Blog
Twitter Rolls Out New Paid Plan Called Twitter Blue
One of the things that has allowed social media platforms to grow so quickly and utterly dominate the internet is the fact that they’re free to use. They’re not completely free however because users are required to give up a lot of personal information. The bottom line is that there’s no monetary cost involved which […]
Update Microsoft Exchange Server For Important Security Patch
If you use Exchange Server to handle your company’s email then you’re probably already aware that a critical security flaw has been discovered that puts the server at risk. The issue is being tracked as CVE-2021-42321 and impacts both Exchange Server 2016 and 2019. Even worse is that Microsoft reports that this issue has been […]
Linux Users Are Getting Some Security Help From Microsoft
Open-source applications don’t get much in the way of protection. However in recent years Microsoft has taken steps to change that and especially as it relates to Linux. A few months back the company expanded those protections by adding endpoint detection and response (EDR) to Defender for Endpoint. More recently Microsoft added that capability for […]
Firefox Is Now A Download Option In Windows Store
If you spend a lot of time browsing the Windows Store you may have noticed something unexpected. You can now download Mozilla’s Firefox browser from that source. Previously Mozilla was unable to upload its browser to the Windows Store because Microsoft’s policies required that all browsers on their platform had to use the engine provided […]
Facebook Will End Facial Recognition Program
Facebook has seen no end of trouble lately and has been called before Congress multiple times over the past year to explain themselves and their policies. This is all happening as the US tries desperately to stem the unending tide of mis-information and dis-information and do more to protect children and teens. This is all […]
Microsoft Excel Adding Useful Features For Developers
There’s great news in your immediate future if you’re one of the legions of Excel users. Recently Microsoft made some behind the scenes changes to the venerable spreadsheet application that allows developers to code their own custom data types for use inside the program. The upgrade isn’t aimed at business executives but rather at developers […]
Microsoft Windows 7 And 8 OneDrive Support Is Ending
Are you a OneDrive user running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1? If so be aware that on January 1st, 2022 your OneDrive desktop application will reach end of support. The company offered the following by way of explanation: “In order to focus resources on new technologies and operating systems and to provide users […]
AI Comes To Microsoft Office Products
The folks of Microsoft have been busy quietly making improvements to their venerable MS Office Suite. Recently Excel got some intriguing updates that expanded the number of data types cells could accept. That is with a bit of programmatic help of course. At this year’s Ignite IT conference Microsoft announced some exciting new tools and […]
Windows 10 Update Includes PC Health Check For Users
If you’re one of the legions of Windows 10 users you may have recently noticed a new application on your machine. Rest assured that you didn’t get infected with some type of malware. The new app is part of a Windows 10 update. Specifically KB5005463. If your system is set automatically receive Windows updates it […]
New Android Malware Wreaks Havoc For Some Users
There’s a nasty new strain of malware you need to be aware of that targets Android devices. Don’t let the funny name fool you because AbstractEmu is a serious threat. Not only will it root an infected device but it will allow the controller of the malware to take total control of the device. It […]
A Visionary Approach to Your Security
The purpose of an IT partner isn’t just to fix something when it is broken, it is to keep your people working and your data secure. Astral moves beyond traditional managed services by addressing all the key areas of cybersecurity in today’s complex landscape.
