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Cybersecurity

All About the New U.S. Cyber Trust Mark

The Cyber Trust Mark is a new smart device label created by the US government to prove that a device is safe. Internet of Things (IOT) devices have risen in popularity recently. Devices like smart thermostats and baby monitors make our lives easier, but also open us up to cyber threats. There were over 112 million IoT cyber attacks worldwide in 2022, and this number continues to grow. With an increase in AI-powered attacks, an 82% increase was expected in 2024. The United States created new standards to confirm a device is safe. As a result, you may see a shield with the "U.S. Cyber Trust Mark" when device shopping. Let's take a look at what this means and how you can use this new feature next time you make a purchase. What is the Cyber Trust Mark?Smart devices are everywhere nowadays, from our homes to offices. Yet, some such devices are still insecure, leaving openings for hackers to steal our info and spy on us. In 2023,…
Nicholas Salem
April 25, 2025
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Cybersecurity

Top 10 Security Tips for Mobile App Users

Mobile applications have become an integral part of our lives. We use them to browse the internet, network, communicate, and much more. But they open us up to risks caused by fraudsters who may steal information or damage our phones. According to 2024 data from Asee, over 75% of published apps have at least one security vulnerability. This means that 3 out of every 4 your favorite apps could be risky to use. It’s important to be cautious while downloading and maintaining apps. Here are ten simple tips that can help keep your mobile apps secure.Why Is Mobile App Security Important? Not only do 75% of apps risk our security, but business apps are three times more likely to leak log-in information. These risks also include even the most popular apps. Those with over 5 million downloads still have at least one security flaw. Using mobile apps is not always safe. There are many ways for hackers and criminals to steal your data. This can happen because of…
Nicholas Salem
April 20, 2025
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New Technology

Is It Time for a Device Upgrade? Check for These 7 Signs

Technology is fast, and in no time, our gadgets get outdated. According to data from Statista, consumers replace their devices about every 2-3 years. Still, it can be tricky to determine when an upgrade is needed. Upgrading your device isn’t just about having the latest gadget. An up-to-date device is safer and more efficient. This article will help you in spotting the signs that your gadget needs replacement. We will talk about seven signs that it is time to get a new one.7 Signs It’s Time for a Device Upgrade It can be hard to tell when you need a new device, especially if you feel the current one is working fine. There are a few ways to tell your device is outdated, from slow loading times to lack of storage. Here are 7 signs it’s time for a device upgrade: 1. Is Your Device Slow and Laggy?Slow performance is a major indicator. If your device takes an eternity to boot up, that might be a sign to…
Nicholas Salem
April 15, 2025
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Productivity

How Much Device Storage You Need: A Comprehensive Guide

Device storage decides how many applications, photos, and files you can retain on your device. When you run out of storage, it can affect your productivity and device performance. But finding the right storage amount isn’t always easy. We can underestimate what we need or get too much storage. This guide will help you figure out how much storage is actually needed. What is Device Storage?Device storage refers to space on the phone, tablet, or computer. The device storage stores all your data such as apps, photos, videos, and documents. When you fill up your storage space, you can no longer save videos and documents. In that case, you would need to pay for additional storage or get a new device. There are two major types of storage:Internal Storage: This is a built-in device. It can't be removed, and is usually faster compared to external storage.External Storage: This includes SD cards and USB drives, which can be added or removed. They give you more space but may be…
Nicholas Salem
April 10, 2025
Business Continuity

IT spending impact from tariffs and cybersecurity regulations

If you’ve been holding off on a hardware upgrade or wondering why your latest quote for servers or networking gear feels higher than usual, you’re not imagining things. Recent updates to U.S. tariff policies and federal cybersecurity regulations are beginning to hit small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) where it counts: in the IT budget and risk profile. At Boston Managed IT, we stay ahead of these shifts so you don’t have to. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, who’s affected, and how your organization can adapt without compromising performance or security. 💸 Rising Costs from Tariffs on Tech Hardware The U.S. government has reaffirmed and expanded tariffs on imported tech goods from countries like China. This includes vital components—servers, laptops, networking gear, even the metals inside them. As a result, the cost of IT infrastructure is going up fast. What this means for your business: Delayed hardware upgrades due to higher costs Extended use of legacy equipment, increasing vulnerability How we help:We leverage our vendor…
Nicholas Salem
April 7, 2025
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Cybersecurity

Spotting the Difference Between Malware and Ransomware

Malware and ransomware are two types of bad software. They can damage your computer or steal your data. Downloading this harmful software comes with serious consequences. In 2024, there were more than 60 million new strains of malware found on the internet. This is why it’s critical to understand the difference between them. This article will help you understand both types of threats.What is Malware?Malware is a general term that means "malicious software." It includes many types of harmful programs. Depending on the type, malware can do different bad things to your computer. These are the four main types of malware: Viruses: These spread from one computer to another.Worms: They can copy themselves without your help.Trojans: They trick you into thinking they're good programs.Spyware: This type watches what you do on your computer.Malware can cause a lot of problems. If you get malware on your device, it can: Slow down your computerDelete your filesSteal your personal infoUse your computer to attack othersWhat is Ransomware?Ransomware is a type of…
Nicholas Salem
April 5, 2025
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New Technology

7 Ways Using AI for Work Can Get Complicated

AI is going to change how we work. It can make some tasks easier. But it can also cause problems. Let’s look at some ways AI can make work tricky.What is AI and how does it affect work?AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. The computer systems are actually able to do the things that normal and regular human intelligence can do. It can support so many jobs. It can write, analyze data, and can even create art. But it is not perfect-it also can go wrong. Where can AI go wrong?Incorrect InformationAI sometimes provides wrong information. It may mix up facts or use data that is too old. This can cause huge problems in the workplace.Weird outputsAI can also make strange mistakes. It may write utter nonsense or create odd images. This can be a waste of time and cause confusion.Can AI be biased?Yes, AI can be biased. It learns from data given to it by humans. If that data has bias in it, then the AI will…
Nicholas Salem
March 30, 2025
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Productivity

8 Ways to Organize Your Devices for Productivity

Our devices are a big part of our daily lives: work, fun, and staying in touch. Still, sometimes they make us less productive.In this article, you will learn how to organize your device. You’ll learn ways to boost your productivity and get more done.Why is device organization important?Messy devices slow us down and make it tough to find what we need. An organized device makes for a faster, much more productive experience. It also reduces stress and preserves time.How does clutter impact productivity?Clutter on devices adversely influences productivity. It forces you to waste precious time searching through files. It could make computers run slower, too, building frustration and making less work being done.What are the benefits of organized devices?There are several benefits when using organized devices. They help us find things quickly, work efficiently, feel less stressed, and have more free time.Now let’s look into 8 ways how to organize your device for better productivity.1. How can you declutter your home screen?Remove unused appsLook at…
Nicholas Salem
March 25, 2025
Free malware ransomware scam vector
Cybersecurity

How to Minimize Ransomware Damage

Ransomware has now become a big problem for many people and businesses. It can lock up your files and make you pay money to get them back. This article will show how one can protect themselves from ransomware and what to do in case of an attack.What is ransomware?Ransomware is a type of bad software. It penetrates your computer, locks up your files, and then they ask you to pay money to unlock your files. This can be very scary and costly.How does ransomware work?Ransomware usually comes in through email or bad websites. It can also spread through networks. Once it’s in, it starts to lock up your files with strong codes. Then you see a message asking for money.How can you prevent ransomware attacks?There are many ways to stop ransomware before it hurts you. Here are some key steps:Keep your software up to dateAlways keep your computer and programs up to date. Updates often fix problems that ransomware uses to get in.Use good antivirus…
Nicholas Salem
March 20, 2025
Free attack unsecured laptop vector
Cybersecurity

10 Steps to Prevent a Data Breach

Data breaches can harm your business. They can cost you money and trust. Let’s look at how to stop them from happening.What is a data breach?A data breach is when someone steals information. This can be names, emails, or credit card numbers. It’s bad for your customers and your business.Why should you care about data breaches?Data breaches are terrible things. They will cost you money. Perhaps your customers will stop trusting you. You may even be fined. It is vital to try to prevent them from occurring in the first place.How do you prevent a data breach?Here are 10 steps to help keep your data safe:1. Use strong passwordsUse long, complex passwords that are hard to guess. Include letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password for all of your accounts.2. Update your softwareAlways update your computer programs. Updates usually patch security holes. Have your computer set to update automatically.3. Train your employeesEducate your employees on data security. Teach them how to identify…
Nicholas Salem
March 15, 2025