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END OF AN ERA

Megan Poljacik • December 18, 2024

It's Time to Say Good Bye to Windows 10

Windows 10, released by Microsoft on July 29, 2015, has been a cornerstone of modern computing, providing users with a familiar interface and robust features. Its implementation marked a significant advancement in the Windows operating system, incorporating a blend of the best elements from Windows 7 and Windows 8. The adoption of Windows 10 was particularly vital for Corporate America, offering enhanced security features, improved performance, and increased productivity.


One groundbreaking feature of Windows 10 was that it was positioned as a service rather than a standalone product, with Microsoft introducing regular updates and improvements to keep the operating system current and secure. The release also marked a shift towards a ‘seamless system’ for Microsoft, with a focus on multiple device compatibility and paved the way for cloud integration. 


Sadly, it is time to say goodbye. On October 10th, 2025 support for Windows 10 will cease to exist. Formulating a plan for upgrades with your CTO should be on everyone’s New Year’s resolutions list. Start by conducting an inventory analysis to identify which machines will need the upgrade. Prioritize the machines that are at immediate risk due to outdated security or age. Some machines may not be compatible with the requirements of Windows 11 and could require replacement. Create a transition plan that outlines a timeline, budget and resources.


Windows 10 certainly revolutionized the corporate computing landscape. As technology evolves and cyber threats become more sophisticated, the importance of upgrading from Windows 10 cannot be overstated. To ensure the security and efficiency of your company's systems, a strategic upgrade plan is essential. 


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ON PREM VS. SASE: WHICH FIREWALL IS RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

By Megan Poljacik • March 27, 2025
Three things in life are certain: death, taxes and the persistent threat of cyberattacks. There are many layers of defense in the onion of cyber security, but at the helm is your firewall. Traditionally firewalls have always been the piece of hardware acting as a barrier between your office network and the wilds of the internet. Then in 2020 the way we work was transformed forever by the global pandemic. Nearly a third of the workforce transitioned to remote, leaving offices empty. Many employees continue to work in non-traditional spaces to this day. How can we defend them against cyberattacks if they are outside the protective reach of an on premise firewall? A firewall is a network security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Think of it as a moat with a bridge and a guard shack that surrounds a castle. The guards and the moat are the firewall, acting as a barrier and between a trusted internal network (the castle) and untrusted external networks (random people trying to get in), helping to prevent unauthorized access to and from the castle while allowing legitimate traffic to pass through. The outside forces have to “check in” with the guards before they can cross the moat and access the castle.

NEW MESSAGING GUIDELINES RELEASED

By Megan Poljacik • February 25, 2025
You may have heard recently that the FBI and Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency are recommending cell phone users use end to end encryption when sending text messages. Why are they doing this and how does it affect you and your business? In December of 2024 authorities revealed that Chinese hackers have breached at least 8 major telecom network infrastructures, including those of Verizon and AT&T. Known as Salt Typhoon, the nefarious actors used a “back door” that is used by U.S. foreign intelligence surveillance systems (yes that’s legal wiretapping). Senior officials within the US Government have admitted the hackers have had access since summer of 2024. It appears that they focused heavily on users in the Washington DC area.

IMPACTFUL VIRUSES IN HISTORY: HUMMINGBAD

By Megan Poljacik • December 19, 2024
Imagine a virus infecting over 85 million Android phones without anyone catching on. Believe it or not, this really happened in 2016! How could a virus be so easily distributed without human intervention? The HummingBad virus was a persistence rootkit, which is a very smart and nasty virus. It is difficult to find and even more difficult to remove. They embed themselves within the system without the users knowledge and they are designed to hide themselves and their activities, even from security software. A rootkit will take over an infected system on its own, or if it cannot gain root access, it will push a fake update prompt, tricking the user into installing. Once the malware has control of the device, it begins downloading and installing apps, and the lucrative business of conning users begins. The HummingBad virus was designed to click on the ads within the apps to generate advertising revenue. This inflated ad click and view counts, allowing the attackers to earn more revenue without actual user engagement. The malware also promoted and installed additional malicious
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