Microsoft 365 Licensing Updates 2026: What Businesses Need to Know Microsoft is preparing one of the most significant Microsoft 365 licensing updates in recent years,and the changes go far beyond pricing. Starting July 1, 2026, Microsoft is reshaping how organizations consume productivity,security, endpoint management, and AI capabilities by embedding more functionality directlyinto core Microsoft 365 licenses. For businesses already invested in Microsoft technologies, this presents an opportunityto simplify IT operations, strengthen security, and accelerate AI adoption. What’s Changing? Microsoft 365 Business Premium Gets More Value Microsoft has announced no price increase for Business Premium while increasingExchange Online mailbox storage from 50GB to 100GB. For growing businesses, this means: Increased email storage capacity Reduced mailbox management concerns More value from an already popular business productivity license Better support for long-term email retention requirements Business Premium continues to be one of the most cost-effective Microsoft licensing optionsfor small and medium-sized businesses seeking productivity, security, and device managementin a single solution. Enterprise E3 Now Includes Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 Security continues to move from optional add-ons to standard requirements. Microsoft is enhancing Enterprise E3 by including Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1,bringing: Enhanced phishing protection Malware detection and prevention Business Email Compromise (BEC) protection Improved email and collaboration security Organizations using E3 will gain stronger security capabilities without requiringseparate licensing purchases. Enterprise E5 Becomes a Complete Security and Operations Platform Microsoft is significantly expanding the value of Enterprise E5. The updated licensing now includes: Full Microsoft Intune Suite Endpoint Privilege Management Cloud Public Key Infrastructure (Cloud PKI) Advanced Analytics capabilities Security Copilot capabilities This evolution positions E5 as more than a security package. It becomes a comprehensiveplatform for managing devices, identities, security operations, compliance, andAI-assisted protection from a single ecosystem. Introducing Microsoft 365 Enterprise E7 Perhaps the most significant announcement is the introduction of Microsoft 365 Enterprise E7. Designed specifically for the AI era, E7 combines: Everything included in E5 Full Microsoft 365 Copilot licensing Microsoft Entra Suite Identity Governance capabilities Zero Trust security architecture Agent 365 for AI agent management and governance E7 represents Microsoft’s vision for organizations looking to scale AI adoption securelywhile maintaining governance, compliance, and operational control. What This Means for Businesses This is not simply a pricing update. It signals a broader shift toward platform consolidation. Organizations can expect: Fewer Add-On Licenses Capabilities previously purchased separately are increasingly becoming part ofcore Microsoft licensing. Reduced Dependence on Third-Party Tools Many businesses may find that Microsoft Defender, Intune, Entra, and AI governancecapabilities can replace standalone vendors. Built-In AI, Security, and Device Management Microsoft is creating a unified platform where productivity, security, identity,endpoint management, and AI operate together seamlessly. How Organizations Should Prepare 1. Review Licensing and Renewal Dates Many changes will take effect at renewal periods beginning July 1, 2026.Understanding your contract timelines is critical. 2. Reassess Your Technology Stack Evaluate existing security, endpoint management, and identity tools to determinewhether Microsoft-native capabilities can reduce complexity and cost. 3. Define Your AI Strategy The introduction of E7 demonstrates that AI governance is becoming a business priority.Organizations should begin planning how AI assistants, automation, and intelligent agentswill be deployed securely. Final Thoughts Microsoft’s 2026 licensing updates represent a major step toward integrating AI,security, identity, and endpoint management into a unified platform. For organizations planning digital transformation initiatives, the focus should not simplybe on licensing costs, but on how these bundled capabilities can improve security,simplify operations, and accelerate AI adoption. At Velvot Nigeria Limited, we help organizations evaluate Microsoft licensing,optimize cloud investments, strengthen cybersecurity, and prepare for the future ofAI-powered work. Need Help Understanding How These Changes Affect Your Business? Contact Velvot Nigeria Limited for a Microsoft 365 licensing assessment. Email:gtm@velvot.com Book a Consultation:Schedule a Microsoft 365 Licensing Assessment
Bullet-proofing Your Infrastructure: Reducing Downtime with Proactive Monitoring
Network Resilience with ManageEngine OpManager In West Africa’s unique business environment, IT infrastructure faces two constant adversaries:unstable power supply and unreliable network connectivity. For a business in Lagos or Accra,“downtime” isn’t just a technical glitch; it’s a financial hemorrhage. Estimates suggest that for even a mid-sized Nigerian enterprise, unplanned downtime can costupwards of ₦5,000,000 per hour when accounting for lost sales, idle staff, and reputational damage. ManageEngine OpManager and its integrated automation suite act as a 24/7 digital sentry.Instead of waiting for a phone call from a frustrated manager, your IT team is alerted to potentialfailures before they even happen—ensuring your business stays online even when the grid is offline. Proactive Detection in Unpredictable Environments Traditional monitoring tells you when a system is dead. ManageEngine tells you when it is dying,allowing you to intervene before productivity stops. Real-Time Intelligent Alerts Move beyond “up/down” monitoring. Set multi-level thresholds for critical indicators.Receive WhatsApp, SMS, or email alerts the moment a server room’s temperature spikes(indicating a cooling failure) or a UPS battery drops below 30%. Automated Remediation (Self-Healing) Stop manual troubleshooting for routine issues. Configure IT automation workflows to restarta hung service automatically, clear log files when a disk is full, or switch to a backupinternet link the moment the primary fiber line goes down. Performance Analytics & Capacity Planning Use historical data to spot patterns. If your bandwidth consistently peaks every Tuesday at 10:00 AM,ManageEngine helps you identify the “bandwidth hog” and reconfigure policies to prioritizebusiness-critical traffic. Business Outcome: Continuity in the Face of Instability By shifting to proactive monitoring, you transform your IT department from “firefighters”into “business continuity architects.” Strategic Goal The ManageEngine Monitoring Result Fewer Outages Identify “silent killers” like memory leaks or overheating hardware weeks before theycause a total system crash. Faster Recovery (MTTR) Reduce Mean Time to Repair using Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to pinpoint exactly wherea failure occurred—no more guessing if the problem is the ISP, the router, or the server. Better Service Delivery Maintain high availability for your customers and staff, proving that your businessis reliable even in challenging operating environments. High-Availability Strategy with Velvot At Velvot, we understand that monitoring is only as strong as the strategy behind it.We don’t just install software—we build resilience roadmaps. We configure your ManageEngine environment to monitor the specific pain points of West Africaninfrastructure—from UPS and generator health to multi-ISP failover—ensuring you have a truly“bulletproof” digital estate. Stop reacting to failures. Start preventing them. Email:gtm@velvot.com Book a Network Resilience Audit:Schedule Audit
From Data to Decisions: Turning Business Insights into Action with Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot: Turning Data Into Decisions In the digital-first economies of Nigeria and Ghana, data is the new currency. However, most organizations are “data rich but insight poor.” Massive amounts of information sit in Excel sheets, Power BI dashboards, and Dynamics 365 records, yet business leaders still struggle to answer simple questions like, “Which region had the highest growth last month, and why?” Microsoft Copilot changes the game by acting as an AI-powered analyst that lives inside your favorite tools. It bridges the gap between raw numbers and strategic action, allowing you to “talk” to your data and receive professional-grade insights in seconds. The AI-Powered Analyst in Your Workflow Copilot doesn’t just display data; it understands context. It uses Large Language Models (LLMs) to scan your organizational data and provide meaningful narratives. Natural Language Data Analysis Forget complex SQL queries or nested Excel formulas. You can simply ask: “Summarize the sales trends for the Accra branch over the last quarter.” Or: “What are the top three factors driving customer churn in Lagos?” Copilot analyzes the dataset and provides a clear, written explanation, making advanced data analysis accessible to everyone. Instant Visualization & Reporting Moving from a spreadsheet to a boardroom-ready presentation used to take hours. Copilot can instantly generate charts, pivot tables, and summary slides in PowerPoint based on your data findings, ensuring your reports are as visual as they are accurate. Predictive Financial Forecasting In Excel and Power BI, Copilot helps identify patterns that aren’t visible to the naked eye. It can forecast future sales based on historical trends or flag anomalies in your financial data that might indicate a need for a strategic pivot. Business Outcomes: Smarter, Faster, Secure When you empower your team with Copilot, you transform your decision-making process from “gut feeling” to “data-driven.” Strategic Need The Copilot Impact Faster Reporting Reduce the time spent on manual data entry and report formatting by up to 80%, allowing teams to focus on strategy. Executive Decision-Making Give leaders the answers they need in real-time during meetings, rather than waiting days for a deep-dive report from the data team. Democratized Insights Enable non-technical staff—such as Marketing or HR managers—to perform sophisticated data analysis without needing a data science degree. Secure Deployment with Velvot With great power comes the need for great security. One of the biggest concerns for African enterprises is data leakage or oversharing sensitive information with AI. Velvot ensures that your Copilot deployment is secure and role-based. We help you configure Microsoft Purview and Entra ID (Active Directory) so that Copilot only accesses the data a specific user is authorized to see. Your financial data stays in Finance, and your HR records stay in HR. We provide the governance framework that lets you innovate with confidence. Stop Searching for Data. Start Finding Answers. Organizations that can turn information into action faster gain a significant competitive advantage. With Microsoft Copilot, your team spends less time searching and more time making informed decisions. 📧 Email: gtm@velvot.com
Microsoft 365 Pricing Changes and New Capabilities: What Businesses Should Know Before July 2026
Microsoft 365 Pricing Changes and New Capabilities | July 2026 Microsoft 365 Pricing Changes and New Capabilities: What Businesses Should Know Before July 2026 Microsoft has announced a significant update to Microsoft 365 that combines new AI and security capabilities with a pricing adjustment effective July 1, 2026. These changes reflect Microsoft’s continued investment in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and modern workplace management across its commercial Microsoft 365 offerings. For organizations using Microsoft 365 today, this update presents both new opportunities and important planning considerations. While the platform will deliver increased value through enhanced features, businesses should take time now to understand how these changes may affect their licensing strategy and budget. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, Velvot’s role is to help you clearly understand what is changing, why it matters, and how to prepare well ahead of 2026. Why This Update Matters for Your Organization The July 2026 update may influence how your organization approaches licensing, security, and productivity planning. With more capabilities being included directly in Microsoft 365 plans, it becomes increasingly important to confirm that your current subscriptions still align with how your teams work. For many businesses, this is an opportunity to: Reassess Microsoft 365 usage Validate that the right plans are in place Prepare financially for the upcoming pricing adjustment Proactive review now helps avoid surprises later and ensures your Microsoft 365 environment continues to support your operational and security goals. Why Microsoft Is Updating Microsoft 365 Pricing Microsoft is evolving Microsoft 365 to meet the growing demands of modern workplaces. This includes deeper investment in: Artificial intelligence Advanced security and threat protection Endpoint and device management Business continuity and resilience The pricing update scheduled for July 2026 reflects the expanded capabilities being built into the service, making Microsoft 365 a more comprehensive, intelligent platform out of the box. What’s New for Microsoft 365 Enterprise Plans Organizations using Microsoft 365 Enterprise suites can expect several advanced enhancements designed to strengthen security and resilience, including: Enhanced endpoint and device management tools Expanded Microsoft Defender protections Windows Resiliency Initiative (WRI) features to support faster recovery Security Copilot intelligence for AI-driven security operations Together, these updates help enterprise organizations operate with greater confidence, recover more quickly from disruptions, and gain actionable insights from their security posture. What’s New for Microsoft 365 Business Plans Microsoft 365 Business suites will also receive meaningful improvements aimed at small and mid-sized organizations, including: Expanded email storage Added protection through SafeLinks Lite to defend users against malicious links These enhancements improve security and productivity without adding unnecessary complexity to daily operations. Microsoft 365 Pricing Changes Effective July 1, 2026 Microsoft has confirmed that global pricing adjustments for Microsoft 365 commercial suites will take effect on July 1, 2026. While pricing may vary by market, the adjustment applies broadly across eligible plans and reflects the additional AI, security, and management capabilities being introduced. Plans affected include: Basic Standard E3 E5 F1 F3 Note: Microsoft 365 Business Premium pricing remains unchanged. How to Prepare for the 2026 Microsoft 365 Update 1. Review Your Current Microsoft 365 Licenses Confirm that your existing plans still support your workflows, security requirements, and long-term objectives. 2. Assess Actual Usage Across Teams Understanding how users engage with Microsoft 365 tools helps identify unused licenses, optimization opportunities, or plan mismatches. 3. Evaluate the New Capabilities Being Added Features such as enhanced security protections or SafeLinks Lite may reduce reliance on third-party tools or manual processes. 4. Plan Ahead for Budget and Renewals Knowing when your subscriptions renew can create opportunities to adjust plans or align timelines ahead of the pricing change. How Velvot Supports Your Transition At Velvot, we help organizations navigate Microsoft changes with clarity, structure, and confidence. With over 10 years of experience supporting businesses with Microsoft technologies, we work closely with you to: Review your current Microsoft 365 environment Assess licensing efficiency and usage patterns Explain how new capabilities impact your organization Recommend cost-effective, future-ready licensing options Whether you are preparing for renewals, evaluating AI capabilities, or planning ahead for the 2026 pricing update, our team ensures your Microsoft 365 investment remains aligned with your business needs. Celebrate 10 Years of Velvot Group As part of our 10th anniversary celebration, we invite you to share our Velvot 10th Anniversary Business Technology Offer with colleagues and partners who may benefit from a trusted Microsoft partner relationship. Fill in the offer form Need Help Planning for Microsoft 365 in 2026? If you would like support reviewing your Microsoft 365 environment or preparing for the July 2026 updates, Velvot is ready to help. Contact us at gtm@velvot.com to schedule a Microsoft Teams session with our experts. © Velvot Group. All rights reserved.
Creating Smart Workflows with Power Apps and Power Automate Introduction In today’s fast-paced digital world, organizations can no longer afford slow, repetitive, and manual processes. Businesses need tools that streamline operations, eliminate bottlenecks, and improve employee productivity.This is where Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate shine two powerful tools that enable companies to build smart workflows, automate tasks, and create efficient business applications with minimal coding. At Velvot, we help businesses transform their operations using the Microsoft Power Platform, creating seamless workflows that boost productivity and reduce operational costs. What Are Smart Workflows? Smart workflows are automated processes that use logic, triggers, and integrations to perform tasks without manual intervention.They connect people, systems, and data ensuring work moves faster and more accurately. Examples of smart workflows include: Automatically routing approval requests Collecting data and storing it in SharePoint, Excel, or Dynamics 365 Auto-generating reports Sending notifications or alerts based on rules Creating custom mobile apps for field operations Power Apps: Build Custom Apps Without Heavy Coding Power Apps enables businesses to create custom applications tailored to their unique needs — without waiting months for developers. Key benefits of Power Apps: Low-code app development Mobile-ready applications Seamless connection with Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, and over 1,000 connectors Real-time data capture Improved collaboration and productivity Use cases: Employee onboarding app Field service inspection app Helpdesk ticketing system Inventory management app With Velvot’s expertise, organisations can deploy apps that simplify daily operations and eliminate inefficiencies. Power Automate: Automate Anything, Anytime Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) lets you automate time-consuming tasks across apps and services. What Power Automate can do: Automate approvals (expense, leave, procurement) Send real-time alerts when important actions occur Move data across systems Schedule recurring tasks Create multi-step workflows that run 24/7 Outcome? Fewer errors, faster processes, and reduced workload for IT and business teams. Why Smart Workflows Matter for Modern Organizations Smart workflows built with Power Apps and Power Automate create a ripple effect across the entire organization: 1. Cost Reduction Automation reduces manual labor, operational errors, delays, and dependency on multiple standalone tools. 2. Increased Productivity Teams can focus on strategic tasks instead of repetitive activities. 3. Better Decision Making Real-time data from apps improves visibility and helps leaders make faster, informed decisions. 4. Improved Customer Experience Faster internal processes translate directly into quicker response times and improved service delivery. 5. Scalability Your workflows grow as your business grows — without requiring expensive new systems. Velvot’s Role: Your Digital Transformation Partner Velvot helps businesses design, build, and automate workflows using: Power Apps Power Automate SharePoint Online Microsoft 365 Azure Integrations We don’t just build apps — we create end-to-end solutions that align with your business goals. What Velvot delivers: Requirement analysis and process mapping Workflow automation design App development and integration Training for users and administrators Ongoing support and enhancements Whether you’re automating a simple approval process or building enterprise-grade digital tools, Velvot brings the expertise to make it work seamlessly. Conclusion Smart workflows are no longer optional — they are essential for organizations that want to stay competitive.With Power Apps and Power Automate, businesses can eliminate delays, reduce costs, and accelerate productivity across every department. Velvot helps you unlock this potential by turning your manual processes into automated, intelligent, and scalable workflows.
Building Custom Business Apps with Power Apps: The Future of Efficient Business Operations In today’s fast-moving digital world, businesses can’t afford to rely solely on traditional methods or slow manual processes. To stay competitive, organizations need solutions that streamline operations, eliminate repetitive tasks, and enable smarter decision-making. This is where Microsoft Power Apps comes in — a powerful low-code platform that empowers businesses to build custom applications quickly and affordably. As a digital transformation partner, Velvot helps organizations unlock the full potential of Power Apps to create customized solutions that fit their unique needs. Whether you’re automating workflows, digitizing data entry, or building enterprise-grade applications, Power Apps delivers the flexibility and speed modern businesses require. What Is Power Apps? Power Apps is part of Microsoft’s Power Platform — a suite designed to help businesses build apps, automate processes, analyze data, and create intelligent solutions without deep programming knowledge. It enables your teams to: Build applications using drag-and-drop components Connect data across Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, SharePoint, SQL, and third-party tools Deploy solutions across desktop and mobile devices Improve collaboration with seamless integration into existing workflows Why Your Business Needs Custom Apps Every company has unique challenges — and generic off-the-shelf solutions often don’t fit all needs. Custom apps allow you to: Solve specific operational problems Increase employee productivity Digitize manual processes Reduce paperwork and human errors Improve data accuracy and reporting With Power Apps, custom solutions become faster, cheaper, and more scalable than traditional app development. Key Benefits of Building Apps with Power Apps 1. Rapid Development & Deployment Power Apps’ low-code environment enables faster app creation, reducing development time from months to days. 2. Seamless Integration Power Apps connects with hundreds of data sources including Microsoft 365, SharePoint, SQL Server, Dynamics 365, Dropbox, Salesforce, and more. 3. Cost-Effective App Creation Building custom apps traditionally costs millions. With Power Apps, businesses build powerful tools at a fraction of the cost. 4. Mobile-Ready by Default Every app you build works across Android, iOS, and Windows — no extra configuration needed. 5. Enhanced Collaboration & Productivity Empower your team with tools tailored to their daily tasks, improving workflow efficiency. 6. Enterprise-Grade Security Apps are protected by Microsoft’s security infrastructure, ensuring compliance and data protection. Real-World Use Cases for Power Apps Organizations across industries use Power Apps to transform their operations. Some popular use cases include: Employee onboarding apps Inventory and asset management systems Customer service request forms Expense and approval automation Field service applications Incident reporting and tracking tools Whether you’re in finance, healthcare, retail, logistics, or manufacturing, Power Apps can be tailored to support your operational needs. How Velvot Helps You Build Smarter Apps At Velvot, we don’t just build apps — we build digital ecosystems designed around your business goals. Our Power Apps services include: Process assessment & workflow mapping Custom app design & development API and third-party integrations Power Automate workflow automation Employee training & adoption support Ongoing maintenance and optimization We help companies create scalable, intelligent solutions that reduce workload, boost productivity, and drive growth. A Future Powered by Smart Apps As businesses continue to embrace automation, the ability to build customizable, efficient, and cost-effective apps will be the difference between staying ahead or falling behind. Power Apps empowers organizations to innovate faster — and with Velvot by your side, you gain a strategic partner to guide your digital transformation journey.
Urgent Cybersecurity Alert: Tool Shell Exploit Targets On-Premises SharePoint Servers
Sophos MDR Security Alert – Velvot Nigeria Limited Sophos MDR Security Alert Announcement Date: July 18, 2025 On July 18, 2025, Sophos’ Managed Detection and Response (MDR) team detected a significant wave of malicious activities targeting on-premises Microsoft SharePoint environments. These activities involved the deployment of harmful PowerShell commands across numerous systems, indicating a coordinated exploit effort leveraging a newly identified toolset referred to as ‘Tool Shell.’ Initial Findings Initial investigations traced the earliest known activity back to July 17, 2025. Tool Shell comprises a chained exploitation of two critical SharePoint vulnerabilities— CVE-2025-49704 and CVE-2025-49706—first demonstrated during the Pwn2Own cybersecurity event in Berlin in May 2025. Microsoft addressed both vulnerabilities in their July Patch Tuesday updates. Zero-Day Exploits What makes this situation particularly urgent is the emergence of two new vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-53770 and CVE-2025-53771, which are currently being exploited in the wild as part of an active zero-day attack campaign. This means threat actors are not only taking advantage of previously known flaws but are also exploiting fresh weaknesses for which protections may not yet be fully deployed across affected infrastructures. Impact & Recommendations Sophos MDR has reached out to all identified victims of these attacks. Given the active nature of the exploit and the confirmed use of a zero-day, organizations using on-premises SharePoint servers are strongly advised to apply Microsoft’s latest security patches without delay. Notably, SharePoint Online services hosted on Microsoft 365 are not affected by this campaign. Action Required Velvot Nigeria Limited urges all clients and IT administrators to assess their SharePoint infrastructure immediately and implement all necessary updates and monitoring practices to reduce exposure. Staying ahead of evolving threats requires a proactive approach—don’t wait for a breach to act. Contact Information For professional cybersecurity assessment and infrastructure support, contact us: GTM@velvot.com Velvot Nigeria Limited Lagos State, Nigeria Website: www.velvot.com
Fortinet Advances Quantum-Safe Communications to Combat Emerging Cyber Threats
Quantum-Safe Cybersecurity with Fortinet As the digital era continues to evolve at breakneck speed, quantum computing is fast emerging as the next frontier of innovation. By harnessing the bizarre yet powerful principles of quantum mechanics, quantum computers promise to solve complex problems in seconds—problems that would take even today’s most advanced supercomputers thousands of years to crack. This paradigm shift holds extraordinary potential across industries such as pharmaceuticals, financial modelling, materials science, and artificial intelligence. However, with every great innovation comes equally significant challenges—especially in the realm of cybersecurity. Quantum computing, while still in its early stages, poses a very real and pressing threat to the foundation of modern digital security. Today’s cryptographic standards, such as RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), which safeguard everything from online banking to classified government files, are built on mathematical problems that are difficult for classical computers to solve. But with the advent of quantum computing, these algorithms could be rendered obsolete overnight. One alarming tactic already being deployed by cybercriminals is known as “harvest now, decrypt later”. Bad actors are collecting and storing encrypted information now, in anticipation of future breakthroughs in quantum processing. Once quantum computers reach sufficient power, this data could be decrypted—exposing sensitive financial records, intellectual property, personal identities, and even national secrets. This looming threat has made it clear that organizations can no longer rely solely on traditional cybersecurity frameworks. Enter quantum-safe communication technologies. Also known as post-quantum cryptography (PQC), these solutions are being developed specifically to withstand the unprecedented computing power of quantum systems. Designed to be secure even against future quantum attacks, they offer a path toward sustainable cybersecurity in an unpredictable future. At the forefront of this transformation is Fortinet, a globally recognized leader in network security and threat intelligence. Fortinet is taking proactive measures by embedding quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms into its core operating system, FortiOS. This move signals a shift from reactive to pre-emptive cybersecurity—ensuring that businesses can protect themselves not only from today’s threats but also from those on the horizon. Through its integrated security platform, Fortinet offers end-to-end protection that encompasses firewalls, secure SD-WAN, zero-trust access, endpoint security, and more—all now fortified with quantum-safe encryption capabilities. These enhancements position Fortinet as a visionary ally for organizations striving to remain compliant, competitive, and secure in a world of ever-escalating cyber risks. Whether you are running a small business, managing a financial institution, operating a health system, or securing national infrastructure, the need for quantum-safe preparedness is no longer a matter of “if” but “when”. By investing in quantum-resilient infrastructure now, businesses can ensure that their data remains protected decades into the future, no matter how the technology landscape evolves. Partner with Velvot Nigeria Limited for Future-Ready Cybersecurity At Velvot Nigeria Limited, we understand that staying ahead in cybersecurity requires foresight, expertise, and reliable technology partners. That’s why we align with global leaders like Fortinet to bring cutting-edge, enterprise-grade security solutions to Nigerian and African businesses. From security assessments and infrastructure audits to full-scale Fortinet deployments, our team offers end-to-end cybersecurity services tailored to your specific risk landscape. We are your trusted partner in building digital resilience that scales with your growth and anticipates future threats. 📍 Office Address: 24 Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria 📞 Call Us: 0911 131 5822 📧 Mail: gtm@velvot.com 🌐 Website: www.velvot.com Secure your tomorrow, today—with Velvot.
Bost Your Cyber Defences
Why Small Businesses Are the New Targets: 5 Ways to Boost Your Cyber Defences For many years, cybersecurity was seen as a “big company” problem. Large corporations with vast amounts of sensitive data were the primary targets for cybercriminals. But in recent years, the tide has turned and small businesses are now squarely in the crosshairs. Why Are Small Businesses Being Targeted? Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are often seen as the “low-hanging fruit” of the digital world. They typically have fewer security measures, limited budgets, and may lack dedicated IT personnel. This makes them easier to breach and less likely to detect or respond quickly to threats. In fact, recent reports show that over 43% of cyberattacks now target small businesses, with phishing, ransomware, and data theft being the most common threats. Common Vulnerabilities in Small Businesses Weak passwords and lack of two-factor authentication Unpatched or outdated software and systems No formal cybersecurity policy or staff training Limited data backup and recovery plans Inadequate endpoint protection (laptops, mobile devices, etc.) These gaps make it easy for attackers to gain access and potentially hold a business hostage. 5 Ways to Strengthen Your Cyber Defences The good news? You don’t need a six-figure cybersecurity budget to protect your business. Here are five practical, impactful steps you can take: Train Your Team Regularly Your employees are your first line of defence. Offer simple, ongoing cybersecurity training on topics like spotting phishing emails, safe browsing habits, and what to do if they suspect a breach. Make it routine, not a once-a-year checklist. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Even strong passwords can be cracked. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identity verification, like a code sent to a mobile phone. This small step can block over 90% of credential-based attacks. Keep Software and Systems Updated Outdated systems are a hacker’s playground. Set up automatic updates for your software, operating systems, and plugins. If your business still runs on legacy software, it may be time to consider an upgrade or secure integration. Invest in Basic Cybersecurity Tools You don’t need an expensive enterprise solution. A business-grade antivirus, firewall, and secure cloud backup solution can go a long way. Look for tools that offer real-time protection and alerting. Develop a Cyber Incident Response Plan If a breach happens, your response time matters. A solid plan should outline who to notify, how to contain the breach, and how to recover data. Run simulations with your team to ensure they’re ready to act. Final Thoughts: Proactive Beats Reactive Cybersecurity is no longer optional and assuming “we’re too small to be targeted” is a dangerous myth. Being proactive now can save you money, reputation, and downtime in the long run. Start small, stay consistent, and seek expert help if needed. Even modest changes can dramatically improve your digital resilience. Let us help you stay ahead of the curve. Email: gtm@velvot.com or call us for a free 30-minute consultation. Stay one step ahead. Partner with Velvot.
Are there Possibilities of establishing a Datacenter in Nigeria?
Imagine a world where technology not only powers our devices but also uplifts the communities it touches. This is the vision Microsoft shares through its Datacenter Community Pledge, recently unveiled by Noelle Walsh, the Corporate Vice President of Cloud Operations and Innovation. But what if this vision could be realized in Nigeria, the economic powerhouse of Africa? What if a datacenter could address the nation’s data residency challenges and catalyze unprecedented economic growth? Microsoft’s announcement is not just about infrastructure; it’s about a promise to transform their datacenters into beacons of community support and economic resilience. As they said on their blog, “We rely on a vast network of local suppliers, officials, stakeholders, and residents to plan, design, construct and operate each of our facilities. To those communities, we owe a commitment to be responsible neighbors and contribute positively to local economies and ecosystems while advancing digital transformation.” Isn’t this the perfect blueprint for Nigeria? Addressing Data Residency Challenges Consider the issue of data residency—where data is stored and how it is governed. For a nation like Nigeria, with its burgeoning tech industry, this is more than just a technical challenge; it’s a matter of sovereignty and trust. What if a local datacenter could ensure that data remains within national borders, complying with local regulations and fostering confidence in digital services? Could this be the game-changer Nigeria needs? Economic and Technological Benefits Now, imagine the economic ripple effect. A datacenter in Nigeria wouldn’t just be a building full of servers; it would be a hub of activity, innovation, and opportunity. It would provide businesses with faster, more reliable access to cloud services, making Nigerian enterprises more competitive on the global stage. Think about the jobs it would create and the skills it would develop. Could this be the catalyst for a new wave of technological advancement in Nigeria? Furthermore, a local datacenter would serve as a fertile ground for startups and established companies alike, providing the robust infrastructure needed to experiment, grow, and thrive. Isn’t this the kind of environment every budding entrepreneur dreams of? Community-Centric Approach Microsoft’s pledge emphasizes being responsible neighbors and contributing positively to local economies and ecosystems. What if this ethos were applied in Nigeria, with the datacenter designed and operated with local needs in mind? By involving local suppliers, officials, stakeholders, and residents, Microsoft can ensure the datacenter is a resource that truly addresses local priorities. Could this foster a sense of ownership and pride within the community? Sustainability and Environmental Considerations Let’s not forget about sustainability. Microsoft’s datacenters are known for their energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. By leveraging renewable energy sources and cutting-edge technologies, a Nigerian datacenter could set new standards for sustainable development in the region. Wouldn’t this enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a leader in green technology? Conclusion In the end, the idea of establishing a Microsoft datacenter in Nigeria is more than just a technological endeavor; it’s a visionary step towards solving data residency issues while driving economic growth and technological innovation. As an economic giant of Africa, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to become a major partner in this endeavor, contributing to and benefiting from a digitally empowered future. Could this be the dawn of a new era for Nigeria and the broader African continent? By embracing this opportunity, Nigeria can solidify its position as a leader in the digital age, fostering a future where data sovereignty, economic prosperity, and technological innovation go hand in hand. Isn’t this the kind of future we all aspire to? Learn more about Microsoft Azure #DigitalTransformation #DataSovereignty #EconomicGrowth #TechInnovation