3D News

3D Welcomes Kevin Foster to Network Engineering Team

2012-07-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

3D is pleased to announce the addition of Kevin Foster to our engineering team as a Systems Administrator.

As a Systems Administrator Kevin's responsibilities include providing our diverse client base with comprehensive remote and onsite network troubleshooting, problem resolution and maintenance as well as configuring and implementing best-in-class data backup and security products. Kevin brings to 3D 12 years of experience in network administration, two accreditations as a Windows Microsoft Certified Professional, CompTIA A+ certification. He has a degree from Skagit Valley College and attended Washington State University.

Are Macs Really Safer than PCs?

2012-07-06T16:04:00.003-07:00

The Mac vs. PC debate has raged for years. A huge part of the debate has always been that a MAC is safer and more secure against viruses than PCs are. We are starting to see that this may not be the case, as Mac viruses and security gaps are being identified.

Why does everyone believe Macs are safer, then?

While news of major viruses for Macs like the Flashback Trojanhave made headlines this year, security experts have been warning for some time that Macs are not actually less vulnerable to viruses than PCs are. In 2010 Fox News investigated the Mac vs. PC debate and summarized the difference in security well: “The vast majority of the world's hackers spend the vast majority of their time making trouble for the vast majority of computer users. That's why almost all known viruses, trojan horses, and other malicious applications attack only Windows PCs… Security through obscurity is no security at all.” Macs may not be inherently safer, but since PCs dominate the market, fewer viruses were created to target Macs, which gave credence to the idea that they are safer.

But now things have changed. Apple is gaining market share and giving hackers more reasons to modify their PC viruses to target Macs as well. Apple had to admit that their products are not impenetrable; in March it released 83 patches for their Safari browser, 90% of which were rated as critical, and another 81 for issues with iOS. As Marcus Carey, a security researcher at Rapid7, noted “There are a couple of takeaways from this, the first being that Apple products are 'hacker proof' is a myth.” In CRNs report they point out that security experts agree that Apple’s operating systems and programs like Safari are no safer than the new versions of Windows and Internet Explorer.

An even larger, but quieter, admission by Apple that their systems are not any more secure than PCs is the recent change made to the “Why You’ll Love a Mac” section of their website. Up until the beginning of June one of their arguments was “A Mac isn’t susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers.” That statement has been removed and replaced with “It’s built to be safe.” Now Apple is only saying that security features are built in (they’re built into Windows as well). That they no longer claim that their systems are any more secure than PCs is a telling admission by Apple.

But doesn’t that still mean there are fewer viruses out there for Macs?

Are there fewer viruses designed to attack only Macs? Yes. But malware is now being designed to attack across platforms and hit PCs and Macs, rather than just PCs. Both systems utilize programs like Java, allowing hackers to attack both platforms through a single means. The Flashback and Sabpub Trojans are examples of this. The malware installed itselfsimply by a user visiting an infected website.

What may be an even bigger issue is Apple’s slow response time to issuing security patches. Apple became aware in February of the Flashback virus and patches weren’t released until April, whereas PCs received an update in less than a month. Apple generally doesn’t allow third party software companies to send out patches to users directly, they write their own patches. This led to the long delay in the issue being fixed for Macs. Vicente Diaz, a researcher at the security firm Kaspersky Lab, stated “Apple is not used to reacting to these kinds of attacks. Mac OS invulnerability is a myth.”

So which is safer, Mac or PC?

Neither. No one is arguing that using a Mac is dangerous, what security experts are stressing is that using a Mac does not by default mean you are less vulnerable to attacks. Security precautions and best practices should be adhered to regardless of the system you are running. And if one of your major considerations for buying a Mac is that you want the extra security, you may need to reconsider the pros and cons of a Mac versus a PC. No matter what system you have, security issomething you will need to invest in.

So are you a Mac or a PC person? Has the news about Mac vulnerabilities changed your opinion at all?

Cloud Computing Services: Getting the Most Out of It

2012-05-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Since our first discussion of cloud computing last year, throughout this series we've looked at the service and licensing costs, implementation costs, security and the reliability of cloud computing in this recent series. Despite some of the obstacles and concerns, moving to the cloud might be good fit for your business. The point is that it’s not a decision to make lightly. For many businesses, the scalability of being able to pay for only what you use is a huge benefit. The potential cost savings of reducing your hardware needs can definitely outweigh many of the potential obstacles of moving to the cloud. Preparation is the key.

One of the best options out there when you don’t have significant in house IT resources is Cloud Services Brokerage (CSB). A CSB is a third party company which adds additional value to your use of cloud services. They work with both you and your cloud provider to make the transition and maintenance of your cloud services smoother. If your cloud provider has an outage, a CSB isn’t going to be able to fix it, of course. But you will have a team who can help you deal with network issues, application integration, testing and troubleshooting. They can also setup security measures to make your data safer and monitor your network so that if there is an issue, they can help determine if it’s a problem with your cloud provider or something else which leads to a faster resolution.

And don’t forget, you don’t have to use the cloud for absolutely everything. You can choose to utilize it for only certain tasks. It can be a fantastic disaster recovery option, a cost effective and frequently simpler way to back-up your data offsite. You can use it to create a virtual test environment to test how new patches might affect your system or if new software will run properly.

Like most technologies, with time it will improve. While there has been buzz about cloud computing for awhile now, in reality it’s still very new. In the end, just take your time with the decision. Go over your needs, compare the costs, do your research, and maybe enlist a professional to work through it with you before you start implementing.

So what are your thoughts about the cloud? Share your experiences or the research you've done!

How Much Does Cloud Computing Really Cost: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Cloud

2012-04-27T16:06:00.001-07:00

This week we continue with the big question: will the cloud really save me money? We first began our cost-benefit analysis of cloud computing last year and as the technology has advanced and more questions arise, this series is exploring the cloud and how it can be used for your business.

In case you missed it, check out the first two parts of this series:
Is the Cloud Reliable?
Will The Cloud Really Save You Money? (A look at licensing and service costs)

How Much Will it Cost for Me to Move to the Cloud?

In addition to the licensing and service costs we reviewed last week, another cost to consider is what it is going to take to actually move everything to the cloud and get it going successfully. It sounds like you can just upload your data, download some software and you’re on your way. Simple? It’s unlikely.

You’re going to need to start with testing to make sure all your applications are going to run the way you need them to. Moving to the cloud is not going to be beneficial if your programs run at half the speed they used to and significantly impact your productivity.

Don't forget you'll need to modify access settings, install software on your devices , teach your users how to use the new system, etc. All of that takes time. And you'll also need to have someone capable of getting everything setup and being able to test and troubleshoot any issues. While you may be trying to avoid the cost of hardware by moving to the cloud, the cost associated with system downtime if your cloud migration doesn’t go as planned can be just as expensive if not more so.

Before you can even consider the cloud, you have to make sure that the applications you want to run in it are going to perform the way you need them to. In order to utilize the cloud effectively, you are going to need to make sure your internet and network speeds are capable of handling it. This may mean investing in more networking hardware or paying your internet provider for more bandwidth.

Furthermore, there are questions about how well the cloud performs even on ideal networks. Compuware, a company which evaluates technology performance, conducted a survey of cloud performance last year. They found that more than half of the companies surveyed are delaying fully adopting the cloud or have halted their implementation completely due to the slow performance. In addition to being simply frustrated for users, slowness may mean loss of revenue due to reduced productivity or even frustration for your customers when it takes longer to provide them with service.

Next week we will conclude our series on the cloud with some final thoughts on how to make the most of the cloud service options available to you.

Will the Cloud Really Save Me Money? Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

2012-04-20T15:34:00.002-07:00

Welcome back as we continue to look at the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing. A year ago we first explored the use of cloud computing in your business, and as the technology has changed we are taking another look. Last week we looked at How Reliable is the Cloud, and now we tackle one of the aspects of cloud computing that draws the most attention, does the cloud really save you money?

There are so many aspects to consider when it comes to how much the cloud will cost you, this will be broken into two sections. This week we will look at licensing and service costs, and next week will will follow up with implementation costs. Don't forget that in this series in the coming weeks we will also address performance and how to make the most out of cloud computing for your business.

Will the Cloud Really Save You Money?

You’re looking at your aging server that’s no longer performing well and thinking about how you’ll need to replace it soon, and you know that’s going to be big bucks. So you are likely very tempted to move to the cloud where you won’t need to replace that hardware. It sounds great to not have to maintain and upgrade your in house equipment. But is it really much more cost effective?

The answer is: maybe. You don’t just pop your data into the cloud, pay a monthly fee and be good to go. Yes, you pay a monthly fee and it varies by how much data you are using. You also must pay for licenses for each user who is going to access the cloud. Take Microsoft’s Server and Cloud Platform. Depending on your server and software, you can be looking at a three year license for anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Depending on the type of access your users need, you could spend $3,000 for 20 licenses. Depending on the type of license you choose, you could be paying per user or per device. If you have one user accessing your network on their work computer, home computer, mobile phone, tablet and laptop, it can equal 5 licenses.

Don't forget that some of the applications you would like to host in the cloud may have additional charges. The cost of the application, the licensing, other various fees, and just using the application may increase the amount of data you use and thereby increase your monthly bill with your cloud provider.

But you may save money because you are only paying for the resources you actually use. If your business has seasonal fluctuations, you can pay less during the off season when you’re not utilizing as much data instead of investing in a network that has to be capable of that much usage year round.

Of course, every network is different and every business’ needs are different. To determine your individual cost requires you to evaluate your network, data usage, applications and how you use all of it. Maybe you just want to host your data in the cloud, maybe you want to run your applications, maybe just your e-mail. Pricing can vary widely.

Last week: How Reliable is the Cloud?

Next week: Will the Cloud Really Save Me Money: Implementation Costs

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing: Is the Cloud Reliable?

2012-04-10T17:11:00.001-07:00

Last year we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing cloud technology for your business. One year later, as the technology has advanced, it’s time to take another look. Over the next few weeks we’re going to look at some of the key concerns businesses have about moving to the cloud, including reliability, performance, cost and security. These advantages and disadvantages apply not only to moving to an entirely cloud based system, but also when you are considering moving just parts of your operations to the cloud.

Cloud computing has become a hot topic and especially attractive to small businesses who are looking to save on the cost of hardware like servers, and cloud services can be a great solution; instead of replacing your server every few years you can host your applications and data in the cloud. It sounds fantastic, and it may be, but you need to ensure you evaluate your business needs and match them with the infrastructure you choose.

How Reliable is the Cloud?

One of the things that makes cloud computing so attractive is that you don’t have to worry about your server failing or other hardware issues which result in your business grinding to a halt until it can be brought back online. Depending on the situation, recovery can take time and a lot of money. But what you must consider is that while you are putting your system in the cloud, your cloud provider is using physical hardware to create that cloud. As demonstrated by the failures of an array of major cloud providers, the cloud is not foolproof. The outages were caused by the same things that cause outages in your own hardware: software problems, storage issues, power failures, etc.

Of course, the difference is that these cloud providers have state of the art equipment that your business might not otherwise have access to, and teams of people constantly monitoring and maintaining that equipment. This can make it less likely to experience failure.

So when you consider moving to the cloud, you have to take into account and plan for an outage the same way you would if you were hosting on site. Microsoft’s Azure platform, Business Productivity Suite Online (BPOS) and 365; Google Docs; VM Ware; Amazon Web Services; Intuit and Yahoo all had major outages in 2011. Would an outage like Amazon’s where their cloud was inaccessible for 24 hours cripple your business? Or Intuit’sQuickBooks and Payments Solutions being down for nearly a week? If so, you might want to consider an additional disaster recovery option. It may seem redundant to store your data in multiple places, and it is, but that is exactly the point. Redundancy means that when one service goes down, you have another option to get up and running until your main provider has resolved the issue. And cloud outages don’t only mean your data and services are unavailable, sometimes it can be unrecoverable, as demonstrated by Windows Live’s Hotmail outage where 17,000 user’s data was deleted and couldn’t be recovered.

You are completely dependent on your cloud provider to resolve an issue, and it can be very frustrating to sit by and wait without being able to do anything to fix it. When your cloud provider goes down, it’s not just a server or two that they need to fix, it may be an entire data center.

As the cloud matures the providers are learning and the risk of downtime and data loss continues to decline at the leading cloud service providers. However, at least taking the time to consider the effects of a cloud disaster on your business is prudent prior to moving to the cloud. –Dave Koshinz, CEO 3D Corporation

Remember to check back next week for the next sections of our Advantages and Disadvantages of the Cloud series:
Will the Cloud Really Save You Money? (licensing and service costs)
Will the Cloud Really Save You Money? (performance and implementation costs)

Systems Administrator Ian Weydert achieves SonicWALL CSSA Certification

2012-03-29T17:11:00.001-07:00

3D is pleased to announce that Ian Weydert, 3D Systems Administrator, has earned Certified SonicWALL Security Administrator (CSSA). The certification further enhances the company’s range of professional accreditations.

SonicWALL®, Inc. designs and sells intelligent network security and data protection solutions around the world. CSSA certifications are awarded to network engineers who have demonstrated their mastery of designing, implementing, supporting and managing security infrastructure with SonicWALL products and services.

Weydert employs these competencies when identifying the technology needs of 3D’s clients and implementing products and services to fulfill those needs. The 3D team holds an array of certifications in Microsoft, Cisco, Citrix, Sophos and other technologies that recognize their expertise in using these products to provide businesses with reliable network management and support.

Part 2: When Should My Business Upgrade from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7?

2012-02-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

Our discussion on when your business should consider upgrading from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7 continues this week in Part 2. Earlier this week in Part 1, we reviewed how to evaluate your current system and identify potential issues you may face in implementing a new operating system. In this second part, we're going to look at the benefits and challenges of Windows 7, how the end of Windows XP support and the soon-to-be-launched Windows 8 can impact your final decision, and what steps you should start taking today.

Why is it worth it?

One of the major benefits of Windows 7 is that it includes richer features while using less memory. It offers faster boot times, more intuitive menus and an array of “little things” that make your life easier. Some reports have indicated that boot times are not much faster with Windows 7 than XP, however this really depends on your computer, your settings, the programs you’re running, etc. Regardless, no one has reported that Windows 7 is slower than XP. Of course, while upgrading to Windows 7 may improve performance, it’s still no substitute for upgrading an outdated machine, nor is it going to make up for a slow internet connection or ailing server.

The learning curve

Yes, a new operating system means things will be changed and you will need to learn how to use them. While some things are reorganized, which might mean taking a few moments to find them the first time, they are reorganized in an intuitive way. If you are already using Vista, this will not be much of a change for you. But those of us still using XP and are used to the way it works will probably find it less intuitive at first because things are simply not where we expect them.

Not comfortable with the new look and layout? Right-click on the desktop, choose personalize, and select the “Windows Classic” theme. Does it change everything back to the way it was with XP? No. But it may make the change less of a shock to users who are uncomfortable with the new look. There is a caveat to this; the new Windows 7 theme is run through your graphics card, while the Windows Classic theme is run by your processor. If you run in classic mode, your PC may run a little slower due to the additional tasks the processor will be handling.

XP support is ending

Windows XP is nearing the end of its Microsoft support lifecycle. At the end of the support period, Microsoft stops issuing security updates. That’s right; you will no longer get security patches for the core operating system and components. As time wears on, your PC becomes increasingly susceptible to viruses and malware which can damage your system, cause data loss, or allow data to be stolen. If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2), your support period ended on July 13, 2010. 64-bit SP2 and any version with Service Pack 3 (SP3) will continue to be supported through April 8, 2014. (Check your current version by following the steps here.)

But that’s a long ways away, right? Take into account how much time it will take to research, test and deploy a new operating system. You don’t need to worry about doing this tomorrow, but it’s definitely on the horizon.

Isn’t Windows 8 coming out?

Yes, Windows 8 is scheduled to launch in late 2012, so why not just wait until then and save yourself another upgrade in a few years? If you are concerned about compatibility issues with Windows 7 and the transition for your users of learning a new operating system, you’re going to have a much tougher time with the significantly less tested Windows 8. Let other users provide feedback and get the bugs worked out before you jump into uncharted waters, not to mention giving hardware and software developers the chance to release updates and develop products which should run more smoothly with the new system.

Microsoft’s Lifecycle Policy ensures a minimum of ten years of support, plus at least five years of mainstream support for the most recent service pack. For example, even though XP was released in 2001, Microsoft is still supporting it into 2014. Windows 7 launched in October 2009, and after the Service Pack 1 (SP1) update, Microsoft has pledged Extended Support into 2020, and that will be extended based on when the next Service Pack is released. You have lots of time before you’ll need to worry about upgrading again.

Take the next steps

You are definitely going to want to upgrade from XP before the support period ends in 2014 and your system starts to become more and more vulnerable due to not receiving security updates. If you are using older hardware, you may need to start gearing up sooner rather than later since the likelihood you’re going to need to replace equipment is higher. If you are replacing your PCs though, you can kill two birds with one stone by buying new systems with Windows 7 pre-installed.

Either way, start researching the compatibility of your hardware and software now so you can get an idea of how much work might need to be done. Then you will have a better understanding of what kind of timeframe you are looking at for implementing changes and how soon you need to start planning and budgeting for it. Take an inventory of all the programs you use, talk to your IT team or reach out to a consultant and start the planning process.

Part 1: When Should My Business Upgrade from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7?

2012-01-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

For most businesses upgrading an operating system is a daunting process. Buying new licenses can be expensive, not to mention you’ll have to make sure your software and hardware will be compatible. There is a list of factors to weigh when deciding if, and when, it’s worth it.

In this first section of a two part series, we will start by discussing how to evaluate your current system and identify potential issues you may face in implementing a new operating system. In Part 2, we will be reviewing additional issues such as how difficult it may be for your users to learn the new system, what kind of benefits you can expect from upgrading, and the final steps to take to make your decision.

Will my hardware be able to run it?

Microsoft had the forethought to provide the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. This handy and free tool can be quickly downloaded and will evaluate your PC hardware to make sure it has the necessary resources to run Windows 7. You can even plug in your USB devices, printers, scanners, etc. which you regularly use and the tool will check if they’re compatible as well.

This tool does not check every piece of hardware and software known to man. Microsoft also provides the Windows 7 Compatibility Center where you can manually check hardware and software important to you.

Most computers running Windows Vista will be able to run Windows 7, however it is highly recommended you check compatibility regardless. The Upgrade Advisor will advise you of hardware and system upgrades which will be necessary and you can evaluate whether or not you are interested in upgrading your equipment to meet those needs. If you are intent on upgrading to Windows 7 and you find your hardware lacking, it may be less expensive to buy a new PC rather than upgrade your existing equipment.

How do I make sure my software is compatible?

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor does check for program compatibility and the Windows 7 Compatibility Center covers literally thousands of pieces of software, but it doesn’t cover everything. This is a good start, but you’ll want to make sure all your programs are compatible. You can easily check with your software manufacturer; this generally involves a quick trip to their website. You may need to download an update, which manufacturers usually provide at no cost. There is a possibility the manufacturer will want you to purchase a new version of their software, however the only way to know is to check with them.

Windows 7 also has a great new feature: Windows XP Mode. Programs that are not compatible with Windows 7 can be run in Compatibility Mode, which launches a virtualized Windows XP window, and runs it with XP settings. Even better, the software you need to use this feature is provided for free directly from Microsoft, but only for Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise users. XP mode does come with its own set of considerations, and whether or not this will meet your needs completely is a question for your IT team and will likely only be answered with testing.

How easy is the upgrade?

If you have Windows Vista, you can upgrade directly to a comparable version of Windows 7 (ie if you are running Vista Business, you can upgrade to Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate). If you are running XP, you will need to do a “clean” install, meaning you will be completely replacing the operating system, not upgrading it. Your files, programs and settings will need to be backed up as they will be erased. If you’re backing up your data already (and every business should be), very few additional steps will be necessary.

A clean install may be preferable even if you are using Vista. A clean install wipes out old registry entries and files no longer in use which can bog down your system, and removing them will free up some disk space. Since you are reinstalling only the programs and files you want, any unused programs that came preinstalled on your computer or any malware you may have picked up will be gone. A clean install also reduces the chance that the upgrade may get corrupted. Sometimes upgrades go bad, and if that happens, you’ll need to do a clean install regardless.

Come back later this week for Part 2, including:
Why is upgrading worth it?
What is the learning curve?
When does XP support end and why does that matter?
Isn't Windows 8 coming out soon?
Final steps

3D Earns Certifications and Partners with SonicWALL and Citrix

2012-01-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce our new partnerships with Citrix and SonicWALL! In order to achieve these partnerships, we were required to demonstrate their technology expertise through a battery of exams passed by members of our Network Engineering and Analyst teams.

3D has been certified as a Citrix Silver Solution Advisor by demonstrating their expertise with Citrix products, as well as implementing virtualization, networking and cloud solutions for businesses. These technologies allow businesses to increase their productivity and efficiency.

SonicWALL has also recognized 3D’s expertise and welcomed them as a Silver Medallion Partner. SonicWALL and 3D provide affordable Enterprise Class security solutions. Companies can utilize these solutions to increase portability through remote access and wireless networking. Combined with layered network security and continuous data protection, clients are able to take advantage of these technologies without compromising security.

These new partnerships are additions to 3D’s extensive professional network, which include partnerships with other leading technology providers such as Microsoft, HP, Intel, Sophos and Cisco.

New 3D ProActive Feature: Exchange 2003 log file Management

2011-12-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

3D is pleased to announce the addition of yet another new feature for our ProActive clients with alerting included in their agreement. Automated alerting for Exchange 2003 excessive log growth is the sixteenth automated feature added to the 3D ProActive portfolio in 2011.

What are log files, and how do they affect me?

Log files are a backup of your Exchange Server transactions. When messages are sent and received, as well as other modifications made to them, they are first recorded in the transaction log files in your system memory until they are committed to the Exchange database when your system allows. In the event of an Exchange failure, the only method of recovering this information is through your log files.

Log files can take up quite a bit of your system memory however, and excessive log file growth can quickly cause system slowness due to reduced disk space. We have found this is particularly common for standalone servers which have been virtualized.

Our automated check identifies if log files are taking up excessive memory and alerts us so that we are able to modify server settings to manage the handling of log files during system backups. This means we can correct any problems before you experience slowness and helps keeps your system running optimally through best practices.

Technical Analyst Anthony Esposito earns Cisco SMBAM® Certification

2011-12-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce that Anthony Esposito, 3D Technical Analyst, has earned the Cisco certification as a Small Business Account Manager (SMBAM®) specialist. These certifications further enhance the company’s range of professional accreditations.

Cisco Systems, Inc., a corporation that designs and sells business electronics, networking and communications technologies, awards SMBAM® certification to network professionals that exhibit the skills required to design and implement Cisco SMB solutions. Esposito employs these competencies when identifying the technology needs of 3D’s clients and implementing products and services to fulfill those needs.

SMBAM® certification adds to Esposito’s existing portfolio of specializations. The 3D team holds an array of certifications in Microsoft, Cisco, WatchGuard, SonicWALL and other technologies that recognize their expertise in using these products to provide businesses with reliable network management and support.

3D Adds 2 New Automated Services to ProActive™

2011-12-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

3D is constantly improving and adding new features to our catalog in order to better serve our clients. Two new features have been deployed for our ProActive™ clients to further the prevention of network issues and save time by eliminating the need to complete these tasks manually.

DHCP Workstation Audit

This new feature automatically alerts when a computer is configured manually instead of with Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP is a network configuration for IP networks, and all computers need to be configured before they can connect to the network. When a computer is manually configured it risks not conforming to the network settings and can complicate troubleshooting if there is an issue, particularly when server upgrades are taking place. When there is an alert, the settings can be updated in accordance with best practices. This feature is in place for all ProActive™ clients with alerting.

Watchguard WebBlocker Auto Fix

For ProActive™ Managed and Partner clients, a new automated fix is available which monitors Watchguard WebBlocker. This automation ensures the standard port which the WebBlocker service uses will be reserved. If the port is in use by another program, WebBlocker may not be able to start. This new feature ensures that WebBlocker runs more reliably, preventing unwanted web browsing and slowness which can occur when the WebBlocker service is unreachable.

References: 3DProActive™

Network Engineer Mike McGlothern achieves Cisco SMBE Certification, Technical Analyst Anthony Esposito earns SonicWALL CSSR Certification

2011-12-01T15:41:00.001-08:00

3D Corporation is pleased to announce that Mike McGlothern, Tech Department Manager and Network Engineer, has earned Cisco Small Business Engineer (SMBE®) certification. Technical Analyst Anthony Esposito has earned Certified SonicWALL Sales Representative (CSSR). These certifications further enhance the company’s range of professional accreditations.

Cisco Systems, Inc., a corporation that designs and sells business electronics, networking and communications technologies, awards SMBE® certification to network professionals that exhibit the skills required to design and implement Cisco SMB solutions. SonicWALL®, Inc. designs and sells intelligent network security and data protection solutions around the world. CSSR certifications are awarded to network professionals who have mastered the fundamentals of network security policy and management, data backup, recovery and other security technologies.

McGlothern and Esposito employ these competencies when identifying the technology needs of 3D’s clients and implementing products and services to fulfill those needs. The 3D team holds an array of certifications in Microsoft, Cisco, WatchGuard, SonicWALL and other technologies that recognize their expertise in using these products to provide businesses with reliable network management and support.

3D Launches Two New Features for ProActive Clients

2011-11-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

3D is constantly improving and adding new features to our service catalog in order to better serve our clients. This week, two new automated alerting features have been announced for our Basic+Alerting, Managed and Partner ProActive clients.

Sophos PureMessage Auditing

The new weekly auditing of Sophos PureMessage anti-virus software checks 59 configuration options to ensure the product is within industry best practices. Since best practices change as technology does, this automated check will continue to further help reduce SPAM and e-mail viruses by alerting if PureMessage is not configured for maximum security. This prevents false positives where valid e-mail is blocked as well as false negatives where SPAM is allowed.

Outlook Web Access Security

This new feature checks Outlook Web Access security on a weekly basis and automatically alerts if a vulnerability is found. This type of security liability can cause the failure of Pay Card Industry (PCI) compliance audits, which can result in fines and penalties from your financial institution. Previously these audits had to be completed manually; with the launch of the new feature automatic alerts will identify any issues immediately.

References: 3DProActive™

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning – Are You Protecting Your Business?

2011-10-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

More than 70% of businesses experience a data loss each year due to technical or human error. This results in an average revenue loss of $4,700, not taking into account losses due to missed business opportunities or natural disasters. Faulkner Information Services found that 50% of companies that lose their data due to disasters go out of business within 24 months, while the U.S. Bureau of Labor indicates that 93% are out of business within five years.

If a business is able to recover after a data loss, there can be further reaching consequences. For example you may lose the trust of your customers, who then begin considering your competitors. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning are essential to protecting the life of your business.

What’s the Difference Between “Disaster Recovery” and “Business Continuity” Planning?

While most think of Disaster Recovery Planning in regards to natural disasters, Business Continuity Planning also addresses other issues which result in a data loss. Essential records are not only stored in your systems; if an executive in your business were suddenly unavailable, would you have access to their key contacts, business appointments, and projects in-progress? Business Continuity Planning includes ensuring these types of data are recorded and accessible.

Implementing Your Plan

Implementing a Business Continuity Plan can seem a daunting task, requiring you to evaluate every function of your business, how to back-up your information and efficiently recover it. For small businesses it can be cost prohibitive to execute the plan themselves, being less likely to have a full time IT staff. For these businesses it is often less expensive to implement a plan utilizing a Managed Service Provider, who have the resources available and the expertise to evaluate your systems and strategize the most efficient recovery.

3D Corporation offers risk assessments, security solutions and multiple data backup options which can be customized to meet your business needs and begin the process of creating a Business Continuity Plan. Please visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call us at (360) 671-4906 for more information.

References: HP Business Disaster Recovery, Information Security Systems, CSO Security and Risk, Faulkner Information Services

What Are “Best Practices?”

2011-10-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

A best practice is a method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means. They also represent common practices that are seen in properly managed networks of similar size and industry. Best practices increase security, productivity and efficiency, helping your business accomplish more with your existing resources.

Here Are Some Best Practice Tips:

Knowledge

Knowing is half the battle! Every employee should read their company’s usage policies so that they know what to expect and what is expected from them. Have an acceptable use policy in place, and update it regularly.
Examples of Acceptable Use Policies (AUP):
Prohibit the installation of software for which the company or employee does not have appropriate licenses.
Lock all laptops and computers when leaving them unattended to prevent unauthorized access.
Utilize anti-virus software, and execute caution when opening e-mails and attachments from unknown senders.
Limit use of private or non-business related activities, such as instant messaging and chat rooms.

Network Security

Use complex passwords for confidential data and programs. Passwords should expire regularly to decrease the likelihood that they will be leaked or cracked.
Network equipment and spare equipment should be locked and in a climate controlled area.
Always encrypt your wireless network. WPA and WPA2 are protocols that most wireless devices are compatible with.
Use a business grade firewall to provide security between your network and the internet such as Sophos or WatchGuard, both of which are capable of Unified Threat Management (UTM) which combines Anti-Virus, Anti-SPAM and content filtering.
Remote users should connect to your network using IP-Secure or SSL VPN connections.

3D Corporation offers Sophos and WatchGuard security products, and can help you select the right product for your business need. Please visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call us at (360) 671-4906 for more information.

References: Sophos Security Products, WatchGuard Firewalls

3D Enhances Client Services and Network Administration

2011-10-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

3D Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of Samantha Schultz to its team as Office Administrator and Sales Support Specialist and the promotion of Scott Conrad VanderWoude to Network Administrator.

Schultz is responsible for providing high level support to our Client Services Team, Business Analysts and 3D clients, as well as assisting with other administrative functions.

Schultz brings to 3D her skills in customer service, office administration, marketing and business support through her range of experience supporting both local and national companies.

VanderWoude joined 3D in June 2008 as a Help Desk Administrator and will be taking on new responsibilities as Network Administrator. Recently VanderWoude developed a new service for 3D Managed IT clients to automatically check for e-mail server issues. He will be assisting clients in resolving network issues, mentoring and training Help Desk Administrators, serving as a resource for advanced problem resolution, and scheduling technical resources.

3D is happy to have Samantha and Scott as members of our team and is always looking for talented individuals like them to join. To find out more about how to become part of the 3D team, visit the Careers page of our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/careers.html.

3D Corp Implements New Feature: Automated MS Exchange Banner Checking

2011-10-07T16:01:00.000-07:00

This week 3D has implemented a new feature for our 3DProActive™ clients utilizing Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. This new feature is automated and alerts our technical team immediately if the SMTP banner on MS Exchange does not match the DNS name for your servers.

How Does This Impact My Company?

When your SMTP banner does not match the DNS name for your server you can be blacklisted as SPAM. Mail you send may not be delivered to the receiving party or be sent to their junk mail folder, and you may not receive e-mails. With automated banner checking, we are alerted of the issue immediately and are able to resolve it in a much shorter period of time, potentially within hours depending on your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Most often this issue occurs when you change your ISP.

What Happens to E-Mail I Didn’t Receive?

If you have a SPAM filter such as Sophos Security Suite, e-mails sent to you will be stored and delivered once the issue is resolved.

3D Corporation offers Sophos Security software and can help you determine which solution is best for your business, and automated Banner Checking is available through 3DProActive™ Managed IT Services. Please visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call us at (360) 671-4906 for more information.

References: Sophos Security Products , 3DProActive™

October is Cyber Security Month

2011-09-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

As smartphone functionality increases, malicious software becomes more commonplace. Businesses are taking advantage of the new opportunities they provide for employees to operate more efficiently while out of the office. However with the excitement surrounding this new technology, the security of sensitive information is frequently overlooked. There are many steps available to protect your information as much as possible.

What are the Risks?

Without proper virus protection and data encryption, the risk to private information has increased as cyber threats proliferate. Downloadable applications are the new frontier for computer hacking, and traditional malicious attacks pose a greater threat on smartphones, where smaller screens make it more difficult to read the e-mail addresses and links in e-mails. Charges can be billed directly through your service provider. Other opportunities for stealing data are possible with smartphones since many applications are able to access data from phone calls and text messages.

Devices running an Android operating system are more than two times as likely to encounter malicious software, as Google has taken a more open handed approach with Android marketplace applications. IPhone applications are more closely reviewed before becoming available, and so malicious applications are less common on the iPhone.

With the increase of these attacks, new security options are being offered by smartphone manufacturers as well as third party providers. Blackberry devices have built in security protocols for e-mail and applications as they are encrypted by RIM’s servers. MS Exchange users have additional protection and have customizable options for what users are able to access on their device.

How to Protect your Information

Always set a password. Mobile devices are more likely to be lost, and this is the frontline of preventing unauthorized access of information.

Limit usage on public Wi-Fi networks where the connection may not be secured, particularly when shopping or using mobile banking.

Only download applications from sites you trust, and read reviews to see if other users are reporting issues.

Review your monthly bill for any suspicious or unusual charges. Many service providers have prevention options.

Do not “jailbreak” or “root” a device to install an unapproved operating system. Many security features are disabled and software updates to increase security will not be available.

Install an anti-virus program which offers GPS tracking to locate a lost device, virus scans, and remote data wiping.

Check for manufacturer and software options for security packages. RIM offers a free Secure/Multipurpose Internet E-Mail Extensions (S/MIME) support package for Blackberry devices which provides support for encrypting messages.

Consider a third party anti-virus program such as Sophos Mobile Control, Kaspersky, CRYPTOCard, Lookout Mobile Security or Check Point which can be downloaded directly to the device and provides automatic responses to threats.

3D Corporation provides setup and deployment of your mobile devices including integration with your MS Exchange server and can help determine which security solution will work best for your business. Please visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call us at (360) 671-4906 for more information.

References: Market Watch, PDDNet “Your Smartphone: A New Frontier for Hackers”, Blackberry Security, Sophos Mobile Control

Adobe Releases Security Bulletin to Fix 13 Vulnerabilities

2011-09-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

Our internet security solution provider WatchGuard recently issued an alert describing Adobe’s security bulletin release that was issued as part of their quarterly patch day cycle. The bulletin describes 13 vulnerabilities that affect Adobe Reader and Acrobat X 10.1 and earlier, running on Windows and Mac, as well as Reader 9.4.2 for UNIX. An attacker can exploit these vulnerabilities by enticing a user into viewing a maliciously crafted PDF document which could ultimately enable the attacker to gain complete control of the user’s computer.

More information on the security updates, timelines, and installation instructions can be found in the Adobe security bulletins and advisories. To read more about security threats to Adobe applications, please refer to our previous blog post entitled “An Unpatched Adobe Application does for an Unsafe Network Make”.

3D Corporation can evaluate your network and provide assistance in ensuring patches for these applications are up-to-date. For more information on the services 3D provides to keep business networks secure, please call our office at (360) 671-4906, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/.

References: “Reader and Acrobat Updates Correct 13 Security Flaws”, watchguardsecuritycenter.com; http://www.adobe.com/support/security/

Microsoft Issues 5 Security Bulletins to Fix 14 Vulnerabilities

2011-09-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

Microsoft has released five new security bulletins for September that fix 14 vulnerabilities in its Windows and Office products. While Microsoft doesn’t rate any of these as ‘Critical’, an attacker who successfully exploits these vulnerabilities could allow for remote code execution or elevation of privilege and ultimately give the attacker complete control of the user’s computer.

3D Corporation will automatically test and deploy security patches on the networks of our 3DProActive™ Managed and Partner clients to eliminate the risks posed by these vulnerabilities. Other Microsoft users of the above-mentioned products should download and install the appropriate patches immediately to avoid possible exploitation of their computer and/or computer networks. More information regarding these vulnerabilities and their impact can be found at Microsoft’s Security Bulletin Summary for September 2011.

3D provides up-to-date security solutions that can protect businesses from threats like these automatically. If you would like additional information on how we can make your network worry-free, please visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call our office at (360) 671-4906.

References: “Microsoft Black Tuesday: Updates for Mangled Office Documents and Malicious WINS Messazge”, watchguardsecuritycenter.com; Microsoft’s Security Bulletin Summary for September 2011

Adobe Releases Five Security Bulletins for August

2011-08-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Our internet security solution provider WatchGuard recently issued a high severity alert describing several vulnerabilities in many of Adobe’s popular software packages, including Shockwave Player, Flash Player, Flash Media Server, Photoshop and Robohelp. Ultimately, a remote attacker could exploit the worst of these flaws to gain complete control over the user’s computer.

More information on the security updates, timelines, and installation instructions can be found in the Adobe security bulletins and advisories. To read more about security threats to Adobe applications, please refer to our previous blog post entitled “An Unpatched Adobe Application does for an Unsafe Network Make”.

3D Corporation can evaluate your network and provide assistance in ensuring patches for these applications are up-to-date. For more information on the services 3D provides to keep business networks secure, please call our office at (360) 671-4906, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/.

References: “Adobe Patch Day: Updates for Flash, Shockwave, and Photoshop”, watchguardsecuritycenter.com, http://www.adobe.com/support/security/

Microsoft Issues 13 Security Bulletins to Fix 22 Vulnerabilities

2011-08-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

Microsoft has released 13 new security bulletins describing 22 vulnerabilities ranging from moderate to critical in their severity. The vulnerabilities affect many Microsoft products including Internet Explorer (IE), Windows, Office, .NET Framework and Visual Studio. An attacker can exploit these vulnerabilities in various ways and the impact could allow elevation of privilege, information disclosure, denial of service, or remote code execution which could ultimately enable the attacker to gain complete control of the user’s computer.

3D Corporation will automatically test and deploy security patches on the networks of our 3DProActive™ Managed and Partner clients to eliminate the risks posed by these vulnerabilities. Other Microsoft users of the above-mentioned products should download and install the appropriate patches immediately to avoid possible exploitation of their computer and/or computer networks. More information regarding these vulnerabilities and their impact can be found at Microsoft’s Security Bulletin Summary for August 2011.

3D provides up-to-date security solutions that can protect businesses from threats like these automatically. If you would like additional information on how we can make your network worry-free, please visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call our office at (360) 671-4906.

References: ‘Microsoft Black Tuesday: IE9 and DNS Server Flaws Pose Critical Risk’, watchguardsecuritycenter.com; Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for August 2011

The Mother of All Garage Sales: Lydia Place’s 13th Annual Garage Sale

2011-08-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

Our valued client, Lydia Place, is hosting their 13th Annual Garage Sale on August 12th & 13th to raise money to help support homeless women and their children. The sale will once again be hosted at the Sportsplex next to Civic Field at 1225 Civic Field Way in Bellingham, Washington.

Lydia Place is a non-profit, community-based agency that offers women and their children shelter, individual and group parenting training, case management, and assistance moving from poverty to self-support and independence. Since 1989, Lydia Place has found safe and supportive shelter for over 285 families and relies on fundraising events to help provide the support and financial assistance vital to keeping their services available.

Last year’s community-wide garage sale event filled both of the Sportsplex’s indoor soccer fields with donated merchandise and raised over $17,000 for the women and children supported by Lydia Place. As a sponsor for this event, 3D would like you to join us in supporting Lydia Place so the organization’s services can continue to change the lives of the women and children in our community.

For more information on the event and instructions on how to donate, please check out the Lydia Place Garage Sale flyer or call (360) 671-7663. If you would like to learn more about Lydia Place and the programs they offer, visit http://www.lydiaplace.org/.