Living with Windows XP

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Microsoft has officially ended general support of Windows XP, but many have not updated or replaced their Windows XP PCs.  Although we recommend against continuing to use Windows XP, particularly in any Internet-facing role, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of remaining on this platform.

The easiest, but least practical solution would be to disconnect all Windows XP PCs from the Internet or to limit their access to the Internet.  This step could exclude exposure to outside sources, but reduces the effectiveness of these PCs.

The second-most effective strategy would be to replace older versions of Internet Explorer (IE) with a supported Internet browser; replacing IE with Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome will reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of using a Windows XP PC to browse the Internet.  (Windows XP originally released with IE 6, but most Windows XP systems are now running version 7 or 8.  The current version of IE is 11.)

Updating to Mozilla’s Firefox is easy:

Please see http://www.zdnet.com/windows-xp-support-ends-survival-tips-to-stay-safe-7000028188/ for more information from Charlie Osborn of ZDNet.  Or, visit http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9246877/US_CERT_urges_XP_users_to_dump_IE?source=CTWNLE_nlt_pm_2014-03-11 for a similar message from Gregg Keizer of ComputerWorld.

Additional steps to reduce Windows XP risk include:

  • Disable the ability to add new applications to a Windows XP PC
  • Remove administrative rights of all Windows XP users
  • Disable ports and drives on Windows XP PCs

See the article from Toby Wolpe of ZDNet at http://www.zdnet.com/windows-xp-support-end-10-steps-to-cut-security-risks-7000028193/.

98% of mobile-device malware attacking Android (DROID) phones

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Worldwide, a significant portion of the population owns and uses a smartphone;  mobile users search Google over 5.9 Billion times daily while over 6 Billion hours of YouTube are watched each month on mobile devices.  (Statistics taken from a presentation by Intel Corporation at the MOBILE World Congress 2014.)

Since most smartphones are based on Google’s Android operating system, these are the primary targets of malicious attacks.  Kaspersky Labs, a prominent anti-virus software manufacturer, reports that 98% of malware targeted at mobile devices attacks Google’s Android (DROID), which confirms “both the popularity of this mobile OS and the vulnerability of its architecture”.

Suggestions for DROID (and other smartphone) owners to suppress malware:

  • Keep your mobile phone updated with the latest patches
  • Deploy an anti-malware application

Visit http://blogs.computerworld.com/mobile-security/23577/98-mobile-malware-targets-android-platform for the entire article by Darlene Storm at ComputerWorld.

Fitness regime for your IT equipment: Keep it clean, cool, and empowered

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IT (Information Technology) equipment is somewhat temperamental; it requires reasonable temperatures; stable, uninterrupted power; and some air flow to operate efficiently.  Cleanliness is important.  Here’s how to keep it toned.

IT equipment should be kept in a clean, neat, and (preferably) dust-adverse/static-resistant area; walls with painted surfaces, tiled or coated floors without carpeting, etc.  Fire-suppression equipment is a plus, but cannot be water-based.

Access should be restricted; a separate, locked room is ideal, but a closet with sufficient space and air flow can work for smaller sites.

Dust is the enemy of fans and electrical components; a reduced-dust environment and regular cleaning of equipment fans can lengthen the life of most items.  (Note: cleanings should be performed when equipment is powered-down, which is not always desirable or feasible.)

The area should have dedicated electrical circuits with sufficient amperage to match the power requirements of the equipment.  We also recommend an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for all critical items (and require them for equipment that we cover under our Comprehensive Support Program); the UPS provides emergency power when the input-power source is unavailable, but it also helps to regulate fluctuations in power, both spikes/surges (voltage overload) and brown-outs (reduction in voltage) that can damage sensitive equipment.

Cooling and humidity control are very important; most equipment runs optimally within a narrow range of temperature (64° to 81° Fahrenheit) and a maximum range of relative humidity of 60%.  HP, in an effort to be “greener”, lists current specifications on its DL360 server that provide a wider range of 50° to 90°F with 10% to 90% humidity (non-condensing).  However, cooler temperatures do make things last longer.  (The DL360 will actually throttle-back the CPU when the air-inlet sensors detect temperatures over 85°F.)

The area should have continuous air flow (to provide new, cool air while removing heated air that is exiting the equipment) and remain uncluttered to facilitate this air flow.  A dedicated A/C unit combined with a closed door is optimal; locating all equipment within a rack enclosure (with blanking panels over open areas) can enhance air flow.

TechAdvisory has 9 tips at http://techtimes.techadvisory.org/2011/11/9-steps-you-must-know-to-prevent-a-server-crash/.

How To Activate Hardware Encryption On iPhone 3GS And Later

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iPhones from 3GS and later offer hardware encryption; it is activated through the data-protection feature by enabling a passcode:

1. Tap Settings > General > Passcode.

2. Follow the prompts to create a passcode.

3. After the passcode is set, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and verify that “Data protection is enabled” is visible.

You should also encrypt your backup for added security. Check the “encrypt local backup” in iTunes if you back up to your computer. If you back up to iCloud it is automatically encrypted, but be sure you have a really good iCloud passcode.

Upcoming Event: Business Lawyers Network (BLN) February Meeting – Get into the Cloud!

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John Koenig Focused on Business Succession

Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 7:30am

Topic: “Use Cloud Services to streamline your practice while protecting yourself from external threats”

Speaker: Gavin Livingstone, President, Bryley Systems

Place: Offices of Brier & Geurden LLP, 160 Gould Street, Ste. 320, Needham, MA (Map)

OVERVIEW

Everyone is talking about, or taking to the “Cloud.” You may be asking yourself, “what is the Cloud and how can I get some for myself?” Or you’re wondering “will I and my client data be safe in the Cloud?” In this program, you will learn the hows of the Clouds, including:

• How to compare popular Cloud services.
• How secure your systems from spyware, spam, and unauthorized access.
• How to ensure the integrity of your valuable data, whether inside your office or out in the Cloud.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

With over 30 years of experience in the computer and telecommunications industries, Gavin Livingstone has considerable knowledge of leading-edge technologies and business-productivity tools. In 1987, he founded Bryley Systems Inc., a computer-networking and maintenance firm, and has successfully steered Bryley Systems to its current size of 12 employees with over 200 clients in eastern and central Massachusetts. Mr. Livingstone is a Novell Master Certified Netware Engineer (v5), a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (v3.51), and a Boston College MBA.

CryptoLocker Case Study

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The following event depicts a real-life malware attack that infected a New England manufacturing firm. The company has chosen to share its story anonymously to help other businesses avoid a similar fate.

The unsuspecting sales rep certainly reacted in a way anyone would expect. He received an email with a voicemail attachment that looked like it came from the company CEO. When the CEO calls, reps jump to attention, and at this particular manufacturing firm based in New England, the business relies on a communication system that sends voicemails as email attachments. So the sales rep had no reason to suspect anything was wrong.

As it turns out, something was very wrong.

Click the link below to read the full article.

Bryley — CryptoLocker Remediation — 2013

Bryley Data-Backup Guidelines for 2014

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Please note that this document has been depreciated, and a more up to date version can be obtained from our articles page.

Bryley Systems is pleased to present our updated Data Backup Guidelines for 2014.  This free guide is updated annually and includes these topics:

  • The Importance of Backups
  • Backup Technologies
  • Cartridge-Based Backups and Scheduling
  • Backup-Rotation Calendar
  • Backup-Event Log

 

 

Comparing Cloud-based services – Part 2: Storage

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Many Cloud-based services fall into one of these categories:

  • Productivity suites – Applications that help you be more productive
  • Storage – Storing, retrieving, and synchronizing files in the Cloud
  • Backup and Recovery – Backing-up data and being able to recover it
  • Prevention – Prevent malware, typically spam and related components
  • Search – Find items from either a holistic or from a specialty perspective

In this issue, we’ll explore popular options within Storage, the highlighted item above, and compare them with one another.

Storage often comes in a free version with separate professional/business (paid) versions that includes advanced features.  The basic premise is that your data is stored in the Cloud – hopefully in a secure manner with sufficient redundancy – is available from any location on any device, and is synchronized between devices.

Most free versions offer these minimum features:

  • At least 2Gb of storage with synchronization across multiple computers
  • Easy access from mobile devices and PCs via downloadable client software
  • Direct access to files through a web browser
  • File sharing with other users

However, you typically must upgrade to a paid version to receive these capabilities:

  • Access control – Define and control who can access what, where, and when
  • Additional storage – Purchase extra storage once your limit is exceeded
  • Auditing – Identify and record what files are stored where and by whom
  • Integration – Integrate with other platforms (i.e.: Active Directory)
  • Security – Enable advanced encryption and security techniques

Popular services (alphabetically) include:

  • Box – 10 Gb free storage with NetSkope’s second-highest rating
  • Dropbox – 2 Gb free storage with over 200 million subscribers
  • Google Drive – 15 Gb free storage shared with Gmail and Google+ Photo
  • SkyDrive – 7 Gb free storage and integrated within Microsoft Office apps

Box

Box (www.Box.com) is a Q3-2013 leader in Forrester’s “File Sync & Share Platforms”.  It offers a free version, but is built for professional use with available integration to Active Directory and LDAP, security with rotating encryption keys, access control, and auditing.

According to Netskope’s review of Cloud-based applications, Box was the second highest-scoring Cloud application, coming in the number two spot on the NetSkope Q3-2013 Cloud Report.  (Please visit Netskope’s http://www.netskope.com/reports-infographics/netskope-cloud-report-q3-2013 for the complete report.)

My take:  Box is the most-comprehensive offering, but a bit more complex due to its advanced features.  It is a serious choice for those that value advanced features (access control, auditing, integration, etc.) and are willing to pay to get them.

Dropbox

With over 200 million users, Dropbox (www.Dropbox.com) claims market leadership.  It is built upon Amazon’s S3 storage and is easy to use.  The free version offers 2 Gb, but there is a professional (Dropbox Pro) version with greater functionality (and storage) and a business version (Dropbox for Business) that offers team collaboration.  All three versions offer synchronization and file-sharing; the help screens are brief, useful, and entertaining.

My take:  Dropbox is the easiest and most-fun to use, but it has the least amount of free storage and its paid plans are a bit more expensive than others.

Google Drive

Google offers Google Drive (www.GoogleDrive.com) as a stand-alone service or bundled within Google Apps.  The free version offers 15 Gb with synchronization among devices and sharing among peers.  It is a no-frills alternative with little glitz, just reliable storage at reasonable cost.  It is the base of Google Apps.

My take:  Google Drive has fewer doodads and the least amount of whimsy, but it is reliable and offers the greatest amount of free storage.

SkyDrive

Microsoft offers its free version of SkyDrive (www.SkyDrive.com) with seven Gb plus an additional three Gb for students.  SkyDrive is an option in newer versions of Microsoft Office and integrates to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Bing.  You can also “fetch” files from your base computer via web-browser on a remote computer.

My take:  SkyDrive offers the most for the least, although there is some buzz about slow synchronization between devices.  Its “fetch” feature is unique among these alternatives and its integration within Microsoft Office is a killer feature.

Kids Companion Halloween Costume Shop a Great Success

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Congratulations to Kids Companion on last weekends successful Halloween Costume Shop

We would like to thank Olivia Banks, Jen Kallin, Samantha Johnson, Allyson Waddell, and Julia Frias, all students at Hudson High School, for allowing Bryley Systems Inc. to host their annual Halloween Costume Shop.  Through their effort, with over 70 costumes sold at an average of $2.00 each, these young ladies helped to ensure that this year, the children of Hudson MA, will have a happy Halloween.

Bryley participates in 25th Assabet Valley Chamber Downtown Trick or Treat

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Bryley Systems distributed candy to approximately 1500 children who walked the streets of Hudson, MA on the Thursday before Halloween during the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 25th Downtown Trick or Treat.  Shown are Cathy and Gavin Livingstone meeting trick-or-treaters at the door of Bryley Systems.

For more information, please visit http://www.assabetvalleychamber.org/trick_or_treat.shtm.

Gavin and Cathy Livingstone welcome trick or treaters