January 2016 - Issue 58
In This Issue
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View our CIO Exchange archives
CIO Calendar
CIO Birthdays
James Lee - 1/26
CIO Anniversaries
Nick Picon:
1/9/2009 - 7 years
David Beltran:
1/19/2011 - 5 years
Lia Moniz:
1/30/2012 - 4 years
Tien Tran:
1/19/2015 - 1 year
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Holidays
New Year's Day
Friday, January 1st
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday
Monday, January 18th
 
National Fun At Work Day
Thursday, January 28th

Greetings!

The New Year ushers in a time of change. We make resolutions based on the new habits that we want to acquire and the new people that we want to become. If you have made New Year's Resolutions for your business, we hope that CIO is a part of them. Let us help usher in the growth and change that you want to see for the new year. If new isn't your speed, then think about this time as a time to re-commit, and to maintain - a time to keep up good habits and prepare for whatever the new year has in store for you. Is your business technology ready for 2016? Are you prepared for this year? We can help you answer these questions. We're here to help.   

Tech Tip: Beware of Word Document Viruses!
Do not enable editing!
Here's what you may already know: Computer viruses are like small software programs. Typically, they are downloaded inadvertently, buried within a file. When you open the file, the virus activates. The virus could damage your system, steal your identity information, infect files that you send out, or even send itself to everyone in your email address book from your return address.

But what you might not know is that viruses sneak in through the Microsoft Word files that you often receive via email. Your own documents could be an open door for viruses to wreak havoc on your computer. And in the end, computer viruses and other forms of malicious software (malware) cause billions of dollars in damage and untold anguish for victims of identity theft each year.

Q. Why are Word files vulnerable?
A. Because Microsoft Word files are commonly exchanged, Word viruses have become widespread. Here's how it works:
* Microsoft Word files contain small programs called "macros," which are customizable shortcuts that automate tasks such as formatting text or applying bullet lists.
* The macro programming language can also be used to write viruses.
* The virus can be sent as part of a Word document.
* The virus automatically activates when you open the Word file.

Q. How can I get tricked into opening a virus-laden Word file?
A. Hackers use a variety of ruses to persuade you to open a virus-infected Word file. They may:
* Spoof the address of a friend, a business or an old friend.
* Pretend to be the sender of an important message from your bank, the IRS or a lottery you've won.
* Use topical lures. Last year, for example, when worldwide attention was focused on pro-democracy protests in Myanmar, hackers circulated an infected Word file purporting to be a message of support from the Dalai Lama.

Q. How can I protect myself?
A. Use these tips to avoid Word viruses:
* Only open email attachments that are expected and that come from a trusted source.
* Use Internet security software that automatically scans email attachments for viruses and other malicious software before opening them.
* Delete any suspect messages without opening them.
* Do not click on web links or download files sent through emails or instant messages by someone you don't know.

The bottom line: Be wary of any file sent to you as an email attachment, even an innocent-looking Microsoft Word file. These files could contain viruses or other malicious software that might damage your system or steal your identity information. And always use Internet security programs to protect against viruses, spyware and spam.

** CALL us if you're not sure! 805-692-6709 **
 
What's Happening at CIO: CIO Dodgeball!
The CIO Solutions team just began their new quarterly dodge ball teambuilding event. Last Tuesday, many of the CIO team went to the Goleta Boys and Girls Club gym to play dodge ball after work. It was a fun way to de-stress and get in exercise!

App of the Month: SB Menus
Many days after work, it would be great to have fast food delivered to your door when you are too tired to cook dinner. Often times, some of your favorite fast food restaurants do not deliver.

SB Menus provides you with a variety of restaurants to choose from. They have different deals that you may not be able to find through the restaurant themselves, and better yet, they will deliver the food to you also!

If you are craving Sam's-To-Go sandwiches, Spudnuts donuts, ice cream from I.V. Drip, or even McDonald's, SB Menus can deliver these right to your door. Normally these restaurants do not deliver, but through SB Menus, delivery finally becomes an option when you simply want to stay in your pajamas and not step outside.

  
Employee Spotlight
Russ Stireman - Engineering Consultant

Full name:
Russ Stireman

Family info (optional): 
Wife Beth and 4 adult children

Where did you grow up? 
Everywhere between SLO and Alaska!

When did you move to Santa Barbara? 
I live in San Luis Obispo, was born here and have lived here most of my life.

What you like best about the Santa Barbara area: 
Everywhere along the central coast area is beautiful and safe.  I believe we're all very fortunate to live here. There are many fun and healthy things to do and I take advantage of them as often as possible. Free concerts, mountain biking, driving (auto and motorcycle), wine tasting and dining. I'm going up the Big Sur coastline to watch the elephant seals soon!

When did you start working at CIO: 
A little under a year ago - April 2015

What you like best about working at CIO: 
Honestly, the best thing about CIO is the people, and the awesome pool of knowledge that the team possesses!

Dreams/aspirations:
To live a long time in good health and to experience as much as I can

What would you do if you won the lottery: 
Travel

Favorite color:
Blue

Favorite food:
Oh, that would be a toss-up between Sushi and Thai, or Thai and Sushi

Favorite book/movie: 
I'm not really a movie buff.  And the books I read are mostly technical.

Motto/quote:
You've heard the adage, "You're a product of your environment"?  To that I add, "Then choose your environment well."

Anything else that is interesting about yourself: 
I have played piano since I was 4, have a home recording studio and several synthesizers, own several rental houses (which I manage myself), officiate football at both the local (high school) and college (replay booth) levels, and was a nationally-ranked pole vaulter in high school (30+ years and 40 pounds ago!).

CIO Solutions | 805-692-6700 | [email protected] | http://www.ciosolutions.com
150 Castilian Drive
Suite 100
Santa Barbara, CA 93117

CIO Solutions | 150 Castilian Drive | Suite 100 | Santa Barbara | CA | 93117