Are Shortened URL Links Safe?

Are the shortened URL links that you click on safe?

Do you know where they are taking you?

Do you know if they are malicious?

Do you know if they will install software?

Read this article real fast.

Very good site to check if the shortened URL is indeed taking you to where it should be or not:

http://getlinkinfo.com

WannaCry Ransomware

WannaCry ransomware is making its way around the internet today. Many older systems (XP) are getting it.

I've heard that systems not patched, can receive this with no user contact necessary. Machines can blue-screen and then reboot and the ransomware will be running. Here is some detailed information about WannaCry:

http://blog.talosintelligence.com/2017/05/wannacry.html

Had 2 machines at work get this today. Looking into further and will be taking some precautions.

If you do run an older operating system, considering upgrading or taking the system offline in the meantime. Also, make sure security updates are being applied.

Finding Inactive Computers in Active Directory

Trying to clean up your active directory?

Here is a quick little script/command to find inactive computers from active directory.

This uses the server command dsquery.

Open a command prompt or Powershell on the server.

The example is:

dsquery computer -inactive 7 -limit 200

This will display a list of up to 200 computers from active directory that have not been logged into in the last 7 weeks.

Adjust -inactive xx -limit xxx as needed for your domain.

Note: The dsquery command can be used on active directory users as well.


~Michael

Chromebook Tip: Add Website to Shelf

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted on here. All is well, I've just been busy with other things. I've been working on my Chromebook a little more often lately and want to share a quick little tip. This tip will allow you to quickly access your favorite sites by pinning them to the Chromebook "task bar" or shelf as Google calls it.

In Chrome, go to the page you want to pin. Click on 'Customize and control Google Chrome' button on the top right. (This is what you click on to get to the menu and settings for Chrome). Next, scroll down to More Tools > Add to Shelf...

A box will pop up letting you rename the site link. Hit OK and it will be pinned to your chromebook shelf at the bottom. If the site has it's own site icon, that will be the icon that it adds.

My current Chromebook setup. The sites I've added on on the right-hand side.

I'm going to try to be posting a little more frequently on here. Look for a lot more on Chromebooks and other projects to follow.

Hope everyone is doing well.