Clients data encrypted, no idea of source ... any tips?

[thecomputerguy]

I did a quick search and it looks like others are using VPN to access Act!. Unlike a document like Word or Excel it's probably not going to load the entire DB. Just make calls as needed. But I'd do some research on that just to be sure. Other DB's, like QB, can get corrupted over VPN.

I think I might try the VPN option for him ... definitely simpler than spinning up a new RDS server. There's zero chance in hell that RDS server will ever see the light of day again.

 

[Markverhyden]

I think I might try the VPN option for him ... definitely simpler than spinning up a new RDS server. There's zero chance in hell that RDS server will ever see the light of day again.

Using RDS for just one user is like using a 10# hammer on a finish nail. That said it's fine if you have a VPN connection. But for just one user for one task it's far easier to just VPN in to access the share point then launch Act!. You can easily monitor that one user.

 

[thecomputerguy]

Using RDS for just one user is like using a 10# hammer on a finish nail. That said it's fine if you have a VPN connection. But for just one user for one task it's far easier to just VPN in to access the share point then launch Act!. You can easily monitor that one user.

Agreed ... the initial plan was for them to have 5-7 tablets in the field using the RDS server to access company resources. So yes at this point the RDS server is major overkill, another reason why it will never be turned on again. Ever.

 

[HCHTech]

+1 for MBAM. I recently did my first deployment of their cloud endpoint for a 10-employee client. I got this client because their previous tech was too lax on security, and they got hit with an encryption virus. Came in by email on a workstation. 1 physical and 3 virtual servers, only had windows defender on their workstations and no hardware firewall at the edge. This one was easy pickings, that's for sure. Their servers were fighting off around 60,000 attempted logins every day. (!)

 

[thecomputerguy]

After almost two and a half full days of babysitting this project I have finally been able to recover everything off of the backup. The RDS server is offline permenantly and the remote user has been setup to access internal data via VPN and he is much much happier. ACT! works very well over a VPN connection. I was literally up for a full 24 hours yesterday from 3:30am to 3:30am today. The client is happy with the result and while I told him I feel bad about the whole situation and don't feel like billing for 48 hours of labor is right, granted there was a lot of waiting time, he said that I need to be paid for the work I did and said I did a really good job in a really shitty situation. So it looks like I will get compensated fairly well for this.

I'm thinking about billing him for a flat $1500.

I'm exhausted, I had 4 appointments today in addition to this multi-day project and I'm starting to lose my mind.

 

[Markverhyden]

Are you the architect of this? Meaning the former RDS solution?

 

[thecomputerguy]

Are you the architect of this? Meaning the former RDS solution?

Yes ... years ago ... in retrospect I probably should have stuck to a VPN the whole time it's what I thought would work best at the time given what they asked me to do which I don't even remember now but RDS sounded like the way to go and it worked fine for years ... But I've also learned a lot since then too. Probably a mistake to go with RDS in the first place.

 

[timeshifter]

The client is happy with the result and while I told him I feel bad about the whole situation and don't feel like billing for 48 hours of labor is right, granted there was a lot of waiting time, he said that I need to be paid for the work I did and said I did a really good job in a really shitty situation. So it looks like I will get compensated fairly well for this.

I'm thinking about billing him for a flat $1500.

I've been in similar situations and had similar reactions. Can't imagine how anyone could pay for all the time I'd spent. But after thinking about it a while I'd gather the courage and send a bill that reflected how much time I'd spent, may have rounded down a tiny bit. Don't recall ever having any pushback.

 

[innovativeteks]

Had client with RDS with multiple users/sites, they got hit with ransomware. Restored files, told them to switch to VPN - no, did not want to spend the money.

Not 48 hours later, hit again!

Guess who's on site-to-site a VPN now?

I agree, you feel bad but when they discount your advice, but, they don't get a discount because of their decision.

 

[Markverhyden]

Yes ... years ago ... in retrospect I probably should have stuck to a VPN the whole time it's what I thought would work best at the time given what they asked me to do which I don't even remember now but RDS sounded like the way to go and it worked fine for years ... But I've also learned a lot since then too. Probably a mistake to go with RDS in the first place.

Times change which means it's up to us to keep our customers up to date. I used to setup a lot of FTP for customers, secure and reliable. But they are all on various cloud solutions now, still secure and reliable but much simpler.