Reveal passwords stored in your browser – and check for the ones exposed in data breaches
Updated January 2026: All major web browsers have the option to save the login and password for the websites that you visit so it’s easier to login the next time you visit a site. If you don’t already have a password system to create secure and memorable passwords, or a password manager to store your logins and other secure information – your browser’s password manager can securely store logins for you and will suggest a strong and unique password for new websites that … [Read more...]
Spend a few minutes to check out these scams so that you don’t become a victim
Updated June 2025: Scammers are becoming increasingly clever. Every month we hear from clients who have been scammed by letting someone take control of their computer and coerce them into paying for support for non-existent computer or account-related problems. With a little bit of knowledge of how these scams work, you won't become a victim yourself. Scams typically start with a website pop-up, email, phone call or text message from a well-known company such as Amazon, … [Read more...]
Listen to these recordings of scam calls so that you can recognize them and not fall victim
Please listen to our recordings of scam calls and messages that you’ll likely receive at some point in time, so that you can become familiar with the scams and not fall victim to them. Click the orange Play button below, or listen to all uploaded Scam calls on clyp.it. … [Read more...]
Internet crimes up over 69% in 2020: Phishing scams more than double and people over 60 the most common victims
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has released its annual report. The 2020 Internet Crime Report includes information from 791,790 complaints of suspected internet crime—an increase of more than 300,000 complaints from 2019—and reported losses exceeding $4.2 billion. Topping the list of types of reported internet crimes was phishing, which more than doubled last year. People over 60 were the most common victims according to the report. Nevada had the 8th most complaints of … [Read more...]
FTC Identity Theft website guides victims through the recovery process
If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims. The site provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process. If you haven’t been a victim, read these tips to help keep your identity from being stolen or compromised in the first place: Prevent Identity Theft. … [Read more...]
Massive government and business computer hack will likely effect home users too – What you need to do
A massive government and business computer hack was discovered early this month (December 2020), but the long term effects likely won’t be known for months or years as more knowledge is obtained about what companies were affected and what data may have been (or will be) breached. Early details of the hack are explained in these comprehensive articles from CNN and CNET. The hack was spread to thousands of computer systems, altogether likely containing the private data of a … [Read more...]
How to create a secure memorable password system
Originally posted January 2010. Updated September 2020: To help prevent unauthorized access to personal information, many websites require a password that consists of six or more characters, numbers and letters, and uppercase and lowercase letters. Creating a password that meets the requirements and being something you can remember doesn’t have to be a challenge. I have created a password system that you can use or modify to create memorable passwords. The most important part of the system … [Read more...]
Watch the world from home
To help pass the time while sheltering or quarantining at home, check out these websites to view live video of webcams featuring scenery and nature. EarthCam – A website and also available as an app on various devicesEarthCamTV – Random webcams around the globe displayed on a scheduleearthTV – Also available as a live streaming YouTube channelExplore.org livecams – Watch nature and animalsWindowSwap – See random views from Windows throughout the worldReno … [Read more...]
How to send a message from your phone correctly
This may happen to you: A few times each month I get an email delivered to my junk/spam folder from an address such as 7755551212@txt.att.net. If I happen to recognize the 10-digit phone number before the “@” symbol I can recognize who it’s from, and respond accordingly. But often times it goes unnoticed or unopened. When sending messages from a smartphone you typically have 2 options – a “Messages” app and an “Email” app. The Messages app is meant for sending short messages – … [Read more...]