It is important to not only keep your Windows Software updated, (to ensure you have the latest security patches to keep you safe online), but you should also keep your preferred in Internet Browser updated to the latest version for the same reason.
In the last couple of days Google has informed us of a vulnerability of their Internet Browser Chrome. In particular for those still using Windows 7, and have released a patch.
How to update Chrome on your Desktop
1. Open Your Chrome Browser
2. Click on the More button – i.e. the 3 dots in the top right corner of the application.
3. Click or hover over the “Help” option, which will bring up it’s sub-menu.
4. Click on “About Google Chrome”.
5. The “About Chrome” page will tell you if you have the latest version, or if you need to upgrade.
6. Follow the prompts to upgrade, if required.
How to Update Chrome on your Phone or Tablet
This one is a little easier.
Like any other App updates, they can be done via your Google Play Store for Android devices, or the App Store for Apple devices.
It is wonderful that technology is moving fast giving us lots of cheaper high tech options today, than what we had 10 years ago. But it does mean that we also have to keep up our knowledge, to know what we are purchasing.
Take for example mini Laptops that double up as a Tablet, (like chromebooks, 2in1 laptops and laptop tablet hybrids ), that we can buy for under $500 these days.
These Mini Laptop Tablets are really fantastic for their portability and ability to run multiple apps, like Microsoft Office. Taking Tablets to the next stage of usefulness.
But these Mini Laptop Tablets have the same problem as normal Tablets, where it is either expensive or not possible to repair hardware issues.
Where normal size Laptops are less expensive to fix, and easier than Tablets to find and install replacement parts.
So what does that mean for those who already have a Mini Laptop Tablet?
Firstly for those who already have a Mini Laptop Tablet, make the most of your investment and take care of it. Don’t be rough with it, so it lasts you more than a couple of years.
Secondly, back up your stuff regularly to a USB Stick or External Hard Drive.
Yes, as a Data Recovery Specialist we can still recover data from a Mini Laptop Tablet, with about the same chances of getting all the data back, as a USB Stick or External Hard Drive.
But the biggest difference is the cost!
To fit all the parts into a Mini Laptop Tablet case, the Hard Drive (SSD) is soldered onto the Motherboard, (along with other stuff), making a Data Recovery complex, and costing nearly $990 to recover, with $495 of that non-refundable if no data was recoverable. (See our Complex Faulty Recovery Fee for more details).
Where the cost of Data Recoveries from External Hard Drives and USB Flash Drives, range from $100 – $990.
Yes Data Recoveries for External Hard Drives can also turn into a Complex Data Recovery. But! Only in dire circumstances would you need to go ahead with this, in this scenerio (i.e When the Mini Laptop Tablet has died, and the External Hard Drive you were backing it up to died as well).
So take care of your Mini Laptop Tablets and be sure to back them up regularly. If you need help with this, give us a call on 0422 616 016.
Wouldn’t it be cool if your body could give you error messages like computers do.
Error 234: Stone found in Left Kidney.
It would save heaps of time at the Doctors, figuring out what is wrong. Wouldn’t it?
Don’t lose that benefit when you receive a Error Message on your Computer.
We understand computer messages can be really confusing for non-technical people.
But if you are having problems with your computer and are asking for help from your IT Support person, these error messages will help them find the problem a lot sooner (& save you billed hours in the end).
So rather then give your IT Support vague descriptions of the problem, that is not easy to duplicate, like “the computer occasionally crashes” & “I get an error and it closes the email”, just take a photo of the Error Message with your smart phone (with the flash off), and send it to them.
This will give your IT Support a head start, even possibly a flying start, on identifing & fixing the underlying issue.
DON’T fall for the hoax that if you are being held up at a ATM, you just enter your PIN backwards to call the Police! It is simply not true!
Firstly it would require all the banks to update their software to implement, secondly what happens to those people with reversible PINs? Eg 7887, 8888, 0110.
In the rare chance you do get held up, remember your life is more valuable than any money. Plus there is a chance Police will be able to identify them afterwards from ATM and local security cameras.
With just about everything moving to the internet and new scams and viruses popping up all the time, we listed their recommended Top 5 things you can do, to remain safe online.
1. Use a Virus Checker
These days everyone knows you should have a Virus Checker on your computer. However you would be surprised of how many people haven’t got around to installing one yet; or have let their installed virus checker’s license lapse and are left vulnerable.
So if you haven’t got one installed or active. Do it now!
Another important issue regarding the Virus Checker, is to ensure it’s virus database is updated to the latest version (this normally happens automatically, but sometimes it can get stuck), as well as ensure it either runs a full scan regularly, or is running realtime.
2. Keep up-to-date with Windows Updates
Virus writers and hackers are the first to find the holes/vulnerabilities in operating systems such as Windows, and popular software, such as web browsers, email clients, etc.
Windows and other well known vendors, try to keep ontop of vulnerabilities when identified, by pushing out patches/updates regularly.
If you don’t tell Windows to update automatically, make sure you manually kick it off at least once a week.
3. Look for the Lock
When you are entering personal information or payment details on a website, be sure to check the website is secure, by checking to see if it has a locked padlock symbol in the browser address bar, beside the website name.
Example of a locked padlock, showing it is a secure site.
If it isn’t present, or not locked, DO NOTenter any personal information.
4. Avoid clicking on any links in emails
Unless you are expecting an email with a link, then avoid clicking on links in emails or SMSes. Expecially if it is wanting you to sign in, or enter credit card or personal details.
This is the top way viruses, trojans, dataloggers, ransomware & malware get access to your computer or information.
An Example of a fake email from someone pretending to be the Commonwealth Bank. Don’t click on these links.
Remember just because an email says it is from your bank, internet provider, Microsoft, itunes, ATO, Medicare, ebay etc, it doesn’t mean it is. The scammers have made emails look very realistic these days, and have fooled many.
An example of another fake email, that looks more believable. Don’t click on the link.
Instead of clicking the link, open a fresh browser and manually type your service provider’s website address, or use your existing bookmarks, and look for the lock (tip 3) before entering private information.
Note: if you have a good Virus Checker installed (tip 1) with an up-to-date database, it will likely quarantine any suspicious emails you receive and prevent you from opening a compromised website.
5. Avoid opening any email attachments
Don’t open every email attachment you may receive, unless you are expecting it, or trust the sender.
Having said that, if a friend’s computer or email account is compromised, the virus can send bulk emails to all their friends, passing on the contaminated links/attachments.
Just because it says it is a bill, doesn’t mean it is one. This one is fake.
Again a good virus checker helps minimise this risk.
Here is another fake email from someone pretending to be from Google. Notice the from email address is not from who they say they are. Don’t open the attachment.
Hope you have found these tips helpful and continue to stay safe online.
Don’t be fooled by Scammers who claim you owe money to the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
These Scammers are phoning or leaving a messages, telling potential victims that they owe money to the ATO, and they need to pay now or will be arrested.
The obvious indicator that this is a scam is they will ask you to pay by an unusual method (for the ATO). Including with iTunes vouchers, other Gift Cards, via Western Union, even Bitcoin.
Not only with the ATO NOT ask you to pay by these methods they would have given you plenty of warning before hand if there was a possibility of arrest.
Remember Scammers will say anything to get you to pay (including have someone pretend to be your accountant), and as soon as they mention iTunes or any other vouchers/gift cards, hang up.
