A Primer on Password Security

As the number of sites and devices you access multiplies, so do the number of passwords you have to manage over time.  One thing is for sure, we probably don't spend enough time making sure our passwords are safe once we establish a new account,login to a new website, or set up a device to connect to the Internet.

Easiest to Guess and Steal 

If "password" is your online password, you're in good company, and that's bad.  As the single most popular log-in used to access online accounts, it's also the most easily hacked by cybercriminals. Changing the "o" to a zero - "passw0rd" is not much better.  It ranks as the 18th most common, according to SplashData, a company that produces SplashID, a secure password management software.  And with more websites now requiring passwords to include both letters and numbers, you may think you're safe with "abc12."  Think again.  That password ranked fifth.

Top 25 Most Common Passwords

#1. password
#2. 123456
#3. 12345678
#4. qwerty
#5. abc123
#6. monkey
#7. 1234567
#8. lemein
#9. trustno1
#10. dragon
#11. baseball
#12. 111111
#13. iloveyou
#14. master
#15. sunshine
#16. ashley
#17. bailey
#18. passw0rd
#19. shadow
#20. 123123
#21. 654321
#22. superman
#23. qazwsx
#24. michael
#25. football

Some interesting trends have popped up with SplashData's analysis of millions of passwords. Joining the longtime "don"use" password, "qwerty" the top to bottom sequence on a keyboard is "qazwsx."

There's also an increased use of common names.  Officials, however, are baffled by the popularity of "monkey" and "shadow."  But what's clear is that using any of these passwords significantly increases your risk of identity theft. Although cyberthieves sometimes apply sophisticated hacking software, they're more likely to depend on repeatedly trying common passwords to log into your account.

Create Strong Passwords

There are lots of resources on the Internet about how to choose a strong password. For example,  Microsoft's Safety & Security Center shows you how to create strong passwords. In brief, here's a few tips:

• Go long.  Use at least 12 keystrokes. One study shows that a good 12-character password would take hackers more than 17,000 years to crack.
• Mix it up.  Use upper- and  lowercase letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers.
• Finesse your favorites. For easier recall, base your passwords on foods you like, TV shows, or first letters of a song, but with tweaks, symbols, and conscious misspellings.
• Think different. Don't use the same password for everything, particularly on your secure sites, such as banks and shopping sites

Security threats are a growing issue for businesses of all sizes. There’s a lot at stake—your computers and network systems, your information and your customers’ data. We stay on top of the latest security hazards and employ a variety of technologies to keep all systems and data safe. At TeamLogic IT our security services ensure your business is always protected. We help by selecting, implementing, and managing IT security services for you.

Is Cloud Computing Right for Your Business?

Cloud Computing may finally be compelling for small to medium sized businesses. To get an idea of the size of the expected market for SMBs, CRN has published a recent survey of more than 3000 SMBs at http://tinyurl.com/7d8v2aj.

There are advantages and limitations to Cloud Computing. As such, you will want to assess your company's situation carefully to ensure Cloud Computing is a good fit as part of your annual business plan. Businesses that would benefit from several of Cloud's advantages without being impacted by the limitations, make good candidates for Cloud Computing.

Keep in mind that when you do engage an IT company, it should not be trying to sell any specific solution. Instead, your consultant should engage you in a discussion about yourself and your business. As a trusted IT partner, your consultant should  make recommendations that meet that your company's specific needs.

Good Cloud Candidates:

• A company that has remote employees, road warriors, mobile device users and business partners, who require access to critical applications, from wherever they are on multiple devices
• A company that is experiencing rapid growth or retraction
• A company that houses sensitive or proprietary information in its systems, but has weak physical security
• A company that houses proprietary data but has concerns about the physical protection and security of their systems
• A company that suffers frequent downtime and poor systems performance as a result of aging infrastructure
• A company that would rather have a monthly operating expense rather than make a large capital investment

Poor Cloud Candidates:

• A company who wants local control of their data and feels they lose that control in the cloud
• A company with applications that have large files that need to be accessed with little or no latency
• A company with limited options for Internet access
• A company with limited remote access or mobile access needs
• A company with proprietary software applications that must be hosted on-site

We are a premier IT services company who can help you make the determination whether a cloud implementation is right for you. Our team is MCSE-certified, experienced, and knowledgeable about many solutions. Our core value is to give you great customer care and communication while we take the worry out of your technology.
For more information, contact Jon Simms at  MountainViewCA@TeamLogicIT.com or visit  www.teamlogicit.com/MountainViewCA.

Are Unified Communications Right for Your Business?



Unified communications (UC) solutions refer to a combination of voice, data and business applications that enable employees to access and utilize communications without regard to location or type of device. The biggest benefit for small- to medium-size companies is the cost savings that comes from consolidating equipment and services and centralizing network management for data, video and voice. In this way, you can integrate real-time communication services with non-real time communication services.

In addition to cost savings, UC solutions increase employee productivity in several ways. For instance, employees with smart phones, as well as those working at remote, distributed locations, are able to access complete business telephony capabilities using a common interface regardless of the device they use. Making mobile devices extensions of the enterprise network helps enhance employee responsiveness to customers. Also, higher quality voice, video, and web conferencing enhances the overall conferencing experience for employees as well as customers. The wide range of products available in the network communications space provides a unified user interface and user experience across multiple devices and media types.

UC solutions can also help your company increase innovation across the enterprise by integrating collaboration into applications and business processes. This can lead to shorter sales and customer service cycles, reduced time-to-market and the ability to adapt more quickly to market changes. Integrated communication methods help to accelerate business processes and help your business more efficient, with faster time to revenue.

According to technology research company, Gartner, most enterprises take a longer-term approach to UC. They start by defining strategy and direction, then determine the most effective way to deliver this while controlling costs and leveraging existing investments. In the coming year there will be much progress on what business processes are being communications-enabled and where the potential remains untapped. It is truly an exciting and up-and-coming space to investigate for your business.

At TeamLogic IT, we understand how staying on top of new technology can imporve the efficiency of your business. We've been helping other business owners and CEOs with their technology planning for years. We partner with best-in-class vendors to offer the right Unified Communications solution for your business. TeamLogic IT can help your business move fast and spend less. For a free 1 hour consultation, please contact us at 650-204-3150.



What’s Driving Managed Services Adoption

CompTIA Blog: IT Industry Insights & Perspectives by Carolyn April on November 10, 2011

For many in the IT channel, managed services ushered in the Holy Grail of recurring revenue. The model also helped fulfill growing demand from cash-strapped customers to shift cap-ex IT spending to a more predictable operational expense. CompTIA’s recent study, Trends in Managed Services, finds managed services growth among both end-users (adopting) and channel companies (selling) is expected to continue apace in the next two years. Additionally, planned investments in these services by both constituencies are expected to increase.

Shifting to a Predictable Operational Expense

Our study, fielded to both channel companies and end-users in July, examines the managed services market, adoption rates, usage patterns, business model challenges and future buying plans. Today, 4 in 10 channel companies report offering managed services. Half of solution providers who do so consider themselves dedicated MSPs. Dedicated doesn’t mean 100 percent managed services, which is rare, but rather refers to companies garnering more than half of annual sales via the MSP model and whom consider it their primary business model. Another 37 percent operate what they characterize as a hybrid business that includes a mix of managed services (typically less than half of overall revenue) alongside more conventional IT product and services offerings.

How can you reap significant annual savings?

What’s driving managed services adoption? In many respects, customers are — and for good reason; they are saving money. The CompTIA study finds that end-user organizations that rely on MSPs for some or all of their IT needs are reaping significant annual costs savings. Among current users of managed services, 46 percent of firms have trimmed their annual IT expenditures by 25 percent or more as a result of their shift to managed services, including 13 percent that have slashed annual IT expenditures by 50 percent or more on the IT functions they are outsourcing. Another half of organizations have saved between 1 percent and 24 percent in IT costs annually on what they have moved to an MSP-managed environment.

The ability to deliver cost-savings is fantastic, but the levels identified in the study are pretty staggering. Fact is, the MSP market is far from saturated. While 68 percent of end-user organizations report some managed services in their organizations, the vast majority of their IT functions remain handled by in-house IT staff. With so much outstanding opportunity – especially to sell higher-end managed services around applications, security and data – it stands to be fair game for MSPs to continue charging competitive, non-bargain-basement prices based on value. And yet the opposite seems to be happening: MSPs discounting on price, which creates a fast track to commoditization in a market with lots of room still left to expand. It’s awfully hard to then raise prices once you’ve set the bar at a certain level.

Managed Services -  a Growing Market

A few factors are at play here. The down economy, fierce competition and uncertainty about cloud computing’s impact have driven many MSPs to sell down instead of up, essentially undervaluing their businesses to snag customers. The most successful MSPs adhere to best practices and understand that pricing on value – even it’s higher than your competitors – in the long term is best. Easier said than done in this economic climate, however, when resisting the urge to discount is difficult if not impossible.

How can MSPs articulate value and justify normal market prices? Data from the CompTIA study point to some best practices and actions that resonate with customers.

1. Activity reports: Communication is key to a successful MSP-customer relationship. MSPs doing their job right are often invisible to the customer who is experiencing no downtime, glitches or other technology problems in the course of the contract lifecycle. The irony though is that the out-of-sight, out-of-mind situation can hurt MSPs when it comes time to renew contracts – when customers are most likely to demand stagnant or lower prices. CompTIA’s study found that among end-users companies that are highly satisfied with managed services, three-quarters say their MSP provides regular activity reports on all of the steps they take monthly to avert downtime, security breaches, performance declines and other measures to keep the customer up and running.
2. Quarterly business reviews (QBRs): These meetings go beyond activity reports and should be held in-person, ideally, and include C-level executives from both the MSP and the customer. QBRs encompass more than technical reports on actions taken, but are more prescriptive in nature, identifying places where the MSP can help support a customers’ ongoing business objectives through new services and initiatives. Done well, these meetings can cement the MSP as the trusted advisor and an extension of the customer’s staff.



Communication is Key to Customer Success

3. Certifications and training: Understand MSP best practices so that pricing and discounts are the go-to way to collect and retain customers. CompTIA, among other associations and vendor organizations, offer ways for budding and existing MSPs to get both the technical and business acumen they need to succeed.

We recognize that our valued customers are making sure that their IT budgets are working harder than ever to keep their businesses working efficiently and cost-effectively. We strive to help you with the best service and recommendations to make your IT dollars count.  We pride ourselves on honesty, personal service, and doing the right thing for your business.

For more information, contact Jon Simms at  MountainViewCA@TeamLogicIT.com or visit  www.teamlogicit.com/MountainViewCA.

Lucky Stores Card Skimming Attack Prompts Awareness

More than 500 Lucky store customers have been victimized in a recent credit and debit card-skimming operation, announced Save Mart Supermarkets on Nov 23, 2011, who operates the Lucky chain.

According to a customer alert on the chain’s website, customers from 24 Bay Area stores have reported fraudulent or attempted fraudulent activities after using card-reading machines in the self-checkout lanes.

Customers who used a credit or debit card in a self-checkout lane at the identified locations during the months of October and November may be compromised.The company said it had learned that card-reading machines in the self-checkout lanes at 20 stores contained data skimming devices. The first tampered card reader was discovered during a regular inspection, the company said.

Law enforcement officials say the devices, which copy credit and debit card information, could be lurking anywhere you scan your card.  Card skimming is the illegal copying of information from the magnetic strips found on credit and debit cards. Card skimming is considered a more direct version of a phishing scam. Store clerks who skim cards may do so by having customers swipe their cards more than once, or by taking the card to another location within the store. Card skimming may also occur when a perpetrator rigs an ATM with a card skimmer. The end result of card skimming is unauthorized access to finances through the technique of illegal copying of debit and credit cards.

 Over the years, card skimming has become more sophisticated and more difficult for cardholders to detect. Card skimmers now employ features such as tiny pinhole cameras to record ATM users' PIN numbers, which can be transmitted along with card data to a remote receiver.

Consumer Education is Key

1. Inspect the ATM – Avoid using ATMs in poorly lit or low trafficked areas. Experts often recommend choosing a bank ATM over standalone ATMs in public places. Look for new or suspiciously placed cameras and unusual signage. Don’t hesitate to walk away and use another ATM if something appears out of the ordinary.
2. Protect your PIN – When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with your other hand to protect your private PIN from any cameras in the vicinity. False keypads placed over the real keypad are also a way scammers get PIN numbers so if the keypad looks different, move on.
3. Be Cautious of All Card Swiping Devices - Criminals can also manipulate credit card swipe machines at gas pumps and retailers. The hand-held card swiping devices which are sometimes left unattended at restaurants, events and other public locations can also be tampered. Take a careful look at any device before swiping your card.
4. Monitor your Statements – Even the most careful person can still fall victim to ATM skimmers so it is important to keep a close eye on your accounts. Look for suspicious charges and particularly the itemized breakdown of charges and debits. - Report Fraud Immediately – Report any fraudulent activity to your bank as soon as you discover it. Consumer protections for debit and credit cards vary but depend largely on when the fraudulent activity is reported.

While ATM theft isn't going to go away, the Global ATM Security Alliance reports that just .0016% of all ATM transactions worldwide are affected by crime or fraud. Additionally, with a little bit of care and attention, you can avoid these scams and keep your money.

Quick Tips for Replacing Technology

It's the time when businesses are finalizing their operating budgets for next year.  Planning for IT needs and equipment should be a part of this annual process.  In other words, don't wait until your equipment is obsolete and you can no longer order parts or worse; critical technology breaks down and interrupts your business operations for multiple days.

Here are some quick tips:

Assess Current and Future Needs - Build a three to-five-year plan, including employee and business requirements and compliance and productivity improvement needs.

Budget - Determine spending levels to support sufficient company needs and prioritize equipment replacement and devise backup plans in case revenue doesn't keep pace with expectations.

Performance - Can the equipment perform adequately now, with upgrades, or does it need to be replaced?

Installation and upgrades by a professional - Skilled consultants and employees make sure systems are properly set up, adding to improved operations and greater longevity.

Reputation - Ensure faster replacement of computers and systems that are customer- or client-facing. Consider the implications of failures or unprofessional appearance.

Disposal - Follow the rules for your state and consider extra costs and fees for planning purposes.

From upgrading your existing technology to purchasing new equpment and installing it properly, TeamLogicIT can help your company run more efficiently and increase its bottom line. For more information, contact Jon Simms at  MountainViewCA@TeamLogicIT.com or visit  www.teamlogicit.com/MountainViewCA.

Calling All Veterans: TeamLogic IT Waives Franchise Fee for Military Veterans in 2012

CompTIA’s Creating IT Futures Foundation to support new franchisees through its Apprentice Program

MISSION VIEJO, Calif.- November 9, 2011 - With veteran  unemployment rates higher than the national average and tens of thousands of service men and women returning from deployment in the coming months, TeamLogic IT is stepping up to award up to ten franchises to qualified military veterans by waiving  the $40,000 franchise fee to those who  join TeamLogic IT through the International Franchise Association's (IFA) VetFran program.

"This $400,000 investment demonstrates our commitment to supporting veterans through the VetFran program," said Chuck Lennon,president of TeamLogic IT, who is also the vice chairman of CompTIA, a non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of information technology (IT) professionals and companies. "The unemployment rate amongst veterans is already high and with so many more coming home TeamLogic IT is committed to providing opportunities to our nation's veterans to smoothly transition them into civilian life and the working world."

Focused on "veterans hiring veterans," this new program also includes a partnership with CompTIA and its Creating IT Futures Foundation to leverage its IT-Ready Apprentice Program, which will help franchisees in participating locations to find trained technicians who are also former military.  To help franchisees staff up, all of the costs associated with apprentice recruitment, training, certification, and online mentoring are subsidized by the foundation.

"In essence, the fundamental structure of the franchising industry and military is similar," added Lennon. "Franchisees must follow a proven business model to thrive  and military personnel are trained to follow standard systems to successfully complete a mission. The skills learned in  the military are completely transferable to the small business world - from logistics and operations to management and expertise, military veterans have the right framework to excel in the franchising industry."

Veterans have a proven track record of success in franchising.  According to a recent study based on U.S. Census data, there  are more than 66,000 veteran-owned franchise establishments in the United States, providing jobs directly for 815,000 Americans. In addition, more than 2,00 veterans have become  franchise business owners through the VetFran program, originally established in 1991. 

TeamLogic IT is a leading  national provider of comprehensive computer-based services for managing IT at today's small and medium-sized businesses, allowing the support of an IT department at a considerably lower  cost.

For further information regarding  TeamLogic IT or its  franchise opportunity, visit http://www.TeamLogicIT.com. For more  information about VetFran, visit http://www.vetfran.com.