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Kingston Technology today unveiled the DataTraveler BlackBox USB flash drive, a Federal Information Processing Standard-validated USB flash drive in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB sizes. The BlackBox carries FIPS 140-2 certified encryption, which requires the device to pass a Power On Self Test which verifies the encryption architecture is functioning. The DataTraveler BlackBox USB flash drives are currently shipping, starting at $165 and ranging to $425.

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Most computers come bundled with a free anti-virus solution, but sooner or later you will find out its just a trial and will eventually need to pay for the service. When your trial expires you leave your computer open and exposed to potential viruses.

In todays world no one is ever 100% completely safe even with the most sophisticated protection. This is why having at least some kind of protection is very important. Whether it be some kind of free anti-virus software or a paid version. For those of you who don’t have the proper funds or desire to maintain a subscription I highly recommend using one of the following free anitvirus versions.

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I can’t think of a good reason for a home network to broadcast its presence to the world at large. From a security standpoint, you can’t hack it if you don’t know it’s there.

The SSID is network name data your router transmits at an interval. Disabling the public broadcast of your wireless network is usually an option on your router ’s basic settings page, once you have configured the clients you wish to allow access. Changing the SSID from the default router name is just as critical. When you first purchase a new router such as a Linksys or Netgear, a default network name is set by the manufactures for the particular router . Changing this name to a unique SSID can help prevent even the savvy hacker who knows your network’s there from hacking into the default network name, even if the network is no longer broadcasting it.

Since every router is different I have listed below the basics steps on how to set up security on your router . This is just a simple guide on the key points you need to tweak. Since their are many router brands out there you will have to reference you routers manual for the exact details.

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Microsoft recommends turning on automatic updates and setup a certain install time. However many updates provided by Microsoft will conflict with other programs or third party applications you have installed yourself. I highly recommend reviewing all updates before going through the install process. Especially if your running a network. Network admins almost all the time make the mistake of updating security patches which will hinder certain inside application within the network. Such as, terminal services (your ability to remote desktop). Point being said, review your updates especially your security patches.