THE INTERNET TAX, THE GOOD, BAD AND UGLEY

Part II

In my last blog on this issue I give a general over view of the federal Marketplace Fairness Act, also referred to as the internet sales tax bill, and of the “Sales and Use Tax” law.  At that time the bill passed the US Senate and was working its way through the US House of Representatives.  Recently the Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH), referred the bill to the House Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee Chairman, Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), announced his committee will not take up the bill.  So at this point it looks like the bill will die in committee and it is not something we need to worry about.  I will keep you up to date if things change.

However this does not relieve the small business owner from being concerned about sales tax in other states.  The current law requires a business to collected sales tax in other states if there is a business presence in those states.  A business presence is not only established by having a physical office or store but a business presence can also be established by other means, like print advertising or establishing a business relationship with a independent repairman to service warranty claims.

If you sell a product or service out of state, I encourage you to have a review of your potential sales tax liability to see if you have or have not a business presence out of state.

If you have any questions, please call this office to see if you have any reason for concern

WEEKEND VULNERABILITY AND PATCH REPORT

June 2, 2013

The following software vulnerabilities and updates were announced by Citadel Information Group.  They strongly recommend that readers update their computers and take other action as indicated.  This is from an e-mail received from Stan Stahl, Ph.D. [www.citadel-information.com] and posted with his approval.

Important Security Updates

Dropbox: Dropbox has released version 2.0.22 of Dropbox. Updates are available from within the program or download from the Dropbox website. 

RoboForm: Siber Systems has released version 7.8.9.5 of Roboform. Updates are available from within the program, look for the "Check New Version" button on the Options menu or from the Roboform website.

Yahoo! Browser for Android: Yahoo! has released version 1.4.5 of its browser for the Android. Updates are available through the device.

Current Software Versions

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.202 [Windows 7: IE9, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera]

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.202 [Windows 8: IE]

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.202 [Macintosh OS X: Firefox, Opera, Safari]

Adobe Reader 11.0.03

Dropbox 2.0.22 [Citadel warns against relying on Dropbox security. We recommend files containing sensitive information be independently encrypted with a program like Axcrypt; encryption keys be at least 15 characters long; and the Dropbox password be at least 15 characters long and different from other passwords.]

Firefox 21 [Windows]

Google Chrome 27.0.1453.94

Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.16521 [Windows 7: IE]

Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.16519 [Windows 8: IE]

Java SE 7 Update 21 [Citadel recommends removing or disabling Java from your browser. Java is a major source of cyber criminal exploits. It is not needed for most internet browsing. If you have particular web sites that requires Java, Citadel recommends using a two-browser approach to minimize risk. If you normally browse the Web with Firefox, for example, disable the Java plugin in Firefox and use an alternative browser - such as Chrome, IE9, Safari, etc - with Java enabled to browse only the sites that require it.]

QuickTime 7.7.4

Safari 5.1.7  [Windows]

Safari 6.0.4 [Mac OS X]

Skype 6.3.0.105

Newly Announced Unpatched Vulnerabilities

None

For an updated list of previously announced Unpatched Vulnerabilities, please see the resources section of Citadel's website.

For Your IT Department

Cisco Nexus 1000V: Secunia reports at least 6 unpatched vulnerabilities in Cisco's Nexus 1000V switch. No official solution is currently available.

Novell Client: Secunia reports 2 separate unpatched vulnerabilities within Novell's Client; one refers to the VERIFY_KEY and the second refers to REQUEST_REPLY. No official solution is currently available.

VMware ESX Server: Secunia reports a partial fix to address two vulnerabilities in VMware's ESX Server, reported in versions 4.0 and 4.1. Apply the patch if available.

If you are responsible for the security of your computer, Citadel's Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report is for you. We strongly urge you to take action to keep your workstation patched and updated.

If someone else is responsible for the security of your computer, forward our Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report to them and follow up to make sure your computer has been patched and updated.

Vulnerability management is a key element of cyber security management. Cyber criminals take over user computers by writing computer programs that "exploit" vulnerabilities in operating systems (Windows, Apple OS, etc) and application programs (Adobe Acrobat, Office, Flash, Java, etc). When software companies find a vulnerability, they usually issue an update patch to fix the code running in their customer's computers.

Citadel publishes our Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report to alert readers to some of the week's important updates and vulnerabilities. Our focus is on software typically found in the small or home office (SOHO) or that users are likely to have on their home computer. The report is not intended to be a thorough listing of updates and vulnerabilities.

Copyright © 2013 Citadel Information Group. All rights reserved.

THE INTERNET TAX, THE GOOD, BAD AND UGLEY

Part I

 

There is a lot of discussions concerning the “Internet Tax” as passed by the US Senate.  Unfortunately, much of the conversation about the tax is not completely accurate.  I am not necessary taking a position on the “Internet Tax”, but we need to have a correct idea as to what the issues are.  Thus I over the next several weeks, as part of my blog, I am going to have weekly updates about the tax.  I will explain what the tax is all ablaut and how it could affect all Taxpayers. 

Most people are aware of sales tax which is dictated by each state’s “Sales Tax” law; there are 50 states, thus 50 different laws, many are not in conformity.  In California, sales tax is only charged on the sales of merchandise; however New York also charges tax on services.  Some states charge tax on the delivery of merchandise, but other states do not.  Creating and mailing invoices by a billing company is not taxable in California but it is in New York. There are some states that do not have a sales tax.  Currently, sales tax is imposed only on where the product is sold and if the seller has a business presence in the same state.  If the purchase occurs over the internet and the seller does not have a business presence in the state the purchase occurred, then sales tax is not charged.

Most people on the other hand are not aware that states that have a “Sales Tax” also have a “Use Tax”.  “Use Tax” requires the purchaser to pay a tax for using the product in the state when tax is not charged.  Consequently if sales tax is collected no use tax is required, if no sales tax is collected, then use tax is required.  States that have a sales tax requires the individual to report purchases where no sales tax is paid and remit use tax on those purchases.  Many times this is done on the individual’s state’s income tax return.  On the California personal income tax return (from 540) this is reported on line 95 of page 2, for New York, it is line 59, page 3.  However most people do not understand this and thus it is ignored.  Even many professional tax preparers are not aware and do not understand “Sales and Use Tax” laws.

Even though the above is a brief explanation of the “Sales and Use Tax” laws, as you might gather it can be difficult to totally understand and to administer.  The sad truth is “brick and mortar” business are losing sales to large internet sales companies like Amazon who do not collect sales tax, thus the purchaser can buy product at a perceived discount.  It is not uncommon for a person to go into a “brick and mortar” business try on clothes or look at products they wish to purchase, then go home and buy clothes or products over the internet.  This has resulted in many “brick and mortar” business to go out of business.  Many Borders book stores have closed their doors.  This is especially hard on small business. The states also lose a lot of tax revenue this way.   The “Internet Tax” is an attempt to correct this.  However is it a good, bad or just ugly like many of our tax laws are.

 

My future Blog posts will closely look at the proposed law and the changes that are proposed as it goes through the sausage mill in congress.

 

 

WEEKEND VULNERABILITY AND PATCH REPORT

May 26, 2013

The following software vulnerabilities and updates were announced by Citadel Information Group.  They strongly recommend that readers update their computers and take other action as indicated.  This is from an e-mail received from Stan Stahl, Ph.D. [www.citadel-information.com] and posted with his approval.

Important Security Updates

Apple QuickTime: Apple has released version 7.7.4 of QuickTime to fix at least 12 vulnerabilities, some of which are highly critical.  Updates are available from within the program or Apple's website. 

Google Chrome: Google has released version 27.0.1453.93 of Chrome. Updates are available through the browser or Google's website. See unpatched vulnerabilities below in versions prior to 27.0.1453.93.

Current Software Versions

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.202 [Windows 7: IE9, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera]

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.202 [Windows 8: IE]

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.202 [Macintosh OS X: Firefox, Opera, Safari]

Adobe Reader 11.0.03

Dropbox 1.6.11 [Citadel warns against relying on Dropbox security. We recommend files containing sensitive information be independently encrypted with a program like Axcrypt; encryption keys be at least 15 characters long; and the Dropbox password be at least 15 characters long and different from other passwords.]

Firefox 21 [Windows]

Google Chrome 27.0.1453.93

Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.16521 [Windows 7: IE]

Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.16519 [Windows 8: IE]

Java SE 7 Update 21 [Citadel recommends removing or disabling Java from your browser. Java is a major source of cyber criminal exploits. It is not needed for most internet browsing. If you have particular web sites that requires Java, Citadel recommends using a two-browser approach to minimize risk. If you normally browse the Web with Firefox, for example, disable the Java plugin in Firefox and use an alternative browser - such as Chrome, IE9, Safari, etc - with Java enabled to browse only the sites that require it.]

QuickTime 7.7.4

Safari 5.1.7  [Windows]

Safari 6.0.4 [Mac OS X]

Skype 6.3.0.105

Newly Announced Unpatched Vulnerabilities

Google Chrome: Secunia reports at least 27 highly critical unpatched vulnerabilities in versions prior to 27.0.1453.93 of Google's Chrome. No patches are available at this time. Update to version 27.0.1453.93 of Chrome. 

For an updated list of previously announced Unpatched Vulnerabilities, please see the resources section of Citadel's website.

If you are responsible for the security of your computer, Citadel's Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report is for you. We strongly urge you to take action to keep your workstation patched and updated.

If someone else is responsible for the security of your computer, forward our Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report to them and follow up to make sure your computer has been patched and updated.

Vulnerability management is a key element of cyber security management. Cyber criminals take over user computers by writing computer programs that "exploit" vulnerabilities in operating systems (Windows, Apple OS, etc) and application programs (Adobe Acrobat, Office, Flash, Java, etc). When software companies find a vulnerability, they usually issue an update patch to fix the code running in their customer's computers.

Citadel publishes our Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report to alert readers to some of the week's important updates and vulnerabilities. Our focus is on software typically found in the small or home office (SOHO) or that users are likely to have on their home computer. The report is not intended to be a thorough listing of updates and vulnerabilities.

Copyright © 2013 Citadel Information Group. All rights reserved.

WEEKEND VULNERABILITY AND PATCH REPORT

May 19, 2013

The following software vulnerabilities and updates were announced by Citadel Information Group.  They strongly recommend that readers update their computers and take other action as indicated.  This is from an e-mail received from Stan Stahl, Ph.D. [www.citadel-information.com] and posted with his approval.

Important Security Updates

Adobe Acrobat: Adobe has released an update to Acrobat to fix at least 27 vulnerabilities, some of which are highly critical.  Updates are available from within the program or Adobe's website.

Adobe Flash: Adobe has released updates for several versions of its Flash Player to fix at least 13 highly critical vulnerabilities, including Windows, Mac, Linux and Android devices. Updates are available from within the program or Adobe's website. Updates are also available for Adobe AIR.

Adobe Reader: Adobe has released version 11.0.03 to Reader to fix at least 27 vulnerabilities, some of which are highly critical. Updates are available from within the program or Adobe's website.

Apple iTunes: Apple has released version 11.0.3 for iTunes to fix at least 40 vulnerabilities, some of which are highly critical. Updates are available through iTunes or Apple's website.

BlackBerry Tablet OS: BlackBerry has released an update to fix at least 35 vulnerabilities, some of which are highly critical, in its bundled version of Adobe Flash Player. Update to version 2.1.0.1526 or later.

Keepass: Keepass has released version 2.22 to Keepass. The update is available on Keepass' website.

Mozilla Firefox: Mozilla has released version 21.0 of Firefox. Updates are available through Firefox. See unpatched vulnerability below in versions prior to 21.0. Updates are also available for Thunderbird.

Microsoft Patch Tuesday: Microsoft released several updates addressing at least 33 security vulnerabilities, some of which are highly critical, in Windows, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Publisher, Office Communicator, Visio, and Word. Updates are available via Windows Update or from Automatic Update. This update includes the fix for the Zero Day in Internet Explorer 8, which we first alerted readers to in a Special Alert in Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report, May 5, 2013.  

Microsoft Windows: Microsoft has released an update to Windows 8 to fix at least 13 highly critical vulnerabilities in its bundled version of Adobe Flash Player within Internet Explorer 10. Updates are available through Windows Update in the Control Panel

Current Software Versions

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.202 [Windows 7: IE9, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera]

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.202 [Windows 8: IE]

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.202 [Macintosh OS X: Firefox, Opera, Safari]

Adobe Reader 11.0.03

Dropbox 1.6.11 [Citadel warns against relying on Dropbox security. We recommend files containing sensitive information be independently encrypted with a program like Axcrypt; encryption keys be at least 15 characters long; and the Dropbox password be at least 15 characters long and different from other passwords.]

Firefox 21 [Windows]

Google Chrome 26.0.1410.64

Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.16521 [Windows 7: IE]

Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.16519 [Windows 8: IE]

Java SE 7 Update 21 [Citadel recommends removing or disabling Java from your browser. Java is a major source of cyber criminal exploits. It is not needed for most internet browsing. If you have particular web sites that requires Java, Citadel recommends using a two-browser approach to minimize risk. If you normally browse the Web with Firefox, for example, disable the Java plugin in Firefox and use an alternative browser - such as Chrome, IE9, Safari, etc - with Java enabled to browse only the sites that require it.]

QuickTime 7.7.3 (1680.64)

Safari 5.1.7  [Windows]

Safari 6.0.4 [Mac OS X]

Skype 6.3.0.105

Newly Announced Unpatched Vulnerabilities

Mozilla Firefox: Secunia reports at least 11 highly critical unpatched vulnerabilities in versions prior to 21.0 of Mozilla's Firefox. No patches are available at this time. Update to version 21.0 of Firefox.  

For an updated list of previously announced Unpatched Vulnerabilities, please see the resources section of Citadel's website.

For Your IT Department

Cisco Multiple Products: Cisco has released updates for multiple products, including Cisco's Wireless LAN controller, WebEx, Unified Meeting Place, Unified Communications Domain Manager, and others. Apply appropriate updates.  

Microsoft Malware Protection Products: Mozilla has released an update to its Malware Protection Products to fix a highly critical vulnerability.  Ensure that systems are running version 1.1.9506.0 or later of Microsoft Malware Protection Engine.

Mozilla Firefox ESR: Mozilla has released an update to its Firefox ESR to fix at least 8 highly critical vulnerabilities. Update to version 17.0.6. More information is available on Mozilla's website. Updates are also available for Thunderbird ESR.

If you are responsible for the security of your computer, Citadel's Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report is for you. We strongly urge you to take action to keep your workstation patched and updated.

If someone else is responsible for the security of your computer, forward our Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report to them and follow up to make sure your computer has been patched and updated.

Vulnerability management is a key element of cyber security management. Cyber criminals take over user computers by writing computer programs that "exploit" vulnerabilities in operating systems (Windows, Apple OS, etc) and application programs (Adobe Acrobat, Office, Flash, Java, etc). When software companies find a vulnerability, they usually issue an update patch to fix the code running in their customer's computers.

Citadel publishes our Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report to alert readers to some of the week's important updates and vulnerabilities. Our focus is on software typically found in the small or home office (SOHO) or that users are likely to have on their home computer. The report is not intended to be a thorough listing of updates and vulnerabilities.

Copyright © 2013 Citadel Information Group. All rights reserved.

WEEKEND VULNERABILITY AND PATCH REPORT

May 12, 2013

The following software vulnerabilities and updates were announced by Citadel Information Group.  They strongly recommend that readers update their computers and take other action as indicated.  This is from an e-mail received from Stan Stahl, Ph.D. [www.citadel-information.com] and posted with his approval.

Important Security Updates

D-Link DSL-320B: D-Link has released version 1.25 to fix vulnerabilities in its DSL-320B broadband modem. Download from D-Link's website.

Current Software Versions

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.169 [Windows 7: IE9, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera]

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.169 [Windows 8: IE]

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.169 [Macintosh OS X: Firefox, Opera, Safari]

Adobe Reader 11.0.02

Dropbox 1.6.11 [Citadel warns against relying on Dropbox security. We recommend files containing sensitive information be independently encrypted with a program like Axcrypt; encryption keys be at least 15 characters long; and the Dropbox password be at least 15 characters long and different from other passwords.]

Firefox 20.0.1 [Windows]

Google Chrome 26.0.1410.64

Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.16521 [Windows 7: IE]

Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.16519 [Windows 8: IE]

Java SE 7 Update 21 [Citadel recommends removing or disabling Java from your browser. Java is a major source of cyber criminal exploits. It is not needed for most internet browsing. If you have particular web sites that requires Java, Citadel recommends using a two-browser approach to minimize risk. If you normally browse the Web with Firefox, for example, disable the Java plugin in Firefox and use an alternative browser - such as Chrome, IE9, Safari, etc - with Java enabled to browse only the sites that require it.]

QuickTime 7.7.3 (1680.64)

Safari 5.1.7  [Windows]

Safari 6.0.4 [Mac OS X]

Skype 6.3.0.105

Newly Announced Unpatched Vulnerabilities

None 

For an updated list of previously announced Unpatched Vulnerabilities, please see the resources section of Citadel's website.

For Your IT Department

Adobe ColdFusion: Adobe has identified a critical vulnerability affecting ColdFusion 10, 9.0.2, 9.0.1, 9.0, and earlier versions for Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX. There are reports that an exploit of this vulnerability is publicly available. US-CERT recommends users and administrators review Adobe Security Advisory APSA13-03. Please note the advisory indicates that the workaround does not correct the vulnerability, but it may help mitigate the risk of exposure to this issue.

Cisco Multiple Products: Cisco has released updates for multiple products, including Cisco's Wireless LAN controller, WebEx, Unified Meeting Place, Unified Communications Domain Manager, and others. Apply appropriate updates.  

Citrix XenServer: Citrix has released a patch for its XenServer. Apply patches. 

If you are responsible for the security of your computer, Citadel's Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report is for you. We strongly urge you to take action to keep your workstation patched and updated.

If someone else is responsible for the security of your computer, forward our Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report to them and follow up to make sure your computer has been patched and updated.

Vulnerability management is a key element of cyber security management. Cyber criminals take over user computers by writing computer programs that "exploit" vulnerabilities in operating systems (Windows, Apple OS, etc) and application programs (Adobe Acrobat, Office, Flash, Java, etc). When software companies find a vulnerability, they usually issue an update patch to fix the code running in their customer's computers.

Citadel publishes our Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report to alert readers to some of the week's important updates and vulnerabilities. Our focus is on software typically found in the small or home office (SOHO) or that users are likely to have on their home computer. The report is not intended to be a thorough listing of updates and vulnerabilities.

Copyright © 2013 Citadel Information Group. All rights reserved.

WEEKEND VULNERABILITY AND PATCH REPORT

May 5, 2013

The following software vulnerabilities and updates were announced by Citadel Information Group.  They strongly recommend that readers update their computers and take other action as indicated.  This is from an e-mail received from Stan Stahl, Ph.D. [www.citadel-information.com] and posted with his approval.

Special Security Alert

Microsoft Internet Explorer: Secunia reports an extremely critical unpatched vulnerability in Microsoft's Internet Explorer 8.x that is currently being actively exploited in target attacks. No official solution is currently available. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Internet Explorer 9 or 10.

Important Security Updates

D-Link IP Camera: D-Link has released updates to fix at least 3 security issues for several of its DCS model IP Cameras. Go to D-Link's website and select the model to download the current version.  

Google Chrome: Google has released version 26.0.1410.53 for Chrome for iOS to fix moderately critical vulnerabilities. Download the update from Chrome's website.

Yahoo! Browser for Android: Yahoo! has released version 1.4.3. for the browser for Android to fix a weakness. Update through the device.

Current Software Versions

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.169 [Windows 7: IE9, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera]

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.169 [Windows 8: IE]

Adobe Flash 11.7.700.169 [Macintosh OS X: Firefox, Opera, Safari]

Adobe Reader 11.0.02

Dropbox 1.6.11 [Citadel warns against relying on Dropbox security. We recommend files containing sensitive information be independently encrypted with a program like Axcrypt; encryption keys be at least 15 characters long; and the Dropbox password be at least 15 characters long and different from other passwords.]

Firefox 20.0.1 [Windows]

Google Chrome 26.0.1410.64

Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.16521 [Windows 7: IE]

Internet Explorer 10.0.9200.16519 [Windows 8: IE]

Java SE 7 Update 21 [Citadel recommends removing or disabling Java from your browser. Java is a major source of cyber criminal exploits. It is not needed for most internet browsing. If you have particular web sites that requires Java, Citadel recommends using a two-browser approach to minimize risk. If you normally browse the Web with Firefox, for example, disable the Java plugin in Firefox and use an alternative browser - such as Chrome, IE9, Safari, etc - with Java enabled to browse only the sites that require it.]

QuickTime 7.7.3 (1680.64)

Safari 5.1.7  [Windows]

Safari 6.0.4 [Mac OS X]

Skype 6.3.0.105

Newly Announced Unpatched Vulnerabilities

D-Link DIR-635 Wireless Router: Secunia reports unpatched vulnerabilities in D-Link's DIR-635 Wireless Router in revision B1 version 2.34EU. Other versions may also be affected.No official solution is currently available. 
For an updated list of previously announced Unpatched Vulnerabilities, please see the resources section of Citadel's website.

For Your IT Department

Cisco Multiple Products: Cisco has released updates for multiple products, including Cisco's IOS , WebEx, Unified Meeting Place, TelePresence Management, IPS 4200, Nexus 7000, and others. Apply appropriate updates.

HP Service Manager: Secunia reports at least 57 vulnerabilities, some of which are highly critical, in HP's Service Manager. Update to version 9.31.2004 p2.

Novell iPrint Client: Secunia reports a highly critical vulnerability in Novell's iPrint Client in versions prior to 5.90. Update to version 5.90.

If you are responsible for the security of your computer, Citadel's Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report is for you. We strongly urge you to take action to keep your workstation patched and updated.

If someone else is responsible for the security of your computer, forward our Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report to them and follow up to make sure your computer has been patched and updated.

Vulnerability management is a key element of cyber security management. Cyber criminals take over user computers by writing computer programs that "exploit" vulnerabilities in operating systems (Windows, Apple OS, etc) and application programs (Adobe Acrobat, Office, Flash, Java, etc). When software companies find a vulnerability, they usually issue an update patch to fix the code running in their customer's computers.

Citadel publishes our Weekend Vulnerability and Patch Report to alert readers to some of the week's important updates and vulnerabilities. Our focus is on software typically found in the small or home office (SOHO) or that users are likely to have on their home computer. The report is not intended to be a thorough listing of updates and vulnerabilities.

Copyright © 2013 Citadel Information Group. All rights reserved.