A&J Computers Inc Blog » liability http://blog.ajcomputers.com <h4>Welcome to the A&J Computers Inc Blog. Here you will find our thoughts on technology trends and announcements.</h4> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:08:01 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Spam Comes In All Forms – This One Carries the Wikileaks Moniker http://blog.ajcomputers.com/2010/12/spam-comes-in-all-forms-this-one-carries-the-wikileaks-moniker/ http://blog.ajcomputers.com/2010/12/spam-comes-in-all-forms-this-one-carries-the-wikileaks-moniker/#comments Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:03:41 +0000 Julie Settle http://blog.ajcomputers.com/?p=179 Spam, and the massive destruction that accompanies it, has a way of riding on the back of whatever topic is popular at the moment.  Right now, the latest news is spam carrying a Wikileaks worm.  Symantec released an article today warning the public of the threat entitled “IRAN Nuclear BOMB!” from the Wikileaks organization which is not the case.  The only content is a URL, which, when clicked, will download a threat identified as W32.Spyrat.

W32.Spyrat opens a backdoor using a predetermined port and IP address, allowing an attacker to perform the following actions on the compromised computer:

  • Read, write, and execute files
  • Steal stored passwords
  • Issue commands
  • Activate and view a webcam, if present
  • Log keystrokes
  • Create an HTTP proxy to route traffic through the compromised computer

Do not open this email or click on the URL if received. Read on for the full article at Symantec .

Julie Settle, A&J Computers Inc.

]]> http://blog.ajcomputers.com/2010/12/spam-comes-in-all-forms-this-one-carries-the-wikileaks-moniker/feed/ 0 8 Tips to Stay Cyber Safe http://blog.ajcomputers.com/2010/10/8-tips-to-stay-cyber-safe/ http://blog.ajcomputers.com/2010/10/8-tips-to-stay-cyber-safe/#comments Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:45:52 +0000 Julie Settle http://blog.ajcomputers.com/?p=127 The month of October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). NCSAM is a national public awareness campaign to encourage everyone to protect their computers and our nation’s critical cyber infrastructure. Cyber security requires vigilance 365 days per year. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), the primary drivers of NCSAM, coordinate to shed a brighter light in October on what home users, schools, businesses and governments need to do in order to protect their computers, children, and data.

Online:

  1. Keep your personal information private on social networks.
  2. Install a URL scanning tool to alert you of potentially harmful web links.
  3. Review your bank account and credit card statements regularly for questionable charges.
  4. Review your credit report and credit score regularly.
  5. Choose difficult encrypted passwords, consider using KeePass to safely store all your passwords.

On Your Computer:

  1. Keep your operating system and software programs up to date.
  2. Install these type software programs: anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall .
  3. Back up your computer data regularly.

Below are our recommend downloads to keep your computer safe:

Below are additional sites listed by the NCSAM:

A&J Computers offers solutions for all your IT security needs. Visit us at ajcomputers.com for more details or contact with questions.

^ Julie Settle
A&J Computers Inc.

]]> http://blog.ajcomputers.com/2010/10/8-tips-to-stay-cyber-safe/feed/ 0 Rain, Rain Go Away – How to keep your electronics safe in the storm http://blog.ajcomputers.com/2009/09/rain-rain-go-away-how-to-keep-your-electronics-safe-in-the-storm/ http://blog.ajcomputers.com/2009/09/rain-rain-go-away-how-to-keep-your-electronics-safe-in-the-storm/#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:49:39 +0000 Joe Vivona http://blog.ajcomputers.com/?p=73 For those of you not in the southeast, the past few days have been nothing but rain. With well over a foot of rain in the past 3 days, a lot of people are getting worried about the flooding/lightning and the effect it might have on computer equipment.  Here’s my advice to you:

If you don’t have a UPS (battery power) between the wall outlet and your computer – you should unplug your computer completely from the wall (don’t just turn it off) – this will stop the electrical surges and possible lightning strike from traveling across your power lines right into your computer. 

If the room you are in is susceptible to flood or leaks, lift your computers and power strips off the floor to avoid eletrical shorts and shocks.   Don’t just think about your computer – but anything electrical – TVs, DVD players, etc -  as yourelf “What can get wet or struck by lightning?”

One thing to know – your power company is not liable for any damage caused to your electrical equipment.   You MAY be able to file a claim with your home owner’s insurance but it depends on the size of your claim and what specific riders you have on your insurance.  If you run your business from your home - don’t forget to check with your business insurance provider (general liability, etc) to see if they will cover any damages.

Most power strips you buy at the local stores don’t have any type of insurance or protection from surges or power spikes.  There are a few and rather than recommending a specific brand, we’d rather discuss options with you in person to ensure you are receiving the correct protection for your equipment. 

If you need help in gathering information for an insurance claim, call us and we can help get you current pricing, replacement pricing and any labor estimates for the claim.   Our estimates are accepted by most insurance companies and we can work with your insurance company to determine the actual value of your equipment.

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