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OTWAdmin

Security

Security Lockdown: The Importance of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

You may have noticed that recently a lot of your accounts are now requiring multiple methods of verifying your identity when you login. No longer do you just enter your username and password to get into your email, your cloud apps, or your accounting system. You now also need to input a short code that is texted to you, generated by an app, or emailed. In some cases, you might be getting verification phone calls, using a smart card, or entering biometric data like a fingerprint. What is this? This is multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA consist of three things that…
OTWAdmin
February 10, 2020
Tech Tip

Tips for using Outlook calendar

Confession: I am not an Outlook Calendar junkie. But if one of my coworkers looks at my calendar, they’ll likely see a smattering of events, tasks, and outside work commitments on my calendar. I also have a very long list of “Shared Calendars” so I can check up on coworkers’ schedules – it’s not lurking if it’s business! Like most people at my company, I use Outlook Calendar to remind myself and everyone else (who cares to know) when I am and am not available. Outlook Calendar is an invaluable tool if you’re in the habit of checking if someone…
OTWAdmin
February 3, 2020
ConsultingSecurity

2020 OXEN Update on Cybersecurity

Every day we read about another cybersecurity breach. Lost credit card information, hacked emails, corporate or national security information stolen by insider or external actors. Cyber espionage and security attacks have become sophisticated and big business. We have reluctantly learned a new language: ransomware, “phishing”, malware, HIPAA (in healthcare), PCI (for credit card protection), and PII (personally identifiable information) to name a few. The challenge grows even faster as more and more devices are attached to our networks. New devices like thermostats, smart lights, cell phones, watches, and smart monitors of all types connect to our networks to share information.…
OTWAdmin
January 20, 2020
Tech Tip

Basic math in Excel: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Are you new to Excel, and not sure where to start with formulas and operations? Many spreadsheets use basic math: adding and subtracting numbers or multiplying and dividing. Understanding these math formulas will help you graduate to more complex equations to manipulate your Excel data. How does basic math work in Excel? Excel uses formulas or functions to manipulate data. A function takes an input, which is the content of cells plus some operating symbols that say what to do with the data. You can input a single cell into a function or a range of multiple cells. For addition,…
OTWAdmin
January 13, 2020
AnnouncementsOffice 365Security

Keep Your Tech Relevant: Are You Prepared for Microsoft End of Support Deadlines?

There are multiple Microsoft products reaching end of support in 2020. These versions are being retired and will no longer have technical support. We’ve previously talked about the end of support for the Windows 7 operating system and Windows Server 2008 on January 14, 2020. However, other products are also reaching end of support in 2020. On January 31, 2020, Internet Explorer 10 will be retired. If you're already upgrading to Windows 10 or using Microsoft Edge as your web browser, then you've taken the next step to upgrade from IE 10. Later, in October 2020, Microsoft Office 2010 is…
OTWAdmin
January 6, 2020
Security

Increase Your Network Security

Wireless networks are a gift to anyone seeking easy connectivity and a quick Wi-Fi connection. But don't forget that rushing through your network's setup can have security consequences later. Make sure you've addressed these areas, whether it's for your personal network at home or your business's, to improve your network security. Change your access point or router's default username and password. Default usernames and passwords for most hardware and software can easily be found online. Turn on encryption. All Wi-Fi devices support at least some type of encryption. Change your network's name or SSID from the default. A default name…
OTWAdmin
December 16, 2019
ConsultingInfrastructureLeadershipSecurity

5 Tips on Managing & Planning Your Technology in 2020

In the IT industry, there are always new projects and upgrades coming, plus new concerns and trends. What should you consider implementing in 2020? Here are our tips for what to keep in mind when managing your cybersecurity risks and planning for the future. #1 Is your Windows Software wanted dead or alive? Are you still running Windows 7 and/or Windows Server 2008? Are you on Windows 8, but not yet ready to step up to Windows 10 and the latest updates? Remember that both Windows 7 and Server 2008 hit end of life in January 2020. Windows 8 reached…
OTWAdmin
December 10, 2019
Tech Tip

How to Add a Background Image to a PowerPoint Slide

Let’s say that you want to add a full-size background image to one of your PowerPoint slides. Maybe you want to show off your photography or liven up the background behind your talking points. But how do you add the image as a background? Right click on the slide. From the menu, select Format Background. A sidebar will appear on the right. From the Format Background menu, select Picture or text fill. Then click Insert, choose From a File, and then open the image you want to set as the background. Adjust the Transparency if you want to lighten the…
OTWAdmin
December 2, 2019