10 Awesome Ways to Customize Your Desktop Layout

Free Stylish home office workspace featuring a computer setup with accessories. Stock Photo

You can make your computer experience more unique by changing the style of your desktop. It lets you organize your area well, which makes it easier to get to files and programs you use often. There are many ways to change things whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux.  This can make a big difference…

Read More

7 New and Tricky Types of Malware to Watch Out For

Free internet security digital vector

Malware is a huge threat in the digital world. It can cause a lot of damage and cost people a lot of money. As technology advances, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals. In this article, we will explore some of the newest and trickiest types of malware. 7 Malware Threats to Watch Out For…

Read More

Where Do Deleted Files Go?

Free An overhead view of a person working on a laptop in a minimalist home office setting. Stock Photo

It may seem like the file is gone for good when you delete it from your computer. However, the truth is more complicated than that. A deleted file doesn’t really disappear from your hard drive; it stays there until new data fills up the space it occupied.  This process might be hard to understand for…

Read More

New Gmail Threats Targeting Users in 2025 (and How to Stay Safe)

Free to hack fraud map vector

Cybercriminals target Gmail a lot because it’s very popular. It also integrates with many other Google services. As AI-powered hacking attacks become more common, it gets harder for people to distinguish between real and fake emails.  As 2025 approaches, it’s crucial for Gmail users to be aware of these new threats and take steps to…

Read More

8 Considerations Before Buying Used Technology

silver laptop computer on black table

We use our devices every day, so they need to work well for our needs. A device that’s slow or broken is inconvenient and can affect productivity for day-to-day tasks. But buying a brand new phone or laptop isn’t always the best option. We’ll cover eight things you should consider before making the purchase of…

Read More

How to create secure passwords

How to create secure passwords

Weak passwords are one of the biggest security risks to your business.
Why?
Because cyber criminals are getting smarter than ever before. If they manage to crack just one password, they could gain access to your sensitive business data, financial information, or even gain control of your entire system.
Cyber criminals use automated tools to guess passwords, allowing them to try out millions of combinations in seconds. So, if you’re using something like “Password123” or “CompanyName2025”, you’re practically handing them the keys to your business.
A compromised password can lead to big issues, such as:
• Data breaches
• Financial losses
• Identity theft
• Reputation damage
But how do you create strong passwords without driving yourself (and your team) mad?
Think of your password like a secret recipe, where only you should know the ingredients. It should:
• Be at least 14 characters long (the longer, the better)
• Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
• Contain a few numbers and symbols (like @, $, %, or &)
• Not contain any common words or easily guessable information (like birthdays, names, or the word “password”)
Instead of using a single word, you could try a passphrase – a short, random sentence that only you would understand. For example, instead of “Sailing2025”, try something like “Coffee&CloudsAreGreat9!”. This is much harder to crack, yet still easy to remember.
You should also steer clear of these common mistakes:
• Using personal info (your name, birthday, business name, etc.)
• Reusing the same passwords across multiple accounts
• Using simple sequences (“123456” or “abcdef”)
• Storing passwords in an easily accessible place (like a sticky note on your desk)
If remembering unique passwords for every account sounds impossible, there is another option: Password managers. These generate strong passwords, store them securely and autofill them for you.
With a password manager, you only need to remember one strong master password for the manager app itself. The rest are encrypted and stored safely, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Even the strongest password isn’t foolproof, which is why multi-factor authentication (MFA) is also important. MFA requires a second form of verification, like a one-time code sent to your phone or generated from an authentication app.
If you have employees accessing your business systems, it’s a good idea to have a password policy in place to explain your rules and why they’re important. This should include:
• Unique passwords for each system and account
• Regular security training on password best practices
• Business-wide use of MFA for critical systems
• Scanning for compromised passwords regularly
By making password security a priority, you can reduce the chances of a cyber attack creating a nightmare for your business.
And if you need help making your business more secure, get in touch.

Read More