Technology Articles from MPA Networks

Important IT Security Message for MPA Networks’ Clients

December 19th, 2013 by admin

Cartoon of a red haired woman using a chained up computer while a man extends his hand for payment

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...

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Posted in: Cyber and Data Security

Quiz Answers - Can you Find the Malicious Email?

December 18th, 2013 by admin

Silhouette of a man throwing a fishing line and hook towards the screen, in front of a laptop on an eBay page

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...

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Posted in: Cyber and Data Security

Quiz - Can you Find the Malicious Email?

December 12th, 2013 by admin

Envelope graphic with numerous web related concerns coming out of it

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...

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Posted in: Cyber and Data Security

How to Identify a Malicious Email

December 4th, 2013 by admin

Fishing hook snagging a red '@' symbol

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...

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Posted in: Cyber and Data Security

The Single Most Reliable Method for Preventing a Ransomware Attack

December 3rd, 2013 by admin

Desktop computer monitor with locked chains draped around it

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,...

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Posted in: Cyber and Data Security

Protect your Business from Cyber Threats with this 5 Point Checklist

November 21st, 2013 by admin

In bold uppercase: 'Practice Cyber Safety' with the last word in red

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...

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Posted in: Cyber and Data Security

CryptoLocker & Ransomware - What You Need to Know

November 15th, 2013 by admin

Example screenshot of having been victim to CryptoLocker

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...

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Posted in: Cyber and Data Security

5 Things you should do TODAY (and everyday) to preserve your IT systems

November 6th, 2013 by admin

Close up of a keyboard with a stethoscope resting on the left side

The 5 basic tips below are essential to maintaining the health and efficiency of your network, servers, and computer systems. Please consult an expert IT Consultant or Managed Service Provider for more information about protecting your IT systems. ...

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Posted in: Solutions

How a Managed Service Provider Can Increase ROI and Influence Long-Term Business Success

September 30th, 2013 by admin

Two puzzle pieces being drawn in the air, one saying 'partner' and the other 'ship'

Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is one of the most important decisions you can make to ensure the longevity and productivity of your SMB. Why? An experienced MSP is a true business partner, reduces and streamlines IT costs, and takes...

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Posted in: Solutions, Partners and Industries

4 Crucial Benefits of a Managed Service Provider

August 27th, 2013 by admin

Drawing of 'computer network' with six spokes of other words pointing in towards it

Managed Service Providers - or MSPs - are tasked with the critically important job of managing IT to help businesses run smoothly. Information Technology is the foundation upon which businesses operate, communicate, and grow, and must therefore...

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Posted in: Solutions

The Real Cost of IT Downtime

August 18th, 2013 by admin

Frustrated user pulling their hair while staring angrily at a computer screen

Downtime - it isn't always what you think! When you think downtime, I'm sure you're picturing the results of a total IT disaster - perhaps a flood destroying the server room or a malicious virus that hacks the network, forcing everyone to close up...

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Posted in: Solutions