What are Your Options for Data Storage?

Cloud Storage, External Hard Drives, NAS, Network Attached Storage, Ophtek, Optical Drives, USB Flash Drives, , , , , ,
09
Apr 2019

We’re living in an age of big data and, as a result, having adequate storage space is a major concern in business. So, what are your storage options?

The days of floppy disks, with their limited 1.44mb storage capability, are well and truly over thanks to a revolution in storage methods. Not only are there more options, but the rapid advance of technology has ensured that we can store even more data in even smaller spaces. However, this wide range of options means that understanding each and every one can be a little bewildering.

Thankfully, we’re here to provide you with a quick education on your options, so let’s get started:

  • Optical Drives: While optical drives such as CDs/DVDs/BluRays may feel a little old fashioned, they still represent a fantastic storage option. Low cost and immune from being remotely hacked, optical drives provide a suitable storage option when it comes to archiving data such as Microsoft Office documents and media files including sound, picture and video.
  • USB Flash Drives: Again, USB drives are relatively traditional storage options, but what marks them out is their accessibility. Perfect for employees who are regularly on the move, the small measurements of a USB flash mean that it can easily be attached to a key ring or simply stored in a pocket. However, their small size is highly deceptive as flash drives are now capable of storing a huge 512GB of data.
  • External Hard Drives: Available in both desktop and portable versions, external hard drives are very similar in design to those found within desktop PCs and laptops. While not as easy to store in your pocket as a USB flash drive, external hard drives come equipped with some serious real estate in terms of storage space. The newest models on the market can hold up to 16TB of data and should never be underestimated in terms of storage space.
  • Network Attached Storage (NAS): Connected directly to networks, an NAS allows your organization to connect several storage drives all at the same time. This allows you to benefit from two major benefits: speed and size. In terms of speed, your data is available to your network almost instantly and makes it perfect for initiating restores. And, when it comes to size, the combination of several devices allows NAS to hold massive amounts of data.
  • Cloud Storage: The newest innovation in data storage, cloud networks offer up a whole new world of possibilities for data storage. Available through third party providers, cloud networks are virtual storage spaces that your organization can hook up to. Significant investment is currently going into cloud computing and this means that crucial factors such as speed and size are almost unparalleled when it comes to storing data in the cloud.

As you can see, there are several major options for you to consider when it comes to data storage. And the beauty of data storage is that you don’t have to stick with just one method. You can mix and match several different methods to provide quick and safe storage options.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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What are the Basics of PC Exploits?

Best Practices, Company Updates, Cyber Security, Disaster Recovery, Ophtek, PC Security, software exploits, , , ,
02
Apr 2019

 

At the center of all unauthorized access to your computers or servers is a PC exploit. What are these exploits, though, and how do you protect against them?

Without the presence of an exploit, hackers find themselves in a position where gaining access to a victim’s PC is incredibly difficult. However, it suddenly becomes a lot easier if there’s an exploit available that they can take advantage of. It’s probably becoming clear, very quickly, that it’s crucial that you, as a PC user, also know about the existence of these exploits. Unfortunately, the level of knowledge that the average organization has regarding the nature of exploits is disturbingly low. And that’s why so many businesses fall victim to PC exploits.

If, however, your organization can begin to understand even the basics of PC exploits, then you stand to make your IT operations considerably more secure.

What is an Exploit?

The simplest way of looking at an exploit is by describing it as a hole in a security gate. Once hackers become aware of this hole then they can easily bypass your security by climbing through the hole impeded. If we’re talking slightly more technically, then this hole isn’t necessarily a hole but some form of weakness in your PC. These weaknesses can be found in operating systems, software code and any applications installed on your network. And the impact that exploits can have on these components can be devastating.

What Does an Exploit Do?

An exploit can work in a number of different ways; most commonly, a PC exploit is used to infect huge numbers of PCs. It only takes one PC to be infected to help kick-start a process whereby this infection spreads across networks within an organization and, eventually, across the world. This allows hackers to execute the following tasks:

  • Malicious software can be downloaded to PCs without the user’s knowledge
  • Vast amounts of sensitive data can easily be recorded and transmitted to remote locations
  • Ransomware can be used to encrypt data and extort payment in return for the un-encrypted data

How Do You Protect Yourself Against Exploits?

Exploits, of course, are the result of vulnerabilities that are already present on your PCs. Therefore, exploits are down to failures by developers and manufacturers in the design and testing phases of their products. As a result, once an exploit has been identified, any decent developer should work on remedying this exploit by producing a security patch. This patch can be installed on any vulnerable PC to effectively seal the hole in your security gate and keep any hackers out.

Final Thoughts

Exploits can cause major disruption to your organization very quickly due to the ease of access that they gift to hackers. Protecting your organization from these exploits, therefore, is vital to keep your PCs online and productive. Time and knowledge are important commodities when it comes to protecting against exploits, so make sure you remain up to date with not just the latest software patches, but also any breaking news on emerging exploits.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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What is the Difference Between Malware, Ransomware and a Virus?

Cyber Attack, Cyber Security, email security, Hackers, Hacking, malicious code, Ophtek, Ransomware, Security, Security Threats, , , , ,
26
Mar 2019

The terminology used to describe various hacks and security threats usually includes the terms malware, ransomware and virus, but what exactly are these?

It can get a little confusing when discussing the various security concerns that are floating around and this confusion can lead to a lapse in security. After all, if you’re reading about malware, but don’t know exactly what it is you’re reading about, then you’re going to be unable to act against it. And that’s why we’re going to take the time today to explore each particular category in a little more detail.

What is Malware?

Malware is very much an all-encompassing term for any form of malicious software, so this can include ransomware and viruses. However, we’re going to cover those two categories in depth later, so for now we’ll look at some other types of malware:

  • Spyware: Installed on a user’s PC without their knowledge, spyware is software that can be used to track user activity and then transmit this to a remote server e.g. keystrokes can be recorded to determine and steal login details.
  • Bots: Capable of bringing entire networks to a halt, bots are a particularly troubling form of malware that can easily harness the power of an infected PC to carry out spam email campaigns or DDoS attacks.
  • Rootkits: Highly conspicuous and deceptive, rootkits allow hackers to take control of infected PCs from a remote location. Usually installed at a root level, hence the name, rootkits provide privileged access to the victim’s PC.

What is a Virus?

Much like the common cold, a computer virus is an infection which can spread quickly and effectively. Exposure to a computer virus usually occurs when the PC encounters an infected website or file. Following this exposure, the virus is downloaded to the PC and executed. And this can generate the following results:

  • The PC startup process can become corrupted and leave users unable to log on to their workstation.
  • Performance levels can suddenly drop as your PCs processing power is handed over to the virus’ tasks.
  • PCs can find themselves spammed by numerous popup adverts which, if they’re particularly virulent, can soon crash the computer or slow it down significantly.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware has grabbed countless headlines over the last few years and it remains a pressing concern for any business. Most commonly spread through phishing emails, ransomware’s main objective is to extort a ransom in exchange for the release of files it has encrypted.

Once the ransom has been paid then the hackers should, in theory, supply a key to decrypt the files. However, it’s becoming increasingly common for hackers to take the ransom, which is usually demanded in untraceable cryptocurrency, and leave the compromised files encrypted.

Final Thoughts

Whether you find your PCs affected by malware, a virus or ransomware, it’s clear that they spell danger for your organization. It may sound a little clichéd, but when it comes to malicious software then prevention is the best cure. And one of the best ways to prevent your PCs from falling foul of infection is by educating yourself on exactly what you’re up against.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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Is Public WiFi Safe to Use?

Cyber Security, Free WiFi, Hackers, Ophtek, PC Security, WiFi, , , , ,
19
Mar 2019

Most public spaces from coffee shops through to shopping malls now contain some form of public WiFi, but are these public networks 100% safe to use?

When your office based employees connect to the internet, they’re making this connection through your own network. And this means that you’re able to monitor all incoming and outgoing activity. Rather that monitoring which websites your employees are visiting, though, the main reason for monitoring these connections is to make sure that nothing malicious is entering your network. Remote workers, however, are likely to take advantage of public WiFi as a considerable amount of their work will be completed away from your work connection.

Due to the unique nature of each and every public WiFi network, it’s crucial that you understand the concerns surrounding these types of connections.

The Dangers of Public WiFi

Public WiFi may appear to be extremely convenient, but there are a number of security issues attached to connecting to public hotspots such as:

  • Lack of Details: When you connect to a public WiFi network there’s no way of knowing exactly what you’re connecting to. This, in itself, is a dangerous move and is one of the main reasons why public WiFi is frowned upon by security experts. 
  • WPA2 Vulnerability: Most public WiFi uses WPA2 encryption to protect data, but the security of WPA2 has been called into question over the last few years due to the discovery of a major vulnerability in its code. 
  • Malware Threat: Due to the lack of security surrounding public WiFi networks, it’s very easy for a hacker to position themselves in between the connection point and, for example, your laptop. This allows the hacker the opportunity to discreetly upload malware to your device and execute its malicious payload.

Should You Use Public WiFi?

Clearly, there are a number of risks involved in using public WiFi and the simplest way to avoid these dangers is by completely avoiding these connections. However, there are certain scenarios where it’s crucial that your remote employee needs to connect to whichever network is available. And in these cases you should follow these best practices:

  • Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that creates an encrypted connection between your device and the remote server of your VPN. Any hacker who manages to intercept this connection will only be able to view a highly encrypted message which will be absolutely useless to them. 
  • Verify the Connection: One of the simplest ways to evaluate the connection on offer is to double check the legitimacy of the available connections with an employee at the location in question. At the very least they will be able to confirm whether the connection is genuine or fake. 
  • Use Anti-Malware Software: Protecting yourself with anti-malware software should be a given, but when people are using remote devices they fail to appreciate just how vulnerable these are. Even the simplest form of anti-malware software provides an effective defense, so make sure your device is protected.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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Why It’s Time to Finally Upgrade to Windows 10

Ophtek, upgrade, Windows 10, Windows 7 support, , ,
12
Mar 2019

Support for Windows 7 is coming to a close with Microsoft retiring the operating system in January 2020, so it’s finally time to upgrade to Windows 10.

Mainstream support for Windows 7 ended in January 2015, but extended support has continued and ensured that the OS remains popular with both business and personal users. The familiarity of Windows 7 and the various criticisms that were labeled at Windows 8 have also enhanced its popularity, but it will soon represent a nonviable option. Accordingly, mass migration to Windows 10 is currently taking place and, due to the disruption this can cause, it’s crucial this is completed sooner rather than later.

Why You Need to Upgrade to Windows 10

There are a number of reasons why it’s paramount that you upgrade to Windows 10, so let’s take a look at some of them:

  • Enhanced Security: Running Windows 7 past its retirement date represents a major security concern and it’s one that’s best avoided. At present, security patches are regularly issued by Microsoft to combat any security concerns. However, with support no longer available, Windows 7 will receive no such protection and will be wide open to attacks from hackers. 
  • Compatibility Issues: With Microsoft no longer supporting Windows 7, software and hardware manufacturers have little impetus to ensure their new products are compatible with it. After all, the security risk posed isn’t worth it and the numbers of Windows 7 users is set to plummet, so it’s not a good use of resources. If you do continue with Windows 7, though, you’ll gradually find that less and less new software/hardware will run on your system.
  • Increased Productivity: Windows 10 brings a number of performance enhancements to the table and this can significantly increase your organization’s productivity. The startup process is noticeably faster and users find that they can execute numerous tasks more quickly in Windows 10 than with its predecessors. This helps you to not only get more done throughout the day, but ensures that you can keep pace with your competitors.

How Do You Plan Your Upgrade?

Upgrading to a new OS is a major step, so it’s important that you plan carefully to minimize the disruption that this can cause:

  • Backup Your Data: Installing a new OS is a complex task and one that’s resource heavy on your PCs, so there’s every chance that something could go wrong. And this is why it’s important that your data is backed up to prevent any data loss from corrupted/failed installs.
  • Roll out the Upgrades: Upgrading every member of staff to Windows 10 at once is a risky move as, if your upgrade plan is even just slightly flawed, this will impact upon your entire workforce. Instead, work on a roll-out plan that upgrades Windows 7 on a user by user basis. This approach allows you to monitor any potential problems and rectify them before too many users are affected.
  • Train Your Staff: Windows 10 is packed full of new features and processes, but you need to make sure that your staff know how to use it and get the best out of it. Windows 10 is substantially different in its design to Windows 7 and, without the correct training, even the most experienced PC user will find they struggle.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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