Livewire Newsletter

[livewirenewsletter]

You Shall Not Pass

Protecting your data from loss and failure has been a common theme on this blog, but what is the first line of defense for you and your business against data corruption, theft, and viruses? Good anti-virus/malware/spyware/adware is key to the security and health of not only your machine, but also your network and all the machines connected to your network. A single breach on your network can lead to widespread issues for all the computers, printers, and other devices in your office.

So what steps do you and your company need to take to ensure the virtual security and livelihood of your machines? To answer that let’s first examine what threats you face. Viruses, spyware, adware, and malware are all types of programs that can infect, corrupt, take over, and use your machine without you knowing it before it is too late. They might be there to steal your processing power, take your personal information as a simple malicious prank, or as a way of coercing revenue towards an endeavour. While the reasoning behind the creation of these programs is subjective, they all pose a very real threat to the security of your business.

The first step is to establish a strong computer security suite on your machine and the various machines in your workplace. Your security portfolio should include an anti-virus program, as well as a program for malware, spyware, and adware. Some programs offer coverage for multiple types of threats. These programs should be standardized across your network, both for the ease of making sure that your programs are up to date and operating properly as well as being sure that you know exactly what you are covered against.

The most common issue with amateur computer security setups is conflicting programs. There are countless programs out there to protect your machines and ensure the security of your office. Some programs are significantly better than others and some conflict with each other, so only install what you need. It’s important to know that setting up a bad set of computer security programs could actually be more damaging than installing nothing at all.

The best option for any business is to contact an IT firm such as ProBleu and to let them set you up with a set of complimenting, high quality, low cost programs that will protect you and your business from spyware, adware, malware, and viruses. Make sure your business and data are safe, contact your local IT specialists at ProBleu today!

[livewirenewsletter]

Update on AdwCleaner Scam

A new scareware scam has popped up on the Internet over the past few days. This particularly crafty scam works by masking itself as the free tool “AdwCleaner.”  Once on your computer, it generates a fake threat report and asks that you pay to upgrade to the full version of the software in order to remove the fictitious viruses it found. If you do purchase the software it will prompt you to download the registered version, which is the legitimate AdwCleaner you can get for free (available here).

The scamware normally first appears on a web page like whats below, asking you to download the software to “clean” your pc.

The fake AdwCleaner doesn’t share too much in common with the proper AdwCleaner except for the banner and a few icons. However, this could change in future versions. So it’s best to just remember AdwCleaner is free and won’t ask for money.

One plus side is this fake version requires you to pay using PayPal. If you do fall victim to this scam, PayPal has great customer protection and should be able to cancel the charge.

Below is a screenshot of the current version of the legitimate AdwCleaner, as of the time of this post:

If you do happen to get the fake version on your computer it is easy to remove:

First start by closing the software by right-clicking the icon in the taskbar and selecting “Close Window”. 

Next delete the downloaded file, most likely located in your Downloads folder.

Open the “Run” dialog by pressing the Windows Key + R on your keyboard, then type “msconfig” and press Enter to run the System Configuration utility.

If you are running Windows XP, Vista, or 7, click the “Startup” tab and uncheck “AdwareBooC”.

If you are running Windows 8 or 8.1, click the “Startup” tab and then click on “Open Task Manager”.  Find the startup entry, right-click on it, and select “Disable”.

Finally, you need to delete the file that you just disabled from starting up at boot. It is currently located in your local AppData directory.  To get to your local AppData directory open up Windows Explorer and type %localappdata% (including the percent signs) into the location bar and press Enter. From here you should be able to find the software in question, currently called “6AdwCleaner”. Delete it and remove it from your Recycle Bin.

At this point you should have the fake AdwCleaner removed from your computer. However, as this kind of software evolves, it is best to run an anti-malware scan on your computer using a tool such as Malwarebytes just to be safe.

If you believe you have been infected and need help cleaning your machine please do not hesitate to contact ProBleu for support.  In most cases we can safely remove this infection by establishing a remote connection to your computer.

[livewirenewsletter]

Windows Server 2003 Support Ending

The end of Windows Server 2003 is rapidly approaching. On July 14, 2015, Microsoft will no longer offer support for Windows Server 2003. No support from Microsoft means:

·      No updates ·      No compliance ·      No applications support

If your business is running Windows Server 2003 after the July 14 deadline you will be at an increased risk for:

·      Cyber attacks ·      Unsupported applications ·      High penalties due to lack of PCI and HIPAA compliance ·      Added costs for additional firewalls, security, etc.

Learn more by visiting Microsoft’s website here and read what U.S. Homeland Security has to say.

Some migrations are taking more than 90 days to complete, therefore Microsoft recommends customers running Windows Server 2003 migrate their systems to an up-to-date system such as Windows Server 2012 R2 or Azure as soon as possible.  To find out more about the end of support for Windows Server 2003 and migrating your infrastructure to a new system, call or e-mail your local IT specialists at ProBleu today!

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CryptoDefense Ransomware

CryptoDefense is a ransomware trojan that encrypts files on a Windows computer. It spreads in spam campaign emails. However, just opening the email will not infect your computer, you must download and run the file attached to the email, which will look something like “HOW_DECRYPT.txt”. Once infected, a message will appear on your computer screen explaining that your files have been encrypted. The only way to recover and decrypt them is to pay a ransom price ranging from $500-$1,000 in bitcoins.

The best way to protect your computer from this trojan is to keep your anti-virus software running and up to date. It is also important to regularly back up all your files, keeping multiple copies. Another way to stay protected it through programs created to keep CryptoDefense from executing on your computer. One such program is Cyber Vaccination which will alert you when hackers are present in your browser.

If in the unfortunate circumstance you find your computer to be infected by CryptoDefense, immediately disconnect from the Internet and turn off your computer, despite the warning message telling you not to. Doing so may save some of your files by halting the trojan. After removing the trojan, you must determine which files have been encrypted. If you do not have your files backed up, check Windows’ System Restore, which sometimes may have automatic backups of your files. While some victims have reported that paying the ransom does work, we recommend you not to do so. It is important to remember that these people are criminals and giving in only encourages the creation of similar programs.

For more information on CryptoDefense, check out this article at wintips.org explaining what CryptoDefense is. For a more technical and in depth explanation of CryptoDefense as well as how to remove it check out BleepingComputer.

— By Celine Lang 

@ProBleu, @CMELang

Social Media Manager, ProBleu, Inc.

[livewirenewsletter]

4 Steps to Online Safety

How safe are you and your business online? Hack attempts are everywhere in the news and are affecting major corporations, websites, and even the government. Unless you live under a rock, you should already know the importance of running up-to-date antivirus software, and keeping your operating system, browsers, and runtimes (such as Java and Flash) fully patched and up-to-date as well. Here are four additional ways to protect you and your business that are often overlooked online. Utilize Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor Authentication is a process that requires you to enter multiple pieces of information before accessing a website. Often times it takes the form of a username/password combination with a PIN or personal question. Two-Factor Authentication provides an extra buffer against password failure, auto-fill, and compromised linked accounts in the case of a hostile attempt on your data. Don’t Use Auto-Fill

Auto-fill is a commonly used and highly convenient feature in almost every browser in use today. This allows usernames, passwords, addresses, and other information to be filled-in instantly, saving you the task of locating and typing the information each time. This is a great liability. All it takes is for someone to log into your online banking, PayPal, or utilities accounts to access highly valuable personal information. Stay away from autofill on any sensitive or personal website.

Don’t Link Accounts

Linking accounts is something almost every major company is pushing you to do these days. You are constantly being asked to link your Gmail, your news site, Facebook, online shopping sites, and your Netflix. While this allows your friends (and your favorite corporations) to be in the loop about every minute of your life, you are losing any sense of privacy while exposing yourself to hackers.  If just one of those accounts is compromised, they could all be compromised.

Turn Off Tracking

Website tracking is used by advertisers to see what users do before and after purchases to try to predict which products and services to advertise to you. Tracking programs can also be misused by data intruders to obtain passwords, personal information, and credit card numbers.

These four simple steps can make a significant difference in protecting yourself from passive hacking attempts, phishing, and data theft. To learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your business, contact your local IT specialists at ProBleu today.

— By Celine Lang 

@ProBleu, @CMELang

Social Media Manager, ProBleu, Inc.

[livewirenewsletter]

Tech Support Phone Scams and How to Avoid Them

In an increasingly common scam, cyber criminals are pretending to be from Microsoft claiming they can help you with your computer. They have been not only convincing victims download malicious software, but also requesting personal information. These tech support criminals have claimed to be from any of the following organizations:

·      Windows Helpdesk

·      Windows Service Center

·      Microsoft Tech Support

·      Microsoft Support

·      Windows Technical Department Support Group

·      Microsoft Research and Development Team

Microsoft is reminding customers not to give out any personal information such as computer passwords or credit card information to anyone who calls claiming to work for them. If someone calls you claiming to be from Microsoft and solicits software or services for a fee or subscription, it is a scam; take down their information and report them to your local authorities.  You can learn more about this particular scam here:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx

Do not hesitate to contact ProBleu if you feel you have been victimized and would like a technician to review your machine for potential malware. 

— By Celine Lang 

@ProBleu, @CMELang

Social Media Manager, ProBleu, Inc.

[livewirenewsletter]

We Live to Serve

Every business has tools, programs, data, and various pieces of software specific to its needs and operating style.  Often times this information is localized on one machine, or the programs are installed each time a new user sets up an account on their machine. But what if all that data, all of those programs, and all of the time spent moving them around, could be handled without any effort on behalf of your workforce? The right server and network configuration can save you and your office countless hours of effort, and provide an excellent recourse in case of a catastrophic hardware failure on a key machine.

A small business server will help you create a standardized network environment  for your office's computers so that files can be easily shared.  Other common features include email, shared calendars, and Internet services so your company can host its own email or Web server.  Security tools such as a firewall and antivirus protection can help prevent unauthorized access and keep your network secure.  The right server for your business will provide the level of connectivity you need, the mix of customization versus ease of installation that meets your needs, and the level of security that your business requires.

File sharing is the most common daily use for a small business server; it keeps your employees from having to pass important info around via email, flash drive, or other time consuming and less secure methods of data transfer.  Beyond that, there is a host of other features: groupware, security, support for mobile devices, and intranet.

Security features vary. Standardized firewall, antivirus, antispam, and user authentication procedures such as password requirements are basic elements.  Additional features such as anti-malware, anti-spyware, and data backup services can be added as well with little hassle.  These security features not only protect the server itself, but also filter those same protections down to the computers on the in-house network.

 Microsoft's Windows Server 2012 is the new standard for small business servers, but many other options are available, including a variety of Linux-based software for open-source users.  The number of options for server software is truly myriad, and can be confusing to the nonprofessional, but IT specialist companies like ProBleu can ensure a smooth and easy install due to years of exposure to these machines and programs.  We look forward to helping you in the days to come!

-- By Celine Lang 

@ProBleu, @CMELang

Social Media Manager, ProBleu, Inc.

[livewirenewsletter]

4 Tech Terms You Should Know

Small business owners need to be on the cutting edge of technology to stay relevant in today’s business world. Technology often has it’s own language which may be confusing when you’re planning your next technological expedition or dealing with an IT issue. Here are four tech terms every small business owner needs to know, as well as how they can help you and your business succeed in today’s tech centric world.

SaaS: SaaS is an acronym for the phrase “software as a service.” SaaS is when software is hosted by a providing company and accessed through the Internet by users who pay the equivalent of a rental fee. SaaS isn’t just stored on one machine; a user can access it from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. Rental fees are less than buying copies of the software, (though they can add up over time) and software vendors don’t have to try and get individual updates to users because updating the hosted version gives those changes to everyone. Small business owners and businesses of every size use SaaS products to cost-effectively automate accounting, HR functions, email marketing, website management and much more.

CMS: CMS stands for content management system. CMS is a type of software that allows users to create, manage and edit content onto a website. With a CMS in place, even less-technical employees can easily manage website content. CMS programs usually resemble a word processing program and don’t require any web programming knowledge. CMS programs are usually embedded into the website itself, allowing the user (upon login) to deal with a simple interface to affect most changes on the site. For more complex or coding based changes an IT specialist would be still be required.

VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol is a way to run your phone service through the internet. Instead of an account with a local phone giant like Comcast or AT&T, your phone service is hosted in the cloud. Phone calls are transmitted through the Internet instead of traditional telephone lines and voicemails are stored in cloud servers often accessible through email and web portals (in addition to through your phone). VoIP is almost always a cheaper and more cost effective option than a traditional landline service.

SEO: Search Engine Optimization is the key to success in modern business. SEO allows your business to be found more frequently, and at a higher ranking, through online search engines such as Google. SEO involves placing keywords in content and organizing websites to make them search-friendly. Businesses want to optimize search engine results because the higher the result, the more likely it is that people will click from the search to the site. Most users never go past the first page of Google on any given search. Being on that first page of results can be the difference between life and death for your company.  IT specialists can use optimization programs, and work with companies like Google to ensure optimal results for your business.

To explore the use of technologies like these, contact your local IT specialists at ProBleu, and allow them to use their expertise to ensure your technological viability in today’s world!