Microsoft Publisher Is Retiring This October: What to Know and What to Use Instead
Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Publisher will be retired in October 2026, marking the end of a product that has been part of Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 for decades. While some users may feel nostalgic, this change reflects a broader shift toward more modern, flexible design tools that better match today’s needs.
Credential theft is still the easiest way into a corporate network—and attackers know it.
Despite years of warnings and proven defenses, many organizations continue to rely on passwords alone. The result is a growing wave of breaches that didn’t require sophisticated exploits—just a stolen username and password.
Most organizations do not think about their technology until something goes wrong—a system crashes, files disappear, or the network slows down. Just like a vehicle needs routine maintenance, IT systems need regular checkups to stay secure and reliable. For public housing authorities that handle sensitive data and support daily operations, regular technology audits are essential.
Data is one of the most important assets public housing authorities manage. From resident information to financial and operational data, protecting that information is critical to keeping daily operations running and maintaining trust. One of the most effective ways to protect data is by using both on‑site and off‑site backups. Each serves a different purpose, and together they provide complete protection.
Software is the set of programs and apps that make your computer work, such as email, internet browsers, and office programs. Just like cars need regular maintenance, software needs regular updates to keep working safely and properly. Updating software helps protect your computer, your information, and your ability to get work done.
At its most basic level, AI is math. It breaks information—like text, images, and data—into small pieces, looks for patterns, and predicts likely outcomes. For most of us, that technical detail isn’t important.
Think of AI like a car. You don’t need to understand engines or physics to drive—you just need to know the rules of the road. AI works the same way. You don’t need to know how it works internally, only how to use it safely and responsibly.
Just as driving has rules (stop signs, speed limits, right of way), AI has “rules of the road” too—such as knowing what information not to share, checking AI results for accuracy, and following company policies.
Cars also require maintenance to stay safe and reliable. Using AI does as well: keep your systems up to date, secure your devices, and use only approved, secure AI tools for business or sensitive information.
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a useful tool in public service agencies, including housing authorities. Whether staff members are working in property management, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) administration, inspections, resident services, or back‑office functions, AI can streamline many routine tasks. But because housing authorities work with sensitive resident information and operate in a heavily regulated environment, it’s essential to use AI responsibly.
If your day involves bouncing between emails, tenant files, HUD reports, spreadsheets, and browser tabs, you’re definitely not alone. Housing authority staff juggle high workloads and constant multitasking—and those extra clicks really do add up.
The good news? A handful of simple Windows keyboard shortcuts can save minutes on repetitive actions. Multiply that across a week (or across your whole agency), and the productivity gains become real.
Easy Mobile Editing and Document Creation
Word Mobile allows you to open new or existing housing authority documents right from your phone or tablet. Its simple, touch‑friendly interface makes it easy to type, edit, comment, and format text—helping you stay productive wherever your work takes you.
Even when you're away from your desk, the Dictation feature lets you speak notes or reports instead of typing, which is especially helpful during a meeting so you can pay attention to actually participating in the meeting.
The recent cyberattack on medical‑tech giant Stryker is a wake‑up call for every public agency in the U.S.—including housing authorities. The attack wasn’t just another ransomware scare. It was a destructive, politically motivated Iranian‑linked operation that wiped data, disabled systems, and—most importantly—spread through employees’ devices, including their personal phones.
For housing authorities, the lesson is simple:
