April 15th, 2021 by admin
MPA Networks, Inc. Helps Customers Protect Their Precious Networks SAN MATEO, CA - MPA Networks, Inc. a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), proactively helps businesses address the increased threat of malware affecting small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in 2021. As more companies...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Press Release
December 8th, 2020 by admin
Moving to the cloud will increase your business's cybersecurity. The secure data centers utilized to host data and applications are much more secure than what would typically be found in an on-premise setup. There are many different ways that hackers can get into your data network, from phishing attacks...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Solutions
April 21st, 2020 by admin
Hackers will often look to exploit any weakness they can find, whether it is technological means or through human curiosity and concern. With the rapid rise of COVID-19 across the globe, hackers are ramping up their phishing attack efforts. These efforts are slipping past Microsoft 365 ATP's and getting...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Solutions
January 16th, 2020 by admin
Protecting your data networks is one of the most important things your company can do. At MPA Networks, our experience and expertise enable us to bring the most innovative cybersecurity solutions to the table. There are numerous types of cyberattacks, but the most common for small businesses...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Solutions
November 2nd, 2019 by admin
SOCKS stands for Secure Over Credential-Based Kerberos Services, which is also known as SOCKets and is one of the earliest network protocol systems ever used. This protocol allows users to employ client-based applications and web servers transparently using firewalls. With its potential to route packets...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
May 25th, 2019 by admin
Phishing attacks occur when communication that appears to be reputable is fraudulent. The sorts of scams are made to extract personal and sensitive information from victims such as social security numbers, addresses, bank information and more. People and businesses alike are targeted for these attacks,...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
January 29th, 2019 by admin
Your business needs a dependable and robust cybersecurity solution, plain and simple. As technology continues to advance and new threats are coming to the forefront, it is essential to have the proper security and management behind you to ensure that your operations, data, and networks do not fall...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
January 4th, 2019 by admin
San Mateo, CA – We are excited to announce the launch of an awareness campaign on recent advancements in cyber security. As technology has become even more central to business operations, hackers have grown in proficiency and are posing several new threats to business owners. We are actively...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
November 15th, 2018 by admin
Security for your business is crucial. Everyone knows that, but settling for any old security system won't give you the protection you need against modern-day cybercriminals stealing sensitive data and monitoring operations. MPA offers great network security solutions for your business, no matter the...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
July 10th, 2018 by admin
Running automatic updates for applications and operating systems helps protect your company's digital devices, but those updates can harm productivity if not well managed. Unpatched software is the single biggest security risk in the workplace, so it's essential to get those updates installed as soon...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
July 3rd, 2018 by admin
If your business is considering a Bring Your Own Device environment, there's a great deal of security preparation work to do beforehand. A successful BYOD strategy and BYOD policy is all about finding the sweet spot of control, where your business is able to protect itself from digital threats while...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
June 26th, 2018 by admin
Making the switch to a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) business environment extends well beyond the decision to let employees choose their devices. Your business should look at the pros and cons of the concept before deciding how to approach it and to what extent your company will embrace it. Your business...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
June 20th, 2018 by admin
Businesses have more to worry about than ever when it comes to dealing with new forms of cyber-attacks. The shift to a BYOD workplace adds even more challenges to protecting your digital assets. While hardware and software solutions continue to improve as a first line of defense against nefarious IT...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
June 19th, 2018 by admin
Financial services providers find their IT challenges list is always growing because of security issues, employee needs, customer protection, regulatory laws and business requirements. Keeping up with IT concerns is important not just because failing to do so means lost business opportunities — but also,...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Partners and Industries
May 29th, 2018 by admin
While many of the technical needs at nonprofit and for-profit businesses overlap, there are still several key considerations for nonprofits looking for the right IT services provider. Nonprofits' motivations may be driven less by the concept of "spending money to making money" and more toward avoiding...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Partners and Industries
May 21st, 2018 by admin
To understand why some industries are targeted in cyber attacks more often than others, it's important to understand what drives hackers and what makes a target appealing. Of the two, hackers are easier to understand: According to a Verizon data security report, roughly 70 percent of attacks are financially...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Partners and Industries
May 14th, 2018 by admin
Technology improvements have made it easy for employees to get work done on their personal devices from anywhere. However, that freedom comes with additional security risks and requires extra diligence to keep data secure. Safeguarding information is a combined process of utilizing technology and educating...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
April 3rd, 2018 by admin
While there's plenty of technology available to keep your business's data protected, the human element is still the most important piece to consider in safeguarding your company's data. Properly training employees to understand and implement data security best practices works best when your business...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
March 29th, 2018 by admin
Cyberattacks are a major security concern for any business that uses the Internet. Even if your company doesn't have a website, hackers can go after your email address and business service accounts. Though they represent one of the more severe risks of a cyberattack, a data breach costs an enterprise...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
March 26th, 2018 by admin
While all employees need to be mindful of security, the nature of C-level executives makes them more attractive targets for hackers. That means it's necessary for them to take greater precautions. According to TechRepublic, C-level executives are more vulnerable than other employees because of the mobile...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
March 13th, 2018 by admin
The Mirai botnet refers to a massive-scale network of Linux-running Internet of Things devices turned into remote-controlled bots through a malware infection. Hackers can use the network to run a distributed denial of service, or DDoS, by having the infected devices overwhelm a target with data traffic....
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
March 5th, 2018 by admin
When used well, instant messaging tools can increase productivity while offering secure information exchange in your office. Messaging works in business environments because it's less involved than email, easy to queue and fast to respond. Several free and premium messaging systems that vary in both...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
February 28th, 2018 by admin
Because IT staff get so invested in making sure software, networking and security elements are working, they sometimes overlook the human, environmental and contingency planning factors that can invite workplace IT disasters. In many cases, preventative work becomes an afterthought for IT staff who...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
February 12th, 2018 by admin
At the end of 2017, the world learned about Spectre and Meltdown: two far-reaching security threats that exploit how CPUs work to expose protected information on nearly every recent PC, server and smartphone. Hackers can use these exploits to do things like steal passwords and other protected private...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
February 8th, 2018 by admin
A cyberattack crisis management plan is your business's best defense for minimizing cyberattack damage after technology-based preventative measures have failed. Unfortunately for most businesses, cyberattacks are not a matter of if, but a matter of when. Establishing a crisis management plan can help...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
February 5th, 2018 by admin
Businesses have a lot to gain by hiring remote employees, including the ability to recruit from a larger talent pool and the potential for less expensive workplace accommodations. However, remote employees introduce new challenges in IT security because of the lack of IT centralized IT management. While...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Solutions
January 29th, 2018 by admin
Financial services companies should embrace a healthy dose of caution when implementing new fintech in their business. Fintech, or any technological innovation in the financial sector, is not inherently more or less secure than any other new technology, but because it works with substantial sums of money,...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Partners and Industries
January 16th, 2018 by admin
Hot off the tail of the massive 2017 Equifax breach that exposed personal information of 143 million customers, businesses are on high alert concerning IT security in 2018. While the IT security industry has been successful in mitigating and cracking down on many common threats, hackers are finding new...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
December 28th, 2017 by admin
Avoid costly data security breaches by training your staff to check for secure connections when handling private information on the Internet. Secure Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, or HTTPS, is a technology legal, healthcare, and financial businesses use to protect confidential client information safe...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
October 24th, 2017 by admin
A new spear phishing technique, being used in a hacking campaign called FreeMilk, takes advantage of a Microsoft Office vulnerability in order to hijack existing email conversations to spread malware to high-profile targets. This new technique phishing technique is particularly bothersome because it...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
October 17th, 2017 by admin
So far, 2017 has been an eventful year for increasing access to password-alternative smartphone and laptop unlocking techniques. Notably, Samsung added Face unlocking to the Galaxy S8 line and Apple introduced Face ID on the iPhone X. Of particular note, facial recognition is a convenient alternative...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
October 3rd, 2017 by admin
The 2017 Equifax hack is teaching a painful lesson about the necessity of businesses keeping up with software patches for IT security and to avoid catastrophic damage. The hack, which resulted in potentially exposing the financial information necessary to steal a person's identity for 143 million U.S....
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
September 26th, 2017 by admin
With proper planning, your business can take advantage of USB flash drive technology to increase productivity, while eliminating most of the medium's inherent risk. The USB flash drives likely lying around your business offer excellent opportunities to increase productivity and make workflow easier,...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
August 22nd, 2017 by admin
In July of 2017, some Windows 10 users received an error message when trying to install the Creators Update, stating, "Windows 10 is no longer supported on this PC." This first-of-its-kind problem stems from an incompatibility with a handful of Intel's Clover Trail CPUs found in some of the earliest...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
August 15th, 2017 by admin
According to a 2017 published study by Advisen and Experian, one of the biggest threats facing small businesses comes from within, such as overconfidence in the organization's ability to protect itself and recover from cyber security attacks. While businesses in the survey aren't claiming to have exceptional...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
August 8th, 2017 by admin
Ransomware, a type of malware that holds a computer hostage and tries to force the victim to pay money to recover access, is a nightmare for any business, but the healthcare industry faces the more severe side of a ransomware attack. The healthcare industry receives a whopping 15 percent of all ransomware...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Partners and Industries
August 1st, 2017 by admin
Hijacked accounts are an IT security nightmare, so it makes sense for your company to look at new technology for better ways to keep your digital assets safe. While security professionals are working out new ways to look at what account credentials are, sometimes with mixed results like with Samsung's...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
July 25th, 2017 by admin
In June 2017, WikiLeaks released secret documents that exposed the tools the CIA uses to infiltrate public and private networks through routers. These documents have shined a light on how easy it is for someone to hack a router. This begs the question, are your business’ IT security practices keeping...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
July 11th, 2017 by admin
If your business is using 2-factor authentication, or 2FA, methods to secure your important accounts, you may need to investigate better ways to implement the practice. Security experts widely recommend using 2FA, a system which utilizes a second security level of authorization in addition to a password...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
June 27th, 2017 by admin
Getting caught off-guard in a cyber security attack is a disaster for any business, large or small—and the frequency of attacks is only getting worse. According to the CyberEdge 2017 Cyberthreat Defense Report, hackers successfully compromised security at least once for 79.2 percent of businesses...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
April 26th, 2017 by admin
Email and social media accounts provide a wealth of cyber security challenges for businesses. Hackers often look for exploits in account operations to steal information and seize control—both of which can be extremely damaging and difficult to combat. A compromised account is a problem for any business,...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Partners and Industries
March 14th, 2017 by admin
The malware infection, discovered in late January, that's been hiding out on Mac and Linux devices for more than two years doesn't mean the security floodgates are open, but it is a reminder that these devices aren't invincible. Apple is calling this new malware "Fruitfly," and it's being used to target...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
February 15th, 2017 by admin
It's a familiar sighting in the workplace: the employee with half a dozen sticky notes attached to their computer monitor. While not the most confidential or elegant solution, these employees are on to something. Fortunately, technology has stepped in to embrace this practice and increase productivity...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
January 24th, 2017 by admin
Unlike most IT security threats, phishing scams attack the human element instead of the machine element. Phishing scams try to bait a person into exposing confidential information by posing as a legitimate, reputable source, typically by email or phone. Most often, the culprits seek users' account login...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
December 21st, 2016 by admin
Phishing attacks are a dangerous and devastating method hackers use to steal personal information and accounts—primarily by striking the user instead of the machine. According to the APWG Phishing Activity Trends Report, the first quarter of 2016 saw an explosive 250 percent increase in phishing attacks,...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
November 23rd, 2016 by admin
In September 2016, half a billion Yahoo account users received the bad news that their names, email addresses, phone numbers, and security questions were potentially stolen in a 2014 hack. According to CNET, the Yahoo hack is the largest data breach in history. In the wake of a major hack like this...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
November 16th, 2016 by admin
Even seasoned IT pros have made the mistake of not backing up a device—and panicked after losing countless important files because the device failed. We may know better, yes, but that doesn’t mean we’re perfect. On the flip side, we’ve all breathed a sigh of relief when a recent backup of...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
November 1st, 2016 by admin
As you probably know already, the United States experienced its largest Internet blackout in history on October 21, 2016, when Dyn—a service that handles website domain name routing—got hit with a massive distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack from compromised Internet of Things (IoT) devices....
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
August 16th, 2016 by admin
Secure passwords and recovery strategies are an essential part of doing business in the digital age—and password manager programs can help streamline the process. Password managers store and, often, automate login credentials for individuals across all secured online platforms for easy, secure, and...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
August 9th, 2016 by admin
There was a time when printers—in your office or home—were considered relatively "simple" office equipment: plug it in, connect it to the local network, and keep the ink fresh, and there wasn't much else to worry about. But times have changed. Today's business printers—enterprise-level equipment...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
July 12th, 2016 by admin
If you've looked over our previous posts since we've started our blog, you know how serious we are about protecting your company from everyday cyber-threats—mainly phishing, ransomware, and various other malware. Today we'd like to discuss a different form of cyber-threat plaguing businesses over the...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
June 29th, 2016 by admin
Readers of our blog over the past few years know we were among the first in the Bay Area to warn our customers about the growing threats of ransomware—from the emergence of CryptoLocker and CryptoWall to our federal government's startling admission that they're virtually powerless to stop it. Mostly...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
June 14th, 2016 by admin
A WISP is one of the most important documents for any company doing business over the Internet—which, in this day and age, is pretty much everybody. Who's responsible for drafting and maintaining your company's WISP? Or are you even sure what a WISP is? If not, your company is already at serious risk...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
June 7th, 2016 by admin
One of our pet peeves with some of our new customers is that once we come in to upgrade their IT network, they're careless about disposing their old hardware—specifically, their PC hard drives. They think that by simply deleting their existing files—email, customer records, and other sensitive or proprietary...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
June 1st, 2016 by admin
Being the cyber-security geeks we are, we took great interest in combing through this year's California Data Breach Report, released by the Attorney General's office this past February. The report tabulates data collected from breach incidents which expose confidential information of 500 or more individuals,...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
April 26th, 2016 by admin
Earlier today the cashier at the local drive-thru miskeyed the amount of cash I gave him into his register. Somewhat sheepishly, he asked if I had a smartphone so I could verify the correct amount of change. Fortunately, I never leave home without it. In fact, how well could you function today without...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
April 19th, 2016 by admin
If you've been a regular reader of our blog, you know we've spent plenty of time discussing phishing, malware, and other cybercrime. It's all part of our modern online world, and we know it will never really go away. We've talked about the tricks scammers use, from links in bogus emails to simply...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
April 12th, 2016 by admin
A couple months back, we touched on the story of our normally tech-savvy friend who got tricked into allowing his desktop PC to be infected with obvious malware. At first, he had the sickening feeling that comes with a virus-infected computer—but thanks to some quick thinking and online research, he...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
April 7th, 2016 by admin
We're only a few months into 2016, but we've already seen two high-profile ransomware attacks—where cyber-crooks heavily encrypt a victim's computer files before demanding payment for a decryption key only they can provide. Two notable incidents grabbed headlines: In January, Israel's Electricity...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
March 30th, 2016 by admin
If you think there's a new cyber-threat to worry about every week, you're probably right. The latest vulnerability to send shockwaves through the enterprise security community has been given a rather ominous acronym: DROWN, short for Decrypting RSA with Obsolete and Weakened eNcryption. Publicized...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
March 23rd, 2016 by admin
Since Apple famously introduced the Macintosh over three decades ago, Mac users have been confident that their computers are virtually immune to ransomware and other malware threats which plague their Windows counterparts. But those days are over. On March 4, researchers at security firm Palo Alto...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
March 15th, 2016 by admin
Hackers can take advantage of a newer technology prevalent throughout your business to break into your network and compromise security: Internet of Things devices. Your business may have never considered that the handy new Smart Thermostats throughout the building or the Smart TV in the conference room...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
March 8th, 2016 by admin
February's big story in the tech world was the conflict between Apple and the FBI over the creation of a "backdoor" to retrieve encrypted data on iPhones. The government is looking for any clue as to what—or, more specifically, who—motivated Syed Farook, along with his wife, to gun down his San Bernardino...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
February 17th, 2016 by admin
A new combination of a sophisticated password-stealing Trojan, powerful exploit kit, and content-encrypting ransomware is making its way around the Internet infecting Windows users. If it hits your business, you’re looking at a considerable loss of time and finances. It’s estimated that businesses...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
February 2nd, 2016 by admin
How dependent have you and your employees become on public Wi-Fi outside the office? Mobile hotspots are almost everywhere now—from coffee houses and fast-food restaurants to hotels and airports (and even aboard most planes). Without Wi-Fi access, many of us feel alarmingly "disconnected"—as if...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
January 21st, 2016 by admin
As chaos reigns across much of the Middle East, our government steadfastly insists that "the United States does not negotiate with terrorists—because it will only encourage them in the future." Meanwhile, visitors to our National Parks are warned never to feed bears and other wildlife—because...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
January 5th, 2016 by admin
What is the current state of your company's IT security training program—if you have one? Many companies settle for an annual group training session to broadly review the major types of cyber-threats—viruses, malware, and phishing. The problem with once-a-year "standardized" training is that once...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
November 24th, 2015 by admin
Earlier this year, the U.S. government revealed a massive cyber security breach which may well bump the infamous Target and Sony attacks down to "small potatoes." The database of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)—essentially a central HR department for most federal agencies—was hacked multiple...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
November 12th, 2015 by admin
Chances are you probably have a few USPS "forever" stamps that have been sitting in your desk drawer for a while. When was the last time you actually used them to "snail mail" something—a bill payment or an important letter? Most bills are paid online these days, and most of our day-to-day correspondence...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
November 5th, 2015 by admin
Weak IT security generally revolves around the following theory: "We'll keep hackers out of our network—everything's okay until something bad happens." But strong security operates from an assume breach mindset: The hackers have already infiltrated our network, probably for a while now—where and...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
October 20th, 2015 by admin
The well-publicized recent hack of the Ashley Madison website will probably earn a spot in a "Hacking Hall of Shame"—alongside the infamous Sony and Target breaches—for the sheer amount of grief it may cause millions of marriages. Most of the blame lies with the Ashley Madison administrators...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
October 16th, 2015 by admin
Online security breaches can be expensive and productivity-killing events. When a nefarious third party acquires an employee password, it’s no party at all. Many online businesses have begun using Two-Step Verification, also known as Two-Factor Authentication, to introduce an extra layer of protection...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
October 6th, 2015 by admin
The big news out of Microsoft over the past couple of months is the much-ballyhooed release of Windows 10. While “Win10” finally addresses those annoying shortcomings of its predecessor Windows 8 (as we've discussed), it still hasn't corrected a dangerous security flaw known in cybersecurity circles...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
September 18th, 2015 by admin
Last spring, Hillary Clinton received a barrage of criticism after it was revealed that she used a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State—seemingly at odds with government security protocols, if not federal laws. Clinton would go on to publicly dismiss the controversy, saying...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
August 6th, 2015 by admin
Each month, Microsoft releases a new security bulletin. In May of 2015, forty-six vulnerabilities had been identified and fixed, spanning products such as Windows, Internet Explorer, and Office. In June, it was even more. While some of these vulnerabilities were low-threat, others were more critical,...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
July 16th, 2015 by admin
We've spent plenty of time here talking about safeguarding your company against phishing and other forms of cyber-attack. As we've discussed, the first line of defense against phishing is to make sure your employees remain vigilant by avoiding email links and shady websites. But there's a bigger threat...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
July 10th, 2015 by admin
“Disaster”: the word itself is synonymous with trauma. Of course, even after a traumatic event, there is an opportunity to rebuild. Restoring your data is a critical part of rebuilding your infrastructure and your business after a physical or virtual disaster. For businesses, especially small- to medium-sized...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
May 28th, 2015 by admin
If you're over 40, you probably remember the original Sony Walkman—the freedom of listening to a single cassette tape in portable stereo. Even if you still have a few favorite cassette tapes packed away somewhere, where could you listen to them today? Tape is just so… ancient. Ask your kids. Magnetic...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
May 20th, 2015 by admin
We've spent a lot of time on this blog talking about cyber-attacks—from nuisance hacking to data theft to virtual electronic terrorism—and the steps your company can take to defend itself. But what if, despite all your best efforts, you one day discover you've still been hacked? An insurance policy...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Solutions
April 16th, 2015 by admin
A friend called me recently to gripe about his personal email account. His ISP has done a pretty good job of virtually eliminating the annoying spam he used to receive (remember your inbox way back when?), but now he's the target of two particularly relentless phishing schemes I'd like to share with...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
April 1st, 2015 by admin
You probably know President Obama recently hosted a high-profile cyber-security summit at Stanford. The basic idea was to discuss how to expand the federal government's role in combating cybercrime against American businesses—from simple theft to outright corporate terrorism. As you'd expect, most of...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
March 20th, 2015 by admin
How would you react if your company's next phone bill revealed a major cost spike—to the tune of over $100,000? It's actually happening now to small businesses across the U.S., thanks to international VoIP toll fraud—perhaps the fastest growing cyber-threat today. While many small companies have adopted...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
January 28th, 2015 by admin
Internet of Things (IoT) devices provide a powerful way to utilize technology to enhance everyday machines in your home or office, from wrist fitness bands to refrigerators to thermostats. The ability to monitor your home security cameras while you’re on vacation, or tell your coffee machine to skip...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
January 7th, 2015 by admin
The holiday season means more than shopping and gift giving. It also now marks prime season for cybercriminals and hackers around the world — and they're coming after small businesses in the U.S. "Targeting" Target—via Small Businesses You may have seen a segment on the November 30 broadcast of 60...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
November 6th, 2014 by admin
Last month, the Bay Area commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake. Those of us who lived through that experience remember the sudden, unexpected jolt — and how the event disrupted our lives for several weeks afterward. Of course, we were a lot less reliant on technology back...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Solutions
April 30th, 2014 by admin
Serious Security Flaw Found in IE A security flaw or bug has been discovered in Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), which affects all versions of IE from 6 to 11. This flaw allows a hacker to potentially gain access to your computer and hard drive when a bad link be clicked. At this time, the U.S. Department...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
April 11th, 2014 by admin
We don't want to inundate you with more background information about the Heartbleed bug (you've been bombarded with it across the internet and daily news since it was announced Tuesday!), but rather outline the critical takeaways and action points you should take right now to protect yourself from possible...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
April 8th, 2014 by admin
Microsoft Corporation has just announced it will stop supporting Windows XP, one of the world's most popular and successful operating systems. Though Microsoft XP will not magically disappear from the desktops of anyone currently using it (which is a LOT of people!), Microsoft will stop supporting...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
April 4th, 2014 by admin
We have recently seen a rise in a disturbing phishing scam called email spoofing. Email Spoofing A spoof email is an email that looks as if it came from a trusted friend or acquaintance, but is actually malicious in nature. These emails are particularly nasty because they really look like they are...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
December 19th, 2013 by admin
One Malicious Email Could Cost you Thousands of Dollars and Take Down your Entire Network – Don’t be a Victim; Learn the Facts! Ransomware viruses are on the rise and their explosive growth in the past few months has been startling. We want to help our clients be up-to-date on this issue and understand...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
December 18th, 2013 by admin
Ready for the answers to our quiz? Drumroll please... Every single email is malicious EXCEPT for this one: “eFax message from “4082459385″. 1 page(s). Caller-ID: 408-245-9385″ - eFax Yep, that eFax message is 100% legitimate! Now let's discuss why Unless you are an eFax client and know what...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
December 12th, 2013 by admin
Can you Spot the Malicious Emails/s?! After reading through our Cryptolocker and Ransomware blog series and learning how to identify a malicious email, it's time to put your new virus sleuthing skills to the test. Read through the list of email subject lines and from names below. Which email/s...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
December 4th, 2013 by admin
Continuing our blog series about Cryptolocker and Ransomware virus attacks, it is necessary we explain the basic fundamentals of identifying a malicious email or attachment. Only through education and proper awareness can we effectively avoid Ransomware and other malware attacks. Identifying a...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
December 3rd, 2013 by admin
Last week, we wrote about the rise of Cryptolocker and Ransomware viruses, the new breed of malware virus infecting host computers through malicious email attachments, and spreading rapidly through its use of commercial-grade RSA encryption and Bitcoin, a universal, virtual currency. Unfortunately,...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
November 21st, 2013 by admin
About half of all small business owners believe their business is too small to be a potential victim for virtual thieves and hacking. The facts, however, say something quite different. The majority of cyber attacks are actually perpetrated against businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Is your...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
November 15th, 2013 by admin
CryptoLocker CryptoLocker is a new, and particularly malicious, breed of ransomware discovered only a couple months ago. CryptoLocker is a Trojan horse malware that encrypts and restricts access to the infected computer while demanding payment for the recovery and decryption of files, typically...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
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