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Boost Your Security and Productivity: Essential IT Insights
As we step into the new year, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest tools and strategies to safeguard your digital life and optimise productivity.
This month, we're focusing on three essential topics to help you strengthen cybersecurity practices and make the most of your technology. Learn how password managers can protect your sensitive information, understand the rising threat of malvertising and how to avoid it, and explore smart Windows 11 settings designed to boost efficiency in your daily tasks. These insights are designed to empower you with practical tips to stay secure and work smarter in 2025.
How Password Managers Protect Your Accounts
Password managers act as digital safes, securely storing all your passwords so you only need to remember one master password. By centralising and safeguarding credentials, they enhance both convenience and security.
Types of Password Managers
Browser-integrated tools
For seamless web browsing
Hybrid solutions
Combining app and browser functionality
Key Benefits of Using a Password Manager:
Features to Look For
Password generation and auto-fill
Save time and eliminate errors when logging in
Storage for sensitive data
Some tools let you securely save credit card details and documents
Sharing capabilities
Share credentials safely with trusted contacts
What is Malvertising and How to Avoid It?
Malvertising—malicious online ads—is a growing threat that can compromise your personal and organisational security. Cybercriminals use these ads to lure users into clicking on deceptive links, often leading to malware downloads or phishing scams. One notorious example involved fake PlayStation 5 ads designed to steal user credentials during the console’s launch.
Protect Yourself from Malvertising
Review URLs carefully
Look for slight misspellings or inconsistencies in ad links
Visit websites directly
Avoid clicking on ads; instead, navigate to the brand’s official site.
Use DNS filters
These tools redirect you to a warning page if a risky ad link is detected.
Avoid logging in after clicking an ad
Copycat sites often mimic legitimate login pages. Always access sites directly from your browser.
Never call phone numbers in suspicious ads
Scammers may impersonate customer support to extract sensitive information.
Don’t download directly from ads
Free software offers or giveaways can hide malware.
Educate others
Sharing information about malvertising reduces risks for colleagues and loved ones.
By staying vigilant and educating your team, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to malvertising campaigns.
Smart Windows 11 Settings for Productivity
With Windows 10 reaching its End of Life in 2025, many businesses are transitioning to Windows 11. This modern operating system offers a range of features to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. Here are some tips to get the most out of Windows 11:
Customising the Start Menu
Pin frequently used apps
Right-click on an app and select “Pin to Start” for easy access.
Organise apps into folders
Drag and drop apps onto each other to create folders.
Utilising Virtual Desktops:
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Create new desktops: Click the Task View button or press Win + Tab, then select “New Desktop.”
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Switch between desktops: Use Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to navigate.
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups:
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Use Snap Layouts: Hover over the maximise button on any window to view layout options.
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Leverage Snap Groups: Organise windows into layouts and quickly restore them via taskbar icons.
Focus Assist for Productivity:
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Enable Focus Assist: Search “Focus” in the taskbar and configure settings to minimise distractions.
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Set automatic rules: Activate Focus Assist during specific activities, such as screen sharing.
Taskbar and Power Settings:
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Customise your taskbar: Pin essential apps and adjust settings for badges or auto-hide functionality.
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Optimise power modes: Configure Settings > System > Power & battery to balance performance and battery life.
Storage and Maintenance
Enable Storage Sense
Automate storage cleanup through Settings > System > Storage
Schedule cleanups
Define regular intervals for tasks like clearing temporary files
Mastering Keyboard Shortcuts:
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Win + E: Open File Explorer.
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Win + I: Open Settings.
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Win + D: Show or hide the desktop.
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Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps.
By optimising Windows 11 settings, you can enhance both individual and team productivity, making the transition smoother and more rewarding.
Vulnerabilities
SonicWall has announced several critical vulnerabilities in their SonicOS platform, including an authentication bypass in SSLVPN with a CVSS score of 8.2/10, which could allow unauthorized access. They have urged system administrators to apply the necessary patches as soon as possible. Microsoft’s January 2025 Patch Tuesday also addressed 159 vulnerabilities, including 8 zero-days, with actively exploited flaws targeting system privileges. For existing Symetri IT support customers, Symetri is actively applying the recommended patches to affected devices to ensure continued security and protection.
Stay Secure and Productive
Embracing tools like password managers, staying vigilant against cyber threats like malvertising, and utilising the latest productivity features in Windows 11 can significantly enhance your digital experience. If you’d like to learn more about implementing these tools or need further assistance, feel free to contact us at info@symetri.co.uk or visit our contact page. Let’s make 2025 a secure and productive year together!
