Remote Pc Access Software Solutions

Think about this: You had problems with your computer in the past. Now you want to insure that those little annoying nuisance, pests, threats, and risks from hackers and spyware don’t hide in your computer any more. So, you load up your computer with all the free and off-the-shelf security software you can find. Now, as your confidence rises, you think that your computer is as impenetrable as the gold at Fort Knox.

Wrong!!!! You have been fooled into thinking that your computer is fully protected.

Now think about this: With all the options available to you, how do you know which one offers the best protection for you, your family, or your business? Here are some questions you need to consider:

* Are you a trained computer and Internet security expert?

* Do you know exactly which security software is compatible with your system?

* Do you have the time to continually research all the latest security technologies?

* Do you know exactly which software you should install and which ones should not?

* Once installed, how do you keep the different software programs updated? In fact, how often are they updated: daily? weekly? biweekly? monthly? Are the updates free. And if so, for how long?

* If you encountered a problem that your installed security software could not fix, or you simply had a question, would you have access to free, live technical support?

* If not, what would it cost you? Would it be a one-time fee? Would it come with a warranty period? And what would it cost you when the warranty expires?

By now, I’m hoping that you’re beginning to see why it is not enough any longer to install off-the-shelf security software. There is a better option! You need a revolutionary full security service package that gives you peace of mind because its software programs work together, its technical support is always live and free, and its comprehensive $25,000 personal identity theft insurance comes with a recovery service at no additional cost.

Why you need a comprehensive security service package: The Internet-based attacks on your personal privacy and security continue to worsen year after year. The future of Internet security is gloomy ¬ and it takes an extremely dedicated and savvy computer user to find the right mix of security programs and stay current with the newest threats. Internet security is not a one-time event. You cannot simply install security software on your PC and then forget about its safety and security, and ultimately, the safety and security of your family, home, and business. Internet safety and security require an ongoing, time-intensive process with a fairly high level of expertise and vigilance.

Why you need a team of security experts on your side: Do you want to be an Internet security expert? If you are like most people, you neither want to nor have the time. You don’t want to worry about staying current with the latest technologies. You can’t possibly keep up with the all the new threats coming at you almost daily because you have better things to do with your time. Instead, most people end up relying on the opinions and recommendations of more knowledgeable friends and family members for their security needs and hope nothing bad happens. But is that the best and safest strategy?

To get maximum protection for your PC, you need an Internet security expert on your side. Better yet, you need a team of experts making sure that you, your family, and your business are always safe and secure. You need to find your own personal team of experts to rely on. If you ever have a security problem, you want a trusted expert you can call for professional answers and solutions without any hassles and extra costs! As time goes on, it will become even more critical than it is today.

The best protection you can have in today’s rapidly changing world of cyber-attacks is to have expert support for all your Internet security needs. Hackers will likely always be one step ahead of law enforcement and the security industry itself. Software-based protection alone, as you can see, is not enough anymore.

Of all the Internet users who have anti-virus software on their computers, 85% of them had computers that were subsequently infected with a virus or worm! Have you ever had a virus you couldn’t get rid of? Has your computer acted funny or has it slowed way down due to a massive spyware infestation? Then you see and know how dangerous and damaging these threats and risks are!

Unfortunately, for consumers seeking security and privacy protection with brand name solutions will find two extremes – complex systems they cannot afford or properly maintain, or consumer-grade technology that doesn’t provide adequate protection. If they do find something that fits their budget, it will likely have only a part of what is needed to truly protect a computer, and it won’t include free expert support and a security guarantee.

Caution: Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security thinking that the anti-virus software that came with your computer is enough protection. Off the shelf anti-virus software does not always protect you from hackers, spyware, remote access tools, Trojan horses, password crackers, keystroke loggers, identity theft tools, Microsoft security holes, hybrid viruses, and much more. And most people let their anti-virus program expire thereby losing protection from everyday viruses and worms.

To be fully protected, you will need:

* at least five layers of overlapping security technologies and services to create a virtual fortress for your PC. Most off-the-shelf and free software offer two, or three at the most, programs. But are they overlapping when they work and when they update?

* desktop firewall to lock out hackers and other unauthorized intrusions and shield your PC from unauthorized communication both to and from your PC, making your PC virtually invisible to hackers and other intruders randomly scanning the Internet for vulnerable PCs;

* world-class anti-virus protection, including 24/7 scanning and certification that your incoming and outgoing e-mails attachments are virus-free — plus scanning of all removable media such as CDs, Zip disks, portable hard drives, and floppies;

* anti-spyware that continuously monitors, detects, and eliminates all forms of spyware, hacker tools, and malware from your PC including malicious spyware tools, adware, browser hijackers, search hijackers, keyloggers, ghost spammers, remote access tools (RATs), back doors, and many other illegal programs and applications that breach your privacy and security;

* patch management that will automatically find and fix security holes and other dangerous vulnerabilities in your computer’s operating system and software programs that hackers use to break into your computer;

* security alerts that warns you of brand new viruses, worms, and other security threats as they emerge – including specific recommendations of what to watch out for and how to avoid getting attacked to keep your privacy secured and your PC safe; and to wrap it all together,

* premium technical support that offers free unlimited expert technical support for any security related problems or issues with options to include online access to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), User Guides, Email Support Hotline, and live, expert telephone support by highly trained technicians.

Although the Internet basically provides a positive and productive experience, cyber-attacks against our personal privacy and security are reaching epidemic proportions. These attacks are occurring in our own homes and businesses. Our own computers are being used are being used as zombies to attack other people, businesses, and even our nation itself. As an average Internet user, you may not be aware of these threats nor have any idea about the dramatically increasing risks you face when connected to the Internet.

On a campaign for internet safety awareness and protection, my mission is to bring critical awareness to individuals, families, and small business owners, and to provide access to the necessary tools and ongoing expertise to secure your computer and help you stay protected.

I invite you to join the many thousands of others who have tested their computers, discovered these threats are real, and taken the necessary steps to protect their computers, their families, and their businesses.

Now that you have become aware of these issues, I encourage you to share this vital information with your families, friends and communities. Together, we can reach many millions of people and inform them about the threats to their privacy and security, and help them get the protection they desperately need.

Remember: When you say “No!” to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don’t, we all lose!

© MMVII, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Internet Safety Advocate and Educator

Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/what-everybody-ought-to-know-its-no-longer-enough-to-install-offtheshelf-security-software-128958.html

Remote system management is an increasingly important issue facing many businesses today. As corporate consolidation integrates additional locations within the same infrastructure, IT professionals face a more demanding environment. Recent surveys show that as many as 95 percent of branch offices operate without on-site IT personnel (1). Additionally, other surveys indicate that while spending on corporate IT staff still constitutes the largest component of most IT budgets, it continues to decline—from 42 percent in 2005 to 37 percent this past year. (2) These trends require IT professionals to do more with less and determine more effective ways to perform critical tasks.

These changes in IT staffing often result in non-technical personnel performing standard tasks, such as data backup, patch management, and system maintenance. Not only do these tasks detract from an employee’s primary responsibilities, it is difficult to assure that best practices and procedures are followed. In addition, failure to perform these tasks could result in vulnerabilities related to data loss and security.

In addressing the challenges and risks associated with remote site management, many IT professionals are implementing ‘intelligent’ management solutions. These solutions provide systems administrators with remote, bios-level access to all of their servers, network devices, and other critical equipment.

Remote management solutions offer significant benefits, including:

Reducing downtime and allowing administrators to bring equipment back online quickly

Decreasing operating costs by eliminating or reducing the need for IT staff or third-party service calls

Centralizing datacenter control, improving security and providing easier and more efficient processes to perform system administration, maintenance, and upgrades

Improving physical site security and monitoring, minimizing capital loss due to vandalism or theft of equipment (3)

Remote management solutions generally combine remote management, intelligent power, and environmental monitoring. Below are example solutions from Avocent and Raritan that enable IT professionals to easily integrate their remote locations into their centralized management process, as well as standalone solutions offered by other vendors.

Integrated Remote Management Solutions

Avocent

Remote Management: Avocent’s DSView 3 software provides an integrated platform for managing KVM switches, service processor aggregation appliances, and serial devices. Avocent’s DSR switches provide remote bios-level server and serial device control, and its service processor aggregation appliances, the OnBoard and the MergePoint, can be used to remotely manage devices with integrated onboard technologies.

Power: Avocent’s Cyclades AlterPath PM intelligent power distribution units enable remote power management and control of servers and network devices. AlterPath PM devices can be used with DSR switches and Cyclades console servers and integrate with DSView 3, combining system access and power control into a single interface. These devices come in both 208 and 110 models, with many variations in number of outlets and amperage available.

Console: Avocent’s Cyclades ACS console servers are available in single and dual power supply options. When combined with integrated power management and centralized administration, these devices provide secure and consolidated out-of-band infrastructure management. ACS console servers use a Linux operating system, are accessible both in-band and out-of-band, and have detailed logging capabilities and numerous security features.

Raritan

Remote Management: Raritan’s CommandCenter Secure Gateway Appliance provides centralized management of servers and IT devices managed by Raritan Dominion series switches and console servers, as well as IT equipment with service processors and embedded technologies. The CommandCenter can also integrate remote power strips connected to Raritan Dominion products. The CommandCenter features 128-bit encryption and third-party authentication through Active Directory, TACACS+, LDAP, and RADIUS, and provides strong password support.

Power: Raritan’s remote power switches enable the remote monitoring, reboot, and shutdown of all connected devices. Using the Command Center, they integrate with Dominion KX switches and SX console servers, as well as other Raritan products, such as the Paragon II and IP Reach switches. These devices feature relay-controlled AC power receptacles, which allow administrators to monitor variables such as voltage, power, and temperature.

Console: Raritan’s Dominion SX and XRO devices provide out-of-band remote KVM access and serial device control, power control, and feature a modem for access if a network goes down. Dominion XRO devices allow 1 digital and 1 local user to control 1-3 servers and 4-8 serial devices and integrate with the CommandCenter Secure Gateway Appliance.

Standalone Solutions

Centralized KVM Over IP Management –Minicom

Minicom’s KVM.net device allows administrators to leverage their existing investments by providing front-end out-of-band KVM over IP management for mixed server environments. KVM.net provides secure, centralized management with a Linux-based GUI, and is a scalable system that features automatic discovery of all IP devices attached to the system. The device provides authentication and authorization mechanisms for secure access to servers, “non-blocking” access, and the capability to group users and servers.

Environmental Monitoring—Netbotz

NetBotz provides robust standalone environmental monitoring solutions. For smaller spaces with limited future expandability needs, the Netbotz 320 provides integrated environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity, dew point, airflow, door, and audio) with a web interface that provides immediate sensor readings, real-time camera images, and immediate configuration. The NetBotz 420 offers similar functions for small to medium-sized spaces that require comprehensive monitoring with moderate expandability potential. For larger spaces, the docked camera pods and sensor pods of the WallBotz 500 can be placed up to 340 feet from a base station, allowing coverage of multiple rooms or cabinets. An add-on CCTV adapter allows a CCTV camera to be used as well.

Intelligent Power—Server Technology

Server Technology’s remote power management solutions allow administrators to cycle power to non-responsive systems from any location via a web interface. These products also leverage leading advances in power distribution, such as 3-Phase power, branch circuit protection, and intelligent power-up sequencing. Server Technology also offers environmental monitoring devices that work with its power solutions, such as onboard probes that integrate with the Power Tower XL, allowing administrators to view temperature, humidity, water sensors, and dry contact closure sensors from its Enterprise View software, the same interface used to manage and monitor power.

Which of These Solutions Is Right For You?

42U provides complete remote management solutions, including KVM over IP, intelligent power, environmental monitoring, rack cooling, and rackmount solutions. The team at 42U specializes in assessing needs, creating solutions, and supporting clients, to ensure that IT professionals maximize their use of current technologies to improve overall business performance. A 42U sales engineer can help you sort through potential remote management solutions and select the one most appropriate for your organization’s particular needs and environment.

References

(1) (2006) Gareiss, R. “Branch Office Support: A Distant Reality”, Network World, http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/branch/2006/1120branch1.html

(2) (2007) Rothberg, D. “Companies Will Spend More on The Channel, Less on Staff in 2007”, eWeek,

http://www.esp.eweek.com/article/CIOs+Will+Spend+More+on+the+Channel+Less+on+Staff+

in+2007/198665_1.aspx

(3) (2005) Hack, T. “Optimizing Remote Site Equipment Configuration, Monitoring, and Control.” Remote Site and Equipment Management, http://www.remotemagazine.com/images/EasternResearchJune2005.pdf

Lauren Nowenstein
http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/put-remote-management-to-work-in-your-branch-office-115140.html

There are numerous ways for an individual to gain access to your confidential information and business data on your computer when you employ remote control software. In spite of the risks it is not necessarily a risky business to invest and implement remote control software. If you make sure that your provider can supply a satisfactory solution to the presented 6 risk areas you will be able to enjoy all the advantages of remote control software without hesitation.

A remote control system consists of two primary agents: the host and the guest. You are the host and you should have completely control over who you invite. The best overall method to avoid unwelcome guests is to make sure that your software has the top of the line encryption and a strong overall focus on the pending security issues.

We have pinned the security pitfalls out in six risk areas and we recommend that you consider all six risk areas when you research your possible purchase of remote control software. The six areas are:

1. Unauthorized access across the wire. Popularly known as “high jacking”. We have identified the following key parameters to avoid high jacking:
MAC/IP address check
Closed user group
Authentication
Callback
User controlled access
Authorization

2. Eavesdropping and alteration. Protect the traffic between guest and host modules against eavesdropping and unauthorized alteration of data. Make sure your system has strong features in Encryption (only you and your guest should be able to read the information transmitted). Integrity and message authentication (verify the encrypted data). Key exchange (exchange the right encryption keys for the data transmissions).

3. Security context. It is imperative that the Host components run in proper security contexts on the operating system.

4. Unauthorized change of the Host. Make sure that all maintenance is only accessed through a password and thus prevent unauthorized change of the Host configuration.

5. Adequate range of alerts and security options. An example: The Host must be able to disconnect the Guest user or even restart Windows after reception of a pre-defined number of invalid logon attempts in order to reduce the number of invalid attempts per hour. And you would want a neat range of alert types when someone is trying to access your computer.

6. Adequate event logging. Your system should offer extensive event logging to document a possible attack. All session activity and log on attempts should be logged, preferably in a central database

It is absolutely essential in remote control software that you can ensure that access to data is protected from unauthorized users. Hackers can and will use foot printing, such as port scans, ping sweeps, and NetBIOS enumeration that can be used to glean valuable system-level information to help prepare for more significant attacks. Finally, hackers can attempt to hijack a session, that is, they can try to takeover one end of an already established session.

Your remote control program should contain security features that counteract the methods described to hack into a computer. If you engage with a supplier who is covered in the six risk areas then you’re on your way to improve business efficiency, help system administrators and reduce cost of IT and enjoy many more inherent features with remote control software.

Kristian Polack
http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/remote-control-software-the-6-securitypitfalls-you-should-avoid-74676.html

Support your customers remotely on demand – new remote support software runs in just one click! No need to receive IP addresses or send executable files to your users – just generate a link and send it to them by email, ICQ, MSN Messenger, or over the phone – no installation necessary! What can be easier than clicking a link to establish a remote support session instantly?

Have a customer waiting for help, but can’t pass through the corporate firewall? Forget about it with new remote support software! Received a help request from a client behind a router having no thought about their IP address or how to forward ports correctly ? Traditional remote support software such as Microsoft RDP are less than ideal when it comes to providing customer support to those having no idea about their network configurations or how to modify them.

Today Anyplace Control Software (http://www.anyplace-control.com/) brings in just a ideal solution for these types of support demands. Anyplace Control, the company’s signature remote support software, gets updated with a brand-new technology making IP and port-based connections obsolete. With new Anyplace Control, you just send the customers an exact link. After they click the link, you are able to access and control their PC immediately – no need to set up anything on their computers, know their IP address, configure their router or combat firewall rules. The recent remote support software is the simplest ever – for your customers and for you!

The Host Module program, a customized module that all Anyplace Control users obtain from Anyplace Control Software, turns giving remote support to your clients into the one click on a Web link for them and a no-brainer for you. No installation or configuration needed! Even if you are just trying Anyplace Control in the free trial mode, you are still eligible to receive and to use your custom-built Host Module.

You can generate as many remote support links to give out to your clients as you like. Just visit http://www.anyplace-control.com/download-host.shtml to create a custom link. After your users click the link, you can see their PC appear in the list of available computers in your Admin Module. Use your account data (login and password) to remotely control all computers with your customized Host Module.

Feel like doing things in the traditional way? The new Host Module can be invoked by the IP address and port number, exactly as in the early days of remote desktop applications. The connection is just as secure as in the case of using the login and password, as the connection can only be established with a password known only to you. When your client closes the Host Module program, their computer becomes inaccessible for remote control.

Anyplace Control beats classical remote support software by offering your clients a truly easy way to request and receive support on the spot. While analogous remote support software are employed by big computer manufacturers such as Dell, Anyplace Control is available for much less than the price of such products. Anyplace Control Software has prices and plans for everyone from single IT administrators to large helpdesks with countless number of concurrent remote control sessions. Visit http://www.anyplace-control.com/buy.shtml to learn more about the product, the technologies and any special offers.

Yuriy Goncharuk
http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/ondemand-remote-support-software-becomes-easier-675139.html