Bryley Systems selects SOPHOS Reflexion to replace McAfee Endpoint Protection

After careful consideration and a review of competing products from ProofPoint and others, we have selected Reflexion Network’s Total Control Email Security to replace McAfee Endpoint Protection, which will end-of-life in January 2017.

Reflexion Networks is a SOPHOS Company. SOPHOS is a growing, IT-security-product Company with a rich history in securing and protecting computer networks, servers, and end-users under the slogan: Security made simple. Reflexion offers a wide range of email-security services that match and improve upon the capabilities offered by McAfee Endpoint Protection.

Implementation will begin early 2016 and should conclude by mid-year.

Bryley Basics: Prepare your IT equipment for power-disrupting winter storms

Winter storms can disable IT equipment, particularly with the possibility of power disruptions and sustained outages. The best way to prepare:

  • Deploy UPS (Uninterruptible Power Source) devices for servers, critical network equipment (routers, firewalls, Wireless Access Points, etc.), and, as needed, high-priority PCs or workstations.
  • If you have on-premise servers, configure them to communicate with their attached UPSs to enable a safe shutdown in the event of a sustained outage. (With communication enabled, the UPS will let a server know it is on stand-by power; the server can then begin an orderly shutdown automatically.)
  • Monitor these UPS devices and test them at least annually.

An in-line generator can also be connected to the data center; if power fails, the generator starts and automatically powers the data-center, feeding UPS devices. (The in-line generator at Bryley Systems runs on natural gas, but diesel, propane, and gasoline versions are also available.)

In addition, a fail-over site and disaster-recovery plan can provide an alternative if your data center becomes unavailable for an extended period of time. (We now offer a Continuity option with our Backup/Data Recovery service that provides fail-over site capability at a very reasonable price.)

Technology in 2016 (and beyond)

Technology is constantly evolving, introducing new methods that achieve more with less, while securing against negative forces like cybercriminals. So, I suggest looking at information technology in 2016 from these perspectives:

  • What do I absolutely need to do in 2016?
  • What is new and potentially meaningful in 2016?
  • What technologies could become disruptive in 2016?

What do I absolutely need to do in 2016?

From a security perspective, you must address these items (at a minimum):

  • Retire unsupported operating systems – PCs running Windows XP that connect to the Internet should be upgraded promptly since security updates have ended and security flaws can be exposed and exploited. Likewise, the same lack of security updates make Windows Server 2003 vulnerable to attack. (There is a paid service for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 updates that is available from Microsoft, but it is a bit pricey.)
  • Deploy/monitor/manage security solutions1 – Malware predominately attacks end-users and infects their devices (smartphones, PCs, tablets). Anti-malware and anti-spam solutions should be deployed to protect these devices. Plus, all network equipment and end-user devices must be monitored and managed to ensure that they are patched, up-to-date, and functioning properly. In addition, every computer network should have at least one separate, physical device configured specifically as a firewall to restrict external Internet traffic from infiltrating your computer network.
  • Train end-users in data security2 – Security measures can’t do it all; end-users should be trained on what things to avoid and how to avoid them.

What is new and potentially meaningful in 2016?

Some new and upcoming items from major players:

  • Microsoft:
    • Windows 103 – A 2015 launch, but expect 2016 to be the year it gains traction and begins to dominate Windows-based devices.
    • Office 20164 – Not terribly different; just another revision with new features used by some, but not all.
    • Server 20165 – Many new features improving key areas of security, organization, storage, networking, and more.
  • Google:
    • Android for Work6 – Also not new, but Google’s foray into mobility management for large organizations could see greater interest.
    • Android SmartPhones7&8 – Look for the Samsung Galaxy 7 in February, which will be challenged by the feature-packed HTC One X9 and the Nexus 6p from Huawei.
  • Apple9:
    • Apple Watch 2 – Primarily a refinement of the original Apple Watch.
    • iPhone7?? – Newer models with cutting-edge features likely by fall.
    • Enterprise expansion – IBM noted that only 5% of its MacBook-wielding employees use the IBM Help Desk compared to 40% of PC users; a savings of about $270 per MacBook. Expect these savings to increase MacBook adoption at IBM and other large organizations.

What technologies could become disruptive in 2016?

Because the basic components of IT keep getting smaller, more-powerful, faster, and, eventually, less expensive, the possible deployment options grow significantly, making change a common occurrence. Andy Kessler in the 12/29/2015 Wall Street Journal suggests: “The smaller technology shrinks, the bigger the world can grow.” Many of these changes disrupt our current ways, but almost always for the better.

Here are some potentially disruptive technologies:

  • Internet of Things (IoT)10 – Prepare for an explosion in smart devices connecting to the Internet that permit control and analysis from anywhere.
  • Big Data – The ability to crunch an extraordinary amount of data and provide meaningful results at a moment’s notice is priceless to those who live and die in an online world of transactions and changes.
  • Digital assistants (via artificial intelligence) – 2016 might be a bit early for this one to gain widespread use, but manufacturers are actively developing these applications (Siri by Apple and Cortana by Microsoft) to simplify the human-to-machine interface and make machines anticipate our wishes rather than react to them.

Although not as new, these evolving technologies continue to disrupt:

  • Cloud – Certain information technologies (email, storage, backup, etc.) lend themselves well to Cloud-based deployment; typically, these technologies provide access anywhere at any time, often with less overall investment than doing it yourself.
  • 3D printing – Who wouldn’t want to get a custom item in real time? 3D printers can produce everything from plastic parts to metal components using photographs or 3D modeling software.
  • Mobility11 – Smartphones are the key technology; their use continues to grow, fueling fundamental changes in how people interact with the Internet and with one another.

References:

1Recommended Practices: IT security cheat-sheet in the June 2015 edition of Bryley Information and Tips (BITs).

2Recommended Practices: Basic training for IT end-users in the May 2015 edition of BITs.

3Can Windows 10 revitalize the PC? in the November 2015 edition of BITs.

4Introducing Office 2016 in the August 2015 edition of BITs.

5Paul Ferrill’s The best new features in Windows Server 2016 (so far) in the 10/29/2015 edition of InfoWorld.

6What is Android for Work at Google.

7Wade Byrd’s Upcoming Smartphones news: HTC One X9 Teaser being Revealed, Samsung Galaxy S7 Expected to be Revealed in the Mobile World Congress 2016 at Smartphone 2016.

8Cam Bunton’s 5 Android Smartphone Makers to watch in 2016 at 9to5google.

9Ryan Faas’ Here’s what Apple is planning for 2016 in the 12/30/2015 edition of ComputerWorld.

10The Internet of Things (IoT) – Something old, something new? in the October 2015 edition of BITs.

11Rowland Manthrope’s 2016 will herald the end of Google (sort of) in the 12/29/2015 edition of Wired.

IT Roundtable on January 21st

Please join our panel of local IT experts for Examining the Cloud, Mobility, and Data Security, an information-technology roundtable on the evening of January 21st at the Marlboro Country Club. NOTE: Reservations are required.

Information technology is a strategic concern of business owners and managers. Our panel will address timely issues, such as the future of cloud computing, how to empower a mobile workforce, and how to protect your data.

The panel includes:

Call 978.562.6077 to register. Or, watch our previous IT Roundtable from the Central Massachusetts Business Expo at http://www.Bryley.com/Resources/Videos/.

Cathy Livingstone recognized at Annual Meeting

Cathy Livingstone, co-owner at Bryley Systems, was recognized at the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) Annual Meeting as a member of the Board of Directors at the WCFB.

Cathy Livingstone is recognized at WCFB

Bryley Basics: Intel® Compute Stick

Intel released its Compute Stick; essentially, a low-end PC that can fit into the palm of your hand or mount onto a USB port on a monitor (as shown below where the Compute Stick is mounted at the top-left of the monitor). It sells for under $150.

Due to its small size and low-power use, it can be used in these (and other) areas:

  • Thin client
  • Digital signage
  • Conference room
  • Machinery control

It can be controlled remotely through a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard/mouse. There is also an Android-based application that enables control through your smartphone.

Highlights:

  • Windows 8.1, 32-bit in current version*
  • Atom™ processor with 2Gb RAM
  • Integrated 802.11bgn wireless
  • USB 2.0 with a Micro SD slot
  • Must be powered externally

*Also available with Ubuntu 14.04 LTS.

We put it through its paces and found it slow, but adequate for low-end tasks. Its best feature is the small size, which can fit most anywhere.

Windows 10 Intel Compute Stick

Can Windows 10 revitalize the PC?

With the introduction of Windows 10 this summer past, Microsoft (and its PC vendors like HP, Inc., Dell, Lenovo, etc.) are hoping for a significant surge in the sales of Windows-based desktops, notebooks, and tablets. However, the results to date have been modest at best.

Microsoft seems to have done a good job with Windows 10:

  • The update process is free (for a year), reasonably easy (for individuals, but not as much for organizations), and somewhat user-friendly. Also, updates are now “continuous”, mimicking the operating system-update policies of competitors Google and Apple. 1
  • Windows 10 is more secure with enhanced security features and improved look/touch login via Windows Hello.
  • There are new, useful features like Cortana (voice-activated assistant) and Edge (Internet browser replacing the old Internet Explorer).
  • Microsoft added built-in apps like Maps, Photos, Groove, Movies & TV, etc.
  • There are many, new, mostly free apps by third-party developers. 2
  • Reset and Refresh have been optimized for SSD drives.3
  • Some of the wrongs with Windows 8 (ie: no Start Menu) are now righted.

Windows is also somewhat of a player in mobile devices with increasing sales in Microsoft Surface (now a $1B business) and Lumina phones (purchased from Nokia), which contributes about $2B quarterly. (Although growing, these sales represent only 3% of the sales of mobile devices worldwide.) 4

These improvements seem to be part of Microsoft’s two-part mission:

  • Have Windows 10 run across as many devices and screens as possible, and
  • Make consumers love Windows 10, rather than just need it.

On the positive side:

  • Microsoft reports that Windows 10 is installed on over 110M devices to date.
  • Gartner predicts that Windows 10 installations will eclipse Windows XP and Windows 7 by 2019.

However, Windows is losing market share (and has been for some time) to other mobile devices like smartphones and tablets; there are over 2B people running Google Android or Apple iOS-based devices compared to about 1.5B running Microsoft Windows. 5

Another troubling trend: Although PC ownership is relatively stable among adults (at about 73%), PC ownership among 18 to 29 year olds dropped from 89% in 2012 to 78% in 2015. (This may change as these younger folk enter the workforce and require a full-sized keyboard and large or multiple monitors.) 6

Basically, Windows 10 is off to a good start, but only time will tell if the Windows franchise will retain its powerhouse status.

References

  1. Windows 10 is here and you can get it for free at Microsoft.com.
  2. 10 (mostly) free must-have Windows 10 apps by Paul Mah at ComputerWorld.
  3. Windows 10: Disk Optimization by Russell Smith, Petri.com.
  4. Microsoft gets hardware foothold as Surface, Lumina sales jump by Nick Statt at CNET on 1/26/2015.
  5. Windows 10 Launch Results: A Success or Fail? in the 7/31/2015 edition of The Gazette Review.
  6. Smartphones, Tablets Take Toll On PC Ownership Among Youth by Joseph Palencher from the November 3, 2015 edition of Twice.

Winner of our CMBE raffle

Winner of our CMBE raffle

We held a raffle at our booth at the Central Mass. Business Expo (CMBE) in Worcester on November 5th. Richard Tienhaara II (pictured below), from Aaron Industries Corp., won the prize; a Runtastic fitness-tracking bracelet.

Winner of Bryley's 2015 CMBE Raffle

Bryley Basics: Enabling GodMode in Windows 10 (and Windows 8)

With Windows 8 and Windows 10, Settings and Control Panel are separate entities with different functions; it would be nice to access both from the same folder when making configuration changes, rather than switching between the two.

GodMode is a simple and useful Windows shortcut:  It combines Settings and Control Panel into one folder on your desktop.

To enable GodMode:

  • Create a new folder on your desktop.
  • Copy and paste the following into the folder’s name: {ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
  • You will now have a folder named GodMode that contains all Settings and the Control Panel

Please review Sarah Jacobson Purewal’s article Activate GodMode in Windows 10 in the August 18, 2015 edition of CNet.

The cost of unexpected, computer-system downtime

Every day, someone’s computer cannot connect to something that they need to do their job; we call this downtime, usually caused by an outage, and it can impact a group of people within an organization, often at the least convenient of times.

CA Technologies surveyed 200 companies in 2011 and estimated that over $26.5 billion is lost each year in downtime; small organizations lost $55,000 (on average) each outage.  (Please see InformationWeek’s: “IT Downtime Costs $26.5 Billion in Lost Revenue”.)

Not only that, outages tend to be lengthy (hours or days) and can damage an organization’s reputation.  Plus, some industries (i.e.: manufacturing and financial services) can suffer a high rate of revenue loss.

Some components of downtime with significant value include:

  • Reduction in employee productivity
  • Revenue/opportunity loss
  • Penalties assessed

Reduction in employee productivity

If you assume that employees are unable to do anything during a computer outage, it is not too hard to measure the cost:  Number of employees impacted by the outage multiplied by the average cost/hour per employee.  So, 100 employees making at an average of $40/hour (pay, benefits, and taxes) would be 100 employees * $40 average cost per hour = $4,000/hour.

However, most employees can find something productive to do during an outage:

  • Schedule impromptu meetings
  • Review printed materials
  • Cleanup their work areas

Not exactly what their managers might want, but some productivity occurs during an outage, so you might want to add-in a productivity factor.  For example:  If you assume that employees are still 25% productive during an outage (meaning they are 75% unproductive), you can recalculate the cost per hour thus:  75% * 100 employees * $40 average cost per hour = $3,000/hour.

Revenue/opportunity loss

Revenue loss can sometimes be easy to quantify; a computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool waiting on the input of a computer-aided design (CAD) diagram or a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) program can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per hour in lost revenue if the CNC machine cannot access these items.

Opportunities lost are a bit tougher to quantify, but here are two examples:

  • You are a supplier to a large organization that has an online bidding process; you lose Internet access while the bid process is ending, but before you submitted a bid, resulting in a lost potential sale to your largest customer.
  • Your online store is unavailable during an outage, resulting in customers unable to buy from you and going to your competitors.

Penalties assessed

Outages can put health at risk (i.e.: medical services) or can lead to missed deadlines (i.e.: overnight delivery); these situations can result in penalties assessed to your organization by a government agency or by the customer.