by Felicien | Aug 23, 2017 | Education
There are some changes coming you should know about.
Though Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system was received better than its predecessors (especially Windows 8), it’s still generated a fair amount of criticism—the worst? —that it lacks privacy.
Issues began even before people started using the new operating system, including with those who felt that they were being “forced” to upgrade. Because Windows 10 was a free upgrade, files downloaded automatically, and, seemingly at random times. Plus, when the upgrade executed, it caused annoyances and troubles for many.
To their credit, Microsoft seems to have heard these criticisms and is doing whatever it can to address them. The 2017 Creators Update this past spring (which is still in the process of rolling out) brings a variety of new privacy-specific settings.
Administrators Will Have More Control.
The Windows 10 Creators Update is a product resulting from the collaboration between Microsoft and some of its most trusted users. Based on this, it should come to no surprise that many of the new privacy settings focus on allowing IT professionals and administrators more control over their environments.
The most immediate (and welcomed) new feature is an all-encompassing dashboard, giving admins at-a-glance visibility over their company’s privacy settings. The dashboard also reveals usage, and what’s being reported to Microsoft (something that was another cause for concern).
It’s no secret that Windows 10 collects a great deal of information about its users and what they’re up to. With this new dashboard, Microsoft seems to be saying: “We’re going to keep collecting information and there isn’t anything you can do about it. But, at least we’re going to tell you what we’re doing.” It’s not the most effective “mea culpa,” however, at least it’s one small step in the right direction.
One of the major criticisms that people have with Windows 10 isn’t just that data is being shared, it’s that they don’t know who has access to it. Microsoft regularly trades information with companies for advertising purposes.
When you’re talking about taking a home user’s app usage regarding the songs they love, that’s one thing. When you’re talking about an enterprise with gigabytes of sensitive (and protected) client information, that’s something totally different!
Windows 10 Privacy Settings: Breaking Them Down
When administrators set up new group policies for their enterprise, they can now choose how much data they’re comfortable sharing with Microsoft. They can select from three tier levels:
Basic—For those who aren’t using the Creators Update this collects basic information like application usage, hardware and software configurations, current security settings, crashes and more. Once the Creators Update goes live on a machine, the “Basic” tier will only collect data on error reporting, device capabilities, and what software is installed on specific machines.
Enhanced—Prior to the Creators Update this tier collected all of the information outlined in the “Basic” level, with additional data like hardware performance and Microsoft application usage statistics. Once the Creators Update goes live, this option will be eliminated.
Full—With the Creators Update this tier is largely unchanged. When selected, it sends Microsoft all information they say they need to adequately resolve issues. This includes information on, not only, app usage, but also emails sent and received, SMS text messages, website visits, search terms and more.
Many people agree that the level of data Microsoft collects in Windows 10 is concerning. However, the visibility they now offer is a welcome gesture. (Applications like web browsers are always collecting information about what we’re doing. Yet, most aren’t aware that anything is going on in the first place.)
To Microsoft’s credit, this seems to be an earnest effort to show enterprise partners that they’re aware of our concerns, and that they are willing to do what they (reasonably) can do ease them.
Even though Microsoft doesn’t allow us to completely restrict data going to them, industry experts hope that Microsoft sets a better example in their future platforms.
Privacy is a major concern in today’s digital world. Knowing as much as you can about what your operating system does is key ensuring your organization is protected. If your business is in {city} and you’d like to learn more about the new Windows 10 privacy settings—Or if you have any other IT questions or concerns, don’t delay. Contact {company} by phone at {phone} or by email at {email}. We’ll work with you to protect your data.
by Felicien | Aug 22, 2017 | Education
Dropbox’s New Mobile Two-Factor Authentication Is a Step in The Right Direction—Or Is It?
Cybersecurity is a massive concern in today’s world of hackers and malware—And cloud-based storage platforms are certainly not immune to attack. While two-factor authentication is prevalent in a variety of spaces, Dropbox only recently rolled out an update to their mobile app that includes this enhanced security feature.
People have accepted two-factor authentication because it’s an easy way to validate a login on a website–And in today’s busy world, we loath any additional steps that require effort on our part.
Unfortunately, the paradox is that the easier two-factor is for us, the more likely hackers will be able to crack the code and maliciously access our accounts.
What is Two-Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication can be especially helpful when you’re logging in from a new device or one that you’re only using for a short period of time. With this updated functionality, Two-factor authentication employs SMS text messages with a verification code.
Dropbox provides us with a simple and highly secure mechanism for authentication that doesn’t require an active cellular connection. Instead of generating their own authentication, Dropbox has elected to use several well-known selections, including Google Authenticator for iPhone/Blackberry/Android, Duo Mobile for iPhone/Android and Authenticator, found on Windows Phone 7. You can quickly activate this added security measure by scanning a barcode or entering a time-based token into the apps.
Cross-Platform Validation
Dropbox’s implementation of two-factor authentication slightly differs from others in that you use your mobile app to validate access from a desktop platform. Along with in-app notifications and SMS text messages, it offers a backup option that allows the flexibility to add backup phone numbers as insurance against the loss of the primary device.
Dropbox enabled a new option— If you lose your phones or otherwise can’t receive codes via SMS, voice call, or Google Authenticator you can use backup codes to sign in. The codes will be sent to you in sets of 10, and you can generate a new set at any point, automatically making the old set inactive. In addition, after you’ve used a backup code to sign in, it will become inactive.
Cybersecurity Risks
It’s important to note that two-factor authentication isn’t a single technology. It’s simply a way of referring to a class of authentication options that varies greatly in its ability to protect accounts. There are true limits to the power of this technology, as dedicated hackers find it relatively easy to bypass a poorly implemented or weak two-factor authentication.
Hackers continually look for ways around two-factor authentication. They infiltrated Bitcoin’s security in 2014 by intercepting software tokens to recover account information. There are plenty of other examples of failed two-factor authentication—One of the most recent when Russian groups targeted U.S. voters by harvesting confirmation codes.
One of the limiting factors for the success is the wireless carrier themselves—If hackers can penetrate providers such as AT&T, Sprint and Verizon, they can hijack or spoof-text messages directed to that phone.
While introduced in 2012 as an effective method to prevent account takeovers, two-factor authentication is still a controversial topic. This technology is one of the most-used options for securing personal accounts—However, it still may not offer the level of security that we would expect.
The Benefits for Dropbox
The security key used for two-factor authentication is only supported in Google’s Chrome browser. Dropbox hopes that it will bolster security and foil would-be attackers by bypassing spoof sites and phishing schemes to gather a user’s login, password and verification codes. When hackers use this information to access your account, they’re gaining full access to your digital life.
The tendency for individuals who use cloud-based storage to maintain everything in one location is a lodestone for unscrupulous individuals— They can steal enough personal information to create unapproved accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, and execute many nefarious deeds.
By providing a more secure sign-in mechanism, Dropbox is clarifying their focus on security to individuals and businesses alike.
Dropbox is one of the many technology options available in the market today that can make your digital life more flexible and portable –However, keep in mind that there are definite trade-offs in security with some of these platforms.
Even the best security platforms can be compromised. Ensure that your organization’s data stays safe by working with {company} in {city} to ensure your cybersecurity meets today’s stringent standards. Contact us today at {phone} or via {email}.
by Felicien | Aug 22, 2017 | Education
The Apple iOS Notes application is a great tool with so many practical features. However, many don’t know about these hidden tools to extend the Notes experience. Check them out here.
The Apple’s Notes application is built into all versions of iOS. Ever since the release of the original iPhone in 2007, it’s been the perfect way to handle word processing on-the-go.
Notes will get a significant overhaul when iOS 11 is released in the fall of 2017. If beta versions are any indication, you’ll be impressed with the new capabilities Notes provides. Here are just a few of them:
Notes Stationary
With Notes, iOS 11 you’ll be able to change the default stationary—select yours from a range of lined and gridded paper styles. Change the default style for all your notes, or on a note-by-note basis. Just tap the “New Note” button and select the “Share” arrow. Or from your computer keyboard hit “CMD” + “N”. Once you select the “Lines & Grids” option, you see all the styles to choose from.
Superior Organization
The iOS 11 version of the Notes app has some great options for organizing. Until now, Notes appeared on one screen. You could create folders, but extensive organization wasn’t a possibility—Until now, that is.
In iOS 11, all you have to do is swipe the title of a note with your finger to open up a new list of organizational options. In addition to moving and deleting notes, you can password-protect a note. This is perfect for people in enterprise environments who share devices like iPads.
Pinning
You can also pin a note to the top of your list, so it’s always within reach. To do this, simply swipe right on the name of the note, and release. The note will be pinned in place so it can’t be moved even if you organize by date created, or alphabetize by title, etc.
Moving and Deleting Notes
Previous versions of Notes allowed you to quickly delete a note or move it into a folder with a few swipes of your finger. This basic functionality remains in the iOS 11 version—However, it’s gotten a significant makeover.
Now, when you swipe on a note and select “Move,” you won’t see a list of all the folders you created. Instead, you’ll see icons that represent things like attachments and images. This lets you quickly view your options so you can move your note. All you have to do is tap on the folder and the selected note will move there instantly. This won’t take more than a few seconds.
However, when you attempt to delete or move a password-protected note, you’ll now be prompted to enter the password (or use Touch ID depending on the settings on your device). You won’t be able to do anything unless you provide the proper credentials, which, again, helps to keep your confidential information private.
If at any point you make a mistake when it comes to moving and organizing your notes, all you have to do is physically shake your iPhone or iPad for a second or two to undo it. You don’t need to go through the menu system.
More New Features
The new iOS 11 Notes app comes with advanced features that add value for enterprise users in particular. If you own an iPad Pro and an Apple Pencil, you can now sketch anywhere in any note, at any time. Certain text tools that were only in the macOS version of Notes, will now be available in iOS 11.
Use the camera on your device to scan paper notes and save them in Notes until you move them to the folder of your choice. Previously, this feature was only available in third-party apps, most of which will now be unnecessary.
These are just a few of the new, hidden features in Notes iOS 11. If you’d like to learn more for your business in {city} contact {company} at {phone} or {email}.
by Felicien | Aug 21, 2017 | Education
Want to Grow Your Business? It May Be Time to Rethink Your Goals.
I love football.
Not just watching a game on Sunday afternoon, or playing touch football every Thanksgiving with my family — I love the rules.
The rules of football differ from those of other sports because you don’t just define the ultimate goal of winning the game, but, also, how the team must meet small goals to accomplish this large one.
These small goals: scoring touchdowns or field goals, are again broken down into even smaller ones (such as moving the ball at least 10 yards in a maximum of four downs).
In football, everyone understands that if their team accomplishes a series of small goals they have a better chance to reach the big one—to win the game. Unfortunately, many small business owners fail to realize that the same holds true for their companies.
As a business owner, you must establish both long-term and short-term goals. Long-term goals are great when you’re looking at the big picture— They help you visualize where you want to end up. But there’s one major problem with long-term goals—They can take years, or even decades to reach.
Since long-term goals take so long to reach, employees often feel overwhelmed by them. The result can be a significant decrease in productivity. No matter how hard an employee works, he can’t realize immediate results and gets discouraged.
However, when businesses set more easily attainable short-term goals, success can quickly be achieved, building confidence and motivation.
To gain the most from short-term goals, you must keep them meaningful and achievable. I suggest that my clients review their current goals at least once a year to ensure they’re still relevant. Perhaps it’s time for you examine your current short-term goals to determine if they’re still worthwhile.
Five Short-Term Goals to Define.
Re-examine your products and services. It all starts with how well you and your team understand the products and services you sell. Studies show that a knowledgeable and enthusiastic staffis one of the best ways to instill a high level of trust in your customers. Your staff must know enough to impress potential customers with a deep understanding of your products, and have the ability to demonstrate your company’s unique sales proposition. Aim to hold a few employee workshops and training seminars throughout the year.
Get to know your customers. Without customers, your business might as well not exist. How much do you really know about the people who keep your business in the black? Do you have a clear, up-to-date idea about who your customers are, and what they need and want from your company? Many small businesses don’t, and suffer for it. If you don’t have a clue about your customers, you should set a goal to better understand them better. Consider speaking with ten customers a month, or send 100 email surveys a week to build a clearer picture of your ideal customers.
Explore marketing alternatives. Marketing is a huge challenge for most small businesses. These days, successful marketing looks a lot different than it did just five years ago. Is your business using the most effective and up-to-date marketing tools? Maybe it’s time to reexamine your marketing strategies. Online marketing, using blogs and social media, is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. If your business’ online marketing isn’t where you want it to be, set a short-term goal to do something about it. Create a goal to post at least once on social media each day, or commit to writing and distributing a monthly newsletter to your customers.
Introduce additional technology. Technology is a great time-saver and critical component for any business. However, many small companies are still apprehensive about it. Set a short-term goal to learn as much as possible about the new technologies that could benefit your business. Then, set short-term goals to incorporate them.
Set several small goals to show employee appreciation. You can’t run your business without a great staff. Isn’t it about time you showed your employees how much they mean to you? Get to know each one of them. Spend time talking to them, not just about business, but about their lives in general (and share some info about yours). This is a way to show that you see them as more than just employees. Organize a company-wide appreciation event each month. It can be as simple as a pizza party, or as extravagant as an employee family day at an amusement park (or football game!).
by Felicien | Aug 21, 2017 | Education
With Windows, You Can Forget Flying with Your Laptop.
Flying is tough enough without having to lug your laptop onboard with you. Windows to Go can help you lighten your load!
9/11 changed a lot in the U.S. Over fifteen years later, the attack it is still shaping national and international security decisions. Airplane passengers, especially those traveling internationally, have borne the brunt of additional security requirements. Extensive baggage checks and body scans are now the new normal when flying.
Overall, most of us have taken this in stride, knowing that it’s all for our own safety and the safety of others. Outside of momentary inconveniences, these regulations haven’t had much of an impact on business travel.
However, recent developments may mean there are big changes on the horizon. During a short period in 2017, flying with a laptop to some locations was banned. At this point many companies began to worry—What would they do if the laptop ban expanded to flights originating or terminating in the US?
Even after the ban was lifted, many continued to question whether traveling with a laptop full of sensitive information was ever a good idea in the first place.
As story after story about laptops that went missing appeared, corporations and government agencies started looking for ways to keep this from happening to them. The good news is there’s a solution to this problem. It is called, Windows To Go, and it fits in your pocket.
What is Windows to Go?
Windows to Go is a self-contained Windows plug-and-play workspace that can be installed on a USB thumb drive. When you plug the USB thumb drive into almost any host computer, you can boot up with your own secure workstation. Windows to Go isolates itself from the host computer’s hard drive, preventing any malware on the host from infecting the thumb drive.
Windows to Go has been available since September of 2011. It was officially released with the Windows 8 Enterprise edition. Now, Windows to Go is available with the Enterprise and Education versions of Windows 10.
It’s important to note that there are significant differences between Windows 10 and Windows to Go. Windows to Go doesn’t include:
Access to external media
The Windows Recovery Environment
The Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
The ability to refresh, reset or update.
How Can You Get Windows to Go?
Here’s the truth. Getting a USB thumb drive with Windows to Go isn’t as easy as picking up a copy of the latest Windows OS in your local store. It takes a fair bit of technical skill to install Windows to Go successfully. If you’re up for this, or your IT guy is, you’re in luck. Microsoft offers a tutorial to walk you step by step through the process.
Before you begin, you’ll need:
Windows 10 Enterprise, an approved USB thumb drive (see below),
A Windows Deployment Tool,
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, and
A license.
A Windows to Go license is available through the Software Assurance Program. You can choose between two different types of licenses. Choosing a per-device license gives you permission to use any third-party computer as long as it’s off-site. A per-user license let you use Windows to Go anywhere, off-site or on-site.
Microsoft currently endorses only a few brands of certified thumb drives. However, some have installed Windows to Go successfully on other brands. (Of course, these installations won’t be supported by Microsoft.)
Microsoft suggests using:
IronKey Workspace W700
IronKey Workspace W500
IronKey Workspace W300
Kingston DataTraveler Workspace for Windows To Go
Spyrus Portable Workplace
Spyrus Secure Portable Workplace
Super Talent Express RC8 for Windows To Go
Western Digital My Passport Enterprise
Spyrus recommends using their Deployment Suite to install Windows to Go on a Spyrus brand thumb drive. Prepare the Western Digital My Passport Enterprise drive before installing Windows To Go by running the WD Compass utility.
How to Use Windows to Go When Traveling
Windows to Go can save you a lot of hassles while flying for business. However, what’s the best way to use a Windows to Go thumb drive when you get to your destination? After all, you still need a host computer to access the information on the USB. And, the host computer requires very low specs to work with Windows to Go. You can find requirements from the Windows To Go website.
While it’s true you still need a computer, there are lots of options. The best and most convenient option is to use a computer belonging to a trusted colleague once you arrive. This option is secure and inexpensive.
If this isn’t possible, you may want to purchase an inexpensive laptop at your destination. This is more expensive, but very secure. Purchasing a burner laptop is a particular good option if you need to spend an extended amount of time at your location.
The third choice is to use a public computer in your hotel or cyber cafe. Obviously, this is the least secure option.
There’s always the fourth option of packing a completely formatted computer with your checked luggage to use as the host. Although this is very secure and convenient, it requires you to put up with many of the same hassles you wanted to avoid in the first place. And, trying to explain to a customs agent why you’re bringing a blank computer into their country may be difficult.
If you have to fly frequently for your business, Windows to Go may become your new best friend.
For more information about Microsoft products, or other IT solutions for your business in {city}, contact {company} at {phone} or {email}.
