SIM2K

07/28/2023

In July, we discuss how AI is gathering data from multiple sources to "learn" and posing the potential for privacy issues. We also cover how the EU is at odds over Threads (the Meta version of Twitter, or "X") over, again, privacy issues. Windows 11 is gaining share as the end of Windows 10 gets closer, so companies need to be considering an update strategy going into the next year. At the same time, Windows may be moving to a Cloud-delivered model wherein you can access "your" Windows from any device, with all the data, apps and programs with it. Finally, we look at the storms that rolled through Indiana and the subsequent outages that impact businesses – with no power, servers and PCs went dark and there was potential for data loss, so we offer suggestions. See this issue at sim2k.com.

06/22/2023

Our June SIMformation looks at the need for physical computer security – it is easy to have a laptop be grabbed from a car, hotel room or trade show booth. Protecting data means securing networks and computers both. We also look at the West Coast port slowdown and how that may impact shipments of tech components. Ring cameras faced an FTC complaint as employees had "free rein" to view any video for a period of time, leading to privacy complaints. Apple unveiled their new headset, the Vision Pro, and we look at what it does and where it may be used. And, Microsoft has rolled out their Bing/Chat GPT product and we will see if AI can improve search. See this issue at sim2k.com.

05/10/2023

The May issue of SIMformation is now available at sim2k.com. We present the business case for IT security spending. While it is viewed as a cost, not a profit center, ignoring security can be a hit to the bottom line in terms of mitigation, loss of productivity and reputation, so we stress the need to budget for security. Speaking of budgets, Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will go out of support in 2025, so companies need to consider upgrading to Windows 11 which comes with hardware requirements that may prompt spending on new PCs, so plan now. We also look at the continuing issue of AI development and cover the steps the European Union is taking and what that might mean in the US. There are fake Chrome updates circulating that prompt users to download a zip file that contains a data mining trojan, so be aware and know how Chrome and other browsers update. And, there are "lazy" cybercriminals now sending out threatening ransomware e-mails – but don't actually encrypt your files. We have what to look for here. Finally, Twitter has changed its checkmark verification process, and Samsung may be moving from Google search to Bing to take advantage of ChatGPT.

SIM2K provides IT consulting services to the Indiana community as well as a wide range of technology-related products. Our focus is on ensuring that all of your business needs are met. We can provide all of your management and technology solutions.

04/17/2023

April's SIMformation is now available on our website, sim2k.com. We look at the 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy plan recently released by the White House, and the four pillars of the plan. Plus, we have a copy of the full report if you want to get the in-depth discussion of the government's security focus. We also cover new, more sophisticated, cyber attacks believed to be coming from China, underscoring the need for a national security strategy. The bank failures have triggered cyber fraud attempts so we have tips on what to watch for and how to avoid being scammed. And, more than 1,000 tech experts have issued a warning on AI advancements and urge a pause in further development of AGI-5, which they fear could become sentient and think for itself.

03/10/2023

The March edition of SIMformation is now up on our website, sim2k.com. Many small businesses think that they won't be targeted by malware as they are "too small" – which is exactly what the cybercriminals want you to think. We have a discussion on why SMBs need to be as security aware as enterprise businesses. We also look at how AI is being incorporated into more and more technology, like MIcrosoft's Bing Chat. Apple looks to be moving to USB-C and not their Lightning Cable, but will apply a "Made for iPhone" security requirement for these USB cables. The LastPass hack's root has been discovered, and shows what lengths criminals will go to find ways through security. And several major Cloud providers had outages last month, so we have some cautions on relying on the Cloud for your critical business applications.

02/15/2023

Our February SIMformation is now available on our website, sim2k.com. We caution you about fake SSD's on Amazon – a 16T SSD drive for $100, even with high user ratings, is most likely a scam. We have details on what to watch out for and how they get this ratings. We also discuss how the "bad guys" are tricking users into using a remote management tool to access data, and a malware scam using a sham Zoom site to also gain access to your data. T-Mobile had a hack that affected 37 million customers, but was it really a "hack" or just leaky code that permitted access to their database. And we look at the "Great Resignation" and how tech workers have moved jobs and their satisfaction. Plus we have information on an Apple iOS vulnerability affecting older model iPhones and iPads, and new SEC regulations concerning cybersecurity risks impacting investment companies and advisors.

01/13/2023

Happy New Year! We kick off 2023 with a discussion of Tech Debt - deferring investments in technology that lead to business disruptions. We have seen two prime examples of this recently, between the Southwest Airlines scheduling collapse over the holidays, and the FAA grounding all flights for a day due to antiquated software. We also revisit the LastPass hack as new information indicates it might be worse than first thought, and also look at the Met Opera in NYC which had its ticketing taken down by an attack suspected to be from Russian sources. A new AI tool is being used to create malware by cybercriminals, and the Ohio Supreme Court ruled against a cyberinsurance claim stemming from a ransomware attack over a strict definition of "hardware." Finally, we have tips on how to improve your contact management on Android smartphones.

12/08/2022

December's SIMformation is now available at sim2k.com. We look into the IT "crystal ball" for 2023 trends that may impact your business planning for the new year. We also discuss the Rackspace ransomware attack and how it has disrupted hundreds of hosted Exchange accounts for businesses. And, LastPass, the password management company, was hacked and some information may be compromised. TikTok continues to be in the news as a filter may be a route for cybercriminals to get to personal information. Finally, we want to wish everyone a great holiday season!

11/10/2022

Our November SIMformation is now available at sim2k.com. We have a "how to" discussion on improving how you use your Windows Search feature. We also discuss the CHIPS Act and whether it will be a boon to the tech industry. There was a reported Russian Denial of Service attack on several US airport websites, and the White House convened a summit of nations to discuss combatting Ransomware. Plus other news from the world of IT.

10/19/2022

The October SIMformation is now available at sim2k.com. We discuss another zero-day attack targeting Microsoft Exchange and what steps have been taken to mitigate this. We also cover the hack on Uber through "MFA Fatigue" and possible theft of personal information on riders. A trashed server that was not wiped clean of data resulted in a $35 million fine – financial data on customers was found and the SEC stepped in with a big fine. And, we have some tips on troubleshooting Windows and a report that Customs agents may be cloning your phone's data without warrants.

09/19/2022

Our September SIMformation is now posted to sim2k.com. We look at our security partners ThreatLocker and Huntress and how they work within our security stack to keep you secure. Both companies have been rated #1 by industry groups for innovation and best endpoint protection. We also look at how Indiana tops the nation in medical record breaches, and new techniques coming to beat "multi-factor fatigue."

08/15/2022

The August edition of SIMformation is now available at sim2k.com. We discuss how cyber insurers are cracking down, ensuring applicants are truly taking security seriously and implementing basic steps like two-factor authentication. We also look at recent attacks on Indiana healthcare institutions, and new encryption standards coming that may help better defend against these types of attacks. We preview Wi-Fi7 and what that may mean for greater speeds and improved traffic management in an office setting. And, a "man in the middle"-type ploy coupled with phishing attempts could be a way to get around MFA measures, so we have what to look out for in this type of exploit.