​Recently we have been made aware of a serious threat - there has been malware discovered that has infected more than 500,000 devices.

The malware called VPNFilter works its way inside routers and network devices which have not been updated. Once there, the malware has free access to your network and traffic. The vulnerability can now be detected but the only way to remove the infection is to factory reset the device and update the firmware. See this LINK for more details, a checker and list of vulnerable devices.

We are highly recommending to all our clients that your modems, routers and Wi-Fi devices have their firmware updated to the latest version and if any of your devices are on the list of vulnerable devices that they be factory reset, updated and settings reloaded.

We are able to update these devices for you onsite within the Christchurch and North Canterbury area. We are also happy to help out if your in other areas remotely. This may also require the internet/network to be down for a short time while the updated and reset are run.

As mentioned we believe this to be a serious threat to your devices so please arrange to get this important upgrade done.

When lithium ion batteries are over charged, are overheating and are old in general occasionally the cells in the battery outgas a flammable electrolyte substance- and as a safety measure this is why the lithium ion battery swells so that it does not cause a fire.

If you notice that your device looks slightly distorted- it may be that the cover of your tablet is slightly pushed out or the trackpad on your laptop isn’t working like usual it could mean that the lithium ion battery is swelling.

Here are some tips to prevent your lithium ion batteries from swelling:

• Lithium ion batteries don’t like heat. Keep away from sunlight and other sources of heat, store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Don’t leave your device constantly on charge as it isn’t good for the batteries and adds additional heat to the device.
• Consider replacing batteries when they no longer hold a full charge as this means that the batteries are degrading.
• Using a quality charger will ensure that the device doesn’t overheat. When using cheap knock off chargers it can do more harm than good due to not having the same quality parts that quality chargers have.

​So- if you see that your device is looking a bit odd-shaped or not working properly, make sure you turn off the device and refrain from using it or charging it and bring the device to us to have a closer look.

​Or if you are using an Apple device we highly recommend you upgrade to version 11.1 of iOS and 10.13.1 of MacOS as Apple has patched the vulnerability in these versions.

Android devices running version 6.0 and higher will need to be updated when patches are provided as they are vulnerable to Krack.
Generally Modems, Routers and Access Points are not vulnerable to Krack as it is the client devices themselves that are. Manufactures such as TP-Link, Netcomm, Netgear etc are testing devices and releasing patches are needed. We recommend you check the website of the manufacturer or your device to see if an update has been provided. Please contact us if you have any queries regarding your networking equipment. We can keep an eye on your equipment and notify you when a patch has been provided for installation.
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If you would like to read more about Krack please visit www.krackattacks.com or contact us to discuss Krack.