IT Trends Ltd

You may have seen recent media articles (3 News Bulletin) regarding the GameOverZeus Malware – details here –http://www.us-cert.gov on GameOverZeus

While this has been around for a while overseas law enforcement has managed to shut down the servers that this malware will run too giving us a probable 2 week window to make sure your systems are protected from the next possible attack, when the hackers get some new servers online.

To avoid being infected by this, and its associate CryptoLocker RansomWare (details here - https://www.us-cert.gov on CryptoLocker ), Internet NZ advises the following:

"Users are recommended to take the following actions to remediate GameOverZeus infections:-

1. Use and maintain anti-virus software - Anti-virus software recognises and protects your computer against most known viruses. It is important to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.

2. Change your passwords - Your original passwords may have been compromised during the infection, so you should change them.

3. Keep your operating system and application software up-to-date - Install software patches so that attackers can’t take advantage of known problems or vulnerabilities. Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, you should enable it.

4. Use anti-malware tools - Using a legitimate program that identifies and removes malware can help eliminate an infection"

Additionally if you receive any emails that look suspicious delete them, using the SHIFT key with DELETE will permanently delete them.

Don’t worry If you accidently delete a legitimate email we would expect that someone will contact you if you don’t respond to them, but Phishing emails wont call you.

Make sure you have a backup, which you should have at all times anyway. Here are our 9 Tips for a Successful DATA Backup Strategy to assist you in having a good, effective backup solution.

If you need help with viruses, malware or backup, don’t hesitate to call us, before you are another victim.

REMEMBER ALWAYS - If you don’t expect it, don’t click it.

It’s been less than a month since the end of support for XP and the issues with Microsoft not supporting XP any longer have started.

Here is an article in yesterday’s NZ Herald detailing the issue - www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news

Although this vulnerability is for Internet Explorer, and not XP directly, XP can only support Internet Explorer up to IE 8 and this issue with IE 6 to IE 11 Microsoft will not fix unsupported version (6 7 and 8).

If you have a Windows XP computer and use IE to access the internet, your computer systems are now at risk.

Even if you don’t have XP if you use Internet Explorer versions 6, 7 or 8 then you are also exposed, however you are able to upgrade to 9, 10 or 11 and there will be fixes available from Microsoft for these versions.

Here are more articles in NZ Technology publications pertaining to this vulnerability.

http://techday.com/it-brief/news/windows-xp-users-exposed-as-internet-explorer-comes-under-attack

http://techday.com/it-brief/news/microsoft-rushes-to-fix-major-internet-explorer-security-flaw

If you need help to upgrade your XP system, or advice on this issue, please contact Carey on 021 IT HELP (48 4357) to discuss the implications of this for your business.

Do you realise there is only 3 weeks to go before the end of Microsoft’s Support for Window XP? Are you ready? Are you organised?

If you are still running a Windows XP System then you need to contact us now to discuss the potential implications of using Windows XP after 8th April 2014, or to upgrade and make your business secure.

Don’t risk your business with potential issues, contact us and get secure now.

Does your computer, or any computers in your business, have a "START" button that looks like this?

If you are not sure, it is at the bottom left hand corner of the screen, like this

If you don’t then you are all Ok and have nothing to worry about.

If you do then your system is running Windows XP and after 8th April 2014, in less than 60 days, Microsoft will stop support for this product.

What this means is that you won’t receive any of the Windows Security update patches that Microsoft regularly send, and often install automatically for you.

If you don’t have these patches your system will be vulnerable to attack via any security hole that is not patched.

Here is what Pat Pilcher said in the NZ Herald on 6th January regarding end of XP Support - www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=11182059

If you have any computers running XP then we strongly recommend you contact us to get these systems upgraded BEFORE the 8th of April./pt>

If you are not upgraded and there is an attack on your systems then fixing it reactively will take longer, be more disruptive and costly than doing it proactively.

Additionally, order a new HP PC or Laptop from us by the end of February and receive either:-

Convenience: A free HP Docking Station compatible with their notebook

View: A free HP 23" Elite Display or HP Z22i Display

Print: A free HP OfficeJet 8600 Plus to print, scan, copy or fax their documents

Record: A free HP Action Cam ac200w video camera with waterproof case – just for fun

T&C apply.

Don’t wait until it’s too late, call us now to discuss how we can help you avoid a potential disaster to your IT systems.

The Team at IT Trends would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Clients, Suppliers, Friends and Supporters the warmest complements of the festive season.

We thank you all for your continued support and faith in us throughout this year and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous year in 2014.

If you do need us over the Christmas period our opening hours are :.

23rd December 9:00 – 17:00

24th December 9:00 – 12:00

25th December Urgent Callouts Only

26th December Urgent Callouts Only

27th December 9:00 – 14:00

28th December Urgent Callouts Only

29th December Urgent Callouts Only

30th December 9:00 – 17:00

31st December 9:00 – 14:00

1st January Urgent Callouts Only

2nd January Urgent Callouts Only

3rd January 09:00 – 14:00

4th January Urgent Callouts Only

5th January Urgent Callouts Only

6th January Normal Hours recommence

Merry Christmas

IT Trends would like to announce their new “No Excuses” Online DATA Backup Solution.

Do you find doing backups a chore? How long does it take you? Do they get done or are they left until “tomorrow”? How often are they done? Do they actually work? Could you restore your data?

With our new Online DATA Backup solutions we have Plans that start from just 20 CENTS+gst PER BACKUP. Now there is “No Excuse” for you not to have a great backup solution.

Let us take the chore of Backups off your list and leave you free to concentrate on running your business.

Solution Details are attached.

Contact us for your free 30 day no obligation trial and see how stress free your backups will become.

Know someone who needs our “No Excuses” Online DATA Backup Solution ? refer them to us and we will give you a $100 Westfield shopping voucher when they order.

Summer is here!!!, officially anyway, and the festive season is upon us once again.

As this is a busy time of year we will keep this News Letter brief.

Backup - 9 tips for a Successful Backup Strategy

What is Backup -  a very boring topic? Something the IT guys continually bash on about?  Something you do which you hardly every use? Something you don’t do but wish you had done? Read more …

 

Windows 8 and Office 2013

Microsoft’s latest incarnation of Windows, Windows 8, has finally arrived and soon to arrive is the next iteration of Office, Office 2013.

From what we have seen and know of Windows 8 we believe that is going to be great for everyone. Read more.

 

Can’t Print – again?

Again this week we have received urgent calls from clients for consumables for their printer, as they have run out and can’t print.

We can fix these issues Read more...

 

Disaster Recovery – Not just IT

When we speak of a Disaster most people think of Fire, Volcano, Earthquake, Weather related, Plane crash, Tsunami etc.

In Business,  a Disaster can be one of a myriad of small or large problems that are in no way related to what we think a disaster is. Read more.

 

NEWSWORTHY Items

DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS RUNNING On your systems:- http://www.windowsitpro.com/sponsoredblog/the-benefits-of-application-whitelisting-and-software-restriction-policies-53/security/good-bad-ugly-user-software-installation-140492

9 Productivity Myths - http://h30458.www3.hp.com/nz/en/smb/1207764.html?jumpid=em_taw_NZ_jun12_psg-nb_1773588_hpgl_gb_1207764_0&DIMID=1036034664&DICID=null&mrm=1-4BVUP

MEGAUPLOAD Saga continues – Where is your data in “the Cloud” – can you get it back? http://techday.com/netguide/news/court-fight-for-megaupload-user/127439/?utm_source=wysija&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sunewsletter

Never rely on E-mail - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10806260

Know someone who would be interested in receiving our newsletters? Just email me there details.

Know someone who needs some common sense IT help? Let me know – we love referrals.

WHY HAVE COMPUTERS

Having a computer instead of “doing it manually” is now the norm. But why? Why do builders have a nail gun instead of a hammer or an electric saw? Why do we want Faster internet? Because we get the job done quicker and therefore we are more productive.

Just like the builder with his nail gun and electric saw, even if the tools we use are not in constant use we want to be productive when we do use them.

With the value to any business of even the lowest employee now more than $1/minute, with managers at $2-3/minute and senior managers at more, why have them using slow, outdated and unproductive computers.

Increase you and your staff’s productivity with a faster computer. Even if productivity improves by only just a few minutes per day, a faster computer can more than pay for itself and has the benefits of reduced stress and frustration staff have with outdated and underperforming systems.

 

Windows 8 – the next version of Microsoft Windows

Just when you thought you have your computer sorted with Windows and Office, Microsoft have announced a release date for the next version of Windows – Windows 8.

The major change for Windows 8, and what will differentiate Windows 8 from all other Operating systems (MacOS, Android etc), is that it will be the same to use on your Smart Phone, Tablet and PC/laptop. You will need to learn it only once, not learn a new system for every device you purchase.

Windows 8 will be available from 26th October 2012. Full details here http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10818575

Any computers purchased since 7th June 2012, and until 31st January 2013,  are able to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 for $19.95 simply by registering here:- http://windowsupgradeoffer.com/ Labour to install is not included.

Also there is a new version of MS Office coming - MS Office 2013  Preview here http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/en

 

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE – Why you need it

A client once asked me why his computers needed Maintenance when they were working perfectly well, my response was to asked him if he only serviced his car when it broke down.

Computers, like anything we use or have, need to be maintained to keep them working and working to optimum levels.

Our Preventive Maintenance program is designed to have a “good look under the hood” and find and eliminate issues before you have them. With everyone completely reliant on their IT systems the last thing you need are issues that could have been prevented.

Contact us for all details.

 

PRINTING - KanPrint – Fixed Price Printing

Do you always seem to have issues printing with “needs a service”, no paper, “out of tonor”, “drum replacement required” etc, or are you receiving large unexpected bills for consumables?

We can fix this with our KanPrint Full Managed Printing Solution. The only truly fully managed laser printing solution available, and it comes at a fixed price per month. Details here www.ittrends.co.nz/KanTan.html

Here are some Tips for improved Printing - http://www.techday.co.nz/thechannel/news/printing-the-energy-saving-blind-spot-for-bus/24119/7/

Recycle your own paper with this New Technology http://www.forestryexpo.co.nz/new-laser-technology-could-slash-need-paper-production

 

Virus’s and SECURITY

Are you receiving Phishing or Hoax emails?

We have recently seen several emails claiming to be sent from KiwiBank and  Microsoft - “It has come to our attention that your Microsoft windows Installation records are out of date. Every Windows installation has to be tied to an email account for update. This requires you to verify your email account being the recipient of this update. Failure to verify your records will result in account suspension” – ITS NONSENSE.

Here are details of a hoax supposedly sent from IRD and their advice :-
“Please be careful not to give out your IRD number or any personal details unless you're sure who you're giving them to. 
We're aware of hoax emails circulating that: 
•        claim they come from Inland Revenue or a tax refund agency asking you to click on a link to claim a refund, which takes you to a fake website 
•        ask you to ring a phone number to confirm your personal details, including your username and credit card, which gives them enough information to steal your identity. 
Our advice is: 
•        don't click on a link or reply to an email that appears suspicious - delete these from your inbox and trash folders 
•        don't provide any personal details over the phone unless you know the person or business you're talking to. 
If you'd like to report any suspicious emails or online activity, please contact us at phishing@ird.govt.nz. We do follow up on the information you provide and take action to close these phishing sites down, but we won't respond back to you. 

<Click Here> to go to the IRD Privacy Page”

REMEMBER NEVER GIVE OUT YOUR PASSWORD OR DETAILS OVER THE INTERNET - IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS or SUSPICIONS CONTACT US FIRST.

 

MOBILE – Are you protected

With access to the internet and Emails from Mobile devices like Smart Phones and iPads, there is now more concentration by hackers on these devices. For any devices that are connected to the internet or retrieve email make sure they have an appropriate Anti-Virus/spyware package running, Need HELP contact us.

Here is an article detail what is happening – scary stuff - http://www.techday.co.nz/thechannel/news/mobile-malware-multiplying-in-millions/24599/7/

Here are some SMARTPHONE SECURITY Tips  http://www.techday.co.nz/start-up/news/three-tips-for-smartphone-security/23931/8/

Apple are not immune to security breaches, this one with password hacking - http://www.istart.co.nz/index/HM20/PC0/PVC197/EX245/AR215974?mainstory=2

 

Newsworthy Items

Running short on Disk space, these Harvard gurus have sorted the problem, forever http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/134672-harvard-cracks-dna-storage-crams-700-terabytes-of-data-into-a-single-gram

Next “Y2K” issues put off

Our next Y2K style issue, the termination of support for Windows XP, has been delayed.

Microsoft are now continuing to support XP, with fixes and security updates, until 8th April 2014. This will give you a little more breathing space to decide on when and how to update your systems. We will advise of any changes to this.

As always plan to do it early so you are not caught in the rush at the end. If you need any assistance in this area please call us for help and advise.

Full details here http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/end-support

 

KanPrint – Fixed Price Printing

Looking for ZERO management of your Printer? Printing costs out of control?

In association with FujiXerox and Flexirent we have developed a Fully managed print solution, whereby we manage your printing requirements entirely.

For a fixed monthly payment we install and service the Printer, proactively order and supply tonor, drums and all other consumables, even the paper. All you need do is Print.

Plans start from as little as $95+GST/mth for a colour laser including printing up to 1,000 pages Mono and Colour, or $110+GST/mth for Multi-Function Colour laser printing up to 1,000 pages – Mono and colour.

See all Plan details here

DISASTERS – Natural or Otherwise

Are you prepared? This article from NZ Herald indicates that very few business are prepared for any disaster.

With our Online Backup or Disaster recovery plans you can be assured that your valuable data is secure from disaster and that we can have you back running on alternative hardware quickly. One item ticked off the list.

Just remember that not all disasters are System crashes, Natural, “acts of GOD”  or from a Virus or SpyWare attack, some are created by Users and IT (to keep themselves busy) – top 10 examples here http://www.techday.co.nz/thechannel/news/top-data-disasters-of-2011/21735/7/

 

VIRUS’s, SPAM  and SECURITY

Please check for this Threat, if you would like us to check please contact me - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10801481
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10803946.

 

Be very careful of your security (online banking, passwords, credit card etc) and be very aware of potential SPAM and Phishing emails. Here are a couple of examples we have received recently targeting ASB and Westpac Customers:-

This is a reminder to log in to your ASB Bank account as soon as possible. We recently received a report of your account and we need you to confirm your information.
Be sure to log in securely by clicking here>> <http://www.ims-ad.com/images/ok.html>

We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure account safety.
__________________________

©2012 ASB Bank. All rights reserved.

 

Westpac Online Bank

   Your Westpac Online Bank Account has been suspended due to an unauthorized access to your account. However your funds has not been tampered with as our system detected it and had your account suspended. Please click here <http://marioruimelo.com/casa/westpac.co.nz.html>  http://www.westpac.com.nz <http://marioruimelo.com/casa/westpac.co.nz.html>  and complete the verification page with your current details to finalize the reactivation of your account as well as activation of the new online security upgrade on your account.

    Regards,

Westpac Online banking

Both of these are examples of Phishing emails – whereby the ask you to click on a link (to their web site) and you enter your login and password – wham they have your details and can then login and do whatever they like to your money – BE VERY WARY OF THESE. Before doing anything check with either your Bank or us.

How safe is your password - http://www.techday.co.nz/thechannel/news/how-safe-is-your-password/21552/7/

So who told you apple don’t get Viruses http://www.nzherald.co.nz/internet/news/article.cfm?c_id=137&objectid=10798108

Here are the latest SPAM And virus threat statistics http://www.techday.co.nz/thechannel/news/spam-shrinks-as-scammers-go-social/23292/7/

 

Newsworthy Items

 

IBMs Bold Predictions http://www.istart.co.nz/index/HM20/PC0/PVC197/EX245/AR215381

Six Time saving tips for OUTLOOK - http://h30458.www3.hp.com/nz/en/smb/1156100.html?jumpid=em_taw_NZ_feb12_across-xbu_1595018_hpgl_gb_1156100_0&DIMID=1036034664&DICID=null&mrm=1-4BVUP

Is it time to go PAPERLESS - http://h30458.www3.hp.com/nz/en/smb/1156101.html?jumpid=em_taw_NZ_feb12_across-ipg_1595018_hpgl_gb_1156101_0&DIMID=1036034664&DICID=null&mrm=1-4BVUP

Did you know your internet Content is being Filtered - http://www.techday.co.nz/netguide/news/few-kiwis-know-their-content-is-filtered-inte/22672/7/

Entertaining Puzzles - http://www.vakipuzzles.com/