Directive has been serving the Oneonta area since 1993, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.
Think your data is safe when you lock your phone? Thanks to a newly discovered vulnerability with iOS 7.1.1 (the latest version), a hacker has the ability to bypass your lock screen and easily access your contact information.
This vulnerability was discovered by programmer Sherif Hashim. In this video Sherif shows how a hacker can use the personal assistant app Siri to bypass an iPhone's lock screen.
"Siri, Open Sesame" It doesn't take a computer genius to perform this hack. Hashim points out that all he has to do is activate Siri from the lock screen by saying "contacts." At first, Siri declined his request, citing the need to unlock the phone. Not deterred, Hashim found a backdoor by commanding Siri to "Call" while still locked out of the phone. This call command acts as a magic word, giving the locked out user access to the phone's contact list via the "Other" menu whenever a request is made for a contact with a duplicate name.
This vulnerability actually affects all iPhone versions running Siri. To make matters worse, it reveals more than just phone numbers. This vulnerability can potentially give hackers access to any information on the phone's contact card, including physical and email addresses. The potential fallout from this sensitive information falling into the wrong hands can lead to some pretty grim scenarios where data loss is the least of your worries.
Take a Temporary Break from Siri For now, the best way to safeguard yourself from this vulnerability is to disable Siri from the lock screen. You can do this through your Passcode options via the General settings. Sooner than later, Apple will release a security patch for Siri that will take care of this vulnerability and let you once again call upon Siri's soothing voice with confidence, but for now, you'll want to give your virtual personal assistant some much needed R&R.
Of course, the best way to protect yourself from this vulnerability is to not let your phone out of your sight. A hacker must first possess your iPhone before they can access your locked data via Siri. In this situation Siri may have let you down, but with Directive, you have another technology assistant that will always be on your side and never divulge any of your information to the wrong people. Contact us today at (607) 433-2200 to learn about more mobile security measures that you can enact to protect your company's technology.
Our business began its journey with the purchase of a personal computer back in 1992. This purchase ignited a passion with Chris Chase, our CEO, and there was no stopping its momentum. Less than one year later, he had his first IT support client (and...
Technology is constantly evolving, and keeping up can feel overwhelming. Whether you want to understand cybersecurity threats, explore automation, or learn how regulations like PCI DSS impact your business, we’ve made it easy to access clear, straightforward insights on key IT topics.
Our custom web design services go beyond templates to create a unique online presence that perfectly reflects your brand's specific identity and vision. We collaborate with you to build a visually engaging and intuitive website that provides an exceptional user experience for your visitors. This tailored approach ensures your new site is not only beautiful but also strategically built to meet your specific business objectives and drive growth.
Website Redesigns, Facelifts, and Modernizations
Whether your site needs a complete strategic overhaul or just a visual refresh, our services can transform your existing platform. A redesign rebuilds your site from the ground up to improve functionality and user experience, while a facelift applies a fresh visual style to modernize its appearance. Ultimately, these modernizations ensure your website not only captures attention but also performs optimally on all devices and meets current digital standards.
SEO and Search Engine Advertising
We help you dominate search engine results through a two-pronged approach that builds both long-term authority and immediate traffic. Our Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services focus on improving your website's organic rankings, earning you sustainable visibility without paying for every click. Simultaneously, strategic Search Engine Advertising (SEA) campaigns, like Google Ads, place you at the very top of the results for targeted keywords, delivering instant, high-intent visitors to your site.
Mobile-Responsive Design
Mobile-responsive design ensures your website automatically adjusts to fit any screen, providing an optimal viewing experience on everything from smartphones to desktop monitors. This approach guarantees that all users can easily navigate and interact with your content, eliminating the need for frustrating pinching and zooming. In today's mobile-first world, a responsive website is essential for maximizing user engagement and is a critical factor for achieving higher rankings in search engines like Google.
WordPress and Joomla Support
We provide expert support for websites built on WordPress and Joomla, two of the world's most popular content management systems. Our team handles everything from routine updates, security monitoring, and plugin management to troubleshooting complex issues to keep your site running flawlessly. This ongoing maintenance ensures your website remains secure and performant, giving you peace of mind and freeing you to focus on your business goals.
Email and Direct Mail Marketing
We help you connect directly with your audience through targeted email and direct mail marketing campaigns. Our email strategies deliver timely, personalized messages straight to your customers' inboxes for immediate engagement, while our direct mail services create tangible, high-impact pieces that cut through the digital noise. By integrating both channels, we create a cohesive marketing strategy that reinforces your message, improves brand recall, and drives a stronger response from your most valued customers.
Brochures, Fliers, and Other Sales Materials
We design compelling brochures, fliers, and a wide range of other sales materials to support your tangible marketing efforts. Our creative process ensures every piece maintains a consistent and professional brand identity, helping you build recognition and trust with your audience. These high-quality, physical materials make a lasting impression and equip your team with the effective tools needed to convert leads into loyal customers.
Logo Design and Development
Our logo design and development service is a strategic process focused on creating the visual cornerstone of your brand's identity. We collaborate closely with you to understand your company's mission and values, exploring various concepts to craft a unique and memorable mark. The final result is a versatile and professional logo that effectively represents your business across all marketing materials and digital platforms.
Content Writing
We provide professional content writing services to create original, high-quality copy for your website pages, blog posts, social media, and other digital marketing needs. Our process focuses on developing a consistent brand voice and strategically incorporating relevant keywords to improve your search engine optimization (SEO). The result is compelling and informative content that engages your target audience, establishes you as an authority in your field, and drives valuable customer action.
Marketing Plans and Marketing Campaign Fulfillment
We begin by developing a comprehensive marketing plan, a strategic roadmap built on in-depth research and tailored specifically to your business objectives and target audience. Beyond just creating the strategy, our team handles the complete marketing campaign fulfillment, executing every tactic from digital ad placements to content distribution. This integrated approach ensures your marketing efforts are seamlessly managed from concept to completion, allowing for cohesive implementation and dynamic optimization to achieve the best possible results.
ECommerce and Online Stores
We specialize in creating robust eCommerce solutions and online stores designed to turn your website traffic into revenue. Our development process focuses on building a secure and user-friendly shopping experience, complete with intuitive product catalogs, seamless checkout, and integrated payment gateways. A professionally crafted online store allows you to sell your products 24/7, expand your market reach, and provides a powerful platform for business growth.
Social Media Marketing
Our social media marketing service helps your business build a dynamic presence on the platforms where your target audience spends their time. We handle everything from developing a content strategy and creating engaging posts to managing community interactions and running targeted ad campaigns. This comprehensive approach allows you to foster genuine customer relationships, drive qualified traffic to your website, and achieve measurable business growth.
Comments