Friday, August 16, 2019

How Can You Secure Your Computer From Hackers?


Back in the 1990’s, computer users have started to notice the disadvantages of the internet and many of them didn’t like what they saw. Email accounts were bombarded with tons of spam while business networks were plagued with various computer viruses. A scary criminal component came about that widened the definition of robbery to a whole new level. It now includes infiltrating the computer, stealing personal details, duping you to revealing personal details, as well as using that information to extort and steal everything from your bank account, identity, and down to your business secrets.

Despite all that, small and large businesses depend on the internet to monitor their orders, financials, and their inventory as well as perform PR campaigns and marketing, connect with clients, participate in social media, and conduct other important business operations. However, there’s been a lot of reports about computer breaches in different companies including those that are already at the top of the ladder. Small companies are responsible when it comes to the prevention of such crimes so that company property is not harmed and consumer information is not stolen. A few steps to ensure computersecurity and protect your integrity are listed below.

Use a Firewall

Two of the biggest computer operating systems come with built in firewalls, software that were made to develop a barrier between the outside world and your information. They prevent unauthorized access to your company’s network and notify you of any attempt of intrusion.

Install Anti-Virus

Trojans, keyloggers, and computer viruses are all around. Anti-virus programs like Avast and Malwarebytes work by immunizing your computer against any software that will threaten the operating system or any unauthorized code. Viruses can have different effects that might be quite easy to identify. They may slow down your computer or in some cases delete or halt key files.

Install Anti-Spyware Package

Spyware is a specialized type of software that will collect and monitor your organizational or personal information secretly. It is designed to be difficult to detect and remove. It also tends to serve up undesired adverts or search results that will direct you to malicious websites.

Use Complex Passwords

One important way of preventing illegal intrusions onto your computer and your network is to use secure and complex passwords. It will be harder for a hacker to invade your computer if you use more secure passwords. It is not a good idea to use obvious combinations or words that will represent common things like your birthday or any basic information that could be easily connected to you.

Update Your OS, Browser, and Apps

You should always install updates to your computer’s operating system. The majority of updates include security patches that will stop hackers from gaining access and exploiting your personal or business information. This also applies to your favorite apps.

Ignore Spam

You should be careful of emails that come from unknown parties and don’t click on the links or even open attachments that on the email. Over the years, spam catchers have upped their game and have become extremely effective at catching spam. But you still need to be very careful.

The threats to your computer, personal and business information are everywhere. Never let your guard down and always make sure that effective security measures are in place to protect your network and company in general. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and let our team determine if your network is at risk and what measures can be taken to protect your company.



SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC  29601
(864) 326-5914


Cities Served
Greenville, Spartansburg, Mauldin, East Park, Overbrook, West Greenville, Greer

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Equifax Breach Victims Could Be Entitled To Settlement Claims

Equifax is one of the three credit reporting firms in the US that suffered a massive data breach in 2017 that exposed the personal and financial state of literally half the country (more than 150 million people). As a result, Equifax was ordered to pay a hefty $700 million fine to settle a series of Federal and State investigations. While the size of the fine sounds impressive, digging a bit deeper reveals it to be a bit underwhelming.

Only $425 million of that fine will go into a fund designed to actually reimburse impacted customers. However, Equifax will be allowed to earmark an unspecified portion of that to provide free credit monitoring services to anyone who was impacted by the breach.

Here's the problem:  Free Credit Monitoring is actually a money-maker for Equifax because of the way the "free" service is offered.  It's free for a year, and then automatically converts to a paid service.  Given that most people don't pay close attention to that sort of thing, a significant percentage of customers will continue paying Equifax for their credit monitoring service, which essentially sees the company profiting from their own data breach.

In any case, impacted customers will be eligible for a small amount of money from Equifax if their data was compromised. The company is on the hook for paying some $300 million in fines and civil penalties across 50 states and to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

On top of that, the company has been ordered to provide all American consumers, (whether they were impacted by the breach or not), six free credit reports each for the next seven years. This is in addition to the one free annual credit report they already get beginning in January 2020.

It's a decent settlement, but it lets Equifax off the hook too easily. That is especially true given that they can turn one of the largest data breaches in American history into a profit center.  The CFPB could have and should have demanded more.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. if you want to make sure that your network is secured against potential online breach.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC  29601
(864) 326-5914

Cities Served
Greenville, Spartansburg, Mauldin, East Park, Overbrook, West Greenville, Greer