NRL Technology, Inc.

04/05/2020

With video conferencing helping us all deal with this social distancing thing...Zoom has been a very popular option for people lately. While it is easy to use and cross platform, there have been some security concerns connected with it. If you have concerns and are looking for alternatives, this article offers some great options.

I am currently using Jitsi, it is free, open source and very easy to use ..

https://jitsi.org/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2020/04/04/zoom-alternatives-5-options-for-people-who-care-about-security-and-privacy/

Zoom is the app of choice for video meetings and chats during the COVID-19 crisis, but it’s not that private or secure. What can you use instead?

05/15/2019

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/zombieload-attack-intel-what-to-do,news-30082.html

Unfortunately it has been a busy week in security news. If you have an Intel based Mac or PC, you will need to download an update to patch a critical vulnerability. This is a big deal folks..patch ASAP.

A newly discovered security vulnerability called ZombieLoad affects all Intel CPUs since 2011. Here is what to do to protect your PC, Mac or Chromebook.

05/14/2019

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/how-to-update-whatsapp-android-iphone,news-30068.html

WhatsApp users on iOS and Android need to update your app to deal with a potential malware exploit

Here's how to make sure your phone is safe from the spyware targeting WhatsApp on Android and iOS devices.

05/14/2019

https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/14/18623565/microsoft-windows-xp-remote-desktop-services-worm-security-patches

Heads up Windows 7 and XP users...

Windows 10 and Windows 8 are safe

09/20/2016

Ransomware has been a significant threat for quite some time and is going to get worse and more prevalent. In a nutshell, a ransomware infection results in either a locked computer or encryption of all the user's documents on a target computer. These files are generally unrecoverable unless a "ransom" is paid, and often times even paying the ransom won't end well.

Two quick tips to help prevent or mitigate the danger of ransomware: The first is careful handling of email. These attacks often come in the form of email attachments that harbor the script that will infect your computer. Never click or open an attachment of any kind, unless you are 100% sure who sent it and why. That, along with up to date security software will prevent a majority of attacks, The other big tip is mitigation...keep a backup of all your important documents either on a removable drive of some kind (best) or in a cloud service like Google Drive, Dropbox etc. Although files in a cloud folder can be encrypted and uploaded to the cloud, most cloud services offer file versioning features that will allow you to restore your files to their original state after the attack.

If you have concerns about your vulnerability to attack or current data backup strategy, please give us a call for a free consultation and risk assessment at (219) 299-2133

http://www.pcmag.com/news/343547/the-growing-threat-of-ransomware

Ransomware can hit anyone, but hackers are increasingly going after targets that are more willing to pay up.

03/11/2016

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/feature/windows/should-i-upgrade-windows-10-advice-win7-win8-chrome-3618139/

We are asked on an almost daily basis about whether or not one should upgrade to Windows 10. Since it is a free upgrade (until July) for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, there is little to lose on the money side of the equation. At this point, Windows 10 is a very stable release, which adds a number of new features and improved security as well. For the average home or small business user, I would recommend the upgrade with a few important notes. First, always make sure to back up your critical files and documents before any major upgrade process, either in a cloud based backup or some type of removable media. Those running specialized or industry specific software, may want to contact the software developer to verify Windows 10 compatibility before upgrading. Additionally, be aware that although Windows 10 goes back to a more "Windows 7ish" style interface, it's not exactly the same. This video does a pretty good job of explaining the current state of Windows 10 and the upgrade process.

If you want to upgrade, but don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, NRL Technology would be glad to help. We offer both onsite and remote help desk assistance to our clients and would love to assist you with your Windows 10 upgrade. Give us a call at (219) 299-2133 if you have questions about your situation or to set up your appointment today.

Windows 10 was made available to consumers on 29 July 2015, but should you install Windows 10? We explain who should upgrade to the new version of the OS, plus a few things to consider if you're using older hardware and software. Over 200 million devices run Windows 10, but is it right for you?

02/15/2016

Heads up everyone...massive Comcast outages.

This morning, some readers alerted us that they were having problems with their cable TV. Were they alone? Were they being punished by the entertainment gods on a federal holiday? No, as far as we ...

01/14/2016

https://www.malwarebytes.org/antiexploit/

One of the biggest threats facing modern computers is Zero-Day malware. Simply put, they are malware threats that are so new that they haven't been "fingerprinted" yet by the anti-virus industry. Because of this, regular anti-virus products have no way to recognize and block them.They most often take advantage of vulnerabilities in your web browser to infect your computer.

This program is designed to complement your regular antivirus protection by blocking these browser and Java exploits based on their behavior. It is memory efficient, easy to install and free. There is a paid "premium" version you can choose to install but the free version provides the protection most users will need.

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit software protects you from zero-day exploits targeting browser and application vulnerabilities.

10/29/2015

With the holiday season fast approaching, tech toys will be at the top of everyone's list. If you are looking for advice on computers, tablets, smart phones and related technology, don't hesitate to call us. We will be happy to help you make the right decision with a free phone consult at (219) 299-2133.

08/24/2015

Did you know that many computer problems can be fixed remotely, without ever having to unplug your computer..let alone haul it in to a repair shop? No matter where you are located, we can offer a full range of services including virus removal, system clean-ups, software installation, cloud services setup and general troubleshooting all done via a remote desktop session. It saves time and more importantly it saves money. Best of all, there is no risk..if we can't fix your problem, there is no charge. Call us today for a free consultation. (219) 299-2133

08/24/2015

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/android-stagefright-mms-hack-news/

Had a client ask me about this Android exploit today...this article explains the exploit, how to see if you are vulnerable and how to counter it if you are concerned. As of now, there are no known cases of this exploit actually being used. Even so, now that its widely known, people will start writing code to take advantage of it. Patches are in the pipeline but who knows how long till they are fully implemented...just something to be aware of.

The Stagefright media playback tool in Android has a vulnerability that allows hackers access to most phones from a text message, but you can defend yourself.