window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'UA-20840989-1'); Skip to content

WARNING

We've detected that you're using Internet Explorer which is an old, insecure browser and incompatible with many modern features.
Our Customer Portal is not available for Internet Explorer users and we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or other modern browsers for best user experience and full functionality.
  • Services
  • Our Work
  • Our Process
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Blog
  • Newsletters
  • Support
  • TRAINING
  • Portal

Logging in for the first time or need to reset your password?
2021 - Issue 1 2020 - Issue 9 2020 - Issue 8 2020 - Issue 7 2020 - Issue 6 2020 - Issue 5 2020 - Issue 4 2020 - Issue 3 2020 - Issue 2 2020 - Issue 1 2019 - Issue 10 2019 - Issue 9 2019 - Issue 8 2019 - Issue 7 2019 - Issue 6 2019 - Issue 5 2019 - Issue 4 2019 - Issue 3 2019 - Issue 2 2019 - Issue 1 2018 - Issue 10 2018 - Issue 9 2018 - Issue 8 2018 - Issue 7 2018 - Issue 6 2018 - Issue 5 2018 - Issue 4 2018 - Issue 3 2018 - Issue 2 2018 - Issue 1 2017 - December 2017 - October 2017 - September 2017 - August 2017 - July 2017 - June 2017 - May 2017 - March 2017 - February 2017 - January 2016 - December 2016 - November 2016 - October 2016 - September 2016 - August 2016 - July 2016 - June
CNC Newletter December 2016
 
CNC News Update

CNC LogoCNC Nes Update

CNC

Welcome to our festive December edition of CNC News!

In this Christmas edition we are looking at the new Dell 2-in-1 (!) laptop computer. And, in the current environment of computer hacking and viruses, we share some very important advice on how to create strong passwords. Strong passwords are still the best defence against a computer or network attack.

CNC 

The Latest in Portable Computing:

The 2-in-1! It's a Laptop AND a Tablet!

No more difficult computer purchase decisions! Shall I buy a laptop or a tablet? With the new Dell Latitude 12 Series 700 2-in-1 you can have both!

Dell2in1

The Latitude 12 uses a keyboard case with a kickstand on the back rather than the traditional laptop with a 360-degree hinge. The screen is not part of the structure of the device and can be lifted off to leave the kickstand behind. This effectively gives you a tablet device.

The tablet is very light, weighing just over a pound and a half. The outside of the case is wrapped in fabric giving it a stylish look.

This Windows tablet comes with a Core m7 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB PCIe Solid State Drive, for speed and reliability, and a 12.5-inch 1080p touch display.

So if you're unsure which way to go, laptop or tablet, the Dell Latitude 2-in-1 resolves that dilemma for you!

LATEST BLOG POSTS

IT TRAINING IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Many companies simply don't invest enough time and budget in IT training for their employees. The result is lower productivity and higher running costs. Click here for more

BEWARE NASTIES FROM THE INTERNET OF THINGS

Be warned, the Internet of Things (IoT) may have lots of good things going for it - but it's also a major threat to security for UK companies. Click here for more

CNC News Update

How to Create a Strong Password

The use of strong passwords can slow down or even defeat the various ways in which attackers try to compromise computer security.

There are now many ways to authenticate user access to a computer system. But most users log on to their personal computer, and to remote computers, using a combination of their user name and a password.

Most people find remembering a whole bunch of passwords very tricky. They will usually try to make it easier by using the same or similar passwords on each system. Many people choose simple, easy-to-remember passwords such as their birthday, their mother's maiden name, or the name of a pet.

Unfortunately, short and simple passwords are easy for attackers to uncover, using one of these common methods:

  • Guessing—repeatedly guessing likely words and phrases, such as those mentioned above
  • Online Dictionary Attack—an automated program that includes a text file of words. The program repeatedly attempts to log on to the target system using a different word from the text file on each try.
  • Offline Dictionary Attack—similar to the online dictionary attack, the attacker gets a copy of the file where the hashed or encrypted copy of user accounts and passwords is stored. They then use an automated program to determine what the password is for each account.
  • This type of attack can be executed very quickly once the attacker has a copy of the password file.

  • Offline Brute Force Attack— a variation of the dictionary attacks. It is designed to discover passwords that are not included in the user account file. The attacker uses an automated program that generates hashes or encrypted values for all possible passwords and compares them to the values in the password file.
  • Each of these attack methods can be slowed down significantly or even defeated through the use of strong passwords. Therefore, whenever possible, computer users should use strong passwords for all of their computer accounts. Computers running Windows Embedded for Point of Service (WEPOS) support strong passwords.

    How Do I Choose a Strong Password?

    Passwords are case-sensitive and may contain as many as 127 characters! To prevent attack choose a password according to the following guidelines:

  • Don't include the username
  • Is at least six characters long
  • Includes characters from 3 of the following 4 groups:
  • Description Examples

    Description Examples
    Lowercase letters a, b, c
    Uppercase letters A, B, C
    Numerals 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
    Symbols (all characters not defined as letters or numerals) ` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + -={ } | [ ] \ : " ; ' < > ? , . /

    Choose passwords that meet these criteria and you give yourself the best possible chance of foiling the attackers.

    Wishing you and your family a very Happy Christmas from all at CNC

    CNC Logo

    We hope you've enjoyed reading this newsletter and picked up some useful info.

    Do get in touch with your feedback and any ideas for future articles. We love to hear from you!

    You can call us on 01273 384100 or email us at sales@cnc-ltd.co.uk if you want any further information on the products and service that we can provide.

    Computer & Network Consultants Ltd, Unit 9 Riverside Business Centre, Brighton Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6RE

    © 2021 All Rights Reserved
    TwitterFacebookLinkedIn
    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. We also use cookies to ensure we show you advertising that is relevant to you. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the CNC website. However, if you'd like to find out more please visit our Legal and Privacy policy page. Accept