What are the risks of not patching your computer?

December 24, 2017 by Sean McCormack

Say you want to keep your house safe. Like, really safe. You buy the most advanced security system money can buy, put up a bunch of lights on the exterior of your home, and even get a guard dog. You install video surveillance with hard drive recording and remote access, and you fervently support your local neighborhood watch program. Imagine, then, that you install all this equipment, and then you leave to go somewhere, double-locking all your doors and windows, and even doing a walk-around to check for potential threats.
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Fileless Malware: A new kind of threat

December 18, 2017 by Sean McCormack

What is it?

Ransomware has enjoyed a lot of media attention this year, but there is a new entrant that is poised to take over. It is called fileless malware. According to cyber security specialists, this type of threat is very deceptive and highly effective in executing whatever task it was designed for. It has proven invisible for most antivirus software and protection programs. However, there are some IT products that can actually get rid of it.
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The Top Malware Protection Brands

July 3, 2017 by Sean McCormack

These days, it’s more important than ever to keep yourself protected while you’re online. There are more hackers, internet thieves and malware creators than ever looking to wreak havoc in your everyday life. To truly keep your computer, smartphone and tablet safe, it’s important to invest in malware protection. Here are the top malware protection options available to you. [Read more…]

How to Spot Remote Support Scams

June 5, 2017 by Sean McCormack

Remote support scams are everywhere. Each day, hundreds, if not thousands, of unknowing computer users fall victim to these intricate tactics designed to scare you while taking your money. But if you’ve got a watchful eye you can avoid becoming a victim.

1. The Remote Support Tech Calls You

Regardless of what your caller ID says, if someone has called you to convince you that your computer has been infected, hang up immediately. At no point is a tech support company going to reach out to you before you reach out to them. This is the most common sign that something is amiss, and any conversation should be ignored and the phone number blocked.
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How Computer Support and Service has Evolved (for your benefit!)

April 22, 2017 by Sean McCormack

Computers are constantly evolving, and today’s computers can do far more than those released just a few years ago. However, this rapid evolution can make it difficult to keep up, and bugs and other errors can lead to struggles for individuals and businesses alike. Fortunately, computer support and service has evolved significantly as well, and new technologies can help keep your computer running well while protecting your information.

Thorough Safety Protections

Computer software is complex, and even thoroughly tested software typically contains bugs. While patches can fix these holes, malicious attackers seek to exploit them in the meantime to steal personal and business data or to run software on your computer. Fortunately, there are a number of great software options available to detect and stop these threats.

Anti-malware software can detect viruses and other malicious software and remove it. When properly installed, modern suites can even detect attacks early on. Firewalls protect your networking interfacing, letting you block attackers from the start. The internet is perhaps the most common source of malware, and filtering software can detect incoming malware and prevent it from installing. Integrated packages can provide robust protection for both personal computers and business hardware.
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How Proactive Computer Help Can Prevent a Disaster

April 10, 2017 by Sean McCormack

Have you ever heard that the best way to fix a problem is to avoid having it in the first place? Consider your car. Is the time to get the brakes looked at after they’ve failed on the highway? Of course that isn’t the time. You get your brakes checked every six months to a year, to stay ahead of that disaster. This is equally true for health, relationships, and especially for computers. The vast majority of computer-related disasters, be they file loss, system crashes, or viruses, can be avoided with a bit of proactive computer help.

Software Updates

It’s easy to think of software as a static item. You install the software and then never think about it again. In reality, most mainstream software gets updated on a regular basis. When a problem crops up in the software, or someone figures out how to exploit a weakness in the code, the company that made the software releases updates and patches to repair the issue. Having someone make sure the software stays updated helps to prevent hackers from taking advantage of these weaknesses and, for example, stealing customer information or downloading proprietary information.
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Top 5 Malware Protection Rules You Should Be Following

March 27, 2017 by Sean McCormack

Malware infections are one of the most common types of computer complaints, with thousands of people impacted by them each day. These malicious programs take advantage of any weaknesses in a computer’s protection to install themselves and can be very difficult to completely remove. The best way to avoid computer damage from a malware program is not to get infected in the first place. Here are five easy ways to protect your computer from malware.

1: Block malicious ads

Many advertisements that you see on website sidebars or headers are harmless, but some ads run scripts that will redirect your web browser to a malicious site or attempt to install malware on your computer. The reason that websites run advertisements is to generate revenue, so many sites will ask you to turn off any adblocking extensions you have installed. This is a well-meaning request, but individual websites often do not have a lot of control over which ads appear on their pages. It is safest to block ads entirely or back up your adblocker with a trusted antivirus program.
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The Importance Of Patch Management

December 20, 2016 by Sean McCormack

One of the most vital advantages to always-on network access like that provided by the Internet is the ability for software developers and hardware manufacturers to provide endless updates to their products and operating systems. Programmers usually refer to these updates as “patches,” which is simply a metaphor for a small bit of software used to modify the larger software applications.

These patches can be dramatically valuable to software users, as they often provide new features, better security and more efficient operation without the necessity of replacing one application with another. Patches can be applied to any kind of software from operating systems to mobile apps, so nearly any user of technology can take advantage of them. Here are some things to keep in mind about software updates for your technology.

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What Is The Proper Configuration Of A New Computer?

December 6, 2016 by Sean McCormack

Buying a new computer is often a lot of fun. New machines are usually faster, have newer software and provide a wealth of possibilities. At the same time, new computers can have their share of problems, including the fact most ship with few, if any, security features.

So how can you set up a new computer to make certain it will be as secure as possible before you start to rely on it for your day to day work or entertainment?

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