Standalone apps
Installed on your computer or mobile devices.
As we step into the new year, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest tools and strategies to safeguard your digital life and optimise productivity.
This month, we're focusing on three essential topics to help you strengthen cybersecurity practices and make the most of your technology. Learn how password managers can protect your sensitive information, understand the rising threat of malvertising and how to avoid it, and explore smart Windows 11 settings designed to boost efficiency in your daily tasks. These insights are designed to empower you with practical tips to stay secure and work smarter in 2025.
Password managers act as digital safes, securely storing all your passwords so you only need to remember one master password. By centralising and safeguarding credentials, they enhance both convenience and security.
Installed on your computer or mobile devices.
For seamless web browsing
Combining app and browser functionality
Save time and eliminate errors when logging in
Some tools let you securely save credit card details and documents
Share credentials safely with trusted contacts
Malvertising—malicious online ads—is a growing threat that can compromise your personal and organisational security. Cybercriminals use these ads to lure users into clicking on deceptive links, often leading to malware downloads or phishing scams. One notorious example involved fake PlayStation 5 ads designed to steal user credentials during the console’s launch.
Look for slight misspellings or inconsistencies in ad links
Avoid clicking on ads; instead, navigate to the brand’s official site.
These tools redirect you to a warning page if a risky ad link is detected.
Copycat sites often mimic legitimate login pages. Always access sites directly from your browser.
Scammers may impersonate customer support to extract sensitive information.
Free software offers or giveaways can hide malware.
Sharing information about malvertising reduces risks for colleagues and loved ones.
By staying vigilant and educating your team, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to malvertising campaigns.
With Windows 10 reaching its End of Life in 2025, many businesses are transitioning to Windows 11. This modern operating system offers a range of features to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. Here are some tips to get the most out of Windows 11:
Right-click on an app and select “Pin to Start” for easy access.
Drag and drop apps onto each other to create folders.
Create new desktops: Click the Task View button or press Win + Tab, then select “New Desktop.”
Switch between desktops: Use Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to navigate.
Use Snap Layouts: Hover over the maximise button on any window to view layout options.
Leverage Snap Groups: Organise windows into layouts and quickly restore them via taskbar icons.
Enable Focus Assist: Search “Focus” in the taskbar and configure settings to minimise distractions.
Set automatic rules: Activate Focus Assist during specific activities, such as screen sharing.
Customise your taskbar: Pin essential apps and adjust settings for badges or auto-hide functionality.
Optimise power modes: Configure Settings > System > Power & battery to balance performance and battery life.
Automate storage cleanup through Settings > System > Storage
Define regular intervals for tasks like clearing temporary files
Win + E: Open File Explorer.
Win + I: Open Settings.
Win + D: Show or hide the desktop.
Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps.
By optimising Windows 11 settings, you can enhance both individual and team productivity, making the transition smoother and more rewarding.
SonicWall has announced several critical vulnerabilities in their SonicOS platform, including an authentication bypass in SSLVPN with a CVSS score of 8.2/10, which could allow unauthorized access. They have urged system administrators to apply the necessary patches as soon as possible. Microsoft’s January 2025 Patch Tuesday also addressed 159 vulnerabilities, including 8 zero-days, with actively exploited flaws targeting system privileges. For existing Symetri IT support customers, Symetri is actively applying the recommended patches to affected devices to ensure continued security and protection.
Embracing tools like password managers, staying vigilant against cyber threats like malvertising, and utilising the latest productivity features in Windows 11 can significantly enhance your digital experience. If you’d like to learn more about implementing these tools or need further assistance, feel free to contact us at info@symetri.co.uk or visit our contact page. Let’s make 2025 a secure and productive year together!
In this month’s IT Bulletin, we’re shedding light on the cybersecurity threats that often go unnoticed — but can have serious consequences for businesses of any size.
In this blog, we’ll look at some common challenges teams face when configuring engineering software and share practical tips on how to simplify the process. We’ll also explain how Symetri’s solutions can help you optimise your software setup, reduce errors, and keep your projects running smoothly.
Managing a growing number of Autodesk BIM 360 or Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) projects can quickly become overwhelming - especially when it comes to project setup, user management, and data backups. With the right tools, you can eliminate manual inefficiencies, boost productivity, and focus on more strategic initiatives. If your team works with BIM 360 or ACC, this blog focuses on four powerful ways Naviate Cloud Manager can streamline your operations.