Latest Security News from March/April 2019

Microsoft has always had quite a reputation when it comes to security updates and software upgrades and the latest April 2019 Patch Tuesday update is no exception, with reports of units freezing during the update process and some hanging in the middle of startup after the patch is applied. The culprit? Conflicts between the recent patch update and the antivirus software, which affected many Windows operating systems, including Windows 7, 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2.

Microsoft, Sophos, Avira, and Avast have already addressed and brought light to the issue through their respective support articles. They say that the conflict is largely between recent updates and certain components of antivirus software systems, including Sophos Endpoint Protection, AVG Business Edition, ArcaBit, Avast for Business, CloudCare, and Avira Antivirus. In particular, the patch caused computers to hang or fail on boot, freeze upon startup, or run very slow.

                                                    

Resolving the issue is a matter of removing the updates from affected machines and you can generally do so by booting in safe mode and disabling the conflicting antivirus service and then booting in normal mode so you can uninstall Windows KB. Do not forget to enable your antivirus service after uninstalling the problematic update.

Because these patches and upgrades can be technical in nature, it is always best to seek assistance from your managed IT service provider in order to perform recovery and repairs properly. With the right service, you can rest assured that fixes are correct and won’t cause any further problems for your system.

In conclusion, despite antivirus systems and update patches causing some conflicts with certain operating systems, there is no denying their importance in keeping your applications and your operating system in general functional and secure. Instead of avoiding or deferring these updates, keep yourself informed and on the lookout for latest security news to brace yourself for the positive or negative impacts of these patches and updates.

All About Microsoft’s New OS for Enterprise Servers

Part of maintaining a business in the 21^st century is trying to cope with all the tech developments and advancements that run the modern world. Just like you don’t want to be driving an old, barely street-legal/ road-safe car on modern streets plied by faster, eco-friendlier, and cheaper to maintain modern rides, you also don’t want a computer engine with bare minimum features to help your business get by. You are setting your business up for stagnation by resting on old technology.

Even when you are perfectly content with what old versions of technology are doing for your business, its backward thinking to be satisfied with what they have to offer, because newer and better systems will definitely come to cater to what they lack and even fix issues that are hindering your productivity. The same is true when it comes to Windows Enterprise Servers. One of the main reasons why you should consider constant updates is because as time goes, old systems no longer receive upgrades and eventually go unsupported, especially when newer, more robust systems come to the surface.

If you still haven’t migrated to Windows 2016, an upgrade may well benefit your operations, especially when you are looking for a hybrid-ready solution that can help gear you up for the evolving requirements and demands on enterprise IT infrastructures. If you are still not convinced about an upgrade, perhaps knowing that the latest Windows Server to reach end-of-life was only 15 years old (WS 2003) and it will not be long until the next in line 2008 R2 platform will follow WS 2003’s footsteps. End-of-life products no longer receive fixes or new features, which makes them extremely vulnerable to failures and security breaches.

With Windows Server 2016, you don’t only get the advantage of updates, but the full benefits of a cloud-ready platform, while also enjoying improvements in key areas like security and software defined datacenters.

Upcoming Updates of Big Data In 2018

As the digital landscape continues to move and expand in all directions, there is no accurate way to determine what will happen in 2018. However, you can be sure that big data will continue to be influential to businesses in 2018, especially as the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to be popular. Here are some of the updates on big data that you can expect this year:

• Enhancements to GDPR compliance – To avoid ICO fines, organizations must consider improving their General Data Protection Regulation, which will determine how data is collected, deleted, or stored. Making data available in a centralized location (i.e. a dashboard) can provide companies with the version of the truth in real-time, so discrepancies can easily be spotted, and consent can be provided sooner where personal information is concerned.

• Data visualization to become more crucial in business – Modern organizations continue to practice the culture of analytics, which means data is involved in their every decision. Old school approaches to business intelligence, however, do not produce more effective results due to their rigidity, slowness, and complexity—all of which result in the inability to implement data in the most efficient way possible. With modern dashboards, data visualization can be implemented to boost the ability of stakeholders to view and understand relevant information. Combining charts and graphs with accessible and powerful business analytics will provide more transparency within the organization, even in real-time.

• Data visualization may be the key to removing unnecessary data – Clean data is becoming increasingly important to businesses as it helps drive sales and marketing.  This means the absence of duplicate, incorrect, incomplete, and inconsistent data that could lead to loss of revenue, misinformed decisions, poor reputation, and wasted efforts in marketing. Dashboards can implement a data visualization strategy that can help eliminate unwanted data and enable businesses to see only the most essential information at a glance.

Microsoft CRM Programming Secrets – Tips for Developers

Having a customer relationship management solution can help a business organize and easily streamline processes and functions related to developing, retaining, and improving customer relationships. Microsoft offers some of the leading CRM solutions that are flexible and customizable for every business. Some leading examples are Dynamics 365 and SharePoint. Developers of Microsoft CRM solutions should be able to provide a unique platform that can help businesses fulfill their objectives for implementing a customer relationship management solution. Here are some tips for a developer to enable proper Microsoft CRM programming:

•Consult with the business – Developers must take time to understand the unique requirements of the business. That way, they can develop a bespoke solution that should work for their customer. For instance, Dynamics 365 can be programmed and developed to run on-premise and online.

•Know the programmability features of Microsoft CRM – By identifying a customer’s requirements, developers should be able to use the right programming models that will enable them to customize the right solution for every situation. For instance, when developers write their customers to access the data in Dynamics 365, they have the option to use the organization service or the Web API. The latter offers a development experience that is useful across programming languages, devices, and platforms. It implements open data protocol (Odata), too, which is the standard for consuming and building RESTfulAPIs over any rich data source. Microsoft provides a list of community-supported libraries for OData. Otherwise, developers can code directly using HTTP. 

.NET developers may Web API or the organization service, which enables them to use the set of tools and assemblies to create strongly typed classes with attributes and custom entities added to Dynamics 365. SDK tools and assemblies for code generation can work with Organization Service Context, which is designed according to the same concept as WFC data services to enable developers to track changes and manage relationships and identities.

•Consult with experts – Consulting services can give developers a competitive edge and keep them ahead of their competition when they are updated with the latest developments and knowledge. 

•Use special tools – Address Two and Infusion soft are CRM software tools that can leverage the existing CRM platforms of a business.

Source URL : http://www.orionnetworks.net/microsoft-crm-programming-secrets-tips-for-developers/

Microsoft Azure – An Alternative to Amazon and Google Cloud

The competition is tough among public cloud services like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure. The first two may be older and more popular, but Azure is proving to be a worthy opponent. Microsoft’s cloud solution is a robust PaaS (platform-as-a-service) and the leading IaaS (infrastructure as a service) platform, resulting in heaps of revenue for the company since it was launched in 2010. The following points highlight the benefits of Microsoft Azure:

•Other tools from Microsoft can be integrated into it – Azure makes sense to organizations that are using other Microsoft tools like SharePoint, Outlook, and Office 365. The cloud platform integrates seamlessly with those products, even when applied on-premise to Linux and Windows. 

•PaaS and IaaS – Microsoft Azure offers both unmanaged (PaaS) and managed (IaaS) services. The latter lets organizations outsource cloud computing and pay only for what they need, and the former makes it possible to create software and web apps without maintaining or buying an underlying infrastructure. This way, organizations can customize software, like Office 365, to suit their unique requirements and specifications.

•Proven reputation – Microsoft itself is a reliable and credible brand and it powers a lot of the tools we use today, including Windows, Xbox, Bing, and Skype. Its reputation can be beneficial to small companies that are looking for a secure cloud platform. Organizations can be confident with Azure, since it is from an established industry leader.

•Strong analytics and BI support – You get NoSQL and managed SQL data services along with integrated support for using data and discovering insights to improve decision-making and business processes. With Azure, you can establish an SQL server in a cloud and use the Apache Hadoop-based cloud platform, HDInsight to create Hadoop clusters for deeper data analysis.

•Reliability – Microsoft Azure is covered by the company’s increasing number of managed data centers around the world. Hence, you should be able to count on 24/7 availability of health monitoring and tech support.

How to Keep Anyone Away from Snooping Around Your Cloud Infrastructure

Back in the day, we used to carry around discs, portable hard disks, and thumb drives. Now, you can store and access your data in the cloud and not have to worry about forgetting to carry any portable storage devices with you. While the cloud may have changed the way we store and access our data, this doesn’t mean that it can keep your data completely secure. Your information is still at risk with prying eyes and attackers around, waiting for an opportunity to access your files and steal them. Even if the cloud service provider claims to be secure, you still need to take measures to prevent anyone from compromising your cloud infrastructure. Here’s how:

•Keep your passwords secure – No one should be able to snoop around your cloud infrastructure if you do not give your password to anyone and you make it difficult to guess.

•Do not rely on the cloud too much – Backup your data not just in the cloud, but in traditional storage devices, too. That way, you still have access to it, even if the cloud becomes compromised or if there is no internet access in your area.

•Do not store sensitive information in the cloud – There is no such thing as absolute and real privacy online, so it is not recommended to store top secret files in any cloud infrastructure. It is better to be a bit paranoid with identity theft cases on the rise. Use the cloud only for frequently used files, and avoid storing documents containing sensitive and personal data or passwords.

•Use data encryption – Make sure your cloud infrastructure comes with local data encryption to provide an extra layer of security. The method is also known as ‘zero-knowledge proof’, and it will protect your data against cloud administrators and service providers, too. Moreover, make sure data is encrypted during the uploading and downloading processes, too.

Cloud Based Antivirus Solutions

Antivirus programs are essential to every computer and mobile device. Without them, your computers and smartphones will be vulnerable to hackers and security breaches. Old school antivirus solutions can only offer limited amount of protection and they are usually expensive to maintain in the long run. Using cloud based antivirus solutions may be a better and cost-effective solution that can provide real-time protection. When you use a cloud based antivirus, the program is stored and runs on a cloud service instead of being installed to your computer. This way, it offloads the workload and functions of the antivirus to the cloud-based server.

Conventional security software relies on a local computer. With cloud based antivirus, you only have to install a small client program on your desktop and it connects to the internet to access the web service of the provider. After an antivirus scan, data from your computer is analyzed, and the things you must do for countermeasures will be sent back to you. Cloud antivirus is becoming increasingly popular with personal users and organizations who are looking for improved, reliable, faster, and real-time protection that is accessible any time.

If you’re looking to buy well-known antivirus and anti-malware programs that offer cloud based antivirus solutions, here are some features to look for:

•Real-time monitoring, proactive detection of any new threat

•Automatic sandboxing of all unknown files

•Three layers of security: heuristic detection, in-depth analysis, and database of malicious codes

•Protection as you browse, play, or work online

•Light (so you will not even notice that it is in your machine)

•Independent (so you do not have to worry about manual updates, configurations, and settings)

Cloud based antivirus can be a good option for small businesses. Not only is it cost-effective—it can also reduce the amount of time and effort devoted to conducting antivirus scans periodically. A locally installed antivirus solution may require a lot of storage space and consume a lot of memory every time it conducts a scan, causing delays and interruptions. Cloud based antivirus solutions are lighter on the local memory and storage, and it comes with all the features you will need to detect and remove or quarantine viruses and malware.

About the Author:

Mike Rana is the Chief Technology Advisor of Orion Network Solutions. Orion Network Solutions specializes in providing Computer Installation, Maintenance, and Consulting services along with 24×7 help desk services for small and midsize companies. We provide network solutions that enable small businesses to not only lower their management cost but also increases employee productivity at the same low price. We offer network solution that becomes an integral part of your organization and can provide an increase in productivity of your organization.

Source URL : http://www.orionnetworks.net/cloud-based-antivirus-solutions/

Are You Still Using Windows XP and Do You Have a Plan in Place to Migrate?

It has been more than a year since Microsoft cut off support for Windows XP. Users of this operating system can no longer receive the latest security updates, assisted support options, or technical content updates. This also means that new vulnerabilities that may be discovered in Windows XP post cut-off will no longer be addressed by security updates from Microsoft. 

Despite the obvious risks of continuing to run Windows XP, some companies insist on using this operating system until the hardware fails. Windows XP loyalists have a hard time leaving their old ways behind not only because of the fear of transition, but because of the immediate cost implication of such a switch. What they don’t realize is that the long-term costs of managing an unsupported, out of date technology or system add up quickly—easily superseding the amount needed to pay upfront to license new technology.

The security risks associated with using Windows XP beyond its end-of-support date are serious. Attackers now have the advantage of having more information about the system’s vulnerabilities—and they know that Microsoft is no longer there to defend their new attacks. Malware attackers are now exploiting XP, and small businesses are particularly more vulnerable because they don’t have the same level of IT security as bigger entities.

Security issues do not end with the OS itself. Application-level vulnerabilities also proliferate it. Vendors will stop patching applications running on XP because it will no longer be economically worthwhile for them to do so. Finally, failure to move to Windows 7 or 8 limits productivity due to lessening compatibility. A company may miss out on opportunities because it cannot take advantage of the latest technologies, like desktop virtualization.

Plan for Migration

Migrating to Windows 7 or 8 from XP is not easy, but careful planning can help smooth the path. It makes sense to hire an IT consultant to assist you during the transition. A consultant can check if your current systems are up to the task and recommend hardware upgrades to improve compatibility. The consultant can also assess your organization’s needs and help you decide which new OS is a better fit. A consultant can likewise teach your staff how to handle legacy applications using the new OS.

Don’t underestimate the complexity and size of a migration project. Working with a consultant is the best way to ensure a smooth transition, and will save you money in the long run.

About the Author:

                          

Mike Rana is the Chief Technology Advisor of Orion Network Solutions. Orion Network Solutions specializes in providing Computer Installation, Maintenance and Consulting services along with 24x7 help desk services for small and midsize companies. We provide network solutions that enable small businesses to not only lower their management cost but also increases employee productivity at the same low price. We offer network solution that become integral part of your organization and can provide an increase in productivity of your organization.