computer problems Myrtle Beach

Top Ten Computer Problems Your IT Specialist Can Fix Remotely

September 14, 2023
, , , Computer Problems

computer problems Myrtle BeachRemote IT support has come a long way, with many IT issues able to be solved without having the device in hand. An IT technician can usually speak with the user and handle most issues remotely. This means you don’t have to live in the same city as the IT expert. It also means that they must be able to handle a host of issues quickly and efficiently. Gone are the days where the user had to be guided step by step by the expert. Logins and desktops can be accessed remotely, making computer repair easier than ever.

While remote IT repair has indeed come a long way, it can’t fix everything. There are some problems such as networks, printer issues or peripherals, that must be fixed in person. Read on to see the top ten issues that can be fixed remotely!

  1. Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).  This is a scary problem to most users and usually the assumption is made there is no coming back from the blue screen. However, it doesn’t always mean that you need a whole new set of hardware. Often, simple things like updating Windows or replacing a driver can solve the blue screen horror.
  1. Can’t Connect to the Internet. Believe it or not, this is usually a very easy fix. More often than not, it’s an unplugged cable or a locked-up router. A tech can remotely login to your system and with the assistance of a person on the other end, have it resolved quickly.
  1. Can’t Log In. Most of the time, this too can be solved remotely. Something as simple as cap lock being on or a cable being loose is often all it is. Sometimes the problem is a little deeper, such as an Active Directory problem or a profile that has become corrupt. All of these problems can be addressed remotely.
  1. Accidentally Deleting Files. This one is by far the most common issue IT techs face. The biggest thing to stress here is GET A BACKUP plan! It’s always better to plan ahead before a problem happens. Tech Sentries has the best backup available. Having said that, it is possible in some cases to retrieve deleted files. Even so, you should perform backups on a regular basis.
  1. Computer Running Slowly. This is a big one. We see these calls all the time and it can make for a very frustrated user. Most of the time, a good cleaning of the computer’s files and functions will solve this problem. It could also be malware that needs to be removed, a failed update that got stuck running in the background, or even a faulty app. These issues can all be resolved remotely.
  1. Random Rebooting. If you’ve ever dealt with this, you already know it can be maddening! Often, your work is lost if the computer reboots itself randomly so it’s crucial to get this repaired. Good news is that your IT specialist can usually fix this remotely.
  1. The Network Printer Won’t Print. It’s hard to say why this happens sometimes, but it can usually be fixed remotely. It could be un unplugged cable or toners and cartridges that ran dry. Even if it’s a configuration issue. Network printer problems are usually easily solved.
  1. Slow Internet. The internet can get boggy when too many people are using it with incorrect configurations. While it could be a virus or other malware, a slow running internet is often fixed simply by rebooting and reconfiguring the router, which be done by your IT specialist remotely.
  1. Wi-FI Network Randomly Dropping Devices. Most of the times, this problem is a configuration issue. Sometimes exterior problems such as super thick walls or a lot of metal all around can be the culprit. Unfortunately, we can’t solve these issues. But, most other Wi-Fi connectivity problems can easily be fix on a remote basis.
  1. Frozen Computer. Although you don’t usually need professional IT help for a frozen computer, it’s one of the most common calls that come in. If this happens to you, unplug the computer for a few minutes and reboot. If it continues freezing up on you, an IT specialist can log in once it’s up and running again and diagnose the problem. It can be challenging to fix this issue remotely, but not impossible.

No matter how great your computer is, you should always have a relationship with an IT support team. Whether it’s proper backup or major computer repair, Tech Sentries is the best in the business! Call Tech Sentries today! (843) 282-2222.

Ransomware Myrtle Beach

Why Backups Aren’t Enough

September 14, 2023
, , , Ransomware

Perfect backups will not always prevent the consequences of a ransomware attack, but backing up is vitally important.

Myrtle Beach Ransomware

 

The Problem with Ransomware:

A high-profile ransomware attack hit a well-known transportation agency over a recent holiday weekend.  This attack was a major eye-opening event, to say the least.  For the first time, a major transportation agency has been shut down by a ransomware attack.  To give you a few details, they estimated that approximately 900 of the computers in this agency were affected.  They were using backups and this provided them with the ability to restore data with no intentions of paying the ransom; so one would assume all was well.  Not exactly…

The transportation agency’s use of backups prevented them from losing all their customer and internal data.  The use of a simple backup prevented a major catastrophe for this agency.  Without the backups, they would have been faced with paying the ransom in this case, or been faced with heavy financial losses.  It took approximately 2 to 3 days in order for most of the computers to be restored and the rest followed within the week.  A large portion of their workforce was inaccessible for several days and some parts were down for almost an entire week.

The inability to work and work properly is going to cost any business money and valuable resources.  With the transportation agency’s computers inaccessible, they had to shut down the terminals and payment systems, allowing the public to ride the metro for free.  Many local articles stated that the systems being down was costing the agency $500K for every day that they were down and not working. This ransomware attack cost this transportation agency over a million dollars in the time they were down and not running.  Backing up a system can save data and is very important, but many times it is not quick enough to get you back online without losing valuable time.     

The Solution:

The story of the transportation agency demonstrates the vital importance of prevention when it comes to ransomware attacks.  In order to eliminate this problem before it begins, it’s important to put your emphasis on prevention instead of detection and recovery.  We believe that prevention is the only way to protect your business investment, and that is why we use global application whitelisting. Whitelisting allows you to avoid organized attacks and targeted areas because unknowns are always blocked no matter how new they are.  We have no way of knowing what antivirus protection the agency was using, but even with their backups they suffered huge financials losses due to downtime.

Prevention is key!  If you have any questions about ransomware attacks and how to keep your business protected, please give us a call at 843-282-2222 TODAY!

Ten Computer Repair Myths

September 14, 2023
, , , Computer Problems

Facts Over Myths Myrtle Beach

If you’re like most of us, it’s hard to know what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to computer repair. We thought we’d take some common myths and shed some light on what you really need to know.

  1. Slow computers need to be reformatted. This is perhaps one of the most common myths out there. Just because you have a computer that is running too slow doesn’t mean you need to reinstall Windows! Slow computers can be caused by many things, including lack of hard drive space, malware and viruses or just having too much stuff on it. Unused software takes up a lot of space and can bog down your machine. We don’t reformat computers in our shop unless it’s a last resort!
  1. My computer is running slow so I need to buy a new one. We would never tell you not to buy a new computer if you want one, but you don’t have to do that just because your current one is running a bit slowly. Computers don’t run slow simply because they are puckering out. There’s usually a reason that is very fixable. Allow a professional computer repair company to look at your old computer before jumping into the decision to spend money on a new one. You might be surprised what can be done!
  2. If I have a Mac, I won’t get a virus. Let’s be clear—Macs are NOT immune to viruses. It’s true that in the early days of Mac, viruses weren’t able to handle their operating system. However, Mac’s OSX and iOS now are more vulnerable as cyber hackers have come up with viruses that can, indeed, infect Mac computers.
  3. Windows Firewall is all you need to stay safe. We wish this were true, but alas, it’s not so. Windows firewall is excellent and goes a long way to protect your computer, but it isn’t enough. To avoid problems, it’s imperative that you also have a good antivirus software and malware protection.
  4. Windows Defender is built into Windows, so it’s always the best. We hear this one a lot and felt the need to shed some light on this myth. While Windows Defender is good, there are still other third-party antivirus software programs that are superior. To get the absolute best antivirus protection, talk to Tech Sentries! We’ve got your back.
  5. You need new memory to keep your computer from continuing to crash. This is outrageous to assume that faulty RAM is the only reason your computer crashes. There are many things we look for, including updates gone wrong, Windows errors, conflicts with software and several other issues that a good computer repair shop will know to check for.
  6. Name brand parts always last longer and work better. This can be true of many things, for sure. However, when it comes to computer parts, the main difference is the quality control and tech support offered by branded parts. Often, the parts are made under the same roof as the generic parts and have the same standards of production. Branded parts do not always work better or longer.
  7. You should always drain the battery in your laptop to get the longest charge. While this may have been true in the early days of laptops, it is no longer the case. Older batteries were made of Nickel-Metal-Hydride and it was thought that draining the battery was necessary to keep your battery working longer. Today’s laptop batteries are made from lithium ion and work the opposite. Draining your lithium battery before charging will actually cause it to resist charging over time. The answer here is to charge your battery whenever you feel like it, no matter how drained it is.
  8. Wipe your hard drive clean with a magnet before you sell them. Here’s the truth—it doesn’t work. It worked back when we still used floppy disks, but this is no longer the case. The only way to securely wipe your hard drive clean is by employing specific software that overwrites several times over each memory sector.
  9. You’re completely safe online as long as you’re in private or incognito mode. This is a big one and it’s completely untrue. Private mode will prevent you being tracked on your own computer, but it will not prevent you from outside tracking or from hackers, viruses or malware. Private mode does prevent the browser you are using from using any cookies or creating data from your searches. If you are on a network computer at work, your employer may still be able to track your online searches, so it’s important that you stay safe and avoid any websites that could cause problems for you, whether you are in private mode or not.

For more computer repair myths, stay tuned to our blog! Tech Sentries is the best protection on the market today!

Got questions?  Call us at 843-282-2222!

Your Mobile Phone Calls May Be Up for Grabs

September 14, 2023
, , Security

mobile phone security

You’ve seen the cell phone intercepts, tracking, and cloning in the movies and on TV. It’s scary, but you know that it is make-believe.

You’ve read the headlines about the NSA listening in on cellular conversations. That’s really scary, but you don’t really care because you think that they won’t be listening to you. You have nothing to hide.

Think again. The NSA’s favorite son, Edward Snowden says that you should care.

“Arguing that you don’t care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don’t care about free speech because you have nothing to say.”

IMSI Catcher Development

IMIS catchers were developed in the mid-1990s. Referred to in the vernacular as “grabbers,” IMSI catchers are cellular monitoring devices. Of course, since no one wants anyone else to be able to be able to monitor their calls, the original versions were marketed as anti-terrorism equipment.

Just in case you are wondering, IMSI is the acronym for International Mobility Subscriber Identity. And, if you are thinking that cellular monitoring requires a technologically advanced war room deep inside the NSA (or China), be warned that, as rapidly as technology advances, so does the technology require for grabbing your subscriber identity and call data.

Don’t think for a minute that wearable technology is only about being healthy and fit. As far back as 2013, body-worn IMSI catchers were advertised “for covert snooping.” According to published reports,

“The device is small enough to fit under a shirt. It needs from one to 90 seconds to capture the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) or international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) of the person being tracked. It works on all GSM-based networks regardless of country and is fully operational even when functioning in a moving vehicle.”

IMSI Catcher Distribution

The distribution of IMSI catchers is kind of like hand grenades. They may be advertised as anti-terror devices, but they can also be used to create the thing they were designed to prevent. And, they are illegal in most places.

While it’s not always clear whether grabbers are illegal (technology moves faster than legislators), like hand grenades, not many of us want our neighbors to own them. It’s not a matter of whether they are legal or not. It is a matter of whether they will use them.

We should all be able to take comfort in the knowledge that our neighbors would never be able to obtain a hand grenade – or a grabber. We should be able to, but we can’t – because they can. Most ostensibly, Alibaba, the world’s largest e-commerce website offers a grabber for $1,800 USD.

Do a Google search for IMSI catcher under the Shopping tab. The good news is there is only one SERP. The bad news is that there are any. It should also not warm the cockles of your heart to see that there are nearly 15,000 searches per month for IMSI catcher. Who are those people and why are they searching for this?”

IMSI Detection

All is not lost. Android IMSI Catcher Detector (AIMSICD) is an app designed to “detect and avoid fake base stations.” SnoopSnitch is available from Security Research labs in the Google Play Store, but its application is somewhat limited at this time. Signal, RedPhone, TextSecure, and ChatSecure apps are all robust enough to shield the content of your personal communications.

What happens on your cell phone should stay on your cell phone. Especially if you are Anthony Weiner.

Call Tech Sentries today for all your security needs.

dropbox got hacked

The Sky Is Falling! The Sky Is Falling! Dropbox Got Hacked!

September 14, 2023
, Backups, Security

“Have you heard?dropbox got hacked

Dropbox was hacked!” 

“Oh no! When did that happen?”

“In 2012.”

“Now you’re telling me?”

 

If No News Is Good News Does That Make Old News Bad News?

Well, it’s a little bit of both. The good news is that it is old news. Dropbox has fixed their security issues. Everything should be fine now.

According to Information Age, “The company was alerted to the breach when users noticed they were receiving spam on email accounts they only used for Dropbox. Their investigation found that usernames and passwords recently stolen from other websites were used to sign in to a small number of Dropbox accounts.” (Emphasis ours.) That item was posted on 01 August 2012. Seems innocuous enough. Things happen.

Now for the bad news. Fortune magazine published a report on 31 August 2016 first released by Motherboard on 30 August 2016. Thanks to these updates, we now know what “a small number” means. To the surprise of many, it is close to 70 million. That’s small compared to the national debt, but it’s kind of a big deal for any of the 68,680,741 accounts whose email addresses and password details were stolen.

 

Don’t Run. Reset.

There is no need to panic (unless you are one of the 68,680,741). What’s done is done. It’s water under the bridge. There is nothing anyone can do to undo what has been done. Dropbox initiated a password reset during the last two weeks of August. According to a Dropbox spokesperson, “We’ve confirmed that the proactive password reset we completed last week covered all potentially impacted users.” That makes you wonder how similar “all potentially impacted” and “a small number” are.

Dropbox recommends that users also reset their passwords as a precautionary measure. Tech Talk has published seven easy steps to enable a two-step verification for Dropbox account access. Those steps are listed below.

  • Sign in to dropbox.com.
  • Click on your name from the upper-right of any page to open your account menu.
  • Click Settings from the account menu and select the Security tab.
  • Under Two-step verification section, click Enable.
  • Click Get started.
  • For security reasons, you’ll be asked to re-enter your password to enable two-step verification. Once you do, you’ll be given the choice to receive your security code by text message or to use a mobile app.
  • After enabling the feature, consider adding a backup phone number that can receive text messages as well. If you ever lose your primary phone, you’ll be able to receive a security code to your backup phone number instead.

That does it. Be good to go. The sky is not falling. We will let you know if it is.

In the meantime, if you need any additional information, contact us here at Tech Sentries at 843-282-2222.

Phishing

New Phishing Attack Targets Gmail Users

September 14, 2023
, , Security

PhishingIncreased awareness is taking place concerning a phishing attack. It has been around for over a year and is targeting Gmail users. Inboxes are being infiltrated by hackers, which is allowing these cyber criminals access to both incoming and outgoing email messages. That in and of itself isn’t the shocker. What is more surprising is what happens next. Hackers look for emails that have links attached and replace them with a Gmail login screen that is malicious. Once the user clicks on the attachment, they will see a Gmail login screen prompting the login and password for that account. Once this happens, the hackers have instant access to sensitive login information, making it easy for them to see a whole new inbox to start the process over from.

Here’s how it works…

Let’s say someone sends you an email that has a Word document attached to it. That email is sent from their Gmail account to your Gmail account. Your account becomes hacked, which opens it up to cyber criminals who can get in and put that malicious Gmail login screen in place of the attached Word document. Now when you click on that attachment, you follow the prompts to sign into your Gmail account. Instead of opening the document as you thought it would, it gives hackers full access to your password so they can get into your account. They grab more email addresses from your list and repeat the cycle.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks take place when malicious links, malware or attachments sent by hackers infect your account through the emails they send. They are certainly nothing new, but they are always changing and evolving, becoming more sophisticated and tough to catch.

This Gmail attack is a great example of that. Usually there are several red flags associated with a phishing attack that make it easy to avoid being infected. But with this attack, it comes from an email thread that seems familiar and trusted. You usually don’t know the sender, whereas in this Gmail attack, you most likely do know the sender. It’s easy to suspect a hacker when you see urgent messages in your email, telling you to please open immediately. It could be under the guise of overdue bills, an invoice that has a mistake, package tracking info, etc. Because it is coming from a trusted source, you click on the malicious attachment, giving the hackers the info they are looking for. One tip is to watch out for spelling and grammar mistakes. The hackers are counting on the fact that you won’t think twice about it if it’s coming from an email you already deem safe. If you see spelling errors, be careful about what you click on. Also, be wary of any screen prompting you to log into your account when you’re already logged in! Many people miss the small but obvious signs of a phishing attack.

Stay safe online with more tips from Tech Sentries! Call us at 843-282-2222.

Myrtle Beach Data Loss Prevention

Preventing Data Loss

September 14, 2023
, , , Backups

Data Loss Myrtle Beach

 

Data loss affects every one of us, whether it is through home use or within an enterprise.  Data loss is something that no computer user can ignore.  It can range from family photos, copies of your resume or essential corporate data.
In each situation, it is serious business.

Being data recovery experts, we have experience in handling data loss on all levels.  While managing and recovering lost data is something we can do, we would prefer that you didn’t have to suffer from data loss at all.  Let’s take a look at the four main causes of data loss and how they can each be prevented.

Data Loss: Top Causes

Data loss is very common and varied, but can be categorized into four main areas.  The main causes of data loss that we see are:

  1. Failure of hardware
  2. Deliberate deletion or theft
  3. Deletion by accident
  4. Malware and viruses

Failure of Hardware

When your hardware fails, it can include anything from a hard drive dying to the loss of power to your data source.  It can also include events like having your main electricity affected by a storm or spilling that morning coffee onto your laptop.

Deliberate Deletion or Theft

Highly competitive businesses can suffer from industrial espionage, while all businesses can experience the anger of a disgruntled employee.  Wiping a system or leaving a time bomb code on a server is something that is very common.

Deletion by Accident

The number one reason we get called for data recovery is deletion by accident.  Hitting the delete key when sorting through files or hitting Format when cleaning up the hard drive, deletion by accident occurs every day.

Malware and viruses

With the best software and defenses in place, malware and viruses can still get through and cause many issues with data loss.  They can delete your data just because it can and others can hold your data by encrypting it and only giving you the key when you pay.

How to Prevent Data Loss

When it comes to preventing data loss, the task is a twofold process.  First, we must protect ourselves from the risk outlined above.  Secondly, we need to make sure that despite our best efforts, we have a working copy of the data that you need.

Hardware Maintenance – In order to help prevent data loss, we need to make sure that your computer or server is always kept, cool, free of dust, and maintained on a regular basis.  Surge protectors are also a huge help.  Using RAID striping across a server can help you survive a hard drive failure as well.  Many times, hardware failure is difficult to avoid.  Using RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) or other mechanical means to keep your system safe is a good idea, but they are by no means foolproof.

Local and Cloud Backup – When it comes to preventing deletion by accident, there is not a lot that we can do except enable shadow copy or File History in Windows 10.  This is by no means foolproof, but they are useful in restoring personal computer and office documents.  Microsoft Office can also be used to upload copies to Office servers as well as keep local backups.  Manually copying your data to cloud storage at the end of your day can be extremely important as well.

Malware and Virus Protection – Quality antivirus and malware programs and a router firewall can help keep malicious codes out of your systems.  By using a firewall, you can prevent hackers from gaining access to your computers and servers.  This is an essential part of IT security.

A Home user should take advantage of the firewall if it is provided in their ISP modem or router setup.  Companies should buy a hardware firewall suitable for the size of the network in order to provide adequate protection for their needs.

Deliberate Deletion or Theft – As we stated before, there is little that you can do in order to prevent the attack of a determined attacker.  Restricted logins can help to prevent major damage and RAID will help, but only the use of offsite backups will save you from deliberate deletion or theft.

Backup Solutions That Are Effective and Won’t Break the Bank

Automated backup solutions can cost you thousands of dollars a year, but you may not need to go that route.

Home Users – Important documents can be protected from data loss by utilizing the cloud storage solution.  You can copy them manually into the folder or you can use Tech Sentries Backup or other programs to copy that data for you.  A failure can occur when you least expect it.  It’s a good habit to back up your computer, cellphone, tablet and other devices on a regular basis.

Small business – A home user approach will work great if your business is just you or a few people.  Otherwise, there are a few low-cost cloud storage options that will supply you with backup software that will automatically keep your data copied in the cloud storage.

Larger business – Microsoft Azure Storage, EMC and a few others provide enterprise-level backups that are needed for larger businesses.  If you need something on this scale, it is very likely that you will have an IT department that can manage this for you.

Preventing Data Loss as a Combined Approach

A two-fold process is needed in order to prevent data loss.  It’s important that you do what needs to be done in order to make sure your hardware remains working optimally at all times. Make sure that you secure your machines and network from harm’s way.

Once you have done this, you can then look at the data itself.  Keep copies, whether through manual or automatic backups.  Also, consider using third party systems such as Tech Sentries Backup to maintain offsite backups.  This will ensure that you can quickly recover your lost data should something happen.  An effective backup solution is only regarded as effective if you have two copies —  the original copy and one in a completely different location.  At this point, you can consider yourself well covered!

If you have any questions about preventing data loss or need our help with data recovery, please give us a call.  We are here to help you!

New Age of Security

September 14, 2023
, , Security

mobile-security

Open Whisper Systems has taken mobile device voice and texting to a new level with the release of its Signal 2.0 app.

The original version of the free, open source, encryption app for iOS encrypted calls between phones on which the Signal app was installed. Version 2.0 add encryption for SMS text message as well as voice communication. This is but another step in the agile development process for which the objective is “a unified app that will work on iPhones, Android-based phones, and desktops.”

Signal 2.0 ensures complete end-to-end encryption of voice and text based on the TextSecure protocol. The app has already been cited as easy to use and, although it is open-source, it nonetheless features forward secrecy, eliminating the potential for a once hacked, always hacked scenario. In other words, if someone is able to decrypt your message, they will not be able to do so to future messages, because forward security utilizes a new, random key for every session.

The Humorous Side of Cellular Security

In most cases, there is no humorous aspect to security. It is interesting at the very least to note that some Signal users have complained that the app requests access to their contact list. This is a case of being overly sensitive about messaging security that goes back to the days of tin can and string telecommunications. Just as that communication required another person with a tin can attached at the other end of the string, so does modern encryption technology.

And, just as it would be foolish to speak into a tin can and a string without the string being attached to the right person with another tin can, so it is necessary that the app knows that the person you want to contact has his or her own tin can.

The Serious Side of Cellular Security

Lest we forget, there are even government agencies that would like to eavesdrop on our messages. The forward secrecy aspect of Signal 2.0 stymies their efforts as well. The significance of this matter has not been overlooked by the popular WhatsApp. Although not yet fully encrypted over all platforms, WhatsApp has partnered wth Open Whisper for encryption of their own messaging system.

Cellular security is, indeed important, for governments, businesses, and individuals. Ask anyone (except Hillary Clinton). The Intercept recently issued the following caveat.

“It’s important to keep in mind that no technology is 100 percent secure, and an encrypted messaging app can only be as secure as the device you install it on. Intelligence agencies and other hackers can still exploit security bugs that have not been fixed, known as zero-day exploits, to take over smartphones and bypass the encryption that privacy apps employ. But apps like Signal go a long way to making mass surveillance of billions of innocent people infeasible.”

Call Tech Sentries if you have any doubt about your security. We provide peace of mind.

ransomware alert 090716

Ransomware Alert – 09.07.16

September 14, 2023
, Ransomware

In yet another case of “Don’t believe everything you read,” a new ransomware attack has been discovered.

If this image shows up on your computer, the first thing you need to know is that THERE IS NO GOVERNMENT CENTRAL SECURITY TREATMENT ORGANIZATION. You and your computer are being held for ransom.

(843) 282 - 2222 info@techsentries.com
According to one reliable source, the “new ransomware that pretends to be from a fake organization called the Central Security Treatment Organization has been discovered by security researcher MalwareHunterTeam. When the Central Security Treatment Organization ransomware infects a computer it will encrypt a victim’s files and then append the .cry extension to encrypted files. It will then demand approximately 1.1 bitcoins, or $625 USD, in order to get the decryption key.”

The new CryLocker ransomware will

  • send information about the victim to the Command & Control server using User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
  • use social network site to upload and host information about each of the victims.
  • query the Google Maps API to determine the victim’s location using nearby wireless SSIDs.
  • stay persistent despite continual reboots
  • require a victim’s personal ID information with payment

For those who are wary, but not quite vigilant enough, this ransomware has a special feature designed to “prove” that the organization can unencrypt your computer files. It includes a user demo decryption of a single file. They apparently think that if you don’t fall for trick number one, you might fall for trick number two. These guys are good at understanding human nature too. Then again, we would remind you, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”  Our goal is for you not to be fooled – ever.

Bleepingcomputer.com has detailed information about CryLocker. KnowBe4 has a free Ransomware Hostage Rescue Manual available to educate consumers and businesses on how to deal with these growing threats.

For fast, effective, and reliable protection against ransomware and other computer threats, contact Tech Sentries at 843-282-2222.

Malware Takes Hackers to Terrifying New Roles

September 14, 2023
, Malware

You may not be familiar with the term, but there is a new breed of hackers out there known as “nation-state attackers.” They are an evil bunch who use malware to create upheaval and harm to people on a material level. They are life-threatening, rather than just being a financial threat. We think of people who use malware as only being after the money of their victims, but that’s not the case any longer. Their role has now taken a terrifying turn…

It’s scary to think of, but nation-state hackers are now able to hack our systems of infrastructure, such as power grids, water supply and even transportation systems. How would a failure of power or transportation affect us? Malware has the potential of bringing down the infrastructure of a major metropolis at any time, making it a terrifying enemy. In the age of modern technology, our world faces modern threats. Malware is a big part of it.

Ransomware has been a big part of the malware problem and is quite the money maker. It’s growing out of control. Hackers have altered the lives of ordinary citizens by hacking into the systems that control everyday life.

As scary as it is, it’s unfortunately not a new problem. In the Ukraine last year, more than 225,000 people had their power shut down by a sinister group known as the Black Energy Group. Just last week, a nasty form of malware manifested itself in yet another energy company in Europe.

It had the ability to give hackers backdoor access to the system and obtain all the data that would allow them to create havoc. When the system is in the early stages of being rebooted, that’s when a lot of the automatic security software kicks in.

Backdoor

This malware can get in at these early stages of a reboot and do its damage, gaining the info and access it needs. What makes it even more sophisticated is the ability for it to go undetected by removing itself automatically should it get sandboxed in by one of these security systems.

Hackers are using increasingly dangerous malware and ransomware. It’s never been more important to protect yourself than now and there’s never been a better way to do it than with Tech Sentries.

Call us today 843-282-2222 and sign on for the best protection you can buy!

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