An attempt to unlock the computer by yourself will lead to the full formatting of the operating system…

Here’s a scary message to get on your computer: “An attempt to unlock the computer by yourself will lead to the full formatting of the operating system. All the files, videos, photos, documents on your computer will be deleted.”

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.

 

‘Twas the night before Christmas – Old school computer version

I first read this story on a University of Arkansas computer system sometime before 1985 and promptly typed it up and put it on my BBS (Non-Prophet BBS) for people to read. I have sent it in email, and “snail mail” for the last 25 years or so…  I still get a kick out of it.   If anyone knows the author, please contact me so I can give credit and thank them. – John M. Hoyt

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas – Computer Version

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the shop,
The computers were whirring; they never do stop.
The power was on and the temperature right,
In hopes that the input would feed back that night.

The system was ready, the program was coded,
And memory drums had been carefully loaded;
While adding a Christmasy glow to the scene,
The lights on the console, flashed red, white and green.

When out in the hall there arose such a clatter,
The programmer ran to see what was the matter.
Away to the hallway he flew like a flash,
Forgetting his key in his curious dash.
He stood in the hallway and looked all about,
When the door slammed behind him, and he was locked out.

Then, in the computer room what should appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer;
And a little old man, who with scarcely a pause,
Chuckled: “My name is Santa…the last name is Claus.”

The computer was startled, confused by the name,
Then it buzzed as it heard the old fellow exclaim:
“This is Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen,
And Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen.”

With all these odd names, it was puzzled anew;
It hummed and it clanked, and a main circuit blew.
It searched in its memory core, trying to “think”;
Then the multi-line printer went out on the blink.

Unable to do its electronic job,
It said in a voice that was almost a sob:
“Your eyes – how they twinkle – your dimples so merry,
Your cheeks so like roses, your nose like a cherry,

Your smile – all these things, I’ve been programmed to know,
And at data-recall, I am more than so-so;
But your name and your address (computers can’t lie),
Are things that I just cannot identify.

You’ve a jolly old face and a little round belly,
That shakes when you laugh like a bowl full of jelly;
My scanners can see you, but still I insist,
Since you’re not in my program, you cannot exist!”

Old Santa just chuckled a merry “ho, ho”,
And sat down to type out a quick word or so.
The keyboard clack-clattered, its sound sharp and clean,
As Santa fed this “data” into the machine:

“Kids everywhere know me; I come every year;
The presents I bring add to everyone’s cheer;
But you won’t get anything – that’s plain to see;
Too bad your programmers forgot about me.”

Then he faced the machine and said with a shrug,
“Merry Christmas to All,” as he pulled out its plug,
“And to all, a good night!”

Merry Christmas everyone!

We’re still here….. Right?

I might be jumping the gun a bit, but I think we survived the end of the world, for now.

Here’s a video that explains why the world didn’t end….

 

I was using this as an excuse for not doing any Christmas shopping.  Seriously though, do you think some people figured the world was ending, so they ran their credit cards up to the limit, thinking they would not have to pay them off?  I’m thinking they did.

Homeland Secure IT Holiday Schedule

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!

Pardon our dust… I mean, seriously… Excuse us….

Crack in our floor

 

No, this is not a picture from a recent canyon visit…. It’s the floor at our office…

What started as a crack that was barely noticeable 3 years ago, as grown into a gaping crevice that is something like 25 feet long and was maybe 5/8 to 3/4 of an inch wide at the widest point.  It was all covered up with flooring, so we couldn’t see exactly how bad it was.

Anyway, to make a long story short, the property owners are fixing our crack problem, and boy is it a mess here!   If you have plans to come to our office, be prepared to endure noise and dust over the next week or so. In fact, I’m not sure when we will have the new carpet down, so it could extend past Christmas, and who knows, into the new year!?!??!?

But when all is said and done, we will have pretty new carpet, and a no crack to stumble over or fall into. And no moisture issues either.

Secure IT Alert: Merry Christmas! Microsoft has a package for you!

Secure IT Alert Header

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

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

 

Follow us on Twitter for the latest information and updates:

http://twitter.com/msftsecresponse

 

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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IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

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To manage or cancel your subscription to this newsletter, visit the Microsoft.com Profile Center at <http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=245953> and then click Manage Communications under My Subscriptions in the Quicklinks section.

 

For more information, see the Communications Preferences section of the Microsoft Online Privacy Statement at:

<http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=92781>.

 

For the complete Microsoft Online Privacy Statement, see:

<http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=81184>.

 

For legal Information, see:

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This newsletter was sent by:

Microsoft Corporation

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Redmond, Washington, USA

98052

 

 

The end of a good thing: Charter halts their social media support presence…

For a while now, we have had a war over what is better… DSL or Cable internet.  And along with that, who is the better service provider, AT&T or Charter.

But regarding support of those services, Charter has had an edge by offering a social media component to their technical support. A Charter user could post to Twitter that something was not working, that their internet was flaky for instance, and if they tagged in Charter, or sometimes just mentioned “Charter”, within minutes a Charter rep was usually in contact offering some words of wisdom.

Our company, Homeland Secure IT, helps businesses in the Upstate of South Carolina keep their networks up and running, and one aspect has been to evaluate the internet service providers that are available to each business. Sometimes we have recommended Charter to a client only to be met with statements that the customer service was horrible. Thanks to having Twitter at my fingertips, I have been able to demonstrate through showing exchanges of my own, or between others who were having issues, how Charter had another avenue for customer service besides the everlasting phone call. Doing so has resulted in converting businesses over to Charter from something like DSL.

In our own experiences, in the event a client has actually had a problem, I have suggested they just mention it on Twitter, and they have received near immediate assistance!  In fact, a number of months back I was complaining to someone on Twitter about an issue I was having, and without hesitation I had a Charter SM rep offering to help. That’s customer service worth bragging over!

However, today I was sad to learn that Charter has decided to stop providing the one thing they do different than everyone else, and more importantly, the one thing they do better than any other internet service provider I am aware of.  Yes, they are no longer going to offer their social media support.

Here’s a statement made by Eric Ketzer @Umatter2Charter on Thursday December 6th, 2012:

—

Hello All!

As you may have heard, Charter will no longer have a customer care team tasked, specifically, with resolving matters raised on Social Media. The good news is there are other jobs available within Charter for all of the Social Media team members.

As is our nature, we wanted to provide you with a timeline of how we will execute this transition.

Monday, December 10, 2012: We will no longer respond to posts that we discover while conducting Charter searches. We will, however, continue to respond to @Charter and @CharterCom mentions until Saturday, December 15th.

Friday, December 14, 2012 (5pm): All the Umatter2Charter accounts (which includes: @Charter, all our individual accounts, as well as the Umatter2Charter Facebook page, Forum accounts, and accounts on Consumer Advocate Sites) will be removed. Charter will continue to have a presence in Social Media spaces via @CharterCom, Facebook.com/CharterCom, and Youtube.com/CharterCom.

Monday, December 31, 2012: We will transition to our new roles. If there are any outstanding issues on the 31st, we will refer them to the appropriate departments for follow-up and resolution.

It has been our pleasure to work with all of you.

—

The Powers That Be at Charter should not make this mistake, as there will be no recovering from it… In addition to offering slower and more inconvenient support, you will be losing the ongoing marketing campaign SM support has provided! You can’t just “turn it off” for a while and then decide to come back to it after it blows up in your face. By then, another company will pick up that ball and run with it, and the customers will have lost faith in you.

Either way, I would like to personally thank the members of the Charter Social Media team that have made such a positive impact on how their company has been viewed. They have done a fantastic job! Best wishes to you guys!

The EPC Data Containment Unit has arrived at Homeland Secure IT

EPC Data Containment Unit

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.

Microsoft Enterprise Licensing costs sheduled to increase substantially

Even though the cost to upgrade to Microsoft Windows 8 is the least expensive that any upgrade has been, Microsoft has raised the cost of Enterprise Licensing significantly.

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.

1

Upgrading RAM on new 21.5″ Apple iMac is “an exercise in disappointment”

Thinking about getting a shiny new 21.5″ iMac for Christmas?

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