February has come and gone in the blink of an eye, and we have the news to prove it. From new forms of cybersecurity threats to a controversial deal between OpenAI and the Pentagon, read on to hear everything you need to know from the last month in IT from Daffodil IT, your trusted Managed Service Provider for IT support in Sheffield.
Quishing
Have you ever scanned a QR code? Perhaps you spotted one in a poster or received one over the internet, not thinking twice before whipping out your phone camera.
As you know, cyber criminals are constantly evolving their methods, finding new and unique ways to try and crack your security. This makes it even more important to stay hypervigilant of your online safety.
NordVPN have warned that ‘quishing’ scams are on the rise. Since they debuted over 20 years ago, people have used them for various tasks, from leaving a review to collecting parcels.
Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN, have warned that unlike traditional phishing emails where people are learning to spot the warning signs, a physical QR code seems “inherently trustworthy”. Consequently, scammers have begun exploiting ‘brushing’, a malicious e-commerce technique that invites users to scan a QR code to complete an action. For example, picking up unexpected parcels, applying to jobs on counterfeit websites, or, more emotionally, scanning for evidence of a partner cheating.
A worrying statistic by Keepnet noted that 26% of all malicious links were embedded in QR codes. This number will only rise, making it doubly important to question not only the links you click, but the QR codes you scan.
Windows Updates
Windows 11 has recently come out, and the updates following it have users conflicted. As of March 2026, here’s what you need to know:
Built-in Network Speed Test
No more searching for a ‘Wi-Fi speed test’ on Google, Microsoft now have it sorted. A network speed test will be added to the taskbar. It will be accessible through Wi-Fi Quick Settings or by right-clicking the network icon on your taskbar. Microsoft calls this a “gradual update”, meaning not all features will be available instantly.
Visual Tweaks
A redesigned Widgets panel, greater emoji selection, and built-in Sysmon (system monitor) are just a few visual changes we can expect to see this month. One of the more interesting features to come is a new Camera feature, which lets you virtually tilt and pan your camera directly in your Settings app.
Microsoft to ditch OpenAI
In an unsurprising decision amidst the influx of controversy OpenAI is finding itself at the centre of, Microsoft is planning to ditch their ties. Currently, Microsoft’s entire operations are powered by ChatGPT and other OpenAI models, such as DALLE 3.
When OpenAI made itself known in late 2022, the decision to partner with Microsoft appeared to be the right decision. Fast-forwarding just over three years, things have changed.
Competitors, including Anthropic and Google, have created their own systems matching or exceeding that of ChatGPT. OpenAI no longer has that X factor it once did. On top of this, OpenAI is not going to provide any ROI in the near future. Every query drains money, making the path to profitability treacherous.
OpenAI sign deal with the Pentagon
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, announced late last Friday that the company had signed a deal with the Pentagon for its AI tools to be used in the military’s classified systems. After negotiations between Anthropic and the Pentagon fell through, US President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to stop using Anthropic temporarily.
Altman specifically reassured that OpenAI’s technology will not be used for mass surveillance or autonomous weapon systems, stating that humans would “take responsibility for the use of force”.
Although the direct impact of this on your business is minuscule for now, medium and long-term effects may take place. AI is becoming a national security infrastructure, and we can expect to see greater regulation globally. OpenAI’s signing with the Pentagon also signals a huge investment in AI capabilities.
NCSC advises UK organisations to act fast
The National Cyber Security Centre has advised UK businesses to take action following conflicts in the Middle East. Although there is no current significant risk to UK businesses, the fast-evolving nature of the current situation means it may be subject to change.
They state there is almost certainly a heightened risk of indirect cyber threat for organisations with ties in the Middle East.
You can review your organisation’s risk posture, take action and report concerns here.
You’re all caught up!
Looking for managed IT support in Sheffield or want to be kept in the loop? We can help. Whether you’re based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, or nearby, let us take you for a coffee to discuss how we can help your business thrive!
