You wouldn't give a stranger your bank details would you? How about your email login and password? Of course not! If you lose your laptop, USB memory stick, mobile phone or blackberry how safe would you feel? Not only the loss of your work, contacts and emails (which of course you can retrieve from your most recent backup) and the wasted time getting back up and running caused. What happens to your machine in someone elses hands? It could be a competitor,,,
In this age of increasing cybercrime. More people are online than ever before and make use of computers from everything to writing correspondence and letters, keeping a database of your contacts, managing your finances whether commercial or private - you would think that people would be more aware of computer security but it seems that there are many patches in people's knowledge.
The majority of online banks issue card readers requiring the user to have a username, a password and a device accompanied by something that only the authorised user possesses - their debit card and their pin number. An excellence way to secure online transactions - you see, an attacker may guess a username and password but they also require access to the debit card and pin making it even harder to access unauthorised information.
Google apps have also recently deployed two factor authentication. Making use of the Android, iphone or blackberry by running an app providing an up-to-the minute key required to access your online account - thus safeguarding your work even further than just a username and password.
But it's great having online security but what about all of those documents that you carry on your computer or laptop? Securing an entire drive can be done in a matter of a few hours and does not cost much at all. Also causing hardly any disruption at all you can ensure that your data is for your eyes only and no one else. The data on the physical hard drive appears in no readable form whatsoever and you just need to enter the correct password upon bootup to access the data - simple!
Why didn't I do this before? I hear you ask.
Because you probably didn't know if was possible, easy, quick, seamless and transparent. No you know that it is, contact us at www.firbanks.com NOW to secure your data.
Have you PIN protected your mobile phone? Why not? If someone else possesses your phone your text messages, contacts, emails and any other data stored on the device is immediately accessible. Set a pin, it's simple! If you're not sure how to do it then contact us and we'll show you.
Your data is safe with us. Firbanks IT employ data encryption on all of our fixed office and portable laptops. We work with many customer's data during times of data recovery and you can feel safe that any data that passes our systems is entirely secure. Our email systems support two-step authentication - ensuring that only our staff have access to their email and no one else. All portable phones are protected each with their own unique key with remote wipe functions to completely wipe and disable the device should it fall in to the wrong hands.
Our office telephony systems are fully digital ensuring complete security and prevention of eaves droppers easily being able to listen in on the conversations.
Ask us on how you can work more securely. Don't leave your data to chance.
Friday 29 October 2010
Friday 1 October 2010
Understanding SMTP and mail delivery
A couple of IT guys new to the business have recently enquired to the workings of SMTP. Below I attempt to explain the basics of how mail is delivered and accepted.
SMTP stands for 'Simple Message Transfer Protocol' and in itself is a very basic text form of message transfer. A straight forward set up would comprise of a server running mail software listening on port 25 for connections waiting for a sending mail server to connect to it. A listening mail server will be configured with a list of domain names in which it can accept email delivery. So for this example we'll use xyz.com.
When a sending server connects to the 'listener' on port 25 a few text based transactions take place. Mainly, the identity of the sending mail server - i.e. abc.com and the intended recipient of the email - for example fred@xyz.com. As long as the domain matches an approved list, the receiving server will accept delivery of the email, match the message to a user list and then either pass on the message or bounce it back to the sender (usually be making an outbound SMTP connection back to the sending server and generating a bounce message).
In order to receive an email the sending server must know how to reach it so here goes a basic explanation of DNS and MX records..
DNS servers are like an index which is searched upon to tell the requester the location of a server/service. We'll just focus on A and MX records for now.
Firstly, a server needs a name - mail.xyz.com will do for now. So, say the server listening for xyz.com's email has an internet IP address of 111.111.111.111 there would be an A record pointing to this.
It would look like
mail.xyz.com. A 111.111.111.111
It's as simple as that. But for mail transfer to work there also needs to be a 'mail exchange' record for xyz.com to explain where to send the email. We know it needs to go to mail.xyz.com so...
MX 5 mail.xyz.com.
Would be a typical entry that you would need. This tells the sending server that any mail for xyz.com is sent to mail.xyz.com which is based at the IP address of 111.111.111.111. The sending server than creates a connection on port 25 to 111.111.111.111 then transacts the email across.
All in all, this is a very basic, plain email system. There are many variables and security aspects and spam implications. As you can see, an SMTP receiver by itself just 'listens' for email. A bit like a postbox is ready to receive a letter from ANY sender. Without more advanced configuration a high risk of spam and the possibility of configuring an open relay is always a risk. We'll explain this in more detail soon.
SMTP stands for 'Simple Message Transfer Protocol' and in itself is a very basic text form of message transfer. A straight forward set up would comprise of a server running mail software listening on port 25 for connections waiting for a sending mail server to connect to it. A listening mail server will be configured with a list of domain names in which it can accept email delivery. So for this example we'll use xyz.com.
When a sending server connects to the 'listener' on port 25 a few text based transactions take place. Mainly, the identity of the sending mail server - i.e. abc.com and the intended recipient of the email - for example fred@xyz.com. As long as the domain matches an approved list, the receiving server will accept delivery of the email, match the message to a user list and then either pass on the message or bounce it back to the sender (usually be making an outbound SMTP connection back to the sending server and generating a bounce message).
In order to receive an email the sending server must know how to reach it so here goes a basic explanation of DNS and MX records..
DNS servers are like an index which is searched upon to tell the requester the location of a server/service. We'll just focus on A and MX records for now.
Firstly, a server needs a name - mail.xyz.com will do for now. So, say the server listening for xyz.com's email has an internet IP address of 111.111.111.111 there would be an A record pointing to this.
It would look like
mail.xyz.com. A 111.111.111.111
It's as simple as that. But for mail transfer to work there also needs to be a 'mail exchange' record for xyz.com to explain where to send the email. We know it needs to go to mail.xyz.com so...
MX 5 mail.xyz.com.
Would be a typical entry that you would need. This tells the sending server that any mail for xyz.com is sent to mail.xyz.com which is based at the IP address of 111.111.111.111. The sending server than creates a connection on port 25 to 111.111.111.111 then transacts the email across.
All in all, this is a very basic, plain email system. There are many variables and security aspects and spam implications. As you can see, an SMTP receiver by itself just 'listens' for email. A bit like a postbox is ready to receive a letter from ANY sender. Without more advanced configuration a high risk of spam and the possibility of configuring an open relay is always a risk. We'll explain this in more detail soon.
Thursday 23 September 2010
A Mobile landline
During the past few days, we have been getting exiting over our Mobile SIM cards. We are now able to provide mobile phone related services as well as our VOIP based switchboards. Or should I say a mobile phone service with a difference...
Our phone package is very unique. The phone can tag on as an internal extension to your switchboard, have the ability to transfer calls to and from the mobile phone, you can choose a landline direct number as well as make calls from your main office number.
During our testing I tagged our handset on to the Firbanks switchboard. I initially had to purchase a basic unlocked handset for testing purposes. The Nokia 2730 was perfect for the job as it has 3G capabilities (3G is required for our SIMS). I provisions our handset in a similar way to that of a traditional mobile phone operater, assigned it a phone number and tariff.
I had to say that initially I was anxious over the coverage. You see, our phones use the 3G part of the three and t-mobile networks. The coverage checkers explained that our office post-code did not have coverage. From field testing the phone, all locations have had superb coverage and the system has functioned every time. I am able to send and receive text messages, add the mobile to our office hunt group with the ability to answer remotely and then transfer the call to a colleague's extension. Call quality has been top-notch too. The mobile data can function at speeds of up to 14.4mbs and the cost of the service is also very reasonable.
If you are interested in this type of service or require a demonstration then please contact us at http://www.firbanks.com to arrange a visit. I'm sure that this product can assist a lot of users and fills a huge gap in the market. I am exited that Firbanks IT are able to provide such a product and training directly and for such a reasonable price.
Our phone package is very unique. The phone can tag on as an internal extension to your switchboard, have the ability to transfer calls to and from the mobile phone, you can choose a landline direct number as well as make calls from your main office number.
During our testing I tagged our handset on to the Firbanks switchboard. I initially had to purchase a basic unlocked handset for testing purposes. The Nokia 2730 was perfect for the job as it has 3G capabilities (3G is required for our SIMS). I provisions our handset in a similar way to that of a traditional mobile phone operater, assigned it a phone number and tariff.
I had to say that initially I was anxious over the coverage. You see, our phones use the 3G part of the three and t-mobile networks. The coverage checkers explained that our office post-code did not have coverage. From field testing the phone, all locations have had superb coverage and the system has functioned every time. I am able to send and receive text messages, add the mobile to our office hunt group with the ability to answer remotely and then transfer the call to a colleague's extension. Call quality has been top-notch too. The mobile data can function at speeds of up to 14.4mbs and the cost of the service is also very reasonable.
If you are interested in this type of service or require a demonstration then please contact us at http://www.firbanks.com to arrange a visit. I'm sure that this product can assist a lot of users and fills a huge gap in the market. I am exited that Firbanks IT are able to provide such a product and training directly and for such a reasonable price.
Monday 20 September 2010
VOIP explanation and Case Study
Voice over IP is often mis-interpreted as requiring computer equipment to function in a way similar to that of Skype. This is wrong. VOIP is a method of utilising the Internet to carry telephone calls rather than the standard telephone network. Calls can be VOIP to VOIP number (free) or VOIP to landline, mobile, international which means the Internet carries your voice data and then the call simply terminates at the standard telephone network and then routed to the destination.
Recently a recruitment company downsized from a staffed office to a home office. Firbanks were approached to handle the IT move. When BT were called to explain the situation the customer was told by BT that the customer would need a new phone number when moving to the home office as the Exchanges were in different locations.
Mark Banks of Firbanks IT explained an alternative to the customer. You do not need to process this through BT but you could move your number in to our online telephone system and then practically use the telephone anywhere with an internet connection. Mark Banks signed the customer up to a single number telephone system at a cost of £5 per month, for this the customer received the usual call divert, caller display, call waiting at no additional cost and all that was required to keep the phone number was to fill out a number porting form. This gives us permission to approach BT and gain control of the telephone number. During the transfer process it was possible to set the outbound caller ID to that of the customer's main number, use call diversion until the number had fully ported to our IP telephone system.
The customer now owns a Siemens DECT handset very similar to that of a standard cordless handset with a base that plugs in to his home broadband router. The customer now has a 2nd phone line that he can use for work at home without making an impact on his home phone line and no high installation fees or long wait times and all provided for £5 per month!
As a comparison, previously the customer used an ISDN based switchboard with average quarterly phone bills averaging £500.
Recently a recruitment company downsized from a staffed office to a home office. Firbanks were approached to handle the IT move. When BT were called to explain the situation the customer was told by BT that the customer would need a new phone number when moving to the home office as the Exchanges were in different locations.
Mark Banks of Firbanks IT explained an alternative to the customer. You do not need to process this through BT but you could move your number in to our online telephone system and then practically use the telephone anywhere with an internet connection. Mark Banks signed the customer up to a single number telephone system at a cost of £5 per month, for this the customer received the usual call divert, caller display, call waiting at no additional cost and all that was required to keep the phone number was to fill out a number porting form. This gives us permission to approach BT and gain control of the telephone number. During the transfer process it was possible to set the outbound caller ID to that of the customer's main number, use call diversion until the number had fully ported to our IP telephone system.
The customer now owns a Siemens DECT handset very similar to that of a standard cordless handset with a base that plugs in to his home broadband router. The customer now has a 2nd phone line that he can use for work at home without making an impact on his home phone line and no high installation fees or long wait times and all provided for £5 per month!
As a comparison, previously the customer used an ISDN based switchboard with average quarterly phone bills averaging £500.
Is there such thing as a mobile landline?
Yes there is! Today, we received our first batch of SIM cards that compliment our IP telephone systems. Now, not only can you have extensions at home or office but now the extension can be carried in your back pocket in the form of a mobile phone! You can also benefit from mobile data and text messages in the same way as a mobile phone except they can orginate from your landline number.
This is a huge milestone for Firbanks and our communications. Have you ever encountered a problem whereby you leave the office but feel that you should divert your desk phone only to find that where you are visiting is in a basement and has lousy mobile coverage? This can have an impact on your main number if your main line includes your desk phone within your hunt group as your mobile voicemail will be sucking in those messages and not allowing your colleagues to attend the calls.
Now that the switchboard integrates directly with a mobile SIM, there is also an element of intelligence that can route calls correctly and prevent things such as this from occuring. We will keep you updated with our testing and we hope to be able to provide our VOIP customers with the service very shortly.
This is a huge milestone for Firbanks and our communications. Have you ever encountered a problem whereby you leave the office but feel that you should divert your desk phone only to find that where you are visiting is in a basement and has lousy mobile coverage? This can have an impact on your main number if your main line includes your desk phone within your hunt group as your mobile voicemail will be sucking in those messages and not allowing your colleagues to attend the calls.
Now that the switchboard integrates directly with a mobile SIM, there is also an element of intelligence that can route calls correctly and prevent things such as this from occuring. We will keep you updated with our testing and we hope to be able to provide our VOIP customers with the service very shortly.
Monday 31 May 2010
Paul Cooper leaves Firbanks
Friday, 28th May was Paul's last day at Firbanks IT. Paul has been with the company for 1 1/2 years as part of the helpdesk support team. Paul, you will be missed and we wish you every success with your future endeavours.
Tuesday 16 March 2010
The truth about changing DNS entries
Whenever I come across a customer wishing to change where their website is hosted, make changes to their email delivery or even transfer their domain name to another provider I hear gulps and gasps followed by 'they say my site will be down for 24-72 hours' or 'my emails will get lost in a big black hole somewhere.'
This does not have to be the case..
What is DNS? DNS is like a big online directory of all internet domain names. This directory holds all of the necessary details that 'the audience/viewing public' need to know to find your web page. All web pages are stored on a server somewhere connected to the Internet. Whether it is in a datacentre or someone's home or office. Each server will have its own Internet Address (IP Address) - a little like you have a home telephone number unique to you.
When you make a change to a DNS entry a record is being updated with a new Internet address - usually when you have changed over to another server. When the update is made people will either see the old address or the new address presented over the next 24-72 hours. Think of this similar to mail redirection. When you move house you go to the post office and redirect mail to a new address - your post will either arrive to your old or new address - not disappear in to a black hole!
So as long as you do not cancel your account or delete files from your old server, some traffic will go there and new traffic will arrive at the new server and voila - no server downtime!
The same applies with email delivery. An MX record can point to any destination and you can specify more than one MX record. An MX record points somewhere so as long as the old system is kept running during the transition then it can be logged in to and mail received.
Why is there a delay after DNS entries are updated?
The DNS servers do present the correct and current IP address when queried but often to improve performance the IP address returned by this request is remembered often by your Internet Provider and possibly again by your in house company server and often for a 24 hour period. This means that you visit the site 23 hours later and your Internet provider still remembers the old IP address and then your office server then decides to remember that DNS entry for a further 24 hours. Because your office server knows the results and although the Internet provider obtains the correct information an hour later you will continue to point towards the older system for a further 23 hours.
More advanced DNS entries can be preset with TTL (time to live) information and this information is passed on to DNS caches. For example, a large site may have multiple web servers and wish to rotate traffic between them (load balance). A shorter TTL value allows the DNS information to be requested more frequently but allows rotation of addresses presented. This creates a bigger load on the DNS servers as data is requested more frequently. Most businesses usually opt for more basic DNS settings and the 24 hour defaults are used as standard.
Thursday 21 January 2010
Online or in-house servers?
Technology is changing at a growing rate. For many years companies have been deploying in-house servers that take care of their file storage, email delivery and to control the users that log in to their machines.
With the growth of the Internet and the fact that most of the population have a form of 'always on' access. Whether it be on their mobile phone, home computer, hotel, office - pretty much anywhere gives a much wider range of options.
Cloud-based organisations are inventing online versions such as Software as a Service which involve a subcription paid per user. The great thing about this that compared to a typical office where only one server controls most of their daily items we have an internet based cluster of many servers controlling everyday items. Whether a company has 1 user of 1,000s it means that the system can scale and grow with them. No more updates, IT technical training, just a simple, standard per user fee.
This also opens up avenues from working pretty much anywhere. Having all of your office documents online means that as long as you have access to any computer with a live internet connection, those documents can be accessed immediately.
Another strong pro for 'going cloud' is that collaboration becomes very simple. Instead playing 'email ping pong' with your all important documents to send to others for review and comment you simply email your collaborators an online link whereby they can view (and edit if required) the one online document. No more confusion over file versions and say hello to be able to the ability of tracking changes by the user and reverting back to previous editions if required.
Firbanks IT recently became Google Apps authorised resellers and can talk through the pros and cons of 'going cloud' and can manage any transfer process required by importing the necessary emails, calendar, contacts, files and more. If you require any further information on either server set up then please do not hesitate to contact us by visiting our website http://www.firbanks.com
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