HeartBleed

There are many stories on the news about the Heartbleed bug, a security flaw/vulnerability found on data encryption programming code used on many websites (media has stated approximately 66% of internet websites use this code).  I would like to share some information with you about this risk and what you can do to protect yourself.  I also wanted to let you know that IT&R is taking this vulnerability seriously and has already scanned our systems and where needed fixed our systems.  Because this encryption coding is used on so many websites it is likely that many of the websites you use in your business and personal life may have this vulnerability. 

Unlike a conventional security breach where malicious attackers break into a site and download a bunch of encrypted usernames and passwords – usernames and passwords they then have to crack open, which can be extremely difficult if you use a good password – this bug lets attackers grab information in relatively tiny chunks of data as it’s flowing through a server.  Unfortunately, this bug has shown that sometimes usernames, passwords and other protective data can be grabbed unencrypted, meaning that once it’s grabbed, there’s no need to then crack it.

So what should you do?  Check websites, e-mail services and applications you log into, many are starting to post information on if they are affected by the vulnerability and if they have resolved the issue.  If the website has been fixed, then you should change you password.  If they haven’t, then you will have to wait until they do fix the issue to change your password, and I recommend you not log into the site until that occurs.  If they state they were not affected by this vulnerability then you should be safe to log in. 

This information was drawn from an email sent out to Oregon 'State employees

PC GURU

PC GURU troubleshooting for Windows 7

As a tech you are probably use to friends and family asking for help with their computer problems, yet having no idea how to clearly describe what's going on. It's frustrating, but Microsoft feels your pain, and Windows 7 includes an excellent new solution in the Problem Steps Recorder.

When any app starts misbehaving under Windows 7 then all your friends need do is click Start, type PSR and press Enter, then click Start Record. If they then work through whatever they're doing then the Problem Steps Recorder will record every click and key-press, take screen grabs, and package everything up into a single zipped M HTML file when they're finished, ready for emailing to you. It's quick, easy and effective, and will save you hours of troubleshooting time.

Windows 8 tips

First time log in

Windows 8 opens on its lock screen, which looks pretty but unfortunately displays no clues about what to do next.It's all very straightforward, though. Just tap the space bar, spin the mouse wheel or swipe upwards on a touch screen to reveal a regular log in screen with the user name you created during installation. Enter your password to begin.

interface

Windows 8's interface is all colorful tiles and touch-friendly apps. And if you're using a tablet then it'll all be very straightforward: just swipe left or right to scroll the screen, and tap any tile of interest.

On a regular desktop, though, you might alternatively spin the mouse wheel to scroll backwards and forwards.And you can also use the keyboard. Press the Home or End keys to jump from one end of your Start screen to the other, for instance, then use the cursor keys to select a particular tile, tapping Enter to select it. Press the Windows key to return to the Start screen; right-click (or swipe down on) apps you don't need and select Unpin to remove them; and drag and drop the other tiles around to organize them as you like.

Quick Access Menu

Right-click in the bottom-left corner (or hold down the Windows key and press X) for a text-based menu that provides easy access to lots of useful applets and features: Device Manager, Control Panel, Explorer, the Search dialog and more.

More tips coming soon keep checking in

Windows xp

Goodbye Windows XP

On Tuesday, April 8, Microsoft said adieu to Windows XP. Delivering the final security updates for the twelve year-old OS.

Here is a link to the Microsoft announcement. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-support-help

Virus

A computer virus is a type of malware that, when executed, replicates by inserting copies of itself into other computer programs. Viruses will then proceed to cause some sort of harmful activity to the infected host, such as stealing CPU time or Hard disk space, accessing personal information, corrupting data, displaying political messages on the user's screen, spamming their contacts, or logging their key strokes.

How do we safeguard ourselves from these attacks? We use programs like virus scanners, malware removers and firewalls. One good practice is when you are on the internet and you get a popup in your browser saying you have a virus “click here” do not “click here” it is a virus advertising itself to you. Also, when you are checking your emails make sure you only open ones from people you know.

I have added a few links to my blog that provide you the tools to help you with virus scanning and knowledge.

Definitions
CPU -
 central processing unit: the key component of a computer system, which contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions.

Hard disk -

a disk of rigid magnetizable material that is used to store data for computers: it is permanently mounted in its disk drive and usually has a storage capacity of a few gigabytes. Malware -   software intended to damage a computer, mobile device, computer system, or computer network, or to take partial control over its operation (Dictionary.com)                                        References   Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved 4 19, 2014, from Dictionary.com: http://dictionary.reference.com/

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