Thursday, May 18, 2017

Wanna Cry? Hope Not! How to Protect Yourself

The latest ransomware, named Wanna Cry, surfaced big time last week and caused major problems.  Unfortunately, another attack is building on this ransomware, called  Adylkuzz. With Adylkuzz, instead of locking the victims' computer with ransomware, the malware turns infected computers into a botnet of "miners," funneling large sums of digital currency. This causes your computer to run slow as its resources are used in the background.

What to Do?

Kim Komando has an article outlining what to do to protect yourself at http://www.komando.com/happening-now/401062/another-cyberattack-spreading-and-its-worse-than-wannacry

"The good news is, Microsoft released an update in March that fixes this flaw so it is CRITICAL that you have your Windows up to date. The bad news is, older versions of Windows operating systems are no longer supported and do not receive these critical Security Updates. However, Microsoft released an emergency patch for its no-longer supported operating systems after the WannaCry outbreak.

If you are running an older, unsupported version of Windows,
click here to download the available Security Update.

You also need to make sure that your gadget's operating system is updated regularly. Click here to learn how to have security updates installed automatically. It's also a good idea to have strong security software on all of your gadgets to stay protected from digital threats."


For updates on technology issues, sign up for Kim Komando newsletters.  They are a wealth of important information.

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Don't Fall Victim to the New Google Docs Phishing Scam!

Hope everyone is enjoying the Spring wherever you are.  Kim Komando posted this alert which I think everyone needs to be aware off.  (Just so I know you are receiving this, please leave a comment below.)

http://www.komando.com/happening-now/399487/google-doc-phishing-scam-spreading-right-now-even-tech-pros-falling-victim?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=alerts&utm_content=2017-05-03-article-a

Here are the highlights of the article  -- go to the link above for the full article.


"There have been quite a few scary Google account phishing scams lately. One looked so authentic that even tech-savvy users are falling for it.

It looks like cybercriminals are getting more and more elaborate and sophisticated with their tactics and we shouldn't let our guard down at any time...

The dubious email reportedly gets sent to your inbox claiming that someone has sent a Google Doc to you, including people you may know. If you are not expecting any Google Docs from anyone, please don't click the "Open in Docs" link within the email! ...

The dubious email reportedly gets sent to your inbox claiming that someone has sent a Google Doc to you, including people you may know. If you are not expecting any Google Docs from anyone, please don't click the "Open in Docs" link within the email!

If you have received said phishing email and clicked the "Open in Docs" button and granted the malicious app access to your Google account, go to your Google account's permission page and check if an app called "Google Docs" has access.

If so, select it and click its "REMOVE" button immediately. "Google Docs" is actually the malicious app and it is not a legitimate Google service.


Thankfully, it has been reported that changing your Google account password is not necessary. But of course, if you clicked the phishing link, changing it is still a good idea....

How to defend against phishing scams:

Use unique passwords - Many people use the same password for multiple websites. This is a terrible mistake. If your credentials are stolen on one site and you use the same username and/or password on others, it's simple for the cybercriminal to get into each account. Click here to find out how to create hack-proof passwords.
Be cautious with links - If you get an email or notification that you find suspicious, don't click on its links. It could be a phishing attack. It's always better to type a website's address directly into a browser than clicking on a link. Before you ever click on a link, hover over it with your mouse to see where it is going to take you. If the destination isn't what the link claims, do not click on it.
Set up two-factor authentication - Two-factor authentication, also known as two-step verification, means that to log in to your account, you need two ways to prove you are who you say you are. It's like the DMV or bank asking for two forms of ID. Click here to learn how to set up two-factor authentication.
Watch for typos - Phishing scams are infamous for having typos. If you receive an email or notification from a reputable company, it should not contain typos. Take our phishing IQ test to see if you can spot a fake email.
Check your online accounts - The site Have I Been Pwned allows you to check if your email address has been compromised in a data breach.
Have strong security software - Having strong protection on your family's gadgets is very important. The best defense against digital threats is strong security software."

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Unbelievable New Tech


We enjoyed Dave's demonstration of the digital assistants like Dot, Alexa, Cortana, etc. but this is just unbelievable.  Everyone needs one but it would be pretty spooky to have it talk to you if you didn't know it was there.

Scroll on Down
















April Fool's
for now!


Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Windows 10 Presentation

This presentation included an overview of the Microsoft Windows 10 PC Operating System.  Specifics that were reviewed included:

  • Review of some of the Apps within Windows 10
    • Maps, 
    • Microsoft Edge Browser
    • One Note 
    • Photos 
    • Windows Defender
    • The Action Center, (with the keyboard shortcut Windows Key +A) 
    • One Drive 
    • Live Tiles
    • Cortana
    • System Settings 
    • PC backup restore/recovery options of  Reset, Recovery or File Restore
    • Windows Key keyboard shortcuts and functions






































Collection of self help web sites links with articles and videos of Windows 10

10 Simple Things Every PC User Should Know How To DO


Master the Skills to Shine

Spam Filters for Outlook 2010

Fixing an infected PC, Using Windows Defender Offline Tool

Windows 10 Basic Training

Microsoft Edge

Cortona


Many video tutorials for Windows 10

Seniors Guide to Windows 10

Beginners Guide to Windows 10

Windows 10 Tutorial by JAG tutorials

Windows 10 tutorial by jag tutorials

One Note








Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Save Your Gmail to Your Computer

Did you know?  If you have Gmail, you can back up your Gmail email to your own hard drive.  That way you can delete your online mail leaving nothing for hackers to find.  You can also use it to free up space in your account.  

UpSafe is a simple and free Windows program that will back up what you have, and automatically back up your future Gmail activity.  I was very pleased that I could clear my email and still retain an archive on my computer. It can be found at
 http://www.upsafe.com/free-gmail-backup/


Sunday, March 12, 2017

Meeting on Wednesday, March 15 Windows 10 Presentation

The RCW Computer Club will meet again on Wednesday, March 15 at 7:00 in Classroom 2.  Larry Kuntz will give us a very valuable presentation on Windows 10.

Don't forget to make use of the computer help session on Monday at 1-3 in Cardroom 2 behind the Library.  The season is drawing to a close and many are heading back home including our experts and helpers.

We will have a final meeting on Wednesday, March 22 and will discuss plans for next year.  Everyone's input is needed.

Computer Snacks -- Did they get eaten??

It seems the videos and web pages that were supposed to follow the March 1 meeting have disappeared. It has me baffled but here they are again.


How to Cut Down on Data Usage.
http://videos.komando.com/watch/11610/komando-flash-tips-quick-tricks-to-cut-down-your-data-usage?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=notd&utm_content=2017-03-05-a-g

How to Opt Out of People Search Sites
http://www.komando.com/tips/391215/how-to-opt-out-of-the-most-popular-people-search-sites
http://www.komando.com/tips/391215/how-to-opt-out-of-the-most-popular-people-search-sites