Apple has updated its software for iPhones to address a critical vulnerability that independent researchers say has been exploited by notorious surveillance software to spy on a Saudi activist.

Researchers from the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab said the software exploit has been in use since February and has been used to deploy Pegasus, the spyware made by Israeli firm NSO Group that has allegedly been used to surveil journalists and human rights advocates in multiple countries.

The urgent update that Apple (AAPL) released Monday plugs a hole in the iMessage software that allowed hackers to infiltrate a user’s phone without the user clicking on any links, according to Citizen Lab. The Saudi activist chose to remain anonymous, Citizen Lab said.

Apple credited the Citizen Lab researchers for finding the vulnerability.

“Attacks like the ones described are highly sophisticated, cost millions of dollars to develop, often have a short shelf life, and are used to target specific individuals,” Ivan Krsti?, head of Apple Security Engineering and Architecture, said in a statement.

Krsti? said Apple rapidly addressed the issue with a software fix and that the vulnerability is “not a threat to the overwhelming majority of our users.”

Still, security experts encouraged users to update their mobile devices for protection.

In a statement, NSO Group did not address the allegations, only saying, “NSO Group will continue to provide intelligence and law enforcement agencies around the world with life saving technologies to fight terror and crime.”

The firm has previously said its software is only sold to vetted customers for counterterrorism and law enforcement purposes.

Researchers, however, say they have found multiple cases in which the spyware was deployed on dissidents or journalists. In 2019, Citizen Lab analysts alleged that Pegasus was used on the mobile phone of the wife of a slain Mexican journalist.

In a lawsuit filed in 2019, Facebook accused NSO Group of being complicit in a hack of 1,400 mobile devices using WhatsApp. (NSO Group disputed the allegations at the time.)

The proliferation of easy-to-use mobile hacking tools has given governments around the world a new and stealthy means of targeting adversaries. Sophisticated spyware made by NSO Group and other vendors has been reportedly used from Uzbekistan to Morocco.

The surge in spyware prompted a United Nations panel of human rights experts in August to call for a moratorium on the sale of such surveillance tools. The UN panel said the ban should remain in place until governments have “put in place robust regulations that guarantee its use in compliance with international human rights standards.”

Kirk Koenigsbauer, corporate vice president for the Office Client Applications and Services team said “Today we are taking a big step forward for Mac® users—Office 2016 for Mac is now available in 139 countries and 16 languages. Based on feedback from the great Mac Office community, we’ve made major updates to each of the apps, and we couldn’t be more pleased to deliver it first to our Office 365 customers.”

Unmistakably Office, designed for Mac

The new versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote provide the best of both worlds for Mac users—the familiar Office experience paired with the best of Mac.

If you already use Office on a PC or iPad, you will find yourself right at home in Office 2016 for Mac. It works the way you expect, with the familiar ribbon interface and powerful task panes. Mac users will appreciate the modernized Office experience and the integration of Mac capabilities like Full Screen view and Multi-Touch^TM gestures. With full Retina® display support, your Office documents look sharper and more vibrant than ever.

Office for Mac is cloud-connected, so you can quickly get to the documents you’ve recently used on other devices and pick up where you left off. New, built-in document sharing tools make it easy to invite teammates to work on a document together. When sharing documents, you won’t have to worry about losing content or formatting, as Office for Mac offers unparalleled compatibility with Office on PCs, tablets, phones and online.

Five modern, first-class applications

Word for Mac—Word’s powerful writing and reviewing tools make it easy to create great-looking documents. The new Design tab lets you easily apply designer-quality layouts, colors and fonts throughout your document. You can work on the same document simultaneously with your teammates and use threaded comments to have a conversation right next to the corresponding text.

Excel for Mac—The new Excel for Mac helps you visualize your information by recommending charts best suited for your data with chart previews. Familiar keyboard shortcuts, autocomplete and an improved formula builder save you time when creating spreadsheets or entering data. For deeper analysis, new PivotTable Slicers help you filter large volumes of data and discover patterns.

PowerPoint for Mac—PowerPoint’s improved Presenter View gives you full control when you present by showing you the current slide, next slide, speaker notes and a timer on your Mac screen, while the audience only sees your presentation on the big screen. The new animation pane helps you design and fine-tune animations, and the latest set of slide transitions add polish to your presentations.

Outlook for Mac—Managing your email, calendar, contacts and tasks has never been easier. The new Outlook for Mac has push mail support so your inbox is always up-to-date. The improved conversation view automatically organizes your inbox around threaded conversations, so you won’t have to hunt for related messages. And the new message preview shows you the first sentence of an email just below the subject line so you can quickly decide if you want to read it now or come back later.

OneNote for Mac—OneNote is the newest addition to Office for Mac. You can capture your ideas in digital notebooks and access them on any device. Find things quickly with the OneNote search engine that tracks your tags, indexes your typed notes and recognizes text in images and handwritten notes. Bold, italicize, underline or highlight notes, insert files, pictures and tables and organize your notes however you want. You can also share notebooks with friends, family or colleagues so everyone can work together on travel plans, household tasks or work projects.

Made better by Mac users

The customer participation in Office for Mac preview since its launch in March exceeded expectations, making it largest Office for Mac beta ever. Thanks to everyone who participated in the preview program and helped improve the product.

Mac preview participants provided with over 100,000 pieces of feedback. Based on this feedback, Office released seven updates in four months with significant improvements in performance and stability. Also added features like improved Mail Merge in Word, Propose New Time in Outlook and support for External Data Connections in Excel.

And the best news is that Office for Mac will continue to see ongoing improvements over time. With released updates and new features for Office 365 customers at least once per quarter.

Available today for Office 365 customers

Office 365 subscribers can get the newest version of Office for Mac today. All you need is an Office 365 subscription (Office 365 Home, Personal, Business, Business Premium, E3 or ProPlus), which includes the rights and access to use Office applications on Mac, Windows, iOS and Android devices, along with additional value in OneDrive and Skype.

Here are a few different ways to get Office 2016 for Mac today:

• Already an Office 365 customer? On your Mac, just browse to your account page (office.com/myaccount), sign in and follow the installation instructions. If you have Office 365 through your organization, go to portal.office.com/OLS/MySoftware.aspx.
• Are you a student? You may get Office 2016 for Mac for free or at a substantial discount. It takes only 30 seconds to find out at office.com/student.
• Otherwise, go to office.com/mac or buy an Office 365 subscription at your local retailer.

Office 2016 for Mac will become available as a one-time purchase option this September.

We hope you’re as excited as we are about the new Office for Mac. It’s one of many important releases this summer. “We released Word, Excel and PowerPoint for Android phones just two weeks ago, which join Outlook and OneNote for Android phones, and we are just weeks away from delivering Office Mobile apps for Windows 10.” said Kirk Koenigsbauer

Have questions?

Get help from Microsoft’s Cloud Solutions Partner.
Call us at: 856-745-9990 or visit: https://southjerseytechies.net/

South Jersey Techies, LLC is a full Managed Web and Technology Services Company providing IT Services, Website Design Services, Server Support, Network Consulting, Internet Phones, Cloud Solutions Provider and much more. Contact for More Information.

To read this article in its entirety click here.

Devices based on Apple Inc.’s HomeKit will appear in stores next month, the company said.

HomeKit, which is built into Apple’s iOS 8 mobile operating system, provides software so makers of garage door openers, light switches and other home devices can be controlled with an iPhone or iPad.

“HomeKit has been available for just a few months and we already have dozens of partners who have committed to bringing HomeKit accessories to market and we’re looking forward to the first ones coming next month,” Trudy Muller, a spokeswoman for Cupertino, California-based Apple, said Thursday in a statement.

IDevices has said it will begin selling in the fourth quarter a HomeKit-compatible switch to control doors, lights and other products.

“We’re testing the software, and it works very well,” Chris Allen, chief executive officer of Avon, Connecticut-based iDevices, said Thursday.

Fortune reported earlier Thursday that HomeKit had been delayed by a few months, until August or September.

Have questions?

Our small business team is here to help.
Call us at: 856-745-9990

South Jersey Techies, LLC is a full Managed Web and Technology Services Company providing IT Services, Website Design Services, Server Support, Network Consulting, Internet Phones, Cloud Solutions Provider and much more. Contact for More Information.

Set Up Microsoft Exchange E-Mail on an Apple iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

iPhone 5s

The iPhone 5S was launched with iOS7.  The updated camera with iPhone 5S has become popular against competitors. Also, the iOS 7 includes many new features including fingerprint identification on the home button, control center, multitasking, enhanced Siri and many more.

The iPhone 5S is available with all major carriers.  Contract prices are $199-399 or without Contract prices are $649-$849.

HTC One

The HTC One runs Android 4.3, a quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, 1080p LCD displays and an ultra mega pixel camera.  The most popular feature with HTC One is the front facing speakers and dual microphones.

The HTC One is available with all major carriers.  Contract prices are as low as $50 or without Contract price is $550.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is the most prevailing Android device on the market.  The Galaxy Note 3 includes many features, such as, the S Pen, 13 mega pixel camera (rear), microSD storage, a removable battery, LTE and many more.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is available with all major carriers.  Contract price is$299.99 or without Contract price is $699.99.

Nokia Lumia 1520

The Nokia Lumia 1520 runs Windows Phone 8 OS.  The 1520 offers a larger display, faster processor, and lower resolution camera than the Lumia 1020.  Features of the Lumia 1520 include integrated Microsoft Office, 20 mega pixel camera, HD 1080p display and many more.

The Nokia Lumia is only available through AT&T.  Contract price is $199.99 or without Contract price  is$584.99.

Google Nexus 5

The Nexus 5 runs Android 4.4.  The Nexus 5 includes a Snapdragon 800 processor, 8 mega pixel camera, HDR+, wireless charging and many more.

The Nexus 5 prices are $349 (16GB) and $399 (32GB).

Moto X

The Moto X runs Android 4.4.  The Moto X includes many features, such as, 10 mega pixel camera with quick capture, touch-less control, face unlock and many more.

The Moto X is available with all major carriers. Contract price is $99 or without Contract price is $499.

LG G2

The LG G2 runs Android 4.2.2.  The LG G2 has 1080p IPS display, 13 mega pixel camera, power and volume rear keys , clip tray, knock on and many more features.

The LG G2 is available with all the major carriers.  Contract price is $199.99 or without Contract price is $603.99.

Samsung Galaxy S4

The Samsung Galaxy S4 runs Android 4.2.  The Galaxy S4 has a 13 mega pixel camera with Dual shot and Drama Shot, Air View that allows you to control your phone with hovering instead of touch, WatchON, S Health and many more.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is available with all the major carriers.  Contract price is $199.99 or without Contract price is $627.99.

Motorola Droid Maxx

The Motorola Droid Maxx has outlasting power with a 3,500 mAh capacity battery.  The Droid Maxx features include active notifications, always-on listening, Command Center, wireless charging, 10 mega pixel camera and many more.

The Droid Maxx is only available at Verizon Wireless.  Contract price is $199.99 or without Contract price is $499.99.

Sony Xperia Z1

The Sony  Xperia Z1 is waterproof and dust resistant.  The Xperia Z1 has man features that include 20.7 mega pixel camera, full HD TRILUMINOUS display, quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, microSD card slot, and many more.

The Sony Xperia Z1 is available without a contract for $649.99.

The new iOS 7 upgrade resets original settings and adds new settings that users should be aware of.

System Services

The System Services is difficult to find at the bottom of the Privacy > Location Services panel.

Status Bar Icon

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services

The Status Bar Icon setting will appear in three ways:  Purple for Recently Used, Gray for Used within 24 Hours and Outlined for Geofence.  Turn ON this setting.

Diagnositcs & Usage

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Diagnostics & Usage

The Diagnostics & Usage setting detects/records iPhone usage and anonymously sends a report to Apple to improve the device.  Turn OFF this setting.

Frequent Locations

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Frequent Locations

The Frequent Locations setting detects/records data about your locations, using GPS coordinates of frequently visited locations.  Turn OFF this setting.

Location-Based iAds

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Location-Based iAds

The Location-Based iAds collect and share location data based on real-time geographic location of your Apple device.  Turn OFF this setting.

Advertising

Settings > Privacy > Advertising

The Limit Ad Tracking setting prevents adverizers  from targeting your device. Turn Limit Ad Tracking ON.

The Advertising Identifier gives users control over advertisers’ capability to use tracking systems by resetting the Advertising ID.  Reset Advertising Identifier.

Do Not Track

Settings > Safari > Do Not Track

The Do Not Track setting allows users to have privacy while using Safari.  Turn ON this setting.

September 18, 2013 was the official release of iOS 7.  Complementary to iOS 7 are several support questions for corporate-owned iOS devices, including Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Corporate Owned Personally Enabled (COPE) devices.

COPE devices are corporately compliant prior to distribution to employees; this allows consistency and higher security for all enterprise devices.

There may be a few problems when upgrading to iOS 7 such as older iPhone/iPad devices may not support iOS 7 and not all features are available on all devices or in all countries. 

Here are some tips for supporting iOS 7 in the enterprise. 

Implement VPP

Apple now offers a Volume Purchase Program (VPP) for business.  VPP can retain volume licenses for Apps and Books.  Download Apple’s VPP Guide.

Third-Party iOS Apps

Configuring third-party apps can be completed in iOS 7,  Mobile Device Management (MDM) distributes the third-party configuration and the developer needs to enables it.

Test and Troubleshoot

The most important step before deploying in-house developed enterprise app(s) is to test and troubleshoot.  Testing and troubleshooting will save time and resources after deployment.

Per App VPN

Per app VPN ensures that only managed app data travels through VPN.  iOS 7 apps can automatically be connected to VPN when launched.  Also, for security purposes this tool will separate corporate data and personal data.

Takeaway:  Before rushing out to buy the new iPhone 5s, take a look at the Nokia Lumia Specifications compared to the iPhone 5s.

Nokia Lumia 1020 is equipt with dynamic live tiles, Office Mobile, a 4.5 Puremotion HD+ AMOLED display and is the winner of the Best Smartphone Camera Award by Gizmodo for the 41-megapixel camera.

Apple’s iPhone 5s will be released on Today, September 20, 2013. The iPhone 5s is available in three colors and will run the recently released, iOS 7.

Compare the iPhone 5s to Nokia Lumia 1020:

Apple has officially released iOS 7 Today, September 18, 2013.  The new OS includes many new features and Apps that are beneficial to enterprise users.  iPhone(s) and iPad(s) with these new features will be easier for IT departments to deploy and manage in enterprise environments.

Touch ID Fingerprint Reader

Touch ID Fingerprint Reader is a 500ppi fingerprint sensor embedded in the “Home” button.  The touch sensor has a 360 degree ability to read a fingerprint.  Your fingerprint can also approve purchases from iTunes Store, the App Store, and the iBooks Store.

Single Sign On (SSO)

Enterprise single sign on (SSO) logs users in without requiring them to enter credentials multiple times.  SSO with can be configured across apps to verifies user permissions for enterprise resources and can be used for the App Store.

Per App VPN

Per app VPN ensures that only managed app data travels through VPN.  iOS 7 apps can automatically be connected to VPN when launched.  Per app VPN will provide IT  administrators control over corporate network access.

Open-In Management

iOS 7 allows business to protect corporate data by controlling which apps (and accounts) are used to open documents and attachments. Managed “open in…” gives IT the ability to configure the list of apps available in the sharing panel.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

The MDM protocol in iOS 7 includes a number of new commands, queries, and configuration options that make third-party MDM solutions even more powerful.  Also, Stremlined MDM enrollment allows IT to skip basic setup steps and fully configure devices with corporate settings and policies

To read previous articles regarding iOS 7, new iOS features and additional iOS features.