📅 Midwest PROTECH Tips & Tricks

 📅  Midwest PROTECH Tips & Tricks –Monday Edition 

                            Monday, November 10th, 2025
                      

New Tips & Tricks added on Mondays and Fridays at 12:00 PM

 Unwanted calls keep slipping through—and it’s not just annoying, it’s a security risk. Here’s how to fight back:

✅ Use your carrier’s spam-call tools
Most major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) offer built-in features like “Scam ID” or “Call Filter” to detect and block suspicious calls. Consumer Reports+2CyberInsider+2

✅ Enable phone’s built-in blocking features

• On iPhone: Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers sends numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail. The Verge+1
• On Android: Open Phone app → Recent Calls → block number or use Settings > Block numbers. Medium+1
   

✅ Install a trusted third-party spam blocker
Apps like RoboKiller, Hiya or Truecaller use large databases of known spam numbers to help filter and block. Medium+1

✅ Report unwanted calls and don’t interact
If you pick up a called-spoofing or automated message asking for your information—hang up. Avoid pressing buttons or responding. Use Do Not Call registration (in the U.S.). CyberInsider+1

 If your team uses company phones, add a monthly check-in: verify spam-call apps are active, and remind staff to block unfamiliar numbers immediately. Keeping this consistent protects your business workflow. 

 Why did the phone join a support group?
Because it couldn’t handle another robocall session! 😆📞 

 Did you know you can assign custom ringtones or vibration patterns for your contacts? Set friends, family, and work to unique tones — so when an unknown call comes through, you’ll know instantly whether to answer or ignore.

On iPhone: Contacts > Edit > Ringtone
On Android: Contacts > 3 dots > Set ringtone

💡 Pro move: Keep your device in “Do Not Disturb — Contacts Only” mode during focused work hours.. 

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📩 rod@midwestprotech.com

🌐 www.midwestprotech.com

Yours in tech,
–Rod

       If you’re still running Windows 10, it’s time to take this seriously. Microsoft officially ended support on October 14, 2025, which means no further security updates, patches, or compatibility fixes will be provided.

• Security Risks: Without updates, your system becomes a prime target for cyberattacks, ransomware, and data theft. Hackers know which vulnerabilities exist — and they’ll exploit them.  

• Software Failures: Popular business applications, such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, payroll tools, and antivirus programs, are already phasing out support for Windows 10. Soon, updates and features will cease to function.  

• Compliance Issues:Businesses in regulated industries (like healthcare, finance, or retail) risk non-compliance if they continue using an unsupported operating system.  

• Hardware Limitations:Many older computers can’t run Windows 11 efficiently — meaning now is the time to plan for an upgrade or replacement.  

Midwest PROTECH recommends transitioning to Windows 11 Pro now to avoid downtime and security risks. We can handle the entire process — from hardware recommendations to setup, optimization, and data transfer — so you can focus on running your business.