A guest post, courtesy of Emsisoft. We’ll cover the remaining 6 security tips in next week’s column, so stay tuned! If you have any questions about the topics discussed here or need help implementing them, call, click, or visit us today!

The new year is here, and now is the perfect time to wipe the slate clean and start 2019 off on the right foot. While many people’s New Year’s resolutions will be centered around eating healthier and exercising more, here at Emsisoft we’re more concerned about your digital wellbeing. 
 
Cybersecurity promises to remain an important topic in the year ahead as more internet-connected devices enter the home, attackers increasingly leverage the power of AI and consumers come to rely even more on cloud-based services. But all is not lost! Regardless of what 2019 brings, good basic cyber hygiene is still the best defense for protecting yourself against modern digital threats. We’ve rounded up 10 simple Internet security tips to make 2019 your most cyber secure year ever.  

1) Make backups 
A good backup strategy offers the ultimate peace of mind. In the event of data loss – due to, say, ransomware or hardware failure – you can simply restore your system to its original safe state.  
The 3-2-1 backup strategy is a great starting point for most home users and SMBs. It involves: 
• Keeping 3 copies of your data. 
• Storing 2 of these copies locally on different devices (e.g. external hard drives) 
• Storing 1 copy offsite (e.g. using a cloud-based backup service). Maintaining an offsite copy is critical for ensuring your backup is safe even in the event of theft or a natural disaster. 
Implementing a good backup strategy does require a bit of planning (and probably a small amount of money) but the investment is absolutely worth it. Sleep easy in 2019 knowing that your files will be safe from harm even if your system falls.  

2) Invest in reliable antivirus software 
Hundreds of thousands of malware samples are produced every single day – a trend that’s unlikely to stop any time soon. The most effective way to protect your system against worms, trojans, ransomware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and other malicious software is to invest in a reliable antivirus solution. There are a number of worthy contenders on the market. When it comes to choosing antivirus software, it’s important to remember that detection rates are just one piece of the puzzle. For example, factors such as system impact, usability, support and the company’s privacy policy may all influence your decision. If you’re looking for a proven antivirus solution that won’t slow your system down, feel free to download a free 30-day trial of Emsisoft Anti-Malware.  

3) Splash out on a VPN subscription
If you’re a frequent traveler, regularly on the road for work or generally concerned about your privacy, you might want to think about getting a subscription for a VPN service. What does a VPN actually do? Well, when you browse the Internet, there’s a transfer of information taking place back and forth between your computer and the websites you access. However, this information can potentially be intercepted, allowing attackers to steal sensitive information such as your passwords, emails and login credentials.  
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your computer and any websites your visit. This makes it much more difficult to identify your system as a source of data, and it also means that any information that is intercepted is encrypted and more or less useless to the bad guys.  

4) Enable 2FA wherever possible
Two-factor authentication (or 2FA for short) adds an extra layer of security that is used to ensure that people trying to log in to a website or service are really who they say they are.  
Enabling 2FA means that, in addition to entering your username and password when accessing an account, you’ll also need to provide another piece of information that proves your identity. For example, many banks will issue tokens that generate a one-time use password or send you a verification code to your mobile phone.  

Most banks, email providers, online stores and other major service providers will offer an option for 2FA, so be sure to enable it wherever possible. It only takes a few extra seconds to log in using 2FA, but it can single-handedly thwart cybercriminals from getting access to your personal accounts (although it should be noted that 2FA is not a perfect solution).  

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We often tend to be creatures of habit, particularly when it comes to technology.  Passwords are a prime example.  Many of us use the same logins for multiple websites and applications because we don't have a photographic memory.  A large percentage of users aren’t aware that this is one of the most significant security dangers they can face online.  It has a simple fix too.

Regularly, in the news today, there are stories about major companies being hacked, their customer data stolen, and their customers left stranded.  Hackers commonly use data stolen from one site to access others where login credentials have been reused between accounts.  In some cases, access to bank accounts has been gained simply by using a compromised email account.
Businesses and individuals can face significant losses simply because a third party outside their control has been hacked or compromised.

The Danger of Old Passwords
MySpace is a key example of why old and possibly forgotten services pose a security danger when passwords haven't been regularly changed.  Once a thriving popular network, the use of MySpace services declined drastically from 2007 onwards.  While many people moved to new social networks, old accounts typically remained abandoned on their servers.  Hundreds of millions of accounts remained on MySpace servers many years past the firm's peak. In 2016, MySpace suffered a data leak which exposed usernames, emails, and passwords of 360 million user accounts.  Shortly after the hack, these details were published online for anyone to see.  Many were used to access email accounts, servers, and accounts that shared the same details.

Shared Responsibility
Even if you have never had a MySpace or social media account personally, how many of your employees or coworkers have one or more?  Many have had more social media, forum, or game accounts than they care to remember.  Have their passwords been updated since 2016? Your business network protects your systems, work, and intellectual property.  For many firms it's the single most critical component, the backbone to business operations.  Keeping it secure regardless of the number of people, staff or clients using it is a crucial task. Consider how many people currently have access and how many of those may reuse their password on another website or service.  Just reusing your password once can expose you to the hacking of a third party entirely out of your control.

Password Management
Good security practice is to use a unique and strong password for every login you use.  A strong password should include, where possible, capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and character symbols.  Many consider this impractical or even impossible, but it is entirely achievable for every firm.
It is clearly impossible to manually remember a strong password for each one of the dozens of logins needed today.  Few would even attempt to.  A password manager makes storing, retrieving, and using unique passwords easy. When using a password manager, an individual is required to remember only one single strong password to access a database which contains a different login password for each service.  This database can be synced between multiple devices, saved and backed up to the cloud, and even used to create strong passwords for you.

Strong Protection
Password managers can be used to implement security policies that demand zero password reuse, between services or over time, and set strict limits over the duration a password can last.  With the right policies in place, both your business and your employees are protected against attacks from hackers that have compromised third-party sites. The maximum recommended lifetime of a password for any service is a single year.  Make the start of the calendar year the time which you refresh your passwords and start new.
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To help keep on top of your security and make sure your firm is safe well into the new year, give us a call at 715-255-0325.

Running the Best Security Software
Most computers today run at least some form of basic antivirus.  In the modern day however, threats have evolved to be more sophisticated, more damaging, and much more common.   Ransomware, malware, phishing, and zero-day attacks all work to attack unpatched systems without strong security.
Today, to keep up with increasing threats, you need a complete security package.   A layered system means more than just virus scanning.  A comprehensive security package includes prevention, detection, behavior and system monitoring at a minimum.   These layers work together to provide security many times stronger than a stand-alone system. Reliable, up-to-date, security keeps you safe online.  It's a resolution you simply can't afford to skip.

Clean Up Files
Cleaning up unnecessary files is the number one way to gain additional storage space on a typical device.  It's cost-effective without any extra hardware purchases too. Almost all computers have files hanging around from old software, data or applications they no longer need.  Just like tidying the spare room or de-cluttering the kitchen, clearing files off your desktop and organizing your emails will leave your computer feeling refreshed and new again.

Restart Your Computer
Fully shutting down a computer and rebooting can take time.  When you are watching the clock, waiting to start a task or get work done, it can feel like an eternity.  Most of us enjoy simply opening the lid or powering on the screen to have everything ready to run.
At times, a computer may not be fully restarted in weeks or even months.  Our poor habits can cause issues with running software and the operating system too. Hardware updates, security patches, and critical updates often wait for a reboot before they install.  Waiting too long can leave security flaws open and the system vulnerable to attack. Merely performing a reboot every once in a while can secure your system and help get rid of software problems.  Often updates prevent new issues from cropping up too.

Use A Password Manager
Hacks of large institutions and popular websites are frequently in the news today.  Almost every month a major service reveals they have been hacked, their database compromised, and their customer credentials have been stolen.

For this reason, it is very unwise to use the same password to access multiple websites.  This can be a challenge for many.  It's clearly impossible to remember a unique and secure password for every site you visit.  We recommend using a password manager that can store and recall your passwords for you.
A good password manager relies on just one, very secure, remembered password to safeguard an encrypted database of all your login credentials.  The password database is often stored in the cloud for access from all your necessary devices.  A manager can typically assist in creating a strong, secure password for each of your accounts too. Using a good password manager and unique password for every site protects you against the attacks commonly in the news.  Hacks compromising major services from your providers will be significantly less effective against directly affecting your other accounts and services.

Keep Your Computer Away from Dust
Dust, hair, and household debris are one of the major causes of premature death for computers.  Fans, used to cool components, suck in house dust as well as the air they need.  This dust often clogs up the inside of the device and overheats internal components. If possible, keep a tower PC off the carpet, don't run your laptop sitting on the floor, blanket, or soft furnishings.  Cleaning out your device is as good a resolution as any, and there's never a better time than now.
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For a little help sticking to your digital new year resolutions and starting off on the right foot, give us a call today at 715-255-0325 to schedule a Tune Up for your system!

The end of the year is lot like a like a long road trip for me. There’s the anticipation at the start of the journey, the “are we there yet” moments, then the times you wonder if you’ll ever arrive, and finally, the downhill plunge as the end rushes up to meet you.

Since we wouldn’t exist without our wonderful customers, I thought it would be nice to take a look back at 2018 and give you a preview of what to expect in 2019.

Thank You!
Firstly, I would like to thank each one of our customers. It has been our pleasure to serve you over this past year and we are very grateful for your business! Your success is our success, so here’s to an amazing 2019!

Office Remodel
The office was getting a bit cramped, so we came up with a new floorplan to better utilize our space. In the process, we also finished off more of the room by adding carpeting (courtesy of Hank’s Furniture), built a new custom desk for my area, installed a new network cabinet and cabling for the office equipment (courtesy of 1st Communications), added an open equipment rack for testing and preparing customer equipment before delivery, and installed a coffee bar. We also began finishing the exposed foundation wall but haven’t quite completed it yet. Lots of visitors comment on the new window, even though we had one there before of the same size. I suspect it’s the nice framing my friend Adam did that makes it standout so much. Thanks Adam!

Service Expansion
We’ve seen tremendous growth in 2018 with lots of new residential and business customers. While our primary service area has always been Thorp and the surrounding communities, our remote service and monthly support options have allowed us to expand to serve customers all over WI, and even such diverse places as Washington, Florida and Minnesota! Did you know that we offer continuous maintenance plans for business and residential customers? We take the worry out of keeping your computer up to date and secure, so you can just enjoy using it.

We’ve also expanded our purchasing options for business customers to include project financing, leasing, and hardware as a service. Professional options like these allow you tremendous flexibility to grow your business. For example, we all know that technology is rapidly evolving and as it underpins every aspect of your operations, we know the value in keeping it in good condition.  Replacing it often seems to be a daunting task and expense but imagine if you changed that capital expense into an operational expense. Instead of trying to guess what your IT budget might be, you can know what it will be, including hardware, security and even support! If you’d like to remove the headache and uncertainty of your technology infrastructure, contact us today!

Looking Forward
 2019 looks to be an exciting year! The driveway will be getting paved and the office remodeling will be done so we can have our open house/customer appreciation event, hurray!  We’ve been diligently researching new tools to elevate our services even higher for our customers and anticipate rolling them out over the course of the first quarter of 2019. Included in these are new backup options and additional service plan offerings. We are also in the process of recruiting additional staff to maintain our excellent service to you.

There are also some exciting things happening in the tech world that we’re looking forward to. With the current drop in cryptocurrency prices, graphics card pricing has been dropping as supplies of these components increase. We’re also seeing improvements to CPUs from both Intel and AMD which will increase the performance of integrated graphics processing in laptops and low-end desktops. Speaking of CPUs, AMD is set to release a new generation of their Ryzen and Threadripper processors that should see CPUs breaking the 5GHz threshold as a base speed. What this technobabble means for consumers is that computers will be getting even faster while increasing efficiency.
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There is a lot more on the horizon for all of us, let us each make the most of every opportunity that we encounter!

Those of you using Emsisoft Anti-Malware may have seen an alert from the program about "Browser Security" not being installed. Before you panic, please understand that this does not mean that your security is compromised or otherwise malfunctioning. As part of the most recent update to the program, Emsisoft has added an optional browser extension as another layer of protection for your computer. It is entirely optional; if you don't install it, nothing bad will happen. You can call or email us for more details on this new feature, or check out Emsisoft's article linked below.

help.emsisoft.com/en/1974/emsisoft-browser-security/

It's easy to get all wrapped up in the giving and receiving of gifts. In the aftermath of Christmas, may we all remember to be grateful for the gifts we take for granted!

On behalf of all of us here at Yellowstone Computing, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas! Our office will be closed December 24th through the 26th as we celebrate with our families. ​

The holiday season is here again.  TV advertisers have released their festive jingles and stores have dusted off their Christmas displays.  Most importantly, shopping centers have moved their latest and greatest devices to the front of the store.  It's almost time to eat warming treats in front of a roaring fire.  
There may still be work to do, however, before we can invite round family to unbox their latest gadgets and watch the year’s Christmas movie.  A little maintenance, updates, and set-up goes a long way to ensure the holiday season goes without a hitch.

Sadly, not every device is ready to run straight out the box.  Not every device even comes ready to interact with others when it's first opened.  Each new gadget comes with its own setup and new things to learn.
Often today, devices, toys and computers require extensive updates before they are ready to function.  This commonly means large downloads and lengthy installation periods.
In previous years devices have been purchased for Christmas, only to be rendered useless waiting for updates while large numbers of requests crash the company servers.  This can be highly frustrating and put a real dampener on the holiday spirit.

Here is how we can help this season:

Shop at Yellowstone Computing
Every new computer we sell comes ready to run right out of the box! No setup or configuration needed, we make sure each system is ready to rock! We even transfer your files and setup your software in advance! We have a great selection of computers ready to make your holiday a success! Need an awesome gaming rig for the nephew? We’ve got you covered with the newest high-performance systems from Lenovo! We even have systems with the highly sought-after Nvidia RTX2080 graphics cards and Intel Core I9-9900K processors! Too powerful for you? No problem, we have a “milder” AMD RX570 equipped “cube” PC to scratch the gaming itch, along with the high-performance monitors and accessories needed to dominate the playing field. Need a laptop or convertible to chill out on the couch with? Yep, we’ve got those too! Perhaps an “all business” person is on your list. Don’t despair, Yellowstone Computing has you covered! Whether you need the minuscule footprint of a ThinkCentre Tiny desktop, the sleekness of an all-in-one or the super-light yet powerful computing of a ThinkPad X1 Carbon, we have it all! Don’t forget, we’re including a full year of Emsisoft Anti-malware with each new computer sold!*

Setup Your New Devices
In the modern day simply purchasing a gadget doesn't make it ready to use.  Often, they still need setup, updates, and extra steps to make it safe to access the internet too.

When you purchase a new computer from us, you know that it is safe and ready to use the second you unbox it.  We perform the initial setup, get it ready for the network, and install mandatory updates. By the time we're done, your device will be the first one ready to use. For relevant devices, we can install additional features too.  Parental protection, antivirus and security features ready to defend your machine against the latest threats.

Transfer Data and Retire Old Devices
Getting a brand-new computer is fun and exciting. Before getting carried away with the latest tech, we must consider what happens to our old data too.  Depending on the device there are any number of dangers and pitfalls to think about.

Replacing an ageing laptop or desktop computer with a brand-new model, for example, has inherent danger in data storage.  These computers typically use hard drive disks to store all their data.  
When disposed of improperly, hard drives are vulnerable to being removed and taken.  These can often be read and copied by thieves looking to steal your data.  Old devices containing data need just as much care and attention as new ones fresh out the box.

There are many cases where individuals have had important records stolen this way. In some cases, the information has been used to access accounts, and in others, for blackmail. 

We can help transfer old files and data to your new device and safely dispose of your old one too.  
We can ensure that every photograph, video, and bit of data is recovered from your mobile device or laptop so that you never lose a single file.  We can then securely wipe and even physically destroy the old hard drives at your request.  We strive to ensure you keep every bit of your old data and not a single byte falls into the wrong hands.

Troubleshooting
It sometimes happens that new technology has moved so fast and changed so much that it doesn't play well with older devices already installed on your network.  Sometimes it seems impossible to even connect certain devices at all.

Often simple configuration changes are all that's required to introduce two pieces of technology successfully.  With the right set of eyes and in knowledgeable hands the most complex of jobs can be turned into a quick fix.
*Residential customers only.

If your goal is for a smooth, fun and relaxing holiday season, give us a call at 715-255-0325 and we'll get you up and running!

Marriott Hotels Exposed 500 Million Customer Records.
Up to 500 million travelers could be compromised as hotel chain Marriott International have announced a security breach in their guest database. Analysts recently alerted the firm to a vulnerability that has granted hackers access to the hotel chain's systems since 2014.

The firm announced their Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty program was compromised for an extended period which left customers vulnerable. The exploit exposed critical guest information which included names, addresses, passport numbers, and dates of birth. Marriott also announced an unknown number of customers had encrypted credit card details stolen in the attack. If you have been a member of Marriott's Preferred Guest Program or a customer of Marriott hotels in the past, you should take steps today to ensure your data security. By doing so, you can protect your finances, prevent identity theft, and defend your data from attackers looking to exploit an opportunity.

Secure Your Data
Changing your Marriott password should, of course, be the first step to protecting your accounts. Even more importantly, sites where that same password may have been reused should be updated with new credentials too. Hackers commonly try details stolen from one site to access popular services and pages. We encourage everyone to use a password manager to store their details for safe use in the future. A good password manager enables unique, random, and strong passwords to be used with ease for every single website. While we can't stop hacks on systems outside of our control; we can defend our other accounts from being accessed by criminals. With secure password management, attacks on your business services or related accounts from a single hack are made impossible.

Performing Damage Control
The damage to the Marriott International brand following news of the leak will be undoubtedly huge. At a minimum, they have lost the trust of their customers worldwide. Asking customers to leave their personal and financial details again to pay for goods and services will be no small feat.
News of the hack made front page news as it broke, further damaging the firm's reputation among potential future customers too. As a result of a simple security attack, Marriott International will be forced into damage limitation to keep customers returning to the brand. This is why business security matters to us; when done right it's cheaper by far. The total cost of this latest attack won't be known for years to come. The firm is vulnerable to lawsuits worldwide, in some cases liable for financial losses, and required to purchase identity monitoring and security services for affected customers. Business owners can learn from Marriott's costly lesson.
 
Protect Your Business and your Customers
Any business can find their systems vulnerable to attack at some point. Whether waiting for updates, a newly released zero-day hack, or a malicious employee; responsible firms take steps to limit their liability.
As a rule, staff accounts should be locked to only the systems they regularly need to access. Similarly, customer data should only be open on an as-needed basis when a legitimate requirement exists. These steps, alongside systems and data monitoring, prevent a small-scale attack from resulting in an enormous data breach. Strong security enables customers to place and maintain their trust in a brand they can keep coming back to again and again.

Recent Scams Locally
A number of customers have contacted us recently regarding phone calls they have received from “Microsoft” saying that their “IP address has been hacked or compromised,” and that they need to let “Microsoft” resolve this immediately. In other cases, customers are being told that their antivirus is expired or not working. As usual, this is just another scammer trying to gain access to your personal details and devices. Under no circumstances should you give these callers any information whatsoever. Simply hang up. This latest batch seems to be rather persistent though and is often calling back repeatedly in an effort to gain access. While you may become aggravated with this behavior and wish to “teach them a lesson,” please remember that the best thing to do is simply hang up. If you wish to make a report of the incident, note the phone number(s) and file a complaint with the FTC here: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.

One of my favorite analogies to tell people when dealing with this kind of incident goes like this:
Picture yourself walking down the street, minding your own business when a stranger runs up to you, grabs you by the shirt and says “I’m a doctor, you’re having a heart attack and we need to operate now!” You feel fine, but yesterday you had a minor headache, so you lie down on the sidewalk, hand your wallet to the stranger, rip open your shirt and say “Get it done doc!” Of course, this sound ridiculous and you would never do such a thing in real life. If you really had a health problem, wouldn’t you call your regular physician or go to a real hospital? So why would you do this with your computer?

Don’t trust your computer to a stranger, get rock-solid computer help from your friends at Yellowstone Computing!