Are You Using Passkeys?

The Apple Passkey is a safe and easy password replacement across all websites and applications. Users who implement passkey are able to sign in with a fingerprint or with facial recognition so there is no need to remember passwords. The passkey is able to replace both passwords and two factor authentication. Passkeys protect against many cyber-attacks, such as phishing.

Passkeys are based on FIDO and W3C standards, these keys provide strong security as they can never be guessed. They are safe from server leaks as servers keep only public keys so they will be less value to hackers. This type of security is phishing proof as well because passkeys are linked to the app or website they were made for.

 Signing in with passkeys uses features such as AutoFill, Face ID or Touch ID for verification letting the transition be quick and easy from passwords to passkeys. Passkeys are also able to be used with passwords making it less of a struggle as there is no need to change or adjust any sign-in information.

Passkeys are synced with iCloud Keychain and are accessible on all Apple devices. You can even use your iPhone to login in to non-Apple apps and websites. Passkeys are currently used by companies such as: Best Buy, eBay, Google, Microsoft, and PayPal. For a more detailed listing of companies using passkeys please check the link.

The passkeys are the next step to tighter security making online personal lives easier as well as business lives. Passkeys are safer, easier and overall, more efficient than any passwords making time online a more secure and less stressful environment.

Fully Managed IT Service Provider

Pure iTek sets your business up for great productivity

Pure iTek can bridge the gap between Apple and Microsoft. We accomplish this by working directly with you or with your existing in-house IT department.

Our team is trained across both Apple and Microsoft platforms. This training allows us to integrate Apple into predominantly Microsoft organizations.

We offer a number of IT services, some of which include:

• Configuring zero-touch Apple device setup using mobile device management

• Building security solutions to keep your business safe

• Creating your disaster recovery plan including cloud backups

• Integrating Apple computers into your Microsoft Active Directory

• Ensuring your company is in compliance with regulatory standards and best practices

Pure iTek provides you with everything required to get any job done, from anywhere.

Improving Business Functionality With Our Cross-Platform Software Expertise

Pure iTek is skilled at software integration. Software integration is one of our fundamental services. Businesses today have access to a variety of software platforms, both cloud-based and on-site to enhance productivity. It can be overwhelming for you to decide which software to purchase.

Since incorporating in 2008, Pure iTek has worked with businesses in many industries. Employing our custom fit consulting and innovative solutions will improve your full business functionality.

Contact us today 780-709-3881.

How to Unlock Your iPhone While Wearing Your Mask

For the first time, you can now use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone when you’re wearing a face mask.

With iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, Apple is making it easier to unlock an iPhone when you're wearing a mask. There's a new "Unlock with Apple Watch" feature that allows the iPhone to use an unlocked and authenticated Apple Watch as a secondary authentication method.

Unlock Face ID with a mask on

Unlock your iPhone with Apple Watch

To enable the Unlock with Apple Watch feature, open the Settings app on your iPhone, then look for the “Face ID & Passcode” setting. Once you flip this toggle, your Apple Watch will be able to authenticate your iPhone as long as the following conditions are met:

• Face ID detects a mask

• Your Apple Watch is nearby

• Your Apple Watch is on your wrist

• Your Apple Watch is unlocked

• Your Apple Watch has a passcode enabled

Another thing to keep in mind here is that if you disable the Apple Watch wrist detection feature, then you will not be able to unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch.

HomePod Mini

The HomePod is back and better than ever. The new HomePod Mini is Apple’s newest smart speaker and is only half the size of the original HomePod. The HomePod mini is smaller and packs in more features.

New HomePod Mini Features

One fantastic new feature is stereo pair. When you put two HomePod Minis in the same room, they will recognize each other and separate left and right channels to create a stereo pair. If you want to put two HomePod Minis beside each other on a bookshelf they will recognize each other and ask you if you would like to pair them.

Another new feature is Intercom. To use Intercom all you have to do is tell your HomePod Mini, “Hey Siri, tell everyone to come for dinner.” and your message will broadcast through all your HomePod Minis, all your household members AirPods, and send every ones iPhones, iPads, etc. a text to come to for dinner.

A third new feature is automatic Bluetooth connection between iPhone and HomePod Mini. All you need to do is unlock your iPhone and connect the HomePod Mini to your iPhone by using Bluetooth. This allows you to play any song, movie or video through your HomePod Mini.

My favourite new feature is that Siri can recognize up to six different family members and create a personalized experience.

Intercom on the Apple ecosystem

Pre-Order Date and Price

The pre-order date for the HomePod Mini is November 6, 2020 and the price is $129 (CAD).

Back To School

Back to school 2020 is like no other year.

Whether you are a parent setting your child up to attend school or to distance learn, a college student gearing up for the next semester online, or a teacher setting up your mobile cart or gearing up for another semester of online teaching - - setting up for remote school can be a daunting task.

Setting up for success

Having a strong consistent wifi connection, coupled with the right hardware to operate the Apps you need, will ensure success in your remote work.

• Set up a wireless site survey with Pure iTek today. Our Certified Wireless Network Professional will test for weak points, interference and manage the WiFi throughout your house. This inspection will ensure adequate coverage and speed which is essential for teachers and students connecting from home.

• Set up your remote workspace with Pure iTek today. Struggling with those minimum spec lists? Need help selecting the right hardware? We can help you navigate towards purchasing the right hardware to operate your Apps. With many Apps available, we can make recommendations to manage and organize all aspects of school. One App worth considering is Evernote - Evernote allows you to create a digital binder with notes, scans and pictures.

Organizing a backpack can feel a lot easier than setting up new technology. That’s where we can help. Call us today! Pure iTek can help you acquire and configure computers, printers, routers, security software and much more.

P.S. Before making any online purchases, take a look around your home. Do you have any old or unused iPhones, MacBooks or iPads around the house? Now is a great time to sell these unused devices. Apple equipment and devices can be sold back to the Apple Store for in-store credit.