Tech Advisory

Technology Advice for Small Businesses

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Cybersecurity for businesses: A simple defense plan for data loss

Editor February 2, 2026

Data protection can be tricky. While most businesses know it’s important, few have the tools or knowledge to effectively secure their information. We’ve broken down key strategies to help you safeguard your business against data loss.

Restrict access privileges to those who need it

Access control defines who can view, change, or share information inside your systems. When permissions align with job responsibilities, sensitive data stays confined to the people who actually need it. Considering that most data breaches stem from users gaining access to information they shouldn’t be privy to, implementing strict access control policies is one of the most crucial steps a business can take to protect their data.

To implement access controls, start by mapping roles to data requirements. A marketing employee may need campaign analytics but has no business touching payroll files or financial records. Group users by function and assign permissions at that level rather than individually. Identity platforms such as Active Directory enable you to monitor and determine access permissions for each role from a centralized console.

As roles change, you should also update permissions accordingly. This applies to both employee promotions and terminations.

Encrypt your data from end to end

Encryption serves as a digital lock on your data, scrambling information so it appears meaningless to anyone without proper authorization. Even if a device is stolen or a transmission is intercepted, encrypted data cannot be read or used without the correct credentials.

A strong encryption approach protects information both while it is stored and while it is moving. Data at rest should be secured with full-disk encryption on laptops, desktops, and servers, so files are protected if hardware is lost, stolen, or accessed improperly. Built-in tools such as BitLocker on Windows and FileVault on macOS handle this automatically once enabled.

Information in transit requires a different layer of protection. Secure communication standards like SSL/TLS encrypt data as it travels across the internet, preventing third parties from viewing or altering it mid-transfer.

Finally, remember that encryption is useless without the proper key. It’s therefore vital to keep your keys secure in hardware security modules or cloud-based services and update them regularly to prevent unauthorized access and limit internal risk.

Update your software as soon as possible

Over time, cybercriminals find new vulnerabilities in software and operating systems that can be exploited to gain access to sensitive data. It’s important to always install the latest updates as soon as they become available because they often include patches for security vulnerabilities.

If the idea of manually updating each piece of software sounds tedious, there are tools that can make the process much simpler. Patch management systems, in particular, take stock of all the software in your network, the version numbers, and what updates are available for each. With this information in hand, they can automate the process of downloading and installing updates across all company devices to maintain consistent security across the board.

Enable data loss prevention (DLP) settings

DLP tools monitor how information moves across your environment. Their job is to detect and block risky behavior before sensitive files leave your control. Once deployed, DLP policies can scan emails, cloud storage, and removable media for restricted data types. For example, DLP policies can be set up to prevent financial reports from being sent outside the company or block uploads to unapproved cloud platforms. Using these features correctly can significantly reduce the risk of data leaks.

Secure your physical devices

If someone gains physical access to your devices, they can steal data or install malware, compromising your business. The best way to avoid such scenarios is to secure your hardware. That means locking servers in restricted rooms, keeping an eye on laptops and mobile devices, and implementing biometric authentication for access to company devices. Businesses should also register all company devices into a mobile device management system, which allows for remote wiping of devices in case they are lost or stolen.

Always back up your data

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, cyberattacks and freak outages still occur. But even if they disrupt your operations, backups can still protect your business when systems fail or files are corrupted. Regular, automated backups stored both on site and off site (i.e., the cloud) give you a reliable way to restore operations quickly. More importantly, you should test those backups regularly to confirm that files can be recovered during a crisis.

Preventing data loss requires many technical security measures, but we can help. Contact us today to get effective tools, expertise, and strategies to keep your business data safe and sound.

Defending against data loss: 6 Strategies businesses should implement

Editor February 2, 2026

Cyberattacks, technical failures, or simple human error can creep up out of nowhere. And when they occur, businesses are often left scrambling to recover lost data. Fortunately, there are some simple adjustments businesses can make to safeguard their data and protect their operations.

Restrict access privileges to those who need it

Access control defines who can view, change, or share information inside your systems. When permissions align with job responsibilities, sensitive data stays confined to the people who actually need it. Considering that most data breaches stem from users gaining access to information they shouldn’t be privy to, implementing strict access control policies is one of the most crucial steps a business can take to protect their data.

To implement access controls, start by mapping roles to data requirements. A marketing employee may need campaign analytics but has no business touching payroll files or financial records. Group users by function and assign permissions at that level rather than individually. Identity platforms such as Active Directory enable you to monitor and determine access permissions for each role from a centralized console.

As roles change, you should also update permissions accordingly. This applies to both employee promotions and terminations.

Encrypt your data from end to end

Encryption serves as a digital lock on your data, scrambling information so it appears meaningless to anyone without proper authorization. Even if a device is stolen or a transmission is intercepted, encrypted data cannot be read or used without the correct credentials.

A strong encryption approach protects information both while it is stored and while it is moving. Data at rest should be secured with full-disk encryption on laptops, desktops, and servers, so files are protected if hardware is lost, stolen, or accessed improperly. Built-in tools such as BitLocker on Windows and FileVault on macOS handle this automatically once enabled.

Information in transit requires a different layer of protection. Secure communication standards like SSL/TLS encrypt data as it travels across the internet, preventing third parties from viewing or altering it mid-transfer.

Finally, remember that encryption is useless without the proper key. It’s therefore vital to keep your keys secure in hardware security modules or cloud-based services and update them regularly to prevent unauthorized access and limit internal risk.

Update your software as soon as possible

Over time, cybercriminals find new vulnerabilities in software and operating systems that can be exploited to gain access to sensitive data. It’s important to always install the latest updates as soon as they become available because they often include patches for security vulnerabilities.

If the idea of manually updating each piece of software sounds tedious, there are tools that can make the process much simpler. Patch management systems, in particular, take stock of all the software in your network, the version numbers, and what updates are available for each. With this information in hand, they can automate the process of downloading and installing updates across all company devices to maintain consistent security across the board.

Enable data loss prevention (DLP) settings

DLP tools monitor how information moves across your environment. Their job is to detect and block risky behavior before sensitive files leave your control. Once deployed, DLP policies can scan emails, cloud storage, and removable media for restricted data types. For example, DLP policies can be set up to prevent financial reports from being sent outside the company or block uploads to unapproved cloud platforms. Using these features correctly can significantly reduce the risk of data leaks.

Secure your physical devices

If someone gains physical access to your devices, they can steal data or install malware, compromising your business. The best way to avoid such scenarios is to secure your hardware. That means locking servers in restricted rooms, keeping an eye on laptops and mobile devices, and implementing biometric authentication for access to company devices. Businesses should also register all company devices into a mobile device management system, which allows for remote wiping of devices in case they are lost or stolen.

Always back up your data

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, cyberattacks and freak outages still occur. But even if they disrupt your operations, backups can still protect your business when systems fail or files are corrupted. Regular, automated backups stored both on site and off site (i.e., the cloud) give you a reliable way to restore operations quickly. More importantly, you should test those backups regularly to confirm that files can be recovered during a crisis.

Preventing data loss requires many technical security measures, but we can help. Contact us today to get effective tools, expertise, and strategies to keep your business data safe and sound.

Easy tips to keep your business safe from data loss

Editor February 2, 2026

Data loss can be fatal for businesses. Losing critical files can lead to financial loss, operational disruption, and irreparable damage to customer trust. To avoid this grim predicament, it’s crucial for businesses to implement the following preventive measures against data loss.

Restrict access privileges to those who need it

Access control defines who can view, change, or share information inside your systems. When permissions align with job responsibilities, sensitive data stays confined to the people who actually need it. Considering that most data breaches stem from users gaining access to information they shouldn’t be privy to, implementing strict access control policies is one of the most crucial steps a business can take to protect their data.

To implement access controls, start by mapping roles to data requirements. A marketing employee may need campaign analytics but has no business touching payroll files or financial records. Group users by function and assign permissions at that level rather than individually. Identity platforms such as Active Directory enable you to monitor and determine access permissions for each role from a centralized console.

As roles change, you should also update permissions accordingly. This applies to both employee promotions and terminations.

Encrypt your data from end to end

Encryption serves as a digital lock on your data, scrambling information so it appears meaningless to anyone without proper authorization. Even if a device is stolen or a transmission is intercepted, encrypted data cannot be read or used without the correct credentials.

A strong encryption approach protects information both while it is stored and while it is moving. Data at rest should be secured with full-disk encryption on laptops, desktops, and servers, so files are protected if hardware is lost, stolen, or accessed improperly. Built-in tools such as BitLocker on Windows and FileVault on macOS handle this automatically once enabled.

Information in transit requires a different layer of protection. Secure communication standards like SSL/TLS encrypt data as it travels across the internet, preventing third parties from viewing or altering it mid-transfer.

Finally, remember that encryption is useless without the proper key. It’s therefore vital to keep your keys secure in hardware security modules or cloud-based services and update them regularly to prevent unauthorized access and limit internal risk.

Update your software as soon as possible

Over time, cybercriminals find new vulnerabilities in software and operating systems that can be exploited to gain access to sensitive data. It’s important to always install the latest updates as soon as they become available because they often include patches for security vulnerabilities.

If the idea of manually updating each piece of software sounds tedious, there are tools that can make the process much simpler. Patch management systems, in particular, take stock of all the software in your network, the version numbers, and what updates are available for each. With this information in hand, they can automate the process of downloading and installing updates across all company devices to maintain consistent security across the board.

Enable data loss prevention (DLP) settings

DLP tools monitor how information moves across your environment. Their job is to detect and block risky behavior before sensitive files leave your control. Once deployed, DLP policies can scan emails, cloud storage, and removable media for restricted data types. For example, DLP policies can be set up to prevent financial reports from being sent outside the company or block uploads to unapproved cloud platforms. Using these features correctly can significantly reduce the risk of data leaks.

Secure your physical devices

If someone gains physical access to your devices, they can steal data or install malware, compromising your business. The best way to avoid such scenarios is to secure your hardware. That means locking servers in restricted rooms, keeping an eye on laptops and mobile devices, and implementing biometric authentication for access to company devices. Businesses should also register all company devices into a mobile device management system, which allows for remote wiping of devices in case they are lost or stolen.

Always back up your data

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, cyberattacks and freak outages still occur. But even if they disrupt your operations, backups can still protect your business when systems fail or files are corrupted. Regular, automated backups stored both on site and off site (i.e., the cloud) give you a reliable way to restore operations quickly. More importantly, you should test those backups regularly to confirm that files can be recovered during a crisis.

Preventing data loss requires many technical security measures, but we can help. Contact us today to get effective tools, expertise, and strategies to keep your business data safe and sound.

2026 Cybersecurity trends and predictions

Editor January 30, 2026

Cybersecurity experts Rob Wright (Dark Reading), David Jones (Cybersecurity Dive), and Alissa Irei (TechTarget Search Security) recently came together to discuss the future of online security. Let’s take a look at their insights on major trends and new risks to help businesses better navigate the challenges on the horizon.

The evolution of AI-driven threats: Securing autonomous systems

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity has created a double-edged sword. While organizations leverage these tools to boost productivity, cybercriminals are simultaneously refining methods to exploit them. The emergence of agentic AI, which refers to systems that can make their own decisions, creates a uniquely difficult problem. If not properly secured, these autonomous agents can be manipulated by attackers to execute malicious tasks without human intervention.
What’s worse is the weaponization of AI against human targets. Attackers are increasingly using deepfakes and synthetic media to execute advanced social engineering campaigns. These attacks impersonate executives and IT professionals with frightening accuracy, allowing them to bypass traditional technical defenses.

Identity is the new perimeter

With the rise of increasingly complex cyberthreats, businesses are moving away from traditional perimeter-focused security approaches and adopting more advanced identity and access management strategies. Experts predict that identity will soon replace the network as the core security perimeter, underscoring the growing importance of adopting zero trust frameworks.
However, with the growth of machine-to-machine communication, security protocols must extend beyond human users. Nonhuman identities, such as AI agents and automated systems, also need robust authentication. By rigorously validating every access request — whether from a person or a machine — organizations can protect their data and systems from compromise.

Supply chain vulnerabilities and third-party risk

Cybersecurity experts are bracing for a surge in supply chain attacks, where criminals exploit vulnerable, smaller vendors as entry points into major corporate networks. These breaches often result in catastrophic consequences, from paralyzed production lines to massive data leaks, much like the high-profile 2025 attack on Jaguar Land Rover.
To counter this threat, organizations must shift toward a proactive defensive strategy. Central to this approach is the use of software bills of materials, which allows security teams to verify software integrity and block malicious code before it penetrates the network.

From prevention to resilience

Businesses are pivoting toward cyber resilience, the ability to recover swiftly from attacks rather than solely trying to prevent them. The shift is driven by the realization that no system is entirely immune to cyberthreats, making rapid recovery essential for maintaining business continuity.
This evolution reframes cybersecurity as a matter of strategic risk management rather than an attempt to eliminate all breaches. By adopting a defensible and recoverable mindset, organizations are preparing for the unavoidable. They are implementing robust protocols designed to minimize damage and reinstate normal operations the moment an attack is detected.

Executive accountability and legal liability

Boards and executive leadership teams are increasingly treating cybersecurity as a fundamental business risk. This shift is happening because of mounting legal and regulatory pressures, especially concerning AI, which are expected to increase personal liability for executives.
With cybersecurity now a top operational priority, leaders are under immense pressure to prove their preparedness against cyberthreats. Boards will demand measurable outcomes, placing chief information security officers under greater scrutiny. Moreover, the evolving legal landscape means that executives who fail to adequately manage their organization’s cybersecurity risks could face personal legal consequences.
Need help staying ahead of evolving cyberthreats? Reach out to our IT experts for guidance and support.

The 2026 cybersecurity forecast: Threats and priorities

Editor January 30, 2026

Drawing on their experience, cybersecurity experts Rob Wright (Dark Reading), David Jones (Cybersecurity Dive), and Alissa Irei (TechTarget) identified emerging threats and strategies businesses can use to build stronger defenses. Here’s a closer look at the trends they highlighted and what organizations can do to stay ahead.

The evolution of AI-driven threats: Securing autonomous systems

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity has created a double-edged sword. While organizations leverage these tools to boost productivity, cybercriminals are simultaneously refining methods to exploit them. The emergence of agentic AI, which refers to systems that can make their own decisions, creates a uniquely difficult problem. If not properly secured, these autonomous agents can be manipulated by attackers to execute malicious tasks without human intervention.
What’s worse is the weaponization of AI against human targets. Attackers are increasingly using deepfakes and synthetic media to execute advanced social engineering campaigns. These attacks impersonate executives and IT professionals with frightening accuracy, allowing them to bypass traditional technical defenses.

Identity is the new perimeter

With the rise of increasingly complex cyberthreats, businesses are moving away from traditional perimeter-focused security approaches and adopting more advanced identity and access management strategies. Experts predict that identity will soon replace the network as the core security perimeter, underscoring the growing importance of adopting zero trust frameworks.
However, with the growth of machine-to-machine communication, security protocols must extend beyond human users. Nonhuman identities, such as AI agents and automated systems, also need robust authentication. By rigorously validating every access request — whether from a person or a machine — organizations can protect their data and systems from compromise.

Supply chain vulnerabilities and third-party risk

Cybersecurity experts are bracing for a surge in supply chain attacks, where criminals exploit vulnerable, smaller vendors as entry points into major corporate networks. These breaches often result in catastrophic consequences, from paralyzed production lines to massive data leaks, much like the high-profile 2025 attack on Jaguar Land Rover.
To counter this threat, organizations must shift toward a proactive defensive strategy. Central to this approach is the use of software bills of materials, which allows security teams to verify software integrity and block malicious code before it penetrates the network.

From prevention to resilience

Businesses are pivoting toward cyber resilience, the ability to recover swiftly from attacks rather than solely trying to prevent them. The shift is driven by the realization that no system is entirely immune to cyberthreats, making rapid recovery essential for maintaining business continuity.
This evolution reframes cybersecurity as a matter of strategic risk management rather than an attempt to eliminate all breaches. By adopting a defensible and recoverable mindset, organizations are preparing for the unavoidable. They are implementing robust protocols designed to minimize damage and reinstate normal operations the moment an attack is detected.

Executive accountability and legal liability

Boards and executive leadership teams are increasingly treating cybersecurity as a fundamental business risk. This shift is happening because of mounting legal and regulatory pressures, especially concerning AI, which are expected to increase personal liability for executives.
With cybersecurity now a top operational priority, leaders are under immense pressure to prove their preparedness against cyberthreats. Boards will demand measurable outcomes, placing chief information security officers under greater scrutiny. Moreover, the evolving legal landscape means that executives who fail to adequately manage their organization’s cybersecurity risks could face personal legal consequences.
Need help staying ahead of evolving cyberthreats? Reach out to our IT experts for guidance and support.

Cybersecurity in 2026: 5 Trends shaping the digital world

Editor January 30, 2026

In a recent expert discussion, Rob Wright of Dark Reading, David Jones of Cybersecurity Dive, and Alissa Irei of TechTarget convened to map out the future of digital defense. Below, we highlight their analysis of the key threats defining the 2026 landscape and offer a roadmap for businesses looking to stay ahead.

The evolution of AI-driven threats: Securing autonomous systems

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity has created a double-edged sword. While organizations leverage these tools to boost productivity, cybercriminals are simultaneously refining methods to exploit them. The emergence of agentic AI, which refers to systems that can make their own decisions, creates a uniquely difficult problem. If not properly secured, these autonomous agents can be manipulated by attackers to execute malicious tasks without human intervention.
What’s worse is the weaponization of AI against human targets. Attackers are increasingly using deepfakes and synthetic media to execute advanced social engineering campaigns. These attacks impersonate executives and IT professionals with frightening accuracy, allowing them to bypass traditional technical defenses.

Identity is the new perimeter

With the rise of increasingly complex cyberthreats, businesses are moving away from traditional perimeter-focused security approaches and adopting more advanced identity and access management strategies. Experts predict that identity will soon replace the network as the core security perimeter, underscoring the growing importance of adopting zero trust frameworks.
However, with the growth of machine-to-machine communication, security protocols must extend beyond human users. Nonhuman identities, such as AI agents and automated systems, also need robust authentication. By rigorously validating every access request — whether from a person or a machine — organizations can protect their data and systems from compromise.

Supply chain vulnerabilities and third-party risk

Cybersecurity experts are bracing for a surge in supply chain attacks, where criminals exploit vulnerable, smaller vendors as entry points into major corporate networks. These breaches often result in catastrophic consequences, from paralyzed production lines to massive data leaks, much like the high-profile 2025 attack on Jaguar Land Rover.
To counter this threat, organizations must shift toward a proactive defensive strategy. Central to this approach is the use of software bills of materials, which allows security teams to verify software integrity and block malicious code before it penetrates the network.

From prevention to resilience

Businesses are pivoting toward cyber resilience, the ability to recover swiftly from attacks rather than solely trying to prevent them. The shift is driven by the realization that no system is entirely immune to cyberthreats, making rapid recovery essential for maintaining business continuity.
This evolution reframes cybersecurity as a matter of strategic risk management rather than an attempt to eliminate all breaches. By adopting a defensible and recoverable mindset, organizations are preparing for the unavoidable. They are implementing robust protocols designed to minimize damage and reinstate normal operations the moment an attack is detected.

Executive accountability and legal liability

Boards and executive leadership teams are increasingly treating cybersecurity as a fundamental business risk. This shift is happening because of mounting legal and regulatory pressures, especially concerning AI, which are expected to increase personal liability for executives.
With cybersecurity now a top operational priority, leaders are under immense pressure to prove their preparedness against cyberthreats. Boards will demand measurable outcomes, placing chief information security officers under greater scrutiny. Moreover, the evolving legal landscape means that executives who fail to adequately manage their organization’s cybersecurity risks could face personal legal consequences.
Need help staying ahead of evolving cyberthreats? Reach out to our IT experts for guidance and support.

Google’s AI-powered glasses may soon guide your every step

Editor January 28, 2026

Smart glasses running Android XR might soon become your personal walking guide. A future update to Google Maps suggests immersive, camera-enhanced navigation paired with Gemini AI, offering street-smart directions and visual context without needing to pull out your phone.

Imagine walking through an unfamiliar city, unsure of which way to turn, until your smart glasses quietly guide you in the right direction, like a personal tour guide who never gets tired. That’s the future Google may be crafting with its integration of Google Maps and the emerging Android XR platform.

A smarter kind of walk

Google has started laying the groundwork for what looks like a more immersive navigation experience, especially for people using smart glasses powered by Android XR. Buried in recent app updates are references to Enhanced Navigation, designed specifically for wearable tech. These early signs suggest users may be able to see real-time directions layered over the real world, similar to how Live View works on phones, except now it’s hands free and always in sight.

This update isn’t just about directions. It could offer smart corrections if you’re going the wrong way and even recognize landmarks through the glasses’ camera, helping you get back on track with suggestions such as “Turn slightly left toward Main Street” or “You’re heading the wrong way. Turn around.”

Meet Gemini, your context-aware assistant

Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, is also expected to play a major role. If you’re feeling lost, you could simply look around, and the glasses might use your surroundings — signs, buildings, streets — to refine your location and update your route. The glasses’ camera feed could give Gemini the visual clues it needs to better help you, essentially letting AI “see” the world around you and guide you accordingly.

And for those who prefer to limit constant notifications, Google appears to be adding options to mute or disable navigation prompts and alerts. This customization provides users more control over how connected they want to be.

The future of multimodal navigation

While these features were uncovered in an app teardown, meaning they may change or never go live, they point to an exciting direction for wearable tech. Navigation could become far more intuitive, eliminating the need to check your phone mid-walk or second-guess street signs.

If Google pushes forward, walking through a city might one day feel a lot less confusing and a lot more like science fiction come to life.

As augmented reality and AI continue to shape how we interact with the world, tools such as Google Maps are scratching only the surface of what’s possible. Whether you’re excited about these smart features or just want to make sure your own mobile apps are up to speed, we’re here to help. If you need guidance or support with your mobile app projects, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Google Maps + Android XR is the future of hands-free navigation

Editor January 28, 2026

Forget fumbling with your phone for directions. Google’s Android XR platform and Gemini AI could soon bring enhanced Google Maps navigation to smart glasses, providing users with real-time, visual guidance while walking, complete with AI-powered corrections if they wander off route.

Imagine walking through an unfamiliar city, unsure of which way to turn, until your smart glasses quietly guide you in the right direction, like a personal tour guide who never gets tired. That’s the future Google may be crafting with its integration of Google Maps and the emerging Android XR platform.

A smarter kind of walk

Google has started laying the groundwork for what looks like a more immersive navigation experience, especially for people using smart glasses powered by Android XR. Buried in recent app updates are references to Enhanced Navigation, designed specifically for wearable tech. These early signs suggest users may be able to see real-time directions layered over the real world, similar to how Live View works on phones, except now it’s hands free and always in sight.

This update isn’t just about directions. It could offer smart corrections if you’re going the wrong way and even recognize landmarks through the glasses’ camera, helping you get back on track with suggestions such as “Turn slightly left toward Main Street” or “You’re heading the wrong way. Turn around.”

Meet Gemini, your context-aware assistant

Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, is also expected to play a major role. If you’re feeling lost, you could simply look around, and the glasses might use your surroundings — signs, buildings, streets — to refine your location and update your route. The glasses’ camera feed could give Gemini the visual clues it needs to better help you, essentially letting AI “see” the world around you and guide you accordingly.

And for those who prefer to limit constant notifications, Google appears to be adding options to mute or disable navigation prompts and alerts. This customization provides users more control over how connected they want to be.

The future of multimodal navigation

While these features were uncovered in an app teardown, meaning they may change or never go live, they point to an exciting direction for wearable tech. Navigation could become far more intuitive, eliminating the need to check your phone mid-walk or second-guess street signs.

If Google pushes forward, walking through a city might one day feel a lot less confusing and a lot more like science fiction come to life.

As augmented reality and AI continue to shape how we interact with the world, tools such as Google Maps are scratching only the surface of what’s possible. Whether you’re excited about these smart features or just want to make sure your own mobile apps are up to speed, we’re here to help. If you need guidance or support with your mobile app projects, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Coming soon: Smart glasses that tell you when you’re walking the wrong way

Editor January 28, 2026

Google is working on turning smart glasses into intelligent navigation tools. Through updates in the Google Maps app and the integration of Android XR and Gemini, users may soon get real-time walking directions and context-aware prompts that are hands free and overlaid on their real-world view.

Imagine walking through an unfamiliar city, unsure of which way to turn, until your smart glasses quietly guide you in the right direction, like a personal tour guide who never gets tired. That’s the future Google may be crafting with its integration of Google Maps and the emerging Android XR platform.

A smarter kind of walk

Google has started laying the groundwork for what looks like a more immersive navigation experience, especially for people using smart glasses powered by Android XR. Buried in recent app updates are references to Enhanced Navigation, designed specifically for wearable tech. These early signs suggest users may be able to see real-time directions layered over the real world, similar to how Live View works on phones, except now it’s hands-free and always in sight.

This update isn’t just about directions. It could offer smart corrections if you’re going the wrong way and even recognize landmarks through the glasses’ camera, helping you get back on track with suggestions such as “Turn slightly left toward Main Street” or “You’re heading the wrong way. Turn around.”

Meet Gemini, your context-aware assistant

Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, is also expected to play a major role. If you’re feeling lost, you could simply look around, and the glasses might use your surroundings — signs, buildings, streets — to refine your location and update your route. The glasses’ camera feed could give Gemini the visual clues it needs to better help you, essentially letting AI “see” the world around you and guide you accordingly.

And for those who prefer to limit constant notifications, Google appears to be adding options to mute or disable navigation prompts and alerts. This customization provides users more control over how connected they want to be.

The future of multimodal navigation

While these features were uncovered in an app teardown, meaning they may change or never go live, they point to an exciting direction for wearable tech. Navigation could become far more intuitive, eliminating the need to check your phone mid-walk or second-guess street signs.

If Google pushes forward, walking through a city might one day feel a lot less confusing and a lot more like science fiction come to life.

As augmented reality and AI continue to shape how we interact with the world, tools such as Google Maps are scratching only the surface of what’s possible. Whether you’re excited about these smart features or just want to make sure your own mobile apps are up to speed, we’re here to help. If you need guidance or support with your mobile app projects, don’t hesitate to reach out.

iPhone users warned: Update now or stay exposed to spyware threats

Editor January 26, 2026

Apple has confirmed critical iPhone vulnerabilities that can be patched by updating to iOS 26, yet the majority of users are still running older software versions. We explore why many are holding off and why upgrading is the only effective protection against ongoing spyware attacks.

Update lag leaves millions exposed

Although iOS 26 launched back in September 2025, its adoption rate has been surprisingly slow. According to tracking data, only a small fraction of iPhone users have upgraded, leaving hundreds of millions of devices running outdated software.

What’s concerning is that this gap comes in the wake of newly discovered spyware attacks. These aren’t hypothetical risks: security researchers have confirmed active exploitation of two critical vulnerabilities. Apple quickly issued patches, but only for the latest iOS version. That means users who haven’t made the switch to iOS 26 are stuck with no protection unless they upgrade.

Apple had originally signaled that a patch would be available for iOS 18, something that many users counted on. But that plan changed. Now, the security update (iOS 18.7.3) is offered only to older phones that can’t run iOS 26 at all, essentially forcing everyone else to adopt the new OS if they want to stay secure.

Frustration with iOS 26 is slowing adoption

One big reason for the hesitation is Apple’s new Liquid Glass design in iOS 26. While it looks sleek, users say it’s less intuitive. People criticize smaller icons, hidden buttons, and a generally more confusing layout. This frustration seems to be slowing what’s normally a fast adoption curve. In previous years, over half of users had updated within a few months. iOS 26 is trailing far behind that trend.

No patch, no protection

Security experts are clear: upgrading is the only effective defense. And Apple’s update strategy depends on users actually applying the patches. In contrast to the staggered, multiphase rollout typical of Android updates, Apple releases new software versions simultaneously to all compatible devices. But that helps only if users install them.

The stakes are high from a security perspective. Spyware developers, often backed by well-funded surveillance firms or state actors, actively exploit known weaknesses in outdated systems. Apple’s public patch notes can become a blueprint for attackers to reverse-engineer vulnerabilities.

Security depends on user action

To close the security gap, Apple has introduced new background security technologies designed to make protection more seamless. One such effort is Background Security Improvements, which aims to deliver patches in the background without requiring a full OS update. But these features are still relatively new, and they also depend on users being on the latest software version.

So far, those efforts haven’t been enough. The combination of design concerns and unclear messaging has left many users unsure about upgrading or simply choosing not to. But the security risks are growing, and attackers are quick to exploit delayed updates. The bottom line? If your iPhone supports iOS 26, it’s time to upgrade. 

For more tips on security and IT in general, contact our team.

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