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February 01, 2026 • read
Technology Tips February 2026 Edition
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Skyward IT Services Network Infrastructure and Security Specialists |
Skyward IT Services
Home office safety
Cybersecurity is just as important working from home as it is at the office. Here are a few tips to keep you safe and secure.🛡️Change the default network name and password of your router
🛡️Only connect to trusted networks when you are working in public. Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections to reduce the risk of connecting to an unsafe network
🛡️Use your organization’s VPN
🛡️Avoid using apps that aren’t approved by your security team
🛡️Be cognizant of your Smart home products (coffee machine, security cameras, washing machine, oven, etc.) as a hacker could infiltrate your Wi-Fi, and eventually work computer, through them.
Law enforcement fraud
This fraud attempt recently happened to a Skyward employee. Fortunately, their security awareness training kept them informed and safe from financial harm.A scammer, who claimed to be a Sergeant from the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department, left a voicemail about an “urgent matter.” A few minutes later they called saying that the employee had missed jury summons in a city they had previously lived. The caller then claimed that two felony citations had been issued and they needed to pay a returnable bond of $16,232 or spend 72 hours in jail.
The scammer knew the names of the actual officers and provided phone numbers linked to the real sheriff’s department. The Skyward employee went to the police station and the officers confirmed it was a scam. The officer said that police won’t call first, and that any government notices or fines are always sent by mail.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, make sure to call local authorities to verify the situation. Urgency, secrecy, and financial penalization are almost always red flags to keep in mind.
Listen – the Hackle Box
The Hackle Box podcast offers listeners a monthly, expert-led breakdown of the newest cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and hacking trends, making it a valuable resource for anyone wanting to stay ahead of rapidly evolving risks. Hosted by Oscar Minks and FRSecure’s technical team, it provides real world insights drawn directly from active incidents and industry intelligence.Episodes cover everything from phishing lures to zero day exploits, along with audience Q&A and practical defensive guidance. This combination of expert analysis and actionable advice makes it an engaging way for both security professionals and curious learners to deepen their understanding of today’s cybersecurity landscape.
Malware of the month
Notepad++ infrastructure was hijacked by Chinese APT in a supply chain attack. The breach went undetected for nearly six months. The attackers compromised the infrastructure instead of Notepad++ code and designed the malware to blend into developer workflows, which made detection difficult. Even deep forensic reviews showed little evidence, proving this attack was nothing short of stealthy.Thinking about edtech for your district? We'd love to help. Visit skyward.com/get-started to learn more.
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Skyward IT Services Network Infrastructure and Security Specialists |
