Category: Apple

Useful business features in Apple’s iOS 11.3

A new iOS release usually means system performance updates, a redesigned interface, and some application enhancements. However, not all major updates are well-received, and such is the case with iOS 11, which came with a feature that drained battery life fast. Fortunately, Apple is offering a remedy along with other features in the upcoming iOS 11.3.

Battery management features

You might recall the infamous iOS software update in 2016 that deliberately slowed down iPhones. Apple claims that this update was meant to prevent devices from an unexpected shutdown in case of low battery charge, old batteries, or extremely cold temperatures. Unsurprisingly, many users were unhappy about this, which is why Apple is including another battery management capability in its latest iOS update.

When you update to iOS 11.3, your devices’ battery life wouldn’t necessarily be longer; rather, you’ll have an option to disable the feature that slows down the phone. That means you can keep your phone running at peak or have your phone running slow with an extended battery life.

Business chat

With the Business chat feature, a user can ping a company’s customer service representative via the iMessage app to make an inquiry or purchase a product using Apple Pay. This could offer great convenience to customers, as they no longer have to call a company’s hotline or search for their contact details online.

But there’s a catch: This functionality is available only in selected business apps, including Wells Fargo, Lowe’s, Discover, and a few other brands.

Read and delete iMessages

Another iMessage update is the syncing of read and deleted messages. In the new OS, messages will more seamlessly sync across all devices, including iPhone, iPad and Mac. This makes it easier for you to organize your messages, ensures you’re all caught up on new messages, and keeps deleted messages deleted on all synced devices.

Augmented reality enhancements

ARKit, Apple’s augmented reality (AR) platform, allows developers to create AR applications for iPhones and iPads running on iOS 11 or higher. However, apps developed on this platform were limited to recognizing horizontal surfaces and regular-shaped objects. That means AR-capable apps will work only when used to capture a virtual object horizontally.

In iOS 11.3, the AR capability extends to vertical surfaces and irregularly shaped objects like spherical or other multi-dimensional items, and recognize flat-surface objects like signs and posters. This gives AR developers greater capability to build more complex apps.

Other key updates

The Health app also gets a new feature called Health Records, which consolidates your medical records from hospitals and clinics that allow patient records integration with the Apple app. Users can also expect key updates on Apple Music, Apple News, mobile location functionality, and other usability improvements.

As with any OS releases, iOS 11.3 will come with security updates and other enhancements that can be highly relevant to businesses using Apple devices. Our technology consultants can help you make the most of these updates and features. Call us for mobile productivity tips and tricks.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Spectre & Meltdown: how to protect yourself

Spectre and Meltdown are critical security flaws that affect a majority of computers today, including the one you’re using to read this. They can leak your passwords and other sensitive data, which is why software companies are working on security patches. The good news for Apple users is that fixes are now available to keep their devices temporarily safe.

Download and install security patches ASAP

Apple has already released software updates for all affected devices, and you need to install them now. Here’s how:

  • macOS – Click the Apple icon on the topmost part of your screen and check whether your system has been updated to macOS 10.13.2. If not, click the ‘Software Update…’ button to go directly to the App Store, then click the ‘Update’ button for macOS High Sierra.
  • iOS – To update to iOS 11.2, go to Settings > General > Software Update and download and install the new software.
  • tvOS – To update to tvOS 11.2, go to Settings > System > Software Updates and follow Apple’s step-by-step instructions to update your software.

The company hasn’t confirmed whether they would release patches for devices running on outdated software, so if your business still uses previous versions of Macs, iPhones, or iPads, make sure they do not have critical company data stored on them. Better yet, upgrade to new devices so that they’re better protected against legacy system vulnerabilities.

Practice browser safety

The Spectre bug could also exploit vulnerabilities in browsers, so make sure you update Safari too. Apple is set to release Safari updates for Macs and iOS devices soon, and it’s highly recommended to download and install them as soon as they become available.

You should also avoid using non-Apple browsers like Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox, as they have yet to release security patches against the bugs.

Download applications only from the App Store

Downloading apps from the App Store is one of the best ways to ensure you install only secure apps. Third-party stores are prone to malicious apps that could be disguised as legitimate and harmless — or worse, an exact copy of a well-known app.

The App Store has had incidents of malicious applications targeting iPhones, but these cases are rare. It is also much better at vetting suspicious apps and is relatively safer than other open-source platforms.

Moreover, avoid jailbreaking your devices, as this just makes them and your systems more prone to malware. And regardless of where you’ve downloaded an app, practice extreme caution when running new, unfamiliar apps, whether on Macs or iPhones.

Because of the sheer scale of Spectre and Meltdown, there’s a greater need for businesses to consult with IT professionals who can install powerful security software and other protections. Our cyber security team is ready to answer your questions about these and other system bugs. Call us today for professional advice.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Huge Apple developments in 2018

Apple is most famous for releasing a new iPhone every year, but that’s not all users should be excited about. Many experts predict that in the coming year the tech powerhouse will introduce some incredible new products. Here are some of the most exciting announcement Apple could make in 2018.

Three new iPhones
Just like every year, Apple will likely launch new iPhone models in September. Reports suggest there will be three iPhone models in 2018, and since Apple disrupted naming conventions by introducing iPhone X, it’s anyone’s guess what these models will be called.

However, experts predict the new iPhones will look like the current X model, but in sizes that match the 8, 8 Plus, and a supersized X model. They’ll all be equipped with faster hardware and a TrueDepth camera system that allows users to protect their phones with facial recognition.

HomePod
One device that’s certain to be released early in the year is the HomePod, a smart speaker in the same vein as Google Home and Amazon Echo. The Siri-powered speaker will likely feature automatic tuning, a fast A8 processor, and a six-microphone array to easily pick up commands. Other than playing music, HomePods will answer general questions and communicate with nearby smart devices.

Considering that Amazon and Google currently dominate the smart speaker market, Apple has its work cut out.

AirPods and wireless charging
There’s also talk of updated versions of AirPods, Apple’s wireless headphones. Rumors are far from substantiated, but experts are saying that the headphones may receive a design change and a case that can charge them wirelessly.

Speaking of wireless charging, more Apple devices will likely rely on this technology in the future. In September 2017, Apple unveiled a wireless charging pad that can charge multiple iPhones and Apple Watches. This year, we might get to see larger devices like iPads taking advantage of this technology.

Wearables in healthcare
Those in healthcare predict Apple Watches will become a key piece of technology for the industry. More health-monitoring addons for Apple Watches like EKG readers are now FDA-approved, so we may see more doctors using them to give accurate diagnoses and treatments.

Augmented reality devices
Over the past few months, Apple has also expressed an interest in researching augmented reality (AR) technologies. In fact, leaks from manufacturing facilities indicate that Apple is working on smart glasses that overlay digital information on the physical world. Although it’s still unclear what they will be using it for or if Apple will follow through with their plans, there are plenty of business possibilities with AR.

For instance, it can be used to display line-of-sight prices and details about a product without having to check the price tag or ask a salesperson.

All in all, Apple users have much to be excited about, and if you want to be the first to find out when or if these products will be released in 2018, call us today. Our experts are always tuned into the latest Apple developments to give you an edge over the competition.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Update your Mac ASAP

With new vulnerabilities discovered every day, it’s important for users to keep their computers up to date. The problem is many find this process tedious and sometimes ignore it altogether. But if you’re a Mac user, we urge you to install the latest patch as soon as possible.

Serious bug
On November 28th, security researchers reported a serious bug in macOS High Sierra that allows anyone to easily take control of any Mac computer. Normally, users are asked for their username and password before logging into their Mac, installing a new application, or changing settings. However, this recent bug allows users to simply type “root” as a username, leave the password field blank, and click “unlock” to gain full access.

This means if hackers have physical access to a machine, not even passwords can stop them from getting inside. They could, for instance, log in with “root,” reset the username and password, and enjoy future access to the machine at any time. They could also install spyware with ease and monitor your activity 24/7 without being detected.

The bug was so alarming that Apple released an emergency patch within a day. But even the fix had problems, and when users installed the next major macOS update, High Sierra 10.13.1, the bug reappeared.

Luckily, Apple was quickly made aware of this secondary problem and rolled out a 10.13.2 update on December 6th to completely resolve the issue.

Other threats to Apple security
This wasn’t the only problem Apple had to deal with recently. In October, Apple released an update for Key Reinstallation Attacks (KRACK) — a type of attack that essentially breaks the encryption protocols between a router and a device, allowing hackers to read private messages and steal other sensitive data.

And last week, an iOS 11 update was rolled out to fix glaring weaknesses in Apple’s HomeKit Internet of Things framework, which enables hackers to exploit smart devices like security cameras and door locks.

How to protect yourself
The importance of checking for updates and installing them as soon as possible cannot be understated. Hackers are more active than ever and will use any means necessary to breach your network. Updating your software is the best way to reduce the number of exploitable entry points into your business.

To install updates for Apple devices, open the App Store, and click on Updates. All critical updates should be displayed on the window, but if you don’t see the one you’re looking for, use the Search field to find it.

Even though the potentially devastating High Sierra bug has been fixed, you should consider creating a genuine root user password to prevent others from gaining access to your machine just by typing in “root.”

To do this, open Directory Utility, which can be found in the Users & Groups tab in System Preferences. From there, click on Edit and select Enable root user, where you will be prompted to set a password. And last but not least, make sure you set a strong password.

Protecting your systems is a full-time job, so if you’re not experienced with computers, call us today. We’ll give you the tools and services you need to stay safe from a wide range of cyberattacks.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Useful keyboard shortcuts for Mac users

Did you recently switch from Windows to Mac? If so, you’re probably still getting used to the Apple keyboard. The good news is it’s only slightly different from a non-Apple keyboard. The bad news is you’ll have to learn a whole new set of shortcuts. Although some basic shortcuts are the same in both Apple and Windows computers, there’s plenty more that you ought to use.

Minimizing (or ‘Docking’) the front app window: Command M

Use this combination when you have several apps, browsers, or Finder windows open and want to minimize the active one. To minimize all open windows at once, press Command + Option + M.

Closing an active window: Command + W

This shortcut lets you close active apps or programs like browsers, Finder, Thesaurus, or any app that allows multiple tabs to be open simultaneously. To close all tabs without quitting the program entirely, press Command + Option + W.

Quitting a program: Command + Q

Clicking the red X button in most Mac apps and programs, like Mail, only puts them in the dock. This shortcut lets you fully quit an application.

Force quitting a program: Command + Option + Escape

If an app becomes unresponsive, you can shut it down by using the force-quit shortcut, which displays all your open applications. Select the one you want to quit and hit ‘Force Quit.’ In some instances, you might need to press Command + Tab to switch to another app, then press Command + Shift + Option + Escape to quit an active app.

Hiding apps: Command + H

With this trick you can hide an active window, which is particularly useful when you want to quickly conceal what’s on your screen. It’s also great for decluttering your screen by keeping only one app active. Simply press Command + Option + H.

Opening folders in Finder: Command + Shift + A/U/D/H/I

These combinations offer faster ways to view your Applications (A), Utilities (U), Desktop (D), Home (H), and iCloud (I) folders without having to click several apps.

Shutting down a Mac: Command-Alt-Control-Eject

In a hurry and need to power off quick? This shortcut shuts down everything — apps, operating system, and power.

Taking a screenshot:

  • Command + Shift + 3 – Use this to take a snapshot of your entire screen.
  • Command + Shift + 4 – This combination will turn your cursor into a set of crosshairs that will let you select a specific area of your screen.
  • Command + Shift + 4 + Spacebar – Hit these keys to screenshot only your current window (browser window, Notes app, etc.) without altering its dimensions.

Other little-known shortcuts:

  • Command + Spacebar – Press these keys and the Spotlight Search bar will appear in the upper center of your screen, which you can use to search for files or programs.
  • Command + Option + D – Use this to hide the Dock.
  • Command + Shift + [ or ] – Cycle through tabs in Safari by pressing [ when moving right or ] when moving left.
  • Command + Shift – See all your open tabs in an active browser.
  • Command + , (comma) – Open the active app’s settings.
  • Command + Shift T – Opens the last closed tab in the active browser.

Everyone uses hotkeys to work faster and more efficiently. If you need more usability and productivity tips and tricks on MacBook, iMac, MacBook Pro, or any of your business devices, call our experts today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Essential macOS High Sierra updates

The macOS 10.13.1 High Sierra update “improves the security, stability, and reliability of your Mac and is recommended for all users.” This is a standard message in most operating system updates, but users seldom pay heed. This time, however, Apple’s latest Mac OS includes a security update that’s essential to keeping your devices safe from KRACK.

Why you should update now

Foremost on Apple’s list of macOS updates is the addition of 70 new emojis. Although this is exciting to some, the most compelling reason to update to the latest OS is the security patch for the KRACK WiFi security flaw.

For those who are unfamiliar, KRACK or “Key Reinstallation AttaCK” was discovered in October by researchers who found a serious vulnerability in almost any device that can connect to WiFi (not just Macs). It compromises WPA2, a standard security protocol that protects most WiFi networks, and intercepts data that passes between a wireless device and the router. This exposes private messages, login credentials, and other sensitive data to attackers.

Aside from compromising your data, a successful KRACK attack could also infect your systems with ransomware and other malware. Updating to the latest OS ensures your device gets the latest security patch needed to shield it from KRACK.

Other relevant macOS updates

Aside from important security updates, the new macOS also fixes a bug that makes Bluetooth unavailable when performing Apple Pay transactions, improves the syncing of Microsoft Exchange messages in the Mail app, solves a keyboard bug with the search feature Spotlight, and improves Touch ID accessibility settings.

The macOS 10.13.1 High Sierra update coincides with updates for Apple’s other line of products, including iPhones (iOS 11.1), Apple watch (watchOS 4.1), and Apple TV (tvOS 11.1), all of which get security and performance improvements in their latest operating systems.

To install the update, launch the App Store, then click the Updates tab. Available updates will appear in the topmost section of the app.

Updating to the latest operating system as soon as it becomes available lets you enjoy a better-performing system and stay safe from the exploits of emerging vulnerabilities like KRACK.

Whether you need assistance with automating your devices’ updates or improving your systems’ overall security, our technicians can provide professional advice. Get in touch with us.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

How does Apple Pay work and is it secure?

Apple Pay is a way for iPhone and iWatch users to make credit card payments using only their mobile device. Although it’s incredibly simple to use, some small businesses are worried about whether accepting these digital payments will add to their data security burdens. However, once you understand how it works, you’ll see just how easy it is to manage.

How does it work?

Credit card transactions are more complicated than most people realize. There are a few middlemen between the merchant you purchase from and the bank that issues your credit card. Apple Pay simplifies the payment process by reducing the number of middlemen who have access to credit card numbers.

When you add a new card to the digital wallet on your mobile device, Apple works with the card issuer to create something called a Device Account Number (DAN). Once the DAN has been stored on your phone, with your bank, and on Apple’s servers — Apple erases your credit card number from its database.

To make a payment at a merchant that accepts Apple Pay, you place your phone near the payment terminal and your iPhone or iWatch will transmit your DAN over an encrypted connection (after scanning your fingerprint).

The merchant sends the purchase amount, your DAN, and a unique transaction code to the bank to be approved and checked against the records saved on your phone.

The time it takes to request authorization and approve the transaction is on par with swiping the magnetic strip in your wallet, but keeps your credit card number out of the merchant’s recorded history. And even if hackers were to decrypt and steal your DAN, it is totally useless without your fingerprint.

What do businesses need to accept Apple Pay?

All that is required to process a transaction is a payment terminal with Near Field Technology (NFC), which allows your phone to transmit encrypted information wirelessly. Apple Pay transaction fees are quite a bit lower than those of traditional card readers and NFC terminals range from $300-$500. Depending on what you sell, this method could pay for itself in a matter of months.

Aside from installation and integration with your existing sales and accounting software, Apple Pay requires little to no IT support. As an SMB ourselves, we view it as a way to improve the customer experience — and that’s what we care about most. If you need help with more technical support issues related to Apple products — just give us a call today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

macOS High Sierra gives away your password

A glaring security mistake has been discovered in Apple’s most recent desktop operating system. It’s not the sort of vulnerability that requires complicated malware or IT knowledge; anyone can learn this exploit in a matter of minutes to steal your password. Here’s how to stop that from happening.

What is the bug?

The vulnerability pertains to sweeping changes in how macOS stores files. In the High Sierra update, the Apple File System (APFS) was introduced to make opening and saving files much faster. As an added bonus, APFS also added advanced features like drive encryption.

However, users who add a second encrypted APFS partition to their computer’s drive aren’t keeping their data safe from prying eyes.

Let’s imagine you want to create a separate storage partition for your work files. The data contains sensitive information so you encrypt the drive and add a password.

If in the course of setting the password you were to provide a password hint, High Sierra will display your password when anyone clicks Show Hint when accessing the drive. You can see how it’s done in this 45-second video.

When anyone can retrieve your password in a matter of seconds, encryption becomes completely pointless.

How to fix this vulnerability

Sadly, the update for encrypted APFS drives requires much more than installing a patch. As such, we do not recommend trying to fix this issue without professional help if your encrypted partition has irreplaceable data. It is a complicated process and could result in data loss.

Apple procedures for fixing the issue if you’ve already encrypted a drive include:

  1. Installing the most recent macOS update
  2. Backing up the encrypted drive
  3. “Unmounting” and erasing the original drive
  4. Creating a new encrypted APFS drive
  5. Entering a new password and password hint
  6. Restoring the backup from Step 2 to the updated partition

Apple’s macOS is a great operating system. It is reliable, secure, and user friendly — but like any piece of software, it’s not perfect. Don’t make the mistake of assuming macOS is safe enough to protect your data without outside help. For help encrypting your drives or securing your Macs, call us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Major updates to Apple’s macOS High Sierra

macOS High Sierra, Apple’s newest desktop operating system, aims to enhance current features, fix problems, and improve overall user experience. A long list of refinements await iMac and MacBook users, but here are the ones businesses will find most useful.

Greater speed and efficiency

The improved Photos app is getting most of the attention in the new OS, but what most users need to know is that macOS High Sierra has significant speed and performance upgrades.

The newly upgraded Apple File System increases Mac devices’ data-handling speeds, increases disk space, and reduces — if not completely eliminates — system crashes. The Apple ecosystem was already stable and secure from malware infection, but this enhancement gives it a further performance boost and greater protection from data loss caused by unexpected system failures.

It also increases disk space by cloning rather than copying duplicate files, which means they don’t take up space unless modified. Apple File System also saves up to 40% of storage space by compressing 4K media files without reducing their quality.

Better search function in Mail

Refinements in Mail include easier search, a feature that will delight users who constantly pore through hundreds of messages. The Top Hits feature pulls up the most relevant items based on usage criteria: the most recently read mail, senders most replied to, and contacts tagged as VIP. The Mail has also added a split-screen view, which comes into play when a user switches to full-screen mode and when sending a new email.

More Personalized Safari Settings

Significant changes in the new Safari include a more personalized setting and fewer ads. Safari users can now block content advertising, disable auto-play videos, and stop cookie tracking, which helps make their browsing history more private and secure. The new Safari also lets users adjust text size and location settings for certain websites, giving them greater control.

Other enhancements

These small yet functional enhancements in the macOS High Sierra are also worth noting:

  • The Photos app gets an improved search function, “Loop” and “Bounce” effects on live photos, new editing tools and filters, and an improved interface that aims to make photo editing and organization a lot easier.
  • Messages are now saved in the cloud, which makes retrieval easy for those who switch, replace, or lose their device.
  • Spotlight gets a flight integration feature that lets users get departure and arrival, delays, and other flight information from the search icon.
  • The Notes app now allows users to pin their most frequently used notes at the top and add tables to notes.

Upgrading to macOS High Sierra

Apple’s new OS is now available for download from the App Store. To install, go to the App Store (or click the Apple icon at the top left corner of your screen and click App Store), click macOS High Sierra displayed in the featured section, then click Download. Before you upgrade, it is recommended that you back up all your files.

Our experts can help you make the most of your OS’s productivity-enhancing features, regardless of OS version or device. Call us today if you need tips and recommendations from professionals.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Apple released a new iPhone and so much more!

10 years after the first iPhone was announced, Apple’s keynote addresses are still global events. This year’s slate of fall releases included a lot more than incremental updates to the company’s flagship device. Regardless of whether your next Apple purchase is coming out of a personal or company budget, you’ll want to know what’s new.

iPhone X

Everyone suspected the new iPhone would have an edge-to-edge screen, but now it’s official. The 5.8-inch OLED screen covers the entire front side of the phone, except for a small notch along the top of the device.

The iPhone X, AKA the iPhone Ten, has no fingerprint scanner, which means users will need to unlock the device with either a passcode or a facial recognition scan. The top notch includes an updated 7-megapixel front-facing camera, call speaker and infrared sensors that power the iPhone’s new FaceID feature.

Apple’s newest smartphone includes some new high-tech hardware under the hood as well. The A11 Bionic chip can handle up to 600 billion operations per second, which allows the iPhone X to render high-resolution 3D experiences on top of real world images while in the camera mode.

iPhone 8/iPhone 8+

This model isn’t getting the same OLED screen as the iPhone X, but both versions of the iPhone 8 do come with their own improvements in screen resolution. Some of these are due to minor hardware upgrades and some utilize new software to adjust the colors on your screen based on your reading environment.

Both versions of the iPhone 8 also come with the brand new A11 Bionic processor, which Apple claims is 70% faster than the iPhone 7’s chip.

Apple Watch Series 3

The smartwatch market has had its ups and downs, but the most recent release from Apple is sure to disrupt the industry. The Series 3 Watch will include an integrated SIM card that allows wearers to send messages, receive calls, and stream media regardless of where their phone is at any given moment. Depending on what you use your phone for, you could potentially go without it for a full workday.

Wireless charging

Apple is finally making it possible for their devices to charge wirelessly. New iPhones, Apple Watch and AirPods will allow you to juice up your battery simply by laying down your device on a charging mat.

Apple devices have always been especially well suited for business environments. They’re secure, reliable and compatible with almost any business-class software. If you need help with anything Apple-related — from mobile device management to Mac servers — give us a call today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.