October 2018
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The Windows 10 October 2018 Update was released Oct. 2nd. New features include a new clipping tool called Snip & Sketch -with clip history, and a Cloud clipboard, to copy between devices. The phone app allows you to mirror your phone to the PC – send Txt/SMS from your desktop, and get images from your phone. Microsoft Edge and Notepad have improved. We recommend waiting for at least a month before installing this update. If you are on maintenance, it will be delayed automatically.
As we have said before – be sure to keep your PC at least within the last year’s updates to continue to receive security patches. Windows 10 Version 1703 support ends on October 9th.
We have noticed that computers which are not on the internet with an Office 365 subscription may eventually show their copy of office as unlicensed. Connect to the internet at least once every 30 days to avoid this problem. Other issues may also cause MS office to show as unlicensed. This may be related to a licensing change for Microsoft Office Home and Personal subscriptions now allowing up to 6 devices rather than 5. How MS Office 365 is licensed.
Office 2019 (Standalone install) has been released. Office Home and Business is now $250 retail – licensed for one PC. Office 2019 will not include OneNote, but you can keep the 2016 version installed. More details. There is no reason to upgrade from Office 2016. There are few changes in the new version.
If you have MS Office through an Office 365 subscription, you already have the features in Office 2019, delivered through regular monthly updates.
The subscription is becoming more attractive because of the pricing and feature set.
Also coming are Exchange Server 2019, Skype for Business Server 2019, SharePoint Server 2019, and Project Server 2019.
Windows Server 2019 will be out in October, a bit sooner than expected. Those planning server upgrades may want to wait or get a license that allows for upgrading.
Windows Admin Center is a new tool for managing multiple servers.
As mentioned last month QuickBooks users may see a prompt to check security for TLS 1.2 compliance. Fix for QuickBooks – you can safely run this if prompted when opening QuickBooks. This is now popping up for most QB users.
Computer controlled coffee cup. Only $80.
New 4K-capable Roku Premiere $39.99.
A new security standard, WPA3, was recently announced by the WiFi Alliance. It will be late 2019 before it becomes available in wireless products.
Google has released the Titan Security Key, for 2 factor authentication. We have been recommending the YubiKey, which performs a similar function to secure login accounts.
The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act enacted in May 2018 now requires that all credit agencies lock your credit reports on request at no charge. Fraud alerts now last for one year (previously they lasted just 90 days).
Here’s the final report on the Equifax data breach – the reason we recommend freezing your credit.
Cell phone providers use a separate credit service called NCTUE (nctue.com) which you should also freeze by calling their 800-number — 1-866-349-5355.
Facebook hacked (again)– about 50 Million accounts affected. Passwords were not exposed. Facebook logged out the affected users, causing the “security token” that was stolen to be reset. Associated apps (login with Facebook) could have been compromised, but no action is needed other than checking for unexpected logins. Go to “Account Settings → Security and Login → Where You’re Logged In” to review the list of devices that have accessed your Facebook account and their location.
Facebook has confirmed it does use phone numbers that users provided it for security purposes to target them with ads.
U.S. sues after California signs net neutrality law
FBI warns companies about hackers increasingly abusing RDP (remote desktop) connections
We have been warning clients not to use RDP without additional security for several years.
Instead use 2 factor authentication, such as DUO.
State Department suffers data breach
Amazon investigating claims of employees leaking data for bribes.
GoDaddy leaks data on 24,000 web servers. This is not a user account leak, it is configuration data that could help hackers attack web servers.
We are finishing the process of upgrading the Remote Management Agent we use to support your computers. It is a more capable product from the same vendor (SolarWinds). There is no charge for this upgrade. Any computers not updated by October 1 may lose their Antivirus protection. We have contacted those affected.
By Tim Torian