Google has released a critical security update for the Google Chrome browser. This only affects the desktop version; mobile apps are not affected. If you are on version 80; you are up to date. Not sure how to check? Watch this video from Britec09 to learn how.
Best Kept iPhone Setting Secret That Can Save Your Life
I came across this TitBits article about how you can setup emergency contacts and medical information through the Medical ID setting on the iPhone. I didn’t realize the importance of setting this up until I read the article. I recommend setting up your medical information at your earliest convenience; it could just save your life.
Sans Ouch! Newsletter – Got Backups?
I always try to stress the importance of having a backup plan. It’s not a matter of if, but when disaster will happen. Having a backup plan can protect what is most important to you. Some of the hardest conversations I have with a client is explaining there is either no way to recover their data, or it could be recovered if he/she wants to spend hundreds of dollars. Backups can be as simple as just backing up data files like documents, pictures, etc. Imaging backups provide a complete operating system backup. The latest Sans Ouch! Newsletter explains the process of backing up in detail. I highly recommend clicking on this link to read the article. If you don’t have a backup system in place, I highly recommend giving us a call to determine and implement a backup solution ASAP.
Sans Ouch! Newsletter – Personalized Scams
Crooks are always looking for ways to steal your hard earned money. Through education, social media, and news outlets the public knows many of the ploys they have been using. Unfortunately, the bad guys are now buying information about you obtained through public records, or security breaches to convince you that you need to send them money. I highly recommend that you read this month’s San Ouch! Newsletter to understand the new threats, and how to best protect yourself against them.
Credit Freeze Process Is Now Free!
The credit freeze process is now free thanks to a new federal law. If you want extra protection against identity theft, and junk mail read this article to learn more. This ability is a win for the American consumer.
Sans Ouch! Newsletter – Smart Home Devices
You hear the names Amazon Echo and Google Home more and more these days. These are two of the most popular devices to control equipment in your home via voice command and the Internet. These smart devices all belong to the Internet of Things (I0T). While they provide convenience, they also come with security concerns. Please read the latest Sans Ouch! Newsletter to learn more about this trend, and how to best protect yourself.
Sans Ouch! Newsletter – Phone Call Attacks & Scams
You almost hate to hear your phone ring because it’s a 50-50 chance it’s some type of unwanted solicitation, or a scam. As a rule, I don’t answer my personal phone unless I know the caller. If it’s someone with a legitimate reason to call, they will leave a message, and I will call them back. In the latest edition of the Sans Ouch! Newsletter you can learn about the main scams, and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Sans Ouch! Newsletter – Stop That Malware
In the June issue of the SANS Ouch! newsletter they explain in clear everyday language what malware is, what it can do to your computer, and the simple things you can do to protect yourself. The two biggest things I tell my clients is backup your personal data (or be prepared to loose it), and use common sense when on the Internet. Don’t allow yourself to be manipulated or panicked into doing something you normally wouldn’t if a “Microsoft” pop-up comes up in your browser. When in doubt, give us a call.
Get Ready…Windows 10 Is Preparing to Install April 2018 Update
Windows 10 users got a month reprieve from the next semi-annual major update, April 2018 Update. It was released on 4/30, so it barely got released before it needed to be renamed. Microsoft has developed a method of rolling out these major updates. The company releases it to people who want to download and install it manually first. Next, it’s released via Windows Update to the newest computers. Microsoft then takes the data they learn, and fixes issues that are reported. Finally, it’s rolled out to older computers. I recommend waiting until the April 2018 Update shows up in Windows Update. The actual terminology will be “Feature Update to Windows 10 Version 1803”. The size of the download, and the install process remains basically the same. I was pleasantly surprised that there was absolutely no questions or actions required from me other than just signing in after your computer reboots. It’s been my best upgrade experience to date. I have been surprised that I already have client’s being pushed the update. In the past, it was several weeks before that occurred. Hopefully, everything will go OK for you as well. If not, FACS, LLC is here to help you with all your computer needs. Give us a call!
Sans Ouch! Newsletter – Stop That Phish
Phishing is one of the newer weapons the “bad guys” use to try and trick you into giving them personal information. They use our humanity against us by making us curious, or trying to instill a sense or urgency. Learn more about phishing, and how not to become a victim by reading the latest Sans Ouch! Newsletter. You will be glad you did.