Specializing in information technology outsourcing for small and medium businesses (1-50 Employees). "It's like having your own IT department"
- Network Design
- High Speed Internet
- Computers & Software Network
- Security Email & Web Hosting
- Back-ups
- Virus Protection & Recovery
- Web Sites
- Professional Service
|
|
|
 | |
We wanted to take a moment to thank you for your business, friendship, and support over the past year. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with you.
Best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy holiday season!
|
|
|
|
Tech Headlines
Here are some of the Tech headlines we're tracking:
Beth Israel fined $100,000 for patient data breach - Beth Israel was fined $100,000 after a laptop holding personal information for nearly 4,000 patients, workers was stolen. The laptop was sitting on a desk and not encrypted. Read more on The Boston Globe.
New Trojan aims to steal your password manager's password - You need STRONG passwords, but who can remember them? Read more at ITWorld
Hackers reportedly strike Sony Pictures computer system. Workers were sent home and sensitive financial documents may have been stolen. Read more on Fortune.
How to keep your credit card safe online Important reading this holiday season. Read More on CNET
Uber hires IBM Privacy expert to review data practices - Data collection policies are being examined after the "God View" scandal. Read More on USA Today
Google and Facebook have far more information about American Citizens than the NSA Concerned about privacy? Something to think about.... Read More on The Street
Follow us on Twitter!
|
|
"Patch Tuesday" Recap...
"Patch Tuesday" is the day each month that Microsoft releases their newest security updates, typically the second Tuesday of the month (November 11). This month there were five "critical", eight "important", and two "moderate" security patches affecting Microsoft Office and Windows.
For a full breakdown, check out the Microsoft Security Bulletin posted on line. Note that in the days leading up to Patch Tuesday, there is always an advance notification, which gets replaced by the actual bulletin on the release date.
A "critical" patch is defined by Microsoft as "a vulnerability whose exploitation could allow the propagation of an Internet worm without user action". As a general rule, all critical patches should be installed as soon as possible. Also, if you have a managed service support plan with us, all patches are tested before installation, and we are tracking the updates for you. Note that there are many other types of updates, and if we are doing managed updates, the blind updates through automated updates will be disabled.
Heads up for Planning - The last day for support for Windows Server 2003 is July 14, 2015. Any servers running this operating system will be out of compliance for security on that date.
...and remember to reboot at least weekly!
|
|
Perimeter Security
In our security training this month we emphasized the importance of thinking about "layers" when it comes to security. "Perimeter Security" is an additional layer of security in addition to your firewall protection, and end-point (desktop / laptop / server) Antivirus protection. In our typical installation, this is usually implemented with a Sonicwall router with Comprehensive Gateway Security Suite (also called "Total Secure"). This should be renewed annually and we strongly advise all clients to step up security based on an ever increasing risks for threats including a wave of CryptoWall viruses a few weeks back. With the perimeter security in place, certain types of traffic can be stopped proactively, which helps users from inadvertently bypassing protections on their desktops. Nothing is 100% when it comes to security, but we strongly feel that all businesses need to step up security as much as reasonably attainable.
|
 New : On-line Data Security Training
Are you compliant with the MA Data Security Law and other industry compliance rules such as HIPAA?
The Massachusetts Data Security Law, HIPAA, and other industry specific guidelines all require on-going employee training as part of the compliance requirements. To help you meet your training requirements, we're offering free training sessions for you all your employees.
This month we're covering how breaches actually occur and how security compliance rules specifically help prevent them (and aren't just a bunch of rules to follow).
When: Tuesday December 9 2014 @ 12:00pm - 12:20pm
Visit www.ekaru.com for updates on training
|
Get Social - Connect with us on line!
 Daily Small Business Tech News  Please "Like" us for tech tips, news, and free training  Subscribe to our blog for weekly tech tips Connect with us on LinkedIn Check out Training Videos on YouTube
Is your business on social media? - Let us know so we can follow you too!
|
 Happy Thanksgiving
|
|
|
Why Choose Ekaru?
- Customer Commitment - Knowledgeable, responsive, reliabiable, dedicated,proactive, personable, and easy to work with.
- Experience - We have managed IT support for hundreds of businesses in just about every industry. Our engineers all have senior level technical experience, and we work as a team, so you get access to everyone's expertise.
- Technology Passion - We're passionate about technology. In our free time we love to read about new technology and test new solutions, so you have access to the latest information.\
- Single Source Solution - We can handle everything from installing a new printer, to helping with technology strategy and everything in between.
Phone: 978-692-4200
©2014 Ekaru, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
