Category Archives: Security

Remain vigilant about Malware!

IT, Malware, Security, , , , ,

malware

Many people get so used to being warned about suspicious files they may receive via email that they become bored with it. I know that we almost get too curious about certain things sent to us, or links that crop up on social media.

It is important to remember though, that if you don’t recognise the sender, or web site you are about to visit, it’s probably best not to click on such links. This is in the same way you’d do with junk mail sent through your letterbox in that you’d probably bin it straight away… you have to do the same thing with digital media. Take a step back before clicking or opening anything and think twice beforehand.

Unfortunately, Windows systems are still more frequently targeted compared with Mac or Linux but that doesn’t mean we should be any less vigilant!

Get yourself protected by downloading antivirus protection; see the following page for more info!

And if in doubt trash it, don’t open the attachment, or click on the link. If it’s really important the sender will contact you again.

Virgin Media Customers Get F-Secure Antivirus

F-Secure

 

We’ve recently changed our ISP to Virgin Media and were kindly surprised when we found that we could get the industry renound antivirus softare “F-Secure SAFE” for free to install on up to 5 computers (PC and Mac versions available) for one year.  After this it is available at a reduced price of £25pa.

Virgin’s explanation and more details on this are available at the following link: http://store.virginmedia.com/discover/broadband/security/f-secure-safe.html

It is also good to see that Virgin discuss the fact Macs aren’t susceptible to attack, and have further useful information on how to keep your computer safe when connected to the Internet on this page. Well worth a read!

We are not affiliated with Virgin Media in any way or form and this post is for informational purposes only.

 

Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 Support Ends April 8, 2014

Security, Software, , , , , , , ,
XP Background
XP Background

If you haven’t already heard the news Microsoft is ceasing to support Windows XP and Office 2003 after April 8th 2014 – essentially both will go End of Life (EOL) after this date.

In brief what this means is that Microsoft will no longer be providing new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates.

Essentially, although your PC will continue to run, it’d be wide open and vulnerable to attacks. Your current Antivirus software will only be able to assist so much before hackers find loopholes in the operating system to get through.

Frantik are currently providing deals on new PCs. We can provide a high spec AMD system running Windows 7, with 8GB RAM and 1TB hard disk for £450, or for £475 we’ll even copy the data from your old system. Microsoft Office will be extra cost.

If you’re interested in upgrading and wish to remain secure please call us now on 01462 888147.

 

 

ProTip: Remove malware with ComboFix

Malware, Security, Software, , , ,
ComboFix Icon
ComboFix Icon

ComboFix is a pretty nifty bit of of software provided by the guys over at BleepingComputer (we love the name!).

Described by them as ‘a program that scans your computer for known malware, and when found, attempts to clean these infections automatically. In addition to being able to remove a large amount of the most common and current malware‘.

Note: this is more an informative post than to guide the average user. It makes non-reversible changes to the computer by removing data from the foll0wing locations automatically:

  • Windows Recycle Bin
  • Temporary Internet Files
  • Temp Folder

Anyone in the IT field may like to take a look at the software and include it in their ‘toolkit’.

If you have any queries let me know.

Free Antivirus For Mac

Macintosh, Security, Software, , , , , , ,

Avast! for Mac

You would be pretty naive to think that Apple Macs are bullet proof now. With their increasing popularity (which I love) they are becoming a bigger target for people to attack.

Therefore we recommend that you install some software (no need to pay) that will help keep you Mac protected…

With each new install of the Operating System Apple have been locking the system down and improving the security but it’s worthwhile loading some extra software so you don’t get caught out.

Sophos for Mac has been around for a while and generally works very well…. but another one you could try is Avast! Free Antivirus for Mac – see review here: https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/35311/avast-security-for-machttp://www.macworld.co.uk/macsoftware/reviews/?reviewid=3367786

Here’s a link to download: https://www.avast.com/en-gb/free-mac-security

Stay safe and happy computing!