practicehacker

Everyone knows they should patch their PC via Windows Update, right? Well if not everyone, then at least everyone who reads this blog. But what most don’t realize is that Windows Update includes only Microsoft updates, which leaves the rest of their system vulnerable. And of course Microsoft has been the Internet’s virtual whipping boy for years, often deservedly. But much of that bad press actually has more to do with the company’s size than the quality of its products, which are better engineered and more secure than most anything else. But I digress.

The point is that whether you run IE, Firefox, or Chrome, cyber-criminals know that PC security has improved so they’ve shifted strategies to exploit your weakest point: holes in your browser. So what about it? Is your browser security up to date?

“Sure my browser is secure. I use [fill in your browser's name here].” Well, just because you run IE9, Chrome 11, or Firefox 4, it turns out that doesn’t mean that purveyors of malware can’t access y our system via the armada of add-ins and plug-ins on your system. You know you’ve got ‘em.  Are they current?  Fortunately there’s a free tool to help you out called Browsercheck by Qualys.  Browsercheck is available at browsercheck.qualys.com.  You just need to install their plug-in to scan your browser.  Those of you unfamiliar with Qualys, they are a security company well known to larger businesses.  They have enterprise class tools to scan networks of computers for known security vulnerabilities.  Fortunately for us, they have provided this free tool to assist in keeping your browser patched and secure – give it a try.

In a world in which Lawyers can’t be too careful about securing their work-product and client-communications, this is a no-brainer. What is How Secure is My Password? The name says it all. Just navigate to howsecureismypassword.net, type in your password, and get an evaluation of how hard it would be for a would-be snoop to break. The upshot: this site is dead simple, effective, and free. What’s not to lke?

Posted via email from practice (redux)

I started using the Web the minute it graduated from monochromatic bulletin boards to HTML pages. Of course I was unemployed like 70% of my law school class, so I had time to experiment. Now I’ve got an office, family, demanding clients, and employees to oversee. You might say I’ve grown up a little. But has the Web grown up with me? Almost every website still wants to monopolize my time as if I had nothing better to do but chat, tweet, poke, or whatever. Sure, today’s distractions are Facebook and Twitter instead of Chatrooms and Message Boards, but it’s not that different is it? So when does “.com” turned “Web 2.0″ need to produce something relevant to my life instead of one more way to waste time? Or is the Internet in perpetual adolescence? As unlikely as it sounds, I was hopeful when I spotted this article on Techcrunch – a blog that I really respect (started by an attorney, BTW). But it turns out the piece is mostly about the oncoming wave of information in our future and how Web Apps might deliver the information in a slightly different form.  In short, there is no reason to believe that the Web, or anyone making things for the Web, will deliver anything relevant to real life. So I guess I’m still desperately seeking relevance to come pouring out my browser. But I don’t see that happening anytime soon either.

Posted via email from practice (redux)

When it comes to tips for solo’s and small firms, this is what I like to see; it’s simple, straightforward, and can save your career (not to mention your sanity). Behold the sounds of a failing hard-drive. Learn to spot them and replace faulty drives before it’s too late. What’s that you say? You already back everything up to the Cloud?  I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear the end of your sentence over my dismissive laughter. No small firm or solo has adequate backup. Trust me. Just take the advice and give this a listen. You can thank me later.

Posted via email from practice (redux)