Blog

We focus a lot on network and computer security.  But what should you be doing to keep your smartphone secure?

New smartphones may cost $700 or more, but that is nothing compared to the value of the data stored on your phone.  Identity theft alone will cost you more than $1500 and a huge amount of time to fix.

Important Security Updates
Apple iTunes: Apple has released version 12.5.3 (64-bit and 32-bit) of iTunes. Updates are available from Apple’s website.

AxCrypt: AxCrypt has released version 2.1.1481.0. Updates are available from AxCrypt’s website.

Individuals at Risk
Identity Theft
IRS and Security Summit partners expand identity theft safeguards for 2017: As the IRS, taxpayers, and tax practitioners get ready for the 2017 tax filing season, the IRS touted the successes that it and its Security Summit partners have had in reducing tax return identity theft during the 2016 filing season and described how it will expand its efforts in the fight for 2017 (IR-2016-144). Security Summit partners include state tax authorities, tax preparation businesses (including tax preparation software companies), and banks.

Eric received an email notice that his company’s domain name is expiring.  The email appeared to be an offer to renew his company domain name via a ‘Secure Online Payment’ for $64. He sensed a scam.

“I recalled renewing it just over a year ago for a 5-year term,” recalled Eric.

SecureTheVillage
SecureTheVillage launches weekly podcast:Whether you’re a business leader or a private citizen, SecureTheVillage’s Cybersecurity News of the Week gives you important up-to-date information you need regarding cybercrime, cyber privacy and information security.

Important Security Updates
Adobe Flash Player: Adobe has released version 23.0.0.205 to fix at least 12 vulnerabilities. Updates are available from Adobe’s website.

Apple iCloud for Windows: Apple has released version 12.5.2 (64-bit and 32-bit) of iTunes.

Important Security Updates
AVG Free Edition: AVG has released version 2016.121.7859 of its 64 and 32 bit Free Edition. Updates are available on AVG’s website.

Foxit Reader: Foxit has released version 8.1.0.1013 of its Reader to fix six highly critical vulnerabilities.

Individuals at Risk
Identity Theft
LinkedIn says hacking suspect is tied to breach that stole 117M passwords: An alleged Russian hacker arrested in the Czech Republic following an FBI-coordinated tip-off is suspected of taking part in a 2012 breach of LinkedIn that resulted in the theft of more than 117 million user passwords, representatives of the professional networking site said Wednesday.

By Jake Nonnemaker

Although AXICOM ’s primary focus is on small business IT solutions, it’s still important for us, as IT providers, as well as our clients to understand the direction and the issues of IT on a national level. In my opinion, there are three major issues that face our country today and which might be addressed during the election and in the presidential debates.

Important Security Updates
Adobe Flash Player: Adobe has released version 23.0.0.185 to fix at least 12 vulnerabilities. Updates are available from Adobe’s website.

Adobe Reader: Adobe has released version 2015.020.20039. Updates are available through the program’s Help menu/Check for Updates or from Adobe’s website.