Staying Connected

Google is Identifying Infections

2011-07-20T10:46:22-04:00

"Google has begun notifying its users that a particular piece of malware is installed on their computers by showing a big yellow notification above their search results. The warning begun popping up yesterday, and does so only for users whose computers have been infected by a particular strain of malware that hijacks search results in order to drive users towards websites that use pay-per-click schemes." (HelpNet Security, 2011). We noticed this article and thought that it was important enough to share. Full Article.

One Deadly Brew, Search Engine Optimization Poisoning

2010-11-10T14:53:20-05:00

Malware infected PC's are rapidly becoming the most common support issue for many IT vendors. Client's PC's that become infected with Malware are all but unusable, not to mention key logging of critical information, becoming an unwilling member of a zombie bot-network or being subjugated to random pornographic advertisements. Needless to say, people are not happy once their PC’s become infected, nor is the IT cost of malware removal particularly pleasing. Clients always want to know, how did I get malware? My answer to them is, “from using the Internet.” Cybercriminals have utilized search engine optimization poisoning techniques with astounding...

DROID DOESN'T

2010-02-23T14:02:11-05:00

As a Hosted Exchange provider and IT service organization, ConnectWise fields many support calls and questions regarding smartphones. Modern businesses lean heavily on a mobile workforce that requires on demand access to email, documents and other data; smartphones are quickly becoming the new medium for this access to data and a variety of other mobile communications. One of the most important and utilized functions of a business oriented Smart Phone is email, and email in today’s business world means Microsoft Exchange. All of the major smartphone players on the market support some form of Microsoft Exchange sync (Windows Mobile, BlackBerry...

"I don't know how my computer got infected"....we do!

2010-02-08T17:12:24-05:00

Most end-users are confused when their PC's become infected with Mal-ware/Spy-ware/Virus software, and they were only browsing the web for work and doing nothing out of the ordinary. Unfortunately on today's Internet, being cautious does not always equate to being secure. There are many areas of the web which contain mal-ware and spam. Even the common, or well-known sites are being used to distribute malicious software and phishing attacks. In the second half of 2009 the web saw a 225% increase in malicious websites; more frightening is that 71% of the sites that were found to contain malicious code were...

Apple iPad is Not Actually a Tablet

2010-01-28T14:41:59-05:00

After all this fanfare about Apple coming out with a Tablet, we now find out that they didn’t. The iPad is an appropriate name, but to call it a tablet is inaccurate. What makes a Tablet is not just a touch screen, but the ability to do handwriting recognition. One should be able to write on the screen with a stylus. However, the Apple iPad does not have any handwriting recognition. None, Zip, Zero, Zilch, Nada. What this means is that the iPad is actually a netbook without the keyboard. How very disappointing. It is true that the iPad does...

Johnny Depp is Dead. Wait, Maybe Not.

2010-01-26T11:01:35-05:00

Every once in a while a rash of bad choices will remind us to remind our clients and our readers to be security aware when surfing the web. The most recent example took place this past weekend when someone posted a fake death notice for Johnny Depp stating that the actor had befallen an untimely demise by crashing his car in Bordeaux, France. It was intended as a prank and had no malicious motives. However, the site that was posting the information was designed in a very realistic CNN theme. This became too much temptation for virtual sewer-dwelling scum, and...

IBM Files Location-Based Security Patent

2010-01-25T15:28:25-05:00

On Thursday, 01-21-10, IBM filed for a patent regarding location-based authorization. The patent claims that access to a device can be limited to certain geographic areas. In other words, if a company wants an employee to be able to use their laptop at work or at home, then they could, but not anywhere else. This can also be useful for preventing data loss after the theft of computer equipment. Keep in mind, this is only a patent filing; it’s not on the market yet, but keep your eyes open. It is certainly worth watching. This is the kind of technology...

ConnectWise and USF Welcome Skip Holtz!

2010-01-18T17:17:35-05:00

ConnectWise has been a long time sponsor of USF and its athletic programs, and now ConnectWise joins the Tampa Bay community in congratulating Skip Holtz for being selected as the new Head Coach of the Bulls’ football team. Holtz previously coached at East Carolina and accrued 38 wins in 5 seasons. He is excited to be coaching in Tampa, FL. ConnectWise regularly has a presence at home games and frequently offers a raffle for students in which they have a chance to win a cash prize that is awarded to the student on the football field between quarters. With Skip...

Adobe Releases Vulnerability Patch on Tuesday 1-12-10

2010-01-11T09:21:02-05:00

Adobe is releasing a patch tomorrow, 1-12-10, that will secure a vulnerability in Acrobat and Reader that allows a program to hijack a PC. The fix is simple; just download and install the update as soon as it is available. The quickest way to check is to open up any PDF document. When it is open, click on Help > Check for updates. Adobe will automatically scan your product and version and let you know what is available. If it has been a while since you’ve done updates on Adobe, then there may be a few that you need to...

What Is Different About Google's New Phone?

2010-01-08T11:28:29-05:00

Google has officially launched the Nexus One mobile phone that runs on Google’s Android operating system. There is speculation that this is the next iPhone killer, but guess again. iPhone is here to stay. New phones and new technologies will always be developed, and likewise, the iPhone will continue to evolve. There have been plenty of phones that were supposed to be the iPhone killer, but no one is going to be killing anyone any time soon. Google does have some great things going for it though. HTC is manufacturing the actual phone and has given it a 1 GHz...