Client Install: Roundup of our latest installs

It has been a busy lead up to the end of 2024 with a number of installations of new computers for our clients. We offer turnkey solutions for our clients and can deliver and install a new laptop or desktop PC in as little as 2 days. Find out about our latest installs in our blog.

Tech Tips: The best ways to use Google search

Google Search is an essential tool for businesses and professionals alike, but are you getting the most out of it? Whether you're looking for precise information, exploring industry trends, or hunting for market insights, mastering Google Search can save time and effort.

Cyber Security incident hits Brisbane Law Firm

This weeks blog is a report written in response to a cyber incident involving a Brisbane Law firm who found themselves caught up in a scam centered around unauthorised access to the Microsoft 365 account of the firms Office Manager, Susie and the subsequent activity undertaken under the account by the unauthorised party.

Our blog provides a summary of the incident, remediation steps undertaken, an outline of the firms existing technology landscape and post-incident recommendations. It also highlights the importance of Security Awareness Training and strong cyber security practices are for your business.

Defense in Depth Explained

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring uninterrupted operations requires a proactive, layered approach to security. One highly effective strategy is Defense in Depth.

This blog will unpack the concept of Defense in Depth in simple terms, explain its benefits, and offer practical examples of how your business can adopt this powerful cybersecurity framework.

How AI is Advancing Phishing Attacks – And How Your Business Can Stay Ahead

Phishing attacks have always been a major threat to businesses, but the game has changed. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), these scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect, putting businesses and their employees at increased risk. In this blog, we’ll explore how AI is powering more effective phishing attempts, the risks involved, and actionable steps your business can take to combat these evolving threats.

Tech Tips: The 6 best features on Windows 11

Windows 11 brings a range of powerful tools and customization options that can boost productivity and streamline workflows, especially for business users. Read our latest blog as we explore some of Windows 11’s top tips and tricks.

Tech News: End of Support for Windows 10

After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Find out your options for using Windows 10 (or not) in our latest blog.

Client Install: New Law firm full technology setup

When starting a business, ensuring a strong technology foundation can mean the difference between a smooth launch and future disruptions. One of our recent projects was for a startup law firm that wanted to get things right from the beginning. Find out what we did to help deliver a full suite of technology solutions to start them off on the right path.

Network rack re-wiring and testing for a small business

We encountered a spaghetti junction of cabling when we attended the site of a new client this month. Find out how we turned their networking rack from a cabling disaster into an organised masterpiece in our latest blog.

Cybersecurity news: The latest stats on Australian Data Breaches

October is cybersecurity awareness month which is great timing for the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) have released their Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Report for 1 January to 30 June 2024 and it makes for an interesting read.

We're certified geeks for Wi-Fi and Smart networks!

David achieves TP-Link Omada Certified Network Administrator (OCNA) Wireless Certification.

New retail store technology setup - network, CCTV & more!

One of our retail clients made the move to a bigger, brighter premises recently after outgrowing their previous space. This gave them the opportunity to set up technology at new store from scratch. Find out how we helped bring a dream to reality in our blog.

How often should a business replace their computers? Updated for 2024

How long should a business computer last? This is a question we are asked fairly often by our clients, especially when they are looking to purchase a new device. Technology is sometimes considered a large expense, but when that cost is spread over the lifetime of the device the annual cost can be quite reasonable. We delve into the ins and outs of the lifecycle of business technology in our latest blog.

Client install: 4 camera 4K CCTV system and NVR

The client's property was located on a corner block in a street experiencing ever increasing break-in's and general crime. Looking for peace of mind, they gave FortiTech a call to install a new CCTV system, find out what we installed in our latest blog.

Top Browser Extensions for Google Chrome

Scrolling through Chrome, extensions are the unsung heroes that can seriously boost your business efficiency. Let's dive into some of the top picks for Australian businesses looking to streamline their digital workflows!

Client Install: Line of Business software server for a retail client

This week we installed an onsite server for one of our retail clients. They are growing from strength to strength and are looking to accelerate their sales and service even further through the use of some Line of Business software.

The specific software they have chosen requires a local server rather than a cloud based solution,  whilst requiring an onsite server for businesses is not as common as it once was thanks to more and more cloud based applications including Microsoft 365, there are still instances like our clients' situation where it is required.

Tech Tips: Mail Merge in Microsoft Word: A Step-by-Step Guide to creating emails and letters

Microsoft Word's Mail Merge feature offers the ability to prepare both emails or letters, allowing you to create documents that are both personalised and produced en masse.  It is a simple and straightforward method to send communications out without the need for a third party application or subscription.

In this guide we will walk you through how to create a mail merge document in Microsoft Word that you can them email through Outlook, or simply print out and send.

Boost Your Business Efficiency: Top Browser Extensions for Microsoft Edge

Browser extensions can greatly enhance productivity and efficiency by adding functionality to web browsers, helping users automate tasks, manage passwords, and organise workflows more effectively. Read about some great browser extensions for Microsoft Edge that can help improve your day.

Client Install: 3CX VoIP Phone System for a Conveyancing firm

This week we went live with a new 3CX VoIP telephone system for a Brisbane based conveyancing firm. With a mix of handset and headsets and work from home integration, our client was thrilled with the result. Find out how we did it in our latest blog.

Client Install: Boosting Retail with Remote Desktop Server refresh

One of our long term retail clients reached out to us early last Saturday morning as their server had unexpectedly stopped working, as bad luck would have it , this occurred right before their business Saturday trading, so it was imperative to get things up and running again quickly for them as they utilised the server as a Remote Desktop (RDP) to run the Point of Sale (POS) system, which their 5 staff access. Read about how we helped them get back online in our latest blog.

Strengthen Your Business Defenses with Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

With cybercriminals constantly evolving their tactics, traditional antivirus solutions might not be enough to keep your valuable data safe. This is where Managed Detection and Response (MDR) comes into play, offering a proactive approach to cybersecurity that every business should consider.

Stop your emails being rejected by Microsoft 365 and Google

The increasing rise in digital threats has prompted Microsoft 365 and Google to introduce stricter authentication protocols. These protocols are not just about enhancing security—they're about protecting your business from the loss of customer trust and potential revenue.  Find out how you can ensure your business emails meet these new requirements in our blog.

Tech Tips: Using Microsoft 365 Copilot

Copilot is all about enhancing productivity and creativity in your business tasks  and best of all it is just a prompt away!

But how can you make the most of it? This blog has you covered,  here are key insights to help you navigate and leverage Copilot’s powerful features effectively.

Client Install: Server for a 10 user accounting practice

The challenge was clear: replace an outdated system with a robust, scalable solution designed for longevity, reliability and performance. Find out how we did it in our latest blog.

Tech Tips: Setting up Linktree for your business

Did you know that Linktree can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to streamline their online presence and direct traffic effectively? Essentially can be a central link to all of your social media profiles, website’s, even payment platforms.  In this blog we will outline the key benefits and features of Linktree that can help increase your business exposure online and also provide a quick guide on how to setup a basic free profile, before you delve into the many paid options.

What is Microsoft Copilot?

The introduction of Microsoft 365 Copilot represents a watershed moment in workplace productivity. This groundbreaking tool, which harnesses the power of advanced artificial intelligence (think ChatGPT but on steroids), is set to redefine the way businesses operate, offering unprecedented levels of assistance in daily tasks and decision-making processes.

Client install: Remote Installation of 3CX VoIP Phone System for a Law Firm

Recently, our team had the opportunity to enhance the communication capabilities of a Queensland law firm. This progressive firm, with a team of 17 legal professionals, was looking to streamline their communication processes as part of an office move and wanted a flexible solution that also meant they weren't tied to one of the big telecomms providers. Find out how we helped them in our latest blog.

Tech Tips: Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint 365 is an indispensable tool in today’s digital world, used widely for creating engaging and informative presentations. This blog aims to provide you with a comprehensive set of tips, shortcuts, and insights to harness the full potential of PowerPoint 365. Get ready to transform your slides from mundane to magnificent!

David speaks: Cyber security awareness training

If you are one of our clients on our Maintenance and Security plans we provide you with 1 free cyber security awareness training session a year. This is exactly what happened for one of our longest held clients towards the end of 2023 when they arranged their annual session. Find out how it went in our latest blog.

Client Install: CodeTwo automatic email signatures for Microsoft 365

We recently implemented CodeTwo automatic email signatures for an accounting client on the Sunshine Coast just in time for their newly created signature to announce their holiday closure dates. Find out more about the project in our latest blog.

Our top blog posts of 2023

As we wave goodbye to 2023, it's time to reflect on the year gone by in the world of IT and cyber security.  In this weeks blog, let's take a look at our top 5 most viewed blog posts of 2023.

Client Install: CCTV & Wi-Fi

This was a bit of a different CCTV & Wi-Fi install for one of our clients in the transport industry, they were looking to add more cameras and recording storage to an existing system and boost the Wi-Fi coverage out to their workshop. Typically, we would be called upon to install new CCTV systems from scratch, but our client wanted to stick with their existing system and expand its capabilities, which we were happy to accommodate. Find out what we did in our latest blog.

What is Wi-Fi 7 and is it worth the upgrade?

The upcoming release of Wi-Fi 7 promises a significant step forward in wireless communication. Especially for the business sector, where fast, reliable, and secure connections are non-negotiable.

Windows 12 is coming

No official announcement has been made, but it looks like the next version of Windows operating system, expected to be named Windows 12 is set to launch in the second quarter of 2024. Whilst we eagerly await Microsoft's official announcement we have put together our thoughts on what might be to come.  

Tech Tips: Harnessing the Power of Microsoft To Do - Business Productivity Unleashed

Microsoft To Do is more than just a task management tool; it's a powerful ally in streamlining our workdays. Whether you're a seasoned user or just dipping your toes into its features, our guide promises insights that can transform the way you tackle your to-do list. 

Tech Tips: 5 ways to improve your workflow with Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook 365, a robust email and scheduling application that is widely used by businesses around the world. With its array of features, Outlook 365 can significantly streamline your workflow, making it easier to stay organised and get more done.

Cyber Security Awareness Training

For businesses, the risk of a cyber attack is ever present, given the vast amount of sensitive data they handle daily and that is exactly why one of our new clients went searching on Google for "Cyber Training Ipswich QLD" and ended up giving us a call.

David Speaks: Sunshine Coast AAT Discussion Group

David was invited to present a webinar this week for the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) Sunshine Coast AAT Discussion Group for Bookkeepers. 

What is Email Antispam and how can it help your business?

Are you a small business owner, constantly wrestling with a tidal wave of junk emails clogging up your inbox? You're not alone. Email spam has evolved into a major headache for businesses across Australia. But there's a solution: email antispam, find out what it is and how it can help your business in our latest blog.

Client Install: CCTV for a small business

Do you own a small business and need a reliable security system that keeps you connected to your workplace anytime, anywhere? We've just wrapped up an exciting CCTV installation project for a small business, read out latest blog to find out how it went.

David Speaks: IPA BAS Agent Discussion Group Webinar

Our very own Cybersecurity Advisor, David, had the privilege of presenting an enlightening webinar recently for the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) AAT Brisbane and Gold Coast Discussion Group Meeting.

Tech Tips: The top 7 ways to boost your productivity with Microsoft Office 365

Get ready to kick those frustrating inefficiencies to the curb and unlock the full potential of your Microsoft 365 Office suite with our top seven productivity-boosting Tech Tips.

How we saved our client over $40,000 a year in phone and internet costs

In a recent success story, we helped a client save a staggering $40,000 annually (or over 50%!!!!) on their phone and internet bills. Find out how in our latest blog.

Client Install: Hikvision 11 Camera CCTV System

We recently completed the installation of a Hikvision 11 camera CCTV system on the northside, the system included storage for recording and AI functionality to recognise humans and vehicles. Find out how we did it in our latest blog.

Tech Tips: A guide to the best ways to use ChatGPT for small business

Looking to jump on the ChatGPT bandwagon? Here are some great tips and tricks to ensure you make the most out of using ChatGPT for your business.

Client Install: MSI Laptop with dock and dual screens for an Accounting Practice

In this weeks' blog we cover off the install of a new MSI laptop with docking station and dual monitors at an accounting practice.

David Speaks: IPA Ipswich chapter Cyber Security presentation

David makes a return visit to the IPA's Ipswich chapter to discuss the Anatomy of a Cyber Attack.

David Speaks: IPA 2023 QLD Conference

After a successful speaking engagement at the IPA National Conference on the Gold Coast in 2022, David was invited to speak again at the IPA QLD Conference at Noosa. Find out how it went in our latest blog.

Streamline Your Retail Business Network with TP-Link Omada and APC Solutions - An IT Support Business Case Study

Recently, we had the pleasure of working with a small retail business to upgrade their network setup, find out what we did in our latest blog

The top 7 reasons your business should use CodeTwo Automatic Email Signatures for Microsoft 365

CodeTwo email signatures for Microsoft 365 is a powerful tool that helps businesses to centralise and automate the management of email signatures.  In this blog we round up the top 7 benefits of implementing it.

Our top 5 blogs in 2022

It was a close race between the top 2 most popular blogs of 2022, with only 1 view separating them, but 1 blog on a very hot topic reigned supreme. Find out what it was and the remainder of the top 5 in our look back on 2022. 

ChatGPT: The Pro's and Con's of using it to market your business on social media

ChatGPT is all the rage at the moment, but what is it and how can it help (or hinder) your business marketing strategy? 

Tech Tips: Getting started on 3CX

3CX is a powerful VoIP phone system for your business, with almost unlimited extensions and free calling to a number of destinations, it makes it a great choice for your team. In this blog we cover off setting up your 3CX extension for the first time on desktop and mobile devices.

What is Advanced Endpoint Detection & Response and how can it help your business?

Malware is now the overarching term used to describe software engineered to do something nasty to a computer, but how can your protect yourself? Find out in our first blog of 2023.

Going Digital: The benefits of replacing paper-based checklists and forms

Whether it is for compliance, reporting, quality assurance or any of a myriad of other reasons, filling in forms and checklist as well as then storing them once completed has become a burden for many businesses. Whenever this is brought up someone will inevitably suggest “Lets got digital”. Find out the benefits of going digital in our blog.

David Speaks: IPA National Congress 2022

David was honoured to present at the recent Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) National Congress on the Gold Coast. Find out how the session went in our latest blog.

How to create and maintain strong password management

We are all familiar with passwords. A typically annoying to type in combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that when entered in the correct sequence, grant access to your account. It’s a simple premise, but compromised passwords happen all the time. Without the right strategy for creating, storing, and updating passwords it’s only a matter of when, not if, a password belonging to a service important to you or your business is compromised too. Find out how to maintain secure password practices in this weeks blog.

The benefits of Security Awareness Training for your staff

There's already so many things you and your employees need to be aware of to avoid getting hacked. How then, are busy non-technical people just doing their jobs supposed to remember all this stuff? Find out how in our latest blog.

ACSC's Annual Cyber Threat Report 2021-22

The ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report contains an overview of cyber threats impacting Australia. It highlights how the ACSC is responding to those threats and provides vital advice on how all Australian individuals and organisations can protect themselves online. The report covers the financial year reporting from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. Join us for a deep dive of the latest findings

Tips for Identifying Phishing & Business Email Compromise Attempts

Often referred to as the internet's cockroach, email has outlived all other forms of internet communications and has infested every corner of the globe. Operating your business without email is unimaginable. Hackers, fraudsters, and con artists know this, making your inbox their attack vector of choice. Email based attacks are easy to automate, cost nothing to send and they work because people keep opening their messages. Find out how you can combat it in our latest blog.

Setting up Cybersecurity Policies and Processes for Business

A cybersecurity assessment helps your business fully realise your legal and professional cybersecurity obligations. But where do you start? Find out more by reading our blog.

The benefits of using a VPN

When you hear the term “virtual private network”  or VPN you might think it’s something too high-tech for the average user and there’s no reason why they should use a VPN. But there are many business benefits to using a VPN, find out more in our blog.

Keeping business data secure when you are away on workcation

From Zooming beachside in Bali to answering emails under the Eiffel Tower, employees are adventuring away from the workplace but not from the work. So how can you keep your data secure? Find out in our latest blog.

Client Install: 3CX VoIP Phone System for a Financial Services business

Our new Financial Services client has been enjoying their new hosted 3CX VoIP phone system, find out how we rolled out the system to their 20+ staff in Australia and New Zealand without ever meeting face to face. 

Tech Tips: Windows 11

Microsoft made its newest operating system, Windows 11, publicly available on October 5, 2021. We have previously advised our clients to hold off on upgrading to Windows 11 until it passed a year old to iron out any bugs and considering that there are already rumours of upcoming changes to the system after less than a year that advice seems to have been a good call. With the first year anniversary approaching we have spent some time putting together some Tech Tips for Windows 11.

How to Protect your Business on Microsoft and Apple

Whether your business relies on Microsoft Windows OS or Apple Mac OS, the risk of cyber-attack is high without superior security measures. Find out about the threats and how we can help you stay ahead of them in our latest blog.

Client Install: New office setup for Legal Services business

It has been a busy lead up to the end of the financial year for the team at FortiTech, all hands (and paws) were on deck for our latest client install, which was a new office setup for a client in the Legal and Medical fields. After starting their practice just 18 months ago they have grown from 1 staff member to 15 with even more starting soon.

Microsoft Is Making Some Big Changes to Windows 11

Windows 11 looks set to get some exciting new features in upcoming updates, with a Twitter leak emerging that apparently shows off Microsoft’s plans for its Windows 11 operating system, which was publically launched in October 2021. Read on to find out what they are rumoured to be.

Federal Government Tax Incentive Helping Small Businesses Go Digital

Eligible businesses must spend up to $100,000 a year on digital assets, including cybersecurity systems, websites, cloud computing, or portable payment devices.  This boost to small business will equate to an additional 20% deduction on expenses relating to digital investment and will apply to spending from 29 March 2022 until 30 June 2023. Find about more about it in our blog.

Client Install: Securing a Microsoft 365 tenancy

This week David worked with a legal client to secure their Microsoft 365 tenancy after an access breach. After reaching out to FortiTech the company sat with David to discuss their recent breach and work through a plan to secure their Microsoft 365 tenanc, find out what we did in our latest blog.

It's back: The Abbey Festival rides again

It's back with a vengeance! After having to unfortunately cancel for the past 2 years, the Abbey Medieval Festival is back and better than ever.

Queensland Government Business Basics Grants Program

Are you looking to undertake Training and coaching, Website build or upgrades, Professional business advice, Strategic marketing services or Business continuity and succession. The Business Basics Grants program might be able to assist you with funding. Applications open on 4 May.

Tech Tips: Microsoft Bookings

Microsoft Bookings reaches the 5th anniversary of its worldwide release this month and we thought we would celebrate with a spotlight on this little known feature available to subscribers of Microsoft 365. Join us in this blog to find out a little bit more about this great scheduling and bookings tool.

.au direct domain names are here

Do you own a com.au, id.au, org.au or similar Australian domain?  Did you know that the Australian Domain Authority (auDA) has released shorter simpler .au direct domain names – like fortitech.au

Owners of existing Australian domains are able to apply for Priority Status to register its exact match in .au direct during the six-month period from launch from 24 March. 

Find out how you can grab your .au direct domain name in our latest blog.

David Speaks: Cybersecurity with IPA Queensland

David was invited to speak at the Institute of Public Accountants Queensland chapter and provide tips on securing technology for both the attendees and their clients.

Turning computers into vertical gardens

At FortiTech we are helping put old computers to good use, find out how in our latest blog.

Client Install: Executive Home Office

Now that Queensland borders have opened up, one of our clients who serves as a non-executive director on a number of boards as well as running her own successful executive coaching business found themselves travelling interstate more often and was struggling with juggling their existing laptops for trips and then returning to a desktop computer when at home. Find out how we made her life more simple in this blog.

Tech Tips: Setup your own survey or quiz using Microsoft Forms

Microsoft Forms has been around since 2018 but many Office users have never tried it out. Check out our latest blog to pick up some great tips and tricks to make your life easier using Forms. 

Out and About: Getting into the swing of things

Superbowl 2022 rolled around this week and David was invited to join in the festivities.

Tech Tips: Top 5 ways to improve your productivity with Microsoft OneNote

MIcrosoft OneNote can help you be more organised and knock your 2022 goals out of the park. Find out about it's useful features in our latest Tech Tips. 

Client install: CCTV for a retail showroom

After multiple attempted break-in's our client knew they needed to take action in securing their retail showroom, here is how we helped them.

Top 5 things must haves in a personal Password Manager

Using one of the best password managers is the single best way to boost your online security. There will be no more need to remember dozens of long, complicated passwords. Instead, you'll have just one long, complicated password or even your fingerprint that can unlock all the rest. Find out about the top 5 must haves for personal password manager tools in our blog.

How often should you clean your computer?

We are helping you tackle a technology to-do list that will help you be more productive, organised and secure in 2022.

This time we cover off cleaning your computer and answer just how often you should do it.   

Tech Sup'pawt' update: Boo & Skie turn 1

Out & About: College of Law 2021 End of Year function

It was a long time between drinks, but we were happy to be back at the College of Law's end of year function.

Noah's gaming PC wish is granted

In early September, the team at FortiTech learned that Noah, the 12-year old son of one of our clients had been diagnosed with Leukaemia. We knew we had to do something to help, find out what it was in our blog.

ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report 2020-21

At the end of every financial year, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (or ACSC) releases its annual cyber threat report, and it was no different this year… and that’s what we’re talking about in today's blog.

Australian IT User and Cyber Security Policy template

Looking for a great template to get your business thinking about its technology infrastructure, where it is and how it is protected and prompt you to regularly review these processes? Then look no further, explore our blog and grab yourself a copy of our free IT User and Cyber Security Policy template.

David speaks: The QUT White Hats Society

David spent some time recently chatting with QUT students about becoming a Cyber Security Advisor.

Tech Tips: Microsoft Teams

Next up in our Tech Tips for Microsoft is Teams. Join us as we cover some great collaboration tips to seamlessly keep you in touch with your staff and clients.

Phone scammers dupe couple out of $230,000

You hear about it every day, scammers attempting to fleece innocent Australians out of their hard earned money. Unfortunately, this blog tells the tale of a couple close to retirement age needing to recover over $230,000 of stolen funds. 

How to use FortiTech's antispam platform

Did you know that FortiTech clients with subscriptions to our Microsoft 365 Security plan receive exclusive access to our antispam platform? Find out how it works here.

David speaks: BNI Focus

On the 29th of July, David was asked to present at a BNI Focus group meeting in West End (this was pre-lockdown of course!). Find out how it went in our latest blog.

Tech Tips: Microsoft Excel

Next up in our Tech Tips for Microsoft is Excel. Join us as we cover some great time saving tips that are sure to make those number-crunchers happy. 

A (Business) Catalyst for change

It’s official. Another glittering star in the Adobe constellation of business tools will soon fall from the night sky. If you’re using the Business Catalyst platform, then you need to take note. Much like the NBN rollout, not moving to another product could leave you in limbo

How often should a business replace their computers?

This week we helped a legal client evaluate their current hardware assets to determine which were candidates for replacement and which might be able to to have a hardware upgrade to extend their usable life.  Find out the results in our latest blog.

David speaks: Crunching cyber security numbers with the Institute of Public Accountants

Last night,  David had the opportunity to speak in front of the Ipswich chapter of the Institute of Public Accountants on cybersecurity.

Tech Tips: Windows 10

Following on from our Tech Tips focusing on Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word,  OneDrive for Business we expand our horizons a little and learn more about Windows 10.

Client install: Laptop with dual monitors in a law firm

We are seeing more and more clients switch to laptops as their main work computer due to their portability for working from home when needed, whilst also having the ability to be set up as a standard desktop computer in the office.  Our latest install was no exception, with an install of a new laptop with dual monitors for a law client in the CBD.