iMicro

What kind of conversations are you having with your AI assistant like Copilot or ChatGPT? Whatever you share, it’s fine, because they’re encrypted… aren’t they??? Well, it turns out, they might not be as private as we thought.

Researchers have uncovered a loophole that cyber criminals can exploit to eavesdrop on our supposedly secure conversations. They identified a vulnerability in how these assistants transmit data, allowing attackers to peek into your virtual chats without breaking a sweat.

The irony is they have to use AI to listen in to our conversations… with AI.

But there's hope on the horizon. Security companies are already on the case, looking at ways to increase protection and keep your conversations private.

This is a good time to look at all the security you have in place for your business. We can help with that, get in touch.

Mac fan? If you're thinking of updating to macOS Sonoma 14.4, hold on just a sec.

Some people have had a problem with the USB hubs that are embedded into their monitors. Dell, Samsung, and Gigabyte monitors have been affected. After updating, they’ve discovered the USB hubs no longer work.

Reports show that the issue isn't just a one-off. But there are a couple of tricks that might help if you’ve already been affected. Try powering down and restarting your monitor, or toggling the "allow accessories to connect" setting in system preferences.

Luckily, if you're using Apple or LG monitors with USB-C or Thunderbolt connections, you're in the clear. Standalone hubs seem unaffected too.

If your workflow depends on a monitor USB hub and you haven’t already run the update, We suggest you hold off for now. Better safe than sorry.

Staying safe online is critical, right? We think you'll want to update Chrome - Google's latest features will really help protect your business’s data while browsing.

First up, there’s real-time protection through Safe Browsing. Chrome can now instantly spot phishing sites. These are fake sites pretending to be brands you trust, so you enter your login details and accidentally give them to criminals.

Chrome’s list of dangerous sites used to be updated every 30 mins or so… but some phishing sites lasted only 10 mins before they were taken down by the criminals. Essentially Chrome was always playing catch up.

The new real-time protection means Chrome can now warn you’re visiting a dangerous site even if it’s only existed for a few minutes. This real time protection is very welcome.

And there's more. If you use Chrome on iOS, Password Checkup just got a major upgrade. It will now give you a heads-up on weak or reused passwords. Safety Check in settings is your new best friend for keeping your accounts Fort Knox-level secure (we actually recommend you go a step further and give a password manager to all your staff, which will generate random passwords and remember them so they don’t have to).

Are you a Chrome fan already, or do you prefer Edge? It’s a tough call.

Have you recently updated Windows 11 in your business and now you’re having lots of strange errors? You’re not alone. We have seen this, and the issue is the March cumulative update (known as KB5035853).

There are reports of Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) sightings, with error messages like 'Thread Stuck in Device Driver’. Other problems include boot loops (where your computer just keeps rebooting itself), sluggish performance and random freezes.

If you’re having issues, you can hit reverse gear and roll back the update. We are sure Microsoft's wizards are working on a fix as we speak but if you need a hand before then, get in touch. We can help get your business’s PCs back to a stable state.

Guess what? There's another new phishing scam doing the rounds. This one’s clever in my opinion as it’s deceptively simple.

Phishing is where criminals pretend to be a big brand. They’re trying to get you to click a bad link to steal info or money from you. In this new campaign they’re posing as a car insurance company. And their emails promise juicy rewards – up to 10% of your car's value annually, with retroactive payouts for previous years. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it?

But here's the catch: The email contains a link to a suspicious website offering "instructions" to claim your cash. And while the site may look legit, it's a trap.

Clicking that link could unleash something called the NetSupport Remote Access Trojan (RAT) onto your device, giving cyber criminals unauthorised access to your sensitive info.

I know we're all busy trying to keep our businesses running smoothly, but it's crucial that we take a moment to educate our teams about the risks of phishing scams like this one. Remind your employees to stay sceptical of unexpected emails, especially those promising quick cash or rewards. And always, always think twice before clicking on any suspicious links.

While this particular scam may be relatively small, it serves as a reminder that we all need to be one step ahead to protect ourselves and our businesses.

Do you use any Android apps on your Windows device? If you do, bad news for you…

Next year Microsoft is ending Android app support on Windows. Being honest – this decision to pull the plug on Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) is a pain. It has sparked debate about user choice and the future of Windows customisation.

But let's not dwell on the negatives. Instead, let's channel that energy into pushing for improvements in the Microsoft Store and exploring new avenues for app accessibility.

Right now it looks like the only workaround lies with unofficial third-party apps, and we do not recommend that avenue. You might create more problems than you solve.

Let’s look on the bright side. While change can be inconvenient, it's also an opportunity for growth and innovation. Who knows, maybe this shake-up will pave the way for even bigger and better things in the Windows universe.

Is there an Android app you can’t run your business without?

We can help, get in touch today

How do you feel about browser cookies?

It’s something Google - and others - are eliminating. Why? Cookies help companies track our every move online, which can feel a bit like being spied on. To safeguard our privacy, regulators are putting the brakes on cookies and the big browsers are following suit.

But what will replace them?

Advertisers are cooking up new ways to track consumer behaviour… it's a work in progress. We think you can expect to see more contextual targeting, where ads are based on website content rather than your browsing history.

As for the impact on businesses, it's a bit of a mixed bag. While some may struggle with the transition, others will adapt and find more creative ways to reach their audience.

What’s next, then? Keep an eye out for updates as Google and other giants work on alternative tracking methods.

Do you rely on cookies for targeted advertising for your business, or will you be happy to say goodbye?

Juggling multiple windows can slow you down when you’re trying to get things done. I like splitting the screen so I can multitask more. Makes me feel more productive.

Here's how to split your screen in Windows 11:

Hover over the Maximise button of any window and behold the magic grid of Snap Layouts. Choose your layout (up to four windows) and watch your screen transform.

Want to get hands-on? Just drag a window to either side or use the Windows key with the Left or Right arrow keys. Pick your second window and you're in split-screen paradise.

Need to resize? Easy! Just grab the middle bar and drag.

If you’re feeling extra ambitious, drag a window into a corner and unlock the power of four windows at once.

When you're done, simply hover over a snapped window on the Taskbar to choose whether to open it individually or as part of a group.

Multitasking has never been easier. Will you use this?

Is your website built in WordPress?

Here’s some important news you should be aware of. A popular WordPress plugin used on four million sites is vulnerable to something known as a cross-site scripting attack. I won’t explain the technicals of that, but trust me… it’s not good.

Check if your site uses LiteSpeed Cache, a website optimisation plugin.

If you do, please update it ASAP (to version 5.7.0.1 or later).

If left unpatched, the vulnerability could allow cyber criminals to steal sensitive information and even gain control of your website.

While you're at it, it's always a good idea to keep all your plugins and themes up to date to minimise the risk of security breaches. You can automate this.

Remember, WordPress is a popular target for cyber criminals, but with the right precautions in place (and timely updates), you can keep your website safe and secure.

Why not give us a call and we can help,

You’re right to be on your guard for phishing attacks, but cyber criminals have upped their game yet again with the latest threat: QR code phishing, or "quishing".

Phishing is where criminals pretend to be a company you trust. They want you to enter your details on a fake login page.

And this quishing is sneaky. Scammers send emails with QR codes that lead to the fake websites.

With the right defences and a bit of know-how, you can stay one step ahead of the game. Here's how:

1) Beef up your security with strong passwords, unique to each account, and tighten up access controls to minimise the risk of compromise.

2) Make sure your employees know about the latest phishing tactics and know what to do if they spot a suspicious QR code or email.

3) Keep an eye out for any unusual activity, like unexpected logins from new locations, and act fast to contain any potential breaches.

4) Consider investing in third-party extended detection and response (XDR) services to supercharge your threat detection and response capabilities - we can help with this, get in touch.

Did you already know about quishing, or is this a new one to you?

If you're still using the classic version of Microsoft Teams… why? Updating to the latest version brings a load of useful benefits and cool features for your business.

Microsoft has extended the lifeline of classic Teams, giving you more time to make the switch to the new and improved Teams app.

I don’t think you should wait. Here are some of the benefits you’re missing out on:

Double speed: The new Teams app is 2x faster, meaning you can get more things done in half the time.

Light on memory: With 50% less memory consumption, the new Teams app won't slow down your device or hog all your resources.

Seamless transition: Switching between chats and channels is now up to 1.7 times faster, making multitasking a breeze.

Plus, Microsoft has made it super easy to make the switch – just click on a toggle to change your entire user experience. Easy peasy.

So, while Microsoft has pushed the end of availability for classic Teams to July, I highly recommend making the transition sooner rather than later. Especially because all future updates will be rolled out exclusively to the new app.

Need a hand making the move? Our team can help, get in touch.

🌟 Celebrating International Women's Day at iMicro 🌟

Today, we shine the spotlight on an exceptional leader in our midst – Teresa Payne, our esteemed Service Desk Lead. Teresa has been the cornerstone of our service team, embodying dedication, innovation, and unparalleled customer service.

Under Teresa's leadership, the service desk has soared to new heights, delivering swift, empathetic, and effective solutions to our clients. Her ability to anticipate customer needs and her relentless pursuit of excellence have not only enhanced our service quality but have also inspired the team to exceed their potential.

Teresa's commitment to fostering a positive work environment and her knack for solving even the most challenging problems with a smile are just a few reasons why she is so valued at iMicro. Her leadership has been instrumental in our journey towards becoming a leader in Digital Transformation, setting new standards in customer satisfaction.

Let's all take a moment to appreciate and congratulate Teresa for her outstanding contributions to iMicro. Teresa, thank you for your hard work, your passion, and for leading by example. Here's to many more achievements and successes together! 🎉

There's a creepy new Android malware making the rounds, and you and your team should be aware.

Security pros have spotted a variant of XLoader, a notorious Android malware, lurking in the shadows. This bad boy doesn't need you to click anything to let it do its thing – it launches all by itself.

Scary. So, how does it work?

It all starts with a seemingly innocent SMS, containing a link. Click that link, and - BAM – you've got a stowaway on your device, ready to wreak havoc.

But this malware doesn't stop there. Oh no, it's got big plans. Once it's in, it'll start snooping around for your personal info faster than you can say "security breach."

If you notice any apps asking for unusual permissions – like always running in the background or accessing your SMS content – that's a major red flag.

And here's another tip: Keep an eye out for any apps masquerading as "Chrome" but with wonky fonts. It’s not the real deal!

Bottom line: Stay alert and always double check before you click a link, download an app, or give permissions you’re not comfortable with.

Need a hand making sure your devices are safe? Get in touch.

Microsoft just announced some great new updates to Copilot in Windows. You have more power! We're very excited about this!

You can manage more settings just by asking Copilot, for example:

- Ask for available wireless networks
- Get system or device information
- Check battery status
- Clean up storage or empty the recycle bin
- Toggle battery saver mode
- View start-up apps
- Find your IP address

And that's not all...

Copilot will now support accessibility features too, making Windows more user-friendly than ever before. These include turning on narrator, adjusting text size, and starting live captions.

Other settings it can already control include toggling dark/light theme, launching applications, and taking screenshots.

For now these are only in the latest Windows Insider build, but we expect they’ll soon roll out to everyone.

Are you ready to upgrade to Windows 11 and try all this for yourself? We can help - get in touch.

If you spot a new login screen when accessing your Google account, don't worry.

Google is rolling out a fresh login page with a sleeker, more modern design. It's part of their ongoing Material Design updates, focusing on a cleaner look.

If you want to be 100% sure it’s not a phishing attempt (where criminals trick you into logging into a fake page), remember the basics: Always check the URL and don’t click unfamiliar links.

The new login page rollout began on 21st February, with full availability this week. So, expect a fresh look next time you log in to Gmail, Drive, or any other Google service.

Have you already spotted the makeover?

Use a password manager? There's been a recent security scare involving a counterfeit version of LastPass lurking in the Apple App Store.

This impostor called “LassPass” attempted to mimic LastPass down to the last detail, even employing similar branding and interface. However, it's not there to safeguard your passwords — it's there to pilfer them.

So, how did this fake app slip past Apple's radar? Perhaps because it exploited a phenomenon called ‘typoglycemia’. The app's name was just slightly off from LastPass, but our brains often disregard such subtle variances.

Fortunately, the app has been removed from the App Store. However, if you did download it and logged in, you need to take immediate action. By inputting your master password, the creators could potentially gain access to your password vault.

If you or your employees have been ensnared by this scam, don't panic. Change all your passwords immediately. It's inconvenient, but it's preferable to the alternative of losing access to all your accounts.

But how can you avoid succumbing to these traps? Verify developer information, peruse reviews, and don't be swayed by ratings. And always, always double-check the app's name and spelling.

Remember, even when downloading from official app stores, there's still a possibility of encountering counterfeits. If you're ever uncertain, go straight to the company's official website to locate the genuine product.

Dont fall for Valentine's Day scams! Stay Safe!

https://imicro.co.uk/2024/02/14/dont-fall-for-valentines-day-scams-stay-safe/

Think your business isn’t big enough to become a target for data theft?

No matter how big or small your company is, cyber criminals have you in their sights. They’re targeting all businesses, all the time.

Here’s the danger and how you stay protected

https://imicro.co.uk/2024/02/12/dont-think-your-business-is-a-target-for-hackers-think-again/

It's been a busy few weeks at iMicro HQ.
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iMicro – Better Tech, Lets do this! Take advantage of a cyber security risk assessment that will help you understand the areas of your business that could be most vulnerable, and provide the tools to keep your business secure.