I want to bring to your attention something that is on the rise as of late. Its called “Phishing.” Phishing is the act of attempting to acquire information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Communications purporting to be from popular social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors or IT administrators are commonly used to lure the unsuspecting public. Phishing emails may contain links to websites that are infected with malware. Phishing is typically carried out by e-mail spoofing or instant messaging, and it often directs users to enter details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one. Phishing is an example of social engineering techniques used to deceive users,and exploits the poor usability of current web security technologies. Attempts to deal with the growing number of reported phishing incidents include legislation, user training, public awareness, and technical security measures.

BIG SUR MYCLOUD MAY MADNESS SPECIAL!

ARE YOU READY?

• Are you ready to run your business more efficiently?

• Are you ready to net your IT budget?

• Are you ready to work from anywhere at any time?

• Are you ready to finally eliminate your technology headaches?

• Are you ready for peace of mind?

If you answer YES to any of these questions, then you should take advantage of the Big Sur MyCloud Solution.

To celebrate the success of MyCloud, Big Sur is offering a very special discount for the month of May. Any business that signs a MyCloud agreement and pays the initial setup costs prior to May 31, 2013, will receive 50% off their first month of service! 

For Immediate Release

 Big Sur Technologies, Inc.  Earns Industry Credential for Managed IT Services Providers

CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark signifies commitment to high industry code of conduct, high level of customer support

 10/9/2012 – Tampa, Florida – Big Sur Technologies, Inc. a Managed Cloud Services and Support Provider announced today it has received the CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark for its use of industry-accepted best practices for service delivery and customer interaction.

 The CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark developed by the leading non-profit association for the information technology industry, signifies that [company name] is committed to serving its customers in a manner that’s based on the industry’s best practices.

 “This credential identifies Big Sur Technologies as an IT service provider that’s demonstrated a high level of competency through their use of prescribed industry best practices and processes.” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA.

 To attain the CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark, Big Sur Technologies, Inc. was evaluated on their a number of aspects of their business operations, including organizational structure, technology tools and systems they utilize; standard operating procedures; and IT service specific activities they’re engaged in, for network, server or end-user devices.

 Big Sur Technologies, Inc. also agreed to abide by an industry code of conduct that requires a commitment to conducting advertising, service delivery and overall business practices in an ethical manner.

 The CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark is one of several business credentials offered by CompTIA to IT industry companies as a way to demonstrate that their business adheres to the industry's best practices and demonstrates to current and potential customers they have the dedication, knowledge and resources to perform quality service. Visit CompTIA Business Credentials to learn more.

 About Big Sur Technologies, Inc.

Big Sur Technologies is the industry leader in secure Cloud Computing for small businesses. Big Sur’s MY CLOUD offers an immediate advantage to our clients by guaranteeing 99.99% uptime and providing a way to access your desktop and files through any available high speed Internet connection. The high availability of your data ensures business continuity, relieves stress and helps you get back to work in case of a disaster. Big Sur Technologies is a modern company with old fashion morals. We govern ourselves and clients within the golden rule. During our 12 years serving the Bay Area, we have built a reputation for being the go-to IT Services Company for HealthCare, Education, Government and Small to Medium sized businesses. Big Sur increases the value of progressive organizations that know the worth of technology and want to get the most out of their IT investments. For more information, visit www.bigsurtech.com or follow Big Sur Technologies on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/bigsurtech . 

About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. As a non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of IT professionals and companies, CompTIA is the recognized authority for IT education and credentials and the primary advocate for IT businesses and workers. Through its foundation, CompTIA also enables disadvantaged populations to gain the skills they need for employment in the IT industry.  CompTIA’s vision of the IT landscape is shaped by more than 25 years of global perspective and more than 2,000 members and 1,000 business partners. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/comptia. 

So I have been working with a customer for a few years now. In the past year or so I have strongly recommended that they replace all of their dead UPS’s, Surge Strips, and yes the PC’s and Devices that are in the wall directly with new warranty based battery backup solutions. Be it financial reasons or other, it was not done.

Well for those of you not in Tampa Bay, we are back in our heavy storm season where as almost every day we get nasty storms and lightning. This week, this customer took a direct hit from a lightning strike – and when I say direct, I mean full on direct. I am told they saw Fire come out of the phone pbx box mounted on the wall. What makes this even scarier is that the PBX was 3 feet away from the server and backup tapes.

Now in this customers defense, they are moving to a new location where as all of these issues will be resolved – but it had not happened yet. The team and I were able to get onsite that afternoon – we were shocked what what we found. The following were damaged beyond repair.

• A BrightHouse Cable Modem
• Linksys RVS400 Router
• 4 PC’s Motherboard Network Cards
• 1 PC – (3 Months Old) – Totally fried – Very important data on C: (not on server)
• 1 – 8 Port Network Switch
• 1 – 5 Port Network Switch
• 1 – 24 Port Network Switch (Picture Above)
• 1 – Very expensive Printer/Scanner/Fax

It took my team about 6 Hours combined to troubleshoot all of the failures, and get them up and running with “Big Sur Loaner Gear”. This customer will now need to buy new network cards, switches, routers, etc.

I am in the process of helping them with the new building where as everything will be on UPS.

Now, how can this be prevented?

Make sure ALL of your digital equipment is on a suitable UPS with the Network Jack Protection. The above issue I just spoke about was because lightning traveled through the network cables. I am still surprised today how many people spend upwards of $1500.00 on a fancy new computer, and 1000’s more on network gear and plug it directly into the wall or directly into their cube. I even come across people who later tell me that when the power blips, the pc just shuts off even with a battery. (Just so you know – This is for 1 of 3 reasons, 1 – Your battery is DEAD – replace it asap, 2 – your PC is plugged into the surge side of the battery backup, not the battery, or 3 you do not have a battery backup) IF this customer had the UPS’s in place with network protection, we would not have had such a large scale failure if anything at all.

Battery Backup’s cost about $40-$60 for the low end models, compare that to the $1500 you spend on the hardware, and the $300-$600 – you will need to pay a engineer to fix your problem. Also add the cost of the lost productivity that that person can not work.

As you can see, the $40-$60 is a much smarter move. If you would like a quote on new batterys, or would like our team to assess your network for this type of issue, please let me know and I will be happy to help. Rember – IF you have a UPS, and fill out the warranty card – Most UPS/Battery Backup Vendors will cover your failed equipment! but only IF you keep the reciept, and register the unit.

Again, Thanks for stopping by!

As a self proclaimed, "geeky IT guy" I have an affinity for a sci-fi vision of the future. The cloud network model that we provide, and that which is becoming popular in the business and entertainment world, is a step toward that future. The cloud extends our accessibility to data and service. You are no longer tied to one location to work or enjoy your media. This brings us outside of the office and into the world.

LPI Level Platforms Inc., a global leader in remote monitoring and management software for solution and managed service providers (MSPs), is pleased to announce the 2010 Level Platforms Partner Award winners. These awards recognize excellence in business and innovation, as well as provide the opportunity to celebrate contributions that Partners make to both Level Platforms and the MSP community at large.