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Apple focuses on enterprise users with iOS 11

Businesses were quick to adopt Apple’s iPad in the workplace since its release in 2010. It didn’t take long for it to become one of the most popular Apple devices, even though many users regarded it as just an oversized iPhone. All that changed with the release of the iPad Pro, which Apple is positioning as a practical replacement for the PC or Mac.

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26 Jun, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in iPad category
Apple focuses on enterprise users with iOS 11

Businesses were quick to adopt Apple’s iPad in the workplace since its release in 2010. It didn’t take long for it to become one of the most popular Apple devices, even though many users regarded it as just an oversized iPhone. All that changed with the release of the iPad Pro, which Apple is positioning as a practical replacement for the PC or Mac. In late 2017, Apple users can expect major updates from the upcoming iOS 11, particularly in user interface and productivity features.

From mobile to desktop

Apple’s iOS platform was originally designed for mobile devices, but the company is making its mobile operating system more desktop-friendly. In the upcoming iOS 11, users can expect a user interface (UI) that’s very similar to a Mac desktop UI with substantial capabilities like multi-tasking, which will allow users to view programs in a split/slide view.

The Files app for iOS will be particularly useful for businesses that use various cloud storage platforms such as Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. With this handy new app in iOS 11, all files can be accessed, downloaded, and shared within one single platform using your iPad. This app will be very similar to the Finder folder in Mac.

Other notable features

Aside from the multi-tasking capability and the Files app, the new enterprise user-friendly OS will provide users with Drag and Drop capability -- previously unavailable to iPad. Instead of having all apps displayed on the screen, users can now enjoy a docking system that Mac users will find familiar. Existing Apple enterprise users will find the new iOS more in-tune with their needs, as switching from one device to another will be more seamless.

What businesses can expect

Whether Apple’s major redesign will be enough to convince non-iOS device users to switch is yet to be determined. It’s also uncertain whether more enterprise tools can be expected from later versions. What’s certain is that Apple has introduced enhancements to the iPad Pro that are significant enough to make it a formidable choice as a standalone enterprise computer.

Many businesses already use an iPad in the workplace, and with these enhancements, integration of mobile and desktop functionality will be more seamless across all Apple devices. This may also prove to be a significant shift for the iPad from being a secondary computing device that displays content to being a primary computer that’s used for creating content.

Apple has always been focused on individual preferences rather than an entire market segment. But with the iOS 11, it is enterprise users who have the most to look forward to. If you need intelligent recommendations on device and usability features on both mobile and desktop devices, call us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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How to keep Mac computers safe

When it comes to Mac devices, data privacy and security should be your #1 priority, not an afterthought. Without implementing sufficient security measures, you’re leaving the door open for cybercriminals to ransack your sensitive data. Keep your bases covered and fortify Mac security with these six tips:

The basics
Let’s start with the basics and head over to the Security & Privacy pane in System Preferences.

The post How to keep Mac computers safe appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

08 Jun, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Security, Tips category
How to keep Mac computers safe

When it comes to Mac devices, data privacy and security should be your #1 priority, not an afterthought. Without implementing sufficient security measures, you’re leaving the door open for cybercriminals to ransack your sensitive data. Keep your bases covered and fortify Mac security with these six tips:

The basics
Let’s start with the basics and head over to the Security & Privacy pane in System Preferences. Here, you’ll find four tabs -- General, FileVault, Firewall, and Privacy -- that control various aspects of security. To change your security settings, click on the padlock on the bottom of the screen and type in your username and password.

Firewall
Enabling the firewall will block unwanted incoming network connections. Many think it is enabled by default, but often it’s not. All you need to do is click the Firewall tab in the System Preferences > Security & Privacy pane, click the padlock icon on the bottom left, enter your username and password, and click the ‘Turn On Firewall’ button. Don’t forget to enable Stealth Mode by clicking the Firewall Options button and then clicking Enable Stealth Mode in the dialog box -- this makes your computer invisible on public networks.

Passwords
Make sure to set strong passwords for your user accounts if you don't already have one. To do this, go back to the 'General' section of the Security & Privacy settings. In this section, you should also consider setting the Require Password field to 'immediately.' This makes it so that you'll need to re-enter your login credentials to unlock your Mac when it goes to sleep or when a screen saver begins.

Automatic login
It’s best to disable this function, especially if you are using a mobile Mac. If your Mac gets stolen, you don’t want to give thieves a free pass to your private data.

Applications
At the bottom of the General Settings tab, there are three options that authorize which apps can run on your Mac. The safest option is to allow only apps from the App Store to run, and the least secure option is to allow apps from anywhere. Get the best of both worlds by choosing the option of running apps from the App Store and from developers known to Apple.

FileVault
The FileVault tab enables you to encrypt all the files in your user account. To decrypt them, you must enter either your account password or the recovery key you created when you switched FileVault on. It might be tedious to type in a password every time to access a file, but it helps keep your vital data under lock and key.

In this digital age, ensuring the protection of all your devices is crucial to your business’s success. Because all it takes is a tiny leak to sink your ship. Feel free to give us a call and we'll help prepare your business for choppy waters.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Trojan infects macOS version of HandBrake

If you’ve downloaded the macOS version of HandBreak, a popular video transcoding program that converts multimedia files into different formats, checking your computer’s safety right now would be wise. Users who downloaded the program between May 2 and May 6 have a 50 percent chance of being infected with an Apple Trojan, based on an announcement on HandBrake’s website.

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24 May, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Uncategorized category
Trojan infects macOS version of HandBrake

If you’ve downloaded the macOS version of HandBreak, a popular video transcoding program that converts multimedia files into different formats, checking your computer’s safety right now would be wise. Users who downloaded the program between May 2 and May 6 have a 50 percent chance of being infected with an Apple Trojan, based on an announcement on HandBrake’s website. Here’s everything you need to know.

How to know if your device was infected

HandBrake can be downloaded from its official website and via mirror sites, or sites that provide the same content as the primary site. Infected downloads came from the mirror site, download.handbrake.fr, where the installer file (HandBrake-1.0.7.dmg) was swapped with a Trojan file, OSX.PROTON. This malicious file managed to trick Apple's security approval system into deeming it as safe and legitimate.

One way to find out whether you’ve downloaded the Trojan is to look for an “activity_agent” process in the macOS by accessing the Activity Monitor application. Another way is by checking whether the installer file’s checksums match HandBreak’s public codes. You can do this by comparing your downloaded file’s codes with the ones found on HandBreak’s checksums page. If they don’t match, that means you’ve downloaded an infected installer file. This all might sound like a lot of tech gobbledygook, but these checks are essential to knowing whether or not your system has been infected.

The damage

The OSX.PROTON is considered one of the nastiest Trojans today because it can spy on computers from a remote location. It can monitor your activities, upload malicious files on your computer, steal your password and confidential information by detecting keystrokes or taking screenshots, and take over your entire system by hacking your admin settings.

Downloading an innocuous video transcoding application is not typically considered dangerous. However, downloading apps from unofficial sources definitely poses considerable risks. In such a scenario, a backed up data can save your malware-infected computer.

Precautionary measures

Fortunately, Apple has taken steps to block further infections by releasing an update. If your system has been infected, however, it’s not too late. Follow HandBreak’s suggested steps in removing infected files to mitigate any damage. You should also take additional security measures such as changing passwords from a different device. Better yet, get professional help from IT security experts.

Every time you download an app from an unauthorized source, know that there are risks. If you’re a Mac user, download apps only from the Apple Store; and for Android users, only from the Google Play Store. And to gauge the safety of the apps you want to download, it always helps to read their reviews beforehand.

The HandBreak macOS malware is just one of many that are attacking vulnerable systems. With the help of our network security experts, you can thwart cyber attackers’ attempts to steal your sensitive data, hold your files for ransom, or spy on your online activities. Call us now so we can recommend suitable protections.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Mac Malware finds a new way to attack

MacOS has a reputation for being one of the most secure operating systems. But in 2016, its susceptibility to malware grew by an astounding 744% according to one security report. Recently, a new strain of malware was found to infiltrate Macs by bypassing all of its security features.

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09 May, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in category
Mac Malware finds a new way to attack

MacOS has a reputation for being one of the most secure operating systems. But in 2016, its susceptibility to malware grew by an astounding 744% according to one security report. Recently, a new strain of malware was found to infiltrate Macs by bypassing all of its security features. Despite having one of the highest price points in the market, Macs’ reputation for being the safest computers remains untarnished, but will the new malware change that?

How the new malware attacks Macs

The new strain of malware targeted at Macs is called OSX/Dok, which was first discovered in April 2017. OSX/Dok infiltrates Macs through phishing attacks, whereby users receive a suspicious email with a zip file attachment. Like all phishing attacks, it contains a message that tricks the recipient into opening the attachment purportedly about tax returns.

Mayhem ensues once the malware is in the system, gains administrator privileges, takes over encrypted communications, changes network settings, and performs other system tweaks that put the users at its mercy.

What the malware does

The malware targets mostly European networks, but it’s expected to spread into other regions. Even more alarming is its ability to bypass Gatekeeper, a security feature in the MacOS designed to fend off malware. This is because its developers were able to obtain a valid Apple developer certificate, which makes the attachment appear totally legitimate. Although Apple has addressed the issue by revoking the developer’s certificate of the earliest versions of the malware, the attackers remain persistent and now use a new developer ID.

How to avoid the mayhem

The Mac-targeted OSX/Dok malware is easy to avoid if you keep your wits about you when receiving zip files from unknown senders -- these files should be treated as high-risk and be reported to your IT team, quarantined, or junked. Whether you’re using a Mac or a Windows computer, clicking on suspicious ads can download and install apps from third-party sources that put your system at risk.

Mac users are not completely safe, and complacency with security could only result in compromised and irreparable systems, ruined reputation, and lost profits for businesses. For this particular malware, a simple act of vigilance may be all it takes to avoid having your Apple computer bitten by bugs. If you want to double the layer of protection for your business’s Mac computers, call us for robust security solutions.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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