Windows 10 Has Built-in Ransomware Protection: How To Use It

Ransomware protection is built right into Windows. Here’s how to get started.

Ransomware gangs have gone pro. DarkSide, the group responsible for a spate of ransomware attacks including Colonial Pipeline, now operates with a business model that mirrors legitimate businesses.

Called Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), it uses partners to execute cyberattacks. For individuals and small businesses and schools, attacks from RaaS groups pose the risk of loss of access to all critical data, in addition to the financial burden of paying a ransom.

The small steps to prepare yourself for a potential future ransomware attack will also protect you from other malware and viruses.

It’s not widely known to consumers and small business users that Microsoft offers built-in ransomware protection.

Turning it on is pretty simple: type in "Ransomware Protection" in the Windows 10 Cortana search bar (typically in the bottom lower left of the screen) then select the "Ransomware Protection" screen.

Toggle on the "Controlled folder access." Then you have the option to select which folders you want protected.

Click on "Protected folders." The Protected Folders screen should already be populated by folders that are protected by default. You’re also given the option to add other protected folders.

In addition, you have the option to add folders from Microsoft’s file hosting service OneDrive, if you subscribe to that service.

"In a ransomware attack, your files can get encrypted and held hostage. With controlled folder access, a notification appears, where an app attempted to make changes to a file in a protected folder," according to a Microsoft document describing the feature.

You can also "whitelist" applications. While the goal of Windows ransomware protection is to block suspicious software, if an app is blocked that you know is safe, Microsoft allows you to build a white list. Use the Controlled Folder Access for whitelisting apps. You can do this by going to "allow an app through Controlled folder access."

Other tactics to fend off ransomware:

Use a secure cloud-based file hosting service with automatic backup so you’re regularly backing up files.

Another strategy is a so-called "air gap" where the external storage device is completely disconnected (i.e., offline) from your computer and the internet. Back up your files, then disconnect the storage device.

Another piece of advice recommended by cybersecurity experts is to separate work and personal devices. While attackers tend to target corporations, schools, and hospitals, consumers who are working from home can get targeted by attackers too.

Credit: foxnews.com

Remove The Most Annoying Ads In Windows 10

Microsoft likes to promote its own services in Windows 10. To remove these annoying tips, suggestions, and pop-ups, make these tweaks in the settings menu.

Windows 10 is highly thought of, but things haven’t always gone smoothly. From privacy concerns to buggy updates, Microsoft’s operating system has seen its fair share of controversy. It’s surprising, then, that the company continues to double down on its most annoying feature by keeping advertisements inside Windows 10.

Thankfully, most of these ads have simple toggles to turn them off within the settings menu. The steps below may not remove everything, but should tone things down to some extent. Microsoft has a history of bringing ads to new places and restoring "suggested" apps that have already been removed with Windows updates.

Note that, while there are plenty of third-party tools that claim to do all of the below (and more) in one click, they are not generally recommended. Windows 10 "privacy" tools may seem quick and convenient, but many of its options can depend on other settings. By using these one-size-fits-all tools, many of which dig into the Registry, you can make it difficult to troubleshoot why other settings don't act the way you want. You're better off doing it yourself, so you know what to go back and tweak later if something goes wonky.

(note: click or tap any image to enlarge)

Remove Promoted Apps From the Start Menu

The Start menu has gone through a lot of changes in Windows 10, but if pre-installed games and other live tile clutter wasn't enough to annoy you, Microsoft has now started including "suggestions" to lure you over to its own apps. If you use Chrome, for example, your Start menu may badger you to switch to the new Edge.

You can turn these off by opening Settings > Personalization > Start and unticking the Show Suggestions Occasionally in Start option. If you have a problem with any of the live tiles that Windows has stuck on your Start screen, some of which are pre-installed junk or trials, you can right-click on the one that's bugging you, hover over the More option, and choose Turn Live Tile Off. That way, it will merely act as a shortcut to the app. Or, if you want to remove the app entirely, you can right-click on it to choose Uninstall.

Block Tips and Suggestions From the Lock Screen

The lock screen, sadly, is not much better. Microsoft has a knack for picking great photos to rotate through on Bing.com and the Windows 10 lock screen, but by default, they're cluttered up with text. Sometimes, these are "fun facts" about the location in the image, and other times they may be "tips" for using your device, like switching to Edge or trying to get you to use a Microsoft account (for those who just want a local account).

To remove these suggestions and just see a photo, head to Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen and toggle off Get Fun Facts, Tips, and More. If you don't see this setting, you'll have to change your lock screen wallpaper to a custom one instead of Windows Spotlight first. You can also prevent notifications from appearing on the lock screen from this page, and if the lock screen bugs you as a whole, you can bypass it quicker with fingerprint or face recognition.

Banish Ads From the Taskbar and Action Center

Occasionally, you may even see pop-ups appear in your taskbar, trying to convince you to switch to Edge or get involved with the Microsoft Rewards program. You can get rid of these by going to Settings > System > Notifications & Actions and unchecking Get Tips, Tricks, and Suggestions As You Use Windows.

You may also want to untick the Show Me the Windows Welcome Experience option here, which shows those annoying tours after you update Windows, as well as the Suggest Ways I Can Finish Setting Up My Device. Finally, remember that some of the "ads" you see pop up as notifications may not be from Microsoft, but from the manufacturer of your computer (e.g. Dell or HP). If you're being bombarded with ads from your laptop maker, head to Settings > System > Notifications & Actions and toggle off any manufacturer-installed apps that may be sending them. (You could also uninstall them entirely; just make sure they don't provide some useful features you want, like updating certain drivers.)

Get Ads Out of File Explorer

Apparently nothing is sacred, because even File Explorer has been infected by ads pushing Microsoft products. In its effort to get you subscribed to OneDrive and Office 365, the company now pushes these services as you try to browse your hard drive. You can get rid of these space-wasting suggestions by clicking View > Options in File Explorer, then clicking the View tab in the window that appears. Scroll down to Show Sync Provider Notifications and uncheck that box. That should prevent ads from showing up in File Explorer again.

Turn Off Targeted Advertising

Windows gives you an Advertising ID that it uses to track your interests and serve you more relevant ads within apps. While you're turning off all of Windows' built-in ads, you may want to turn this setting off as well. Head to Settings > Privacy > General and turn off Let Apps Use Your Advertising ID, if you want non-targeted ads.

Credit: pcmag.com

5 New Windows 10 Features To Try

Few things in life are predictable. Sadly, one is buggy Windows updates. After every major update, you’ll see a slew of reports of broken drivers, features on the fritz, and the Blue Screen of Death.

Those updates also bring vital security patches, so skipping them entirely isn’t your best move. Updates can speed things up, too.

Now that all the kinks are worked out of the big fall Windows update, it’s time to take the best new features for a test drive.

First, you need to update.

Is the Windows 10 October update installed on your computer? Here’s a quick and easy way to check. Hit the Windows key + R, then type in the box that pops up. Select OK. The latest version is 2009, build number 19042.572.

If you haven’t already, you can update Windows 10 by navigating to Settings, click on Update & Security, then click on Windows Update. From there, you’ll be able to see if new updates are available for download. If not, simply click on Check for Updates to force the process.

Now you’re ready to start using these new features.

1. Customize your Start menu

The ability to choose an accent color to customize Windows 10 is nothing new, but the update brings an added twist. You’ll now be able to switch between Light or Dark as the default Windows mode, and for the default app mode.

The default Windows mode changes the color of the taskbar and Start menu. The default app mode changes the color of windows and folders.

To switch between Light or Dark Mode:

   • Select Start in the bottom left corner

   • Click on Settings (the gear icon)

   • Select Personalization, then click Colors in the left menu

   • Under Choose your color, you can select either Light or Dark mode, or a combination of both

From there, you can choose an accent color for all your windows and colors.

Pro tip: Access this even faster with your mouse. Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize. Click on Colors and follow the last step above.

2. See all your open windows and tabs

If you have a lot of windows open, the taskbar can become cluttered with shortcuts and apps. There’s a much faster way to see which windows are open without having to search through the taskbar.

This trick is a time-honored favorite, but now Alt+Tab shows you all your open browser tabs, too. (Note: It only works for Microsoft Edge.)

To try it, press and hold down the Alt key, then press the Tab key. Windows will show you a snapshot of what’s open.

While holding Alt down, you can select a window either by tapping Tab or using your mouse cursor. To close a window, just click on the X in the top-right corner of the preview.

3. Switch to Tablet Mode if you have a Surface Pro or Surface Book

Your Surface Pro or Surface Book can magically transform from a PC to a tablet with a few clicks. This setting is great for when you need a device that’s more touch-friendly and super easy to navigate. It also makes using Windows apps designed for tablets work better.

The switch between tablet and PC mode is super easy:

   • Select THE Action center in the taskbar. It’s the speech bubble-like icon in the far right-hand corner, next to the clock.

   • Underneath the notifications, there are several options that include Wi-Fi connections, Flight mode, and Screen snip.

   • Look for Tablet mode. Tap it to switch.

   • To switch back to PC mode, just follow the same steps.

Note: This feature only works if your device has a touchscreen.

4. Change your display refresh rate

The refresh rate of your monitor determines how smooth motion appears on the screen. This is especially important when playing graphically-intensive video games, but you’ll also notice it when you’re dragging open windows around.

Monitors support different refresh rates, determined by the manufacturer and model. In general, a 60Hz monitor can display images at 60 frames per second.

If your graphics are lagging, check that your screen is at its maximum refresh rate:

   • Click the Start button in the lower left-hand corner, then select Settings (the gear icon).

   • Click on System, then Display. This should open automatically or choose it from the left menu.

   • Scroll down to the second-to-last option, Advanced display settings.

   • If you use dual monitors, select from the drop-down which monitor you want to change.

   • In the Refresh rate drop-down menu, you’ll see a few refresh rate options supported by your monitor.

   • Just click on the desired refresh rate and close the window.

5. Pin tabs to the taskbar

Just like pinning the calculator, snipping tool, or your favorite app to the taskbar, the latest update allows you to pin website tabs, too. The provides easy and immediate access to your most frequently visited websites without launching your browser.

Note: Again, this only works with Microsoft Edge.

To pin tabs:

   • Open Microsoft Edge and browse to the website that you want to pin.

   • In the top right-hand corner, click on Settings (the three dots).

   • Navigate to and hover over More Tools.

   • Click Pin to taskbar and choose the title you want to appear when you hover over the pin.

As a bonus, you can follow the steps above but instead of clicking Pin to taskbar, select Launch taskbar pinning wizard. Edge will take a couple of seconds to analyze your browsing habits and will make a few suggestions of websites to pin for you. Handy!

Credit: Kim Komando

How To Set Any Browser As Default On Windows 10

You don't need to keep Edge as the default when you prefer another browser.

On Windows 10, after a new clean installation or new device setup, the system configures Microsoft Edge as the default web browser experience. In other words, this means that out-of-the-box, when you click a link, or an application makes a web request, the page will open with Edge regardless of any other app you may have installed.

Although the new version of Microsoft Edge based on the Google's Chromium engine is more compatible, offers better extension support, and more features compared to its predecessor, you may still prefer another browser (such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Opera) to be the system default.

If you use another app to browse the web, and it is not currently the default, Windows 10 includes an option to ditch Edge or any other browser and set the app you want.

To set your preferred browser as the default on Windows 10, use these steps:

• Open Settings
• Click on Apps
• Click on Default apps
• Under the "Choose default apps" section, click the current default browser
• Select the browser you want to make the new default, for example, Firefox, Google Chrome, etc.

Once you complete the steps, the previous browser will continue to be available on your device, but when an app needs to open a web page, it will start with the new application you specified.

Although the Settings app makes it a straightforward process, most web browsers provide an option to access the settings page from within the application.

For instance, if you want to set Google Chrome as the new default, on this page (chrome://settings/defaultBrowser), you can click the Make default button to access the Settings app to adjust the experience.

On Mozilla Firefox, you can open this page (about:preferences#general) and click the Make Default button to access the page to change the default browser.

Credit: WindowsCentral.com

How To Disable Thumbnails On Windows 10

If you have no use for files thumbnails or got them disabled by mistake, use these steps to disable or enable the feature on Windows 10.

On Windows 10, File Explorer has the ability to display various sizes of thumbnail images for files, folders, documents, pictures, and videos to give you a quick preview of the content without having to open them.

Although it's a useful feature that adds a visual queue to find files faster without even looking at their names, it can take some system resources to render and cache all the previews, especially in locations with many images.

If your device is taking a long time to load the previews, you're troubleshooting a problem, or you're not interested in using this feature, Windows 10 includes at least three ways to disable thumbnails to show file icons by using File Explorer, Settings, or Group Policy.

On Windows 10, the easiest way to disable or enable thumbnail previews for files is to use the File Explorer settings.

To disable thumbnails, use these steps:

• Click the View tab.
• Click the Options button.
• Under the "Advanced settings" section, check the Always show icons, never thumbnails option.
• Click the Apply button.
• Click the OK button.

View the entire how-to guide complete with screenshots > HERE.

Credit: windowscentral.com

Windows 10 October 2020 Update Review: Subtle, But Necessary

UI enhancements, a new browser, and more.

Microsoft's next big Windows 10 feature update is almost here, packing several notable changes and enhancements. This release is known as the October 2020 Update, version 20H2, and is the second big Windows 10 update to hit in 2020, after version 2004 which released earlier this year in May. This release is very much a continuation of version 2004, adding a few final touches and subtle design tweaks, cleaning up the UI.

20H2 will be delivered as a free cumulative update that sits on top of version 2004, meaning the update will only be a few hundred megabytes and won't take long to install. If you're on version 1909 or below, version 20H2 will be delivered as a free full OS upgrade.

The Start menu on Windows 10 is the area that has seen the biggest changes, even if rather subtle. In fact, you may not notice anything has changed, unless pointed out. With version 20H2, Microsoft has started tidying up the Windows 10 UI.

The live tile interface is now system theme aware, with tiles no longer following your chosen accent color. This introduces a minor change that's designed to keep the Start menu interface looking minimalist. Instead of following your accent color, the live tile interface now matches your system theme. So, if you're using Windows 10 in light mode, the tile interface will reflect that.

Read the complete, informative article at: windowscentral

Windows 10 Tips & Tricks You Should Be Using (2020 Update)

Windows 10 has been around for 5 years now (public since July 29, 2015) so those that use it have had plenty of time to settle in to the operating system. And, though you may have learned a few things about it over the years, you may have forgotten some of those things or you may be ready to learn some new things.

The video below will take you through some tips and tricks that may refresh your memory or provide you with some additional knowledge of the popular computing platform.

(be sure to skip or X out any ads that pop up)


DIRECT LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX160bcMFuA

Emergency Windows 10 Critical Security Update

March 13, 2020

Just days after the monthly Patch Tuesday swathe of Windows security updates was released, Microsoft has issued an emergency "out of band" update for Windows 10 users in response to the leaking of a critical vulnerability.

Microsoft has urged Windows 10 users to "take action" as the out of band security update for CVE-2020-0796 is released. A critical vulnerability, named as SMBGhost or EternalDarkness by various security vendors, that is both wormable and affects the Server Message Block (SMB) network communications protocol. Yes, the protocol that enables shared access to your files and printers as well as serial ports. And, yes, the same SMB protocol that was exploited by the NSA-developed EternalBlue to such devastating effect during the WannaCry attacks in 2017.

Kieran Roberts, head of penetration testing at Bulletproof, said at the time of the leak that "SMB is the protocol used for sharing files, this is the same protocol that was vulnerable to the EternalBlue (CVE-2017-0144) exploit back which was weaponized into the WannaCry ransomware. It appears that this new vulnerability has several of the same hallmarks as EternalBlue. This means that this new vulnerability could result in a resurgence of ransomware attacks such as WannaCry and NotPetya, which both used the very similar EternalBlue exploit."

The reason that SMBGhost was disclosed would seem to be a miscommunication in the patching and disclosure process that led to some vendors thinking CVE-2020-0796 would have a fix included in the Patch Tuesday updates. They then accidentally published details of it in their update round-up blogs. Although those disclosures were quickly removed, details rapidly spread across social media, especially within the online Infosecurity community.

As was reported on March 11, the vulnerability sits in the SMB 3.0 network communication protocol, and if successfully exploited by an attacker could enable remote and arbitrary code execution and potentially take control of the system. Microsoft said that it had not yet "observed an attack exploiting this vulnerability," but recommended that users "apply this update to your affected devices with priority." There have, however, already been proof-of-concept exploits developed by security researchers. Which likely means it is only a matter of time, a very short period of time at that, before unpatched systems start being exploited by attackers.

The good news for Windows 10 users is, assuming you have automatic updates enabled, no further action will be required as the system will apply the patch to protect against any exploit of this critical vulnerability. However, if automatic updates are disabled, then you will need to update manually and as soon as possible. Microsoft said that it's important to note that the KB4551762 update needs to be applied even if you installed the Patch Tuesday updates.

Likewise, if you implemented the workaround measures to disable SMBv3 compression in Microsoft Security Advisory ADV200005, you still need to install this out of band update. If you cannot apply the update, then that workaround is still recommended for organization admins who should also block TCP port 445 at the network perimeter. Everyone else should use Windows Update to check for updates and kick-start the installation process if required or download the KB4551762 update patch directly from the Microsoft update catalog.

The following versions of Windows 10 are impacted by this vulnerability:

• Windows 10 Version 1903 for 32-bit Systems
• Windows 10 Version 1903 for ARM64-based Systems
• Windows 10 Version 1903 for x64-based Systems
• Windows 10 Version 1909 for 32-bit Systems
• Windows 10 Version 1909 for ARM64-based Systems
• Windows 10 Version 1909 for x64-based Systems

Credit: forbes.com

Computer Speed

Tech News and Views

Here's a great tip you can use to speed up your computer:

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