The cloud is the wave of the future, there is no avoiding it.. However, Is the cloud ready for full time? Personally I don't like when I am not physically in control of my data.. In my opinion its an unacceptable managed risk in the way that single premise backups (or no backups) are a risk... Hybrid models of physical on premise + Cloud is the way to go in my opinion. The term "cloud" is also a misnomer.. Cloud basically means hosting your data, program, server, with someone else instead of with you.. Some uses are fantastic, some are still in their infancy.. Having all Cloud means you lose the ability for 100% control.. it seems someone found out the hard way on Microsoft's Azure … [Read more...]
Android is a fantastic and popular platform. One that is a huge target for viruses and malware.
Virus authors target the most popular systems because they got more bang for their "buck". Android is one of the fastest growing system, so in true form there is WAY more viruses and Malware popping up. Android also has the most "open" app policy that is less strictly controlled.. That means developers with real apps that are fantastic get on it easier.. it also.. makes it easier for the "bad people" to get apps on it.. My recommendation is to get Avast (the free version) from the play store.. Here is a good article by Cnet on the subject. This will be one of the topics covered in my upcoming workshops! Take a look at CNet for further info … [Read more...]
Windows 8.1 needs to be “updated” by May 13, 2014.
Are you running Windows 8.1? Its a good idea to make sure you are running a patched operating system no matter what you are running. Remember we can install patches on your computer as part of our monthly service plans for your business. Contact us for more details. Windows 8.1 Update must be installed by May 13 … [Read more...]
Today people are having “Heart Attacks” over the “Heartbeat” in OpenSSL.
[Update: April 9, 2014] - It seems even the Canadian Federal Government is vulnerable.. As we stated yesterday, we fully expect that the next few days will see some major announcements similar to this. The fallout from this very large vulnerability will continue for a long while to come. http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/revenue-canada-shuts-website-to-head-off-heartbleed-bug-1.2603742 Original Article: So today, is not a good day to be in the IT Security industry. OpenSSL, a massive player in the security of a large number of sites on the internet has a problem. A bug was discovered where effectively usernames and passwords that were thought to be secure and private, were not. There … [Read more...]
Is April 8, 2014 really the “END OF THE WORLD!!!!!” if you own Windows XP?
Ah, Windows XP. We hardly knew ye. As of the date of this post the most current date for the "END" of Windows XP is April 8,2014. That is the firm date.. they promise.. You actually SHOULD have upgraded all of your systems starting in April 2009. That was the real day Windows XP was discontinued. But for whatever reason, you are your company waited until now, and you are reading that Windows XP will cease to function, and be hacked immediately. Unless you are a bank, then it will work.. or unless you are a major corporation.. because they are paying Microsoft to continue to secure the operating system... but April is coming really soon!!!!! After April 8, 2014 … [Read more...]
Why its critical to clean your PC / Server
All to often businesses keep their computers in poor locations. Typically locations that keep them hidden. Although that is great for the aesthetic look of "hiding" a computer it leaves them often in areas of poor ventilation. Furthermore, computers that are out and out of mind tend to get, well, gross. Check out a few of these pictures if you don't know what I mean. http://www.thinkcomputers.org/disgusting-things-found-inside-computers/ If your PC or server looks like this, give us a call, we will come take care of it for you. … [Read more...]
CryptoLocker Ransomware and why it can ruin your day very quickly
UPDATE: August, 2014: Apparently security researchers now have access to the master database of keys. IF you have been infected with this virus and still have any of the files, you MAY be able to get the unlock code for free at: https://www.decryptcryptolocker.com/ Have you ever heard of someone getting a phone call from say "Microsoft", "Rogers", "Bell", "RCMP", "FBI", "Tech Support" and then heard how they lost all of their data and had to pay? Ever had one of these calls yourself? Since I moved to the Moncton area in the summer of 2013, I have had 3 such calls to my residence. What the companies are trying to push, is something called a CryptoLocker virus. Basically … [Read more...]
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