[This is an edited and updated version of a post from 2013.] If someone calls you claiming to be from Microsoft and tells you that your computer is reporting errors to Microsoft, it's a scam. If that person offers to "fix" your computer, you should hang up...
Cybersecurity
Geek Girls IT Services Blog
The latest on cyber security, computer support and small business IT from one of New Jersey and New York’s top managed IT service providers.
Protecting Yourself and Your Business Against Global Hackers
During the past week, computer systems throughout the world were reported to be disrupted by an extensive ransomware attack, mostly affecting Britain and Russia. Transmitted via email, the malicious software encrypts files and demands ransom before users can regain...
If You Have QuickTime for Windows Installed, You Should Remove It
One of our valued customers called my attention to this issue yesterday. Apple is no longer supporting QuickTime for Windows because it's not needed anymore. The result is that QuickTime for Windows has security vulnerabilities which could endanger the security of...
Shellshock Exploit: Protecting Your Mac
Thanks to my friend Leon Stankowski for sharing this article. If you have a Mac, it should be tested to make sure you aren't vulnerable to this newly discovered hacking exploit:...
New Security Bug: Change Your Online Passwords
Over the next few days, web site administrators will be patching a newly found bug (known as "Heartbleed") that may have allowed your password and other private information to be compromised. Give them a few more days to finish patching, and then change all of your...
Do I Need to Install All Those Annoying Updates?
A Valued Client recently asked whether all the software updates offered to PC users are really necessary. "Do I really want or need version 5.2.1.1.1 ???? Every single time? Windows, Adobe, Apple, Java, Office, etc. etc… And why does my computer want to tie up...
Incompetence in IT at NASA: From the NY Times.com
This article discusses the remarkable fact that NASA can't protect its data. A NASA laptop was stolen, and because the hard drive was not encrypted, multitudes of employees' data was breached, making them vulnerable to identity theft. A spokesperson for NASA claims it...
NY Times on how to protect against widespread Mac virus
widespread virus attack on Macs
Man’s Personal Information Left on Returned Tablet for Months
The morale of the story? Have someone you TRUST wipe your data before it leaves your possession. Man's Personal Information Left on Returned Tablet for Months - WGHP.
Spokeo.com Creeps Me Out
It's an aggregator that conveniently presents a scary amount of data in one place to anyone who searches for you. To remove yourself from this web site, search for your name and click on it when it comes up. Then click "privacy", the teeny, teeny, tiny link at the...