The Jexet Technology Times | April 2017

The Jexet Technology Times | April 2017

As of January 31, “outsiders” can now Skype into the White House Press Room. This enables journalists outside the Washington, DC, area to ask questions during White House press briefings. It’s part of the Trump administration’s strategy to keep in touch with people outside the beltway. Journalists attending via Skype must be at least 50 miles from the DC area. All political questions aside, it’s just another example of business (or, in this case, government) taking advantage of available technologies. Or, in this case, finally catching up… Skype, the world’s largest video calling service, is nothing new – it’s been around since 2003. Sometimes it just takes a while for users to figure out how to make tech work to their advantage.
Yahoo.com, 01.31.17

Anti-malware programs can’t even touch this new kind of attack... “Fileless” attacks became all the rage among hackers in 2016. According to a report by cybersecurity firm Carbon Black, fourth quarter 2016 saw a 33% rise in these “non-malware” attacks compared to the first quarter. Experts expect the trend to continue through 2017. Cyberbad-guys carry out these attacks in any number of ways. Their “en vogue” method at the start of 2017 was hijacking PowerShell and WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) to do their dirty deeds. Brian Kenyon, chief strategy officer for Symantec, said recently, “Fileless infections are difficult to detect and often elude intrusion prevention and antivirus programs.” Reports show the Democratic National Committee hack last year used a fileless attack.
DarkReading.com, 12.27.16

“DIY” data security kits can offer basic protection. Are you a do-it-yourselfer willing to take defending your company’s data into your own hands? If so, you can find a variety of low to no cost products that provide basic safeguards. Koozali SME Server, for instance, bundles security and other server apps for small businesses. These include file sharing, directory access, redundant backups, firewall and web hosting. Its makers claim you can be up and running with it in less than 20 minutes. It’s based on Linux, yet allows you to network Windows and MacOS as well as Linux-based devices. It’s all free and there is no paid version. However, because no support is provided, you may need to contact a professional for assistance. SmallBusinessComputing.com, 12.21.16

Cassette audio tapes (remember those?) are making a comeback. Compact disk sales are declining, yet vinyl records have enjoyed a resurgence over the past several years. And last year, cassette sales rose to 129,000 units, an increase of 74% over 2015. So what’s up with cassettes – why so popular all of a sudden? Actually, the numbers are still miniscule compared to the 105 million CDs sold in 2016. Yet the bump in cassette sales reflects a growing appetite for tangible items that fans can cherish. Also, it doesn’t hurt that artists like Justin Bieber, Eminem and Prince brought tape reissues to market. Or that online retailer Urban Outfitters has exclusive deals to sell their cassettes, as well as vintage gear to play them on.
TheVerge.com, 01.23.17


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