The Real Times

Welcome

Welcome to the November 2014 Edition of the Real Times.

Wow! How time Flies! It's been 2 years since Super Storm Sandy, Thanksgiving is right around the corner and just a few short weeks later we will be celebrating the end of year holidays. Next thing you know we will be changing the calendars to 2015!

This edition is focused on security and risk reduction. Just as you don't leave the doors on your home or car unlocked, or walk down a dark alley alone, it is important to be aware of potential or real threats to your computers both at home and at work. We have selected articles on safe surfing practices that apply anytime, how to make sure the POODLE vulnerability is closed on your personal devices, preparing for pandemics and the risks of not upgrading from Windows Server 2003.

It's hard to believe that it's been almost 10 years since Microsoft released Windows Server 2003. Like Windows XP before it, Windows Server 2003 has been a stable and reliable Operating System platform. But, as with many such things, the passage of time and the evolution that it brings, forces a change. Microsoft has announced that it will no longer support Windows Server 2003 after July 14, 2015. If you are running this OS you should not wait till next year to begin to plan on upgrading. Win Server 2003 was developed before many of the cyber threats we routinely hear about came into existence. Memory and storage capabilities are considerably greater today and cannot be leveraged by an older OS such as Windows Server 2003. If you have compliance requirements, you may be open to fines if you continue to use an outdated system. The good news is you don't have to figure this out alone. Call your Real Time Consultants representative today to discuss how we can help. See this month's article for more information.

This is the last Real Times of 2014. We will return in January with more thought provoking articles and commentary. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions.

Thanks for your business.

Happy Holidays to all our clients, friends and partners.

John Azzinaro
And the Real Time Team

	November 2014 In this issue. . .
►	Welcome
►	Migrating from Windows Server 2003 is not optional�it's a necessity
►	7 steps for safer surfing
►	Security Update on POODLE vulnerability
►	Business Continuity Tip
►	Just for Laughs

Real Time Contacts
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John Iaccarino, President -
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John Azzinaro, COO -
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Bill Jacques, Vice President -
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Jim Bohlin, Vice President -
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Mike Van Pelt, CTO
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Mike Cray,
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Bob Larsen,
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Just for Laughs

Quote of the Month

We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.

- John W. Gardner

Migrating from Windows Server 2003 is not optional—it's a necessity

Change is inevitable. And with IT operations, that phrase couldn't be truer. In April 2014, Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP. And now MIcrosoft has announced it will no longer support Windows Server 2003 after July 14, 2015. The risk of running outdated, unsecure, and non-compliant infrastructure and software is too great to ignore. Migrating from Server 2003 to Server 2012 isn't necessarily difficult, but moving your data and applications can be a logistically complex, worrisome task. Start thinking about it now, put it in your budget, and get ready to make the move. But remember you don't have to do this alone—Real Time Consultants, Inc. is here to help!

7 steps for safer surfing
used with permission from HP Technology at Work

You might not think about it when you're browsing the web, shopping online and interacting on social media, but you are the first line of defense against cyber security risks. The power to be safe is in your hands, and at your fingertips. Developing and maintaining good habits can make online activity much safer, and more enjoyable for you and your colleagues.

The following 7 good habits take only minutes to learn. and are easy enough to incorporate into your daily work life.

Security Update on POODLE vulnerability

A couple of days ago a new vulnerability was uncovered called "POODLE". This vulnerability potentially places all web servers at risk that allow lower forms of encryption (SSL version 3). If exploited, data that should be secure could be compromised. There are a couple of things that need to be done to ensure you and your organization are protected.

If you have a server that is hosting a website of any kind, it should be secured by disabling SSLv3. This includes but is not limited to Microsoft Exchange, web servers, small business servers.
Your computers/devices are also at risk if you connect to a website that has not disabled SSLv3. It is strongly encouraged that you configure your web browser not to allow SSLv3. Please see information below on how to do that.

Business Continuity Tip

Preparing for Pandemics

With so many health concerns swirling around right now including Ebola and the upcoming flu season, it is important to remember the best defense against any illness remains preparedness.

Employers can help reduce their employees risk, and at the same time reduce the organization's risk as well. With proper planning, education and services such as the flu vaccine, an organization can minimize sick days and reduce health costs while ensuring that productivity and quality are maintained.

Download Agility's Pandemic Whitepaper for actionable advice on what you can do to protect both your employees and your organization.

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