• Review monthly mobile phone statements diligently, look for unauthorized subscription and usage fees
• Invest in mobile security software
• Partner with an IT support provider that can monitor and protect your mobile devices
• Disable Wi-Fi auto connect
• Pay attention to device performance when accessing sensitive sites
• Enable the 4-digit security pin on your mobile devices
• Immediately report any lost or stolen devices
• Report any suspicious activity to your mobile provider immediately

For more details on the tips above we recently wrote an article on this topic called “Android, a Big Bull’s Eye for Mobile Malware.”  If you have Android devices in your business, this is one article you’ll want to read.  Remember to practice mobile security to reduce business exposure to mobile malware.

To learn about how outsourcing IT security can be cost effective and more secure for small businesses contact us today for more information about our FrontLine Support Plans.

Very similar to traditional PC virus and spyware infections the goal for the attacker is to gain access.  In this case to a smartphone device in order to either collect data for later use or to gain control of the device.  Either of these could result in exposure of sensitive business data.

Typical mobile malware attacks affecting Android systems include HippoSMS, PJApp, NickiSpy and DroidDeluxe.  These attacks can range from collecting sensitive information to signing victims up for premium SMS paid subscription services.  These attacks can even be concealed from the victim until they get an unusually large bill at the end of the month!

For businesses the risk runs even higher when attackers can access proprietary company information stored in email on an employee’s smartphone.

To learn more about how these android malware attacks work review our article  “Android, a Big Bull’s Eye for Mobile Malware.”  Also check back next week for a post on how business managers can reduce their risk of being victims of andriod malware attacks.

For more information about how to secure your sensitive business data, contact us and ask about our free Business Technology Assessment.

Here’s a quick recap of some easy prevention measures any small business can do.

Have an Internet Policy in Place

Establish and enforce security guidelines for your staff.  Passwords, internet downloads, and how to identify phishing scams should all be covered.

Update Your Anti-Virus Software and Definitions

Do a quick check to insure you’re not only using the latest AV definitions, but the best and most up-to-date AV software you can afford.

Make Sure Your Wireless LAN is Secure

This is very important and relatively easy to do.  Limiting access by having strong encryption, password policies, and a virtual private  network can go along way to keeping your data safe.

Don’t take this to mean that you should dump all your Android phones and go buy Blackberries.  Just keep in mind that the explosive growth of devices running Android makes it an extremely attractive target.

We recently wrote an article on this topic called “Android, a Big Bull’s Eye for Mobile Malware.”  If you have Android devices in your business, this is one article you’ll want to read.

5 – Jefit

Jefit is essential for bodybuilding and fitness enthusiasts alike and the best way to keep track of your workout data without the use of a paper and pad. Keep track of workout routines and connect with other folks who share your fitness goals. Perfect for that new year’s resolution.

4- Google Currents

Google Currents – free & fast magazine-like editions for your tablet & phone.

Google Currents delivers beautiful magazine-like editions to your tablet and smartphone for high speed offline reading. Works great for catching up on your favorite blogs/new sites while on the go. Think of it like an RSS feed, but much more elegant.

3 Tiny Flashlight

If you have an android smartphone with a camera flash, this app utilizes it as an LED flashlight that works great. Might be handy if we have a nasty winter and lose power.

2- Google Music

Upload your entire music collection to google for free. Then use the google music web app or android app to listen to all your music wherever you are… all without the hassle of having to plug your device up to your PC to “sync” your music. Also includes a free song for download every day.

1- Google Maps

Makes your gps a thing of the past. Provides directions for driving, mass transit, and walking to any destination on the planet. Also gives you access to google places which is great if you’re looking for a new restaurant, venue, or attraction in a new area or you want to discover places in your own back yard.

We certainly hope you enjoy these apps on your device and have a safe and happy holiday season!

This evolution could be crippling for small firms as cyber criminals are always coming up with new ways to attack businesses.  In addition, as more small businesses realize the promotional power of the Internet and the productivity benefits of mobile technology, the breadth and techniques of online security threats are also increasing.

Small businesses have become quite attractive to cyber-criminals. They often have valuable data but with lesser security defenses than larger enterprises. This lack of security can create a safe environment in which to conceal “launching sites” from which they can perpetrate more severe criminal activities.  It makes the small business a sweet target for cyber-criminals.

Small businesses should be very concerned when it comes to their network security. Many small businesses are still performing critical operations on old, slow, and insecure computer systems. These have become very susceptible to a wide array of security and privacy threats, including information leaks and identity theft.  If you are one of these small firms, you should take steps to protect yourself and your business.

Security threats can seriously affect your business’s continuity.  Based on a report from Strategic Research Corporation, 70 percent of small firms that experience a major data loss go out of business within a year.

In a related survey of small firms, by Insight UK, 37 percent of respondents admitted that they only back up their most important files less than once per month. One out of 10 of the respondents claimed that they don’t have any backup files at all.

Recent reports show that small businesses have little knowledge of the impact of these very real threats. Cybersecurity is a serious issue and small businesses need to manage against the exposure of their information security.  Some measures can be easily taken, such as increasing browser and operating system security levels.

Lack of proficiency in protecting their network and the small firm owner’s false sense of security are perhaps the biggest threat for small business networks.

So what determines if an EMR is usable? Better yet, how can prospective users ensure a system won’t result in headaches over lost productivity? According to Nelson, the first step is to recognize no system is perfect.

One thing is for certain when it comes to EMRs and their usability: it’s an evolution that’s essentially controlled by the user. “EMR usability must evolve similarly in that as we try to use it within our day, we can see where improvements can be made,” said Nelson.

http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/5-keys-emr-usability?page=0,1&topic=08

Outlook 2010 has a rather nifty feature that most folks don’t know about.  You can attach a screenshot of any of your open applications to the email. Why would this be handy you ask?  Well if you’re trying to convey a software issue to your IT company via email you can use this feature to take a picture of the issue and send it on. This can be most helpful in the early stages of troubleshooting

So I’m sure you’re next question is “ok great, how do I do this?”.  See the tutorial below

• Create a new email message and click in the body of the message.
• Under the Insert tab, click Screenshot. Depending on your ribbon menu setup, this might be a tiny icon—specifically, a little camera icon with a dotted rectangle.
• From the Screenshot dropdown, click on one of the available windows to insert it. If you don’t see a window you want to insert, make sure the program isn’t minimized to the taskbar.
• Alternatively, if you want just a portion of the screen, click on the Screen Clipping button at the bottom of the Screenshot dropdown. This will bring up a crosshair cursor for you to drag around the area of the screen you want to select.

Its that simple, your screenshot is now attached to the email. Now send it to your IT company so they can get to work fixing it!

[via BNET, lifehacker]