8 questions about Windows 7 End of Life - #3 of 10 Cybersecurity for 2020

Frequently Asked Questions: Windows 7 End of Life (EOL)

We know it is not easy to make changes, especially to the computer that you are familiar with working on, but now that it’s about to lose vital security update support...  It’s time to move on! Windows 10 offers a significant upgrade in user productivity and security support, which will make the upgrade worth the cost for many companies.

If you’re facing an upgrade from Windows 7, here are several answers to the most common questions we get asked about and what EOL means for you.

Is there a Difference Between End of Mainstream Support & End of Extended Support?

• Mainstream support includes feature updates, security updates, technical support and the ability to make feature requests. It is typically active for the first 5 years of a product’s lifecycle. Mainstream Support ended for Windows 7 on January 13, 2015.
• Extended support still keeps some feature updates patching, along with those critical security updates. You lose the ability to make feature requests and some support options, but not all. Once Extended Support ends, ALL support is gone, including security updates.

Can I Keep Using Windows 7 After January 14, 2020?

Yes, but you’d be leaving your business at serious risk for a data breach.

There’s a connection between outdated software and compromised devices and networks. The famous WannaCry ransomware attack that impacted hundreds of thousands of systems in 2017 was studied, and it was found that nearly 70% of infected systems were running outdated software, Windows 7 to be exact.

Here’s what you’re facing if you keep running Windows 7 after it loses all support:

• More significant risk of data breaches & malware infections.
• Any new software will be less likely to work properly.
• New printers, hardware or other devices will have a difficult time functioning.
• Technology is always advancing and you’ll be left behind.
• Technical support will be hard to find. Tech's don't want to be the last one to touch an old machine that is at risk of being breached.

How Do I Know If A Computer Can Upgrade to Windows 10?

If you have had that computer around the office for a long time, you may have a few problems trying to update your computers to Windows 10.  The old machine will need to meet the minimum requirements to support the new Operating System (OS).

Windows 10 requirements include:

• It should have the latest version of either Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster or SoC
• RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2GB for 64-bit
• Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit
• Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
• Display: 800 x 600

What About Windows 8? Will It Go EOL?

If you are running Windows 8, then you’ll have a few more years before Microsoft support stops. The Windows 8 EOL date is January 10, 2023.

Will Internet Explorer (IE) On Windows 7 Be Supported?

No, support for Internet Explorer on Windows 7 computers will also be discontinued on January 14, 2020.

How Do I Get A Free Upgrade To Windows 10?

If you are working with 10D Tech and our Managed IT Support: Full Subscription, we include upgrades to the Windows 10Pro Operating system on approved and verified computers.  

If I Can’t Upgrade in Time, Do I Have Any Other Support Options?

Wellllll … Yes, Microsoft has created a lifeline for users of Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise because you are not the only one who has put off making the change. However, it will cost you! You can purchase extended security updates through January 2023, but why?  For about the cost of paying for the extended support, you can refresh your work stations to brand new. We have some really great solutions that will bring your networks up to date, refresh your technology and keep you working without the worry of your computer left alone out in the world of Bad Guys like a single antelope on the Sahara surround by a pack of Jackals. Unfortunately for the Windows 7 Home version – NO!  

Which Windows Operating System Am I Running?

Windows 7

1. Select the Start button, type Computer in the search box, right-click on Computer, and then select Properties.
2. Under Windows edition, you'll see the version and edition of Windows that your device is running.

Windows 8

1. To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo   key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK.
2. If you're using a touch device, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings. Continue to step 3.
3. If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.
4. Select PC and devices & PC info.
5. Under Windows, you'll see which edition and version of Windows your device is running.
6. Under PC & System type you'll see if you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows

Windows 10

1. To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo  key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK.
2. Select the Start  button & Settings  & System  > About 
3. Under Device specifications & System type, see if you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows
4. Under Windows specifications, check which edition and version of Windows your device is running

Avoid these 10 CyberSecurity mistakes in 2020: Network Breach

You are NOT Exempt from Online Attacks - 2 of 10

We frequently meet with small to medium size clients that have this false opinion that their business is too small or trivial to be targeted by Bad Guys, hackers, scammers, trouble makers or just general criminals. The fact is that every business, large or small, are possible targets for these criminals. The threat has become such a concern the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a High Impact Cyber-Attack Warning. On October 2, 2019, Alert Number I-100219-PSA describing and warning against ransomware attacks. Read the full alert release here https://www.ic3.gov/media/2019/191002.aspx

Last year a report written by the Ponemon Institute produced a survey of 1000 IT Support providers about the state of cybersecurity in small and medium-sized businesses. It revealed that 67% of their SMBs have encountered a cyberattack while another 58% have had a data breach in the previous 12 months. Another report writes that 60% of all SMB’s that have had a breach fail within 180 days. The breach will cost SMB’s: time, money, loss of reputation, possible fines, network downtime, loss of revenue coming into the business, loss of data and maximum effort to fix what was broken or stolen.

Find out if a business that you work with has been breached …“Oregon law requires businesses and state agencies to notify any Oregon consumer whose personal information was subject to a breach of security. In the event that a breach affected more than 250 Oregon consumers, the law also requires that a sample copy of a breach notice sent to more than 250 Oregon consumers must also be provided to the Oregon Attorney General.”  https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/id-theft-data-breaches/data-breaches/

Most of these breaches were preventable. Furthermore, companies that do not manage credit card data or any customer/client information believe that cybercriminals will not target their company network. In truth, the Bad Guys are targeting multiple computer networks to find vulnerabilities, obtain sensitive information, take control of your network, lock your data up and demand financial payment to have it restored or just to cause damage.
The simple fact is if your business/organization has an online presence, you are at risk and must adopt cybersecurity as a business strategy to guard both your stored data and network resources.

Call us, 10D Tech, if you would like to create a technology security plan that prevents the crime and recovers the network/data quickly in case of a breach.

Avoid these CyberSecurity mistakes in 2020: Passwords

It could be stolen customer data, phishing, or ransomware attacks, successful cyberattacks will affect businesses of any size and in any industry. A study last year by Juniper Research exposed that breaches in cybersecurity are likely to result in the theft of over 146 billion records by the year 2023, while identity theft has already affected over 60 million Americans.

It won’t matter if you are offering professional services (Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant), running a local or global business operation, establishing an online presence has now become necessary for recognition and, ultimately, business success. A security breach can destroy a business in a number of ways, including loss of business revenue, client trust, loss of data, fines, penalties, as well as lost income while the breach is secured. 

The continually expanding awareness by word of mouth, media advertisements, social media and direct conversations with security experts about cyber attacks and online threats, business enterprises are investing effort and money into improving their cybersecurity through better tech, training and tools. Still, an analysis of even the most sophisticated online attacks reveals that security is often imperiled by the most elementary mistakes that can be easily fixed by any business, organization or at home.

Poor Password Management

Weak or duplicate passwords are among the first reasons leading to cybercrimes including brute force attacks. A brute force attack opened over 1,000 user accounts due to weak passwords. The bad guys used the company email directory to compromise accounts that had weak passwords. Examples of weak passwords that are still used include “123456,” “password,” and “qwerty.”

What are the best practices in password management that can improve cybersecurity?:

• Use of complex passwords that incorporates alphanumeric and special characters.
• I had LastPass generate the following: 7MG87@o2^VzILBwe I won’t have to remember it as long as I remember a single Master Password for LastPass.
• Enable 2-Factor Authentication (or 2FA) that can be used with strong passwords to safeguard user access.
• We all have smartphones today, setting up 2FA is quick and easy.  Search for the Google Authenticator in the app store and you are almost done
• Avoid the use of the same passwords in multiple business accounts.
• Once bad guys figure out you have used the same PW in 2 accounts they will try them all using your email address or known user name.
• Use of desktop or smartphone apps that can securely store (or even regenerate) passwords instead of writing them down on a post-it or note pad.
• LastPass is what we use, but there are others: www.lastpass.com
•  Maintain the habit of periodically changing passwords for all your accounts.
• The password manager, LastPass, can be used to change many of your passwords with a single click. You won’t need to know what the PW was changed to …. Provided you remember your Master Password to access LastPass.

The next post in our preparation for 2020 Cyber Security Awareness is:   

"Your business is NOT too small to be a target."

Windows 10 Hidden Tricks

Windows 10 Hidden Tricks

Sometimes I just wanna know stuff and while browsing some recent articles, I came across this one from PC Mag (https://www.pcmag.com/feature/347136/25-hidden-tricks-inside-windows-10/5 ) about some hidden tricks that came with the latest updates to Windows 10.  Some other tricks I found in the article are Shake (a quick way to clear cluttered windows), God Mode (for experienced users only!), Hidden Games and 3D Viewer. Go ahead and read the article, see how many of the hidden options you knew about and try out Shake.

While on the Windows 10 Subject. Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 in January 2015, with extended support running till January 14, 2020, 2 months from now. Businesses that fail to migrate in time will be saddled with high fees for further support from Microsoft.

This End of Life means no more bug-fixes, security patches or new functionality, making any user - personal or enterprise - significantly more susceptible to malware attacks. Just as it did with Windows XP, Microsoft will continue to offer support for those Windows 7 users still reluctant to upgrade to its Windows 10 OS, but it'll cost you.


However, there's absolutely nothing stopping you from using Windows 7 even after its End of Life. But you should know that using an outdated operating system makes your computer vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

As always if we can help you with a Windows 10 migration or any other support issues call us 541.243.4103

If you enjoy these short IT Tips subscribe to our Monday Morning Minute of Top Tech Tips (MMMTTT)

Living The Human Firewall Life

From the 10D Monthly Security Awareness Newsletter

The 5 Traits of a Human Firewall 

The security of our organization depends upon you, the human firewall. You help prevent security events and control the input and output of sensitive information by exhibiting these five traits. 

Trait 1: Thinking before clicking
Phishing attacks remain the top strategy in every cybercriminal’s playbook. They flood organizations with emails containing malicious links and documents, knowing that all it takes is one click. Generic attacks are easy to spot, thanks to their poor grammar, spelling, or awkward phrasing. Others take a much more sophisticated approach, as in the case of spear phishing, which targets specific people and organizations. A human firewall reads emails carefully, hovers over links to display the full URL, and treats all requests for sensitive data with skepticism.

Trait 2: Using situational awareness 
Situational awareness simply means minding your surroundings, staying alert, and never making assumptions. For example, if you see an unfamiliar person in an area normally reserved for authorized personnel, or notice a secured door left open, don’t ignore it! Maintain a clean desk so as not to lose sensitive materials, and shred those materials when no longer needed. When traveling or working remotely, keep an eye on your personal belongings, stay alert for shoulder surfers, and use discretion when accessing or discussing highly sensitive information in public. These are all basic, non-technical behaviors of a strong human firewall.

Trait 3: Respecting privileged access
Access includes everything from login credentials to badges or keycards that allow you to enter secured areas. Respecting access means ensuring that whatever clearance you’ve been granted never gets misused for any reason. It means closing and locking doors, preventing tailgating (when someone slips in behind you without you knowing), never allowing someone to borrow your credentials, locking workstations when not in use, and maintaining strong, unique passwords for every account and every device.

Trait 4: Reporting incidents immediately 
Incidents happen. Reporting them immediately is the only way we can mitigate damages and reduce future risk. It doesn’t matter how big or small the incident seems. A secure door left open, an unknown individual hanging around the office, a phishing email, a smart device or computer malfunctioning—we rely on strong human firewalls like you, to inform us of these types of incidents as soon as possible. If you see something or hear something, say something!

Trait 5: Always following policy 
Human firewalls always follow our organization’s policies and never circumvent them for any reason. Why is this so important? Because policies define our security culture. They set the standards for how data is collected, stored, transferred, and destroyed when no longer needed. They exist to ensure that the privacy of our employees, clients, consumers, and partners remains intact. Failure to follow policy could lead to data breaches, ransomware attacks, or other damaging security incidents. And while we require that you know and follow our policies at all times, we also encourage you to ask questions when you’re unsure of something.

Back to School Edition: Keeping children CyberSafe

Start With These 11 Easy Tips to Keep Kids Safe Online:

1.   Talk to your kids!

2.   Turn on the "Do Not Track  Tool" on your browsers.

3.   Read the Privacy Policies on all the services and apps you use.

4.   Never share passwords and make strong passwords.

5.   Keep personal information personal (don't chat/send photos to strangers).

6.   (For Kids) Ask permission before signing up for anything.

7.   Know how to recognize ads and don't click on them.

8.   Respect age limits on all social networking sites.

9.   Set privacy settings on all social networking sites.

10. Advocate for Cyber Civics lessons at your school!

11. Talk to your kids!

For Teens: https://www.safesearchkids.com/a-teens-guide-to-social-media-safety/#.XW73VzZKiUl

This is a good link to send to your teens. Yes they will roll their eyes at you when you require them to read it but the constant nagging reminders WILL help protect your teens from the bad guys (If they do bad things, they are bad guys regardless of their gender) included in this link is how to best set the security settings for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. G+, Tumblr, Meetme and a new one I just found to be rising in popularity TikTok, all have security settings that need to be changed to protect your teen, your family network, your business network and potentially you, the parent, personal information.  We do not recommend Snapchat, because of the false sense of anonymity young users experience.  The false sense of secrecy encourages teens and young adults to post things in Cyberspace that they would never want to be revealed to the world.  

For Parents: https://www.safesearchkids.com/parents-guide-to-protecting-teens-on-social-media/#.XW75MzZKiUk

For Teachers: This site has 3 good cartoon-like video stories about Cybersecurity with good discussion stating questions. https://www.esafety.gov.au/education-resources/classroom-resources/challenge

 Or a program: https://staysafeonline.org/blog/teachers-guide-student-online-safety/

What do cybercriminals do with stolen data?

What do cybercriminals do with stolen data?

You’ve likely heard the stories of major data breaches that expose the personal information of millions of people. Perhaps you’ve even been a victim of this. But what actually happens to exposed data? How do cybercriminals actually use the data?

They sell it on the dark web. Credit card numbers, national ID numbers, email addresses, and passwords all fetch certain prices on the underground economy.

They launch spear phishing campaigns. With enough information, cybercriminals increase their chances of successful phishing attacks because they’re able to target specific individuals or organizations while sounding legitimate.

They pretend to be you. Identity theft is a top concern. If attackers gain access to your personal info, they can open accounts in your name, attempt to claim tax refunds, and file insurance claims, etc.

They attack even more accounts. In the case of stolen usernames and passwords, criminals use “credential stuffing,” which is an automated attack using those same usernames and passwords to gain access to other accounts.

Accidental data breach by clicking ‘Send'

Merely having a HIPAA-compliant email service isn’t enough to keep a clinic or agency within the regulations. The organization still needs to train its employees to use the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant service properly, as well as implement the necessary policy and administration measures to guard its Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) records. If these aspects aren’t addressed, an organization could easily find itself suffering from a significant breach, the resulting fines, penalties and possibly failure.

Data breaches have become one of a medical clinic or insurance agency’s greatest fears. If you study the reparations, penalties, recovery costs and the ensuing investment in new security measures, data breaches are unbelievably expensive. That is aside from accounting for the interruption to regular business or the long-term damage to their brand reputation. 60% of all organizations that experience a data breach fail within the next 120 days … 120 days!

A clinic in Michigan closed its doors on April 1^st, 2019 just months after a ransomware attack deleted EVERYTHING. http://www.startribune.com/all-of-records-erased-doctor-s-office-closes-after-ransomware-attack/508180992/

Only 3 weeks ago, Eye Care Associates in Ohio had a trojan virus attack that severely affected their ability to do business and as of today (8/16/19) they are still struggling to recover and keep doors open https://businessjournaldaily.com/eye-care-associates-hit-by-ransomware-attack/

In both of these examples the clinics did not lose any patient data but Where the attack succeeded was interrupting business operations, Loss of reputation, loss of company data, costing it patient bookings and eventually, for Dr. Scalf and Dr. Bizon, the closure of their clinic.

Analyzing all breaches over the past 5 years will tell you that encryption is the most suitable way to make data confidential both in transit and at rest.

When organizations evaluate their need for email security, they all come to the conclusion that they need better access control, encryption, measures to ensure data integrity, documentation that the email is secure and much more. Some will find that they need more advanced mechanisms than others, such as opt-out email encryption to reduce the chances of employees accidentally causing data breaches. Ultimately, some businesses may decide that they have the capabilities to make their emails HIPAA-compliant in-house.

Others will choose to go with a HIPAA-compliant provider, like 10D Tech, that understands how to mitigate the problem in this complex regulatory world. This approach is generally easier and helps to spread the risks onto the provider, as long as a Business Associates Agreement (BAA) is signed. When audited, a clinic or organization simply refers to their provider for the documentation and reports of compliance. The end result of either method will be more than just HIPAA compliance. If your company has been judiciously following HIPAA’s recommended path of performing security reviews and implementing mitigation strategies, then it will end up with a secure email system as well. With the right systems in place, an organization will reduce its chances of suffering a data breach.

Accidentally causing a data breach is as easy as clicking ‘Send.’ Are you prepared?

10 reason to use 10D Tech

Our partners have discovered the benefits of having 10D Tech maintain and support your work stations, your network and your staff. 

Our Standards, Process Alignment, Business Impact and IT strategy is the recipe for our great results.

Our results for owners and managers:

1. Lower costs mean Higher Profit Margins. Using 10D Tech is like having an employee that never goes on vacation, doesn't require health insurance, is never sick, needs no profit sharing, no further company-based training, no desk, no chair, no phone ... etc.  
2. Increased Functionality as the staff is not spending 22 minutes a day working on some tech issue. 22 minutes a day is over 7 hours a month, or 11.5 days every year.
3. More Productive Employees They are not messing with the newest application or scouring their social media pages.
4. Better Morale amongst the staff knowing they don’t have to stress the Blue Screen or that they are downloading a virus.
5. A Reduced Risk as we back up your work stations, servers and overall network on a regular schedule all but eliminate the scary RansomWare notice everybody is talking about.
6. Installing a firewall, securing work stations with endpoint protection, instigating the password manager rules Enhances Security.
7. A stable network and protected work stations allow you to be More Competitive in the market without the added wasted time.
8. Looking at your current network and building a 3-5 year plan will Lower your Overall Technology cost. Instead of replacing things as they break, we help you purchase, according to a plan when prices are lowest.
9. A better balance of your Work vs. Life focus.  Nobody needs to stay late trying to figure out why the printer doesn’t work.  We already have it taken care of.
10. In general, a Peace of Mind that we have you covered and you can focus on what you do best.

Call us if this sounds like the solution you've been looking for. 541.243.4103  www.10dtech.com

Buying a Fur Lined Bathtub?

SPAM! Most of the time we don’t really fall for it, but sometimes an email looks interesting enough to open and read.  This morning I received this email that said it could deliver 5 phone system quotes to me in CORVALLIS  - OR, which is where our main office is located. So, my curiosity peaks and I check it out. (See the Note)

It’s probably not an email that interests you, unless you are looking for a new phone system. What you may not know is the same organization that collects your request for a phone system quote in “CORVALLIS - OR” will call me later this month and offer to sell me a list of businesses that want phone systems in “CORVALLIS - OR”

The same thing happens for other products. An email arrives that says they have a great price on something you have been looking to buy, it gets your attention and you think “Sure, I’d like to get 5 quotes for fur lining my bathtub” and you respond with the affirmative to the sender.  Who then calls a local bathtub fur liner and offers to sell your contact info along with “hundreds more.”  It’s a reasonably legitimate business model in that the spammer has offered you something, “5 quotes” and us something, “contact requested a quote,” but in reality, they have been deceitful on both ends.  They are building a list of contacts but can't really quote you a new phone system and then they are selling that list of contacts to companies under false pretense.  

As a note: 10D Tech does not buy these lists.

We feel your pain

Unsolicited emails, also called Spam, works because of the high volume the spammers send results in a tiny amount of success There are different kinds of spam, but in every case, sending spam is so cheap that it doesn’t take much for a spammer to pronounce that a spam campaign a big success.

For example, say a spammer sends 15 million emails pushing a knock-off of the latest wonder gizmo. If only a tiny percent, perhaps even just one person out of fifteen million, purchases the gizmo through him, the spammer has made a profit. It doesn’t matter if it’s fake purses, body-part enhancement aids, knock-off watches or discounted computer software. If even the tiniest percentage of spam emails produce a sale, then that spam was successful, they will continue.

Tired of Spam? Tired of sifting through a hundred emails a day that has nothing to do with your work? Call us and we can help 10D Tech 541.243.4103

#1 of 7 CyberSecurity Tips

We all now rely on technology. Our businesses rely on technology, big or small. Our clients find us online and use the 10D Tech website. We store confidential information and communicate via email. We download documents and research and file forms online. We manage other businesses networks.

10D Tech IS a target for bad guys. WE know IT and how to protect ourselves so that we can help our clients protect themselves. 

Numerous reports reveal that more than half of all small businesses are hit with a security breach. The financial consequences can be significant and for many, devastating. Right out of the gate, you’ll have to pay to have the systems recovered, get the data back, loss of reputation and potentially loss of your clients. 

Every organization needs to take responsibility and enable security measures to protect their business as part of the monthly reoccurring costs, like phone bills and rent. You can’t just set it up and forget it because the attack protocols change daily.  The Hollywood version of fending off a hacker attack, with streams of data scrolling across the screen is unrealistic. The image of a computer genius pounding away on a keyboard like they are replying to a political Facebook post is just comical. Most hackers are in a business network for 68 days before being discovered. They sneak in through emails, phishing links and EBKAC (Error Between Keyboard And Chair)  The bad guys are good, really good, BUT beatable with the right tools, properly configured firewalls and staff training.

Here is the first of 7 important cyber security tips.

#1. Create a clear set of security protocols.

How will you protect your business? Take some time and write it out with your IT team (10D Tech). You know your business, the IT team knows theirs. They’ll help you with the details for protecting your network, hardware and client information.   Don’t skimp here because the cost of a security failure can close your doors.

Evaluation items you should regularly ask your IT Team:

• How often do you run system updates, patches and network scans?
• Do we need to protect and back up all of our data?
• Does the staff have access to all of our sensitive data?
• What software and applications are critical, and which are optional?
• Where does the buck stop? The one throat to choke or the one back to pat?

Review the security plan every 6 months, and remember to include employee training in the security equation.  Your cybersecurity plan only protects the business if everyone knows it and follows it.

Next Tip: #2 Business Email Compromise (BEC) protection

Why you need a Battery

Call 10D Tech at 541-243-4103 for local advice and assistance in Salem, Keizer, Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon, and Eugene. We provide Avaya Business Phones, Managed IT, Internet Services and Cyber Security through out Oregon.

The following article is copied and pasted from the Tech Advisory - June, 2017 blog. They could not have said it better.

https://www.techadvisory.org/2017/06/why-businesses-need-a-ups/

"Why businesses need a UPS

By EDITOR | Published: JUNE 21, 2017

Power outages caused by utility failure, accidents, and natural disasters such as storms, flooding, or earthquakes are inevitable. There’s very little you can do to prevent any of these from happening, but you can avoid the consequences to your business by using an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

What is an uninterruptible power supply?

An uninterruptible power supply is an essential piece of hardware that protects both your computer and your data. It provides a backup power source in case of main power failures caused by electrical current problems such as blackouts, brownouts, and power spikes.

Smaller UPS units can protect individual computers while larger models can power multiple devices or an entire office. Small businesses can opt for individual UPS units, which should be enough to back up critical computers and other devices that are key to business continuity.

Benefits of having UPS

It’s a known fact that power outages can damage or completely destroy electronic equipment, especially computers. Unexpected computer shutdown can cause great damage to your computer hardware and make you lose unsaved data. A UPS ensures you never experience such a scenario.

Here are other ways that a UPS benefits your systems:

• Uninterrupted power flow during power surges

When you have UPS, the voltage that passes from the main electrical lines to your devices is consistently stabilized. This protects your computers from power surges, which happen when the voltage in other equipment suddenly rises.

• Refined and filtered power supply

It normalizes power levels so that your computers are protected against dips and spikes caused by lightning or an abnormal power supply that usually comes from restored power after a blackout.

• Instant power during brownouts

An uninterruptible power supply guarantees your operations’ continuity. In the event of short-term interruptions, it gives you enough time to switch to a larger, more stable power supply such as a generator. But unlike a generator, it provides instant power to your equipment at the exact moment the power goes out.

Does your business need a UPS?

If you’re purchasing new computers for your small business, a UPS is an invaluable add-on. Businesses that require constant power to function such as hospitals, banks, academic institutions, manufacturing companies, and any business for which storing and processing data are critical tasks can benefit from uninterrupted power.

Determining the type of UPS for your business as well as installing and maintaining it may require the expertise of professionals. We have experts who could provide you with information on properly operating a UPS, replacing its battery, identifying devices that should never be connected to it, and other safety tips. Call us today for advice."

Simplify your life

#1 Priority: Passwords!  

Password Manager: This is the most important of all priorities in securing your network. When we do security talks to groups, nearly everybody raises their hand when asked if they use the same password or a similar password for more than 1 account or website. By using a password manager, you only need to remember a single Master password. We can show you how to make a password that is very difficult to break but easy to remember. A password manager remembers and encrypts the other 587 passwords to your accounts, websites and portals and inputs them securely when you log in. We use LastPass www.lastpass.com  

We don’t sell it but we use #LastPass because it works and it does simplify our lives.  If you are already using a password manager, Thank you. The basic #LastPass version is free, but you can upgrade to Premium #LastPass for a couple dollars a month. The free versions work great, we have upgraded to premium for some convenience features.

Reminder: Never use the same password for multiple sites.

From #Sophos here is a 30 second smile, who can relate?

It's hard to think up passwords that you can remember.

Who are the Bad Guys?

Who are the bad guys?

Globally the primary bad guys are in 1 of 4 nations, - China, Iran, Russia, North Korea. They are supporting the worst of the bad guys trying to wreak havoc on the rest of the world.  They are on an industrial espionage mission to gather secrets and harm other nations.

Conventional Cybercriminals are very active as well but, for them, monetary gain is their primary motivation. Unfortunately, the lines between cybercriminals and the transgressing nations are blurring as many of the nationally supported bad guys are moonlighting to fatten their own bank accounts. In short, the threats are wide-ranging and are coming from many sources. They are not picky, they’ll crash through any unlocked door. You have information to share that will further their efforts. We here at 10D encourage you to protect yourself, which in turn protects us … your neighbor.

If you don’t have a plan, call us, we can help. 541.243.4103

Is it time to make a change?

PHONE SYSTEM REFRESH

If you ever wanted to make the jump to a hosted phone system, this is the time to do it. 

Avaya 9608G IP Phone

10D Tech has a HOT deal on a hosted phone system that we probably won't see ever again.  

The 10D Cloud Phone System – Powered by Avaya IP Office has a special deal from the manufacturer offering free phones with all new hosted systems. Kick off the new year with a technology refresh.  It's been 20 years since the last great technology refresh and technology has advanced.  There is no limit to how many free phones. If the phone system you bought for Y2K has yellowed with age, time to refresh to the 21st Century. These are not “last years model” or “We can't sell these” or even the “We’re gonna try and upsell you” version of phones.  The Avaya 9608G is the exact same model that sits on all of our desks here at 10D Tech and we use them every day. Call 10D and tell us you want a "Technology Refresh" and we will get it started. Along with the refresh, your phone service is included in the deal. 

Details: 36-month service agreement, IP phones only, installed on an inspected IP Network.

Call us: 541.243.4103
email us: advisors@10dtech.com
Goto our website: www.10dtech.com 

Flexible Work Arrangement?

The 10D Voice Blog: week of February 27 

  

The Facts and Figures of Flexible Work Arrangements

In business today, mobility is taken for granted. More and more employees have jobs that can be done anywhere. But are businesses enjoying real bottom-line benefits from this new world of mobility? Various sources suggest that the answer is “yes.”

Executive survey: In a report on mobile collaboration for Avaya, Frost and Sullivan surveyed 200 CXOs and found that of those that have deployed mobile collaboration technologies, the vast majority (86%) report improved innovation within the organization. (To read the full Frost and Sullivan report, Mobile Collaboration and the Small & Midsize Market, go to Small & Midsize mobile collaboration 

More productive “sick days:” A health insurer analyzed the cost of requiring people to come into work when they are feeling sick or stressed and found that it doesn’t just make bad human relations sense. It makes bad economic sense: on average about $2000 per year, per employee. (Source: Cigna Behavioral Health, April 26, 2004)

Employee loyalty and morale: A flexible work environment is high on the list of things that employees want, according to a top recruitment firm. In one survey (The Hudson Group, 2/12/2008, In the Game of Hiring, Flexible Employers Win, http://us.hudson.com/node.asp?kwd=survey-021208), nearly a third (29 percent) of workers cite work-life balance and flexibility to be the most important factor in considering job offers, above compensation.

The Telework Research Network regularly compiles data on the bottom-line impact of flexible work arrangements. Here are some of its findings:

• A better environment: Remote working can save approximately 300 gallons of gas a year per employee, and over 6,000 pounds of carbons.
• Salary boost: Working at home can save up to $8400 per year in gas, tolls, wear/tear on car, meals, dry cleaning = $11,340 salary boost.
• Less commuting: A 52-minute in-the-car average commute to and from work is equivalent to 4-6 weeks a year. Even if you realized a fraction of that (2 weeks’ worth) – that’s a significant uptick in productivity for that employee.

Source: Workshifting Benefits: The Bottom Line, TeleworkResearchNetwork.com / Kate Lister / May 2010)

Learn more about mobile collaboration technologies in the full Frost and Sullivan report, Mobile Collaboration and the Small & Midsize Market (www.10dvoice.com)