Cactus I.T.

25/03/2026

There are some spaces available on this free Cyber Security training - any Cactus IT customers interested in attending tomorrow, please let me know?

Strengthen your business from the inside out—only four spaces remain for BID members to upskill a staff member at our Cyber Protect Workshop.

The FREE course is brought you by West Yorkshire Police

🔒Cyber Protect – The Basics
📅Thursday 26th March 2026 | 10.30-12.30
📍Pinnacle Graphic Design, 32-34 The Grove Promenade, Ilkley, LS29 9EE.

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and human error remains the leading cause of breaches.

Why Cybersecurity Matters:
- 95% of cyber attacks are caused by human error
- 43% of UK businesses experienced a cyberattack in the last 12 months
- Training empowers staff to recognise and respond to threats

Email: [email protected] if you would like to attend.

12/08/2025

🚨 Phishing Emails Are Getting Smarter – Can You Spot One? 🚨

From fake bank alerts to dodgy invoices, cybercriminals are targeting Yorkshire businesses every day.

We’ve pulled together real-world examples (including screenshots) so you can learn how to spot a scam before it costs you.

✅ How to check links without clicking
✅ What to look for in the sender’s address
✅ The common “red flags” scammers hope you’ll miss

👉 Read our blog post here https://cactus-it.co.uk/2025/08/12/how-to-spot-a-phishing-email-with-examples-from-uk-businesses/

🎧 Listen to our podcast here https://cactus-it.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Don_t_Get_Hooked__Your_Ultimate_Guide_to_Spotting_Phishing_Emails.wav

05/08/2025

🔐 Does your business have a Cyber Security Policy?

If not, now’s the time to get one in place.

In our latest blog, we break down exactly what your policy should include — and we’re giving away a free template to help you get started ✅

Whether you’re aiming for Cyber Essentials or just want better protection for your business, this guide is a must-read.

📖 Read or 🎧 listen here:
👉 https://cactus-it.co.uk/2025/08/04/cyber-security-policies-what-every-uk-business-should-include/

Many small businesses don’t formalise their cyber security policies, and that opens risk. Creating a policy sets a clear expectation to staff and helps reduce risk.

29/07/2025

💾 Backups & Ransomware: Why Your Business Needs More Than Just OneDrive

Think OneDrive is a backup solution? Think again.

Ransomware is one of the biggest cyber threats facing small businesses today, and syncing solutions like OneDrive aren’t designed for full recovery.

In our latest blog, we explain:

🔒 Why OneDrive isn't enough
🧠 What real backup protection looks like
💼 How we help local businesses stay safe and recover fast

👉 Read now : https://cactus-it.co.uk/2025/07/24/backups-and-ransomware-why-your-business-needs-more-than-just-onedrive/

🎧 Listen now 👆 click to find our podcast

24/07/2025

What do our customers say about the service that they receive from us?

Take a look for yourself, we are proud of the service we deliver and the 5 STAR review is thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team of engineers. Well done team and thank's to our customers for their support!

Cactus IT is trusted by over 20 happy customers, earning a 5-star rating! Explore real reviews and share your own experience.

22/07/2025

🔐 Is your business still using spreadsheets or sticky notes for passwords?
That’s a cyber breach waiting to happen.

🛡️ In our latest blog (part 4 of our cyber series), we explain why a password manager is one of the smartest and most affordable ways to protect your business from cyber threats.

✅ Secure storage
✅ Strong password generation
✅ Easy access for your team
✅ Peace of mind for you

Don't leave your business vulnerable.
📖 Read now:
🔊 Listen now (podcast embedded in the blog!)
👉 https://cactus-it.co.uk/2025/07/21/safeguard-your-business-why-a-password-manager-is-your-best-defence/

A password manager like Keeper can be your frontline defence, bolstering both your cybersecurity and operational efficiency.

15/07/2025

🔐 Still relying on just a password to protect your Microsoft 365 account?

That’s like locking your front door but leaving the window wide open! 🪟🚪

Cyber threats are getting smarter—but so can you.

✅ In our latest blog and part of our cyber security series, we explain why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is no longer optional, and how using the Microsoft Authenticator app can protect your business from breaches.

📲 Easy to set up. Hard for hackers to beat.

👉 Read now and secure your account:
🔗 https://cactus-it.co.uk/2025/07/07/protecting-your-microsoft-365-account-why-multi-factor-authentication-is-essential

The most effective solution to significantly enhance your Microsoft 365 security is to implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA, or Two-Factor

09/07/2025

🚨 Cyber Security Series: Part 2 is live — now with a podcast! 🎙️

Email is still the #1 way cyber attacks get through.
That’s why this week’s blog is all about email filtering — and why your business can’t afford to ignore it.

We cover:
✅ Anti-phishing
✅ Safe Links & Safe Attachments
✅ Zero-hour Auto Purge (ZAP)

💡 Whether you prefer reading or listening, this one's for you.

👉 Dive in here:
https://cactus-it.co.uk/2025/07/07/cyber-security-why-you-should-have-email-filtering

The number of SPAM, junk and phishing emails we receive each day is at the highest level that I can remember.... and I have been providing IT services for

01/07/2025

Read our latest blog to see why we have upgraded the endpoint security that we provide to our IT support customers.

In this post:
-Why we’ve upgraded to ESET Protect Advanced
-How sandboxing protects against Ransomware
-How we’re continually adapting to new cyber threats

https://cactus-it.co.uk/2025/06/30/staying-ahead-in-cyber-security-how-were-enhancing-protection-for-our-customers/

18/06/2025

Thank you Ilkley Business Improvement District for helping us to celebrate 15 years in business with an article in the Telegraph and Argus.

We are very proud of this achievement and couldn't do it without the support of our customers based in Yorkshire and surrounding areas!

BEVAN Yates travelled from South Africa to Ilkley, via Slovenia, before setting up his business, Cactus IT. Here he tells us more about:

26/05/2025

Fantic to be featured this month in Discover Ilkley 🙌 We are very proud to be in business for 15 years this year and would like to thank all of our customers for their loyalty and business over the years.... we couldn't do it without you!

Bevan Yates is a familiar face around town and today we are shining a spotlight on Cactus I.T. which he founded in 2010 and which this year is celebrating 15 years in business.

Cactus IT has built a strong reputation for providing tailored IT business solutions and advice, backed by exceptional service and support. Bevan and his team are known for their calm, thorough approach and friendly, personal service, earning high praise for their technical expertise and response times. From individual users to large corporations, Cactus IT helps businesses operate smoothly by simplifying technology and avoiding jargon. Their philosophy, inspired by Bevan's Grandfather's belief in doing a job properly, ensures a 'belt and braces' approach that brings peace of mind to clients across the UK.

You can read all about Bevan's story from South Africa to Ilkley at Ilkley Chat here:

www.ilkleychat.co.uk/post/ilkley-it-company-celebrates-15-years