Microsoft plans for a short patch before XP ends.

Microsoft announced they will be issuing five security updates next week, with two being tagged as “critical.”
Three of the four updates for Windows will affect Windows XP, the 13-year-old operating system that Microsoft will retire from patching support on April 8, 2014.

Microsoft will have two more rounds of security updates before it pulls the plug on Windows XP.

Another two Windows updates pertaining to XP, were rated as “important” on Microsoft’s four-step scoring system.

1. Used by attackers to obtain additional access
2. Used to take personal data from the compromised PC

Forefront Protection 2010 was one of the products that Microsoft terminated in December 2012.  Even though development halted, Microsoft promised to keep patching the program and delivering new signatures.  This includes, the fingerprint-like components that identify new malware or spam until 2015.

Security experts are interested in what Microsoft is not going to patch next Tuesday, that was said was going to be fixed.



The idea was dismissed that Microsoft had run out of bugs to fix in IE, according to Web metrics.  Net Applications used by more of the world’s online population than any other, has a user share of 58.2%.

With the lack of IE updates, Microsoft’s security and patching teams have decided to take a vacation.

Microsoft will have another chance to patch bugs in IE before the Pwn2Own hacking contest.  Pwn2Own is co-sponsored by Hewlett-Packard and Google, plans to give $100,000 to the first researcher or team of researchers that are able to compromise IE11 on Windows 8.1-powered PC.  A $150,00 award awaits for the first to hack the same setup when protected by Microsoft’s Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET), a utility that manually enables anti-exploit technologies.

For a short time, Microsoft will secure XP, but it is ending very soon.  This is a great time to upgrade your system.  Please visit our online store and create an account to get the best deals on hardware and software.


Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts! Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet,  “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+


References:

Microsoft fixes critical Windows flaws on Patch Tuesday – PC Pro
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/enterprise/386959/microsoft-fixes-critical-windows…

Microsoft plans another short patch slate for next week, but finds a few XP bugs to crush – ComputerWorld
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9246114/Microsoft_plans_another_short_patch_slate…

Rackspace open door for open-source development

Rackspace is one of the few companies that takes open source software to an extreme.  Van Lindberg, Rackspace’s VP of Intellectual Property (IP), announced that Rackspace employees, Rackers, can “contribute to a project that is directly competitive with Rackspace.”

So if a ‘Racker’ decides to devote to Apache CloudStack, they can directly contribute to the project without question.

“This new policy will drive business opportunities for Rackspace and build leadership and expertise in our Rackers, also forcing us to focus on the services we pride ourselves on delivering.” – Van Lindberg

Rackspace has always been vocal about its commitment with the open cloud.  Now they are giving its’ employees the same benefits they offer to their corporate customers.  Free access to the marketplace of ideas and an open door to building on the innovations of others.

Lindberg stated that the company is changing its policy so that “Rackers are free to contribute and participate in any public open source project of their choice that has an established open-source license.”

In the past, Rackspace’s policy was that they had to check with the IP Committee/legal department prior to contributing.

To encourage the sharing and collaboration by contributing to open source projects, Rackers will be focusing on the services they deliver.

This new policy does have a couple discrepancies:

1. Rackers are encouraged to contribute on their own time, they can contribute during work hours but must first get approval from their manager.
2. If a Racker would like to contribute to a project that is competitive with Rackspace, they would like to know exactly why before anything is contributed.

Along with the collaboration and sharing, they can contribute to code, patches, tests, and documents even during work hours.

This will bring a closer more productive partnership, that builds leadership and expertise to the Rackers.
What do you think about this new policy?  Please give us your thoughts in the comments below!

Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts! Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet,  “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+.

References:
Rackspace’s Policy On Contributing To Open Source – Rackspace Blog
http://www.rackspace.com/blog/rackspaces-policy-on-contributing-to-open-source/

Rackspace opens the door wide for open-source development – ZDNet
http://www.zdnet.com/rackspace-opens-the-door-wide-for-open-source-development-7000026021/

Supersize your cloud storage to 100GB

Cloud storage services sync files and folders across multiple PCs and mobile devices. The rapid rise of cloud storage like Dropbox, SugarSync, and Google Drive create a bulletproof backup system.

You can actually build your own supercloud with more than 100GB of free storage.

Most services offer free accounts for cloud storage. With some patience, you can build your own supercloud, and with help from your friends.

To Get Started

Setting up your own personal supercloud is a tedious task, the first step is to take all of the services dedicated to areas in the Favorites column of Windows Explorer.

Amazon Cloud Drive: 5GB
Box: 5GB (but read “Beyond referrals” below before installing Box, as you may want to postpone installing this one)
Dropbox: 2GB
Google Drive: 5GB
MiMedia (m)Drive: 7GB
SkyDrive: 7GB (longtime SkyDrive users may be eligible for 25GB free)
SpiderOak: 2GB

Storage subtotal to this point: 33GB

Install SugarSync, they will offer you 5GB free to start.  Then install two cloud services that use a desktop app to sync and store files instead of creating a folder in Windows.

MediaFire: 10GB
Ubuntu One: 5GB

Storage subtotal to this point: 53GB

Refer your friends to get more storage

Many cloud services offer extra storage in 500MB increments for every friend that you refer to them.  Dropbox lets you add up to 16GB via referals, while Ubuntu One gives 20GB of extra space, and SugarSync allows up to 32GB of storage in half-gig increments.

MiMedia and SpiderOak offers an additional 1GB in storage, maxing out at 10GB and 32GB.

 

More than a referral

Another way to increase the amount of free Dropbox storage is to install the Dropbox app.  This authorized automatic photo uploads from your device, freeing 500MB  to your account.

Dropbox also gives you 250MB of free space for completing its Getting Started tutorial.

SugarSync gives user a couple ways to obtain extra free storage in 125MB chunks:

• Install the mobile app for Android, BlackBerry, or iOS
• Share a file or folder with a public or private link
• Upload a file to your account via email

MediaFire gives you 2GB for installing the MediaFire desktop, and 2GB more for installing mobile apps.

By connecting your Facebook and Twitter accounts to MediaFire, you receive another 1GB for each.

Box offers 50GB free storage to new users, then by allowing Facebook to follow, you get another 50GB.

Microsoft offers 20GB of SkyDrive storage to their Office 365 Home Premium subscribers.

By referring Box, Google, and Microsoft to your social media accounts, you can get another 126GB of free cloud storage.

Sharing and Syncing

Once you’ve loaded up on all that storage, Dropbox should be able to help you with file syncing.  SugarSync also lets you choose specific folders to sync to.

Sensitive folders should be managed with SpiderOak and other less sensitive material can be send to Mega.

Online collaboration, streaming media, and choosing the right application to backup to will help you make the most of your space and easily manage your cloud services.

Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts! Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet,  “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+.

References:
Supersize your free cloud storage to 100GB or more – PCWorld
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2037131/supersize-your-free-cloud-storage…

Facebook’s 10th Anniversary Celebration - Creates You A Personal Video

Facebook has created a personalized video to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Zuckerberg & Co. decided a "Look Back" compilation of your most-liked photos set to music would be fitting for the anniversary.

 A notification will be sent to your account pointing to a video will be waiting for you.


Go to https://facebook.com/lookback/ to find your facebook moments made into a timeless memory video montage.

 References: Facebook Made You a Sentimental Video to Celebrate Its 10th Birthday - Gizmodo http://gizmodo.com/facebooks-made-you-a-sentimental-video-to-celebrate-it...

Signs you’ve been hacked

Today, antivirus software gives you peace of mind from scammers.  Although, anti-malware scans can be inaccurate.  So how are we supposed to know if we are hacked?

System monitoring and network traffic detection can help monitor malware, but may often fail on a regular basis.

In this blog, I will give you the signs to look out for, to know if you’ve been hacked.  Also, instructions on what needs to be done after you’ve found out your system has been compromised.

Reformatting your computer and restoring all the programs and its data is the old way of taking care of this problem.  Today, depending on your operating system, it might mean to simply click on a Restore button.
No matter what, a compromised computer can never be fully trusted again.

Here are a list of steps to take if your system has been infected:

Fake antivirus message

Fake antivirus warning messages are the surest signs that your system has been compromised.  But how are you supposed to know what messages are real or fake?

By the time people see the “Virus Detection” message, damage has already been done.  If you click the No or Cancel to stop the fake virus scan, it may likely be too late.

Your system has most probably been compromised.  The malicious software has already made use of unpatched software.

Malicious programs put out an “antivirus warning” because the fake scan is a lure you to buy their product.  By clicking on the links, you are more involved in the process of “fixing” the problem.  Then for a small fee, the antivirus software will clean your system resulting in your credit card number put in the hands of cyber criminals.

What to do:  As soon as you notice the antivirus warning, power down your computer.  Boot your computer system in Safe Mode, No Networking and try to uninstall the newly installed software.  Then restore your system.

Unwanted browser toolbars

This is one of the most common signs of exploitation.  If you experience a sudden change with multiple toolbars in your browser your computer may be infected.

What to do:  Remove any toolbars you don’t need and don’t remember installing.  Try and reset your browser back to its default settings.  If the toolbar didn’t show a Licensing Agreement, then it is most likely malicious.

Redirected Internet searches

Hackers will redirect your browser to a site that you didn’t intend on going to.  They get paid for the clicks to the malicious re-directed websites.

If you go to an Internet search engine and type in common words related to what you are looking for, look to see if you get the same results.  Many times the redirected Internet searches are well hidden from the user through proxies.  The bogus results are never returned to alert the user.  Usually if you have unwanted toolbar issues then you also have redirect problems.

What to do:  Remove the bogus toolbars and programs is usually enough to get rid of the malicious redirection.

Frequent random popups

Companies pay search engines to track your searches in order to tailor advertisements to your interests.  But if you’re getting random browser pop-ups from websites that don’t normally generate them, or of products that you’ve never looked at before, your system has probably been compromised.

What to do:  Random popups are also from bogus toolbars.  Uninstall the toolbars and restore your system back to its default settings.

Your friends receive fake emails from your email account

Even though this is a common problem, it is a security risk.  Malicious emails sent to friends from your address book compromises your account and all your friends’ accounts.

What to do:  Run a complete antivirus scan and change your email password.  Also you should contact your friends in your address book and notify them of the situation.

Have you seen these signs of a compromised computer?  Did you uninstall the malicious programs or reset your system to its default settings?  Let us know your experience below!

Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts!  Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet,  “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+

References:
11 sure signs you’ve been hacked – TechWorld
http://news.techworld.com/security/3500234/11-sure-signs-youve-been-hacked/

How Cloud Computing Can Reduce your HR Burden in 2014

A cloud-based system can tremendously improve your HR work efficiency.  From paperwork organization, to requests and approvals, the cloud will keep your information current and up-to-date.

Already in the cloud?

Some businesses may not be in ‘The Cloud’ yet, but over 75% of businesses are either already in the cloud or looking to move into it.  Some businesses don’t know what ‘The Cloud is, but are already using it.

If you are a Facebook, Twitter, or an online shopper, you are actually more familiar to the cloud than you already know. They are all using cloud computing.  HR is moving to the cloud for instant access and its easy to use service.

So you’re probably wondering how The Cloud can reduce your HR burden in 2014?

Benefits of the cloud

The key benefits of using a cloud HR solution for a small business is that there is no need for pricy installments.  There are monthly subscription payments that are more affordable for small and thriving companies.



Moving your HR processes to the cloud gives your organization greater agility, utilizing the latest technology without any major changes to your infrastructure.  Using SaaS will reduce your cost and allows you to pay for what you need.

Using cloud HR can simplify workflows, reduce extra costs and enhance the way information is reported.  This enables HR staff to spend their time much more proactively with the support needed.

This is how the cloud will help you become more efficient at work:

• No more wall-planners, paper forms and complicated Excel spreadsheets: Seamless electronic data capture eliminates paperwork and re-keying.
• Self-service eliminates the paperwork involved with basic HR processes, allowing employees to request absence, update key personal information and request training.
• Full view of HR data: From salary, accident, and injury, all records stored electronically in the cloud can be accessed easily and searched within seconds.

Please visit our Services page to see how we can help you migrate to The Cloud!

Are you already in the cloud?  Please share with us your experience, we would like to know what you think!

Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts! Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet,  “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+



References:
How cloud-based systems can reduce your HR burden in 2014 – Cloud Computing Tech News
http://www.cloudcomputing-news.net/blog-hub/2014/jan/15/how-cloud-based-systems-can-reduce…/

Lenovo’s Game Changer: Partnering with Motorola

 

The PC maker Lenovo, gets a global brand of smartphones, Motorola.  
It’s confirmed that Google sold Motorola Mobility to the Chinese PC maker Lenovo, this past week.

Lenovo purchased Motorola for $2.91 billion, consisting of $660 million cash and $750 million in Lenovo shares.  This left a remaining $1.5 billion paid in the form of a three-year promissory note.

Lenovo picked up the Motorola brand, as well as its portfolio of devices, including both Moto X and Moto G.

Lenovo will receive more than 2,000 patent assets, while Google will still control the lion’s share of patents it originally obtained when it acquired Motorola several years ago.

This deal gives Lenovo a thriving market for smartphones in China and other countries.

“This is a big game changer for corporate customers who can now standardize on Lenovo from smartphones to PCs to servers,” said Ira Grossman, CTO of end-user and mobile computing at national solution provider MCPc, whose Anyplace Workspace is centered on providing anyplace, anytime, anywhere computing to corporations. “Lenovo is moving full throttle into the smartphone market. Lenovo wants to own the end point whether it’s smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops and probably wearables too. Lenovo has it all now. They are building a compelling story with a multi-operating system, diverse form-factor strategy”.

This blockbuster deal came only a week after Lenovo agreed to quire IBM’s x86 server business for $2.3 billion.  The China-based computing giant followed up with the agreement and identified it into four different groups: enterprise servers, mobile, ThinkPad branded PCs and cloud services.

Entering the smartphone field for Lenovo is a bold move.  They will definitely have to “up their game” but it shouldn’t be hard considering their proven track record of successfully embracing innovative ideas.

A Troubled Business

The Motorola handset has always been a stress point between Google and its partners.  Google has said its maintained a division between its Android group and the Motorola unit.  Other vendors have also express their irritation with the partnership as a competitor.

In the last year, Motorola has suffered many losses.  Motorola acknowledged the operating system loss of $248 million, which was much more than the year prior.

The deal is still a surprise, seeing Google has been pushing to move more toward hardware with the Google Glass headset and its Chromecast media dongle.

Gaining A Brand

Lenovo may be jumping into the smartphone field with high ambitions, but the Motorola smartphone is largely limited to China.  Even though the market has ranked No. 5 among global smartphone vendors in the fourth quarter.

Lenovo’s CEO said in May 2013 that their new smartphones were to be brought into the US within a year, but there has been no update since.

Lenovo also bought out the PC business of IBM in 2005, a very similar move to the Motorola buy out from Google.

“Lenovo intends to keep Motorola’s distinct brand identity–just as they did when they acquired ThinkPad from IBM in 2005,” Google CEO Larry Page said in a statement.

There are reports Lenovo attempted to purchase BlackBerry, but the deal didn’t go through because of regulators sensitive to a Chinese company owning phones extensively used by the Chinese government.

Sometimes we think of China as inflexible and harsh, but Lenovo has been able to adapt in most brands and geographies.

The CEO of Motorola Mobility Dennis Woodside said he sees the deal as putting the mobility unit on a “rapid path to achieving our goal of reaching the next 100 million people with the mobile Internet.  With the recent launches of Moto X and Moto G, there is a tremendous amount of momentum running alongside Lenovo’s hardware expertise and global reach.

Do you think Lenovo made a smart move buying out Motorola?  Will Google regret selling Motorola to Lenovo?  Let us know your thoughts below!

Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts! Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet,  “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+.


References:
Partners: Lenovo’s $2.91 Billion Acquisition Of Motorola Mobility Is A Game Changer – CRN
http://www.crn.com/news/mobility/240165784/partners-lenovos-2-91-billion-acquisition-of-motorola…

Google sells Motorola unit to Lenovo for $2.9B – C|Net
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57618023-93/google-sells-motorola-unit-to-lenovo-for-$2.9b/