Bachman Group, LLC

04/25/2017

I know of two different people who have lost data recently because of a malfunctioning network backup. One way to combat this kind of data loss is to follow the 3-2-1 backup rule for any data that is important to you.

https://www.backblaze.com/blog/the-3-2-1-backup-strategy/

A Backblaze survey revealed 54% of people said they know someone or have themselves recently lost data. Find out what you can do to prevent data loss.

02/24/2017

Probably a good idea to change your password, it's good practice even if the service you use wasn't affected.

A massive memory leak from web services and security company Cloudflare may have exposed user data for thousands of sites using the service. In other words: it’s time to change your passwords.

02/04/2017

If you need help securing your Barix, give me a call. Bachman Group will get you squared away ASAP.

We interrupt your regularly scheduled broadcast...

SBE Alert - Feb 4, 2017

The SBE is sharing the following message with our members at the request of the FCC.

The Federal Communications Commission is requesting your assistance in disseminating the information below to your organization's members.

It has come to our attention that unauthorized persons recently may have illegally gained access to certain audio streaming devices used by broadcasters, and may have transmitted potentially offensive or indecent material to the public. We believe that the reported cases involved unauthorized access to equipment manufactured by Barix, which some licensed broadcasters use for studio-to transmitter (STL), remote broadcast (remote) and similar audio connections. We understand that the unauthorized access to the devices may be due, in part, to instances where the licensee fails to set a password for devices with no default password, or to re-set default passwords on the Barix device.

We urge licensees to take all available precautions to prevent future unauthorized transmissions. In many cases, there may be simple, practical solutions to prevent such situations from occurring. For example, we strongly encourage licensees that use Barix devices, as well as other transmitting equipment, to check and, if necessary, add a password, or reset existing passwords with new, robust passwords. Similarly, if a broadcast station experiences turnover in staff who had access to passwords, we encourage licensees to reset the password to ensure future security. We also recommend that broadcasters investigate whether additional data security measures, such as firewalls or VPNs configured to prevent remote management access from other than authorized devices, in some cases, could be implemented to preserve this potentially critical part of the broadcast transmission chain. If you suspect that broadcast equipment has been subject to attempts at unauthorized access, we also recommend that you contact the equipment manufacturer and/or a data security firm. We also suggest that you notify the FCC Operations Center at 202-418-1122 or [email protected] of suspected unlawful access.

If you have any questions, please contact Lark Hadley, the regional director for the Enforcement Bureau's Region Three via [email protected].

Thank you.

Charles Cooper
FCC/Enforcement Bureau/Office of the Field Director/Field Director

01/23/2017

Industry compliance standards, like the PCI-DSS, are great for protecting your customer's data, but are you protecting all of your infrastructure? Broadcasters are especially vulnerable to attacks and,adding insult to injury, these attacks could eventually result in fines from the FCC or worse.

As a station manager, do you know that your ALL your network devices are secure? Is your technical staff complying with industry best practices?

Engineer's do you need help finding a proven solution to your IT Engineering problems?

Whether you would like a one day security audit or want help implementing industry standard security measures we can help. Call or email today.

https://radioinsight.com/headlines/110432/multiple-stations-hijacked-with-profane-anti-trump-song/

For the second time in less than a year multiple radio stations had their signals hijacked. This time the stations that were corrupted aired a loop of YG & Nipsey Hussle “F*** Donald Trum…

10/21/2016

As we get more and more connected in this digital, we have to remember passwords for every part of our life. Unfortunately, this can lead to some unsafe practices like:

Using the same password for multiple sites
Only changing 1 character of your password for different sites
Using easy to remember things like your phone number or address

These mistakes can cost you, and others around you. Check out this article from Breach Alarm to see what you can do to increase your password security. While you are at it, go download a password management tool like KeePass to help you keep those passwords and your sanity intact!

https://breachalarm.com/creating-great-passwords

10/06/2016

Don't forget, your Issues and Programs report for 3Q 2016 is due in your Public File on Monday 10/10/16.

10/04/2016

From the guys who know how to do it right, a list of tools for taking care of satellite antennas.

At Ka You Communications, we take our tools seriously. Categorized and inventoried after every install, our installation tools are carefully organized in our office on their own ridiculously expensive heavy-duty shelves. Like you, we know that having the right tool – not just something that will “do...

09/30/2016

Pictures from before, during, and after the rehab of a Class C FM in Dallas, TX.

09/29/2016

Don't forget to post the new EAS Operating Handbook at your control point!

08/17/2016

Photos of during and after a transmitter install for a Class C1 FM in San Angelo, TX.

07/06/2016

Decommissioning a Continental 816 combined transmitter system. (An 817R-2 I believe)