MSNBC reports tonight (7-28-2017) that it has exposed ties between Kaspersky labs and cyber forces within the Russian Government . Specifically the Russian Spy agency FSB.
U.S. government officials, including the Senate Intelligence Committee and members of the intelligence community are allegedly concerned that the Russian-headquartered security software manufacturer Kaspersky Lab might be colluding with the Russian government, claims the company denies and the cybersecurity community has never put much stock into.
Homeland Security, reports ABC News, issued a secret warning to avoid use of the company's products in February.
This isn't the first time someone has accused Kaspersky Lab of potentially using its software to undermine America. Similar allegations came out in 2015, when Bloomberg published a piece describing Eugene Kaspersky's friendship with government officials including those from the FSB - the Russian intelligence agency.
"I know Eugene and many of his GReAT team. All excellent and reputable," tweeted the cybersecurity consultant Jeffrey Carr who runs the Suits and Spooks intelligence conference.
We don't know what Homeland Security or the intelligence community knows, but we do know what allegations have been made in the past.
Read more: Kaspersky Labs an Arm of the Russian Government. Uninstall their software immediately.
Looking for a computer technician that is familiar with the OpenDental software system? We do OpenDental software installations and upgrades.
Want to move your server to another computer?
Do you need to move your OpenDental software to another server? We can help. Has your OpenDental server crashed? Call us today.
Interested in taking your OpenDental Software to the next level? Would you like to be able to send text messages to patients directly from the program?
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Consumer Reports Original Ransomware Interview With Short Circuited Consumer Services Owner Raul Glasgow Circa 2016
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Ransomware is a form of malware, or malicious software that is a lot more complicated that typical malware. Ransomware can present itself in a few ways, two forms described below:
Ransomware does exactly what it sounds like – it presents users with an ultimatum: pay a fee to unlock and reclaim personal data, or don’t pay the fee and lose the data indefinitely.
Consumer Reports Article Raul Glasgow and Short Circuited Computer Services Referenced
By Raul Glasgow, Owner, Shortcircuited Computer Repair Services, Brooklyn, New York
I do info-tech consulting and computer repair. I’m basically the computer guy for a number of dental and medical offices. One day last summer I got up and checked on the server where I keep my website—and the site was just gone. The files were encrypted, and I saw a message appearing in a pop-up window.
This wasn’t the first time I’d encountered ransomware, so I knew what the message was going to say: To get the files back I’d have to pay the hackers in bitcoin, a digital currency.
I started seeing ransomware attacks targeting some of my clients two or three years ago, and since then it’s become more common.
The first time it was a dental office, and they were being told to pay about $2,000 in bitcoin to get their files back. But we were worried they could lose the money if the hackers didn’t actually restore the files—after all, we didn’t know who these guys were. We ended up wiping everything and starting fresh with a new computer. We could do that because everything was backed up.
Read more: My Files Were Locked Up By Ransomware Consumer Reports Article
Welcome to Short Circuited Computer and Security Services.
We made this page to address the questions a lot of our clients in the Brooklyn, Queens and New York City area have about the average costs and prices for the installation of video camera surveillance systems.
We try as much as possible to install wireless systems and cameras as they are much more afforbale for the end user.
This works out for the consumers because it uses existing computer wireless networks. And because of the less amount of wires involved in these types of installations the costs can be brought down significantly.
Most of the costs incurred in the security camera install come with wiring each and every individual camera to a DVR.
Residences: Standard 4 Camera Installation (wired) 1st Floor Level Cameras- $999 -$1500
Standard 8 Camera Installation (wired). 1st floor level- $2500*$3000
4 Camera wifi IP based surveillance cameras - $999 (cost of 4 operational cameras with wireless video to DVR, each camera includes a 20' power cord to be plugged into an existing outlet, cameras connect to existing wireless network)
8 Camera wifi IP based surveillance cameras - $1500 (cameras connect to existing wireless network)
Wireless router for ip wireless cameras - $175
350 Feet av cables for cameras- $75 per camera 500 ft av cables- $100 per camera Metal pipes for outside installation- $20 per ft.
Read more: Cost of installing a Video Camera Surveillance System in NYC.Brooklyn Queens.
Ransomware is a new form of computer malware that is rapidly developing and spreading in the New York City area. NYC Brooklyn Computer Repair owner Raul Glasgow does an interview for CBS News 12 about the rise of ransomware and his experiences with the malware..
The malicious programs infect machines then encrypts user files with an unbreakable encryption code.
Read more: Short Circuited Founder Raul Glasgow Does a Consumer Reports Interview about Ransomware.
The computer repair rates for consumers are more simple.
For an onsite tech to come to your home or business: $150. Fee covers 1 hour of service.
Basic PC repair charge: $100.
PC Laptop Screen Repair- Non Touch Screen: $100
PC Laptop Screen Repair -Touch Screen: $150
Macbook Screen Repair: $150 for older model macs.
Read more: New York City, Brooklyn, Local Computer Repair Rates - Consumer
Audio surveillance equipment such as surveillance microphones are useful tools to add to your CCTV camera systems, however federal, state, and local laws must be considered before implementing such systems. Microphones allow operators of surveillance systems to not only see what is going on at their home or business, but also allow you to hear what is going on.
Having audio surveillance is a big step into making your business safe, productive, and secure. You will be able to hear what is being said and you can ensure that employees are safe.
Short Circuited’s NYC video security camera installations are done by professional installers that have expertise in the business of installing video security systems.
A site survey is usually necessary to determine where exactly each camera is to be installed. Customers can also send us videos of the areas they need cameras installed and this can give us an initial assessment of the site.
Also what type of camera is the most appropriate for that location. With the customer's feedback regarding the areas of coverage - field of view .
Visible security camera can also be a deterrent to thieves. Most criminals look for vulnerable targets. Visible security cameras makes most criminals think twice.
We at Shortcircuited Computer Services saw our first ransomware attack 6.5 years ago.
In 2013 ransomware attacks were new and not prevalent and most companies had no clue on how to deal with infections.
Once attacked there are basically two options. Restore from a backup or pay the ransom.
That's it. Sometimes you may get lucky and find decryptors online
Because of these limited options we at Shortcircuited are more focused on hack prevention as opposed to the data recovery aspect. Protect your valuable data against the recent worms.
Call us at 347-791-3311 if your office machines are infected with ransomware.
A technician will respond to your inquiries as soon as possible.
Ransomware mediation services in events that there is no decryptor.
Read more: Ransomware Attack Prevention and Recovery Services. Data recovery