7 Ways To Dodge A Data Disaster

You stride into the office early one Monday morning.  You grab a cup of coffee, flip on your computer and start checking e-mail…

A note pops up that rivets your attention:

“Your files have been encrypted.  Send $5,000 within five days or they will all be destroyed.”

You start sweating as your throat constricts and your chest tightens. Sure enough, every time you try to open a document, the same message appears.  Your phone rings.  It’s Bob in accounting, and he’s having the same problem.  All files across your entire network have been encrypted.  You contact the local police.  They suggest you call the FBI.  The FBI says they can’t help you.  What do you do next?

Free Report Download:  If You Are Considering Cloud Computing For Your Company, DON’T, Until You Read This…

If you are considering cloud computing or Office 365 to save money and simplify IT, it is extremely important that you get and read this special report, “5 Critical Facts Every Business Owner Must Know Before Moving Their Network To The Cloud.”  This report discusses in simple, non-technical terms the pros and cons of cloud computing, data security, how to choose a cloud provider, as well as three little-known facts that most IT consultants don’t know or won’t tell you about cloud computing that could end up causing you MORE problems and costing you more money than you anticipated.  Even if you aren’t ready to move to the cloud yet, this report will give you the right information and questions to ask when the time comes.

The Misnomer Of Failure

So you think you’re a failure, huh?  Let me get one thing off my virtual chest right now: you’re not.  I realize you may be experiencing failure.  You may have had a string of failures.  You may have been told you are a failure.  But it doesn’t mean that’s who you are.  You are not a failure unless that’s who you decide to be.

But before I prove you’re not a failure, I want to share a personal story.  Oh, and by the way, when I said “my virtual chest,” I didn’t say that because you are reading my article.  I say it because my muscle definition is equivalent to Tweety Bird’s.  If that little yellow feathered turd and I got into a fight, he would own me.

As of January 31, “outsiders” can now Skype into the White House Press Room

This enables journalists outside the Washington DC, area to ask questions during White House press briefings.  It’s part of the Trump administration’s strategy to keep in touch with people outside the beltway. Journalists attending via Skype must be at least 50 miles from the DC area.  All political questions aside, it’s just another example of business (or, in this case, government) taking advantage of available technologies.  Or, in this case, finally catching up...

Anti-malware programs can’t even touch this new kind of attack…

“Fileless” attacks became all the rage among hackers in 2016.  According to a report by cybersecurity firm Carbon Black, fourth quarter 2016 saw a 33% rise in these “non-malware” attacks compared to the first quarter.  Experts expect the trend to continue through 2017. Cyber bad-guys carry out these attacks in any number of ways.

Shiny New Gadget Of The Month: Thought Oculus Was King?… Think Again

Once upon a time, Oculus Rift ruled the world…

The virtual reality (VR) world, anyway.  Not so much anymore. Now that VR heavyweights Sony, HTC and Samsung have entered the ring, there’s a whole new reality in, well…VR.

“DIY” data security kits can offer basic protection

Are you a do-it-yourselfer willing to take defending your company’s data into your own hands?  If so, you can find a variety of low to no -cost products that provide basic safeguards.  Koozali SME Server, for instance, bundles security and other server apps for small businesses.  These include file sharing, directory access, redundant backups, firewall and web hosting. 

Cassette audio tapes (remember those?) are making a comeback

Compact disk sales are declining, yet vinyl records have enjoyed a resurgence over the past several years. And last year, cassette sales rose to 129,000 units, an increase of 74% over 2015. So what’s up with cassettes – why so popular all of a sudden? Actually, the numbers are still miniscule compared to the 105 million CDs sold in 2016.