Archive for the ‘General’ Category

State of Malware in 2008

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

Vulnerability Assessment & Vulnerability Remediation

Bay Geeks is now offering an in-depth vulnerability assessment & vulnerability remediation solution.

Bay Geeks has been strategically aligned with global leaders in the information security industry to provide the most comprehensive, in-depth vulnerability analysis which not only covers your critical systems but also your PC workstations.

We were invited to participate in a recent security conference along with several other leaders in the security industry. “We’ve seen a shift from hackers and virus writers almost exclusively targeting Windows machines (81%) to recently 92% of the exploits targeting 3rd party applications” according to a Senior Security Evangelist with Kaspersky Labs .

Microsoft, after years of public scrutiny has made tremendous progress in securing the most popular operating systems in the world. So much so, that these hackers are realizing that as soon as they start taking advantage of various exploits, Microsoft is already working on patching these holes.

These international crime rings have some of the most talented individuals, committed to their cause, constantly learning from the collective work of their respective colleagues who share tips, techniques and processes in much the same way the security analysts work who are dedicated to thwarting their archenemies, but publish much of their findings online for all to read.

These illicit groups have realized that they are having much more success targeting 3rd party software (Adobe Reader, Flash, Real Player, Google Earth and others) because these other software companies don’t have the resources in place to address the security issues as quickly as Microsoft. The more time they have with unpatched vulnerabilities, the more profitable their ventures will prove.

Keeping up with Microsoft Updates is no longer sufficient to protect yourself from these attacks. Well-trusted web sites have become unknowingly infected, such as USA Today, Superbowl, CNET, Walmart, Target, ABC News, Bank of India and more.

What we’re seeing is a frightening reality: The internet is under permanent siege.

  • - Malware is up 278%  in 2008
  • - 1-in-5 desktop applications are unpatched
  • - 98% of PCs have unpatched software
  • - Over 90% of all e-mail sent is spam
  • - Majority of these e-mails are lures for malware
  • - 2H07: MSRT removed malware from 15.8 million computers worldwide – 80% increase over 1H07
  • - Total disinfections in 2H07 rose to 42.2 million, an increase of ~ 120% over 1H07

Bay Geeks solution:

We’ll analyze your system on a quarterly basis to identify known security holes and other issues with your system.
 

Vulnerability Assessment: A Bay Geeks Security Analyst will provide an in-depth analysis of your computer systems.  Our database of more than 7,500 software titles will ensure we find problems with some of the most obscure applications on the market (past and present). We will ensure your anti-virus is up-to-date, anti-spyware measures are sufficient and up-to-date, we will identify deficiencies in your operating system and provide a detailed report on our findings. 

This detailed Vulnerability-Threat Assessment & Report is currently $50.00 for a limited time (normally $89.00).

Vulnerability Remediation: A Bay Geeks Security Analyst will work through the report to resolve outstanding security issues identified in the Vulnerability Assessment.

  Our Vulnerability Remediation service is provided at our standard service rate.
 

Call Bay Geeks today at 727.579.GEEK (4335) or go to www.BayGeeks.com for details.

DSL vs. Cable Internet Service

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

Here’s a good topic we recieve all the time. Should I use DSL or Cable internet service?

Cable internet service is basically a dedicated internet access line where DSL can be used for both the telephone and your internet service. Most DSL carriers require you to have a phone line which adds to the bottom line from a cost perspective.

There are many advantages and disadvantages for all technologies. I’d like to point out a few that I’ve noticed and I’m certainly open to anyone sharing other points of view than what I’ve listed here for consideration. :-)

 DSL Internet Service:

  • 128 Kb/s to 10 Mb/s
  • Dedicated Connction, meaning it’s not shared with other internet users.
  • Monthly Rates between $20-$60
  • Internet Speed varies proportionately to the distance between your home connection and the DSL provider

Cable Internet Service:

  • 64 Kb/s to 30 Mb/s
  • Cable internet connections are shared with other internet users
  • Monthly rates between $30-$60
  • Speed varies depending on how much bandwidth the other users (sharing your connection to the cable provider) are using.

Personally, I use cable internet service. It’s suited me just fine and no matter how much I tend to download, the networks haven’t so much as hiccupped, despite my aggressive use!

 If you’re not sure if you’re getting the best deal on your Cell phone, Landline, VOIP or Broadband Internet Service, check out these links!

The best part is, Bay Geeks supports our chosen vendors listed above. That means when you need help, you call us! Not some call center on the other side of our planet. Thanks for reading!

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Saturday, September 13th, 2008

Computers have certainly helped us increase our productivity. Can you imagine writing a whole page on a type writter? Does anyone remember having to use those white-out strips or eraser punch things? I can’t remember what they’re called!

In this day and age, we’ve become obsessed with shortcuts and other time saving tips. As a result, I’ve decided to post some common keyboard shortcuts that I use on a regular basis and some others that I’d like to reinforce in my mind to use more often.

Hope this helps!

I think the most common short cuts (at least the ones I use the most often) are:

Copy - CTRL+C
Paste - CTRL+V
Cut - CTRL+X
Undo- CTRL+Z

Pretty easy, huh? Those are huge time savers for me since I’m always reorganizing my documents or undoing some mistake.

Here are some easy ones that I tend to remember because the additional key with control is starting with the same letter (BONUS!!!).

Select All - CTRL+A 
Underline - CTRL+U
Bold - CTRL+B
Italics - CTRL+I
Print - CTRL+P
New Tab - CTRL+T (Internet Explorer, Firefox)
New Window - CTRL+N
Open - CTRL+O

That should be a pretty good start. As always, practice makes perfect! If you’re really digging these productivity boosters and just can’t get enough, we’ve attached a printable, pdf document for your future reference.

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts reference guide

Sony recalls 440K laptops

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

Sony is recalling 440,000 Vaio laptops worldwide because of a potential problem with overheating, the Associated Press says.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says Sony is recalling 73,000 Vaio TZ-series computers that were sold in the United States because “[i]rregularly positioned wires near the computer’s hinge and/or a dislodged screw inside the hinge can cause a short circuit and overheating.”

The company says it will inspect and repair computers that are covered by today’s announcement.

Here’s more information.