E&B Computer Services, Inc. | (561) 616-8883 | West Palm Beach IT Services, Computer Support, Repair, Networking, PC and Mac

Wi-Fi Protected Setup Not So Secure

ebcs — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:58:57 +0000

So what we have here is a notice that anyone who uses the Wi-Fi Protected Setup to secure their wireless networks may be at risk! First, let me explain what Wi-Fi Protected Setup is: This is when non-technical users buy a store-bought Wi-Fi router that you can simply push a button one-time and you have instant Wi-Fi security to keep out all those pesky neighbors. On routers that support this, the password is usually written clear as day on the bottom – but that’s not the problem. Security testers have found that upon using brute force attacks of Wi-Fi networks that have this encryption enabled, the router will send back and inform the attacker of the first 4 digits and the 8th digit (passwords are usually all numbers). With that, users can simply brute force guess the remaining digits and within only a few hours – BAM! Your Wi-Fi Protected Setup network is now not so secure. US-CERT released a statement about what routers are affected by this. The lesson learned here, talk to the Pro’s who know – EBCS. We can help see if your router is affected by this, and can always setup your Wi-Fi manually to avoid this problem all together. Get secure Wi-Fi! Get EBCS help!

Approach Cyber Monday Carefully

ebcs — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:25:07 +0000

We wanted to keep all our readers informed about the “Cyber Monday” rewards and risks. For those that aren’t aware, Cyber Monday is the new Black Friday where large and small online shopping retailers provide great discounts, even free products and shipping on items. It’s a great day to get your Holiday shopping done without the need for those pesky store lines. But of course with great reward comes some risk. Everyone should make sure if you have an antivirus program that it is fully up-to-date and working! Make sure if you also have an anti-phishing app, that too is doing it’s job. Those security products will come in handy today to help keep you safe while shopping online and exposing your credit card and personal info – especially if you’re shopping at new stores online. Stay safe, shop smart, and have fun from all us here at EBCS!

DropBox Carries Some Risks for Small Businesses

ebcs — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:42:14 +0000

DropBox has been known for it’s cheap data storage service offering for individual consumers which provides quick access to documents whether from a mobile phone, tablet, PC or laptop. DropBox is now trying to aim its focus for Small Businesses, however some potentially big risks exist. Not too long ago we were made aware of a gaping security hole they left (someone didn’t turn on the security) where anyone could access anyone’s content without a password. Since that fix, they still have yet to achieve some major certifications that financial and healthcare companies need to be aware of such as: Payment Card Industry (PCI), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the Sarbanes-Oxley law. Not meeting these compliane requirements for some companies could mean facing severe government penalties and even a loss of reputation and business. Thankfully, their are already other online data storage and collaboration products that will get the same job done, and without the potential risks. EBCS is fully aware of how to help clients overcome situations like these, just give us a call if you need any help!

AMD Releases Fastest Processor To Date

ebcs — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:58:14 +0000

AMD has just released its FX CPU series of desktop processors. Two eight-core processors, the FX-8120 and FX-8150 can go as high as 4.2GHz and were overclocked at an impressive 8.429GHz breaking the world record for “Highest Frequency of a Computer Processor”, according to Guiness World Records. The series also includes a six-core processor, the FX-6100, and a four-core processor, the FX-4100. These processors are especially attractive to multimedia and gaming enthusiasts. So if you want better gaming and HD graphics capabilities today you should seriously consider these processors. The desktop PC market is still here thanks to AMD’s staunch support. Of course you could also wait for the anticipated release of Intel’s Ivy Bridge CPU architecture which is scheduled to launch in early 2012 and may make AMD’s speed lead short lived. Watch for the update. For more details contact EBCS.

Comcast Launches New 100 Meg Internet Service

ebcs — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:01:56 +0000

So it seems as though we cannot keep up again. Remember when back a long time ago it seemed that every month a new, faster, processor or computer came out? Hard to keep up with that growing trend. Some may relate that now as Comcast seems to be soring with its internet service offerings, but at the same time, its some really awesome news to hear. Comcast just now launched a new service in South Florida offering a 100/20 meg connection over fiber. A great offering to those who are looking for more in the cloud arena and also for the gamers at hand. Hats off to Comcast for their recent achievement. The AT&T CEO was recently quoted in saying that the DSL service is now obsolete. If you’re looking to add blazingly fast high internet speeds to your home or office, call EBCS today for more information!

New Security Products for MAC

ebcs — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:59:02 +0000

So the days of the Mac user fan exclaiming that its OS is virus free are over. With the attempts in recent months that affects tens of thousands of users forcing them to call Apple support about removing malware from their PC’s, its clear everyone is taking it serious now. PC and MAC users alike, need to now protect themselves from malware and viruses. Some of the top security companies are already onboard and ready to provide you with antivirus for your MAC including: AVAST, F-Secure, Intego, Kaspersky, McAfee, PC Tools, Sophos, Symantec, and Trend Micro. Regardless of who you choose to protect your PC, its important you DO choose! Contact EBCS today for your recommendation on getting you setup and secured!

DropBox Bug Fixed

ebcs — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:04:12 +0000

Yesterday we became aware that many favorable users of the DropBox system came under a potential security risk. DropBox confirmed the risk and the apparent issue that users of DropBox could login to their system using any password. That means access to any other users DropBox contents as well. The good thing is the whole in the system wasn’t open for very long, but the downside is confidential data could have been exposed. A lesson learned on cloud storage? Make sure you have a backup. Also, make sure you encrypt your files even if inside another ecryption on your host system, its just a double security measure.

Sneek Peek Look at Windows 8

ebcs — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:37:45 +0000

Check out the link below to see the new and exciting features coming into Windows 8. There’s no predicted launch of the new operating system but expectations are for 2012 area. We can already see it now, it may be a hard shift for users to get used to yet another look and feel system. However, we understand Microsoft’s need for this as we believe they have to compete well in the dominating marketplace Apple has brought to the table. Thats all for now! Have a look, get excited, and call us for information!

Microsoft Aquiring Skype

ebcs — Tue, 10 May 2011 21:14:22 +0000

$8.5 Billion in cash! Thats how much Microsoft is going to pay for its largest aqcuisition ever. After reading through the new details that emerged of this, we must say – well played by Microsoft. Now with its dominance over Google with this IP communications, its clear to see how they plan to roll this into their portfolio. Microsoft will have Skype technologies integrated with a lot of their mobile computing software and hardware to work for all types of businesses and consumers. From smart phones to Microsoft Outlook’s email client, their will surely be rich integration to come. Assuming the deal closes this year, we can expect sometime in 2012 to see the updates revealed more in depth. Now Microsoft will be competing with the iPhone 4′s FaceTime (except Skype works over 3G networks so there is some immediate advantages). Microsoft Skype – does it have a nice ring to it?

Sony Hacked

ebcs — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:16:56 +0000

I just read an article about Sony this week. It seems recently they came under the limelight because someone hacked their network – geez, are the big companies ever going to catch a break from this exposure? Sony releaved that they shutdown parts of their SOE network because they have yet to resolve the security conflicts they were faced with. Users account information, data, and even financial data for some was stolen from Sony. Sony is addressing the issue properly and informing all customer about how they’re progressing.

Nonetheless, you can never be too careful when revealing your personal information online. In an internet-connected world, almost every angle of your personal life is readily available online. Hopefully Sony can dissolve this issue rather quickly to re-gain its clients data, capture those responsible, and bring the SOE network back online!