XP Security Center claims to be an
all-in-one solution that protects against spyware, but it is actually a
spyware-driven product that wreaks havoc on your computer and puts your privacy
at risk. XP Security Center usually disguises itself as a video codec or ActiveX
control plugin, then installs onto your computer with your notice and consent.
Not only does this virus degrade the performance of your computer, it invades
your privacy and data. The virus misinforms users that their computers are
infected and, just like many other dishonest anti-spyware products, it asks them
purchase a particular security product to repair their system. Buying the
product actually does nothing to help computer because all the attackers want is
to steal your money. If you fall for the trap at this stage, XP Security Center
will steal your credit card information and send you a software, which itself is
a piece of malware and tries to install further spyware onto your system. At
this point you have been robbed of your money, and your system is exposed to
further infections from malware and spyware. Once installed on the computer, the
malware displays pop-up windows every once in a while, notifying users about the
existence of an infection. If the user chooses to continue "unprotected", the
application stays in the background and minimizes the window to System Tray. The
malware can be easily identified by the name of the executable files,
XPShieldSetup.exe, and by the fact that it drops a shortcut on the Desktop and
in the Start menu. The infection only affected Windows machines, including
Windows 2003, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows ME and Windows
98.
The first step towards the removal of XP Security Center is to determine
whether your system is actually infected with XP Security Center. You can use
any of the good quality reputed anti-spyware programs available freely on the
Internet. If your system is found infected with XP Security Center, ICS
recommends that you to take immediate action towards the removal of XP Security
Center from your system to avoid further intrusion of your privacy.
Technical
Details of XP Security Center
Full name: XP Security Center, XP Security
Center, XPSecurityCenter, FraudTool.Win32.XPSecurityCenter.a,
W32/Suspicious_U.gen, XPSecurityCenter, New Malware.aj, Mal/Packer,
Win32/XPSecCenter
Date Appeared: July 2008
Characteristic: Rogue security
program
For more information and Virus Removal Services, visit our
Website at http://www.icssnj.com
Thanks,
Michal
Cardella
Lead System Engineer
ICSS, Inc.
www.icssnj.com
Windows XP VS Windows Vista for Businesses
New Jersey Computer Networking and NJ Network Consulting Services
New Jersey Computer Networking and NJ Network Consulting ServicesNew Jersey Computer Networking and NJ Network Consulting Services
Microsoft Issues Emergency Security Update
On October 23rd Microsoft issued a security update for a critical vulnerability in Windows. Microsoft releases many critical security fixes each month, but rarely deviates from its monthly patch cycle. This is the fourth time since January 2006, and each time Microsoft has successfully fixed the problem. This recent vulnerability was discovered in the 'Server' Windows Service. It allows attackers to run arbitrary code on an un-patched system without any authentication. There is a strong possibility that this flaw will be soon exploited by a malevolent worm. The problem has been classified as “critical” on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. It has been labeled “important” on Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 machines. Microsoft has released the update, MS08-067.
Microsoft does not take these emergency updates lightly. We highly recommend applying the patch as soon as possible. If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us at info@icssnj.com.
To learn more about Integrated Computer Services, you can visit our website at www.icssnj.com.
Integrated Computer Services Attains Microsoft Small Business Specialist Certification
Mahwah, NJ, March 29, 2008 — Integrated Computer Services, Inc. announced today that it has attained the Small Business Specialist certification from Microsoft. To attain this new certification, Integrated Computer Services has demonstrated expertise in planning and building Microsoft solutions for small businesses.
“We are thrilled to have Microsoft recognize our team for their past and present efforts in supporting small and medium sized businesses.” said Michal Cardella, Lead Systems Engineer of Integrated Computer Services. “The Small Business Specialist (SBS) certification shows that we have proven to possess the technical and consulting ability required to deliver high-value, strategic solutions for small businesses. The Small Business Specialist status also provides Integrated Computer Services with early line of sight to new products, services and programs from Microsoft, which can extend the value we bring to our clients. Integrated Computer Services is focused on taking small businesses to a more successful end state over their competition.”
Mr. Cardella explained “Our Microsoft solutions specialists have both the technical expertise and business domain knowledge to help small business customers take full advantage of Microsoft’s technology offerings. Many business owners are not aware that Microsoft has a very stringent testing process making the certification a difficult task. As it should be,” said Cardella. “When a business owner hires an IT company to design, install, and manage their computer network, they deserve the very best, and Integrated Computer Services is proud to be recognized as one of the best.”
As part of the Small Business Specialist Community, Integrated Computer Services will receive a rich set of support from Microsoft, including access to training specifically designed to benefit small business customers. The Small Business Specialist Community, available as part of the Microsoft Partner Program, was developed in response to input from customers and partners that expressed a need to build easier connections that enable small-business customers to quickly and easily identify technology partners best suited to support them.
Integrated Computer Services, founded in 2002, provides IT/network support and solutions to businesses in NJ. They are headquartered in Mahwah, NJ and support clients in Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Union Counties. Integrated Computer Services has accumulated over 20 years of experience with its team and strives to meet the growing needs of small and medium business. In addition to being a Microsoft Small Business Specialist, Integrated Computer Services is CompTIA A+ Certified, and a Dell Reseller For more information on Integrated Computer Services or its services, please visit: www.icssnj.com or call 888-941-7770.
Proactive Support Model vs. Reactive Support Model
Computer networks in small-medium businesses have become increasingly complex. Owners attempt to maintain their computer networks with limited resources. They face the challenges of multiple servers, remote office connectivity, electronic mail systems, and network printing. Many companies do not have a budget that will allow them to hire full-time IT personnel to assist with the everyday challenges. They are left helplessly relying on the reactive service or “break/fix” model. In other words, when they experience a problem with their network, they contact a consultant for assistance. Because the service is scheduled after the problem occurs, there is often downtime and productivity loss. In many circumstances, hardware replacements and software changes are required to correct the problem. This creates additional delays.
Many IT Consulting Firms have recognized the need for proactive monthly service plans, also referred to as managed services. These plans allow their customers to experience maximum uptime and a minimum number of support emergencies. Proactive support plans include routine maintenance of servers and network resources, helpdesk and technical liaison, scheduled on-site visits, business disruption avoidance and disaster recovery planning, secure remote data backup, backup of Exchange Mail Box, and discounts on installations and network upgrades. Proactive plans allow small–medium business owners to have peace of mind as if they had their own full-time IT support staff.
For more information on Proactive Monthly Support Plans and Server Maintenance Plans visit http://www.icssnj.com/
Many IT Consulting Firms have recognized the need for proactive monthly service plans, also referred to as managed services. These plans allow their customers to experience maximum uptime and a minimum number of support emergencies. Proactive support plans include routine maintenance of servers and network resources, helpdesk and technical liaison, scheduled on-site visits, business disruption avoidance and disaster recovery planning, secure remote data backup, backup of Exchange Mail Box, and discounts on installations and network upgrades. Proactive plans allow small–medium business owners to have peace of mind as if they had their own full-time IT support staff.
For more information on Proactive Monthly Support Plans and Server Maintenance Plans visit http://www.icssnj.com/
Remote Data Backup Services vs. Tape Backup
Taditional tape backup requires valuable time, money, and resources. Additional hardware and software have to be purchased and maintained. Most businesses have one person responsible for doing backups and find it difficult to keep a regular backup regimen. Tapes need to be rotated and cataloged daily. They need to be taken offsite for safe storage. In the event of data loss, a single file can take over 30 minutes to restore. This results in downtime and lost productivity. As more and more companies are learning about Remote Backup, tape backup methods are slowly becoming extinct.
Remote Backup does not require any additional hardware or software, and therefore there is nothing for the end-user to maintain. Remote backup is fully automatic, and is usually done at night when your computers are not being used. The data is encrypted for complete security, and sent to secure offsite data centers via network connection. Access is restricted by IP address, and only the user has the decryption key. Most Remote Backup providers provide daily backup monitoring reports via email. One of the most important benefits of Remote Backup is data availability. Your data is available when you need it and can be accessed 24x7x365. This includes backup of users My Documents folder, email, contacts, and calendars.
For more information on the benefits of Remote Data Backup visit http://www.icssnj.com/
Viruses Found in PDF Files
Those evil masterminds are at it again. They've found a new way to hit us where it hurts. Network Associates' McAffee antivirus division has become aware of the first virus that uses PDF (Portable Document Format) to spread. This new menace, known as "Peachy, " is spread via Adobe's Acrobat software. This is the program that is used to create PDF documents. Acrobat has a feature that allows people to embed other files within a PDF, and this is where Peachy resides. Fortunately the virus cannot be spread through Acrobat Reader, the free program that is used to view the PDF file. Reader is lacking a code that recognizes attachments.
It will be safe until Adobe modifies future versions so that it has the ability to read attachments embedded in PDF files. Vincent Gullotto, senior director of McAfee's Avert group, believes that peachy is a low risk at this time due to the fact that he has not received any customer reports on it.
Windows XP PRO VS Windows VISTA for Businesses
I help operate and maintain a medium sized business to business Network consulting firm in
Anyway,
99% of the time we are recommending Windows XP PRO instead of Windows
Vista. Microsoft has finally rid most of the bugs out of XP with its
updates and patches. We standardize XP PRO systems for business with
Symantec Corporate Edition Antivirus and Windows Defender. We also
incorporate the use of a CISCO PIX Firewall to further secure our
networks. We rarely see problems when we standardize our networks.
From our experience
Lead System Engineer
mike@icssnj.com
Integrated Computer Services Inc.
www.icssnj.com