UPDATED 12-30-2021.

There is a fault (maybe it’s a feature) in most later versions of Windows that allows someone with physical access to the computer to change the passwords of users, create new users, and elevate users to administrators. This article will show you how to do this. We are not going to go into extreme detail on this. We are going to assume that you have some basic computer repair skills. We are a San Marcos, TX based managed IT Support business, so we use this hack very often.

Time to Complete: 30 minutes or less
Difficulty level: Medium
Tools needed: A Windows Install Disk that matches the operation system on the computer

Note: This method works with several Windows OS’s. We are going to show you how to do it on a Windows 10 computer.

Step 1 – Replace Utilman.exe with CMD.exe

Boot into the install CD or USB Installer that matches your operating system. If you do not have one there are several tutorials out there that can help you make one.

Click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and finally Command Prompt.

At the command prompt type the following command:

copy c:windowssystem32utilman.exe c:

…and press Enter. You should see a “1 file(s) copied ” confirmation.

Now type this command and hit Enter:

copy c:windowssystem32cmd.exe c:windowssystem32utilman.exe

Answer with Y to the question about overwriting of the utilman.exe file. You should now see another file copy confirmation.

Reboot the computer normally into Windows.

Step 2 – Manipulate the users you need

NOTE: The following NET commands still work for Windows 11 but for Windows 11 you will need to boot into “Safe Mode with Networking” to use them! Thanks Andrew for the tip!

When the Windows logon screen is available, click the Ease of Access icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen. An ADMINISTRATOR Command Prompt will open. There are several commands you might need to use below. In them replace “myuser” with the actual username. Replace “newpassword” with your desired password.

Enter the following command to get a list of users:

net user 

Enter the following command to change the password of an existing user.

net user myuser newpassword

Enter the following command to create a new user:

net user myuser newpassword /add 

Enter the following command to elevate an existing user to an administrator:

net localgroup administrators myuser /add 

Once you have ran than commands that you need to run, log in and double check your work.

Step 3 – Putting Utilman.exe Back

Reboot into the install CD or USB Installer that you used earlier.

Click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and finally Command Prompt.

At the command prompt type the following command:

copy c:utilman.exe c:windowssystem32utilman.exe

Confirm the overwriting by answering Yes. Reboot your computer. Profit!

One of the biggest shifts in business has been the move towards a managed service provider. An MSP is a company that is hired on to remotely monitor a business’s IT infrastructure and to often manage other aspects of their online presence. Though most companies large and small do have their own IT departments, the benefits of hiring a managed service provider has caused the industry to grow by hundreds of billions of dollars. If you own or run a business, consider the services that could be offered through an MSP that might help your business to grow!

Improves In-House IT Services in Austin

The majority of companies that work with managed service providers are not doing so to replace their own IT operations, but instead they are reinforcing it. Typically, the work of the MSP allows the in-house IT operations to focus more on the creative and strategic projects that pertain to the growth of that business specifically. Most IT operations for small to mid-sized businesses often fall on just one or two people, causing them to often be overwhelmed with keeping up with the basic maintenance needed to keep a modern day business afloat and secure. By outsourcing this role, your IT department is able to focus on what really matters for the growth of your company.

Maximize IT Budget

Hiring a managed service provider is one of those investments that you very quickly see the financial benefits from. Even compared to hiring more IT personal alone, a basic MSP package is likely already a more affordable option when you take into account salary, workspace, and benefits. When you start factoring in the various equipment and programs needed to adequately manage the ever changing technology for your company, the weight of the IT budget often starts to become a problem for many companies. This is one of the reasons why many IT departments are so burdened and overwhelmed. By bringing on a managed service provider, you are not only giving some relief to your current IT operations, but you are able to redistribute part of that initial IT budget to other aspects of your business!

Maximize Security

Technology is a beautiful beast that has allowed for so much growth for businesses, but it is still a beast nonetheless. Often times, once you start experiencing the symptoms of a system vulnerability on the user end, your IT structure is already in bad shape. One of the major benefits of a MSP is the proactive aspect of the security services. Managed service providers take it upon themselves to be aware of the new vulnerabilities and tricks hackers are using to infiltrate your system, and they can often dissolve any detected issues before it has the opportunity to slow down operations for your business. Time is money, and a managed service provider’s goal is to save you and your business both! Also, it’s best not to leave issue like security to amateurs.

Looking for a reliable MSP to provide IT services to your business? Contact tekRESCUE, a technology company offering IT solutions, web design, and SEO in Austin, TX, to learn how to take your business to the next level.

UPDATED: 5-6-2020 to reflect changes in the Industry.

SSL certificates are small files filled with a cryptographic key and are bound to the details of a larger organization. It is installed on a web server which in turn activates a padlock so then people are able to open secure connections from web servers to different browsers. SSL certificates are typically used to create security for credit card transactions, allow data to be transferred securely, and logins to be more secure than usual, especially on social media sites. Additionally, SSL certificated bind information together such as domain names, server names, and hostnames to a company name, also known as the organizational identity.

In order for a business’s web server and browsers to be totally secure, it must first install an SSL certificate. Once installed, the certificate will establish a secure connection so that all the web traffic of visiting people. This way the web server and web browser are completely secure. You will know that the installation was successful when the beginning of your website name “HTTP” chances to “HTTPS”, with the S standing for Secure.

How Do SSL Certificates Work?

SSL Certificates are installed through the use of something known as public key cryptography. Public key cryptography uses a long string of random numbers. One of the key numbers is known as the private key and the other is known as the public key. The public key can be seen on your server and your public domain so everyone can see it. In essence, this means that people will be able to send messages or complete payments over the computer and hackers can intercept the message but will be unable to hack it. All they will be able to see is a cryptographic code which will be completely unbreakable.

Why should businesses look into getting an SSL Certificate

Every established business that has any sensitive information, take information from their clients, or who accepts payments should definitely consider getting an SSL Certificate. Below are all of the reasons why a business should consider getting an SSL Certificate and all of the work that it can do for your business in return:

• Protects your sensitive information and client sensitive information
• Keeps server data secure
• Boosts Google rankings
• Creates more trust between business and customer
• gives a business better conversion

Where can a business buy an SSL Certificate

SSL Certificates can be bought from a well-known Certificate Authority. There is a long list of very trusted CA root certificates where you can get one. In order to know whether certificate authority is trustworthy or not, you must look for a root certificate on the user’s machine. If it has this, then you can proceed if it does not then your browser will automatically show an untrusted error message. Knowing this will help gain confidence in the website and in your organization and keep major consumers from losing confidence in your business.

Consider contacting tekRESCUE for all your digital marketing and IT needs in Austin TX

With today’s technology, device safety is very important. People are resorting to online banking due to it becoming easy and quick. Personal information can be subject to theft. Unfortunately, it’s easier to gain access to your information remotely. That is why your devices should be protected and secure from online attacks. Overall, mobile devices are pretty safe. However, there are some cases of hackers getting through security measures and accessing your information. Since we are in 2020 now, let’s look over some ways to truly protect your devices.

Overall Security

Many people still keep their phones unlocked. Realistically, this isn’t a good idea. People lose their phones all the time, and with that comes the possibility of someone looking through your phone. Since your phone might have banking apps or popular shopping apps that have access to your banking information, you’ll want to make sure your phone is locked fully. You can use a number pin or a password, but even more secure are fingerprints or face scans. Those are the top levels of security you can apply to your device.

Use the Official App Store

Some people may overlook this, but it is important for your device. With the Andriod Play Store and Apple’s App Store, you can be sure your device will be protected most of the time. In some unique cases-some apps have been known to have viruses and malware. That isn’t so much the case anymore, due to both app stores locking down on suspicious applications. There are ways of downloading apps from third parties. Doing so might put your device at risk since you’re downloading it from an unknown source. So, be careful downloading apps that are not on the official app store.

Use Security Software

Almost everyone has a smartphone in today’s world-and with smartphones-you can download security applications from the app store. Security applications work the same way your anti-virus software does for your computer. It protects your device from unwanted, suspicious activity and can be downloaded easily through the app store.

Updates and Patches

Security updates roll out on mobile devices regularly. That adds safety measures for devices. You can see this happening a lot with both Andriod and Apple. A lot of the time people won’t update, but that’s important to the overall security for the device. Since new security means are being implemented into the update, updating to the new security update is important for protection.

Concerning Texts

Sometimes, scammers or hackers have been known to send text messages that contain an infected link. That is why you should be careful opening random links from people you don’t know. Concerning that, avoid answering any email or text messages that seem unusual in any small way.

2020 and Beyond

We are in the era of technology. Thieves can access information easier than one might think. Try to avoid downloading uncertain applications from unknown sources and only stick to the official app store. Devices are now remarkably secure with the fingerprint scanners and face scanners-use those to your benefit. Lastly, be wary of suspicious texts or emails-and never click on links within them. If you’re cautious while using your device, you shouldn’t come across any issues, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy all the internet has to offer.

Consider tekRESCUE as your IT services company in Austin TX and surrounding areas.

If you want to know how concerned you need be for your phone data and how anxious hackers are to either steal your vital information or to just install a virus on your phone for “kicks,” look no further than the Los Angeles County’s District Attorney’s office.

The DA’s office warned last month that merely by using public phone chargers in airports or hotels, phone owners run the risk of, at the very least, having malware installed on their phone, and at the very worst, have data stolen that could lead to drained bank accounts, access to your credit cards, access to your social security numbers, and much more.

Cnet.com, in a 2018 article reported that the tide had changed for hackers, and that the majority now preferred to hack smartphones over computers.

tips to protect yourself

With cell phones getting hacked more often, what can you do to protect yourself and your information? Take a look at the tips below to see some of the top recommendations.

• Keep Your Device Up to Date
  
  In the same article mentioned above it’s pointed out that 42 percent of Android users don’t have the latest version of their software installed. Many of the hacks and malware vulnerabilities have already been resolved through updates, but your phone won’t be protected if you don’t install the latest updates as soon as they’re available.
  
  
• Be Careful What You Install
  
  When you install a new app you assume it is safe to share your information with. However, you should always be cautious of what you install, and ensure you are installing from a trusted source, such as Google’s Play Store for Android users or the Apple store for iPhone users. These sources regularly scan the apps they offer to ensure they are safe for users to install. If you install something from outside of a trusted source, you may unknowingly be inviting malware into your phone and exposing your data.
  
  
• Always Log Out
  
  When you use a service that requires a login, such as your email or even social media, and stay logged in then all of that information is available on your phone at all times. This is a great convenience for many users, but it can also be a quick way for hackers to steal information you want to keep private. Logging out of every service after use ensures you information will remain password protected if your phone is hacked.
  
  
• Know Your Device
  
  Installing a safe app can turn sinister if an unexpected update changes the settings and permissions you originally saved. Many of us don’t double check app permissions after seeing an update notification, but it’s a good idea to take some time to do so. Also check up on your phone’s settings every now and then to ensure you know what it’s using.
  
  
• Always Lock Your Phone
  
  Locking your phone can seem like a pain, but it can save you a lot of trouble if your phone is lost or stolen. Make sure your lock is strong and keep it private. Just having the lock in place can deter some potential hackers or thieves from targeting your information.
  
  
• Avoid Using Public WiFi
  
  Connecting your phone to a free WiFi network at a restaurant or coffee shop can leave your phone open to potential threats. Avoid connecting to unfamiliar networks when you don’t have to, and if you use a business phone be sure to back it up with a VPN.
  
  
• Consider Two Phones
  
  If you are in business, it is strongly recommended that you have two phones, one for persona use and one used strictly for business. On your business phone, keep it as app free as possible to eliminated problems.

More Tips from Your Experts on IT Services in San Marcos TX

Still concerned about the security of your phone or other devices? Contact tekRESCUE, a San Marcos TX managed IT services company, to learn more about protecting your data.

Managed Service Providers are Optimization and Stability Champions

There are myriad reasons to use a managed service provider “MSP” in your business but the most important reasons center around optimization and stability over the long term. With an MSP, you can avoid costly down time and make sure your business is running smoothly to ultimately make productivity gains. Driving efficiency and standardization in your business is the key benefit of using an MSP. A system failure that causes a work stoppage for any period of time can cost your business immensely. MSP operators have thoroughly tested their systems with the latest and greatest technology to make your operation runs seamlessly without you having to worry about maintaining stability. That does not mean MSP’s are infallible however. As issues inevitably do come up your MSP will work quickly to resolve them in a fashion that minimizes downtime. Their proactive approach behind the scenes will help on a day to day basis, but when there are problems, you will see them swing into action at a moments notice no matter what time of day.

Cost Efficiency Catalysts

There is a perception in the industry that MSP’s are cost prohibitive. There are some exorbitant providers that are only looking for short-term profits but the majority of MSP’s will allow you to structure a long term contract that will make your operation running smoothly at a rate that is affordable on a monthly basis. This cost then needs to be weighed against your existing budget to see if there are actually synergies that allow other costs to be taken out of the business. As your business grows it becomes much more difficult to manage the pace of innovation and change if you don’t have subject matter experts in house without an MSP. With an MSP you have the luxury of being able to change and mold your use of it to fit your evolving needs as a business.

Security Specialists

Another very important reason to leverage a MSP is the increased security that they bring to your business in a plethora of ways that are both preventive and proactive. Cyber attacks have increased precipitously in recent years and businesses of all sizes are big targets because of the large number of system related vulnerabilities that can be taken advantage of if you don’t have experts working on your behalf to protect you from intelligent but nefarious outside hackers. This is MSP’s have dedicated professionals in technology and security that know the latest threats and how to go about thwarting potential attacks or and least defending your business from unwelcome hackers. They also use the most sophisticated security software to safeguard your data.

Lastly, one of the best things that an MSP can bring you is a good night’s sleep because you can rest assured that you have someone watching over your business and making sure that it stays safe in a dangerous world. MSP’s are partners with you for the long-term that will bring you peace of mind.

Need Managed IT Services Near Austin TX?

Consider the experts at tekRESCUE. As a San Marcos TX managed IT service provider, our team is just down the road from Austin TX. This means we can have a technician on-site at your business in a matter of minutes to set up or troubleshoot equipment. And with our team’s experience working as an Austin SEO company, we’re very familiar and confident working in the ATX market. Contact us today if you’re interested in using tekRESCUE to manage your IT infrastructure.

Whether for business or personal use, the passwords you choose to protect your various accounts matter. Even for seemingly harmless social media sites, there is a lot of personal information that, in the wrong hands, could be used in negative ways. When you are dealing with a business, the risks are that much greater. This is why many businesses are choosing to use password managers, and if you haven’t already, it is definitely something to look into!

What’s the Deal with Passwords, Anyways?

Even though it is a pretty common understanding that poor cyber security leaves a lot at risk, too many people exercise some of the worst password habits. In fact, many people use the same very common passwords for Facebook, personal banking, work log ins, and more. Over 60% of data breaches are a result of either weak, overused, or unguarded passwords. If you consider the type of data you have in various online accounts, then strengthening your password security will begin to become more of a priority. Need to improve your cyber security? Learn about managed IT services in San Marcos, TX.

What Does a Password Manager Do?

Because using a different login for each account is an important part of cyber security, it can be hard to keep track of all of your different usernames and passwords, especially considering that the average person has around 90 different accounts. A password manager is an application that organizes and securely stores this information for you, so you can access the information when you need it, but it is still safe from outside threats. Password managers also make it possible to share passwords in an encrypted form. This way, when you need a login from a coworker or your San Marcos managed IT company, it can be shared securely.

Why is a Password Manager Good for Business?

While using a password manager is great for an individual, it is that much more important to utilize one when you are running a business. When it comes to cyber security, there really isn’t a length too far to go for your company. Not only do you have your employee’s and team member’s info, but your client’s as well. Once implementing a password manager, you will start to experience the benefits on many fronts.

Web development companies in Texas As Resources

Because keeping track of complex passwords has thwarted many people in the past, a lot of time is wasted resetting logins. By having access to their login information, your employees will not have to submit as many new requests to your IT department to reset their passwords. While a password manager might seem like too easy and simple of a solution, it can really offer your IT department a lot of space to focus on more important aspects of the company. Many large IT and web development companies in Texas utilize password managers not only because of the vast improvement to security, but also as a time and resource saver.

Consistency 

Any one of your employees probably has a couple dozen other personal accounts that they keep track of. The risk of having a repeated password used in your business could end up costing you, but then again, remembering so many new unique passwords is almost impossible. Because of this, your team members are probably already using some method of keeping track of their logins. The question is whether or not their method is one that you want them to be using. Have you ever seen someone (or even been someone to) scribble down their username and password on a post it note and stick it on their desk? A shocking 30% of employees save their info like this. By utilizing a password manager, you are giving some much needed uniformity to the system. When it comes to cyber security, you don’t want to throw caution to the wind. Give your associates a secure system that guarantees an accurate record of any login associated with your company!

Looking for more tips about improving security for your business? Contact tekRESCUE, a San Marcos technology company to learn more about security, website design, and web hosting in San Marcos, TX.

One of the many beauties of technology is that it is constantly advancing, offering you, the user, much more in terms of quality, security, accessibility, and more. While these advancements can be great for you, the updates that they come with can feel inconvenient at best. On top of your general software, every app you have downloaded probably has regular updates. And while many of these updates occur without any interruption, you have probably experienced instances when your device had to shut down entirely until the update was completed. This might take a couple of minutes, but on occasion, it can take much longer. While these updates might seem like an unnecessary evil, the benefits of these updates absolutely outweigh the downfalls, and updating your software, at its core, is a very necessary part of owning and using technology. 

Software Improvements 

Your software creators are constantly competing with others in their market to create a product that is efficient, effective, and user friendly. As a result of this cutthroat industry, you, the user, benefit greatly. Every update is the creator’s way of saying, “hey, we’re here to make this experience great for you” as they constantly look for shortcuts and customization options for their target audience. Each update is created with you in mind and how you can benefit. 

Security

Often times, an update for your software is due to filling a security hole that was discovered in the older version. As hackers are constantly upping their game by searching for vulnerabilities in your technology and creating new malicious software or “malware” in order to infiltrate your device or account, it is important to do everything you can to give yourself the best line of defense. Odds are, the first step in protecting yourself from malware is having the most updated version of the software you are using. 

Protecting Others

Aside from protecting your own pieces of technology from the downfalls of malware, by updating your software you are also shielding the people you interact with online from these same potential viruses. This is especially true in the business world where the damage could end up costing you more than just the piece of tech that is infected. This is why many companies use “phishing tests” in order to prepare associates for potential scams sent through emails. Once a hacker has a leg into your contacts, the negative domino effect could be greater than you ever imagined.

Data

Consider the information stored in the various accounts you have on your computer, phone, or tablet. There is probably financial information, emails, social security numbers, medical information, and the list goes on. When a weakness in software is exploited by malware, all of this information and more is at risk. This could result in your information being obtained by criminals, you being the victim of identity and/or credit card theft, or access to your accounts being held for ransom (blocked until you pay the hacker a set amount). We put so much trust in our technology that it is important to be sure that we are protecting it and ourselves not only by actively using protective software, but by updating the apps and software we use in order to give ourselves the best cyber security. 

Is your business’s technology at risk? Contact tekRESCUE, a HIPAA certified managed service provider in San Marcos, TX, to learn more about cyber security and protecting your information.

The National Cyber Security Month was recognized to strengthen the weakest part of any security resolution: humans. Despite how expensive or effective the security tools used to protect your network security are, there is no you can predict the extent of damage that can be caused by one careless online user. The fight against cyber-crime is fought every time a user tries to click any unfamiliar link or try to open an attachment online, And just a single and simple mistake as this could be the reason why you will lose massive data loss. Here are a few tips to help understand cybersecurity and keep you protected.

1. You are always A Target.

It is imperative to know that every time you online, you are an attractive target to cyber hackers. Do not ever say that it will not happen to me

2. Eight Characters passwords are not enough.

You should always Practice good and secure password management. Utilize a strong combination of keyboard characters, and do not use similar passwords for different sites. Do not share or give out your password to others. Do not write them down either, and absolutely do not write them on your post-it note which you always place to your monitor.

3. Always lock your device up.

Do not leave your devices at any time unattended. When you have to leave your phone, computer, or tablet for a certain amount of time—no matter the duration .Always lock the device up so that no one can access and use it when you are away. If you store sensitive information on the external hard drive or flash drive make sure you have them locked up as well.

4. Always Practice Safe Clicking.

When you are either surfing online or offline, you must be careful when you are clicking on attachments and links that come with emails. If it is suspicious or unexpected email for any reason, do not click on it at all. Make sure you double check twice the URL of the website where the link is taking you to: Hackers actors will always take advantage of the spelling mistakes in URLs to direct you straight to a harmful domain.

5. Be Conscious of Browsing.

When doing sensitive browsing, like banking and shopping, you should always do it on a personal device and on a safe network. Even if it is a public computer, friend’s phone or a cyber cafe free Wi-Fi—your data can be stolen and copied.

6. Back your Data Up.

Always back up your personal data regularly. Make sure that your anti-virus software and other security tools are always up to date.

7. Consider Physical Cyber Safety.

You should also be conscientious of anything you plug into your device or computer. Viruses or Malware are normally spread through infected external hard drives, flash drives, and also smartphones.

8. Do not Share Sensitive Information.

You should watch what you are constantly sharing on the social networks. Hackers can easily befriend you and gain access to a considerable amount of information. This includes where you school, place of work, and when you are on vacation. They can gain valuable information that can cost you a lot. By following these simple tips, you can be sure you will be safe online.

The world is currently in the middle of one of the largest malware outbreaks we have ever seen. It has been all over the news. This malware will take your important files hostage and make you pay a $300-600 ransom per computer to get them back (IF they decide to send the encryption key after payment). It is important that you act NOW to keep from being a victim to this awful WINDOWS malware. Here are some things you can do:

1. Do NOT open any unknown email links or documents – Do not open these unless you are 100% sure of where they come from. Let your co-workers and/or employees know as well. This malware gets behind firewalls through email links then spreads like wildfire to all of the computers on the network that it’s in. Do not open those links or documents. Call us if you are unsure of anything.
2. Make sure your Windows is updated – This malware exploits a known defect in Windows. This defect has ALREADY been patched if your computer has been updated. If your computer is not updated, it is vulnerable to this exploit. Call us if you need help determining your status. NOTE: All Windows computers that are on tekRESCUE’s Unlimited plans or Monitoring plans are currently up to date, and are relatively safe. This does not apply to Windows XP or 2003 computers (see #3).
3. STOP using Windows XP and 2003 as soon as possible – We have been saying this for three years now. Bottom line, all Windows XP and Windows 2003 machines (as well as earlier versions of Windows) are currently vulnerable to this exploit and might not be patched by Microsoft any time soon. This could wreak havoc on your network if an XP or 2003 machine gets exploited.
4. Use an anti-virus (AV) that inoculates against ransomware – We recommend BitDefender Endpoint (not free) which does this. It’s not a guarantee, but it offers more security and peace of mind. We are not big fans of FREE AV softwares for this very reason. Use Bitdefender and keep it updated. Note: This malware doesn’t affect MACs but they still get malware and we recommend Bitdefender for them too. If you aren’t sure if your current antivirus is adequate, let us know and we can help.
5. Backup, Backup, Backup – We can’t stress this enough. If you get this malware, you will have to pay $300 for each computer on your network to get your files back (if they decide to decrypt your files after payment), and the price doubles to $600 before the files are destroyed. If your files are backed up, you can just reset windows and put your files back. This ends up being much cheaper and easier in the long run. We recommend using iBackup to backup your files offline. If you would like to discuss getting iBackUp set up for your business, or if you have any questions about backups, contact us and we will be happy to help.
6. Let somebody else take care of all of this – These kinds of things are what we do everyday at tekRESCUE. We have plans that take care of all of these tasks for you. Many who are reading this are already on one of these plans. Call us if you have questions or want the peace of mind knowing you are covered.

Here’s a screenshot of the malware in action:

If you would like to read more, Here is another article about this malware:

https://apnews.com/770946e7df454d2e9acda3bdbd3ed425/Unprecedented-global-%27ransomware%27-attack-seeks-cash-for-data

There’s a common misconception that, if you’re using a Macintosh, your computer can’t get viruses. This myth has been spread far and wide through mass disinformation, but it first started through an old advertising campaign. At one point, because apple machines only made up around 10% of the personal computer market, most virus creators wouldn’t target Mac OS. This is no longer the case, however, and if your mac is acting up these days it may be time to get help.

A Rise in Popularity, a Rise in Vulnerability

A new study was just released by Carbon Black and Bit9 showing that this year saw 5 times the malware of the last 5 years combined. This could be bad news for any homes, offices, or public spaces that use OS X (Macintosh operating system) and don’t have protection software. The percentage of Mac users has risen from 10% to 16.4% over the past several years, providing incentive and an opportunity to Apple users. The incentive is an increased target base, and the opportunity is the fact that said base has believed they don’t need to browse or download with caution and don’t need to use preventive software.

This report was not a small scale analysis either; it looks at information gathered from all over the world, using over 1,400 instances of infected machines. In addition, a different study found almost 600k instances of Trojan virus attacks. Those two pieces of evidence should be more than enough reason to take action today.

Prevention over Treatment

As with real life medicine and preventing real life viruses, prevention is better than trying to cure an infection. Take precautions like not pirating media or programs, using anti-virus software, and downloading add-ons like NoScript and AdBlock to make websites safer to browse. AdBlock stops any ads from appearing without exception, including ads from sites you like to visit that rely on ad money for revenue. So if you do follow our recommendation, be sure to whitelist any websites that you like to make sure they continue to get the support they need to make the content you enjoy! NoScript is an add-on that stops Javascript from running unless you approve the source. That means that some web features may not always work without you disabling the script blocker. As for anti-virus, we at tekRESCUE highly recommend Avira, AVG and Avast, which all have free options.

If Your Mac is Infected

If you already believe you have a virus or malware, you can either seek professional help, or start with some anti-malware programs to run. MalwareBytes is a program that’s good for scanning a computer and telling you if an infection may exist, and Hijack This and Super-Anti Spyware are also helpful for this purpose. Keep in mind, however, that virus scanners don’t always find everything, so a “no malware found” message doesn’t always mean your machine is in the clear. This is where the added expertise of professionals comes in handy.

We hope this has convinced you to take the necessary steps to ensure computer safety and be more careful even when using an Apple computer. Remember, an infection on your computer can steal passwords, bank information, identity and more. You should deal with any potential infections as quickly as possible. The myth of virus-free Macs has been pervasive, but with the proper steps we can actually make it true.

Do you know why identity thieves actually stay in business? It is not because the people who steal our identities are smart, but because we get complacent and lazy with protecting our fortress, or in other words our personal or business domain.

Why do you think that is? One reason is because sometimes even when we are inputting all the necessary requirements the system can be a pain and won’t let us continue until it thinks we have the perfect password that no criminal can hack! Yes, that is so frustrating and I know you want to throw your computer threw the wall but my friends this will not solve the bigger issue at hand. Your password is an all access pass. Do you want people you don’t know to have an all access pass? I really hope that answer is no. Keep reading and we will help you create a strong password.

Random Password Generators

Random password generators are an excellent tool for any company with multiple employees. This prevents weak passwords and minimizes the risk of unauthorized access from those you don’t want accessing important information.

Don’t Use Obvious Personal Info

It may be easy for you to remember personal information as your password but it increases the risk of you getting hacked significantly. Birthdates, Anniversaries, your first kiss month etc. I think you get my drift.

Mix Letters, Numbers and Symbols

Although the combination of letters, numbers, and symbols can be difficult to remember, personally having to reset my password each time I login is better than someone getting sensitive information and using it, and damaging my reputation. Once damaged can be very hard to repair and more often than not costly.

Change It Every 30 Days And Don’t Follow Patterns

This may also seem like a pain but well worth it. Change your password every 30 days and don’t follow any patterns and don’t make it simple.

Write It Down and Put It In A Safe Place

Now that you have a strong password and you know not even you will remember it just by heart, WRITE IT DOWN AND PUT IT IN A SAFE PLACE! Keep only one copy and don’t hand it out to others even those you may trust. The more people that know it, the more likely it can be compromised.

When you start taking your password seriously and work hard to protect it as you would your own family you increase your chances of survival in the digital world.

Let us recap what you need to do to create a strong password:

• Don’t Use Obvious Personal Info

• Mix Letters, Numbers and Symbols

• Change It Every 30 Days and Don’t Follow Patterns

These three tips may seem old fashioned and like a waste of time, and you may be thinking that you will never be the one to get hacked. Go ahead and keep on with your old ways but you will remember this article once some random stranger has gotten a hold of your sensitive information. Do not worry though we will still be here to help you and protect you.

As a local IT consulting and computer repair service provider, we’ve seen and solved just about every type of technical issue one could come across. One of the fastest growing threats in recent time has been the rise of various types of malware.

Unfortunately, new strands of malware are discovered on a daily basis. Crafty cybercriminals code these up and use them to wreak havoc and steal money, sensitive data, etc. Some of these criminals even sell these malware programs to others on underground forums, so even those who aren’t that skilled can get in on the malware/exploit game.

Mobile Attacks

As more and more smartphones saturate the market each year, it was only a matter of time before they became targets for hackers. In almost record-time, it jumped from an almost non-issue to a massive, ever-increasing threat. Mobile viruses and malware can be difficult to remove because of how the operating systems that run the phone work.

Rootkits

Rootkits are notoriously difficult to get rid of, and often slip by conventional antivirus software. They can embed themselves inside core operating system files and launch as your operating system loads up, making them a nuisance to remove. Some variants are so persistent that many techs often opt to wipe the drive and start fresh.

Spyware Variants

Spyware is utilized on a daily basis by those who wish to commit the serious crime of identity theft. This breed of crimeware is designed to operate silently in the background and collect personal information by logging keystrokes and usernames & passwords for banking sites, social media sites, and more. Some spyware also accepts dynamic payloads, meaning that once the machine is infected, it can add more viruses and malware at any time (a feature shared with many rootkits).

Ransomware

Ransomware has rapidly become a favorite tool among cybercriminals because it offers a quick monetary payout. When a machine is infected, the target victim’s documents and files are encrypted, and they’re served up a nasty message explaining that all of their important documents have been encrypted so they can’t be accessed. The message then goes on to explain that the only way to regain access to the files is to pay up between $300-500 in Bitcoins to an anonymous address, and they’ll “kindly” unlock the files. While the files can sometimes be recovered by skilled technicians, it’s often practically impossible to beat, so authorities have advised that sometimes paying the ransom is the best way to recover and move on. Both Windows and Mac (OSX) machines are susceptible to this nasty malware, and Android variants have been discovered lately as well.

Adware

Adware is mostly annoying, but it can be dangerous as well. If you’re using your computer and keep getting hammered with annoying pop-ups and notifications, you’re likely the victim of Adware–software designed to try and sell you garbage products and collect your personal information so they can resell it to others.

Prevention Tips

It’s almost scary to think about all of the nasty code that’s floating around the cyberworld. Fortunately there are steps you can take to keep the chances of infection as low as possible. We’ve outlined them below:

• Ensure You Have Reputable Antivirus Software Installed & Keep it Updated – There are several solid free antivirus programs available for download, though we recommend purchasing a paid one such as Bitdefender to safeguard you from many of these threats. Also be sure it’s updating frequently. If you use a smartphone, be sure to install a security suite on it as well and run it regularly.
• Always Update Your Operating System – OS updates can be annoying, but these releases are crucial to ensure that the software that powers your machine is as locked-down as possible. Many hackers gain access to computers simply because there are outdated operating system files with known vulnerabilities that have not yet been patched.
• Delete Suspicious Emails – If you’re unsure about whether or not an email is legitimate, contact the sender to verify they sent it before downloading any attachments. Sometime hackers are able to gain access to email accounts and can send emails while pretending to send legitimate emails through their victim’s account.
• Backup Your Computer Regularly – We recommend running an automated backup tool that frequently backs up your computer so that in case you suffer from file loss (due to ransomware, malicious viruses, etc.) or hardware failure, you’ll be able to easily get back up & running with minimal hassle.

IF you’re looking for assistance with malware removal in San Marcos, TX or the Austin, TX area, be sure to contact the expert techs at tekRESCUE to discuss your needs!

If you have a home Wi-Fi network that isn’t secured, there’s a good chance others in your vicinity have connected to your router without your knowledge or consent. Many smartphones today will automatically connect to open Wi-Fi networks, which can suck up your bandwidth and decrease your internet speeds. While this is relatively harmless–more an annoyance, than anything–some may take advantage of your network by doing shady things such as pirating movies and music, which can get draw unwanted attention to your IP address.

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to avoid these issues. The first thing you should do is secure your Wi-Fi network with a password. This is typically straightforward, but can be tricky if you’ve never had to do it before. There’s usually an address (it usually looks something like this: https://192.168.1.2)/ you can put in your web browser that will open up your router’s control panel. Sometimes this address is printed on the sticker on your Wi-Fi router. If you don’t see it there, simply search Google for [router manufacturer] + “control panel IP”. So If you have a netgear router, you could search google for “Netgear control panel IP” and you should see the correct address pretty quickly.

Once you’ve found the login page, you’ll have to log in to set up your password. Normally the username and password are “admin,” but that doesn’t always work. You can check this handy site to see what the default settings could be. You’ll then want to find the section where you can set your router password. It’s different for every model, but you’re looking for something along the lines of “security settings.”

When you find the right area, you’ll need to come up with a strong password. Don’t worry about making it something simple to memorize, just write it down on a sticky note so you can get to it when you need it–which shouldn’t be very often. We recommend at least 15 characters for your password, but some would say that’s a bit overkill. As long as it’s over 10 you should be okay, provided you use a password that contains all of the following:

• Uppercase letters
• Lowercase letters
• Numbers
• Symbols

Pro tip: avoid using uppercase i’s, lower case L’s, zeros and ones, they can be difficult to tell apart and cause a headache when others try to enter the password.

Another good idea is utilizing a firewall to further protect your network, but we’ll go over various firewalls in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!

If you need any assistance getting your router secured, or have any other technical questions/issues you’d like resolved, be sure to call tekRESCUE today (512–843–2835) to discuss your needs!

Recently, over 5 million passwords from Google were stolen then leaked online. You need to check and see if yours was one of them! Use the tool below to do this.

Randy

Tool to check if your password was one of the linked passwords:

http://lifehacker.com/5-million-gmail-passwords-leaked-check-yours-now-1632983265

Your iCloud account is freakishly easy to hack. You really need to read this.

Randy

http://mashable.com/2014/09/04/i-hacked-my-own-icloud-account/

This is really disturbing. If you don’t use a random password generator it’s time to start. We use LastPass at tekRESCUE. It’s important to use a different password for each site too.

From Drudge via the New York Times:

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/08/06/technology/russian-gang-said-to-amass-more-than-a-billion-stolen-internet-credentials.html?referrer=

From Life Hacker. A really good article for the average user to read.

Randy

http://lifehacker.com/five-computer-security-myths-debunked-by-experts-1602290081

From Redmond Pie:

Major Internet Explorer Security Flaw Patched By Microsoft, Including Windows XP

Now would be a really good time to perform Windows Updates. It’s another good reason to use Chrome or Firefox too.

http://www.redmondpie.com/download-internet-explorer-ms14-021-patch-to-fix-major-windows-vulnerability-in-ie/

New for 2014… only 9 left.

Protect your home or small business PC (restrictions apply) for 2014. Unlimited Virus and malware removals, Tune-ups and support. You bring it in as needed, no extra charge. We come to you for a $49 on site service charge. Includes Anti-virus software. Contact us to sign up.

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