What does it mean when your ISP changes DNS servers?

I received a phone call from Charter Business earlier today reminding me that they have deployed new DNS servers and that I should adjust my equipment to use them. Fortunately, none of our equipment even looks at name servers other than our own in-house server.  But does yours? First, let’s look at what DNS is…. The simple explanation is: DNS …

Microsoft Releases Security Intelligence Report for your reading pleasure… SIRv11

Microsoft has released Volume 11 of their “Microsoft Security Intelligence Report” or SIRv11, which provides “An in-depth perspective on software vulnerabilities and exploits, malicious code threats, and potentially unwanted software in the first half of 2011”. One tidbit of interesting information contained in the report is that in the first half of 2011, less than one percent of exploits were …

Which security standards and awareness compliance requirements apply to your organization?

I came across a very handy document from www.securingthehuman.org that explains which security standards and awareness compliance requirements might apply to your organization. It is by no means a complete listing, but gives the one minute run-down of the majority of the biggies…. — Last Updated: 19 July, 2011 1. Executive Summary The purpose of this document is to identify …

Coming this October 11th – Microsoft brings you patchy goodness!

Microsoft is bringing you patchy goodness this coming “Patch Tuesday”, October 11th. Please update your machines to insure your network is secure. There is a little something for everyone!  Desktops and servers will receive Microsoft’s love. This is from the Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification for October 2011:   Critical Security Bulletins ============================   Bulletin 1   – Affected Software: …

Seven must-have technologies for your small business

One conversation new or potential business owners may want to have with their IT professionals is about what technologies exist that can improve their life. Below you will find some that are must haves… Smartphones: Whether it is an Android, iPhone or even a Windows based phone, you cannot survive without one. These devices provide instant communication with your clients …

Secure IT Alert: Microsoft Security Essentials & Forefront classifying Google Chrome browser as malware

Homeland Secure IT Alert for Friday, September 30, 2011 An update to Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) and Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection was causing grief for many users today as it incorrectly flagged the Google Chrome browser as malware. The typical behavior was for an alert to be displayed stating that “PWS:Win32/Zbot” was found and that it needs to be removed. …

IronKey D200 32GB USB storage devices offer high speed transfer and auditable encryption

I’m often asked which is the best USB flash drive you can buy. My answer varies with the requirements of the individual or business that will utilize the device. The average person requires a fast and reliable storage device to shuttle files to/from work or school, and does not require security features at all, but for those who do require …