Modern Virus / Malware Threats (Part Three)

To continue our discussion on Virus/Malware infections, we will discuss The following dangers:

Beware of Fake Antivirus Software | Call Us For More Info | 480-834-1318

Fake Anti-Virus / Ransom Ware

One of the most common and insidious types of malware are Ransom wares. The goal of these infections is to force the user in to paying money to restore functionality back to their computer. They employ a number of different tactics, though fear, is at the heart of every ransom ware attack. Fake anti-virus programs will tell you that you are majorly infected and need to pay X number of dollars to clean it up. Others will lock out your computer and tell you that you need to pay X number of dollars or the FBI or similar organization will arrest you.
Once they have your money they do not remove the infection, and in some cases they now have your credit card info. The latest example of these ransom wares will encrypt all the files on your hard drive and, unlike the others, you will need to pay to get them unencrypted. A good backup of your important files is the best offense to this type of malware. Some of these "file locking" algorythums are so sophisticated that it is virtually impossible to recover your files. If you are on a business of home network, these locking infections can flood the entire network and all of your computers in minutes, locking everything in its' path. Back up your files regularly!
e.g. CryptoWall, FBI Warning, WinAntiVirus, CryptoLocker

Rootkit

Hidden deep inside the computers system files, Rootkits are designed to run malicious programs in the background. A computer with a rootkit will show no signs of infection at first, but as the malware pours in the system will become unstable and slow. Most forms of malware can infect your computer through Rootkits. These infections CAN NOT BE REMOVED REMOTELY, they typically load onto your system before Microsoft(r) Windows ever starts up. SoftQue can usually removed these threats for you in shop.
We will continue this discussion in our next post.
So remember, there are a lot of shady organizations on the Internet.  They will prey on your fears and offer you an illusion of security.  Don't fall for their claims, and never provide payment information.  Call a computer repair service in Mesa, AZ for full computer virus protection.
Read more on this subject here.
Softque Premier Computer Services
62 North Stapley Drive
Mesa, AZ 85203
http://www.softque.com
480-834-1318

Modern Virus / Malware Threats (Part Two)

To continue our discussion on Virus/Malware infections, we will discuss The following dangers:

Virus and Malware Removal | 480-832-4600

Phishing / Data Theft
Malware

Phishing / Data Theft

Unexpected bank charges and negative changes to your credit are the tell-tale signs that you have been a victim of Data Theft. There are a few common ways this can occur. Data miners and key loggers are less common these days giving the rise in popularity of Phishing. Fake e-mails and fake websites are the tools of the phisher, as they try to get as much personal info out of you as they can. It takes surprisingly little personal info to steal and destroy a person’s financial identity.
e.g. Fake Emails, Fake Giveaway Websites, Fake Phone calls

Malware

The umbrella term for harmful, infectious threats is Malware. Viruses are separate from malware, however they usually go hand in hand. A lot of viruses open the computer up to install malware, and in turn malware makes the computer more susceptible to viruses. Unfortunately, tradition Virus Protection Programs are powerless over these infections and simply can't stop them. There are programs that can help, but there is no Silver Bullet to prevent these infections. At SoftQue, we can suggest software and Safe Surfing behaviors that can help keep you safe!
We will continue this discussion in our next post.  To read the previous post in this series, please click here.
Softque Premier Computer Services
1155 South Power Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85206
480-832-4600
softque.com

Modern Virus / Malware Threats (Part One)

Get Malware Removed in Mesa | 480-832-4600

There are several categories defining the general term Virus/Malware.  Cyber space is loaded with these threats waiting to pounce on unsuspecting consumers.  The following list identifies these threats and may help our customers to understand them better.
We have organized these threats in the following categories:

Adware
Browser Hijacker
Phishing / Data Theft
Malware
Fake Anti-Virus / Ransom ware
Rootkit
Spyware
Toolbars
Viruses / Trojans

Over the next few posts, we will explain each category and the risks involved. In this post, we will discuss The following dangers:

Adware
Browser Hijacker

Adware

Popups, Ads and Toolbars are all examples of an Adware Infection. While this kind of attack is mostly just a nuisance it can cause your system to slow down and be susceptible to other, more dangerous forms of cybercrime. Adware is one of the easiest infections to get, but can be difficult to remove. It is often bundled with legitimate software, (hoping that you don’t uncheck the install box during setup).
e.g. Toolbars, Coupon Programs, Deal Finder Programs. At SoftQue, we are experienced in removing these threats and restoring your computers' performance.

Browser Hijackers

Ever try to go to your homepage and find yourself somewhere completely different? Ever try to go to a website but your browser will not leave the page it’s on? You may be the victim of a Browser Hijacker. This malware redirects you to a specific website that is often malicious and disguised as a search engine. Sometimes this will only affect one browser, more times than not, it will be Internet Explorer. Firefox and Chrome are safer alternatives but far from bulletproof.
e.g. Conduit, CoolWebSearch, Searchnu. You may need professional help to be rid of these cyber pests! At SoftQue, we can help!
We will continue this discussion in our next post.
Softque Premier Computer Services
1155 South Power Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85206
480-832-4600
softque.com

Converting to Windows Server 2012: Time is Running Out

Are you still running Windows Server 2003? There are several key reasons why you might want to begin converting your network over...

Windows Server 2012:  Features and Support

Time is Running Out. Convert to Windows Server 2012 | 480-834-1318

If you are still running Windows Server 2003, there is no easy way to tell you: time is running out.
As of July 14, 2015, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 2003.   Windows Server 2003 is currently in what is known as the extended support phase.  While some mainstream support features are still around, such as pay per incident and security updates, after the July termination date, free incident support ends and there aren't any feature upgrades.  What this means is that there will no longer be any patches available for this product, or even more of a concern, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for Windows 2003.
Even with fairly comprehensive anti-virus protection as well a firewall, without security updates the odds of malware attacking your network increase significantly.  If you continue to use Windows Server 2003 past its support date, it puts your network, and more importantly, your data at risk.
The security improvements that Windows Server 2012 R2 offers can help defend against industrial espionage as well as malware and  other security risks.  In addition to the potential security risks that sticking with Windows Server 2003, there is also the lack of support for any technical problems.  In addition, if your business is in a regulated industry such as healthcare and the payment card industry, your business would be out of compliance which can mean having trading partners sever ties with your business, or in a worst case scenario, you may find your business fined for these non compliance issues.  If you're dreading an upgrade, then you might want to know that converting to Windows Server 2012, R2 also has a great many pluses, bonuses, and features as well.
For example, Windows Server 2012 R2 offers powerful backup capabilities to allow a network administrator to back up any node on the network easily, with little to no downtime.  In addition, Windows Server 2012 R2 networks are incredible with how much scalability they offer as well as script execution capabilities.  However, Windows Server 2012's features aren't confined to server side applications.

Converting your Network Server to Windows Server 2012: a Clear Choice

Converting your network over to Windows Server 2012 is a clear choice for your business to succeed. Windows Server 2012 R2 shows Microsoft's clear investment in server-side technologies to enable anytime, anywhere access as well as branch office and main office connectivity.
In addition to it's connectivity features, Microsoft Windows Server 2012 also offers an enhanced version of the NTFS system, called the Resilient File System (ReFS). ReFS writes to different locations on disks which improves data resiliency in the event of a power failure during a write process. So, better features, full support, and better security. It's a clear choice of what you have to do for your business: upgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2.
At Softque, we specialize in upgrades like these. We'll make the transition as seamless as possible for you with a minimum of downtime. Call Softque today for a consultation and analysis of your upgrade project.
Softque Premier Computer Services
62 North Stapley Drive
Mesa, AZ 85203
http://www.softque.com
480-834-1318