livebooks blog

The following alert concerns any of our Pros using Internet Explorer as their browser of choice.

Microsoft has admitted to a major vulnerability in the Internet Explorer browser over the weekend. This vulnerability allows users who visit a page with using IE (versions 9 through 11) to be open to hackers who aim to set up malicious sites in order to gain complete access to visitors’ PC.

We know that some of our Pros access their liveBooks accounts using IE, so we highly encourage you to take the following actions in order to protect yourself from this vulnerability:

1. Refrain from using any version of Internet Explorer until the vulnerability is repaired.

2. Use Firefox or Chrome for your office needs (and personal use at home as well) and ensure that the browser is running the most recent version as well.

There is always some risk in using the Internet and no browser is completely safe, but taking the steps above will help your business protect itself from hackers who are looking to access your personal information. You can use the links below to download the alternative browser of your choice:

Download Firefox

Download Chrome

For more information on the security notes regarding this vulnerability, please see the list of additional resources below.

United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team

Vulnerability Notes Database

Fire Eye Research Labs Blog

Keep it simple! I’m continually reminded of this tried and true maxim. Being a dyed in the wool lighting geek I like nothing more than throwing a ton of lights into a setup, and creating complex, layered lighting. It’s the puzzle solver in me. Sometimes that’s completely called for and the only way to produce the desired result. However solving the lighting puzzles doesn’t always have to involve a kings ransom worth of strobes, power packs, etc, quite the contrary. In fact, 90 percent of my lighting solutions end up using between just 1 to 3 lights. More »

You may have heard of a recently discovered security issue – called Heartbleed – that has impacted many sites on the internet this week, including liveBooks. Heartbleed affected OpenSSL, a type of technology websites use to keep information secure as it travels through the web.

We took immediate action to fix the vulnerability in our infrastructure. And although we have not found any evidence of malicious behavior, it is a good idea to frequently reset your passwords.  The instructions to reset your editSuite passwords are below.

When changing your passwords please remember:

•  Avoid using simple passwords based on dictionary words
•  Never use the same password on multiple sites

Changing your editSuite username and password:

1. In editSuite go to the Resources tab
2. Select Account Info/Passwords
3. On the right side select the user account that you wish to modify

To change the password check the “Change Password” box and enter the new password in both password fields. It must be at least 5 characters.

To change the username replace the current username with the new one.
You must have an email address in the “Email” field as this is where the login page’s “Forgot username or password?” function will send information if you request it.

To save your changes be sure to click both “OK” for the user account and “Save” in the lower right corner of the editSuite.

We take information protection very seriously and will continue to work to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect your personal information. If you have any questions or concerns please email us at support@livebooks.com.

For more information on this vulnerability, also known as “Heartbleed” visit http://heartbleed.com.

Staying Organized

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Staying organized throughout the year is the best way to be prepared for tax season. Utilize accounting software like Mint.com, Quicken or Quickbooks. Set aside time each month to download and classify the activity from your checking, savings and credit card accounts. At the end of the year 90% of the work required to prepare your tax return will already be done.

Outsource

If you can’t make time to keep the books yourself on a regular basis or if you aren’t inclined to learn an accounting software package, find a competent bookkeeper in your area with whom you can build a relationship. A good bookkeeper shouldn’t cost more than $40-50 per hour and depending on the size of your business you should expect to engage them for 3 – 4 hours per month. More »