Why businesses are turning to managed IT services.

More and more businesses are turning to managed IT services in response to changes in the technology industry. What are some of these changes? Notably the migration to cloud-based services and the need to outsource technical support services has caused this shift.

Read the article below from CIO to learn more.

https://www.cio.com/article/2930498/why-businesses-are-turning-to-managed-it-services.html

Critical Vulnerability Found in RDP and Crypto API

Windows 10 is vulnerable

Microsoft released software fixes on January 14th to shore up issues with Windows Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway), Windows Remote Desktop Client, and Windows CryptoAPI. These vulnerabilities affect Windows machines running 32bit or 64bit versions of Windows 7 and newer, and Windows Server 2012 and newer. Microsoft strongly encourages all users of these versions of Windows to install the latest updates available to address these vulnerabilities.

For more information click the link below.

https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-014a

BlueKeep creates concern for Windows 7 users.

The latest threat to Windows users comes in the form of a vulnerability that allows an attacker to take control of a computer remotely. According to WikiPedia here’s the definition:

BlueKeep (CVE2019-0708) is a security vulnerability that was discovered in Microsoft‘s Remote Desktop Protocol, which allows for the possibility of remote code execution.

The remote code execution is the most concerning since it could potentially allow hackers to install software on the remote system and use tools such as self propagating worms to spread across a network.

All users of Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2 are being strongly urged to install Windows updates from Microsoft to protect against this threat.

Windows 7 End of Life

DeathofWindows7 Windows 7 End of Life

After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7. Now is the time to upgrade to Windows 10. You can either upgrade on existing hardware or consider purchasing a new computer with Windows 10 pre-installed.

See the article below for more information.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-windows-7-support

Contact us to find out what your best options will be to upgrade to Windows 10.

Serious flaw in WPA2 protocol affects Android and Linux users

A new vulnerability has been discovered centered around a flaw in the WPA2 protocol that many wireless routers use for security.The proof-of-concept exploit is called KRACK and has been only discovered as a possible way for hackers to steal data over wireless connections. This has not been proven to be useful in a real-world situation but the possibility is present that a hacker could exploit this vulnerability. To protect yourself update the firmware on your wireless router/access point and update the software on your Android smartphones. You can read more about the vulnerability in this article: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/10/severe-flaw-in-wpa2-protocol-leaves-wi-fi-traffic-open-to-eavesdropping/

 

Avoid Ransomware attacks

Ransomware has quickly become one of the biggest forms of malware attacks in the world. Many organizations have been affected throughout the world and no one is safe from the possibility of these infections making their way onto your system. Here are a few tips on how to avoid being infected.

Keep Windows updated!

  • There’s nothing more important than to keep Windows updated with the latest patches available for your version. Unless there’s reason not to, you should set Windows Updates to run automatically and set it for a time when you’re not using your computer. The key here is to make sure the system is turned on and not in sleep mode when the updates are set to run.

R_consumer4 Avoid Ransomware attacks

Paid Security Software.

  • There are some free antivirus/antimalware programs available online but the truth is the best ones are the paid versions. In this field you really do get what you pay for and a full Internet Security solution is your best bet. Most packages run $30-$60/year depending on features.

Don’t click that link/open that attachment!

  • Almost all malware infections including Ransomware come through either an infected email attachment, or a hijacked link on a web page.
  • Don’t open an attachment in an email if you were not expecting it or do not know the sender.
  • Beware of emails or websites that could contain hijacked links.
    • Before clicking any link in an email or on a web page hover over the link with your mouse. The actual web page the link points to will appear in the bottom left-hand portion of your web browser. If the link looks suspicious at all do not click on it.

These are just a few things that can be done to protect against Ransomware and other forms of malware infections. Contact us now to find out how our custom security solutions are designed to protect your systems and data from Ransomware attacks.

Office 365 Offerings

Microsoft Now Offers Solutions for Small Businesses.

The latest offerings from Microsoft include Office 365 solutions custom tailored to small business users. These include solutions for hosted Exchange email, online and desktop versions of Office 2016 for Windows and Mac, SharePoint and OneDrive cloud storage, and Skype for Business. Collaboration has never been easier with these new tools which allow your team to share everything from documents to calendars and contacts. You can compare the three business packages available here Office 365 for Business or contact us today for a free consultation.