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In the last few weeks, we have seen a noticeable increase in scams that use pop ups trying to convince you to call a phone number to “fix” a problem. The pop up may also use your speakers to tell you not to turn off your computer and to call the number on your screen. Do not call the number. This is a scam and anything these people say on the other end of the phone is a lie. Microsoft has commented about this on this webpage. Scroll about 3/4 of the way down to watch a video about these scams or click here. |
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Also, we’ve had multiple people report pop-ups in the notification center located on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, which usually look something like the photo below. Usually it will generate multiple pop-ups in a row and will keep doing it even if you close the ones that have opened. If this happens to you, do not click on the pop up. Instead, click on the 3 little dots to the left of the “X” and select “turn off notifications for (fill in program)”. Or call us but do not click on pop up or call the number listed.
The hallmark of these scams is the claim that your computer is compromised and you need to call Microsoft or Windows to fix the issue. Also important to note that Macs are not immune to these pop ups.
This is always a scam. Microsoft / Windows / Apple will never ask you to call them. These pop ups may also start speaking to you through your computer speakers. This is part of the scam designed to scare you. If you see a pop up like this, you may not be able to close it. The scam often claims to lock your computer or that turning off your computer will permanently damage it. This is a lie. The best thing for you to do is immediately turn off your computer completely. Press the power button and hold it down for 20 seconds to shut the computer down. If your computer is off, there is nothing a scammer can do to compromise it. Once your computer is off contact us via phone, email, or our website so we can give you advice about what to do next in your specific situation. Do not ever call a phone number from a pop up no matter how convincing it may seem. We have found that adding an adblocker to your browser can help prevent these pop ups. Contact us for quick and easy instructions to add an adblocker to your browser(s). https://mailchi.mp/75746236b8c9/how-to-identify-windows-pop-up-scams-15636577 |
The Basics of Staying Safe Online – Part 1: Passwords
With passwords, we see everything – little pieces of paper, notes on phones, password books, and documents on computers called “Passwords.” The number one rule of password management is this: do not reuse passwords. Reusing passwords means that if a single account is breached, many of your other accounts are at risk of being compromised. However, managing all your passwords is a huge hassle and most people find it frustrating.
So, how do I create unique passwords that I will remember?
Put simply, you don’t need to remember them. Use a password manager to create and store unique passwords. You have to remember one password called the “master password.”
For password management, I use LastPass. I find it easy to use and inexpensive. You pay a small fee, install the LastPass app on your phone and a browser extension on your computer and your passwords are all there for you. LastPass can generate unique passwords of any length and save them in your account. You do incur a slightly higher risk with storing your passwords in the cloud but I feel the benefits outweigh the risks.
Passwords making you crazy? Give us a call at 610-733-6842 or fill out our contact form here.
*H/T to Douglas Muth – ideas taken from this article.
Turn on Two Factor Authentication (2FA)
Turn on two factor authentication (also called Multi-Factor Authentication) on every account you own. Passwords are no longer safe “enough.” Online security breaches are happening all too often these days.
What is two factor authentication? It is securing your accounts with two levels of security. One level is the password and the next level is a code texted to your smartphone. This prevents someone who has a password from getting into an account. You probably already do this on various accounts that require it such as your bank and Apple ID. Some accounts like Gmail and Amazon offer 2FA but don’t require it. You should turn it on these accounts.
If you need help setting up 2FA/MFA, please contact us.