Read This First

Read This First!

Follow these basic tips to keep your devices running smoothly:

Install antivrus and security software on all of your devices and keep it updated. Mac users, too. I recommend the following free products:

Sophos Home - Simply the best FREE stuff out there. For both PC and Macs.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE Edition - I always tell people to download the FREE edition and run it whenever their computer seems to be running slowly or is acting up.

Sypbot Search and Destroy - The other tool used to detect and remove malware and viruses. Use with Sophos Home and Malwarebytes to have the ultimate in protection.

Patch and Update Regularly - turn on the automatic update features in Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. Search Google for instructions on how to do so for your current version.

Back up your data - Get a large USB flash drive, or better yet a large external hard disk and use it.


Windows 8 and Windows 10 Users:

Windows 7 Users:

Don't Run Windows XP! - You are just asking for trouble.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Todays Tips - 1/15/2016


More about "The Internet of Things":

I'm going to be passing along more information to you about "The Internet of Things" (IoT). I believe that the IoT is the future. I've already dipped my toe in to the water by installing a "Sensi" internet-enabled thermostat at my mom's house so I can monitor and adjust her HVAC system from anywhere. As the IoT market and its' devices evolve, there will inevitably security and privacy concerns that arise. I will try to post timely, sensible information to help you make better informed decisions about what, if any of these devices are appropriate for you.

Your internet-enabled doorbell couId help crooks steal your Wi-Fi password

If you have the very popular "Ring" internet-enabled doorbell you could very well be increasing your home's physical security but making your home's wireless network and possibly your data open to attack.

It's easy to convert a cheap webcam into a network backdoor

Although it requires physical access to the device, this article points out that the current state of IoT devices is lacking in security mostly due to market-driven design constraints.

Flawed EZCast media streamer can let hackers run malware on your home network

Cord-cutters beware! A $25 device that can give hackers unlimited access into your home network? Hardly a bargain. Please try to stick to more proven devices like Google's Chromecast, Amazon's Firestick, or Roku's Streaming Stick. And for goodness sake, turn off guest access on these devices and your router, too.

Philips Smart TVs riddled with security and privacy flaws, researcher reveals

And don't forget to update the software on your Smart TV, too!

That's all I have for today. Thanks for reading.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.