Music Industry – Spring Stall Expected
The year started off with a fire that threatens the production of vinyl records worldwide. And now meet and greets, fan gatherings, record conventions and concerts in Canada and the United States may be cancelled or delayed because of concerns over the COVID-19 virus.
Events that were scheduled for this spring have already been pushed back, including several tours, sports championships and film releases. But some events, like the upcoming Record Store Day events in Canada on April 18th, 2020 and Ottawa Bluesfest appear to be on schedule, as are most of the summer music festivals throughout Canada.
If you were planning on attending an event that was scheduled in the spring and summer of 2020 you should probably keep an eye out for updates on their official site and social media accounts.
Specific precautions may be taken at certain upcoming events and trip cancellation insurance is now recommended if you are travelling to an event, with clarification from your provider in regards to coverage in case an event is cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus.
UPDATE: The Juno Awards have been cancelled.
Warning for Windows Users
Attention all Windows users. A revamped exploit called “Dejablue” has been discovered and patched.
Update your security software immediately!
This security issue exploits the Remote Desktop Services of all Windows operating systems, according to the Microsoft Security Response Centre.
You should probably consider updating your anti-virus definitions as well, if you have a program installed on your Windows machine ; A list of security software can be found by clicking here.
Canada Post Security Warning + Postal Strike Update
Canada Post has issued a warning stating that official looking emails have been circulating asking people to click on link for tracking information on parcels that are non-existent.
Clicking on this link results in the downloading of a virus so Canada Post advises people to copy and paste the tracking number of these parcels into the official site.
If you receive one of these emails and are not waiting for a package to be delivered, delete the email.
In regards to the possibility of a postal strike, the 30 day extension will end on the 8th of August and both parties are expected to enter into binding arbitration. The Union is planning a rally in Montreal on the 6th from Parc Saint-Alphonse to the Prime Minister’s constituency office on Jarry Street East.
Windows Users : Uninstall Quicktime
Apple has stated they will not longer support Windows installations of this software and the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team issued an alert advising users to uninstall this program due to the existence of two vulnerabilities found in this program.
Click here for information on how to uninstall this program from Windows machines.
Be Careful !
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has issued a warning in regards to fake invoices being distributed by email.
These emails look legit but actually contain links to websites that install malware on computers or solicit additional information that could be used to defraud individual consumers.
If you ever receive an email saying a suspicious purchase was made on your behalf do not click on any of the links on this email. Access the retailer’s official web site via your browser instead.
Security Flaw Found In IE
Microsoft is currently working on fixing a bug that has been found in versions 6 to 11 of Internet Explorer and the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team has issued a press release asking individuals to use alternative browsers until the bug is fixed :
Click here to download Firefox
This bug is exploited by malicious web sites so IE users can continue to use their browsers by avoiding potentially dangerous sites. XP Users should use alternative browsers.