What Is Security Hygiene?
Graphics modified from Vecteezy
What is Security Hygiene
From March 2022
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Password Security Advice
Password Security Advice
From October 2020
One of the biggest cyber security threats is weak passwords. Passwords can be weak because they are common (password, 123456, qwerty, etc.) or because they are reused. When a website has a security breach, the hackers will attempt to use hacked email and password combinations found on one website for other websites. And attempting to use stolen credentials on ‘high-value’ websites (email, banking, credit cards, PayPal, etc.) is their priority.
Therefore it’s imperative that, at the very least, you have completely different passwords for your most important accounts (email, banking, credit cards, PayPal, etc.). A password manager like 1Password (we are a 1Password partner) or Keeper can help. Or you can use the built-in password management of Safari (Keychain), Chrome, etc. In addition, you need to set up 2FA/MFA (two-factor or multi-factor authentication), whereby you are sent a code to log in to these websites from new devices.
Hacking is on the rise in 2020, with security breaches happening every day. By taking some simple precautions you can greatly minimize your risk. Please give us a call or reply to this email if you would like help with password management. Click below for information about password hygiene.
https://cisomag.eccouncil.org/6-practices-to-strengthen-your-password-hygiene-in-2020/
Mac Changes: Big Sur and Apple Silicon
Two Big Changes Coming to the Mac: Big Sur and Apple Silicon
From September 2020
| The most important thing to know about Big Sur is that we highly recommend NOT installing this when it first comes out. Especially MacPractice users. MacPractice will NOT be compatible with Big Sur until months after macOS 11 is released. We will not know the compatibility of many other programs with Big Sur until after the release.
That said, macOS 11 Big Sur is the start of a new look and feel for the entire Mac operating system to make it more like an iPhone and iPad. Apple claims it will be the biggest change since Mac launched its version 10 operating system in 2001.
The Big Sur update will further help integrate iOS apps with Macs. For example, it will make it easier to share photos, images, and gifs in Messages. Other features include visual previews of tabs and translation features in Safari. It will be released this fall. |
Apple to End macOS 10.13 High Sierra Security Updates November
Apple to End macOS 10.13 High Sierra Security Updates This November
From August 2020
Apple will stop all security updates for macOS 10.13 High Sierra in the fall of 2020. That means if you fail to replace your Mac or upgrade your macOS to a newer version by November, you would be putting your data at risk due to less advanced security.
The following computers cannot run macOS 10.14 Mojave or higher and should be replaced by the end of the year:
MacBook Air introduced in 2011 or earlier
MacBook Pro introduced in 2011 or earlier
Mac mini introduced in 2011 or earlier
iMac introduced in 2011 or earlier
Mac Pro introduced mid-2010 or mid-2012
How do I know what Mac and macOS I have?
To see which Mac and macOS you have click on the Apple icon on the top right hand part of the screen and then click “About This Mac” in the drop-down menu.
There it should tell you the kind of Mac you have and which macOS you’re running.
What can I do if I’m still running High Sierra?
If you have a Mac that is too old to update to macOS 10.14 Mojave or newer, please contact us to discuss your options for replacement. If you can update to Mojave or a newer OS, please consult with us first. We will make sure that any software you are currently using will be compatible with a newer OS.