SOLUTIONS MONTHLY
Your Monthly Dose of Tech and Business News
Welcome to the May Issue of Solutions Monthly!
Welcome to our May edition of Solutions Monthly! As the weather takes a turn for the warmer, we're focusing on digital spring cleaning and security enhancements for your business. This month, we're diving into essential topics that will help you optimize your digital environment while keeping your data secure.
In this issue, we explore "Utilizing Cloud Storage to Save Device Space" - a comprehensive guide to help you free up valuable storage on your devices while ensuring your files remain accessible from anywhere. We also investigate "New Gmail Threats Targeting Users in 2025" and provide actionable strategies to protect yourself against sophisticated AI-powered phishing attempts and zero-day exploits. Plus, discover the surprising truth about "Where Deleted Files Go" and why standard deletion methods might not be sufficient for truly sensitive information.
As digital threats continue to evolve, staying informed about the latest security practices becomes increasingly important. From understanding that deleted files aren't truly gone to recognizing AI-crafted phishing emails, these insights will help safeguard your digital assets in today's complex landscape.
Thank you for continuing this journey with us as we help your organization navigate the digital world safely and efficiently in 2025.
Questions? Something on your mind?
Until then, stay safe.
Solve IT Solutions is a
CATEGORY 1 AWARD WINNER
We're thrilled to announce that Solve IT Solutions has secured a spot in Category 1 of Greater Reading Chamber Alliance's Business Excellence Awards for 2025! The official rankings will be revealed at The Dinner on May 21st – in the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite snapshots from last year's celebration. Be sure to say “hello” to us if you’ll be there!
UTILIZING CLOUD STORAGE TO SAVE DEVICE SPACE
In this digital world, it's hard to keep track of all the storage space on your devices. It's easy for our devices to run out of room because we keep adding more photos, videos, documents, and files.
Navigating The Digital Storage Landscape
Cloud storage has emerged as a convenient solution that allows people to store their data online, freeing up valuable space on local devices while providing the flexibility to access files from anywhere with an internet connection. This technology has revolutionized how we manage our digital assets, offering a balance of convenience, security, and accessibility that traditional storage methods cannot match.
What Are Cloud Storage Providers?
Cloud storage services enable users to store and manage their data online through secure, remote servers. These services offer numerous advantages, including expanded storage capacity, seamless file sharing capabilities, and enhanced security protocols. Users can access their files from any internet-connected device, eliminating the constraints of physical location and facilitating more effective collaboration and remote work arrangements.
The evolution of cloud storage has transformed it from a simple file repository into a comprehensive productivity ecosystem. Modern cloud services now integrate office applications, communication tools, and collaborative features that enable real-time interaction and document co-creation. This expanded functionality has made cloud storage an integral component of both personal and professional digital environments, supporting diverse workflows and communication needs.
How Do Cloud Storage Providers Help with Productivity?
Cloud storage providers play a crucial role in enhancing digital workflow by offering a centralized platform for storing, accessing, and sharing files. This not only helps in freeing up device space but also facilitates collaboration and productivity. Cloud storage allows users to manage all their files from a single platform, providing access to documents, photos, and videos from any device with an internet connection. This centralized approach simplifies project work and file sharing, eliminating the confusion of multiple versions stored across different devices.
Many cloud storage providers have incorporated integrated collaboration tools that enable real-time editing and commenting on documents. This feature is particularly valuable for teams working on collaborative projects, as it allows multiple users to contribute simultaneously without the version control issues that plague traditional file sharing methods. Changes are automatically synchronized across all devices, ensuring everyone works with the most current information.
Security remains a paramount concern in digital file management, and cloud storage providers typically offer robust protection measures. These include data encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits to safeguard information from unauthorized access. These comprehensive security features often exceed what individual users or small businesses could implement independently, providing professional-level protection for sensitive information.
The flexibility of cloud storage extends to its scalability, with providers offering adjustable storage options that can be modified as needs change. This adaptability benefits both individuals and organizations, allowing users to expand their storage capacity during periods of high activity or scale back during lighter usage periods, optimizing costs while maintaining appropriate resource allocation.
Take Control Of Your Digital Space
There's a cloud storage service out there for everyone, from individuals who want to free up room on their phones to businesses that need powerful tools for teamwork. Microsoft OneDrive, integrated with Microsoft Office, delivers 5GB of free storage and creates a streamlined experience for Windows users, with particular benefits for those using Office applications regularly.
To get personalized help choosing the best cloud storage solution for your particular requirements, please don't hesitate to contact us at Solve IT Solutions. Our team can help you navigate the options and implement a solution that optimizes your digital storage experience.
NEW GMAIL THREATS TARGETING USERS IN 2025 (AND
HOW TO STAY SAFE)
Cybercriminals target Gmail a lot because it’s very popular. It also integrates with many other Google services. As AI-powered hacking attacks become more common, it gets harder for people to distinguish between real and fake emails.
What Are the New Threats to Gmail in 2025?
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and some of the most sophisticated attempts have been aimed at Gmail. One major concern is that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to create scam emails that appear very real. The purpose of these emails is to mimic real ones, making them difficult to spot. AI is also being used to create deepfakes and viruses, which complicates security even further.
Gmail is deeply connected to other Google services. This means if someone gains access to a user's Gmail account, they might be able to access all of their digital assets. These include Google Drive, Google Pay, and saved passwords, making it even more critical for people to secure their Gmail accounts.
When hackers use AI in phishing attacks, they can analyze how people communicate. This helps them write emails that look almost exactly like real ones. This level of sophistication has made phishing efforts much more likely to succeed. Now, almost half of all phishing attempts use AI technology.
Gmail continually updates its security, so users need to be adaptable to stay safe. Cyber threats are always changing, and Gmail users must stay vigilant to protect themselves.
What Are Some Other Dangers That Gmail Users Should Know About?
AI-powered hacking isn't the only new threat that Gmail users should be aware of. More zero-day exploits are being used to attack users. They exploit previously unknown security vulnerabilities in Gmail. This allows them to bypass traditional security measures. Attackers can access accounts without permission before Google can address the issue.
Quantum computing is also a huge threat to current encryption methods. As quantum computing advances, it may become possible to break complex passwords and encryption keys. This could make it easier for hackers to access Gmail accounts. Users can implement strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly check account settings for suspicious activity.
Keep Your Gmail Account Safe
Users can protect themselves by staying informed, regularly updating their knowledge, and implementing robust security measures.
Staying up-to-date on the latest security practices and best practices is important to keep your Gmail account safe. In today's cyber world, it's crucial for both individuals and businesses to protect their digital assets. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're concerned about keeping your Gmail account safe or need more help avoiding these threats. You can count on our team to help you stay safe online as the world of hacking continues to evolve.
Want to learn more about keeping your Gmail account safe? Watch this short video by NeuralVibes about avoiding AI-Driven scams through Gmail.
WHERE DO DELETED FILES GO?
It may seem like the file is gone for good when you delete it from your computer. However, the truth is more complicated than that. A deleted file doesn't really disappear from your hard drive; it stays there until new data fills up the space it occupied. Understanding this process is essential for properly managing sensitive information and ensuring data security, especially for businesses that handle confidential information.
What Happens When You Delete a File?
It's not as easy as it seems to delete a file. When you send a file to the Trash or Recycle Bin, it is not erased from your hard drive right away. It is instead taken to a temporary storage place and stays there until you decide to empty the bin. The file's data stays on the hard drive even after the bin is empty; it is marked as free space that can be used by other files.
When you delete a file, you remove its record from the file system. The file system is like a directory that keeps track of all the files on your computer. The operating system will no longer know where the file is, but the data inside will still be there. This is why it's often possible to recover deleted files with special software, as long as the space hasn't been filled with something else.
Getting rid of files is a lot like taking the title off of a VHS tape. People who are looking for the movie can still find it on the tape, but without the name, it's like the movie doesn't exist. Also, when you remove a file, you're removing its label from the file system. The data, on the other hand, stays on the hard drive until it's overwritten.
Different operating systems handle deleted files in slightly different ways. Windows uses the NTFS file system which simply marks the file's clusters as available for use. Mac's APFS and Linux's ext4 file systems function similarly, removing the file's entry from the directory structure while leaving the actual data intact until overwritten.
To manage data successfully and safely, you need to understand this process. For instance, deleting private information might not be enough if you want to be sure it's gone for good. If you want to delete the information on your hard drive safely, you may need to use extra tools.
Secure Deletion Methods
For truly sensitive information, standard deletion isn't sufficient. Secure deletion tools perform what's called "file shredding" or "secure wiping," which overwrites the file's data multiple times with random patterns. This makes recovery virtually impossible even with specialized forensic tools.
For businesses, secure deletion should be part of a comprehensive data lifecycle management policy. When decommissioning old computers or storage devices, a secure wipe of the entire drive is recommended. This is particularly important for organizations that must comply with data protection regulations like HIPAA or GDPR.
Take Charge of Your Information
If you want to keep your digital life safe, you need to know where deleted files go and how to recover them. You can keep your information safe from unauthorized access by managing your data and backing it up regularly. Regular backups ensure that you can restore important files if needed, while proper deletion practices protect your sensitive information from unauthorized recovery.
For businesses, we recommend implementing clear data retention and deletion policies. These should specify how long different types of data should be kept, when they should be deleted, and what methods should be used for deletion based on sensitivity level.
If you need help safely deleting sensitive files or have questions about how to handle your data, please contact us. At Solve IT Solutions, we can help you implement secure deletion practices and comprehensive data management strategies tailored to your specific needs.
SCHEDULE A CALL
Something on your mind? The team at Solve IT Solutions is here for you! You can schedule a call with a sales or account rep at any time. We can help you troubleshoot an issue, plan for organizational growth, or review your current plan for optimizations. Our goal is to provide people-first service that powers success - which means you always have a lifeline over here at Solve IT Solutions. Click below to schedule a call now.
501 N Park Road Wyomissing, PA 19610
PH: 484-331-1083 - TF: 888-882-9534
Built with Shorthand