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Unwrapping the truth about cyberthreats: A holiday security guide for retailers

Editor December 2, 2024

The holiday season brings tons of opportunities for retailers to thrive, but it also opens the door to increased cyber risks. With so many people shopping and transactions spiking, cybercriminals see this period as a perfect chance to strike. From sneaky phishing attempts to full-blown ransomware attacks, your business could be at risk. But don’t worry, here’s a breakdown of some common holiday cyberthreats and how to steer clear of them.

The danger of ransomware

Ransomware is a major headache, especially when your store is bustling with holiday shoppers. These attacks involve hackers locking down critical files and demanding payment in exchange for restored access. If affected, your business could face lost sales, stolen data, and reputational damage.

One way to defend against ransomware is to regularly back up your key data and store them offline. This ensures your files are safe even if hackers infiltrate your system. It’s also smart to keep your software up to date, and train your team to identify suspicious emails, as many ransomware attacks sneak in through shady links or attachments in emails from unknown sources.

Phishing tactics to watch out for

Phishing scams spike during the holidays. Cybercriminals might pose as popular brands, sending fake emails or messages to trick employees into revealing passwords or customers into sharing their payment info. These scams could lead to stolen data or unauthorized transactions, jeopardizing your business operations during the busiest season of the year.

Combat phishing by educating employees and customers about red flags such as fake login pages or emails that evoke a sense of urgency. Advanced spam filters can catch many of these scams before they even reach inboxes. Enabling multifactor authentication on accounts is another way to keep phishers at bay.

Securing your point-of-sale (POS) systems

POS malware is a sneaky tactic that lets cybercriminals steal payment information during checkout. It’s a serious issue that not only hurts your bottom line but also damages customer trust.

To keep your POS systems safe, ensure they’re updated and patched with the latest security updates. Using a secure payment system with encryption and tokenization adds extra layers of protection. Additionally, train your staff to look out for skimming devices, which are small gadgets attached to card readers that steal card details.

Defending against bots

Retail websites are often targeted by bots during the holidays. These automated programs can cause all kinds of chaos, from scooping up limited-edition products to overwhelming your system with fake accounts and slowing down operations.

The best way to handle bots is by using tools that identify and filter automated traffic, ensuring real customers have a smooth shopping experience. Setting limits on purchases of popular items and keeping a close eye on unusual web traffic patterns can also help prevent problems. If you notice a sudden surge in activity from one IP address, for example, it might be a sign of bot activity.

Keeping insider threats in check

Not all cyber risks come from outside your organization. Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, are a big concern, especially when you bring on temporary staff during the holidays. These can range from an employee stealing customer data to simple mistakes such as leaving a computer unlocked.

The key to addressing this? Start with strong security policies. Limit access to sensitive data and monitor for unusual employee behavior. Training all team members, including temp workers, about security best practices is essential. Doing background checks for new hires can also help you avoid potential issues.

By being proactive and implementing the tips above, you can better protect your retail operations from cyberattacks. If you need expert help, contact us today, and we’ll help you secure your store and give you peace of mind during this busy time of year.

Sleighing cyberthreats: A retailer’s guide to holiday security

Editor December 2, 2024

The holiday season brings plenty of joy and increased sales, but with all this activity comes a heightened risk of cyberattacks. With more transactions happening than usual, cybercriminals see the holidays as the perfect time to launch attacks. From phishing emails to ransomware and bots, the threats are real and can be costly for your business. Here’s a guide to help you understand and tackle five common cyber risks retailers face during the holidays.

The danger of ransomware

Ransomware is a major headache, especially when your store is bustling with holiday shoppers. These attacks involve hackers locking down critical files and demanding payment in exchange for restored access. If affected, your business could face lost sales, stolen data, and reputational damage.

One way to defend against ransomware is to regularly back up your key data and store them offline. This ensures your files are safe even if hackers infiltrate your system. It’s also smart to keep your software up to date, and train your team to identify suspicious emails, as many ransomware attacks sneak in through shady links or attachments in emails from unknown sources.

Phishing tactics to watch out for

Phishing scams spike during the holidays. Cybercriminals might pose as popular brands, sending fake emails or messages to trick employees into revealing passwords or customers into sharing their payment info. These scams could lead to stolen data or unauthorized transactions, jeopardizing your business operations during the busiest season of the year.

Combat phishing by educating employees and customers about red flags such as fake login pages or emails that evoke a sense of urgency. Advanced spam filters can catch many of these scams before they even reach inboxes. Enabling multifactor authentication on accounts is another way to keep phishers at bay.

Securing your point-of-sale (POS) systems

POS malware is a sneaky tactic that lets cybercriminals steal payment information during checkout. It’s a serious issue that not only hurts your bottom line but also damages customer trust.

To keep your POS systems safe, ensure they’re updated and patched with the latest security updates. Using a secure payment system with encryption and tokenization adds extra layers of protection. Additionally, train your staff to look out for skimming devices, which are small gadgets attached to card readers that steal card details.

Defending against bots

Retail websites are often targeted by bots during the holidays. These automated programs can cause all kinds of chaos, from scooping up limited-edition products to overwhelming your system with fake accounts and slowing down operations.

The best way to handle bots is by using tools that identify and filter automated traffic, ensuring real customers have a smooth shopping experience. Setting limits on purchases of popular items and keeping a close eye on unusual web traffic patterns can also help prevent problems. If you notice a sudden surge in activity from one IP address, for example, it might be a sign of bot activity.

Keeping insider threats in check

Not all cyber risks come from outside your organization. Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, are a big concern, especially when you bring on temporary staff during the holidays. These can range from an employee stealing customer data to simple mistakes such as leaving a computer unlocked.

The key to addressing this? Start with strong security policies. Limit access to sensitive data and monitor for unusual employee behavior. Training all team members, including temp workers, about security best practices is essential. Doing background checks for new hires can also help you avoid potential issues.

By being proactive and implementing the tips above, you can better protect your retail operations from cyberattacks. If you need expert help, contact us today, and we’ll help you secure your store and give you peace of mind during this busy time of year.

Retailers: Don’t let the Grinch steal your cheer (and your customer data)

Editor December 2, 2024

The holiday season is exciting for retailers, bringing a surge in customers and sales. However, with this increase comes a heightened risk of cyberattacks. Hackers know that businesses are busy and distracted during this time, making it the ideal moment to strike. From ransomware to phishing schemes, cybercriminals have a range of tactics to exploit retailers during the festive period. Here are some common risks and how you can protect your business.

The danger of ransomware

Ransomware is a major headache, especially when your store is bustling with holiday shoppers. These attacks involve hackers locking down critical files and demanding payment in exchange for restored access. If affected, your business could face lost sales, stolen data, and reputational damage.

One way to defend against ransomware is to regularly back up your key data and store them offline. This ensures your files are safe even if hackers infiltrate your system. It’s also smart to keep your software up to date, and train your team to identify suspicious emails, as many ransomware attacks sneak in through shady links or attachments in emails from unknown sources.

Phishing tactics to watch out for

Phishing scams spike during the holidays. Cybercriminals might pose as popular brands, sending fake emails or messages to trick employees into revealing passwords or customers into sharing their payment info. These scams could lead to stolen data or unauthorized transactions, jeopardizing your business operations during the busiest season of the year.

Combat phishing by educating employees and customers about red flags such as fake login pages or emails that evoke a sense of urgency. Advanced spam filters can catch many of these scams before they even reach inboxes. Enabling multifactor authentication on accounts is another way to keep phishers at bay.

Securing your point-of-sale (POS) systems

POS malware is a sneaky tactic that lets cybercriminals steal payment information during checkout. It’s a serious issue that not only hurts your bottom line but also damages customer trust.

To keep your POS systems safe, ensure they’re updated and patched with the latest security updates. Using a secure payment system with encryption and tokenization adds extra layers of protection. Additionally, train your staff to look out for skimming devices, which are small gadgets attached to card readers that steal card details.

Defending against bots

Retail websites are often targeted by bots during the holidays. These automated programs can cause all kinds of chaos, from scooping up limited-edition products to overwhelming your system with fake accounts and slowing down operations.

The best way to handle bots is by using tools that identify and filter automated traffic, ensuring real customers have a smooth shopping experience. Setting limits on purchases of popular items and keeping a close eye on unusual web traffic patterns can also help prevent problems. If you notice a sudden surge in activity from one IP address, for example, it might be a sign of bot activity.

Keeping insider threats in check

Not all cyber risks come from outside your organization. Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, are a big concern, especially when you bring on temporary staff during the holidays. These can range from an employee stealing customer data to simple mistakes such as leaving a computer unlocked.

The key to addressing this? Start with strong security policies. Limit access to sensitive data and monitor for unusual employee behavior. Training all team members, including temp workers, about security best practices is essential. Doing background checks for new hires can also help you avoid potential issues.

By being proactive and implementing the tips above, you can better protect your retail operations from cyberattacks. If you need expert help, contact us today, and we’ll help you secure your store and give you peace of mind during this busy time of year.

Safeguard your data with Android’s new features for combating theft

Editor November 29, 2024

Our smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, containing personal and sensitive information that we can’t afford to lose. Losing your smartphone or having it stolen can be a nightmare, especially if you don’t have proper security measures in place. Fortunately, Google is introducing a suite of innovative features designed to safeguard your Android device and data before, during, and after a theft.

Before the theft: Proactive protection

Google is enhancing device security with these protection features designed to deter theft and keep your personal data safe:

  • Factory reset upgrade – Some criminals aim to quickly reset stolen devices for resale. With this upgrade, however, forcing a reset on a stolen device becomes futile. Without your Google account credentials, the thief cannot set up the device again.
  • Private space – This new feature enables you to create a secure, hidden space within your phone to store sensitive apps, such as banking and health apps. With this extra layer of protection, your critical data remains safe even if your device is compromised.
  • Strengthened security settings – Google has implemented additional safeguards to prevent unauthorized changes to sensitive device settings. Actions like disabling Find My Device or extending screen timeout require PIN, password, or biometric authentication, making it more difficult for thieves to manipulate your device.
  • Enhanced authentication – When enabled, enhanced authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring biometrics for accessing and modifying critical Google account and device settings from untrusted locations.

Factory reset protection updates and the introduction of private space are set to launch with Android 15. Meanwhile, enhanced authentication will roll out to select devices in December 2024.

During the theft: Automatic defense

These features are designed to automatically detect suspicious activity and proactively safeguard your device’s data:

  • AI-powered screen lock – Theft Detection Lock utilizes Google AI to detect suspicious movement, such as your phone being snatched, and quickly locks the screen, preventing unauthorized access.
  • Offline Device Lock – If someone attempts to disconnect your phone from the internet for an extended period, the feature automatically locks your screen to safeguard your information. Android also detects other suspicious behaviors, such as multiple failed authentication attempts, and responds by locking your device to keep it out of the wrong hands.

Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock are set to roll out to Android 10+ devices later this year via a Google Play services update.

After the theft: Rapid response

Find My Device allows you to remotely lock or wipe a lost or stolen phone, and now it even lets you mark the device as lost for easier tracking. However, when a phone goes missing, many users find themselves overwhelmed with stress and unable to remember their Google account password, making it difficult to access Find My Device.

  • Remote Lock – With just your phone number and a quick security challenge, you can lock your device remotely from any other device. This gives you precious time to secure your account and explore additional options through Find My Device, such as initiating a full factory reset to completely wipe your phone’s data.

Find My Device is compatible with Android devices running version 5 or higher. Later this year, a Google Play services update will bring the Remote Lock feature to devices running Android 10 and above.

Google’s commitment to user security is evident in these new features. By staying vigilant and utilizing these advanced protections, you can safeguard your data and ease the stress of a potential theft or loss.

Reach out to our experts for further guidance on protecting your Android device and data, and stay tuned for more updates.

Secure your data on your Android device with the latest theft protection features

Editor November 29, 2024

Smartphones are our digital lifelines, storing everything from our personal photos and messages to our bank account information. However, these devices are also prime targets for thieves looking to steal valuable data or resell the device for profit. To protect your device and its valuable data, Google is rolling out a suite of advanced security features for Android 10+ devices, with some features available in Android 15.

Before the theft: Proactive protection

Google is enhancing device security with these protection features designed to deter theft and keep your personal data safe:

  • Factory reset upgrade – Some criminals aim to quickly reset stolen devices for resale. With this upgrade, however, forcing a reset on a stolen device becomes futile. Without your Google account credentials, the thief cannot set up the device again.
  • Private space – This new feature enables you to create a secure, hidden space within your phone to store sensitive apps, such as banking and health apps. With this extra layer of protection, your critical data remains safe even if your device is compromised.
  • Strengthened security settings – Google has implemented additional safeguards to prevent unauthorized changes to sensitive device settings. Actions like disabling Find My Device or extending screen timeout require PIN, password, or biometric authentication, making it more difficult for thieves to manipulate your device.
  • Enhanced authentication – When enabled, enhanced authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring biometrics for accessing and modifying critical Google account and device settings from untrusted locations.

Factory reset protection updates and the introduction of private space are set to launch with Android 15. Meanwhile, enhanced authentication will roll out to select devices in December 2024.

During the theft: Automatic defense

These features are designed to automatically detect suspicious activity and proactively safeguard your device’s data:

  • AI-powered screen lock – Theft Detection Lock utilizes Google AI to detect suspicious movement, such as your phone being snatched, and quickly locks the screen, preventing unauthorized access.
  • Offline Device Lock – If someone attempts to disconnect your phone from the internet for an extended period, the feature automatically locks your screen to safeguard your information. Android also detects other suspicious behaviors, such as multiple failed authentication attempts, and responds by locking your device to keep it out of the wrong hands.

Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock are set to roll out to Android 10+ devices later this year via a Google Play services update.

After the theft: Rapid response

Find My Device allows you to remotely lock or wipe a lost or stolen phone, and now it even lets you mark the device as lost for easier tracking. However, when a phone goes missing, many users find themselves overwhelmed with stress and unable to remember their Google account password, making it difficult to access Find My Device.

  • Remote Lock – With just your phone number and a quick security challenge, you can lock your device remotely from any other device. This gives you precious time to secure your account and explore additional options through Find My Device, such as initiating a full factory reset to completely wipe your phone’s data.

Find My Device is compatible with Android devices running version 5 or higher. Later this year, a Google Play services update will bring the Remote Lock feature to devices running Android 10 and above.

Google’s commitment to user security is evident in these new features. By staying vigilant and utilizing these advanced protections, you can safeguard your data and ease the stress of a potential theft or loss.

Reach out to our experts for further guidance on protecting your Android device and data, and stay tuned for more updates.

Fortify your Android device and data with these new theft protection features

Editor November 29, 2024

Our smartphones have become an essential tool for both our personal and professional lives. They contain a wealth of information, from confidential work documents to cherished photos and sensitive financial data. Having this information fall into the wrong hands can have disastrous consequences. With the latest Android updates, Google is introducing several new features that can help protect your Android device and data from theft.

Before the theft: Proactive protection

Google is enhancing device security with these protection features designed to deter theft and keep your personal data safe:

  • Factory reset upgrade – Some criminals aim to quickly reset stolen devices for resale. With this upgrade, however, forcing a reset on a stolen device becomes futile. Without your Google account credentials, the thief cannot set up the device again.
  • Private space – This new feature enables you to create a secure, hidden space within your phone to store sensitive apps, such as banking and health apps. With this extra layer of protection, your critical data remains safe even if your device is compromised.
  • Strengthened security settings – Google has implemented additional safeguards to prevent unauthorized changes to sensitive device settings. Actions like disabling Find My Device or extending screen timeout require PIN, password, or biometric authentication, making it more difficult for thieves to manipulate your device.
  • Enhanced authentication – When enabled, enhanced authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring biometrics for accessing and modifying critical Google account and device settings from untrusted locations.

Factory reset protection updates and the introduction of private space are set to launch with Android 15. Meanwhile, enhanced authentication will roll out to select devices in December 2024.

During the theft: Automatic defense

These features are designed to automatically detect suspicious activity and proactively safeguard your device’s data:

  • AI-powered screen lock – Theft Detection Lock utilizes Google AI to detect suspicious movement, such as your phone being snatched, and quickly locks the screen, preventing unauthorized access.
  • Offline Device Lock – If someone attempts to disconnect your phone from the internet for an extended period, the feature automatically locks your screen to safeguard your information. Android also detects other suspicious behaviors, such as multiple failed authentication attempts, and responds by locking your device to keep it out of the wrong hands.

Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock are set to roll out to Android 10+ devices later this year via a Google Play services update.

After the theft: Rapid response

Find My Device allows you to remotely lock or wipe a lost or stolen phone, and now it even lets you mark the device as lost for easier tracking. However, when a phone goes missing, many users find themselves overwhelmed with stress and unable to remember their Google account password, making it difficult to access Find My Device.

  • Remote Lock – With just your phone number and a quick security challenge, you can lock your device remotely from any other device. This gives you precious time to secure your account and explore additional options through Find My Device, such as initiating a full factory reset to completely wipe your phone’s data.

Find My Device is compatible with Android devices running version 5 or higher. Later this year, a Google Play services update will bring the Remote Lock feature to devices running Android 10 and above.

Google’s commitment to user security is evident in these new features. By staying vigilant and utilizing these advanced protections, you can safeguard your data and ease the stress of a potential theft or loss.

Reach out to our experts for further guidance on protecting your Android device and data, and stay tuned for more updates.

6 Proven ways to make your iPhone run faster and smoother

Editor November 27, 2024

iPhones aren’t perfect, and over time, performance issues are almost inevitable. Fortunately, there are several ways to tackle these issues. Here are five proven hacks to get your phone back to optimal speed and smooth functionality, no complicated tech skills required.

Restart your phone

More often than not, restarting your phone can solve various performance issues. By turning the device off and on again, you are closing all background apps and clearing up any temporary data that may be clogging your system. Simply press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” option appears, then swipe to turn off your phone. Wait a few seconds before pressing the power button again to turn it back on.

In fact, it’s a good habit to restart your phone once a week to keep it running smoothly. Malware attacks that run in the background are known to slow down phones, and a simple restart can hamper these processes, preventing them from damaging your device and minimize iPhone lag.

Uninstall unused apps

Over time, apps you no longer use can clutter your phone and slow it down, which is why it’s essential to regularly check and uninstall any unused or unnecessary apps. To do this, simply press and hold an app icon until the “x” appears in the top left corner. Tap the “x” to delete the app permanently. Doing this will free up storage space and reduce the load on your phone’s processor, allowing it to run faster and smoother.

Check your battery health

Your iPhone’s performance heavily relies on its battery health. The problem is many iPhones throttle performance as the battery ages to prevent unexpected shutdowns and prolong usage. This trade-off often prioritizes battery life over speed, as most users would prefer a phone that lasts all day rather than one that’s slightly faster but dies early.

That’s why it’s crucial to regularly check your battery health and make sure it is performing at its best. You can check your iPhone’s battery health by heading to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Here, you’ll see the maximum capacity of your battery and whether it needs replacing. Getting ahead of a failing battery can prevent sluggish performance and extend the life of your iPhone.

Simplify your iPhone functions

iPhones come loaded with features like widgets, motion effects, and background app refresh. While these are designed to enhance your user experience, they can also slow down your phone. So, if you’re experiencing lag on your iPhone, try simplifying its functions by turning off any unnecessary features.

Simplify your setup by:

  • Removing unnecessary widgets from your home screen.
  • Turning off Background App Refresh under Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
  • Disabling motion effects in Settings > Accessibility > Motion.

Update regularly

Apple regularly releases software updates that contain bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. By keeping your iPhone updated with the latest software version, you can ensure that it is running at its best.

To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it. Updating your phone not only improves its performance but also protects it from potential security threats that can slow down or harm your device.

Clear cache and data

As you use your phone, it accumulates temporary data and cache files, which can slow down your device. Clearing these periodically can improve performance.

To do this, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Here, you’ll see a list of apps and how much storage they are taking up on your phone. Tap on an app to see the option to “Offload App” or “Delete App.” Offloading an app will remove it from your phone but keep its documents and data intact, while deleting it will remove all associated data as well.

Your web browser also stores temporary data and cache, so clearing this can also improve your phone’s performance. For Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.

A sluggish phone doesn’t have to be a constant frustration. If you need more technical advice and support on maintaining your iPhone’s performance, we can help. Contact our tech experts today and get your phone back to running at optimal speed.

Say goodbye to sluggishness: Easy tricks to boost your iPhone’s performance

Editor November 27, 2024

For many workers, iPhones are practical business tools — they make handling emails, presentations, and everything in between simple and easy. But these devices can become slow and unresponsive, which can disrupt your day and hinder productivity. By implementing the following five hacks, you can keep your phone running at its best and minimize sluggish performance.

Restart your phone

More often than not, restarting your phone can solve various performance issues. By turning the device off and on again, you are closing all background apps and clearing up any temporary data that may be clogging your system. Simply press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” option appears, then swipe to turn off your phone. Wait a few seconds before pressing the power button again to turn it back on.

In fact, it’s a good habit to restart your phone once a week to keep it running smoothly. Malware attacks that run in the background are known to slow down phones, and a simple restart can hamper these processes, preventing them from damaging your device and minimize iPhone lag.

Uninstall unused apps

Over time, apps you no longer use can clutter your phone and slow it down, which is why it’s essential to regularly check and uninstall any unused or unnecessary apps. To do this, simply press and hold an app icon until the “x” appears in the top left corner. Tap the “x” to delete the app permanently. Doing this will free up storage space and reduce the load on your phone’s processor, allowing it to run faster and smoother.

Check your battery health

Your iPhone’s performance heavily relies on its battery health. The problem is many iPhones throttle performance as the battery ages to prevent unexpected shutdowns and prolong usage. This trade-off often prioritizes battery life over speed, as most users would prefer a phone that lasts all day rather than one that’s slightly faster but dies early.

That’s why it’s crucial to regularly check your battery health and make sure it is performing at its best. You can check your iPhone’s battery health by heading to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Here, you’ll see the maximum capacity of your battery and whether it needs replacing. Getting ahead of a failing battery can prevent sluggish performance and extend the life of your iPhone.

Simplify your iPhone functions

iPhones come loaded with features like widgets, motion effects, and background app refresh. While these are designed to enhance your user experience, they can also slow down your phone. So, if you’re experiencing lag on your iPhone, try simplifying its functions by turning off any unnecessary features.

Simplify your setup by:

  • Removing unnecessary widgets from your home screen.
  • Turning off Background App Refresh under Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
  • Disabling motion effects in Settings > Accessibility > Motion.

Update regularly

Apple regularly releases software updates that contain bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. By keeping your iPhone updated with the latest software version, you can ensure that it is running at its best.

To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it. Updating your phone not only improves its performance but also protects it from potential security threats that can slow down or harm your device.

Clear cache and data

As you use your phone, it accumulates temporary data and cache files, which can slow down your device. Clearing these periodically can improve performance.

To do this, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Here, you’ll see a list of apps and how much storage they are taking up on your phone. Tap on an app to see the option to “Offload App” or “Delete App.” Offloading an app will remove it from your phone but keep its documents and data intact, while deleting it will remove all associated data as well.

Your web browser also stores temporary data and cache, so clearing this can also improve your phone’s performance. For Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.

A sluggish phone doesn’t have to be a constant frustration. If you need more technical advice and support on maintaining your iPhone’s performance, we can help. Contact our tech experts today and get your phone back to running at optimal speed.

Minimize iPhone lag with these simple tricks

Editor November 27, 2024

It’s a familiar problem: over time, even the fastest phones begin to slow down. Apps take longer to load, screens freeze, and multitasking becomes a chore. If this sounds like your phone, don’t worry. There are some simple adjustments you can make to minimize iPhone lag.

Restart your phone

More often than not, restarting your phone can solve various performance issues. By turning the device off and on again, you are closing all background apps and clearing up any temporary data that may be clogging your system. Simply press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” option appears, then swipe to turn off your phone. Wait a few seconds before pressing the power button again to turn it back on.

In fact, it’s a good habit to restart your phone once a week to keep it running smoothly. Malware attacks that run in the background are known to slow down phones, and a simple restart can hamper these processes, preventing them from damaging your device and minimize iPhone lag.

Uninstall unused apps

Over time, apps you no longer use can clutter your phone and slow it down, which is why it’s essential to regularly check and uninstall any unused or unnecessary apps. To do this, simply press and hold an app icon until the “x” appears in the top left corner. Tap the “x” to delete the app permanently. Doing this will free up storage space and reduce the load on your phone’s processor, allowing it to run faster and smoother.

Check your battery health

Your iPhone’s performance heavily relies on its battery health. The problem is many iPhones throttle performance as the battery ages to prevent unexpected shutdowns and prolong usage. This trade-off often prioritizes battery life over speed, as most users would prefer a phone that lasts all day rather than one that’s slightly faster but dies early.

That’s why it’s crucial to regularly check your battery health and make sure it is performing at its best. You can check your iPhone’s battery health by heading to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Here, you’ll see the maximum capacity of your battery and whether it needs replacing. Getting ahead of a failing battery can prevent sluggish performance and extend the life of your iPhone.

Simplify your iPhone functions

iPhones come loaded with features like widgets, motion effects, and background app refresh. While these are designed to enhance your user experience, they can also slow down your phone. So, if you’re experiencing lag on your iPhone, try simplifying its functions by turning off any unnecessary features.

Simplify your setup by:

  • Removing unnecessary widgets from your home screen.
  • Turning off Background App Refresh under Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
  • Disabling motion effects in Settings > Accessibility > Motion.

Update regularly

Apple regularly releases software updates that contain bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. By keeping your iPhone updated with the latest software version, you can ensure that it is running at its best.

To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it. Updating your phone not only improves its performance but also protects it from potential security threats that can slow down or harm your device.

Clear cache and data

As you use your phone, it accumulates temporary data and cache files, which can slow down your device. Clearing these periodically can improve performance.

To do this, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Here, you’ll see a list of apps and how much storage they are taking up on your phone. Tap on an app to see the option to “Offload App” or “Delete App.” Offloading an app will remove it from your phone but keep its documents and data intact, while deleting it will remove all associated data as well.

Your web browser also stores temporary data and cache, so clearing this can also improve your phone’s performance. For Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.

A sluggish phone doesn’t have to be a constant frustration. If you need more technical advice and support on maintaining your iPhone’s performance, we can help. Contact our tech experts today and get your phone back to running at optimal speed.

Tips to improve VoIP call quality in Microsoft Teams

Editor November 25, 2024

Microsoft Teams makes collaboration easy, but VoIP calls within the platform can sometimes face quality issues such as delays or fuzzy sound. Ensuring top-notch call quality goes beyond having a fast internet connection — it’s about refining your setup and tackling potential challenges head-on. Here are some tips to help you achieve crystal-clear VoIP communication in Teams.

Choose the best VoIP gateway for your needs

To start with, you need a VoIP gateway that fits your business needs. A VoIP gateway is a device that connects your internet-based phone system (VoIP) to traditional phone lines or other networks. Think of it as a translator, converting phone calls from the internet into a format that can be understood by regular phone systems, and vice versa. Choosing a gateway with the right features makes a big difference in how your calls sound.

  • Good audio quality: Choose a gateway that uses modern audio codecs such as G.711 or G.729. An audio codec is a device or software that compresses and decompresses audio signals, essentially acting like an “audio filter” that keeps your conversations sounding crisp, even when the connection quality isn’t ideal.
  • Echo fixing: Look for gateways with echo cancellation. This feature eliminates the annoying delay or feedback where you hear your own voice during a call.
  • Capacity for growth: As your team expands, your VoIP system must keep up with the increasing call volume. Choose a gateway designed to handle more calls without compromising quality or performance. Check reviews and testimonials from businesses with similar needs, and consult tech experts or the manufacturer to ensure the gateway aligns with your growth plans.

Adjust your internet settings

Your internet connection settings have a big impact on call quality. Even if your internet speed is fast, poor network setup can cause issues. Here’s how to optimize your settings:

  • Prioritize calls over other internet use: When everyone is streaming videos or downloading files, it can slow down calls. Adjust your network to prioritize calls over other internet activities, preventing any delays in voice traffic.
  • Reserve enough speed for calls: Make sure your internet plan has enough bandwidth to handle calls, especially when the office is at its busiest. This ensures smooth, uninterrupted communication.
  • Fix delays and glitches: Simple network adjustments can reduce delays and glitches that disrupt calls. These fixes help keep conversations clear and free of interruptions. For instance, closing apps or programs that use a lot of data or moving the Wi-Fi router somewhere where there’s less interference (such as active microwaves or dense walls) can enhance the quality of VoIP calls.

Make external calls easier

If your business uses Microsoft Teams to make VoIP calls to regular phone numbers, setting up direct routing can significantly improve call quality. Direct routing works as a shortcut, bypassing the traditional, often complex pathways that calls take to connect Microsoft Teams to external phone networks. Without direct routing, calls may rely on third-party services or pass through multiple network systems, which can lead to inefficiencies and quality issues.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Add a connection tool: To set up direct routing, you’ll need a session border controller (SBC). An SBC is a device that works as a secure bridge between Microsoft Teams and your phone network. It helps safely connect Teams to the outside phone system while properly routing calls.
  2. Simplify the path: After installing the SBC, configure it for Microsoft Teams and set it up for direct routing (including which phone numbers Teams should use when making external calls), creating a streamlined connection between Teams and the phone network.

Use built-in call monitoring

Microsoft Teams has built-in tools that help you monitor call quality. The Call Quality Dashboard allows you to track issues such as slow internet or dropped connections, helping you identify problems before they worsen.

Many VoIP gateways also include performance reports that provide additional insights, allowing you to fine-tune settings for better results. By regularly using these tools, you can proactively resolve issues and experience clear, reliable communication.

Update and maintain your systems

Constant updates and maintenance are essential for enjoying smooth, problem-free calls. Manufacturers regularly release updates for VoIP gateways that fix bugs or enhance performance, so you need to regularly check for and install these updates. Additionally, ongoing maintenance is crucial to keeping your equipment functioning properly. Keeping everything updated and well maintained ensures that your communication system runs smoothly.

A little effort can go a long way in achieving smooth and reliable communication for your team. To learn more about optimizing VoIP calls or improving your Microsoft Teams experience, contact us today to speak with one of our experts.

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