It would be wise to get yourself up to date so you can sleep better at night. Well, at least I will sleep better at night with the knowledge that you are safe and secure!

Here’s the link: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5784

And here’s the article in its entirety for those of you just too tired to click on the link….

About the security content of OS X Mountain Lion v10.8.4 and Security Update 2013-002

—

If you need assistance with these or any other updates or security issues, regardless of whether you run Apple products or Microsoft Windows, please call us at 864-990-4748, we are happy to help in the Upstate of SC!

The document outlines that on May 16th US-CERT was informed that two websites www.federalnewsradio-dot-com and www.wtop-dot-com had been compromised and that redirects had been put in place that would send Internet Explorer users to a package that would install malicious software (an exploit kit). It also highlights the fact that as of May 17th, it was confirmed that this redirect and payload were both removed from those sites.

People who visited those sites while the redirect was in place could be potentially compromised themselves.

In order for the exploit to work to correctly, you would need multiples of the following:

• A computer running Microsoft Windows, presumably without OS updates in place
• Be using Microsoft Internet Explorer as your browser
• Have an older, unpatched version of Adobe Reader or Acrobat installed
• Have an older, unpatched version of Oracle Java installed
• Have inadequate or un-updated anti-virus in place

The more of those criteria that you meet, the higher the likelihood of your machine becoming exploited and in this particular case, having the ZeroAccess Trojan installed and potentially the FakeAV/Kazy malware piggybacked with that. ZeroAccess gets busy once in place, joining a command and control system, and downloading additional malicious applications such as a fake Flash installer.

Protecting yourself is easy to do. Install updates, use quality anti-virus, and a dash of common sense helps too!

Protecting an entire network with several computers and servers may be a more demanding task. You probably want to get a qualified service provider to assist in that endeavor.

If your business is in the Greenville, Spartanburg or Anderson SC, we would love to discuss security issues with you. Homeland Secure IT provides computer, server and network security, support and sales to the Upstate. We are partners with some of the biggest names in the business, such as Cisco, WatchGuard, Microsoft, Symantec, Trend Micro and more!  Please call us at 864-990-4748 or use our contact form on our website!

One other thing – if you feel for some reason that you may be infected, most of the time, you are. Don’t take a chance. We can help scan your machines or networks and clean them up should that be the case.

Cisco SPA509 phones ready for deployment

Q: Why is it that just about every corporation you walk into has Cisco phones on their desks?

A: Because they have become the standard by which almost every other VoIP solution is measured.

People in business have grown to expect a certain level of quality. From feel of the handset and how heavy it is and whether it fits their hand nicely, to the responsiveness of buttons, and without a doubt, the audio quality of the handset and the speakerphone. Other important aspects of the user experience are the bells and whistles, such ringer selection, headset interfaces and the display.

Almost every VoIP manufacturer tries to mimic the look and feel of Cisco because it is familiar to so many already.

We have a small business, can we afford a Cisco system?

That’s a pretty common question… The answer is “YES!”. In addition to making their world-class enterprise phone systems, they also make a line of affordable products designed specifically for small and medium businesses.

The entry level UC500 series (UC = Unified Communications) offering is the UC540 which comes with support for up to 24 phones but can expand to 32 phones. This system can use inexpensive SIP trunking to save you money on the monthly phone bill, and be perfect for most small law firms, doctors offices, dentist offices, realtors and churches. The Cisco UC540′s feature list is vast! Automated Attendant, Voice Mail to Email, Caller ID, SIP, paging, multi-site support, full support of just about any Cisco handset you could possibly want to use, including the affordable and feature packed SPA series.

Though I cannot give you a price in this blog post as there are a number of factors to consider, suffice it to say, the UC540 and a dozen phones competes nicely against any brand of VoIP, key or PBX offering.

When it comes down to providing a quality solution, it will be hard to beat the Cisco.

Homeland Secure IT is a Cisco Select Small Business certified vendor /partner in Greenville, SC. We would love to talk with you and determine if this is the solution for you!  Give us a call at 864-990-4748 or use the contact form on our website.

These apply to not only Microsoft Windows based machines, but also to Apple Macintosh computers.

Complete control over your machine could be obtained by exploiting the flaws outlined.

As always – UPDATE your machines and protect yourself. Do not hesitate.

Should you require assistance with these or any other security related issues or computer service in general for your Greenville based business, please call us at 864.990.4748 or use our contact form on our website.

Bulletins and advisories for this month

It’s that time of year again when ISPs (Internet Service Providers)  all around the world perform their yearly maintenance, call it “Spring Cleaning” if you will.

If you have been living under a rock and missed the stories on the news and the countless emails flying around for the last week or so, then this may come as a total surprise to you. Newcomers to technology may also be taken by surprise.

In the past, Internet Cleaning Day has taken place during a 24hr period, but due to new techniques, ISPs have managed to narrow it down to only 1 hour which they have conveniently scheduled for 12pm to 1pm in each time zone.

While normal analog phone systems are not going to be affected, VoIP systems WILL be… This is often overlooked! You should follow the same procedure if your business is using Voice over IP technology. If you are unsure, it is best to disconnect the cables and place in the same container as your network cables.

This never happens….  Welllll, I can’t say “never” after I post this…

One of our favorite vendors is having a sale and we are passing the savings on to you. Nexlink is offering 25 dollars off their prebuilt business computers, and if you order today (Wednesday March 27, 2013) through Friday the 29th, we can knock 25 dollars off the already great price, AND bump that warranty up to FIVE YEARS at absolutely no additional charge. (That’s actually 74 dollars saving over our normal price!)

Here’s what is available at this great pricing:

Nexlink Express 1125 i3 w8d – Intel Core i3-3220 3.30Ghz, 4GB RAM, 500GB hard drive w/Windows 7 Pro downgrade and FIVE YEAR manufacturer warranty – 676.oo

Nexlink Express 1125 i5 w8d – Intel Core i5-3330 3.0Ghz, 4GB RAM, 1TB hard drive w/ Windows 7 Pro downgrade and FIVE YEAR manufacturer warranty – 750.oo

Nexlink Express 1125 PENTW8D – Intel Pentium G645 2.9Ghz, 4GB RAM, 500GB hard drive, w/ Windows 7 Pro downgrade and FIVE YEAR manufacturer warranty – 614.oo

Please note, these are BUSINESS computers! They don’t come loaded down with junk, they incredible warranties, and they are made with better components, such as genuine Intel motherboards, than you would find on off-the-shelf systems.

We have 100% customer satisfaction on these!

If you need one, or one thousand, we can help you or your business out, so please give us a call at 864-990-4748 or use our contact form on the website. Please note, we are closed for Good Friday, but if you contact us via email, or call on that day, I will insure you get this special.   We accept Visa and MC, and if you are ordering multiples, we may be able to arrange financing for you.

We also offer full computer service and computer support – we can install and migrate your data and configure these computers for your network!

We don’t often have prices that beat most of the online retailers, but today, we do!

If you are in need of an Android tablet that was designed with business use in mind, then this might be for you….

Fujitsu Stylistic M532 Built Tough Tablet PC is MIL-STD-810 tested and ready!

The Fujitsu M532 is a worthy candidate to consider for business users on a budget. It’s Built Tough – MIL-STD-810G tested rating definitely qualifies it as durable enough for business users.

The Core Features of the Fujitsu Stylistic M532:

• Powered by NVIDIA ® Tegra® 3 T30S, Quad-core ARM Cortex A9 processor
• Android™ 4.0 Operating System
• Attractive, slim design with light weight
• TFT (IPS-type) display for wide viewing
• Rugged glass protects the display
• Built-Tough: MIL-STD-810G tested
• Only $399 (plus tax) you pick up at our location in Greenville, SC

If you would like one, act NOW, call us at 864-990-4748 x201 or use our contact form at www.HomelandSecureIT.com.

Supplies are extremely limited….

We’re happy to announce that Homeland Secure IT has renewed our Microsoft Education Reseller status and are good for another year.

What does that mean?  Besides having to demonstrate that we know what we are doing through taking an exam, we have to actually have a clue about the sales of Microsoft products specifically available to the academic organizations we serve.

By maintaining our relationship as an AER (Authorized Education Reseller), we can offer Academic Volume Licensing which is not only convenient, but more affordable than retail, or standard open licensing.

It is available in as subscription model or even perpetual licenses.

If you are interested in this type of product, give us a call at 864-990-4748 in the Upstate / Greenville SC area.  We not only offer the sales, but also consultation, installation and maintenance of Microsoft software!

I’m not talking about computer or server service, I’m talking about automobile service this time.

If you follow me on social media, you probably saw me whining about my car issues recently, so skip the next couple paragraphs. For those who are not in the know, here’s the story.

On Tuesday, after several days of my car sitting in the driveway, including a missed day of work due to a horrible cold, I went to start the old bomb and … nothing. Not even a click.  The battery was completely dead. No big deal. I have a charger, which I dug out and tried. It did not want to cooperate at first, but finally, it began to charge the car and within 15 minutes, I was up and running. Well, let’s say I got to work.  But the car was not running well.  It was “bucking”, lunging forward at stop signs and lights, and even dying in intersections.  UGH! No fun at all.

After the vehicle sat at work, it wouldn’t start up… Completely dead.  And I wasn’t smart enough to bring the charger along, so Pamela came running to my rescue, driving back from Easley to Greenville (Where she had been 30 minutes earlier) with that charger. Made it home, and then charged it all night. So it started fine on Wednesday morning, but it didn’t want to run well.   Made it to a meeting though, and from there, went to an auto parts place.

I bought a new battery… Fixed the starting problem!   Didn’t fix the RUNNING problem.  Changed the air filter, added some octane booster (fuel injector cleaner hokus pokus stuff), cleaned the throttle body, MAF, etc.  No change.  Bought a can of ether (starting fluid) and sprayed around vacuum lines, looking for leaks… Nothing.  Drove it to Clemson, and at a crosswalk, the car lunged forward, towards kids crossing the street. Uhm ENOUGH!

I took it by Roots Goodyear in Easley, and they were backed up with a ton of clients. But still, about 5pm, Bob Root calls and tells me the car is ready.

When I dropped it off, I explained to him that I thought it could be something like a throttle position sensor, and we discussed coils (of which there are 6, and one has been replaced already).  So we were looking at repairs that could have been 200, 300, even 500 dollars.   I told him that I had to have it fixed, I have to get to work.  And I told him to change the oil too with a synthetic.

You wanna know how much the bill was?  Less than 80 dollars.   For the fix of the “bucking” and the oil service.

That’s excellent.  And you know what? It could have been so much worse for me.  If it had been another shop, I am not sure it would have been an 80 dollar repair.  Here’s a self-professed gearhead (me), telling a shop to fix a car. An unscrupulous repair facility might see that opportunity and wrack up a heck of a bill.

Not Bob Root.  Not yesterday. Not ever.

That’s why our family continues to use him. We always get a fair shake.   An honest and trustworthy business is difficult, but great to find.

Pamela and I strive to provide the same type of honest and reliable service here at Homeland for your business computer, server and network repairs. You will never have us replacing parts that we don’t know for sure are bad. We don’t suggest the replacement of a computer just because we make a fortune off of selling you a new one. We want to have you as a customer for a very long time, just like Root’s Goodyear will have us as a patron for a very long time!

THANK YOU BOB… For fast, reliable and affordable service… Hopefully we can return the favor sometime.

If YOU need car service, you know who I recommend…..

Root’s Goodyear Tire & Service
6804 Calhoun Memorial Hwy  Easley, SC 29640
(864) 306-6901

Gasoline has started its seasonal increase in cost, as I am sure you have noticed.

Why does it cost of fluctuate? One reason is that as we move towards summer months, additives are implemented which are mandated to be used between April and September in a bid to reduce pollutants. The process costs money, as do the additives, and that is passed on to us. Another reason is an increase in travel, and obviously, the price is going to raise as high as the market will possibly support.

An article caught my eye and made me wonder if another issue may affect us at some point might be Malware.

The article’s headline says it all, “Some Off-Shore Oil Rigs have been “Incapacitated” By Malware Thanks to Pirated Music and Porn“… Follow the link through to read about how there are fears that malware on an oil rig could cause a blowout, explosion or oil spill and even the loss of life.

And I guess it just illustrates that bored workers with access to computers will do what they do best – waste time.

If you would like to discuss how we can keep your Greenville workers from becoming infected, please give us a call at 864-990-4748 – Infection at your workplace may not cause a “blowout”, but it could still potentially cost your company lots of money in downtime and recovery.

Yesterday, Apple Inc announced that computers within their own network have been exploited.  Mac computers in other companies have also been exploited.

It’s always a heated subject whenever I mention that more and more Apple Macs are becoming compromised. Very passionate people will argue with me until they are blue in the face about how Microsoft Windows machines are more vulnerable, and that their Mac never gets infected. However, I must add this in – as a provider of business computer service and support. We have seen a steady decline in malware on Windows 7 computers, and no infections as of this date on Windows 8. While, Mac issues are increasing.

Here’s a link to the Reuters story.

As always, regardless of whether you own a Windows based computer or a Mac, please take these simple steps at the very least to help insure the security of your computer:

• Keep your machine’s operating system up to date with patches!
• Keep all applications, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader up to date with patches
• Support applications such as JAVA should be kept up to date (and some feel disabled or uninstalled
• Use current COMMERCIAL anti-virus which permits the scanning of websites in real time (We suggest Trend Micro)
• Avoid sketchy websites, don’t open emails (You didn’t win the Microsoft Lotto, trust me)
• If you feel you have been exposed, seek a professional immediately
• Watch those public hot spots if using a notebook (man-in-the-middle)
• Do not give permission for anything to install that you didn’t initiate
• Go straight to Adobe or other software provider for your updates
• Don’t initiate a scan for malware if prompted while visiting a website

Should you need assistance with any computer or network security issue for your home or business in the Greenville or Upstate SC area, please do not hesitate to call upon us at 864-990-4748 or use our contact form.

You should insure that updates are installed!

Should you require assistance applying these critical security updates to your computer or your entire network of computers, please call us at 864-990-4748. We specialize in providing computer and network service and support in Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson South Carolina.

—

Here’s some reading for you regarding the Flash Windows and Mac Attacks:

http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/none/307887-adobe-patches-flash-windows-mac-users-under-attack

And the latest bulletin from MS:

********************************************************************
Title: Microsoft Security Advisory Notification
Issued: February 12, 2013
********************************************************************

Security Advisories Updated or Released Today ==============================================

* Microsoft Security Advisory (2755801)
  – Title: Update for Vulnerabilities in Adobe Flash Player in
    Internet Explorer 10
  – http://technet.microsoft.com/security/advisory/2755801
  – Revision Note: V8.0 (February 12, 2013): Added KB2805940 to
    the Current update section. 

Strap in….  Patches are ‘a comin’ to your Microsoft Windows based computer or Server on February 12, 2013, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

See, Microsoft DOES love you.  Never doubt.

That’s right! For the low, low price of only zero dollars, you will be receiving a number of feature loaded patches, the Microsoft Advance Notification for February 2013 says that you will be eligible for up to a dozen fun-packed bulletins worth of heart-felt updates.

There are five CRITICAL bulletins that affect Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Server Software. One absolutely requires a reboot, and it is suggested that you apply it and reboot afterwards. The penalties for avoiding these? Remote Code Execution! In layman’s terms, it means, your machine could be owned by the bad guys and they could have their way with it, scouring it for content, watching for you to log into your bank, or enter a credit card online.

The other bulletins are just as important, hence the label of “Important”, allowing remote code execution, denial of service and elevation of privilege to potentially ruin your day. The affected products are Windows Server Software, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office and the Microsoft .NET Framework.

Don’t delay, update today. Errrrrrm, well, after Patch Tuesday anyway!

While you are at it, you need to get the JAVA and Adobe Flash/Reader/Acrobat updates installed too, even if you are using an Apple Mac!

If you have questions, or need assistance with these or any other updates or security concerns in the Greenville or Upstate SC area, please call upon us at 864-990-4748 or use our contact links.

(More info about Compass of Carolina can be found at: http://www.compassofcarolina.org/)

Compass of Carolina is proud to announce the return of
South Carolina’s First Lady of Song – Loretta Holloway
on Friday, February 15th

For the first time ever-
ZOSO: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
on Saturday, February 16th!

Tickets are available now, so act fast because both shows are likely to sell out — amazing musical acts, amazing value and an amazing cause make this the best fund-raising weekend of the year! Without the musicians’ participation, there would be no event. These musicians are the “heart and soul” of this event that enables Compass of Carolina to help heal the “hearts and souls” of children, individuals and families in our community. Tickets are available for purchase at the Handlebar, Compass of Carolina and here online through EventBrite!

Order tickets via Eventbrite:
http://catb-efbevent.eventbrite.com

Every once in a while, something comes along that can make your life easier, while being affordable. The Jabra SPEAK 510 series bluetooth wireless conferencing system is exactly that.

Not so long ago, a business would have a conference take place in an actual conference room. However, these days, people might crowd around a computer in an office, or a speakerphone in the break room, and some might even be using Skype on an iPad on a business retreat. Usually with poor audio quality on both ends.

Jabra has taken notice and created the new SPEAK 510 and 510+ conferencing systems for use in just about any scenario!

These are portable devices that can wander up to 300 feet away and turn any room into a conference room!

You can use it wirelessly with ANY bluetooth phone, tablet or PC, or optionally tether it.

Using one could not be more simple thanks to very easy to understand controls.

If a Jabra conferencing system could be of use to your business, please contact us as we are your Greenville and Upstate SC Jabra dealer!  864-990-4748 for more information.

Eaton Power Products

As an Eaton partner, Homeland Secure IT offers Greenville and the Upstate of SC the full line of Eaton power protection products, from surge protectors to full UPS or Uninterruptable Power Supplies to keep your computers, servers, network and phone systems online even when the power is off.

Safely shut down during a power outage and never lose the document you are working on by using an UPS.

There is an Eaton product that is right for every installation senario you may have. From home, home office, to small business and even data centers.

For more information or a sales quote, please call us at 864.990.4748 or use our handy CONTACT form!

The Department of Homeland Security’s suggestion to disable Java in your browser, whether you are using a Mac, Linux box or Windows PC is still probably the best route for you to take, but I know you won’t.

Here’s the details….  As I warned our customers – the patched version of Java 7 is *still* vulnerable to exploitation.

To make it even more interesting, the exploit is available for the “bad guys” to purchase and use for a mere $5k.

You can read that story over here: $5000 will buy you access to another, new critical Java vulnerability

Again, to anyone reading this…  If you can get along without it, you might consider the advice to disable the Java plugin. If you need assistance with that, please let us know.  Optionally, if you feel your computer may have been exploited, seek professional technical support. We are happy to discuss the matter with you here in the Greenville SC area.  Give us a call at 864-990-4748.

Be safe out there…

This week, the Department of Homeland Security suggested disabling or uninstalling Java based on a CERT publication where they announced Java 7 fails to restrict access to privileged code. That original posting has been updated as recently as today, January 12, 2013.

What does it all mean?

Well, in a nutshell, if you have the vulnerable version of Java on your Mac, Windows or Linux PC and happen upon a nasty bit of code designed to exploit the Java “zero day” vulnerability, your machine can be completely taken over.

Right now, the web forums are abuzz with tales of Apple Mac jackings, Linux anommolies and Windows x malware.  The numbers of postings have ramped up considerably over the last couple days, leading me to believe this is a valid concern.

We recommend that no matter which platform you are on, that use use extreme caution while browsing and consider disabling Java on your browsers as well.

Here’s what CERT has to say: (taken from the article linked above)

Solution

If for any reason you believe your machine may have already been exploited, contact an service professional immediately.

If we can assist you with this, please let us know. We provide computer service and repair in the Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson Upstate area.

You can call us at 864-990-4748 M-F, 8:30 – 5:30.

If you are using a Microsoft Windows based computer, or even a Mac running Windows on it, and you become infected with the latest strain of Reveton / Trojan.Ransomlock.G, that is the message you might see.

Whatever you do – do not pay the “ransom” to unlock your PC, that is a scam as well.   This isn’t just extortion, this is an attempt to harvest personal credit information.

Protect yourself from infection by running current and reliable anti-virus, such as Trend Micro, and be sure to keep your computer up to date. Updates and patches are constantly being made available for your operating system, support software (Java, Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Office), and these updates should not be ignored.

Should you find yourself infected, please call us at 864-990-4748 as we are specialists in virus removal here in the Greenville Anderson Spartanburg area.

Merry Christmas!!!!!

We will be closing early on December 24th (Christmas Eve) and taking Christmas Day off so that we may spend time with our families and to give tribute to the real reason behind the holiday!

In the event you need emergency computer, server or network service, please call our 990-4748 number and leave a voice mail message. It will go to all of us and we will call you back quickly.

We hope you have a very merry and blessed Christmas, and that you get to spend it with your family!

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Microsoft didn’t forget you, in fact, they already have your Christmas present, which will be delivered in the form of patches on the infamous “Patch Tuesday”…

So, whether you have been naughty or nice… Please update your computers!

If you require assistance with managing updates for your personal computer, your server, or your entire business network in the Greenville and Upstate SC area, please call us at 864-990-4748.

Here’s the Microsoft Bulletin for your reading enjoyment:

********************************************************************

Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification for December 2012

Issued: December 6, 2012

********************************************************************

This is an advance notification of security bulletins that Microsoft is intending to release on December 11, 2012.

The full version of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification for December 2012 can be found at http://technet.microsoft.com/security/bulletin/ms12-dec.

This bulletin advance notification will be replaced with the December bulletin summary on December 11, 2012. For more information about the bulletin advance notification service, see http://technet.microsoft.com/security/bulletin/advance.

To receive automatic notifications whenever Microsoft Security Bulletins are issued, subscribe to Microsoft Technical Security Notifications on http://technet.microsoft.com/security/dd252948.

Microsoft will host a webcast to address customer questions on these bulletins on December 12, 2012, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada). Register for the Security Bulletin Webcast at http://technet.microsoft.com/security/bulletin.

Microsoft also provides information to help customers prioritize monthly security updates with any non-security, high-priority updates that are being released on the same day as the monthly security updates. Please see the section, Other Information.

This advance notification provides a number as the bulletin identifier, because the official Microsoft Security Bulletin numbers are not issued until release. The bulletin summary that replaces this advance notification will have the proper Microsoft Security Bulletin numbers (in the MSyy-xxx format) as the bulletin identifier. The security bulletins for this month are as follows, in order of severity:

Critical Security Bulletins

============================

Bulletin 1

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Windows Vista Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Internet Explorer 7

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation

not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service

Pack 1

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems

- Internet Explorer 10

- Windows 8 for 64-bit Systems

- Internet Explorer 10

- Windows Server 2012

- Internet Explorer 10

(Windows Server 2012 Server Core installation not affected)

Windows RT

- Internet Explorer 10

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 2

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service

Pack 1

- Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems

- Windows 8 for 64-bit Systems

- Windows Server 2012

(Windows Server 2012 Server Core installation affected)

Windows RT

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 3

- Affected Software:

- Microsoft Word 2003 Service Pack 3

- Microsoft Word 2007 Service Pack 2 and

Microsoft Word 2007 Service Pack 3

- Microsoft Word 2010 Service Pack 1 (32-bit editions)

- Microsoft Word 2010 Service Pack 1 (64-bit editions)

- Microsoft Word Viewer

- Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack Service Pack 2 and

Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack Service Pack 3

- Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 Service Pack 1

- Word Automation Services

- Microsoft Office Web Apps 2010 Service Pack 1

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 4

- Affected Software:

- Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 3

- Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 1

- Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 2

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 5

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service

Pack 1

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Important Security Bulletins

============================

Bulletin 6

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service

Pack 1

- Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems

- Windows 8 for 64-bit Systems

- Windows Server 2012

(Windows Server 2012 Server Core installation not affected)

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 7

- Affected Software:

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service

Pack 1

- Windows Server 2012

(Windows Server 2012 Server Core installation affected)

- Impact: Security Feature Bypass

- Version Number: 1.0

Other Information

=================

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Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool:

==================================================

Microsoft will release an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services, and the Download Center.

Non-Security Updates on MU, WU, and WSUS:

========================================================

For information about non-security releases on Windows Update and Microsoft update, please see:

* http://support.microsoft.com/kb/894199: Microsoft Knowledge Base

Article 894199, Description of Software Update Services and

Windows Server Update Services changes in content.

Includes all Windows content.

* http://technet.microsoft.com/wsus/bb456965: Updates

from Past Months for Windows Server Update Services. Displays all

new, revised, and rereleased updates for Microsoft products other

than Microsoft Windows.

Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) ===========================================

To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please visit the active protections websites provided by program partners, listed at http://www.microsoft.com/security/msrc/collaboration/mapp.aspx.

Recognize and avoid fraudulent email to Microsoft customers:

=============================================================

If you receive an email message that claims to be distributing a Microsoft security update, it is a hoax that may contain malware or pointers to malicious websites. Microsoft does not distribute security updates via email.

The Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) uses PGP to digitally sign all security notifications. However, PGP is not required for reading security notifications, reading security bulletins, or installing security updates. You can obtain the MSRC public PGP key at https://technet.microsoft.com/security/bulletin/pgp.

To receive automatic notifications whenever Microsoft Security Bulletins are issued, subscribe to Microsoft Technical Security Notifications on http://technet.microsoft.com/security/dd252948.

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EPC Data Containment Unit

This is our DCU, it is like many other DCUs, but this one is our own….

I bet you are wondering, “What the heck is a Data Containment Unit?” aren’t you?!!

The trashcan-like device pictured above is a DCU or “Data Containment Unit”.  Its purpose in life is to hold old hard drives that are destined to be destroyed PHYSICALLY to prevent unauthorized retrieval or recovery of data that may be contained on them.

This DCU in particular is provided by our partner, EPC and will be located at the Homeland Secure IT office in Greenville.

When we pull hard drives from computers that are to be disposed of, the drives will be dropped into the DCU’s slot and remain under lock and key until a time when EPC’s mobile unit retrieves the contents and security destroys everything within.

Homeland Secure IT is offering *free* destruction of hard drives pulled from computers and servers we sell when they reach their end of life, or should the drive become non-functional and need to be replaced in one of the computers we have sold. Yes, even non-functioning hard drives can have their data recovered in many cases!

As a service to the community, we will be offering low cost destruction of drives brought in to us and deposited in the DCU. We can also remove the drives from your old computers for you.

For more information, please call 864-990-4748 or stop by 104 Mauldin Rd, Suite E in Greenville.

Here’s the breakdown of pricing changes:

Enterprise USER CAL will increase by 15%.

Enterprise DEVICE CAL will remain the same.

There are many changes to the Microsoft pricing structure besides these, so if you have any questions regarding a Microsoft product or licensing in general, please let us know. We offer complete sales and licensing services as a Microsoft partner in Greenville and the Upstate of SC!   864-990-4748 for more information.

The popular site, iFixit claims that the machine is right up there with MacBook Pro in the level of difficulty in repairing it. Previously, they stated that the MacBook Pro was “the least repairable laptop we’ve taken apart”. In fact, they both received a score of 3 out of 10 for that.

If upgrades are unimportant to you, then this information may not apply, but if you are like me, you might prefer the ability to easily (within reason at least) repair a computer, and it is looking like that is going to be an issue for many over time as they develop problems and need support.

Head over to iFixit and read their-tear down and related notes… It’s an i(Mac) opener. (See what I did there? That was cute, wasn’t it?

I would suggest comparing the iMacs to other computers, such as the Lenovo IdeaCentre A720, which sports a massive 27 inch touch screen before purchasing. You might find a different set of features, and a different mindset on repairs.

If you would like more information about any of the Lenovo computer products, please let us know. We are a Lenovo dealer offering sales, consultation and support here in the Greenville SC area.   864-990-4748

If that doesn’t work… Call Homeland Secure IT at 864-990-4748 for real computer & server support and repair in the Greenville SC area!