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...]
May 20, 2024 By Computer Techs
January 17, 2024 By Computer Techs
Do you need to pay for antivirus?
Updated May 2026 Windows Security vs. Paid Antivirus For years, we've been bombarded with warnings about lurking online threats, prompting many to invest in pricey antivirus software. But with Windows Security, a robust built-in security solution on modern supported versions of Windows, is paying for additional protection really necessary? Windows Defender: A Force to Be Reckoned With Windows Defender is the core antivirus and anti-malware protection included in Windows Security. … [Read more...]
November 15, 2023 By Computer Techs
FBI warning: Cyber criminals impersonating brands using search engine advertisement services to defraud users
Cybercriminals are Targeting People with Malvertising and Imitation Ads In recent months, there has been a surge in cybercriminal activity using a variety of techniques, including malvertising and imitation ads, to trick people into revealing personal and financial information or downloading malware. FBI Warns of Imitation Ads in Paid Search Results The FBI has warned of an increase in imitation ads that are appearing in paid search results. These ads are designed to look like ads from … [Read more...]
October 16, 2023 By Computer Techs
Passkeys slowly replacing passwords for account logins
Passkeys are a new secure way of logging into websites and apps without the need for a username and password. Google just made passkeys the default method for sign-in unless you opt-out. As of fall 2023, few websites support the use of passkeys for sign-in. Usernames and passwords will continue to exist for many years due to the slow and voluntary adoption of passkeys. Therefore we still recommend the use of a password manager to store passwords, passkeys and secure … [Read more...]
September 14, 2023 By Computer Techs
The pros and cons of Google Chrome’s new Ad Privacy settings
Google Chrome’s new Ad Privacy settings are part of its initiative to phase out the use of third-party cookies for tracking and advertising purposes. According to Google, these settings are designed to enhance user privacy while still allowing relevant and personalized ads. However, some critics and users are skeptical about Google’s claims and prefer to opt out of these settings. Here are some of the pros and cons of Google Chrome’s new Ad Privacy settings, gathered from 2 different AI … [Read more...]
July 17, 2023 By Computer Techs
Your Scam Protection Guide – and What to Do If Your Computer Has Been Compromised by a Scammer
Updated 12/18/25: Below is a scenario that we hear about many times each month – and it could happen to you. You’ve just spoken on the phone with someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Amazon, your bank or Internet provider or other well-known company. You’ve given the stranger remote access to your computer and they’ve shown you a bunch of things that’s wrong with it – errors, security or firewall problems, exposed social security numbers, or even offered to help transfer funds to or … [Read more...]
December 16, 2022 By Computer Techs
How to Keep Money from Being Stolen Through Online Banking
Online banking is one of the most convenient services available and offers individuals, businesses, and organizations a way to quickly and easily manage their finances. Unfortunately, online banking is also vulnerable to all of the same security risks that stem from the virtual nature of the internet. It’s important to take steps to ensure that your hard earned money is secure from theft and fraud. You wouldn’t want to suddenly realize that your bank account has been drained of your … [Read more...]
November 24, 2022 By Computer Techs
Top Tips for Secure Online Holiday Shopping This Gift-Giving Season
The holidays are a busy time for online shoppers. According to a recent study, over 60% of consumers said they would do some or all of their holiday shopping online this year. That’s a lot of people clicking away on their keyboards and smartphones, looking for the best deals on gifts. With all of this online activity, it’s important to remember to stay safe. Here are 10 tips to help you do just that: … [Read more...]
September 30, 2022 By Computer Techs
4 Things You Can Learn from Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October
Cybersecurity isn’t just about companies preventing their networks from being breached. It’s something that everyone that uses technology needs to be mindful of. On a personal level, you can think of it as information and device security. Stopping hackers from getting to your personal data and keeping dangerous viruses out of your computer requires a personal level of cybersecurity. Being safe online is one part of the equation. The consequences of being lax about things like passwords … [Read more...]
June 24, 2022 By Computer Techs
Keep your smartphone safe
Today's smartphones retain a lot of personal data that you likely wouldn't want to get into the wrong hands. Below is a list of just some of the data that can be accessed if someone got into your smartphone: Someone can receive one-time passwords via text message or authenticator app that can be used to reset account passwordsImpersonate you by being able to send and receive calls, email and text messages on your behalfImpersonate you through any social networks apps that you useAccess any … [Read more...]