Dragonfly Technologies
Dragonfly Technologies
In this edition...
    Security Threats for 2010 and beyond

    Every day brings new, and increasingly complex threats to our computer security. Here are a few tips on what you can do to keep up:

    1. Don't let your Anti-Virus Subscription lapse:

    Most every commercially available anti-virus product supplies its virus definitions on a subscription basis. Virus definitions are updates to your existing virus protection software which make your computers aware of the latest viruses. Do not let the subscription expire - even for a day. Your subscription information is usually available in a few mouse clicks from your desktop.

    Mac Users: Don't take this lightly!

    Until recently, Macintosh users thought they were immune from viruses. While this has never been the case, there were few if any widespread viruses for Apple's current operating system—OS X. Well, they're out there now.

    Apple’s forthcoming Snow Leopard (Version 10.6 of Mac OS X) Operating System upgrade has already been found to be vulnerable. Mac virus writers don’t show any sign of slowing down–especially as Mac sales increase.

    Symantec's AntiVirus for Macintosh has been around since the early 1990s. Sophos and McAfee both make anti-virus products for Macintosh. There are several criteria by which to judge anti-virus products. Which one works best at any given time will change.

    Contact us for more information, and we'll be happy to work with you to find the solution that's best for you.

    2. Spyware protection:

    There are many security threats much more insidious than viruses. There is currently one out there calling itself “AntiVirus 2010" or “Personal AntiVirus 2010". There are many out there surreptitiously working their way around to your computer, masquerading as legitimate software.

    Hint: If you don’t see a recognized anti-virus brand name, don’t touch it.

    Hint: If you are on the web, and something on the page you’re visiting warns you have a virus, it’s just baiting you to download their junk into your system. Get off that page immediately.

    In short: Don’t take “candy” from strangers on the internet–or anywhere else, for that matter.

    Spyware is/are little pieces of unwanted software may get to your computer via an e-mail, a visit to a website, or just installing a piece of software known to have spyware in it. AdAware and Spybot are two free products that together, allow for a modicum of protection from spyware. Watch out for products whose names are similar to "Spybot". There are many fakes trying to take advantage of Spybot's popularity by using names similar to "Spybot Search & Destroy".

    3. Hardware firewalls:

    If your computer goes out to the internet, you're leaving a door open for those who may want to come in via the same path through which your organization accesses the internet. Your Internet connection leaves many potential security holes open to hackers. Protecting your network and/or internet connection with a hardware firewall will alleviate many of the security threats.

    Many hardware firewalls have anti-virus built into them. That may be a great start, but it’s not always enough. Complement it with a software firewall. We know all this can be confusing. Contact Us for more information.