Have you recently received an email claiming to be from Norton informing you of an upcoming subscription renewal? Be cautious, as this could be a scam.
The “Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam” is making the rounds. This article aims to inform you about what to look for and how to avoid it. [Read more…]
This week we added 2 additions to our Security packages that are designed to help get a computer back up and running if some thing goes wrong.
The first addition is making a back up of your Windows Registry. The Registry is a collection of values that store settings for both Windows and many installed programs on your computer. The Registry can become corrupt by viruses, malware and failed installations so having a back up of a good working Registry is a huge bonus. Windows actually used to back it up automatically, but recently stopped.
The second change is that we will turn on and monitor Windows System Restore. This grabs and stores a sort-of ‘snapshot’ of your computer and then if problems arise, we can use System Restore to roll back to before the issue started.
Now, I don’t want to over-sell these — the 2 additions we’ve made aren’t going to work any miracles and they don’t make a system bullet proof. They are simply a few more tools added to our Security Suite to help us keep computers running great, or get them back to running great more easily.
If you currently subscribe to either our Gold Security Suite, or our Business Security Suite we’ve already rolled out these additions to you. If you aren’t subscribed — Well, why not!??
Just kidding, but we do believe we have a rock solid Computer Security plan and encourage you to check it out. You’ll get an Anti-virus software that we manage for you, making sure it’s up to date, scanning regularly and we’ll check out anything it finds to make sure your computer is clean. We also monitor and manage your Windows Updates and updates for many popular programs so you’re protected from dangerous exploits. Plus, we are constantly evaluating and testing more advances as we strive to stay one step ahead of the cybercriminals trying to get in. Why not book an appointment to get your system protected?
Covid-19 (or the coronavirus) has spread around the globe and changed the way we live and conduct business. At Y-Not Tech Services we’ve always been a big fan of technology and while it’s sad to see how the world has had to respond to this pandemic, we’re happy to see that technology has enabled the business and family to remain close. Businesses have taken to remote work and can continue to get things done and move forward. Meanwhile, families are coming together in video chats. Technology has made this possible where even 10 years ago it might not have been. [Read more…]
“Your Antivirus needs to update.” “Your computer hasn’t been scanned in 27 days.” “Virus definitions on your system are out of date.” “We found 3 infections on your system – What would you like to do?”
If you have seen a message like any of the above and were confused by it, don’t worry – you are not alone. Many of the computers I look at for clients don’t have sufficient virus protection. I find that some of my clients purchase and install antivirus, but don’t know how to configure it so it ends up outdated and ineffective. [Read more…]
Whether you want to keep an eye on the kid’s room or you are worried about break and enters and other security concerns, a security camera can find a home in almost every house and business. For many, the price of a decent camera has been a barrier, but camera quality has been improving and today, I’m going to introduce you to a great little camera that is affordable enough for nearly anyone!
Microsoft has announced it’s ‘End of Life’ date for the popular Windows 7 Operating System. January 14, 2020 is the magic date they have chosen. Today we’ll talk about this means for you and I’ll share a special offer to get you upgraded to the latest version of Windows 10. [Read more…]
Do you use an HP laptop or know someone that does? This post is for you!
Y-Not Tech Services has found out about a serious security flaw that affects 460 models of HP Laptops. A security researcher has found that these laptops have a keylogger that was pre-installed on the computer. A keylogger is code that will log every keystroke you make and can send that data to someone else. This would include any password you type, any e-mail you send, your bank and credit card information. [Read more…]
Kaspersky Labs makes an antivirus software that did a good job at finding viruses. Unfortunately, it has been discovered that it also does a good job at finding government secrets and other information it has no business finding. According to an article in The Wall Street Journal and other sources, Kaspersky Antivirus has been turned into a spy tool to find US government secrets. According to reports, it targeted specific terms including Top Secret and classified code names of US Government projects. [Read more…]
I’m writing this morning to let all my clients, friends, family and followers know about a new source of Malware. A popular clean-up utility called CCleaner has been found to contain a Malware called Floxif. This comes shortly after Avast bought the company that makes CCleaner – Piriform. It is Y-Not Tech Services’ opinion that CCleaner and all other Avast products should be avoided. This particular threat has been found, contained and cleaned up, but I no longer have confidence in CCleaner or the security processes at Avast that should keep their products safe. Avast is a computer software company that specializes in antivirus programs. So the fact that a piece of malicious software made it through their security and into a popular software is surprising. Although, not THAT surprising if you pay close attention. In an article I wrote in May of this year I called out Avast for missing 6 malware pieces that were active on my PC and that Emsisoft picked up and removed as soon as I upgraded to it. The Malware in CCleaner was Digitally Signed as safe and trusted.
I recommend un-installing CCleaner immediately. I used to use CCleaner all the time. When Avast bought them, I slowed down on my use since I was already leary about Avast product based on my experience with their Anti-Virus program. Now, I will be actively avoiding all Avast products including CCleaner. It’s unfortunate because it was a great program previously, but I can’t have the risk of it installing Malware on my or my client’s systems.
If you use Y-Not Tech Services Gold Plan and had CCleaner installed, you will automatically have been updated to a version without the Malware and your System will be safe. If you don’t have our Gold Plan, I recommend bringing your system in for a full Virus Scan to check for traces of the malware. To learn more about our Managed Services or to sign up to stay safe in the future Click Here.
If you are currently using Avast Anti-Virus or any other free anti-virus program including Windows Defender, I recommend upgrading to Emsisoft. Y-Not Tech Services offers a free 30 day Trial of Emsisoft and can Install and Configure the software for free when you buy it. Emsisoft is also included in our Silver, Gold or Platinum Plans. The plans are a great way to stay protected because they have us monitoring and making sure that your security program is updating and scanning regularly! We also review all malware that is found on your system and the Gold and Platinum Plans even include FREE virus removal if something gets past our security.
If you used CCleaner and are looking for something to replace it with we recommend checking out BleachBit. Y-Not Tech Services hasn’t fully reviewed BleachBit yet, but plan to in the near future and it’s currently the winner for our replacement needs of CCleaner.
It’s unfortunate that CCleaner has been compromised, but as I mentioned I stopped using them when Avast bought them up. Too many times I have seen great software ruined when other companies buy them. The vision and drive seems to get lost in larger companies.
If you have questions or concerns, please book an appointment:
