Firelands Computer Services Blog

Do you dream of never having to remember another password ever again?

That’s what Windows Hello, Microsoft’s biometric sign-in tool is all about. It helps you log in to your Windows 11 devices quickly and securely – with just a glance or a touch.

Now, Windows Hello is getting a makeover, bringing not only a new look but also enhanced security features that are perfect for busy business owners.

If you’re not familiar with Windows Hello, it lets you skip traditional passwords and sign in using:

• Facial recognition
• Your fingerprint
• Or a simple PIN

This means faster access, better security, and a lot less frustration.

Windows Hello is invaluable for businesses, allowing employees to securely access their apps and devices without the risks associated with weak or reused passwords.

The refresh will improve the design of Windows Hello, so it fits right in with the sleek, modern look of Windows 11. The whole experience will feel smoother and easier, whether you’re logging in to your computer or accessing the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft have also made it easier to use passkeys – another secure, password-free login method. With Windows Hello’s new passkey experience, you can choose your preferred sign-in method and switch effortlessly between devices.

These updates are currently in testing, but we should see a rollout soon.

Want to give Windows Hello a go? We can help, get in touch.

If you’ve installed version 24H2 of Windows 11 for your business, you might have noticed an annoying glitch in File Explorer.

File Explorer is that familiar window you use to browse your files and folders. Normally, it’s straightforward – but some people are running into issues with the “See more” menu after downloading this update.

The menu, which is marked by three little dots, usually pops up below your mouse cursor, giving you options like “Select All” or “View Properties”.

But thanks to a recent bug, the “See more” menu is flying up to the top of the screen, often disappearing out of sight. And if you’re using File Explorer in full-screen mode, some menu options might not even be visible.

Frustrating, to say the least.

Luckily, there’s a simple workaround: Just make sure you’re running File Explorer in windowed mode where it shares the screen with other applications. To do this, click the square icon in the top-right corner (next to the “X” you’d click to close it).

You can then resize the File Explorer window, allowing you to use the “See more” menu, even if it’s still misbehaving.

The good news is that Microsoft are aware of the problem. They’re working on a fix.

Little glitches like this can be a nuisance when you and your team are trying to get things done.

Can we help you squeeze more productivity out of your applications? Get in touch.

Browsing the web can be risky. It only takes one click on one bad link to put your business’s data at risk.

With cyber criminals constantly targeting businesses using automated tools, it's important to stay one step ahead with your online security.

That's why we're excited that Microsoft is working on a major security update for its Edge browser, which will bring enhanced security to everyone using it.

It’s adding new security features and beefing up existing ones.

Maybe you’ve already seen features such as Password Monitor. This alerts you if any of your saved passwords have been compromised in a data breach, prompting you to change them immediately.

There’s also SmartScreen technology, which will help safeguard you from phishing scams and malware.

This checks websites against a list of known malicious sites, as well as analyzing URLs for any suspicious patterns or characteristics. If it detects something that’s not right, you'll be warned before you proceed to the site.

Why should you care about all these security updates?

It comes down to this: Using a less secure browser could leave you vulnerable to all sorts of online threats. Cyber criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to exploit weaknesses in software, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest security measures.

Plus, let's face it – no one wants to deal with the aftermath of a cyber attack. Whether it's dealing with financial losses, identity theft, or just the hassle of cleaning up the mess, the consequences of a breach can be far-reaching.

By using a secure browser like Edge, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to such attacks.

Of course, we know that not everyone is an expert on cyber security. That's why Microsoft is making it easy to stay safe without needing a degree in computer science.

The new security features are built-in and easy to use so you don't have to worry about configuring anything yourself. You can browse the web with peace of mind.

If you’re not already using Edge, give it a go. And if you need help getting your 365 suite optimized for your business, get in touch.

How many times a day do you respond to an email without really thinking about its contents?  

Maybe it's a request for some information. Perhaps it’s asking you to pay an invoice. All mundane stuff. But no sooner than you’ve hit send, you've fallen victim to a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack.

A BEC attack occurs when a cyber criminal gains access to your business email account and uses it to trick your employees, customers, or partners into sending them money or sensitive information. They do this by impersonating someone senior, and abusing their position of trust.

It might sound like something that only happens to big corporations, but that's not the case.

According to the FBI, small and medium-sized businesses are just as vulnerable to BEC attacks as larger ones. In fact, these attacks have cost businesses more than $26 billion over the past few years.

And Microsoft brings more bad news, with its recent findings showing that they’re getting both more destructive and harder to detect.

So, what can you do to protect your business from BEC attacks? Here’s our advice:

• Educate your employees: They are the first line of defense against BEC attacks. They need to know how to spot phishing emails, suspicious requests, and fake invoices. Train them regularly on cyber security best practice, like strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and secure file sharing.

• Use advanced email security solutions: Basic email protections like antispam and antivirus software are no longer enough to block BEC attacks. You need more advanced solutions that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and prevent these attacks in real-time. Look for email security providers that offer features like domain-based message authentication, reporting, and conformance (DMARC), sender policy framework (SPF), and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM).

• Set up transaction verification procedures: Before transferring funds or sensitive information, establish a verification process that confirms the authenticity of the request. This could include a phone call, video conference, or face-to-face meeting. Don't rely on email alone to confirm these types of requests.

• Monitor your email traffic: Regularly monitor your email traffic for anomalies and unusual patterns. Look for signs like unknown senders, unusual login locations, changes to email settings or forwarding rules, and unexpected emails. Make sure you have a clear protocol in place for reporting and responding to any suspicious activity.

• Keep your software up to date: Ensure that you're always running the latest version of your operating system, email software, and other software applications. These updates often include vital security patches that address known vulnerabilities.

BEC attacks are becoming more common and more sophisticated, but with the right awareness, training, and security solutions, you can protect your business.

Don't wait until it's too late – take action today to keep your business safe.

If you want to know more about how to protect your business from cyber threats, our team is always ready to help you. Give us a call.

When you replace old computers or external drives, do you delete data and then just… get rid of them?

You could be putting your sensitive data at risk.

A new study by a data recovery specialist shows that millions of deleted files can be recovered from improperly wiped hard drives that are sold online

It’s not just buyers who can access your old files. Cybercriminals often buy used hard drives and attempt to recover data from them. This could include anything from confidential business information to client details.

It’s easy to forget about old data when you’re excited about shiny new technology. However, it’s important to consider what’s on that old drive before selling it or disposing of it.

Even if the drive is encrypted, it’s still possible for data to be recovered. And if the drive is damaged, there’s a chance that some of the data is still salvageable. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to sensitive information.

Think about it this way: Would you leave important documents lying around for anyone to see? Of course not! Your digital information deserves the same level of protection.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

Don’t let your old hard drives become a liability. Take the time to have them properly wiped or destroyed before disposal. If you’re upgrading hardware, consider hiring a professional to handle the data transfer and ensure that your old devices are wiped clean.

This isn’t just about protecting yourself. It’s about protecting your employees, clients, and anyone else whose personal information you may have stored on that old drive.

It’s a small investment to make for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is safe from prying eyes.

Don’t take chances with your data – take action to protect it:

• Properly wipe or destroy old hard drives
• Bring in a professional for your hardware upgrades
• Upgrade your overall security practices

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.