Why Can’t I Be the Admin of My Own Computer? Everyone who works in IT dreads hearing this question. Admin privileges provide powerful access, enabling major system changes like editing files and downloading software. Calling your IT provider just to type in a passcode can feel frustrating. If your job involves frequent software downloads, it’s… Read more »
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Data Leakage Attacks are Here to Stay
What does a cyberattack look like? There’s no specific technique, target, or goal to unite them. They can be part of an anti-terrorism campaign, like the United States’ Stuxnet attack on Iranian nuclear refineries. They can be motivated by financial gain, like the recent trend of ransomware attacks that demand payment in Bitcoin before unlocking… Read more »
Confidentiality in the COVID-19 Era
The Impact of Remote Work on Productivity and Mental Health The coronavirus has dramatically changed how we work. With new methods of communication, emerging threats, and less time in the office, some businesses have discovered that remote work is boosting productivity. Many remote workers report higher levels of job satisfaction and improved mental health due… Read more »
OptfinITy Recognized as “Best Mid-Sized Business”
As a leading managed server in the Mid-Atlantic region, we are pleased to announce today that the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce has named OptfinITy as its Best Mid-Sized Business of 2020. This award recognizes exemplary local businesses who best embody the values of the Chamber. In today’s new and often uncertain business environment, OptfinITy… Read more »
Google’s Blackout: What Caused It?
For 45 minutes on Monday morning, a variety of Google services were inaccessible across Europe and North America. Google Search, Gmail, and a variety of Drive programs were all down. Google’s physical devices also reported critical errors during the outage. Initial reports blamed this on an error in the service’s authentication system, but a new… Read more »
Is Zoom Back in Business?
Work-from-home is the reality for so many of us during the coronavirus pandemic. Being out of the office has its challenges: interrupting kids, spotty internet, and endless miscommunications! However, online meetings have become the symbol of this new working environment, especially the virtual meeting app ‘Zoom’. Part of the app’s popularity was its security. Zoom… Read more »
Famous Ransomware Gang Gives Victims Keys to Access The Files They Stole.
Operators of the infamous ransomware Shade have decided to shut down and have released over 750,000 decryption keys to their victims who can now decrypt their files and hopefully regain access. The Shade explained on a message posted in the GitHub Repository that they have decided to publish all decryption keys back to their victims… Read more »
500 Google Chrome Extensions Caught Stealing Private Data From Millions of Users
Google was forced to remove 500 malicious Chrome extensions from its web store after it was discovered that many extensions carried malicious ads which siphoned off browsing data to servers being controlled by attackers. It’s been reported that the extensions were part of an Ad-fraud campaign that’s been operating since January 2019. However, some evidence… Read more »
This New Ransomware is Asking for Nude Photos Instead of Money
Last year businesses worldwide lost billions of dollars due to ransomware. This year, however, some ransomware criminals are looking to collect something other than money. Researchers at Emisoft have discovered a ransomware that demands payment of a different kind – nude photographs. The creator of the ransomware distorts the typical sextortion scam which is to… Read more »
What the new California Privacy Law Means for You
Background of the Law The CCPA (California Consumer Privacy ACT) is a new California law which allows residents of California to learn what data companies are collecting about them, as well as requiring companies to delete their data and not sell it, upon request. The Beginning Impact Although the full force of the new privacy… Read more »
