To a degree, this might partially be Microsoft?s fault for incrementally distributing the new OS. Even though a short wait isn?t all that bad, some just can?t wait to get their hands on Windows 10, and will believe anything they see on how to get it. This leads some users to receive the nasty CTB-Locker, a ransomware similar to Cryptolocker that encrypts the files stored locally on your computer. In order to decrypt the files and regain access to them, the user usually needs to dish out a pretty hefty chunk of change. This particular ransomware can be contracted via an email scam. For those without an eye for detail, the spam can be difficult to spot. While at first glance it might appear to be the real deal, look a little closer. The message is riddled with errors, despite the fact that the message appears to be from Microsoft, a reputable business in the software industry. This message takes advantage of the fact that users want their new operating system as soon as possible, and prompts them to download a .zip file. When the user downloads the file, the malware encrypts their PC, effectively locking it down and preventing access to important files until the ransom is paid. To add to the troubles that come with this ransomware, these hackers have taken measures to ensure that their tracks are covered as conveniently as possible. By using the anonymity communications system Tor, and by demanding the ransom be submitted in Bitcoin, it?s difficult to track down and stop these criminals. According to ZDNet, ransomware like CTB-Locker is an increasingly popular issue in the cyber security world, extorting somewhere between $200 and $10,000 from each user per occurrence. In 2015 alone, it raked in roughly $18 million from over 1,000 users, making it a very potent tool to leech money from unsuspecting users. If your organization is equipped with a good spam filter, you probably won?t receive this message, despite the fact that it?s heavily customized to fool users into believing it?s legitimate. Granted, a spear phishing attack can potentially weasel its way through a spam filter, so if a scammer really wants to trick you, they?ll find a way to do it. If you really want to keep your files safe from this ransomware, the best approach is to stay cautious and keep an eye out for any emails that are either too good to be true, or downright sketchy. Never download attachments from unknown senders, and always keep your spam filter active. These measures will help to make sure your PC stays secure, and in turn, the rest of your network will remain secure. Give White Mountain IT Services a call at (603) 889-0800 for more information on how you can keep scammers and hackers from infiltrating your systems.

White Mountain IT Services offers your business a black-belt spam filtering solution as part of our Unified Threat Management tool. Spam emails are the most common way that computer viruses spread. Therefore, having a spam solution that keeps an eye on potential threats at all times is the best way to protect your company?s valuable data. Here?s how White Mountain IT Services?s spam filtering solution uses an A, B, and C strike plan that works to keep you safe. A: Assessment of the Situation A good spam filtering solution is always watching over your network by keeping an eye on all incoming traffic. When a new email hits your inbox, it?s as if the spam filter stops it in its tracks and gives it an ocular patdown. This first step is necessary because spam is effective in its ability to trick the mild-mannered PC user into opening the message and downloading its attachment. B: Garner if the Message is a Security RiskThese deceptive spam messages are known as phishing emails, and they?re designed to pass off as legitimate messages from trusted companies. Phishing emails have deceived even the most educated business professionals, which is why you need a spam filtering solution in place that knows exactly what to look for. White Mountain IT Services?s spam filtering solution is able to break down the security situation with every incoming message in order to determine if it?s a threat or not. C: Clear the Email for PassageA spam filtering solution will only let trustworthy messages hit your email inbox. All other messages deemed to be a threat will be directed to the spam folder. You can adjust the settings on your UTM so that these spam messages will automatically be deleted, or you can choose to manually go through them, just in case you think a valuable message may have been miscategorized. In addition to increased protection for your company?s network security, having a spam filtering solution in place will increase your company?s productivity. Did you know that more than 60 percent of all email sent over the Internet is spam? When employees have to sort through their spam messages, it can annually cost your business an average of $712 per worker due to the amount of productivity that?s lost. By getting a network sheriff like a UTM solution from White Mountain IT Services to assess the security situation of your business, your data will be protected and you will see an increase in productivity. Call us at (603) 889-0800 to gain a sunny disposition about your company?s network security.

[WinKey + S] Activates Cortana [WinKey + C] Activates Cortana with SpeechMicrosoft?s new Cortana personal assistant might just be the handiest feature that you?ll use. For instant access to Cortana, use these keystrokes. [WinKey + Ctrl + D] Creates a New Virtual Desktop [WinKey + Ctrl + F4] Close Virtual Desktop [WinKey + Ctrl + Left or Right] Switch Between Virtual DesktopsOne Windows 10 feature that enterprises will want to take advantage of is its robust virtual desktop offering. Using these keystrokes will help you to quickly open, close, and switch back and forth from your virtual desktop to your local desktop. [WinKey + Shift + Left or Right] Move Apps from One Monitor to AnotherBy now, many workers have discovered the productivity power of using dual monitors. However, resizing and dragging open windows can become burdensome when you’re working with a lot of different apps. Use this simple keystroke to move your app to the next window without having to fiddle with your mouse. [WinKey + K] Activates Connect Feature to Stream to Wireless Displays and Audio DevicesThis keystroke is pretty self-explanatory, and it will be much used for those who regularly access Connect. [WinKey + R] Run a CommandDespite all the new bells and whistles of Windows 10, you?re still going to want to be able to access Run Command. Using this keystroke will make it much easier for you to do this than having to dig through files and search for the Run Command prompt. [WinKey + I] Opens Windows 10 SettingsMicrosoft has made great strides to make Windows 10 their most customizable offering yet. Use this keystroke for easy access to settings and give Windows 10 a look that?s all your own. [WinKey + G] Activates the New Xbox Game Bar to Let You Record Games or Take ScreenshotsAll you gamers out there are going to love this keystroke. For more tips on how to take full advantage of Windows 10 and other technologies that you use every day, subscribe to White Mountain IT Services?s blog and check back each week for a new tip.  

The revival of the Colonel Sanders ads on television brings with it a renewed interest in Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). To go along with their renewed approach to marketing, KFC Canada has a limited time offer for smartphone users. Though the details aren?t quite known at the moment, the Memories Bucket will without a doubt shape the development of the way a select few Canadians view ?food selfies,? if such a thing exists anywhere outside of America. Introducing: the KFC Memories BucketNot only can you eat your chicken out of the bucket, you can share and print pictures of you eating your chicken out of the bucket; all using wireless Bluetooth technology. The future is really something, huh? https://www.youtube.com/embed/4NP8ju1RDkc?rel=0″frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen> According to The Verge, this isn?t the first time that KFC has tried some unconventional marketing tactics utilizing specialized technology: The company’s Japanese chapter raffled off a chicken-themed keyboard, mouse, USB stick, and sets of 3D-printed earrings as part of a social media promotion last fall, and its German outpost gave customers a thin, rechargeable Bluetooth keyboard in place of the usual grease-sopping paper sheet this May. The company’s experimentation goes beyond physical products, too. If you have a minute at lunch, you can play ColonelQuest, an 8-bit romp through Colonel Sanders’ life released in May. The Memories Bucket may raise the bar on ridiculous poultry products. Either way, at least the Memories Bucket is a conventional use for the classic KFC bucket that adapts to the ?needs? of society. If this proves anything to the world, it?s that the Internet of Things is on its way. What are some of your favorite finger-lickin?-good emerging (yet weird) technologies you?ve seen? Let us know in the comments.

Depending on your situation, you might have an internal IT department that focuses on daily operations, or one that focuses solely on innovation, leaving your users to handle the various daily maintenance and upgrades your network needs. While this is better than no IT department at all, you run the risk of user error that could potentially leave your infrastructure unguarded; or worse, breached and compromised by hackers. This is the primary reason you want your IT department to be in complete and total contact with the rest of your business?s departments. It smooths operations and makes troubleshooting issues much easier than if you?re relying on those who aren?t trained professionals. Plus, ensuring that your IT department is in contact with the rest of your team allows for them to communicate network troubles, server issues, email complications, and more. This helps to make sure that everyone is on the same page, and thus, understands that situations are under control and being addressed. For example, one of your users isn?t skilled at working with technology. They might experience simple issues, like being unable to access the network or having difficulty working within your chosen email solution. Instead of bothering your internal IT department, which should be primarily focused on implementing new time-saving solutions, they can contact White Mountain IT Services?s Help Desk. When you work with White Mountain IT Services?s experienced, helpful IT staff, you get the quality of work you expect from an internal IT department at a fraction of the cost. Not only are our technicians more than capable of solving average, day-to-day issues, they?re also skillful and knowledgeable enough to diagnose and treat more serious problems with your IT infrastructure. It?s our mission to know and understand the nuances of your network so a user can?t catch us off guard. At the end of the day, White Mountain IT Services wants to be your go-to source for any and all technology-related issues your business might encounter. We work with you to establish clear, concise expectations, so you can always know what services you?re getting, and at what cost. There are no secret fees or hidden add-on costs. For more information on how we can help your business succeed, give White Mountain IT Services a call at (603) 889-0800.