In a world where technology constantly evolves, Microsoft stands at the forefront. It continues to pioneer innovations. Innovations that transform how we interact with our digital universe. The fall Windows 11 update is a testament to Microsoft's commitment to excellence. It’s more than just an upgrade. It's a leap into the future of computing. Microsoft touts it as “The most personal Windows 11 experience.” Let’s explore some of the great features that make this update so significant. Microsoft Copilot: Your Intelligent Partner in Creativity A standout feature of the fall Windows 11 update is Microsoft Copilot. This AI-driven marvel is like your personal PC assistant. Need help summarizing a web page? Want to change to dark mode, but forgot how? Looking for a quick custom image for a social media post? Microsoft Copilot can do all that and more. Image credit: Microsoft Copilot is seamlessly integrated into Windows 11. It offers real-time suggestions and turns ideas into reality with remarkable ease. Ask it what you need, and the AI engine gets to work.
Updated Apps (Paint, Snipping Tool, Clipchamp & More) Have you ever wished that Windows’ Snipping Tool could do more? This update grants that wish. The Snipping Tool is just one of many to get an AI upgrade. Look for new capabilities in Paint, Clipchamp, and Photos. Get a unique image from inputting a text prompt and style. The Cocreator tool in Paint makes it easy to jumpstart your creativity. It will generate the image, then you can edit it in the same app. Microsoft Clipchamp is one of the easiest video creator tools out there. You can now just drag in your assets and clips. Then, click to have the AI engine work its magic to create a video for you. The new Clipchamp Auto Compose feature can: • Recommend scenes • Make edits • Create a narrative based on your inputs Easy Data Migration with Windows Backup When you buy a new computer, moving data can be a pain. It can take hours to move your “pc life” between devices. And there’s always the risk you’ll miss something. The new Windows Backup feature makes moving between computers easier. You can choose backup options and folders. When ready to move, it’s a simple process. You can restore the new PC from another backed-up PC. Microsoft Edge: A Faster and More Secure Browsing Experience Microsoft Edge received significant enhancements. These focus on speed, responsiveness, and security. The Edge Secure Network feature offers more gigabytes. Microsoft increased user storage from 1GB to 5GB. This function encrypts your internet connection to secure data. Edge Secure Network has many features of a VPN. This is great for extra online security. It’s also helpful for companies trying to prevent breaches from clicks on phishing links. Save Energy & Battery Power A feature called Adaptive Dimming is another enhancement of this update. Your screen slowly dims if you’re no longer paying attention. This has the dual benefit of saving energy and helping you refocus. PC sensors power this feature as well as two others. So, it’s going to be more common with newer computers. The other two features that use sensors are: • Wake on Approach • Lock on Leave A More Personal Windows 11 Experience Beyond the technical innovations, this update brings more. Including a more personal touch to the user experience. Tailored to individual preferences, Windows 11 becomes an extension of the user's identity. This includes things like: • Personalized themes • Custom widgets • Intelligent assistants Every interaction feels curated and intuitive. It makes for a truly personalized operating system. Other Cool Enhancements There’s a lot of excitement packed into Windows 11. Here are a few more new features you can explore. • Copilot in Microsoft Shopping: Find what you need fast when shopping online. Bing will provide tailored recommendations based on your requests. • Content Credentials: Add an invisible digital watermark to your AI-generated images in Bing. Cryptographic methods help you tag your work. • Bing Chat Enterprise Updates: Boost work creativity and enjoy multimodal visual search. Find information using only images. • DALL.E 3 Model from Open AI: Use the Image Creator in Bing and you’ll likely be impressed. It’s had an upgrade and uses the DALL.E 3 model to render images from text prompts. Harness the Power of Microsoft Products Microsoft is definitely a leader in work productivity tools. And it has been for a long time. If you’re still working like it was 2020, let us help you upgrade. Employees can be more efficient than ever with the right apps. As a trusted Microsoft Gold Partner, we’ve got your back with Microsoft 365, Windows 11, and other solutions. Our experts will guide you, so you can gain an edge on the competition. Give us a call today at 256-401-7072 or email ContactUs@CyberProtex.com to schedule a chat. Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
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As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping takes center stage. While you're busy hunting for the best deals and discounts, it's crucial to keep your cybersecurity in check. In the age of digital transactions and online shopping, protecting your personal and financial information is more important than ever. This Thanksgiving, CyberProtex is here to ensure you have a safe and secure shopping experience.
Follow our five top tips to navigate the upcoming online shopping frenzy with confidence. 1. Update and Secure Your Devices: Before diving into the world of holiday shopping, make sure all your devices are up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This includes your computer, smartphone, and any other gadgets you'll be using to find the best deals. Enable automatic updates to ensure you have the latest security features, protecting you from potential vulnerabilities. 2. Shop Only on Secure Websites: Stick to reputable and well-known online retailers to minimize the risk of falling victim to cyber threats. Look for the "https://" in the website URL, indicating a secure connection. Avoid making purchases on websites that lack this crucial security feature. CyberProtex recommends double-checking the site's legitimacy by reading reviews and checking for trust seals before entering any personal information. 3. Use Strong and Unique Passwords: A strong password is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Create unique passwords for each online store you visit, combining a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. If managing multiple passwords seems overwhelming, consider using a trusted password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords for you. 4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your online accounts, especially those containing sensitive information, is crucial. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This typically involves receiving a code on your mobile device or email that you'll need to enter along with your password, providing an additional barrier against unauthorized access. 5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements during the holiday season. Regularly check for any suspicious transactions or unfamiliar charges. The sooner you spot and report any unauthorized activity, the quicker you can resolve the issue and minimize potential damage. This Thanksgiving, as you embark on your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping adventures, make cybersecurity a top priority. By following these tips, you can navigate the online marketplace with confidence, knowing that your personal and financial information is secure. From all of us at CyberProtex, we wish you a happy and cyber-safe holiday season! October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — an entire month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of online security and the constant vigilance needed to protect our digital lives. While cybersecurity remains a concern in various industries, including the world of genetics and DNA testing, the recent breach at 23andMe is a stark reminder of the potential vulnerabilities even in the most unexpected places.
In this blog post, we, at CyberProtex, your trusted cybersecurity partner, will delve into the 23andMe breach, discuss the implications of such incidents on genetic privacy, and emphasize the significance of cybersecurity in the realm of sensitive personal data. The 23andMe Breach Genetics testing company 23andMe recently sent out alarming emails to its customers, informing them of a breach into their "DNA Relatives" feature. This feature, which allows users to compare ancestry information with individuals worldwide, was compromised by unauthorized access. As a result, the personal information users provided in this feature, including relationship labels, ancestry reports, matching DNA segments, location, birth year, and family names, was exposed to a threat actor. The breach came to light after a hacker advertised millions of stolen data pieces on an online forum. In response, 23andMe promptly initiated an investigation in collaboration with federal law enforcement and forensic experts to understand the extent of the breach. The Significance of Genetic Privacy The breach at 23andMe raises significant concerns about genetic privacy. With access to this highly personal and sensitive information, the potential consequences for individuals are multifaceted. Users fear that their ethnicity and other personal data could be misused or leveraged against them if it were to fall into the wrong hands. These concerns are entirely valid, highlighting the importance of safeguarding genetic information, not only from genetic testing companies but also from potential cyber threats. The Role of Cybersecurity in Genetic Privacy Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in preserving genetic privacy. Genetic testing companies, like 23andMe, need to ensure that robust security measures are in place to protect the vast amount of personal data they collect. This includes encrypting data, monitoring for unusual activities, implementing multi-factor authentication, and educating users about best practices for online security. At CyberProtex, we understand the critical nature of cybersecurity, especially when it comes to safeguarding sensitive genetic data. We work with organizations across various sectors to provide comprehensive security solutions. As cybersecurity experts, our role is to stay ahead of emerging threats, adapt to evolving technology, and help companies like 23andMe protect their users' privacy. Conclusion The 23andMe breach serves as a timely reminder that cybersecurity threats can target even the most unexpected areas of our lives, including our genetic information. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and throughout the year, it is essential to remain vigilant and take steps to secure our digital lives. Genetic privacy is a matter of utmost importance, and companies handling sensitive information must invest in robust cybersecurity measures. At CyberProtex, we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of your digital world, no matter where the threat may arise. We encourage all organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and protect the sensitive data that individuals entrust them with. Interested in our services? Visit cyberprotex.com/msp, or contact us at ContactUs@CyberProtex.com. Stay safe, stay secure, and remember that your cybersecurity matters in all aspects of your life. It’s the season of secrets and surprises. We've got a haunting question for you: Does your business have any “Cybersecurity Skeletons” in the closet? Let's face the cyber terrors head-on together!
Choose CyberProtex as your Managed Security Provider to protect your business against spooky cyber threats and information loss. Give us a call at 256-401-7072, or email us at ContactUs@CyberProtex.com. For the first time since 2014, the world’s leading cybersecurity guidance is getting a complete makeover. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 released its initial public draft in August 2023 and is approaching its final stages before implementation in early 2024.
CSF 2.0, in alignment with the National Cybersecurity Strategy set by the Biden Administration, will expand the use of the CSF, emphasize supply chain risk management, increase implementation guidance, clarify cybersecurity measurement and assessment, and even add an entirely new function. Changes in NSF 2.0 are evident in both its title and scope. Its original title, "Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity," has been changed to the commonly used name, "Cybersecurity Framework." Its scope has modified from its original emphasis on U.S. critical infrastructure to a focus on all organizations around the world. The original five framework core functions — identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover — will also gain a new function in the CSF 2.0 updates. Govern (moved to its own subcategory from the identify function) will be added as a sixth function to establish and monitor organizational cybersecurity risk management strategy, expectations, and policy. Govern is cross-cutting and informs how organizations will achieve and prioritize the outcomes of the other five functions in the context of its mission and stakeholder expectations. NIST is accepting public comment on the draft framework until Nov. 4, 2023, and does not plan to release another draft. Find out more about what to expect from NIST CSF 2.0 here. We have something special for you this week — a hand-picked collection of the top cybersecurity news from across the web. Thanks for being a part of our community! Want to stay connected with CyberProtex? Follow our socials!
Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) play the role of a double agent in the future of cybersecurity? According to a recent Microsoft Security blog post, this seems to be the case as cyber attacks are becoming more automated through AI-assisted tools. They are also increasing exponentially, and "the number of password attacks Microsoft detects has more than tripled in the last 12 months, from 1,287 per second to more than 4,000 per second." The new wave of cyber attacks, also known as offensive AI, can enable cybercriminals to direct targeted attacks at daunting speeds and scale while flying under the radar of traditional detection tools. As offensive AI quickly redefines the cyber threat landscape, it's crucial that organizations adopt new defenses to fight back. How can we defend ourselves against offensive AI? AI might also be the answer to that question. There is now a unique opportunity to harness the power of AI in combination with an end-to-end security solution to build a resilient security posture with defenses that adapt just as fast as the "bad guys."
Cyberprotex, a proud Microsoft Gold Partner, can prepare you for the era of AI. Why does cybersecurity matter in business?
With the increasing reliance on technology and the internet, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, posing a significant risk to businesses of all sizes. Take it from a recent data breach of a popular platform that exposed the data on three-quarters of a million users. On August 14th, Discord.io, a custom invite service for the instant messaging service Discord, experienced a temporary shutdown following a data breach that exposed the information of 760,000 of its members. Leaked user data included sensitive user information such as usernames, Discord IDs, email addresses, billing addresses, and salted and hashed passwords. On its website, Discord.io claims they "believe that the breach was caused by a vulnerability in our website's code, which allowed an attacker to gain access to our database. The attacker then proceeded to download the entire database, and put it up for sale on a 3rd party site." Hiring full-time cyber security professionals is an effective way for companies to protect themselves against cyber attacks and preserve the security of the business. You can't be there 24 hours a day, but we can. Choose CyberProtex as your Managed Security Provider to protect your business against cyber threats and information loss. View our available services at cyberprotex.com. Are you ready to take your cybersecurity career to new heights? The CISSP certification can open doors to exciting opportunities, but the road to success requires diligent preparation. At CyberProtex we're here to offer insider tips that will set you up for success.
1. Comprehensive Curriculum Tailored for Success Our CISSP Bootcamp is designed to cover every aspect of the (ISC)² CISSP CBOK domains. Our experienced instructors have curated a curriculum that not only aligns with the exam objectives but also imparts practical knowledge you can apply directly in the field. With CyberProtex's bootcamp, you'll dive deep into each domain, gaining a well-rounded understanding that goes beyond the exam. 2. Expert Instructors We understand that navigating the CISSP exam can be a daunting task. That's why our instructors are not just experts in the field but also empathetic educators who have been in your shoes. They provide clear explanations, real-world examples, and insightful guidance that will help you grasp even the most complex concepts. 3. Interactive Learning Environment Learning is most effective when it's engaging. Our bootcamp sessions are designed to be interactive, encouraging participants to ask questions, share insights, and collaborate with fellow cybersecurity enthusiasts. This dynamic approach ensures that you not only absorb the material but also retain it for the long run. 4. Realistic Practice and Exam Simulations One of the keys to acing the CISSP exam is practice. Our 5 day bootcamp doesn't just focus on theoretical knowledge – we provide hands-on exercises and practical scenarios that mimic real-world challenges. Additionally, our exam simulations will help you become familiar with the exam format, time constraints, and question types, giving you the confidence to tackle the actual exam. 5. Inclusion of Exam Voucher We're invested in your success, and that's why we're delighted to offer an Exam Voucher as part of our bootcamp. This invaluable resource not only eases the financial burden of the exam but also motivates you to commit fully to your preparation. 6. Flexible Learning Options Whether you prefer to learn in a traditional classroom setting or from the comfort of your home, CyberProtex has you covered. Attend our bootcamp in person in Huntsville, AL, or join our live online sessions via WebEx. Whichever option you choose, the quality of instruction remains exceptional. With just 5 days of intensive training, you'll be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to ace the CISSP exam. At CyberProtex, we're not just preparing you for an exam; we're preparing you for a successful career in cybersecurity. Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Register now for CyberProtex's CISSP Bootcamp. Have questions? Email or call us! Got Cyber? Benjamin McGee | CEO, CyberProtex One of the most recognized certifications in the cybersecurity field is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). In this blog post, we will explore 5 compelling reasons why obtaining your CISSP certification can benefit you and elevate your cybersecurity career.
All in all, the CISSP certification is a transformational step towards a fulfilling and rewarding cybersecurity career. As an ethical professional in this rapidly evolving industry, CISSP ensures you remain in high demand and secure a bright future. We offer an online and in person CISSP exam prep bootcamp here at CyberProtex. If this interests, click the button below to learn more! |