Jun 08
Work Internet – the 4 P’s
Slow work internet ‘frustrates’ Aussies
The above article (click on it to go to the report) got me thinking as there are always two sides of the coin (employees and employers) and both sides have pros and cons when it comes to faster internet speeds.
38% of workers (from 500 surveyed) stated that they get faster internet at home and almost 60% are frustrated at slow internet speeds at their workplace. Another frustration was the “lock-down” or the control of systems at work.
A faster office internet may not lead to better productivity – this is where business grade firewalls are essential in the workplace. You need the security systems in place (spam filters, intrusion prevention and content filters) that block internet traffic and websites that reduce efficiency and productivity. I have seen the results of an unprotected network, they are not pretty and can be long lasting. Not just the effects of viruses, but data loss and theft, black listing of your corporate emails due to hacking, to legal repercussions from someone hosting torrents (hosting pirated videos for other people to download for example). Also employer efficiency – how much time do they spend productively on the internet – social media sites are tools of business but also can become a distraction.
With business grade firewalls/routers you can design and implement an efficient office internet – even setting up times where certain websites are allowed etc. However employee awareness/training is also crucial – making sure you have policies and procedures relating to internet usage. Another example of long lasting effects – spam emails – literally 10,000 spam emails a month due to one misplaced email address into a dodgy website a few years ago – easily (although a bit costly) negated by a combination of onsite and offsite spam filtering. This also can lead to hacking attempts – I’ve seen instances where one internet connection has had a continual hacking attempt every 2 minutes – been negated by their business grade router/firewall.
In conclusion – IT is very dynamic and you need to always be on the front foot when it comes to protecting your livelihood – having access to resources such as IT professionals (Such as us here at Waldon Computing) is essential and needs to be done right first time & all the time! As stated before – do what you do best – run your business, and let us do what we do best – PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS.!
Use the four “P’s” for a safer internet
- PREPARE – By using a IT professional.
- POLICIES – Have rules when it comes to internet usage.
- PROCEDURES – Instruct your employees on internet usage.
- PREVENTION – By using the correct equipment.
Most small businesses are reactive – only pay for IT services when needed or when things go (horribly) wrong! They don’t/cant count the total expense when they have an issue (lost productivity & consumer confidence to horrific & costly scenarios above).
Stop buying downtime – Invest in up-time!
Jun 03
New Sign
Thanks to Surreal Signs I now have to keep my rear car window clean of dust!
I highly recommend Surreal Signs for any advertising/signs – they are excellent to deal with!
Let them know I mentioned them (because I haven’t!)
May 29
P@s$word Strnegth
How strong are your passwords?
Swapping symbols and rearranging letters (Like in the title) aren’t as formidable as you might think!
If you have the time This article is worth reading in how hackers go through the process of cracking passwords.
There are password strength checkers littered around the internet – like https://howsecureismypassword.net/ Please take note of the warnings.
As “Software as a Service” (SaaS) / CLOUD usage etc – becomes more mainstream the issue of security is paramount! The bigger the target (Office 365, Amazon, Google mail etc) the more hits (hacking attempts) they are going to take as the “Prize” is much bigger. Small companies that had the likes of their own Exchange email servers (SBS 2011 Standard for example) were like rowing boats in the ocean – now forced to go to the likes of Office 365 – are now sitting amongst thousands of other people in ocean liners – which one will the pirate/hacker see the most value in? Simple analogy but you get the point.
Tread (or float) carefully when using the cloud – and make sure your password is up to strength!
May 20
Yes we can install solar!
Not that we push/advertise a lot – but we can professionally install PV systems.
One of our last professional installs was for the Mutdapilly Rural Fire Brigade – we’ve assisted them in purchasing a 5 kw inverter with 6 kw of panels (called overpowering – maximizing the inverters capacity ). Paul has been actively involved with the MRFB for a few years now and we like to help out any way possible.
If possible, get involved in your local brigade/SES as it is a very rewarding experience!
We only use German brand SMA inverters and have access to several brands of panels (German and others).
After testing for over 12 months with our own PV system we are confident to provide a Solar solution that will save you money for years to come.
So call us for a quote – or to see if the quote you have already is an honest one!
Dec 20
The Silly Season!
First of all – Seasons Greetings!!
Its a busy time for all of us – but don’t let your guard down when it comes to IT security – the HACKERS are COUNTING on it!
In the last week I have witnessed a massive increase in spam/hacking emails with infected attachments and dodgy links! From the ATO to Banks etc.
Also in light of recent cases where small businesses have had all of their data encrypted and received a ransom email offering to “undo” the encryption – be very suspicious before clicking on any links – as this is one method that hackers can gain access to your network.!!
If you have any concerns, contact us and we can organise a free security audit.
As usual we are available throughout the entire holiday season to help out in any way.
Wishing a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our clients and friends!
Nov 18
Beware of SNEAKWARE
Sneakware -Software Transmitted Deception or STD’s for short, are those poorly displayed tick boxes (which are always ticked by default) when you go to install (usually) free programs that install ‘Extras’
Mainly search bars – which installed, remove all of your custom home pages and add their own website as your only home page and change your default search engine as well.
These immoral programs can also track your browsing/searching habits as well as other dastardly evil doings .
One insidious sneakware – although having its own uninstaller – failed to uninstall and even when using its dedicated tool to remove botched uninstalls – Firefox still came up with its website on incorrect websites (instead of its default search engine). The fix needed was to dive down into the depths of the config file and edit the keyword.url file within Firefox
I will not name these STD’s here – if you would like to know just ASK.
One way around this deception is to use ninite.com – they have a lot of useful freeware programs – just tick (yes – you have to tick) the ones you want and it creates one installer – that removes any STD’s that come with them. I know of one program that requested Ninite.com to remove it’s installer – I do wonder why?
So when installing new programs ALWAYS read carefully the install instructions to avoid these unwanted programs – and untick those boxes.
Sep 24
Pay Pal Phishing email scam (Again)! (24 Sept 12)Updated 26th
There is another phishing email scam doing the rounds yet again with the subject “Update your information” Threatening to suspend your account if you do not update your settings.
Clicking on the links does not go to the Pay Pal site but goes to http://kranenburgsbelang(dot)nl/update.php
I couldn’t help in noticing this email came just after buying something on ebay that is coming from Hong Kong.
Update
Now there are emails which the subject says “Refund” asking you to open the attached file to update your records – which is obviously a virus!!
Sep 18
Internet Explorer zero day found (18 Sept 2012)
Apparently a zero day vulnerability has been discovered that targets Microsoft Internet Explorer.
I suggest and recommend Mozilla Firefox
Sep 13
My Response to Microsoft’s Decision
In relation to Microsoft’s decision to discontinue Small Business Server Standard – Businesses now only have the option of spending a lot more on hardware and licensing or using Server 2012 essentials and use 365 (their “Cloud” product) for the likes of email. This can cost between $7.90 and $12.75 per mailbox PER MONTH! OR if you include Office Pro Plus $33.30 per month!
For some of my larger customers this works out to be $1530 to $6885 to per year! (>$18000 if you include Office Pro Plus for 45 users)
Most of my clients are in areas that have not got fast reliable internet AND will not benefit from the NBN!
This is a very short sighted decision from Microsoft – which can only be seen as a money grab by jumping on the cloud bandwagon.
Microsoft needs to get off their backside in Redmond and just take a look at the real world – and to actually understand what this poor pathetic decision will do to small businesses.
The fact is – they wont use a Microsoft solution for their needs – simple as that.
One major client who DOES have fast reliable internet (and will get the NBN- eventually) is DEAD SET against using these types of cloud based services anyway!
When I can’t supply SBS 2011 Standard anymore – I will be providing a NON Microsoft product! (either as an on premise OR cloud solution)
A You tube response to Microsoft discontinues Small Business Server
Cloud - acronym for Complete Loss Of User Data