New England Data Services Blog

Information Security: A Cause for Concern for Blackberry Users

 

     Recent promotions, their sleek stylish designs, and the every present desire for innovative technology have made smart phones, especially Blackberrys, a commonly used device in today's workforce. These devices can barely be referred to as merely a cell phone these days given the extensive amount of applications available. Email, music, Facebook, and live streaming video are just a few of the features available that make this phone more of a personal computer than a means of communication. This poses numerous security threats that most Blackberry users neglect to realize. Because of the constant danger of having your private information exposed to the World Wide Web, firewalls have become one of the strongest lines of defense for internet users. The fact that Blackberrys are currently not equip with protection such as firewalls, such commonly used requests as shopping online, opening attachments on emails, and checking your bank account online from your Blackberry can be extremely dangerous. Currently, the perception that your smart phone can be infected by viruses and malware is overlooked. But as these devices become more popular, the financial motives of internet predators also increases, making the threat of your information being stolen more of a reality than ever before.

     Other privacy concerns can be related to the constant use of Blackberrys on-the-go. Responding to work emails, making important business related phone calls are commonly done outside the office simply because you can. However, you never know who's listening to those calls or who's looking over your shoulder when you type in your account name and password. My point here is that it doesn't take a virus to steal your information, but even a nosey person sitting next to you on the subway can have access to some of your most personal information if you're not careful. So here's a few tips for those who think they don't have anything to worry about:

• 1.) Be discreet. While commuting is one of the most boring parts of the day, it's not the ideal place for business practices. Wait until you get to work whenever possible so you don't have to look over your shoulder when checking your email.
• 2.) Keep it on you. Duh. Your information isn't really safe if your Blackberry's laying on your table at a restaurant while you're on the can.
• 3.) Keep a back up (if possible). Yeah these things aren't cheap, but for most if they lose their Blackberry, it can mean losing a lot more than just a cool toy.
• 4.) Use encryption. On most Blackberry devices the feature is there, however most people don't realize it and never turn it on.                                         
• My previous blog regarding the Massachusetts Privacy Laws is an example of the measures being taken to secure private information on personal computers. It would appear that the next appropriate step in privacy protection will have to address the private information being passed outside the workplace.

 

 

 

 

 

Massachusetts Privacy Laws: New standards for Information security

 

               The state of Massachusetts recently approved new regulations to mandate privacy and  security standards for all organizations that store, license, or own personal information regarding Massachusetts residents. This means that nearly every company within the state will be impacted by this law seeing that most companies obtain personal information from their customers on a daily basis. The specific information these regulations look to protect are individual's name and address combined with either their social security number, drivers license number or state issued identification number, and their complete credit/debit card numbers. Personally I know each time I order something online, I always get a little weary typing in the details of my debit card for potentially dangerous eyes to see. While internet users such as myself are undoubtedly aware of the risk involved in divulging personal information, the goal of these new regulations intend to minimize this risk as much as possible and keep consumer's minds at ease.

                It seems the primary issue here is the start date for these new privacy laws. The original deadline for compliance was January 1^st, 2009. However, on November 14^th of 2008 the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) announced that the deadline would be extended to May 1^st, 2009, only to be again postponed to January 1^st, 2010. Just when we thought the extensions and prolonging of these regulations was done, it was recently announced that the deadline for companies to have full protection of their customer's private information would be pushed back yet again to March 1^st, 2010.

               These delays have myself and other weary internet users questioning these extensions. The most common excuse goes back to companies struggling to survive in this economy. Many bloggers have tried to rationalize this prolonging of regulations to the costs allocated with new software that is required to fully protect their consumers from internet predators. I tend to find that excuse being used all too often these days. For these companies it comes down to a question of ethics. Distributing funds to fully protect their customer's personal information should be of great concern. It's no surprise that the economy isn't what it used to be, but the truth is that internet usage has not been affected during this time. On the contrary, it's on the rise. Internet usage among low-income Americans (those who earn less than $20,000 a year) increased 40% from 2008-2009. It is clear that the internet has become a commonality to the everyday consumer, and the protection of their private information has never been more important than it is today. So enough with the delays, let's get these regulations installed.

               I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't mention the informative presentation being held by my employer, New England Data Services (NEDS), on September 23^rd at the Dedham Country and Polo Club in Dedham, Massachusetts from 3:00-6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Robert Adelson, a respected Boston business attorney with experience in corporate tax and a vivid understanding of the new Massachusetts privacy laws.

           

 

New England Data Services News Update

Record Setting Hacker

Albert Gonzalez is being charged in three cases of identity theft by the federal government.  Gonzalez, who once helped Secret Service catch hackers like himself, was first charged in Boston last year for stealing about 40 million accounts in the largest single corporate identity theft in history.  Federal Prosecutors in New York and New Jersey are also charging him with identity theft bringing a total of approximately 170 million accounts stolen.  Gonzalez's lawyer told reporters that his client is "extremely remorseful" and is a good person addicted to computers who got in way over his head.  Gonzalez and other hackers used a technique called "wardriving" where hackers drive around until they find an accessible wifi connection.  In the most recent hacking, the hackers placed malware in corporate networks to gain accessibility.

Governor's Receive Suspicious Laptops

Unlike any scam according to Yahoo!, Governors around the country have been receiving suspicious laptops that they have not order.  Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming and Washington state have all received between three to five Compaq laptops.  Hewlett Packard, the company that owns Compaq, has become aware of fraudulent orders to the state and are now working with law enforcement to investigate these acts.  The laptops in Vermont were paid by a credit card in the name of Governor Jim Douglas, but the credit card is not owned by the Governor.  The National Governor Association has issued a warning to all Governor around the country to be wary of such laptops. 

Price Cuts on Gaming Consoles

With last week's price cut of the PS3, the PS3‘s 80gb console is now worth $300.  Also, with this price cut and similar to the PS2, Sony unveiled the PS3 Slim, a smaller version of the PS3 with same amount of amenities as the larger predecessor.  This version has sold out very quickly before the release date of early September according to reports of both online and offline vendors.  Coincidentally, Microsoft's Xbox 360 has just issued a price cuts on their various consoles.  Their Xbox Elite will now be $300, the Xbox Pro will be $249 and the Xbox Arcade will stay as $199.  Both consoles have their pros and cons and additional charges, but this is a good ole battle between competitors benefiting us, the consumers.

Snow Leopard and Windows 7

Windows and Mac are releasing their operating systems adding notable features to each.  Windows 7 has some work to do since the publicly known failure of Windows Vista.  Snow Leopard isn't going to change much offering subtle fixes and enhancements to the old operating system.  Windows 7 has a new feature of hiding and managing the windows on your desktop by just scrolling to the right corner of the task bar making the windows transparent.  Microsoft is now matching the Mac OS, but of course with its own unique layout.  A similarity between both is icons can now be enlarge on the desktop with Windows 7 offering 256x256 megapixel size and Snow Leopard offering a 512 x 512 megapixel size.  The author of the article with compared these operating systems claimed that it seemed that each OS isn't too innovative to take customers from each other, but after seeing the improvements done to Windows OS, Windows is now matching Mac's OS in style while keeping utility of the OS.

Cloud Computing Security

Cloud computing is a way of computing where resources such as infrastructure, platform and software are provided as a service over the Internet.  A user usually uses a third party provider for the services needed and pay only for services that are being used.    Examples of cloud computing include storing photos in a site like Flickr or Amazon's Elastic Compute Cloud.  This type of computing is a cost effective option with the least amount of knowledge needed for the resources provided, but how secure is the option for you or your company.

                The obvious risk of uploading your data to the internet is uncertainty of who has the access to this information no matter how large of a company is.  The solution to such a problem is being smart on the information the customer uses.  Before using a service on a cloud computing service, just think of the trouble it could possibly get you if this information were in the wrong hands. 

                Cloud Computing does provide the services anywhere the internet is connected and some services where the customer is not.  This can also be a downfall of cloud computing as well as a positive attribute.  To provide a service with almost 100% availability, cloud computing starts to become more expensive.  If you need a reliable source at all times to access your information, cloud computing may not be best option.

                When choosing a cloud computing provider, a customer should always ask questions regarding where their data is and the access given.  The relationship should be strong between the provider and the customer.  Some questions to ask to reduce security risks are:

• Do you do background checks for people with administrative access?
• Is the encryption process of data designed and tested by specialists?
• What will happen to your data is case of a disaster?
• Where or what jurisdiction is my data being held?

What can the customer can do when using these services to protect their data.  Pick strong and different passwords for each service, so it cannot be easily solved.  Do not reveal any sensitive information about yourself which includes address, social security number or bank statements.  Also, avoid file sharing services with a reputation of pirated material.  A wrong download of a file can lead to others seeing your computer's private material.  Lastly, apply the latest security updates to all software which includes operating system, browser and antivirus program.

There should be transparency of a company when choosing a cloud computing service  especially with the security of your data.  The customer must weigh their options of convenience and productivity with security and sensitivity of data.  The most important thing about cloud computing is knowing the danger of it.

Video Game Software Industry's Future Gives Opportunity to Hosting

 

The Video Game Software industry is a low concentrated market with major companies involved.  But, we cannot only speak of the Video Game Software industry alone when involving data centers as well.  Data centers provide services to all industries and games that involve internet access.  The gaming market is one that looks to increase in the coming years and provide opportunities to other industries. 

Each company is trying to compete against each other by giving a unique gaming experience with each one of its products.  Games have come a long way from Pong and Space Invaders and now, games are interactive and visually fascinating. The gaming industry is also able to introduce advanced and multiple use technology to not only be cost effective entertainment system for a household, but also give the world a closer, hands on view of the latest technology.  Within recent years, high speed internet access has played a key role in expanding the gaming experience for gamers which in turn provides a bright future for gaming servers and data centers.  The expansion of the gaming experience benefits the gaming industry and many technologically related industries as well.

                The use of the internet in gaming has changed the industry for the better.  According to the GIA (Global Industry Analysis), the Video Game industry alone will reach close to 92 billion by the year 2015.  Players are now able to interact with other players around the world.  The MMOG or multi-player gaming concept has become a phenomenon in Internet cafes and a growth in East Asian, Japanese and European markets.  Also, the advancement of PDA's, smart phones and Iphones have also led to the increase of wireless/mobile gaming.  And many mobile phone providers have not made a transition into hardcore gaming which leaves a market open for the future.  The market is not only expanding globally, but also in age range.  Mature adults and women are accessing online gaming such as puzzles or trivia.

                A trend within recent years provides another opportunity for the Video game software industry.  Social networking sites have risen astronomically within the last 5 years.  With advancement in technology, a possibility in gaming can be user generated content based on the wants of the gamer.  With this kind of technology, it also provides opportunity for advertisers within games to concentrate their products to certain users.  This then generates a cash flow which could lead to companies offering users a chance to play the latest games through high speed servers.  This is not possible at the moment because of the speed of home computers and slow servers, but an opportunity for data centers to prepare for such an influx. 

                Currently, the United States and Europe dominate more than half of the world's video game software market.  This rising industry is affecting the Video Game Console industry with a slow decline in growth within the recent years.  Increase in innovation in graphics, picture resolution and ability for DVD and Blu-ray playback have given the industry a spark in growth and keeps the interest of gamers for now.   Recently, Microsoft has released Project Natal which will provide the gamer a wireless and controller free experience.  This could provide a boost in the video game console market and establish the market as necessity in a gaming experience.

It is a very exciting time within the gaming industry despite the current economic downturn.  Data Centers and hosting companies including New England Data Services are providing the uptime and reliability required for users to have the uninterrupted experience of online gaming. It has become apparent that online gaming organizations will be relying heavily on data centers and hosting provider's services in the future.

The Economies Impact on the IT Services Industry

While the failing U.S economy is certainly creating worries for most; for some the tanking market is creating growth opportunities.  Many companies view IT related tasks as the most expendable within the firm.  Technology maintenance and security positions are difficult to measure.  They don't contribute directly to a firm's bottom line.  During our current economic crisis, companies IT staffs may be among the first to be cut.  The major reason: these positions can easily be outsourced to IT service providers for a fraction of the cost.

Typically, hiring IT Service providers has been reserved for small-medium sized businesses.  When companies reach a considerable size they tend to invest in an internal IT staff.  Large firms are comfortable keeping company data in-house and having technology solutions tailored specifically for their business.  However, with the economy failing this is becoming a less feasible option.  Some large companies, like General Motors, outsource IT service because it is far more cost effective.  

So why are third party IT service providers a more feasible solution?  IT service providers typically charge a low monthly fee for their services.  They take care of everything an IT staff would handle; ranging from data back up, application/web hosting, internet connectivity, etc.  In addition to this, IT service providers are constantly making necessary upgrades to hardware and technology void of pricey additional charges.

If your business decides to have your own IT department, expect a significantly greater investment.  IT professional's salaries (approx. $85,000 per qualified personnel), servers and other necessary hardware are a major expense.  In addition to this, technology and hardware needs to be upgraded or replaced every few years.  Also, if your IT personnel encounter major issues, they may have to branch out and outsource from IT service providers.  

While the economy is certainly creating instability, businesses have numerous options for their technology needs.  Large firms may decrease internal IT operations through personnel downsizing or minimizing network hardware.  Or, they may outsource their IT needs to a third party service provider.  The IT services industry has a vast amount of providers capable of fulfilling businesses technology issues.

IT Outsourcing in Today's Economy

Anyone who has turned on the news in the past four months, or has picked up the newspaper, can tell you the American economy is in quite a decline.  Because of all the issues within the market itself, and the cost of operating any business these days, many companies are forced to lay off employees.  In fact, in September of 2008, non-farm jobs had decreased by over 159,000.  However, the IT services industry alone increased by more than 8,500 job positions.  The reasoning is very simple: Outsourcing.

Recently, companies have started a shift to outsourcing, and in some cases, laying off their own IT staffs in the process.  It is much easier for companies, in these struggling times, to pay a company as a whole per month for their services, versus paying several staff members a larger salary to manage their IT services.  

Besides saving on staff salary, there are other benefits to outsourcing as well.  For example, not every aspect of your business needs to be outsourced.  Perhaps you're more concerned about losing data, or you just want someone else to provide your internet connection to secure up-time.  On the other hand, maybe you are looking to expand and need more server space, and don't have the staff to fulfill the requirements for this.  Most outsourcing companies have the capabilities to do these things and could provide you with these services more cost-efficiently.  

Like any other plan of attack, there are always the risks, especially when considering outsourcing to overseas IT centers.  One example would be that if something fell through, you're left with a huge problem and most-likely lack the resources to fix it.  One must also be sure that the outsourcing company is capable of handling everything your IT department requires, and isn't just jumping at the chance to sign a larger contract.  

As a cliché rule of thumb, one should try and see each decision from every angle before eventually going with it.  Ask yourselves the questions: "Why is this company less expensive than this one?"  "What services does this company offer compared to that one"  "What are my benefits of having an IT staff versus outsourcing locally or over-seas?"  "Will the quality of service outweigh the money saved?"  Those that attack these situations from every angle will ultimately end up better off in the end.  

One thing that everyone should come to understand is that the IT services industry is a $748 billion industry, and has only continued to grow despite economic woes.  The businesses that are struggling with their financials should consider cost-effective alternatives such as outsourcing or other ways that would solve their IT problems.

Computer History: From Start to Art

 

I remember my family's first computer was an Apple Macintosh design where playing an 8 bit Oregon Trail was the future and almost seemed it could not get better.  Now, technology has advanced to be smaller, faster, and sleeker where style goes hand and hand with performance.  This blog will show some of the first and older styles of computers up to the latest types.

•·        UNIVAC I

The UNIVAC I was the first commercial computer, but don't think it was ready for a household.  Distributed in June of 1951, the U.S. Census bureau sold 46 of these computers at over $1 million dollars each. It used 5,200 vacuum tubes and consumed 125 kW of power and a mercury delay line capable of storing 1,000 words of 11 decimal digits plus sign (72-bit words) for memory.  I keep in my backpack 2 Gb flash drive just to give some perspective on technology.

•·        Vacuum Tubes to Transistors!

When computers were first being innovated and produced, it was thought the technology would be scarce due to the size, cost and skill to interpret the results.  Transistors came into play and reduce the size and the cost.  Transistors made the switching of ones and zeros to the speed of millionth even billionth per second.  The IBM 1401 was now being produced on a worldwide scale and captured one third of the computer market.

•·        The Beyond

Microchip and the Microprocessor took the computer to the levels of which we see today.  This was around the 1960's where only businesses, universities, and computer centers for industry.  Although other computers were out with similar technology, Steve Wozniak was credited for developing the first home computer called the Apple I. 

So that is the basic history of the computer.  Now, Here are some pictures and descriptions of some of the newest technology and some interesting looking computers.

The Macbook Air is a ultrathin laptop, no thicker than your index finger, that also provides high resolution pictures and a 120Gb hard drive.

This is the actual thinnest laptop in the world.  The Dell Adamo is the 0.65-inch thick and weighs four pounds.  The Adamo is also powered by a 1.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, has 2GB RAM, 128GB solid state drive.

The Singulum Laptop.  The options include your choice of exotic wood, ivory or gold keyboard and even a Diamond track point tip.

This is the Asus Bamboo Laptop Computer.  The shell of the computer is made of bamboo in effort to become more eco-friendly, but it also includes 12.1-inch screen, Intel Core 2 Duo microprocessor, and Microsoft's Windows Vista Operating System.

This is the Tsunami Dream.  Personally, I have not seen a problem with this computer yet and it has style like no other.  It runs incredibly fast and has all the latest technology on it.

These are just a few computers that have caught my eye.  Comment on past or present computers that you have experienced or seen a concept of.

Intern’s Wish List: 7 products on my Wish List

 

Being an intern and college student does not exactly give you the luxury of the most disposable income.  I have tasted the fruits of expensive gadgets (I have an older Ipod that works awesome and a Blackberry which can also be seen as a drug).  It's almost impossible to keep up with innovation; things are becoming cooler, smaller, and faster.  Now, when I grow up from intern to a possible Senior Sales Executive (inside joke here at NEDS), these are a few items I wish to own.

1.     Ipod touch

I have experienced Apple and am almost ready to follow, just don't tell my CTO please.  The Ipod touch is a sleek, internet accessible and fun product.  My roommate recently was given one and has not put it down for anything.  During a boring class (not recommended, education first kids), the games and applications you can load are incredible.  Oh yeah, it plays music as well.  I can't wait to see what Apple comes out with when I am able to afford this.

2.     Terrafugia Transition

This product has only recently been in the news and still in the testing stages, but is still really cool.  The Transition is a car that turns into a plane in only 30 minutes.  The look of it is definitely not of likes of a Bentley or of a G5 jet, but it is a CAR that turns into a PLANE.  It gets 27 miles to the gallon in the air with a top speed of 115mph while on land it gets 30 mpg and reaches speeds of 65.  This would definitely make the drive to work a little less stressful.

3.     TiVo HD

TiVo is a product that almost seems illegal.  When this product came out I said to myself "You are trying to tell me that I can watch whatever I want whenever I want?"  Yes, Matt, you can.  Named "The best DVR of 2008", TiVo allows you to watch movies, favorite tv shows, and even youtube videos on your television.  Now, that I think of it, I would never leave my house.  I think I will hold off for awhile on this one, but definitely a cool product to have.

4.     Marantz VP11S2 DLP Projector

With my TiVo, I will need something to watch it on.  Since this my wish list, I immediately went for projection systems and the Marantz VP 11S2 DLP Projector came into my path.  The world's first 1080p unit to use TI's DC4 chip, this product offers what the company says increased brightness and higher contrast than other DLP chip sets.  Suggested Retail Price: $14,999.  Now, I am no judge of product quality, but if I went on price alone, this product is the Tiger Woods of projectors.

5.     Acoustimass® 16 speaker system

For this product, I thought when looking for surround sound who is the first company to come to mind.  It was Bose and I went for the 16 speaker system.  It has 6.1 channel surround sound, Direct/Reflecting® cube speaker arrays to get direct or reflecting sound, and the bass coming from powered Acoustimass module.  This surround sound is on steroids.  Just trying to make my tv, movie and audio experience that much better.

6.     Blackberry Curve 8900

I picked the Curve 8900 as a phone because I have seen the Blackberry touch and does not appeal to me.  No Iphone either because I have (figuratively) the Ipod touch which is too similar.  This phone has a 3.2 megapixel camera, talk time of 5.5 hours, standby time of 15 days, and a very sleek design to it.  The Blackberry I have now is just incredible, especially when you need your e-mail right away.

7.     Vado HD Pocket Camcorder

This item is combination of looks and utility to make the list.  Vado's mini camcorder has a 2-inch, 680-by-240-pixel display for high quality previews of your video.  It will hold 2 hours of 720p at a high bit rate or 4 hours of 720p HD lower bit rate.  The battery is user accessible so you can carry extra one just in case.  This camera will make you want to either create an awesome video for family and friends, make a video for youtube and become famous, or catch your friends in embarrassing moments.

Well, I have an incredible home theater system, a car/plane, and something cool to make calls on.  Making this list was really fun and motivating to someday own these products.  I recommend you try making your list or even comment about some items that I am missing.

Simplifying Virtualization, It Could Be the Option For You

 

First hearing virtualization, the movie matrix came to mind and thought my boss was going to offer me a blue pill or a red pill.  After some research and failed attempts at flying, virtualization is much simpler than that and a great option for businesses.

Virtualization has multiple advantages that not only benefit the customer, but also the provider and earth.  It is a software allowing organizations to run multiple virtual machines on one physical server.  A virtual machine has the same functions of a physical computer containing a CPU, RAM hard disk, and network interface card, but multiple virtual machines are consolidated into one.  One physical server on average only uses 5 to 10% of its capacity leaving 90 to 95% of waste.  So, not only do you utilize more space on your server, but it is a cost effective solution by only using a single server.  The extra space also benefits a datacenter because of obvious reasons that if multiple servers are consolidated into one, then the datacenter has more space to sell.

The use of virtualization enables rapid deployment of applications by isolating the application in a known and controlled environment. Unknown factors such as mixed libraries caused by numerous installs can be eliminated. Severe crashes once required hours of reinstallation which would take valuable time from an organization.  Now, it only takes moments by simply copying a virtual image.  The ease of using a virtual image also allows technicians to test and experiment in an isolated harmless environment.

Now say a virtual server is over utilizing its resources for a server.  Well, that virtual machine can be easily switched to a different server that is using fewer resources.  This is an efficient process for utilizing the capacity of a server and creates flexibility.

What is surprising when researching this topic is some companies will add virtualization as a way to enhance there being "green" initiative.  Being "green" over the past years has become a selling point for many companies.  The IT industry has a very tough time justifying being "green" with the amount of energy used to run a data center.  Datacenters have to not only run the servers, but also the air conditioning units to keep the servers running at optimum performance.  Virtualization on the other hand cuts down on operating costs such as electricity and reduces CO2 emissions just with the consolidation of servers.  This is a way of protecting the environment and paying less while not sacrificing performance. 

This is the future in the IT industry.  Datacenters are able to collect inefficient servers and merge them together.  Software is easily tested on virtual servers and recovery of information is less stressful and easier.  Datacenters can now move with innovation and shifting business environments.  Virtualization is a great, unique and innovative option for a business.

New England Data Services is now providing a virtual hosting solution!!! To learn more about this release, visit http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/new-england-data-services-launches/story.aspx?guid=%7BE1F39BDB%2D8B6D%2D43EE%2DA45B%2D88AA2E381821%7D&dist=msr_13 .