News Categories
Guest Posts (23) online security (38) online shopping (3) business blog (1) credit card (1) maildistiller (28) secure shopping (1) staying safe online (1) General News (34) Spam, Scam, Exploit & Virus Alerts (19) social networking (6) Barb Girson (1) business (1) direct selling (1) sales tips (1) business continuity (10) cyber bullying (2) duty of care (1) employers responsibility (1) social networks in the workplace (1) web security (8) workplace morale (1) Alerts (8) Announcements (11) BBC (1) defence minister (1) email security (52) government (1) national cyber security programme (2) Nick Harvey (1) Technology news (3) Customers (5) Out and About (2) Tips (10) paying online safelty (1) secure christmas shopping (1) Shopping Online (1) web filter (2) WEBaware (1) Learning from film (2) Uncategorized (14) Coppola (1) privacy (2) security (6) surveillance (1) The Conversation (1) BCP (1) business email (4) cloud computing (20) internet security (7) saas (5) spam filter (1) Schools or education (2) anti-spam (3) anti-virus (1) cyber security awareness month (1) FACEBOOK (2) online security blog (1) president obama (1) twitter (2) free advertising (1) free PR ideas (1) more twitter followers (1) publicityheaven (1) Voice Technology (1) Alexander Graham Bell (1) Bell Labs (1) Google (5) IBM (1) interactive technology (1) PCmag (1) phonetic arts (1) Star Trek (1) telecommunication (2) voice recognition technology (1) SEO (1) improving webpage rankings (1) search engine optimisation (1) Competition (4) Distiller Life (5) email filtering (6) iPad competition (3) shortlist entries (2) DNS and SMTP tests (1) Blacklist test (1) CNAME (1) DNSBL (1) Free DNS test (1) free domain tests (1) free email security tests (1) MX record lookup (1) MXhealthcheck (1) NSlookup (1) PTR (1) Reverse DNS Lookup (1) Whois lookup (1) web filtering (1) Features (1) Instant Replay (2) deleted email (1) resend deleted email (1) retrieve lost email (1) Cloud Security (50) Press Release (4) BCS (1) British Computer Society (1) IT industry in Northern Ireland (2) IT professional of the year (1) JBoss (1) Oracle (1) Cloud revenues (11) MSP (13) Partner program (3) selling saas (4) The Cloud (26) benefits of selling SaaS (2) Cloud licesning models (1) partner program billing metrics (1) SaaS licensing models (1) selling cloud services (1) Utility Billing (2) cloud email security vendor (4) cloud services partner programs (1) MSP revenues (1) recurring revenues for MSPs (1) Richard Tubb (1) utility billing for resellers (1) channel focused partner program and services (2) Cloud Email Security (10) cloud services (27) cloud services vendor (2) partner program (1) Webroot alternative (2) Webroot migrations (1) Blog Post (13) addressing the MSP need (1) managed service providers (2) MSPs (1) the MSP market (1) alternative email security vendors to Webroot (1) email security services (1) migrating from Webroot (1) moving from Webroot (1) partner of choice for ex webroot customers (1) Webroot partners (1) cloud security (13) cloud-based solutions (1) deploying services in the cloud (1) email security in the cloud (1) The cloud (6) Partnerships (6) cloud email security partners (1) Cloud security vendor (1) Maildistiller news (6) norway cloud distributor (1) SaaS Security (1) vendor partnerships in the cloud (1) 123-reg (1) clo (1) Denial of service attacks (1) email continuity (8) hacking attacks (2) internet attacks (1) protecting your email (1) webfusion (1) cloud computing blog (1) cloud IT services (1) Compare the cloud (1) facebook and cloud computing (1) facebook and the cloud (1) cloud email services (2) cost of data leakage (1) email cont (1) keeping data safe (1) protect company email (1) spam solutions (1) Email Continuity (8) Cloud service (1) emergency inbox (1) cloud security services (6) data leakage (3) security risks (1) spam email (3) spam virus (1) benefits of using cloud (1) cutting costs (1) productivity (1) reasons to move to the cloud for SMBs (1) SMBs (2) BYOD (2) BYOD policy (1) BYOD risks (1) BYOD security (1) consumerization of IT (1) smartphone statistics (1) tablet adoption (1) tablet statistics (1) cloud computing for SMEs (1) Cloud computing trends (2) Eurocloud UK (1) Gartner's trends for cloud (1) Development (1) building for export (1) MSP cloud market in the US (1) MSP Strategy (1) North American MSPs (1) research into cloud services market (1) USA Cloud security market (1) email phishing (1) email scam (3) NatWest (1) RBS (1) Ulster Bank (1) email (2) Privacy online (2) birthday card (1) birthday celebrations (1) maildistiller birthday (1) email archiving in the workplace (2) environment (1) green (1) legal issues with online security (2) Blog (55) Internet Security (17) cloud adoption (15) Cloud Industry Forum (1) cloud satisfaction (1) moving to cloud (1) UK cloud services (1) Maildistiller Buzz (19) PR (11) cloud revenues (2) email security vendors (1) Fastest growing cloud vendors (1) Social media (8) cyber security (1) cybercrime (6) cybercrime victims (1) mobile apps (1) mobile crime (1) smartphones (2) smishing (1) Move to cloud (13) build your own cloud (1) cloud (7) cloud storage (1) dell (1) Maas (1) move to cloud (2) openstack (1) ubuntu (1) dropbox (1) dropbox scandal (1) spam (4) benefits to MSP (1) Modern Family (1) VAR (1) Vendor (1) vendor benefits (1) Vendor relationship (1) business communication (1) social media (3) technology developments (1) Olympics (1) cloud service performance (1) improve sales performance in cloud by 10% (1) improving performance margins (1) email backup (1) marketing value (1) networking (1) online community (1) online profile (1) Sync NI (1) Tech Industry in Northern Ireland (1) tech sector (1) cloud based storage (1) DANI Awards (2) Marketing (5) Brand Value (1) Digital Advertising (2) Digital Marketing (3) Fall in Love with Maildistiller (2) Webroot (2) EuroCloud (1) Cloud Movement (1) software as a service (1) David Meerman Scott (1) email logs (1) Hubspot (1) Inbound2012 (1) real-time email logs (1) real-time reports (1) Postini (2) virus (5) Gaeilge (1) Irish language virus (1) malware (3) viruses (1) Award (1) Colm McGoldrick (2) MSP mentor (1) MSP Mentor 250 (1) B2B Campaign (1) Maildistiller growth (1) data safety (1) cloud service provider (3) Gartner (1) legislation in Cloud (1) MSP Alliance (3) #wanted (1) Austin (1) competition (1) Drinks reception (1) iPhone 5 (1) MSP World (1) Texas (1) win an iPhone 5 (1) MSPWorld (2) CIM Excellence Awards 2012 (1) CIM Ireland (1) ex Webroot users (1) Charles Weaver (1) evaluating vendors (1) how MSPs choose vendors (1) how to find a vendor (1) billing models for Cloud (1) Selling Cloud (1) internet security for SMBs (1) Internet Security Policy (1) online safety (2) Passwords (1) Web safety (1) Cybercrime (18) Cost of Cybercrime (1) cybercrime detection (1) Cybercrime Statistics (1) intellectual property (1) G Cloud (1) Cloud Revenue (1) Cloud Savings (1) Government IT (2) Public Sector IT (1) hurricane sandy (1) Awards (2) Computing Security Awards (1) Chartered Institute of Marketing (1) CIM Awards (1) Computing Security magazine (2) Editor's Choice (1) Cloud Security Market (1) Computing Security (1) MSP Mantor 250 (1) James Bond (1) security breach (5) benefits of cloud (1) cloud hosting (1) SMB (5) communication (1) skype (1) SMB Security (1) Charity (2) Movember (1) CEO (1) tech industrry (1) filtering (1) Black Friday (1) Christmas Shopping (1) Cyber (1) Cyber Monday (1) Cybercriminals (1) product review (2) reseller (1) Data security (2) Facebook privacy (1) email scams (2) on-line security (1) business confidentiality (1) alternative for Google message discovery (1) alternatives to Google Apps email security (2) Best alternative to Postini (2) Best replacements for Postini service provider edition (1) email security suppliers in the UK (1) email security suppliers in the USA (1) Google message filtering (1) Moving from postini (1) Postini Small business Edition (1) replacement for Google Message Security (1) Mobility (1) virtualisation (1) outsourcing IT (1) research (1) small business tech (1) tech developments (1) ACMA (1) McDonalds (1) Instagram (1) Top blogs 2012 (1) hackers (2) Healthcare (1) IT security (1) 2012 (1) review (1) 2013 predictions (1) cloud price wars (1) law firms. email filtering (1) American Airlines (1) email spam (1) Virus and malware (1) Growth of cloud computing (1) phishing attack (1) cyber attack (3) military (1) Data Protection Act (3) playstation (1) sony (1) Email security Boston (1) Email security vendors in USA (1) Maildistiller US office (1) Messaging Product (1) Network Computing Awards (1) Network services (1) Education (2) Digital Footprint (1) Safer Internet Day (1) IT security threat (1) NHS (1) Archiving (1) archiving (1) data protection (1) digital learning (1) education (1) B2B marketing (1) customer service (1) marketing a service (1) successful partnerships (2) Choosing a vendor (1) Postini Alternative (1) Privacy (2) CNIL (1) information security (1) facebook. apple (1) Microsoft (1) Top 5 (1) compliance (1) Healthcare Sector (1) regulatory compliance (1) security threats (1) reserve bank of australia (1) comic relief (1) Fun for Funds (1) geek Day (1) red nose day (1) advanced persistent threats (1) Guide (1) Proofpoint (1) Acquisition (1) Maildistiller acquired by Proofpoint (1)
RSS Feed
Latest Updates
Apr
9

In Wake of Postini exit, Proofpoint Offers Cloud Security and Compliance Solution

 Based on Acquisition of Mail Distiller

SUNNYVALE, Calif. –April 9, 2013 Proofpoint, Inc., (NASDAQ: PFPT), a leader in cloud-based information security and governance, today announced a strategic expansion of Proofpoint’s leading security solutions. Proofpoint Essentials™ is a suite of SaaS security and compliance solutions specifically designed for distribution across MSP’s and dedicated security resellers.

To create this product line, Proofpoint acquired Mail Distiller Limited, a European-based provider of SaaS email security solutions. Later integration of core components of Proofpoint’s protection technology into Mail Distiller’s offering will enable Proofpoint Essentials to combine the security and threat detection capabilities used by the largest and most security conscious organizations with the ease of use, multi-level channel management and modern SaaS architecture required to serve the mid to small enterprise market.

Proofpoint Essentials provides a full set of capabilities required by organizations to protect their email infrastructure, and includes inbound email filtering to block spam and malware, outbound filtering for compliance with company policies, email continuity to enable email service availability, and email archiving. It also features a simple, modern user interface for administrators and end users. The Mail Distiller offering, upon which Proofpoint Essentials is based, was chosen as the Editors’ choice at the 2012 Computing Security Awards, and is used by thousands of customers across the Americas, Australia and Europe.

Founded in 2004, Mail Distiller is based in Northern Ireland and specifically designed its product for channel distribution through multi-level distribution and managed service providers (MSPs). These channel partners were afforded a simple pricing model that has been well-received. Proofpoint will continue the channel-friendly product features and distribution model.

“This new acquisition will enable us to offer the same core technology used by the world’s largest and most successful security conscious companies to a new set of customers served through broad security resellers and MSP partners who are currently experiencing a lot of pain,” said Gary Steele, CEO, Proofpoint, Inc. “We see tremendous value in being able to deliver a superior and scalable solution through the channel to this important customer set.”

 “We’re excited to become part of a company with such leading edge technology and global market presence,” said Colm McGoldrick,vice president, Proofpoint Essentials, who is the former CEO and Founder of Mail Distiller. “We see this as the perfect opportunity to accelerate the market success we’ve already had through a channel distribution strategy.”

Forward-looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements including, among other things, statements regarding the plans for the availability and features of Proofpoint Essentials and its expected benefits to customers. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risk factors, including but not limited to (i) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; (ii) priorities, delays or reductions in information technology spending; (iii) competitive factors, including but not limited to pricing pressures, industry consolidation, entry of new competitors into the security and compliance markets, and new product and marketing initiatives by Proofpoint competitors; (v) the uncertainty of customer acceptance of emerging technology; (vi) rapid technological and market changes in the threat landscape and cloud computing; (vii) changes to product development timelines; (viii) Proofpoint’s ability to protect its proprietary technology; and (ix) Proofpoint’s ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to uncertainties and changes in condition, significance, value and effect as well as other risks detailed in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Proofpoint’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and current reports on Form 8-K that Proofpoint may file from time to time, which could cause actual results to vary from expectations. Proofpoint assumes no obligation to, and do not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

About Proofpoint, Inc.

Proofpoint Inc. (NASDAQ:PFPT) is a leading security-as-a-service provider that focuses on cloud-based solutions for threat protection, compliance, archiving & governance and secure communications. Organizations around the world depend on Proofpoint’s expertise, patented technologies and on-demand delivery system to protect against phishing, malware and spam, safeguard privacy, encrypt sensitive information, and archive and govern messages and critical enterprise information. More information is available at www.proofpoint.com.

###

Proofpoint and Proofpoint Essentials are trademarks or registered trademarks of Proofpoint, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

image: source


Read more »



Mar
25
A Basic Guide to Advanced Persistent Threats
Posted by Caroline Bowers on 25 March 2013 10:30 AM

Advanced persistent threats (APT) are cyber-attacks from a group of cybercriminals who can and will use this method to persistently target a specific body or organization through their IT systems.

APTs are more complex and devious than regular cyber-attacks. They use social engineering techniques to penetrate a business and release customized malware that can be stored secretly in the system for months.

These Cybercriminals that specialize in APTs can remotely steal your valuable information (credit card data, intellectual property, government secrets). This can potentially damage an organization’s competitive advantage or even put employees’ and customers’ personal security at risk.

“Research from the Ponemon Institute revealed that 67% of organizations admit that their current security systems are insufficient in preventing targeted attacks.”

How do APTs work?

  1. APTs involve planting remote administration software into its target’s network. This creates network backdoors and tunnels which allow stealth access to the infrastructure.
  2. Then the cybercriminals use password cracking to acquire administrator privileges over the target’s computer.
  3. The APT collects information on the surrounding infrastructure.
  4. The next stage of the attack is to expand control to other workstations, servers and infrastructure elements for data harvesting.
  5. APTs try to ensure continued control over the access channels and the credentials that were acquired
  6.  Finally the cybercriminals behind the APTs extract stolen data from the target’s network. Guide to APTs
 

Consequences of APTs

Modern malware can easily move around many existing security systems. Security measures such as anti-virus and firewalls cannot fully protect a business from advanced persistent threats. In order to be completely secure, an organization needs to have a full suite of security services.

 Even if you do not have a large business, your data could still be a prime target for cyber criminals. With the same techniques as above, lower-level cyber criminals can focus on stealing data or private information from smaller organizations.

Managing vulnerabilities and threats tops the list of IT security priorities for security decision-makers with 90% of enterprises saying it is a high or critical priority.” ~ Forrester Consulting.

Learn more about protecting your business from cybercrime.

image 1: Source

image 2: Source


Read more »



Mar
20
Maildistiller and the Northern Ireland Science Park Team Up for Red Nose Day!
Posted by Caroline Bowers on 20 March 2013 11:08 AM

Red nose day on Friday 15th March was absolutely geektastic at the Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP) this year. We had the best geek competition, Segway races, and even a couple of comedians!

Caroline and Danielle
The Maildistiller team had a great time raising money and helping to organise the “fun for funds” day with NISP. Creating the geek packs and getting everyone excited for the science park’s Comic relief event was great craic.

We encouraged the science park tenants to dress up and “get their geek on” for comic relief. And also gave out “geek packs” and how to find your inner geek tips to help everyone get in the spirit.

We chose Sync NI’s Emma to judge the ‘Best Dressed Geek’ competition. The first prize winner of an Amazon Kindle Fire was NISP’s Roberta and for the runner up, Sylvia from Kana, received an iTunes vouchers. Best Dressed Geek

 

The Red Nose Day Line-up

  • We started the day with a relaxing coffee and cookies morning in the iconic Pump-House building beside the Titanic Dock. The tenants and other local companies were able to do some networking and catch up.
 
  • Then over lunch time, Segway racing took place in the Titanic Docks where our very own Danielle stepped up to represent the Maildistiller team.
 
  • The ‘Kana Pub Kwiz’ was in full swing in the afternoon with sixteen companies joining in the fun and competing for first place (and last place) trophies. This was followed by a raffle and an auction, where Maildistiller’s Josh came so close to getting a signed Spurs top. Comedy Night at NISP
 
  • After a day of geektastic fun, everyone was invited to enjoy an evening of drinks, games and a few hours of comedy entertainment. The tenants were able to show support for comic relief by watching local comedy talent from George Firehorse and Adam Laughlin.
 

Comedy Night at NISP

We raised around £2,000 from all the events and this money will go towards transforming the lives of countless people, both in the UK and across Africa.

We really appreciate all the support of everyone that took part and donated on Red Nose Day. Thank you to the Northern Ireland Science Park tenants for supporting the cause and helping us to put on an amazing day for charity!

 

Check out our Facebook page to see more pictures of our “Fun for Funds” day!

Get your Geek on

Image 1: source 


Read more »



Mar
11
Cyber-attacks Target the Reserve Bank of Australia
Posted by Caroline Bowers on 11 March 2013 11:04 AM

It has come to light that the Reserve Bank of Australia (the country’s central bank) has frequently been attacked by hackers. Despite the many pursuits to successfully breach the organization’s data, the bank’s security system has withstood all malware and ensured data protection.

According to the bank, they had “on occasion been the target of cyber-attacks.” The report came from an Australian newspaper which told its reader that there had been a number of recorded hacking cases on the RBA beginning in 2011.

The Email Attack

One of the cyber-attacks involved an email containing malware which was sent to members of staff and opened by several people. The Australian Financial Review confirmed that the email was entitled “Strategic Planning FY2012.”

Attached to the message was a malware application, which, when opened, was able to bypass some of the bank’s security operations, but luckily did not manage to spread through the rest of the computer system.

Statement from Bank

The RBA has stated that “The bank has comprehensive security arrangements in place which have isolated these attacks and ensured that viruses have not been spread across the Bank’s network or systems.” It has been confirmed that none of the bank’s data was lost or misused and none of their IT systems were damaged.

The Hackers?

The bank has not commented on any of the suspicions that the hack attacks originated from china, although the country has been blamed for several other recent cyber-attacks. This has been denied by the Chinese Government.

How to prevent the risk of a cyber attack on your business:

  1. Implement anti-virus protection and conduct regular scans to maintain system security
  2. Educate Employees on Safe Passwords
  3. Understand and educate employees on the 6 signs of a malicious email
  4. Draw up an internet security policy for employees to manage threats
  5. Take preventative measures against cybercrime and install a reliable online security system.

image: source


Read more »



Mar
7
Understanding Healthcare and Email Regulations
Posted by Caroline Bowers on 07 March 2013 09:11 AM

In the Healthcare industry, communicating sensitive and personal data on a day to day basis is a key issue. Organizations are required to adhere to many confidentiality regulations which control the storage and transmission of sensitive information via email.

But of course the electronic transfer of data poses risks to the protection of patient records, making email security an essential requirement for any healthcare group.

Problems with Email for a Healthcare Organization

These organizations must ensure that this information (medical records, patient social security numbers and credit card numbers) remains strictly confidential and is securely protected at all times.

Unfortunately with email and accessing the internet brings the added threats from external parties, misuse of the internet by employees or from poor management of internal IT security processes.

Threats can include identity theft, phishing spam, spyware, worms and viruses. These threats can infiltrate organiza­tion systems via one single email or thoughtless click of the mouse. This can damage files, gather sensi­tive information or aid an attempt to gain unauthorized access.

Email encryption can result in messages being intercepted and read at any point across serv­ers between sender and receiver. If an unencrypted message is caught by an unauthorized party, that informa­tion is at risk, breaching industry regulations for data privacy.

Compliance:

Due to the sensitive nature of data that health organizations collate about their patients’ there are a number of laws which must be complied with to eliminate security threats and promote legal and ethical uses of individuals’ data:

Remaining Compliant in the US

Remaining Compliant in the UK

The HITECH Act passed in 2009 enforces HIPAA to promote more secure data by updating the Security and Privacy Rules of the Act.

The HITECH Act aims to encourage healthcare organizations to adopt electronic patient records by providing financial incentives for those demonstrating ‘meaningful use’ of electronic health records. 

Data Protection Act 1998: Under the Act Healthcare establishments are expected to take appropriate action to ensure that individuals’ identifiable information is protected against accidental loss and unlawful dissemination.

Freedom of Information Act 2000 means that individuals have the right to request any information held by public authorities including recorded information in the form of emails

Want to know more about protecting your Healthcare Organization from Email Security Threats? Click Here.

image: source


Read more »