Merry Christmas from Homeland Secure IT
Christmas is almost upon us!
Hope you have your shopping done by now, and if not, well, it’s not too late to order a notebook, netbook, desktop or tablet computer from Homeland Secure IT!
We offer sales of all major brands of computers and components such as HP, Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba, Acer, NexLink, Asus, Samsung and more. Whether it is a business computer or one for your personal uses, we have something for you or the person on your list you have forgotten about not found the perfect gift for!
Orders placed are generally here at our Greenville office the next business day before lunch at no additional charge!!!!
We will be closing on Friday, December 23rd so our staff can spend time with their families, and we will be in the field on a server deployment on Monday, December 26th, however, we *WILL* be available for emergency calls should you need us!
Merry Christmas! Microsoft releases Exchange 2010 SP2 featuring new mini version of OWA, multi-valued custom attributes and more!
Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 SP2
As promised, Microsoft released SP2 for Exchange Server 2010 on 2011-12-12, and the SP brings with it a number of features and fixes:
- Incorporates all the changes from Update Rollup 1 through 6 for SP1
- Adds Hybrid Configuration Wizard for ease of managing a deployment between your on site Exchange and your Office 365 Exchange
- Introduces Address Book Policies, which determine the GAL, OAB, room list and address lists that are visible to the mailbox user that is assigned that policy
- New Cross-Site Silent Redirection for Outlook Web App can pass off requests to another server in another Active Directory site, and also permit a single sign-on
- Adds Mini Version of Outlook Web App suited for mobile users (tablets, pads, smart phones, basically anything with a browser)
- Mailbox Replication Service changes permit you to move mailboxes from on-premises to another forest or Outlook.com
- Mailbox Auto-Mapping changes allow you to disable Auto-Mapping to save on resources
- Added five Multi-Valued Custom Attributes which allow you to store additional information for your mail recipient objects
- Litigation Hold prohibits you from disabling or deleting a mailbox that has been placed on “litigation hold”
If you are running an Exchange Server 2010 without the current rollups applied to SP1, updating to SP2 today is a great idea as you can kill multiple birds with one stone!
Should you require assistance in the Greenville or Upstate, SC area please call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com
National Cyber Alert System
Technical Cyber Security Alert TA11-347A
Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date: December 13, 2011
Last revised: –
Source: US-CERT
Systems Affected
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Office
- Internet Explorer
Overview
There are multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Office, and Internet Explorer. Microsoft has released updates to address these vulnerabilities.
I. Description
The Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2011 describes multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows. Microsoft has released updates to address the vulnerabilities. Additional details for MS11-091 can be found in US-CERT vulnerability note VU#361441.
II. Impact
A remote, unauthenticated attacker could execute arbitrary code, cause a denial of service, or gain unauthorized access to your files or system.
III. Solution
Apply updates
Microsoft has provided updates for these vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2011. That bulletin describes any known issues related to the updates. Administrators are encouraged to note these issues and test for any potentially adverse effects. In addition, administrators should consider using an automated update distribution system such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
IV. References
- Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2011 – <https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms11-dec>
- Microsoft Windows Server Update Services – <http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/wsus/default.aspx>
- US-CERT Vulnerability Note VU#361441 – <http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/361441 >
Feedback can be directed to US-CERT.
Produced 2011 by US-CERT, a government organization. Terms of use
Last updated December 13, 2011
Keyboard Shortcuts
Just using your mouse to make computer commands takes more time than you think – keyboard shortcuts save both time and energy by reducing multiple clicks to a single combination of keys.
Keyboard shortcuts are used for tasks that you do all the time, such as opening or saving files, but a large number of people do not know they even exist!
The table below offers only a fraction of the common standard-keyboard shortcuts, many of which work across Microsoft Office applications—such as Outlook, Visio, PowerPoint, Word, Excel & Publisher.
A full list of built-in keyboard shortcuts can be found in the Help section of any particular computer-based application.
| Press this | To do this |
| F1 | Open Help |
| F7 | Check the spelling of titles or words in any Office application with the Spelling & Grammar checker |
| Windows logo key | Open the Start menu |
| Alt+F4 | Quit a program |
| Alt+Tab | Switch between open programs or windows |
| Ctrl+N | Open a new (blank) document |
| Ctrl+A | Select all content in a document, window, or text box |
| Ctrl+S | Save the current file or document (works in most programs) |
| Ctrl+C | Copy the selection |
| Ctrl+X | Cut the selection |
| Ctrl+V | Paste the selection |
| Ctrl+P | Print a document or webpage |
| Ctrl+Z | Undo an action |
| Ctrl+Y | Redo an action |
| Ctrl+F | Find text in a document |
| Ctrl+H | Find and replace text in a document |
| Ctrl+B | Boldface text |
| Ctrl+I | Italicize text |
| Ctrl+U | Underline text |
| Ctrl+G | Go to a page, line, or bookmark in a document |
| Windows logo key +F1 | Display Windows Help and Support |
| Esc | Cancel the current task |
| Application key | Open a menu of commands related to a selection in a program (equivalent to right-clicking the selection) |
This information comes courtesy of our partner, ACRBO…
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…
Apple iPhone
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 through email, text message and phone, along with the ability to browse the web and select from tens of thousands of applications to assist in your business. Your clients will not wait for you to get to your office to respond to an email. Even a quick, “I’m driving, will respond as soon as it is safe” auto-response is better than no response. The cost of a typical phone can range from 100 to 300 dollars per phone depending on features and term of contract from the carrier of your choice.
Square Credit Card Reader
Credit Card Processing: If you expect to get paid, then you need to accept every form of payment possible, including plastic. Yes, you will lose a little bit on the sale, but you will gain an instant payment. If you are just getting started, without purchasing a machine or paying a monthly charge, you can accept credit cards anywhere you have a cell signal using the Square credit card application with your smart phone and the free reader device that they provide to you. No per-swipe fee, and less than 3.0% charge. Fast, secure, and in your account the next business day. Find it in your phones’s marketplace.
Reliable & Fast Internet: There are a lot of choices these days for fast internet, from DSL to cable to fiber, and the old tried and true T1 standard, but some businesses may find that a wireless broadband internet plan may be enough for them. We recommend Charter Business in most situations, but that varies depending upon what is available at the business location. One advantage to using a cellular based broadband internet connection is that you can take it with you, which is great for businesses that are not tied to one specific location. Typical 4G plans will provide over 5 meg down and up to 2 meg up. Verizon Wireless offers the MiFi devices for around 50 dollars with 5GB plans for 50 dollars per month.
IP Surveillance Cameras
IP surveillance: Sure it sounds like the CIA, but IP security cameras at your business will decrease loss of inventory, increase productivity, and may provide an insurance savings. You can even keep tabs on your employees using a smartphone or any web browser to view these camera. Recordings can be reviewed after events occur, and most systems can email you when there is movement in a particular location. Prices range from $150 for a single entry level camera into the $2000 range to cover an entire business. You can install yourself, or get an IT provider to handle this for you for the most professional results.
Email: This is a no-brainer, but many small businesses will cut corners here. A Hotmail account will work for sure, but who wants AcmeWidgetCo@hotmail.com on their business cards. At the very least, your business should use a service that allows for linking a domain to your mail, such as Google Apps (Gmail) or Microsoft Office 365. This gives you a professional appearance, and provides for important features such as linking of your smartphones, sharing of calendars between users and so much more. Microsoft Office 365 costs about 5 dollars per person per month and gives you up to 20GB of storage.
Anti-Virus & Security: Far too often this is overlooked, or taken for granted. A business that is vulnerable to viruses or malware is a business that could experience costly downtime and repairs, not to mention, open yourself up for compliance violations and potential fines or legal issues depending upon the field you are in. The components of a secure network are as simple as a quality firewall like those offered from Cisco, Watchguard or SonicWall, an anti-virus software package from Trend Micro or Symantec, and taking the time to apply updates to the Operating System (Windows, Mac, etc) and support software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, JAVA).
Backup: When disaster strikes, you need to be prepared for it. Having backups of your important files will insure you are not out of business when a computer or server fails. Backups technology can be as simple as an external USB drive or remote backup solution, or on the other end of the spectrum, as complicated as auto-loader tape drives. One thing is for sure, ANY attempt to backup your data is better than none. For automated cloud backup solutions, consider Servosity or Mozy Pro.
Here at Homeland Secure IT, we utilize a vast array of technology and we also help many small and medium businesses and even home offices stay up to date. If we can help you with decisions regarding your Greenville or Upstate technology infrastructure, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We offer sales, service, repair and consultation of everything from computers to VoIP.
What is your “must have” business technology? I would love to hear about it. VoIP phone systems? iPad, Android or Windows based tablet computers? A favorite app (We love TiKL & Waze)?
In what is becoming way too common, the popular site, mysql.com was exploited, and used to distribute malware by redirecting visitors to another site this week.
Anyone browsing to mysql.com yesterday would have been redirected, and without even being prompted, then likely been exploited themselves by the software running on the rogue website which apparently looked for vulnerable browser plugins to use for an injection point.
Trend Micro’s smart web filtering may have caught this and stopped it, but one thing is for sure… Doing everything you can to protect yourself from this type of exploit is more important than ever.
You should always insure you are running up-to-date and mainstream/quality anti-virus software (Such as Trend Micro), and also keep your operating system (whether Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X or even linux), browser, and all support software such as Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader and JAVA, as well as Microsoft Office fully updated!
Another thing you should consider is backups! With the cost of USB hard drives at an all time low, and online backup (Like our Servosity offering) being an easy install, configuration and affordable, there is no excuse to not have backups.
Should you need assistance in the Greenville / Upstate SC area determining what you or your business needs, please contact us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We provide sales of Trend Micro, Symantect & McAfee anti-virus protection, virus cleanup & removal, and can handle your computer service & computer repair tasks!
I think the only cool thing to do is give it away!
Anyone who buys a HOME / PERSONAL computer from us during the month of September will be entered into our little contest.
On Oct 3rd, 2011, we will draw a name and give that person a free copy of MS Office Home & Student 2010 to go with that computer you purchased!
This is normally a $120.oo value…
Need a computer for your home or business, or maybe dozens of computers??? We are resellers and partners with some of the biggest names in computer and server technology! HP, Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba, Nexlink and more! Call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for more information.
This may come as no surprise to those who have been around computer security for a while, but the BIOS viruses are making a comeback!
One of the first made its debut back in 1999 and was known as “CIH”. But Symantec is reporting a new killer on the block called “Trojan.Mebromi” that affects the Award BIOS and seizes control of a system even before you get to the MBR (Master Boot Record).
Expect this trend to continue….
Read more about it here:
http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/bios-threat-showing-again
As always, please insure your systems are using the latest anti-virus (We suggest and sell Trend Micro products such as the amazing Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security), that all updates are applied to your Microsoft Windows operating systems, all applications and support programs from Microsoft Office, to Adobe Reader, Flash and JAVA are at the latest patch levels. Obtain a quality firewall, and use common sense! And don’t forget to BACKUP!
If you suspect your system may be infected, or want to know how to better protect your computer or an entire business full of computers and servers, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We offer virus removal and cleanup in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area.
We provide sales, licensing, installation and support for Trend Micro and Symantec products. We can sell you one seat, or protect your business with 1000 users!
Multiple vulnerabilities in MS Windows, MS Windows Server and Microsoft Office have been identified and addressed. These should not be taken lightly as they are of a critical nature, allowing a “remote, unauthenticated attacker” the ability to gain access to your system, as well as DoS.
If you require assistance applying updates to your business computers in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com….
This is from US-CERT, for your reading enjoyment:
National Cyber Alert System
Technical Cyber Security Alert TA11-256A
Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities
Original release date: September 13, 2011
Last revised: –
Source: US-CERT
Systems Affected
* Microsoft Windows
* Microsoft Office
* Microsoft Server Software
Overview
There are multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft
Server Software, and Microsoft Office. Microsoft has released
updates to address these vulnerabilities.
I. Description
The Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for September 2011
describes multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft
Server Software, and Microsoft Office. Microsoft has released
updates to address the vulnerabilities.
II. Impact
A remote, unauthenticated attacker could execute arbitrary code,
cause a denial of service, or gain unauthorized access to your
files or system.
III. Solution
Apply updates
Microsoft has provided updates for these vulnerabilities in the
Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for September 2011. That
bulletin describes any known issues related to the updates.
Administrators are encouraged to note these issues and test for any
potentially adverse effects. In addition, administrators should
consider using an automated update distribution system such as
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
IV. References
* Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for September 2011 -
<http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms11-sep>
* Microsoft Windows Server Update Services -
<http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/wsus/default.aspx>
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The most recent version of this document can be found at:
The Microsoft issue today that prevented millions and millions (over 300 million) of people from getting to their email for several hours serves as a reminder that “The Cloud” is not perfect yet.
While most businesses who have a typical Microsoft Exchange Server might experience an outage that affects their users, when a cloud provider has a glitch, it affects a massive number of individuals and businesses. Keep in mind that it is not limited to just Microsoft, large providers such as Amazon and Google have both had similar issues recently.
The Microsoft outage was blamed on a DNS problem and affected the users of Hotmail, Office 365, SkyDrive and many other “Live” systems.
If you manage a business and are thinking about a switch to the cloud, this type of issue should be taken into consideration.
Should you want to discuss how to, or if you should move your business from a localized mail solution to a cloud based solution, a cloud solution to a localized solution, or how blending the two technologies can work for you, please give us a call at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We offer Microsoft, Google and other cloud solutions in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area!
