Understanding Your Web Browser Part II

Understanding Your Web Browser Part II 
Keeping your web browser up to date is essential for security and smooth browsing. Up to date means having the latest version of the browser. In Firefox, in Windows, you can check if your version is current by clicking the three horizontal bars at upper right, then Help at bottom, then About. This should be ritual housekeeping for you - checking at least monthly that you have latest version of any browser.
 
Obsolete, say the tech giants
Those of you running older computers have noticed that some browsers refuse to run properly or complain that your operating system is out of date - or worse, the browser you want can't even be installed on your system. You can limp along with this condition, or bite the bullet and get a newer computer.
 
This shows the tail is wagging the dog, meaning Internet technology is dictating whether your computer is sufficient to surf the web. Your computer, though old, may be running just fine. I've seen this with 7 to 10-year-old Macs. They're humming along, but can't run current browsers and are limited on which sites they can access. This is proof that we don't really live in a consumer-driven society, but in a tech-pushed society.
 
Browser buddies
I usually recommend having at least two browsers, as different browsers perform better on certain websites. If you're using Gmail, I recommend Chrome as your browser. Another reason to have a second browser is a backdoor in case the first browser gets infected with malware. In this case, you may need the second browser to research and download a fix.
 
Try a new browser
It's also interesting to experiment with new browsers, like Brave. The Brave browser touts a built-in ad blocker, speed, security and privacy. It's produced by a team led by the inventor of JavaScript and a co-founder of Mozilla. You can get it at www.brave.com. I use it in addition to Chrome and Firefox.

Ad blocking
Speaking of ad blocking, recently some of my clients and I have been enjoying using a browser extension called Ad Blocker Plus. It's free and plugs in to your browser. It blocks many obnoxious ads and pop-ups. By default, it's not an ad-free solution, as the developer partners with advertisers who promise to play nice and not send annoying ads. Per their site, "... you may see some nonintrusive ads that adhere to strict criteria. We identify these ads as Acceptable Ads." But, dear reader, you can choose the option in Ad Blocker Plus to block all ads.
 
Privacy extension
Another useful browser extension is Privacy Badger. It's produced by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a non-profit that battles for digital rights. When you install privacy Badger it blocks invisible trackers that follow you as you surf from site to site.
 
In sum, I suggest that you find some browsers you like, keep them up to date, add extensions to them, and take them for test drives. You can always remove the one/s you don't like; but keep in mind, you may lose some of your bookmarked sites and history in that browser if it's uninstalled. Trying out other browsers applies to tablets and phones as well. You are not limited to what's installed as the default on those devices.

Thanks for reading!
-Sam

Hey Mac Users: Get Your Guard Up!

Hey Mac Users: Get Your Guard Up!

There was a recent news article about a 28-year-old man who allegedly hacked into thousands of computers. Federal prosecutors say he created malware that enabled him to remotely access and turn on the cameras and microphones of the computers.  

His malware program is named Fruitfly. It was found in both PCs and Macs. The article reported that many cybersecurity researchers were surprised it was on so many Macs. Why surprised? Because there are far more Windows PCs in the world, so most hackers don't target Macs. 

However, as I and my other tech colleagues on island well know, there is plenty of malware out there aimed at Macs. We've seen it and removed it.

The cited article reports a 270 percent increase last year in new strains of malware for Macs. 

So what can Mac users do to better protect their systems? Here are some suggestions, most of which pertain to Windows PCs too. 

• The primary shield is you. Be careful which sites you visit, which links you click, who you let on your computer, which programs you install, etc. 
• Back up all important data frequently, preferably online. For local backup to external hard drive you can use Time Machine. For online backup I recommend Mozy.com (it's free for up to 2 GB backup).
• Make sure to install all Apple updates when they're issued.
• Create an admin account, password protect it, and demote your usual account to standard user level, and password protect it.
• Install anti-malware software. A good free program is Bitdefender, or Malwarebytes. For a paid program, I recommend ESET Cyber Security. If you suspect you're already infected, you can run a scan with the free Malwarebytes program, then download, install, and scan with Bitdefender or ESET as well. [disclosure: I'm reseller of ESET]
• Make sure you are behind a hardware firewall on your network and update it. (This usually means your router.)
• Enable the Mac OS X firewall.
• If you have children using a Mac, enable Parental Controls. 
• If you're a mobile professional (using a MacBook) I suggest enabling FileVault, which encrypts your files. And enable Find My Mac.
• Keep up with Mac-specific security news.

Thanks for reading.
Sam

Article referenced above
https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2018/01/12/577761143/ohio-man-charged-with-putting-spyware-on-thousands-of-computers?sc=tw

Here's another article about Mac vulnerabilties to malware infections:
https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac-antivirus/?utm_source=double-opt-in&utm_medium=email-internal-b2c&utm_campaign=EM-B2C-2018-May-newsletter&utm_content=macbookT

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The Troubles with Kasperksy

The Troubles with Kaspersky

Some of my clients have expressed concern about using Kaspersky software due to news reports depicting Kaspersky in a bad light.

I believe to this day Kaspersky's software products offer good security against hacking and malware.

However, there is some concern about Kaspersky's collusion with the Russian government and being overly intrusive on customers' computers.

If you're interested in moving away from Kaspersky or need to install better security software to replace what you have now, here are some options.

Other options

If you’re willing to pay for security software, I’m currently recommending ESET. (Disclosure: I’m a reseller for their products.) As for free software, I’d recommend BitDefender for Mac and Avira for Windows. The free Malwarebytes is decent too; their paid version even better.

Note: Be careful about installing too many security software products. I’d recommend no more than two, because more than that can cause conflicts and bugger up your computer.

First line of security is you! 

The frontline of security is actually you, the user. So educate yourself on best practices for keeping safe online.

Here’s a good site to check out on that topic, whether you’re a senior or not: https://safeandsecureonline.org/seniors

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sam

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Use System Restore to Fix Your Windows Computer

Use System Restore to Fix Your Windows Computer

There are plenty of glitches that can plague our Windows computers, malware being just one. Programs break, drivers break, we users make unhelpful changes, etc. 

System Restore - the magic undo

The good news? There is a magic “undo” feature in Microsoft Windows – it’s called System Restore. It’s bailed me and my clients out of difficulties many times. And when you've been hit by malware you can use this to repair your computer before removing the infections with a security scanner. 

If you’ve used System Restore, you may recall your delight when it did its magic. If it’s new to you, let me explain.

A simple approach

Of course there are more detailed ways of diagnosing and remedying hardware and software problems, including malware infections. But if things were fine one day, and the next they’re not - and you don’t recall changing anything - System Restore is a handy tool.

To use it, locate the Run box after clicking your Start button (Windows 7), or type Run in the Windows search box (Windows 8 or 10). Then in the Run box type rstrui.exe, then click OK.

No change to data - but back up anyway

System Restore will launch. Click Next, then locate a recent restore point prior to the day you started having issues. Note: any programs or updates you installed after that date will be removed, but none of your data will be changed. (Nonetheless, it’s best to back up important data before running System Restore.)

Before running System Restore, close all open programs and save all work. Allow anywhere from 5-15 minutes for the Restore process.  

The computer will reboot and present your Windows login screen, and report whether System Restore succeeded or failed.

Creating a Restore Point

A proactive approach to take with System Restore is to set a Restore Point when things are working well. Open the Control Panel, then type Restore in the Search box. Then select Create a restore point. Choose your Windows drive (usually C). Then click Create and name the Restore Point.

Once this Point is created, you can roll back to this in the future should your computer be throwing a fit. (If it’s throwing a big fit, you may have to run System Restore from the command prompt in Safe Mode, but that’s another story.)

Deeper malware removal

If you're running System Restore to aid in malware removal, after Restore is done, go to your Programs in the Control Panel and remove any suspicious characters, sorting by date - a clue being programs you didn't intend to install. 

Then run malware removal scans by using programs like Malwarebytes. 

Restore doesn’t fix all problems, but it’s an easy “go-to” when you want a quick return to smoothing sailing after rough waters.   

Thanks for reading.
Sam

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Do Not Run Your Computer as Administrator

Do Not Run Your Computer as Administrator

I came across a recent study that reinforced why I recommend to my clients that they not use their computer logged in with administrator privileges. 

The study revealed that of the 251 vulnerabilities in Microsoft's Patch
Tuesday security bulletins in 2015 with a critical rating, 85% were concluded to be mitigated by removing administrator privileges.

The primary benefit of running in Standard user-level privilege instead is that programs which try to install without your permission/involvement cannot do so unless you provide the administrator password. This includes malware. 

This approach is also beneficial if you're sharing a home computer with kids - the last thing you want is them installing programs without your supervision. (And it's best to have parental controls running on their accounts too.)

The administrator account does not need to be named Administrator. It can be named whatever you like: Master, Admin, Big Kahuna, Sky Lord, whatever. But it needs to be the only account on the computer with administrator privileges. 

When setting this account up, choose a password that only you or another trusted person knows. 

After creating the new administrator-level account, log off the computer and try to log in with that account. Verify in Settings or the Control Panel that the account in fact has administrator privileges. This is very important! 

It's critical because in the next step you will demote any other administrator-level accounts. Once you do so, they will no longer have administrator control. If you didn't give the new account administrator privileges, you won't be able to "administrate" your computer. Not good!

The next step is to demote all other users to Standard user level. I've provided links at the bottom for Widows 7, 8, and 10. Select a desired user and change to Standard. Then log off the computer and log in again as that user, just to test the user can still log in.

You will notice a change on the computer after doing this: If you try to install software or make system-wide changes as a Standard user, you'll be prompted for the administrator password. 

Again, this is a best practice for computer security. It applies to Windows computers, Apple computers, and Linux (in Linux, administrator is called root.)

Thanks for reading.
Sam

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Thanks for reading.

Sam

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Links for changing account types

Windows 7

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/103538-user-account-type-change.html

Windows 8

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5518-user-account-type-change-windows-8-a.html

Windows 10

http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/6917-account-type-change-windows-10-a.html

Be Careful with Email Attachments and Links

Be Careful with Email Attachments and Links

I know you've heard this many times, but it's easy to fall prey to scammers while we're zipping through our email.

Malware is commonly activated when people click on an email attachment or a link that launches the malware. 

So don't open attachments or click on links unless you're certain they're safe, even if they come from a person or company you know. It's better to err on the side of suspicion. If you're not sure of the source, call the person or company. 

Be especially wary of attachments with sensational names, emails that contain misspellings, or emails that try to entice you into clicking on a link or attachment (for example, an email with a subject like that reads, "Hey, you won't believe this picture I saw of you on the Internet!"). 

We live in an age where one click of the mouse can ruin our day. Don't let yourself become another cybercrime victim.  Like they teach us when we learn to drive, be defensive.  Look out for yourself. 

Thanks for reading, 

Sam

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The Myth of the Impervious Mac

The Myth of the Impervious Mac

What's the issue?
Conventional thinking in computer user land - and rightly so for awhile now - is that Macs are unlikely to be infected by viruses. 

That thinking must now change. 

I can attest to working on four infected Macs in the last week prior to writing this article (June 2015). Mac users must start being more Internet-security savvy and protect their computers with security software and best practices.  

Why is this happening?
The infections I cleaned up targeted browser weak points and/or enticed the users to download software - social networking type of exploits. 

In one case the client I helped had downloaded software that launched a webpage prompting her to call a number for tech support. When someone with a thick foreign accent at a call center answered, she was immediately suspicious. When that person asked to remotely connect to her computer, she hung up. Then she called for our help to remove the infection. 

Another client was not so fortunate. She fell for the scam and allowed them remote access to her computer. After she realized the danger and disconnected the remote tech, she called us. I removed 51 infections on her Mac, including some Trojan viruses.

How to not fall victim to tech support scams?
In one of my previous blog posts, linked here, I explained how to be careful about requesting computer tech support. Be suspicious of anyone offering tech support online or calling you. And be very careful about downloading software on your computer. When in doubt, don't do it, or at least spend some time researching it. 

I recommend taking these protective measures on your Mac:

• Back up all important data at once and do so frequently.
• Make sure you have all Apple updates installed, and keep up with doing this.
• Try using Firefox instead of Safari and keep it updated.
• Create an admin account on your Mac, password protect it, then demote your usual account to standard user level and password protect it.
• Install an antivirus program like Sophos, Avast, or AVG and scan you entire Mac; do the scan weekly, or at least monthly.
• Make sure you are behind a hardware firewall in your home or business network.
• Keep up with Mac-specific security news.

Here are some additional Mac-specific security tips, which are a little more techie, such as enabling the Firewall and turning on Vault (to encrypt).

In Sum
Sorry to say it, but Mac users can no longer relax in thinking that Windows systems are the focal point for hackers. It's open season on everyone now. Be careful, and protect yourself the best you can. It's all we can really do, except for limiting computer use on the Internet, which of course, is an option given how much we use our smartphones these days for web and email. I wrote on this subject in this blog post.

Update 5/27/16... here's a post that references the hows and whys of Mac infections...


Thanks for reading,
Sam

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