A bug in Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services has been discovered. The vulnerability allows an attacker to take over a Windows PC if it’s connected to the internet and is operating with an out-of-support operating system. Not all machines are vulnerable, but the number of exposed machines makes it likely that somebody will come up with a worm.

On Tuesday, April 2, the FDIC issued an advisory letter to banks on Technology Service Provider Contracts. The letter speaks to gaps that examiners are seeing in contracts between banks and their technology service providers.

What is Webex Teams?

Cisco's Webex Teams, utilized by businesses around the world, is a cloud-based, or hosted, collaboration platform that’s modeled around teamwork in the modern working environment. Built on the Webex platform, it can act as a phone system, a video conferencing system, a file share, and a whiteboard environment. Persistent, or ongoing, chat can be utilized by people within an organization as well as with partners and clients who work externally. Essentially, it’s a communication platform that will change how your organization collaborates, seamlessly and for the better.

If your organization is still utilizing Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, and Windows Server 2008 SP2, please read this article in its entirety. 

In the coming year, how will your organization be less vulnerable to security threats, remain in compliance, and continue to receive the latest product support?

Quick answer: Upgrade.

Review the chart below and ensure that your Microsoft products are not about to expire. The chart quickly points out some significant end-of-life/support dates that are on the horizon for some of the more popular Microsoft products, including Windows 7, Exchange 2010, and Office 2010. 

It seems these dates are far out, but in reality, upgrade discussions should begin now in order to prepare appropriately. By applying upgrades before products fall out of support, your business will be less vulnerable to security threats, remain in compliance, and continue to receive the latest product support.

It's a new year which makes it a great time to prioritize your technology initiatives. As technology changes dramatically, the headlines continue to focus on the same themes: Security, Cloud, and Digital Transformation. In this blog article, I will review important "to do's" within each category and offer ways you and your organization can achieve these important IT goals.