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    • Sep 14

Pegasus Attacks! Be on Watch!

The big news today was about Pegasus, the exploit targeting Apple devices. Pegasus exploits a vulnerability in iMessage, and can install itself on a device without a user doing anything to facilitate the installation. The spyware allows an attacker to steal messages, emails, and location data, and record with the camera and microphone.


Don't miss that you need to also separately upgrade your Apple Watch after you have updated your iPhone's operating system. Go to the Apple Watch app on the phone, and select General . . . Software Update.










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    • Sep 2

The Quantum Computing Threat to VPNs

Google, IBM, and other tech companies are developing quantum computers which are more powerful than conventional computers. They work by storing information in a quantum form - a form based on atomic level particles. Rather than storing data in bits, data is stored in qubits in a quantum form.


Cybersecurity professionals are already developing virtual private networks which have encryption that can protect data from hacking attempts performed with quantum computers. As discussed in the Tip of the Night for September 30, 2019 VPNs send data through a provider's server and encrypt it. An quantum computer would have enough power to run calculations necessary to crack current cryptography keys.


The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has initiated a program to develop encryption strong enough to provide protection for when quantum computers are widely used.



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    • Aug 30

Don't Let Windows AutoPlay

Be sure that your Windows operating system is not set to automatically run files found on flash drives, memory cards, smartphones, and tablets. The files on these devices may install unwanted malware without warning.


In order to ensure that the autoplay setting is not enabled, search for 'autoplay' in Windows, and bring up this dialog box.


Set not only 'Use AutoPlay for all media and devices' to OFF, but also set the defaults for external drives; memory cards; smartphones; and tablets to 'Take no action'.


It's a bad idea to have your OS set to run external media automatically, no matter how convenient it might be.

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Sean O'Shea has more than 15 years of experience in the litigation support field with major law firms in New York and San Francisco.   He is an ACEDS Certified eDiscovery Specialist and a Relativity Certified Administrator.

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This policy is subject to change at any time.