Technology Tree delivering our latest edition of updates, ideas and collaborations.
Hello from the team @ Technology Tree
Have you had a chance to log a ticket through our new portal? At Tech Tree, we are continuously looking at ways to improve how we provide IT services to you. Our new portal allows you to log and track tickets as well as receiving updates on how the job is going.
You can also send work requests to servicedesk@techtree.com.au and we always welcome a phone call from our friendly clients! If you’d like more information on using the portal, please reach out to us.
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Microsoft: Attackers Exploiting Windows Zero-Day Flaw
Microsoft have warned that attackers are exploiting a previously unknown vulnerability in Windows 10 and many Windows Server versions to seize control over PCs when users open a malicious document or visit a booby-trapped website. There will hopefully be a patch released shortly with a bundle of security updates, however, in the meantime, Microsoft has released recommendations for mitigating the threat.
Read the full article here.
Apple patches zero-day flaw affecting all devices
Apple have urged users to apply the latest Updates to their devices after uncovering a vulnerability that affects all previous versions of iOS, OSX and watchOS operating systems.
The vulnerability comes from a flaw in how iMessage automatically renders images. Apple described the vulnerability as “processing a maliciously crafted PDF may lead to arbitrary code execution” and was exploited by the Israeli surveillance firm, NSO Group. The vulnerability has prompted Apple to update its architecture.
To make sure your device is updated to the latest Apple OS, go to Settings > General > About to check the Software Version. The latest Apple Software Versions are listed at the end of the newsletter.
Click here to find out how to automatically or manually update your device to the latest version.
Flubot Malware targeting Android & iPhone Devices
Thousands of Australians have been hit by a new scam text message known as Flubot, which aims to install malware on their phones.
Flubot is a type of malware targeting both Android and iPhone devices, notifying users that they missed a call or have a new voicemail, providing a fake link to listen.
The link will take the user to a website that looks like an official brand – in Australia it could be Telstra but in Europe it was parcel delivery companies. The page tells users to install software on the phone to hear the message.
If the user agrees, it then installs malware. If permissions are granted to the app, then the attackers will have access to credit card details, personal information, the ability to intercept SMS messages, open browser pages and capture other information held in the phone.
The malware also gives the attacker access to a user’s contact list, and potential new targets.
There are ways of manually removing the malware, but Telstra has advised customers a factory reset of the phone and restoring it to a version prior to the malware being installed may be the easiest option.
Telstra has begun directly alerting customers it believes might have been hit by the scam, but said it is difficult to block the scam on a network level because the link for the malware is constantly changing.
It is advised that any links received via email or text message from an unknown source is not clicked on, however, if you are a victim of a Malware attack, change any passwords after restoring the device. It is also recommended that anyone who has fallen victim to the scam should contact ReportCyber and Scamwatch, and can also contact IDCare if they have lost personal information.
The ACCC has been sharing intelligence on the scam with Australian telecommunication companies and also reporting to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
Retiring Teams mobile support for devices running on iOS version 13 and below
Microsoft will be retiring the Teams mobile support on iOS version 13 and below. It is recommended that all users upgrade to the latest iOS builds which is where they will continue to invest their development resources. It is also encouraged that users update to the newest version of Teams if they're running builds older than 1 year. The retirement of Teams mobile support for older iOS versions will begin early October and is expected to complete by mid-October.
To update your iOS on your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Tap Automatic Updates, then turn on Download iOS Updates. Turn on Install iOS Updates. Your device will automatically update to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
Are you finding your PC’s performance is less than desirable? Here’s a few quick tips to improve its performance:
Make sure your PC is up to date
Disable unnecessary startup apps
Clean up unwanted files with Storage Sense
Balance PC performance with battery use
Consider using a different browser - Microsoft Edge is up to 41% faster than other browsers
Find out more about improving your PC’s performance here.
REMINDER!
Windows Users
It is very important to ensure your devices are being updated which should be happening automatically even whilst working from home, depending on your home internet. The latest version is Windows 10 version 21H1. If you want to know more about what is new in this version click here.
Patch Tuesday: Microsoft regularly releases software patches usually every second Tuesday of every month for its software products. Please make sure you apply and restart you computer this week to have these updates applied to your device. For those of you who we managed under a service agreement we will be monitoring and will be in touch if they’re not being applied.
How to update: Allow yourself at least 10 – 15 minutes to fully shutdown and restart your system. This ensures patches are applied, this can also address (and solve) some problems you may be having with your system. You can also manually check by following steps that can be found here.
Apple Users
Mac users: the latest version of macOS Big Sur is 11.5.1.
iPhone users: the latest version of iOS is 14.7.1.
iPad users: the latest version of iPadOS is 14.7.1.
Apple TV users: The latest version of tvOS is 14.7.
Apple Watch users: The latest version of watchOS is 7.6.1.
As always, feel free to contact us at the office on 08 6161 7113 or email the team at support@techtree.com.au for any assistance with your queries.
For any after hours support (charges may apply), please contact Derek Stewart directly on 0412 000 063.