Windows XP End of Support Countdown Gadget Available from Microsoft Download Center

The end is near!!!! The End of Support (EOS) for Microsoft Windows XP, that is… Microsoft wants you to be aware of this, so they have a gadget you can download and install on your Windows 7 or even Windows Vista machine. (Sorry, if you are running XP, that’s not one of the supported systems for this Countdown Timer. Get …

What is your objection to cloud based data backup? Here are some points to consider… #Symantec #Cloud #DisasterReadiness

Homeland Secure IT encourages the use of backup solutions to complete your disaster readiness plan. One of our recommendations is to implement remote, cloud based backup. Even if you have existing onsite backup, it gives you an extra layer of protection. We partner with some of the biggest and most trusted names in offsite, cloud based backup providers such as …

What does it mean when your ISP changes DNS servers?

I received a phone call from Charter Business earlier today reminding me that they have deployed new DNS servers and that I should adjust my equipment to use them. Fortunately, none of our equipment even looks at name servers other than our own in-house server.  But does yours? First, let’s look at what DNS is…. The simple explanation is: DNS …

Secure IT Alert: iPad 2 w/ IOS 5 security flaw could expose sensitive information

It was brought to my attention a bit ago by a client that the iPad 2 with IOS 5 has a flaw that allows the last screen accessed before the Smart Cover lock was engaged. This is obviously not good for those using the iPad for financial, medical or legal purposes. The work around until this is fixed correctly is …

Microsoft Releases Security Intelligence Report for your reading pleasure… SIRv11

Microsoft has released Volume 11 of their “Microsoft Security Intelligence Report” or SIRv11, which provides “An in-depth perspective on software vulnerabilities and exploits, malicious code threats, and potentially unwanted software in the first half of 2011”. One tidbit of interesting information contained in the report is that in the first half of 2011, less than one percent of exploits were …

Which security standards and awareness compliance requirements apply to your organization?

I came across a very handy document from www.securingthehuman.org that explains which security standards and awareness compliance requirements might apply to your organization. It is by no means a complete listing, but gives the one minute run-down of the majority of the biggies…. — Last Updated: 19 July, 2011 1. Executive Summary The purpose of this document is to identify …