Entries tagged as ‘IT support’

Microsoft Emailing You Software Updates….NOT!

November 22, 2009 · Leave a Comment

A common ruse that hackers will use to compromise your system is to send an email to an unsuspecting user claiming to be a software update to patch their system to correct some critical security flaw.  In reality, the attached file is a virus or Trojan program that will compromise your system.  An example email could look like this:

Update for Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express (KB910721)

Brief Description

Microsoft has released an update for Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express. This update is critical and provides you with the latest version of the Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express and offers the highest levels of stability and security.

Instructions

  • Install Update for Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express (KB910721). To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Run attached file officexp-KB910721-FullFile-ENU.exe
  2. Restart Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express

Quick Details

  • File Name: officexp-KB910721-FullFile-ENU.exe
  • Version: 1.4
  • Date Published: Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:50:02 +0100
  • Language: English
  • File Size: 81 KB

System Requirements

  • Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000; Windows 98; Windows ME; Windows NT; Windows Server 2003; Windows XP; Windows Vista
  • This update applies to the following product: Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express

In the case of Microsoft, the will NEVER email you an attachment to run on your PC to fix a problem.  Microsoft will always direct you to go to their software update web sites at windowsupdate.microsoft.com or update.microsoft.com.  Microsoft may legitimately send you a security alert email, but they will reference one of the previous sites to get the security fix they want to communicate about.

Don’t be a victim and don’t fall for this common ruse.

Categories: Information Technology
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Microsoft No-Cost Consumer Anti-Virus Product

June 25, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue it’s current Windows Live OneCare retail product offering on June 30th, 2009 and will create a new streamlined consumer anti-malware product code named “Morro”. This no-cost solution is good news for home / consumer PC users who are prone to not take necessary steps to have their systems protected. 

This product is not positioned for the corporate / business market for protecting servers, email systems, and business applications. This stream-lined product will lack some of the features or capabilities that a full enterprise protection suite like those offered by Trend, McAfee, or Symantec offer. Businesses should continue to rely on business grade anti-malware protection to make sure their workstations are effectively protected.

Find out more about this from the Microsoft Press Release here.

If you’d like more information about malware protection for your business system, give us a call at 888-865-9425.

Categories: Information Technology
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Losing Your Data

May 12, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Last week, one of our clients ran out of hard drive space and needed to restore their data from backup. Unfortunately, they discovered that a third-party IT provider had changed the process. So, they had a backup from the prior night, but not from the day before that.

Today, another client called because their server failed, and they were looking to recover their data.  Their third-party IT provider was having difficulties because they were not familiar with Sage Timberline Office.

There are morals to these stories.

First, call your accounting software vendor immediately when a problem emerges.  Do not wait a day or two.  It can mean the difference between a quick solution and expensive surgery.

Second, audit your IT provider and make sure they are giving you the services and protection you require.  You get what you pay for.

Third, consider using IT support that takes the time to know your software and systems.  IT generalists may be cheap, but are increasingly unable to deal with the individual needs of small and medium sized businesses.  You are not generic.

At CIS, we’re happy to provide IT support, or to help you audit your third-party supporter.  Either way, we don’t want you to lose your data . . . or your sleep.  Talk to IT Group Manager Rod Hatley at rod.hatley@cisinfo.com, (704) 971-3175.

Towner Blackstock
towner.blackstock@cisinfo.com 

Categories: Information Technology
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