2

Secure IT Alert: Koobface Variant Infects Linux, Mac & Windows Systems

Secure IT Alert Header
Homeland Secure IT Alert

Homeland Secure IT Alert for Thursday, October 28, 2010

In the news today you will find that a new variant of the infamous Koobface is making the rounds via social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.

Unsuspecting users are enticed to click a video link in a direct message which links to a bogus YouTube page where they are presented with a thumbnail of the video, which when clicked runs a JAVA applet, and the user will then accept it, thinking they are going to see the greatest video ever. Instead, they get a blank screen more times than not, and have just given access to their computer to the bad guys.

According to various sites, the applet affects Linux and Mac in a different manner than the Windows based systems because it remains running longer, giving attackers a long time to exploit the machine for evil purposes. (So all that wonderful uptime you get from a *nix machine works against you as a Microsoft Windows machine gets rebooted more frequently).

It is suggested that you keep your operating systems updated, your JAVA updated, and keep current and quality anti-virus products on your computer such as Trend Micro. Even an anti-virus package like clamAV is advised over nothing at all. Mac and Linux users need to be very aware that the good old days of running “bareback” are over.

As always, avoid sketchy sites, don’t run JAVA apps unless you trust them. If you are on social media, use some common sense and don’t click on odd looking links, even if they come from your friends.

If you feel you may have been compromised, contact a computer service professional immediately. If you need assistance in Greenville or Upstate SC, we provide complete computer service, virus removal and cleanup and sales of Trend Micro and Symantec security and anti-virus software. 864.990.4748

Homeland Secure IT Alert Footer

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment in Greenville / Upstate SC

Is your company looking to buy new network gear, such as a firewall, switch, etc, and being held back by the cost?

Maybe you really want to use a Cisco product, but have determined that it may be more cost effective to purchase another brand such as WatchGuard or maybe SonicWALL.

Well hold on a minute, before we go much further… (To quote Rod Stewart)  There is a solution that is available to you that can save a good deal of money! Consider Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment, which is equipment that may have been pulled from shelves, returns, etc, but has gone through a vigorous refurbishment process, and comes complete with a full Cisco warranty.

This is NOT used or counterfeit Cisco product you can buy via eBay or elsewhere on the web, this is genuine Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment!  Don’t take a chance by purchasing equipment from an unknown source!

Green and environmentally friendly. Low price and budget friendly. And that’s just the beginning of the benefits you get with Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment. Remanufactured to exacting standards in Cisco’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment carries the same warranty as new equipment and offers all the financial strength of Cisco Capital. You get Cisco Certified protection for a fraction of the cost of new equipment, reducing your total cost of ownership.

Learn More about the Cisco Certified Difference

Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment

Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment

Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment helps you Save Money:

  • Save up to 90% off the list price of equivalent new equipment
  • Extend your IT budget and implement Cisco advanced technologies
  • Avoid hidden costs, such as relicensing fees

Need it now? In-stock inventory ships within 24 to 48 hours.

  • Quickly and reliably locate older generation or end-of-sale products
  • Immediate alternative to new product lead times
  • Minimize downtime and project disruptions, respond quickly to unexpected needs

Same as New Warranty and Service Support Options

Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment is backed by the same maintenance and service support options that equivalent new Cisco products are. Support is available through the Cisco Technical Assistance Center.

Homeland Secure IT, LLC is an authorized Cisco Partner and can offer you or your company new or Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment at affordable rates. We also offer SMARTnet Licensing for every device you already own. Service, sales, consulting, repair, we do it all in Greenville and the Upstate of SC!  864.990.4748 or info@homelandsecureit.com

Microsoft Windows 8 post on Dutch MS blog triggers massive speculation

Windows 8

Windows 8

Don’t get all excited, yet, but a couple days ago, bloggers found a post on a Dutch Microsoft blog which discussed the upcoming release of Windows 8.

While the post was quickly removed, it has created a lot of stir in the IT community. Some of it good, and a LOT of it bad. Some believe after the “failed” unleashing of Microsoft Windows Vista on the unsuspecting public, that the update to Windows 7 should have been free for anyone with Vista! Of course, these same people think that EVERY update from MS should be free.

One blog post I read had the poster claiming that the (possible) 2012 release of Windows 8 would coincide with the end of the world as predicted by the Mayan calendar.

Most seem to feel that another update to Windows is just another way to get money. Now this I agree with. Microsoft is not a charity, they have to bring in money, and they do so with new innovations that they can sell and hopefully profit on. Do we really want a software company that doesn’t create new and exciting things, as well as just fixing the bugs?

Regardless of what people post on these random blogs, the general sentiment is that Microsoft Windows 7 is likely the best product that MS has ever offered, and is certainly the best Operating System. So, if Windows 8 follows that trend and brings us another stable platform with decent security, then 2012 is not soon enough. Though I just love living on the edge.

If you would like to purchase the CURRENT Windows 7 Operating System, either a single copy, or hundreds of licenses for your business or non-profit organization, Homeland Secure IT would like to assist you. Please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com.

2

The Rocky Horror Show at Warehouse Theatre Rocked Our Socks Off! #RockyHorror

Frank N Furter

Will Ragland as Dr. Frank-N-Furter

I’m sure most people who are of a certain age (say, in their 40s?) have seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show, staring Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter… And maybe more than a few have been to a midnight showing of that movie at a movie theater. However, how many people have experienced a live performance of it?

A live performance may come in many flavors. When I lived in Los Angeles, we saw it where people dressed up and participated in the theater, and more interesting is where actors will be on the stage, and perform along with the audio playing and the actual movie on the screen behind them, and yet another way has been for the video to play, while actors and a band perform along with it (all while the audience participates)…

If you have NEVER seen the RHPS, you can catch it on the FOX Movie Channel on Halloween… All night long…. You will need an open mind, and maybe an adult beverage. More information can be obtained at http://www.rockyhorror.com/. This movie has nothing to do with “horror”, it is a rock-n-roll tribute to Sci-Fi movies of the past, with a naughty / risque flare. I don’t recommend it for immature people, or those who are easily offended.

This past Saturday, Oct-22-2010, at midnight, my wife Pamela, daughter Megan and her friend Nick went with me to the Warehouse Theatre’s production of The Rocky Horror Show. Prior to this, I had only seen it performed in the stage show manner once, and to be quite honest, it wasn’t fantastic. It was as good as amateurs could do, and everyone had a great time, but it wasn’t a “production”, it was a party.

Pamela, Megan and Nick had never seen any form of RHPS other than the movie, and didn’t know what to expect. I was not certain how it was going to be performed either since as I mentioned previously, I have seen it in various formats.

The Warehouse Theatre production is a full stage show, there is absolutely no tie to the movie itself. All scenes are performed by the actors themselves, all music is from a live band.

For those who love the movie, your first thought may be, “This is going to stink”, because as everyone knows, it is very hard to pull off a well known number such as “Sweet Transvestite” and not be compared (unfavorably) with Tim Curry’s version. Likewise, the other characters from the motion picture are very dynamic and difficult to reproduce. Admittedly, I went in expecting somewhat of a lackluster show. In the words of Magenta, “I ask for nothing”. Then Frank’s reply: “And you shall receive it… In abundance!!!!”

Rocky Horror Cast

Rocky Horror Show Cast

That was not the case at all. The actors that portrayed the main characters were unbelievable! Will Ragland brought a new twist to Frank, without trying to duplicate his every nuance, and Rocky… Ohhhh Rocky, he was far better than the original Rocky in the movie! Better in every way… He sang his own parts (as did all the actors), and he looked the part. (My wife and daughter, and just about everyone were fixated on this guy’s genuinely beautiful physique… Uhmm, okay, that sounded weird for ME to say that, but it’s true).

These actors had to do something that Tim Curry and his movie cast never had to worry with, they had to perform while the audience shouted out all kinds of off the wall comments, as is the tradition with RHPS. The actors managed to keep straight faces, and use a good bit of improv to interact with the audience, which made the show all the more fun! Audience participation is a major part of this, and there are guides on the internet that will show you what to do, what to say, when to say it, etc.

We purchased the “audience participation pack”, which included light sticks (since flames are dangerous), confetti, newspaper etc.  No rubber gloves or noisemakers as some scenes from the movie are not present, such as the dinner/birthday party scene, where you get to say “Meatloaf again????”. But, not missed, and I’m sure were not part of the original stage production.

I’m a technical kind of guy, and very critical when it comes to audio and lighting, so I will add this in for those of you who are like me and love to pick things apart. The audio was absolutely perfect. Good levels, and great control, especially when you take into consideration the number of open mics involved. The lighting could not have been improved upon.

Every number performed by the band was well orchestrated, the mix was low, but necessary in order to have legible vocals. I only wish I could have played guitar or bass (I even emailed the Warehouse Theatre and asked if they needed a guitarist or bass player, but they had already put their band together by that time).

The remaining shows are probably sold out by now, even though they added some extra performances in November, so if you want to attend and see what all this is about, call TODAY – The box office number is 864.235.6948 or you can visit their website for more information.

My hat is off to the cast and the crew for a superb job! We had a marvelous evening out (early morning rather) and as always, with the Warehouse Theatre, it didn’t break the bank like it would have at other venues in Greenville.

Yeah, I know, this has absolutely nothing to do with Computer Service, Computer Repair or even Business, but even hard working people have to take a break and enjoy themselves every once in a while. I highly recommend it.

2

SECURE IT ALERT: Apple Mac OS X vulnerabilities and Firefox fixes (for Mac/PC/*Nix)

Secure IT Alert Header

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Homeland Secure IT Alert for Friday, October 22, 2010

Apple has issued two advisories which outline Java security updates for OS X 10.5.x and OS X 10.6.x (Tiger and Leopard). These advisories warn of several vulnerabilities in the OS X Java components (a total of 10). There are updates out to address a few of the flaws, however, many still pose a serious risk according to WatchGuard’s security bulletin.

Not to be outdone, Mozilla released a Firefox update fixing close to 13 vulnerabilities in their browser and that is across all platforms, including Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows and Linux…

In both cases, these updates attempt to correct vulnerabilities which exist that could allow your computer to become exploited by visiting a malicious website, or following a link to a malicious website. The solution is to apply updates from Apple to your OS as well as update the Firefox browser. By “exploited”, it means, your computer could have malicious software loaded on it that would give the attacker anything from read access, to absolute, total control, as in a “rootkit” which may be difficult to detect. Some rootkits and keygrabbers have been running undetected on computers for months, even years.

It is always a good idea to avoid unknown sites, and not open random links sent to you by unknown/untrusted sources.

Another must-have is quality anti-virus / anti-malware such as Trend Micro. Their Titantium Security for Microsoft Windows machines and Total Online Protection for Apple Mac systems are affordable and will help you avoid a costly and inconvenient virus cleanup or removal, as well as prevent your valuable data from falling into the wrong hands. We can provide you with these fine products!

If you need assistance with any computer or network security issue, anti-virus, anti-spam, or even a virus removed from your system, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

More information about these updates are here:

Apple Java 10.5 Update 8: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4418

Apple Java 10.6 Update 3: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4417

Mozilla Security Advisory 2010-67: http://www.mozilla.org/security/announce/2010/mfsa2010-67.html

Homeland Secure IT Alert Footer

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Need a case & holster for your Samsung Epic 4g? Try the Innocase combo by Seidio

Seidio Innocase Surface for Samsung Epic 4g

Seidio Innocase Surface for Samsung Epic 4g

So you bought the coolest phone you could find and now you want to protect it…

That was our situation a couple weeks ago and we looked high and low for quality cases and holsters for the Samsung Epic 4g and everything we found was cheaply made.

Enter the Seidio Innocase Surface for the Epic 4g. Wow, this is a great case, and it has a matching holster that makes it a complete deal. We are in the computer service industry and constantly using our phones, so the quality of the holster is very important. In fact, having a reliable and rugged holster was one reason we stuck with the Blackberry so long, as RIM has done it right all along.

Back to the Seidio product… You can buy just the case, or you can buy the case and holster combo for a few dollars more.

The case snaps firmly to the phone and does not interfere with any of the functions, including the slide-out keyboard. It has a rubberized finish that sticks nicely in your hand, and I can assure you it is pretty robust as I have already tested it. It is available in all the normal colors one would expect; Sapphire Blue, Burgundy, Rose Pink, Amethyst (pictured to the left), Black, Ash Grey and Sage. We purchased cases in purple (That’s mine), Blue and Red and love the colors.

Seidio Innocase Holster

Seidio Innocase Holster

The holster is designed to work only if you have the Seidio Innocase Surface installed on your phone. It features a spring loaded release, and a snug fit that cradles the phone with the faceplate facing inward. The belt clip feels strong and secure. This holster rotates from vertical to horizontal layouts for wearing on your left or right sides.

For more information about Seidio’s products, visit their website at www.SeidioOnline.com. Though we have only had experience with the Innocase Surface for the Samsung Epic 4g, if the rest of their products are anything like these, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.


Top 10 Reasons Customers Choose Trend Micro

TOP 10 REASONS CUSTOMERS CHOOSE TREND MICRO

Homeland Secure IT believes that Trend Micro Anti-Virus / Anti-Malware products offer the best value and best performance, but don’t take our word for it, what follows are the top 10 reasons customers choose Trend Micro:

1. Trend Micro Works hard to make customers happy.

Trend Micro Internet Security

Trend Micro Internet Security is great for business or personal use!

“Trend Micro is just great– professional, responsive, and a real pleasure to work with.” – Craig Berry, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, UGS PLM Software, Plano, Texas

2. Trend Micro understands its customer’s business.

“We are still partnering with Trend Micro today because they offer us more than just point products. They look at our overall environment and help us make the right decisions within the context of our business environment.” – Antonio Traetto, Networks and Storage Manager, IT, Rexam, London, UK

3. Trend Micro saves customers time by delivering easy-to-use solutions

“Once we put Trend Micro products in place, we didn’t have to spend as much time on security. The software takes care of everything for us and it’s working great. With the level of automation that we’ve gained, we don’t have to intervene. This has been huge— to know that our protection has been increased while our work has been reduced.” – Steve Buche, Chief Information Officer, Christian Homes

4. Trend Micro’s leadership and protection earns customers’ trust.

“I appreciate the timesaving, centralized administration of the Trend Micro solutions. But it’s the company’s leadership in technology and overall protection that keeps me a loyal Trend Micro customer. In our business, we have to take care of our buyers and sellers. We take that job seriously and Trend Micro helps us earn the trust of our customers. That keeps them safe and that keeps our company safe.” – Brian Carpenter (CISSP), Sr. Network and Systems Administrator, Heritage Auction Galleries (www.HA.com), Dallas, Texas

5. Trend Micro offers superior protection with multilayered solutions.

“We face very sophisticated, variable threats today—making it hard to keep up. To help us overcome this challenge, Trend Micro gives us an enterprise strategy that includes the best possible messaging protection at the gateway and at the mail server. Multilayered solutions— and strategies for cleaning up unwanted content— create a solid end-to-end approach. This is the extra added value we get from Trend Micro.” – Antonio Traetto, Networks and Storage Manager, IT, Rexam, London, UK

6. Trend Micro goes the extra mile.

“We were very impressed with the help we got from Trend Micro sales and engineering teams. We were used to software vendors that sent us software and wished us luck—Trend Micro was clearly motivated to help us succeed and they were there to provide all the information we needed to make sure our network-wide deployment went smoothly and met all of our requirements.” – Eric Ellerman, Network Manager, IT, Dot Foods

7. Trend Micro offers a range of scalable solutions.

“Through all stages of our growth, Trend Micro solutions have served us very well, reliably adapting and scaling as we needed to provide a stable environment for students and staff.” – Matthew Chapman, Assistant Director, Information Communications and Technology Services, Orange County Public Schools, Florida

8. Trend Micro listens and delivers on its promises.

“The integrated products and centralized management set Trend Micro apart from the competition right from the start. They were the fi rst to cover the desktop, servers, and gateways with a centralized management console. We have been with Trend Micro ever since and it has never let us down. Trend Micro works WITH you. Lots of other vendors don’t. Trend Micro listens and gives us what we need to succeed in our business.” – Gary Hall, Founder, Hall Computer Services, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

9. Trend Micro keeps up with new and evolving web threats.

“Trend Micro™ InterScan™ Web Security Suite and Trend Micro InterScan™ Messaging Security play a vital role in our first line of defense against Web threats by filtering traffic and blocking attacks right at the gateway. We needed to address the growing issue of spyware, phishing, and virus threats, and without Trend Micro products, there would be a gap in our managed services portfolio, and an inability to protect customers from these types of threats.” – Alexandre Rigaldo, Business Security Solutions Manager, Orange Business Services

10. Trend Micro makes life easier.

“Trend Micro offered us a solution that was less complicated than the others. From a technical point of view, it was the speed and simplicity of installation, and we had a good impression of Trend Micro’s overall approach. It was also very important to us to work with a reliable partner—the first-class qualifications and assistance we received from our local Trend Micro team put us completely at ease.” – Massimo Carnevali, Manager Information Systems, City of Bologna, Italy

There is a Trend Micro product that is right for just about every situation such as Worry Free Business Security (WFBS) and OfficeScan. Tired of Spam? WFBS Advanced and ScanMail can cut your unwanted junk mail down to a trickle. Smaller offices may want a hosted service to protect them from viruses, trojans, worms, malware, spyware, and more.

If you would like information, or a free consultation please email us at info@homelandsecureit.com or call 864.990.4748. We offer the entire line of Trend Micro products & provide installation and support in the Greenville / Upstate SC area.  We also offer virus cleanup and removal service should you decide anti-virus is not for you.

Prevent loss of your data due to theft of a computer with an online backup solution

You could have a happy ending to your story, where your laptop is stolen (or lost) and the person has mercy on your soul and sends your data back to you (See THIS STORY).

However, if you are like me just a few years ago, you will lose your notebook and your data along with it.

Avoid this by using an online backup solution like Servosity… It is totally automated, and we will provide you with a 30 day trial. Whether it is for your notebook with only a few gigs, or your servers with 100 gigs or more, Servosity will work great for you. It can backup MS Exchange, MS SQL, etc. Mac OSX, Linux, etc are also supported!

For more information about Servosity online backup or other backup solutions such as RDX, Tape Backup, Symantec Backup Exec, etc, please email info@homelandsecureit.com or call 864.990.4748.

1

Hate analog technology? You can opt-out of Yellow Page delivery and be green…

Monitor Stand

Monitor Stand

How about this for saving the environment: You can OPT OUT of receiving those pesky yellow pages phone books at your location!

VISIT HERE to Opt Out

This will come as good news for those who strive to be green, and bad news for the yellow page providers.

Of course, there are some legitimate reasons you may still wish to have the yellow pages delivered to you:

  • You enjoy ripping them in two
  • You need to lift your monitor up higher (see accompanying photo)
  • You use them for firewood
  • You use them for toilet paper (Our Alabama friends mainly)

Most of our clients do not use phone books at all… Google is their friend, they just search “Greenville computer service”, “Greenville computer support”, “Greenville computer repair”, etc to find what they want.

Microsoft’s Online Services Health Dashboard for BPOS

Word travels fast on Twitter!  And word was that there were outages affecting some Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite customers over the past few weeks…  In light of that, Microsoft has stepped up to the plate with their Online Services Health Dashboard and made it available to all customers and partners in all regions.

This is direct from their newsletter:

Introducing the Microsoft Online Services Health Dashboard
Microsoft Online Services is pleased to make the new Microsoft Online Services Health Dashboard available to all customers and partners in all regions.

The Health Dashboard is a step forward in our efforts to continuously improve our ability to provide customers and partners with up-to-date, accurate, and complete information about our dynamic services. It provides a greater level of transparency into the status of all Microsoft Online services and tools with detailed current and historical information for our three regions: Americas, serving customers in North America and Latin America (NOAM); Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); and Asia Pacific (APAC).

For more information on the Health Dashboard, please refer to the Public Announcement on the Microsoft Online Services Team Blog.

Free 30 Day BPOS TrialIf you would like to see what all the hubbub is about regarding Software As A Service (SaaS), In-The-Cloud, or Cloud Computing, you can try Microsoft BPOS for free with a no obligation trial.

You get a virtual Microsoft Exchange server which you can use with Outlook Web Access, or your own Outlook, shared calendars, Microsoft SharePoint, and more!

Homeland Secure IT offers both Google Apps and Microsoft BPOS and can help you decide which is best for your application. Please email info@homelandsecureit.com, call 864.990.4748 or visit HERE for more information….