Privacy alert: Change this setting in Edge, now • Blisstech Solutions

UPDATE 6th July 2023: Due to a backlash on the internet, Microsoft quickly removed this feature, so don’t be surprised if you cannot find it. It’s still worth checking though, as they will likely reintroduce it in the future.

Don’t be mistaken; we love Microsoft Edge (and think you will, too), but lately, something has come to our attention that we wanted to share.

Knowing what your browser is doing behind the scenes is always a good idea. And there’s an Edge setting that you might be interested in learning about. It sends the images you view online to Microsoft.

While this might not seem like a big deal on the surface – it’s done to enhance the images – some business owners might be concerned about the privacy implications. After all, you never know who might be looking at your browsing history.

The good news is that it’s easy to disable this setting if you’re concerned about it. Here’s how:

Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots (“More actions”) in the upper-right corner of the screen
Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu
Scroll down and click on “Privacy, search, and services”
Under the “Services” section, turn off the toggle switch next to “Improve your web experience by allowing Microsoft to use information about websites you browse to improve search suggestions or to show you more relevant advertising”

That’s it! With just a few clicks, you’ve disabled the feature that sends images to Microsoft.

Of course, there are other settings in Edge that you might want to explore, like the ones that control your data collection preferences or the ones that limit pop-ups and redirects.

Why should you take a few minutes to check out your browser settings? Well, for one thing, it can help protect your privacy and security online. By being aware of what your browser is doing, you can make informed decisions about what data to share (and what to keep private).

Plus, exploring your browser settings can be a fun and educational experience in its own right. You might discover new features or hidden gems you never knew existed.

And don’t worry; you don’t have to be a tech expert to understand these settings. Microsoft has done a great job of making them simple and straightforward, with clear explanations and helpful tips.

If you ever get stuck, our team is happy to help. Get in touch.

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How to create secure passwords

Weak passwords are one of the biggest security risks to your business.
Why?
Because cyber criminals are getting smarter than ever before. If they manage to crack just one password, they could gain access to your sensitive business data, financial information, or even gain control of your entire system.
Cyber criminals use automated tools to guess passwords, allowing them to try out millions of combinations in seconds. So, if you’re using something like “Password123” or “CompanyName2025”, you’re practically handing them the keys to your business.
A compromised password can lead to big issues, such as:
• Data breaches
• Financial losses
• Identity theft
• Reputation damage
But how do you create strong passwords without driving yourself (and your team) mad?
Think of your password like a secret recipe, where only you should know the ingredients. It should:
• Be at least 14 characters long (the longer, the better)
• Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
• Contain a few numbers and symbols (like @, $, %, or &)
• Not contain any common words or easily guessable information (like birthdays, names, or the word “password”)
Instead of using a single word, you could try a passphrase – a short, random sentence that only you would understand. For example, instead of “Sailing2025”, try something like “Coffee&CloudsAreGreat9!”. This is much harder to crack, yet still easy to remember.
You should also steer clear of these common mistakes:
• Using personal info (your name, birthday, business name, etc.)
• Reusing the same passwords across multiple accounts
• Using simple sequences (“123456” or “abcdef”)
• Storing passwords in an easily accessible place (like a sticky note on your desk)
If remembering unique passwords for every account sounds impossible, there is another option: Password managers. These generate strong passwords, store them securely and autofill them for you.
With a password manager, you only need to remember one strong master password for the manager app itself. The rest are encrypted and stored safely, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Even the strongest password isn’t foolproof, which is why multi-factor authentication (MFA) is also important. MFA requires a second form of verification, like a one-time code sent to your phone or generated from an authentication app.
If you have employees accessing your business systems, it’s a good idea to have a password policy in place to explain your rules and why they’re important. This should include:
• Unique passwords for each system and account
• Regular security training on password best practices
• Business-wide use of MFA for critical systems
• Scanning for compromised passwords regularly
By making password security a priority, you can reduce the chances of a cyber attack creating a nightmare for your business.
And if you need help making your business more secure, get in touch.

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