Musato Technologies Blog

Ten Years of the iPhone

Published June 29, 2017 | By Gideon E. M

Ten Years of the iPhone

Reflections on Mobility, Engagement and the Channel

On June 29th, 2007, the world changed with the introduction of the iPhone. What Apple managed to do a decade ago was change the perception and conversation around mobile computing. They created a massive following by focusing more heavily on the user experience than other manufacturers had to that point; making talk, music and the Web a more intuitive experience.

Of course, putting all those pieces in a single, secure device wasn’t the real differentiator. The trick for Apple (and all those who followed) was in taking the “geek” out of apps — turning a phone that only tech fanatics could love into a culture in of itself. They launched an all new user experience beyond the intuitive interface that literally anyone could figure out on their own without a 50-page manual or having a support of a team of technical experts on standby. Continue reading →

Posted in Apple, Hardware, iPhone, Mobility, Musato Technologies, Smart Phones, Technology | Tagged iPhone, Mobility, Musato Technologies, Smart Phones

Petya ransomware running rampant

Published June 27, 2017 | By Gideon E. M

Petya ransomware running rampant

How to turn off SMBv1 in Windows to make sure you’re safe

Last month it was the “WannaCry” virus wreaking havoc over the internet, and now this week another ransomware exploit is rapidly expanding across Europe and the Ukraine especially. The new variant, dubbed “Petya,” uses the same SMBv1 exploit that WannaCry uses to rapidly replicate throughout network systems, but holds infected computers hostage in a significantly different way.

According to a post on Hacker News, the Petya ransomware, also known as “Petwrap,” is spreading rapidly, “shutting down computers at corporates, power supplies, and banks across Russia, Ukraine, Spain, France, UK, India, and Europe and demanding demands $300 in bitcoins,” and has affected over 300,000 computers in only 72 hours. Continue reading →

Posted in cyber-security, cyberattack, hacker attacks, Malware, Website Security | Tagged Information security, Petya ransomware, ransomware

A massive cyber attack

Published June 27, 2017 | By Gideon E. M

A massive cyber attack is hitting organizations around the world

A massive cyber attack: Victims in Ukraine, Russia, Denmark, the UK and the United States have all reported being hit by a cyber attack: authorities are investigating “global ransomware incident”.

A number of firms around the world are reporting that they have been impacted by a major cyber attack which the UK’s cyber security agency is describing as a “global ransomware incident.”

Many of the initial reports of organizations affected came from Ukraine, including banks, energy companies, and even Kiev’s main airport. But since then more incidents have been reported across Europe, indicating the incident is affecting more organizations more widely.

The National Bank of Ukraine said it has been hit by an “unknown virus” and is having difficulty providing customer services and banking operations as a result, while Kiev’s Boryspil International Airport is also understood to be suffering from some kind of cyber attack. Even the radiation monitoring facility at the Chernobyl nuclear power Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Security, cyber-security, cyberattack, hacker attacks, Website Security | Tagged cyber-attack, cyberattack

Microsoft new patent

Published June 25, 2017 | By Gideon E. M

Microsoft files a new patent to stop laptop thieves

We can detect where is our lost phone and track the thief. However, the case is not same when it comes to a laptop. The laptop thieves have increased over time and Microsoft has filed a new patent to stop the crime. – Microsoft new patent

On phones, there is a feature that blocks the thieves from assessing the data stored on the phone or resell the device. However, the laptops lack this feature but Microsoft’s new patent has the solution to stop laptop thieves.

Most of our cell phones have been using a protection method that disables the stolen device by being wiped out. This protection has reduced the number of phone-related thefts dramatically, as the thieves are no longer able to resell the locked device. Until now, this protection method has only been available to phones, leaving laptops unsecured.

Last month, Microsoft announced always-connected PCs, which will have cellular connectivity and will bring this protection method to laptops. A new Microsoft patent has surfaced online which suggests that users will not even need a cellular subscription to protect their device. Continue reading →

Posted in IT Services

Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Windows 10 PCs

Published June 25, 2017 | By Gideon E. M

Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Windows 10 PCs

Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Windows 10 PCs To Be Built By Asus, Lenovo & HP. Microsoft and Qualcomm have announced Lenovo, HP and Asus are going to be the first manufacturers to make Windows 10 PCs with Snapdragon 835 processors. The companies are expected to make sleek, thin and fanless PCs equipped with LTE connectivity.

“Today’s consumers experience mobility in nearly every aspect of their lives and they’ve come to expect more from their PCs than legacy computing models are able to provide,” Qualcomm Technologies executive VP Cristiano Amon said. “With compatibility for the Windows 10 ecosystem, the Snapdragon Mobile PC Platform will enable Windows 10 hardware makers to develop next-generation modern device form factors and deliver unparalleled anything, anywhere creation experiences with up to Gigabit-Class LTE connectivity.” Continue reading →

Posted in Hardware, Microsoft, Processor, Processors, Qualcomm Snapdragon | Tagged Processor, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, Windows 10

Future-Proofing Your Microsoft Applications

AWS (Amazon Web Services) offers advantages for applications in each of the top five use cases for cloud migration cited by survey respondents:

#1: Corporate communication and collaboration applications

AWS helps run Microsoft applications such as SharePoint, Dynamics, and Exchange with greater security, easier management, and higher performance, respondents say. “Using AWS makes it easy for us to resize [Microsoft Exchange] instances and increase storage without having to go through a lengthy procurement cycle,” says Tom Bentzen, director of information systems for Choice Logistics, a global warehousing, and parts logistics company.

#2: File servers and backup, data storage, and archiving.

AWS offers a complete range of storage services to support both application and archival requirements. Continue reading →

Published June 25, 2017 | By Gideon E. M

Intel Core i5 versus i7

Published June 24, 2017 | By Gideon E. M

Which CPU Should You Buy? Intel Core i5 versus i7

We outline each Intel processor line and explain what it all means for your next desktop or laptop purchase, especially with Core i9 on the way.-Intel Core i5 versus i7

Drilling Down to the Cores

For many consumers who are on the hunt for a new desktop or laptop PC, one of the biggest considerations is the type of processor. Two of the CPUs most often in contention are the Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7. Discounting Core i3 and m3 (mainly found in budget systems), Core i9 (powerful CPUs for gaming and performance PCs), and AMD processors (another story entirely), the difference between Intel Core i5 and Core i7 can seem daunting, especially when the prices seem so close together once they’re in completed systems. We break down the differences for you.

Pricing and Marketing

Simply put, Core i5-equipped systems are less expensive than Core i7-equipped PCs. Intel has moved away from the star ratings it used with previous-generation Core processors in favor of a capability-driven marketing message. Essentially, the Core i7 processors have more capabilities than Core i5 CPUs. They will be better for multitasking, multimedia tasks, high-end gaming, and scientific work. Core i7 processors are certainly aimed at people who complain that their current system is “too slow.” Spot-checking a system like the Dell XPS 13 Touch ultraportable, you’ll find the Core i5 to be about $200 less expensive than a similarly equipped Core i7 system. Continue reading →

Posted in Hardware, Intel, Investing in technology, Processor, Processors, Technology | Tagged CPU, Hardware, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7, Intel Processors, Processors

Windows 10 S

Published June 23, 2017 | By Gideon E. M

Windows 10 S

What is Windows 10 S and how is it different from regular Windows 10?

Microsoft launched Windows 10 S, a brand new version of its ubiquitous operating system that will come with many new PCs in the near future. But what is it, how much does it cost and how is it different to Windows 10 Home or Pro?

What is it?

Windows 10 S is a fully fledged version of Windows 10 designed for low-cost computers as well as education-oriented PCs and even some premium computers, such as the new Microsoft Surface Laptop.

What does the ‘S’ stand for?

According to Microsoft, the “S” doesn’t stand for anything in particular, but the company says Windows 10 S is streamlined for simplicity, security, and speed. Windows 10 S will boot 15 seconds faster than a comparable machine running Windows 10 Pro with the same profile and apps installed, and it will run as fast on day 1,000 as it does on day one, Microsoft says. Continue reading →

Posted in Microsoft, Operating Systems, Windows 10 S | Tagged Microsoft, OS, Windows 10 S

Customer Relationships

Published June 22, 2017 | By Gideon E. M

Customer Relationships

8 Ways to Enhance Your Customer Relationships

Relationships are the foundation of every small business’ success. But as your business grows, it can become harder to sustain strong relationships with your customers.-Customer Relationships Management Systems

How can you serve your 100th customer with the same degree of personal attention you gave your first customer?

The answer is customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. CRM software can help you capture more information about customers, use what you’ve learned to provide better service, and quickly take advantage of sales opportunities. Here are some suggestions for finding the right CRM tool for your business.

1. Gather available customer information

You may not realize just how much data your business collects on your customers—from purchasing history, job title, and budget to personal details like alma mater and how many children they have. How can you put all that data to use? Look for a CRM tool like Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online that allows you to organize it all in one place. Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Relationships | Tagged CRM, Customer Relationships

URL Padding

Published June 21, 2017 | By Gideon E. M

The Mobile Phishing Threat You’ll See Very Soon: URL Padding

The fact that hackers are increasingly targeting mobile devices isn’t exactly a secret. And really, it’s not surprising either. After all, most of us are practically glued to our smartphones throughout the day.-URL Padding

An SMS arrived? Better read it straight away.

New email? Let me at it.

Screenshot of URL in a mobile browser.

Somebody, I don’t care about updating their Facebook status? Great, let’s see what they’re up to.

The increased attack volume we’re seeing directed at mobile devices is really nothing more than recognition on the part of threat actors that mobile devices account for an increasingly large proportion of web traffic… but aren’t nearly as well protected as PCs and laptops.

So with all that in mind, it shouldn’t be terribly surprising that we have a new mobile phishing threat to tell you about.

URL Padding

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you may remember that back in March we published a post on the use of top level domains (TLDs) for phishing sites. In that post, we highlighted the use of generic (i.e., non-geographic) TLDs such as .support and .cloud to create URLs that appear to be authentic. For example:

review-helpteam.support

contact-us.site

summary-account.review Continue reading →

Posted in IT Services | Tagged Mobile Phishing, Phishing