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Windows 10 versions: How are they different?Buyers are not short of choices when it comes to Windows products. Apart from the long list of apps available in the Microsoft Store, there are also multiple options for the Windows 10 operating system (OS). Windows 10 comes in different tiers — Home, Pro, and S — and each was made to address specific […]

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Windows 10 versions: How are they different?

Buyers are not short of choices when it comes to Windows products. Apart from the long list of apps available in the Microsoft Store, there are also multiple options for the Windows 10 operating system (OS). Windows 10 comes in different tiers — Home, Pro, and S — and each was made to address specific needs and lifestyles. Choosing the right Windows 10 version can be confusing, so we’ve made it simpler by listing the similarities and differences of each.

Windows 10 Home

As its name suggests, Windows 10 Home is designed for home and personal use. It comes bundled with key Windows 10 features, such as the Microsoft Edge browser and the voice-enabled virtual assistant Cortana. It also gives access to Microsoft's cloud storage service OneDrive and provides 5 GB of cloud storage per individual user. However, Windows 10 Home doesn’t come with Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Instead, it gives you a 30-day free trial of Microsoft 365.

In terms of security, Home has fairly basic protections. It has Windows Defender Antivirus software, Windows Hello biometric logins that use face or fingerprint authentication, and rudimentary device encryption to keep data breaches at bay. Those with multiple Windows devices will also love the mobile device management app, which allows them to track and control app usage for connected smartphones and tablets.

To explore new apps, Home users can sign up for the Windows Insider program, but since this version is light on features, there is usually a limited selection of early release apps to play with.

Windows 10 Pro

If you plan to use your computer for work, the Pro version is the right OS for you. One of its most notable features is Hyper-V, which allows you to create virtual machines (VMs) on Windows 10. These VMs can be used to deliver computing resources from a powerful computer to other machines connected to the network, making resource provisioning a breeze.

Considering that businesses are usually targeted by cybercriminals, Windows 10 Pro offers more robust security than Home. In addition to Windows Defender, this version comes with whole disk encryption, Enterprise Data Protection, and Azure Active Directory — an identity management service used to set up and enforce access policies for apps and devices.

Rolling out updates for all computers is also incredibly easy with Pro’s Windows Update for Business service. From a central console, you can manage how and when Windows 10 devices are updated so that they don’t disrupt day-to-day operations.

Windows 10 S

Windows 10 S is focused on simplicity, security, and speed. More specifically, it greatly restricts security and other settings, resulting in faster performance. In fact, while S-powered computers have fewer features than Pro, they are reported to boot 15 seconds faster than Pro machines.

Windows 10 S’s relatively low hardware requirements make it perfect for startups and schools that tend to purchase low-cost PCs. And if you want more features, you can upgrade from 10 S at an affordable price.

What sets 10 S apart from the other Windows 10 versions is that it can only run applications available on the Windows Store. What’s more, it requires you to use Microsoft Edge for surfing the web. Although these restrictions mean you don’t get to enjoy third-party apps, it also protects users from downloading dangerous apps and helps Microsoft easily root out malware.

Still not sure about which Windows 10 version you should purchase? Contact our experts today to get deeper insight. We’ll even install and maintain Windows for you so you can focus on being productive!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Here’s why you need a VPN and how to choose oneInstalling antivirus software and using strong passwords are no longer considered the bare minimum in cybersecurity. With your online activities transparent to internet service providers, third parties, and hackers alike, it’s important to keep your information secure and private by using a virtual private network (VPN). Here’s why. What is a VPN? A VPN creates […]

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Here’s why you need a VPN and how to choose one

Installing antivirus software and using strong passwords are no longer considered the bare minimum in cybersecurity. With your online activities transparent to internet service providers, third parties, and hackers alike, it’s important to keep your information secure and private by using a virtual private network (VPN). Here’s why.

What is a VPN?

A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the websites you visit on the internet. Once you’ve established your PC’s connection to a VPN server, your computer acts as if it’s using the same local connection as the VPN, making it seem as if you’re in a different location. As far as websites are concerned, you’re browsing from that server’s geographical location and not your PC’s actual location.

When you surf the web through a VPN, all the data transmitted and received is also encrypted, preventing anyone, from hackers to government agencies, from monitoring your online activities.

Why should you have a VPN?

Security and privacy are the main reasons you would want a VPN. For example, if you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network — like the ones at local cafes and airports — using a VPN encrypts the information you’re sending or accessing online. This means your credit card details, login credentials, private conversations, or sensitive documents can’t be intercepted by a third party.

VPNs are also useful for accessing geo-restricted websites. If you’re traveling abroad and certain US websites are blocked in that region, you can connect to a VPN located in the United States to access the sites you need.

How do you choose a VPN?

Given the increasing demand for secure online privacy, VPNs are surging in popularity. The following considerations can help you find the right one.

1. Cost
While free VPNs are available, it’s best to avoid them as they could keep logs of your internet activity. In some cases, data collected by free VPNs are sold to data brokers or worse, cybercriminals. Additionally, maintaining a VPN service is also expensive, which means the free ones will likely plaster ads on your browser to make a quick buck.

Paid VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN often come with more robust features and configurations that keep you secure. Prices differ depending on a VPN’s features and subscription length, and how you pay is also important. Some VPNs offer anonymous payment systems like Bitcoin, while others allow you to use gift cards to avoid giving out your personal information.

2. Location
The physical location of VPN servers is important if you want to access region-blocked websites. So if you’re planning on accessing a UK-based service, your VPN provider must at least have servers located in London.

3. Capacity
Read through a VPN provider’s terms of service to determine how much data you’re allowed to use. If possible, find out how many servers a VPN provider has. If they have plenty of servers online, you can rest assured that they have the capacity to support your internet browsing.

4. Device compatibility
Another important factor to consider is whether the VPN can be used across multiple devices. Nowadays, employees work on laptops, tablets, and smartphones, so you’ll want a VPN that’s compatible with various types of devices.

5. IP leaking
Beyond the fundamental nuts and bolts of the VPN protocol, there are other challenges like dealing with leaky tunnels, which means your IP address could be tracked. A great way to evaluate a VPN service is to sign up for their free trial service and visit IP Leak. This will allow you to check whether your real IP address is being leaked. If it tracks your physical location, you should opt for a more reliable VPN service.

VPNs are now a vital component of cybersecurity, and if you need help in selecting the right one for your business, consult with our security experts today. We also offer comprehensive cybersecurity services so no hacker or third party can get their hands on your data.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Watch out for distributed spam distractionA lot of people get a handful of spam in their email inboxes every day. While spam can be a nuisance, it only takes a few minutes to delete or block spam. But if you receive tens of thousands of spam all at the same time, a huge chunk of your time and energy will […]

The post Watch out for distributed spam distraction appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Watch out for distributed spam distraction

A lot of people get a handful of spam in their email inboxes every day. While spam can be a nuisance, it only takes a few minutes to delete or block spam. But if you receive tens of thousands of spam all at the same time, a huge chunk of your time and energy will be wasted on dealing with them — and they might actually be hiding telltale signs that you're being attacked by cybercriminals. This tactic is called distributed spam distraction (DSD), and here’s what you need to know about it.

What is DSD?

DSD is a type of attack wherein cybercriminals inundate email inboxes with as many as 60,000 spam emails. These emails don’t contain dangerous links, ads, or attachments, just random excerpts of text taken from books and websites. But because of the sheer volume of these emails, deleting and blocking each one of them can be daunting. And worse, the email and IP addresses used to send them are all different, so victims can’t simply block a specific sender.

While these spam messages may seem like harmless annoyances, their true purpose is to draw victims’ attention away from what hackers are doing behind the scenes — which is to steal and use your personally identifiable information to conduct a raft of illegal activities. These include stealing money from your bank account or making unauthorized purchases in your name. In a DSD attack, the thousands of spam emails you get serve as a smokescreen that hides payment confirmation messages.

New tactics

Over the years, hackers have developed new DSD tactics. Several reports show that instead of nonsensical emails, hackers are using automated software to have their targets sign up for thousands of free accounts and newsletters to distract them with authentic messages. This allows DSD blasts to slip past spam filters that weed out the malicious code and text used in traditional DSD attacks.

Also, anyone can go on the dark web and pay for DSD services. For as little as $40, you can get a hacker to send out 20,000 spam emails to a specific target. All you need to do is provide the hacker with your target’s name, email address, and credit card number — all of which can also be purchased on the dark web.

How to protect yourself from DSD

DSD is a clear sign that your account has been hijacked, so whenever you receive dozens of emails in quick succession, contact your bank to cancel any unfamiliar transactions and change your login credentials as soon as possible. Also, you should update your anti-spam software (or get one if you don’t have one) to protect your inbox from future DSD attacks.

Hackers only initiate DSD attacks after they’ve obtained their target’s email address and personal information, so make sure your accounts and identity are well protected online. You should regularly change your passwords and PINs, enable multifactor authentication, set up SMS and/or email alerts for whenever online purchases are made in your name, and be careful about sharing personal information with others.

DSD is just one of many cyberthreats out there. For expert advice on how to ensure your safety and security online, get in touch with our team of IT professionals.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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