Weekly Roundup · Week of 9–15 July 2026
The week in business IT & comms
The week's business IT and comms news, boiled down to what actually affects how you run your business. This week: Microsoft's largest ever security update, with two flaws already being used in attacks, a joint UK warning about Russian hackers hunting weak routers, and another wave of Copilot changes to weigh up. If you only read one thing this week, make it this.
- 01Microsoft & Cloud
Microsoft ships its biggest ever security update, and two flaws are already under attack
The 14 July update fixed a record number of Windows and Microsoft flaws. Two are being exploited now, in Active Directory Federation Services and on-premises SharePoint, so getting it applied promptly is the job this month.
Read the full story - 02Cyber Security
UK and allies warn over Russian hackers hunting weak routers
A joint NCSC advisory on 13 July described a Russian group scanning the internet for routers still using default or weak passwords. The named targets are big sectors, but the weakness it exploits sits in plenty of smaller networks too.
Read the full story - 03AI for Business
Copilot gets another wave of changes, including a Claude option
Microsoft's July round of Microsoft 365 updates made its Copilot Cowork assistant generally available and added Anthropic's Claude as a selectable model in Copilot Chat. Worth a look if you are weighing up what Copilot now does before you pay for it.
- 04Connectivity & Broadband
Ofcom is reviewing Openreach's proposed October fibre and Ethernet prices
The wholesale prices behind full-fibre broadband and leased-line connections are under review ahead of changes due on 1 October, with a decision expected in the autumn. It is the pricing that shapes what a business connection costs at renewal.
- 05The Switch-Off
The final copper line-rental rise lands on 1 October
Openreach's legacy line rental has already risen twice this year and the last increase is due on 1 October, close to doubling the 2025 cost. With about half a million business lines still on old copper, planning the move to digital is cheaper than paying to stand still.
What we’re watching
Microsoft's next monthly security update lands in August, so keeping your updates current stays on the list. On connectivity, Ofcom's decision on Openreach's proposed October prices for full fibre and leased lines is due in the autumn and will shape what a business connection costs at renewal, and the last of this year's copper line-rental rises arrives on 1 October. If you want a straight answer on what any of this means for your setup, that is a phone call away.
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