One of the best steps you can take to avoid malware is to run an ad block extension in your browser like uBlock Origin (excellent!) or Ad Blocker (has slowed down recently). Occasionally they can cause a site to malfunction, but all usually have an easy to toggle 'switch' for each site allowing you to disable them if need be. Our recommendation is to use Google Chrome and uBlock Origin.

It IS a hassle – but the security benefits are huge. Don't use the same password for sites that matter (banks, credit cards, health accts, e-commerce). Make sure your passwords are reasonably secure (mix of upper/lower case a numbers with no dictionary words/names). Don't access sensitive accounts on Public WiFi… Enable Two Factor Authentication on sites that support it. All it takes is a hacker getting access to your primary email account or bank account and you'll spend weeks or months trying to recover… Need help staying secure online? IT Xpress can help!

Firefox is now blocking Flash due to the number of security vulnerabilities it has (and has had). Many sites like YouTube have migrated away to the more secure HTML5, but a number of sites (namely online games) still require Flash. Find yourself locked out of your favorite Flash based game/site? We suggest using Chrome (which updates Flash quickly and automatically), or in Firefox, click when prompted to run Adobe Flash after acknowledging the displayed warning. Only do this if you know you have the latest version of Flash installed. Not sure if your Flash install is up to date? Our My ITXpert clients receive regular updates to common applications automatically! See http://myitxpert.biz for more information!

A particularly nasty Flash vulnerability that was discovered when a hacking firm got hacked itself, is already being exploited on the Internet. All users should make sure they are running the latest version of Flash by going here: https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/  Just be sure to UNCHECK the junkware addon like McAfee Scanner, etc. If you use Google Chrome, click the three bar menu button and select 'About Google Chrome' It will check for updates and prompt you to 'Relaunch' once it's done updating (Google Chrome has Flash built in) 

Windows 8 began a shift to PCs reporting a LOT more information to Microsoft. Windows 10 takes that even further – so if you're worried about privacy and keeping your PC from sharing too much with Microsoft and their partners, here is a guide to protect your privacy when using a Windows 8 or 10 PC. Note there are tradeoffs to some of these steps like syncing of account settings between computers, etc.

IT Xpress is a certified Bitdefender technical specialist and we recommend Bitdefender to all of our clients. Our My ITXpert Pro and Premier clients get Bitdefender Endpoint Security that is centrally managed and monitored 24×7 by our technicians. This allows us to respond to initial virus infections/attempts before they grow into a true security event. Call or email today to get your home/business protected! 336-525-5005/[email protected]

We're getting asked by many clients if they should upgrade to Windows 10 now that Microsoft has pushed 'alert' icons to every Windows 7/8 user. Our recommendation is yes, but not right now…

Windows 7 and 8 are solid operating systems that work well. The biggest complaint about Windows 8 is no Start Menu and default desktop. But you can get that back by installing ClassicShell (http://classicshell.net). Just uncheck the Classic IE and Explorer options during installation and Windows 8 will feel just like Windows 7. Upgraded to any operating system right when it comes out can be problamatic. Better to let it be installed by early adopters for a few months. If you own a business and Windows 7 or 8 are working for you? Stick with them as they're fully supported. 

Eventually you SHOULD upgrade to Windows 10, but for most people – you can probably wait until the end of the year or sometime next year. Windows 10 does not offer any 'must have' features that Windows 7 or 8 lack (besides bringing a Start Menu back that's not very easy to use).

Still want Windows 10 but are worried you might have issues? We can do the upgrade for you (after the WIn 10 July 29th release) AND tuneup your system. All for $99. Call (336-525-5005) or email ([email protected])!

Severe weather can wreak havoc on computer systems and networks. Having trouble getting online after the recent storms? IT Xpress can help! We stock many replacement parts and can do emergency repairs on site or in our shop. Contact us at 336-525-5005 or [email protected].

As news of the LastPass compromise spreads, many users are wondering if using a password manager is smart (all your eggs in one basket protected by one password). Setup properly, the answer is an emphatic yes. The key is two factor authentication. LastPass allows you to enable two factor authentication, so even if your master password was compromised, the attackers still could not get in without your cellphone, Yubikey, etc. More importantly – you should have two factor authentication enabled on your primary email account as that can be used to reset most account passwords anyway.

We're seeing more and more Macs infected with malware/adware that can be difficult to remove. The Bitdefender tools have done an excellent job removing most of it. We recommend running this tool and the Bitdefender Virus Scanner (available from the App Store). Worried you might not remove everything? Bring your Mac in for a cleaning and we'll also ensure it's running the latest version of OSX that it can!

Ten Security Issues Small Businesses Face…

Having a dedicated IT person is a luxury most small businesses can't afford. Yet in today's hostile online environment, it's more important than ever to keep your business secure… Here are some common security issues we've found with small business clients:

1) Open or insecure WiFi networks. If your WiFi is not using WPA2 encryption, your network is vulnerable to outside attack.
2) Not locking accessible computers. Leaving your computer unlocked on the counter while you help a customer allows someone else to install malware/control software in a matter of seconds. Always lock your computer (Window+L is a handy keyboard shortcut) when you leave it.
3) Shared drives. We often see businesses with multiple computers sharing the entire C: drive on their network instead of individual folders. Many malware attacks will scan a network for ANY accessible folder and infect, or worse, encrypt them. Only share folders you NEED access to and only give write access if necessary.
4) Expired Antivirus. Free antivirus programs are OK, but paid versions provide much better overall security. You have to renew the license annually. If it expires, you won't get any new virus signature updates, or worse the program will completely deactivate.
5) Password Post It Notes. It's one thing to have a password on your monitor in an office that's locked when you aren't there. But many people put vital passwords (bank accounts!) on a post it note that can be seen easy if a 'customer' peers around the monitor when you are distracted. Use a password manager instead.
6) No backups. Many business rely on Quickbooks and their company file is their lifeline. If you're infected by an encryption virus or you suffer a hard drive failure – you could lose EVERYthing. External drive backups are not enough as encryption viruses will attack those too. Only offsite backups can protect you completely.
7) Not using two factor authentication or strong challenge questions. Most small businesses run off of a single bank account. If hackers gain access to that account and wire the money overseas, you have 24 hours to reverse it, or it's gone forever Could your company survive that? The easiest way for hackers to gain access to critical accounts? Your email. If they can get to your email, they can often reset passwords. Enable two factor authentication on EVERY account you can, and then use an app like Google Authenticator to make it easy to use. Make sure your bank account security questions are obscure – not something a hacker could figure out from your Facebook profile.
8) Using Windows XP. Windows XP has not received security updates in over a year now. Your systems should all be running Windows 7 or better if possible.
9) Out of date software. Many users will just close popups prompting to update programs like Java, Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, and more. These are common virus infection points and those updates close critical security holes. Keep your software up to date. Running an ad-blocker in your web browser can also help protect you.
10) Out of date router software. Most small businesses use off the shelf consumer routers to protect their networks. However, these devices must be updated manually and millions contain vulnerabilities that hackers are taking advantage of daily. If they can compromise your router, they can access your network. If your router has new firmware, update it. If the manufacturer hasn't released an update for it in a few years, replace it. Even better? Use a security gateway with advanced malware and intrusion detection.

This is is not an exhaustive list. Overwhelmed? IT Xpress can help! We have affordable service and security plans that will ensure your network, computers, and online presence are secure and hardened against attack. Contact us today (336-525-5005/[email protected]) for your free security audit!