Is using Windows 10 still safe after the End of Life deadline?

Windows 10 is about to pass into the realm of unsupported operating systems. On October 14, 2025, the final security update will be piped through for Windows 10, and after that, Microsoft won’t supply any more. Well, not unless you sort out extended updates (and I’ll come back to that).

There are plenty of people still using Windows 10, and at this point in time, right before the big deadline, they might have lots of questions. How safe is it to just remain on Windows 10 after the support deadline has passed? You may have heard it’s risky, but is that just an exaggeration – is it really that bad to stick with an unsupported OS?

And what about the extended support program that I just mentioned – how does that fit in? If you avoid paying for this scheme, you may have heard that Microsoft requires you to sync the files on your PC with its servers – is that true? (No, in a word – there are nuances here).

In this article, I’m going to answer these, and some other pressing queries that you may have regarding Windows 10’s End of Life, and how safe the operating system remains as it shuffles onwards in Microsoft’s post-support era.

Is it safe to simply keep using Windows 10 after October 14, when support ends and Microsoft stops providing updates?

No, do not use Windows 10 without updates, or for that matter, don’t continue using any operating system beyond its support deadline. With no security updates, it’s just too much of a risk that you might be compromised.

Software like an operating system is a massive, sprawling, complex affair, and the problem is over time, vulnerabilities will be discovered in the codebase. What normally happens is that Microsoft fixes those security flaws in its monthly updates, so without those, you’re not getting these problems resolved – they remain as gaping holes in your OS. Gaps that a hacker or other nefarious types could exploit.

But I’ve heard that these risks are overblown and exaggerated – how dicey can it be, really?

It’s true that people continue using an operating system without security patches all the time. This happened with Windows 7, and it will happen with Windows 10 (indeed, Windows 7 only went below 10% of Windows market share three years after its End of Life, and Windows 10 is very likely to be a worse situation).

And admittedly, it’s also true that initially, right after the deadline expires, you’re not going to be in much peril. After all, you get a security patch on October 14, anyway, which will last you through to November – that’s when the first update will actually be missing for Windows 10. Even in the month following that, nothing much might happen in the way of vulnerabilities being uncovered – but the key word here is might.

While there may not be many holes left open to exploit in the early days after Windows 10’s support expires, gradually, these will mount up, and staying unprotected on the operating system will become increasingly risky. As security flaws become more widely known, and still unpatched, more hackers will be looking to find and exploit these vulnerabilities in Windows 10 PCs out there.

Frankly, I wouldn’t want to take any risks at all beyond the first month, because I just don’t think it’s worth it – and it’s definitely unwise to run Windows 10 without patches for very long.

What if I’m really careful online and I have a good antivirus, won’t I be safe then, even without Windows 10 updates?

In fairness, packing one of the best antivirus apps and being very cautious about what you do online will go a long way to keeping you safe – that’s true, even without any security updates from Microsoft. But you’ll have to be really careful, and essentially stop following most links (all of the ‘ooh, I’m curious about that’ variety, certainly) – but who has that kind of willpower and steadfastness? Not that many people frankly.

Realistically, you’re likely to slip up from time to time and put your unpatched operating system in danger. Even if you don’t, and you are incredibly careful, sometimes you can be hit by malware from out of nowhere – these things happen and may not be your fault at all (a compromised web server somewhere that pushes a malware-laden advert, for example).

Unless you are going to keep your Windows 10 PC entirely offline, there’s always a chance of compromise, and that risk is somewhat higher if your system doesn’t have security updates. So, I’d really advise that you don’t gamble that you’ll be fine without Windows 10’s monthly updates, as the reality is you may not be – and if your PC does fall prey to malware, it’s a world of hurt.

It isn’t worth the risk, so if you are sticking with Windows 10 past October 14, then you need to ensure you keep getting updates. And here’s the other thing with Windows 10 – you can get an extra free year of support for free (with a slight catch), as mentioned at the outset. So you’d be foolish not to avail yourself of this offer.

So, to stay safe, the best thing to do is get extended support then – how does that work?

Undoubtedly this is the safest path forward. Microsoft’s year of additional support is provided in the form of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) scheme. Normally, this is only an option for businesses in a post-support deadline scenario, but with Windows 10, consumers are also getting this choice for the first time ever.

You can access three available options for the ESU by clicking the link to enroll which you’ll find in the Windows Update panel in Windows 10 (underneath the ‘Check for updates’ button – see the screenshot above). To sign up, you’ll need a Microsoft account, and one option is to pay $30 for the scheme. If you don’t want to fork out any cash, you can use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points instead (if you have them).

The final option, the one I’d recommend, is free, but it does come with a slight catch…

Ah yes, the catch – I’ve heard that you must sync files with Microsoft to get the ‘free’ updates – does that mean the company’s sticking its nose in my business?

It is true that Microsoft requires you to sync some data to get the ESU with the third (free) option, but there’s some misinformation online about this indicating that you’re somehow syncing your personal files to Microsoft’s servers.

To be clear, what’s actually required is that you sync your PC Settings (to OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service) via the Windows Backup app. So, yes, it is true that you’re allowing Microsoft to store some of your data, but a very limited amount – just your setting choices. All your personal data – files on your PC like your documents, photos, videos and so on – isn’t included in this syncing arrangement.

In my book, this isn’t a particularly intrusive ask, and is a relatively small price to pay for an additional year of security for Windows 10. But if you’re really against the idea of sharing anything related to your PC with Microsoft, you can simply pay the $30 fee as mentioned, and I’d still recommend doing that if you want to remain on Windows 10 – don’t just plough on with no security updates.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechRadar.com SOURCE

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Cyber Insurance Preparedness for Small Businesses

Having the right technology controls in place can vastly impact the cost of cyber insurance and claims eligibility.

Hackers are aggressively targeting small and medium-sized businesses: One in every three SMBs was hit with ransomware in 2024, according to research from Microsoft.

The luckiest businesses will never get breached or will have the incident response and backup and recovery plans in place to walk away unscathed. But even they are at risk of liabilities such as business disruptions, exposed data and fines. Not to mention, 94% of all ransomware attempts against SMBs in 2024 targeted backups, according to Sophos.

Enter cyber insurance. As more SMBs investigate first- and third-party coverage, they’ll encounter a slew of technical prerequisites. It’s crucial that they know what risks to cover and the requirements to qualify for that coverage in order to ultimately be eligible for a payout. 

Upfront Risk Assessments Save Time and Money

Many cyber insurance providers provide free risk assessments for businesses, but John Candillo, field CISO at CDW, recommends doing a little upfront work to smooth out the process and avoid getting blindsided.

“Insurers want to know how your business looks from the outside looking in,” he says. “A focus on this ahead of time can greatly improve your situation when it comes to who’s willing to underwrite your policy, but also what your premiums are going to be and how you’re answering questionnaires,”

Conducting an internal risk assessment and engaging with cybersecurity ratings companies such as SecurityScorecard or Bitsight can help SMBs be more informed policy shoppers.

“If you understand what the auditor is going to ask you and you’re prepared for it, the results of the audit are going to be way different than if you’re caught off guard,” Candillo says.

These steps get stakeholders thinking about what type of risk requires coverage. Cyber insurance can broadly be put into two categories. First-party coverage will protect against things such as breach response costs, cyber extortion costs, data-loss costs and business interruptions. Third-party coverage insures against risks such as breach liabilities and regulatory penalties.

The more you know up front about your risk profile, the easier it is to advocate for yourself during the underwriting process.

Proper Security Controls Are Necessary for Coverage

Inadequate cybersecurity controls can be a dealbreaker for cyber insurers, resulting in outright rejection or prohibitively expensive premiums.

“They’re going to have anywhere from 15 to 30 controls they’re going to ask about,” Candillo says. “But we call the most common things they ask about the big 12.”

  1. Multifactor authentication
  2. Privileged access management
  3. Remote access controls (such as VPNs)
  4. Endpoint protection and response
  5. Security information and event management
  6. Incident response plan
  7. Business continuity plan and disaster recovery
  8. Backup strategy
  9. Email security
  10. Security awareness training
  11. Third-party risk management
  12. Patching and vulnerability management

“They’re going to ask you no very pointed questions,” Candillo says. “For example: Is every application accessible only through multifactor authentication? And they’re going to expect a yes or no answer.”

Phrases such as “yes, no, always, never, every and all” fall into a category Cardillo calls absolutist language. Covering your bases isn’t just a matter of getting coverage; it’s also a matter of meeting certain requirements should you need to submit a claim.

“Don’t just answer yes or no,” Candillo says. “Take the PDF they gave you with the yes or no questions, export it into another format where you can actually qualify your answers and give as much information as possible.”

This added context helps businesses have a more complete picture of the controls they have in place and can round out answers in questionnaires as a possible defense in the event that an insurer attempts to deny a claim.

In terms of implementing the prerequisite technology, Candillo recommends working with a partner such as CDW with access to solutions from a variety of vendors.

“There are cheap ways to do it and there are expensive ways to do it,” he says. “SMBs are probably going to opt for the affordable way, as long as they know what that looks like.”

Cyber Insurance Isn’t a One-Time Thing

Most cyber insurance policies will need to be reviewed on an annual basis. Businesses will therefore have to complete questionnaires annually, and the questions being asked could change depending on shifting conditions in the threat landscape.

What’s more, many businesses will create an “insurance tower,” as they may require more than one insurer to achieve the desired level of coverage. While a common practice, this does multiply the work that goes into renewing policies each year. Candillo says this further underscores the importance of adding context to checklists.

“It’s something they have to deal with every year, and you may only hear about it once a year,” he says. “Without that additional context, it’s hard to get a lot of knowledge and experience around how the answers you give impact insurability, not to mention premiums.”

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from BizTechMagazine.com SOURCE

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Safeguard your SMB from password manager attacks

Staying secure online is becoming trickier by the day, especially for small or medium-sized businesses (SMBs). While tools like password managers are designed to protect sensitive information, cybercriminals are now targeting them. A recent study reveals a startling threefold increase in malware targeting password vaults and credential stores over the past year.

The rising threat of infostealers

Infostealers, also known as information stealers, are a type of malware designed to hijack and transmit sensitive data from a victim’s computer. They can come in many forms, such as keyloggers or spyware, but their main goal is to collect login credentials and other valuable information.

The study by Picus Security uncovered alarming growth in infostealers designed to target credential stores, including password managers. By analyzing one million malware samples, researchers confirmed that 93% of malicious actions use just 10 common hacking methods.

Why are password managers a prime target? Their centralized nature makes them convenient for users but equally appealing to cybercriminals. By breaching just one password vault, attackers can gain access to a wealth of credentials across multiple accounts and platforms.

Malware in action: RedLine and Lumma Stealers

Two notorious infostealers leading these attacks are RedLine Stealer and Lumma Stealer, each targeting victims in unique ways.

  • RedLine Stealer is often spread through phishing attempts or fake websites. It specializes in extracting data from web browsers, email applications, and other credential storage locations.
  • Lumma Stealer operates as a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS), allowing criminals to rent the malware and use it to steal payment credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and other sensitive information.

Malware tactics are changing. With operating system defenses improving, old methods such as credential dumping are less effective. Modern infostealers now target weaker but valuable areas, such as password managers.

The dark web surge

The stolen credentials don’t just stop with the initial hacker; they often end up being posted for sale on the dark web. Initial access brokers profit by reselling credentials that give hackers easy access to enterprise systems. These stolen credentials are then used in major ransomware attacks.

Why password manager attacks are increasing

Cybercriminals are adapting their tactics to target password managers for several reasons, including their effectiveness and ease of execution.

  • Minimal skill requirement – Most infostealers only need basic user-level access to scrape stored credentials, making attacks fast and easy.
  • Automation – Many attackers leverage automated tools to extract information, streamlining cyber theft.
  • Password reuse – If businesses use repeated passwords across accounts, stolen credentials can lead to broader credential stuffing attacks, exposing an entire network.

For SMBs, such attacks can be devastating, resulting in operational disruptions as well as financial losses and reputational damage.

Protecting your credentials with secure technologies

SMBs must take decisive action to protect themselves from these growing threats. Here’s how you can stay ahead of attackers and secure your password management systems effectively.

  • Adopt zero-knowledge encryption password managers. With zero-knowledge encryption, even if the vault is breached, no one can read the stored credentials.
  • Enable multifactor authentication. Do this across all user and administrator accounts, making it harder for hackers to gain access.
  • Train your users. Educate employees about phishing attempts and other malware entry points. Teach them to recognize suspicious links and avoid downloading attachments from unknown sources.
  • Regularly update software. Make sure all software, including operating systems, browsers, and password managers, is updated with the latest patches to minimize vulnerabilities.
  • Review logs for unusual activity. Monitor activities in password managers and look for suspicious access or login attempts outside regular patterns.

Password managers are indispensable tools for managing multiple accounts safely, but they’re not invincible. For SMBs, proactive security measures should be part of a broader strategy to strengthen operations against emerging threats.

Safeguard your business from various threats — contact our security experts to get started.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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AI is great, but it creates a security blind spot

You’re focused on leveraging the latest technology for growth and innovation, but there’s a hidden risk that comes with it. The software, automated systems, and AI tools that power your business each have their own non-human identity (NHI). Managing these digital identities was a significant challenge even before the AI boom, but now, with intelligent agents capable of independent action, NHIs represent a critical threat that demands immediate attention.

Your company’s biggest, most overlooked security risk

Think about every piece of software, cloud application, and automated script your company uses. Each one needs credentials and permissions to access data and perform its tasks. That’s a massive, often invisible, digital workforce.

The problem here is that these NHIs are often created for a specific purpose and then forgotten, leaving a digital door wide open for attackers. This oversight leads to several common security gaps:

  • Ghost accounts: These are accounts and app credentials that are never disabled, even after a project ends or an employee leaves. Orphaned accounts like these are prime targets, as they are unmonitored and can provide persistent access to your network.
  • Weak credentials: Attackers use automated tools to constantly scan for easy-to-crack credentials, making them a significant vulnerability.
  • Lack of visibility: Most businesses have no clear picture of how many NHIs exist in their environment or what they have access to. If you don’t know an identity exists, you can’t secure it, monitor it, or recognize when it’s been compromised.

How AI supercharges the threat

If unsecured NHIs are like a key left under the doormat, then AI is like a team of burglars who can check every doormat in the city in a matter of seconds. AI-powered tools allow attackers to find and exploit these forgotten credentials with alarming speed and efficiency, turning a minor vulnerability into a major breach in minutes.

But the risk goes even deeper. The introduction of autonomous AI agents creates a new layer of complexity. AI agents are designed to act independently to achieve certain goals, which means they require broad access to your company’s systems and data. This can lead to:

  • Unpredictable actions: An AI agent given a simple task could find an unexpected and potentially destructive way to accomplish it. In a recent security test, an AI given access to company emails discovered it was going to be replaced. It then tried to blackmail the engineer in charge to save its “job.” Imagine the potential for data leaks or operational disruption if such an agent had access to your critical systems.
  • Shadow AI: Employees are increasingly using new AI tools without company approval or IT oversight. Each of these tools creates a new, unmanaged identity with access to your data, creating security gaps that your team can’t see.

Secure your business for the AI era

The rapid evolution of AI-driven threats can feel daunting, but you can take proactive steps to protect your business. The strategy starts with a few foundational principles:

  • Gain full visibility: You can’t protect what you can’t see. The first step is to discover and inventory every NHI across your entire digital environment. Utilizing specialized tools can help automate this process and provide a complete picture of your NHI landscape.
  • Enforce the principle of least privilege: Ensure every application, script, and system has only the absolute minimum level of access required to perform its function. If a tool doesn’t need access to sensitive customer data, it shouldn’t have it.
  • Manage the full life cycle: Implement a clear, automated process for creating, managing, and, most importantly, securely decommissioning NHIs when they are no longer needed.

Online threats may be sophisticated and constantly evolving, but a strong security plan can still keep them at bay. Our team of cybersecurity experts can help you gain a clear understanding of your current risk posture and develop a robust strategy to secure your business against the latest threats.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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Think you can spot a phishing email?

This new trick is harder to catch.

Many people are getting better at spotting phishing attacks from outside sources. But what if the attack appears to come from within your own company? A recently discovered vulnerability in Microsoft 365 is being used to bypass traditional security, making it easier than ever for hackers to send you convincing fake emails that slip past your defenses.

The sneaky trick, explained

At the heart of this new threat is a Microsoft 365 feature called Direct Send. It was created for a simple, helpful reason: to allow internal office devices, such as printers and scanners, to send you emails — such as a scanned document — without needing to log in with a password. This feature is designed for convenience and is intended only for internal use.

However, this convenience has created a security loophole. Because Direct Send doesn’t require authentication, hackers have found a way to exploit it to send phishing emails without needing to steal a single password or compromise any accounts. All they need is a few publicly available details and some guesswork to figure out your company’s email address format.

Once an attacker has a valid internal email address, they can use the Direct Send system to send emails that look like they’re from someone inside your organization. And because these emails are routed through Microsoft’s own infrastructure and appear to be internal, they often bypass the very security filters designed to catch suspicious messages.

In a recent campaign that affected over 70 organizations, attackers used this method to send fake voicemail notifications containing malicious QR codes, which tricked users into visiting websites that stole their Microsoft 365 credentials.

What you can do: Stay alert

While the technical fix is up to your IT team, everyone can help prevent these attacks by being cautious.

  • Be suspicious of the sender – Even if an email looks like it’s from a coworker, be wary if the request is unusual.
  • Question internal notifications – Employees are used to seeing notifications from scanners and printers, so they rarely question their authenticity. Think twice before opening attachments or clicking links in automated messages.
  • Beware of QR codes – Be very careful about scanning QR codes you receive in emails, as they may lead you to malicious websites.
  • Report, don’t reply – If you see a suspicious email, report it to your IT department immediately.

For your IT department: The technical fix

This attack exploits a misconfiguration, not an impossible-to-stop, zero-day threat. Your technical team can take several steps to shut this vulnerability down.

  • Implement strict policies – Enforce strict DMARC and anti-spoofing policies to make it harder for fakes to get through. You should also enable “SPF hardfail” in Exchange Online Protection.
  • Disable or reject Direct Send – Microsoft is working to disable Direct Send by default. In the meantime, you can enable the “Reject Direct Send” setting in the Exchange Admin Center to block this type of attack.
  • Flag unauthenticated mail – Set up rules to flag any unauthenticated internal emails for review.
  • Secure your devices – Treat all network-connected devices, such as printers and scanners, as fully fledged endpoints. This means putting them on segmented networks, monitoring their activity, and restricting what they are allowed to do.

Don’t wait for an attack to test your defenses. Contact our cybersecurity experts today for help securing your email systems and for more information on how to protect your organization.

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What if the “unsubscribe” button was a trick?

Experts warn clicking “unsubscribe” on that boring email could actually be a security risk – here’s why

If you’ve received a spam email with an “unsubscribe here” button at the bottom, don’t press it – it could do more harm than good.

This is according to TK Keanini, CTO of DNSFilter, who recently revealed pressing such a button sends the recipient away from the safety of the email client and into the open internet, where potentially malicious landing pages are lurking.

In fact, Keanini claims that one in every 644 clicks can lead to a malicious website.

How to unsubscribe, then?

Even if clicking the button doesn’t lead directly to a phishing page, other, more subtle, risks, are lurking as well.

Keanini says that hackers would often place that button just to see who clicks – which would also help them determine which email addresses are active and thus worth targeting further.

The general rule of thumb seems to be – if you don’t trust the company that sent the email, don’t trust the unsubscribe process, either.

So, what’s the alternative? The alternative is to unsubscribe through the email client itself, rather than through the email’s body.

Most email clients have “list-unsubscribe headers”, which appear as built-in buttons and thus don’t include source code, Tom’s Guide explained. “If your email header doesn’t contain a link, you can reply on your spam filters, or try blacklisting the sender instead,” the publication further explained.

Those who don’t have these options can use disposable email addresses when signing up for different services. Most email service providers allow users to create throwaway email addresses, as well. For example, Gmail has a feature called “plus addressing” or “Gmail aliases”, which allow users to modify their address by adding a + and a tag before the @gmail.com address.

That way, the email address used during registration could be yourname+shopping@gmail.com. Messages will still arrive in the inbox, but they can be easily tracked or filtered.

Still not sure where to start? Contact our cybersecurity experts for personalized advice.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from The Wall Street Journal  SOURCE

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SLAM Method: What It Stands For (And How It Can Save You From Hackers)

The internet became a thing just over four decades ago, and has now transformed into an essential service that connects billions of people worldwide. Every major industry, including healthcare, banking, and entertainment, relies heavily on digital communication. As convenient as instant access to millions of websites and apps has become, it has also opened the door for bad actors that find vulnerabilities to exploit users’ personal information. According to the U.S. Department of State, cyber criminals caused over $4 billion worth of financial losses in 2020 alone.

Top-rated antivirus programs like ESET and McAfee protect against various kinds of malware, which are usually beyond the control of the user once the malicious files have made their way into the system. Despite the clever advancements in the delivery mechanisms and execution strategies of malware, phishing remains a widely adopted method among cyber criminals. This is largely thanks to phishing being an easy yet persistent form of social engineering — often with a high success rate. 

With phishing, cyber criminals send fraudulent emails or messages to users, and these victims, who often don’t know any better, end up clicking on malicious links or downloading attachments. An effective defense against falling victim to phishing attacks is adopting the SLAM method. It’s a quick, four-step checklist that encourages users to briefly pause and examine potentially dangerous emails or text messages. It’s an acronym that stands for Sender, Links, Attachments, and Messages — four variables to look out for in any new emails.

Using The SLAM Method

Breakdown of the SLAM acronym

The SLAM method advises all internet users to check for the following four key aspects in any suspicious emails or messages they receive:

  1. Sender: Carefully examine the sender’s email address or phone number, in the case of a text message. Look for spelling errors or cleverly masked domains. For example, an email from “xyz@apple.com” is legit, whereas one from “xyz@apple-support.com” should raise immediate suspicion. 
  2. Links: Many phishing attacks depend on the victim clicking on fraudulent links. Before you click on a link in an email, hover your cursor over it to preview the URL. Most browsers show the destination URL at the bottom of the screen, and you can also long-press on a mobile to view a preview of the webpage. This can help you identify scam websites that disguise themselves as legitimate login portals.
  3. Attachments: Only download attachments from trusted senders. With document-based malware, PDFs or Microsoft Office files are laced with malicious macros that execute when they are launched. 
  4. Messages: Sometimes carefully going through the contents of an email or a text message is enough to spot an attempted phishing attack. Look for inconsistencies in the font and color, in addition to poor grammar or spelling mistakes.

It only takes a few intentional applications of using the SLAM method before it develops into habitual instinct. Not to mention, it’s a fast and effective measure against phishing attacks that doesn’t require any fancy apps or browser extensions.

What To Do If You Receive A Phishing Email

The safest way to deal with a phishing email is by not interacting with any links or attachments it contains. If, after a quick SLAM analysis, you determine that an email you’ve received is potentially fraudulent, you should delete it. You can also report an email before you send it to the trash. Flagging a suspicious email will help train the systems of email providers, which eventually would reduce the likelihood of phishing emails landing in the inbox of users.

You can report an email for phishing on most major services like Gmail and Outlook. For example, on Gmail, click on the three-dotted menu icon located on top of the email message, and click the “Report phishing” button. You can also directly forward a suspected phishing email to reportphishing@apwg.org, which is an address that belongs to the Anti-Phishing Working Group of the FTC.

If you have unfortunately fallen prey to a phishing attack and have entered your credentials on a fake website, immediately change your passwords. Preventing hackers from easily accessing your accounts is also why you should always enable two-factor authentication.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from Slashgear.com SOURCE

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The Benefits of Keeping Your Computer Regularly Updated

In today’s fast-paced digital world, maintaining your computer’s software and hardware updates is crucial for optimal performance, security, and reliability. Here are some key benefits of keeping your computer regularly updated:

Enhanced Security

Regular updates protect your computer from the latest security threats. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new vulnerabilities to exploit, and software developers respond by releasing patches and updates to counter these threats. By keeping your system updated, you ensure that your computer has the latest defenses against malware, viruses, and other security risks.

Improved Performance

Updates often include performance enhancements that can make your computer run faster and more efficiently. These improvements can optimize resource allocation, reduce latency, and fix bugs that may be slowing down your system. Whether you’re using your computer for work, gaming, or everyday tasks, regular updates help maintain smooth and responsive performance.

Better Compatibility

As software evolves, compatibility issues can arise between older drivers and newer applications or operating systems. Regular updates ensure that your computer remains compatible with the latest software, preventing crashes and other stability issues. This is especially important for users who rely on their computers for professional tasks or complex applications.

Access to New Features

Software updates often come with new features and functionalities that can enhance your computing experience. These updates can introduce new tools, improve existing ones, and provide a more user-friendly interface. Staying current with updates allows you to take advantage of these improvements and keep your system modern and efficient.

Extended Hardware Lifespan

Keeping your computer’s drivers and firmware updated can prolong the lifespan of your hardware. Updates can optimize the performance of your components, reduce wear and tear, and ensure that your hardware functions at its best. This not only saves you money in the long run but also helps you get the most out of your investment.

Reduced Operating Costs

Regular updates can help reduce operating costs by improving energy efficiency and minimizing the need for repairs. Updated systems are less likely to experience crashes or other issues that require professional assistance, saving you time and money. Additionally, efficient resource management can lower energy consumption, contributing to a greener computing environment.

Quick Problem Resolution

Updates often include fixes for known issues and bugs that may be affecting your system’s performance. By staying on top of these updates, you can quickly resolve problems and maintain a stable and reliable computing experience. This is particularly important for business users who need their systems to be dependable and efficient.

Future-Proofed Systems

Regular updates ensure that your computer is prepared for future software developments and technological advancements. By keeping your system current, you can avoid compatibility issues and ensure that your computer remains relevant and functional as new technologies emerge.

In conclusion, regularly updating your computer is essential for maintaining its performance, security, and reliability. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional, staying current with updates helps protect your investment and ensures a smooth and efficient computing experience.

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The benefits of technology reviews for SMBs

For small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), regular technology reviews are imperative. These reviews help ensure IT systems are optimized for efficiency, security, and scalability. Moreover, they can be instrumental in reducing costs, preventing downtime, and leveraging new technology. There are numerous advantages to conducting technology reviews, and it could hold the key to your SMB’s success.

Here’s how a well-executed technology review benefits your business.

Optimizing costs and IT investments

Many SMBs overspend on IT without realizing it. A technology business review evaluates your current tech expenses and identifies ways to cut costs without sacrificing efficiency. IT consultants can recommend cost-effective alternatives, such as consolidating redundant tools, switching to cloud-based solutions, or optimizing software licenses. By making smarter IT investments, you can stretch your budget further and free up resources for growth.

Improving productivity and workflow efficiency

Inefficient IT systems slow teams down. A technology review helps uncover bottlenecks and guides you toward a more efficient and effective technology strategy, such as upgrading outdated hardware or adopting cloud collaboration tools such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. These platforms enable seamless file sharing and real-time collaboration, and in turn, increase efficiency and productivity. Making sure your technology supports, rather than hinders, your team’s workflow leads to better business performance.

Enhancing security and compliance

Cyberthreats will always be a major concern for many SMBs, which happen to be a primary target for cybercriminals mainly due to their weaker security measures. A technology review can help boost security by identifying vulnerabilities such as unpatched software, weak passwords, or outdated access controls. The data gathered can also be used to determine the right security solutions for a company’s needs.

Then there’s the matter of compliance requirements, which constantly change. So, whether your business handles customer data, financial records, or healthcare information, a review ensures your IT practices align with industry regulations, reducing legal risks and protecting your reputation.

Keeping up with technology trends

Failing to adapt to rapid technological changes can leave your business behind. A technology business review offers valuable insights into emerging trends, helping you stay informed and up to date. It can help you determine which innovations — such as automation, artificial intelligence, or cloud computing — can benefit your business. It can also help pinpoint outdated systems that must be replaced with scalable, future-proof solutions that support long-term growth.

Minimizing downtime and IT disruptions

Unplanned IT failures can be costly and disruptive, especially without a system in place to monitor risks. Regular reviews help identify potential issues early, preventing downtime and keeping your business running smoothly. Consultants can recommend solutions such as cloud-based backups for faster recovery, redundant internet connections for uninterrupted service, and predictive maintenance strategies to prevent hardware failures. With a proactive IT strategy, your business can avoid costly interruptions and maintain seamless operations.

Future-proofing your business

Technology business reviews not only help resolve current issues but also ensure your IT strategy stays modern and aligned with evolving trends. Conducting regular reviews help you stay ahead of risks, refine your technology investments, and maintain a secure, efficient IT environment that supports your company’s growth.

Ready to gain a competitive edge with a tailored technology review? Contact us today, and let’s create a smarter IT strategy for your business.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

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Use These 5 Rules to Block Phishing Emails From Your Inbox

Your email inbox is likely rammed full of suspicious emails. Despite your best efforts, at some point, you’re bound to click on one; don’t worry, we all do it. However, you can try to keep your inbox phishing-free with a few simple tips and rules.

– Hover Over Links Before Clicking

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from phishing attempts is to hover over any links before clicking them. This simple action can reveal the actual URL behind the anchor text, giving you a better idea of where it will take you.

When you hover over a link, make sure the URL matches the expected destination. If you expect to go to your bank’s website, but the URL looks unfamiliar or suspicious, it’s best to avoid clicking on it altogether.

Be particularly cautious of shortened links, as they can easily mask the true destination. Scammers often use link shorteners to hide malicious URLs behind seemingly innocuous ones. If you must click on a shortened link, consider using a URL checker to scan for potential threats.

URL checkers, such as VirusTotal or URLVoid, can help you determine whether a shortened link leads to a fraudulent or malicious site. So, just by taking a moment to verify the safety of a link, you can save yourself from potential headaches down the road.

– Set Up Email Rules and Filters

Another effective way to keep phishing emails at bay is to set up rules and filters within Outlook or another email client. These tools allow you to automatically sort incoming messages based on specific criteria, helping you separate legitimate emails from potential threats.

Start by creating rules based on the sender. Suppose you consistently receive phishing attempts from a particular email address or domain. In that case, you can create a rule that automatically moves these messages to a separate folder or marks them as spam.

Implementing language-based filters can also be helpful. Many phishing emails contain poor grammar, spelling errors, or unusual phrasing. By setting up filters that flag emails containing these red flags, you can easily identify and avoid potential scams.

Other filtering criteria might include subject lines containing urgent or threatening language, emails with attachments from unknown senders, or messages from countries where you don’t typically receive correspondence.

– Block Suspicious Email Addresses

If you spot phishing emails from the same sender, it may be time to take a more proactive approach. Most email clients offer the option to block specific email addresses, preventing future messages from reaching your inbox.

Blocking suspicious email addresses can provide extra protection against persistent scammers. Once blocked, these senders can no longer contact you, reducing the risk of accidentally falling for one of their schemes.

However, scammers may try to circumvent these blocks by creating new email addresses. Therefore, you need to consistently block suspicious senders and stay vigilant.

– Report Phishing Emails as Spam

When you come across a phishing email in your inbox, don’t just delete it—besides blocking the sender, take a moment to report it as spam. This simple action can have far-reaching benefits for both you and other email users.

When you report phishing emails as spam, it helps train your email client to recognize and filter out similar messages in the future. Over time, this can significantly reduce the number of phishing attempts that make it to your inbox.

Moreover, reporting an email as spam contributes to improving collective spam detection. Email providers use this feedback to update their algorithms, making identifying and blocking phishing attempts easier for all users.

– Regularly Update Your Email Client

One often overlooked aspect of protecting yourself from phishing emails is keeping your email client up-to-date. Software updates usually include important security patches and improvements that can help detect and prevent the latest phishing techniques.

Just regularly update your email client to ensure you have access to the most recent security features and spam detection algorithms. These updates can be the difference between falling victim to a phishing scam and avoiding it altogether.

Most email clients offer automatic updates. So, it gets easy to stay protected without much effort on your part. However, if you’re prompted to install an update manually, don’t put it off—take a few minutes to complete the process and give yourself that extra peace of mind.

So, by following these simple rules—hovering over links, setting up filters, blocking suspicious senders, reporting spam, and keeping your email client updated—you can significantly reduce your risk of falling for a phishing scam. And if you do slip up, don’t panic; you can still mitigate the phishing damage.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from MakeUseOf.com SOURCE

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