Passwords | User vs Admin | MyWOT | Software Downloads | Email | Phone Calls | Ransomware
Passwords
Passwords that are simple, obvious, and short are the easiest and most common way to expose you to Bad Things.
Passwords should be written down three times on paper, file, or password manager and one taped to the ceiling.
Common wisdom is to use a password manager - LastPass and Dashlane are both free and often recommended, I use LastPass
Passwords should be written down three times on paper, file, or password manager and one taped to the ceiling.
Common wisdom is to use a password manager - LastPass and Dashlane are both free and often recommended, I use LastPass
User vs Admin
There are three user types - Admin, User, and Guest
Admin users can change things and install software on your computer AND screw things up on your computer
A standard user is recommended for regular use to avoid infections
Admin users can change things and install software on your computer AND screw things up on your computer
A standard user is recommended for regular use to avoid infections
MyWOT
There are Evil Websites, infected websites, and infected ads on good websites. Avoiding these sites can be difficult.
http://mywot.com (Web of Trust) is a free plugin that can be added to many browsers to prevent you going to Evil Websites.
MyWOT's Youtube channel https://youtube.com/user/MyWOT
http://mywot.com (Web of Trust) is a free plugin that can be added to many browsers to prevent you going to Evil Websites.
MyWOT's Youtube channel https://youtube.com/user/MyWOT
Software Downloads
Free software can be loaded with Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs).
The Installer may or may not allow opting out of these add ins.
Paying attention during the install is important.
The safer course is downloading the software from the creator's website.
This is not guaranteed to be safe, but is much more reliable that downloading from a download software website like CNet,
The Installer may or may not allow opting out of these add ins.
Paying attention during the install is important.
The safer course is downloading the software from the creator's website.
This is not guaranteed to be safe, but is much more reliable that downloading from a download software website like CNet,
Email
Good Guys will NEVER send an email asking for your password, social security number, or user account information.
The Bad Guys will.
Email attachments are one of the most common infection methods. It costs nothing to send spam or infections to thousands of people.
The Bad Guys will.
Email attachments are one of the most common infection methods. It costs nothing to send spam or infections to thousands of people.
Phone Calls
Good Guys like Microsoft, Apple, Google, and your bank will NEVER call you about problems on your computer.
Bad Guys use phone calls about your computer problems to get you to give them access to your computer.
Bad Guys use phone calls about your computer problems to get you to give them access to your computer.
Ransomware
Ransomware is becoming a larger threat for large and small companies.
Questions about ransomware have doubled and tripled on Experts Exchange in the last year.
It is almost exclusively a problem on Windows computers and networks.
Questions about ransomware have doubled and tripled on Experts Exchange in the last year.
It is almost exclusively a problem on Windows computers and networks.
