WannaCry Ransomware

By Jeff Joyner 

The WannaCry ransomware (aka WannaCrypt) is a ransomware computer worm infecting 200,000+ computers worldwide. It targets MS Windows systems (desktop and server) exploiting an SMB protocol vulnerability resulting in files getting encrypted until the victim pays a ransom in BitCoin currency ($300-$600) to the attacker. Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 operating systems are not affected by this attack.

A patch was released by Microsoft for each of the affected, currently supported operating systems back in March. Patching systems with Windows Updates is an easy way to prevent devices from being infected. 

For information on older systems (Windows XP, Server 2003), Microsoft has published additional guidance at this link: https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/msrc/2017/05/12/customer-guidance-for-wannacrypt-attacks/

Additionally, MalwareBytes and Webroot have stated that they actively block WannaCry attacks.

Call CTG sales or your account manager to learn how we can secure your network from threats like this.

Jeff Joyner is a Senior Network Engineer at Convergent Technologies Group.

Thin Client Technology Is Game Changer for Mobility

By Doug Carter

HP and Windows have launched a new rugged product that is going to change the game on how companies manage their mobile workforces.

The new HP Elitepad 1000 G2 TC Tablet is a rugged Thin Client that offers all of the functionality of a fully loaded table – delivered with the value, security, manageability and long life that corporations love to have.

With 5.7 million more Thin Client units implemented in 2014 and 7.8 million projected worldwide by 2018, HP has certainly set the bar high for its competition with the new Thin Client rugged tablet. Offering improved technologies in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, Desktop as a Service and Cloud Solutions, combined with a Windows-embedded operating system, HP has claimed the top rung in the worldwide market for Windows-based Thin Client tablets.

What can customers expect from this rugged mobile Thin Client tablet?

To start, this tablet delivers a consistent experience with trusted and familiar standard tools for system administration, along with user-friendly applications that are intuitive, interactive and integrates with existing infrastructure. This tablet also offers the best:

Security: Because security is on the forefront of everyone’s thoughts these days, HP and Windows offer comprehensive security on this amazing unit, combined with HP’s TPM, NIST, Fiber NICs, Multiple Authentication Solutions and HP Easy Shell, Windows provides BitLocker, AppLocker, Write Filters and Predictable Security Update Schedule.

Cloud Power: Microsoft Azure provides a reliable platform customized to meet customer needs. Azure RemoteApp on HP Thin Clients allows customers to run business applications and to scale to meet their business demands, with easy configuration and remote management.

With Office 365, customers have the capability for security-enhanced, cloud-hosted office applications, business-class email with Outlook WebApp, and instant messaging, voice and video calls with Skype.

Connectivity and Communication: A critical part of field reporting is connectivity and communication. The Thin Client with embedded Gobi (Verizon/AT&T) and 2D/3D Barcode reader – aligned with the same hardware and driver ecosystem as Windows desktop operating systems – provides easy access to drivers for printers, scanners, card readers and headsets. It provides high-fidelity communication in the VDI environment or the browser-based cloud. With Microsoft RDP/RFX, Citrix HDX, VMware Vie, HP RGS provides the most complete protocol support for virtualization technology.

Value Add from HP Software: HP Device Manager, HP Velocity and HP Easy Shell provide a rich software ecosystem to optimize the ease of deployment of HP’s Thin Client tablet.

Based in our North Carolina office, Doug Carter is the mobility account manager at Convergent Technologies Group.