improving network visibility.

Perth SMBs are leveraging AI tools to optimize cloud costs, achieving significant savings and improved efficiency across various industries.

Expert IT Consulting Perth: Experience fast, reliable solutions for all your tech challenges. Trust our Perth IT consulting experts to optimise your business today.

Small business IT support Perth is vital for growth. Expert IT services boost productivity, security, and efficiency, helping Perth businesses thrive. Discover how!

Learn how to verify email links and protect your business from cyber threats. Discover expert tips for identifying secure links, avoiding phishing attacks, and implementing robust email security measures.

Learn how to spot and protect against phishing emails with our comprehensive guide. Discover key warning signs, prevention strategies, and expert security tips to keep your business safe from cyber threats.

Learn how to protect your business data using OneDrive backup in Microsoft 365. Discover step-by-step setup instructions, best practices, and expert tips for secure cloud storage and file synchronization.

Learn how to protect your business from ransomware, malware, and scammers. Discover key differences between cyber threats and implement effective security measures to safeguard your systems.

Discover how layered security and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) protect your business from cyber threats. Learn about the essential security layers every organization needs and how to implement them effectively.