Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Smartphone security Risks and protection measures


Smartphone security: Risks and protection measures

Smartphones are infiltrating businesses of all sizes. Decreasing price points and increasing functionality puts enterprise-class capabilities in the palm of every Tom, Dick and Harry who connects to the corporate network. No big deal, right? Blackberrys, iPhones and Androids – among many others – enable your users to work more efficiently. But, like every other piece of technology, smartphones come with a price to your organization. That price is in the form of risk. Let’s look at some of the ways smartphones introduce risk to your environment, and then look at some of the best practices for managing that risk.

Data Loss

Perhaps the most significant risk posed by smartphones is that of data loss. There are a number of ways data can be lost or stolen from smartphones. Most obvious is the loss or theft of the device itself. These small handheld devices can be easily forgotten in public places or picked up by casual passersby. Many users either don’t password protect their phone because of the inconvenience it poses or, if they do, use a simple four-character password that can easily be cracked. So all of the data – be it sensitive company data or personal data – is accessible by an unauthorized user.

There are also occasions upon which users have legitimate possession of another’s smartphone, but have no business accessing the data on it. For example, it is not unusual for a user to give an old phone to a friend who has lost their own or to donate an outdated phone to a charity. Data can also be exposed if a smartphone is resold or sent in to the manufacturer for repair.

But physical possession is not required to steal data off of a smartphone. Mobile applications can access the data on your users’ smartphones and, in some cases, even store that information on third-party servers. For example, applications marketed as tools to catch cheating partners and protect children can be downloaded to an unsuspecting users’ smartphone. The application captures emails, texts, browsing history and telephone calls, and stores that information on a server where it can be retrieved by an unauthorized individual. If any of those communications include corporate data then it too is saved and accessed by a third-party.

All of these scenarios put companies at risk of being noncompliant with laws and regulations around data privacy. If a user loses a smartphone storing unprotected corporate data or your data is stored on an unauthorized third-party server, your company is liable and can face fines.

Common vulnerabilities

Contrary to popular belief, smartphones are no better protected against denial-of-service attacks or malware infections than an unprotected PC. In fact, the applications that run on smartphones are subject to all of the same vulnerabilities. Consider Web applications, which have been used to spread malware, spyware, phishing attempts, etc., via PCs. Users are downloading similar applications to their smartphones, the difference being that smartphones typically do not have antivirus protection, so these infected files can propagate onto an IP network.

The smartphone’s small form factor further facilitates propagation of malware. It’s more difficult to identify risk web sites and suspicious emails and links on pared down sites built specifically for a small screen. Plus, users tend to be more trusting of the data they receive on their smartphones because the devices represent a more intimate communications channel. Thus, they are more likely to click on potentially dangerous links.



If you need IT Technical Training, Training Planet and Certification City are the best places to check. Great everyday low prices on training and certification products and classes to get you a job or move up the ladder.

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Friday, August 24, 2012

Is A+ Certification still useful?



The field of IT is constantly evolving, and with the rapid introduction of new technologies, IT workers must be held to a standard for introductory positions. A+ certification, although currently under scrutiny, is the bedrock for entry-level IT professionals. Understandably, A+ might be slightly outdated and lacks the depth that certain IT positions require, but nevertheless, a basic understanding of the computer and its systems are required for those professionals attempting to join the field. A+ certification is the initial milestone to launch a career in IT and when employers came to that consensus and A+ certification is now accepted widely.  This introduction to IT is in the form of this certification.

Of all the arguments against A+ certification, the most prominent one states that the certification falls short of finding the comprehension of a person’s ability to use the knowledge it tests. Often people claim that the certification is just not enough for an employee to handle the IT environment. This statement is over generalized and actually points to an entirely different problem with their argument. The problem being not that the certification is faulty, but that there is an assumption for an introductory-level IT professional to have “years of experience” before attempting to partake in the field. The expectation that a new-hire should be ready to hit the ground running with a complete understanding of anything that could be thrown at him or her is not the fault of the A+ certification, but the perception of the employer. The A+ certification is a check mark in a requirement box that is necessary and still relevant.

Many of the arguments against A+ certification also reference the outdated portions of the content it covers. They claim that a certification is only as good as the knowledge that A+ tests and that extraneous, irrelevant and outdated materials are found within the A+ certification criteria. Unfortunately the amount of information and knowledge base required in the IT field is growing at almost an exponential rate. To have a certification or test that comprehensively covered all of IT would be impossible, but a fundamental-level comprehensive test or certification is more than possible, it exists. The A+ certification exploits basic-level knowledge for an IT professional and integrates it to show that, at least, the person completing the course is at a starting-level position understanding of the computer as well as other basic IT subject matters past and present.

A+ certification is the best reference the field has to mark if a potential employee has the required fundamental knowledge to succeed in the field. As a benchmarking tool for employers that understand the necessity for it, A+ certification provides an acceptable baseline for IT mastery. A+ certification clearly shows a person’s understanding of the field, for an introductory level-position, and is widely accepted as showing entry-level competence of prospective employees into the IT profession. This streamlines the hiring process and ensures that new hires knowledge was adequate.



If you need IT Technical Training, Training Planet and Certification City are the best places to check. Great everyday low prices on training and certification products and classes to get you a job or move up the ladder.

http://www.trainingplanet.com - self study on DVD-ROM or Online
http://www.certificationcity.com - nationwide boot camp classes

Monday, August 20, 2012

Hot Certification - Cisco CCNA Voice



Changes in voice technology to include telephony, VoIP and related solutions has created a need for computer network specialists who are skilled in both voice technologies and computer networking. Cisco, one of the most respected certification providers in the IT industry, offers an associate-level certification geared specifically towards voice solutions: CCNA Voice.

The CCNA Voice certification requires passing one exam: 640-461 ICOMM v8.0, an exam covering Cisco voice and other communication administration concepts. Before taking this exam, you must have a valid CCNA or CCIE certification. As of February 2012, the exam fee is $250. If you are entirely new to Cisco certifications, you may want to take the CCENT first, which is a one exam certification, followed by the CCNA, which is a two exam certification whose first exam is covered by the CCENT.

The CCNA Voice certification is geared towards junior- or senior-level network administrators with at least 3 years of hands-on experience. While experience is not a prerequisite to take the exam, the exam is geared towards applications of technology, not just rote memorization of theory and concepts, so passing is unlikely without at minimum understanding how the technologies are implemented.

The specific career paths this exam is geared towards are voice managers, voice technologies administrators, voice engineers and related positions. In many organizations, instead of a separate position, these duties are handled by the IT staff, who also handles networking and general computer technician duties.

The CCNA Voice exam focuses on solutions that are part of Cisco IOS United Communications. It is necessary to have an understanding of a wide array of VoIP technologies, including IP PBX, call control, IP telephony, handset and voicemail solutions. The exam also covers topics related to mobility, presence and Cisco applications such as TelePresence applications. Despite the exam focusing on Cisco solutions, the skills certified in this exam are applicable to other vendors’ implementations.

This certification is valid for 3 years after you pass the exam. If you want to recertify your CCNA Voice credential, you must take a CCNA concentration exam, a 642- exam, CCDA design exam, a qualify Cisco specialist exam, CCIE exam, CCDE exam or pass the Cisco Certified Architect requirements. Failure to complete these recertification requirements within the 3 year period results in having to retake the exam to continue being certified.



If you need IT Technical Training, Training Planet and Certification City are the best places to check. Great everyday low prices on training and certification products and classes to get you a job or move up the ladder.

http://www.trainingplanet.com - self study on DVD-ROM or Online
http://www.certificationcity.com - nationwide boot camp classes


Thursday, August 16, 2012

Top Cities For Tech Jobs In 2012



Top Cities For Tech Jobs In 2012



Aside from getting certified, though, employees need to be in the right place. That isn’t always easy. Ever since the recession took hold in 2008, jobs in the United States haven’t been abundant. The great thing about the technology industry is that a lot of the companies tend to call the same place home. That means that moving to one of a number of different cities can vastly increase a person’s chance of landing a tech job.

Traditionally, San Jose and San Francisco have been two of the top metro areas to work in technology. That’s because Silicon Valley is largely comprised the San Jose metropolitan area, and San Francisco is also home to the famed region. According to data released from a recruiting firm named CyberCoders, though, that much has changed. In a release published by the firm, Houston was actually listed as the top city for tech jobs. San Jose came in second, while San Francisco was fifth. The third and fourth spots on the list were occupied by Philadelphia and Dallas, respectively.

The reason for Houston’s jump to the top of the list was its demand for clean energy. The city has always prided itself on its energy jobs, but 2011 saw demand peak for clean energy. That strong demand helped fuel a large growth in the tech sector for Houston, pushing it ahead of San Jose. The most popular tech jobs available in Houston include .NET and Sharepoint developers. Clearly, these aren’t your average tech jobs. A .NET developer’s mid-career salary is $88,000, while a Sharepoint developer’s is $94,000. With these kinds of jobs being offered in Houston, it’s no wonder they were able to top the list.

Despite San Jose falling to second on the list, it’s still an area that’s doing a lot of hiring for a lot of coveted jobs. The area had a 100 percent jump in technology jobs over the last year. All sorts of positions were added in the San Jose area. Developers in nearly every category, including Java and C++, are currently in demand. Software and QA engineering positions were also frequently added. The salaries for positions in this category typically range between $75,000 and $85,000.

Demand for Java developers and software engineers is also the driving force behind Philadelphia’s rise. They’re ranked as the third best city for tech jobs. Network engineering was also a major point of demand for Philadelphia tech companies. Other cities that have strong demand for technology jobs include Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle and Atlanta. Seattle being home to Microsoft has obviously kept it as one of the best cities for tech, while cities such as Chicago and Atlanta have simply seen a growth in jobs as more tech companies call these cities home. Some of the most demanded jobs with the highest pay have included the aforementioned developer jobs, as well as mobile application development.

Technology is one of the hottest sectors in the United States and it has been for some time. The educational sector has matched this explosive growth, making it easier for new candidates to enter the tech field. TrainingPlanet has made it easier to obtain training in any of these lucrative fields so that job seekers can move to one of these tech-loving cities and find a career they love.



If you need IT Technical Training, Training Planet and Certification City are the best places to check. Great everyday low prices on training and certification products and classes to get you a job or move up the ladder.

http://www.trainingplanet.com - self study on DVD-ROM or Online
http://www.certificationcity.com - nationwide boot camp classes



Monday, August 13, 2012

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Certification Paths




While most traditional IT skills (e.g., database administration) carry over to the cloud, there are cloud skills that are not just traditional IT skills; what might be the best approach toward a given end through traditional IT can be a poor approach through the cloud.
So the companies who need people with cloud skills will need some way to educate existing employees and to distinguish job applicants who have cloud skills from those who don’t.
Microsoft realizes all of this, and anticipates that cloud computing will triumph–SQL Server 2012 is being billed as ‘The Cloud Ready Information Platform’ if that says anything–so the company has done a lot of work lately to make its certifications more relevant in the
cloud era. On that note, the company has announced a few paths to SQL Server 2012 Certification over at Microsoft|Learning.
The base SQL Server certification is now the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate).
If you you hold any MCTS on SQL Server 2008, you’re two exams away from the MCSA: SQL Server 2012.
Greenhorns will have to take three exams instead:
  • Exam 461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012
  • Exam 462: Administering a Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database
  • Exam 463: Implementing Data Warehouses with Microsoft SQL Server 2012
See Microsoft’s page on the subject for the details.
Once you have the MCSA: SQL Server 2012, you might want to extend and specialize your knowledge a bit. You can do that by picking up an MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert).
There are two to choose from:
The linked pages have all the details.

If you need IT Technical Training, Training Planet and Certification City are the best places to check. Great everyday low prices on training and certification products and classes to get you a job or move up the ladder.

http://www.trainingplanet.com - self study on DVD-ROM or Online
http://www.certificationcity.com - nationwide boot camp classes


Friday, August 10, 2012

IT Job Growth Is Substantial for many in the U.S.


IT Job Growth Is Substantial and will Continue to be 
 So Stay Educated, Trained, and Certified.

You might have heard that the IT sector is losing jobs. It is true, that depending on which jobs being referenced, that there is decline. However, these are only the lower end IT jobs which have been outsourced out of the country

According to a new report, the higher skilled IT jobs are on the increase and worth investing in, in terms of education.

In the last decade (2001-2011), employment in the U.S. only grew 0.2 percent, while IT related jobs grew by 25%. This equated to 742,000 new jobs being created in that time span.

“This report dispels the notion that the best days for IT jobs have passed with the bursting of the .com bubble in 2000 and the practice of off-shoring today,”, the IT & Innovation Foundation stated.

With these jobs which were created, the sector is on the increase. As more advanced technologies sprout, along with new certifications necessary to understand these technologies, education has become more important than ever.





If you need IT Technical Training, Training Planet and Certification City are the best places to check. Great everyday low prices on training and certification products and classes to get you a job or move up the ladder.

http://www.trainingplanet.com - self study on DVD-ROM or Online
http://www.certificationcity.com - nationwide boot camp classes

Monday, August 06, 2012

GSA Schedule - Small Business Myths



GSA Schedule - Small Business Myths


Myth 1 – There are not funds available for small business
According to the Federal Procurement Data System www.fpds.gov in 2010 there were $432.3 Billion in contract dollars eligible for small businesses.  Of this amount only $97.9 Billion was actually procured with small businesses.  This represents 22.65% of available government spending.  There is a great deal of room for small businesses that wish to contract with the government to obtain contracts. 

Myth 2 - Small business is not included in federal contracting

Once a contract is greater than $550,000 the Prime Contractor awarded the contract must include a plan for the government about small business inclusiveness on the awarded contract.  This provides substantial subcontracting opportunities for small businesses with prime contractors.  For contracts over the $550,000 threshold the contractor will be rated based upon the contractor meeting the aspects of the plan they set forth, and future contracting opportunities will be based upon how well the prime contractor fulfills this goal.

Myth 3 – All GSA work is DoD (Department of Defense) related

It is true that 60% of activity for GSA Schedule holders is Defense Related.  And the DoD uses the GSA Schedule as a means to facilitate a great deal of its purchasing activities, however other government agencies are beginning to catch on now make up 40% of the activity on the GSA Schedule.

Myth 4 – The federal government is too large and my small company would just get lost in the shuffle

The federal government has the Federal OSDBU Interagency Directors Council whose sole purpose is to help small disadvantaged businesses do work with the federal government.  Visit the website at  http://www.osdbu.gov/.   The government attempts to make itself as easy as possible for small business.

Myth 5 – The government pays too slowly
The federal government through the Prompt Payment Act is legally required to pay its contractors in full within 30 days or for partial performance hurdle payments within 14 days.  The federal government has the funds to pay and if it does not pay promptly it will self impose interest penalties upon itself.




If you need IT Technical Training, Training Planet and Certification City are the best places to check. Great everyday low prices on training and certification products and classes to get you a job or move up the ladder.

http://www.trainingplanet.com - self study on DVD-ROM or Online
http://www.certificationcity.com - nationwide boot camp classes

Friday, August 03, 2012

Average Salary of Jobs with Cisco Related Titles

Average Salary of Jobs with Cisco Related Titles:


Cisco Technology$92,000
Cisco System Technology$89,000
Cisco Networking Technology$96,000
Network Systems Expert$64,000
Network Engineer CCNA$55,000
Maintenance Network Analyst$50,000
Cisco Engineer$94,000
Network Support Engineer$65,000





If you need IT Technical Training, Training Planet and Certification City are the best places to check. Great everyday low prices on training and certification products and classes to get you a job or move up the ladder.

http://www.trainingplanet.com - self study on DVD-ROM or Online
http://www.certificationcity.com - nationwide boot camp classes