Thursday, October-22-2009
An edited version of this article was originally printed in the May 2009 edition of Hakin9 Magazine under Tool Reviews. As an IT consultant I frequently need to monitor and analyze network traffic. Wireshark is easily the tool of choice.
Introduction:
The great white is one of the undisputed masters of the open seas and with knowledge and training Wireshark can help the network admin or consultant master that sea of data that flows across the networks of the world. Originally developed by Gerald Combs in 1998 and available as free/open source software under the name Ethereal, the project grew to encompass
Tuesday, June-30-2009
This article is part 2 of a 2 part series: Part 1 is at Why Is Cisco Equipment a Smart Investment for Small Businesses?
Moving from the broad over view lets now move into demonstrating some of the direct benefits of the more commonly implemented features of Cisco router and switches by using a simple, small office scenario as a case study.
Typical of a small organization is there are departments for financial matters, marketing and sales and one or more managers. The personnel in each of these areas has specific computer function and data needs with some being in common such
Sunday, June-28-2009
Having worked at IT consulting on a part time basis since 1986 and full-time for the past seven years I've had the opportunity to work with a lot of small to mid-sized organizations varying in size from the one person home office to entities with revenues in the mid-eight figure range and just under 100 employees.
At first blush there would seem to be vast differences in the networking needs of each but in fact I would argue there's not. At least not in my opinion. Fact is I recommend Cisco equipment for the smallest home office and up and the
Tuesday, March-31-2009
With the Conflicker worm having become the latest of the Internet scares being propagated by the main stream news media we thought it essential to cover this topic a bit. The Conflicker worm is programmed so that infected machines attempt to update themeselves periodically with the next known update being for April 1, 2009. That doesn't mean the world will end!
First thing to consider is that Conflicker, like most of the malware (malicious software) released to the Internet in the past 5-6 years, is *not* likely to do any real, irreversible damage to your computer systems. It's essential to understand
Friday, February-27-2009
Whatever your feelings are regarding the massive stimulus bill that has been signed into law, there is one thing that directly benefits businesses. The 179 Rule has reverted back to the 2008 levels, meaning that there is 50% bonus depreciation for the year and the maximum deduction amount went from $125,000 back to $250,000. While it is still early in the year and the economy is unpredictable, businesses can directly benefit from tax deductions for leasing new and used equipment.
Note: Business Tips & Trends posts are provided for informational purposed only. As always, anyone wishing to pursue ideas provided here
Saturday, May-03-2008
We've all heard of Internet related crime. It almost sounds like there's a bad-dude or two hiding under your mouse pad. Not quite but have you considered that they just might have a program or two on your computer doing their dirty work?
Eugene Kaspersky, founder and CEO of Kaspersky Lab, gives an insider's view to the Internet Cybercrime Ecosystem and the quick and dirty on the how's and why's.
Read this and you might come away with a whole new outlook on Internet security. Either way it's and interesting insight into the world of professional computer crime and it's effects
Tuesday, March-25-2008
Security vulnerabilities recently discovered in the Java software found on most Windows computers requires an update.
The update is easily done in a minute or two and given the severity of the security issues is highly advisable.
Video instructions here: Java Update Video and step-by-step instructions below.
Go to "Start" and select either "Control Panel" OR "Settings" -> "Control Panel" depending upon which start menu view you are using.
Once in the Control Panel screen look for an item marked "Java" with this icon and double-click it to open the Java console.
On the top row tabs will be a choice marked "Update". Click
Wednesday, June-07-2006
If you've been on the Internet more than a month or two, you've likely by now received an email similar to the one below. The emails almost always predict some dire consequences and horrible fate to those who fail to comply immediately. Be advised - the dire consequences and horrible fate only await those who do reply to such emails.
The email shown here is what is known as "a phish" or "phishing attack." While this one in particular is an attack on those having a PayPal account, phishing attacks have been conducted on virtually all well known financial institutions including
Monday, May-22-2006
Enterprise Security Threats Turning More Sinister, Says Burton Group
The enterprise security threat environment for 2006 and 2007 includes a marked increase in sinister security threats -- targeted, intentional criminal attacks originating from outside the enterprise, and collusion between criminals and inside contacts -- according to Daniel Blum, senior vice president and research director at Burton Group. Blum's research shows that with global deterrents from law enforcement being weak, criminals are organizing into an underground economy of specialists. Near-term results include increases in the volume and scale of criminal attacks on companies and consumers.
Saturday, March-11-2006
Warning regarding phishing scam from the PA Lottery web site.
PENNSYLVANIA LOTTERY WARNS PLAYERS TO BE WARY OF A SCAM USING LOTTERY LOGOS
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Recently, a number of consumers have received an e-mail titled "CONGRATULATION! CONGRATULATION!! CONGRATULATION!!!," which fraudulently uses Pennsylvania Lottery logos. These e-mails, as well as other similar e-mails touting a lottery prize, are a scam according to the Pennsylvania Lottery's Security Office.
The current fraud using the Pennsylvania Lottery name and logos is an attempt to access personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account information.
The Pennsylvania Lottery does not notify winners via e-mail or
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