Why You Need to Question Facebook QuizzesWhen you see a quiz on social media you:
A. Always fill it in! Of course, you want to know your celebrity alter ego or what your favorite food means about you.
B. Sometimes participate. Your friends have done it, so now you’re curious about your results too.
C. Scroll on by. You don’t want to risk security. [Read more…]
As the stereotype goes, when you report a problem to your IT team, their first question is often, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” While it might seem annoying, the reality is that many issues can indeed be fixed with a reboot. The longer you keep your computer running without a restart or shutdown, the higher the chances of encountering problems. [Read more…]
The Power of Professional Virus RemovalInstalling antivirus software is a great first step toward protecting your computer. Still, relying on that software to keep viruses at bay may not be the best thing. Working with a professional to remove the virus and fix your computer adds security.
Antivirus software protects computers and other devices against various malicious software (malware). It’s designed to detect viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, adware, and more. It matches known malware patterns and detects suspicious behavior. Then, the program works to block files or websites that might contain malware.
If an infection happens, the software can attempt to limit the threat. It will quarantine or isolate infected files to prevent the malware from spreading.
Many programs actively monitor your systems for real-time protection. Regularly updating your software keeps it current with the most recently identified malware and threats.
If you’re worried about infection, you can also typically start a manual scan. This checks your systems, folders, files, and removable storage devices for malware.
All those benefits are useful, but antivirus software is not foolproof. It relies on databases of known malware and current threats and can miss new approaches, and it might not catch every malware variant out there.
The software is also vulnerable to zero-day attacks, whereby Hackers exploit a new vulnerability until vendors create and send out updates.
Meanwhile, your antivirus may not remove all malware if the infection is deep or complex. You’ll know it’s there but will need the help of a professional to manually clean your computer.
Working with a pro, you can cut device downtime. An expert can identify the problem and prevent data loss. They can also preserve device performance. Otherwise, malware can consume system resources and run processes in the background.
Antivirus software also can’t give you the full picture of what’s happened. A technician can help identify the information compromised, they can also help you change your passwords.
They can also set your computer up to prevent data loss in the future. They’ll protect sensitive files and ensure your data backup or other systems aren’t infected.
In short, they can remove the existing threat and add extra security measures.
Antivirus software is only one part of comprehensive device security, and it’s not infallible.
Don’t just remove viruses, prevent them from happening with a professional’s help. Book an appointment today. We can help you shore up your security against emerging threats.
You might remember setting up a “telephone” with a friend made with cups and a string. Or feel nostalgic for the novelty of having your own phone line in your home growing up. Meanwhile, we’re raising the digital generation. They game online, chat online, stream TV online – everything is online. One popular channel for kids’ conversations? Discord. Here’s help keeping your kids safe on this and other online platforms. [Read more…]
With the embrace of smart mobile devices, digital wallets have grown popular. Also known as e-wallets or mobile wallets, these apps store payment information virtually. The convenience is undeniable; the question is whether digital wallets are safe to use.
Examples of popular digital wallets include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and others. A digital wallet can store:
This enables online purchases, money transfers, bill payments, and in-store payments, all done through mobile devices. Plus, you don’t have to manually enter the payment details each time.
Many digital wallets use near-field communication (NFC) for contactless payments. When you tap your smartphone or smartwatch on a point-of-sale device to pay, you’re taking advantage of NFC.
Digital wallets allow people to travel light. Integrating them with food delivery and ride-share apps can simplify those payments, too. And you no longer have to worry about a thief getting their hands on your credit or debit card.
Still, consider the pros and cons of trusting a digital wallet application.
On the plus side, digital wallets use various security measures. These can include:
At the same time, there are risks. For one, NFC works wirelessly. This means there’s always a chance an attacker could intercept your payment once you authenticate it. They’d need to be near your device to access the information, but it’s possible.
Using a digital wallet application also means you’re relying on technology. Malfunctions could happen. Additionally, it’s possible someone could hack the digital wallet app.
Cybercriminals typically target cryptocurrency digital wallets in the hope of accessing large holdings. Nevertheless, other digital wallets are also at risk.
Still, a physical wallet also risks theft and exposing your financial information. So, there’s no real reason to avoid digital wallets altogether. Instead, take precautions.
Protect your digital wallet and financial information by taking the following steps:
Digital wallets can be a safe and secure way to make payments. Follow these suggested precautions and be mindful of potential risks.
Need help securing your IT? We can help.
Getting the job done is the focus. Many of us don’t spend much time thinking about how we’re setting up our workspace to do our tasks, yet desk ergonomics can increase productivity, lessen muscle fatigue, and cut work-related aches. [Read more…]
How to Avoid Pets Damaging Your ComputersYou may be a cat or dog lover, have a bird, rabbit, or gerbil. Whatever creature you invite into your home, don’t overlook the potential damage a pet can do.
With more of us working from home, more pet owners are sharing photos of pet co-workers. That cat sprawled over your laptop or dog with his paws on your keyboard may make for funny photos, but they can also cause real damage. [Read more…]
Don’t Fall for Deepfake Voice ScamsDeepfake has gone mainstream. You’ve probably seen a movie or TV show with a character complaining about images or videos that look real. You should also be wary of deepfake voice scams.
Deepfake is a mashup of the words deep learning and fake. The technology uses artificial intelligence and machine deep-learning algorithms. This can create convincing representations of people for special effects or silly videos, but these fake videos or images can also be more dangerous. [Read more…]
Mobile apps let us play, teach us, give us social media or music, and more. No wonder there were more than 142 billion downloads in 2022! Going to Google or Apple’s mobile stores to find the app you want feels safe, but even these heavy hitters can’t guarantee you’re downloading something secure.
Google and Apple do their best, but they are vetting many thousands of new apps submitted monthly. The vast majority of their offerings aren’t a threat, but some malicious apps can make it through. [Read more…]
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer sci-fi; it’s fast becoming a regular part of our day-to-day lives. For Microsoft 365 users, there’s Copilot, an AI-powered assistant. Here’s how it works.
Microsoft developed Copilot to help you navigate and operate Microsoft 365. Machine learning, trained by your usage patterns and preferences, offers up personalized recommendations, reducing your time and effort invested. [Read more…]
