IT Services Archives

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Windows 10’s End Forces UK SMEs to Rethink Technology

The end of Windows 10 support in October has prompted UK small businesses to reconsider their technology and security measures. Brian Horsburgh from Dell highlights the urgency for firms to upgrade to Windows 11 and integrate AI into their operations. Statistics show that 43% of businesses experienced a cyber breach last year, with 46% of IT decision-makers citing high-profile incidents as reasons to refresh their PC fleets. Despite budget concerns, Dell is addressing hesitations by showcasing the benefits of AI technology, such as improved productivity and security. AI PCs with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) enhance data security and streamline operations, allowing for tasks like automatic meeting note summarization. Dell offers flexible financing options to ease the financial burden of upgrading. The company promotes a phased approach to digital transformation, encouraging businesses to automate repetitive tasks and partner with technology providers for expert guidance. By leveraging AI, small businesses can improve customer experiences and make data-driven decisions, positioning themselves competitively in the market.

Winsage

October 13, 2025

Repair Advocates Tell Microsoft: Stop the ‘End of Windows 10’

Microsoft reports a 62% reduction in security incidents with Windows 11 compared to Windows 10. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for devices meeting hardware specifications, and an extended security update program for Windows 10 users is available until October 13, 2026. Critics, including CALPIRG, argue that the transition could lead to increased electronic waste, as many of the estimated 400 million Windows 10 users may lack the necessary hardware for the upgrade. Concerns include potential security risks when Windows 10 no longer receives updates, leading to discarded computers. Advocacy efforts have previously resulted in extended security updates for U.S. schools and free updates for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area. The right to repair movement has initiated the End of 10 initiative to assist users in migrating to Linux. Some IT professionals view the transition as a necessary evolution in technology, emphasizing the importance of upgrading for security reasons.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Forrester study reveals Windows 365 Link enhances productivity and security, projects ROI up to 195%

Shared PCs have challenges in security, compliance, and IT support due to the lack of individual logins. Windows 365 Link, launched in April 2025, aims to address these issues by providing a secure, cloud-powered Windows experience for shared environments. A Forrester study commissioned by Microsoft indicates that implementing Windows 365 Link can yield a return on investment of up to 195% over six years for organizations with 2,000 employees and 500 contractors. The projected financial benefits include: - End-user productivity gains: 22%-30% of unproductive time saved, translating to .4 million – .3 million. - Strengthened security: Savings of .5 million – .7 million from devices without local data and passwordless authentication. - Reduced hardware costs: Savings of .8 million – .2 million over six years by transitioning from traditional desktops. - IT time savings: Up to 90% savings on provisioning and decommissioning tasks, amounting to .9 million – .5 million. - Accelerated onboarding: Savings of ,000 – ,000 from faster onboarding of new desk-based workers. Users reported significant improvements in productivity, security, and cost-effectiveness with Windows 365 Link, citing reduced setup times and enhanced operational efficiency. The device is managed via Microsoft Intune, enhancing security by eliminating local administrators. Windows 365 Link is expected to be more cost-effective than traditional laptops or desktops, with an extended lifecycle. Availability is expanding to new markets, including Denmark, France, India, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland later this year.

Tech Optimizer

May 29, 2025

Sophos warns MSPs over DragonForce threat

Sophos has warned managed service providers (MSPs) about their vulnerability to ransomware attacks targeting remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools. They reported a ransomware incident involving DragonForce, where attackers accessed the SimpleHelp RMM to deploy ransomware across multiple endpoints and exfiltrate sensitive data using a double extortion strategy. An alert was triggered by a suspicious SimpleHelp installer file pushed through the MSP's legitimate RMM instance. MSPs utilizing Sophos's managed detection and response (MDR) services successfully prevented hacker access, while those without security investments were impacted by the ransomware and data exfiltration. Following the incident, the affected MSP sought help from Sophos Rapid Response for digital forensics. Mark Appleton from Also Cloud UK stressed the importance of MSPs investing in advanced exposure management tools to mitigate cyber threats, noting that endpoints are primary targets for breaches. He highlighted the significance of continuous threat exposure management as essential for MSPs to protect themselves and their clients from attacks.

Tech Optimizer

May 28, 2025

Watch out – that antivirus website could be a fake, and infecting your PC with malware

Researchers have discovered a fraudulent website, "bitdefender-download[.]com," posing as Bitdefender antivirus, which is used to distribute the VenomRAT Remote Access Trojan. The site, hosted on an Amazon S3 bucket, tricks users into downloading harmful software through an executable file named "StoreInstaller.exe," which is linked to VenomRAT and contains code from post-exploitation frameworks SilentTrinity and StormKitty stealer. VenomRAT allows cybercriminals to gain unauthorized control over Windows systems, steal sensitive information, log keystrokes, access webcams, and execute commands remotely. The primary goal of this campaign is to steal cryptocurrency by compromising credentials and crypto wallets. The investigation also found connections to other fraudulent operations impersonating banks and IT services, including the Armenian IDBank and the Royal Bank of Canada.

Tech Optimizer

May 28, 2025

Hackers Mimic Popular Antivirus Site to Deliver VenomRAT & Steal Finance Data

Cybercriminals are executing a sophisticated malware campaign through a counterfeit Bitdefender antivirus website, specifically the domain “bitdefender-download[.]co,” which mimics the legitimate site. This fraudulent site distributes three types of malware: VenomRAT, StormKitty, and SilentTrinity, aimed at stealing financial data and maintaining persistent access to victims’ computers. When users click the “Download For Windows” button, they inadvertently download a ZIP file containing these malicious programs. VenomRAT acts as a remote access tool, allowing attackers to steal files, cryptocurrency wallets, and browser data, including credit card information. StormKitty quickly harvests sensitive credentials, while SilentTrinity provides stealthy long-term access for further exploitation. The fake Bitdefender site is linked to other malicious domains impersonating banks, indicating a coordinated phishing operation. The attackers utilize the same command and control infrastructure, with the IP address 67.217.228.160:4449 identified as a connection point. Bitdefender is working to take down the fraudulent site, and Google Chrome has begun flagging the link as malicious. Security experts recommend verifying website authenticity and downloading software only from official sources.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Slack Rolls Out ‘Mark as Read’ Option in Notifications for Android App

Slack is introducing a "Mark as Read" option in the notification window for its Android app, allowing users to mark messages as read directly from notifications without opening the app. This feature is currently being rolled out to Android users, while desktop users have had similar functionality through keyboard shortcuts. The update is part of a phased rollout, meaning not all users will have access immediately. Additionally, Slack recently launched 25 new AI applications in its marketplace to enhance productivity across various professional tasks.

Tech Optimizer

November 28, 2024

The Black Friday 2024 Cybersecurity, IT, VPN, & Antivirus Deals

As Black Friday 2024 approaches, various deals are being offered in computer security, software, online education, and IT services. VPN Deals: - NordVPN: 74% discount on a 2-year subscription, total cost .73 (.49/month). - SurfShark: 86% off a 2-year subscription, total cost .72. - ProtonVPN: Discounts up to 70%, varying by subscription length. Antivirus Software Deals: - Avast Software: Up to 70% off antivirus software. - ESET: Up to 50% off antivirus software. - Malwarebytes: 50% discount on 1-year or 2-year subscriptions. IT and Security Courses Deals: - PuralSight: 50% discount on yearly subscriptions for programming and IT courses. - Udemy: Courses available for .99 through November 29th. Security & IT Black Friday Deals: - Any.Run: Additional licenses or TI lookups at the same price. - DeleteMe: 25% discount with coupon code BFCM25OFF. - Firewalla: Discount on sitewide purchases and additional discount on specific firewall solutions with coupon code FWBFCMPURPLE2024. - Hak5 Store: Deals on items like the Lan Turtle and O.MG Elite Gift Pack. - Incogni: 58% discount on its annual plan. - LastPass: Up to 40% off on various LastPass products. - Yubico: Discounts on orders over 0 or €25 off on purchases exceeding €100.

AppWizard

September 24, 2024

Mobile device security: download the Outlook app prior to Oct. 1 | Marquette Today

Information Technology Services is enhancing mobile device security at Marquette University. Employees must download the Outlook app by Tuesday, October 1, when it becomes mandatory for accessing Marquette email. Apple device users should also download and configure Microsoft Authenticator, while Android users need to download and set up the Intune Company Portal before the deadline. The university does not access personal information on devices, such as text messages or browsing history. For Apple devices: Download Outlook and Microsoft Authenticator. For Android devices: Download the Intune Company Portal, then download Outlook from the Company Portal store. Mobile Application Management (MAM) secures specific applications on personal devices accessing university Microsoft 365 apps, while Mobile Device Management (MDM) is used for Marquette-owned devices to secure application data and device settings. Both MDM and MAM are crucial for maintaining the integrity of university data, especially with the risk of loss or theft of mobile devices. A detailed FAQ section is available on the IT Services website for further clarification. Marquette-owned devices utilize MDM, while personally-owned devices use MAM. MDM allows for more extensive control, including resetting lost devices and viewing device names, while MAM focuses on securing specific applications without managing the device itself.

Tech Optimizer

July 25, 2024

Crunchy Data Goes All-In With Postgres

Crunchy Data has been building a Postgres hosting business for transactional workloads for over a decade and is now aiming to take Postgres into the realm of analytics.