What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that limits a user from accessing their computer or prevents them for accessing their personal data. Furthermore, this type of malware forces a user to pay a ransom through a specific online payment method in order to regain access to their computer or data. While ransomware can certainly be frightening, taking a diligent approach to prevention, such as educating yourself on how to detect suspicious websites and emails, can help avoid nasty and potentially expensive headaches caused by an infection.

The Importance of Security Awareness Training

The responsibility to safeguard information, whether professional or personal, falls upon the end-user. Security awareness training programs are meant to better prepare individuals to fulfill this responsibility.  Investing time and money into implementing company-wide security-awareness training initiatives is one of the best ways to ensure that company employees will not make costly errors in regard to information security.

It's official...I now have a graduate degree

2013. That was an interesting year for me. I started a new position in IT supervision/management. I started getting serious about my health and fitness. I decided to go back to school to earn a graduate degree. Wait. What? Why would a then 42-year-old man invest time and money to go back to school to obtain a piece of paper to just continue doing what I’ve already have been successful at doing for well over 17 years? 

Kangaroo Plus

The Kangaroo Plus has everything found in the original model: a Intel Atom x5-Z8500 Cherry Trail processor, a built-in fingerprint scanner, microSD slot, an integrated battery that lasts up to four hours, and a detachable dock with HDMI, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports. What makes the Kangaroo Plus different is that it has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, which is double what the first Kangaroo has. In addition, unlike the original Kangaroo which ships pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, the Kangaroo Plus does not come with any OS installed. 

Security BSides: The Conference Alternative

Attending security conferences is a great way to learn about new developments in the area of cybersecurity, get valuable information from leading experts, and network with other cybersecurity professionals. Conferences play an important role in the field of cybersecurity because they allow professionals to stay abreast of the latest best practices, research and trends in this ever-changing industry.  

HOW TO: Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication

I recently wrote a post about the value of two-factor authentication. Two-step authentication helps protect you by making it more difficult for someone else to sign in to your online accounts. Even if a hacker successfully phishes for your credentials (username and password), they still won't be able to access your account without access to your smartphone and/or other second factor item (e.g. security key).  Now that you have been convinced that you want to use two-factor authentication to help keep your online accounts safe, how do you set it up.