May 2015 News & Tips

WordPress Users Should Update Plugins Now!

WordPress LogoEven the latest WordPress 4.2 is vulnerable, so users are warned. In particular the most recent bulletin notes that the XSS flaw is executed through comments and permits the attackers to execute arbitrary code, or, in effect, become the administrator.

A quick fix is to eliminate comments until a patch is released, and to avoid logging in as an administrator.

Multiple WordPress plugins may be vulnerable to the persistent cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw. A list of the known plugins is available here, but WordPress users have been urged to update all plugins now.

Cross-site Scripting allows an attacker to embed malicious content into a vulnerable page to gather data. The use of XSS can expose and compromise private information, manipulate or steal cookies, create requests that can be mistaken for those of a valid user, or execute malicious code on the end-user systems.

You can also read more at Net-security.org.

**Note that because WordPress has particular security issues, SiteVision offers an update service on an as requested basis ($60) or as a monthly maintenance feature ($60 monthly, 1st month free). Just contact us.

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SiteVision’s Daria Norris to Speak at National Development Conference

Daria, SiteVision’s Lead Technical Architect, has been invited to speak at this year’s dev.Objective() conference, May 12-15 in Bloomington, MN. The web-centric conference covers a wide variety of topics relating to software development and skills with content geared toward mid-to-advanced-level developers.

Daria NorrisNorris will deliver two sessions. The first, Feed Your Beans: From Anemic to Domain Driven Modeling, will cover four model patterns, their pros and cons, common anti-patterns, business logic in beans, and domain driven modeling. The second session, FW/1 3.0: Simplify Your Workload, will focus on Framework One (FW\1) and Inject One (DI\1) and how to simplify development workload while providing best practices.

The conference session list typically includes topics by speakers from companies such as Google, Adobe, Mozilla, Netflix, and IBM.

Kudos to Daria!

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VITAlogotypeVITA Renews Annual Service Contract With SiteVision & Adds Services

SiteVision will continue to serve as a provider for Hosting and Software as a Service (SaaS) for Virginia State Agencies, including all local government entities.

Vulnerability Scanning Added this year is a provision for Web Application Vulnerability Scanning. Application Vulnerability Scanning is a technique to identify and assess security risks before a possible or likely exploitation.

The process has become increasingly important as major intrusions escalate across all web stratifications.Virginia Agency and local government entities can contact SiteVision for consultation and pricing.

The Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) administers the contract awards and renewals as part of Virginia’s electronic government services program (eGov).

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Google in the News

Google Introduces “FI”

fi_logo_2xGoogle calls it a new way to say “hello.” Reviewers call it anything from a takedown of the big wireless providers, to a fairly underwhelming offering. But what seems to be consistent is “fi’s” potential to be a game changer.

So what is it? Google has confirmed plans to launch its own wireless service, Project Fi, which automatically switches between Wi-Fi and Wireless to give you the best possible coverage. Partnering with Google are T-Mobile and Sprint.

Fi comes with one plan at one price, Google says. For $20 a month, subscribers get the talk, text, visual voicemail, Wi-Fi tethering and international coverage. It’s $10 per gigabyte of data after that for cellular data while in the U.S. and abroad. In a nice twist, the plan refunds any data you don’t use.

In some studies, close to 30% of carrier paid-for data goes unused, suggesting consumers are considerably over-paying for unneeded data coverage.

Described as a “project,” Fi is by invitation only for the initial offering, and works only on Nexus devices.

You can read more at Google, USA Today, TechRepublic and Mashable.

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SEO Alert: MobileGeddon Is Here

Google AlgorithmGoogle has updated its algorithm to evaluate websites it classifies as “mobile-friendly” better on mobile search engines.

You can run a mobile-friendly test here

You can read more here:

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Quick Takes

AppleWatchMy weekend with Apple Watch — and the verdict is . . .

Breach Outbreaks Fuel Encryption Adoption

New Windows 10 preview beefs up Mail app and more

Opening Windows Source Code Could Improve Security

Microsoft kicks off two-month Spartan bug bounty program

Town of Culpeper, VA Launches New Online GIS System By SiteVision, Inc.

Roanoke, VA January 18, 2014: The Town of Culpeper, VA has formally launched its new online GIS System (http://townofculpeperva.gisbrowser.com).  SiteVision, Inc. (http://www.sitevision.com) is providing the new GIS system as software as a service (SAAS) under a Commonwealth of Virginia Hosting Contract which is available to all public agencies (local, regional, state), and to other states as well.  SiteVision developed the site to be cross-platform compatible and accessible via mobile devices.

Culpeper, VA GIS System by SiteVisionPrior to selecting SiteVision, Inc. as its SaaS/hosting vendor, The Town of Culpeper GIS and IT Department surveyed the needs of its residents and system stakeholders.  The Town then outlined the necessary and most requested mapping functions, layers, data sources, reports, tools, etc. to be required in their new online GIS system.   

SiteVision first began working with the Town to help establish CAD and GIS data interoperability standards, maintenance procedures, and to create and test related Internet map services.  These initial tasks\services were contracted by the Town to SiteVision, Inc. through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s IT Contingent Labor Contract.

The Town of Culpeper’s new system utilizes more than 30 map services from several sources including SiteVision, Inc., the Town of Culpeper, Culpeper County, Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), and the Commonwealth of Virginia.   The Town maintains all of their own GIS and CAD data and uploads their data updates to the new online GIS system at least once a month. 

CulpepperGIS_system2Users may query and access real estate tax and assessment database record(s) and related tax map parcels, download property cards, and view points of Interest (Police, Fire, Schools, etc.) with notes and links to more information.   The user can draw and measure features on the map, locate GPS points or coordinates, and save, copy or print a custom map.  The system also allows users to download reports and tables in Adobe or MS Excel format. 

Culpeper VA GIS 3“We tried to incorporate the most requested new features into the project,” said GIS coordinator Autumn Fitch. “The biggest thing is that it is cross compatible with so many browsers.”  –Star Exponent, Posted: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 12:15 am | Updated: 6:29 am, Tue Nov 12, 2013. 

The overall project stayed within the existing GIS budget with no additional costs to taxpayers, according to the town. –Star Exponent, Posted: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 12:15 am | Updated: 6:29 am, Tue Nov 12, 2013. 

Daniel Shaffer, Director, Geospatial Division for SiteVision, added “With today’s economy, many public agencies are stuck in legacy online GIS systems with no foreseeable way out.  Our SaaS plans allow public agencies to migrate to the latest systems while spending little to no upfront fees or costs. The agency pays for the SaaS service on a flexible monthly, quarterly or yearly schedule.” 

“It was a privilege working with the Town of Culpeper,” said Patrick Maddox, CEO of SiteVision.  “They did a careful assessment of their needs and were highly professional to work with.  The result is an outstanding GIS system designed with the most recent features available.”  

SiteVision, Inc. (www.sitevision.com) is an Internet application development, consulting, design and hosting firm providing solutions for a broad spectrum of markets and industries, as well as for state, federal and international entities. Expertise includes custom, back-end dynamic applications, consulting to achieve unique goals, geographic information systems (GIS), content management systems, hosting services including, map and GIS application hosting, as well as custom and dedicated hosting solutions.  

SiteVision, Inc. participates in, or is available through, the following state and federal contracting vehicles: 

 The firm has its home office in Roanoke, VA, with sales offices in Charlottesville, VA and Miami, FL. 

 

Roanoke Regional Airport, Others, Transition Hosting and Infrastructure Services to SiteVision

Roanoke Regional AirportThe Roanoke Regional Airport has transitioned its Website hosting to SiteVision, Inc.  SiteVision is designated to provide hosting and infrastructure as a service. The new hosting service includes support for several of the Airport’s modules, including arrival, departure, status and tracking.

The Roanoke Regional Airport http://www.roanokeairport.com offers more than 50 scheduled flights daily, providing nonstop service from Roanoke, Virginia to nine major cities. Airlines that fly out of the airport daily include US Airways, United Airlines and Delta.  Allegiant Air also provides full-sized jets and frequent service to Florida.

The Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, owner and operator of the Roanoke Regional Airport, was created through an act of the Virginia General Assembly in 1987. During the past ten years, the Commission has undertaken the construction of about $56.7 million in airfield improvements, resulting in a virtually new airfield.

Colonial Behavioral HealthOther organizations transitioning to SiteVision for its Hosting and Infrastructure service include Colonial Behavioral Health (CBH) http://www.colonialbh.org  who serves the citizens of James City County, City of Poquoson, City of Williamsburg and York County. Through an array of strategies and collaborative partnerships with local and regional providers, CBH facilitates opportunities for recovery, resiliency and wellness to individuals and families affected by mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders.

John Tyler Community College (JTCC) http://www.jtcc.edu/ has also arranged for SiteVision Hosting and Infrastructure services.  JTCC is a two-year, public institution of higher education and is the fifth largest of the 23 community colleges in the Virginia Community College System. With campuses in Chester and Midlothian and off-campus classrooms throughout the area, John Tyler offers quality and economical opportunities for students who want to earn a degree or certificate, transfer to a four-year college or university, train for the workforce, or switch careers.

SiteVision, Inc. (http://www.sitevision.com)  is an Internet hosting, application development, consulting, and design firm providing solutions for a broad spectrum of markets and industries, as well as for state, federal and international entities. Expertise includes custom, back-end dynamic applications, consulting to achieve unique goals, geographic information systems (GIS), content management systems, hosting services including, map and GIS application hosting, as well as custom and dedicated hosting solutions.

SiteVision, Inc. participates in, or is available through, the following state and federal contracting vehicles:

The firm has its home office in Roanoke, VA, with sales offices in Charlottesville, VA and Miami, FL.

 

Why SiteVision?

We’re your advocate. SiteVision has been providing web development and hosting services to government agencies and non-profit organizations for over 20 years. We understand how overwhelming it can be to seek out a reliable solution for you website, custom application, and hosting needs.

At SiteVision we are passionate about creating solutions for customers that make their life better. We excel at understanding your business process and developing an application that is easy to learn and operate. We will always be fair, knowledgeable, honest, and professional.