In case you haven’t heard (if you follow our Blog or Facebook page you should have) there is some fallout from the NSA hacking tools being leaked.  At least allegedly.   Our  WebRoot customers are covered and our IDMax customers have been updated.  Are you one?  If not contact us and stay protected. The ‘new’ Ransomware has been wreaking havoc, causing outages, effecting Hospitals, telecoms and business in the UK, Russia, Tiawan and elsewhere. Microsoft has put out patches for it’s operating systems as well as offering some patches for it’s older XP and 2003 OS even though it discontinued support for them sometime ago.   Read More: Here on NetworkWorld, Here on ZDNet.com, More here on ZDNet.com including links to the Patches for Older OS (XP/2003)  

This is why you try to keep any security devices as current as possible.  Over a long enough period a security device (lock, code, etc) becomes easily overcome. Read more on Network world Below:

The attack radically improves the time needed to crack the fixed codes of older garage door openers

Source: Hacker turns toy into tool that can open garage doors in seconds | Network World

 

Ever heard the phrase “A chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link” ?  Well if you use the same password on multiple sites your security can be compromised if just one of those sites gets hacked.  Like C-Net did.  Read below.

Russian hackers breach CNET, steal one million usernames, passwords and email addresses | Network World.

As IT Professionals we see a lot of malware and phishing schemes.  Something that many people still don’t realize is that bad guys still use the phone.

I am writing this today because a good client and a very sweet lady called me.  She said that someone just called her indicating they were from Microsoft.  Said  she was riddled with viruses, walked her through downloading and installing some remote access software, then tried to get $49 from her to remove the virus!  She got suspicious, stopped just in time and called us.  We verified she had no virus.

The SCAM: Windows Computer Service Center

The caller claims to be from  California yet the calls may originate from 212-654-3212 which is a New York area code.  When asked the man with an Indian accent didn’t know the street the office is on.  Not the number, but the actual street name after a second request they hung up.

When we get calls like this (as techs) we like to take our time.  😉  How did you get my number?  Never answered.  Which computer?  They don’t know.  What version of Windows?  No clue.  How can I identify which computer?   They may tell you your CLSID is 888dca60-fc0a-11cf-8f0f-00c04fd7d062 which is NOT your computer ID it’s for a component that should be on all PCs.

A quick Google Search finds dozens of hits for this scam and it’s only one of thousands like it. This gentleman recorded a video of the scam.

This site has some more details on it: SecureList.com

Some good rules for safety and security:

• NEVER accept a support from someone you didn’t personally contact. (on the phone or in person)
• DO NOT give out private or secure information or access to your computer to ANYONE you don’t trust.
• ALWAYS call them back at their listed number.  Not a number the caller gives you.
• Google Search them or go direct to their website if you know it (Like www.idez.com) Call them back at that number.
• DO NOT assume that because you see a number on your caller ID it is a valid one.  With todays phone system you can put in any number you want for your own caller ID. So, ask to call them back! If they refuse, call someone else (Like us:  315-424-0707)

Whenever in doubt call your IT professionals.