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How to Use the Snipping Tool in Windows

https://youtu.be/LHP1CbS_z10 Have you ever needed to quickly capture part of your screen to share an error message, highlight an important detail, or add a screenshot to a document or email? If you’re using a Windows 10 computer, you’re in luck—the Snipping Tool is a built-in feature that makes it easy to take custom screenshots and save or share them. Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue, creating documentation, or simply want to save something for later, the Snipping Tool is a powerful yet simple solution. Let’s walk through how to use it! What Is the Snipping Tool? The Snipping Tool allows you to capture screenshots of specific areas of your screen, annotate them, and save or copy them to use elsewhere. Step 1: Open the Snipping Tool The easiest way to find the Snipping Tool is to use the Search feature in Windows 10. Look at the bottom of your screen on the taskbar. If you see a search bar, click on it and type “snip” or “snipping tool.” If you don’t see the search bar, you might see a small circle icon. Click that to open the search window, then type “snip.” Once the Snipping Tool appears in the search results, you can click to open it. For easier access in the future, right-click the Snipping Tool icon and choose “Pin to taskbar.” This will add it to your taskbar so you can open it anytime with just one click. Step 2: Take a Screenshot To take a screenshot, click the “New” button in the Snipping Tool. The screen will dim slightly, and your mouse pointer will change to a crosshair icon. Here’s what to do next: Use your mouse to click and drag over the area you want to capture. Release the mouse button once you’ve selected everything. The image you captured will appear in the Snipping Tool window. From here, you can either copy, save, or annotate the image. Step 3: Copy and Paste Your Screenshot If you want to paste the screenshot into a document or an email: Click the Copy icon in the toolbar (or press Ctrl + C). Open your Word document, email, or wherever you want to paste it. Right-click and choose Paste, or press Ctrl + V. It’s that easy! Step 4: Annotate Your Screenshot The Snipping Tool also has simple markup tools to help highlight important parts of your screenshot: Use the Pen tool to draw or circle areas. Use the Highlighter to emphasize key information. Made a mistake? Just click the Eraser tool and select what you want to remove. This is great for quick notes or pointing out specific areas when communicating with your IT team or clients. Step 5: Save Your Snip as an Image File Want to keep your screenshot for later or send it as an email attachment? Click File > Save As in the Snipping Tool. Choose your desired file location (by default, it will save to your Pictures folder). Give the file a name—like “Snipping Tool Demo.” Choose your file format: PNG, JPG, or TIFF. (JPG is a good all-around option.) Click Save. Now your screenshot is saved and ready to use in reports, presentations, or emails. That’s It! The Snipping Tool in Windows 10 is an incredibly useful and often overlooked feature. Whether you’re capturing part of your screen, highlighting an error message, or creating documentation, it’s a simple tool that saves time and improves communication. Looking for more tips or tech support? Our team at Computerease is here to help!

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Phishing Kit for Sale: $2,000 and Hackers Can Bypass Your Business Email MFA

Phishing Kit for Sale: $2,000 and Hackers Can Bypass Your Business Email MFA

The Shocking Reality: Phishing Attacks Are Skyrocketing Did you know that 90% of cyberattacks start with a phishing email? According to recent reports, businesses face an increase of 65% in phishing attacks year over year—and it’s only getting worse. Now, with the latest Astaroth phishing kit, hackers don’t even need to be highly skilled or sophisticated to bypass your security measures. They just need to spend $2,000, have an internet connection, and your business can lose $100,000 from a business email compromise (BEC). That’s right—hacking tools that were once reserved for elite cybercriminals are now available for purchase online, complete with customer support and success guarantees. If your business relies on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to protect email logins, you need to understand how this attack works and why it’s a growing risk to small businesses like yours. How Hackers Are Bypassing MFA and Taking Over Your Email For years, businesses were told that enabling MFA would keep their email accounts safe from cybercriminals. But hackers have found a way to bypass it. The Astaroth phishing kit uses reverse proxy servers to trick users into thinking they’re logging into legitimate Microsoft or Google accounts. Here’s how it works: The Setup: A hacker sends an email with a fake login link disguised as an urgent security alert, invoice, or other business communication. The Trap: When the victim clicks, they land on a perfect replica of their usual Microsoft or Google login page. Real-Time Interception: The victim enters their credentials, and the hacker’s proxy instantly relays them to the actual Microsoft or Google login system. Bypassing MFA: When the user enters their 2FA code, it’s also relayed in real time, giving the hacker full access to their account. Total Takeover: The hacker immediately hijacks the account, changes passwords, and gains access to emails, sensitive documents, financial data, and more. This type of attack is called Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) phishing, and it is rapidly growing because it completely negates the security benefits of MFA. The Shocking Marketplace: Cybercrime as a Service This isn’t just a one-time breach—it’s an entire business model. Cybercriminals are selling these phishing kits for as little as $2,000, offering guaranteed results to buyers. Some underground vendors even provide technical support, user guides, and refund policies—just like a legitimate software business. For comparison, what does $2,000 get a hacker? A fully automated phishing system Custom-built templates mimicking Microsoft and Google logins Bypass methods for MFA protections Tools to manage stolen credentials 24/7 support for “customers” who need help launching attacks The result? Even amateur hackers can now run sophisticated phishing campaigns. The Real Risks for Small Businesses You might think, “We train our employees not to click on phishing emails.” But hackers are getting smarter, more convincing, and more relentless. Here’s why small businesses are especially vulnerable: Employees are the weakest link. Even one distracted moment can lead to a catastrophic breach. Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks are skyrocketing. Hackers use stolen credentials to impersonate executives and wire money, change payroll details, or trick clients into fraudulent payments. MFA is no longer a fail-safe. If hackers can bypass it, businesses need newer, stronger protections to stay ahead. The Solutions That Stop These Attacks Cold If MFA alone isn’t enough, what will actually protect your business? Phishing-Resistant MFA (Hardware Security Keys): Stop relying on SMS codes and authenticator apps! The best protection is hardware-based MFA like YubiKeys, which require physical authentication that hackers can’t intercept remotely. Advanced Email Monitoring & Threat Detection: Attackers rely on phishing emails. The best way to stop them is before they ever reach your inbox. Our Sentinel for Microsoft 365 and Advanced Security Solution monitor account access to detect and shut down unauthorized account takeovers before damage is done. AI-driven anomaly detection flags suspicious logins and unauthorized access attempts in real time. M365 Conditional Access & Login Restrictions: Lock down your login security: Restrict logins to trusted locations so hackers using stolen credentials from foreign IP addresses are blocked automatically. Monitor account access to detect and shut down unauthorized logins before damage is done. Continuous Employee Training & Phishing Simulations: Even with technology in place, employee awareness is critical. Simulated phishing campaigns test real-world responses and help employees learn to spot sophisticated threats. Live cybersecurity training educates staff on the latest hacker tactics. Cybersecurity Must Keep Evolving Cybercriminals are constantly innovating, using business models that mimic legitimate companies. They improve their tools, automate attacks, and make it easier for anyone to become a hacker. The only way to stay ahead is to upgrade your cybersecurity strategy continuously. A successful BEC will often cost a small business over $100,000, but for larger organizations the average is $5 Million. If you’re not taking steps now to protect against these attacks, you’re leaving your business open to devastating financial losses. Don’t wait until your business is hacked. Take action today. Schedule a FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment with Computerease now to see if your business is vulnerable to phishing attacks and MFA bypass techniques. Hackers are getting smarter. Are you?

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The U.S. Treasury Hack: What It Means for Small Businesses During Tax Season

The U.S. Treasury Hack: What It Means for Small Businesses During Tax Season

If the U.S. Treasury Department a high-security government agency can be hacked, what does that mean for small businesses like yours? As tax season ramps up, cybercriminals are sharpening their tactics, looking for ways to exploit rushed filings and distracted business owners. I’ve spent years protecting businesses just like yours from cyber threats, and one thing is clear: criminals don’t care how big or small you are. If you have financial data, you’re a target. Let’s break down what happened with the Treasury hack, why it matters for your business, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself. What Happened? In January 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department was targeted in a cyberattack. While the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reports no widespread compromise, this breach proves that even government institutions with top-tier security are vulnerable. Now, imagine your business, with far fewer resources and security measures, facing the same level of attack. Do you feel confident that your financial data is protected? If not, now is the time to act. Cybercriminals thrive during tax season, launching aggressive scams and ransomware attacks when businesses are too busy to notice. Why This Matters to Small Businesses Tax season is prime time for hackers. Why? Because financial data is flying around everywhere—documents being emailed, accounts being accessed, and sensitive numbers being exchanged. This creates the perfect storm for cybercrime. Here’s what’s happening right now: Phishing scams are skyrocketing. Cybercriminals are targeting financial institutions and small businesses alike. Employee mistakes are making businesses vulnerable. And here’s the kicker: Most small businesses don’t even realize they’ve been hacked until it’s too late. You must be proactive. Top Cyber Threats to Watch for This Tax Season 🚨 Phishing Emails Posing as the IRS Cybercriminals send fake IRS emails demanding immediate action on supposed tax filing errors or refunds. 🔴 Red Flag: The IRS never emails, calls, or texts you about tax-related matters first. They always send official correspondence via mail. If you get an unexpected message, it’s a scam. 🚨 Fake Tax Professionals or Accountants Scammers pose as tax preparers to steal Social Security numbers, bank details, and financial records. 🔴 Red Flag: Verify all tax preparers through the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers before sharing any information. 🚨 Compromised Payroll and Accounting Software Hackers steal accounting logins to reroute tax refunds, manipulate payroll, or drain business accounts. 🔴 Red Flag: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and monitor accounts for suspicious activity. How to Protect Your Business During Tax Season Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Protect your financial logins with extra security layers. Verify IRS Communications: Never click on links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS. Educate Employees on Phishing Attacks: Train your staff to recognize scams before they cause damage. Secure Your Accounting Software: Use strong, unique passwords and keep all software updated. Back Up Your Financial Data: Ransomware attacks are rising—ensure you can recover quickly. Act Now Before It’s Too Late The U.S. Treasury hack is a wake-up call. Cybercriminals aren’t just targeting the government—they’re targeting businesses like yours every single day. You need to act now to protect your financial data. Don’t wait until after tax season to address your cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Take action today. If you’re unsure whether your business is at risk, let’s talk. At Computerease, we specialize in securing small businesses against cyber threats.

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10 Warning Signs Of Medical Fraud And How To Protect Yourself

10 Warning Signs Of Medical Fraud And How To Protect Yourself

Health insurance is designed to provide access to necessary treatments, preventive services and emergency care to individuals and families in need, and, apparently, now it’s also used to hand out paydays to scammers. In February of this year, Change Healthcare fell victim to a cyber-attack that impacted thousands of health care providers, insurers and policyholders nationwide. Reports from this incident suggest that around 50% of all US medical claims could be at risk! To put that into perspective, if you’re in the waiting room with nine other people, there’s a good chance that five of you could fall victim to medical identity theft within the year. The aftermath of this fraud is staggering, affecting countless individuals and their access to health care. Once your medical information is exposed online, these identity thieves can use it to file false claims, buy expensive prescriptions and more, and it will all be conveniently billed to your account. The worst part is how some people are finding out they were affected. Some are facing tax or mortgage fraud, but others are going to the doctor to find out if they need a procedure, but instead of getting a surgery date, they’re handed a rejection letter from their insurance provider, claiming the company won’t cover it because they’ve exhausted their benefits from multiple other procedures this year. But the thing is, THEY didn’t have any other procedures this year. Someone stole their medical ID and used it for their own procedures. And it’s not just individuals you have to worry about. Manipulative organizations can use your medical information for fake billing schemes. What happens is that they submit false claims for medical services you never requested, received or knew anything about, then they collect their payday, and stick you with the bill. In July, 193 defendants, including 76 doctors, nurse practitioners and other licensed medical professionals, were charged for their alleged participation in several different health care fraud schemes that resulted in $2.75 billion in false billings to federal programs. Medical fraud happens! How Do You Know If You’re A Victim? Here are 10 signs that your medical ID may have been stolen and is currently being used by cybercriminals: Unexpected Medical Bills: Receiving bills for medical services you didn’t receive is a major red flag. Collection Notices: Being contacted by debt collectors for unpaid medical bills that aren’t yours. Errors In Medical Records: Finding inaccuracies in your medical records, such as treatments you never had, incorrect diagnoses or unfamiliar medical histories. Insurance Issues: Your health insurance claims are denied because your benefits have been maxed out or you’re told you’ve reached your coverage limit, despite not using the services. Notification From Your Insurance Provider: Receiving alerts from your health insurance provider about claims or services you don’t recognize. Unknown Accounts: Discovering new health insurance accounts or medical records under your name that you didn’t create. Discrepancies In Your Explanation Of Benefits (EOB): Your EOB statements from your insurer list medical services you didn’t receive. Being Denied Insurance: Having difficulty obtaining life or health insurance because medical conditions that you don’t have are listed in your records. Calls From Medical Providers: Receiving calls from doctors or medical facilities about appointments or follow-ups for treatments you never had. Unfamiliar Prescriptions: Notices about prescriptions being filled in your name that you did not authorize or receive. How Can You Prevent Becoming A Victim Of Medical ID Fraud? Don’t become the next medical ID theft victim. Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself: Check For Health Care Breaches: Use a searchable database, like this one, to find out if your health care information has been compromised. Secure Your Records: Store paper copies of medical records in a safe or lockbox to prevent unauthorized access. If your health care organization’s system is compromised and records are lost, altered or unable to be accessed, you will be glad you did this. Shred Documents: Shred any documents with personal information before disposing of them. Monitor Your Medical Records: Regularly request and review your medical records from your health care providers and look for unfamiliar treatments, diagnoses or other discrepancies. Review Insurance Bills: Carefully review explanation of benefits (EOB) statements from your insurance provider for any services you did not receive and question unfamiliar or unclear charges. Contact your insurer immediately if you see any charges or services that you don’t recognize. Afterward, report any billing errors to the credit bureaus at IdentityTheft.gov. Dispose Of Prescription Labels: Remove labels from empty prescription bottles before discarding them! These labels can contain information that, believe it or not, can be used to steal your identity. Monitor Your Credit: At AnnualCreditReport.com, you are able to get three free reports a year to keep an eye on any suspicious activity. Health care will always be around and will also always be a target for hackers. Attacks on hospitals, doctors’ offices and other medical facilities will continue. It’s important that you are taking proactive measures to protect yourself. We can help you find out how you’re at risk with our FREE Dark Web Scan. Using this technology, we can quickly find out if your information has been put up for sale on the dark web or if you’ve been a victim of a data breach. To book your Dark Web Scan, call us at 314-310-1566 or click here.

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