Fall is here, with fire season still hanging on, holiday shopping around the corner, and October being National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
1. Good News for Windows 10 Users: You Have Another Year
If you’ve kept an older PC on Windows 10, you may have heard that security updates would end last October. That changed. Microsoft quietly extended its free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for home users by an extra year, so enrolled PCs will keep getting security fixes until October 12, 2027. What this means for you:
- Already enrolled? Your coverage continues automatically through the new date, with nothing for you to do.
- Not enrolled yet? You still can. Microsoft offers three ways to sign up: sync your PC settings at no cost, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay a one-time $30. One license covers up to 10 PCs. To check, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If your PC qualifies, you’ll see an enrollment link.
- Keep in mind: ESU delivers security patches only. It doesn’t add features, fix other bugs, or include tech support.
Our advice: enjoy the breathing room, but use it to plan. Replacing a PC calmly in the spring beats doing it in a rush next fall. We’re happy to check whether your current PC can run Windows 11 or help you choose a replacement.
2. Scam Watch: The PG&E “Barcode” Scam
This one is hitting close to home. PG&E victims have lost more than $211,000 so far this year, with 278 of the reports coming from Contra Costa County.
How it works: a scammer calls and threatens to shut off your power, then texts or emails a barcode or QR code. You’re told to take it to a store and have a cashier scan it to “pay your bill.” Businesses are targets too. PG&E says scammers call business owners during busy hours, counting on the urgency to keep the lights on.
Remember:
- PG&E will never ask for financial information over the phone, never demand payment by prepaid debit card or Zelle, and will never ask to see your bill at your door.
- Customers who are behind on payments get advance shutoff notice, usually by mail with their regular bill.
- If you get a call like this, hang up. Then call PG&E’s official number or log into your account at PGE.com to check your balance.
The same trick is used by fake banks, “Microsoft support,” and toll-road texts. If someone creates urgency and asks for an unusual payment method, it’s a scam.
3. iOS 27 Is Here. Should You Update?
Apple released iOS 27 on September 14, 2026. It runs on the same iPhones as iOS 26, which means the iPhone 11 and newer.
Our suggestions:
- Back up first. Make sure iCloud Backup is on and has run recently (Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup).
- No need to rush. Big updates often get a quick bug-fix release within a few weeks. Updating in early October is a reasonable choice.
- Don’t skip it forever. Major updates also include important security fixes.
- Older iPhone? If your phone can’t run iOS 27, it’s time to think about an upgrade before it stops getting security updates entirely.
4. Cybersecurity Awareness Month
We’re proud to be a sponsor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Below are 3 helpful Tips. Click here for more
4a. One Simple Step
If you do just one thing this month, turn on two-step verification (also called 2FA) for your email account. Your email is the master key to everything else, since password resets go there. With 2FA, a stolen password alone isn’t enough to get in.
Bonus step: if your bank, Google, Apple, or Microsoft account offers passkeys, try them. They let you sign in with your fingerprint or face instead of a password, and they can’t be phished.
4b. Does AI Take Your Data Graphic
4c. Why Your Family and Coworkers Need a Safe Word in the Age of AI
5. Scam Phone Number Checker
Think a phone number that called you belongs to a scammer? You can check the number here
More Security Tips Available On Our Website.
We have many more articles and tips on our website
6. Disaster Recovery: When Did You Last Test Your Backup?
Many people have a backup. Far fewer have checked that it actually works. Take ten minutes this month to:
- Confirm your backup ran successfully in the last day or two.
- Try restoring one file you’d truly miss.
- Make sure at least one copy is stored offsite or in the cloud, not just on a drive next to the computer.
If any of those steps make you nervous, give us a call. Backups are included in our service agreement.
7. Stay Connected When the Power Goes Out
With fire season, an expected Super El Nino this winter and possible Public Safety Power Shutoffs still ahead, a little preparation helps you stay in touch during an outage.
- Put your internet on battery backup. A small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for your modem and router may keep Wi-Fi running for a few hours, often enough to get through a short outage or reach family.
- Use surge protectors for computers and TVs. Power often comes back with a spike.
- Keep power banks charged for phones and tablets.
- Sign up for PSPS alerts in your PG&E account so you get advance notice.
- Know your phone’s hotspot option as a backup if your home internet goes down.
We can recommend and install the right-sized battery backup for your setup.
8. Microsoft Publisher is Being Discontinued as of October 1st
If you have files created with Microsoft Publisher, You will not be able to open them after October 1st.
The recommended solution is to export the files to Adobe PDF format prior to October 1st.
If that’s not feasible, there are a few other ways to export the files. You do need need Publisher to use the following tools, so there’s no time deadline for converting your Publisher files.
1. Use a paid program Pub to PDF Converter.
2. Use a free online service to convert up to 5 files at a time (paid option is available).
3. Use a paid program to convert Publisher files to one of several different formats: PDF, DOCX, JPG, etc.
Let Us Handle Your Computer Maintenance. Online Backup and Security
Our service agreement covers software updates, online backup, and advanced security protection, so you can stop worrying about any of them.
We serve Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, and surrounding communities, in person or remotely.
Know a neighbor who’d find this helpful? Please forward it along. Referrals are the best compliment we can get.
Best regards,
Edward & Ryan
Lamorinda Technology, Inc.
