Viruses – Technical Action Group

The Top 5 Worst Technology Habits to Break in 2012

5 Jan

Your computer support provider should urge you to break these bad habits!

Admit it; some of you have some bad habits when it comes to maintaining the security and “health” of the high-tech tools you dearly depend on. Since it’s a fresh, new year, we thought it would be appropriate to point out the top 5 bad habits you should work on fixing in 2012. 1. Not backing up your data. Funny how most people start their confession of not backing up their data with the words, “I know it’s bad, but…” If you know, then why are you still doing it? There’s absolutely no good reason to let this one continue. Your IT support provider … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backup and Disaster Recovery, Is Your Current IT Support Looking After You Properly?, Maintenance, Security, Spam, Spyware, TAG Blog, Viruses

How Using Pirated Software Can Cost Your Business Tens of Thousands of Dollars In Fines and IT Support Fees AND Wreak Havoc On Your Computers

19 Sep

ALERT! If your business or your IT outsourcing knowingly uses pirated software (or if you're not 100% confident it's not), you MUST read this to learn the expensive hot water your business can get into if it gets caught. According to the Business Software Alliance, Software piracy is defined as the unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted software. This can be done by copying, downloading, sharing, selling, or installing multiple copies onto personal or work computers. It ‘s illegal, increases security risks, and can wreak havoc on your computer … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Security, TAG Blog, Viruses

E-Mail / Spam Filtering Explained Simply And Why EVERY Computer In Your Business MUST Be Protected With It

24 Jun

“E-mail filtering” aka “Spam filtering” – two terms you have heard tossed about, but do you really know what they mean and why they are a vital component in protecting your business against data theft, crippling viruses, as well as protecting your company’s reputation? What Does Filtering Do Exactly? Filtering is available in varying degrees of sophistication depending on what solution is purchased; however all of the solutions do the following: Every E-mail Gets a “Score” 99% of all e-mails sent globally are spam. The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cloud Computing, E-Mail, Spam, TAG Blog, Viruses

MAC Virus Alert!

31 May

Last month I alerted my readers about a rash of websites that had been infected with a virus which infects computers when someone browses the infected website. The infection on the computer pops up a Fake Antivirus or Security Software Warning that hijacks the browser. http://www.technicalactiongroup.com/beware-of-fake-antivirus-software-and-fake-security-alerts/ There is now similar antivirus malware that is targeting the MacIntosh operating system. If you or anyone in your office has a MAC computer, please read on to learn how to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Security, Spyware, TAG Blog, Uncategorized, Viruses

Top 5 Network Security Mistakes Made By Businesses

12 May

1. Weak Passwords. “password” is still the #1 password used by computer users. For maximum security, your password should contain numbers and letters, both upper and lowercase combined. 2. Lack of Education. Most viruses / spyware are invited by the user; if you want to make sure your employees don’t download viruses, take time to educate them on what new viruses are circulating and about common scams. 3. Lack of Maintenance. No software is perfect, which means security loop holes are exploited by hackers the minute they are discovered. That’s why … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Is Your Current IT Support Looking After You Properly?, Security, TAG Blog, Viruses

Why Am I Getting Viruses???

28 Apr

You are paying for computer support. You have anti-virus software. And yet you are STILL getting viruses that slow down (or crash!) your computer, impede you from getting your work done and in general create a HUGE pain in the you-know-what situation. Why? Here are 4 possible reasons: (1) You are on the Internet. Yes, I know you HAVE to be online to run your business. But the reality is that NOTHING is 100% perfect in completely blocking every single harmful virus, hacker, worm, Trojan, malware, or spyware that tries to meander onto your system while you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Security, Viruses

How To Spot An E-mail Hoax

11 Apr

With the Internet and e-mail providing a free, viral platform for online scammers, hackers and cyber criminals, there’s no doubt that at some point you’ll receive an e-mail hoax. Some are harmless, but many can lead to virus infections, identity theft or worse. Here are some common themes to watch out for: Supposedly free giveaways in exchange for forwarding e-mails Bogus virus alerts False appeals to help sick children Pointless petitions that lead nowhere and accomplish nothing Dire, and completely fictional, warnings about products, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: E-Mail, Spam, Viruses

Beware of Fake Antivirus Software and Fake Security Alerts!

5 Apr

Currently there is a rash of websites that have been infected with a virus which infects computers when someone browses the infected website. The infection on the computer pops up a Fake Antivirus or Security Software Warning that hijacks the browser. Once this software is installed, it prevents most other business relevant software applications from running. While this (or any) virus can’t be 100% prevented, occurrences can be minimized by keeping internet use restricted to reputable websites, and keeping your antivirus software current. Following are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Security, Viruses

The Shocking State Of Data Security In Small Business: Are YOU Making These Terrible Mistakes?

28 Feb

According to a survey of 2,100 US businesses conducted by Applied Research and commissioned by Symantec, the vast majority of businesses are frequent victims of cyber attacks, data loss and non-existent backup and recovery systems. Here are just a few of the shocking facts discovered: 74% of the businesses surveyed were affected by cyber attacks – including hackers, viruses, worms, etc. – in the past 12 months. 62% had lost at least one mobile device in the last 12 months, and 100% admitted they had no password protection on these devices. Less … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Is Your Current IT Support Looking After You Properly?, Maintenance, Security, Viruses

The Top 5 Worst Technology Habits to Break in 2011

31 Jan

Admit it; some of you have some bad habits when it comes to maintaining the security and “health” of the high-tech tools you dearly depend on. Since it’s a fresh, new year, I thought it would be appropriate to point out the top 5 bad habits you should work on fixing in 2011. 1. Not backing up your data. Funny how most people start their confession of not backing up their data with the words, “I know it’s bad, but…” If you know, then why are you still doing it? There’s absolutely no good reason to let this one continue. 2. Relying on tape … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Backup and Disaster Recovery, Is Your Current IT Support Looking After You Properly?, Maintenance, Managed Services, Security, Viruses