Cyber Solutions, LLC

Cyber Solutions, LLC Cyber Solutions was founded in 1995 to assist small to mid-sized businesses gain control of their ev We welcome the opportunity to earn your business.

Our mission is to provide high quality Managed IT Services to our clients. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff can help fine-tune your systems to run as efficient as possible. Our most important product is prompt expert personalized service. This philosophy is reflected in the investment we’ve made in enterprise-level tools to help support our clients.

Ever lost your internet connection mid-email and watched Outlook suddenly go… blank? 😬If you're using the new Outlook ap...
06/08/2025

Ever lost your internet connection mid-email and watched Outlook suddenly go… blank? 😬

If you're using the new Outlook app on Windows (yep, the one labeled “Outlook (new)”), you might’ve noticed something a bit inconvenient:

💨 No internet = no email access.

That’s because the new Outlook is built to keep everything in the cloud by default.

Great for syncing across devices. Not so great when your Wi-Fi drops mid-meeting or you're working remotely with patchy service.

But here's the good news: You can now save emails locally. So, you can keep working even when your connection disappears.

🛠️ How to activate offline access in the new Outlook.

Open Outlook (make sure it’s the “new” version).
Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right to open Settings.
In the menu on the left, select General, then click Offline.
Turn on “Activate offline emails, calendars and people”.

Now you’ll be able to choose exactly which mail folders you want stored on your computer.

📁 By default, it’ll save your key folders: Inbox, Sent, Drafts, Archive, Deleted, and Snooze.

You can also decide how many days’ worth of emails you want stored. The default is 30 days, but you can go all the way up to 180 if you’ve got the space.

The more history you save, the more storage it’ll use. It’s a good idea to strike a balance depending on your needs.

📌 One important thing to know…

Offline access only works after Outlook has had an internet connection. If you open the app when you’re offline (like during a flight or power cut), you’ll just get a connection error.

So:

✅ Keep Outlook open while you’re connected.

✅ Let it sync your folders.

✅ Then, if the connection drops, you’re covered.

This might sound like a small tweak, but it’s a big win for business continuity. Especially if you travel, work in remote areas, or simply like the peace of mind that comes with having your emails available anytime.

Have you switched to the new Outlook yet? If so, did you know about this offline option?

You know those little padlocks you see in your browser?That’s encryption at work. Keeping your data safe behind the scen...
06/07/2025

You know those little padlocks you see in your browser?

That’s encryption at work. Keeping your data safe behind the scenes. But what happens when that system breaks?

It’s called a cryptographic failure. And when you run a business, it’s something you should know about.

Let me explain… 👇

Encryption is like putting your most sensitive business info (client records, financials, contracts) into a secure vault.

But if the vault has a faulty lock? Or the code is easy to guess? Or someone accidentally leaves the door wide open?

That’s what cryptographic failures look like in real life.

They happen when the tools and systems designed to protect your data stop doing their job. And when that happens, cyber criminals can get in.

🔓 They can read private files.

🔓 Tamper with important documents.

🔓 Even impersonate your staff.

What causes a cryptographic failure?

Often, it’s not a “big hack”. It’s the little things that stack up:

➡️ Using outdated encryption (like relying on old algorithms that hackers can now break in minutes).

➡️ Storing encryption keys in easy-to-access locations.

➡️ Skipping updates or using software with known bugs.

➡️ Human error from developers, employees, or even trusted insiders.

It’s like having a high-security system... but then sticking the key under the doormat.

Why does this matter to your business?

Because a cryptographic failure could mean:

🚨 A data breach that exposes client info.

🚨 Fraud from someone spoofing a team member’s identity.

🚨 Legal and compliance headaches.

🚨 Reputation damage you really don’t want.

And the worst part? These kinds of issues often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

So how do you protect your business?

✅ Make sure your IT partner keeps encryption tech up to date.

✅ Use strong, regularly rotated encryption keys.

✅ Avoid “home-grown” security shortcuts – rely on proven tools.

✅ And if you're not sure how secure your setup is, ask for a cryptographic health check.

Because in today’s world, strong encryption isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.

Curious if your business is doing enough to avoid cryptographic failures? My team and I can help – get in touch.

Ever wasted 10 minutes digging through folders for “that file you had open last week”?We’ve all been there.Whether it’s ...
06/04/2025

Ever wasted 10 minutes digging through folders for “that file you had open last week”?

We’ve all been there.

Whether it’s a budget spreadsheet, a client proposal, or that mystery “final-final_v3_edited_withcomments” document… trying to find the right file can be a real productivity killer.

But Microsoft’s new Copilot features in Windows 11 could change that completely.

It has rolled out two powerful tools. Copilot File Search and Copilot Vision. And they’re smart.

Here’s how they work 👇

💼 Find your files – and get answers from them.

With Copilot File Search, you don’t just search for files by name anymore. You can talk to Copilot like you would a colleague.

Say things like:

🔍 “Find my budget spreadsheet.”

📂 “Open the trip planning doc I worked on last week.”

💬 Or even: “Look at my budget file and tell me how much I spent on dining last month.”

Yes, you can now ask questions about the content of your files 😮

Copilot will read supported files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDFs, even text files) and give you a quick answer, without you needing to open the doc and go hunting.

It’s like having a digital assistant who knows where your files are. And what’s inside them. 🧠

👓 Copilot Vision: Your new second pair of eyes.

You can also share any app or browser window with Copilot Vision, and it will help you understand what you’re looking at.

Trying to make sense of a dashboard? Reviewing a confusing document in your browser? Just click the little glasses icon, and Copilot can analyze the content and answer your questions.

It’s especially useful when you’re multitasking and need quick insights without flipping between apps or tabs.

Right now, these features are rolling out to people in the Windows Insider Program. It’s early days, but this is exactly where Windows is heading.

For business owners, this means:

✅ Less time wasted searching

✅ Faster decision-making

✅ Fewer interruptions for your team

And more importantly, it means you're getting closer to an operating system that proactively helps you run your business.

Are you using Copilot on Windows 11 yet? Would features like this make your day easier?

Think Microsoft 365 for the web is just a backup plan when you’re away from your main computer?Yep, so do lots of other ...
06/03/2025

Think Microsoft 365 for the web is just a backup plan when you’re away from your main computer?

Yep, so do lots of other people.

Most people still assume the browser versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint are “lite” versions… there to get you by in a pinch, but not much else.

But what if I told you that lots of people are missing out on some genuinely useful features by sticking to that mindset?

Microsoft has quietly packed some impressive functionality into its web-based Office apps. Features that can make your work easier, faster, and more focused.

Here are three things most business owners don’t realize they can do 👇

🔍 1. There’s a distraction-free writing mode built into Word for the web.

When you need to concentrate, the last thing you want is a screen full of buttons and toolbars.

That’s where Focus Mode comes in.

With a single click, Word for the web hides all the visual clutter. Leaving just you and your document. It’s ideal for writing reports, proposals, or anything that needs a bit more brain space.

If you’re someone who gets easily distracted (and honestly, who isn’t?), this small feature can make a big difference to your productivity.

♿ 2. You can check your documents for accessibility issues, right in the browser.

One of the most powerful tools in 365 for the web is a tool hardly anybody knows is there: The built-in Accessibility Checker.

It scans your document and flags anything that could cause problems for people with disabilities. Things like missing image descriptions or poor color contrast.

But here’s the best part: It doesn’t just tell you what’s wrong. It explains why it matters and shows you how to fix it.

That means you’re not just ticking boxes, you’re learning how to make your content better for everyone.

🤖 3. AI is baked in with Microsoft Copilot.

Remember the old “Tell Me” box in office apps that helped you find features? That’s been replaced with something much more powerful: Copilot.

Copilot is Microsoft’s AI assistant, and it’s already built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams for the web.

You can ask it to summarize documents, draft content, analyze spreadsheets, and even build presentations for you. All right inside your browser.

And because it’s connected to your Microsoft 365 account, it understands the context of your work (while staying secure and private, of course).

If you’ve ever dismissed 365 for the web as just a watered-down version of the real thing… it’s time for another look. There’s more power in your browser than you think.

👉 What’s your go-to 365 tool? Word, Excel, or PowerPoint? And have you tried any of these features online yet?

Phishing is so 2024. In fact… 🚨 there's a new scam in town 🚨If you thought you had a handle on email scams, I’ve got som...
06/01/2025

Phishing is so 2024. In fact… 🚨 there's a new scam in town 🚨

If you thought you had a handle on email scams, I’ve got some bad news: Cyber criminals have moved on.

There’s a new threat that's quietly growing. And it’s targeting your phone, not your inbox.

It's called mishing.

Never heard of it? You’re not the only one. But it’s something every business owner needs to know about.

Mishing is short for “mobile phishing”. It’s a catch-all term for scam tactics that are specifically designed to target smartphones and tablets.

That includes:

📱 Smishing (phishing via text/SMS messages)

🤳 Quishing (phishing via QR codes)

📞 Vishing (voice call scams)

🛜 And even fake public Wi-Fi networks that pretend to be legit (known as the “Evil Twin” attack 😈).

These attacks are sneaky. Criminals don’t just rely on getting you to click risky links in emails anymore.

They are tailoring scams just for mobiles – because let’s face it, we’re all glued to our phones these days.

In fact, many businesses now rely heavily on mobile devices for:

✔️ Logging in with multi-factor authentication (those text codes you get)

✔️ Mobile-first apps and tools

✔️ On-the-go team communication

It’s said that mishing is the fastest-growing cyber threat right now. It peaked in August last year with more than 1,000 new attack records every single day. 😳

Why is this such a big deal?

Because traditional anti-phishing tools are mostly designed for desktops and emails. That leaves mobiles much more exposed.

Plus, people tend to let their guard down on their phones. Think about it:

📲 You’re rushing between meetings…

📲 You get a text saying there’s a problem with a delivery…

📲 Or a QR code promising a free coffee or event info…

One tap, and BOOM. You’ve handed over credentials or sensitive info without even realizing it.

So, what can you do about it?

Start thinking about mobile-specific security for your business. That means:

🔐 Having proper mobile threat protection in place.

🎯 Training your team to spot mobile phishing attempts.

🚫 Not relying only on traditional email filters or desktop security tools - they won’t catch this stuff.

And don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive to get started. The most important step is knowing these threats exist and taking them seriously.

Because “just using common sense” doesn’t work when the scams are getting this smart.

Let me ask you: Have you ever scanned a QR code without thinking twice? Or tapped on a link in a text message?

Then you’ve already been in the danger zone of mishing.

Will this post help you pause in future?

Ever had your computer slow to a crawl for no apparent reason? Or used an app that just won’t close no matter what you d...
05/10/2025

Ever had your computer slow to a crawl for no apparent reason? Or used an app that just won’t close no matter what you do? 🤯

That’s where Task Manager comes in: It’s the built-in Windows control center for managing everything running on your machine.

But Task Manager isn’t just for fixing frozen apps. It’s a powerful tool that helps you monitor system performance, manage Startup apps, and even improve your PC’s speed.

If you’re running Windows 11 in your business, this is one tool you and your team should get comfortable with.

So, what exactly is Task Manager? 🖥️

Think of it as your computer’s dashboard. It shows you everything happening under the hood: What’s running, how much power each app is using, and what might be slowing things down.

To open it, just press Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Or right-click the Start button and select Task Manager.

You’ll see a list of apps, background processes, and system performance stats all in one place.

If you don’t already use Task Manager, here’s how it can help your business…

✅ It fixes frozen apps instantly.

Instead of restarting your entire computer when something stops responding, just open Task Manager, find the app, and click End Task to force close it.

✅ It could speed up your PC.

If your computer seems slow, Task Manager can show you which apps are using too much CPU or memory, so you can shut them down and free up resources.

✅ It helps you manage Startup apps.

Ever noticed your PC takes forever to start up? That’s because some apps launch automatically when you turn it on. Task Manager lets you disable unnecessary Startup apps, so your system boots up faster.

✅ It tracks performance in real time.

Need to know if your computer is struggling? The Performance tab shows how much CPU, memory, and network bandwidth is being used, helping you spot potential issues before they slow down your work.

✅ It lets you monitor who’s logged in.

The Users tab shows who has logged in and what apps they’re running, which can be useful for shared office devices.

A slow, unresponsive computer isn’t just frustrating – it means lost productivity and wasted time. ❌ Teaching your team how to use Task Manager can help them troubleshoot small issues on their own instead of waiting for IT support.

Better still… since it’s built into Windows 11, you don’t need any extra software to monitor performance or manage apps. 😁

Have you ever used Task Manager to speed up your computer? If not, is this something you’ll try in future?

Imagine this: You sit down at your computer, open your files, and… you can’t do anything. Instead, there’s a message on ...
05/09/2025

Imagine this: You sit down at your computer, open your files, and… you can’t do anything. Instead, there’s a message on your screen 🚨 demanding money to unlock your data. 🚨

That’s called ransomware – a type of cyber attack where criminals lock your files and hold them hostage until you pay a ransom. Ransomware targets businesses of all sizes, and these attacks can shut down entire operations overnight.

But here’s some surprising news: Fewer businesses are paying up.

New research shows that in 2024, the number of businesses paying the ransom dropped by 35% compared to the previous year.

That’s a huge shift, and there are a few reasons for it:

🔹 Businesses are getting smarter: More businesses now have backups and recovery plans, so they don’t have to negotiate with criminals.

🔹 Cyber security is improving: IT teams are getting better at detecting and stopping attacks before they cause damage.

🔹 Governments are stepping in: Some governments are considering banning ransom payments in the public sector to stop funding cyber criminals.

🔹 Paying doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your data back: Only 7% of victims recover everything after paying the ransom. For many businesses, it’s just money down the drain.

But before you celebrate, here’s something to be aware of…

Ransomware is still getting worse. 🙄

Yes, fewer businesses are paying up – but the number of ransomware attacks still hit a record high last year.

Cyber criminals are always changing their tactics to stay ahead. They aren’t just locking you out of your files anymore – they’re threatening to leak sensitive business data online if you don’t pay.

For a small business, that could mean:

🚫 Losing customer trust.

🚫 Serious financial losses.

🚫 Legal trouble if sensitive data is exposed.

So, how can you protect your business? 🤔

✅ Back up your data: Store copies of your important files in a secure place, in a way that they can’t be deleted or changed.

✅ Train your employees: Most ransomware starts with a fake email that tricks people into clicking a dangerous link. Teach your team how to spot these scams.

✅ Keep your software updated: Cyber criminals love to exploit weaknesses in outdated systems. Patch security holes regularly to make their job much harder.

✅ Have a plan: If nobody knows what to do in an attack, it can lead to more damage. Having a ransomware response plan in place can make all the difference.

Businesses are finally fighting back against ransomware, but criminals aren’t giving up – they’re just changing the rules of the game.

Ask yourself: If a ransomware attack hit your business tomorrow, would you be ready? If your answer is no, my team and I can help make sure you’re prepared. Get in touch. 📞

Cyber attacks are evolving all the time – and just when we think we’ve seen it all, criminals find another new way to ex...
05/06/2025

Cyber attacks are evolving all the time – and just when we think we’ve seen it all, criminals find another new way to exploit weaknesses.

Their latest method?

ViewState code injection attacks, which are used to break into ASP.NET websites and remotely execute malicious code.

Yes I know… that last line sounds a bit techy, doesn’t it? 😵‍💫 Let me explain…

ASP.NET is a popular framework that many businesses use to build their websites.

These websites have a feature called ViewState, which helps the website remember inputs and page settings.

Basically, ViewState is a bit like a website’s “memory”, so when you refresh a page, it doesn’t forget everything you were doing.

To keep this memory safe, websites use something called machine keys (unique security codes that encrypt ViewState data and stop it being tampered with).

The problem is many developers are using public machine keys instead of generating their own.

And if developers can find these keys online… so can cyber criminals. 😬

Once an attacker gets hold of a machine key, they can inject harmful code into your website’s ViewState, and since the key is valid, your website will think it’s safe to process.

This is bad news. It would allow cyber criminals to run commands on your server, steal your data, or even take full control of your business’s website.

How bad are we talking?

⚠️ Microsoft has found over 3,000 public machine keys that could be used for these attacks.

⚠️ Some developers accidentally include these keys in their code without realizing it.

⚠️ Businesses using affected websites could be at risk of data breaches, malware infections, and financial loss.

So, what can you do to protect your business? 🛡️

If you’re running an ASP.NET website (or working with a developer who manages one for you), act now:

✅ Make sure your website is using a secure, unique machine key – not a default or public one.

✅ Encrypt sensitive configuration files so attackers can’t access your keys.

✅ Upgrade to the latest version of ASP.NET for stronger security protections.

✅ Turn on Microsoft’s Antimalware Scan Interface (AMSI) to detect malicious activity.

Even if you’re not directly managing a website, take this as a reminder of how important it is to stay on top of security updates. Cyber criminals will always look for weak spots, whether it’s an outdated website, an insecure password, or a device that hasn’t been patched. 🦠

Scammers love exploiting businesses that assume “it won’t happen to us”. The best way to protect your business is to stay informed about the latest threats, update your systems, and never cut corners on cyber security.

Do you regularly check your website security, or is it something you’ll start doing now?

Still using Windows 10? 😱I get it. It works, it’s familiar, your team knows how to use it, and everything runs smoothly ...
05/04/2025

Still using Windows 10? 😱

I get it. It works, it’s familiar, your team knows how to use it, and everything runs smoothly (for now…).

So, why upgrade to Windows 11 when you don’t have to?

Here’s the thing: Sticking with Windows 10 after October 14 is going to cost your business more in the long run.

That’s the date Windows 10 officially reaches end of life.

Microsoft is rolling out its Extended Security Updates (ESU) scheme, which means you CAN keep using it safely after support ends – but at a price:

💰 Year 1 (Nov 2025 - Nov 2026): $61 per device

💰 Year 2 (Nov 2026 - Nov 2027): $122 per device

💰 Year 3 (Nov 2027 - Nov 2028): $244 per device

That’s $427 per device over three years just to keep getting security updates. OUCH.

Oh, and if you skip a year, you’ll have to pay for the previous years too. Microsoft isn’t messing around.

Once those three years are up, that’s it. No more updates. 🚫

If you’re going to be spending money, wouldn’t you rather put it towards a system that’s faster, more secure, and built for the future…? Rather than wasting your budget keeping an outdated OS on life support?

Here’s why upgrading sooner rather than later is the smarter move:

✅ Better security: Windows 11 has built-in protections that Windows 10 will never get (even with ESUs).

✅ Improved performance: It’s faster, more efficient, and designed to work with newer hardware.

✅ AI-powered features: Copilot AI is built in, helping your team work smarter.

✅ Future-proofing: New software, tools, and integrations will be optimized for Windows 11 (but not for Windows 10).

I know change can be a pain. But waiting until October – or worse, paying for ESUs before eventually upgrading anyway – just delays the inevitable and makes the transition harder.

If your devices are compatible with Windows 11, start planning to make the shift now. If they aren’t, it’s time to budget for replacements. The last thing you want is an IT headache when Microsoft finally pulls the plug. 😵‍💫

So, what’s your business’s plan? Are you upgrading to Windows 11 soon, or holding out as long as possible?

By now, you probably know that Windows 10 support is ending on October 14, right? 🚫But here’s something that might not b...
05/03/2025

By now, you probably know that Windows 10 support is ending on October 14, right? 🚫

But here’s something that might not be on your radar: Teams Rooms for Windows 10 is also reaching the end of the road. 😢

That means if your business uses Teams Rooms for video conferencing, hybrid meetings, or collaboration, you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 11 to keep things running smoothly.

And trust me – you don’t want to leave this till the last minute. 😱

Microsoft Teams has become the backbone of communication for businesses. Whether it’s video calls, screen sharing, virtual meetings, or real-time collaboration, it’s such a vital tool for keeping your people connected, especially in remote and hybrid work environments.

Teams Rooms takes this even further by turning meeting spaces into fully integrated collaboration hubs with cameras, microphones, displays, and speakers.

It’s designed to make meetings feel as natural and seamless as possible, whether your employees are in the office, working from home, or halfway around the world. 🌎

So, what if you’re still running Windows 10?

From October 14 this year, you won’t get any more security updates, new features, or critical features for Teams Rooms. That’s a pretty big risk to take, not just for security, but for the overall performance of your meetings.

You might be thinking, “I’ve got plenty of time!” – but waiting until the last minute could create a huge headache for your business.

Here’s why making the move to Windows 11 sooner rather than later is the smarter play:

✅ No last-minute disruptions: If you leave it too late and hit technical issues, your meetings could suffer. Upgrading early gives you time to test and adapt.

✅ Better performance & security: Windows 11 is designed to work seamlessly with Teams and Teams Rooms, offering enhanced security, AI-powered features, and better device management.

✅ Hardware considerations: Some older devices won’t be able to upgrade (Microsoft has already listed a few models that aren’t compatible with Windows 11). If that’s the case in your business, you’ll need time to replace hardware. And that’s not a quick fix if you leave it too late.

✅ A smoother transition for your people: The sooner you upgrade, the more time your employees have, to adjust to any changes. And let’s be honest, nobody likes unexpected IT surprises.

If you use Teams Rooms, now’s the time to check your setup. 🔎 Can your devices be upgraded to Windows 11, or do you need to start looking at replacements?

If your business is already running Teams on Windows 11, you’re ahead of the game. High five. But, if you’re still on Windows 10, it’s time to start planning your move.

Are you ready for the transition, or do you think Microsoft should have given businesses more time? ⏳

If you need help making the upgrade, my team can help – get in touch.

Cyber threats aren’t what they used to be.Gone are the days of painfully obvious scam emails from a “Nigerian prince” as...
04/06/2025

Cyber threats aren’t what they used to be.

Gone are the days of painfully obvious scam emails from a “Nigerian prince” asking for your bank details. 👑 Today’s cyber criminals are using AI-powered attacks and deepfake technology to trick businesses… and employees are getting increasingly worried.

In all honesty? They should be. 😬

Here’s the problem: Most employees don’t feel confident they’d be able to spot an attack before becoming a victim of it.

That’s a huge issue for businesses, because scammers know that people (not firewalls) tend to be the weakest link when it comes to security. ⛓️‍💥

You might be thinking: What exactly are deepfakes and AI attacks? 🤖

Deepfakes are realistic (yet fake) videos, images, or audio files created with artificial intelligence, which can be used to impersonate real people.

Imagine getting a video call from your CEO asking you to transfer money to a supplier. It looks like them, it sounds like them, but… it’s not them. 😵‍💫

AI attacks take things even further. AI tools can now write phishing emails that sound just like a real colleague, generate malicious code, and even mimic voices with scarily accurate results.

This means scams are getting harder to detect, and cyber criminals don’t need to be tech geniuses to pull them off.

If your business becomes a victim, it’s not just financial losses you could face (though those can be massive). You could end up dealing with data breaches, reputation damage, legal trouble, and lose your customers’ trust.

So how do you calm employees’ fears and keep your business safe?

First things first: Cyber security training needs to be a priority, not an afterthought. Failing to provide regular cyber security training is like sending a team onto a football field with no idea how to play the game. ⚽️

Training should be:

✅ Regular (not just a one-off session)

✅ Realistic (using real-world examples of cyber threats)

✅ Interactive (so that your employees stay engaged)

Most importantly?

Your training needs to teach employees how to slow down and think before they act. 💭 Cyber criminals rely on urgency and fear, so if your employees know what to look for, they’re much less likely to fall for these scams.

Your people are your first line of defense, not your last. The best security software in the world won’t help if someone on your team hands over sensitive data to the wrong person.

Is your business taking cyber security seriously enough? Or do you think more can be done to help your employees understand the new era of AI-powered threats?

04/05/2025

Warning: Don’t ignore hardware requirements for Windows 11

You might be ready for the upgrade to Windows 11, but is your hardware? Running the upgrade without meeting the minimum requirements could slow down everything in your business – and Microsoft won’t be there to help…

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