Broadtek

06/15/2026

Vendors are still pushing AI PC's and CoPilot Plus notebooks, but what does having a dedicated NPU (neural processing unit) actually do for the end user. You probably aren't using Large Language Models (LLMs) directly on your device, but there may be other local processes that benefit from that higher TOPS (trillion of operations per second) ratings often touted by manufacturers. Modern photo editing software can make use of AI resources, and it isn't limited to companies like Adobe. Many upscaling effects and noise reduction can be shifted to the NPU leaving the processor to do other tasks. The same type of processing can help background blur and effects in video apps via Windows Studio Effects. The new AI features in Office applications can also use NPU features. This may include generating original text. If there are particular applications that you use regularly it might be worth checking to see if they can use AI to help.

05/20/2026

Insecure browser extensions are one of the main causes of business email compromise (BEC) attacks. You should avoid adding browser extensions where possible, but you can also look them up on the LayerX Entensionpedia to see if they are flagged as particularly risky. (The link is posted in comments)

05/06/2026

You may have heard the name, but do you know that Broadtek can help you purchase and setup Threatlocker on your systems? We've been using their Zero Trust software for years. It blocks users from installing unapproved applications, and unexpected downloads, DLLs or malicious programs from attacking your PC's.

04/16/2026

There is currently a significant exploit in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Make sure you are running version 2026.001.21431. Check under Menu > Help > About Acrobat Reader. If you are running an older version, use the Check for Updates link on the same menu. See CVE-2026-34621 for details.

10/21/2025

Phishing attacks may use important looking encrypted emails from known vendors or contacts to compromise your hosted email accounts. Be very careful about providing credentials and approving multi-factor requests to any links from emails, even from well-known friends or contacts. Should a malicious actor get into your account they can then use your information to email your contacts, and it can cascade quickly.

10/14/2025

In what marks the end of an era, Microsoft has released the Windows 10 KB5066791 cumulative update, the final cumulative update for the operating system as it reaches the end of its support lifecycle. The Windows 10 update is mandatory, as it contains Microsoft's October 2025 Patch Tuesday security updates, which address six zero-day vulnerabilities and 172 other flaws.
More info at Bleepingcomputer.com

09/22/2025

Windows 10 goes end of support on October 14th 2025. If you have machines which you are not intending to upgrade or replace you can purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU's) for up to 3 years. For businesses the cost is $61 (1st year), $122 in year 2 and then $244 in year 3. Home users have the option to purchase at a reduced rate and should see notifications during the final series of Windows updates.

If your business needs year 1 ESU's then contact Broadtek and we can arrange them for you.

09/10/2025

Training your employees to avoid phishing attacks can not only help them avoid potential email compromise but it may also give you extra insight into your team members. A California study of 20,000 employees of San Diego health employees in 2023 showed that employees who completed their trainings were 19% less likely to fall for simulated phishing emails. But also a large number of employees never completed the trainings. This showed that the more conscientious employees are less likely to put your business at risk. If you are using security awareness training then make sure you have a process to tackle those employees who fail to complete their training.

08/19/2025

It is with sadness that we learnt of the sudden passing of Allen Stegall. I'd worked through some issues with him on the phone just recently and I was shocked to hear of his passing. He was an upbeat and pleasant client to work with and he will be missed. Our condolences go out to his family. Gavin

View Allen Ray Stegall's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/11/2025

Are you running Dell PC's with 13th or 14th Gen Intel Processors? Dell is recommending that you upgrade your BIOS to the latest (May 2nd 2025 or newer) to avoid any potential stability issues.