Your local computer expert
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.
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.
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.
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.
If it isn’t present, or not locked, DO NOTenter any personal information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Again a good virus checker helps minimise this risk.
Hope you have found these tips helpful and continue to stay safe online.
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.
