Tech Prognosis Blog - Information About Computer Support Services in Round Rock, TX

Why Small Organizations Need Vulnerability Management

Computer with hard to read code, stressing the need for vulnerability management.

The US Cyber Security Agency (CISA) recently released an Emergency Directive and Activity Alert addressing critical vulnerabilities affecting Microsoft Windows and Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Vulnerability management can help organizations get a handle on such vulnerabilities.

Consequently, Microsoft released fixes for 50 security vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system, creating yet another scramble by IT professionals to patch their computer systems.

Part of what Microsoft fixed in the updates released was what is regarded as a major crypto-spoofing bug that affected Windows 10 users.

A key point is to realize that this particular vulnerability could allow a cyber criminal or hacker to spoof a code-signing certificate, vital to validating executable programs in Windows, and make it appear as if an application was from a trusted source.

Keep in mind that in technology terms, spoofing is defined as a fraudulent or malicious practice in which communication is sent from an unknown source disguised as a source known to the receiver.

To put it another way, when this vulnerability is exploited and code-signing certificates are spoofed, the operating system will find it difficult to tell the difference between malware and Microsoft software. (more…)

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January 17, 2020

Anti-Virus / Desktops / Email and Spam / Hardware / Managed Services / Operating Systems / Security / Web Technology

The Business Case for EndPoint Security in Small Organizations

According to BAE Systems, almost 50 percent of small businesses have experienced a cyber attack, and as much as 60 percent of hacked small- and medium-sized businesses go out of business after six months. By deploying endpoint security solutions, most cyber attack attempts can be prevented.

Devices and services protected by endpoint security solutions

Faced with limited IT personnel and budget, small business environment usually end up with non-standard computer configurations, inadequate or non-existent security policies, old equipment etc.

The impact of the failure of an endpoint on business processes can be a little scary sometimes. A good example is a call I got from a friend the other day. The boss’s computer had a couple of viruses and they had to disconnect the computer from the network.

Of course that meant business had to come to a halt because everything was on the boss’s computer. There were no anti-virus software on any of the workstations and of course no firewall of any kind, so it was free for all. (more…)

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January 12, 2020

Managed Security / Small Business / Tech Tips for Business Owners

Cyber Protection Essentials Small Organizations Need To Know About

In today’s data driven economy, safeguarding that data is vital for the survival of organizations and businesses. It is important then, that these organizations, especially small and medium-sized ones, learn all they can about cyber protection.

Cyber protection for various components of a computer network

Whether your organization or business is commercial printing, a nonprofit, or membership association, the fact is that advances in modern technology has disrupted and reinvented nearly every facet of what drives the global economy.

The world is more dependent upon data today than at any time in history. Correspondingly, safeguarding data – and the applications and systems that rely on such data – is vital for individuals and organizations alike. It is important then, that organizations, especially small and medium-sized ones, learn all they can about cyber protection.

Although IT professionals have long preached about the importance of data backups and cyber protection, unfortunately, traditional backup and cyber security solutions are no longer enough because they cannot keep up with the advanced threats facing businesses today. And here is why: (more…)

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January 7, 2020

Managed Services / Money Saver / Operating Systems / Tech Tips for Business Owners / Windows 7

Security Warning For Businesses Running Windows 7

URGENT Security Warning For Businesses Running Windows 7. Microsoft is ending support for the operating system starting January 14, 2020.

Tech Prognosis technician working on a Windows 7 computer

Your computer network is more important than ever. And so are the computers powering your business or organization. This is especially true if your computer network is still running Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system which the company plans to retire support for on January 14, 2020.

Not only does that mean that any computer with the operating system installed will be completely exposed to serious hacker attacks aimed at taking control of your network, it also means that business data will be exposed to theft, computer system crashes and the possibilities of a host of other business-crippling problems you do NOT want to have to deal with. (more…)

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December 31, 2019

Tech Tips for Business Owners

The Case For A Unified Threat Manager On Small Business Networks

A Unified Threat Manager Appliance

Using a consumer router to power internet connectivity in a small business or organization could be an open invitation to hackers looking to steal business-critical information. To provide advanced security and protection from cyber crime, a Unified Threat Manager or UTM is needed.

While a router provides an easy way to get online, did you know that it can also give hackers an easy way to steal from your business?
A quick search for ”router exploits” in your favorite search engine will produce a long list of security flaws in most routers, some discovered only months ago.

Once hackers are in your network, anything goes. They can steal your customer records, inject spyware, and even empty your bank accounts. A major breach can wipe out a small business in less than a day. (more…)

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December 26, 2019

Managed Firewall / Managed Security / Small Business / Tech Tips for Business Owners / Technology Advisor

Your Small Business or Organization Is A Big Target For Cyber Crime

Protect your business from being a target for cyber crime before it’s too late.

Image of a hacker engaged in cyber crime

Small business owners used to have to watch for thieves who worked at night and carried a crowbar. Today, they are under attack by criminals on computers that are thousands of miles away.

Many attacks on small businesses are done with malware. First, the malicious software lands on a computer at the business. Then it quietly gathers data, such as credit card information, and sends it secretly to thieves over the internet.

Once a thief has the data, he can quickly turn it into cash. He can sell it on the black market, or he can make purchases and phony credit cards. The end result is the same: the business’ bank accounts are emptied, and the thief never even sees the building.

Your Business Or Organization Is A Target

The news headlines are filled with cyber attacks on big retailers. But small businesses are far more likely to be hacked. Why? Because most have almost no network security. They are an easy payday or what Kevin Fream calls “easy prey” for cyber thieves. (more…)

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December 19, 2019

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