Myths of Safe Web Browsing

As more and more legitimate websites are being hijacked or duplicated by attackers for malicious purposes, simply avoiding sites subjectively perceived as “risky” is no longer proving sufficient in keeping business networks safe from Internet threats. To coincide with this rapid evolution of website infection methods, popular perceptions and practices of what may be considered “safe web browsing” must also evolve accordingly. The following whitepaper provided by our security solutions provider Sophos outlines common misconceptions about safe web browsing and tips on how to keep your network safe and secure when your business’ employees are browsing the web.

The 10 Myths of Safe Web Browsing – A Sophos Whitepaper

3D Corporation provides best-in-class security solutions to keep business networks safe and secure. To find out more, call our office at (360) 671-4906, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/.

Meet Team 3D: Tom Boyd, Project Manager

As 3D’s Project Manager, Tom Boyd is among the most famous of 3D’s employees, working closely with 3D’s clients to make major improvements to their networks and thereby major improvements to their businesses. 3D’s Marketing Manager, Gail, conducted the following interview with Tom to share with the rest of the world how much of a superstar (and perhaps even a superhero) he is as a person as well as a 3D employee.

1. [Gail] So Tom, how long have you been working at 3D, and what brought you to this wonderful place?

[Tom] I've been with 3D for coming on seven years. When I came to 3D, I had just finished my degree and was looking to get into Network Engineering. I had been told by several colleagues that 3D was the best place to go and pursue my career choice. I interviewed with our CEO, Dave Koshinz, and the rest is history.

2. “Project Manager” is kind of a generic job title. What kind of projects do you manage at 3D?

The projects I manage for 3D are usually focused on deploying new IT infrastructure or enhancing existing infrastructure for our clients. This may involve doing the project directly or overseeing a team of our great engineers who do the deployment. It is also my responsibility to review and approve the proposals for these projects and do network assessments before projects to ensure we are fulfilling our client’s business needs.

3. I heard you served in the US Marine Corps. What was that experience like for you, and how does it relate to the work you do today?

It was the most challenging and satisfying experience I have had in my life. It relates not just to the work I do today but in my personal life as well. The Marine Corps sets a basis for personal good conduct that stays with the Marine for the rest of their life. This is why a Marine is forever a Marine.

4. What is your favorite thing about working for 3D, besides seeing my beautiful face every day?

My favorite thing about working for 3D is our exceptional staff. I love working with our dedicated, caring and talented employees. We have created an exceptional culture that I feel privileged to be a part of.

5. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment, either at 3D, elsewhere, or both?

Graduating from the United States Marine Corps basic training has always felt like my greatest accomplishment. It was the most difficult and challenging task I have ever done in my life. Working in IT, however, provides a new challenge to overcome every day. There's always a new problem that provides a sense of accomplishment when those problems are solved. Solving problems is one of the primary reasons I enjoy working in IT. At 3D, we have a very fast paced environment with new challenges everyday, which keeps me going.

6. Finally, what do you like to do outside of work? I kind of get a ‘party animal’ vibe from you…

I wouldn't consider myself a party animal, but I do enjoy letting go from time to time if I have great company to do it with. I enjoy eating good food, drinking good wines and microbrew beers. I love to read both non-fiction and fiction. I enjoy working and playing with my German Shepherd, Akiva. I also love getting out into nature and going camping and hiking when our weather allows for it. I enjoy movies: sci-fi and dramas mostly. Certainly best for last: I enjoy spending time with my wonderful fiancée Hilary.

[Gail] Well Tom, thank you for your service to our country as well as sharing details about yourself and your experience as 3D’s Project Manager. You’re an amazing person and co-worker!

3D is happy to have Tom 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.

Adobe Releases Out-of-Band Security Updates to Correct Flaws in Adobe Reader, Acrobat and Flash

Adobe has just released out-of-band security updates to correct critical vulnerabilities in Adobe Reader, Acrobat and Flash running on all operating systems. Attackers most commonly exploit these vulnerabilities by luring users to visit a website containing malicious Adobe Flash or Reader content, which could ultimately enable an attacker to gain full control of the user’s machine.

Users of these Adobe applications should download the security updates as soon as possible. More information on these updates and installation instructions can be found in Adobe security bulletins “APSB11-05: March 2011 Flash Player Update” and “APSB11-06 : March 2011 Reader and Acrobat Update”.

To read more about security threats to Adobe applications, please refer to our previous blog post entitled “An Unpatched Adobe Application does for an Unsafe Network Make”.

3D Corporation can evaluate your network and provide assistance in ensuring patches for these applications are up-to-date. For more information on the services 3D provides to keep business networks secure, please call our office at (360) 671-4906, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/.

References: “Adobe Patches Zero Day in Flash Player, Reader, and Acrobat”, watchguardsecuritycenter.com; “APSB11-05: March 2011 Flash Player Update” and “APSB11-06 : March 2011 Reader and Acrobat Update”, adobe.com

Apple Releases Security Updates to Fix 57 Vulnerabilities in OS X

Apple has just released security updates to fix 57 vulnerabilities in all current versions of OS X 10.5.x (Leopard) and OS X 10.6.x (Snow Leopard), Apple’s line of operating systems. Attackers exploit these vulnerabilities in numerous ways, some of which include luring users to visit malicious websites or to download and view malicious documents and images, which could ultimately allow the attacker to gain full control over the user’s machine.

3D Corporation highly recommends that Mac users update their machines as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of attack. More information and instructions on how to apply these updates can be found in Apple’s security update “About the security content of Mac OS X v10.6.7 and Security Update 2011-001”.

To read more about security threats to Macs, please refer to our previous blog post entitled "Don't Be Lulled into a False Sense of Security".

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: “2011’s First OS X Update Patches 57 Vulnerabilities”, watchguardsecuritycenter.com; “About the security content of Mac OS X v10.6.7 and Security Update 2011-001”, support.apple.com

Network Engineer Mike McGlothern achieves Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA® Wireless) Certification

3D Corporation announces Mike McGlothern, Network Engineer & Help Desk Lead, has earned Cisco Certified Network Associate Wireless (CCNA® Wireless) certification, thereby validating competency in configuring, implementing and supporting wireless LAN networks, specifically networks using Cisco equipment.

Cisco Systems, Inc., a corporation that designs and sells business electronics, networking and communications technologies, awards CCNA® Wireless certification to network professionals that exhibit the skills required to support a wireless network on small and medium business (SMB) and enterprise Cisco WLAN networks. McGlothern employs these competencies when identifying the technology needs of 3D’s clients and implementing products and services to fulfill those needs.

CCNA® Wireless certification adds to McGlothern’s impressive array of existing certifications including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®), Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA®), Cisco SMB Specialization for Engineers, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, several CompTIA certifications, and many others. Other members of the 3D engineering team also hold certifications in Microsoft, Cisco, WatchGuard and other technologies that recognize their expertise in using these products to provide businesses with reliable network management and support.

To learn more about how certifications like these provide value to our clients, call us at (360) 671-4906, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/.

Internet Scammers Exploiting Disasters in Japan

The recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters in Japan brought an enormous amount of traffic to Internet news sites in the past week. As horrible as it sounds, it’s common for Internet scammers to use such catastrophes to entice users to visit malicious phishing sites* and download maliciously-crafted files, and the disasters in Japan were of no exception.

Our security solutions provider WatchGuard reports that within just a few hours of the first earthquake, attackers had already started massive campaigns to lure people to sites disguised as aide donation sites by using so called “Black Hat Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” techniques, which essentially link popular search terms related to the disaster to malicious websites. By using these techniques, attackers get their sites to rank high in search engine results, obviously increasing the likelihood of users visiting and donating money to what they think will go to a noble cause. Internet users should use caution when searching for sites containing details on the events in Japan and when making online donations.

3D provides best-in-class security solutions to protect businesses from Internet exploits. To find out more, call our office at (360) 671-4906, send us an email at info@3dcorp.us, or visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/.

*Phishing sites: fake websites made to look identical to legitimate websites, usually with the intent to steal personal information from site visitors.

References:
"Scummy attackers preying on Japanese disaster for a buck", watchguardsecuritycenter.com

Jon Duryee joins 3D Corporation as Network Administrator

Network management firm 3D Corporation is pleased to announce that Jon Duryee has joined the company to assume the role of Network Administrator.

As Network Administrator, Duryee’s responsibilities involve providing clients with remote and onsite network assistance and will eventually evolve into providing project management and emergency network problem resolution services. Duryee’s 20 years of diverse work experience in the IT industry, his degree in Computer Information Systems from Skagit Valley College in addition to his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE + Internet), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), A+ Certified Technician and several other certifications make him a great asset to 3D’s Engineering Department.

3D is happy to have Jon as a member of our team and is always looking for talented individuals like him to join. We are currently hiring, so 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.

Now Hiring: Business Analyst/Account Manager

3D is seeking a new member of our account management team to assist with supporting existing clients as well as developing new business. A strong work ethic, good communication skills, and a desire for professional growth are required.

Qualifications: Prior experience in an account management or sales support position. The ability to interact with upper level management at existing clients and the ability to field incoming inquiries from new accounts is a must. Prior experience preparing and presenting proposals to clients is preferred. This individual should have the ability to expand their book of business with support from our marketing team. A professional demeanor and the ability to work independently as well as within a team framework are important.

Experience: A minimum of two to four years experience in a sales or sales support role is required. Prior experience in a technology or service related company is preferred.

Please reply with cover letter detailing the number of years of experience to careers@3dcorp.us. Resumes without proper cover letters will not be reviewed.

For more information about our company and services, visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/.