Navigating the Cloud: A Washington Law Firm’s Guide

Navigating the Cloud: A Washington State Law Firm’s Guide to WSBA Advisory Opinion 2215

The legal industry is rapidly transitioning to cloud-hosted services for document storage, practice management, and client communication. The benefits are clear: reduced IT costs, enhanced collaboration, and the ability to work from anywhere. But for Washington lawyers, this digital shift brings up a critical ethical question: Is it safe, and is it compliant?

App Passwords: Why You Need Them & How to Set Them Up

 

Your Guide to App Passwords:

Why You Need Them & How to Set Them Up

Have you ever tried to connect an older email app, a smart home device, or a scanner to your main account, only to be hit with a stubborn "authentication failed" error; even though you know you typed your password correctly?

The culprit is likely your account's modern security settings. As Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) becomes the standard for protecting our online lives, many third-party apps and older devices simply don't know how to handle that second step. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) makes users 99% less likely to be hacked. However, it can break compatibility with older software.

Enter the App Password: a specialized, secure bridge that lets these devices connect without compromising your main account's security.

Apple Business Manager: Employee & Employee Apple ID/iPad Setup

Apple Business Manager:

Add Employees & Apple ID/iPad Setup Guide

If you manage devices for a growing team, you already know that handing a brand-new iPad to an employee isn't as simple as just taking it out of the box. Security, app management, and company data protection are huge priorities. That is exactly where Apple Business Manager (ABM) comes in.

Setting up devices through ABM ensures your company retains control of the hardware and data while giving your employees a seamless onboarding experience. But if you're new to the platform, the workflow can be a little confusing.

To help simplify things, I’ve put together this start-to-finish guide on how to onboard a new employee, set up their iPad, and offboard them when it's time to part ways.

Create a Secure, Password-Protected "File Vault" in Windows 11

 

Create a Secure, Password-Protected "File Vault": Windows 11 Pro & Enterprise

Are you looking for a way to keep your sensitive files hidden from prying eyes? Whether it's financial documents, personal photos, or top-secret projects, sometimes you just need a locked folder.

If you are running Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you are in luck! You don't need to download any sketchy third-party software. Instead, you can use built-in Windows tools to create a BitLocker-encrypted Virtual Hard Disk (VHDX).

Think of this as a secure digital "file vault" that lives on your computer. When you need it, you enter a password to open it. When you're done, you lock it up, and your files completely disappear from view.

Here's exactly how to set it all up!

Your Router Might Be Lying to You:
The Quiet Rise of DNS Hijacking

Over the last six months, I've been seeing more and more DNS hijack infections on routers, switches, and servers. It's a genuinely clever tactic, and it's worth understanding why: the attacker only needs to briefly gain access and very lightly maintain it. Once they've rerouted your DNS to a server they control, they can quietly sit in the middle of your traffic and analyze your traffic packets, harvest credentials, the works.

This isn't theoretical, and it isn't rare. 

My own server and three customer servers have been hit by this class of attack in the last 3 months. I'm writing this to bring some attention to what's going on, explain how these attacks actually work, and (most importantly) show you how to defend your equipment and check whether it's already been hit, without needing to be a network engineer.

How To Setup a Desktop PC as a Server

Desktop PC as a Server:

The Ultimate Setup Guide (Windows 10/11)

Applies to: Windows 10 Pro / Windows 11 Pro (22H2 and later)

The purpose of this guide is to help folks with configuring a standard desktop computer to reliably serve files, printers, and business applications (QuickBooks, Sage, etc.) without downtime or performance lag.

New Computer Migration & Setup: How-To Guide

Setting Up Your New Computer:
A Complete Migration Guide

Getting a new computer is exciting, but the transition from your old system to the new one requires careful planning to ensure nothing important gets left behind. These principles apply universally, regardless of your hardware path: whether you are performing a standard upgrade (PC to PC, Mac to Mac) or switching operating systems entirely (PC to Mac or Mac to PC). Whether you're upgrading at home or replacing workstations at your business, proper preparation can mean the difference between a smooth, stress-free experience and hours of frustration tracking down missing files and forgotten passwords.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before, during, and after a computer migration. There are several things you can do ahead of time to make the process faster and more successful; with less surprises!

For Mac/Apple Computer Time Machine Migrations, Click Here!

ScamorHack.com

In today’s digital world, it’s no longer a matter of if you’ll encounter a scam. 

It’s a matter of when.

Whether it’s a terrifying pop-up telling you your computer is "infected," a suspicious charge on your credit card, or the realization that you’ve been locked out of your Facebook or email account, the feeling is the same: panic.

At PNW Computers, we see these situations every day. We know how overwhelming it is to navigate the "what now?" phase of a security breach. 

That is exactly why we created our new resource site: 

www.scamorhack.com

Fake Security Pop-Up Alert

 

Fake Security Pop-Up Alert: What To Do

Fake security pop-ups are designed to scare you into clicking, calling a number, or giving someone access to your computer. These messages often claim you have a virus, your system is “locked,” or your data is at risk.

Do not panic. Follow the steps below.

Bitwarden Password Vault Cleanup Guide

Bitwarden CLI Vault Cleanup Guide

A comprehensive guide for cleaning up your Bitwarden vault using the CLI, based on real troubleshooting sessions.

Prerequisites

• Bitwarden CLI installed in C:\Tools\Bitwarden (or your chosen directory)
• Windows PowerShell (works with PowerShell 5.x)
• Navigate to the Bitwarden directory in a Windows Terminal: cd C:\Tools\Bitwarden

 

What To Do If You Are Compromised By A Scam/Scammer

A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Digital Life

Online security is becoming increasingly critical as more of our daily lives move onto the internet. Whether through hacking, phishing, tech support scams, or other malicious activities, account compromises can happen to anyone. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps to help you respond effectively, recover your accounts, and protect yourself from future incidents.

IMPORTANT:

If you are in immediate danger or feel threatened,

Call 911 immediately.

Raspberry Pi Zero 2W General Setup 101 (Headless)

 

Setup & Configure Your Raspberry Pi Zero 2W:
The Ultimate Headless Setup Guide

The Raspberry Pi Zero, a marvel of miniaturization, offers incredible computing power in a tiny, affordable package. But its small size often means less direct interaction – no built-in screen, no bulky keyboard. This is where the magic of a headless setup truly shines.

Imagine a silent, power-efficient micro-server, tucked away in a corner, diligently running your automation tasks, hosting lightweight applications, or providing secure network services, all without needing a monitor, keyboard, or mouse. This guide will walk you through transforming your Raspberry Pi Zero into exactly that: a robust, optimized, and secure headless server.

We'll cover everything from the initial OS installation using the intuitive Raspberry Pi Imager, through critical system updates, essential package installations, crucial performance optimizations like ZRAM, and fundamental security configurations. By the end of this journey, you'll have a lean, mean, server machine ready to tackle your projects. Let's dive in and unlock the full potential of your compact companion!

The Computer, IT & Cybersecurity Guide & Manual(s) Trifecta

 

Announcing Three "IT Guide" Projects!

I am thrilled to announce the launch of three new, powerful resources on GitHub designed to help you navigate, understand, and master the world of technology, from fundamental computing to advanced cybersecurity. Whether you're a complete beginner, an aspiring IT professional, or a seasoned enthusiast, this new collection has something crucial for you.

Setting Up OPNsense as a Private DNS Server with Intrusion Detection (ProxMoxVE)

Setting Up OPNsense as a Private DNS Server with Intrusion Detection in a Proxmox VM

Transform your network security with a dedicated DNS server and real-time threat detection

OPNsense Installation Guide

 

OPNsense Installation Guide (ISO)

If you're looking to take control of your network with enterprise-grade tools, installing OPNsense is a powerful first step. Whether you're setting up a home lab, securing a small business network, or just want better visibility and filtering, this guide walks you through the full installation process; from hardware prep to post-install configuration. With just a few components and a bit of time, you’ll be ready to deploy a firewall and DNS solution that rivals commercial offerings.

Complete Spam Filtering Guide

Complete Spam Filtering Guide for
Common & Local Email Services

In our interconnected digital world, email remains an essential communication tool for both personal and professional use. However, spam and phishing attempts continue to plague inboxes across all email platforms. While major email providers offer built-in spam protection, understanding how to optimize these settings and create additional safeguards is crucial for maintaining a clean, secure inbox.

Ensure Spam Filtering Is Active & Set-Up: Microsoft Outlook

Ensure Spam Filtering Is Active & Set-Up Correctly in Microsoft Outlook

In today’s digital workplace, email remains a critical communication tool, but it’s also a prime target for spam and phishing attacks. While Microsoft Outlook offers robust built-in spam filtering, no system is perfect. Some unwanted messages inevitably slip through the cracks, cluttering your inbox and potentially posing security risks.

This guide walks you through two essential strategies to keep your inbox clean and secure:Ensuring Outlook’s spam filtering is active and properly configured.
Creating custom rules to catch and remove spam that evades automatic detection.

How Supply Chain Attacks Can Bypass Your Best Security Measures

 

The Hidden Threat:

How Supply Chain Attacks Can Bypass Your Best Security Measures

In the world of cybersecurity, organizations invest millions in firewalls, endpoint protection, network monitoring, and employee training. Yet some of the most devastating breaches in recent history have occurred not through brute force attacks on these defenses, but by targeting something far more insidious: the supply chain itself. Supply chain attacks represent a fundamental shift in the threat landscape, demonstrating how attackers can completely circumvent even the most robust security measures by compromising the very tools and systems we trust to keep us safe.

Windows PC Clean-up and Tune-up Guide - 2025 Update

 

Full & Complete Windows PC Clean-up Guide

Overview

This guide provides a systematic approach to cleaning, securing, and optimizing a Windows PC using both built-in tools and trusted third-party utilities. Follow these steps in order for best results.

Prerequisites

• Administrator access to the Windows PC
• Stable internet connection for downloads and updates
• Create System Restore Point before beginning

Apple Phasing Out Network-Based Time Capsule, Time Machine Backups

The End of an Era:
Apple is Phasing Out Network-Based Time Capsule, Time Machine Backups

Apple is making a decisive shift in how macOS handles backups, and it’s a move that’s leaving many longtime users of Time Capsule and AirPort hardware with tough decisions. With the introduction of macOS 27, Apple will officially drop support for Time Machine backups over network-connected Time Capsule disks.
https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/10/time-machine-backup-macos/

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256112267

https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/06/10/time-machines-time-capsule-support-ends-with-macos-27