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Eleanor malware is a New Apple Mac Risk

Eleanor malware is a new Apple Mac malware risk and it lets hackers take over your computer.

The Eleanor malware (Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor) runs a malicious script on the Mac computer. It then installs and registers three components at start-up including (1) a Tor Hidden Service, (2) a PasteBin client and (3) a PHP Web Service.

The malware was available on MacUpdate from a free app called EasyDoc Converter. The app is suppose to convert file formats from Apple to Microsoft Word. Instead of converting, it installs a backdoor when run and opens the door for cyber criminals.

There is some good news in regards to Eleanor malware. The app was never signed with a certificate from Apple but there are lessons to be taken away from this threat.

  1. If an application does not have a code signature, the Mac OS X will not open it by default.
  2. Not every unsigned app is malicious but it is a measure of protection.
  3. If an app is found to be malicious, Apple can revoke the certificate used to sign the app.
  4. Be careful of running old apps as they may have not been updated from malicious threats.
  5. Be cautious from where you download apps.

How do you protect yourself from Eleanor malware?

In order to protect yourself from cyber criminals, avoid installing EasyDoc app. Next, ensure that your systems Gatekeeper is enabled via System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Finally you can install Anti-Malware for Macs to protect which will scan and remove code that degrades performance or attacks your system.

365 iT SOLUTIONS is delivers IT consulting in Toronto with a wide variety of services including Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services. Let our Complimentary Network Assessment put your entire IT infrastructure and security to the test.

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How to Pick the Right Cloud Services Provider in Toronto

There are many cloud services out there but how do you pick the right cloud services provider in Toronto? Here is an in depth look how to determine what’s right for your business.

A cloud provider in Toronto is a long term partner company that not only offers cloud services, but also full proactive managed IT services to manage it.  These services are offered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and/or Platform-as-a-Service (IaaS).

So who are the business-class cloud service contenders?

Microsoft Azure, Google Apps, Amazon Web Services, Rackspace Cloud Solutions, Salesforce and many private cloud services are just some examples of cloud services. When deciding on which cloud services provider is right for you, there are several considerations that a business must take into account. We have broken them down below and they should all be reviewed prior to making a long-term commitment.

Cloud Services Security

Security should be at the top of everyone’s mind with all the cyber attacks daily. When it comes to choosing the best cloud services and provider, security is the most critical aspect to consider. This does not matter if you are a small shop or a large corporation, data is important and it is sensitive information.  A cloud services provider must have robust encryption that protects customer files from potential cyber-attacks and threats. Your provider must manage all as well as complete disaster recovery in case the cloud service provider goes offline.

Cloud Services Cost

Every business looks at costs and many will make a choice based on it but you should really reconsider. If you strictly base this on costs, you may be diminishing other options other cloud service providers have built into their offering.  With an increasing amount of different cloud services providers everyday, you should not base your decision purely on cost and ti should include what type of services are being offered and if there are any hidden fees.

Cloud Services Reliability

What is their track record for reliability? An established cloud services provider will spend a lot of money investing in to new innovative technology and features. With a large client base, you will have access to lots of customer references to help your decision simpler. A start-up cloud services provider may look good from a financial stand point but can be a bigger risk in terms of security and reliable uptime.

Cloud Services Service Level Agreement

Very important and get in writing. Every company should have a written service level agreement (SLA). This is how you will be able to measure the level of service the cloud service provider is going to deliver to your company.  The SLA should outline exactly what they are going to provide and set the expectation level of the service.  All major cloud provider services provider and managed IT services providers will have a SLA for you to review.

Here are some other considerations when picking a cloud services provider:

  1. How will your data be protected nu using their cloud services?
  2. Will your users be able to access the network from anywhere with internet access?
  3. Will your future business goals and needs be met?
  4. What is the disaster recovery plan if their cloud servers fail or lose data?
  5. What is the pricing structure and are there any hidden fees?

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading IT consulting firm in Toronto. Our 100% Canadian team delivers industry Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services. Put our IT Services and your network to the test, take advantage of our Free Network and Security Assessment.

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Nonprofits in Toronto need Managed IT Services

Nonprofits in Toronto rely on their entire IT infrastructure to run their business. Nonprofits in Toronto need managed IT services to run their business successfully.

365 iT SOLUTIONS is a top-rated IT consulting firm that proactively solves major headaches for small and medium-sized businesses by offering managed IT service solutions that turn technology into positive part of the business. Nonprofits are no different as in the end, they are a business and must be run successfully.

With managed IT services from 365 iT SOLUTIONS, a non-profit will have access to an entire Canadian IT team. This gives nonprofits complete coverage no matter what they It support issue may be or where they are physically located.

Many nonprofits suffer from several different IT support issues. This includes using really old systems and they don’t have the capital to do a full upgrade. Also, many nonprofits suffer from proper data backups and other disaster recovery options. Sometimes nonprofits have pieced together different elements tacked onto older pieces. 365 iT SOLUTIONS will plan and tackle these tech issues economically evaluate.

If your nonprofit is looking for a trusted Managed IT Services provider in Toronto that works with several nonprofit organizations, the 365 iT SOLUTIONS team is committed to being part of your team.  We have proven processes and experience that will make technology easy, safe, reliable, and within budget.

365 iT SOLUTIONS is Toronto best IT consulting firm by delivering industry Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

To learn more or inquire about IT Services for Nonprofits please visit www.365itsolutions.com or take advantage of our Free Network and Security Assessment.

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New Ransomware Ranscam Deletes Files

New ransomware Ranscam deletes files even if the victim chooses to pay the ransom. Protect your data and business.

A new common theme of deleting files has become common from cyber criminals of ransomware. Ransomware has many new variants and continues to multiply. Ranscam malware is a low-tech attack however it is highly destructive and demands ransom and then deletes files.

Ranscam is not the first ransomware to delete files as there is also AnonPop and JIGSAW. Ranscam lacks crypto and is nowhere as complex or advanced as Cryptowall and other ransomware attacks.

 

How do you protect yourself from new ransomware Ranscam?

 

  1. Check the email sender – Trust is the name of the game. If the email is supposedly from a bank, verify it but highly unlikely. If the email came from a personal contact but seems strange, confirm if your contact sent the message prior to clicking.
  1. Check the content of the message – Most messages have factual errors or discrepancies that you can spot. Spammed email messages can also use other social engineering lures to persuade users to open the message.
  1. Do not click on links in email – This rule should be simple and you should never click when in doubt. Clicking on links in email should be avoided and it is safer to visit any site mentioned in email directly.
  1. Always maintain up-to-date software – Always maintain updated software including anti-virus, malware protection and many other security steps such as firewalls with built-in security services.
  1. Backup your data – Nothing can protect your business more that a proper data backup. All businesses should follow the simple principle by having three copies of data. You should have three copies of data on two different media and one copy offsite. You should consult with your IT consultant or It department by using a Windows feature called Volume Shadow Copy. It allows you to restore files to their previous state.

New ransomware Ranscam deletes files but you can protect your business with some simple steps.

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Starting a new Business in Ontario? This is the technology you will need.

Starting a new Business in Ontario? This is the technology you will need in order to get everything up and running properly.

Do you have a great business idea, well every business starts off with an idea. There are many resources and seminars are available through many Government programs including this great checklist. So now that you have a plan, you need to get all your IT and technology in place with the setup of a new office.

Here is a checklist of the technology you will need.

Plan the location Prior to committing to rent or lease, verify the area has all the services you require and stable power also. You can do this by asking local businesses or even service providers. Some times one block can make a huge difference.

Network Drops: If you are setting up a new location with new cabling, you should account for one Ethernet cable for every desktops and one for each VoIP phones. If you are reusing existing cabling, you can use one cable for both however you should ensure your phones are capable of it. Also all Ethernet network drops need to terminate into a patch panel with all cables being identified.

Network Switch: You will need a network switch is required to connect all your network drops at the patch panel. You may need a managed network switch with Quality of service (QoS) to control performance of the VoIP and computer network.

Business Class Firewall: A firewall is a security appliance that acts as the gateway of your network and your first line of defence. It controls the entire flow of inbound and outbound traffic as well as how to keep your network secure. You should look business class protection that proactively stops cybercriminals with an active security such as anti-virus, intrusion prevention, anti-malware, content URL filtering and application control.

Internet: obviously you will need internet connectivity and you will have many options depending on your needs including ADSL, cable, wireless and dedicated fibre. You may need to request a static IP address depending on your needs such as if you need specific services to be easily accessible on the internet. Some good options in Toronto include Beanfield, Rogers, Bell and other wireless internet carriers.

Business Class Computers: You would need business class laptops and/or desktops for each employee. Consumer grade systems are not the same as business class. It is better to spend a few extra dollars now as the ROI in the long run will work out better.

Business Email: Every business requires email for communication and of course it should be from your company domain to keep it professional. You can easily set this up with hosting providers such as Microsoft 365 or Google Apps for Business. Here is a good article to compare the two different cloud offerings, Google for Work vs. Microsoft Microsoft 365: A comparison of cloud tools.

Company Website: A small business website is essential for success and there are many options. To start off, you can use a simple website such as WIX or WordPress to describe your business in a few pages. Once your business gains some traction you can invest in a web design company to work on your branding, SEO, backlinks and online presence.

Server:  If you are going to own a small business, you are certainly going to have a small business server. As your company grows, there will be a need for a server in-house or in the cloud on Microsoft Azure. The server acts as a secure host for all your data including files, email, accounting applications, and CRM and ERP systems.

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Canadian businesses are behind in technology

The old standard way was to use a company issued computer and phone. At the end of the day, you left your work behind and went home. Things have changed drastically and Canadian businesses are behind in technology.

BYOD and other technologies have pushed traditional boundaries of employee work and productivity. People are more connected than ever and however some organizations are limiting how employees work due to security concerns.

Research suggests, however, that half of Canadian employers have done little, if anything, to acknowledge and manage the challenges that come with having a more remote and mobile work force. According to a recent study titled The Transformation of Work by Ryerson University, 70 per cent of Canadian employees are mobile however less than 50 percent work for an organization with a mobility strategy.

Some other interesting findings include the following:

  • 96 percent of all companies are using mobile technologies.
  • Canada has a higher rate of smartphone adoption than the United States
  • Canada is behind the US in the adoption of mobile apps in the workplace.
  • Canadian employees are physically mobile and it this is expected to increase to 73% by 2016.

Canadian businesses are behind in technology compared to the United states even thou mobile technology is improving access to information and changing the very definition of the workplace on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the study does show that fewer than 30 percent of organizations see a clear value proposition for the technology however companies that do embrace technology and change have seen improvements in effectiveness, collaboration, and access to information.

Canadian businesses are behind in technology as the adoption of new technology and mobile technologies is being driven by a number of factors including change from both management and the demands of employees. Unfortunately, limited budgets and the uncertainty of return on investment (ROI) is slowing Canadian companies down.

Prior to investing in new technology, organizations need to plan and develop a plan with management, employees and their IT department or IT consultant. This plan must address privacy and security concerns prior to adoption including company policies, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and mobile technology management across the entire organization.

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Microsoft changes Windows 10 upgrade process

Many of you have seen the alerts on your operating system however Microsoft has changed the Windows 10 upgrade process.

Microsoft was recently hit with a $10,000 settlement due to their upgrade notifications. After this settlement, Microsoft has stated it will change upgrade Windows 10 upgrade process and options. This includes the red X on the dialogue box.

As part of the Windows 10 upgrade process, the options will include three options and the red X will actually close the dialogue rather than scheduling the update for a later date.

If you are interested in upgrading to Windows 10, please visit Microsoft website for complete details.

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Why are hackers targeting healthcare?

Why are hackers targeting healthcare is a good question and the fact that the dark web is selling 655,000 medical records is a clear indication of why they are doing it, extremely profitable.

Hackers have reported that the current 655,000 medical records for sale are from three different organizations. The medical records include detailed information including Social Security numbers and personal addresses as well as Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance records. The cybercriminal group offering these records is not trying to cash in at once, they prefer to send out small ransoms (ransomware) to the victims with a small ransom instead. Obviously the healthcare industry is very lucrative for cybercriminals since medical data can be used for fraud or identify theft.

Why are hackers targeting healthcare and what are the risks?

Medical data is more valuable than credit card fraud or online scams. Medical information may contain tons of information including patient medical history, medical prescriptions, and other personal information. As healthcare companies start to upgrade their IT infrastructure and introduce new technology, if the network is left vulnerable, cybercriminals can remotely connect and use it as gateways for attacking network security.

Secure your data from hackers targeting healthcare?

You must take a proactive approach in order to secure your date from cybercriminals. There are various studies and stats out there and the majority of healthcare companies have a high level of failing basic security practices.

In order to protect your data and business, you should consult with your IT department or IT consultant to ensure the following is address.

  • Disable concurrent login to multiple devices.
  • Enforcing strong authentication and encryption.
  • Isolating mission critical devices and medical data storing servers.
  • Create and implement corporate security policies.
  • Implement Intrusion Detection Systems and access control lists.
  • Perform regular Penetration testing (pen-testing) for identifying network and software issues.
  • Invest in training staff to correctly identify security threats to your organization.

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Is your legal firm embracing technology?

A recent study has shown that law firms are aware of new technology but is your legal firm embracing technology to meet its growth potential and security concerns?

Every legal firm is concerned with security and disaster recovery but the third piece to a successful law firm comes down to enhancing operational efficiencies and the latest technological can help.  As the legal sector is surrounded by a vast amount of rules and regulations, law firms can spend countless hours completing administrative duties.

The good news is that there are multiple recent studies that show an overwhelming majority of law firms plan on investing in new technology to address business growth, disaster recovery and increase operational tasks.

What consideration should you consider if your legal firm is looking to embrace technology?

  1. Evaluate Business Needs – You need to evaluate if the current technology is a fit for your business.
  2. Evaluate Hardware Needs – Old systems that meet the minimum requirements should be retired.
  3. Evaluate Software Needs – Legacy software may fail to integrate with new technology. When considering replacements, it is important to consider new software suites that allow digital storage and the latest database management tools.

If your legal firm is not embracing technology, you may be left behind by competitors and put your business at risk from legacy issues, disaster recovery and productivity.

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US Air Force lost a decade of data. How are your backups?

The US Air Force lost a decade of data due to a corrupted database and backups. They reported more than 100,000 files missing. How are your backups?

According to the release, the database was corrupted last month and Lockheed Martin has spent two weeks trying to recover data before notifying the Air Force on June 6. The database was populated with data and information about current investigations as well as all records related to Inspector General (IG) complaints.

The US Air Force has turned to the Pentagon’s team of cybersecurity professionals and as of Wednesday, they have found the data but it will require extensive data recovery efforts. There is no guarantee on recovery and the US Air Force will continue into its investigation.

So the US Air Force lost a decade of data. Why were there no data backups?

We cannot stress this enough, data backup is one of the most important areas of your company and cannot be ignored. Data is a crucial part of your business and essential to your business continuity plan.

Why you should backup?

Well, it will allow you to avoid issues such as this one as data loss can happen in many ways.  The most common causes of data loss come down to physical failure of hardware, accidental deletes, theft or disasters like fire and flood. A continual attack from cyber criminals and hackers has cause computer viruses and malware to become a larger risk to business information as once they have infected your machine, they often delete or corrupt your data.

What data should you backup?

You need to evaluate your entire company and directory. You need to choose what business critical data to backup.  You need to evaluate how long it will take to restore your data in case of emergency as well as what would happen if you cannot get the backup back.

The US Air Force lost a decade of data. It does not mean your business should suffer the same issue. Discuss your data backups and disaster recovery with your IT department or trusted IT support services partner.

365 iT SOLUTIONS is delivers industry leading IT consulting in Toronto via Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.