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Vantage Newsletter: May 2006 Welcome to May’s issue of the newsletter from Vantage IT Solutions, the IT support and solutions provider. As IT security is always a concern, this month covers a few points on this subject. There is also an alternative look for your next laptop, although this may not be to everyone’s taste. Remember the ‘name that newsletter’ competition doesn’t close until the end of May. If you would like further information or advice on any of the points raised, please just drop us an email. We’re all off now to ask John Prescott what his secret is! 
Should we VoIP?Security professionals at the recent Infosec security conference voted on a motion that supported Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) deployment. Unfortunately for its supporters, they gave it a thumbs down. Two technology consultants proposed the motion that the cost benefits of switching to VoIP were great enough to outweigh the vulnerabilities. The sandwich company Pret A Manger is saving substantial sums since they started using VoIP, but many people within the security industry still have doubts about its integrity. It is still considered to be a technology in its infancy and the feeling was that VoIP needs a little longer to become secure. However, with the speed of progress, the time may not be far ahead. The Camera Never Lies Anymore. Research is being carried out into the possibility that digital cameras do have their own ‘fingerprint’. The university running the project has found that every digital picture has a weak pattern overlaid on it that is produced by slight variations on the image sensor in the cameras. The ‘pattern’ seems to be consistent on all pictures taken with normal digital cameras and mobile phone cameras, giving the possibility that the source of images can be traced. This seems to be an unintentional effect. However, for some time now, manufacturers of colour laser printers have printed the serial number in small, light text on every image. The text is too small to be read by the human eye, but apparently can be viewed by those who know where to look. Cause for Optimism? A Department of Trade and Industry survey has found that in 2005, 62% of UK companies fell victim to security incidents. These included virus infections, successful hacking, staff misusing the internet and loss of data. In 2004, the figure was 74% and the drop has been attributed to a greater concentration and increase in spending on security. In the 2004 survey, many companies were being caught out by viruses, but by 2006 infections have dropped by one third. Despite the success against many of the most common security problems, numerous UK companies are still leaving themselves vulnerable to attack. The author of the report said that for every company that spends a lot on security and analyses how vulnerable it is to common attacks, there is another that does not. Virus writers are increasingly mounting attacks aimed at gathering information they can sell or use to steal money, so the reluctance to look out for dangers can be very costly to companies. As always, taking care over the emails you open and web sites visited can contribute greatly to avoiding such problems. Eeek Do you know what you’ve been missing? Yes, it’s a leather clad laptop! The manufacturer will start shipping the new laptop next month, aiming it at the more “well-heeled” in our society. The wrist-rest and lid are both covered in leather and you have a choice of colours - either Camel or Dark Chocolate. We have our pens poised ready to take the orders!  The Entertaining Bit Another funny video here, this month keep your eye on the people on the beach.. |
Vantage IT Solutions Limited Unit 2 Airfield Park, Cheddington Lane Long Marston, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 4QR |
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