Smart Phone Attacks on the Rise.... If You Have an Android Phone

Antivirus vendor McAfee recently released its 3rd Quarter Threat Report and, in it, they revealed that Android-based smart phones were the ONLY tergeted smart phones for first time in the past quarter. Also, its not just that it was only moble OS to be attacked, but attacks on the OS were up by 37% quarter over quarter! To be clear, there were no malware attacks on the iPhone IOS, Blackberries, or Windows phones.

Why? Well, obviously Android's popularity makes it a target. But, it's more than that. Android's more relaxed approach to security is also a large part of the problem. You can load apps on your Andorid phone from anywhere - not just from manufacturer controlled app stores.  Android is "open source" which means anyone can update it.

Of course, Google (the maker of Android), reacted furiously by claiming that McAfee and other software vendors were sowing fear in order to sell their security products. No doubt, there is some truth to that as well.

So, what to do? If you have an iPhone, Blackberry or Windows phone, don't worry about buying antivirus software for it just yet. But, if you own an Android phone, you just might want to check into that.

See the link below for the McAfee report.

http://www.mcafee.com/us/resources/reports/rp-quarterly-threat-q3-2011.pdf

Even Small Companies are Being Targeted by Hackers

A recent survey released by Symantec Corporation (one of the leading providers of security software) showed that "40% of all attacks launched between the beginning of 2010 and July 2011 specifically targeted small and medium-sized businesses. Kevin Haley, Symantec’s director of security technology and response, said given the common objective of a computer breach is to steal financial data, the focus on smaller businesses came as no surprise."

Many small companies see themselves as being below the radar and not likely to be the subject of a hacker attack.  But, as it says in the attached article, hackers see smaller companies as easier targets because they don't put as much emphasis on locking down systems in particular and security in general.   Often, one password hack is all that's necessary.   Also, smaller companies are less likely to be vigilant about patching their systems and ensuring their antivirus software is current and running. 

What can you do?   There are several easy steps you can start with:

a) Enforce a good password policy with strong passwords and password lifetime limits,
b) Ensure your systems are continually and automatically being patched with the latest security fixes,
c) Invest in a good "unified threat management" firewall,
d) Invest in centrally-managed antivirus software,
e) Continually monitor points (c) and (d),
f) Educate employees to the risks, encourage them to be suspicious.

Click here to see the full Financial Post article.  

Nothing says I'm Sorry Like Free Apps, Apple Sells 4 million iPhones in Three Days

RIM announced that it would apologize to users for last week's network outage by offering a selection of free apps (that you'd normally have to pay for) up until December 31. Also, corporate users will get a free month of technical support.  That's a nice idea, but I hope they improve the list. There isn't much there that interests me. Wouldn't it be nicer if they just offered a credit on their app store to each user and let us decide which apps we want to apply it to?  Click the link below to see what they're offering so far. 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/tech-news/apps-being-offered-by-rim/article2203244/

Apple announced that it sold over 4 million iPhone 4S phones over the first three days of availability. (Also, 25 million users downloaded IOS5, the latest version of the operating system for iPods, iPhones and iPads.)  For a phone that is just an evolutionary improvement over the last model, that's an incredible number.  Apple has an awesome marketing machine.

Long Line Ups Greet iPhone 4S.... Seriously folks?

Apple's new iPhone 4S arrived in Canada and the U.S. today and was greeted by Apple groupies lined up before the stores opened this morning. Really? I just don't get it. I love my iPhone 3GS and my iPad but to line up at the store before it opens on launch day? I don't think so. In both cases, I bought mine long after the lines and hysteria had died down. It's not like they're going to run out of them and it's not like they are or ever will go on sale.

I walked by my local Apple store around 5 pm this afternoon and people were still queued up outside the store. You have to take a number to even get in the store! Geez. I think I can wait.

The thing is, the new 4S model has some nice features but it's not revolutionary. Will I get one? I might but only if the battery on my old one becomes too feeble and I certainly won't stand in line for hours. It is, after all, just a tool for me to do my job with some nice entertainment features thrown in.

Here's a CBC news article about today's hysteria:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/story/2011/10/14/technology-apple-iphone4s-sales-canada.html

Blackberry Problems Continue... What am I thankful for?

I know it's a few days past Thanksgiving here in Canada but you know what I'm thankful for?   I'm thankful I don't work in RIM's technical support department.   With the stock falling and the CEO having to make a public apology, there must have been some sleepless nights in Waterloo this week.   

There may be more to come as the problems still haven't cleared.   Will this be a watershed event in the company's history?  Time will tell, of course, but if the QNX-based Blackberries that RIM plans for next year don't have that "wow" factor necessary to pull some momentum away from its competitors, I hate to think where RIM goes from there.

Here's the latest news on the outage:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/10/13/rim-blackberry-service-outage.html?cmp=rss

Blackberry Problems today? It's not you, it's RIM.

On the day that Apple is releasing IOS 5, the latest release to it's iPhone, iPod and iPad operating system, RIM Blackberry users are experiencing intermittent connectivity issues today. I'm sure Steve Jobs is smiling somewhere. Anyway, RIM is "working of it" so sit tight.

See the news article below from CTV News:

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20111012/blackberry-smartphone-server-problems-day-three-111012/

Apple's Lunchbag Letdown

Apple's big announcement today was, in my opinion, a letdown.   It was widely expected that Apple would today introduce a new and compelling new version of the iPhone - called the "iPhone 5".  Instead, all we got was an improved iPhone 4 called the "4S" model.   Yes, it has some nice features - the voice control looks interesting and the faster processor is certainly a welcome addition.  It also has a sharper camera and improved antennae.  It's evolutionary not revolutionary.  Ho hum.    We've come to expect more from Apple.

The iPhone 4S will ship with a new operating system (IOS version 5) that does have some nice features but IOS 5 will also be available for older iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS phones so you don't need to buy a 4S for that.   The new phone will ship in the U.S. in mid-October and, so far, no word on Canadian availability.

There were also rumours that Apple would introduce a slimmed-down iPhone 4 with slimmed-down pricing to allow it to compete in the lower end of the market.  That didn't happen either.  Pricing is about the same as earlier models.

So, I've still got my iPhone 3GS for now.  I'll upgrade the operating system to IOS 5 when it appears on October 12 but I don't see any compelling reason (aside from the fact that my battery is getting weak) for me to upgrade to the iPhone 4S.  Maybe it's time to look a little more closely at the Windows Phone instead. 

Apple's stock dropped today after the announcement.  So, I guess I'm not the only one feeling this way.

Here's a link to the CBC news article:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/10/04/technology-apple-iphone-event.html?cmp=rss

Should RIM Forget About the Playbook?

This past week there was some noise in the mainstream media about the possibility of RIM scrapping the Playbook (like HP recently did with its short-lived iPad competitor).   See this National Post article for the story and RIM's denial: http://business.financialpost.com/2011/09/29/did-rim-scrap-the-playbook/

I bought a Playbook back in the spring and also bought an iPad2 in the summer.  In trying to compare the two I make a point of using both every day.   There certainly are things to like about both.   For the Playbook, the smaller size is more portable, the browser works on all websites (even those with Adobe Flash) and the display is crisp and sharp.

The iPad2?  Certainly the biggest advantage it has is the wealth of applications from the iTunes store.  The Playbook still can't compete with both the breadth of the apps plus the functionality of the apps (some apps that are available for Playbook don't have the same capabilities as equivalent apps on the iPad).   Also, because the iPad's display is larger the on-screen keyboard is bigger and easier for typing by clumsy fingers.   The auto-correct is better on the iPad as well.  Sure, sometimes it makes crazy guesses but at least it is trying to guess.  The autocorrect on the Playbook seems to give up much more easily if it even tries.  

Which do I like?  The answer I guess is that it's the iPad2 I carry with me every day.  I read the paper, take notes, do e-mail, browse the web, and work on it every day.  I haven't quite reached a point where I can leave my laptop at home but it's getting close.  

So, back to the question... should RIM give up on the Playbook?  In my opinion, definitely NO!   It's way too soon.

According to plans announced when the Playbook was initially released, you eventually won't need a Blackberry to provide e-mail access to the Playbook (please hurry on that one).  Plus, you will be able to run Android apps on the Playbook.   That's a biggie because the Android app community is more competitive with the iTunes App store.  

So, RIM, if you're listening (and I doubt it), don't give up yet!  But, pick up the speed.   With Amazon's entry into the tablet market it just got a little more crowded... but we need competition and innovation in the tablet market place.

Is Anyone Else Getting Anxious for the new iPhone?

I am. Apple has, as usual, been very quiet about plans or features for the new iPhone but tidbits are starting to leak out. Check out the article from the NY Times today at the link below:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/15/alleged-iphone-5-images-begin-to-surface-online/?ref=technology

Here is a new way that Google is trying to help users detect early on that they have malware on their systems. Kudos to Google for a great idea. Thanks to Pete Seeger for pointing it out. Check out the link below.

http://ping.fm/qBIW2

Virus Alert: Canada Post Scam

There is a relatively new virus masquerading as a Canada Post delivery notice.  The attachment is a PDF file that contains a virus.    Please see the link below for further information.   If you get a Canada Post delivery message, Canada Post advises that you copy and paste the tracking number directly into Canada Post's website instead of clicking on the link.  See below:

http://www.thestar.com/news/sciencetech/technology/article/799689--computer-virus-uses-canada-post-scam

First Looks: RIM Playbook

I got up early yesterday and joined the hordes in line for a new RIM Playbook.  Well, actually, I went out at lunch time to pick one up and the guy at the store said it was the first one he'd sold.   So, the launch of a new RIM product doesn't generate the silly hype that surrounds each new Apple product iteration.   But, that's not a bad thing.  I suspect RIM isn't targeting the people who do line up at 6:00 am for new tech products.   I've only had it a day but here's what I think so far.

On the plus side, the browser is fully functional.  It's not like the mobile browsers on smart phones or the flash-inhibited Safari browser on the Apple iPad.   That's nice.  It means you can go to nearly any website and get what you'd expect to see on the website.    I like the small size.  It's only 7" (as opposed to the 10" iPad) and weighs less than a pound.  That means it will fit in my jacket pocket and slide easily into my laptop bag.   The high definition display is terrific.   Apparently, you can also hook into projectors and do presentations - but I haven't figured that out yet so don't quote me on that one.     The user interface is a little different that the iPad but it is fairly intuitive and easy to use.  

On the down side... you do need a Blackberry smart phone (not an old dinosaur Blackberry like I have) in order to view your mail, contacts and calendar on the Playbook.  Apparently, this is a "security" feature but the "feature" is going to be "fixed" in an upcoming software update.   You also must "bridge" the Playbook with your smart phone Blackberry in order to get 3G Internet access.   Without that it's just wi-fi.  Also, there aren't many apps yet and the Facebook, Twitter, GMail, etc "apps" that are there are really just browser links.   

Overall... the negatives aren't too serious.  I can use the browser (via Outlook Web Access) to get at my e-mail, calendar and contacts.   I don't really want 3G access anyways  because nearly every place I go has wi-fi these days and I don't need another monthly bill.   I can wait for more apps to appear... I really only wanted it for browser access.  

So, all in all, I like the Playbook very much.  If you have a Blackberry smart phone already then it probably does make sense for you.   If I had to make a recommendation between a Playbook and an iPad I would advise to first figure out what you want to do with a tablet device, then determine which apps you need, then buy the tablet with those apps.  

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.  

WARNING: That's NOT Microsoft Calling You!

Warning!!  There are hackers using a rather low-tech tech way to get into your computer systems.  Simply put, they try to trick you into letting them in.   The spouse of one of our clients had some first hand experience with just such an attack.   She received a very official-sounding phone call from someone purporting to be from Microsoft.   The "Microsoft" representative directed her to a website in order to download something and install it on her computer.

She started to comply but then became suspicious, stopped, and wisely ended the interaction.   She then called police.   The officer that responded advised that they are seeing a lot of this activity lately.  Here's a Microsoft article about this very type of attack from last month:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_scanning/they-keep-calling-me-too-how-do-i-stop-them/ac741fc8-4d49-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5

The moral of the story?  This lady was smart to be suspicious and we all need to be alert to this kind of scam.  The key point to remember is that Microsoft will NEVER contact you directly.  They won't call you at home OR e-mail you directly.  This is a common ruse that hackers will use to try to get you let them into your system or get credit card information.   Microsoft even posted a warning about this:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msname.aspx

As antivirus and security defenses improve the hackers will rely on "social engineering" techniques such as these to try to trick people into infecting their own systems.  Just be aware... the nice gentleman on the phone offering you help quite likely isn't who he says he is.

Bell Backs Down on Usage-Based Internet Billing

At the end of January I talked about the "Stop the Meter" campaign to get the big Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the CRTC to back away from usage-based Internet billing.   At issue was the fact that smaller independent ISPs, who are simply resellers of Internet access from the larger providers (Bell, etc), would be forced to stop offering unlimited Internet access plans.  This would reduce choices for consumers and, in time, likely lead to increased costs.

The federal government jumped on the bandwagon quickly and forced the CRTC to reverse its decision and now Bell, on Monday, announced that it was backing away as well.   See the article in the link below.

The key points?  First, for those of you who signed the petition, congratulations because your voices were heard.   Second, it's another example of how the Internet can provide a mechanism for people to be heard and be heard very quickly.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/03/28/bell-usage-based-billing.html?ref=rss

New Team Member - Shaibal Mitra

I'm pleased to announce that CarefreeIT has added a new team member. His name is Shaibal Mitra and he will be starting with us on Monday, April 4.
Shaibal brings a wealth of experience and technical certifications with him. His expertise includes Windows servers, Exchange e-mail, SQL databases, Cisco networking, virtual private networks, Blackberry servers and Ctirix.

Given his experience, Shaibal's work assignments for us will primarily focus on servers and server-related issues.

We're excited about this new addition to our team and believe he will enable us raise the level of technical support we are able to provide you.

Please join me in welcoming Shaibal to CarefreeIT!

John's Tech Product Review: Amazon Kindle

Last fall I purchased the latest version of Amazon's e-book reader called the "Kindle".   The newest version is quite a bit cheaper ($139) and slightly smaller that previous versions.  But, the biggest advantage from my perspective, is that there is now a wifi-only version.    That was key for me because I didn't need another monthly cellular bill and I have wi-fi nearly everywhere I go - home, work, coffee shops, hotels, airports, etc.

Why's it cool?   I get my daily newspaper subscriptions downloaded automatically to it daily - no more trudging through the snow down the driveway in the morning to fetch my paper.   And, newspapers and magazine subscriptions and books are cheaper in Kindle format than in print format PLUS I get to be "green" by not consuming trees for paper copies of my reading material.   There are a lot of "wins". 

You can also put audio books and PDF files on the Kindle.  You are assigned a Kindle e-mail address (your_name@kindle.com) and you can just e-mail PDF or Word files to that address and, voila, they appear on your Kindle just like magic!

Currently, aside from two newspapers (National Post and NY Times) I have a couple of magazine subscriptions, some tech manuals, and some recreational reading on my Kindle.   The best part of it is that it fits in my jacket pocket so I take it with me all the time.   Whenever I have a few moments to read, whatever I'm reading is already my pocket!

The battery life is great.  It uses a technology called "e-ink" that keeps battery use to a minimum so I only have to plug the Kindle in for charging about once a week.  I highly recommend purchasing a protective cover to keep the screen from getting scratched.  There are also covers with built-in reading lamps.

There is a Kindle "app" for the iPhone, iPad and PC as well so you can read books from your Kindle library on any of those devices as well AND it synchronizes the last page location so, no matter what device you pick up, you can continue reading from where you left off.  That's cool.

You can only get a Kindle from Amazon (go to http://www.amazon.ca/).   The main competitor to the Kindle is the Kobo e-reader available from Chapters, Indigo, etc.  The price is similar and so is the functionality - especially now that they've added wi-fi capabilities.

Over the past few months, for me, the Kindle has become one of those "how did I ever do without it" devices.  Try one, you won't regret it.

Stop the Meter: Update... Government to over-rule CRTC

It looks like "people power" may win out again... Tony Clement, Industry Minister, according to a CBC report, has told the CRTC to reverse its decision on Internet metering.  Thanks to all of you who signed the petition!  It looks like Ottawa was listening.

See the CBC news article here:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2011/02/03/crtc-internet-clement.html?ref=rss

Stop the Meter!: How I see it.

How would you feel about paying to read this post?  Or, how about having to pay for each e-mail you send as if you were putting postage on a letter?   It sounds crazy but it's not so far-fetched.   A recent ruling by the CRTC allows Bell to force small Internet Service Providers who re-sell Bell's Internet bandwidth to implement usage-based billing.  

What's that mean?   Currently, Rogers, Shaw and Bell Internet plans have thresholds where you'll pay for Internet usage over and beyond that point.   The fee per gigabyte of data varies depending on the plan but the point is that once you go over the threshold you're paying for usage.  The thresholds are fairly high right now but one fear is that they'll come down to a point where you're paying for Internet usage in the same way you pay for hydro usage.   Suddenly, then, you're having to make an investment decision every time you send an e-mail or browse a website. 

Anyway, currently there are many small Internet providers who re-sell Bell's service and, to differentiate themselves, many of them offer unlimited data plans.  Under this ruling, Bell can forcibly stop them from doing that.   Talk about a competition killer!     

A Montreal-based consultant has launched an appeal of the decsion.   See http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2011/01/27/technology-internet-usage-based-billing-mezei.html for a CBC article on the topic.

I can understand that the major telco companies need to recoup the costs of their investments in infrastructure but, in this country, we have no real competition in the Internet provider industry.  It's either Bell or Rogers/Shaw.  They'd never gouge us would they?  Yeah, right.  Unfortunately, we still need the CRTC to reign them in.

What really frightens me is that metered Internet will act as a drag on Internet innovation.  The economic benefits of cloud-based computing would be significantly imperiled and that would slow or perhaps even halt the move in that direction.   That would be a huge loss for all of us. 

There is an organization called OpenMedia.ca that is working to ensure the Internet stays "open" in Canada.  Check out their website at http://openmedia.ca/ to learn more about them but the reason I want you to go there is because there IS something you can do.

OpenMedia.ca has a petition called "Stop the Meter" on its website that has already been signed by over 160,000 people!  Sign it!  Go to:  http://openmedia.ca/meter    It won't cost you anything (yet) to go there and add your name to the list of people objecting to this move.  

Please don't ignore this issue... if you do, it will cost you both at home and at work in the future. 

Sign the petition... pass it on!

Blackberry Problems?

Lately it seems we've had a rash of people calling with "my Blackberry doesn't work" type of problems... anyway, that's why this video struck me as so funny.  

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAG39jKi0lI