ICTipsByMEC – MEC Networks Corporation https://mec.ph Your Partner in Innovation: The ICT and Physical Security Distributor in the Philippines Thu, 24 Feb 2022 07:03:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://storage.googleapis.com/stateless-mec-ph-storage/2021/04/2a9b1c0d-cropped-mec-logo-email-signature-32x32.png ICTipsByMEC – MEC Networks Corporation https://mec.ph 32 32 ICTip #16: Keeping Your Software Up-to-Date https://mec.ph/blogs/keeping-software-updated/ Fri, 30 Jun 2017 02:00:48 +0000 http://www.mec.ph/?p=32194 By not keeping your software updated, you run the risk of being more vulnerable to hackers. Here are some tips for your network security.

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The importance of keeping your software up to date

Being outdated is an unpleasant feeling. In technology, software updates are much more critical and can cause real harm when not given proper attention.

 

By not being up to date, you are allowing yourself to be vulnerable to hacking, having your data are taken, and other mischievous and malicious acts. That’s right! When it comes to antivirus software (or hardware), the functionality is the same. What differs one from the other is their signature database. Every application all around the world has signatures, and these signatures grant the antivirus the ability to have control over it (allow, block, monitor, etc.).

 

This is one of the reasons why Fortinet still sits at the top. It is due to their capacity to keep your firewall’s database up to date – automatically. As they promote the 365 x 24 x 7 updates, they do deliver.

Emerging threats and how to deal with them

Ever heard about WannaCry Ransomware or simply WCry? Ransomware is the most lethally dangerous threat in your network to date. Once it enters your network, any type of data that you have, client database, computer files, your RPG saved game, even your high school pictures. It can encrypt these and have them unreadable. You’ll be asked to pay for decryption afterward. And the biggest catch, if you do not comply within 24 or 48 hours, your files will be permanently deleted. Again, one of its attributes as Ransomware is that its signature is not registered. To counter this, we make use of the technology we call, FortiSandbox, or simple Sandboxing. It filters this unregistered application and identifies it thus, creating a signature and making it blockable. You may deal with it by having an AntiVirus that is connected to a Sandbox, FortiClient, it’s free by the way.

Why humans/users are the the biggest vulnerability to a network + tips

Passwords. Social Engineering. Phishing.

We are now in the age of having every answer to our questions, ideas for new projects, strategies for business because they are one .. click .. away. As people continue to explore the internet, there are a certain few who takes advantage of this, getting their details, bank accounts, social media accounts, we call it identity theft, and their method, falls under Social Engineering, by exploiting humans’ curiosity, because why not?

 

Aside from protecting your network from the outside, you still have to protect your network from the inside whether the people (intentionally or unintentionally) do it. To prevent this from happening, Companies set strict firewall policies, sometimes, totally blocks access to non-business-related websites as a result you will have a more secured environment and more focused and productive employees. This is very similar to what Fortinet is trying to create with its Security Fabric. An ecosystem that can provide you total visibility of your network from inside and out.

#ICTipsByMEC #ICTMonth2017

 

— Paolo Reucaza, Technical Consultant for Network Security

We distribute:

 

Fortinet

 

ICT Month is celebrated every month of June, a celebration commenced in 2008. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1521 (series of 2008), which declares that “THE MONTH OF JUNE 2008 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)” MONTH”. The conduct of this event is to recognize the contributions of the ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and, as such, has resolved to fully implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT.

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]]> ICTips Surveillance Recap https://mec.ph/blogs/ictips-surveillance-recap/ Thu, 29 Jun 2017 02:00:18 +0000 http://www.mec.ph/?p=32181 Here's a recap of physical security and surveillance ICTips. Stay ahead of the game with our ICTips! MEC Networks Corporation

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ICTips Surveillance Recap

 

H.265 Compression

How does HikVision’s H.265 Compression Technology make your surveillance more efficient?

Analog vs. IP

Learn the differences between analog and IP cameras. Why are IP cameras much more beneficial in most cases?

Intelligent Video Analysis

Take advantage of Bosch’s Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) for your business.

Bosch Security Tips (Part 1)

Bosch Security provides end-to-end solutions with its range of IP Cameras, Video Management Software, and even Storage.

IP Ratings

Learn what IP ratings are for surveillance cameras, and see how you can take advantage of the protection level for your business.

Bosch Security Tips (Part 2)

Bosch Security provides end-to-end solutions with its range of IP Cameras, Video Management Software, and even Storage.

#ICTipsByMEC #ICTMonth2017

We distribute:

 

Axis Communications • Bosch • HikVision

 

ICT Month is celebrated every month of June, a celebration commenced in 2008. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1521 (series of 2008), which declares that “THE MONTH OF JUNE 2008 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)” MONTH”. The conduct of this event is to recognize the contributions of the ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and, as such, has resolved to fully implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT.

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]]> ICTip #15: Upgrades and Refresh Cycles https://mec.ph/blogs/upgrades-refresh-cycles/ Wed, 28 Jun 2017 02:00:42 +0000 http://www.mec.ph/?p=32175 Software and refresh cycles are important things to consider before deploying your firewall. Here are a few tips from our firewall experts.

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Tips on firewall software upgrades and refresh cycles:

 

  • How often does your company go through hardware and software refreshes?
  • Be sure to confirm with the vendor what its patch program is, when it goes through major software refreshes and how often a forklift (new hardware) upgrade is required.
  • Security issues can arise from slow patch cycles, and industry-laggard issues can result from slow software refreshes.
  • On the other hand, rapid software or hardware refreshes can raise TCO significantly, so the right balance needs to be struck.

#ICTipsByMEC #ICTMonth2017

 

— Ronald Penagunda, Solutions Architect

We distribute:

 

Fortinet • Sonicwall

 

ICT Month is celebrated every month of June, a celebration commenced in 2008. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1521 (series of 2008), which declares that “THE MONTH OF JUNE 2008 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)” MONTH”. The conduct of this event is to recognize the contributions of the ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and, as such, has resolved to fully implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT.

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]]> ICTip #14: Bosch Security Tips (Part 2) https://mec.ph/blogs/bosch-security-tips-part-2/ Fri, 23 Jun 2017 02:00:50 +0000 http://www.mec.ph/?p=32169 Bosch Security provides end-to-end solutions with its range of IP Cameras, Video Management Software and even Storage.

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A week ago, we posted the first part of Bosch Security Tips. Check it out here.

Bosch video systems architecture ensures that the system can have a high resiliency whenever a system goes down the whole system can still continue its operation. This is because of the Server’s architecture and direct to storage technology wherein the cameras can directly record to the storage.

Intelligent Digital Noise Reduction (iDNR)

With all of the features, Bosch cameras also compress the video intelligently whenever the video is on a static scene via Intelligent Digital Noise Reduction (iDNR) to save bandwidth and importantly storage. Watch this video below to learn more.

Bosch Building Integration System

Lastly, Bosch can also be integrated into other systems just like Bosch IP Surveillance, Bosch Access Control, Bosch FDAS, Bosch Public Address, Bosch Intrusion Detection by using Bosch Building Integration System so the operator can monitor all of the Security & Safety Systems as all in one monitoring solution.

#ICTipsByMEC #ICTMonth2017

 

— Rian Panado, Technical Consultant for Physical Security

We distribute:

 

Bosch

 

ICT Month is celebrated every month of June, a celebration commenced in 2008. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1521 (series of 2008), which declares that “THE MONTH OF JUNE 2008 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)” MONTH”. The conduct of this event is to recognize the contributions of the ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and, as such, has resolved to fully implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT.

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]]> ICTip #13: Renewals or Ongoing Costs and Licensing https://mec.ph/blogs/renewals-costs-licensing/ Thu, 22 Jun 2017 02:30:05 +0000 http://www.mec.ph/?p=32164 The details and types of software licenses are one of the factors that may be important in choosing your firewall vendor.

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When a business purchases a product such as an NGFW, a copy of the software and its license is provided. The software that comes with the purchase is actually remains to be under the ownership of the software company, and customers are limited by the terms and conditions of the license. All NGFW products are licensed per physical device. Usually smaller NGFW needs means simpler pricing, while larger enterprises means greater the disparity, but also the greater the bargaining power on the part of the customer. As the number of users increase, volume discounts often apply.

Here are some key points to ask yourself before purchasing an NGFW:

  • Do the ongoing costs and licensing account for a global environment?
  • What is the licensing structure?
    • Standard 18% or more complicated?
    • Will that go up or down over the life of the product?

 

#ICTipsByMEC #ICTMonth2017

 

— Ronald Penagunda, Solutions Architect

 

We distribute:

 

Fortinet • Sonicwall

 

ICT Month is celebrated every month of June, a celebration commenced in 2008. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1521 (series of 2008), which declares that “THE MONTH OF JUNE 2008 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)” MONTH”. The conduct of this event is to recognize the contributions of the ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and, as such, has resolved to fully implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT.

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]]> ICTip #12: IP Ratings for Surveillance Cameras https://mec.ph/blogs/ip-ratings/ Wed, 21 Jun 2017 02:00:05 +0000 http://www.mec.ph/?p=32154 Learn what IP ratings are for surveillance cameras, and see how you can take advantage of the protection level for your business.

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IP stands for Ingress Protection. IP ratings are the measure of resistance to the penetration of solid objects (e.g. dust) and liquids (e.g. rain).

 

Learn what IP ratings are for surveillance cameras, and see how you can take advantage of the protection level for your business.

 

First Digit

 

Protection against solids

 

Second Digit

 

Protection against liquids

#ICTipsByMEC #ICTMonth2017

— Francis Manlapaz, Technical Consultant for Physical Security

 

We distribute:

 

Axis Communications • Bosch • HikVision

 

ICT Month is celebrated every month of June, a celebration commenced in 2008. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1521 (series of 2008), which declares that “THE MONTH OF JUNE 2008 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)” MONTH”. The conduct of this event is to recognize the contributions of ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and, as such, has resolved to fully implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT.

ICTips by MEC

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]]> ICTip #11: User Groups and Community Support https://mec.ph/blogs/user-groups-community-support/ Mon, 19 Jun 2017 02:02:20 +0000 http://www.mec.ph/?p=32145 The ability to network with peers and hear how they're using the product greatly increases the value your organization gets from your NGFW.

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  • Does the vendor have a community website or user groups where users can help each other?
  • Are there annual conferences?

 

The ability to network with peers and hear how they’re using the product can greatly increase the value your organization gets from your NGFW.

 

See Fortinet’s Fuse

 

#ICTipsByMEC #ICTMonth2017

 

— Ronald Penagunda, Solutions Architect

 

We distribute:

 

Fortinet • Sonicwall

 

ICT Month is celebrated every month of June, a celebration commenced in 2008. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1521 (series of 2008), which declares that “THE MONTH OF JUNE 2008 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)” MONTH”. The conduct of this event is to recognize the contributions of ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and, as such, has resolved to fully implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT.

ICTips by MEC

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]]> ICTip #10: Bosch Security Tips (Part 1) https://mec.ph/blogs/bosch-security-tips-part-1/ Fri, 16 Jun 2017 02:00:20 +0000 http://www.mec.ph/?p=32137 Bosch Security provides end-to-end solutions with its range of IP Cameras, Video Management Software and even Storage.

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When we say Bosch, the first thing that may come to mind are power tools for constructions and spark plugs for automotive, but the Bosch product portfolio is much larger than this. Bosch Security consists of the brand’s security & safety products that ensure the safety of the people and assets. Bosch Security provides end-to-end solutions with its range of IP Cameras (Bosch), Video Management Software (Bosch) and even Storage (Bosch) all coming from the same brand/manufacturer.

Starlight Technology

With Bosch Video Systems it ensures that it delivers crisp images with its camera that is built for security, equipped with the latest technology of sensors and lens it delivers colored images even in low light conditions with its STARLIGHT Technology.

Forensic Search

Bosch Video Systems can also retrieve recorded videos with its Forensic Search feature wherein the system finds the playback video within the timeline depending on the parameters that the operator/s has been set. It uses built-in analytics to find a certain video thus reducing the time of reviewing the saved videos.

 

#ICTipsByMEC #ICTMonth2017

 

— Rian Panado, Technical Consultant for Physical Security

 

We distribute:

 

Bosch

 

ICT Month is celebrated every month of June, a celebration commenced in 2008. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1521 (series of 2008), which declares that “THE MONTH OF JUNE 2008 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)” MONTH”. The conduct of this event is to recognize the contributions of ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and, as such, has resolved to fully implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT.

ICTips by MEC

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]]> ICTip #9: Support Options https://mec.ph/blogs/firewall-support-options/ Thu, 15 Jun 2017 02:00:39 +0000 http://www.mec.ph/?p=32124 Knowing what kind of technical support you'll be getting is essential in choosing the right firewall for your business.

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When selecting a firewall vendor, you have a few important things to remember when it comes to support options.

 

Do you need multilingual, last-tier (most advanced technically), 24/7 technical support? If so, can the vendor supply it? What is the cost? Don’t forget to ask how high the support calls can go: 24/7 access to a low-level support representative is not the same as being able to get to the last tier during a time of crisis. Find out by asking your local support or distributor.

 

#ICTipsByMEC #ICTMonth2017

 

— Ronald Penagunda, Solutions Architect

 

We distribute:

 

Fortinet • Sonicwall

 

ICT Month is celebrated every month of June, a celebration commenced in 2008. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1521 (series of 2008), which declares that “THE MONTH OF JUNE 2008 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)” MONTH”. The conduct of this event is to recognize the contributions of ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and, as such, has resolved to fully implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT.

ICTips by MEC

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]]> ICTip #8: Intelligent Video Analysis https://mec.ph/blogs/intelligent-video-analysis/ Tue, 13 Jun 2017 02:00:12 +0000 http://www.mec.ph/?p=32108 Bosch cameras are equipped with Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) that analyzes the scene whenever something relevant happens.

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Bosch cameras are equipped with Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) wherein the camera just doesn’t only capture/record videos, but also analyzes the scene whenever something relevant happens. It alerts operators with its 13+ Analytics that is built-in on the camera for free that it makes Bosch cameras unique against other IP cameras on the market nowadays.

 

#ICTipsByMEC #ICTMonth2017

 

— Rian Panado, Technical Consultant for Physical Security

 

We distribute:

 

Bosch

 

ICT Month is celebrated every month of June, a celebration commenced in 2008. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 1521 (series of 2008), which declares that “THE MONTH OF JUNE 2008 AND EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER AS “NATIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT)” MONTH”. The conduct of this event is to recognize the contributions of ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth and, as such, has resolved to fully implement a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT.

ICTips by MEC

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