Why cloud computing is the future?

The Cloud lives in Data Centres that have been built in many cities around the world. It is a centralised form of computing. These Data Centres provide computing resources for any business or organisation that wants to offload the cost and logistics of building and operating the infrastructure necessary to meet their computing needs.

This allows these customers to concentrate on running their businesses and organisations instead of worrying about the provisioning, installation and maintenance of computer servers, network switches, routers uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), air conditioning systems, buildings and so forth. This also changes the way IT services are paid for. Instead of Capital Expenditure (Cap Ex) having all of this hardware on the Balance Sheet, the costs are defrayed over time, just as simple Operating Expenditure (OpEx). In many of these Data Centres the customer only pays for what they use. It is a much more efficient use of resources. The Data Centre operator employs the Technicians and Engineers they need to install the kit and keep it operating.

The customer has access to the resources they need via Private Networks or Virtual Private Networks. So it doesn’t make a lot of difference that the infrastructure isn’t located in their own building. Most Content Delivery Networks use replication to reduce bandwidth and improve redundancy. Much of the results from Medical and Scientific Research is held in shared Cloud based Data Centres because they provide large amounts of computing power and are accessible to the relevant communities.

I think that you might not realise that you are already using the Cloud. When you install Windows Updates every month, have you ever thought to ask yourself where do they come from?

Well Microsoft is one of the largest operators of Data Centres and they have built a Cloud infrastructure that they allow subscribers everywhere to use, but they could have just as easily come from a Data Centre owned by a third party.

Google has built and operates shipping container Data Centres in many sites, so when you do your Google searching or use the features of Google’s many products, your computer or phone or tablet is actually getting its responses from a Google “Cloud”.

Even your own email for your business, and your website are not run from a Server in your back room, but on a Server in a Data Centre somewhere remote. When you download the Anti-Virus that you are currently using, and all of its definitions, you are dragging them in from a Data Centre somewhere in the Cloud.

Here are the reasons why cloud is the future.

1. It will increase storage capacity – data is processed in high qualities today and this makes it difficult to keep it secure. Larger companies in particularly require secure storage for their data and so they are adopting cloud computing. As a result, cloud providers will provide more data centres at a lower price as there is larger competition between them.
2. It will enhance the performance of the Internet – now with the Internet of Things, the quality of the Internet can be increased. Together with cloud computing, you can store data in the cloud, to analyse it further in the future and to provide an enhanced performance.
3. Modular software will be priority – individual programs along with their complexity are increasing at a regular pace. This leads to the fact that cloud computing technology will soon require advance system thinking.
4. Internet of Things and Cloud computing –
5. the IoT is leading technology and is continuously innovated in real time with data analytics and cloud computing.
6. Data shows how future changes – research shows that the cloud computing market is growing.

To find out more about why cloud computing is the future, click here.

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What is Malware threats?

Understanding what is malware threats is important.

Malware threats increase dramatically – keeping safe online “Majava malware records 393 infections per 10,000 people in Australia.” article by Brian Karlovsky at ARN Feb 2015. edited here by Aspire Computing Cybercrime costs Australian economy more than $1.65 billion a year.

Old versions of Java are the number one cause of security breaches in A/NZ according to Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at F-Secure. Nearly half of all malware in Australia occurred in older versions of Java or unpatched software.

“Majava” malware, that exploits old Java run time versions, resulted in around 400 infections per 10,000 people.

“Sinowal”, one of the ten most prevalent malware families in Australia, targets user names and passwords of online banking accounts.

In Australia, 48 per cent of malware occurred in old versions of Java and other unpatched software including Adobe Flash Player (a browser plugin).

People need to be more cautious about securing sensitive information stored online, as malware threats have grown dramatically.

“Protecting your privacy online is critical, for individuals and for businesses who store sensitive customer and employee information, as well as other commercially valuable data.” In 2014, F-Secure also saw a concerning rise in malware growth on the Android platform, internationally.

The global surge in cybercrime, has heightened concerns about the internet security environment in the Trans-Tasman region.

“Without proper education about smart online habits, people and businesses face enormous risks, with the annual cost of cybercrime in Australia is estimated at $1.65 billion.”

In New Zealand, the Government estimates the cost of cybercrime to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

F-Secure has outlined the top five measures, everyone should take to prevent cybercrime and to protect sensitive online information.

What is malware threats?

By definition, malware is short for malicious software and is a blanket term that covers viruses, worms, Trojans and other harmful computer programs that computer hackers use to create destruction on your PC.

As indicated, the types of malware include viruses etc (you can learn more about these here ), so learning how to prevent malware attack is important.

10 security tips to help you include:

1. Install antivirus and anti-spyware software
2. Use secure authentic methods
3. Use administrator accounts only when necessary
4. Keep software updated
5. Control access to systems
6. Adhere to the least-privilege model
7. Implement email security and spam protection
8. Monitor for suspicious activity
9. Educate your users
10. Limit application privileges

How malware spreads?

There a three ways in which malware can spread. These include email, web or directly and are the vector classes that are of particular interests to cyber security experts.

• Email – this is a very simple and effective method of spreading malware throughout your computer system. Criminals can send you applications secretly that will collect data the moment that they are opened.  This can happen when you get emails sent to you from untrusted sources and most of them have links that directs you to a convincing version of your bank for example.
• Web – criminals can design websites that can exploit vulnerabilities in your system. A typical example maybe something when a pop up ad warns you that your computer has a virus and it will ask you to click to clean the virus to get rid of it.
• Direct – this includes using a USB infected device that can exploit the host operating system from within the network or social engineering tactics. It sounds simple but it too is very effective.

Aspire Computing can help you remove malware for you if you ever feel that your data has been compromised and infected. Give them a call today on 0402 017 396 . Computer repairs Toowoomba – Computer repairs Highfields – Computer repairs Newtown, Toowoomba

Small Business Tech Support

Here at Aspire Computing we “Aspire to Protect and Connect” all Small Business and Home Office PCs and Networks, your Business Continuity is important to us.

Our services include improving business reliability by caring for your Server, PCs & Network; Protecting and Maintaining your machines and Data for Business Continuity are the core essentials for every small business and home office user in today’s technological world.

Aspire Computing is keeping your business “Protected & Connected”:

• On-Site Service & Support
• Automated Maintenance
• Web Content Filtering
• Virus/Malware Protection
• Remote Support for ALL Windows and Mac Systems via your Internet Connection via TeamViewer or TakeControl
• Managing Threats incl., Virus, Adware, Spyware, Spam Protection and Removal
• Webroot Managed Secure Anywhere Business End Point Protection.
• Soonr Data File Sharing and Collaboration for Business
• Web Content Filtering
• Vulnerability “Patching”
• Reliability monitoring and alerts
• Network Mapping
• Hardware/Software Inventory
• Continuous Data Backup both locally and to Cloud Storage
• Data Recovery – Internet and Network Configuration
• Set-up and configure Wired and Wireless Networks
• Software Installation and Configuration
• Maintaining and Upgrading existing Hardware & Software Systems
• Supply, setup, maintain Servers, PCs, Laptops and Peripheral devices
• Cyberoam Unified Threat Management (UTM) Security Firewalls
• Workshop Facilities available
• Backup solution

Aspire Computing – Small business Tech Support

Chaim Lee from Aspire Computing will deliver quality small business computer support and onsite computer repairs for the home and office.

He has years of experience behind him and whilst computing is such an immense field these days it is impossible for anyone technician to know it all – however, the collective knowledge of the Chaim means that there is nothing that can’t be fixed.

So whether you have tech emergency that needs to be attended to urgently, or just need regular, ongoing management of your IT services, Aspire Computing are the people to call.

We understand that growing your small business is your primary focus.

This is why you can feel comfortable hiring our small business computer support services as you can leave your technical services in our hands, giving you the time and resources you need to progress in your business efforts.

Remote Computer Support: How it benefit your small business?

Today, it is unlikely that many small businesses don’t have the resources to set up an IT department.

Now with Aspire Computing’s remote small business tech support services and with the advances in remote tech support, we can look after you. The benefits of remote computer support include:

• Remote support is fast;
• Simple;
• Can be provided anywhere;
• It’s effective.

Even if the process requires a restart, that shouldn’t cause a problem. Our remote computer support can reconnect as soon as the computer comes back on.

Hardware issues do usually require an on-site technician. That being said, remote maintenance and management can either protect your device against hardware breakdowns, or diagnose the issues before they get any worse.

Customer Review:

“I contacted Aspire to rebuild our whole rack in Toowoomba, it was a OH&S and Fire Risk. The staff can’t believe the speed of the internet and server now.

I will not be using anybody else but Aspire and highly recommend them, they are nothing but true professionals, with a great depth of experience and will recommend solutions based on your needs and costs.”

Catherine

Let us Fine-tune your computers and network Aspire Computing services the Business IT Continuity needs of small business and home office customers.

Aspire Computing small business computer support operates in rural southern Queensland districts of:

• South Burnett,
• Computer repairs Toowoomba,
• Computer Repairs Highfields,
• Computer repairs Gatton,
• Lockyer Valley, Darling Downs,
• Oakey, Pittsworth, Clifton, Allora,
• Warwick,
• Southern Downs,
• Granite Belt

Contact us Today on 0402 017 396 – Computer Repairs Toowoomba – Computer Repairs Highfields – Computer Repairs Gatton – Computer Repairs Newtown Toowoomba

Aspire Computing- Small Business Tech Support. Small business computer support

Cyber Crime Case Studies australia

Toowoomba is not a stranger to cyber crime. In this post, we present our own cyber crime case studies Australia and in particularly, we demonstrate how what we have done has protected people .

What cyber crime means

In a 21st century society that is dominated by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) many people depend on ICT for their survival. People have computers at home, they use it for online banking or to simply order electronic materials for example.

According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), cyber crime is:

• crimes directed at computers or other information communications technologies (ICTs) (such as computer intrusions and denial of service attacks), and
• crimes where computers or ICTs are an integral part of an offence (such as online fraud)

Where to report cyber crime in Australia

The AFP advises that if you or your business have been victim of cybercrime that you need to report it to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

Cybercrime Australia

The Australian Government has a website that goes into more detail in relation to what is happening in the country. As a citizen, you can report the following to ReportCyber:

• Identity theft and fraud
• Online fraud
• Cyber-enabled abuse
• Online image abuse
• Affected devices

It is important that you DO  NOT report when:

• Court orders have already been issued against the suspect
• Any physical crime has been undertaken such as debit or credit has been stolen. Or when the computer itself has been stolen.
• You have received a scam call, yet you have not had any personal information or money taken.

How can cyber crime be prevented

There are several ways in which you can protect yourself from cyber crime.

Aspire Computing, for example, can installWebroot and we provide our own cyber crime case studies Australia here.

Other ways include:

1. Use a full-service internet security suite
2. Use strong passwords
3. Keep your software updated
4.  Manage your social media settings
5. Strengthen your home network
6. Talk to your children about the internet
7. Keep up to date on major security breaches
8. Take measures to help protect yourself against identity theft
9. Know that identity theft can happen anywhere
10.  Keep an eye on the kids

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_gR4HffhhQ

Cyber Crime Case Studies Australia

The video above highlights one of the most recent cyber crime case studies Australia. In it, it discusses the different scams which have occurred in Australia and what a bank did that was so wrong.

Many scammers send links to pages that look like your bank or something else that is familiar to you.

In this example, the bank did just that to ask for personal information and of course, Martin North, the creator of the video did not follow through and made an official comlaint.

On a more local note, the benefits of you as a customer having installed by Aspire Computing protective software such as WebRoot was made very clear when the other day we we were informed that our warning page popped up for one of our customers.

It was noted that various links were sent to this person which they had clicked. Fortunately, due to the WebRoot system that we had installed those pages were blocked and that person was protected from going any further.

At Aspire Computing, we currently use a device that is known as a UTM (Unified Threat Management) firewall. It monitors, filters and protects all of my network traffic and informs me of problems and access attempts that have been blocked. I would strongly recommend business owners look at this system.

Information as to what is actually going on can be monitored, logged and delivered to technical support personnel by these UTM firewalls. Without getting such devices installed, business owners and managers may have absolutely no idea whatsoever, whether they are being accessed externally (hacked) or not.

Cyber crime is on the upswing and everyone is at risk. All businesses are at risk including small businesses in country towns such as Toowoomba.

Aspire Computing – Patch Management Services

Does your business have the skills to maintain active patching?

Part of any modern Cybersecurity Service is having all of your programs checked and updated on a regular basis.

This is now considered an essential service.

People say to our technicians:
“I have these messages popping up on my screen telling me to Install Updates.
I don’t know if it is safe to do so, and if it is, how do I do it?”
Should I say “Yes, Allow, or No?”

Aspire Computing patch management services provides the personnel, resources and knowledge of the latest industry practices to ensure that your computers systems are always operating at their peak performance.

What is a patch management service?

A patch management service provides a software patch that is a piece of code tailored to fix a bug, or to add new features in an application. Patch management is the process of managing a network of computers by regularly adding patches of software to keep computers up to date.

Aspire Computing provides an automated patch management service that provides key benefits for you as the comptuer user. An automated patch management service enables the detection of missing patches and the patch deployment endpoints with the tools we employ.

Why is patch management important?

There are a number of reason why a patch management service is important. The number of ransomware attacks is rapidly increasing every day.

• Patch management is one of the most important IT tasks in any organization as leaving software and operating systems unpatched puts your organization at risk of serious security breaches.
• Soon after a security update is released, cyber criminals are already on the move, looking to exploit any unpatched systems. This is why security updates should be deployed in your systems as soon as possible.
• Manually monitoring and applying these security updates is not only difficult but dangerous; even a slight delay in installing security updates could put your systems in a vulnerable position. Do you feel confident enough to bet on yourself in a race against today’s cybercriminal?
• Our patch management tool provides an automated patch management system which frees your IT administrators from the routine work of manually patching computers, so they can focus on other critical tasks.

Get industry-proven and leading patch management

to keep ALL your computer operating systems up-to-date.

Automated patching across your systems

Aspire Computing can do the following:

• Patch everything – Windows OS to 3rd party app as well as Linux, Unix and Macs.
• Endpoint monitoring
• Bridge the gap between operations and security

KEEP PACE WITH THE CONSTANT STREAM OF SECURITY THREATS AND PATCHES – REQUEST A QUOTE

A good security program requires multiple layers. And while you can’t remove the biggest threats to your network, we can help you identify and eliminate vulnerabilities attackers exploit, helping you ensure compliance. Patching is the first step to reducing the risk of ransomware and other malware.

We do the following things to help maximise your computer system’s performance:

• Synchronization: We collect all the vital patch information from vendor sites and is fed into the patch database. It is then synchronised with the patch database in WebRoot.
• Detect: It is important that we then identify all the computers that require these patches. Our system automatically scans the computers in the network to detect missing patches.
• Download: Those missing patches are downloaded from vendor sites and includes security updates, non-security updates, service packs, rollups, optional updates, and feature packs.
• Test and approve: The downloaded patches are first tested in non-production machines; deploying untested patches in a production environment can be risky – some patches and updates may lead to post-deployment problems like compatibility issues, which only make the admin’s job tougher if incompatible patches and updates require uninstallation. The patches are approved only if they cause no issues post-deployment.
• Deployment: With flexible deployment policies, you can not only select the deployment window but create patching policies as well.