Say "no" to stacks of CDs

If you are using CDs,  DVDs, flash drives, external hard drives, or other physical media to backup your notebook computer, you are doing 100% more to protect your data than the majority of all PC owners!

However, you are also spending time connecting devices or inserting backup media and likely are manually starting the backup, leaving lots of room for missed backups. If you are using an external USB hard drive, you may be using the included software to automatically backup to that media when you have it plugged in, which could make for gaps of days, weeks, months, or who knows, even longer between backups.

Those of you who want to insure your data is backed up, automatically, without interaction from you at all, should consider an online or remote backup solution. These are ideal for a mobile computer, whether it is an Apple Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows or even a Linux based system! All you do is establish an account, install the software, configure the software for a time frame for running and you are done. “Set it and forget it” as they say.

When you have your computer turned on and connected to the internet, the data is uploaded to the remote server automatically and you get an email that lets you know that it completed correctly or that a backup was missed. You can see the backup details, you can set the backup to be “continuous” where your files are synced as they change, etc.

Your data is stored remotely on encrypted and secure servers. You can access a single file or restore an entire folder via the application or a handy web interface!

Here at Homeland Secure IT, we use, recommend and offer a free trial of Servosity Online Backup. Servosity is a locally owned and operated business here in Greenville, SC whom we are proud to partner with to bring our clients a rock solid, dependable and affordable backup solution. Servosity works with desktops, laptops, server (including Microsoft Exchange, SQL, and more!) and as mentioned previously, multiple operating systems from Windows to Apple Mac, to Linux, etc.

Free Servosity Online Backup Trial! Click Here...

If you would like more information about how Servosity Online Backup can help you or your business, or you would like a FREE TRIAL of the service, please email info@homelandsecureit.com or call 864.990.4748. We offer a full range of backup solutions, both physical onsite and remote.  Don’t go another day without KNOWING your data is protected!

Anyone who has been following this blog knows that it was just about a month ago that I bought Android based phones and dumped our (until recently) beloved RIM Blackberry phones…

My thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy S Epic 4G after EXTENSIVE use are pretty much what I knew the day we first got them:

• Short battery life (Have increased that significantly through smarter usage of the device)
• Screen Unlock goes up/down (vertical) instead of from one side to the other like most, which is not a big deal, but takes a longer stroke to unlock
• Charging port is on TOP of the device, which pulls the phone away from your ear when using a coiled car charger and puts undo stress on the port
• When plugged in, still goes to sleep the same as when on battery (there may be a setting that I have not found)

Those are the major negatives, but overall, this phone rocks! Glad we moved all our business phones to this device.

We have now obtained another Samsung Galaxy phone, and this time it is the Samsung Fascinate, on Verizon. This is my wife’s phone and she too has moved to an Android from a Blackberry.

The Fascinate is a great phone, and I like it better than the Epic 4G for many reasons, one of which is that I didn’t really need that slide out keyboard, which just makes for a bulkier phone, but also, battery life seems to be better on the Fascinate, while still being super fast and having that brilliant display that the Epic 4G does. It also does not go to sleep while plugged in like the Epic 4G does.

A few of the negatives:

• Shorter battery life than the Blackberry (duh, much larger display, more going on here folks!)
• Charging port is on the top… Only important if using the phone while plugged in.
• No dedicated camera button
• No front facing camera
• No notification light (There are some apps for a workaround)
• And the number one annoyance – Verizon forced BING on the Fascinate owners. Again, workarounds exist, but why oh why do you have to be locked into something you don’t want?

In all, the Fascinate is another amazing smartphone from Samsung.

Last but not least, let me tell you about my first impressions of the Samsung Galaxy S Tab… I love this thing! After suffering with a low-budget 7 inch Android tablet I told you about months ago, I finally got to experience the Android OS on something that can actually support it nicely.

The Sumsung Tab is a 7 inch tablet that is basically an over-grown Samsung cell phone. It has all the features, except the ability to use it as a phone that you hold up against your ear (which would look kinda silly).

It really is an impressive device! The Tab is blazing fast, changes screens instantly, changes orientation instantly, shows HD video in beautiful color and motion.

What’s not to like? Well, it is NOT a phone. You can text msg with it, but not use it with bluetooth to replace a phone. The camera is only 3 Megapixel, but it’s not meant to replace your  dSLR camera after all.  And the price is a bit on the high side, but I imagine that will drop after Christmas, or at least I hope it does.  I checked out the Verizon Tab, but it is available at Sprint as well, for 399 with a 50 dollar instant rebate, with the purchase of a 29.99/mo 2GB plan.

Without a plan, expect to pay close to 600 I hear, making it pricier than an iPad. Which is going to be the obvious question on your mind… “Should I get an iPad or a Samsung Pad?”. Well that depends. The iPad is bigger, and well established, but we are days away from a 7″ iPad release. Obviously if you are a big Apple fanatic, with a lot of iTunes music, an iPad is a no-brainer, however, if you have no ties to Apple or iTunes, the Samsung Galaxy S Tab would likely be the best bet for you.

Planning on using a tablet for work on your Microsoft Terminal Server or via Remote Desktop? Using the Wyse app, the Tab would be terrific!

I was asked via Twitter if the Tab felt odd in my hand, in particular the back of the device. I did not notice anything of that nature, it felt natural, like I needed to leave the store with it my hand, but my wifey @PamelaHoyt wouldn’t allow that after the purchase of her new phone.

I’ll keep you up to date on the Fascinate purchase…. Until then, if you need any assistance getting your Android phone setup to work with your Microsoft Exchange Server in the Greenville or Upstate area, please give us a call at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com, we service & support for computers and mobile devices.

Homeland Secure IT Alert for Friday, November 12 2010

Apple Mac OS X users received some lovin’ in the security department this week with, count ‘em, 134 security vulnerability fixes… These “holes” can allow an attacker to gain full control of your machine. The most common of which seems to be of the “rootkit” variety, giving full control of your machine, if only temporarily, to a remote user, mostly undetected by the user.

Please apply the updates to your systems as soon as possible.  If you require assistance, please contact us in Greenville / Upstate SC or your favorite Mac  computer service center.

Below is the announcement from WatchGuard…  

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Huge OS X Update Closes 134 Security Holes

Severity: Medium

11 November, 2010

Summary:

• These vulnerabilities affect: All current versions of OS X 10.5.x (Leopard) and OS X 10.6.x (Snow Leopard)
• How an attacker exploits them: Multiple vectors of attack, including enticing your users into downloading and viewing various documents or images
• Impact: Various results; in the worst case, an attacker executes code on your user’s computer
• What to do: OS X administrators should download, test and install OS X 10.6.5 or Security Update 2010-007 as soon as possible, or let Apple’s Software updater do it for you.

Exposure:

Today, Apple released a security update to fix vulnerabilities in all current versions of OS X. The update fixes 134 (number based on CVE-IDs) security issues in 34 components that ship as part of OS X or OS X Server, including Quicktime, ImageIO, and Apache. Some of the fixed vulnerabilities include:

• Multiple ImageIO Buffer Overflow Vulnerability.ImageIO is one of the components that helps OS X handle various image file types. Unfortunately, it also suffers from various security vulnerabilities involving the way it handles certain types of image files (such as a buffer overflow vulnerability). Though these vulnerabilities differ technically, they generally share the same scope and impact. If an attacker can get a victim to view a specially crafted image file (perhaps hosted on a malicious website), he could exploit this flaw to either crash an application or to execute attack code on the victim’s computer. By default, the attacker would only execute code with that user’s privileges. The affected image types include, PNG, TIFF, and PSD.
• Various ATS Vulnerabilities. The Apple Type Service (ATS) helps OS X machines handle fonts. ATS suffers from various memory related vulnerabilities having to do with the way it handles certain types of embedded fonts. By tricking one of your users into downloading and viewing a malicious document containing a specially crafted font, an attacker can exploit this flaw to execute code on that user’s computer. By default, the attacker would only execute code with that user’s privileges. 
• Nine Quicktime Vulnerabilities.  Quicktime is the popular video and media player that ships with OS X (and iTunes). Quicktime suffers from nine security issues (number based on CVE-IDs) involving how it handles certain image and video files. While the vulnerabilities differ technically, they share the same basic scope and impact. If an attacker can trick one of your users into viewing a maliciously crafted image or video in QuickTime, he could exploit any of these flaws to execute code on that user’s computer, with that user’s privileges.

Apple’s alert also describes many other code execution vulnerabilities, as well as some Denial of Service (DoS) flaws, cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities, information disclosure flaws, and other security issues. Components patched by this security update include:

Please refer to Apple’s OS X 10.5.x and 10.6.x alert for more details.

Solution Path:

Apple has released OS X Security Update 2010-007 and OS X 10.6.5 to fix these security issues. OS X administrators should download, test, and deploy the corresponding update as soon as they can.

• Security Update 2010-007 (Leopard)
• Security Update 2010-007 (Leopard Server)
• OS X 10.6.5 Update
• OSX Server 10.6.5 Update
• OS X 10.6.5 Update Combo
• OSX Server 10.6.5 Update Combo

Note: If you have trouble figuring out which of these patches corresponds to your version of OS X, we recommend that you let OS X’s Software Update utility pick the correct updates for you automatically.

For All Users:

These flaws enable many diverse exploitation methods. Some of the exploits are local, meaning that your perimeter firewall never encounters the attack (unless you use firewalls internally between departments). Installing these updates, therefore, is the most secure course of action.

Status:

Apple has released updates to fix these flaws.

References:

• November 2010 OS X 10.5x and 10.6.x Security Update

This alert was researched and written by Corey Nachreiner, CISSP.

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WatchGuard makes a great line of internet security appliances that can help keep your network safe. Homeland Secure IT is proud to be a WatchGuard partner, offering sales, installation / service and consultation in Greenville & Upstate SC. If you would like more information on their products please call 864.990.4748 or info@homelandsecureit.com.

Homeland Secure IT Alert

These guys did such a great job with the song, and the video….   Please take some time to go to digg and reddit (as mentioned in the video of course) and help promote them.

Click on the video below to view on YouTube and LIKE them and comment…     See if you can spot and hear all the memes that are in there, there’s a ton!

A New York Times article that was tweeted yesterday by @randomlycb really caught my attention…

It involves a well-to-do gentleman who takes his computer to a local (New York) computer repair facility for a simple virus cleanup / removal in 2006, and things go horribly wrong. The owner of the computer service center tells the PC owner that he has fallen victim to an elaborate attack from a foreign entity that has not only his data in danger, but the well being of his family!

Over the next six years, the computer owner pays the computer service shop an estimated SIX MILLION dollars to keep him safe. The article goes on to explain further oddities revolving around the strange relationship between computer owner and shady computer repair clinic owner.

This is so intriguing that it could be a turned into a movie, except for the part where it is all too real, and a man, his family and others were hurt by the very people he trusted.

The next time you are in need of computer service, don’t let the technician tell you that you need to pay millions of dollars… Select a quality IT company who will give you a reasonable estimate for the labor and a time frame for the repairs. A typical virus cleanup / malware removal can take an hour, sometimes more depending on the severity and the data being dealt with. A reputable repair facility will generally have your computer back to you the same or next business day.

Homeland Secure IT provides business & personal computer service and repair in our Greenville office, or at your Upstate location, including Simpsonville, Anderson, Spartanburg, Easley, Piedmont, Seneca, Duncan, Taylors, Pickens, Mauldin, Clemson, Six Mile. Please call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for additional information.

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Homeland Secure IT Alert for Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010

Welcome to another exciting episode of Microsoft Patch Tuesday! In this batch of updates, Microsoft has focused on critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft office.  I have included WatchGuard’s description of the updates below since it is a LOT more understandable than the Microsoft version.

If you require any assistance with these or other security updates for Microsoft Windows, Office, Server etc in the Greenville or Upstate SC area, please contact us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We are a Microsoft Small Business Partner and provide computer service, repair, support, consultation and sales.

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Two Office Security Bulletins Fix Seven Vulnerabilities

Severity: High

9 November, 2010

Summary:

• These vulnerabilities affect: Most current versions of Microsoft Office, and the components that ship with it
• How an attacker exploits it: Typically by enticing one of your users to open a malicious Office document
• Impact: In the worst case, an attacker executes code on your user’s computer, gaining complete control of it
• What to do: Install Microsoft Office updates as soon as possible, or let Microsoft’s automatic update do it for you

Exposure:

As part of today’s Patch Day, Microsoft released two security bulletins describing seven vulnerabilities found in components that ship with most current versions of Microsoft Office for Windows and Mac.

The vulnerabilities affect different versions of Office to varying degrees. Though the seven vulnerabilities differ technically, and affect different Office components, they share the same general scope and impact. By enticing one of your users into downloading and opening a maliciously crafted Office document, an attacker can exploit any of these vulnerabilities to execute code on a victim’s computer, usually inheriting that user’s level of privileges and permissions. If your user has local administrative privileges, the attacker gains full control of the user’s machine.

According to Microsoft’s bulletins, an attacker can exploit these flaws using many different types of Office documents. In one bulletin, Microsoft specifically states PowerPoint documents are vulnerable. However, they also mention any “Office files” in their other alert. Therefore, we recommend you beware of allunexpected Office documents.

If you’d like to learn more about each individual flaw, drill into the “Vulnerability Details” section of the security bulletins listed below:

• MS10-087: Five Office Code Execution Vulnerabilities, rated Critical
• MS10-088: Two PowerPoint Code Execution Vulnerabilities, rated Important

Solution Path

Microsoft has released patches for Office to correct all of these vulnerabilities. You should download, test, and deploy the appropriate patches throughout your network immediately, or let the Microsoft Automatic Update feature do it for you.

MS10-087:

• Office XP w/SP3
• Office 2003 w/SP3
• Office 2007 w/SP2
• Office 2010 32-bit
• Office 2010 64-bit
• Office for Mac 2011
  

MS10-088:

PowerPoint update for:

• Office XP w/SP3
• Office 2003 w/SP3
  
• PowerPoint Viewer (SP2)

For All WatchGuard Users:

While you can configure certain WatchGuard Firebox models to block Microsoft Office documents, some organizations need to allow them in order to conduct business. Therefore, these patches are your best recourse.

If you want to block Office documents, follow the links below for video instructions on using your Firebox proxy’s content blocking features by file extensions. Some of the file extensions you’d want to block include, .DOC, .XLS, .PPT, and many more (including the newer Office extensions that end with “X”). Keep in mind, blocking files by extension blocks both malicious and legitimate documents.

• Firebox X Edge running 10.x
  • How do I block files with the FTP proxy?
  • How do I block files with the HTTP proxy?
  • How do I block files with the POP3 proxy?
  • How do I block files with the SMTP proxy

• Firebox X Core and X Peak running Fireware 10.x
  • How do I block files with the FTP proxy?
  • How do I block files with the HTTP proxy?
  • How do I block files with the POP3 proxy?
  • How do I block files with the SMTP proxy?

Status:

Microsoft has released Office updates to fix these vulnerabilities.

References:

• MS Security Bulletin MS10-087
• MS Security Bulletin MS10-088

This alert was researched and written by Corey Nachreiner, CISSP.

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Homeland Secure IT Alert

Our number one selling security software to protect small business servers, endpoints (desktops), mobile notebook computers, and Microsoft Exchange email is Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Advanced. There’s a good reason for this… Our clients get the most bang for the buck from this product! It even filters SPAM!

Trend Micro products always rank in the highest levels of anti-virus protection, but just as important is the fact that the Trend Micro agents do not slow your computers down like many other products…

Now Trend Micro has taken an already incredible product and turned it up to 11! (sorry for the “This is Spinal Tap” reference).

Worry-Free Business Security v7.0 does everything the previous v6.0 did, and much more.

The following new features and enhancements are provided with version 7.0 of Worry-Free Business Security.

What’s New in v7.0

Version 7.0 of Worry-Free Business Security provides the following new features and enhancements:

o    Mac Client Protection (Advanced only) And YES, your Macs need protection too!

o    Data Loss Prevention via email templates (Advanced only): data loss prevention content filtering policies prevent sensitive information from being distributed outside the network

o    Device Control: regulates access to USB devices and network resources (Frequently asked for by businesses)

o    Customized Installation: install only needed components (Cuts down on install size dramatically)

o    Enhanced URL Filtering: including Flexible business hour settings and a separate block list from Web Reputation (Many businesses are using this to control their user’s browsing and bandwidth hogging with great success!)

o    Enhanced ScanMail for Exchange Support (Advanced Only); supports Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 (Say goodbye to spam and viruses in email)

o    Web Reputation Filter: scans URLs in email messages and takes a configurable action when detecting malicious URLs. This feature is separate from spam filtering. (This stops the number one way people are becoming infected)

o    Email Reputation Services Filter: helps block spam and malicious emails by checking the IP addresses of incoming emails against one of the world’s largest email reputation databases as well as a dynamic reputation database. It helps to identify new spam and phishing sources and stop even zombies and botnets as they first emerge. (Many businesses claim better success with Trend than with Barracuda and other spam firewall appliances)

o    Simpler and easier Security Agent user interface

o    Easier replication amongst WFBS servers

o    Enhanced blocked page with clear explanation and continue browsing option (Again, helps control those bad websites)

If you are a current subscriber to Trend Micro WFBS, this is a FREE upgrade, the only expense would be for a computer service professional to handle the install and configuration if you do not have your own IT staff.

Those who are not using Trend Micro products will be pleased to find that there is a “Competitive Upgrade” available that will let you transition from McAfee, Symantec, etc. If you are buying Trend Micro for the first time, and not renewing, there are some current specials for you too, such as the Three Years for Two campaign, letting you pay for two years and get a third year for free.

Please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for pricing for your business. We also offer installation, configuration and support in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area. Should you become infected, our virus removal and cleanup service is fast & affordable.

Here’s a deal for your company….   Buy some new computers, get a reward, from Microsoft!

This applies to business computers and notebooks we offer from Seneca Data / NexLink, so if you are purchasing them, you should be golden!    I have included the FAQ from Microsoft below for your reading enjoyment:

Q: Who is eligible to participate in this Reward offer?
A: This Reward Offer is valid only for customers within the Unites States purchasing: a minimum of two (2) eligible PCs preinstalled with Genuine Windows 7 Professional. Not all versions of Windows qualify, so please ensure your PC comes preinstalled with the English version of Windows 7 Professional, 32-bit or 64-bit.

Q: What are the eligible Reward offer dates?
A: Purchases of eligible PCs preinstalled with Genuine Windows 7 Professional must be made between November 1, 2010 and including January 31, 2011. Reward request(s) must be submitted before midnight (11:59 pm) EST on March 18, 2011.

Q: Which PC Manufacturers are not eligible for this offer?
A: The following PC Manufacturers, regardless of where purchased, are not eligible for this offer:

Q: When can I submit a Reward request?
A: Reward requests will be accepted up to 11:59 EST on March 18, 2011. To be considered valid, the customer invoice provided by the participant must show that eligible PCs preinstalled with Genuine Windows 7 Professional were purchased between November 1, 2010 through and including January 31, 2011.

Q: What do I need to provide to submit a request?
A: You will need to provide as your proof of purchase for each eligible PC you purchased:

• The PC brand(s).
• The associated Windows 7 Professional license 25-character product keys.
• A copy of your sales receipt or order confirmation that clearly shows the date, the reseller name you purchased your eligible PCs preinstalled with Windows 7 Professional from, and the brand name(s) of the PCs you purchased. Each receipt must show at least 2 eligible PCs.

A separate submission form is required for each reseller you purchased eligible PCs from. You cannot redeem rewards for PCs purchased from multiple resellers on a single submission form. Each redemption form must be sent in a separate envelope.

Q: How many Rewards can my company receive?
A: The maximum amount of approved Rewards per Qualified Organization is $500 USD for 10 licenses. The $500 maximum in Rewards per customer sale is in effect regardless of whether the maximum was reached through one transaction or multiple transactions, as a long the minimum Rewards request is $100 for two (2) licenses.

Q: What if I do not have the product key for the eligible preinstalled Windows 7 Professional?
A: You cannot make a Reward Request without the product key. The product key will be in the format12345-12345-12345-12345-12345 and include letters and numbers. The Product Key is on the Certificate of Authenticity and will clearly label the product as a Windows 7 Professional OEM license type.

Q: Where can I find my product key?
A: Your product key is on the Certificate of Authenticity sticker affixed to your PC. Click here for more information. If you are having difficulty locating your product key, please see your reseller.

Q: How will the product key be validated?
A: The fulfillment vendor will validate each product key using a Microsoft key check tool. If the product key is not valid, or does not match the eligible preinstalled Windows 7 Professional, the request will be denied.

Q: Is there a minimum purchase to qualify for the Reward?
A: Yes. You must purchase a minimum of 2 eligible PCs preinstalled with Genuine Windows 7 Professional to receive a reward.

Q: How will the Reward be issued?
A: The Reward will be sent to you in the form of a check in US funds payable to the Partner name provided when you submitted the Reward Request. The check will be mailed to the company address you provided.

Q: What if my request is rejected?
A: You will be contacted with the reason for the rejection.

Q: How long will it take to process my Reward request?
A: Every effort will be made to process your Reward Request as quickly as possible; however, we ask that you please allow six to eight weeks for the complete processing of any request.

Q: Can I contact someone if I have questions?
A: Yes. Please call 1-800-622-4445.

If you would like to purchase a new computer workstation or notebook (or server), please contact us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We offer business computer sales, service, support, repair and consultation in Greenville and Upstate SC.

Is your business currently using Symantec, McAfee, Microsoft or Kaspersky for corporate anti-virus protection?

If so, and you are unhappy with the current level of protection and would be interested in trying Trend Micro but the cost has been prohibitive, then maybe the Competitive Upgrade offer will encourage you to make the move!

Trend calls their program “Competitive Displacement”, and should you be using one of the aforementioned security suites, then you qualify for the discounted price. How much of a discount? A large one,  over 10 dollars per seat on Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security Standard!

These updates apply to the following Trend Micro products: Worry Free Business Security (both Standard & Advanced),  Worry-Free Business Security Services, Hosted Email Security, Hosted Email Security-Inbound Filtering, Scanmail Suite for Microsoft Exchange (SMEX Suite), Scanmail for MS Exchange Suite with Email Reputation Services, Scanmail Suite for Lotus Domino, Enterprise Security for Endpoints (Advanced), Enterprise Security for Communication and Collaboration Suite, Enterprise Security for Endpoints and Mail Servers, and Trend Micro Enterprise Security Suite.

If you would like more information about Trend Micro anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-spam products, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

We are a Trend Micro Partner and offer complete sales & licensing for a single workstation, notebook or server to thousands! We also offer installation and support in the Greenville / Upstate SC area.

Today is Election Day!  I hope you voted, or are planning to do so.  If you have, or will then GOOD FOR YOU for exercising your right (and duty).

If you are not planning to vote, then I thank you for trusting in me to make decisions that affect your life! It is an honor and privilege that you would permit me to speak for you… I sincerely hope that I live up to your expectations!!!!!

I won’t get into my political or religious beliefs, but I will say this – I voted for what I believe to be good for my family, my community, our businesses and our future. I focused on what this great country needs, and what is expected of us by God. The founders of the United States also did the same as they laid the framework for what is undoubtedly the most amazing country in the world.

Maybe this has nothing to do with “computer service” here in Greenville, or maybe it has EVERYTHING to do with it. As Homeland Secure IT celebrates a full year in our new office, we are grateful to our friends, family, community, clients and God for allowing us to thrive. We are grateful to the United States for the ability to do what we do, as there is no other place on this planet that allows small business to operate and flourish the way it does in America!

God Bless America!