Tag Archives: security

In Case You Don’t Know About Windows 10 S

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Microsoft has always been about safety and performance when it comes to its Windows 10 operating system. This is why, back in May of 2017, they announced Windows 10 S.

Updated in 2018, and renamed as Windows 10 in S mode, this version allows your security to be heightened while still receiving a similar experience to that of Windows. However, there are limitations within this mode. For example, S mode only allows the Microsoft Edge browser to be used. The reasoning behind this stems from the maximum security you’ll receive, as opposed to Firefox, Chrome, or other browsers.

“With Windows 10 in S mode, your favorite applications, such as Office, Evernote and Spotify, are available from the Microsoft Store where they’re Microsoft-verified for security. You can also feel secure when you’re online. Microsoft Edge, your default browser, gives you more protection against phishing and socially-engineered malware than Chrome or Firefox.”

Microsoft

Windows 10 in S mode also increases performance, as it allows for a better and faster response time and an overall wonderful experience. Processors that S mode will work on include Qualcomm Snapdragon, AMD, and Intel. You can check to see if your PC has any of them by going to the Start Menu-Settings-System-About. Then, under the Device Specifications, you’ll see “Processor,” which will tell you which one you have.

To learn more about Windows 10 in S Mode, be sure to head on over to the Microsoft website and glance through their FAQ.

For help with Windows 10 issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.

Ultimate Guide to Safeguard Your Computer

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No computer is 100% secure from any and all viruses. However, you can take appropriate steps to protect it as much as possible. Developers from software giants, such as Microsoft and Apple, create applications to further safeguard devices.

Windows Security

We as Microsoft users understand the basic necessity of keeping our PC safe. Windows 10 includes a built-in app, called Windows Security to scan for viruses, along with firewall and network protection. 

Passwords

Microsoft encourages users to go passwordless. Microsoft states, “this will strengthen your device sign-in by switching all Microsoft accounts on your device to modern multifactor authentication with Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN, and eliminating passwords from Windows.”

Be sure to have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed and linked to your Microsoft account. Also, change your passwords about every three months.

Weak passwords are the entry point for the majority of attacks across enterprise and consumer accounts. There are a whopping 579 password attacks every second—that’s 18 billion every year.

Source: Microsoft

Safe Browsing

Hackers have the capability of implementing malware from web browsers, not just operating systems.

Browsers, such as Google have been creating a safer environment on their platform. This includes their Chrome browser, Gmail, and the collab with Android.

An application system called “Safe Browsing” was developed by the team to ensure the protection of its users. When unknown sites or apps pop up, the system shows a warning message of the potential threat.

For help updating, restoring, or dealing with any security issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Pembroke Pines Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Pembroke, FL please call or text the local office at (754) 241-1655.

The Importance of Multi Factor Authentication

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Last month, the RSA had their security conference, and Microsoft shared quite the alarming statistic about user accounts.

They stated that while 95% of users are protected, there’s still 5% that remains compromised. This 5% is what hackers feed upon. And while 5% of users doesn’t seem like a big number, that rounds out to be around 1.2 million logins every month.

Not only that, but Microsoft engineers said that most, if not all, of these risked accounts are not using MFA, or multi-factor authentication. This system allows a lower risk of a possible compromise to your account – which is incredibly important to any personal information you may have stored. For Office 365 users, set up a 2-step verification here.

Using multi-factor authentication is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase the security of your organization. It’s easier than it sounds – when you log in, multi-factor authentication means you’ll type a code from your phone to get access to Microsoft 365. This can prevent hackers from taking over if they know your password. Multi-factor authentication is also called 2-step verification. Individuals can add 2-step verification to most accounts easily, for example, to their Google or Microsoft accounts.

-Microsoft Docs

For help updating, restoring, or dealing with any security issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the League City Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in League City, TX please call or text the local office at(281) 860-2550.

Have You Tried Windows Security?

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As the number of remote workers continue to climb, safety and security become even more of a priority to OS software. We as Microsoft users understand the basic necessity of keeping our PC safe. Windows 10 includes a built-in app, called Window Security to scan for viruses, along with firewall and network protection. 

In the US alone, data breaches fell to an estimated 1.1 billion in 2020. It is predicted, however, that the number of data breaches in the US will rise to over 1.4 billion in 2021. 

Source: Safety Detectives
Covered Options

To get the most out of Windows Security, click on the Start Menu and type in Windows Security in the search bar. Choose the first app option. You’ll find it covers all bases, providing:

  • Virus & threat protection
  • Account protection
  • Firewall & network protection
  • App & browser control
  • Device security
  • Device performance & health
  • Family options

From the Virus & threat protection tab, you can quickly scan your PC to find any possible threats.

Dynamic Lock

Windows 10 also provides a helpful little feature to assist those who are susceptible to forgetting to lock their home screen. When your Bluetooth, which must be linked to your computer, is out of range, the feature called Dynamic Lock automatically locks your device or PC. Find this feature by following the directions:

  1. Start Menu
  2. Settings
  3. Accounts
  4. Sign-in Options
  5. Dynamic Lock
  6. Check box “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away”

If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

Microsoft Pausing Certain Windows 10 Updates

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Optional is out

Windows 10 updates are a crucial part of keeping your PC up to date on quality improvements and security. Beginning May of this year, Microsoft will not allow their updates to be optional. This is due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Microsoft stated in their message center, “We have been evaluating the public health situation, and we understand this is impacting our customers. In response to these challenges we are prioritizing our focus on security updates. Starting in May 2020, we are pausing all optional non-security releases (C and D updates) for all supported versions of Windows client and server products (Windows 10, version 1909 down through Windows Server 2008 SP2).
There is no change to the monthly security updates (B release – Update Tuesday); these will continue as planned to ensure business continuity and to keep our customers protected and productive. “

Security patches will still be a thing, so Patch Tuesday will continue each month. This change is specifically for the optional updates. There’s no telling how long this will last, or how future large updates will be affected.

For inquiries about Windows 10 updates, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Russia now has access to your photos through FaceApp

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There is a strict warning from experts with the free FaceApp. The free filter app, that includes old age, began in 2017 in St. Petersburg, Russia, but has seemed to grow popular just recently. Experts say that it poses security concerns that may just allow them to acquire access to your identity through your photos. This could also very well give them certain personal information.

NYPost notifies readers, “FaceApp, which you grant permission to access your photo gallery, also includes in their Terms and Conditions that they have the right to modify, reproduce and publish any of the images you process through its AI. That means that your face could end up being commercialized — or worse.”

Even if an Apple iOS user set their photo permission to “never”, it’s not guaranteed that your pictures won’t be accessed.

Hackers have the ability to retrieve information from databases and steal any available information. According to TheBestVPN, an astounding 1.76 billion records were leaked in January 2019 alone. And they are vindictive and intentional.

This issue has raised so much awareness, that on July 17, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a letter requesting the FBI and FTC to start an investigation of the app. In the letter, he stated, “I ask that the FBI assess whether the personal data uploaded by millions of Americans onto FaceApp may be finding its way into the hand of the Russian government, or entities with ties to the Russian government.”

For help with any security issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.



Passwords in Windows are changing

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Microsoft has published a draft security revision for Windows 10 version 1903 (May 2019 Update) that changes security requirements for Windows 10 desktop users and Windows Server 2016 / Windows Server 2019 (read the new draft at https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/secguide/2019/04/24/security-baseline-draft-for-windows-10-v1903-and-windows-server-v1903/ ).

The biggest change in the draft security revision is that Microsoft is dropping the password expiration policy. Previously, Microsoft had set the default password expiration period at 90 days.

Microsoft explained the purpose behind changing the password expiration policies in the draft security revision:


When humans pick their own passwords, too often they are easy to guess or predict. When humans are assigned or forced to create passwords that are hard to remember, too often they’ll write them down where others can see them. When humans are forced to change their passwords, too often they’ll make a small and predictable alteration to their existing passwords, and/or forget their new passwords.

Microsoft TechNet

Which makes perfect sense. The purpose of password expiration policies are to force password changes assuming that someone’s password will frequently be compromised. If a password never gets compromised, there is no need to change the password regularly.

There are a handful of other important changes coming in the May 2019 Update of Windows 10. Some of the more notable changes are:

  • Removing multicast name resolution
  • Removing Data Execution Prevention for Windows Explorer
  • Removing Heap termination on corruption
  • Limiting NetBT NodeType to P-node
  • Creating a svchost.exe mitigation policy
  • Removing BitLocker drive encryption ciphers
  • Removing built-in Windows admin account
  • Removing built-in Windows guest account
  • Adding Kerberos authentication audit settings

If you are having security problems or any other issue with your Windows 10 computer and would like some assistance, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Arvada Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Arvada, CO please call the local office at (720) 441-6460 or schedule an appointment at www.arvadacomputerrepairservice.com.