With the rise in cyber threats and data breaches, protecting your online accounts is more crucial than ever. One of the most effective ways to secure them is through Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This guide explores what 2FA is, how it works, and why it’s essential for safeguarding your digital identity. What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)? Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security used to verify that a user attempting to log into an online account is who they claim to … [Read more...]
January 20, 2025 By Computer Techs
November 22, 2024 By Computer Techs
Personalize Your Web Browsing Experience: A Guide to Customizing your Web Browser
Your web browser is your digital gateway to the internet. By customizing it, you can tailor your browsing experience to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prefer Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox, just because the start/home page defaults to a certain page or website, or you don't have all the bookmarks/favorites in one browser vs the other, doesn't mean it has to stay that way. Here’s a simple guide to help you personalize your favorite browser: Changing Your … [Read more...]
November 22, 2024 By Computer Techs
Top 5 Tech Scams to Watch Out for This Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, cybercriminals ramp up their efforts to exploit online shoppers and tech enthusiasts. Here are the top five technology-related scams to be aware of during the holiday season: Phishing Attacks: What to watch for: Deceitful emails or texts that mimic legitimate companies, often urging you to click on malicious links or download attachments. These can lead to malware infections or identity theft. How to protect yourself: Be cautious of unexpected emails, … [Read more...]
October 20, 2024 By Computer Techs
Laptop Battery Bulging: A Cause for Concern
Laptop batteries are essential components that power our devices. However, over time, these batteries can experience issues, one of which is bulging. This phenomenon occurs when the battery's internal components expand, causing the casing to bulge outward. While it may seem like a minor cosmetic issue, a bulging battery can pose safety risks and should be addressed promptly. Causes of Laptop Battery Bulging Several factors can contribute to laptop battery bulging: Overcharging: … [Read more...]
September 29, 2024 By Computer Techs
What to do if you’ve been notified that your personal information has been exposed in a data breach or is on the dark web
A data breach can be a frightening experience. If it's the first time you've ever been notified that your personally identifiable information (PII) has been exposed, it's important to take immediate action to protect yourself from potential identity theft or other harm. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do: 1. Assess the Damage Review the breach notification: Companies are required by law to inform you about the breach and provide details on what data was exposed. Understand exactly … [Read more...]
August 30, 2024 By Computer Techs
National Public Data Breach Exposes 2.9 Billion Records: How to Check if Your Information Was Exposed
A significant data breach including 2.9 billion records from the company National Public Data has compromised the personal information of many millions of Americans. National Public Data normally sells data to companies for the purpose of background checks, criminal records and more. But it appears that much, if not all of the data they've obtained over the years has been leaked. The breach includes sensitive data such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers and birthdates - information … [Read more...]
May 20, 2024 By Computer Techs
Check your email login activity to see if hackers are trying to gain access
Your email account is one of the most important online accounts to keep secure and un-hackable. There are two main reasons why checking recent login activity to your email account is a good idea: Spotting Unauthorized Access: Your email account likely contains sensitive information, personal documents, and access to other online accounts. By checking the login activity, you can see if someone else has accessed or attempted to access your account from an unrecognized location or device. This … [Read more...]
March 19, 2024 By Computer Techs
What you need to know about “credential stuffing”
Credential stuffing is a cyberattack that exploits stolen login credentials. Online accounts with PayPal, NortonLifeLock, 23andMe, and Roku are just some of the companies that have reported recent attacks on customer accounts. Here's how it works: Data Breaches: Attackers obtain large databases of usernames and passwords through data breaches on various websites or services. Automated Login Attempts: They use these stolen credentials in automated programs to attempt logging in to other … [Read more...]
March 19, 2024 By Computer Techs
FTC warning consumers about new tech support scams – Here’s what you need to know
In their “Anatomy of an Imposter Scam” blog series, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) breaks down how to recognize, avoid, and report business and government imposter scams. Scammers are targeting people with pop-up warnings or calls claiming to have detected a virus on their computer. Here's the rundown: The Scam: You receive a pop-up warning or a phone call claiming a virus has infected your computer, or a fraudulent charge on your account. The scammer offers "tech support" to fix the … [Read more...]
February 20, 2024 By Computer Techs
Charge Smarter, Not Harder: Maximizing Battery Life in Your Devices
Let's face it, dead batteries are never convenient. Whether you're on a call, streaming a movie, or crunching deadlines, a depleted battery can throw your tech-powered day into chaos. But fret not, battery-conscious friend! By understanding how and when to charge your devices, you can extend their lifespan and keep them powered up longer. Debunking the myths: First, let's clear the air on some common misconceptions: Myth: Leaving your phone plugged in overnight damages the … [Read more...]