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Cybersecurity, IT and small-business advice — written for Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle business owners.

Microsoft 365 Security Assessment
Chewing IT's Microsoft 365 Security Report provides a comprehensive analysis of over 95 critical security checks across key Microsoft 365 services.

The Essential Checklist for Securing Company Laptops at Home
At home, security incidents don’t look like dramatic movie hacks. They look like stepping away from your laptop during a delivery, or leaving it unlocked while you grab something from another room. Those ordinary moments, repeated over time, are how work devices end up exposed. A remote work security checklist focuses on simple, practical controls…

Key Cybersecurity Risks for Aussie Businesses Right Now
With a cybercrime reported every six minutes in Australia, it's crucial to understand the top risks facing businesses, from sophisticated phishing to ransomware.

The 2026 Guide to Uncovering Unsanctioned Cloud Apps
If you want to uncover unsanctioned cloud apps, don’t begin with a policy. Start with your browser history. The cloud environment most businesses actually use rarely matches the one shown on the IT diagram. It’s built through countless small shortcuts: a “just this once” file share, a free tool that solves one problem faster, a…

The 2026 Hybrid Strategy: Why “Cloud-Only” Might Be a Mistake
Since cloud computing became mainstream, promising agility, simplicity, offloaded maintenance, and scalability, the message was clear: “Move everything to the cloud.” But once the initial migration wave settled, the challenges became apparent. Some workloads thrive in the cloud, while others become more complex, slower, or more expensive. The smart strategy for 2026 is a pragmatic…

The Server Refresh Deadline: Why Windows Server 2016’s End of Support Should Drive Your Cloud Migration Plan
Time moves fast in the world of technology, and operating systems that once felt cutting-edge are becoming obsolete. With Microsoft having set the deadline for Windows Server 2016 End of Support to January 12, 2027, the clock is ticking for businesses that use this operating system. Once support ends, Microsoft will no longer provide security…

The “Deepfake CEO” Scam: Why Voice Cloning Is the New Business Email Compromise (BEC)
The phone rings, and it’s your boss. The voice is unmistakable; with the same flow and tone you’ve come to expect. They’re asking for a favor: an urgent wire transfer to lock in a new vendor contract, or sensitive client information that’s strictly confidential. Everything about the call feels normal, and your trust kicks in…

Securing the ‘Third Place’ Office: Policy Guidelines for Employees Working from Coffee Shops and Coworking Spaces
The modern office extends far beyond traditional cubicles or open-plan spaces. Since the concept of remote work became popularized in the COVID and post-COVID era, employees now find themselves working from their homes, libraries, bustling coffee shops, and even vacation destinations. These environments, often called “third places,” offer flexibility and convenience but can also introduce…