Critical Security Update: November 14, 2025 (Gmail, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Windows, Cisco, WatchGuard)
Critical Security Update
Gmail, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Windows, Cisco, WatchGuard
Risk 1: Low
Issue: Gmail has changed its policy and algorithm related to bulk, unsolicited e-mail. They are now strictly enforcing new rules that will drastically limit the bulk e-mail they receive and deliver to recipients. It is has been reported that the current daily limit is 5,000 messages.
Resolution: While this may look good, initially. Please be on the lookout. During this transition, e-mails you had been receiving may now be delivered to your spam/junk folder. Moreso, some e-mails may no longer be delivered at all. You may have to double-check for expected e-mails. Similarly, you may need to warn those you send e-mails to or check with them if they do not immediately respond to a message to ensure they received it. Google has provided this support document to help users improve their deliverability rates.
Warning: the Google support doc is technical because the settings are deep within their administration screens. They involve updates to your DNS, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC at both Google and your domain registrar. If you are currently on a free Gmail account, you will more than likely not be able to adjustthese settings.
Risk 2: Medium
Issue: Microsoft has released a new version of Teams, its messaging tool, with a feature that lets users prevent screen capture during meetings or recordings. The feature is only available for Premium users.
Resolution: This is a really nice feature for users who share their screen during calls. If this feature is valuable, you may want to consider upgrading to Premium. After the upgrade, you will be prompted the first time you initiate a meeting to configure this setting.
Risk 3: High
Issue: Both Cisco AND WatchGuard firewalls have been found susceptible to a new vulnerability. Yes, the same vulnerability; yeah, you can think that’s odd, too. This allows for a network breach with administrative access. Neither company has fully disclosed just how many of their devices are impacted.
Resolution: Given the limited details provided, any user of Cisco or WatchGuard devices should check their device to determine if an update is available.
Risk 4: Medium
Issue: Microsoft has released a large weekly update, including 118 security-related updates. Most of the updates are minimal; however, there is one that removes inaccurate End-of-Support alerts for Windows 10 users who purchased the Windows 10 Extended Support.
Resolution: All Windows users should apply the latest update when convenient.
Announced Data Breaches
Collins Aerospace
Francis Frith
DoorDash
Washington Post
Synnovis
GlobalLogic
Upcoming Live & Webinar CE (External)
Nov 20: Fortify Your Office Security with Improvements to Your WISP (Webinar)
Week of Jan 5: 3-Hour AI Bootcamp (Webinar - Pending)
Financial Guardians is a proud member of InCite, the recently launched online community exclusively for tax professionals, bookkeepers, and accountants. InCite members receive a 30% discount.
Join today at www.incite.tax.
Financial Guardians has partnered with the California Society of Tax Consultants to provide a 30% access discount as well as many other offers. More info can be found at www.cstcsociety.org






