April Meetings 2021
April 1, 2021 - Stop Using Texts to Receive Login Credentials, Apple Support, How to Take Better Photos with Your Smartphone,
Unknown Links are GOOD for You! (April fool's!)
Club Questions
Unknown Links are GOOD for You! (April fool's!)
Club Questions
Stop Using Text Messages to Receive Login Info
Apparently it's not very difficult for attackers to gain access to your text messages. They don’t need access to your phone; they don’t even need your SIM card. They just need to pay a trivial sum, convince a VoIP wholesaler that they’re a reseller (also a trivial matter), and sign a form swearing that they’re allowed to route messages to your number to another. And once this is done, they can see all your texts, including the ones you send with confidential personal info, like passwords and login codes. For more on how you can protect yourself, take a look at this article.
Apparently it's not very difficult for attackers to gain access to your text messages. They don’t need access to your phone; they don’t even need your SIM card. They just need to pay a trivial sum, convince a VoIP wholesaler that they’re a reseller (also a trivial matter), and sign a form swearing that they’re allowed to route messages to your number to another. And once this is done, they can see all your texts, including the ones you send with confidential personal info, like passwords and login codes. For more on how you can protect yourself, take a look at this article.
How to Use Apple Support
Apple is well known for its support system, they can help any Apple user with their phones, tablets or computers. The easiest way to access this support system is via their app. For more information on how to download and use this free app, take a look at this illustrated article.
Apple is well known for its support system, they can help any Apple user with their phones, tablets or computers. The easiest way to access this support system is via their app. For more information on how to download and use this free app, take a look at this illustrated article.
Smartphone Photography 101
It seems that many people now carry a smartphone in their pocket/purse, and among the many features these phones boast, a great camera is probably the most useful. But just because we're carrying around a fantastic camera doesn't make us good photographers. There are some simple tricks we can use to get the most out of this technology. CNET has created a comprehensive guide to a variety of photo techniques that will take your photography to the next level. Take a look at their article, then scroll down and click on the tip titles for more detailed instructions.
And just so you know that great photos can be taken with smartphone cameras, take a look at the slideshow below, every photo was taken with a smartphone camera.
It seems that many people now carry a smartphone in their pocket/purse, and among the many features these phones boast, a great camera is probably the most useful. But just because we're carrying around a fantastic camera doesn't make us good photographers. There are some simple tricks we can use to get the most out of this technology. CNET has created a comprehensive guide to a variety of photo techniques that will take your photography to the next level. Take a look at their article, then scroll down and click on the tip titles for more detailed instructions.
And just so you know that great photos can be taken with smartphone cameras, take a look at the slideshow below, every photo was taken with a smartphone camera.
April 8, 2021 - Dark Patterns, Fleeceware, Using your Smart Speaker as a Heartbeat Monitor
Unknown Links Steal Your Data - DON'T Click on Them!
Club Questions
Unknown Links Steal Your Data - DON'T Click on Them!
Club Questions
Dark Patterns
What is a "dark pattern" you might ask? A dark pattern is a user interface carefully crafted to trick users into doing things they might not otherwise do, such as buying insurance with their purchase or signing up for recurring bills. Dark patterns are used more and more all over the Internet and understanding what they look like and how they work will help keep you safer when you're on it. To learn more about what a dark pattern is and how to safely navigate them, take a look at this article.
What is a "dark pattern" you might ask? A dark pattern is a user interface carefully crafted to trick users into doing things they might not otherwise do, such as buying insurance with their purchase or signing up for recurring bills. Dark patterns are used more and more all over the Internet and understanding what they look like and how they work will help keep you safer when you're on it. To learn more about what a dark pattern is and how to safely navigate them, take a look at this article.
Fleeceware
Fleeceware is one of the worst things you'll have to deal with on your device, but unlike malware, fleeceware hides in plain sight. Fleeceware often uses dark patterns to confuse users into making bad decisions, often costing the user lot of money. Over 200 apps were discovered by Avast on the Apple and Google app stores. The fleeceware applications discovered consist predominantly of musical instrument apps, palm readers, image editors, camera filters, fortune tellers, QR code and PDF readers, and ‘slime simulators’. To read more about how to avoid such applications, take a look at this article.
Fleeceware is one of the worst things you'll have to deal with on your device, but unlike malware, fleeceware hides in plain sight. Fleeceware often uses dark patterns to confuse users into making bad decisions, often costing the user lot of money. Over 200 apps were discovered by Avast on the Apple and Google app stores. The fleeceware applications discovered consist predominantly of musical instrument apps, palm readers, image editors, camera filters, fortune tellers, QR code and PDF readers, and ‘slime simulators’. To read more about how to avoid such applications, take a look at this article.
SmartSpeaker Heartbeat Monitor
Most of us know what an Amazon Echo or a Google Home speaker does, but did you know you might soon use it as a contactless heartbeat monitor? Scientists have developed an A.I. system that allows smart speakers to monitor a nearby person's heart rate via sound waves. The research team says it’s the first time that both regular and irregular heartbeats can be monitored without physical contact. To read more about how this new invention might work for you, take a look at this article.
Most of us know what an Amazon Echo or a Google Home speaker does, but did you know you might soon use it as a contactless heartbeat monitor? Scientists have developed an A.I. system that allows smart speakers to monitor a nearby person's heart rate via sound waves. The research team says it’s the first time that both regular and irregular heartbeats can be monitored without physical contact. To read more about how this new invention might work for you, take a look at this article.
April 15, 2021 - The Facebook Breach, What Does a VPN Actually Do?, More on Passwords, How to Create an Anonymous Email Account,
Unknown Links Steal Have Been Found GUILTY, of stealing your data.
Club Questions
Unknown Links Steal Have Been Found GUILTY, of stealing your data.
Club Questions
Security Week
The Facebook Breach
If you are a Facebook user, you might not be aware of the major security failure the site suffered just recently. Over 500 million Facebook users had their personal data (including phone numbers, emails, and more sensitive data) stolen by hackers. This data has also been released to the public and many of these 533 million people might still have the same phone numbers and Facebook IDs, information that other people with malicious intentions can use for nefarious purposes. To learn if your Facebook data has been exposed, take a look at this article.
And some breaking news, there has apparently been another Facebook data breach involving even more users phone numbers. To read more about the latest FB leak, take a look at this article.
If you are a Facebook user, you might not be aware of the major security failure the site suffered just recently. Over 500 million Facebook users had their personal data (including phone numbers, emails, and more sensitive data) stolen by hackers. This data has also been released to the public and many of these 533 million people might still have the same phone numbers and Facebook IDs, information that other people with malicious intentions can use for nefarious purposes. To learn if your Facebook data has been exposed, take a look at this article.
And some breaking news, there has apparently been another Facebook data breach involving even more users phone numbers. To read more about the latest FB leak, take a look at this article.
What Does a VPN Actually Do
We've talked about VPNs (virtual private networks) before in these notes, and we know that a VPN can make your online experience safer and more private. But what does a VPN actually do, and is there anything else we can do to make our online lives more secure? HowToGeek has an excellent article detailing exactly what VPNs guard you from and other steps you can take to protect yourself online. To read more about VPNs, take a look at this article.
We've talked about VPNs (virtual private networks) before in these notes, and we know that a VPN can make your online experience safer and more private. But what does a VPN actually do, and is there anything else we can do to make our online lives more secure? HowToGeek has an excellent article detailing exactly what VPNs guard you from and other steps you can take to protect yourself online. To read more about VPNs, take a look at this article.
More Password Help
Your online security may benefit from using a VPN, but it starts with your choice of password. We all know that passwords such as, "1234" or "password" are very weak and therefore dangerous to use on any online accounts, especially accounts that handle money or your important data. But one of the worst mistakes people make with their passwords is to re-use the same password on multiple accounts. To learn more about what makes a good password, take a look at this article.
Your online security may benefit from using a VPN, but it starts with your choice of password. We all know that passwords such as, "1234" or "password" are very weak and therefore dangerous to use on any online accounts, especially accounts that handle money or your important data. But one of the worst mistakes people make with their passwords is to re-use the same password on multiple accounts. To learn more about what makes a good password, take a look at this article.
How to Create an Anonymous Email Account
If you are tired of Gmail and Yahoo mail constantly collecting your data (as do most free email services), you might want to consider using an anonymous email provider. PC Magazine online goes over all the details on how to create anonymous email accounts, from a variety of providers and some of the benefits of using such services. To read more, or view the how-to videos, take a look at this article.
If you are tired of Gmail and Yahoo mail constantly collecting your data (as do most free email services), you might want to consider using an anonymous email provider. PC Magazine online goes over all the details on how to create anonymous email accounts, from a variety of providers and some of the benefits of using such services. To read more, or view the how-to videos, take a look at this article.
April 22, 2021 - Spring Cleaning for Smartphones, Wireless Home Internet, Apps for Plants, Watch Out for This Hand Sanitizer,
Unknown Links Should be Sentenced to Prison for Life. They're Bad.
Club Questions
Unknown Links Should be Sentenced to Prison for Life. They're Bad.
Club Questions
Spring Cleaning for Smartphones
It's that time of year, time to clear out the clutter and make those smartphones feel like new again. Whether you use an Android or an iPhone, there's always something you can do to help make your devices work better, faster and easier. CNET has a couple of great articles that go over some easy steps you can do to refresh your phones. If you're an Android user, take a look at this article. If you're an iPhone user, take a look here.
It's that time of year, time to clear out the clutter and make those smartphones feel like new again. Whether you use an Android or an iPhone, there's always something you can do to help make your devices work better, faster and easier. CNET has a couple of great articles that go over some easy steps you can do to refresh your phones. If you're an Android user, take a look at this article. If you're an iPhone user, take a look here.
Cord Cutting the Internet
Cord cutting has been going on with cable providers for a while now, there are lots of alternatives to big cable when it comes to TV shows and movies. But soon you will be offered a new option for home internet service, that's right Comcast is getting some competition. Both T Mobile and Verizon are entering the home internet game, and will soon be offering internet speeds that should work fine for home use. To read more about the coming options in wireless home internet providers, take a look at this article.
Cord cutting has been going on with cable providers for a while now, there are lots of alternatives to big cable when it comes to TV shows and movies. But soon you will be offered a new option for home internet service, that's right Comcast is getting some competition. Both T Mobile and Verizon are entering the home internet game, and will soon be offering internet speeds that should work fine for home use. To read more about the coming options in wireless home internet providers, take a look at this article.
Spring Has Sprung
If you have a green thumb, or even if you don't, this is the time of year to get out to the garden and start growing. To celebrate all the new growth, you might want to consider getting a plant identifier app for your smartphone. These apps allow you to ID plants by merely taking picture of them with your device. The apps will then tell you the name of the plant or tree, give details about where they can be found around the world, and even give you tips on how to take care of them. This list includes some paid apps as well as some free ones. Take a look at this article for more info on how to get your garden plants identified.
If you have a green thumb, or even if you don't, this is the time of year to get out to the garden and start growing. To celebrate all the new growth, you might want to consider getting a plant identifier app for your smartphone. These apps allow you to ID plants by merely taking picture of them with your device. The apps will then tell you the name of the plant or tree, give details about where they can be found around the world, and even give you tips on how to take care of them. This list includes some paid apps as well as some free ones. Take a look at this article for more info on how to get your garden plants identified.
Watch Out for This Hand Sanitizer
Back in early March of this year, Sanit Technologies announced the recall of one of its hand sanitizers. The sanitizer in question may be tainted with some nasty microbes. If you are using Durisan Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer, stop using it immediately. For more information on the recall, take a look at this article.
Back in early March of this year, Sanit Technologies announced the recall of one of its hand sanitizers. The sanitizer in question may be tainted with some nasty microbes. If you are using Durisan Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer, stop using it immediately. For more information on the recall, take a look at this article.
April 29, 2021 - New Apple Updates, Apple Air Tags, Reasons to Dump Chrome, Some Windows Speed Tricks,
Unknown Links Try to Make You Look Foolish - Don't Fall for It.
Club Questions
Unknown Links Try to Make You Look Foolish - Don't Fall for It.
Club Questions
New Apple Updates
Apple has been busy this past week, with updates for its phones, tablets, computers and even a watch update. If you've been following any Apple news this past month or two, you'll know that iOS 14.5 (the latest update for phones and tablets) includes a controversial feature, the ability to turn off tracking from websites like Facebook. To learn more about the new security features, watch the video below...
Apple has been busy this past week, with updates for its phones, tablets, computers and even a watch update. If you've been following any Apple news this past month or two, you'll know that iOS 14.5 (the latest update for phones and tablets) includes a controversial feature, the ability to turn off tracking from websites like Facebook. To learn more about the new security features, watch the video below...
There are lots of other new features on iOS 14.5, to watch a video review of latest updates for phones and tablets, take a look at this video on our Apple video page. And Apple didn't forget about their computers, there is also a new MacOS update, 11.3, to learn more about this update, take a look at this video on our Apple video page. Both of these videos will remain on our Apple video page for the next several weeks.
Apple Air Tags
Apple has also just released "Air Tag" which is a wireless tracking device about the size of a key fob. This isn't a new idea, wireless tracking fobs have been around for several years now, but the difference between Air Tags and all the rest, is Apple's "Find My" ecosystem. With its hundreds of millions of users, Air Tags are poised to be the best way to find your missing keys, or missing backpack, or missing..? Take a look at the video below to learn some of the Air Tag basics.
Apple has also just released "Air Tag" which is a wireless tracking device about the size of a key fob. This isn't a new idea, wireless tracking fobs have been around for several years now, but the difference between Air Tags and all the rest, is Apple's "Find My" ecosystem. With its hundreds of millions of users, Air Tags are poised to be the best way to find your missing keys, or missing backpack, or missing..? Take a look at the video below to learn some of the Air Tag basics.
Reasons to Dump Chrome
Google Chrome, not known for its privacy features, has just released a new system for tracking you via its Chrome web browser. If you value your online privacy, there are some good reasons for you to stop using Chrome as your browser. To read more about his subject, take a look at this article from Forbes. For those of you wanting to know more about how their new ad targeting program works, take a deeper dive into Google's FLoC, take a look at this article.
Google Chrome, not known for its privacy features, has just released a new system for tracking you via its Chrome web browser. If you value your online privacy, there are some good reasons for you to stop using Chrome as your browser. To read more about his subject, take a look at this article from Forbes. For those of you wanting to know more about how their new ad targeting program works, take a deeper dive into Google's FLoC, take a look at this article.
Some Windows Speed Tricks
And for you Windows users, here are five neat tricks that will help you get the most out of Windows. Some of the tricks include how to copy any part of your screen and easily mark it up, how to deal with your clipboard history, an easy way to keep track of your battery usage and much more. This article explains and illustrates how to get the most out of these five speed tricks on Windows 10.
And for you Windows users, here are five neat tricks that will help you get the most out of Windows. Some of the tricks include how to copy any part of your screen and easily mark it up, how to deal with your clipboard history, an easy way to keep track of your battery usage and much more. This article explains and illustrates how to get the most out of these five speed tricks on Windows 10.
