<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?><!-- generator=Zoho Sites --><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><channel><atom:link href="https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/blogs/tag/network-infrastructure/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title>Flood Computing Solutions - Blog #network infrastructure</title><description>Flood Computing Solutions - Blog #network infrastructure</description><link>https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/blogs/tag/network-infrastructure</link><lastBuildDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:28:20 -0700</lastBuildDate><generator>http://zoho.com/sites/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[What is Patch Tuesday?]]></title><link>https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/blogs/post/PatchTuesday</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/images/error-102074_960_720.jpg"/>While an important security update for Windows users, it is also a source of frustration for many users. The patches can often cause problems with software and hardware compatibility. In some cases, the patches can even introduce new vulnerabilities.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_RoF_RTxYQ3WRD7eu-XlwYA" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_pzq13hIvSm-lyDwTBFChWg" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_A8uHw9X7S7uwCDWcB0Bcsw" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_W5RH0MtVQ22fOzMp5qLBWw" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center " data-editor="true">Update Tuesday&nbsp;</h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_nZrXo32kSfaUk5qUxszR9A" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style> [data-element-id="elm_nZrXo32kSfaUk5qUxszR9A"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><p><br></p><div><h3 style="color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;margin-bottom:6px;"><strong>What is Patch Tuesday?</strong></h3><div style="color:inherit;"><br></div><div style="color:inherit;"> Patch Tuesday is a nickname given to the second Tuesday of every month by I.T. professionals. It is the day when Microsoft releases its regular security updates for Windows. These updates are designed to keep users’ systems secure by fixing any vulnerabilities that have been identified during the previous month. The name “Patch Tuesday” comes from the fact that these updates are essentially patches that are applied to the Windows operating system. The purpose of these patches is to address any security issues that have been identified in Microsoft products. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers to gain access to a computer system, steal data, or install malware. Users who ignore these updates expose their systems and business to potential attacks from malicious software.</div><div style="color:inherit;"><br></div><h3 style="color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;margin-bottom:6px;"><strong>When is Patch Tuesday?</strong></h3><div style="color:inherit;"><br></div><div style="color:inherit;"> Patch Tuesday always falls on the second Tuesday of every month. This date is chosen so that IT departments and security professionals know when they can expect to receive updates. <span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">Users can also plan ahead and schedule any necessary computer downtime or system maintenance on this day so that they don't interfere with other critical business functions.&nbsp;</span><span style="color:inherit;">Keep in mind that some updates may take longer to install than others, and some may require a system restart, so it's essential to plan accordingly.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="color:inherit;"><span style="color:inherit;"><br></span></div><div style="color:inherit;"><div style="color:inherit;"><h3 style="margin-bottom:6px;font-weight:inherit;"><strong>Why is it Important?</strong></h3></div></div><div style="color:inherit;"><span style="color:inherit;"><br></span></div><div style="color:inherit;"><span style="color:inherit;">&nbsp;Patch Tuesday is essential for maintaining the security of your system. As cyber threats continue to evolve, attackers are continually finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in popular software. The once a month updates allow Microsoft to address these vulnerabilities quickly and efficiently, reducing exploitation by attackers. These updates also help keep your system up to date with the latest features and functionality. Microsoft occasionally releases feature updates that introduce new features to the operating system, such as the recent addition of the new start menu in Windows 11.</span></div><div style="color:inherit;"><span style="color:inherit;"><br></span></div><div style="color:inherit;"><h3 style="margin-bottom:6px;font-weight:inherit;"><strong>Why can it be Bad?</strong></h3></div><div><span style="color:inherit;">&nbsp;Patch Tuesday can be frustrating for users when updates cause compatibility issues with their system hardware or software. In some cases, updates can even cause crashes or blue screens of death (BSOD) on individual computers. This can be particularly frustrating for individual users as well as IT departments who may have to deal with large numbers of affected machines. Another frustration can be the time required to download and install updates. Some updates can be large, particularly feature updates, and may take a long time to download and install on individual machines. The updates can also be problematic when they are left to the user to implement. From not running them to updating the entire operating systems making half their software </span>unusable<span style="color:inherit;">, they can quickly cause chaos in the workplace.</span><br></div><div style="color:inherit;"><br></div><h3 style="color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;margin-bottom:6px;"><strong>How does Patch Tuesday work?</strong></h3><div style="color:inherit;"><br></div><div style="color:inherit;"> Patch Tuesday updates are delivered via the Windows Update service. This service connects to Microsoft servers and checks for available updates. If updates are available, they are downloaded to the local machine and installed. The user may be prompted to restart their system if necessary. Windows Update can be configured to download and install updates automatically or manually, depending on the user’s preference. In addition, Microsoft provides tools such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) to allow IT departments to manage and deploy updates across multiple computers in a controlled manner. 6. </div><div style="color:inherit;"><br></div><h3 style="color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;margin-bottom:6px;"><strong>Patch Tuesday Tips</strong></h3><div style="color:inherit;"><br></div><div style="color:inherit;"> Users can minimize disruptions and reduce the chances of compatibility issues by taking a few precautions during Patch Tuesday.&nbsp;</div><div style="color:inherit;"><br></div><div style="color:inherit;">First, avoid scheduling critical tasks and projects on the day of the updates.<span style="color:inherit;">&nbsp;Secondly, back up any critical data files before updating.</span></div><div style="color:inherit;"><span style="color:inherit;">&nbsp;Finally, ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for the updates and Consider setting up a test environment to ensure compatibility before deploying any updates across your organization. In conclusion, keeping your system up to date with Patch Tuesday is an essential aspect of computer security. However, it is equally essential to approach updates with caution and care to avoid any unexpected compatibility issues. By following best practices and by being prepared, you can stay secure and confident in the knowledge that your system is up to date and protected against the latest security threats.</span><br></div><div style="color:inherit;"><br></div></div></div>
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</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Tue, 11 Apr 2023 16:59:36 -0700</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why All Your Data Is Gone ]]></title><link>https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/blogs/post/ransomware</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/images/encryption-your-data-digital-lock-hacker-attack-and-data-breach-big-data-with-encrypted.jpg"/>As ransomware becomes more common, businesses must take steps to protect themselves. One of the most effective ways to do this is by maintaining regular backups of all data.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_8uluC0TcS7eACy4ioP0ygg" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_Uu6GDNEZSa6LiJdweccyBA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_MpNrl7_-TFKLpwECuEemeQ" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_idcOGnQ1QDOhYoB_2Se4ww" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style> [data-element-id="elm_idcOGnQ1QDOhYoB_2Se4ww"].zpelem-heading { border-radius:1px; } </style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center " data-editor="true">Ransomware VS Backups&nbsp;</h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_nORlEs4OTECJr0LF7T6HvQ" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style> [data-element-id="elm_nORlEs4OTECJr0LF7T6HvQ"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><p><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Ransomware is a growing concern not just for individuals, but businesses as well. This malicious software infects computers, servers, emails, and other places with the intent to extort money from the victim. It does this by encrypting all of the data, presenting the victim of the attack with a demand for payment in order to have their files returned. Unfortunately, the criminals behind ransomware attacks often have no intention of actually providing the decryption keys, even if the ransom is paid.</span></span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><br></span></span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;The best way to protect against ransomware is to take preventive measures. This means regularly backing up data so that if the system fails, it can be recovered. Backups should include all of the important documents and files so that even if a major parts of your systems become compromised, you are still able to access the backed up files. Keeping up to date with system updates and antivirus software also is a good line of protection against this type of attack.</span></span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><br></span></span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;Businesses should be especially attentive to ransomware attacks, as the threat is quite real for them. Not only does the loss of data have a direct financial cost, there are other complications that could arise from an attack. For instance, the cost of the resulting downtime could significantly impact a business’s bottom line, and it could also result in the loss of clients and customer loyalty if confidential information was among the stolen data.</span></span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><br></span></span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;By acting quickly and taking the necessary steps to prevent ransomware attacks, businesses can greatly reduce the risk of being exposed to one of these damaging events. Taking proactive measures such as backing up data regularly and having an updated antivirus program can make a huge impact. It may seem like a bother, but the effort is worth it when it comes to preventing a data breach.</span></span><br></p></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Tue, 11 Apr 2023 15:53:04 -0700</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Importance of Exchange Servers]]></title><link>https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/blogs/post/exchangeservers</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.floodcomputingsolutions.com/images/reply-97622_1280.png"/>Exchange Servers / Email Servers and Why They Matter]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_M6kGozzSS8aciRGahXgjPQ" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_pRK94fj6TWu4O50rLwlg7Q" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_3N1LWj_ESLu1pUeSLUUr2Q" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_2LXAsJymSm6zJIPvccF8tw" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style> [data-element-id="elm_2LXAsJymSm6zJIPvccF8tw"].zpelem-heading { border-radius:1px; } </style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center " data-editor="true">Email and Exchange Servers</h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_IDfGZ6aES020uiAHMZA17g" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style> [data-element-id="elm_IDfGZ6aES020uiAHMZA17g"].zpelem-text { border-radius:1px; } </style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center " data-editor="true"><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;">What a powerful tool the Exchange Server is!</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><br></span></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;">&nbsp;While it offers much convenience in the realm of business communication, it also provides crucial cybersecurity and data protection measures. When it comes to keeping your business safe, having an up-to-date Exchange Server is essential. For starters, Exchange servers can manage large amounts of data, allowing businesses to store large and important documents and records. This also ensures that all information is securely stored and archived, preventing cyber criminals and other malicious entities from infiltrating the server.&nbsp;</span></span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><br></span></span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Additionally, the server can act as a line of defense against potential contact with harmful programs.</span></span><span style="color:inherit;font-size:14px;">&nbsp;Utilizing antivirus and anti-malware software to keep harmful files away from the system. This not only helps protect against viruses, but it also helps prevent malicious programs from entering the system and doing irreparable damage.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;font-size:14px;"><br></span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;font-size:14px;">Finally, they provide a secure way of communication. Employees can communicate with each other, clients, and vendors. Security protocols are set in place, such as email encryption and advanced digital signatures, to ensure all communication is kept safe and secure.</span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;font-size:14px;"><br></span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;font-size:14px;">&nbsp;Ultimately, business owners must understand the importance of having an up-to-date server for the protection of their confidential data and the safety of their employees. Exchange servers are often the first line of defense against cyber-attacks and malware, and without them, information is at risk. Exchange servers status should be regularly monitored, and all employees should be strongly encouraged to practice best </span><span style="font-size:14px;">security</span><span style="color:inherit;font-size:14px;">&nbsp;practices. In this day and age, data security is vitally important, and email is a key component.</span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;font-size:14px;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14px;">Do you have a cyber education training for your employees? We do. Contact us to learn more.&nbsp;</span></p></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2023 15:35:26 -0700</pubDate></item></channel></rss>