VITS Monthly - A Newsletter Covering Recent IT News by Vantage IT Solutions Limited

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Music File Sharing can be Dangerous

It has been discovered that criminal groups are taking advantage of music file sharing on peer-to-peer networks to obtain company documents. A peer-to-peer (P2P) network uses many computers, sometimes spread across the world, to share data such as music files. Famous P2P network software includes Napster, Kazaa and WinMX.

The problem occurs because some people install music file sharing software, but do not correctly set it up, thus exposing data held on their computers. For example, they may unwittingly save confidential information in a shared folder, which is then accessible to other users throughout the world on the same P2P network. These users can include criminals, who access the confidential data which can be valuable on the black market. In one instance, a bank discovered that a document containing all of its IT system passwords had been circulated around the world. Some organisations are now deciding to ‘lock-down’ all computers to ensure users cannot unintentionally expose companies to risk. Vantage always advises against installing such software, both from security and copyright points of view.

Would You Plug One in?

If you found a USB memory drive lying around your office, would you put it into your computer? A company in the US carried out a test where 20 USB flash drives were left around the building. Each one contained a program that would collect passwords and user information, but it was disguised as an image file. Of the 20 USB drives, 15 were picked up and plugged into computers, showing how easy it is for malicious software to migrate throughout a company.

USB Memory Stick

For a while, there has been concern at how easy it is for people to take information from a company on a USB memory drive, so this new test just increases the concern over USB ports. If you would like information about disabling USB ports from unauthorised use, do contact us.

Carrying on the Green Theme

Last month we talked about saving power by ensuring your computer equipment is turned off whenever possible. Well, continuing the environmental theme, if you have old HP InkJet or LaserJet print cartridges, they can be returned to HP for recycling for free. Simply click on the link below and follow the instructions. We’ve used it and the system works! http://h41111.www4.hp.com/globalcitizenship/uk/en/environment/recycle/index.html

Do You Need a Shoulder to Cry On?

A computer system that is aware of the user’s emotions is being developed. A camera linked to the computer follows facial features such as the nose, mouth and eyebrows and analyzes them to calculate the emotion of the user. One of the ideas is that once the computer has worked out the user’s emotional state, the information could be used to ensure appropriate adverts pop up on the screen. As long as it doesn't develop the ability to lip read, we should be OK. Surely a better use would be if the computer sensed you weren’t happy in your work, it would tell you to go home and shut itself down!

The Entertaining Bit

The best way to learn is from other people’s mistakes. Please click here for a little chuckle.