What is Wardriving?
May 8, 2018
What is wardriving?
Wardriving is a technique by hackers and security experts to conduct large-scale surveillance of networks by simply driving by their signals and recording the information. It is also a game played among many of them to see who can collect the most network-data. It starts with downloading an app such as G-MoN or Wigle. Once the app is installed and an account is setup, the individual only needs to drive around and it will automatically capture the information being broadcasted by wireless devices. These devices can be wireless access points, wireless printers, Bluetooth devices, and home automation systems.
Why ... Continue Reading
New Malware Detected
April 17, 2018
Beware of running executable (.exe) files. We found this sticky virus on a machine and decided to get a copy of it to upload for analysis. WARNING, this malicious trojan cannot be removed via most anti-virus applications (we have tested about 10 different applications) as it replicates and creates a non-intrusive RAT via Supremo Remote Software in order to restore itself. It also escalates privileges and implements a rootkit allowing for complete access while blocking yours. This process was found in a hidden directory C:/ProgramData/WeatherBug/ creating 119 registry records.
Sophos responded to the uploaded detection with:
"1. SetupNow.exe is a New detection: ... Continue Reading
Switch to Fast & Secure DNS
April 3, 2018
We have seen a very exciting development in the technology community!
In today's hectic online environment, it is easy to forget that there are many sites keeping tabs on your whereabouts. It could be your shopping preferences, political opinions, surfing habits, and much more. Cloudflare, a well-known Internet privacy and security company, just launched its 1.1.1.1 DNS service (with 1.0.0.1 as an alternate for redundancy). This new service is performance-driven and privacy-focused. Unlike their competitors such as Google and OpenDNS, Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 DNS service can reach faster resolutions as low as 11.3-14 milliseconds and clears its logs every 24 hours to ... Continue Reading
Network Security Solutions – Are Your Documents Secure?
January 31, 2018
January 29th, 2018
Network Security Solution
Why Choose Sophos?
Sophos makes enterprise-grade security that is feasible for small and mid-sized companies. It provides sophisticated protection with simple management that our competitors are unable to match. Created by SophosLabs and DARPA, Sophos has a unique edge in the field of security using theory, synchronized protection, and heuristic learning algorithms to prevent attacks before they happen. This is unlike our competitors who react to attacks rather than prevent them.
Endpoint Protection for Businesses
Cape Fear Networks is proud to announce our partnership with Sophos, an international network security solutions provider. This is a next-generation level of protection ... Continue Reading
Join us in Welcoming Jason Rich to Cape Fear Networks
December 29, 2017
Say hello to the newest member of the Cape Fear Networks Tech Team, Jason Rich!
Jason has been an IT administrator since before WIFI was even a thing, and comes to us with experience at IBM and Duke Hospital, encompassing over 20 years in the IT field. Jason currently holds certifications in A+, CNA, MCP, MCSA, MCSE and CCNA, which without a doubt qualifies him to handle any of your computer network support needs!
When not busy configuring hardware and software applications or maintaining major networks he can be found soaking up the sunny skies and salty air on the Intracoastal Waterway ... Continue Reading
Happy Holidays from Cape Fear Networks
December 21, 2017
To Our Valued Clients
For us it is a pleasure to address you all during this end of year holiday season and we thank you for choosing our technology solutions and products, as we always make our best effort daily to not only meet but exceed your expectations. At Cape Fear Networks we truly value our relationships and appreciate working together with businesses like yours to ensure mutual growth and success.
This year we saw a lot of gains and even expanded our company with the addition of a highly skilled and devoted IT Engineer. All of this could not have been possible ... Continue Reading
New Features Added to Smartermail 16.x
November 29, 2017
Web Conferencing and Group Chat
Smarter Tools has just released another sneak peek of their new business email server Smartermail 16.x!
SmarterMail is evolving from an interface perspective by adopting the latest technologies for an improved user experience, moving to a complete API-driven backend and making the web interface more mobile friendly and responsive. Well, that’s not all we have in store as part of the upgrade for our email clients.
Introducing Web Conferencing
To go along with enterprise email and group chat, SmarterMail 16 will introduce built-in web conferencing, at no additional cost! This means you’ll be able to immediately start a web conference from within ... Continue Reading
Password Security Tips
October 19, 2017
Bes
Best Practices for Password Security: Length, Complexity and Use a Password Keeper
The most used mechanism for authentication is the password. Access is gained with passwords for mobile devices, computers, operating systems, and networks. Essentially, passwords are part our daily lives. Password security requirements have changed, and numerous passwords must contain a lengthy amount of characters that oftentimes include a combination of both lower and upper-case letters, numbers, and special characters. The password strength is seen as how long and/or how complex it is. Although passwords are unable to stop attacks, by using strong passwords cyber attacks are discouraged and slowed ... Continue Reading
Identity Phishing and How to Protect Yourself
October 10, 2017
Identity phishing attacks take place everywhere. According to Kaspersky, the online security firm, close to 800 billion attacks were repelled in the year 2015, which approximately 2 million were attempts to take money from bank accounts online.
Fraudwatch International, an online fraud protection service, shows recent sites utilized for phishing include Dropbox, Wells Fargo Bank, Microsoft OneDrive, Chase Bank, and WhatsApp.
Favored among hackers is Internet Service Provider (ISP). Scammers bust into ISP accounts in larger numbers than financial and banking institutions, according to Anti-Phishing Working Group. Hackers use these ISP accounts to send spam as well as steal credit ... Continue Reading
Hurricane Preparations for your Technology
September 8, 2017
Every year during Hurricane Season we get questions from clients about how to protect their electronic devices, like computers, from the storms. Just like you take measures to protect your home and family, there are several things you can do in advance to protect your technology. Power surge and water damage can be difficult or even impossible to repair. Below are a few ways you can be proactive - to save yourself time, money and headaches with our hurricane preparedness tips.
Cloud Based Servers are Best
Backup your important computer files to a cloud based service, like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Cloud based solutions ... Continue Reading
Recognizing and Avoiding Internet Scams
May 31, 2017
In today's cyber world, Internet scams are constantly evolving and hacking the information of many Internet users every single day. The best way to avoid these scams is to be able to understand and recognize the different types, as well stay informed about the newest and most popular scams currently circulating the Internet.
What are the most common types of Internet scams that cyber criminals are using today?
Auto Auctions – sale of non-existent vehicles.
Identity Theft – Personal information is compromised and used to obtain credit cards, loans or file tax returns.
Emergency Funds – Impersonation of a friend, family member or ... Continue Reading
Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
April 27, 2017
I love keyboard shortcuts; however, there are some that I just can't remember and have to Google every single time. How do I do a screen capture again? Instead of mousing over and finding what you need in a menu, memorize these Windows keyboard shortcuts to save a little time. Plus, it will make you look way smarter to coworkers when you perform fancy keyboard moves in front of them.
Bookmark this page, or download the printable Windows Keyboard Shortcuts (PDF) and post it up in your cubicle.
The New Control, Alt, Delete
You'll want to remember this one. If a program is acting up or frozen, ... Continue Reading
Digitus89 is now Cape Fear Networks
February 27, 2017
Wilmington Tech Firm Continues to Evolve, 28 Years Later
Introducing WebWorks89 and Cape Fear Networks – Almost three decades of experience, new names, same owner, same team, providing even better service
WILMINGTON, NC – Digitus89 is a cornerstone in the Wilmington technology industry. The company is well known for their website development, digital marketing and IT services. “I have always loved technology,” said Ray Rogers, President and CEO. “As our customer’s needs evolve, we will continue to do so as well.” On March 1, 2017, the company rolls out its next evolution with the introduction of WebWorks89 and Cape Fear Networks.
In order ... Continue Reading
Cape Fear Networks Incorporates Amazon Cloud Services
January 17, 2017
-Wilmington, NC- At Cape Fear Networks, we have been in business for 26 years now and have done-so by continually staying ahead of the technological curve. We provide our customers with the most reliable, advanced & cost-effective technology solutions the market has to offer and as 2016 approaches we have our sights on integrating Amazon's Cloud (AWS) into our services.
We provide clients with a Custom Network Management service, which enables businesses in a diverse range of industries, to operate seamlessly on a daily basis. We’ll set up and host email or websites and assist in operating system migrations or other software updates. By mapping out personalized network strategies, ... Continue Reading
Maximizing Your Technology Budget
October 25, 2016
Your technology budget may be simultaneously one of the easiest budgets to spend but also to save. This is because it’s especially easy to save money by “recycling” technology and continue using rather than upgrading each year. In this article we’ll explore some easy ways that your business can maximize its technology budget.
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How to set up email on your mobile phone
October 12, 2016
In order to set up email on your mobile phone, you first must have a smartphone that is email-enabled through a built-in application or one you can download from an app store. Almost all modern smartphones are produced with one of the two reigning mobile operating systems: android and iOS. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fundamentals of connecting these devices to the most popular email services.
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Tips to improve your email signature
October 11, 2016
Suzy is proud of her extensive list of life accomplishments and certifications. So proud in fact that she felt it necessary to include each and everyone one of them on her email signature as a friendly footnote to her success. Everyone must be so proud and happy for me, thought Suzy.
read more Continue Reading
Be Prepared for Hurricane Matthew – A Technology Preparedness Checklist.
October 5, 2016
Don’t wait until it’s too late to back up your files and secure your technology, before the storm arrives.
Cape Fear Networks has been in the Wilmington area since 1989. Six of our staff members are born and raised North Carolinians (which is a rarity for a small company like ours). We’ve been through a hurricane or two and know how serious it can be. We also know that many of you are preparing your family and homes for the storm. The safety of family and friends is, of course, the number one priority. It’s also smart however, to include a technology ... Continue Reading
Why You May Not Want to Update to Windows 10
September 26, 2016
Windows 10 ushers in a new era of usability that has not been seen since the years of Windows 7. But, with every upgrade, there’s a tinge of reluctance and uncertainty in the air. Make no doubt, the reasons to upgrade to Windows 10 far outweigh reasons not to; however, there are reasons why not to upgrade to Windows 10.
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iOS10 and the iPhone 7
It’s that time of year again. Apple and smartphone enthusiasts alike have waited patiently for this year’s rendition of Apple’s most popular product: the iPhone 7. Alongside Apple’s new release is iOS 10, an eloquently redesigned mobile operating system with big changes to messaging and notifications. And let’s not forget the elephant in the room: the missing headphone jack.
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Don’t Get Lost in the Cloud
August 24, 2016
Cape Fear Networks manages client data on secure remote servers, this data can be accessed by clients through "The Cloud", a vague term to many. Securely hosting your information in The Cloud, however, is a great solution for those of you who need access to your data from anywhere, without being chained to the office. This blog will tell you what exactly The Cloud is and how it can improve your business workflow.
What is the Cloud?
The Cloud is a trendy tech term that's been looming over the heads of many business owners for some years now. As this term has gained traction, some insecurely pass themselves ... Continue Reading
Startups: A Rose that Grew from Sand
October 21, 2015
- Wilmington, NC - Cape Fear Networks is proud to call Wilmington home. Our latest blog dials in on the rise of startup companies in the area and the economic impact they've had on our sandy shores.
Professional opportunities can be few and far between in towns along the coastal Carolina's, forcing a migration of qualified professionals. As a result, local businesses struggle to provoke a sense of sustainability for employees. Despite this perception, Wilmington has overcome the odds, distancing itself from this 'shoreline stereotype'. In time, Wilmington has prospered through industries like Film, Health Services and naturally Trade & Manufacturing; as it is the Port City. ... Continue Reading
The Great Migration
September 2, 2015
September 1, 2015 – The IT professionals at Cape Fear Networks in Wilmington, NC, have previously explored the faults of Microsoft XP and now have turned their attention to the Windows 10 Migration. Read about the Windows 10 migration process and why your business should hire IT assistance during these transitions.
With a track record of initially unsuccessful migration launches, Microsoft is trying to turn the tide of this cultural perception with the launch of Windows 10. Most businesses have been hesitant to jump ship from their current operating system, but for those adventurous enough to take the leap, many have had a surprisingly ... Continue Reading
Windows XP: The End of an Era
July 30, 2015
July 30, 2015
After a run of 13 years, Microsoft finally took their XP systems off of life support. On April 8, 2014 Microsoft set a devised plan in motion to slowly pull the plug on XP. By doing so they have dis-continued security updates for an estimated 30 percent of the world’s desktops at that time. Microsoft decided to focus on more recent technologies, like Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and Vista, to continually deliver an optimal user experience. Given that so many people use XP systems, many have been hesitant to change during this transition. Since Microsoft stopped doing security ... Continue Reading
Which Is Right For Me? Photoshop Elements vs. Photoshop
September 26, 2014
Adobe launched a number of updates to its Elements line of software products including Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements 13. The version released this week is the twelfth update in the series and brings with it some enhancements with a focus on improving mobile capabilities to enable users to edit photos and videos on the go with professional-level technology.
With the evolution of various apps like Instagram and ever increasing capabilities of cameras on smartphones, Adobe likely saw an opportunity to enhance their product offering. Digital photography has become popular very quickly due to the tools and technology that makes it ... Continue Reading
