It’s an early Aloha Friday morning and for many it will be one to remember! We want to inform you about a recent series of significant outages impacting various industries across the nation, including hotels, banks, airlines, and other major services.
Overview of the Incident
In recent hours, a major global IT outage has affected several critical sectors, causing disruptions in services and operations. This widespread issue was primarily triggered by a faulty update from CrowdStrike, which led to numerous systems experiencing the infamous Windows “blue screen of death” (BSOD) error. The resulting downtime has caused significant inconvenience and operational challenges for many businesses.
Cowabunga! Computers does not deploy CrowdStrike to any of its computers or servers under management, so the impact to your computer and daily business should be minimal. Because of the sheer number of other businesses being disrupted as well as news reporting on this issue, we wanted you to simply be aware this should not affect any of Cowabunga! Computers managed services users.
Industries Affected
The impact of this outage has been extensive, affecting:
Airlines: Major airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines faced flight delays and cancellations due to communication system failures.
Banks: Financial institutions experienced interruptions in online banking services and ATM networks.
Hotels: Hospitality services saw disruptions in reservation systems and guest management processes.
Cause and Implications
The root cause of this widespread disruption was a problematic update from CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity firm. This update, designed to enhance security, inadvertently caused severe compatibility issues with Microsoft Windows systems, leading to widespread crashes and operational halts.
Our Commitment to Your Security
At Cowabunga Computers, we understand the critical nature of these outages and are committed to ensuring your business remains secure and resilient. Here’s how we’re supporting you:
Enhanced Monitoring: We are closely monitoring all systems to detect and address any anomalies promptly.
Proactive Measures: Implementing additional safeguards to prevent similar issues from affecting your operations.
24/7 Emergency Support: Providing round-the-clock support to assist with any concerns or technical issues you may encounter.
Are you using CrowdStrike? Have you been affected?
If you are not currently a customer but suspect you may be affected by these issues and cannot get a timely response from your current provider, we invite you to reach out to us. Our team is ready to provide the support and solutions you need.
Thank you for your continued trust in Cowabunga Computers. Together, we can ensure the security and resilience of your business.
It was a typical morning at Cowabunga Computers. Our team arrived at the office, ready to tackle the day’s tasks, when a critical alert from our Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tool caught our attention. Five user accounts at one of our client’s sites were reported as locked out. The affected users were Brian, Joseph, Jared, Mary, and Jacob. Our team knew that something was amiss, and quick action was necessary.
The Unexpected Alert
The alert stemmed from a security policy we had set up to monitor user accounts. It flagged that these accounts were locked out due to repeated failed login attempts. Immediately, our team dove into the logs and details of the alert. We discovered that the attempts were coming from a specific IP address, and the user accounts were under attack.
Digging Deeper
Further investigation led us to the IIS logs on the client’s server. The logs revealed a troubling pattern: someone was systematically trying to brute force their way into the system. The attacker was targeting the Remote Desktop Web Access (RDWeb) login pages, attempting to break through our defenses. Despite these efforts, none of the passwords were successful, thanks to the added layer of security provided by Duo 2FA. However, the repeated attempts were enough to lock out the accounts, disrupting the users’ access.
Swift Response
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, our team quickly mobilized. First, we unlocked the affected accounts, restoring access to Brian, Ryan, Paul, Nikki, and Sarah. Then, we turned our attention to stopping the attacker.
We identified the attacker’s IP address and immediately added it to our firewall blocklist. Not stopping there, we blocked the entire subnet to ensure no further attempts could be made from that range. A reverse GeoIP lookup revealed that the attacker was operating from the Netherlands. To bolster our defenses, we blocked access from the entire country.
Securing the Fort
To further secure the server, we made a critical configuration change. We removed the wildcard binding on the IIS server, ensuring that it would only serve login pages if the domain name was known. This move added another layer of protection, making it harder for attackers to find their way in.
The Aftermath
Thanks to our quick response and proactive measures, we were able to thwart the attack and restore normal operations swiftly. But this incident served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the digital world. A brute force attack like this, if left unchecked, could have led to compromised accounts, data breaches, and significant operational disruptions.
Lessons Learned
Our team at Cowabunga Computers took this incident as an opportunity to strengthen our defenses and refine our procedures. We enhanced our monitoring systems, updated our security protocols, and conducted additional training for our staff and clients on recognizing and responding to security threats.
A Call to Action
For businesses, incidents like these underscore the importance of having a vigilant and responsive IT partner. Missing an incident like this could lead to severe consequences, but with the right measures and a proactive approach, the risks can be mitigated effectively.
At Cowabunga Computers, we are committed to protecting our clients from cyber threats and ensuring their operations run smoothly. Our swift action in this incident highlights our dedication to providing top-notch security and support. Let us help you secure your business and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
First, let’s define what “break-fix” means. In a break-fix approach, you only call for IT support when something goes wrong. Imagine if you only went to the doctor when you were very sick, rather than going for regular check-ups to stay healthy. This is how break-fix works: you fix things when they break.
What is a Maintenance Contract?
A maintenance contract, on the other hand, is like having a health plan for your computer systems. With a maintenance contract, you have ongoing IT support and regular check-ups to ensure everything is running smoothly. It’s a proactive approach rather than a reactive one.
Benefits of a Maintenance Contract
Prevention of Issues:
Regular Check-Ups: Just like regular medical check-ups can prevent major health issues, regular IT check-ups can prevent major technical problems.
Early Detection: Potential problems can be identified and resolved before they become serious, minimizing downtime and disruptions.
Cost Savings:
Predictable Budget: With a maintenance contract, you pay a fixed monthly fee, making your IT expenses predictable and easier to budget.
Avoid Costly Repairs: Preventing issues through regular maintenance can save you from expensive repairs or replacements when things break unexpectedly.
Increased Efficiency:
Optimal Performance: Regular maintenance ensures your systems are running at their best, which improves overall efficiency and productivity.
Minimal Downtime: By addressing potential issues before they cause failures, your systems experience less downtime, keeping your business operations smooth.
Access to Expertise:
Dedicated Support: With a maintenance contract, you have access to a dedicated team of IT professionals who are familiar with your systems and needs.
Proactive Advice: The team can provide recommendations on upgrades and improvements to keep your technology up-to-date and secure.
Security and Compliance:
Regular Updates: Maintenance contracts include regular updates and patches, ensuring your systems are protected against the latest security threats.
Peace of Mind:
Reliable Support: Knowing you have a team ready to handle any issues gives you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on running your business.
Emergency Response: In case of unexpected problems, maintenance contract clients often receive priority support, reducing the impact of any issues.
In summary, a maintenance contract is a smart investment for your business. It ensures your IT systems are well-maintained, secure, and running efficiently, while saving you money and giving you peace of mind. Instead of waiting for problems to occur, you can prevent them and keep your business operations running smoothly.
In today’s increasingly connected world, ensuring the security of your network is paramount. Recent reports have highlighted multiple vulnerabilities in common routers that can expose your network to significant risks. Here’s what you need to know about these vulnerabilities and why it’s crucial to upgrade to more secure, manageable devices.
Common Vulnerabilities in Routers
Netgear and Cisco SOHO Routers: The FBI recently removed malware from hundreds of end-of-life Netgear and Cisco small office/home office (SOHO) routers that were being exploited by Chinese state-sponsored hackers. These devices no longer receive updates, making them highly susceptible to reinfection and other cyber threats (Malwarebytes) (SecurityWeek).
TP-Link Archer AX21: A command injection flaw in TP-Link Archer AX21 routers (CVE-2023-1389) has been actively exploited by multiple botnets, including variants of the infamous Mirai botnet. Despite the availability of firmware updates, many devices remain unpatched, leaving them vulnerable to DDoS attacks and other malicious activities (BleepingComputer) (Penetration Testing).
Linksys Routers: Recent findings have revealed 10 vulnerabilities in 20 models of Linksys routers, including the EA and WRT series. These vulnerabilities range from denial-of-service attacks to unauthenticated command execution, which could allow attackers to take full control of the devices. While Linksys has released firmware updates to address these issues, many routers remain vulnerable due to users not applying these updates (Threatpost) (SecurityWeek).
Why Upgrade Your Router?
Outdated routers not only pose a significant security risk but also lack the advanced features necessary to protect against modern cyber threats. Here are compelling reasons to upgrade:
Enhanced Security: Modern routers come with improved security features and regular firmware updates to protect against new vulnerabilities.
Better Performance: Upgraded hardware ensures faster and more reliable internet connections, essential for both business and personal use.
Advanced Management: Managed routers allow for remote monitoring and maintenance, ensuring your network remains secure and efficient.
Consumer-Grade Firewalls vs. Enterprise Cloud-Managed Firewalls
Consumer-Grade Firewalls:
Pros: Affordable, easy to use, and provide basic protection suitable for home use.
Cons: Limited features, scalability issues, manual updates, and minimal support.
For businesses looking to protect sensitive data, ensure network performance, and scale their operations securely, investing in an enterprise cloud-managed firewall is a wise choice. Here’s why:
Enhanced Security: With robust security features, these firewalls provide comprehensive protection against sophisticated cyber threats.
Operational Efficiency: Centralized management and automated updates reduce the burden on IT staff, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks.
Future-Proofing: As your business grows, a scalable firewall solution ensures that your network security infrastructure can expand and adapt to new challenges.
Regulatory Compliance: Many industries require stringent security measures. Enterprise firewalls help meet these regulatory requirements, protecting your business from legal and financial repercussions.
Our Solution
At Cowabunga Computers, we include an enterprise firewall as part of our managed services agreement. Our comprehensive network management services ensure your routers and other network devices are always up-to-date and secure. Our services include:
Regular Firmware Updates: We ensure all your network devices have the latest security patches.
24/7 Monitoring and Management: Our team continuously monitors your network for any signs of suspicious activity.
Expert Support: Our technicians are always available to assist with any issues or queries.
Security Audits: Regular security audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Take Action Now
Don’t compromise your network security. Contact Cowabunga Computers today to upgrade to an enterprise cloud-managed firewall and safeguard your business against evolving cyber threats. Let us help you build a secure and resilient network infrastructure.
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, ensuring effective IT management has become crucial for businesses of all sizes. While the traditional approach of hiring in-house IT staff may seem appealing, partnering with a managed services provider (MSP) like Cowabunga Computers offers numerous advantages. Here’s why an MSP is often a better choice than in-house IT, especially for businesses and residents in Honolulu.
Cost Efficiency
One of the most compelling reasons to choose an MSP is cost efficiency. Hiring full-time IT staff involves significant overhead costs including salaries, benefits, and training. With an MSP, these costs are consolidated into a predictable monthly fee that can be adjusted based on your changing needs, allowing for better budget management and reduced financial strain.
Broad Expertise
With an MSP, you gain access to a team of professionals each specializing in different areas of IT. This broad expertise means that your business can benefit from comprehensive IT support, covering everything from cybersecurity and cloud solutions to network management. This is a level of specialization that is difficult and often cost-prohibitive to achieve with in-house staff.
24/7 Support
MSPs provide around-the-clock monitoring and support. IT issues don’t adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule, and having support available at any time ensures that your systems remain operational and secure, even outside of regular business hours. This continuous support is crucial for maintaining productivity and minimizing downtime.
Proactive Maintenance
Rather than waiting for problems to occur, MSPs take a proactive approach to IT management. They monitor your systems to detect and address potential issues before they become serious, reducing the likelihood of unexpected failures and the associated costs of downtime and data loss.
Scalability
As your business grows, so do your IT needs. An MSP can seamlessly scale your IT services to match this growth. Whether you need to ramp up your capabilities or scale back, MSPs provide the flexibility that is essential for dynamic business environments.
Access to Latest Technologies
MSPs continuously update their services to include the latest technologies. By partnering with an MSP, you benefit from state-of-the-art solutions that keep your operations cutting edge, without the need for substantial upfront investments in new technologies.
Focus on Your Core Business
Outsourcing your IT management to an MSP allows you to concentrate on your core business activities. This can lead to enhanced productivity and efficiency as your team is not bogged down by IT concerns and can focus on achieving business goals.
Compliance and Security
MSPs understand the importance of compliance and security. They stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and security protocols to ensure that your IT infrastructure is not only compliant but also secure against emerging threats.
Conclusion
For businesses and residents in Honolulu, choosing Cowabunga Computers as your MSP means more than just expert IT management. It means enjoying peace of mind knowing that your IT needs are being handled by professionals who are committed to your success. By leveraging our expertise, you can not only save money but also secure a competitive advantage in your industry. Let us handle the tech, so you can focus on what you do best – growing your business.
For more information on how Cowabunga Computers can transform your IT experience, visit our services page or contact us directly to discuss your specific needs.
At Cowabunga Computers, we understand that technology plays a crucial role in the productivity of your employees. By choosing our managed services, you ensure that your technology infrastructure not only supports but also enhances the productivity of your team. Here’s how we make a positive impact:
Minimized Downtime: Frequent tech issues can significantly disrupt day-to-day operations, leading to wasted time and frustration. Our proactive monitoring and maintenance services are designed to detect and resolve issues before they cause downtime, ensuring that your team can work efficiently without interruptions.
Quick Resolution of IT Issues: When problems do arise, our expert team is quick to respond. With Cowabunga Computers, you have access to immediate support, significantly reducing the time your employees spend waiting for issues to be resolved. This means they can get back to their important tasks sooner.
Optimized IT Tools: We help you choose and maintain the best tools for your specific needs, which means your employees are always equipped with fast, reliable technology that complements their workflows. Whether it’s faster hardware, streamlined software solutions, or robust collaboration tools, we ensure your technology is a booster, not a barrier.
Training and Support: We don’t just fix problems; we also provide your staff with the necessary training and support to utilize IT tools effectively. This empowerment enables them to handle minor issues independently and make the most of the technology at their disposal, further enhancing their productivity.
Customized IT Strategy: Our services include developing a strategic IT plan tailored to your business goals. By aligning your IT environment with your business objectives, we help create a seamless operation where technology accelerates your business processes rather than slowing them down.
Security and Compliance: By ensuring that your systems are secure and compliant with relevant regulations, we help you avoid costly security breaches and compliance issues. This also reduces the time your employees might otherwise spend dealing with such problems, allowing them to focus on their core responsibilities.
With Cowabunga Computers managing your IT needs, your employees can enjoy a seamless, efficient, and more productive work environment. This not only leads to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover but also directly contributes to the growth and success of your business. Let us handle the technology so that your team can focus on driving your business forward.
