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	<title>News &#8211; Hopedale Technologies</title>
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	<title>News &#8211; Hopedale Technologies</title>
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<site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">175068569</site>	<item>
		<title>What Happens If You Never Update Your Computer&#8217;s Operating System?</title>
		<link>https://www.hopedaletech.com/what-happens-if-you-never-update-your-computers-operating-system/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Seaver]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:56:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cybersecurity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Microsoft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Safety and Security]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hopedaletech.com/?p=12347</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[We&#8217;ve all been there. You&#8217;re in the middle of something important when that pesky update notification pops up. &#8220;Now is not a good time,&#8221; you think, and click &#8220;Remind me later.&#8221; The problem is that “later” never seems to come. Weeks, months, even years go by, and your computer is still running the same old [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>We&#8217;ve all been there. You&#8217;re in the middle of something important when that pesky update notification pops up. &#8220;Now is not a good time,&#8221; you think, and click &#8220;Remind me later.&#8221; The problem is that “later” never seems to come. Weeks, months, even years go by, and your computer is still running the same old version of its operating system.</p>



<p>So, what happens if you never update your computer? Is it really that big of a deal? Let&#8217;s talk about it.</p>



<p><strong>Why Do These Updates Keep Coming?</strong></p>



<p>It might seem like your computer just likes to nag you, but there&#8217;s a good reason those updates exist. Your operating system is a complex piece of software, and no software is perfect.</p>



<p>Every update is designed to fix something, whether it&#8217;s a security risk, a software bug, or compatibility with new programs. Ignoring updates doesn&#8217;t just leave you with an outdated system; it leaves you exposed to potential problems that could have been prevented.</p>



<p><strong>Hackers Are Always Finding New Ways In</strong></p>



<p>Every day, hackers are hard at work finding vulnerabilities, small flaws in the code that they can exploit to gain access to your system. Once a weakness is discovered, cybercriminals can use it to steal your data, install malware, or even take control of your computer.</p>



<p>Updates exist to patch these security holes, and if you&#8217;re not updating, you&#8217;re leaving those doors wide open for attackers. Even if your computer seems to be working fine, it could already be compromised without you knowing.</p>



<p><strong>Safe Browsing Isn&#8217;t Always Enough</strong></p>



<p>You might think, &#8220;I don&#8217;t visit sketchy websites, so I&#8217;m fine.&#8221; Unfortunately, that&#8217;s not how modern cyberthreats work. Some attacks don&#8217;t require downloading anything or clicking on a suspicious link. These are called zero-click exploits.</p>



<p><strong>READ MORE:</strong>  <a href="https://www.hopedaletech.com/watch-out-for-google-searches-malvertising-is-on-the-rise/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hopedaletech.com/watch-out-for-google-searches-malvertising-is-on-the-rise/">Watch Out for Google Searches- &#8220;Malvertising&#8221; is on the Rise!</a></p>



<p>If a website you trust has been hacked or displays a malicious ad, simply visiting the page could be enough to infect your computer. Security updates help protect against these threats, but only if they&#8217;re installed.</p>



<p><strong>Bug Fixes Keep Things Running Smoothly</strong></p>



<p>Security isn&#8217;t the only reason to update. Have you ever had a program that suddenly started behaving strangely? Maybe your computer crashes unexpectedly, or certain features don&#8217;t work right. Often, these issues are caused by software bugs, glitches in the code that developers didn&#8217;t catch when the system was first released.</p>



<p>Updates often include fixes for these bugs, improving your computer&#8217;s performance and stability. Skipping updates means you&#8217;re stuck dealing with problems that have already been solved.</p>



<p><strong>New Software May Not Work on an Outdated System</strong></p>



<p>If you&#8217;re someone who installs new software or updates apps regularly, skipping operating system updates can eventually become a problem. Many third-party programs require a minimum OS version to run. Over time, you may find that you can&#8217;t install certain applications or that updates to your favorite programs are no longer available to you.</p>



<p>That can be frustrating, especially when a simple system update could have kept everything working as expected.</p>



<p><strong>Big Jumps Can Be Risky</strong></p>



<p>The longer you go without updating, the harder it becomes to catch up. If you go years without installing updates, eventually you may reach a point where you can&#8217;t simply update to the latest version in one step.</p>



<p>Older versions sometimes require incremental updates before you can install the latest release. Skipping too many updates in a row can turn what should be a simple process into a much bigger hassle. In some cases, upgrading from an old system might even require a complete reinstall, which could mean backing up all your data and setting everything up from scratch.</p>



<p><strong>Your Hardware Won&#8217;t Be Supported Forever</strong></p>



<p>At some point, even the most up-to-date operating system will become outdated. But until that day comes, it&#8217;s best to stay on the latest version that your computer supports.</p>



<p><strong>READ MORE:  </strong><a href="https://www.hopedaletech.com/windows-10-the-final-countdown-its-time-to-upgrade-your-pc/" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hopedaletech.com/windows-10-the-final-countdown-its-time-to-upgrade-your-pc/">Windows 10 &#8211; The Final Countdown &#8211; It&#8217;s Time to Upgrade Your PC</a></p>



<p>Once an OS version stops receiving updates, it&#8217;s no longer being patched for security vulnerabilities. That means using it becomes increasingly risky over time. Eventually, even hardware manufacturers stop providing updated drivers, which can lead to performance issues, compatibility problems, and security risks.</p>



<p><strong>The Bottom Line</strong></p>



<p>Keeping your computer updated might seem like a hassle, but it&#8217;s one of the easiest things you can do to keep it secure, reliable, and running smoothly. Skipping updates leaves you open to cyberthreats, software bugs, and compatibility issues that only get worse over time.</p>



<p>If you&#8217;ve been avoiding updates for a while and aren&#8217;t sure where to start, Hopedale Technologies can help. Whether it&#8217;s making sure your computer is up to date, troubleshooting issues caused by outdated software, or helping you transition to a new system, we&#8217;re here to take the stress out of IT.</p>



<p><strong>Reach out to us today at 508-478-6010. We&#8217;ve got you covered!</strong></p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">12347</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Alarming Phishing Attack Trends to Beware of in 2022</title>
		<link>https://www.hopedaletech.com/alarming-phishing-attack-trends-to-beware-of-in-2022/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2022 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cyber Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cybersecurity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Safety and Security]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hopedaletech.com/?p=6328</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In 2020, 75% of companies around the world experienced a phishing attack. Phishing remains one of the biggest dangers to your business&#8217;s health and wellbeing because it’s the main delivery method for all types of cyberattacks. One phishing email can be responsible for a company succumbing to ransomware and having to face costly downtime. It [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In 2020, <a href="https://www.tessian.com/blog/phishing-statistics-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">75% of</a> companies around the world experienced a phishing attack. Phishing remains one of the biggest dangers to your business&#8217;s health and wellbeing because it’s the main delivery method for all types of cyberattacks.</p><p>One phishing email can be responsible for a company succumbing to ransomware and having to face costly downtime. It can also lead a user to unknowingly hand over the credentials to a company email account that the hacker then uses to send targeted attacks to customers.</p><p>Phishing takes advantage of human error, and some phishing emails use sophisticated tactics to fool the recipient into divulging information or infecting a network with malware.</p><p><strong><em>Mobile phishing threats skyrocketed </em></strong><a href="https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/96430-mobile-phishing-threats-surged-161-in-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><em>by 161%</em></strong></a><strong><em> in 2021.</em></strong></p><p>Your best safeguards against the continuous onslaught of phishing include:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Email filtering</li><li>DNS filtering</li><li>Next-gen antivirus/anti-malware</li><li>Ongoing employee cybersecurity awareness training</li></ul><p>To properly train your employees and ensure your IT security is being upgraded to meet the newest threats you need to know what new phishing dangers are headed your way.</p><p>Here are some of the latest phishing trends that you need to watch out for in 2022.</p><h3 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>Phishing Is Increasingly Being Sent via Text Message</strong></h3><p>Fewer people are suspicious of text messages than they are of unexpected email messages. Most phishing training is usually focused on the email form of phishing because it’s always been the most prevalent.</p><p>But cybercrime entities are now taking advantage of the easy availability of mobile phone numbers and using text messaging to deploy phishing attacks. This type of phishing (called “smishing”) is growing in volume.</p><p>People are receiving more text messages now than they did in the past, due in large part to retailers and service businesses pushing their text updates for sales and delivery notices.</p><p>This makes it even easier for phishing via SMS to fake being a shipment notice and get a user to click on a shortened URL.</p><h3 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>Business Email Compromise Is on the Rise</strong></h3><p>Ransomware has been a growing threat over the last few years largely because it’s been a big money-maker for the criminal groups that launch cyberattacks. A new up-and-coming form of attack is beginning to be quite lucrative and thus is also growing.</p><p>Business email compromise (BEC) is on the rise and being exploited by attackers to make money off things like gift card scams and fake wire transfer requests.</p><p>What makes BEC so dangerous (and lucrative) is that when a criminal gains access to a business email account, they can send very convincing phishing messages to employees, customers, and vendors of that company. The recipients will immediately trust the familiar email address, making these emails potent weapons for cybercriminals.</p><h3 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>Small Businesses Are Being Targeted More Frequently With Spear Phishing</strong></h3><p>There is no such thing as being too small to be attacked by a hacker. Small businesses are targeted frequently in cyberattacks because they tend to have less IT security than larger companies.</p><p>43% of all data breaches target small and mid-sized companies, and 40% of small businesses that become victims of an attack experience at least <a href="https://cybersecurity-magazine.com/10-small-business-cyber-security-statistics-that-you-should-know-and-how-to-improve-them/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eight hours</a> of downtime as a result.</p><p>Spear phishing is a more dangerous form of phishing because it’s targeted and not generic. It’s the type deployed in an attack using BEC.</p><p>It used to be that spear-phishing was used for larger companies because it takes more time to set up a targeted and tailored attack. However, as large criminal groups and state-sponsored hackers make their attacks more efficient, they’re able to more easily target anyone.</p><p>A result is small businesses receiving more tailored phishing attacks that are harder for their users to identify as a scam.</p><h3 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>The Use of Initial Access Brokers to Make Attacks More Effective</strong></h3><p>We just discussed the fact that large criminal groups are continually optimizing their attacks to make them more effective. They treat cyberattacks like a business and work to make them more profitable all the time.</p><p>One way they are doing this is by using outside specialists called Initial Access Brokers. This is a specific type of hacker that only focuses on getting the initial breach into a network or company account.</p><p>The increasing use of these experts in their field makes phishing attacks even more dangerous and difficult for users to detect.</p><h3 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>Business Impersonation Is Being Used More Often</strong></h3><p>As users have gotten savvier about being careful of emails from unknown senders, phishing attackers have increasingly used business impersonation. This is where a phishing email will come in looking like a legitimate email from a company that the user may know or even do business with.</p><p>Amazon is a common target of business impersonation, but it also happens with smaller companies as well. For example, there have been instances where website hosting companies have had client lists breached and those companies sent emails impersonating the hosting company and asking the users to log in to an account to fix an urgent problem.</p><p>More business impersonation being used in phishing attacks mean users have to be suspicious of all emails, not just those from unknown senders.</p><h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><strong>Is Your Company Adequately Protected from Phishing Attacks?</strong></h2><p>It’s important to use a multi-layered strategy when it comes to defending against one of the biggest dangers to your business&#8217;s wellbeing. Get started with a cybersecurity audit to review your current security posture and identify ways to improve.</p><p></p><p>&#8212;<br><a href="https://pixabay.com/vectors/hacking-data-theft-online-fraud-6694207/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Featured Image Credit</a></p><p>This Article has been Republished with Permission from <a rel="canonical noopener" href="https://thetechnologypress.com/alarming-phishing-attack-trends-to-beware-of-in-2022/" title="Alarming Phishing Attack Trends to Beware of in 2022" target="_blank">The Technology Press.</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6328</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Supply Chain Shortages Making It Hard to Buy IT</title>
		<link>https://www.hopedaletech.com/supply-chain/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Seaver]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2022 17:18:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Technology]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hopedaletech.com/?p=6382</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Have you somehow missed the ceaseless news about the current global supply-chain challenges? Probably not. You could be experiencing it firsthand. This article highlights technology supply-chain challenges and how to handle them. The computer chip and semiconductor shortage is an IT supply-chain stumbling block. Take, for example, Marvell Technologies, which develops and produces semiconductors and [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Have you somehow missed the ceaseless news about the current global supply-chain challenges? Probably not. You could be experiencing it firsthand. This article highlights technology supply-chain challenges and how to handle them.</p>



<p>The computer chip and semiconductor shortage is an IT supply-chain stumbling block. Take, for example, Marvell Technologies, which develops and produces semiconductors and related technology. In late 2021, they were offering customers a 52-week delivery time.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, Intel&#8217;s chief warned the chip shortage could last into 2023. The founder of Dell said even cheaper components are proving difficult to source. In a Reuters report, Michael Dell said that &#8220;the shortage will probably continue for a few years&#8221; and that &#8220;even if chip factories are built all over the world, it takes time.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What&#8217;s causing the shortages?</h2>



<p>For one thing, more people bought computers during the pandemic for remote work. Meanwhile, COVID-19 created a logistical nightmare for technology production and shipping and continues to do so. In March, Shenzhen&#8217;s major Chinese tech hub went on lockdown to combat an outbreak of virus cases.<br><br>Critical international ports are also struggling to stay open amidst COVID-19 outbreaks. In March, trucks couldn&#8217;t reach container ships at the port city of Yantian due to lockdown. The port had already closed last June for a week, and it took months to deal with the shipping backlog.</p>



<p>Many manufacturers need Chinese components before they can start building their products. Thus, the shortage stops an entire production line.</p>



<p>None of this is helped by people hoarding products to take advantage of supply-chain shortfalls.</p>



<p>Plus, business tech manufacturers aren&#8217;t the only ones needing semiconductors and chips. If it&#8217;s got an on-off switch (e.g., your phone, your car, or any other electronics), it&#8217;s affected&nbsp;by this supply chain shortage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What does this mean for your tech?</h2>



<p>Technology is going to cost more for homes and businesses. No surprises there; it&#8217;s&nbsp;basic supply and demand. Technology is more expensive, and&nbsp;it will take longer to reach you.</p>



<p>What can you do? Plan ahead. If you&#8217;ve been thinking about a hardware upgrade, don&#8217;t wait to make your purchasing strategy. Anticipate your IT needs in advance to accommodate buying challenges.</p>



<p>You&#8217;ll also want to prioritize maintenance of your existing technology. You can&#8217;t risk a critical piece of your network failing. You might have to wait weeks (months even) for a replacement.</p>



<p>With hardware in short supply, a repair can also take more time and money. You&#8217;ll want to take care of what you currently use to ensure it lasts as long as you need it.</p>



<p>Working with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopedaletech.com/managed-services/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">managed service</a>&nbsp;provider like Hopedale Technologies can help. We&nbsp;can do preventative maintenance and support your long-term IT strategic planning. Our established vendor relationships could also allow us to access the technology you need. Let us take care of your short-term and future technology issues.&nbsp;</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6382</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Why Wait to Upgrade to Windows 11 at Home?</title>
		<link>https://www.hopedaletech.com/windows-11/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Seaver]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2022 15:26:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows 11]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hopedaletech.com/?p=6239</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Upgrade. Always upgrade. It’s a constant mantra for technology. And, after all, what homeowner doesn’t want to have the latest-and-greatest tech available? Still, you may want to wait to upgrade to Windows 11 if you have the Microsoft operating system (OS) in your home. Look at it this way, when software is first delivered, the [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Upgrade. Always upgrade. It’s a constant mantra for technology. And, after all, what homeowner doesn’t want to have the latest-and-greatest tech available? Still, you may want to wait to upgrade to Windows 11 if you have the Microsoft operating system (OS) in your home.</p>



<p>Look at it this way, when software is first delivered, the manufacturer believes it is the best thing it can offer or at least the best software it can provide by the delivery deadline. But, as you know, there are still changes after the software is released. Glitches can be discovered, and security vulnerabilities may be identified. If you’re on Windows 10 right now, you can wait to upgrade to Windows 11. Let some of those bugs get worked out by the early adopters first.One change that isn’t getting glowing reviews? The Windows 11 taskbar. It isn’t as customizable and is permanently centered. This means you can’t make it taller or move it around the screen. So, maybe wait and see if they tweak the taskbar before making the change.</p>



<p>Are you a home gamer? You might think Windows 11 is going to give you more gaming-centric features, but although it’s being touted as “the best Windows for gaming,” Windows 10 has all the same features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">So, what’s the appeal of Windows 11?</h2>



<p>Why are people making the move to Windows 11? It offers some appealing features. The new OS aims to simplify the user experience. Microsoft has added snap controls allowing users to resize and reposition desktop windows, content personalization tools, and widgets.<br><br>Windows 11 also embraces a Zero Trust framework to combat cybersecurity risk. The new OS validates user identity and the platform you’re using to safeguard access to your computer. Encryption and malware protection are also now the default rather than add-ons.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><br>But those changes need more</h2>



<p>The enhancements to Windows 11 demand more advanced hardware than those required for Windows 10. You’ll need:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>a compatible 64-bit processor;</li><li>a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip (to help protect encryption keys, user credentials, and data);</li><li>64 GB or more available storage;</li><li>4 GB of RAM;</li><li>a high-definition (720p) display</li></ul>



<p>Unlike Windows 11, Windows 10 runs on everything. So, you won’t need to make any changes to meet hardware requirements.</p>



<p>You may also need to change some of your habits with the move to Windows 11. If you’ve been loyal to Internet Explorer, you’ll need to adapt. The new OS moves away from Explorer and its ActiveX-based applications. Also, if you’re a fan of Android apps, you’re going to be annoyed. Windows 11 has limited Android capability right now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><br>No rush to upgrade</h2>



<p>Ultimately, there’s no reason to rush to update your Windows. Microsoft promises to support the Windows 10 OS until October 14, 2025.</p>



<p>Of course, all this is assuming you have already upgraded to Windows 10. If you’re still using Windows 7, you need to update your operating system to Windows 10 NOW. Upgrade to more secure software that continues to benefit from Microsoft support and patching of any vulnerabilities.&nbsp;Wondering why? Read our blog post <a href="https://www.hopedaletech.com/windows7eol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 Support are Ending</a>.<br><br>Not sure about the best software solution for your home, or overwhelmed by the idea of upgrading? We are here to help. We can check your device compatibility with Windows 11 and assess your systems and needs. Contact us today at <strong>508-478-6010</strong>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6239</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Prevent Password Spraying Attacks</title>
		<link>https://www.hopedaletech.com/password-spraying/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Seaver]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2022 18:23:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cyber Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Safety and Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips and Tricks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cybersecurity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[multifactor authentication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[passwords]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hopedaletech.com/?p=6156</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Bad cyber actors are what the kids these days would call “try-hards.” They do everything they can think of to get into your accounts. One tactic is password spraying. In case you don’t know about it, this article gives the basics and shares strategies to prevent this type of attack. You&#8217;re probably familiar with hackers [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Bad cyber actors are what the kids these days would call “try-hards.” They do everything they can think of to get into your accounts. One tactic is password spraying. In case you don’t know about it, this article gives the basics and shares strategies to prevent this type of attack.</p>



<p>You&#8217;re probably familiar with hackers trying many different password combinations with a&nbsp;username. Web security services know about this form of attack, too. That&#8217;s why you can get locked out of your site for trying the wrong password too many times.<br><br>This brings us to password spraying. The cybercriminals have found a way to get around the three-tries-and-you&#8217;re-out-of-luck defense. Instead of one user and many passwords, they use one password with many different usernames.<br><br>Think how easy this could be. Your company database is online for people to contact your employees. The bad actor takes john@yourcompany.com, jane@yourcompany.com, jamal@yourcompany.com, and so on, or they buy a list of usernames on the Dark web. Then, they try common passwords for every one of those individuals.<br><br>&#8220;Abc123,&#8221; &#8220;123456,&#8221; and … ugh … &#8220;password&#8221; are still frequently in use worldwide as passwords. So, it&#8217;s not that much of a stretch for a hacker to be able to get in with one of these common permutations.<br><br>The brute-force attack runs through a long list of users before trying the next &#8220;wrong&#8221; password. So, by the time it has finished going through the list of users with the password &#8220;abc123&#8221;, enough time has passed to avoid lockouts, and the hacker tries another password from the user list.<br></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-to-do-about-password-spraying">What to do about password spraying</h2>



<p>The most obvious thing? <strong>Stop using any of the passwords that appear on the most commonly used worldwide lists!</strong>&nbsp;Do you think no one would still be using these obvious options? In 2021, there were more than 3.5 million reported uses of the &#8220;123456&#8221; password. &#8220;Password&#8221; came in second with 1.7 million reported uses. Both take less than a second to crack.</p>



<p>You should use more complicated passwords. This doesn&#8217;t have to mean that users add seven numbers, six symbols, and three capitalized letters. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines suggest length is more important. So, users can create longer yet easier-to-remember passwords. NIST further recommends checking every new password against a breached password list.</p>



<p>Multifactor authentication helps, as well. This requires the user to verify themselves with access credentials and extra authentication. This might be a code sent via text to a smartphone or could involve an authentication app.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s also a good idea to segment your networks so that users access only what they need to. Limiting user access can minimize the damage done if there is a breach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="put-password-best-practices-in-place">Put password best practices in place</h2>



<p>Keep your business secure with the help of a managed service provider. We can spearhead the installation of lockout policies and&#8211; other security measures. Our experts also stay current with the latest vulnerabilities to proactively protect your organization.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6156</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Why You Might Wait To Upgrade To Windows 11</title>
		<link>https://www.hopedaletech.com/why-you-might-wait-to-upgrade-to-windows-11/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Seaver]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2021 17:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows 11]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hopedaletech.com/?p=6031</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Microsoft is rolling out the next iteration of its operating system, Windows 11. Of course, new = better, right? But, when it comes to Windows 11, you may want to consider waiting. Here’s why. Typically, software updates are something to install as they are released. The manufacturer, after all, is delivering the latest and greatest [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Microsoft is rolling out the next iteration of its operating system, Windows 11. Of course, new = better, right? But, when it comes to Windows 11, you may want to consider waiting. Here’s why.</p>



<p>Typically, software updates are something to install as they are released. The manufacturer, after all, is delivering the latest and greatest in its upgrade. This can be new efficiencies, improved processes, and increased security.</p>



<p>CNN calls the Windows 11 release “the biggest update we’ve seen to Microsoft PC software in more than half a decade.” But when it comes to Windows 11, do some research first. You may not want to be an early adopter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When to Upgrade</h2>



<p>People are still using Windows 7 and Windows 8, even though the manufacturer no longer supports these systems. That, we do not recommend. Without support or security updates, these systems are vulnerable to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopedaletech.com/more-than-a-virus-common-malware-to-watch-out-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">malware attacks</a>.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, the release of Windows 11 indicates Windows 10 is on its way out. Yet Microsoft has said it will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. The company typically keeps a ten-year lifespan for its products.</p>



<p>So, you don&#8217;t need to upgrade immediately. And for some businesses, it makes sense to wait longer to make the switch from 10 to 11. After all, it is not yet an essential upgrade.</p>



<p>Those on Windows 10 will see some advantages, yes. We&#8217;ll talk more about that next. But, unless you&#8217;re a heavy multitasker or need a sleeker visual design on your desktop, you can wait.</p>



<p>By waiting, you&#8217;ll also get the advantage of others being the ones to discover the launch issues and bugs. The software has been available in beta since June. Still, as more users get access, you can expect more updates on the horizon.</p>



<p>To help you decide if you&#8217;re ready to upgrade, you&#8217;ll first want to see if you are eligible for the free upgrade. Also, visit Microsoft&#8217;s website to see if your PC can run the software (<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications</a>).&nbsp;You will have to do a health check to see if you have the TPM 2.0 Windows 11 requires. This is a specific security module, so you don&#8217;t want to overlook this!</p>



<p>TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module, and it&nbsp;protects data used to authenticate your computer, maintains platform integrity, facilitates disk encryption, stores passwords, and certificates. By making TPM 2.0 a requirement, Microsoft is hoping to make the life of hackers just that little bit harder.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Upgrade to Windows 11</h2>



<p>Windows 11 is a redesigned operating system aiming at improved user navigation. Expect:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>a more Mac-like experience;</li><li>integration with Android apps;</li><li>a facelift for&nbsp;<a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/what-is-microsoft-teams-3de4d369-0167-8def-b93b-0eb5286d7a29" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Teams</a>;</li><li>streamlined switching from monitor to laptop;</li><li>direct access to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/microsoft-widgets-windows-11-personalized-interests-at-a-glance/#ftag=MSF491fea7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">widgets</a>&nbsp;from the Taskbar;</li><li>a few gaming performance enhancements.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Upgrade</h2>



<p>The upgrade is rolling out gradually. Those who recently purchased a new laptop before Windows 11 was pre-installed have access now.</p>



<p>If you are an existing Windows 10 user, you&#8217;ll see the Windows 11 upgrade sometime between now and mid-2022. Most users will go to Settings &gt; Update &amp; Security &gt; Windows Update and click Check for Updates. If available, you&#8217;ll see a Feature update to Windows 11. Click Download and install.</p>



<p>Remember to backup all your important documents before starting the installation process!</p>



<p>Also, don&#8217;t fall for any fake versions of Windows 11. Wait to receive an official notification of a systems update. Do not click on links promising the software on social media or via email. You could end up downloading malware.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More on Upgrading Your OS</h2>



<p>Want to be sure you&#8217;re ready for the upgrade and need it now? Schedule a service visit and we can help verify your eligibility and run a health check. We&#8217;ll also help you determine if you can safely continue with the software you&#8217;re using right now.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">6031</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>What Does &#8220;Right to Repair” Mean, and Why Does It Matter?</title>
		<link>https://www.hopedaletech.com/right-to-repair/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Seaver]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2021 17:28:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[repair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[right to repair]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hopedaletech.com/?p=5918</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[You may not think of yourself as “handy,” so the thought may not even have crossed your mind to take apart your cell phone or laptop to try and repair it. But did you know that in certain cases it might be illegal for you to even try? There is a debate raging over the [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>You may not think of yourself as “handy,” so the thought may not even have crossed your mind to take apart your cell phone or laptop to try and repair it. But did you know that in certain cases it might be illegal for you to even try? There is a debate raging over the “right to repair.”</p>



<p>The right to repair issue crosses many products. Car enthusiasts have fought to access parts and guides to repair their vehicles. Farmers are pushing for the right to fix their John Deere agricultural equipment. Now, there are people lobbying for the right to fix laptops, cell phones, and other electronics.</p>



<p>Manufacturers, meanwhile, maintain that doing so risks their intellectual property. There may also be safety risks.</p>



<p>Additionally, they make money from planned obsolescence. Many PC users know what this means already. Anyone on the widely popular Windows 7 operating system had to move to new software in 2020. Microsoft is on a ten-year cycle. It provides a software product its full attention for five years, then it begins offering new options and stops supporting the old one. At the end of the decade, the software is no longer updated or supported. That means no security patches either, which means vulnerability to cyberattacks, so users must go to the next version.</p>



<p>Now, you’re not going to build your own operating system, but what about when something goes wrong with your smartphone or tablet? You don’t always want to have to buy a new one. Plus, trading out the old one for a new device runs counter to sustainability goals. You end up with one more piece of hardware destined for the landfill.<br>&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Right to Repair Activism</h2>



<p>Consumers, repair pros, watchdogs, and green activists have all joined the right to repair debate. They want to be able to upgrade processing power, memory, or battery power in electronics.</p>



<p>But many companies refuse to release the necessary parts (e.g. Apple). Manuals and product guides aren’t made available either. This makes it almost impossible to do-it-yourself repair the company’s products. The consumer must pay the manufacturer for repairs, or they can turn to a third-party vendor (affiliated with the manufacturer).</p>



<p>When it comes to technology, the tide may be turning. Why? We are increasingly reliant on our phones and other devices. There’s more pushback against a business model that forces us to upgrade every two to four years.</p>



<p>Plus, we’re more aware globally of the value of recycling and upcycling. One American grassroots group notes that repairing tech could bridge the digital divide. PCs for People wants to improve access to technology by rebuilding donated devices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What It Means for You</h2>



<p>Laws are in the works in many places to legislate the right to repair. In the U.S., Apple and Tesla are among those lobbying against state efforts. Nevertheless, 14 states have passed laws on right to repair. The EU has a law requiring companies to provide parts to independent repair workers. The UK’s right to repair regulations come into effect this year. Australia is currently assessing its laws related to the right to repair, too.</p>



<p>Until laws change, consumers pay whatever the manufacturer demands for products that aren’t built to last. This also has each of us contributing to global technology waste. For more on the issue, visit repair.org, the site of the Digital Right to Repair Coalition.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">5918</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>What To Do If Your Data Is Included In A Data Leak</title>
		<link>https://www.hopedaletech.com/data-leak/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Seaver]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 May 2021 17:47:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Safety and Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cyber Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips and Tricks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[data breach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[passwords]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hopedaletech.com/?p=5588</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[There is no easy way to know if your information has been in a data leak. When a business is hacked, it typically sends a notification letting you know, but this isn’t guaranteed. And you can’t go in and check the Dark Web. It is difficult to find and dangerous to access, and that is [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>There is no easy way to know if your information has been in a data leak. When a business is hacked, it typically sends a notification letting you know, but this isn’t guaranteed. And you can’t go in and check the Dark Web. It is difficult to find and dangerous to access, and that is why the bad guys like it.</p>



<p>It’s a good idea to navigate to <a href="https://haveibeenpwned.com" class="rank-math-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://haveibeenpwned.com</a> to see if your email address or phone number is on any data breach files. This isn’t conclusive, but it can help.</p>



<p>Even if you’re not sure if you’ve been a victim of a data leak, you’ll want to take action.</p>



<p>There are several smart strategies to follow immediately.</p>



<p><strong>#1 Limit your social sharing</strong></p>



<p>It is simple to share on social media – that is part of the fun. You share the pictures of your wedding day or anniversary or your new house with its address. You’re filling in family and friends in your life, right?</p>



<p>Well, if you are using any of that information to create access credentials, you are sharing too much. Someone with a beloved cat called “Petunia” in every photo who uses the feline’s name as a password gives hackers an edge.</p>



<p>You might think you are sharing harmless information, but those birthday party photos posted on the big day are a clue to your identity that hackers can exploit.</p>



<p><strong>#2 Use Unique Passwords</strong></p>



<p>Would you believe people still use “12345678” and “password” as their passwords? If you are one of them, stop now. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again and again: use unique passwords for every one of your accounts. Yes, it is more to remember, but it helps cut the risk of a data breach at one site snowballing to disastrous consequences for you.</p>



<p>You might use a password keeper such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lastpass.com/?irclickid=zlBz4TwoJxyLTeGwUx0Mo38KUkBxFISVyXt3Qk0&amp;irgwc=1&amp;clickid=zlBz4TwoJxyLTeGwUx0Mo38KUkBxFISVyXt3Qk0&amp;utm_source=impact-radius&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=affiliate-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LastPass</a>&nbsp;to manage your many passwords. This is more secure than the password manager offered by your Web browser, although those are better than revising passwords or trying (hopelessly) to memorize them.</p>



<p><strong>#3 Add Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)</strong></p>



<p>Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) makes it more challenging for the bad actor. Now, they will need to obtain access to login credentials and your personal device. However, since phone numbers are often included in a data leak, this isn’t the best solution. If the hacker has your name, address, and birthdate from the Dark Web, they can take over your phone number, too. They call the company and say, “I lost my phone. Can I get another SIM card?” Then, they are the ones to get those verification codes via message, not you.</p>



<p>Better still, use a 2FA app to confirm your identity. Authy or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lastpass.com/?irclickid=zlBz4TwoJxyLTeGwUx0Mo38KUkBxFISVyXt3Qk0&amp;irgwc=1&amp;clickid=zlBz4TwoJxyLTeGwUx0Mo38KUkBxFISVyXt3Qk0&amp;utm_source=impact-radius&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=affiliate-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LastPass</a>&nbsp;are good authenticator apps. After you attempt to log in, you will need to enter a time-sensitive code generated by the app to complete access.</p>



<p><strong>#4 Stop Signing into Other Sites Using Social</strong></p>



<p>Sure, it is convenient to use your Facebook or other social media account to sign in to connected applications because you have fewer passwords to remember. Some of your data is automatically transferred, so signup is streamlined, too. Yet you are increasing the risk of account compromise.</p>



<p>The hacker may access the third-party application and use that as a stepping stone to get into your social account. That’s where the trove of data is.</p>



<p><strong>#5 Develop an Alternate Ego</strong></p>



<p>It all sounds super spy, but you might have one email account you open to be a burner account for social media. You could also use a fake birth date, a fake alma mater, and other alternative facts to fill out the social profile.</p>



<p>Don&#8217;t fabricate personal details for an employer or a financial or educational institution. But you might use a fake identity for entertainment, gaming, and social sites that bad guys may mine for personal data.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">5588</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Make Your Tech Ready to Use for the Holidays</title>
		<link>https://www.hopedaletech.com/make-your-tech-ready-to-use-for-the-holidays/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Seaver]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2020 14:56:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips and Tricks]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hopedaletech.com/?p=5232</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Everyone loves new tech on the holidays. But is that device ready to go out of the box? What will you do with the data on your old device? We can help!]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>The holiday season is here again.  TV advertisers have released their festive jingles and stores have dusted off their Christmas displays.  Stores have moved their latest and greatest devices to the front of the store and their websites.  It&#8217;s almost time to eat warming treats in front of a roaring fire.  </p>



<p>However, there may still be work to do before you&nbsp;can unbox the latest gadgets and watch this&nbsp;year’s Christmas movie. &nbsp;A little maintenance, updates, and set-up go a long way to ensure the holiday season goes without a hitch.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sadly, not every device is ready to run straight out the box. &nbsp;Not every device even comes ready to interact with others when it&#8217;s first opened. &nbsp;Each new gadget comes with its own setup and new things to learn.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Often today, devices, toys, and computers require extensive updates before they are ready to function. &nbsp;This commonly means large downloads and lengthy installation periods.<br><br>In previous years devices have been purchased for Christmas, only to be rendered useless waiting for updates while large numbers of requests crash the company servers. &nbsp;This can be highly frustrating and put a real dampener on the holiday spirit.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Here is how we can help this season:&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Setup New Devices&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>In the modern-day, simply purchasing a gadget doesn&#8217;t make it ready to use. &nbsp;Often they still need setup, updates, and extra steps to make it safe to access the internet too.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When you purchase a computer from Hopedale Technologies, we run the updates for you. If you didn&#8217;t buy from us,&nbsp;bring your device to us, and we can have it safe and ready to use the second you unbox it. &nbsp;We&#8217;ll perform the initial setup, get it ready for the network, and install mandatory updates. By the time we&#8217;re done, your device will be the first one ready to use. For relevant devices, we can install additional features too. &nbsp;Parental protection, managed antivirus, and security features ready to defend your machine against the latest threats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whatever the device, we can configure it to the way you want to use it.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Transfer Data and Retire Old Devices&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>Getting a brand new device can be fun and exciting. Before getting carried away with the latest tech, you&nbsp;must consider what happens to our old data too. &nbsp;Depending on the device, there are several dangers and pitfalls to think about.<br><br>Replacing an aging laptop or desktop computer with a brand new model, for example, has inherent danger in data storage. &nbsp;These computers typically use hard drive disks to store all their data.  <br><br>When disposed of improperly, hard drives are vulnerable to being removed and taken. &nbsp;These can often be read and copied by thieves looking to steal your data. &nbsp;Old devices containing data need just as much care and attention as new ones fresh out the box.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There are many cases where individuals have had important records stolen this way. In some cases, the information has been used to access accounts, and in others, for blackmail. <br><br>Mobile devices typically have some form of data storage too. &nbsp;This may store applications or media bought and paid for and data such as records and photographs that hold a great deal of value.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We can help transfer old files and data to your new device and safely dispose of your old one too. We can ensure that every photograph, video, and bit of data is recovered from your desktop&nbsp;or laptop so that you never lose a single file. &nbsp;We can securely wipe and even physically destroy old hard drives at your request. &nbsp;We strive to ensure you keep every bit of your old data, and not a single byte falls into the wrong hands.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Troubleshooting&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>It sometimes happens that new technology has moved so fast and changed so much that it doesn&#8217;t play well with older devices already installed on your network. &nbsp;Sometimes it seems impossible to even connect certain devices at all.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Often simple configuration changes are all that&#8217;s required to introduce two pieces of technology successfully. &nbsp;With the right set of eyes and in knowledgeable hands, the most complex of jobs can be turned into a quick fix.&nbsp;</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">5232</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Laptops are the next Covid-19 shortage</title>
		<link>https://www.hopedaletech.com/laptops-are-the-next-covid-19-shortage/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Seaver]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2020 16:41:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hopedaletech.com/?p=4993</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[As people&#8217;s reliance on computers grew with remote work and school, so did the prices of laptops and accessories. Now they are selling out quickly and major manufacturers are taking several months to deliver. Some of the reasons for the price increases and shortages include: More people working from home. Families purchasing&#160;a device for each of [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p> As people&#8217;s reliance on computers grew with remote work and school, so did the prices of laptops and accessories. Now they are selling out quickly and major manufacturers are taking several months to deliver. </p>



<p>Some of the reasons for the price increases and shortages include:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>More people working from home.</li><li>Families purchasing&nbsp;a device for each of their students with full time remote learning.</li><li>Bulk orders from school districts coast to coast for Chromebooks and lower priced laptops.</li><li>Shipping delays resulting from&nbsp;the reduction&nbsp;of air travel.</li><li>Sanctions against Chinese manufacturers due to violations.</li></ul>



<p>We have been carefully watching the laptop and computer accessories market since the early spring. Prices have definitely crept up, with some products like webcams and printers out of stock for long periods of time. Due to our relationship with manufacturers and wholesalers, we have a few laptops in stock, but more on order. So call us ASAP to avoid longer delays than necessary. Don&#8217;t hesitate or you may be too late. </p>
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