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Microsoft Releases Patches for Internet Explorer 11

Microsoft has released a new patch to address the zero-day exploit on Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 which allows hackers to steal critical information through an XSS exploit.

The latest risk allows attackers to send an update or security message through IE11 using malicious code.  Once the hacker has gained access, the hacker can steal information from any sites previously viewed including cookie, usernames, passwords and IP addresses.

This can be a prominent tool for hackers since the attack works regardless if the website has a secure socket layers (SSL) encryption and Microsoft has been hit with a number of day-zero vulnerabilities over the several months.

Many IT security consultants have claimed that these hackers can be a major problem for unsecure services.  Microsoft claims no user has been hit with this attack since a user needs to be sent to a malicious website first.

How do you protect your business?

Simple, you need to maintain your network in a proactive nature.  Companies need to manage their network proactively including patch updates, driver updates as well as managing network components, monitor CPU, disk space, and memory usage, software & hardware updates.

A managed IT services provider (MSP) will handle your day-to-day IT management responsibilities however if you don’t have access to an internal IT support services professional, you have to proactively managed your network by installing patches and updates.

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto providing industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 Deadline

Microsoft has announced another deadline.  They will be ending security and technical support for older versions of Internet Explorer running on Windows 7 operating systems on January 12, 2016.

Now companies and IT professionals now have to update legacy Web applications on Windows 7 workstations as Microsoft has given a 17 month countdown.  The deadline of January 12, 2016 will also affects Internet Explorer 9 and 10 running on Windows 7 operating systems.

IT support staff have to begin updating their web based applications quickly as delaying of migration could also delay the migration process past the deadline which will result in companies not being able to fully test compatibility.

IT consultants believe it will be easier to update web based applications running on older Internet Explorer versions compared with upgrading to a new Windows operating system.  There is a potential obstacle for the browser migration process may reside in bring your own device (BYOD) policy.  Businesses may have policies that do not support devices and users running a browsers older than Internet Explorer 8.

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365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

Microsoft 365 Nonprofit Available at a Discount

In order to take advantage of this offer, you must be a registered Nonprofit or charity.  Approval process can take from 1-4 weeks depending on your organizations status.

Microsoft 365 is a Microsoft cloud application that provides web-based access to familiar Office applications including professional email, instant messaging, calendar, video conferencing, and access to your documents from anywhere.

Microsoft has donated and discounted a range of subscription plans, so no matter how big or small your organization you can find an affordable plan that meets your needs.  Eligible nonprofits and charities can now receive donated and newly discounted versions of Microsoft 365.

 

Benefits of Microsoft 365 Nonprofit

Microsoft 365 deepens the word processing, data analysis, communication, and productivity features of Office that your staff is already familiar with. Here are some of its key benefits:

  • Office Web Apps. With Office Web Apps, you can open, view, and edit documents right from your browser (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) on your home computer. Your staff can use Office Web Apps on up to five of their own devices, giving them the flexibility to work wherever and whenever they need to.

 

  • Hosted email. With Microsoft Exchange Online, you can access your email, shared calendars, and contacts from your PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet without having to set up a VPN or remote access to your office.

 

  • Document sharing. Easily share documents with your colleagues with SharePoint Online, which is like an online document repository in the cloud. You can edit documents simultaneously, saving you precious time.

 

  • High-definition collaboration. Microsoft Lync Online is an all-in-one tool for video calls, web conferencing, instant messaging, and voice calls. With high-definition (HD) video conferencing, you can meet and collaborate with out-of-office staff and volunteers.

 

  • Security and privacy. Along with built-in spam and malware protection for email, Microsoft 365 also lets you add security to mobile devices. Your IT staff can manage and customize your organization’s security options in a single console. If your organization deals with sensitive information, your data will be protected in the cloud. Microsoft 365 is compliant with industry standards including HIPAA, FISMA, BAA, and others.

 

  • Support 24/7. Don’t have on-call IT staff? Microsoft 365 provides 24/7 professional-level support.

 

Contact us to discover on how Microsoft 365 Nonprofit and Charity program works.

 

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

Welcome to Worry-Free iT!

 

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IT Security IT Solutions Managed IT Services

eBay Hacked! Must Change Your Password.

eBay has been hacked.  eBay is asking all users to change their account passwords after a cyberattack compromised its database containing encrypted passwords.  Industry best practices is to not use the same password everywhere.  If you do, you now have to change all of them.

So how was eBay Hacked?

eBay has reported that there is no unauthorized activity on client accounts.  There also is no evidence that financial or credit card information was stolen.

PayPal has also commented that there has been no evidence of unauthorized access to PayPal accounts.  PayPal stated that all data is stored on a separate secure network where all financial information is encrypted.

eBay is asking that all users to change passwords due to cyberattack that compromised information.

eBay is encouraging users to change their passwords as soon as possible.

eBay Hacked is all over the news and your should change your password.

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

Welcome to Worry-Free iT!

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IT Security IT Solutions Managed IT Services

IT Support Alert: Hackers Find First Windows XP Vulnerability

Microsoft has announced that hackers are exploiting an unpatched and critical vulnerability in Internet Explorer (IE).  This vulnerability is in Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 8, Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, and Internet Explorer 11.

The attacks have been launched against IE users tricked into visiting malicious websites.  These attacks are also known as drive-bys and are among the most dangerous because a vulnerable browser can be hacked as soon as its user surfs to the URL.

All versions of Internet Explorer are at risk including Internet Explorer 6 which still receives patches on Windows Server 2003.  The same browser will not be repaired on Windows XP, as the operating system was retired April 8.

How can you protect yourself and Windows XP?                                                                                                                                                           

  • Windows XP users can make it more difficult for attackers to exploit Internet Explorer by installing the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET) 4.1 from Microsoft’s website.
  • Users can also unregistered a vgx.dll file.  The .dll is one of the modules that renders VML (vector markup language) within Windows and Internet Explorer.
  • You can avoid Internet Explorer attacks by switching to another browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

Of course the safest step to protect yourself and your information is to completely retire the Windows XP system.

This is only the beginning of security threats against Windows XP operating system.  

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. We provide industry leading Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Assessment by 365itSolutions.com

Welcome to Worry-Free iT!