Happy to have you here today, my fellow business owners and your teams. We love you and thank you for all that you do.
Windows 11 Update Causes Printer Connectivity Issues for SMBs
The latest Windows 11 update, specifically KB number, has been causing some real headaches with printer connectivity. This is particularly affecting small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) running older Brother and HP laser jet models on workgroup networks. The issue here is that after the installation of this update, network-shared printers are dropping offline. It’s a bit nuts because most big corporations don’t run these types of setups anymore; it’s mostly SMBs who are still using them.
Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is looking into it. But here’s what you need to do if your printer stops working after this update: let us know, and we’ll find a workaround to get it back online. Sometimes, printers just last forever and outlast software support from vendors. If that’s the case, you have two choices: pay us to keep them running on the network or buy new ones that will work seamlessly.
Active Exploitation of Small Business VPN Appliances
Sysa, a government entity, has warned about an actively exploited vulnerability in Zyxel and DrayTek tech’s VPN firewall appliance. This is serious because it allows attackers to gain remote access to small business networks. There’s no patch yet, so you need to keep a close eye on this if your network includes these brands.
This is where ACS comes in as your guide. We don’t use those specific brands for our clients; we stick with Ubiquiti and Fortigate. But if you have any vendors who need access to your data, make sure they aren’t using these vulnerable devices. This could put your entire network at risk.
FCC Restores Robocall Blocking Rules
The FCC has voted to restore and strengthen the TCPA Robocall Enforcement rules. Now, businesses using legitimate outbound calling or texting platforms must re-verify their registered numbers through the industry’s Robocall mitigation database by August 1st. This affects small businesses that rely on automated appointment reminders, like HVAC services.
If you text your clients or use a robocaller to remind them of appointments, you need to register your number through the Robocall mitigation database by August 1st. Otherwise, your messages might not get delivered. This is a no-brainer if you want to keep in touch with your customers without any hiccups.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re experiencing printer issues after the Windows 11 update, reach out to us for a workaround.
- Keep an eye on your network if you’re using Zyxel or DrayTek tech’s VPN appliances; they are currently being exploited.
- Re-register your numbers through the Robocall mitigation database by August 1st if you use automated appointment reminders.
Questions about anything we covered today? Schedule a free IT consultation and we’ll walk through it with your business in mind.