Category: Security

Tips On Keeping Your Computer System Secure

On October 4, 2010

October 04, 2010

Today, we cannot think of life without computers. Be it home or office or any public/ private organization, we need computers for performing our day to day operations. We not only keep our personal data on computers but also use them for business communication and fund transactions. This makes the security of computer systems extremely important. It is required to keep the computers secure for optimum utilization and to safeguard yourself against threats, especially when you are using a network. There are few steps which you require to perform for securing the system.

The first thing which you should do is to have a properly configured firewall and install a good anti-virus software. It is also a good practice to create back up of files into any external drives like CDs or USB devices. Regular backups make sure that the files will not get lost if there are any external attacks or if the system crashes. Also make sure that you purchase a genuine copy of the anti virus and have the anti virus updated from time to time. Do not download any software, games, MP3 or videos if you do not trust the source. There is a possibility that you may download a virus in your system. Always have a spam guard to protect yourself from unsolicited mails. Do make sure that you are aware of the phishing mails and do not open any attachments from mails that look like spam.

It is extremely important that you never share your personal information online and be aware of hackers. Give a remote desktop access only if you trust the other party. Make sure that you are constantly communicating with the other person and in case of any suspicious activity, discontinue the same.

Above all, it is very much important that you use an updated operating system and never share your passwords with anyone and do not use common words as passwords.

We at Centex Technologies provide wide range of solutions for computer system maintenance and security. For more information on how you can set up a secure computer system or work network, feel free to call us at 254-213-4740

Security Consultant Texas – IT Support

How To Stay Away From Online Frauds and Security Threats

By centexitguy

On September 19, 2010

In Security

September 20, 2010

Internet has opened a gateway of knowledge to us. With a click of mouse, you can come to know what is happening thousands of miles away from you. With internet communication has become easy and convenient. However, like any other technology, internet has also been used widely by the hackers and other anti-social groups. The biggest threat that we face on internet is from virus attacks, identity theft and hacking. However, if you avoid doing the following things when you are online, you can save yourself from hackers and virus attacks.

Keep your passwords confidential. Never share your passwords with anyone.
Avoid logging in to any websites when you are using a shared wireless network, there is a chance that a hacker can steal your password. If you want to login, make sure that you have a firewall turned on.
While using any banking website, make sure that you are using web pin or using your mouse to enter the passwords from the set of characters instead of entering them by typing in the required area. This avoids any programs like key logger from recording your key strokes. Most of the banks provide third level of security, use them.
Do not download any unauthorized songs, movie or video clips unless you are sure that the source is genuine.
Do not download attachments from unknown senders, they may contain viruses.
Be aware of phishing mails and never give your personal information like passwords, username, and account number to any emails sent by banks. No banks will ask you this information.
Most of the internet browsers warn users from going to malicious websites. When you reach such website, shut down the browser.
Always check for the security sign of the website. Never do online transactions if the website does not have any https option or if the security certificate is expired.
Store your personal information in an external drive and protect the folder with a password.
Last but not the least, never trust any email claiming that you have won millions of dollars and asking for personal information from you. They are frauds.

By following the above tips, you can definitely avoid any kind of frauds or virus attacks and make an online experience much pleasant.

For complete IT security solutions for your business, visit Centex Technologies.

Internet Marketing Austin – SEO Austin

Understanding The Need For Advanced Security Systems for Corporates

By centexitguy

On April 27, 2010

In Security

April 26, 2010

The internet has become an indispensable part of business operations. It helps in ensuring better control and management through convenient communication and smooth functioning. However, it also brings a risk of virus attacks and data theft with its use. When your network is infiltrated, your corporate activities are sure to be affected.

Such issues make it essential for corporate entities to invest in strong IT security systems. Not only does it protect your business information but also prevents many financial losses. Unfortunately, many business organizations do not understand the need for full fledged security systems. For them, installing antivirus software is enough to deal with all sorts of virtual threats. This kind of negligence often leads to hacking of business security systems and disruption of important operations.

Gradually, the government is also realizing the importance of having robust security measures for corporate systems. Several laws and regulations have been put up for businesses in the private as well as government sector. Still, it is vital to think about the capability of your corporate’s IT security system and ensure that it can safeguard your database against all potential attacks.

If you are starting afresh or find scope for improvement in your business security, the first step is to fix quantifiable security measures. Also, you need to match them with your corporate goals in order to avoid conflict. It is also important that the security system makes your business identity and market presence stronger.

For many companies, it is a nightmare to lose all their data, be it business emails or invoices. Such a disaster can be avoided by implementing foolproof security systems with the help of latest Information Technology tools and techniques. In the ever changing world of Internet, your data needs to be protected from outsider as well as insider misuse.

A good way of dealing with security problems is to hire a security expert. Companies that cannot afford to do this can take appropriate measures for securing their data. This includes making weekly backups, replacing obsolete computer hardware and software and of course, updating your security software regularly.

We at Centex Technologies, located in Killeen, Central Texas, provides complete security solutions to our clients. Please feel free to contact us for further equerries.

Internet Marketing Guy – IT Support Central Texas

All About Security Cameras

By centexitguy

On March 20, 2010

In Security

March 20, 2010

Residential as well as business areas have incorporated electronic surveillance technology to track any suspicious movements in their premises. In UK, more than 4 million video cameras are used for surveillance of government buildings, parks and streets and in US, I am sure the figure would be much higher.

Apart from the traditional CCTV networks, organizations have started using digital cameras and DVR based gadgets. These provide clear images, greater coverage and automatic zooming, tilting and panning. Installation is simple and you can even connect the camera with your desktop or TV.

While buying a security camera for internal or external security, certain features need to be considered. These include:

Think about the level of security surveillance needed. This includes identifying the area to be covered through the camera.
Depending on the kind of organization, different security cameras have varying features. Every camera has playback feature but some of them may show four shots together. Hence, you need to decide the features to be included in your security cameras.
Indoor security cameras are different from outdoor security cameras. Of course, the outdoor devices are sturdier and built to handle wind, rain or dust. In contrast, indoor cameras are smaller and less visible to the naked eye.
The common types of security cameras include bullet cameras, dome cameras and box cameras. Rather than purchasing a conventional security camera, you can go for innovative devices like hidden spy cameras, panning cameras, tilting cameras, wireless nanny cams, digital video recorders and motion-activated cameras.
The security camera has to be placed in a way that allows maximum accessibility, visibility and coverage of target area. The lines of resolution must also be checked. While 350 lines of resolution is low, 480 lines is good for normal use. To get high resolution, opt for CCTV with 525-580 lines.
For night surveillance, you will need a security camera with infrared LEDs to illuminate the desired area. This will ensure clear images and video footage.

We at Centex Technologies provide state-of-the-art security systems in Killeen, Central Texas region. Please feel free to enquire more.

Killeen Security Systems – Central Texas Security Systems

Spammers Spread Trojan with H1N1 E-Mails

By centexitguy

On December 3, 2009

In Security

Dec 3, 2009

Several security vendors are reporting a large malware campaign taking advantage of interest in H1N1 vaccinations.

The e-mails claim to link to a Web page for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention where users can register for a new “State Vaccination H1N1 Program.” However, anyone who clicks on the link ends up with the Zeus Trojan, a prevalent piece of malware used to steal data off of compromised machines.

Security company AppRiver detected the campaign around 8:15 a.m. (CST) Dec. 1, and a hour later was filtering about nearly 18,000 e-mails per minute.

According to Symantec, the domain used in the e-mail links has the format of online.cdc.gov.[RANDOM CHARS].[TLD NAME].im, such as online.cdc.gov.yhnbad.com.im.

“As is usually the case with these campaigns, the URL that is supposed to be a document actually leads to an executable file,” blogged Hon Lau of Symantec. “This one is named vacc_profile.exe and is detected by Symantec as Infostealer.Banker.C. Incidentally, the URL is also ‘personalized’ with the e-mail address of the recipient to make it look that little bit more authentic and less like mass-mailed spam.”

The subject lines of the e-mails vary, but some of the ones that have been observed are “Governmental registration program on the H1N1 vaccination” and “Your personal Vaccination Profile.”

If you have any doubt about the authenticity of the e-mail, don’t click it. Information about H1N1 can be found here on the CDC Website.

Internet Marketing Austin – SEO Austin