Amazon provides users with an extensive ecommerce platform, with purchases ranging from clothing, games, kitchen, niche topics, home décor, technology, and more right at your fingertips. Exceptional delivery time on everyday items, insightful reviews, and a great return policy. Though Amazon has millions of official and 3rd party sellers using its ecommerce platform in showcasing their products & services, there are risks to be aware of especially when buying laptops.
In recent months, we have heard reports of users buying computers from Amazon with complicated issues regarding unclear support policy plans and overall, not what they were expecting. In today’s blog post, we are going to discuss key risks that come with purchasing from 3rd party sellers on Amazon, with misleading specs and even receiving used items.
At Ekaru, our goal isn’t to instill fear but provide users with the most up-to-date cybersecurity findings to help you make informed decisions. Especially when it comes to your devices and overall cybersecurity hygiene. Located in Westford MA, we work alongside multiple small and medium-sized businesses in the Boston metropolitan area ranging from doctor offices, construction, attorney offices, accounting, and so much more.
Technology Advisor Blog
Sarah Carroll
Recent Posts
Before You Buy on Amazon: Consider the Official Computer Website First
Posted by Sarah Carroll on 2/25/26 2:23 PM
Tags: laptop, small business, RAM, small business technology advice., specifications, cybersecurity
By the end of January, you likely have received your tax return documents with a deadline completion set for April 15, 2026.
With the current time frame of 8-10 weeks to completion, some will leave their taxes to the last minute or engage an accountant for their services. What if we told you that the longer you wait to do your taxes, the more at risk your information falls into the hands of a hacker? In turn causing the big headache that goes along with identity theft and tax fraud.
Hackers have found intricate loopholes to steal your personal and tax information for malicious and financial gain. At Ekaru, our goal isn’t to instill fear when it comes to cybersecurity threats. It’s essential to understand that anyone can become an unsuspecting victim of a scam. Our intent is to provide you and your business with the essential tools to defend your personal data with peace of mind. In today’s blog, we will discuss why it’s better to get your taxes done proactively.
Tags: Cybersecurity, email scams, cybersecurity, TaxScam, Fraud
In January, multiple updates for Windows 11 affected millions of users. These mostly consisted of security patches, bug fixes, AI implementation and a new feature in the mix to improve the user experience for Microsoft users. As we enter a new month, Microsoft has another wave of updates for users that can help improve their security posture, enhance some features and discontinued others.
Read MoreTags: Microsoft Windows Update, Wi-Fi, cybersecurity, AI, Windows11
Jan 2026: ATM Skimmers, Social Media Phishing & Windows 11 Recap
Posted by Sarah Carroll on 1/29/26 3:41 PM
Just because it is January, does not mean hackers are ceasing their cyber attacks on businesses and unsuspecting victims. This month, we have noticed scams such as stealing debit card information at local stores hitting close to home, sophisticated phishing attempts across social media accounts, particularly Instagram, and Windows 11 updates we’ve observed for users. At Ekaru, our goals are to provide users with the most up-to-date news for cybersecurity locally and across the US, while also providing tips to keeping you and businesses safe.
Read MoreTags: password, cybersecurity, Cybersecurity, Social Media, Windows11, ATMScam
Shutdown vs. Restart: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Your Business
Posted by Sarah Carroll on 1/23/26 12:38 PM
Have you been in the middle of a significant deadline with complete focus, then all a sudden your desktop shuts down abruptly causing your focus and productivity to cease? It happens to the best of us.
Read MoreTags: Slow Computer, computer security, cybersecurity, Computer Tip, Computer Shutdown, Computer Restart
But wait - there's more! While we had a blog discussing Windows shortcuts to boost your productivity throughout the week, we also want to inform you of what’s to come for January 2026 updates regarding Windows 11. To provide an understanding of what’s coming your way, what you can expect for patch security updates, AI powered Copilot, PC features to devices, and more. Our intentions here at Ekaru are to provide our clients, and those searching for their next MSP, with the most up-to-date knowledge on all things cybersecurity and windows applications to ensure you are proactive and aware in the world of cybersecurity.
Read MoreTags: Security, Microsoft, Monitoring, cybersecurity, Windows11
Proceed with Caution: Post Holiday Surge in Phishing Campaigns
Posted by Sarah Carroll on 1/7/26 3:09 PM
Though it may be the beginning of a new year, the holiday remnants are evident when it comes to relentless cybercriminal activity. During the holidays, you had to be extra vigilant in managing your finances, buying gifts for friends/family, monitoring any unauthorized transactions, maintaining subscriptions, ensuring purchases came from legitimate websites and gift cards that were not tampered with. It’s understandable to feel fatigued in attempts to avoid being a potential target for cyber criminals. As hackers become more proficient with using AI tools and understanding your fears to enhance their phishing campaigns, the Ekaru team is here to help spread awareness of their evolving tactics, to prevent you from becoming their next victim.
Read MoreTags: Cybersecurity, email scams, cybersecurity, Text Scams, Fraud, Cybersecurity, Smishing, Identity Theft
As we move into 2026, we can reflect on the past year. 2025 has marked a significant shift with the integration of artificial intelligence into our workflows and daily lives. Whether welcomed or not, AI is now almost permanent part of the digital landscape, making it essential for organizations and individuals alike to stay informed and prepared, as cybercriminals seek to exploit these technologies for malicious intent.
Read MoreTags: cybersecurity, cybersecurity training, Artificial Intelligence, AI
The holidays are here, many larger companies have gone on company freeze, while many smaller businesses are beginning to close their devices to focus on family instead of work. During this time, it’s essential to ensure all safeguards are set up, that way cybercriminals don’t find an opportunity to cause havoc while you’re away. As your expert IT cybersecurity ally, we will discuss the steps you and your business should initiate in terms of updates, network safety, and phishing attempts before you clock out of the office.
Read MoreTags: security protection, Monitoring, security patches, small business technology, small business technology advice., cybersecurity, ransomware, cybersecurity, Cybersecurity, Travel, Cybersecurity, Social Media
8 weeks have passed since the highly anticipated sunset of Windows 10, leading to the transition of Windows 11 for most users. Throughout the last several weeks, many updates and security patches have been put in place to maintain high performance for users. As folks have updated their devices to Windows 11, a lot of users have experienced unusual glitches that Microsoft has resolved in real time. Let’s go over what updates have occurred so you are up to date and recognize anything you may have encountered within the last couple weeks!
Read MoreTags: Microsoft Windows Update, Microsoft, Microsoft Updates, cybersecurity, Windows11