October
Welcome to Lugo Lingo!
We’re thrilled to launch the first edition of Lugo Lingo, your monthly newsletter. From critical updates like the Windows 10 end-of-support to thought-provoking stories on AI, cyber crime, and innovation in Scotland, we’ve got you covered.
You are welcome to share this with your broader team or let them subscribe as well 🙂
Co-op Cyber Attack: A £206M Lesson in Business Resilience
In April 2025, UK retailer Co-op was hit by a major cyber attack, leaving shelves empty and exposing the personal data of 6.5 million members. The breach, carried out by the cyber group DragonForce, resulted in a £206 million revenue loss, with food operations taking the hardest hit.
Despite avoiding a full cyber lockdown by disconnecting networks, the fallout lasted weeks. Stolen data included names, addresses, emails, and dates of birth; though financial details were not accessed.
This incident is a stark reminder that cyber threats are not just an IT issue, they’re a boardroom concern. Business leaders must ensure their organisations are equipped with robust cyber defence strategies and proactive incident response plans.
As your managed provider, we help protect your business from disruption, data loss, and reputational damage. Our services are designed to keep your operations secure and your leadership confident.
Is your business prepared for the next cyber risk?
Let’s talk about strengthening your security posture today.
Windows 10 End of Support: Time to Refresh Your IT Strategy
Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. That means no more security updates, patches, or technical support, leaving businesses exposed to cyber threats and compliance risks.
At Lugo, we’re helping SMEs stay ahead with a structured IT Refresh Plan. It’s not just about upgrading devices, it’s about boosting productivity, reducing downtime, and aligning with Cyber Essentials. Whether you’re moving to Windows 11 or modernising with Microsoft 365, Intune, or Teams Phone, now’s the time to act.
Why it matters:
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Enhanced performance and energy efficiency
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Stronger security and encryption
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Predictable budgeting and reduced maintenance costs
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AI-ready infrastructure for tools like Microsoft Copilot
📅 Book your 20-minute IT Refresh Review and future-proof your business today.
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Scotland’s Cyber Vanguard: Police Scotland & Abertay Join ForcesIn a bold move to tackle deepfakes, fraud, and digital threats, Police Scotland has partnered with Abertay University’s cyberQuarter. This collaboration includes two new PhD scholarships and access to cutting-edge malware analysis labs.
Highlights:
This initiative strengthens Scotland’s cyber resilience and fosters innovation through academia–law enforcement partnerships.
At Lugo, we have a long standing relationship with the cyberQuarter and we are proud to have hosted events as part of CyberScotland week and continue to have a base in the cyberQuarter to help support our Dundee clients.
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Women in AI: Dame Wendy Hall’s Call to ActionAt the upcoming ICAS Annual Conference, AI pioneer Professor Dame Wendy Hall is urging the tech world to ensure women are not just users of AI: but leaders in its design and governance.
“AI must be shaped by a diverse community,” says Dame Wendy. “Otherwise, it risks reinforcing inequalities.”
ICAS is leading the way with a future-fit CA syllabus that integrates AI, data, and sustainability, proving that accountancy and technology can evolve together.
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Lugo’s Microsoft Copilot User Group: Building AI Confidence for Business LeadersAs AI tools like Microsoft Copilot become part of everyday business, knowing how to prompt them effectively is no longer just a tech skill, it’s a strategic advantage. That’s why Lugo has launched the Microsoft Copilot User Group, a hands-on initiative designed to help business leaders and teams unlock the full potential of AI.
Whether you’re a CEO looking to streamline operations, a CTO exploring automation, or a marketing lead aiming to boost campaign output, this user group offers practical, peer-led support to build confidence and capability with AI.
What’s Included:
This group is ideal for those just starting out with AI, as well as seasoned users looking to sharpen their skills. It’s a space for experimentation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, all with the goal of making AI work for your business.
📩 Interested in joining?
Contact Shannon to get involved or learn more 👉 Join the community
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Upcoming Industry Events – Let us know if you’re attendingAs part of our commitment to staying connected and informed, members of the Lugo team will be attending several key industry events this autumn.
Accountex North – Manchester
Who attended: Liz & Shannon
Event: Accountex Summit Manchester
Focus: Accounting technology, digital transformation, and practice growth strategies. CCH Connections – London
Who’s attended: Liz & Ron
When: 1st October Event: CCH Connections User Conference Focus: Tax, compliance, and software innovation for accountancy professionals. SFHA Finance Conference – St Andrews
Who’s attending: Steven & Shannon
When: 11th & 12th November
Event: Finance Conference
Focus: Help educate the Housing Association sector on safe and secure AI and the risks of shadow AI.
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JLR Cyber Attack: Government Steps In with £1.5 Billion Support
Following a recent cyber attack, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) received a £1.5 billion loan guarantee from the UK Government to help stabilise operations and protect jobs. The incident disrupted key systems and raised serious concerns about supply chain resilience and digital infrastructure.
This move highlights how cyber threats can have far-reaching consequences, not just for IT teams, but for entire organisations and national economies. It’s a clear signal to business leaders: cyber security must be a board-level priority.
As a managed provider, we help businesses like yours stay protected, compliant, and prepared. From proactive cyber defence to rapid incident response, our services are built to safeguard your operations and reputation.
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Cyber Awareness: NCSC’s Top Tips for your teamCyber security isn’t just an IT issue, it’s everyone’s responsibility. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) offers a free, easy-to-use training package called Top Tips for your team, designed to help organisations of all sizes build a culture of cyber awareness.
The training covers:
It takes less than 30 minutes to complete and includes a short quiz to reinforce learning. Whether you’re onboarding new team members or refreshing your team’s knowledge, this is a great resource to embed into your internal training.
Cyber Resilience Workshop
As part of Lugo’s Technology Business Review for clients, we can facilitate an NCSC “Exercise in a Box” tabletop for your leadership team – practical incident scenarios to strengthen decision‑making and resilience. |
Lugo Learn: Empowering Your Team with On-Demand IT TrainingDid you know Lugo offers its own Lugo Learn Portal a dedicated space for clients to access bite-sized, practical training on key IT topics?
Whether you’re looking to upskill your team on cyber security, Microsoft 365, device management, or digital best practices, Lugo Learn is designed to support your journey with flexible, easy-to-follow content.
What’s included:
If you’d like access or want to learn more, just get in touch with your Lugo account manager or email us directly.
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BBC Targeted in Unusual Cyber TwistIn a bizarre turn of events, a ransomware gang reportedly tried to recruit a BBC journalist to assist in hacking a major media organisation. The group, known for high-profile cyber attacks, reached out via encrypted messaging, offering insider access in exchange for support.
While the journalist did not engage, the incident highlights a growing trend: cyber criminals are becoming more creative – and bold – in their tactics. From social engineering to insider recruitment, the threat landscape is evolving fast.
For business leaders, this is a wake-up call. Cyber security is no longer just about firewalls and antivirus, it’s about people, processes, and proactive defence.
As your managed provider, we help you stay ahead of emerging cyber risks with layered protection, staff awareness training, and rapid response capabilities.
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