Bluefin Technology Group

Ever feel like you need a second monitor to juggle all your tasks? With Windows 11's split screen feature, you can easily manage multiple apps on a single screen - no extra monitors needed.

Imagine comparing documents side-by-side, keeping an eye on your social feed while working, or following a tutorial while checking your emails, all on one screen. Windows 11 makes this simple with its "Snap" feature.

Here’s how it works: Simply drag your app to the side or corner of the screen, or hover over the maximize button to choose from several layout options. You can even use handy keyboard shortcuts (like Win + left/right arrow) to snap your windows into place. Once you’re set up, Windows 11 will even suggest apps to fill the remaining space.

My team and I are full of useful advice like this. If you want more, give us a call today!

How to use split screen in Windows 11 Snap to it by learning how to use split screen in Windows 11

Once again, Microsoft Teams is getting even better. Now you can set your work hours and location directly in the app, so your people know when and where you’re available.

It will also suggest changes to your work hours based on your activity. For example, if you're working outside your scheduled hours, Teams might recommend updating your working time to reflect your actual availability. It’s a smart way to make sure your profile stays accurate… and you can easily turn off these suggestions if they’re not for you.

This update is rolling out on all platforms (Android, iOS, desktop, and Mac), and is part of Teams' ongoing promise to make work easier and more efficient for everyone. It’s all about keeping your business running smoothly.

Are you looking forward to trying out this new feature in your business?

Outlook's work hours & location will be available in the My Day pane for quick access Microsoft has released the roadmap for Teams and it comes up with very interesting features, including compact chat lists and work hours.

Cyber criminals are nothing if not creative. This time they’ve got a scam using Microsoft Sway - a cloud-based 365 tool most people have never heard of (it’s used for creating interactive presentations and reports).

It’s a niche product. And unfortunately it’s now being exploited to host phishing pages.

Recently, a 2,000-fold increase in attacks using Sway was seen. Cyber criminals are using it to create presentations that include QR codes, which then redirect victims to fake Microsoft 365 login pages. If someone falls for it, they unknowingly hand over their login credentials.

What makes this scam difficult to spot is that QR codes, typically seen as harmless image files, can bypass antivirus tools and email protections. Plus, they’re often scanned on phones, which can have weaker security than computers.

So, what can you do to protect your business?

Stay vigilant! Always be skeptical of emails that seem urgent or out of the blue, especially if they ask you to scan a QR code or log in somewhere unexpected. Double-check the sender’s information and, when in doubt, contact the sender directly through a known and trusted method.

If you’re worried, my team and I can help you stay secure. Give us a call today!

One of Microsoft's most niche software tools hit by major phishing scam Microsoft Sway abused to hold QR codes leading to malicious sites

Heads up: Microsoft Teams is getting a major security upgrade this October that will make your workspace safer.

It’s introducing new rules. Admins must evaluate apps and extensions before they’re deployed.

So, what does this mean for your business?

Starting next month, your IT admins will have tools to check the safety of apps and Copilot extensions. This includes detailed security and certification information such as results from Microsoft 365 security tests, and proof provided by app creators.

For apps that aren’t yet certified, admins will get info on how the app handles data and its overall security.

This new feature is part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to improve security across its platforms, especially Teams.

Do you look at security info or, like many business owners and managers, just assume the platform is on top of it?

Microsoft Teams will ask managers to evaluate apps and Copilot extensions for security reasons Microsoft Teams will be enhanced to provide better security to organizations by giving admins the tools to check out for any irregularities.

Tell me... do you use Microsoft Forms in your business? Then here’s some good news. Microsoft’s just announced a better syncing solution that makes it easier and more reliable to sync your Forms data with Excel.

Up until now, syncing wasn’t perfect. It only worked with certain types of forms and could be unreliable.

The older syncing method will be phased out by October 20. So it's important to upgrade your workbooks to keep everything running smoothly. If you don't upgrade, your existing data will still be there, but new responses won’t sync automatically.

If you manage forms through OneDrive, SharePoint, or Teams, you’ll soon notice a prompt to upgrade your sync. For once it’s genuinely easy – just a click, and your data will be reliably synced.

More good news: While syncing only works with Excel for the web, Microsoft is working on bringing this improved functionality to Excel for Windows and macOS.

This will make life so much easier, right?

Microsoft Forms fixes one of the biggest issues with syncing data to Excel Microsoft is rolling out a new syncing solution that keeps data in sync across Forms and Excel for the web.

Phishing scams are a big deal these days, and they’re getting trickier. But first, what is phishing?

It’s when cyber criminals send you fake emails or messages that look legit to steal your passwords or financial info. If they succeed, it can lead to nasty consequences, like data breaches or losing money.

But here’s the thing: Phishing isn’t just those obvious scam emails anymore. Nowadays, criminals are using AI to create super convincing emails or even fake video calls. It’s getting harder to tell what’s real and what’s not.

So, how do you protect yourself and your business? First, ditch the old-school approach of just looking out for typos. Instead, think about using smart security tools that can catch these attacks before they reach you. AI-powered tools can spot weird behavior and flag it before it becomes a problem.

And don’t forget about your team. Make sure everyone knows what phishing looks like and how to avoid it. Tailored training can help your staff recognize the latest scams so they don’t fall for them.

You don’t need to do it all alone - my team can help with all of this. Let’s talk. Call our team today!

The evolving threat landscape: Staying ahead of phishing attack trends Key phishing trends to look out for in 2024

If you've noticed Outlook crashing lately, especially when opening it or starting in Safe Mode, you're not alone.

Microsoft has identified an issue affecting some people. It’s to do with corrupted email rules within Microsoft 365 accounts, and it can't be fixed by simply going back to an earlier version or creating a new profile.

To check if this issue affects you, you can look for certain error codes in the Windows Event Viewer. But if that sounds complicated, don’t worry, Microsoft has provided a temporary solution.

The key step is to remove all email rules associated with your account. You can do this by running a specific command or manually deleting the rules via Outlook Web Access. If necessary, you might also need to create a new Outlook profile.

This workaround should help keep Outlook running smoothly while Microsoft works on a permanent fix. If you’ve been affected by this, my team can help get things running smoothly again - give us a call today!

Microsoft shares workaround for Outlook crashing after opening ​​​​Microsoft has shared a workaround for a known issue affecting Microsoft 365 customers and causing classic Outlook to crash after opening or when starting up in Safe mode.

Microsoft has recently shut down a popular trick that allowed people to install Windows 11 on older, incompatible PCs. I don’t mean to sound like a killjoy, but while it might have seemed like a clever workaround, there are good reasons why system requirements exist for operating systems.

Windows 11 is designed to run on newer hardware to ensure stability, security, and performance. By bypassing checks, you could end up with a system that’s prone to crashes, won’t receive crucial updates, and ultimately puts your data at risk.

Microsoft’s move is a reminder that sticking to official upgrade paths is always safer.

If your PC doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11, don’t worry. Windows 10 is still supported until October next year, giving you time to plan your next steps. Whether that means upgrading your hardware or considering other options like refurbished equipment, it’s important to make informed decisions.

Need help navigating your upgrade options? My team and I can guide you through the process safely and efficiently.

Be honest with me though… did you try this little upgrade trick?

Microsoft blocks trick that lets you install Windows 11 on older PCs A popular trick that lets you install Windows 11 on older PCs with incompatible hardware will soon stop working.

OK, this is not great news. A new type of malware has been discovered that can bypass antivirus software to install ransomware on devices.

This malware, known as EDRKillShifter, is used by cyber criminals to disable Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools, which are crucial for keeping your systems safe. Once these protections are down, your devices are left vulnerable to ransomware attacks, which can lock you out of your data and demand a hefty ransom to regain access.

And the really scary bit? This malware could be available on the dark web, meaning it might be used by multiple attackers. If your business isn’t protected, the consequences could be severe, including data loss, financial damage, and a big hit to your reputation. Ouch.

So, how can you keep your business safe?

First, make sure your security software has tamper protection enabled, which can prevent attackers from disabling it.

Next, keep your systems and software up to date. This includes ensuring that older, vulnerable drivers are no longer in use.

Lastly, practice strong security hygiene by limiting admin rights and securing Windows security roles to make it harder for attackers to gain control of your systems.

Staying vigilant and keeping your defenses strong is the best way to protect your business from these evolving threats. If you need a hand with any of that, we can help - give us a call today!

Cybercriminals launch new malware that can completely wipe out your antivirus EDRKillShifter is being used by multiple threat actors, experts claim

We will be closed on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, to allow our staff to celebrate their achievements this Labor Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024.

Have you upgraded your business to Windows 11 yet? If not, now might be the perfect time to consider it - especially with the exciting new changes coming to the Start menu. Microsoft has been experimenting with different layouts, and the latest updates make navigating your apps even easier.

Windows 11 is introducing a new "Category" view in the Start menu's All apps section. This design organizes your apps into neat categories, making it simpler to find what you need without endless scrolling. Imagine quickly locating your tools with just a glance, saving you time and boosting productivity.

Plus, the new Grid layout is smart - it groups apps by their first letter making it easier to find them.

Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about a fresh look; it’s about enhancing your workflow. With these new Start menu features on the way, there’s never been a better time to make the switch. Ready to take the leap? Let my team help - give us a call.

hubs.ly

Here’s some nightmare fodder for you: A global company recently fell victim to a sophisticated scam that cost them a massive $60 million.

This wasn’t due to a high-tech hack or a complex breach, but something much simpler - social engineering. An employee was tricked into transferring funds to scammers, thinking they were making legitimate payments.

This kind of scam is known as a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack. Cyber criminals either impersonate a company executive or gain access to their email and then convince an unsuspecting employee to make a payment. They might claim it’s for a business deal that needs to be done quickly and quietly, adding pressure to act fast.

For businesses, this is a sobering reminder that the biggest risks aren't always technical, they’re often human. Employees are prime targets for these kinds of attacks - especially if they have access to company funds.

The best defense? Education.

Training your team to recognize the signs of a scam could save your business millions. Encourage a culture where employees verify requests, especially when money is involved, and always double-check unusual demands, no matter how urgent they seem.

Investing in security training isn’t just a smart move, it’s essential. If you need help getting your employees up to speed on cyber security, my team can help.

What is Business Email Compromise (BEC)? | Microsoft Security Learn about business email compromise (BEC), what happens during a BEC scam, and how to protect your organization from this email-based fraud.

Microsoft’s announced a new change coming in January that could impact your OneDrive for Business accounts.

If a OneDrive account has been inactive for more than 90 days and doesn’t have a license, Microsoft will automatically archive it. That could be an account of an ex-employee or one where the license has been removed.

It’s part of their plan to enhance security and streamline cloud storage management. But once an account is archived, you’ll lose access to it, and getting it back won’t be simple or cheap.

If you want to recover an archived account, your admin will need to enable billing, which will cost $0.05 per gigabyte each month in the Microsoft 365 Archive. Fully reactivating the account will be even more expensive, at $0.60 per gigabyte, and the process could take up to 24 hours.

Unlicensed accounts can lead to security risks, file duplication, and confusion within your business. That’s why Microsoft is doing this. To avoid unexpected costs or data loss, it’s a good idea to have your admin check now for any unlicensed accounts. They can generate reports on these accounts using the SharePoint admin center under OneDrive usage. If any unlicensed accounts are found, it’s best to either reassign licenses to keep them active or delete them entirely.

Doing this now can help keep your data secure and prevent surprise charges down the line. If you need help with that, my team is on standby - give us a call!

Manage unlicensed OneDrive user accounts - SharePoint in Microsoft 365 Learn how to manage unlicensed OneDrive user accounts.

DDoS attacks made headlines recently when X (formerly Twitter) was hit during a high-profile interview. And this wasn’t an isolated incident - new research shows that these attacks have been on the rise throughout 2024.

What is a DDoS attack? It stands for Distributed Denial of Service.

And it's when cyber criminals overwhelm a website or online service with so much traffic that it crashes, making it inaccessible. For businesses, this can mean lost sales, disrupted services, and frustrated customers. It essentially brings your operations to a standstill.

The numbers are alarming: DDoS attacks surged by nearly 50% in the first half of 2024 compared to last year. It’s not just the frequency either; the power of these attacks is also increasing. The most powerful attack in early 2024 reached a staggering 1.7 Tbps, enough to cripple most online services.

So, how can you protect your business?

Use a reputable DDoS protection service to filter out malicious traffic before it reaches your site.

Regularly update your security software to defend against the latest threats.

And create a response plan so your team knows exactly what to do if an attack occurs.

While gaming and gambling industries are often hit the hardest, technology companies, financial services, and even ecommerce businesses are also at risk.

Have you heard of DDoS attacks before?

How’s this for a time saver? Microsoft’s making it easier to share files between your Windows PC and Android devices with a new feature that’s rolling out soon. Think of it like Apple’s AirDrop, but for people using Microsoft and Android.

You can quickly send files back and forth between your computer and phone (or tablet).

It really is a game-changer for your business: No more emailing files to yourself or looking for USB cables. With just a few clicks, you can share important documents and photos between your devices.

To use it, all you need is a PC running Windows 10 (May 2019 update or later) or Windows 11, and an Android device with version 9.0 or later.

Once set up, it’s so easy to use. Select what you want to send and choose the right device to send it to. Your files will be transferred instantly.

Keep an eye out for this feature, as it’s expected to be available to everyone soon. How often do you think you will use this?

This new feature is basically AirDrop but for Windows PCs and Android You'll soon be able to seamlessly share files back-and-forth between your PC and your Android devices.

Did you know ransomware attacks shot up by 67% last year? Scary.

Ransomware is where criminals remove your access to your own data, and you must pay a large fee to get it back.

It's clear that sticking to the old ways of data protection isn't enough anymore. So how do you keep your business safe?

I believe you need to build cyber resiliency. It's about more than just stopping attacks; it's about bouncing back quickly if something happens. New frameworks and regulations focus on this resilience – preventing, detecting, and quickly recovering from attacks.

Focus on making sure you have the right security tools, educate your team, and stay updated on the latest threats.

Is it time you had a security audit on your business? We can help - give us a call today!

Stop following the herd to start fighting ransomware Focusing on total cyber resiliency and not just data security demands a change in tactics

I’ve heard that a new threat has emerged on the dark web. It’s called the Darkgate Autoit Converter Crypter. This sophisticated malicious software (malware) is designed to bypass Windows Defender and most antivirus software.

The malware changes its code with each build, making it incredibly difficult for traditional antivirus to detect. It’s also designed to avoid detection in analysis environments, allowing cyber criminals to carry out their attacks without interference.

Why should you care?

The high price of this malware ($2,000 for a month, $6,000 for six months) reflects its advanced capabilities and the potential damage it can cause to your business.

So, how can you stay protected?

Keep your software and systems up to date, regularly back up your data, and invest in advanced cyber security that offers real-time protection and threat detection. Educate your team about phishing scams and suspicious emails, as these are common entry points for malware.

Remember, my team and I are always on hand to help with this. Give us a call today!

Chrome wants to help you manage your computer’s resources better. That’s great news, right? Especially if you or your team sometimes find the browser slows things down.

It’s testing a new feature that alerts you when a tab is using too much of your system's resources, like CPU and memory.

Here’s how it works: If you have multiple tabs open and one of them starts hogging resources, Chrome will notify you. You’ll see a performance alert in the top right corner. You can either click “Fix now” to close the problematic tabs and free up memory or “Dismiss” if you need those tabs open.

This new alert system is an extension of Chrome’s existing Memory Saver and Energy Saver features. These already help to optimize performance and extend battery life.

It’s still in the experimental stage, but it’s a promising step towards making Chrome more efficient. Keep an eye out for this feature in the stable version soon.

Chrome will show performance alerts for resource-hungry tabs on Windows 11 Chrome will show performance alert notifications for resource-hungry tabs and discard them to free up memory.

Want to make your workday easier? The ‘Draft with Copilot’ feature in the Edge browser just got an upgrade that could help. It’s an AI assistant at your fingertips, ready to help you compose text on any topic instantly.

When you right-click on an empty text field in Edge, you can now choose ‘Draft with Co-pilot.’ This opens a window where you simply enter your desired topic, click ‘Generate,’ and watch Copilot do the heavy lifting.

It's perfect for quickly drafting emails, reports, or any text you need on the fly. Plus, you can easily change the tone and length to suit your needs.

Currently, this feature supports US English, but Microsoft plans to expand to more languages soon. While it's a fantastic tool for generating text quickly, remember to review and personalize the content to make sure it grabs your readers' attention.

Copilot’s integration into Edge is just one example of how AI can streamline your daily tasks. Have you tried it yet?

Microsoft Edge browser could get a nifty upgrade for Copilot that’ll help you compose text on a topic instantly ‘Draft with Copilot’ feature has been upgraded to work with empty text fields in the browser, at least in testing

Hacking is a real threat to your business. If you don’t prioritize your cyber security, you risk losing data, facing ID theft, and more. But how can you tell if you’ve been hacked?

First, watch out for pop-up messages and antivirus warnings. These can often be mal-ware pretending to be helpful alerts. If you see one, don’t click.

Another sign is if friends or colleagues tell you they’ve received spam from your email. This means a hacker might be using your account to spread malware.

New and unexpected software on your computer is also a red flag. This could be malicious software installed by hackers. Similarly, if you get notifications about account changes you didn’t request, check things are secure.

Slow performance and frequent crashes can indicate that malware is running on your computer, using up resources. Changes to your web browser, like a new homepage or unexpected toolbars, are another sign of trouble. Lastly, if your we**am activates on its own, someone might be spying on you.

How can you protect your computer?

First, keep your operating system up to date. Let your device install updates automatically.

Running security software is crucial too.

Always use strong, unique passwords for each account to prevent one breach from leading to others. Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) where you get a login code on another device, adds an extra layer of security.

Finally, avoid using public or unsecured WiFi. These networks are easy targets for hackers. If you must use them, avoid logging into sensitive accounts.

My team and I help businesses round here stay secure. We do all the work so they don’t have to. Can we keep your business secure?

7 signs your computer has been hacked, and 5 ways to prevent it Here are several of the most common signs that your computer has been hacked, as well as tips on preventing your computer from getting hacked.

I’ve got another winner from Microsoft to tell you about… Microsoft Edge will help ex-tend your device's battery life. How? With the new integration of Windows 11's built-in Energy Saver mode.

Here’s what it means for you and your team.

Microsoft Edge already offers an “Efficiency mode” that helps reduce the need to constantly charge laptops and tablets. Now, with the integration of Energy Saver, Edge will automatically switch to power-saving mode when your device’s battery drops below 20%. This means less worry about finding power and more focus on getting work done.

The new feature will help limit visual effects and animations, which are notorious for draining battery life. If Energy Saver is available but not yet active on your PC, Edge will prompt you to turn it on, making sure you get the most out of your battery.

For devices with limited resources, Microsoft is also testing a RAM usage control feature in Edge. This allows you to set a specific amount of memory for Edge to use, which is great for maintaining performance on older or less powerful devices.

With these updates, you and your team can enjoy longer battery life, smoother performance, and less stress about running out of power.

Will you try this out immediately?

Microsoft Edge could use Windows 11's built-in Energy Saver to increase battery life Microsoft Edge could use Energy Saver to increase battery life while browsing. The browser plans to integrate it with the Efficiency mode.

Have you heard about the Planner app in Teams? It’s a fantastic tool for organizing tasks and keeping your team on track. And it’s about to get even better with new Copilot fea-tures.

Copilot is your virtual assistant, powered by generative AI. It will also be more reliable in providing updates about your project’s progress, due dates, and who’s assigned to what.

In addition, managing tasks will become much smoother. Adding subtasks and linking tasks to specific goals and buckets will become easy, breaking down large projects into more manageable pieces.

If you’re not sure what to ask Copilot, new suggested prompts can guide you, highlighting what questions you can ask. Soon you’ll be able to create a whole new plan just by typing in a single text prompt. Imagine setting up goals, buckets, and a detailed work breakdown all at once. This will save so much time, right?

If you’re already using Microsoft Teams but don’t have a Project Plan license, you can start a 30-day free trial and test out Copilot in Planner. It’s easy. Just open the Planner app in Teams, click on the diamond icon in the app, and follow the prompts to start your free trial.

Have you tried Planner yet? What do you think?

Microsoft adds more features to Copilot in Planner preview release for Teams Microsoft has revealed that the preview version of Copilot for its Planner app in Teams is now available for all Project Plan users. It's also added some new features based on early user feedback.

There's a cyber threat you might not have heard of - Account Takeover (ATO) attacks.

It's when cyber criminals gain unauthorized access to your online accounts. This can ex-pose sensitive data, enable financial theft, and allow further attacks. And it’s happening more than you might think – ATO attempts skyrocketed by 427% last year.

Cyber criminals use sophisticated techniques to steal your login details, often using generative AI. This AI can create incredibly realistic phishing emails that appear to be from someone you trust, tricking even the savviest people into giving up their details. It's what’s making the attacks so dangerous.

Imagine a cyber criminal gains access to the email of a senior person in your business. They can send fraudulent messages to employees, partners, or clients. And it’s not just a hypothetical scenario – 75% of businesses reported at least one ATO attack last year, and more than a third faced more than five incidents.

So, how do you protect your business? Here’s my advice.

Encourage employees to use complex passwords generated randomly and stored in a password manager.

Use Multi Factor Authentication where you get a login code on another device. It’s not foolproof but it adds an extra layer of security.

Invest in advanced security tools that can detect unusual activities and potential threats.

Give your team regular training on recognizing and avoiding cyber threats.

Remember, being proactive is always your best defense. If my team can be proactive for you, give us a call today!

Mitigating the growing threats of account takeover attacks in 2024 How to understand why ATO attacks are top cyber threats

It’s never been more obvious that a strong IT infrastructure is crucial for success. It powers operations, supports employees, and keeps data secure. But how do you know when it's time for an upgrade? Here are five clear signs:

Frequent downtime: Is your business regularly disrupted by server crashes or network outages? Frequent downtime can mean lost productivity and revenue. If system outages are becoming common, your infrastructure is struggling to keep up.

Slow performance: Are your employees complaining about sluggish computers or delayed responses? Slow performance can hinder productivity and frustrate customers. If your systems are taking forever to load, it’s a red flag that your infrastructure may be outdated.

Security breaches: Frequent security breaches are a glaring sign that your IT systems are vulnerable. Outdated systems can't handle new cyber threats. Enhancing your security with the latest software, firewalls, and encryption can protect your business.

Lack of scalability: If your systems can't handle increased demand, new services, or additional users, you have scalability issues. Cloud solutions and modular systems can provide the flexibility needed to scale efficiently.

High maintenance costs: Spending loads repairing and maintaining old equipment? High maintenance costs indicate inefficiency. Investing in newer tech can reduce maintenance costs and improve overall efficiency.

Need a hand making your infrastructure work harder for you? Give my team a call today!

5 Signs Your IT Infrastructure Needs an Upgrade In this article, we'll explore five telltale signs that your IT infrastructure might be due for an overhaul.