by Felicien | Sep 27, 2018 | Education
Microsoft makes it clear that with each fresh release of Windows 10 there will be new features added – and some features that will be dropped. Here is what you need to know about the features that Microsoft is dropping or stopping development for, and what the alternatives are, for the October 2018 release.
The Difference Between Being Dropped and Stopping Development
The Windows 10, version 1809 release is coming out in October, and with it will come some very interesting changes. As we have come to expect from Microsoft, some features will be dropped altogether, some will be dropped and replaced, and some will no longer be developed. Dropped features will not be available under the new Windows release, having been replaced with something better or simply removed because they are not used anymore. When a feature is no longer going to be developed, there is a strong probability that it will be dropped in later releases. For the time being, however, it means that the feature is not going to be further developed by the Microsoft team.
Business Scanning Dropped
Business Scanning, also known as Distributed Scan Management (or DSM), is a secure scanning management feature for organizations that have many different users. It is being dropped for the simple reason that there are no longer any devices that support it and thus it is no longer needed.
Disk Cleanup Tool Dropped
The Disk Cleanup Tool has essentially been replaced by Storage Sense in Windows 10 and is being deprecated in this release. Storage Sense will both monitor and automatically free up space on your hard drive.
Hologram App Dropped and Replaced
The Hologram App is being dropped but will be replaced with functionality within the Mixed Reality Viewer. For those that still need to create 3D word art, Microsoft recommends using Paint 3D and viewing the resulting work using Hololens with the Mixed Reality Viewer or in VR.
FontSmoothing Setting in unattend.xml Dropped
The purpose of the FontSmoothing setting was to allow selection of the antialiasing strategy to be used across the system. Windows 10 now uses ClearType by default, so this setting is no longer needed. If it appears in an unattend.xml file, it will simply be ignored. Dropping this particular feature should cause no foreseeable problems for users.
Limpet.exe Dropped and Replaced with Open Source
The limpet.exe is a tool used to access the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for Azure connectivity. Microsoft has decided to release limpet.exe as open source.
The Phone Companion App Dropped
One of the features that users can expect to see dropped is the Microsoft Phone Companion App. This useful app acted as a basic guide on how to get Microsoft services on your phone. This included things such as synching your media files and documents, installing apps, or using Cortana.
Microsoft has said that new replacement apps are in development, one for iPhones and one for Android phones. In the meantime, Microsoft recommends using the Phone page available under Settings to accomplish the same thing.
Updates Through the WEDU Server
Microsoft will no longer publish new updates to the Windows Embedded Developer Update (WEDU) server for Windows Embedded 8 Standard and Windows Embedded Standard 8. Updates should be downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Trusted Platform Module Management Console Moved
The information that used to be found in the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management Console has been moved. The same information is still available, but now under the Windows Defender Security Center on the Device Security page.
Companion Device Dynamic Lock APIs Development Ends
In Windows 10, version 1709, Microsoft introduced Dynamic Lock as a part of the companion device framework (CDF) APIs. It would lock or unlock a PC based on whether Bluetooth could detect a user present. This particular CDF method was not adopted by third-party partners and therefore it is no longer going to be developed.
OneSync Service Development Ends
Another app whose development is coming to an end is the OneSync service Calendar, Mail, and People apps. Microsoft has now added a sync engine directly to the Outlook app that makes OneSync unnecessary.
Snipping Tool Development Ends
While the Snipping Tool isn’t being dropped from the new release, Microsoft has announced that it will no longer be actively developed. A new tool called Snip & Sketch (formerly known as Screen Sketch) is being introduced in this release. The functionality of the Snipping Tool will be consolidated with Snip & Sketch, which means even more functionality.
Conclusion
The new Microsoft Windows 10 Release that is coming out in October includes quite a few changes. Fortunately, most of the tools and apps that are being dropped are either no longer in use or have a solid replacement waiting in the wings. The same can be said for the services, tools, and APIs whose development has ended.
by Felicien | Sep 27, 2018 | Education
In today’s world, technology can be found nearly everywhere. As more advanced technology continues to pervade society, it is increasingly important to ensure proper steps are taken to keep people safe. In fact, recent efforts have been made to improve this. For example, a bill has been introduced that will set cybersecurity standards for all devices connected by the Web.
This is particularly important as the number of these products continues to increase rapidly. Additionally, innovative yet malevolent hackers find or develop new ways to take advantage of these weaknesses. This often results in a security breach, loss of productivity, and even financial manipulation, etc.
As with many policies, including ones regulating transparency and protecting privacy, once again California leads the way. The bill easily passed through the Senate. Once it is signed by democratic Governor Jerry Brown (if, and when it is), this will be the first state to pass laws that govern the security of the “Internet of Things.”
What Is the Internet of Things?
Coined in the 1990s, the phrase “Internet of Things” (IoT) refers to the system of connections of seemingly benign items in your home or office, or on your person that use the Internet. These do not include devices like computers or smartphones, which obviously use the Internet. Instead, it is the network of devices, appliances, vehicles, and other items that have actuators, connectors, electronics, sensors, and software installed.
Examples of IoT devices include the following:
Baby monitors
Driverless car or truck
Fitness bands
Lightbulb controlled by a Smartphone app
Motion sensor
Smart thermostat
Smartwatches
Some toys
Webcams
Small appliances
IoT creates opportunities for the appliance or device to connect and exchange data without human interaction. This makes their use very convenient, as it allows them to have more direct interaction with the physical world.
Unfortunately, this also leaves them vulnerable to the attack of malicious hackers.
Years ago, crowd-sourcing cybersecurity firm Bugcrowd’s founder Casey Ellis warned, “It’s important for [Internet of Things] vendors who haven’t prioritized security to take this escalating series of attacks as a wake-up call. We’re entering a period where there could be a very real, calculable, and painful impact upon having insecure products.” California lawmakers are finally taking note.
How Is California Leading the Way to Better Cybersecurity?
The new California bill will require manufacturers to install “a reasonable security feature or features” into all connected devices. It also specifies that these items have passwords that can be reprogrammed by the owner to improve security. Most products are not currently equipped with these safeguards.
What Are the Three Outstanding Complaints about the Bill?
There are several aspects of the bill that naysayers take issue with. The first complaint about the bill is that it may increase the cost of products and suppress innovation more than it actually helps. Any time new standards are required, this is the first issue to be mentioned. Although this usually increases the cost initially, it typically decreases over time.
The second potential problem is that it mandates the addition of security features rather than removing a product’s vulnerabilities. This is like putting a bandage on a wound rather than ensuring the wound does not occur at all. It would be better to remove weaknesses than to try to shore them up.
The third issue is that the ambiguous wording of the bill does little to cause real change. It is said that only the most basic automated threats would be prevented. Perhaps a better solution would be to provide clear standards. Manufacturers would be able to follow these standards, as well as verify that they have been met.
How Would New Federal Regulations Be Better?
The federal government is also considering new cybersecurity regulations regarding IoT. The Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act would require any company that does business with the federal government to improve their products’ security. They would need to have changeable passwords, be patchable, and be free of known vulnerabilities.
Securing the IoT Act would mandate that the Federal Communications Commission develop standards that wireless equipment would need to meet to become certified.
Although the need for federal standards received bipartisan support, neither of these regulations is gaining steam in Congress. If the bill in California passes, it may provide the incentive to discuss this more seriously on a federal level. Once again, the west coast will lead the way.
In Conclusion
At this time, the wording for what constitutes “appropriate” security procedures is too ambiguous. For example, it does not address the various functions and nature of specific devices. Plus, there is no method for verifying whether the manufacturer took the necessary security precautions.
However, as tech-forward devices proliferate homes and businesses, it is increasingly important to improve their security. Ultimately, if manufacturers must adhere to California laws regarding cybersecurity, consumers throughout the country will benefit.
by Felicien | Sep 26, 2018 | Education
Online security is something that should get everyone’s attention. Threats exist all around us: ransomware, viruses, spyware, social engineering attacks and more. There’s so much you need to know to keep your personal and business information safe.
But… where do you start?
As trusted cybersecurity professionals, we want to help you get educated and stay informed. That’s why during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month our goal is to give you all the information you need to stay secure.
How can we help?
We’ll be sharing valuable and timely information on cybersecurity in blogs, in our newsletter, and on all of your favorite social media sites.
What should you do?
You can also give us a call for personalized solutions by subscribing to our exclusive mailing list.
Being cybersecurity aware means that you understand what the threats are and take precautions to prevent them.
Here are some important reminders:
Never give out your password. Don’t share it over the phone either. You never know who’s listening.
Don’t click on links that are sent to you via unsolicited emails or from someone you don’t know.
Use complex passwords that are difficult to guess and use different ones for different programs and computer devices.
Don’t reveal your personal, business or financial information in emails.
Don’t respond to email solicitations.
Keep software, browsers and operating systems up to date, so they stay free of vulnerabilities.
Encrypt your files to ensure unauthorized people can’t access them.
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks – don’t conduct sensitive activities like banking or shopping with credit cards on public Wi-Fi.
Remember your physical surroundings and don’t leave your computer devices unattended in public or easy-to-access areas.
Only use websites that begin with “https://” when visiting online shopping, banking or other sites where you will be entering your private information.
Keep your online presence private. Don’t publish your email address online in social network sites.
What else should you watch out for?
Malicious Emails – These typically come in the form of a request from a trustworthy organization like a financial institution.
The email may urge you to act quickly, saying that your account has been compromised or a request can’t be fulfilled. The purpose of the email is to get you to provide confidential information to rob you of your money or identity credentials.
Take precautions and contact the company directly to see if the email is legitimate.
When you search for the company, don’t use any information in the message. Perform your own search online.
Ransomware – This is a type of malware that accesses your files and locks (encrypts) then demands payment to unlock them.
It’s not suggested that you pay the ransom as this is not a guarantee that you’ll get your files back.
Hopefully, you have a secure, offsite copy of all your files so you can recover your data.
Viruses – These are harmful computer programs that can be transmitted from device to device.
Viruses operate in different ways but they are all designed to create havoc, and some provide criminals access to data on infected devices.
If your computer acts irregularly, report this to your supervisor right away. This could be caused by a virus.
Spyware – Spyware downloads onto your devices without your permission when you visit an unsafe website or click on a malicious attachment.
It can make your computer do things like open advertisements or even track your online movements.
Botnets – These are networks of computers that get infected by malware. The criminals can remotely control these botnets to gain confidential or financial information or launch an attack on your network.
Spam – This is like getting junk mail but by email. These are unsolicited and unwanted.
Phishing – This is where a criminal sends an email that contains a malicious link to collect personal or financial data or to infect your computer with malware and viruses.
Spear phishing is where the criminal uses attacks against specific targets to collect information to gain access to IT systems or a list of customers.
Spam and phishing messages aren’t limited to email. They also appear on social media sites and in text messages. Think before you act and adopt the motto: “When in doubt, throw it out!”
What to do if you become a victim of cybercrime?
Report it to the appropriate people in your organization, including your network administrator.
If you think your financial account was compromised, contact your financial institution immediately and close your account.
Watch for any unauthorized charges in your bank or credit card accounts.
Need more help?
We’re here for you.
These are just some of the protections and service we can offer:
Vulnerability Scanning & Assessments
Data Loss Prevention
24/7 Remote Monitoring & Mitigation For Cyber Threats
A Managed Secure Firewall
Multi-Factor Authentication
A Security Operations Centers with Network and Endpoint Security Monitoring
Log Correlation and Monitoring
Endpoint Encryption
Identification and Reconfiguration of Improperly Configured Security Solutions
Secure Wireless Configurations
Quarterly Vulnerability Remediation Efforts
IT Security Planning and Milestones
Strategic Planning for IT Security
Incident Response Management
Breach Notification Alerts
Backup Solutions to ensure you’ll always have access to your data
Security Awareness Training for your employees, so they don’t accidentally expose your organization to cybercrime
We hope this helps. Remember, we’ll be posting timely cybersecurity information for you in our Bogs, newsletters and more.
by Felicien | Sep 26, 2018 | Education
More than ever, it is necessary for legal professionals to remain digitally connected. As technological advances are made, attorneys and support staff should endeavor to remain up-to-date. This means staying current by investing in the newest generations of digital devices, including phones. With so many options, however, it can be difficult to select the one that is right according to personal preferences and a given situation. Even within the same brand, there is a range of models, each sporting a variety of features and selling points.
To choose which is the right one for your law practice, where the stakes are higher than for many professions, it is important to conduct a thorough investigation. Then, compare the top options. With better-than-average performance, the iPhone XR and the iPhone XS from Apple are two of the top contenders. Here are their similarities, as well as a few of the primary ways they differ.
How Do the Displays of the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Compare?
Although it is considered an entry-level device, the iPhone XR features the larger display. It is 6.1-inches, as opposed to the 5.8-inch screen for the XS. It has a “Liquid Retina LCD” screen, which offers better picture quality and colors than previous generations. With 1792 x 828 pixels and 326 “pixels per inch” (ppi), though, it is not as impressive as the XS.
The iPhone XS has 2436 x 1125 pixels and 458 ppi. Therefore, it provides a higher resolution and a more colorful display. In fact, it is the next generation of edge-to-edge “organic light-emitting diode” (OLED) phones.
Both have screens that are nearly edge-to-edge.
Which Has a Better Battery-Life and Charging Capabilities?
Both phones are able to charge wirelessly with a Qi charging pad. They are also both able to be charged to 50-percent within 30 minutes when using certain fast-charging accessories. There, the similarities between the battery capabilities of the two end.
The battery life of the iPhone XR is one of its most attractive features. It advertises 25 hours of talk-time per charge or 15 hours of Internet use. The XS, however, promises 20 hours of talk time and 12 hours of Internet use per charge. This is still a respectful amount, but it is considerably less. When the battery life is a primary consideration, the XR may be the phone of choice.
What Are the Best Aspects of the New Processors?
The iPhone XR and XS both benefit from the inclusion of Apple’s most recent processor, the A12 Bionic. They feature two high-performance CPU cores that are 15-percent faster than previous generations. They also have four low-power cores that improve the energy-efficiency by 50-percent. The four GPU cores improve the graphics performance by up to 50-percent, as well.
Although they are nearly identical in processing power, the iPhone XS has a bit of an edge. It is reported to have 4 GB of RAM compared to the XR’s 3 GB.
How Is the Memory of Each?
This is one of the primary aspects in which the iPhone XS is superior. The XR offers three different internal storage choices. They are as follows:
64 GB
128 GB
256 GB
The XS provides much more. It also has three choices:
64 GB
256 GB
512 GB
So, where the XR tops out at 256 GB, the XS’s largest storage option is 512 GB. This provides a considerable advantage for individuals, such as those in the legal field, who store large files and require a considerable amount of storage.
What Are the Improvements in Cameras and Security?
The cameras on both phones operate with Apple’s “Smart HDR” feature. This uses the A12 Bionic chip to integrate several images into one highly-detailed photograph. They both also offer “portrait mode” and “portrait lighting.”
The iPhone XR retains the single rear wide-angle camera with 12 megapixels and optical image stabilization previous models were known for.
The XS, however, doubles that. It includes a dual rear wide-angle camera system with telephoto and wide angle cameras. Each of which offers 12 megapixels and optical image stabilization. This is definitely a benefit when trying to capture the “big picture.”
In Conclusion
Finally, the appearance and construction may be the ultimate deciding factor for some lawyers. Although the color of the body can be camouflaged by use of a protective case, the XR comes in a wider range of options. It is available in black, blue, coral, red, yellow, and white where the XS comes only in silver, gold, and space gray.
If sturdiness is a primary consideration, the frame of the iPhone XR is aluminum. The XS, however, boasts a stainless-steel construction. This means that it will last as long as it needs to, or at least until the next generation is released.
by Felicien | Sep 26, 2018 | Education
Modern retailers are focusing on how to combine the best of both worlds: online and in-store, digital and physical. One of the major aspects of this “best of both worlds” is communication. And Microsoft offers many of the tools you need to improve the different levels of communication so you can remain both competitive and agile in the modern retail landscape.
Levels of Communication in Modern Retail
There are various levels of communication in contemporary retail:
Consumers communicate with stores
The head office communicates with suppliers and store managers
Store managers communicate with suppliers, and consumers, but not so much with the head office
The suppliers communicate with stores, but not so much with the head office
Store managers communicate with store associates
Improved communication brings benefits in the form of productivity, innovation, and better morale. But how can communication be improved?
Microsoft’s Approach to Communication
Instead of providing a single approach to communication for all levels of a retail business, Microsoft aims to provide the right capabilities to the right people.
For example, it is natural that managers would use a different communication tool to share ideas with other managers that they would use to share policy updates with associates and staff. It is also critical that managers and associates are only provided access to the information they really need. Otherwise, they run the risk of being distracted from their job or being exposed to so much that they begin to ignore everything, including what they do need to know.
As a more real-world example, the portal (or view) that an associate would work with to access what they need is typically more action-oriented and focuses on providing them quick access to data and updates that directly pertain to them. There is usually very little time available to train associates on core products, much less get them up-to-speed on using productivity and communication tools. That means the simpler and more intuitive the associate portal is, the better. When using Microsoft tools, such an associate view is facilitated by SharePoint Online through Office 365.
Microsoft Office 365
In modern retail, it is vital that business owners, executives, managers have access to the very latest information. The challenge is making sure they still have that access while spending more time on the store floor with both customers and associates. The latest information not only includes sales numbers and the like but best practices.
Office 365, as opposed to on-premises Office installations, has proven to be a powerful tool to support these goals. Microsoft and Forrester teamed together to determine the economic impact that the Office 365 suite of tools has had on retail businesses, and their findings indicated:
Better connections with their workforce
Increased sales
Floor feedback
Improves the dissemination of best practices
Provides anytime, anywhere access to key information
Collaboration made much easier
These gains were achieved through the use of Office 365 features such as document sharing, email, and enterprise social media.
Enterprise Social Media: Yammer
Communication with employees in far too many retail settings remains paper-based and often tied to a bulletin board sitting in a dusty back room Even emails are often printed out and posted on a board. This method is antiquated, and doesn’t take into account the digital prowess of the new generation of retail employees. There is potential for the use of enterprise social apps to better engage employees, and facilitate the sharing of information such as ideas, campaigns, and promotions. Microsoft’s solution to enterprise social apps is Yammer and it is used by over 85% of Fortune 500 companies.
Enterprise Video Capabilities
These days, people do much of their learning, sharing, and consuming via video. This is equally as true for retail customers as it is for retail management and associates. Enterprise video tools make it easy to upload and share videos (which could be about anything from best practices to policy changes).
This type of communication is not just top-down from headquarters to store managers, but can be shared among store managers or with associates. This allows people to share new ideas, distribute common messages, and communicate their own opinions and feedback on the videos. The Microsoft Office 365 platform now provides enterprise video capabilities.
Conclusion
Many major retailers have made the switch to Office 365, including well-known names such as Pandora, Game Stop, Tesco, Godiva, Starbucks, and Red Robin. The smart use of communication tools such as OneDrive, Yammer, Skype, and SharePoint have enabled both large and small retailers to drastically improve communication at all levels of the company.
These improvements in communication do lead to better sales. Training is faster, timely information reaches the right people, and employees are no longer overloaded with information that doesn’t pertain to them. Managers can share key information with other managers far more easily, such as customer feedback about new products and services. More positive work gets done with less stress and that’s a win-win for consumers and retailers.
