I just read a post entitled ”The Right Way To Make Sales Calls For Your Small Business.” This post outlines ten points which all make a lot of sense when making sales calls, except for number 7, where I disagree. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Business’ Category
Response to @Smallbizlady’s recent post “The Right Way To Make Sales Calls For Your Small Business”
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010Google Drops Internet Explorer (IE) 6. So Should You.
Thursday, February 11th, 2010Last week, I received this in an email from Google:
In order to continue to improve our products and deliver more sophisticated features and performance… we will be phasing out support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 as well as other older browsers that are not supported by their own manufacturers.
It’s about time, and not just for those reasons. (more…)
ABA Recommends Dedicated PC for Online Banking
Friday, January 22nd, 2010Earlier this month the American Bankers Association (ABA) has issued practical, simple advice which could dramatically enhance everyone’s online banking security. And, I predict, it won’t make any difference because people are unlikely to do it. (more…)
What the Google/China Hack Means to You
Sunday, January 17th, 2010Friends and listeners to the Fresh Ubuntu Podcast will know that I frequently raise concerns about Google and the information that it acquires about all of us. My concerns normally are along the lines of “just imagine what Google can do with all of that information.” However, I’ve never brought up what could be an even bigger concern: “What if someone else were to get a hold of all of that information?” (more…)
Book Review: I’m on Facebook – Now What???
Friday, December 25th, 2009I just read I’m on Facebook–Now What???: How to Get Personal, Business, and Professional Value from Facebook
Microsoft: “Please Upgrade from Internet Explorer 6.”
Monday, December 21st, 2009While Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP will be supported until July 2010, the writing on the wall is fairly clear, and Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to IE 7 or IE 8. Additionally, we have been recommending alternative browsers for years. (more…)
What is the Purpose of Information Security? 60 Minutes Knows
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009I do not watch television, but a friend of mine pointed me to this week’s episode of CBS’ news documentary program 60 Minutes. This is a very good, low-tech illustration of the potential security threats which information security professionals are battling. This is the kind of stuff we are trying to prevent when we throw around terms like “malware,” “firewalls,” “intrusion prevention,” “audits,” and “security policy.”
While the show focuses on threats to the federal government and utilities, the same exact threats and methods of attack face every small business network on the Internet as well.
Bank Sued for Losses Due to Alleged Weak Security
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009In a previous post, I wrote how small businesses are being scammed by European cyber-hackers. In a related story, Computerworld reports how Pacto Construction Co. in Portland, ME is suing Ocean Bank of Delaware because the company lost hundreds of thousands of dollars due to allegedly weak security on the part of Ocean’s online banking system.
The main alleged weakness is the lack of two-factor authentication by Ocean Bank. While I am not sure that this places all of the blame in Ocean’s hands, and I think that Patco should be at least partially responsible for their losses if it is found that their own systems were compromised, a victory by the plaintiff in this case could set an interesting precedent to financial institutions who have not implemented strong authentication mechanisms in their online services. Banks and credit unions – take note! However, a victory by the defendant will likely send a very different signal, more to the tune of “If you bank online, you take your chances.” Small businesses and individuals – take note!
This week’s Data Security Podcast also has an excellent interview with the attorney who filed the suit on behalf of Patco.
Reasons to Keep Your Hardware Current
Friday, September 11th, 2009Too often, we come across clients whose systems are out-dated. A general rule of thumb that we try to follow is replacing desktop systems every 3 years, servers every 5 years. These are general rules, and they don’t always apply. Here are some reasons you may need a hardware replacement now.
Small Businesses Losing Millions to European Cyber-Gangs
Friday, August 28th, 2009This week, the Washingon Post reported a fascinating story on how “organized cyber-gangs in Eastern Europe are increasingly preying on small and mid-size companies in the United States.” They appear to be targeting small businesses for the simple reason that they are easier nuts to crack than large financial institutions. (more…)