Technology Advisor Blog

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Let’s set the stage: It’s a Tuesday, still the beginning of your workweek and you notice 3 separate phone calls from an unknown number within the last 2 hours. For us in MA, these phone numbers commonly begin with (855), (866), (844) and sometimes even (774) which is a common area code in central MA. It seems like these spoofing spam calls are trying to reach you more than your friends and family. It’s distracting to receive these during the workday, and sometimes frustrating when trying to figure out the overall cause. You begin to block these unknown numbers, leading to even more calls causing you to wonder if your information has been leaked online somewhere. For iPhone, MAC, and Android users the uptick in spam calls is a nuisance.

As Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone; internet shoppers are facing a rise of fraudulent websites with counterfeit products, catered to their interests and demographic. These fraudulent websites are designed to steal innocent user’s credit card information along with their personal information. Causing additional stress on top of financial stress and holiday expectations. At Ekaru, we want to ensure you are safe this holiday season, and ensure your personal credentials are kept close.