February 2020
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This is a bi-monthly compilation of some of the questions that our clients have asked us recently!
One of my New Year's resolutions is to become more computer and Internet savvy. What quick tips can you offer? That is a great resolution and one that really won't be that hard to keep! Here are some thoughts from Terri and me... -- Internet savvy: * Remember that e-mail is inherently insecure. Never, ever send or respond to a request to send sensitive personal information by e-mail. Such information should either be handled by USPS mail or via a secure website that you are familiar with. Also, never believe an e-mail (even if it looks legitimate) that requires/requests/demands that you update or verify any online credentials by clicking a link in the message. They are always bogus attempts to steal personal information. * E-mail messages can have any return address the sender cares to use. An unusual or unexpected message from a friend (like the ones we've seen claiming a financial or travel emergency needing the recipient's immediate help) should be viewed with great suspicion. Just because a frantic message appears to be from Aunt Belle doesn't mean that it really is. * Anytime you click a link in an e-mail or web browser, take the time to examine the address in the browser address bar. The address of any site that is involved in e-commerce always should begin with https://, the "s" indicating that it employs security technology to prevent third-party interception of personal information. -- Computer savvy: * If it isn't already installed on your Mac or PC, you should have the free version of Malwarebytes anti-malware software on your computer. You should run it at least once a month and let it remove any "threats" it finds. You also should have some kind of anti-virus program installed that is configured to scan your computer automatically on a regular basis. * Your computer also should be set up to install operating system security and software updates automatically. * Be aware that any message unexpectedly appearing on your screen that claims to report a remote scan of your computer has discovered a security issue and offers a telephone number to call to have it resolved is a scam. There is no way you computer can be scanned remotely without your expressed permission. Legitimate anti-virus/anti-malware software installed on your computer never offers up telephone numbers for additional service. * Know how to shutdown stuck software or bogus screen warnings like the one described above. On a PC, use the three-finger command CTRL-ALT-DEL to bring up the "Task Manager" option, select it and use the "End Process" command to make the offending item go away. On a Mac, the three-finger COMMAND-OPTION-ESC keystroke allows you to "Force Quit" any offending software or dialogs. And, as a last resort, you can force either a Mac or a PC to shutdown completely by simply pressing and holding the power key down for about five seconds, then pressing again briefly to restart when you are ready Being Internet and computer savvy requires both a little knowlege and, admittedly, sometimes a little courage. Any time you have the feeling that a message (on your screen or contained in a e-mail) is asking you to do something you are the slightest bit suspicious of, please stop and call Terri or me for a quick consultation. It won't cost you anything and we won't make you feel inadequate for calling! What do you want to know more about? There are still many other topics we could talk about here or in a personal consultation. We welcome your comments and questions for future issues of the OCW Insider. You also can give one of us a call or shoot an e-mail and we'll set up an appointment to meet with you! |
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phone: 864.710.7009 email: dave@oneclickwonders.com |
phone: 864.633.6707 email: terri@oneclickwonders.com |