Technology Today

Technology Today
July 2015
The Upcoming IP Land Grab
Hello! We’re pleased to send you this monthly
issue of Technology Today. It’ s our way of
saying that you’re important to us and we truly
value your business. Please feel free to pass
this newsletter on to friends and colleagues.
Enjoy!
MONTHLY QUOTES:
“Always turn a negative situation into a
positive situation.”
Michael Jordan
“Be happy for this moment. This
moment is your life.”
Omar Khayyam
“Walking with a friend in the dark is
better than walking alone in the light.”
Helen Keller
IN THIS ISSUE:
1. The Upcoming IP Land Grab
2. Google Introduces USB Secure Drive
3. News Bytes
4. Question of the Month
5. Is On-Premise Still a Viable Option?
6. WEBSITEOF THE MONTH: ANY.DO
A landmark in the Internet’s history is imminent, and the general public
doesn’t suspect a thing. The available IPv4 addresses for ARIN, the
Internet Regional Registry serving the United States, Canada, and parts of
the Caribbean, will be completely used up in a matter of weeks. IPv4 refers
to the fourth version of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and every device
from desktops to smartphones with the capability of connecting to the
Internet has one. While this may not sound like the end of the world, it
does signal the coming end of a technological era.
As the name IPv4 suggests, the pool of IP addresses we have now isn’t the
first group – and it won’t be the last. IPv6 has actually been around since
the 1990s when it began to be clear that the total amount of IPv4
addresses would not be sufficient to meet the demand indefinitely.
Currently, the use of IPv6 addresses accounts for just above six percent of
internet traffic, which is a significant increase from the 2.5 percent
approximately two years ago. That still leaves a huge percentage of
Internet-ready devices using a technology that will soon be defunct.
For now, ARIN plans to join with three other global regions to increase its
pool of IP addresses. Currently, there are more IPv4 addresses available –
especially in Africa. This isn’t a permanent solution, however. This IPv4
shortage has also created a new Internet market with big businesses
hording their IPv4 supplies or selling them off to the highest bidder. The
value of the IPv4 commodity will only continue to grow as more and more
people connect to the Internet. Currently, about 40 percent of the world
population has Internet access, which is expected to increase to 50
percent by 2017. That’s an increase of 25 billion, and there are only 4
billion IPv4 addresses around.
Many big corporations, such as Google, Facebook, and Verizon, are
already making the inevitable switch to IPv6. Since this requires software
and hardware upgrades, this change is expensive, which is why so much
of the world remains rooted in IPv4. For those companies that cannot
currently afford to upgrade to IPv6, they are left scrambling for the few
remaining addresses left in the fourth version. Soon, these companies will
have to weigh the costs of buying a product that will only increase in
scarcity (and, consequently, price) with the cost of upgrading to IPv6.

Google Introduces USB Secure Drive
Google has recently made available its newest security
device, which is simultaneously high and low-tech. As the
number of security breaches continues to increase,
developers have been scrambling to find new ways to protect
sensitive data from prying eyes. This has led to the rise of
features like two-step verification, but this did not
completely solve the need for protection from cyber
criminals.
Now, Google has turned to an old-school idea of physical
security with virtual enhancements. Although that may
sound like an oxymoron, that’s an apt description for the new
Security Key, a tangible USB drive used to verify identity
before gaining access to Google accounts.
The individual Security Keys start at about $6 each, but that’s
a small investment for a security measure that yields results.
Users simply plug in the USB key into the device they plan to
use, and it sends an encrypted signature to verify identity
instead of a code that could be intercepted by hackers and
later used maliciously. Unlike other security features
unveiled in the past, a Security Key doesn’t place a burden
on the user to hand-type any passwords or remember
complicated strings of text. When further verification
beyond plugging the USB device into a slot is required, the
user merely has to tap the Security Key to continue.
There are other features to recommend the use of Security
Keys than just improved identity verification. The use of
these USB devices also makes administrators’ jobs easier
because the keys easily track and report how they are being
used. When keys get lost or damaged, disabling them is a
cinch and setting up new means of access for employees is
relatively fuss-free. Places like Woolworth’s and Yelp have
already implemented Security Keys and are pleased with
the ease of use and heightened security, and we expect to
see them used on a wider scale in the near future.
News Bytes
● This fall, the newest Apple operating system, iOS 9, will be released. The latest version will make new features available
to iPhone and iPad users, and it also promises enhanced performance and functionality. The design tweaks, however, will
be subtle in order to make the switch from previous versions like iOS 7 and 8 as painless as possible. In fact, a lot of the
new features will make themselves known effortlessly because much of iOS 9’s focus is on improving its overall intelligence
and proactivity. This means that Apple devices running the new operating system will be better able to predict users’ needs
based on past behaviors, opening programs and making suggestions before users even realize they need them. Other
exciting features include split-screen multitasking and a two-finger swiping gesture.
● Recently, there was a security scare for LastPass users when suspicious activity was detected, which compromised much
of the service’s operations, including email addresses and authentication hashes. LastPass is one of several online services
that makes creating and keeping up with secure passwords across sites a thing of ease. Account holders simply remember
one master password and allow services like LastPass create strong passwords for various online accounts, changing them
regularly, and complete sign-in without bothering the user to keep up with or input individual passwords. Fortunately,
LastPass has assured the public that no user accounts were affected, but the company is encouraging its clients to change
their master passwords as a precaution.
● A security flaw in Samsung Galaxy phones has recently come to light. The vulnerability, which is present as far back as in
the Galaxy 6, stems from the pre-installed Swift keyboard software. The software itself is fine, but there is a potential for
abuse in how Samsung applies updates it. The British virtual keyboard company SwiftKey provides periodic updates that
reflect what users talk about most in an effort to improve typing performance (i.e. autocorrect and word suggestions).
When Samsung applies that data to the software in Galaxy devices, however, it provides would-be hackers a window of
opportunity to gain access to users’ devices and install malicious code. This vulnerability only exists when the updates are
performed on an unsecure network, and a fix has not yet been developed; in the meantime, Samsung users are encouraged
to use only secure networks and should disable automatic wireless logins in the settings to prevent inadvertent unsecure
connections.

Question: Should I install the Windows 10 Preview?
Question of the Month
Answer: In short, no. While the Windows 10 Technical Preview is free of charge, there are too many dangers in downloading
what is essentially the Beta release of Microsoft’s newest operating system. There’s a reason why the preview is available,
and it’s not to generate excitement about its coming release this fall. The preview exists for Microsoft to discover bugs and
glitches that are present in this version, so they can fix them before Windows 10 officially hits the market. Unless you just
enjoy being part of that process, it’s best to leave the testing to others.
It is especially important to wait for the official Windows 10 release if you only have one PC or mobile device. Since all the
kinks have not yet been worked out, you could find yourself unable to use accessories like printers or scanners if you make
the premature jump into the new operating system. You also can’t be assured that the Windows 10 preview is safe for your
devices, and it’s simply not worth the risk of incurring problems that can not only be costly moneywise but in the ill use of
your time trying to correct any damage.
Furthermore, the technical preview isn’t complete. The features you most anxiously await may not even be included. For
example, the Spartan web browser and Holograph feature are missing from the Windows 10 preview. So, even if the test
version of the operating system functions seamlessly, you’re apt to be disappointed. Although you may be chomping at the
bit to get rid of your old operating system, the wise thing to do is wait until Microsoft perfects Windows 10 and then fully
explore it when it’s finally released.
Is On-Premise Still a Viable Option?
With all the buzz concerning cloud storage solutions,
businesses may overlook the option of continuing to store
their files and data on site. A major appeal of using cloud
storage is how it frees up space on users’ PCs and other devices
while making it easy to collaborate on projects with others, but
there are drawbacks to the cloud as well. This is causing many
to re-evaluate the viability of on-premise storage. Ultimately,
in making the decision on whether to stash your business’ vital
information locally or in the cloud, it depends on your
particular practices, budget, and needs.
As with all other aspects of business, cost plays a major role in
the bottom line. On-premise storage does not typically incur
recurring fees but can be expensive initially if there is a need
to upgrade hardware or put systems in place to handle the
demand of storing large quantities of data. Cloud storage costs
can vary widely based on the provider and the nature of the
contract. For instance, there may be surcharges for the
amount of data stored and transferred in addition to a monthly
or annual fee. Hidden costs are also a possibility with both local
and cloud storage solutions, such as extra charges when you
and your employees require technical support.
After all, every time a file is transferred, there is the risk of it
being intercepted. Once data reaches its final destination –
whether locally or in the cloud – security threats don’t simply
disappear. Unless you are considering dedicated cloud
storage, you have little control over where your data
ultimately resides. It could be placed in multiple sites or in a
data center location completely unbeknownst to you, for
instance. With on-premise storage, you know exactly where
your information is and are in control of its security.
Lastly, you should weigh how latency, or how long it takes to
transfer data back and forth between your devices and the
cloud, can affect your business practices. While individual
transfers only take a few moments, those moments can add
up and potentially have an adverse effect on the quality of
your business services and operations. With these
considerations in mind, the decision between local and cloud
storage becomes simpler. Despite the emphasis on cloudbased
solutions, the use of on-premise storage is alive and
well. If there is still doubt regarding which type of storage is
best for your business, don’t hesitate to consult with us to
weigh the pros and cons.
The privacy of your stored data is another prime concern when
making the decision between cloud and on-premise solutions.

Technology Today
OFFER OF THE MONTH
Circulent, LLC
3 Thorndal Circle
Darien, CT 06820
203-655-2900
info@circulent.com
www.circulent.com
Are you tired of your office computers constantly being infected by
viruses or malware? What about employees constantly wasting time on
Facebook or Twitter? Well, we have a solution…
At the beginning of this year we launched our Predictive Security service,
and it’s been a hit! It’s reduced infections by up to 80%, and allows us to
whitelist or blacklist any website of your choosing.
For a limited time we’re offering this service free for 30 days. Go to
www.circulent.com/managed-predictive-security for
details.
A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER TO INFORM AND ENTERTAIN OUR CLIENTS JULY 2015
WEBSITE OF THE MONTH: ANY.DO
Available on the web, iPhones, Android devices, Chrome, and
Macs, the recently released third version of Any.do – a virtual
to-do list – is better than ever. Although there are scores of
such planning applications available, what sets Any.do apart is
its “moment” feature, which provides users with a run-down of
their schedules first thing in the morning to facilitate in
planning the day. Users can sort their to-do lists according to
priority, so they can knock out the most important tasks first to
improve overall productivity. The app is free but it also comes
with a premium tier that offers more features.
FROM THE DESK OF:
Marcus Lee
(Your Logo Here)
If you don’t have a Managed IT Service agreement in place
(unlimited IT support at a fixed cost), please let me know and
we’ll conduct a needs analysis and provide you with a proposal
free of charge!
This is particularly effective if you are uneasy about the state
of your network. Not sure if your current technology partner is
doing their job? This is a great way to make sure they are as
advertised!
Email: marcus.lee@circulent.com
Phone: 203-655-2900 ext. 201
All data and information provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only. Circulent, LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or
validity of any information in this newsletter and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All
information is provided on an as-is basis.