Data Backups - What are you trying to protect?

We are all told very frequently that we need to back up our data. Very few people actually like to do the backup and then monitor what is really happening. But, just like with real world insurance...nobody cares until until you actually lose something...then everybody wants protection.

Business data falls much the same way into these categories.

But the bigger question I think, is from what are you protected?

You can do all sorts of backups to protect against accidental file deletion and be protected. But when you leave the USB backup drive or tape right next to the server, your protection is not that great. If a fire, flood or theft occurs, the backup you did is gone as well.

Take the case of all those people in Japan who recently lost everything. I am sure some people were doing off site backups and taking data to home offices or second locations. They thought they were doing everything right. But when a massive tsunami destroyed both locations...all data was gone.

Today, there are many online backups that are VERY cost effective. These CLOUD BACKUPS put you back in control.

Once you have had a moment to think about your data, you probably need to talk with someone who deals with this stuff all the time.

Give ACE a call or drop me an email to see what is possible for your company...

What is old is new again - malicious bogus programs that invade

Several years ago Microsoft wrote a greate article about bogus software that gets installed on your PC and tells you alarming messages about how infected your computer is...and then "offers" (for a fee) to remove the programs. Of course it is all a nighmare and not true. The ultimate goal of these tricksters is to con you into paying them money.

Here is a link to the 2008/2009 epedemic that broke out:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/antivirus-rogue.aspx

Well it seems these bandits are up to their old tricks again using almost the same game.

Except now they are using school web sites, commerce web sites and places like Facebook, etc. to try and trick you into loading the bogus software then sticking you with the removal and repair fees.

Be very careful.

Also know ACE now has a very low cost monthly way for you to completely protect all your PCs...give me a call for details.

Viruses and Malicious Software

It sure seems like we have been under attach lately. Lots of people are getting hit by the bogus antivirus software and other trojans that are very difficult to remove.

Where are they coming from and how are they getting into systems?

Watchguard (the firewall router company) recently had a partner event that reviewed the sources.

Many are coming from holes (un-patched software holes) in other programs like Adobe Reader, JAVA, Flash Player and more.

To best protect yourself it is now extremely important for you to patch not only Windows...but all of these other subsystems.

And because all of these programs have hooks into web browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc...you can trigger the attackers ability to get into your system by merely looking at web pages that seem to be reputable.

This is a very tough problem to attack. Check out what the professionals have to say: http://www.watchguard.com/predictions/index.asp

Stay tuned - ACE will try and keep you as up to date as possible.