Updates Released by Microsoft to Fix Several Highly-Critical Vulnerabilities

Microsoft has released numerous patches to correct serious vulnerabilities found in Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office running on all current versions of Windows. An attacker typically exploits the vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer by enticing users to visit a malicious webpage (possibly including legitimate webpages); attackers use the vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office to entice users to open maliciously-crafted Office documents. Once the webpage or Office document is opened, the attacker uses it to execute code on a user’s computer, possibly enabling them to gain full control over the user’s machine.

3D Corporation will automatically test and deploy the aforementioned patches on the networks of our 3DProActive™ Managed and Partner clients; other Internet Explorer and Office users should download and install the appropriate patches immediately to avoid possible exploitation of their machines. As attackers are hijacking more and more legitimate webpages everyday, it’s becoming ever more crucial that businesses keep their patches up-to-date.

More information regarding these vulnerabilities and their impact can be found in the following security bulletins issued by Microsoft: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-090 - Critical; Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-103 - Important; Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-105 - Important.

3D’s security solutions can protect businesses from threats like these automatically. If you would like additional information on how we can make and keep your network worry-free, please visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call our office at (360) 671-4906.

References: WatchGuard’s LiveSecurity Service Updates “IE Suffers from Five New ‘Drive by Download’ Vulnerabilities” and “Office Update Fixes Flaws with Image-Embedded Documents”; Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-090 - Critical; Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-103 - Important; Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-105 - Important

3D provides computer networking equipment and expertise to Whatcom County’s Toys for Tots

3D Corporation is pleased to announce its continued support for Whatcom County’s Toys for Tots program. This is 3D’s second year of providing equipment and engineering support to the local drive’s computer network.

In addition to providing various network components, 3D Network Engineer Shaun Conley has donated both work and personal time to configure, troubleshoot and support these systems during the drive, thereby helping volunteers track toy distribution.

“I started working with Toys for Tots years ago when I was in the military, handing out toys to children on opening day in uniform,” comments Conley. “When I heard Toys for Tots in Bellingham needed help setting up the computer equipment 3D provided as well as technical support throughout the drive, I readily volunteered. It has been fun and rewarding, and I plan on volunteering next year if they need help with their network again.”

To learn more about 3D's computer networking solutions, visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/.

Apple Releases Update to Fix QuickTime Vulnerabilities

Apple has just released an updated version of QuickTime, Apple’s media player for Windows and Mac, to fix 15 vulnerabilities found in QuickTime versions 7.6.8 and earlier. Attackers exploit these vulnerabilities in numerous ways, including enticing users to view a maliciously-crafted movie or image file, which could ultimately allow the attacker to gain full control over the user’s computer.

3D Corporation highly recommends that QuickTime users download the updated version, QuickTime 7.6.9, as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of attack. More information on the security of QuickTime can be found in Apple’s security update “About the Security Content of QuickTime 7.6.9”.

If you would like information on network security solutions provided by 3D, visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call us at (360) 671-4906.

References: WatchGuard’s LiveSecurity Update “Pictures and Videos Pose a Threat to QuickTime for Windows and Mac”; Apple’s Security Update “About the Security Content of QuickTime 7.6.9”

Should I buy or lease assets for my business?

This decision depends on several factors, such as the cost of the asset, your cash and/or credit position, and the asset's value to you now and in the future.

In the short term, leasing an asset allows you to try out a product without necessarily making a lengthy commitment. If you find the item does not meet your needs, you are not stuck with it as you might be if you had bought it and had difficulty reselling it. For items that quickly become technologically obsolete (e.g., computers and communications equipment), successive leasing allows you the flexibility of upgrading. In most cases, a lessor (particularly of office equipment) will also provide maintenance support on the items you lease.

Buying an asset provides you with equity, but it may also require a substantial cash outlay for an outright purchase or a down payment. Certainly, obtaining credit for a large purchase (e.g., an office building) may be difficult, and credit for leases is easier to obtain.

In contrast, you will likely spend more dollars by leasing over the life of the asset than you would with a purchase, even if you consider the interest payments on a loan since most leasing companies charge a significantly higher interest rate than a bank. This is particularly true with real estate. The interest you pay on loans to acquire real property may be tax deductible as a business expense, as may maintenance costs and depreciation on the asset. In addition, leases can be risky. If you run into cash flow problems or if your business goes under, you may still be legally responsible for continuing the lease payments.

Your decision to lease or buy should be a careful one, made only after thoughtful consideration. As a general rule of thumb, buy the asset if it will increase in value over time and you plan to keep it more than five years. If the asset will decrease in value, lease it.

For more specific information, contact your tax advisor.

Posted by Gene Bell & Associates, http://www.genebellassociates.com/

Gene Bell & Associates, Inc. has been a valued client of 3D Corporation for 7 years. We truly appreciate their outstanding contribution to our blog and welcome contributions from our other valued clients as well. If you’re a 3D client and would like to partner with us in sharing your expertise to contribute to the success of our business community, please contact 3D at (360) 671-4906 or info@3dcorp.us to be directed to our marketing department.

Technical Analyst Anthony Esposito achieves WatchGuard Certified System Professional Certification

3D Corporation announces Anthony Esposito, 3D’s newly-hired Technical Analyst, has earned the WatchGuard Certified System Professional Certification, further enhancing the company’s range of professional certifications.

WatchGuard Technologies awards this certification to individuals that prove competency in the installation, configuration, and management of WatchGuard’s best-in-class extensible threat management and content security appliances. As a 3D Technical Analyst, Esposito assists in recommending and implementing WatchGuard’s products to provide clients with dependable security solutions that best fit their business’ technology needs.

In addition to achieving WatchGuard Certified System Professional Certification, Esposito is also a Certified SonicWALL Security Administrator (CSSA) and possesses extensive experience in IT consulting, network engineering and account management for businesses with as many as 500 users. Other members of the 3D engineering team also hold certifications in WatchGuard, Microsoft, Cisco and other technologies that recognize their proficiency in using these products to provide businesses with reliable network management and support.

3D is happy to have Anthony as a member of our team and is always looking for talented individuals like him to join. To find out more about how to become part of the 3D team, visit the Careers page of our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/careers.html.