Hackers are employing increasingly sophisticated techniques to scam users into downloading malicious software. For instance, today’s hackers and malware authors have begun using so-called “doorway pages” – web pages optimized to rank highly in results for common search engine queries.

These pages often feature trending or hot topics to show up favorably in search results, and may contain content that has been copied from other websites. Some even employ sophisticated technology techniques to customize the page based on each individual visitor’s location, browser, and operating system – and may include a referring page to entice users further into the scam.

Internet users should be aware of these techniques, and think twice before following search results links. Fortunately there are equally sophisticated tools and techniques designed to block malicious search results. Contact us to find out how you can combat this particularly devious threat.

Related articles:

• Cyber-criminals pounce on McAfee crash story (v3.co.uk)
• The Importance Of Using Proper SEO Techniques (ronmedlin.com)

The Detroit Free Press had an article in the May 5 edition about the latest state auction for mineral rights that brought in more millions of $$ than anyone expected. Could be good for the Northern Michigan economy?

A well in northern Missaukee County was what brought on most of the excitement, apparently.

I think everyone up here would love to see another oil and gas “boom”. Lots of jobs and economic activity that puts smiles on lots of faces!

See the article here

Here is a great thing for when you are traveling – a Hotspot finder. Stick an address in, or an airport code, and find out quickly what is in the area. It is put out by the “WiFi Alliance”.

Find it here

Consider this:  according to research by technology analyst group Gartner, beyond 2010 end users, not the IT department, will be responsible for 50 percent of business IT procurement decisions—ultimately bringing and running their own systems on company networks. Meanwhile, according to management consultants Accenture, around one-third  of today’s new generation of workers (a group they call “millenials”) not only want to use the computer of their choice at work, but also want control of the applications they use too.

What’s driving this trend? Many have been calling it the “consumerization” of IT with the wide availability of cheap and powerful mobile devices and online services.

Although there have been some case studies of companies successfully enjoying  benefits from letting employees bring their own personal technology to the work place, there are very real dangers that you should be aware before adopting or allowing this practice in your business:

• Exposing your network to malware or security vulnerabilities and breaches because of unprotected devices
• Leakage of confidential or proprietary information
• Lower economies of scale in procurement
• Higher maintenance and support costs because of non-standardized configurations

Worried about this trend? Need to define a policy for your staff when it comes to bringing their personal equipment to the office? Contact us and see how we can help.

Related links:

• The rise of affordable consumer technology causes problems for businesses (sc magazine)
• Gartner releases business predictions for 2010 (global services media)
• Citrix tells their employees to bring their own laptops to work (usa today)

Viruses and other forms of malware can wreak untold havoc in your computer systems, which causes productivity loss and problems that affect the service you deliver to your customers. This is why subscribing to a service that maintains and prevents the spread of viruses in your system and network can go a long way in ensuring that your IT-based operations continue smoothly and efficiently.

However, viruses account for only a fraction of the problems your computer system can suffer. With many businesses such as yours relying greatly on the capabilities of their IT systems, it stands to reason that all steps must be taken to ensure that it is properly maintained and functions as effectively as possible.

One very efficient way to do this that’s getting much attention these days is Managed Services. This is an affordable and cost-effective means of making sure that your IT continues to function at optimum levels at all times.

Here’s how it works: Companies routinely experience IT-related problems that they have difficulty solving. Managed Services provides 24 x 7 proactive monitoring of your systems and ensures all systems are up to date, preventing problems from happening in the first place.

Updating, patching, and constant maintenance to your system is important to protecting your system from a slew of potentially damaging problems. Improvements and upgrades help your system function better, which enhances your company’s capabilities and helps you achieve a higher level of productivity. Managed Services Providers help you stay on top of the game with little worries and predictable costs – especially in the long run.

Thinking about checking out Managed Services? We’re here for you. We respond to all our clients’ concerns and deliver service specific to their particular needs. We keep ourselves up to date with the latest fixes, patches, and upgrades so you always have the best and the latest means to help increase your productivity and help you deliver your services better. We know the best ways to prevent viruses and other preventive maintenance methods that maximize your IT systems capabilities.

We don’t just manage your IT – we make it better.