In today’s fast-paced business world, effective communication is key to staying ahead. At CK Computer Support, we provide modern VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions designed with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. Our services are dependable, scalable, and affordable, ensuring your business remains connected—wherever and whenever you need it.
Attacks on companies are more complex these days. Basically anymore can do basic attacks like phishing and vishing. These kinds of attacks are still an effective way of getting access to a company’s most important and confidential information.
Although companies use many security controls intended to lessen their intrusion footsteps and protect their information and systems against invasion, those defensive restrictions are negated when an attacker is able to gain the appropriate authorization to the setting.
Multi-factor authentication has emerged as a very protective method to protect a company from far-off attacks and when done right, can counter most threats from gaining an easy footing into his/her organization, even when user names and passwords become jeopardized.
What is MFA?
Multi-factor authentication is the method of establishing a user by verifying 2 or more characteristics or factors that are exclusive to that person. There are 3 main characteristics that are commonly used as components in the process of authentication. They are something that you possess (one-time passcode), something that you know (password), and something that you are (facial recognition). With authentication, the computer verifies the identity of a person. Mfa adds a supplemental layer of security and protection against data breaches and jeopardized credentials. Without this additional layer of protection, it’s hard to truly authenticate that the person accessing the system is who they say they are because passwords can be cracked, stolen, or easy to guess.
Why is mfa important
Mfa is important because it is one of the most protective to avert unlawful access to confidential information. Passwords aren’t enough for protection anymore because they can be cracked or stolen. Plus, firewalls, anti-virus software can be bypassed. It’s useful to have if someone gets your password. The user will be prompted to enter a one-time passcode or provide a code generated by an app. Facial recognition, voice recognition, or some other form of biometrics can also be used. When completed right, mfa can be utilized to protect business applications, email, and other points of authentication.
Conclusion
With the increasing growth of cyber-attacks against companies, passwords alone can’t be depended on as the only method of security for a business to hinder people from attaining unauthorized access. Multi-factor authentication has been proven to reduce the probability of a breach of data by a stolen password.
If you use the internet, security should concern you. Hackers can easily intercept your personal communications and even monitor what websites you visit.
When you consider the use of your computer for work or business, online threats become even more disconcerting. When family members, including children, become involved, you start to understand that security matters.
With so much at stake every time you go online, shouldn’t you take some precautions? Although online security may at first seem complicated, you can quickly enhance your safety by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Continue reading to learn what a VPN can do for you.
Anonymity :
A VPN service creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your computer and a VPN service. This prevents your ISP and hackers from seeing what websites you visit. Also, when using a VPN, web servers log your VPN’s IP address, not yours, allowing you to anonymously use online resources.
Additionally, your ISP sees only that you’ve connected to your VPN service. If you choose a VPN provider that doesn’t keep user logs, you can defend yourself against government surveillance, advertisers and third-party subpoenas.
Security :
Have you ever connected to a “free” Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop, library, airport or store? Every time you do, anyone else connected to that network has a chance to hack your phone or computer. Also, they can monitor your plain-text data such as emails and URLs sent from your device to the internet.
A VPN tunnel allows you to safely use public Wi-Fi without fear. Sure, the owner of the Wi-Fi network as well as any snoopers and hackers can see that you’re using the network. However, they can’t see any of your data or what websites you visit while connected via your VPN service.
Freedom :
Some Wi-Fi operators, such as schools, employers and businesses restrict the type of websites that users can access through their network. They may do this for one or more reasons:
• Conserve bandwidth.
• Prevent distractions.
• Maintain standards.
• Manage liability.
Common content restrictions may include social media, video, pornography and file downloads.
In such settings, you can still freely access the internet by first connecting to a VPN service. When you do, network administrators can see that you’ve connected to an internet resource. However, since all data goes through your VPN tunnel, no one can analyze your activities.
In summary, a VPN gives you an affordable, easy to use way to increase your anonymity, security and freedom online. Stop taking risks with your personal, family and business. Always connect to a VPN before using the internet.
The Dell XPS 13 is slim computer with excellent performance as wel as modern design. In addition, the computer has a bright HD-touch screen. A bright and clear screen is a definite plus with any computer. You will never experience glare of any kind with the new Dell XPS 13. 
The Dell XPS 13 has a much longer battery life in comparision with other similar notebooks. The aluminum and carbon fiber body is almost identical to the previous models. The Quad HD-infinity display certainly adds a nice touch to the Dell XPS 13.
When watching movies you receive excellent contrast and you can adjust the screen to full mode if desired. In addition, the volume control can be easily adjusted. The sound is clear and concise along with a fabulous picture.
The XPS 13 comes with a backlit keyboard with two levels of lighting. The lighting may be easily adjusted to suit your needs. The computer touchpad is approximately 4.1 x 2.3 inches and it has a smooth matte type finish.
The touch screen was created with wide viewing angles as well as spectacular color range. Actually, the color range on the Dell XPS 13 is far superior to the full-HD version of this notebook.
Color range was of great importance with the XPS 13 computer. Color range was right on target covering roughly 103.6 percent of the SRGB spectrum. When comparing the XPS 13 to Macbook the color range was much more limited.
The XPS 13 has excellent sound and has better than average bass and volume. It seems that the crisp clear sound was a definite selling point when it came to this computer. In addition, another appealing feature of the XPS 13 was the reversible USB C-port. The reversible USB C- port provides support for the Thunderbolt 3.
Keep in mind, the C-port does not in any way charge the laptop. However the C-port does transfer data up to 40 Gbps to multiple displays over a single cord. This information can be quite useful when using the webcam. The webcam is located beneath the main display.
The built in camera can be quite useful. The camera comes with dual mics which enable better audio reception during video calls. However, in some cases shadows may be visible on some of the photos.
The Dell XPS 13 appears to be at the top of the list when it comes to graphic performance. In addition, brightness and color accuracy are exceptional in comparison with other similar type computers.
The Dell XPS 13 can be easily purchased for under $800.00. However, cost may vary depending upon where you purchase the Dell XPS 13. This unique computer can be purchased from a variety of Internet based retailers. A simple and very basic Google search should provide a wealth of information on availability and price.
It is Coming Windows 10 Will be Automatically Pushed Through Windows Update
Much to the dismay of some users Windows 10 is scheduled to be pushed through as a recommended update in Windows. It may be the windows update that you are looking forward to. It is simply one of the ways you can get the best of what Microsoft has to offer. The reason that Microsoft has decided to do this as they were dissatisfied with the number of users that were downloading windows 10. However, the new update is a problem with those who have metered connections.Users who have metered connections may wish to turn off their recommended updates settings or disable automatic updates altogether. At 6GB there might be a bit of problems staying within monthly limits. This is may be difficult, but another process to skip Windows 10 being downloaded will be explained a bit later.
Windows 10 does have some interesting features like the windows assistant and Edge the cutting edge search engine, as well as turbo multi tasking and in depth Cortana. It can be one of the windows programs you need. Many people like the Edge browser as a cutting edge tool to surf the internet. This is one of the things that users have noticed about Windows 10. One thing that users may like about 10 is that new updates to the Edge browser are available in the windows store. It may just the thing that you choose to use. Make certain that you get all you have coming to you with windows 10.
However, as mentioned, Windows 10 is a real problem for those that may have metered usage. There is no way to really opt out of getting the Windows 10 update however you can control when he updates are put on your computer,and you may be able to avoid windows 10 sucking up all of your bandwidth. It is just one of the things that users should be able to control.
There are options for those who are happy to stick with versions 7 or 8.1 of windows and they can avoid the update by using A GWX version of a control panel that can allow them to find the type of blocking options they need. Consumers who don’t want windows 10 and haven’t been able to block it can use removal tools to get it off the computer.
Some neat tools found to test wifi networks.
Great little java applications http://tools.meraki.com/
Wifi Signal Strength http://download.cnet.com/WIFI-Signal-Strength/3000-2085_4-10663562.html
Some solutions to wifi signal strength is to get router closer to your computer, make it as central in office/home to help. Get larger antenna, reduce speed from 54mb to 11mb.
CK Computer Solutions is proud to announce an open position for IT Support, Helpdesk/Deskside Engineers.
If you’re a motivated, have experience in IT Services and want to join an expanding IT Services company, send your CV to jobs@cksolutions.ie or[intlink id=”245″ type=”page”]click here[/intlink] for more.
Some great tools to test memory on desktop or laptop
Both are bootable that you burn off to CD and then restart computer. Press F12 (or what ever says Boot menu) and then boot off cd.
Windows Memory Diagnostic tool
Memtest86 http://www.memtest.org/
Add remove programs:
- Click on Start, Click on Control Panel2) Double-click on Add or Remove Programs
- Find the Network Associates or McAfee product listed and click on it.
- Click on Change/Remove
- Place a checkmark next to each McAfee product you wish to remove and click Remove
Using MCPR tool:
- Click on the following link to download the MCPR removal tool
- http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe
- Click Save and save the file to your desktop
- After the removal tool finishes, you should be prompted to restart your computer.
- Once the computer restarts, your McAfee product should be uninstalled.
Auto Login Comptuer:
In the Run text box, type control userpasswords2 and click OK:
1. Win Key + R –> control userpasswords2 –> enter
Uncheck the checkbox that says “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.”:
Click OK
When the dialogue box pops up, type in your username and password (if you do not have a password, leave it blank)
