Years later, the same Wi-Fi password is still floating around, yet the office has changed. People have come and gone, devices have been added, and more and more systems rely on that same wireless network. The password stays the same, and the list of people who know it gets longer by the month.

This is where the problems begin.

Why One Shared Wi-Fi Network Creates Hidden Risks

When everyone uses the same Wi-Fi network, you lose all sense of separation. Staff devices sit on the same network as printers, servers, guest phones, contractor laptops, and even random devices that were connected once and forgotten. It feels harmless on the surface, but you are letting everything into the same room.

Guests bring in their own devices, and you have no idea what condition those devices are in. They could have malware installed, outdated software, or questionable apps. Once they connect to your Wi-Fi, they are inside your network. If that device happens to be infected, it can try to reach other systems inside your office. It needs only one weak device to cause trouble.

Past employees are another issue. If the Wi-Fi password never changes, any former staff member can still connect. Some do not intend harm; they simply still have the network stored on their phone. Others may feel annoyed or bitter after leaving and know they still have access. Sitting in the car park with full entry to your internal network is far more common than most business owners realize.

Even with a single shared password, your router will usually show a list of connected devices. With better equipment, you can even see how much traffic each device is using. The problem is that this visibility is shallow and hard to relate to real people and business roles. You see device names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses, not “accounts” tied to staff, guests, ex-employees, or random visitor phones.

When everything sits on one flat network and everyone uses the same credentials, it becomes much harder to answer basic questions such as “Was this a staff device or a guest device?” or “Was this traffic coming from the finance team or from the waiting area?” You might see that a device pulled a lot of data or connected to suspicious sites, but matching a device labelled “iPhone” or “DESKTOP-29456” to a specific person or group is messy, especially once people have left the business, swapped phones, or brought in their own gear.

What a Safer Network Looks Like

A good business Wi-Fi setup does not rely on one password that never changes. Instead, it separates the network into clear sections. Staff work on their own protected network, office devices such as printers and phones live on another, and visitors have access to a guest network that appears normal to them but cannot access anything else in the office.

READ MORE: 6 Helpful Tips to Troubleshoot Common Business Network Issues

This structure is called network segmentation. It is simply the idea that different groups should not all sit in the same place. Once you split the network into logical sections, you gain more control and experience far fewer surprises. Visitors can still connect to the internet, but they cannot browse your servers or internal devices. Staff can work normally without worrying about what someone in reception is doing on their phone. Devices that do not need to interact with your computers, such as cameras or printers, stay isolated so they cannot interfere with anything important.

Alongside segmentation, proper access control helps you manage who can connect and for how long. Instead of a single, shared password that lasts forever, staff have individual access that can be revoked when they leave. Guest Wi-Fi can expire automatically, meaning visitors do not have open access long after their meeting ends.

The goal is a network that still feels simple to staff and guests but has the right boundaries behind the scenes.

Why It Is Hard to Fix on Your Own

Most consumer routers cannot do real network segmentation. They might offer a basic guest option, but they are not built to separate staff devices, office equipment, and visitors in a reliable way. Proper segmentation needs business-grade hardware and careful setup.

Once you move to equipment that supports these features, the configuration matters. Placing printers, cameras, or EFTPOS terminals on the wrong network can disrupt systems that rely on them. Creating multiple Wi-Fi networks without planning can also cause interference or access gaps.

This is why changing the shared password every few months does not solve anything. The network is still one flat space with no separation.

READ MORE: Stop Account Hacks: The Advanced Guide to Protecting Your Small Business Logins

A review helps you decide who needs access to what, which devices should be isolated, and how the network should be structured. With the right gear and layout, everything becomes safer and far easier to manage.

How We Can Help

As a managed service provider, this is one of the most common network issues we fix for small and mid-sized businesses. We look at your setup, your staff, your devices, and the way you work, then we design a clean network structure with the right separation between staff, guests, and office equipment.

That usually includes setting up safe guest Wi-Fi, moving devices to their own networks, replacing the shared password with better access control, and monitoring the network so problems are caught early. Once the structure is in place, everything becomes simpler. Staff get stable Wi-Fi, guests still get online, and you get a network that is safer, cleaner, and far easier to manage.

If your password is written on a whiteboard, known by people who left years ago, or shared freely with every visitor, it is time to fix it. A short conversation is usually all it takes to see where the gaps are and how we can close them.

Let us review your setup and help you move beyond the single password that has outgrown your business.

Let’s look at why this happens and how to protect your home computer from it. 

Why Adults Pause and Kids Don’t

Adults have been warned about fake alerts and too-good-to-be-true downloads for years. We’ve learned through experience, work training, or the occasional close call. Kids, however, just want their video or game to load. Reading a paragraph of small text isn’t their priority, and many pop-ups are designed to exploit that impatience. The “Continue” or “Allow” button is big and colorful, while the “No thanks” option is tiny, gray, or hidden behind a small arrow.

It’s not carelessness; it’s completely normal behavior from a child who just wants to make the interruption go away.

The “Make It Go Away” Click

When a child sees a pop-up, their goal is simple: close it as fast as possible. That’s how they end up clicking on things such as:

1. “Install” for a fake video player or browser extension.
2. “Allow” for notifications on a random site.
3. “Yes” when Windows asks for permission to run a file.
4. “OK” to download a “codec,” “update,” or “booster.”

Here’s what often happens next. One click installs junk such as scareware that claims your computer has hundreds of viruses and demands payment to “fix” them. Or it could be ransomware that locks your files and demands money to get them back. Sometimes nothing seems to happen at all, but behind the scenes, the software is quietly collecting data, stealing passwords, or tracking everything you do online.

READ MORE:  How to Spot Fake Download Buttons and Stay Safe

The good news is you don’t need to hover over their shoulder every time they use the computer. With a few smart changes, it’s easy to make these threats far less likely to get through.

How We Can Help

Our goal is to stop the problem before it starts, blocking dangerous pop-ups and preventing any software from being installed without an adult’s approval. Here’s how we set that up.

1) Block pop-ups and bad ads before they appear

The most straightforward fix is to block most pop-ups before they appear on the screen. We can adjust your computer settings to prevent most pop-ups and fine-tune it for family use, cutting off the pushy ad networks that deliver fake update prompts. We can also add safe-browsing filters to prevent access to known scam sites. With fewer interruptions, kids can browse and watch videos without being tricked into clicking on something harmful.

2) Add strong antivirus and anti-malware protection

We install reliable security software that quietly watches downloads in real time. If something suspicious tries to run, it’s stopped immediately. This keeps the computer clean in the background while your kids continue using it as normal.

3) Create a whitelist of allowed sites for the kids’ profile

For younger children, a whitelist (or “allow list”) is an excellent layer of protection. Their account can access only the sites you’ve approved, such as YouTube, Wikipedia, or their school portal, and everything else is blocked with a friendly message. It’s a simple way to let them explore safely without worrying about where they’ll end up.

4) Use a non-admin account for everyday use

We set up a standard user account for your kids that can’t install software without an admin password. Even if they click “Yes” on a pop-up, nothing will install. Your own admin account remains separate and password-protected, allowing you to install programs whenever needed.

5) Tidy browser profiles and notifications

We can simplify browsing by creating separate browser profiles for each child, preloaded with their favorite sites. We also clear out annoying push-notification permissions and block new ones by default. This keeps the computer calm, quiet, and predictable.

6) Add parental controls where they actually help

Parental controls aren’t just timers; they can also prevent unwanted app downloads, software installs, and in-browser purchases. We’ll tailor these settings to your comfort level so you’re in control without having to constantly check in.

7) Keep updates and backups on autopilot

We make sure Windows, browsers, and key apps update automatically, and we’ll set up a reliable backup system that runs quietly in the background. If anything ever goes wrong, it’s easy to roll back to a clean version.

READ MORE:  Why Your Windows Updates are More Important Than Ever

What This Looks Like for Your Family

With these protections in place, your kids can click and explore without breaking anything. You’ll notice that:

1. YouTube loads normally with no strange pop-ups.
2. Random sites are blocked automatically.
3. Any attempted installs ask for your password first.
4. The family computer feels faster, cleaner, and easier to manage.

It’s a small setup change that makes a big difference in everyday peace of mind.

Can You Do It Yourself?

Some of these steps are straightforward, but others can get complicated. Mixing school sites into an allow list or misconfiguring antivirus settings can easily cause frustration. If you’d rather skip the trial and error, we can handle it for you, setting everything up properly and cleaning up any mess that’s already there.

You don’t need to become a technician. We’ll take care of the setup, test everything, and walk you through how it all works in plain English.

Ready For a Safer Family Computer?

If your computer already shows strange pop-ups, or if you just want to prevent them before they start, we can help. Contact us to book a cleanup and child-safe setup. We’ll make your family’s computer safe, fast, and frustration-free so your kids can explore online while you relax, knowing everything is protected.

1. Polymorphic Malware
   Polymorphic malware is a type of malware that changes its code every time it replicates. This makes it hard for antivirus software to detect because it looks different each time. Polymorphic malware uses an encryption key to change its shape and signature. It combines a mutation engine with self-propagating code to change its appearance continuously and rapidly morph its code.

This malware consists of two main parts: an encrypted virus body and a virus decryption routine. The virus body changes its shape, while the decryption routine remains the same and decrypts and encrypts the other part. This makes it easier to detect polymorphic malware compared to metamorphic malware, but it can still quickly evolve into a new version before anti malware detects it.

• Criminals use obfuscation techniques to create polymorphic malware. These include:
• dead-code insertion
• subroutine reordering
• register reassignment
• instruction substitution
• code transposition
• code integration

These techniques make it harder for antivirus programs to detect the malware. Polymorphic malware has been used in several notable attacks, where it spread rapidly and evaded detection by changing its form frequently. This type of malware is particularly challenging because it requires advanced detection methods beyond traditional signature-based scanning.

2. Fileless Malware
   Fileless malware is malicious software that works without planting an actual file on the device. Over 70% of malware attacks do not involve any files. It is written directly into the short-term memory (RAM) of the computer. This type of malware exploits the device’s resources to execute malicious activities without leaving a conventional trace on the hard drive.

Fileless malware typically starts with a phishing email or other phishing attack. The email contains a malicious link or attachment that appears legitimate but is designed to trick the user into interacting with it. Once the user clicks on the link or opens the attachment, the malware is activated and runs directly in RAM. It often exploits vulnerabilities in software like document readers or browser plugins to get into the device.

READ MORE: 5 Red Flags of Phishing Emails: Think Before You Click!

After entering the device, fileless malware uses trusted operating system administration tools like PowerShell or Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to connect to a remote command and control center. From there, it downloads and executes additional malicious scripts, allowing attackers to perform further harmful activities directly within the device’s memory. Fileless malware can exfiltrate data, sending stolen information to attackers and potentially spreading across the network to access and compromise other devices or servers. This type of malware is particularly dangerous because it can operate without leaving any files behind, making it difficult to detect using traditional methods.

3. Advanced Ransomware
   Ransomware is a sophisticated form of malware designed to hold your data hostage by encrypting it. Advanced ransomware now targets not just individual computers but entire networks. It uses strong encryption methods and often steals sensitive data before encrypting it. This adds extra pressure on victims to pay the ransom because their data could be leaked publicly if they don’t comply.

Ransomware attacks typically start with the installation of a ransomware agent on the victim’s computer. This agent encrypts critical files on the computer and any attached file shares. After encryption, the ransomware displays a message explaining what happened and how to pay the attackers. If the victims pay, they are promised a code to unlock their data.

Advanced ransomware attacks have become more common, with threats targeting various sectors, including healthcare and critical infrastructure. These attacks can cause significant financial losses and disrupt essential services.

4. Social Engineering Malware
   Social engineering malware tricks people into installing it by pretending to be something safe. It often comes in emails or messages that look real but are actually fake. This type of malware relies on people making mistakes rather than exploiting technical weaknesses.

Social engineering attacks follow a four-step process: information gathering, establishing trust, exploitation, and execution. Cybercriminals gather information about their victims, pose as legitimate individuals to build trust, exploit that trust to collect sensitive information, and finally achieve their goal, such as gaining access to online accounts.

5. Rootkit Malware
   Rootkit malware is a program or collection of malicious software tools that give attackers remote access to and control over a computer or other system. Although rootkits have some legitimate uses, most are used to open a backdoor on victims’ systems to introduce malicious software or use the system for further network attacks.

READ MORE: New Gmail Threats Targeting Users in 2025 (and How to Stay Safe)

Rootkits often attempt to prevent detection by deactivating endpoint antimalware and antivirus software. They can be installed during phishing attacks or through social engineering tactics, giving remote cybercriminals administrator access to the system. Once installed, a rootkit can install viruses, ransomware, keyloggers, or other types of malware, and even change system configurations to maintain stealth.

6. Spyware
   Spyware is malicious software designed to enter your computer device, gather data about you, and forward it to a third-party without your consent. Spyware can monitor your activities, steal your passwords, and even watch what you type. It often affects network and device performance, slowing down daily user activities. Spyware infiltrates devices via app install packages, malicious websites, or file attachments. It captures data through keystrokes, screen captures, and other tracking codes, then sends the stolen data to the spyware author. The information gathered can include login credentials, credit card numbers, and browsing habits.
7. Trojan Malware
   Trojan malware is a sneaky type of malware that infiltrates devices by camouflaging as a harmless program. Trojans are hard to detect, even if you’re extra careful. They don’t self-replicate, so most Trojan attacks start with tricking the user into downloading, installing, and executing the malware. Trojans can delete files, install additional malware, modify data, copy data, disrupt device performance, steal personal information, and send messages from your email or phone number. They often spread through phishing scams, where scammers send emails from seemingly legitimate business email addresses.

Protect Yourself from Malware
Protecting yourself from malware requires using the right technology and being aware of the risks. By staying informed and proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of malware infections.

So, are free streaming sites safe? Let’s break it down.

Are Free Streaming Sites Legal?

The vast majority of free streaming sites operate illegally. They offer copyrighted content without permission, which means they constantly evade law enforcement. Many of these sites are based in countries with weak copyright laws, allowing them to dodge takedown orders.

Now, will the authorities come knocking on your door for watching a pirated stream? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe. The real danger isn’t from law enforcement but the streaming sites themselves.

READ MORE:  5 Common Cyber Threats in 2025 (and How to Avoid Them)

How Do These Sites Make Money?

Running a website that hosts or streams movies isn’t cheap. The servers, bandwidth, and maintenance all cost money. Since these sites have already shown they don’t respect copyright law, it’s no surprise that how they make money can also be shady.

The Risks You Face:

1. Malware and Fake Video Players

Many free streaming sites require you to download a “special” video player or browser extension to watch their content. This is often malware in disguise. Once installed, it can:

1. Infect your computer with viruses or spyware.
2. Steal personal information, including saved passwords.
3. Slow your computer down or make it crash.

Even if you don’t download anything, simply visiting these sites can put you at risk. Some use “drive-by downloads,” where malware installs itself in the background without you even clicking on anything.

 2. Malicious Ads and Pop-Ups

Most free streaming sites rely on advertising to make money. Unlike legitimate platforms, these sites don’t have strict advertising standards. This means you might see:

1. Explicit ads that aren’t suitable for younger viewers.
2. Fake virus alerts that try to trick you into downloading harmful software.
3. Malicious ads that automatically install malware just by loading on your screen.

Even if the site owner isn’t intentionally serving malware-ridden ads, cybercriminals often sneak their way into these ad networks.

READ MORE:  How to Spot Hidden Malware on Your Devices

3. Paying for “VIP” Access – A Trap for Your Credit Card

Some sites offer “VIP” memberships where you pay for ad-free streaming or faster speeds. Sounds reasonable, right? The problem is that you have no idea who you’re giving your credit card details to.

1. Your payment information could be stolen and sold on the Dark Web.
2. The site might charge you repeatedly without your consent.
3. If the site gets shut down (which happens often), you lose access to what you paid for.

Why Risk It? Legal Streaming Is Cheap and Safe

With so many legal streaming services available, there’s little reason to take the risk with shady free sites. Services such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and even free ad-supported platforms such as Tubi and Pluto TV offer plenty of content without the risks that come with illegal streaming.

For the cost of a couple of coffees per month, you get:

1. A hassle-free, high-quality streaming experience.
2. No malware or sketchy ads.
3. No risk of credit card fraud.

Think You May Have Been Infected? Hopedale Technologies Can Help!

If you’ve visited a free streaming site and suspect your computer may have picked up a virus or want protection from future threats, give us a call.

We can:

1. Check your computer for malware and remove any infections.
2. Improve your security to prevent future attacks.
3. Give you advice on safe and legal streaming options.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your personal data and computer security. Reach out today, and let’s get your system cleaned up and protected.

As a business owner, you want to inform your audience about new products, services, employees, and events. The problem is some details shared on social media can give cybercriminals insights into your operations and expose vulnerabilities to exploit. A few thoughtless posts could cost you much more down the line.

Be Careful What You Share About Your Systems

If you experience an outage of critical systems such as point-of-sale or online payment processing, it’s best not to disclose this publicly. While you want to keep customers informed, such announcements could unintentionally invite fraudulent activity during the downtime.

For example, when credit card processing goes offline, many small businesses take payments manually and submit the transactions later once the issue is resolved. However, opportunistic criminals may see this as a chance to take advantage.

READ MORE:  Small Breach, Massive Fallout:  The Danger of Inadequate Security Measures

They could attempt to make purchases with stolen or cancelled cards, knowing the funds won’t be verified until after they’ve walked away with unpaid-for merchandise. The fraudster is long gone when a business owner discovers the faulty payment.

Similarly, sharing specifics about your software and technologies reveals valuable information to potential attackers. They can start researching known issues, exploit vulnerabilities, and craft customized attacks against your exposed systems. Play it safe by avoiding disclosing sensitive system details on public channels.

New Hires May Be Targets for Social Engineering

Introducing a new team member on social media could unwittingly paint a target on their back. New employees have yet to build up experience dealing with cyberthreats, and social engineering ploys may trick them more easily.

READ MORE:  6 Ways to Combat Social Phishing Attacks

Criminals could try grooming the new hire through fake support calls or impersonating colleagues they don’t know well to gain a foothold in your network. Consider holding off publicly announcing personnel changes until staff have undergone security awareness training.

Background Details Can Leak Valuable Information

Casual photos shared to promote your business may contain unintended clues in the background. Passwords jotted on post-it notes or prototypes of upcoming products are all things better kept private. Cybercriminals are highly skilled at extracting information from visual clues, so inspect photos closely before posting, and be mindful of what incidental details may be revealed.

Stay Engaged but Remain Cyber-Aware 

Used strategically, social media is a powerful marketing tool for small businesses. But oversharing sensitive information could open doors for cybercriminals down the line. Maintain an active online presence while exercising caution about what you publish. With extra thought about potential risks, you can continue leveraging social platforms safely to engage customers and drive your business forward. 
Reach out today to find out how we can evaluate your digital footprint and identify any overexposed information or unintended security weaknesses. 

Popular examples of digital wallets include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and others. A digital wallet can store:

• credit card details;
• bank account information;
• store loyalty cards;
• tickets;
• cryptocurrencies;
• other virtual assets.

This enables online purchases, money transfers, bill payments, and in-store payments, all done through mobile devices. Plus, you don’t have to manually enter the payment details each time.

Many digital wallets use near-field communication (NFC) for contactless payments. When you tap your smartphone or smartwatch on a point-of-sale device to pay, you’re taking advantage of NFC.

Digital wallets allow people to travel light. Integrating them with food delivery and ride-share apps can simplify those payments, too. And you no longer have to worry about a thief getting their hands on your credit or debit card.

Still, consider the pros and cons of trusting a digital wallet application.

Weighing Up Digital Wallet Security

On the plus side, digital wallets use various security measures. These can include:

• encryption, which converts your data into random code in transit and storage;
• biometric authentication, such as fingerprints or facial recognition;
• tokenization, which replaces your payment information with non-sensitive data.

At the same time, there are risks. For one, NFC works wirelessly. This means there’s always a chance an attacker could intercept your payment once you authenticate it. They’d need to be near your device to access the information, but it’s possible.

Using a digital wallet application also means you’re relying on technology. Malfunctions could happen. Additionally, it’s possible someone could hack the digital wallet app.

Cybercriminals typically target cryptocurrency digital wallets in the hope of accessing large holdings. Nevertheless, other digital wallets are also at risk.

Still, a physical wallet also risks theft and exposing your financial information. So, there’s no real reason to avoid digital wallets altogether. Instead, take precautions.

Secure Your Digital Wallet

Protect your digital wallet and financial information by taking the following steps:

• Download digital wallet apps from official app stores or reputable sources only.
• Regularly update digital wallet apps.
• Use strong passwords or biometric authentication for your digital wallet.
• Enable two-factor authentication when possible.
• Secure the devices linked to your digital wallet and financial information.
• Review your transaction history and statements to detect any unauthorized or suspicious activity.

Digital wallets can be a safe and secure way to make payments. Follow these suggested precautions and be mindful of potential risks.

Need help securing your IT? Hopedale Technologies can help. Contact our experts today at 508-478-6010.

Not all shopping apps are created equally. Often people get excited and install an app without checking privacy practices. Apps can collect more data from your smartphone than you realize. Your data can be at risk whether you use your phone for personal use, business use, or both. So can your privacy.

Shady Data Collection Practices from Popular Shopping App SHEIN

Recently, security experts found a popular shopping app spying on users’ copy-and-paste activity. This app tracked users’ keystrokes, screenshots, and GPS locations. This raises the question: Is your online shopping app invading your privacy?

SHEIN is the app in question, and it’s a popular shopping app with millions of users. According to reports, researchers found the app collected data from users’ clipboards. This included any text that users copied and pasted. This means that if the user copied and pasted sensitive information, the app would have access, including passwords or credit card numbers.

READ MORE: Smart Tips to Stop Money From Being Stolen Through Online Banking

Not only that, but the app was also found to be tracking users’ GPS location. SHEIN also collected data from device sensors, including the accelerometer and gyroscope. This means that the app could track users’ movements and gather information about their use of their devices.

The app’s developers claimed the data collection was for “optimizing user experience.” A very vague explanation that’s used by other app developers as well. The developers stated that the collected data was only used for internal purposes. But this explanation wasn’t enough to please privacy experts. Those experts raised concerns about the app’s data collection practices.

Temu Data Collection Practices Questioned

This isn’t the first time people caught an app grabbing data without users’ knowledge. Many popular apps collect user data, often for targeted advertising purposes.

READ MORE: Is Your Data Breached? What To Do

The popularity of the shopping app Temu has been exploding recently. Since the app appeared in a Superbowl Ad in 2023, people have been flocking to it.

But Temu is another shopping app with questionable data collection practices. Some of the data that Temu collects includes:

• Your name, address, phone number
• Details you enter, like birthday, photo, and social profiles
• Your phone’s operating system and version
• Your IPS address and GPS location (if enabled)
• Your browsing data

So, what can you do to protect your privacy when using online shopping apps? Read on for a few tips.

Tips to Protect Your Privacy When Using Shopping Apps

Know What You’re Getting Into (Read the Privacy Policy)
Yes, it’s hard to stop and read a lengthy privacy policy when you just want to use an app. But if you don’t, you could share much more than you realize.

Before downloading an app, make sure to read its privacy policy. This will give you an idea of what data the app takes and how it’s used. Search keywords like “collect” and “your data” to save time. This can help you jump to data collection details.

READ MORE: Mobile Malware Has Increased 500%

If you do this before you download, you may change your mind. After learning how much data the app collects from you, you may decide it isn’t worth it.

Turn Off Sharing Features
Turn off any data-sharing features you don’t need in your phone’s settings, such as location services. Most smartphones allow you to choose which apps you want to use it with.

Explore both your phone settings and the app’s settings to restrict data sharing as much as possible.

Remove Apps You Don’t Use
Remove apps from your phone if you’re not using them regularly. Having unused apps on your phone is a considerable risk. Those apps can still collect data even if they’re not actively in use—for example, browsing activity or your activity in other mobile apps.

Research Apps Before You Download
It’s easy to get caught up in a fad. You hear your friend talk about an app and want to check it out. But it pays to research before you download. Look up the app and check security and data collection keywords. Inform yourself before downloading an app that might compromise your device data and activity.

Shop on a Website Instead
You can limit the dangerous data collection of shopping apps by using a website instead. Most legitimate companies have an official website. One where you can buy the same things as you can buy using the app.

Few of us are big fans of change. It can be easier to keep going down that same path or use that same computer software; it’s comfortable and familiar. However, as of January 10, 2023, Microsoft has stopped providing support for Windows 8.1, which means you need to change.

It’s time.

If you’re still on Windows 7, you are long overdue. Microsoft stopped providing security updates and technical support for that in January 2020. Microsoft did launch an extended service update (ESU) period for Windows 7, but that’s over, and there’s no ESU program for Windows 8.1.

Microsoft recommends moving to a new device that can run Windows 11. They warn against “performance and reliability issues” with older, unsupported operating systems. Another option? Upgrade your current device and install a newer operating system on it.

READ MORE:Should I Upgrade or Buy a New Computer?

You might be suspicious, thinking, “They just want more of my money,” but the manufacturer has already supported these tools for ten years. Plus, computing is changing enough that they must keep up with new iterations of Windows. Then, they focus on keeping the latest releases updated and secure.

Benefits of Upgrading to Windows 11

Statcounter data in 2023 shows that Windows 11 is only on 15.44 percent of Windows systems. Windows 10 has the majority (over 70 percent), but if you’re one of just under 10 percent of users still on Windows 7, make the change now.

Cybercriminals know that people will wait to make the change, and they find ways to exploit the weaknesses of unsupported software. You are particularly vulnerable when relying on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

READ MORE:End of Windows 7:  Protect Yourself From Tech Support Scams

Windows 11 is the latest Microsoft offering. They have worked to reduce risk from the latest cybersecurity threats. With Windows 11, you can better protect your files and cut the risk of today’s viruses and malware.

The new operating system is built to be more efficient. Microsoft has tweaked the Windows layout and navigation to help users find what they need and perform tasks more efficiently.

READ MORE:Cool Windows 11 Features That May Make You Love This OS

Not sure what version of Windows you’re using? In the bottom left of your screen, click the Start Menu and press the Windows button on your keyboard. Then, type “system.” Click either the System or System Information icon. Your Windows version is listed at the top of the open window.

Upgrading to Windows 11 from 7 or 8 isn’t free. Only Windows 10 users can upgrade at no cost. Also, to upgrade to a Windows 11-compatible device, you’ll need to get a security chip called TPM 2.0. You’ll unlikely find that chip on a computer over four years old.

Hopedale Technologies stocks desktops and laptops with the newest chip technology. We also can special order just what you need from our suppliers.

Deepfake has gone mainstream. You’ve probably seen a movie or TV show with a character complaining about images or videos that look real. You should also be wary of deepfake voice scams.

Deepfake is a mashup of the words deep learning and fake. The technology uses artificial intelligence and machine deep-learning algorithms. This can create convincing representations of people for special effects or silly videos, but these fake videos or images can also be more dangerous.

Malicious deepfakes spread false information or can defame or scam people. We’d like to discuss that in more detail here: Deepfake voice scams.

This type of scam manipulates synthesized speech to convince you someone is saying something they didn’t actually say. This increasingly common scam tricks you into providing sensitive information or sending money.

Criminals first record a voice sample from their victim. They might use speeches, TikTok or YouTube videos, podcasts, or phone conversations. Then, they turn to a tool such as ElevenLabs, Resemble, Overdub, ReadSpeaker, or Voice.ai. These platforms analyze speech patterns and create a voice mimicking the original. The bad actors can then generate a new speech that sounds like the original speaker said it. They script it, and the Ai voice says it.

READ MORE:  Don’t  Be Scammed by Smishing

Examples of deepfake scams include creating a voice that mimics a family member. They’ll script a request for help in an emergency. Or you might get a call from a lawyer claiming to need payment to help defend a family member.

You might also hear from a celebrity who wants you to donate to their charity. The fake voice might also ask for sensitive information such as banking details. After all, who wouldn’t trust Liam Neeson if he called personally?

READ MORE:  4 Simple Tips for Safe Internet Banking

A tech support scam is another common one. The scammer creates a voice for a customer support rep from a prominent company. They request remote access to your computer to “fix” a non-existent problem. Instead, they’ll steal sensitive information such as login credentials or install malware.

How to defend against deepfake scams?

This technology does a good job, and the scam can be very convincing. Be cautious of unexpected requests for personal information or money made by phone. Be especially suspicious if the request appeals to you emotionally to act now.

READ MORE:  6 Ways to Combat Social Phishing Attacks

Confirm before you share sensitive data or transfer money. For example, if you’re asked to pay a lawyer to help out your grandson in an accident, check in with him first. Or, if someone calls from your internet service provider, use a trusted phone number to confirm their authenticity.

We can help you combat deepfake scams. We can install email and web filtering, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and endpoint protection. Hopedale Technologies can also watch networks for signs of attack and respond to cut potential damage. Call us today at 508-478-6010.

Ransomware headlines focus on interrupted hospital services or downtime at major companies. But ransomware can just as easily infect your home computer.

You may think the bad guys wouldn’t care about your residential system, but you’d be wrong, especially now. Think of all the people at home connecting remotely to business networks. Plus, kids are a weak cyber protection link as they don’t fully understand the risks.

When you’re a victim of ransomware, you can’t do anything on your computer. Cybercriminals encrypt your files and demand you pay a ransom to unlock your device. They’ll often ask for cryptocurrency in return for the encryption key.

How to prevent home ransomware

Ransomware in residential homes may not grab headlines, but it’s still going to be big news at your house. Any computers connected to the home network with the ability to save to one another could be infected.

Malware may infect your devices, and you might not even know it. You need a cybersecurity solution for your home that looks where you can’t. Strong antivirus software uses machine learning that supports anti-ransomware. This artificial intelligence (AI) reviews a database of known threats before running new files on your computer, detecting and blocking any malware before it runs. We recommend business-grade VIPRE Managed Antivirus for the best protection.

You’ll also need to have a good backup plan. Don’t risk losing access to your precious family photos and important documents. Instead, follow the best practices of backup and use a 3-2-1 backup strategy. This means having 3 copies of your data. Two of these should be located on different devices like your computer and a portable backup drive. The other backup copy should be secured offsite in the cloud. Making frequent backups and keeping them separate from your network can help preserve your data in the event of a malware attack. Could your backups survive a ransomware attack?

For home cloud backup, we like iDrive. You can set this program to run automatically, so your off-site backup is always protected. We also offer business-grade managed backup that is monitored by Hopedale Technologies.

Always be on the lookout

Phishing is the top way ransomware infiltrates a computer. Cybercriminals mimic reputable companies and create emails that look like they are coming from a trusted website. Unsuspecting recipients open the familiar-looking message and click on their fraudulent links.

Caution everyone, especially kids, against clicking on links or downloading attachments, especially if the email makes an urgent or emotional appeal.

You can also stay safe by being careful of what websites you visit. One type of ransomware gets you to download and install the software, while another installs it without you knowing when you visit an infected site. When online, look for the lock icon before the domain name, indicating encrypted Web traffic. And avoid clicking on any download links on the sites you visit. Need more ideas to stay safe online? Check out 7 Tips for Better Cybersecurity.