Previous Tips

Nov2021 to Dec 2022

Windows 11 free upgrade for qualifying computers ( Active Tip)

August 2021

Since Covid there has been an increased Phishing Emails and S-mishing.

The images below are examples of what I have received since last year to present. Some things to consider.

1. Do I know the Sender?

2. Is the message offering an award or has some kind of urgency?

3. Are there misspelled words or sentences that do not make sense?

4. Never click on the link that are received by a text message or from a messaging app?

5. If the message came from a known friend, still do not click on the link (see image from Messenger). Confirm the link was sent by him and not by the Malware.

Go to the App/company's website to confirm there was a message sent. Most companies will show a message or notifications was sent.

June-July 2021

• Anti Virus and other scanning programs

If you have installed an Anti-Virus programs (Norton, MacAfee, AVG) do not install another that does the same function. Having two Anti Virus programs running at the same time can make your system run slow and possibly corrupt OS files. Always uninstall the program you are not using first then install the new software. Confirm the Software capabilities before installing other programs such a Malware removal , CCcleaner, popup blocker.

• Anti Virus Software.

Before you buy another Anti-virus software check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to see if you qualify for their free Antivirus program.

-For Spectrum:

1. Log in to your Spectrum Home page

2. Select Services

3. Select Internet Tab on the right under 'Explore'

4. Select 'Go to Security Suite' verify you can download and install antivirus program.

-For AT&T:

1. Log in to your AT&T Home page

2. At top center in the 'I'm looking for..' search for Antivirus download in Support

3. In the web page called Install AT&T Internet Security Suite click on 'Get it"

4. Installation instructions are below 'How to get internet Security Suite'

note: This section provides information to see if you qualify for their free Anti-virus software.

5. You will need your User ID and password to verify your account.

May 2021

COVID - 19 Scams

1. scammers are trying to get you to buy products that are not proven to treat or prevent COVID-19

a. Please check local news website and the CDC for updates on products certified.

2. There is no Cure for the COVID-19

3. Scammers will send an E-mail or Text about COVID-19 then ask for personal information.

a. look for generic greetings (like “Hello, Sir/Madame”), requests for confirmation of personal information, or emails related to updating your billing details to judge whether or not an email from a company is legitimate.

March - April 2021

Things to look out for this Tax Season

1. IRS impersonation callers.

a. A person stating he is with the IRS and demanding you to pay the taxes you owe.

* The IRS will not call you. You should call the IRS number to confirm your status.

2. Fake Email, Text, and Social Media messages

a. Scammers are getting more sophisticated. They use Logos that closely resembles the IRS.

b. Be weary on the text, Emails, or social media Message yo get.

* The Real IRS will not initiate contact. Always go directly to the IRS web page to download forms. If you

receive any such communications, the IRS asks that you forward it to phishing@irs.gov. Do not reply to

the original message.

3. There are many other scams out there and it is recommend to review them form the IRS website, IRS.gov. search Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts

February 2021

• Apple News

1. There is an announcement from Apple that all iPhone and iPad users should update their Operating System (iOS)

You can read more about this from CNN at https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/26/tech/iphone-ipad-ios-14-4-update/index.html

The company states there are three security flaws that may have been actively exploited. A security patch was pushed out Tuesday Jan 26, 2021 as part of its new iOS 14.4 software, which also includes fixes for keyboard lag and allows smaller QR codes to be read by the camera.

January 2019 - September 2019

1 Nov 2019

Holiday Scams

-Geek Squad Scam

The callers are not actually from Best Buy. They are stating your warranty is about to expire on your computer. The caller may also clam they have your IP address and your are vulnerable to attacks. He will try to convince you by showing you the attacks on your computer.

Your Actions are: Do not provide any computer information and hang up. If you do have an account it Best Buy Geek Squad account you should contact them directly.

-Bank Scam

During the holiday you see more bank Scams. They are fake email posing as a Bank most of the time one you don't have account with.

1 Oct 2019

This is more of a reminder.

-Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7 OS. The End of Life is scheduled for January 14, 2020 which Microsoft will no longer provide Technical assistance and Software updates that will protect your PC.

-What this means for you. You will have to determine if your computer can upgrade to Windows 10 Software. Always go to the Manufactures website to see if the desktop or laptop are compatible for Windows 10. The last resort will be purchase a new desktop or laptop with Windows 10.

You can read the full report from Microsoft Team at Windows 7 support will end on January 14, 2020

November - December 2018

Phishing - Not Fishing

Your email should be under 50 unread emails. Having more than 50 unread emails can be a risk of opening a Phishing email or Ransomware. While going through your emails, it is best you do not open an email from a sender you don't recognize. Sometimes it can be from someone you know. You might ask how? Most of the time you might open an email from a friend that all of a sudden sends you an email with an attachment. Always ask to make sure it was him or her. There are other times it may look like a message from your bank or from a sender informing you have 2 minutes to open your "Winning Prize". This is called Phishing and a Hacker can gain access to your device. Look at the sender or from what company the offer came from before you open the email. You can also go to settings and prevent the email program to read the email when you click on the letter received or disabling the reading pane from the Email app.