So, what are the options?

• Update to Windows 11
  If your system supports it then you can install Windows 11 for free – check to see if your system meets the minimum requirements by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update. Make sure you backup your computer before you install any updates!

 

• Update Outdated Components
  Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) chip. You could upgrade your PC to include a TPM 2.0 chip but doing so may actually require a new motherboard etc and should probably only be considered if you have the skills or an IT specialist on hand.

 

• Pay to Extend your Windows 10 Licence for 1 Year
  This is really only a short term solution until you have to invest in a new PC but it can buy you a bit of time while you research your options. Microsoft have said this will cost $30 (USD) for individuals and will be available in November 2025. Businesses can already purchase the extended security update through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program, at $61 USD per device for Year One. Find out more here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/extended-security-updates

 

• Buy a new PC
  If you’re thinking of buying a new computer then now might be a good time rather than investing in legacy technology. Use a trusted technician  to help guide you on the best options to suit your needs rather than buying the first shiny PC you see in store. To invest in a new PC, take some time to evaluate what your needs are before you begin the search. This will help you narrow down to a few options and ensure you get a machine that will serve you well. 

 

• What will the main use of the PC be? Gaming would require a top notch graphics card and you’d probably need a separate tower/monitor setup. If you would mainly be using your PC for browsing the internet and writing emails then an all in one or laptop could be a nice, sleek alternative.

 

• How many people will use the PC? If you need a family workhorse that can do everything from office tasks and design work to gaming and online shopping then an all singing all dancing tower and monitor will fit the bill.

​Whatever your requirements, there is the perfect solution out there for you and File Genie are on hand to offer advice and support. They can even source the parts and build your dream machine for you!

Get in touch and talk us through your needs.

Companies producing smartphones, smart appliances and other internet-connected devices will have to comply with the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act from 29 April 2024 - this means manufacturers will be obligated to make their smart devices more secure, including banning the use of 'universal default and easily guessable default passwords', informing customers on how long they will provide support and updates for their products and report known vulnerabilities found in any of their devices.

Smart tech is constantly improving and getting harder to breach with ongoing updates and improvements but there are still weaknesses that leave our homes vulnerable to security breaches. The new law will make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions when buying smart devices for their home but until then there are a few things we can do to protect our smart homes from being hacked.

We’ve put together our top tips to help you secure your smart home:
​
Secure your Wifi network
Most Wifi routers come with an easy to remember (and easy to hack) password such as ‘admin’. Your WiFi gives potential hackers access to everything that is connected to it, so it’s vital you have a strong password to protect it. It’s hard to remember all the different passwords we need for all our tech- password managers are a great way to generate and safely store all your passwords.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Most devices give you the option to set up multi-factor authentication ( a collection of forms of verification alongside your username and password, i.e. fingerprint, PIN etc)- meaning you create multiple layers of defence against hackers.

Update Your Device's Software
As we mentioned earlier, updates provide patches and fixes for security holes and bugs, so it’s really important to make sure your devices are running the latest available version.

Set up a Separate Network
In the same way you can set up ‘guest’ networks for your kids to access the internet, you can also set up a separate network just for your smart home. Keeping your smart home on a different network will make it harder for hackers to access data on your computer or smartphone even if they breach your smart home network.

Avoid Using Public WiFi to Access Smart Devices
It’s tempting to use free WiFi to check on your smart security etc while out and about but doing so can put your security at risk. If you need to access your smart home while away then it’s much safer to use 3G/4G.

Make Sure Your Smartphone is Secure
It’s an obvious one really, your smartphone needs to be secure with a passcode that cannot be easily worked out and fingerprint/retina scan activated.

Update Old Routers
Outdated routers are a hacker's dream, with old security protocols and firmware making them easier to access.

Use a Security Suite
Coming in various options from basic to advanced, a security suite will typically provide antivirus, firewall, anti-spam and parental control to help protect your smart home from hackers. Check out PC Mag’s comprehensive list of security suites here. 

​For help  and support with updates, antivirus installation and any other smart device queries, contact Ben at File Genie.