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Ways MSPs are empowering businesses amid a global crisisTo make it through the heightened economic uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are protecting their cash flows and focusing on their core competencies. Managed IT services providers (MSPs) are lending a hand, too — by empowering remote teams and helping small businesses leverage technology to keep operating despite the myriad challenges. Here’s […]

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Ways MSPs are empowering businesses amid a global crisis

To make it through the heightened economic uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are protecting their cash flows and focusing on their core competencies. Managed IT services providers (MSPs) are lending a hand, too — by empowering remote teams and helping small businesses leverage technology to keep operating despite the myriad challenges. Here’s exactly what MSPs are doing.

Providing infrastructure and service desk capabilities

In today’s digital work landscape, MSPs are keeping their noses to the grindstone to fulfill customer demands and help keep businesses running. While many small companies have taken the first step of transitioning to remote work, they still need help managing the logistics.

Right now, MSPs are providing customers with IT infrastructures and taking on a host of network tasks, including configuring hardware, establishing remote connections, and managing backup and storage options, among other activities. These all help to ensure that company networks are reliable enough to facilitate a remote workforce.

MSPs are also offering service desk capabilities, providing companies with a centralized resource for employees, customers, and business partners to answer questions, troubleshoot problems, and facilitate solutions. Appropriate and timely support is crucial, especially in times of great uncertainty.

Simplifying cloud adoption

Cloud solutions are ideal if IT environments must be quickly modified to meet changing demands or difficulties, which is why MSPs are now helping businesses leverage a variety of cloud technologies and even move their data and applications online.

And because cloud migration can get complex, many MSPs are also offering managed migration plans that help companies transition key workflows and processes to the cloud safely and efficiently.

Offering remote support where possible

The current travel restrictions and social distancing measures make work-related travel difficult and risky. And with highly distributed workforces, many companies would rather source local service technicians for break/fix assistance, cabling, and other IT solutions.

Partnering with MSPs ensures that systems and networks are protected all the time and critical support is provided within 24 hours. What’s even better is that some providers have technicians in different locations, making it easy to provide tools, resources, and support even in hard-to-reach areas.

Delivering flexible solutions

As business needs continue to shift, MSPs must move in lockstep and provide support wherever they can. Here are some other ways MSPs are helping their clients navigate these trying times:

Assisting with IT projects
Because of how broad and challenging IT projects can be, it’s not uncommon for companies to lack the right skills and resources to handle them. MSPs are helping them by providing the expertise and technologies needed to pursue these projects, allowing companies to keep moving forward.

Foregoing long-term contracts
Some companies need IT support and services but can’t afford to commit to long-term contracts. Similarly, some want to augment their IT only for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. What's great is many MSPs are providing flexible IT solutions, giving customers all the services and support they need, when they need them.

Offering faster response times
Especially now that downtime could likely spell the end of a business, companies seek quick turnaround times. Since MSPs typically offer 24/7 support and tout specialists with a wide range of experience and knowledge, they can proactively address issues and ensure that IT infrastructures are working as efficiently as possible.

Providing better customer service

As many businesses are still adjusting to the new normal, providing positive customer experiences will go a long way to earning trust and ensuring customer loyalty post-crisis. By being compassionate and empathetic to the situations of their customers, MSPs are showing companies that they're navigating these trying times together.

Call our IT experts today to help configure the perfect remote work setup for your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Ways MSPs are empowering businesses amid a global crisis appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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How to bypass the Windows 10 v2004 update blockSome PC users are being blocked by Microsoft from updating their systems to the latest version of Windows 10, the May 2020 Update. The company has acknowledged the presence of some known issues preventing the update from being installed on some PCs. Here’s what you need to know. Known issues The update block is present […]

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How to bypass the Windows 10 v2004 update block

Some PC users are being blocked by Microsoft from updating their systems to the latest version of Windows 10, the May 2020 Update. The company has acknowledged the presence of some known issues preventing the update from being installed on some PCs. Here’s what you need to know.

Known issues

The update block is present on devices such as the Surface Pro X and 7, Surface Laptop 3, and Surface Book 3, according to a test by The Verge. The block is also present on other devices with the following configurations:

  1. PCs with games using GameInput Redistributable. Installing the Windows 10 May 2020 Update on these systems may result in mouse input loss.
  2. Always On, Always Connected PCs. Devices with more than one Always On, Always Connected network adapter may experience unexpected restarts.
  3. PCs with integrated Intel graphics. Systems may encounter substandard variable refresh rates after installing the update.
  4. Systems with Conexant or Synaptics audio drivers. PCs may display a blue screen of death (BSOD) error message if the May 2020 Update is installed.
  5. PCs with older drivers for Nvidia display adapters. Devices with GPU drivers with a version below 358.00 may encounter some performance issues.
  6. Devices using Thunderbolt docks. PCs may display a BSOD error message if the May 2020 Update is installed.
  7. PCs with certain Realtek drivers. These Windows 10 devices may be unable to connect to more than one Bluetooth device.

Microsoft has also identified issues with the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) service and Input Method Editors (IME) with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update.

If your PC has not yet received any update notification, or if you’ve checked for updates on Windows Update without any luck, it’s likely that your device is encountering issues with the May 2020 Update. As a result, Microsoft is only offering the update to compatible devices and currently resolving issues on other PCs.

How to bypass the update block

If your device is currently blocked but you still want to install the May 2020 Update, you can get it through the Windows 10 Update Assistant. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to the Windows 10 download page.
  2. Under the header “Windows 10 May 2020 Update,” click on the Update now button and wait for a file to download.
  3. Open the file. This will bring up the Windows 10 Update Assistant program.
  4. The program will check for updates. Click on the Update now button once done.
  5. The tool will check if your system meets the update requirements. Click Next.
  6. Wait for the program to download and install the Windows 10 May 2020 Update.

You can also download Windows 10 through Microsoft’s Media Creation tool to use on another PC, burn to a DVD, or save to an external hard disk or thumb drive. We advise you take extra precautions, however, especially if Windows found potential compatibility problems with your system.

If you want to learn more about the latest Windows 10 update and how to deploy it on your business PCs, give us a call today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post How to bypass the Windows 10 v2004 update block appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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Researchers uncover new strain of Android malwareThe Android operating system (OS) relies on an open-source code that allows users and manufacturers to modify their phones’ or tablets’ OSs. The problem is, Android’s open-sourced nature also makes it susceptible to cyberthreats. Recently, security experts found DEFENSOR ID — a new type of Android malware exploiting the system's Accessibility Services. What is DEFENSOR […]

The post Researchers uncover new strain of Android malware appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Researchers uncover new strain of Android malware

The Android operating system (OS) relies on an open-source code that allows users and manufacturers to modify their phones’ or tablets’ OSs. The problem is, Android’s open-sourced nature also makes it susceptible to cyberthreats. Recently, security experts found DEFENSOR ID — a new type of Android malware exploiting the system's Accessibility Services.

What is DEFENSOR ID?

DEFENSOR ID is a banking Trojan that minimizes its malicious capabilities to sneak past security checks and infiltrate the Google Play Store. The malware’s primary function is to request access to an Android device’s Accessibility Service, which would allow hackers to execute a variety of commands.

For starters, if unwitting users grant access to DEFENSOR ID, the malware can observe any launched apps and send sensitive information back to hackers. This means hackers can steal anything from passwords and private emails to banking information and one-time SMS activation codes for two-step verification processes.

DEFENSOR ID also allows hackers to remotely uninstall apps, launch programs, and perform gestures (e.g., tap, swipe, click) within the launched program. In theory, this feature can enable hackers to empty a victim’s bank account with minimal effort.

What’s more, the Trojan extends the lock screen timeout to 10 minutes so that cybercriminals have enough time to perform their malicious operations.

Beware of apps leveraging Accessibility Services

According to researchers, DEFENSOR ID targeted Brazilian users and was downloaded over a dozen times. But despite its small success rate, it’s possible that more malware will leverage these techniques to steal sensitive information and control user devices. In fact, earlier in 2020, McAfee researchers discovered Android/LeifAccess malware that exploited Accessibility Services to leave fake reviews on the Google Play Store.

Plus, a common Android issue is that many independent software developers can upload their apps to the Google Play Store and easily circumvent security checks. So, if users aren’t thoroughly vetting the apps they download onto their devices, attacks similar to DEFENSOR ID will become more widespread.

Malware that can abuse Accessibility Services may even give rise to more deceptive online scams or massive-scale data breaches that can shut down businesses.

How to defend against DEFENSOR ID

Developing a healthy skepticism of apps in the Google Play Store is the best way to prevent malware attacks like DEFENSOR ID. This involves training your staff to get in the habit of evaluating an app before downloading it. More specifically, they should be verifying whether user reviews seem authentic, checking the total ratings and downloads, and consulting with security experts whether an app is safe.

Businesses should also use endpoint security software to control what apps users can install on their company-registered devices. By limiting downloads to a few, fully verified apps, you can minimize your company’s exposure to mobile malware.

If you want to keep your business safe from malware and other cyberthreats, it’s in your best interest to call cybersecurity experts like us. Not only do we provide top-notch security solutions, but we also offer proactive maintenance services to protect your IT at all times.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Researchers uncover new strain of Android malware appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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Are you tracking your Android’s data use?If you’re frustrated that you still have to deal with mobile data limitations in 2020, so are we. Sure, there are service plans that offer unlimited data, but they’re often expensive and throttle internet speeds after a certain threshold. Check out these tips for monitoring your mobile data usage so you can stretch it further. […]

The post Are you tracking your Android’s data use? appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Are you tracking your Android’s data use?

If you’re frustrated that you still have to deal with mobile data limitations in 2020, so are we. Sure, there are service plans that offer unlimited data, but they’re often expensive and throttle internet speeds after a certain threshold. Check out these tips for monitoring your mobile data usage so you can stretch it further.

Here are three things you can do to track and subsequently optimize the amount of data you are using on your Android device.

Tip #1: Turn off or limit your mobile data consumption

Using Wi-Fi is one of the easiest ways to reduce data consumption. These networks are everywhere nowadays, even malls and shopping centers often offer free Wi-Fi. In fact, Android devices can automatically switch between Wi-Fi and cellular connections. There is a chance, though, that your phone may lose a Wi-Fi connection and switch to a data network without your knowledge.

Preempt this issue by disabling mobile data entirely. You can often accomplish this by pressing your finger along the top of the screen and dragging downward to reveal important phone settings, including enabling or disabling mobile data.

Another option is to open your Android’s Settings app and search for the menu that contains your mobile data configurations. From there, you can turn off data entirely or set data limitations based on your service plan’s allowance.

Tip #2: Limit background data

Even if you don’t realize it, many of your apps use data while your Android device is locked. They keep running in the background and their data usage can take significant chunks out of your monthly allowance. To limit the use of background data, follow these steps:

  1. Open your Android’s Settings app.
  2. Select the Apps menu (the name varies based on the device manufacturer; look for the menu that lists all your apps).
  3. Tap on an app that you don’t want to use background data.
  4. Select Restrict app background data.

The Apps menu provides plenty of information about how much data various apps are using, both in the foreground and background. Even if you don’t use this menu to configure background data allowances, it’s a great place to learn about data hogs.

Tip #3: Use Chrome’s data compression

All Android devices have the Google Chrome web browser installed right out of the box. Before you consider trying another browser, keep in mind that Chrome has some of the best data-saving features. For example, when data compression is enabled, the websites you visit are sent to Google’s servers to ensure they are optimized for mobile devices and unnecessary information is removed.

To turn this feature on, take these steps:

  1. Open the Chrome app.
  2. Tap the button with three dots in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Settings > Data Saver.
  4. Toggle the On switch.

Google claims this can save up to 60% of data usage in the browser and that it detects malicious websites and harmful content.

There are dozens of other ways you can protect yourself and save data when using your Android device. If you’d like additional assistance, contact us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Are you tracking your Android’s data use? appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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