Logo-small1 Tobin Solutions Newsletter
We guarantee a better technology experience!
September 2012
Online Security Concerns
Home Computer Backup
A Bit of Humor

Tobin Solutions provides a full line of computer support and management services 

Logo-small1
Managed Services
Software/Hardware
Networks
Onsite & Remote
   Support
System Monitoring
Virus Protection
Spam Blocking 
Remote Servers
Web & FTP Hosting
Training
Disaster Planning
  & Recovery 
  
Contact us for more information
Quick Links
Sevice Assistance
 Tobin Helpdesk
or call
414-443-9999

 pencil-join
Join our Mailing List
  Feel free to share this newsletter with friends and associates

 

  

Tobin Solutions Newsletter

Our goal is to provide information about emerging technology, present money-saving and efficiency-improving ideas, and offer tips that will help you get more from your computers.
 For topic sugestions and feedback, please send an e-mail to:

 

Online Security Concerns 

 

The computer security world is abuzz with the story of Matt Honan, a senior writer for Wired magazine and a recent victim of hackers.

 

"In the space of one hour," Mr. Honan said, "my entire digital life was destroyed. First my Google account was taken over, then deleted. Next my Twitter account was compromised and used as a platform to broadcast racist and homophobic messages. And worst of all, my Apple ID account was broken into, and my hackers used it to remotely erase all of the data on my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook."

 

How did this happen?  Weak passwords?  Spyware?  None of the above. Mr. Honan was a victim of Apple and Amazon's poor security policies, and he acknowledges he also broke some basic security rules.

 

Hackers used publicly available data to convince technicians at Apple and Amazon to allow them to take over Mr. Honan's accounts. They were aided by the fact that he used the same email addresses and other personal information on multiple accounts.

 

The whole, fascinating story is at http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/08/apple-amazon-mat-honan-hacking/all/

  

Since this news broke, companies have improved security policies, but it's likely hackers will find and exploit any weaknesses.

 
Home Computer Backup 

 

Like most people, you probably keep precious data on home computers.  Photos, music, school work, and more are hanging out on your hard drives.  Employing the following 3-2-1 Backup Strategy will help keep your data safe:

 

3 Copies. Keep at least three copies of your files. This typically means a copy on your main hard drive; another on an external hard drive, DVD, or thumb drive in your home; and a third online in the cloud or possibly on a hard drive or DVD stored in a safe deposit box or at the residence of a friend or relative.

 

2 Different Media Types. Have your data stored on at least two of the following: a hard drive, DVD, tape, thumb drive, or online.  Multiple media reduces risk.

 

1 Offsite. Use a service to back up your online files as you create them. Storing a backup hard drive or thumb drive in a safe place other than your residence is another option.

 
A Bit of Humor . . . .  

 

Even the most advanced ant-virus programs from McAfee cannot take care of this bug.  Norton is no help either.

 

Virus Symptoms:

  1. Tricks you into sending blank emails.
  2. Results in you sending an email to the wrong person.
  3. Causes you to send the email back to the person who sent it to you.
  4. Makes you forget to affix the attachment.
  5. Triggers your pressing 'SEND' before you've finished.
  6. Forces you to hit 'DELETE' instead of 'SEND.'
  7. Pressurizes you into clicking 'SEND' when you should click 'DELETE.'
  8. Causes you to send the same email twice.
  9. Causes you to send the same email twice.
  10. This virus affects only those who were born before 1958. 

    Oh, I nearly forgot, this virus is called the: 'C-NILE VIRUS.'
 ________________________________________________________
We sincerely hope you appreciate our service
as much as we appreciate your business!
Please mention Tobin Solutions to people who might benefit from our services. Give us a potential client's name, and we'll make the contact. 
The best compliment is a referral!