Monthly Archives: May 2020

Software Device to Unlock iPhones

Although this device is affiliated with law enforcement, it still acquires a security threat concern.

Founded in 2016, the company Grayshift created a device that had the ability to unlock iPhones. And those who really know about Apple’s products know how difficult it can be to hack into their phones. They spend millions of dollars focusing on security measures to make their products uncrackable. Their vulnerability is quite low.

However, Grayshift’s device, called GrayKey allows law enforcement to unlock iPhones easily. This raised concerns for iPhone users globally, as this device could fall into the wrong hands. In 2018, Grayshift added a “Request Access” form to fill out on their website. It states, “GrayKey is not for everyone. We kindly request that you tell us a bit about yourself and your organization.” This lowers the chances of hackers getting their hands on their device and causing problems. Police departments then have to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

And according to NBC News, the software that Grayshift implements for the police is called Hide UI, and “can track a suspect’s passcode when it’s entered into a phone, according to two people in law enforcement, who asked not to be named out of fear of violating non-disclosure agreements.”

Those NDAs have helped keep Hide UI a secret. Because of the lack of public scrutiny of the feature as well as its covert behavior, defense attorneys, forensic experts and civil liberties advocates are concerned that Hide UI could be used without giving owners the due process of law, such as a warrant.

Source: NBC News

On top of Grayshift’s security, the price tag for a GrayKey is quite hefty. They include two options, a $15k one and a $30k. The first one requires internet access and has limitations, and the second one can work offline and limitless.

Source: Malwarebytes LABS Blog

Unfortunately with all of the new technology coming out, there are definite rip offs of these kinds of devices. You can buy them just about anywhere, and the cost is more affordable. It’s possible they’re not as potent as the GrayKey. But unlike the GrayKey, which at the moment is believed to only be available to law enforcement, the other devices are available to anyone.

An iPhone typically contains all manner of sensitive information: account credentials, names and phone numbers, email messages, text messages, banking account information, even credit card numbers or social security numbers. All of this information, even the most seemingly innocuous, has value on the black market, and can be used to steal your identity, access your online accounts, and steal your money.

The existence of the GrayKey isn’t hugely surprising, nor is it a sign that the sky is falling. However, it does mean that an iPhone’s security cannot be ensured if it falls into a third party’s hands.

Source: Malwarebytes LABS Blog

For help with Apple issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.

May 2020 Windows Update Arriving This Week

If you use Windows 10, be on the look out for the newest update occurring this week. Tech news outlets are stating that Microsoft is ready to release it. This has been months in the making, and lots of people are getting antsy.

The rumors have leaked that May 28th is the day. However, it could possibly be released at anytime this week. There are a plethora of features and changes for Windows 10, including Cortana and it’s new window app. Functionality is a big one as well, as it will help users who have continued using outdated hardware.

Also, don’t forget about the Passwordless feature Microsoft is encouraging users to utilize. We shared this fun feature back in March as part of Microsoft’s list of strengthening security.

They mentioned, “Microsoft states that, “this will strengthen your device sign-in by switching all Microsoft accounts on your device to modern multifactor authentication with Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN, and eliminating passwords from Windows.”

For any Windows 10 feature inquiries, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Arvada Computer Repair Service, if you need better SEO or computer repair in Arvada, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Similar ‘Hot Corners’ Feature Off the Table for Google

This past month, rumors flew around about Google working on a feature for the Chrome operating system, similar to MacOS’s ‘Hot Corners‘. This handy feature would allow work to move more fluidly, assigning your display corners for quicker access. According to Zac Hall from 9to5Mac.com, he states:

Hot Corners turn each of the four corners of your display into actions. Just move your cursor to the designated corner, then an action that you assign to that corner is launched.

I rely on Hot Corners to both quickly access Notification Center and reveal my desktop for accessing recently saved files. There are keyboard shortcuts, buttons, and gestures for doing both of these tasks, but neither method is as fast or natural for me than a cursor movement.

Zac Hall – 9to5Mac.com

However, this past Tuesday, it was shared that Google had decided to abandon the project, stating that they were “no longer moving forward with this project.”

I personally think this would have been a nice feature for Chrome OS. Who knows – maybe the project will be put back on the table in the future. Google has been known for mimicking other operating systems and adding similar features to their own OS.

For help updating, restoring or dealing with any PC issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Game Performance gets hit with Windows 10 Bug

Many games, such as League of Legends, Call of Duty Lineup, and other various games are taking a major hit on performance.

According to Windows Latest, “Users are reporting that Windows 10 Game Mode could negatively impact gaming performance on some hardware. Gamers noted that their computer with both Nvidia and AMD configurations have been affected.”

It is possible that this bug was brought on in a Windows 10 update or a driver. Nvidia and AMD users have shared their recent gaming hiccups. If you open up Settings on Windows 10 and click on Gaming, you’ll find the Game Mode tab on the side. When you click on that, you’ll find a toggle for “Game Mode”, which enhances the gaming performance on your PC.

Source: Microsoft.com

If you are currently experiencing slower frame rates or low performance on your PC games, it is recommended to go to the Game Mode option and turn the toggle off. Once a new patch or update comes along, fixing the bug, turn it back on.

With all that said…

The Windows 10 May 2020 update is rumored to be released on May 28th, which will feature a handful of improvements for gamers. This will include DirectX Mesh Shader, raytracing support, performance, and more.

For help troubleshooting PC issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Grapevine Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Grapevine, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

Phishing Scams for Office 365

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, around 75 million users have relied on Office 365 for work and school. Many of these users are first-time users, and sometimes don’t recognize phishing attacks. Last week, Abnormal Security came across a phishing scam looking to steal users’ Office 365 login credentials.

Reports came in that as many as 50,000 e-mails were received as part of this attack. Often, the sender’s e-mail address is an unrecognizable one, along with URL attachments with outrageous links.

We reported back in August of 2019 of similar phishing scams for Office 365. Hackers will make the e-mail look legit with company logos and information. It’s very important not to be clicking on any of the links in the e-mails. And if it’s in your junk folder, there’s a good reason why.

For inquiries with Microsoft issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Windows Mixed Reality Bug in Windows 10 Update

The VR platform in the Windows 10 May 2020 update unfortunately was hit with a few bugs, according to Windows Latest. Windows Mixed Reality includes over 2,500 VR games and experiences.

The bugs include the application not working properly, along with affecting the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) to improperly report issues.

Windows Latest states, “Microsoft says the DISM tool may help users fix Windows corruption errors, but the feature does not always report the correct status on systems running May 2020 Update (version 2004).”

Source: Windows

Microsoft plans to fix the overall experience for the new Windows 10 update, however it may take until the end of May. It is reported as a phase update, so it may not be available to everyone at that time. We shall see how well it goes.

For help with Windows 10 issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at Irving Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Irving, TX please call the local office at (469) 299-9005.