Virus, Spyware and Malware protection software is a level of Internet security that protects your servers and PC’s from viruses and spyware. With this level of protection, you can create user specified rules to protect your systems from outside threats.
What Is The Difference Between Virus & Spyware Protection?
To understand the difference between virus and spam protection you need to understand the difference between what a virus is and what spyware is.
A virus is a piece of code designed to replicate itself as many times as possible, spreading from your computer to any other computers connected to it . It is designed to infect and cause harm to your computer without your permission or knowledge.
Spyware is a computer program that imbeds itself into your operating systems. The purpose of many spyware programs is to track your internet habits and bombard you with unwanted solicitations and advertisements.
As you can see viruses and spyware are two different woes for PC users each requires a separate software program to combat it.
Firewalls: A firewall is a software program or hardware device that filters the information coming through the Internet connection into your private network or computer system. Firewalls are customizable, you can add and remove filters to limit or block activity from or to certain websites at any time. Firewalls can also extend security to remote networks/offices.
Do I need a hardware firewall if I have a software firewall?
Many PC’s and servers have built in software firewalls; once the attacker hits your software firewall they are already knocking on the door of your PC, a hardware firewall is one step removed (almost like a security screen door and then your front door).
For companies with multiple PC’s and/or servers, a hardware firewall is the best option. It will allow you to set global policies to protect all machines and can be monitored and managed from one centralized location versus monitoring and managing each individual PC/server and firewall in your facility.
Which Brand Should You Pick?
There are several different brands of firewalls the most common are CISCO, Watchguard Sonicwall, & Linksys.
Each brand offers similar protection and has the ability to add service features such monitoring attacks, email alerts and report creation.
If you need assistance with choosing the rightr type of virus and spyware protection for your company, contact MTI today.
Microsoft says it will deliver its largest-ever number of security updates on Tuesday to fix flaws in every version of Windows, as well as Internet Explorer (IE), Office, SQL Server, important developer tools and the Forefront Security client software.
A total of 13 update were released Tuesday, eight of them pegged “critical,” the highest threat ranking in its four-step scoring system.
Of the 13 updates, Microsoft put the patches scheduled for SQL Server, Visual Studio and IE at the top of the list.
Windows 7 also received it’s first official set of patches: Five of the 13 bulletins were marked today by Microsoft as affecting the new operating system. Although Windows 7 won’t reach retail or be available on new PCs until later this month, some customers — primarily enterprises with volume licensing agreements — have been able to obtain the OS thus the updates must be applied.
To ensure that your systems are up-to-date MTI Tech Solutions recommends installing the latest set of patches as soon as possible. Contact MTI today to schedule a service visit!
* Please note, not all machines are equipped for the updates; similarly some software programs like Oracle & QuickBooks can be rendered inoperable. Contact a professional to install the critical patches.
What is the difference between Virus & Spam Protection? To understand the difference between virus and spam protection you need to understand the difference between what a virus is and what spam is.
A virus is a computer program designed to infect and cause harm to a computer without the permission or knowledge of the owner.
Spam is social network nuisance, it is basically an unsolicited commercial advertisement distributed online. While some spam can be harmful, the majority of spam is advertising gone array.
As you can see virus and spam are two different woes for PC users each requires a separate software program to combat it. Virus protection stops viruses, spam protection stops spam.
We all love a good thunderstorm; we don’t love power outages or power surges but the can happen during the Valley’s monsoon season. What can you do to ensure your data & critical technologies are protected?
1). Back-up your data to an external hard drive or have an outside company back-up your data for you . Monsoon season is notorious for causing power outages and can result in the loss of your important data. We recommend backing up your PC every night and implementing the use of a surge protector.
2). Avoid keeping your PC in areas that are exposed to the high temperatures. As with any electronics, the heat can take it toll on your PC. We recommend placing your PC in a well ventilated/cooled area during these hot summer months.
3). Rid your PC of all the dust that it collects over time. If you have ever opened up a computer, you would know that tons of dust settles inside & in time it could affect the PC’s efficiency. There are several products you can purchase that can help you “Spring Clean”.
4). Keep your PC up-to-date with the latest Microsoft critical updates, virus protection, spyware cleaning & disk defrags.
Google Chrome OS , set to be released in late 2010, is “being created for people who spend most of their time on the Web, and is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems” , said Sundar Pichai, vice president of product management.
What the Difference between the new OS and existing operating systems?
Google Chrome Os, an open source operating system, will be free of charge to the consumer. Open source code is easily accessible and allows users to change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified forms. Before getting your hopes up on anything free, MTI cautions: modifications and customizations will be a process that may be above the standard PC user’s level but without customizations the free product may not function in the desired way.
Some Features Of Google Chrome:
· Chrome OS will run on both ARM and x86-based chips and is designed for netbooks. · Apps developed for Chrome OS will run on Google Chrome OS, and on any standards-based browser on Windows, Mac and Linux. · Designed to boot and get individuals on the web in seconds.
· Security Architecture is designed so that viruses and malware are not an issue.
· Mobility: Google Chrome will run on multiple platforms, include mobile.
Interested in the OS? Stay tuned for more updates about The New Google Chrome OS.
A New virus threat is on the prowl.
There is limited information about the latest offshoot of the Conficker attack.
AVG, Symantec and other virus definitions are in the process of releasing fixes/updates for this new virus.
What it does: The recent virus attacks your system and utilizes logs to view other user names that have logged onto the machine, then using a database of passwords the virus attempts to log onto the machine
Issues that can occur: In an attempt to login to the system the virus floods the PC with password attempts, thus far this causes the each user account it tries to be locked out of the system. It does attempt to do this on the administrator account; however at this time has not been able to affect it from our experience
Symptoms to look for: loss of network connectivity (loss of ability to connect to shared drives, internet etc), loss of program functionality, inability to log onto system with username/password, inability to go to microsoft.com, blocks updates
Actions MTI strongly recommends you take: if you notice any of the above symptoms immediately unplug your computer from the network to help minimize the spread of the virus: If you are connected wirelessly turn off wireless capabilities on your system, if you are connected via network cable unplug the cable. Immediately contact MTI 480-812-0489
What is XP Mode:
Windows XP Mode was designed to integrate XP with Windows 7 so that you can still run XP-based applications even if you upgrade to Windows 7. In fact XP will launch inside its own window inside of Windows 7. You will be running an actual copy of the XP operating system. you can copy and paste between any window inside XP and any window in Windows 7. The Windows clipboard is shared between the two. You can also use the printer attached to your Windows 7 machine, as long as you install the proper driver inside XP.
The downfall?
Your PC may not be able to handle Windows XP mode. XP Mode requires that your CPU be capable of hardware virtualization. Hardware virtualization consolidates multiple environments into a single PC. Many PC’s on the market currently DO NOT have this feature built in.
How do you determine if you have the technology capable of using XP mode?
Contact MTI Tech Solutions, we have several utilities that we can utilize to determine whether your PC , specifically your processor supports hardware virtualization.
Personal AV 2009; the newest dirty trick utilized by spammers to get you to install and buy fake antivirus products.
How It Works:
Personal Anti-Virus 2009 is a rogue anti-spyware program created by a company named Innovagest 2000. The program advertises fake security alerts on your computer alleging that threats have been detected. Any“button” that you click on, yes, no, cancel, or x to close the window prompts a download to start which installs Personal Antivirus on your system . It may also prompt you to purchase a rogue trial version of the anti-virus software for threat removal.
Once installed, the rogue anti-virus uses highly aggravating techniques, such as changing the Windows desktop background to warn of additional supposed infections, all in hopes to push you to buy the full version of the software.
Tell Tale Sign That You Are Infected :
*An Abundance of Pop-ups warning you of a bloated amount of threats found.
How to Prevent Infection:
Follow basic security precautions, keep your bona-fide antivirus software up-to-date if you don’t have anti-virus software it’s highly recommended purchasing some, be careful with email attachments and downloads, you can significantly reduce the odds of getting infected.
If you do see pop-ups or other fake warnings from rogue AV on your computer, it’s a good idea to try to determine whether it’s from a site or from actual software installed by a bot (or by someone else who uses the PC).
What To Do If You Are Infected:
For complete removal, seek professional help. Often times, Personal Anti-Virus 2009 can and will mess up Windows system files; which may require a complete wipe and re-install of the operating system. Wipe & re-installs can be a tricky process and should be handled by an IT professional.
Contact MTI Tech Solutions today if you suspect your systems maybe infected by Personal Anti-Virus 2009.
Nowadays, anything that generates a huge “buzz” can be utilized by Spammers to target their next victim, so it’s no surprise that the recent frenzy about the Swine Flu has become the subject of their exploits.
The initial Swine Flu Spam campaigns emails sent out by scammers were intended to scare the readers, not necessarily including malicious attachments. Then the spam evolved into money-making schemes, with spammers trying to sell pharmaceuticals, medical devices and PDF’s that contain generic information on the swine flu for $20 to $30.
The first swine flu e-mail with a malicious attachment surfaced late last week and included a PDF document of Swine Flu Influenza FAQ’s. When a user attempts to open up the PDF file, it drops malware on the local computer by exploiting vulnerability in Adobe. As we all know, malware can infiltrate your system and wreak havoc.
What can you do to prevent the Swine Flu Spam for infecting your PC?
Ensuring that you have antivirus software that would detect the threat if it attempted installation is important, and anti-spam software might stop the e-mail from reaching you in the first place. In addition, a patch from Adobe has been available for some time now that fixed the vulnerability in the software.
Want to make sure you are protected with up-to-date anti virus and Spam software? Contact MTI Tech Solutions today.
We all know Windows 7 isn’t going to be released until September of this year, but why not get a head start on determining what version will work best for your company?
Microsoft has confirmed that there will be 6 separate versions of Windows 7 when the new OS is launched. Some versions will not be available in the United States, don’t fret, these are the versions of Windows 7 you wouldn’t want. They lack the ability to share an internet connection and run more than 3 programs simultaneously.. not an ideal application for use in a business setting.
The run-down on version Features:
Windows 7 Home Premium: Includes multi-touch capability, media functionality, and the ability to create home network groups; geared more towards the home user.
Windows 7 Professional: Includes enhanced networking feature, backup and offline folders. This version is geared towards small business users.
Windows 7 Enterprise: This edition will only be sold through volume licensing to companies which have Software Assurance contract with Microsoft.
Windows 7 Ultimate: Windows 7 Ultimate contains the same features as Windows 7 Enterprise, but unlike that edition it will be available to home users on an individual license basis. Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional users will be able to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate for a fee using Windows Anytime Upgrade if they wish to do so.
Need help determining what version will work best in your business environment? Or want more information on version features, contact MTI today.