Blog
Check Before Updating Your Java
Software companies seem to be losing their longstanding battle with the hacking community. In a recent blog post, Eric P. Maurice, who is the director of Software Security Assurance for Oracle, reported a devastating new software vulnerability that, while somewhat complex to execute, can result in the complete compromise of a user’s system. Designated CVE-2016-0603, […]
Avoid These Dangerous Activities Online
There are a lot of things we do on the internet that we take for granted, but in some cases, and in certain parts of the world, there are things that can actually land you in jail. Take a look at the list below, and beware. It pays to be mindful of where you are […]
Apple Replacing USB-C Cables For Certain Models
USB-C cable technology has enormous promise, so it’s a real shame that it has been plagued with so many issues in recent months. The problems for the new technology began a few months back, when it was widely reported that cheaply made USB-C cables were being shipped without power regulating features, meaning that you could […]
Why You May Want To Rethink “Smart” Devices in the Office
Has your network ever been attacked or successfully hacked by a rogue refrigerator? That sentence sounds silly, but believe it or not, it has actually happened! As the number of smart, internet-connected devices continues to grow, and the “Internet of Things” (IoT) takes on increasing importance in our daily lives, the risks to those devices […]
Own an LG Phone? You Might Be At Risk
LG has a problem, and if you own an LG phone, you’ve got a problem too. The reason? LG phones come with an app called “Smart Notice” preloaded and activated on literally every phone the company makes. This Smart Notice app is a handy feature, to be sure, but it comes with a critical flaw. […]
New Details on Previously Reported Landry Hack
Landry’s has been in the news recently because like so many other companies, they recently fell victim to a successful hacking attack. The company has released additional details about the incident, and it sheds some light on the root causes of the problem they faced. In their particular case, the hack manifested itself in the […]
Is Microsoft Forcing Windows 10 On You?
Windows 10 has seen the fastest rate of adoption of any OS in Microsoft’s history. It’s unquestionably a good product, and even better, at least for a limited time, it’s a free product. That’s a hard combination to beat, but for a variety of reasons, some people just don’t want to upgrade, and that’s their […]
IRS Computer Failures Affecting Users
Are you planning to file your taxes online? If so, you may see some delays in getting your refund. The IRS has been experiencing intermittent problems with their eFile system that has been making it impossible to take the final step in online submissions. This requires online filers to save their returns and try again […]
Data Attacks On The Rise – Neiman Marcus Latest Casualty
How long has it been since we’ve seen a full week go by without another headline of yet another data breach? Far too long, and this week is no exception. The latest victim? High-end retailer Neiman Marcus. Fortunately, at least in terms of scope and scale, this breach is a relatively small one. A spokesman […]
Avoid Cheap USB-C Cables – Or Risk Your Machine
Everybody’s always looking for new ways to save money. A little here, a little there, and before you know it, you can realize significant savings. The problem with that approach, however, is that sometimes, the quest to save a few bucks can wind up being much more expensive in the long run. Take, for example, […]
A Visionary Approach to Your Security
The purpose of an IT partner isn’t just to fix something when it is broken, it is to keep your people working and your data secure. Astral moves beyond traditional managed services by addressing all the key areas of cybersecurity in today’s complex landscape.
