by Felicien | Jul 30, 2018 | Education
Almost every single PC is hosted on some server or online platform such as the cloud. It’s hard to use a computer without uploading and downloading data. But this can open the door to malware. It is alarming to know that someone might infiltrate your system and access personal data or sensitive information and then use it against you. The truth is, we cannot avoid the internet these days. So then, what can we do to ensure that our systems are secure? This article will outline some of the simple things we can do to ensure that we do not fall victim to ransomware and virus attacks.
Test Your Settings
This is the very first step and it will show you how vulnerable your computer system is. Most hackers target weak anti-virus or even disabled passwords by using software such as the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer. This program allows you to easily detect the status of your passwords. Other important things to test for include your account settings. This includes such things as how many administrators can access your computer and what automatic updates are activated on your computer.
Create Secure Passwords
When creating online accounts, always use the two-step verification option. It works in a way that, whenever you log into an account, it will automatically send a unique code to your personal device, such as a cell phone. You are then required to enter this verification code into the account within a specified time before it expires. This adds an extra layer of security. Since the verification code expires after a few minutes, that prevents someone from using it later.
Update Your Operating System
It is always recommended that you acquire and install the latest version of your operating system because it is more secure. Hackers are developing better and more powerful viruses and malware. Most computer operating system companies such as Apple and Microsoft are trying to improve their features so they are better and more secure. All you have to do is turn on the automatic updates feature for your operating system and each time there is an update, it is installed automatically to your system. Gone are the days when you have to buy and install new updates from a CD. The Internet makes everything much easier.
Install Software From Trusted Sources
Most browsers will inform you if the software you are about to install is from an unknown source. Take these warnings seriously. Do a separate search online to determine whether the company is trustworthy before downloading their program. There could be a virus hiding in the program and once it gets into your computer system, it will corrupt your files. At the very least, some of these software programs will download annoying pop-ups and adware that will drive you crazy.
Install Reliable Anti-Virus
Always ensure that your anti-virus is up to date. It should have the ability to scan both online and offline materials, as well as external resources such as flash drives. Update your anti-virus regularly. Some may even require you to pay regular subscriptions in order to update them. If you use an expired antivirus, it will not work effectively. Schedule your scans so they are automatic. This will be done in the background so it doesn’t disrupt your work.
Activate Your Firewall
Some operating systems such as Windows and iOS come with installed firewall programs. Be sure that yours is activated properly. A good firewall can be a strong line of defense against hackers. A firewall works in a way that it hides your computer when online from unwanted attention. It also controls access to your computer’s network.
Look Out For Phishing Emails
Phishing scams are the number one way hackers break into your computer files. You will get an email that looks like it’s genuine. It will include a link to click on. It may look and seem very authentic. This is how hackers infiltrate your system and introduce malware into your system. Your email’s spam filter should be able to detect this, but if you are not cautious and you click the link, you might be in real trouble.
Delete Files Permanently
If you have been working on sensitive information and you no longer need it, ensure that you have permanently deleted these files from your hard drive. It is still possible for someone to retrieve the file, even days after deleting it. But it does take special software and skills to do this. Permanently deleting sensitive files you no longer use can protect you against losing important information.
Wrap Up
When it comes to technology, you should never let down your guard. Technology is a dynamic field. It changes all the time. You must stay vigilant and up to date with all the latest tools and know-how to protect your data properly.
by Felicien | Jul 27, 2018 | Education
What is the Future of Ransomware?
Ransomware is a kind of software commonly developed and used by hackers to restrain access to a computer system and/or database until a certain demand is met; mostly hackers want the payment of a sum of money. The hackers threaten the organization whose computer system they have blocked, that if they do not pay the sum of money demanded, the company’s database will be leaked online or destroyed completely.
This has become a quick way for hackers to earn money. In the past, when hackers had to waste a lot of time and resources snooping around a target site, this type of activity didn’t really pay off. This method was risky for many reasons and wasn’t much of a threat.
Today, things are much different. Hackers can easily gain access to a company’s database and then hold the information hostage until a ransom is paid. The advent of cryptocurrency makes the whole transaction seamless and untraceable. This is one of the reasons why ransomware is so big nowadays.
How Big A Threat Is Ransomware?
According to the FBI, businesses paid out $24 million in ransomware payments in 2015. By 2016, that number had reached one billion dollars. The average ransom is now approximately $1,000 but some healthcare organizations have reported paying $17,000 to regain access to their files. As long as companies continue to reward hackers by paying the ransom, this crime will continue to escalate.
Who Are The Likely Victims Of Ransomware Attack?
Most ransomware attacks start as a fishing expedition, which means that the hackers make out a list of organizations and their employees and then try to access their confidential information. Targeted organizations are those that contain sensitive personal information, such as healthcare and financial organizations. Many times, businesses think that the best course of action is to pay the ransom, rather than hire security and IT specialists to come in and restore access. Sometimes, organizations are embarrassed to admit that they’ve been a victim of this crime. They want to make it go away as quickly and painlessly as possible.
What Defense Strategies Can An Organization Put In Place Against Ransomware?
The very first step is to understand how a ransomware attack happens. Hackers send out phishing or spear phishing emails to employees of the organization in an attempt to get someone to click on a bad link. Once this happens, the ransomware virus is downloaded to the company’s network and all files are frozen. At this point, you have two choices: pay the ransom or call in security experts to unlock the files.
The first step for most companies is to lay out a security strategy to deal with viruses, worms, ransomware, and other forms of attack. Every organization should have a plan to address data breaches. The experts say that it’s not a matter of whether you get attacked; it’s just a matter of when. So the best course of action is to be ready. Below are few basic steps you can take:
Train your employees what to watch out for in suspicious emails. Training must take place on a regular basis because people forget or get careless.
Hire a security company to test your current system to see where your weaknesses are. Most IT security pros will assess your security, then give you a list of things that should be done right away to shore up your defenses. They can also help you make a long-term plan of action.
Regular system backups should be performed. If you have all your data backed up at an off-site cloud data storage site, then it can be easy and painless to completely restore all your data.
Perform regular patches and updates. This keeps your network protected. New cyber threats come out almost daily so this is an important step to keeping your database secure.
Additional Tips
Employees are the key problem when it comes to ransomware attacks and other viruses. They should be fully aware of the types of email scams that are currently going around. Employees should know what to look for and how to avoid clicking a bad link.
It’s not easy to be in a position where you have to negotiate with a ransomware attacker but every decision depends on the circumstances at hand. Whether you work with a managed IT provider or have in-house IT techs, it’s important for them to be fully engaged in keeping your data safe. However, if an attack does occur, you can greatly reduce your losses by being ready and knowing what to do.
Wrap Up
Hackers stay up-to-date on the latest IT technology, so you must do this as well. Social media has opened the doors for hackers because it’s so prevalent these days and many users get careless. Start by finding a great team of security experts to help you get up-to-speed. Get all stakeholders in your organization involved in data security. Don’t get lax. Make sure employees are aware of the dangers online.
by Felicien | Jul 27, 2018 | Education
The All-New Surface Go: What You Need To Know
There’s no shortage of gizmos and gadgets to choose from in today’s tech world, but not all are created equal, and some are exceptionally unique, like the new Microsoft Surface Go. The Surface Go is the tech giant’s way of combining the Surface Pro’s premium features with affordability and portability – two of the most sought-after features for laptop and tablet owners, understandably. Touted as the “smallest and most affordable Surface yet,” the Go is one of Microsoft’s most exciting new ventures, and with its August debut fast approaching, there’s plenty to know about this trailblazing 2-in-1.
Those familiar with the Microsoft Surface line may have a solid idea of what’s to come in the Go. Here are a few of the most interesting aspects of the Microsoft Surface Go, including specs, price, and all the things you can do with this piece of gadgetry in tow.
What Does It Look Like?
One of the Go’s most endearing qualities is certainly its tiny size. Like its predecessor, the Go is a tablet that attaches firmly to Microsoft’s Type Cover keyboard. Measuring at 9.6 by 6.9 inches, it’s just 8.3 mm thin and weighs only 1.15 pounds. About the size of a composite notebook, with a 10-inch diagonal display that’s sufficient for everything from business to entertainment, the Go is primed for accessibility, above all.
With a gadget made for accessibility comes a need for durability. The Surface Go boasts a magnesium enclosure and an ultra-bright, high-resolution touchscreen bonded with durable Gorilla Glass. And with respect to the design of the Go, convenience is key. It comes complete with a kickstand that extends to 165 degrees, as well as support for a stylus pen, which can magnetically attach to the tablet.
There are also plenty of ports to keep you productive all day. There is, of course, the charging port, but in addition, you’ll find a USB-C 3.1 for data and video, as well as a MicroSD card reader and a headphone jack.
What Can The Surface Go Do?
When designing the Go, in addition to portability and affordability, Microsoft aimed for productivity. They sought to create a device that would be sufficient for both work and play. From Office apps for business and school to Netflix and Hulu for entertainment, Microsoft’s team kept a wide variety of users and uses in mind to create a gadget that checks all the boxes.
When it comes to display, the Surface Go doesn’t skimp. Its high-resolution PixelSense Display is custom-built and can support the Surface Pen with exceptional pressure sensitivity, low latency, low pen parallax and precision. All of this results in near-perfect note taking, design, and drawing.
Easy on the eyes but bold enough for vibrant videos, art, and photos, the Surface Go isn’t short on aesthetics in the least. Even the Surface Pro’s screen capabilities are unique. When in portrait mode, the screen is designed to fit the scale of school textbooks. While in landscape mode, pages will appear side by side, mimicking a paperback in your hand.
Power-wise, despite its small size, the Surface Go is nothing to scoff at. It gets its power from a 7th Generation Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4415Y, which allows for up to nine hours of battery. Other features include Windows’ Hello face recognition camera, which will be used for bio-authentication, plus two front-facing speakers and a sufficient 8-megapixel rear camera to capture high-quality photos.
How Much Does The Surface Pro Cost?
Compared to the Surface Pro, the Go is a steal, and the most affordable Surface ever. When it ships in early August, it will cost $399. With this, users will receive 64 gigabytes of internal storage, plus 4 gigabytes of RAM. More costly options include one with 256 gigabytes of storage and an impressive 8 gigabytes of RAM, as well as an LTE version, which will be available later in 2018.
If you’re looking for add-ons, you’ve got options in a Type Cover keyboard and stylus pen. The Surface Go has the option of a signature Type Cover, custom-made with design features that make for a superb typing experience. Ergonomic key pitch, excellent key travel, and high precision tuning are a few other details you’ll find in the Type Cover. There is also the option to connect your device to the Surface Mobile Mouse for further convenience.
Wrap Up
With an ever-growing number of laptops, tablets, and other tech gadgets to choose from, Microsoft’s taken big steps in creating something more affordable. Hot off the heels of the success of the Surface Pro, the Surface Go is the answer for those who want an inexpensive, but tech-heavy tablet computer. If you’re among the crowd looking for a sleek combination of looks, function, and savings, the Surface Go may be right up your alley.
by Felicien | Jul 26, 2018 | Education
Microsoft Workplace Analytics For Empowering The Time Management Of Teams
Microsoft Workplace Analytics is a relatively new tool from Microsoft that can give managers and company owners better insights into how their teams are working. It can be used to identify patterns that might be affecting productivity. It works to highlight those teams and employees who are doing a superior job, as well as those who are performing poorly. And, it works in the background so that workflows are unaffected and employees are not aware that performance is being measured.
The Corporate Strategy
Most corporate strategies aimed at developing growth and platforms to support sustainability consider time as a resource. Human resource management departments take account of resources such as time utilization as well. Today’s employers require more sophisticated time management systems to ensure that optimal production is recorded. This has led to organizations applying a variety of technical inputs to ensure that time management and employee engagement are integrated to ensure the highest productivity.
Critical Gap
The critical gap that exists between organizations and their sustainability objectives includes poor employee participation. Many employees come to work each day just to get a paycheck; they aren’t invested in the company or its long-term goals.
To fill this gap, technical tools such as Microsoft Workplace Analytics provide reliable solutions to organizations in the area of their time management needs. However, one of the most important questions is whether these technical inputs are correctly measured in terms of the impact to the business.
Additionally, it is also essential to identify whether competing products provide the same impact on a business. This is significant because one strategy cannot fit all the needs of an organization and therefore, some amendments are called for to sustain and develop the organization’s team management.
Today’s Business Challenges
The critical business challenge today is comprised of the choice of technical inputs that will best suit the business model. Various solutions and other tools available, whether at subscribed rates or for free, all work differently for any organization. The type of teams found in any company will differ in terms of their adaptability, making specific time management tools better for some and not-so-good for others. Microsoft Workplace Analytics solves many of these dilemmas due to its versatility.
Technical Solution
A great technical solution to organizations seeking time management and better team management, the Microsoft Workplace Analytics solution can empower teams of all shapes and sizes. The objective of the solution is to ensure that employees can get more done at the workplace each day while expending less effort. Also, with better time management, employees can achieve a better work/life balance. This can significantly increase job satisfaction. Through the utilization of shared space, shared interests develop into agreeable decisions limiting conflicts within the organization and manifesting collaboration among colleagues.
Competing Products
Competing products to the Microsoft Workplace analytics program include MyAnalytics, which is also known as Delve Analytics. The purpose of this tool is to keep a watchful eye on productivity. It can determine whether specific employees are working hard or hardly working.
Using the same concept as Microsoft Workplace Analytics, the purpose of these products is to limit internal conflicts, while making sure employees are being productive most of the time. However, some managers will not like a style of management that monitors employee activity so closely. Employees may feel that they’re being micro-managed. This can actually hurt instead of help productivity.
Solutions Adaptability
Microsoft Workplace Analytics should be used with willing teams and cooperative management. Once everyone is on board and working toward a common goal, it’s possible to achieve the desired analytics. This can help an organization to make changes where necessary in order to inspire growth and development for the organization. Of course, the outcome can depend significantly on the interaction between conflict management and employee engagement.
Impact on Team Performance
The impact of team management solutions includes increased productivity for the organization, limited conflicts for management, shared goals for the teams, and the sustainability of the whole unit. The technical inputs of time management play a major performance appraisal role that could threaten the retention level of employees.
Companies may benefit from further research in analyzing how well different types of teams can work with technical time management programs like Microsoft Workplace Analytics. In contemporary organizational strategies, the one-size-fits-all attitude concerning organizational decisions is no longer a valid managerial perspective.
Estimating Validity
To estimate validity, organizations require performance auditing. This ensures the corporations can link the effects of a time management program to the overall sustainability of the organization. By tracking the record of performances and number of conflicts, the usefulness of a time management tool can be estimated.
Identifying those departments and teams faced with multiple problems might be a task for a different sort of program. Therefore, irrespective of the advantages associated with the innovative solutions provided by time management programs, a better understanding of the teams and people involved is recommended.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Workplace Analytics suite offers many advantages to contemporary organizations who are searching for a more reliable way to measure employee teamwork. Under the right circumstances, it can provide a number of solid solutions to employee dissatisfaction, while improving workflows and productivity.
by Felicien | Jul 26, 2018 | Education
If you work for a company that deals with government agencies, you may have heard of the NIST, or The National Institute of Standards and Technology. The NIST has its own unique set of standards by which certain companies and organizations must comply.
These cybersecurity guidelines, implemented by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) are a point of stress for many organizations, and rightfully so. In fact, ensuring compliance with current NIST standards is among the top priorities for a number of industries in the tech game today, including those in universities, consulting companies, research institutions, manufacturers, and others. If you work within one of these industries and are contracted in any capacity by the DoD, you may do well to familiarize yourself with the most recent NIST standards to ensure you are safe from the consequences of failure to comply.
What Do You Need to Know About NIST Guidelines?
Over time, the NIST, has worked to require additional standards for the processing, storing, and transmission of defense information. The new guidelines seek to promote the protection of “Controlled Unclassified Information,” or CUI, which is defined as government information that, while unclassified, still requires safeguarding. Therefore, the NIST has put into place a specific set of processes, listed in NIST Special Publication 800-171, to ensure government information is protected at all times.
If your company has plans to work with the DOD in the future, you’ll need to take the required steps to ensure you meet the guidelines of the NIST 800-171 mandate. Sections 3.1 through 3.14 of the guidelines contain 109 requirements that companies must meet to comply, though it may have proved difficult for many to meet all 109 by the December 31, 2017 deadline. To address this, the Federal Government typically expects companies to come up with a game plan to earn compliance within a reasonable time frame. Failure to comply may result in your company’s removal from the approved vendors’ list.
There are a few questions you may ask yourself if you’re concerned about whether or not your organization is subject to NIST standards. Simply put, if your company currently holds a United States federal contractor is currently listed as a supplier on a United States federal contract, you likely must answer to the NIST.
Here are a few additional questions that may serve as an indicator of whether or not your company should be concerned about compliance:
Is your company’s access to CUI contained and reliably isolated?
Is the CUI controlled? Things like the CUI’s physical location, internet network, authentication factors, and infrastructure all come into play when ensuring the CUI is accessible only to authorized parties.
Does the site have substantial information technology practices?
Are backups being maintained?
Has credible antivirus software been installed?
These are the types of practices subject to the NIST’s guidelines.
What Are Some Common NIST Compliance Myths?
While NIST compliance is vital in a variety of different industries, there are some myths circulating that may make it difficult to know for sure whether compliance has been met. Here are some of the most common myths regarding NIST Compliance:
NIST Compliance Is Too Expensive.
There may be costs associated with becoming NIST compliant, but that doesn’t mean doing so has to cost a fortune. You may not require the help of a large consulting company. Make sure to do your due diligence before committing.
My Company Is Too Small To Worry About NIST Compliance.
Companies of all sizes may be subject to NIST compliance. These guidelines don’t just apply to direct manufacturers, but also any subcontractor currently selling to one of the government’s suppliers. Although your company may not depend on business with the DoD, you may not want to rule yourself out down the line. This is what makes NIST compliance so important for businesses both big and small.
There’s Not Enough Time For Us To Become NIST Compliant.
While there are consequences to not meeting compliance by the aforementioned deadline, it’s still not too late to strive for compliance.
What Steps Can My Business Take To Prepare for DFARS Compliance?
To meet the requirements set forth by DFARS, you’ll need to follow a few steps:
Create A Security Controls Traceability Matrix
If you’re hoping to demonstrate compliance, you’ll need to do it across the system and identify areas of weakness. It’s important to identify every component within your unique system that may be subject to guidelines. Each of these should be mapped out using a simple matrix to ensure accountability.
Pinpoint The Gaps
Your matrix should provide a valuable glimpse into where gaps in compliance may lie. Once you have it, it’s time to investigate where these may be affected in the system.
Visualize And Execute Your Game Plan
Once you’ve determined the gaps, you should develop a strong gap remediation plan that will explore how and when each gap will be fixed and what types of resources you’ll need to achieve this, then put your plan into play. Be sure to document how the gaps have been addressed, as well as be prepared to present data as evidence of your compliance.
