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What is a Software Firewall and Hardware Firewall?

A firewall is a program or device that acts as a barrier to keep destructive elements out of a network or specific computer.  Firewalls can be configured in hardware or software with specific criteria to block or prevent unauthorized access to a network.

 

Software Firewalls

A software firewall is a program, which runs in the background on a computer.  Enterprise edition software firewalls allow IT professionals to manage firewall rules and configurations therefore taking the configuration and management responsibility away from the user.

The software firewall operates by inspecting the network data that is incoming to the computer, as well as outgoing from the computer. If the firewall detects the data has been altered or if appears malicious, the software blocks it, effectively preventing any form of an attack.

Firewalls operate from a set of rules. The administrator can make a specific rule in the firewall to block a specific website or even a specific application.  In some cases when connecting to a printer with advanced features, the IT professional may need to alter the firewall rules to allow certain data through to access features.

 

 

Hardware Firewalls

As data comes through the Internet, the firewall scans each transmission, looking for malicious items and to see if the data has been maliciously altered or forged.  The larger the amount of Internet activity to an organization, the harder it is for a firewall to scan through each transmission.

For a larger company with 100 users, a traditional router with a built-in firewall would not be enough and could cause a potential bottleneck.  Enterprise firewalls are customizable and allow your IT support services team to block computers, websites, and specific Internet traffic.

Hardware firewalls also allow VPN connectivity which allow remote users to access work data from a remote location.  VPN’s are very popular amongst remote workers and are sometimes used for security purposes.

There are many firewall manufacturers including Cisco, Juniper, SonicWall, Fortinet, Watchguard and Barracuda.

 

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.

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Statistics Canada provides Security Practices, Incidents and Effects

According to Statistics Canada, many companies use multiple tools to protect their data from unwanted access or attack.  Just over 76% of enterprises used anti-virus or anti-spyware software, 62% used a firewall, and 53% used a spam filter to block unwanted email.

 

Just under 49% of small businesses did regular backup of data critical to their business operations compared with 89% of large enterprises.  Only 6% of enterprises experienced an Internet security breach. The most commonly cited effects of a breach were service downtime (51%) and loss of productivity (43%).  Among large enterprises, 14% reported an Internet security breach

 

Website Functionality Increases

 

Approximately 46% of enterprises had a website however they were virtually unchanged from 2012.  Only 91% of larger enterprises had a website.  Almost 19% enterprises with a website had it optimized for mobile users.  A mobile-optimized website may take advantage of features such as touch interaction that may not be available on a traditional desktop and is formatted to be viewed on a smart device.

 

38% of enterprises with a website had social media integration and the use of social media to direct traffic to an enterprise’s website was the most commonly cited strategy.  Enterprises also used print advertising and paid search to direct people to their websites.

 

Internet Use and Connection Type

 

Over 89% of enterprises reported that they had used the Internet.  Small enterprises were the least likely to use the Internet. The most commonly cited reason for not using the Internet was that there was no need to do so for their business.

 

Mobile wireless technology was used by 38% of enterprises in 2013, compared with 35% in 2012. The use of a cable modem to connect to the Internet remained the most commonly cited method at 42%. Dial-up Internet was still employed by 3% of enterprises, although this may be used as a secondary connection.

 

All information on this article available based on 2013 Statistics Canada website.

 

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.

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Still using Windows XP? Here are the risks.

Still using Windows XP? Here are the risks.

After 12 great long years, Microsoft has stopped support Windows XP operating system. The biggest problem is that many small and medium sized businesses face several challenges especially when running custom software design to run on Windows XP.

Here are some Windows XP risks to consider:

  • Security – This one is very simple. Without Microsoft providing Windows XP security updates, all systems running Windows XP will be vulnerable to dangerous viruses, spyware and any malicious software that can corrupt or steal data.  Anti-virus software will be unable to fully protect your PC.  For companies with an internal IT department or IT support services may have noticed the decommissioning of Windows XP systems.
  • Compliance – There are many industries regulated by a governing body.  The majority of them have regulatory guidelines and requirements and Window XP no longer qualifies.  Companies in these regulated industries can also face legal action dues to security breaches and compromised data.
  • Hardware Support – Most new software does not support or will be design to not support Windows XP operating system.  Most PC hardware manufacturers have stopped supporting Windows XP on current and new hardware.  This means that drivers that run on Windows XP will no longer be available.

What next steps can Windows XP customers take? Microsoft recommends two options:

1.  Upgrade you operating system

The short-term solution is to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.1 on your existing computer.  Special note, old hardware runs the risk of having further incompatibilities not to mention running much slower. Operating systems like Windows 7 and 8.1 that run on newer harder are more advanced, fast and take advantage of many new features not available on Windows XP.

2. Buy new computers

Best business case is to modernize your IT infrastructure. Upgrading to Windows 7 or 8 reduces operational costs and improves efficiency. Upgrading allows SMBs to leverage leading edge applications, better manageability and mobility capabilities and reduce security risks.

3. Custom Software Work Around

For companies running software specifically designed for Windows XP, there is a work around solution.  Windows 7 offers Windows XP Mode. This works in two ways. It can open programs in Windows 7 and it can run a virtual instance of Windows XP that can open any legacy software. According to Microsoft, Windows XP Mode is a fully functional and a fully licensed version of Windows XP. It allows the user to access all peripherals, install programs, save files and perform any tasks as if they were running on Windows XP.

But, Windows XP Mode is not available in Windows 8.

 

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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.

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Microsoft Word Vulnerability Hacked through Taiwanese Government

A major hacking operation has been carried out against the Taiwanese government and educational institutes known as “Taidoor”.  They have successfully managed to exploit the Microsoft Word vulnerability.

So how did Microsoft Word Vulnerability Hacked through Taiwanese Government?

Microsoft has recently issued a security advisory regarding a serious vulnerability in its Word software and had released a “fix-it” patch immediately to protect the users from being susceptible to any attack using the exploit. The users and institutions who failed to update their software and systems risked to become victims of attacks from hackers.

The hackers have used malicious email attachments with relevant titles such as national polls and free trade issues to dupe the employees into opening the content.  The files downloaded to the computers are believed to be capable of stealing sensitive data and carrying out surveillance.

“Taidoor” campaigners have used zero-day flaws in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser for similar attacks.  The operation has been active since 2009, and has a similar pattern consisting of vulnerabilities, social engineering and targets which include government agencies.

The attack has once again shed light on the importance of installing updates and running the latest available versions of system software in situations where continuous unattended network interaction takes place.

 

 

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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.

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Still using Windows XP? Good news, Microsoft reduced custom support pricing.

Since Microsoft stop supporting Windows XP to the general public last week many businesses that still use the operating system are paying the Microsoft to continue patching and supporting their system.  These are custom support packages developed for the large corporations. 

So why did Microsoft reduced custom support pricing?

Microsoft has cut its custom support prices.   They have been working with customers and partners on the migration from Windows XP since we announced in September 2007 that support for Windows XP would end on April 8. 2014.  

These programs are aimed at large corporations therefore the term ” custom support pricing” makes it expensive.

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Windows XP is DEAD and Google is on the Attack

April 8th 2014 was the end for Microsoft support.  There is no need to panic as your computer will not immediately shut itself down or self-destruct.  Most users will not even notice besides the pop ups that Microsoft has been pushing to Windows XP users to notify them of the end of support date.

Now Google is making an attempt at business users with Chromebooks.   In the past, Microsoft has tried to make the case that Chromebooks with Google’s Chrome OS are not real laptops.  Google is using Microsoft’s tactics by using the end of Windows XP support to make the case for Chromebooks for businesses.

For some businesses, they are scrambling out there and the natural thing to do is to go with Windows 7 or 8, but Google wants folks to consider another option.  Google claims that Chromebooks are ready for enterprise thanks to the advent of offline office apps, virtual machine emulation and more however most IT Support would rather stick to more familiar footing.

Most IT professionals feel that Chromebook’s are not ready for business.

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a Google invention that pairs hardware manufacturers with software from Google that essentially creates on OS based off of the Chrome browser. The idea is the cloud is your storage and you are always connected to the internet. Google is theoretically claiming businesses can save resources and lower costs.

What is the Chromebook used for?

Google wants it to replace your computer however it is more like a smartphone or tablet. The Chromebook you will allow you to access websites for financing, accounting marketing tools, etc.

How well does a Chromebook work?

The idea is that you can do everything you need on a computer with Chrome as it builds localized storage and caching that essentially buffers your online work so as a network comes and goes temporarily you can continue to work seamlessly but there are many other systems that already do this in a business class industry.

Why Chromebook is flawed for Business?

Every IT professional will agree that nothing out there is 100%.   It is a great upcoming tool but still needs a bit more maturing for business class use.  As for costs, most Chromebooks start around $200-$250 whereas a notebook with Windows Professional operating system starts around approximately $400.  The notebook is a bit pricier however their capabilities far exceed the Chromebooks for business use.

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Microsoft Releases Final Windows XP and Office 2003 Security Patches

Support for Windows XP and Office 2003 will no longer be supported as of April 8th, 2014.  Microsoft has released the final security patches for the two discontinued products. 

Today Microsoft posted security bulletins on its plans to release security patches on April 8th for Windows XP and Office 2003.

There will be several patch releases for Windows XP and Office 2003.  Microsoft has left out details behind these security patches so as to not give any help to potential hackers.  Unfortunately, consumer are among the 27.69 percent who still use Windows XP worldwide and they can face major issues after April 8th as Microsoft won’t be releasing any more software updates for the 12 year old operating system.

Complete details for the final release are posted here on Microsoft’s website.

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What Will Happen When Windows XP Is No Longer Supported?

The deadline is fast approaching.  After 12 years, support for Windows XP will end on April 8, 2014.  There will be no more security updates or technical support for the Windows XP operating system.  Microsoft customers face Windows XP’s end-of-service deadline. How much will you suffer from the lack of support?

This is NOT new news, Microsoft announced the end of XP back in 2007 — more than two years before iPads hit the market, and long before a prolonged PC market slump seemed likely.  In addition, technical support for Office 2003 also ends on April 8, 2014.

Main consideration to move off of Windows XP is Security.  Without Windows XP updates, your system may become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal or damage your business data and information. Anti-virus software will also not be able to fully protect you once Windows XP itself is unsupported.

Here is a list of four consideration when it comes to Windows XP deadline:
  1. Support from Microsoft. On April 14, 2009, Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows XP.  That means you can’t get free support for any problems related to Windows XP.  In addition, the only fixes Microsoft will provide for free are security patches.  If there are other problems with XP, you won’t get fixes for those.
  2. User Account Control. Many people hated User Account Control (UAC) when first introduced.  It has been improved with subsequent service pack releases.  Now it is more configurable which means you can tune it to give you as few or many warnings as you want.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
  3. More applications. All the programs are now being written does not include Windows XP.  Most new software’s are not compatible with Windows XP.  If you want that new software or utility, chances are it won’t work on XP.                                           
  4. 64-bit computing. The reasons are a bit technical, but the upshot is that 64-bit is the future. While there were 64-bit versions of XP in the past, they aren’t for sale anymore, and are not for typical consumer use anyway

 

How do I stay protected?  You have two options:

  1. Upgrade your current PC – Very few older computers will be able to run Windows 8.1, which is the latest version of Windows. We recommend that you download and run the Windows Upgrade Assistant to check if your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 8.1 and then follow the steps in the tutorial to upgrade if your PC is able.                                                     
  2. Get a new PC – If your current PC can’t run Windows 8.1, it might be time to consider shopping for a new one. Be sure to explore our great selection of new PCs. They’re more powerful, lightweight, and stylish than ever before—and with an average price that’s considerably less expensive than the average PC was 10 years ago.

 

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.

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