PC QuickHelp

Has your Facebook account been hacked? Help is on the way...at a price.

Facebook Parent Launching ‘Meta Verified’ Subscription Service Meta Platforms plans to test “Meta Verified,” starting at $11.99 a month, in Australia and New Zealand.

If you use LastPass, read this!

LastPass breach worse than earlier thought - The Boston Globe Just before Christmas, LastPass chief executive Karim Toubba posted a message on the company’s blog announcing that a security breach first reported last summer was a lot worse than users had been led to believe.

What to do if you phone is lost or stolen

iPhone user watches as stolen phone travels from UK to China Ever wondered what happens to your phone when it gets stolen? The answer may surprise you. We're in it for the long haul...

Apple just pushed out an emergency update for two zero-day bugs that are apparently actively being exploited. Simply put, a cybercriminal could implant malware on your device even if all you did was to view an innocent-looking web page. Your device may be at risk if you do not have the latest version of Safari, or the latest version of the Monterey OS which is only supported by Macs later than 2015. Also update your iphone to the latest version when possible. To read more, check out these two articles:

https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2022/08/18/apple-patches-double-zero-day-in-browser-and-kernel-update-now/

"This almost certainly means that the attacker could:
Spy on any and all apps currently running
Download and start additional apps without going through the App Store
Access almost all data on the device
Change system security settings
Retrieve your location
Take screenshots
Use the cameras in the device
Activate the microphone
Copy text messages
Track your browsing…"

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2022/08/urgent-update-for-macos-and-ios-two-actively-exploited-zero-days-fixed

"Publicly disclosed computer security flaws are listed in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database. Its goal is to make it easier to share data across separate vulnerability capabilities (tools, databases, and services). These are the CVEs you need to know:"

Urgent update for macOS and iOS! Two actively exploited zero-days fixed Apple has released emergency security updates to fix two zero-day vulnerabilities previously exploited by attackers to hack iPhones, iPads, or Macs.

When using Paypal, ensure you are on the real and secure website and do not give them any more information than what is required.

PayPal phishing campaign goes after more than just your login credentials Scammers have created a PayPal phishing campaign that extensively asks for sensitive information, including government IDs and headshot photos.

Be careful when traveling especially at airports.

Explained: juice jacking Juice jacking is a type of cyberattack that uses a USB charging port to steal data or infect phones with malware. Learn how it works and ways to protect against it.

We've setup nomorobo in about 25 homes with great success! It is easy for you to do it yourself. Start here: www.nomorobo.com

Review | Die, robocalls, die: A how-to guide to stop spammers and exact revenge We tested six apps and services to find the best way to fight back against spam bots, telemarketers and fraud.

All you need to know about robocalls and more....

Mad About Robocalls? Are you mad about robocalls? Consumer Reports explains how things got so bad with robocalls and what carriers and the government should be doing more of to protect consumers.

What to do when you have spilled onto your laptop....

What to Do if You Spill on Your Laptop Spilling a drink on your laptop doesn’t have to be a kiss of death and a ticket to a replacement — if you know what to do and act quickly.

How to clean that yukky laptop. Of course we clean all laptops that come in for service. Kind of like when you used to get your windshield cleaned at a gas station.

How to Clean Your Filthy, Disgusting Laptop Like any tool we use every day, our laptops accumulate dust, grime, oils from our skin and who knows what else. Yours is probably due for a cleaning, and here’s how to do it right.

This can happen on Macs as well as PC's! Think before you click! Read on...

Adware - What Is It & How To Remove It All you need to know about adware, what it is, where did it come from, and how to protect against it. Read more and find out all you need to know about adware.

Can't remember your passwords? Try this: use long pass phrases that are easy to remember but hard to crack. Read on:

There’s a new way to make strong passwords, and it’s way easier The days of P@s5word rage might be coming to end,

Forget free wifi and just use your 4G service! It is not worth the risk.

The dangerous cost of ‘free’ Wi-Fi If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Free Wi-Fi is no exception to this adage. Security company Avast tested this theory by setting up a number of free fake Wi-Fi hotspots to see how many people would take the bait. They caught a lot of fish.

Listen to this NPR radio show to learn ways to protect yourself from Ransomware!

The Personal And Financial Perils Of Ransomware Ransomware is here with a vengeance. Hackers are going after everything from hospitals to your own smartphone or laptop. It's pay up or see your data lost forever.

If you have Windows PC, get rid of Apple QuickTime due to vulnerability!
http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2016/04/18/homeland-security-warns-windows-pc-users-to-uninstall-quicktime.html

Homeland Security warns Windows PC users to uninstall Quicktime | Fox News The Department of Homeland Security and a top cybersecurity firm have advised Windows PC users to uninstall Apple's Quicktime video player immediately after two new bugs were found in the software.

Don't be like this FTC commissioner who almost lost her gmail identity by falling for a phishing scam enticing her to retrieve a document with her gmail credentials. She was using using gmail's two-factor authentication that prevents someone from logging on with a new device. Yay! You can too. Turn it on by on your gmail account by following this link: https://www.google.com/landing/2step/

What happens when a top privacy and security regulator falls for an email scam Julie Brill, a commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission, really wants you to know about the time she fell for an email phishing scam.

Thanks to Josh Mayfield for his app that kills the Windows 10 upgrade that Microsoft should have offered!

http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/

Did Microsoft put Windows 10 without your permission? Here is a way to roll it back and prevent it from happening again!

Stop or roll back a Windows 10 update Windows 10 has been installing itself on PCs with Windows 7 or 8.1. If you want to stick with a previous version of Windows, you can in a few easy steps.

Beware of email phishing scams that pretend to be from Apple, Google, etc that try to trick you out of your login credentials!

Celebgate hack: Man to plead guilty to n**e photos theft - BBC News A US man is charged with hacking the Apple iCloud and Gmail accounts of celebrities and stealing n**e photos and videos from them.

If you use Internet Explorer, check the version by clicking on the the little gear in the upper right corner, then About Internet Explorer. Make sure it is version 11. Version 10 is no longer supported. If you use Windows XP or Vista, you will need to use the latest version of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome since IE 11 cannot be installed on those operating systems.

Internet Explorer users need to read this right now Microsoft will end support for old versions of Internet Explorer on Jan. 12.

http://gizmodo.com/intels-new-skylake-processors-what-you-need-to-know-1728020921

Intel's New Skylake Processors: What You Need To Know Stop. Don’t buy that new Windows laptop or tablet. Don’t pull the trigger unless you’re getting a truly amazing deal. Because today, Intel’s launching its latest processor—Skylake—and you may want one in your next PC.

this article states that the intrusion may have been through a compromised computer of a government contractor.

Office of Personnel Management Says Hackers Got Data of Millions of Individuals A cyberattack into the federal personnel agency’s computer networks last year exposed sensitive information about 21.5 million people, officials said.

Walter Hubbard from Wi******er business, PC QuickHelp, visited our club today as the guest speaker. He shared stories about security threats in home and business computing and offered tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of malicious cyber activity. Thanks Walter!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2015/07/02/weve-finally-hit-the-breaking-point-for-the-original-internet/?wpisrc=nl_tech&wpmm=1

We’ve finally hit the breaking point for the original Internet Behind the quiet Internet revolution you've never heard of

New iPhone 6s may ship by September 2015


http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-6s/

iPhone 6s (2015): The Next Model - Everything We Know Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation iPhones in the fall of 2015, and they may come with some impressive camera improvements.

New 12+ inch iPad may ship by October 2015

iPad Pro: Apple's Rumored 12-13 Inch Tablet The "iPad Pro" is said to be an even larger version of the iPad Air, with a display measuring in at 12.9 inches. Perhaps aimed at the...

How Old Do I Look?

Well, this is fun.....
This little app from Microsoft will look at your photo and guess your age.
Hmmm...do I really look.....

how-old.net

Beware of this fake email from Comcast! It's not real and leads to viruses!

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/22/us/man-shoots-computer/

Colorado man takes computer out back and shoots it - CNN.com Here's something new to add to the lexicon of computer commands: CTRL + ALT + UNLOAD.

For April Fool's Day, Google put PacMan on Google Maps where you can play the game on your local streets. Look for the PacMan icon in the lower left corner. Go ahead! Waste some time!
www.google.com/maps

Google Maps Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

‘.bank’ domains, which should be more secure, are coming this summer The new domains are designed to prevent cybercrime, but how many banks will use them?

Ransomware victims pay cybercriminals to save family photos Theresa and Billy Niedermayer paid an $800 ransom to get precious family photos of their three young boys back from cybercriminals. Their home computer had been seized by one of the more malicious malware programs spreading fast around the world. Ransomware takes computer files hostage.

Why you're more likely to get hacked on Wednesday - and 6 other cyber facts Just a few years ago, malicious hacking was at the bottom of the list of things to worry about for most people, and that's also true for many CEOs.

Some excellent safety recommendations from top computer security experts.

-Use anti-virus protection software
-Keep all software up to date
-Use strong unique passwords
-Be careful of emails from unknown senders (especially those claiming to be a financial institution!)
-Avoid public wifi
-"You are a security layer," be suspicious!

50+ Internet Security Tips & Tricks from Top Experts - Heimdal Security Blog This is where you can find more than 50 tips and tricks from the best security experts in the online industry.

If you're still running AVG 2014 or earlier, it's time to update!

Click the link below to download AVG Free 2015 from CNET. Select "Basic Protection" to install AVG's free antivirus software.

http://download.cnet.com/AVG-AntiVirus-Free-2014/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?part=dl-avg_free_us&subj=dl&tag=button

AVG AntiVirus Free 2015 AVG AntiVirus comes in three models: Free, Pro, and Internet Security

Phone scams from people posing as Microsoft continue.

"Ask if there is a fee or subscription associated with the 'service.' If there is, hang up... You will never receive a legitimate call from Microsoft or our partners to charge you for computer fixes." ---Microsoft

http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx

Avoid Phone Scams | Cybercriminal Tech Support Scam | Security Threats Avoid phone scams including cybercriminal tech support scams that call your telephone and request personal information. Prevent these and other security threats with help from Microsoft Security.

Police departments download Cryptowall ransomware virus in email attachments, pay criminals ransom!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-midlothian-hacker-ransom-met-20150220-story.html

Midlothian cops pay ransom to retrieve data from hacker A south suburban police department paid a $500 ransom to an unidentified hacker to regain access to data from a police computer the hacker managed to disable, records show.

If you have a Lenovo laptop, here are the instruction to remove Superfish, spyware that Lenovo inadvertently installed on your computer:
http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/product_security/superfish_uninstall

Superfish Uninstall Instructions Step 3. In the list of installed items, locate “Superfish Inc. Visual Discovery”. Note: If you do not find an item with the name “Superfish Inc. VisualDiscovery”, you do not have the application installed. However, you should still continue on to B) If you have Firefox browser or Thunderbird Email C…

If you have a Lenovo laptop, remove Superfish. Here is Lenovo's announcement:
http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/product_security/superfish?IPromoID=LEN783020

Superfish Vulnerability Superfish was previously included on some consumer notebook products shipped between September 2014 and February 2015 to assist customers with discovering products similar to what they are viewing. However, user feedback was not positive, and we responded quickly and decisively:

If you have a Lenovo laptop, read this. Lenovo inadvertently put on some powerful spyware.

U.S. government urges Lenovo customers to remove Superfish software BOSTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Friday advised Lenovo Group Ltd customers to remove a software program known as Superfish, which it said the world's No. 1 PC maker started