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XFER has been serving the Livonia area since 1994, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.
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Mike

Danger: GameOver Zeus Botnet Threatens Windows Users

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A new botnet threat could spell "game over" for unaware Windows users - the threat targets almost all versions of Windows and Windows Server (excluding Windows 8.1). Even though the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Justice have disrupted it, users are still at risk. Thankfully, they still have time - two weeks, until the threat returns.

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Security Malware Alert
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Mike

Is Microsoft’s “Patch Tuesday” Revealing XP Vulnerabilities?

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In light of all of the recent vulnerabilities found in Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser and Windows XP operating system, owners of XP are growing nervous about the upcoming "patch Tuesday," Microsoft's monthly patch release day. But, what if what Microsoft isn't patching in the newer operating systems is what needs to be patched the most in XP?

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Remote Monitoring Security Microsoft
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Mike

Alert: iPhone Lock Screen Vulnerability Found - Siri Can Be A Backstabber

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Don't trust anything you can't see - a valuable lesson for anyone. But, why shouldn't you trust your own phone? Egyptian programmer Sherif Hashim has discovered a vulnerability in the most recent version of iOS (7.1.1) that allows hackers to physically access your contacts without unlocking your phone.

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Alert iPhone Security
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Mike

The Virtual Hand that Terrorizes the Cradle

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In today's connected home, Internet security needs to extend beyond the PC. Any device that's connected to the Internet needs to be password protected, secured with a firewall, and utilize available security apps. These precautions should be taken even with seemingly harmless devices like baby monitors. A family from Ohio recently learned this lesson the hard way.

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The Internet of Things Privacy Security
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Mike

A Lesson from Y2K’s Unsung Heroes

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Fifteen years ago, a simple oversight in technology development caused worldwide panic. The crisis was Y2K, and the fear was that, on New Year's Eve, computers would reset to 1900 instead of 2000, causing all technology to fail. Thankfully, New Years Eve came and went without incident and people got worked up over nothing. You've heard story, but you may not have heard about all the work IT companies did to save the day!

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Security IT Consultant IT Solutions
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Mike

Space Technology Repair By Chewbacca

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Across the galaxy, Star Wars fans will be celebrating their beloved science fiction franchise on May 4th (May the fourth be with you). One of the most fascinating aspects about Star Wars is its space technology. As cool as lightsabers and blasters are, Star Wars tech can break down just like our modern space technology. Concerning technology repair, we think troubleshooting space tech in our day can be just as exciting as repairing space technology "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away."

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Security Miscellaneous IT Services
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Mike

Alert! Major Bug in IE for XP is NOT Getting Fixed

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A lot of people use Google Chrome or Firefox as their browser of choice, and it's easy to see why. They are updated constantly and have great features. However, a lot of people still stick to what they know and love - Internet Explorer. There are a lot of people out there that still use this browser, and they should be warned that a new vulnerability exists in the system.

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Alert Microsoft Security
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Mike

Internet Security: This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things!

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When you were a kid, did you ever ask your parents for a cool new toy only to have your request denied because you were in the habit of breaking everything? Your parents would point out your destructive habit and tell you, "This is why we can't have nice things." As an adult, the coolest toy is the Internet and hackers want to break it.

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Security Hackers Privacy
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Mike

Alert: Heartbleed Bug Threatens Popular Websites!

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On April 7th, a new bug on the Internet was discovered that's putting millions of users' personal data at risk. Given the name "Heartbleed bug," it's capable of allowing infiltrators to collect information while you are securely browsing a SSL/TLS website. Since SSL/TLS is so widely used, it's very probably that your personal data is at risk.

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Security Privacy Passwords
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Mike

The Only Good Virus is No Virus

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This world is dangerous; there are murderers, serial killers, and identity thieves. These dangerous criminals aside, many people ignore the digital world and find solace in thinking that they are untouchable in their online community. Little do they know, some of the most dangerous criminals in the world exist on the other end of a telephone line, sitting in front of a computer: Hackers. One of the easiest ways to shield yourself from these criminals is to keep your antivirus up to date.

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IT Support Security Antivirus
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Mike

How to Prevent and Respond to Stolen Smartphones

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If you've ever had your smartphone stolen, you can attest to the frustration and potential risk that it brings. Many organizations and legislators are working to muzzle the issue, and there are steps that you can personally take to help prevent your device from being stolen. Let's take a look at how to prevent smartphone theft, and how to respond if your gadget is stolen.

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Smartphones Security Mobile Device Management
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Mike

How the Personal Information of 200 Million Users Wound Up on an Illegal ID Theft Service

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You're likely familiar with the various ways that hackers can steal your identity, but you may not be familiar with how hackers anonymously buy and sell people's personal information to interested parties. This is done through online ID theft services and a December hearing before the U.S. Senate highlights how one service was selling personal records on more than 200 million Americans!

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Security Privacy Current Events
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Mike

Over a Quarter of World’s PCs Run Windows XP!

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In the business world, it's common knowledge that Microsoft is ending support for its popular operating system Windows XP on April 8. However, with recent data showing that 29% of the world's computers are still running Windows XP, it appears that the rest of the world is slow to act upon Microsoft's expiration date.

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Windows Security Upgrade
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Mike

Whatever We Write, Data Protection is Still Important

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Before the XXII Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, there were concerns from several influential entities about the data security at the Olympics. These concerns were reported leading up to the games and on the eve of competition, the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams ran a story by reporter Richard Engel that intimated that visitors to Sochi were immediately being hacked when they signed into the public WiFi accounts provided to athletes, media, and guests of the games.

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Security Mobile Computing Best Practices
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Mike

Thieves Want Your Backup Data

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Are you aware of the value of your company's data? If you lost it all today, what would it cost your business in terms of productivity, downtime, and liability? Security precautions need to be taken in order to keep your data safe, including data backups. However, after you have a backup system in place, don't neglect the need to secure those backup files!

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Backup Hackers Security
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Mike

A Lesson on WiFi Security from the Sochi Winter Olympics

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As thousands of athletes descend upon Sochi, Russia for the Winter Olympics, they will not only be competing against each other for the gold, but they will also be competing against hackers for the security of their personal data. What can we learn about network security from the Winter Olympics?

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Security WiFi Mobile Devices
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Mike

Don’t Put Your Business at Risk: Update Your Software!

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Sometimes, when complex systems are put into place, the simplest and most fundamental tasks seem to be neglected. Updating your business' software should not be avoided. Software updates help secure your network and provide your company with an extra competitive edge. Don't risk your company's strengths by neglecting your software updates!

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Security Software Upgrade
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Mike

What do Hackers Want with Your Email?

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The value of your email account cannot be understated. You may think less of your email inbox because there are so many other ways to digitally communicate, but to a hacker, your email is a goldmine of valuable information. You may use your email less than ever before, but that doesn't mean you can neglect email security.

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Email Security Privacy
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Mike

Secure Your Sensitive Data with VPN

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Installing a VPN solution is perhaps the best move you can make to ensure the security of your network, and the files that it transports. Whether you send files between your workplace and home or to remote locations around the globe, VPN can help ensure their safety. What exactly is VPN, and why should your company be using it?

Tags:
Unified Threat Management Security VPN
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Mike

Has Illegal Downloading Met its Match?

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Since the late 1990s, digital information, music, movies, software, and content has been at risk of being illegally shared worldwide for free. Peer-to-peer file sharing has forced entire industries to shift the way they do business as they try to counteract the illegal practice. The new Copyright Alert System will attempt to quell illegal file sharing.

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Internet Security Piracy
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