Network Source One is sending this quarterly newsletter brief, 'Memo from IT Department', to our contacts. It contains short tidbits of current information from the world of IT that we hope you find useful. If you do not want to receive this information from us, please use the safe unsubscribe link below to have your e-mail address removed from our newsletter list. Thank you for your consideration. |
 | E-Mail Hoaxes Fool Many...And Can Cause Big Problems |
 Sometimes it's a warning. Sometimes it's a fun or heart-warming story. The e-mail may seem believable and be from a friend or colleague, however, many times it is not. Many of these e-mails are relatively harmless - except for the time wasted reading them and computing resources used to send and store them. However, some can have malicious intent. Perhaps they carry malware (viruses, spyware, etc.) or direct receipiants to a malicious website (disguised as a legitimate one).
Below are some good practices to adopt regarding e-mail useage: When you get an e-mail... 1. Do not click on a link in an e-mail that wasn't personally typed by a known sender. 2. Do not download/open an attachment unless it can reasonably be assumed to be safe. 3. Do not forward any e-mail that originated from an unknown person/source (no matter how guilty the 'e-mail' makes you feel!). When sending an e-mail with links or attachments... 1. Always include a personal note to the receipiant (not a generic one!)
Now, please forward this e-mail to at least 10 people in the next 10 minutes for 10 years of good luck! |
| Bad Websites in Good Places |
 A very clever tactic being used by cyber criminals is to create websites that will come up as top web-site search results (i.e. results from a 'google' search). They target common searches such as results for popular news stories or results for dealing with computer viruses.
Recently, hackers have even 'hijacked' legitimate web sites for short periods of time, so users that are seemingly going to a legitimate site are compromised.
Here are some good practices regarding internet surfing:
1. Type in complete website address - and verify correct spelling.
2. Be attentive and cautious when using search results. If the website address from the search result isn't recognizable or doesn't seem appropriate, don't click on the listing.
3. Use URL filtering tools to scan and block bad or compromised websites.
4. Always exercise caution and use reason while surfing the internet!
|
| Network Source One Network Security Recommendations |
 As threats to your network and information become increasingly more complex and malicious, it has become critically important to have a comprehensive protection strategy. This includes the following: 1. A properly configured Firewall 2. Current Anti-Virus Software 3. A strong E-Mail Security/Anti-Spam Solution 4. A highly effective Web/Internet Filtering Solution
You also need to ensure critical updates are applied to your software as they become available. Network Source One offers Remote Patch Management and Monitoring of your network for a small monthly fee. We can help ensure your software and security systems are up to date. We also can detect problems that come up or pro-actively identify issues that may cause trouble. |
| Sing, Dance, and Be Merry! |
|
We want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and Best Wishes in the New Year! |
If you have any suggestions for news or information that we can present in an upcoming newsletter 'memo', please let us know!
Thank you.
Your IT Team
Network Source One, Inc.
(248) 536-1001 |
