Blog
Italian ransomware attack highlights bad patch management
Monday, 06 February 2023 17:47 Written by Carmi LevyA major ransomware attack Sunday kicked the majority of Italians off of the internet before administrators were able to restore service.
Italy’s National Cybersecurity Agency, ACN, said the attackers targeted a known vulnerability in VMware’s ESXi servers. VMware encouraged customers to install patches.
If it feels like you’ve heard this story before, that’s because you probably have. In fact, you’re forgiven for thinking this feels like Groundhog Day.
That’s because the vulnerability was first detected almost two years ago, and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security issued its first security advisory – known as AV21-093 – on February 24, 2021. The Canadian cybersecurity agency issued a second advisory, AV22-689, on December 9, 2022.
Here’s why it takes so long to write great code
Wednesday, 01 February 2023 10:08 Written by Carmi Levy“You want how much?”
Software developers often hear this from indignant prospective customers, typically after they’ve shared a quote to develop some new software or update existing code.
This initial reaction may occasionally be followed by an outright rejection of the quote, perhaps with a promise to seek out a cheaper alternative, or even a smart nephew who taught himself to code in the high school computer lab.
Either way, the qualified, experienced developers aren’t getting the business. And the unhappy wannabe-customers may be on the verge of learning an expensive lesson.
Creative Disruption – why we should embrace change, not fear it
Thursday, 26 January 2023 04:10 Written by Carmi LevyI did a lot of reading and reflection over the holidays. I did so partly because this is something many of us traditionally do between the end of one year and the beginning of the next, but that’s not the only reason.
It’s no secret 2022 was a rough year for most of us, thanks in part to rampant inflation and skyrocketing interest rates, and it looks like 2023 will offer up more of the same.
Tech layoffs don’t mean that the sky is falling anytime soon
Tuesday, 24 January 2023 14:23 Written by Carmi LevyThere’s no denying that the headlines are jarring: Meta lays off 11,000, Microsoft pink-slips 12,000, Amazon says it’ll cut 10,000 jobs, then ups it to 18,000. Spotify is trimming 6% of its global workforce. The list, including Salesforce, Shopify, Hootsuite and others, seems to keep growing by the day.
In many cases, these are the largest layoffs in their respective company’s history. And as the pace picks up, it’s easy to get swept away in speculation that Big Tech companies – and, by extension, your organization – are about to drive off a cliff.
Don’t.
FAA NOTAM outage should scare all of us into (finally) testing our DRPs
Wednesday, 18 January 2023 14:02 Written by Carmi LevyThe U.S. air travel system experienced its worst meltdown in years last week after a database in the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) service – a system designed to advise pilots of conditions at their destination airports before they are allowed to depart – failed.
While initial fears that this was a cyberattack were soon quashed, the actual root cause could prove to be just as disturbing – because it suggests structural weaknesses in how the information technology needs of the world’s busiest airspace are being met.
A new year means a new approach to cybersecurity
Wednesday, 11 January 2023 10:37 Written by Carmi LevyForgive us, but here at STEP Software, we’re optimists, and we believe the dawn of a new year brings all sorts of opportunities for renewal and growth to employers and their employees.
Optimistic doesn’t mean we aren’t realistic, though, and as 2023 dawns all fresh and clean and shiny and new, we also recognize that cybercriminals remain as threatening and dirty as they’ve always been. Actually, even more so.
So, as we’ve been reviewing our own cybersecurity plans for the upcoming year, we wanted to share some recommendations with you so that you can consider incorporating them into your own workflow. Because it’s always a good time to focus on cybersecurity.
Custom software or out of the box? The 5 reasons why custom could be the answer for your business
Thursday, 05 January 2023 11:00 Written by Carmi LevyIf there is one truth in today’s technology-driven economy, it’s that software powers virtually all modern businesses and gives them the tools to get things done and remain competitive.
But it’s just as true that most organizations aren’t devoting enough time or energy to deciding which software to use, and why they even use it in the first place. It’s like buying a house or a car without first doing your homework, and it’s a strategy that can cost organizations dearly if they don’t plan accordingly.
Southwest Airlines meltdown: a reminder why software maintenance matters
Tuesday, 03 January 2023 14:03 Written by Carmi LevyWhen a massive winter storm roared across much of North America in the days leading up to Christmas, no one was surprised when major airlines started cancelling flights.
But over at Southwest Airlines, things were about to get much worse.
We look at 2022’s top 10 tech stories – and why they matter
Wednesday, 21 December 2022 13:08 Written by Carmi LevyAs we wind down 2022 and prepare for some long-overdue quiet time with friends and family, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and the stories that helped shape it.
To no one’s surprise, the tech sector offered up no shortage of headline-grabbing stories this year. As much fun as it is to take a second look at all of them, there’s a serious reason for it, as well: looking back at the events that shaped us helps us to better plan for the years ahead.
With this in mind, we’re pleased to share our top 10 tech stories of the year, as well as our view of why they’re worth remembering in the first place:
Staff Augmentation Part 3 – Way more than outsourcing
Thursday, 15 December 2022 13:57 Written by Carmi LevyNote: This article is the third in our ongoing series on Staff Augmentation. Check out the first two entries in the series to learn everything you need to know:
- Staff Augmentation 101 – what you need to know
- Staff Augmentation Part 2 – 8 questions you must ask first
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