The digital age, while offering unprecedented convenience, has also brought with it a surge in data breaches. From corporations to government agencies, countless organizations have fallen victim to cyberattacks, exposing sensitive personal information to the dark web. This compromised data is a goldmine for scammers, who are increasingly employing it to perpetrate sophisticated imposter scams.
How Does It Work?
Cybercriminals acquire stolen personal information through data breaches, which can include names, addresses, Social Security numbers, birth dates, financial details, and even email addresses and phone numbers. Armed with this information, scammers can create highly convincing personas, impersonating trusted individuals or organizations.
Common imposter scams include:
Family and Friend Impersonation: Scammers pose as relatives or friends in distress, often claiming to be in a foreign country or facing an emergency requiring immediate financial assistance.
Government Agency Impersonation: Pretending to be from the IRS, FTC, FBI, Social Security Administration, or other government agencies, scammers threaten victims with legal action or promise benefits to coerce them into sharing sensitive information or sending money.
Financial Institution Impersonation: Scammers mimic banks, credit card companies, or investment firms to trick victims into revealing account details or transferring funds.
Protecting Yourself
While it’s impossible to completely prevent data breaches, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of falling victim to imposter scams:
Be Wary of Unsolicited Contact: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders, even if the email appears legitimate.
Verify Information: If you receive a suspicious call or email claiming to be from a trusted source, independently verify the contact information before responding.
Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your financial statements and credit reports for unauthorized activity.
Consider a Credit Freeze: Placing a credit freeze on your credit report can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Use Strong Passwords: Create complex, unique passwords for each online account and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Secure Your Online Accounts From Take-Over: Make sure your email accounts, accounts linked to your computer or smartphone, and financial accounts have multiple, current contact and recovery information. Use 2-factor authentication when possible.
The threat of imposter scams is a serious concern, but by understanding how these scams operate and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Stay informed, be vigilant, and protect your personal information.
If you need help with steps mentioned in this article, contact us for a security consultation of your online accounts and/or your computing devices.
Microsoft has been aggressively coercing people to use their “Edge” browser by making it a recommended or default choice after Windows updates. Perhaps you’re used to using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox – and that’s OK. You can say “no” to Microsoft’s solicitations if you read and select carefully, and watch for dark patterns on their selection screens.
Here are several reasons why Microsoft wants people to use the Edge browser:
If your computer has been overrun with pop-ups along the right side on your computer, you may have inadvertently chosen to allow notifications to from an untrustworthy website.
How to block browser notifications
To block notification pop-ups in Chrome:
At the top right of Chrome, click More
Click Settings.
Under Privacy and security, click Site settings.
Click Notifications.
Under Allowed to send notifications, select Block.
To block notification pop-ups in Edge:
At the top right of Edge, click More
Click Settings.
Click Cookies and Site Permissions
Under All permissions, click Notifications.
Click Notifications.
Under Allow, choose the site(s) you’d like to block and select Block.
Are you getting excessive pop-ups and getting redirected to websites that you didn’t intend to visit? Please contact us if you need help cleaning up your browser.
Dark patterns are user interface (UI) designs that are intentionally deceptive or manipulative to trick users into making unintended choices, or choices that the creator wants you to make. They are often used by websites and apps to get users to sign up for services, make purchases, or share personal information.
Some examples of dark patterns include:
Trick questions: This is where a website or app asks you a question in a way that makes it difficult to give the correct answer. For example, a website might ask you to agree to a term of service that includes a hidden clause.
Misdirection: This is where a website or app uses confusing or misleading language to trick you into making a certain choice. For example, a website might use the word “free” to describe a product or service, even though there are actually hidden costs associated with it.
Disguised ads: This is where ads are disguised as content or features. For example, a website might have a “featured article” that is actually an ad for a product or service.
Bait and switch: This is where a website or app offers a product or service at a low price, but then makes it difficult or impossible to actually purchase it. For example, a website might offer a free trial of a service, but then make it difficult to cancel the subscription after the trial period ends.
Forced continuity: This is where a website or app makes it difficult or impossible to cancel a subscription or service. For example, a website might require you to call customer service to cancel a subscription, or they might make the cancellation process very complicated.
Hidden costs: This is where the true cost of a product or service is not disclosed until after you’ve made a purchase. For example, a website might charge a hidden fee for shipping or handling, or they might have a high cancellation fee.
Roach motel: This is where a website or app makes it difficult or impossible to leave. For example, a website might make it difficult to find the “logout” button, or they might keep redirecting you back to the same page.
Confirmshaming: This is where a website or app tries to guilt you into making a certain choice. For example, a website might ask you to confirm that you really want to cancel your subscription, and they might make it seem like you’re being a bad person if you do.
In this example, your eyes are likely drawn to the Microsoft 365 Family option, where Office Home & Student 2021 may be a better (and cheaper) overall choice.
Dark patterns are often difficult to spot, but there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:
Be aware of the psychology of dark patterns: Dark patterns are designed to exploit our cognitive biases, so it’s helpful to be aware of these biases so you can spot them when they’re being used.
Take your time: Don’t rush through any online interactions. Take your time to read the terms and conditions, and make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to.
Be skeptical of defaults: Defaults are often used in dark patterns to trick users into making certain choices. For example, a website might default to “opt-in” for marketing emails, even though most users would prefer to “opt-out.”
Now that you’re aware of dark patterns, you can watch for them while on websites where you’re asked to click a link or make a decision.
In the past few months, AI (Artificial Intelligence) Chat has come to light as a new conversational way to search the internet. To compose the rest of this article I asked Google’s Bard chatbot and Microsoft’s Bing chatbot “What is AI Chat and how does it make searching the Internet better?”. Below are the responses I received.
According to Google’s Bard:
“AI chat is a new way to search the internet. It uses artificial intelligence to understand your questions and provide you with answers in a conversational way. This can be much more helpful than traditional search engines, which often return a list of links that you have to click through to find the information you’re looking for.
With AI chat, you can just ask your question and the AI will provide you with an answer, or a series of answers, in real time. This can be much faster and more efficient than traditional search engines.
AI chat can also be more helpful because it can understand your context. For example, if you ask “What is the best restaurant in San Francisco?”, the AI will take into account your location and other factors to provide you with a list of restaurants that are relevant to you.
Overall, AI chat is a new and innovative way to search the internet that can be much more helpful than traditional search engines. It is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the internet.
Here are some of the ways AI chat can make searching the internet better:
It can provide you with more accurate and relevant results.
It can save you time by helping you find the information you need faster.
It can be more user-friendly, as it allows you to interact with the search engine in a more natural way.
It can be more interactive, as it allows you to ask follow-up questions and get additional information.
It can be more personalized, as it can tailor the results to your specific needs and interests.
Overall, AI chat has the potential to revolutionize the way we search the internet. It can provide us with more accurate, relevant, and timely results, and it can do so in a more user-friendly and interactive way.”
According to Microsoft’s Bing “Ask me anything…”
“AI Chat refers to a program that simulates human conversations using natural language processing (NLP) ³. Chatbots are programmed to address users’ needs independently of a human operator ³. AI Chat can improve searching the internet by providing more accurate and relevant results ¹. However, conversational AI is far from applicable to every kind of search ¹. Bing has integrated an AI language model into its search engine which is more powerful than ChatGPT ² and can understand context and reply back in a humane way ⁴.
I hope this helps!
Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/6/2023(1) 18 of the Best AI Chatbots for 2023 – HubSpot. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/best-ai-chatbot Accessed 4/6/2023. (2) I used the future of AI web search – Digital Trends. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/ai-search-microsoft-openai-chatgpt-novelty-to-normal/ Accessed 4/6/2023. (3) ChatGPT versus AI-enabled Bing. How do they differ?. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/02/ai-chatgpt-openai-bing-search/ Accessed 4/6/2023. (4) 10 Things New AI Bing Chat Can Do Better Than ChatGPT. https://techwiser.com/things-new-ai-bing-chat-can-do-better-than-chatgpt/ Accessed 4/6/2023. (5) What is ChatGPT and why does it matter? Here’s what you need to know. https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-chatgpt-and-why-does-it-matter-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/ Accessed 4/6/2023. (6) The best AI chatbots of 2023: ChatGPT and alternatives | ZDNET. https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-ai-chatbot/ Accessed 4/6/2023.”
I followed up by clicking “examples of AI Chat”
“There are many examples of AI Chatbots available today. Some of them include Zoho SalesIQ, Tidio Chat, Landbot, ChatBot, Manychat, FreshChat, Tars ¹. Other examples include Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, Microsoft’s Cortana, Amazon Echo, and Facebook Messenger ². Automat.ai is another example of a conversational AI software with exceptional listening skills that “understands every customer” and has a built-in product recommendation engine that serves up personalized suggestions and engages customers to provide superior shopping experiences ³.
I hope this helps!
Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/6/2023(1) 15 Best AI Chatbots (2023 Update) – Guru99. https://www.guru99.com/best-ai-chatbots.html Accessed 4/6/2023. (2) What is AI Chatbot & How do AI Chatbots Work? The Complete Guide. https://www.heliossolutions.co/blog/what-is-ai-chatbot-how-do-ai-chatbots-work-the-complete-guide/ Accessed 4/6/2023. (3) Conversational AI Examples + Uses and Insights. https://getvoip.com/blog/conversational-ai-examples/ Accessed 4/6/2023. (4) Why We’re Obsessed With the Mind-Blowing ChatGPT AI Chatbot. https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/why-were-all-obsessed-with-the-mind-blowing-chatgpt-ai-chatbot/ Accessed 4/6/2023. (5) The best AI chatbots of 2023: ChatGPT and alternatives | ZDNET. https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-ai-chatbot/ Accessed 4/6/2023. (6) ChatGPT: How to Use the AI Chatbot for Free – How-To Geek. https://www.howtogeek.com/871065/chatgpt-how-to-use-the-ai-chatbot-for-free/ Accessed 4/6/2023.”
When I started Computer Techs in 2003, the most common danger on the computer was the virus. The computer virus was often spread through email attachments. Fast forward 20 years, now the most common danger is social engineering scams. And what was once just random guesses of people’s email addresses, now scammers also use phone numbers to call or send messages to contact their potential victims.
These days scammers and hackers have a lot more information about you due to website data breaches and the treasure trove of information that has been exposed about you – such as your name, email/physical address, phone number – and sometimes passwords. They often use that information to send emails, text messages or phone calls to persuade you to that there’s a problem that needs immediate attention. Examples of what they want you to do include:
Click a link or open an email attachment. Links often lead to look-alike websites in which you are asked to provide personal information – such as username and password – or even financial information
Call a number provided in the email or message so that you can dispute a (false) charge or purchase that was made
Request remote access to your computer or smartphone to fix or help with an account problem
When you receive such messages or calls – do not act immediately, it’s likely a scam. Instead read the following information to help you determine the authenticity of what you just received.
Google recently sent an email to Google account holders with a reminder that “You have Web & App Activity turned on”. Even though this setting may have been turned on by default for many years, Google is being more transparent about the data they have about the things you do on Google sites, apps and service. The timeliness of the recent email was likely sent to appease government regulators.
In the email, Google states that “Web & App Activity is a setting that lets you save to your Google Account the things you do on Google sites, apps, and services, including your searches and associated information, like location and language. It can also give you more personalized experiences across Google, like faster searches and better recommendations.”
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a new broadband map where broadband Internet availability can be searched by address. Information for the map is reported by the service providers, and challenged if incorrect.
The FCC considers broadband as speeds at a minimum of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload. Some providers listed on the map fail to meet the minimum speeds defined.
The map not only displays traditional fixed/wired providers such as cable and DSL, it also shows newer technologies such as fixed wireless access (FWA) and fiber providers. Availability from mobile 4G and 5G providers is also included on the map.
The map can be useful if you are shopping for internet access at an address that you are considering a move to, or if you are considering switching providers at your current address. You can view and search the map at https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/
Have you ever wondered how a virtual doctor visit works? With more and more people working remotely and/or juggling a million different commitments, it’s no wonder that virtual doctor visits are becoming increasingly popular. In this article, we’ll take a look at what a virtual doctor visit is, how they work, and some of the pros and cons.
What is a virtual doctor visit?
A virtual doctor visit is a consultation between a patient and a doctor that takes place over video chat (or other electronic avenues). That means you can consult with a doctor from the comfort of your own home – no need to travel to an office. All you need is a computer or smartphone with a webcam and an internet connection.
Make sure you consult with your specific doctor to see what types of appointments they’re able to do virtually. Some appointments might not be able to be done virtually (like a physical exam), but many common appointments – like follow-ups, prescription renewals, and mental health check-ins – can be easily done online.
How do virtual doctor visits work?
Once you’ve found a doctor that you’d like to consult with, you’ll need to book an appointment. How you proceed next will depend on the institution you’ve made the appointment with. However, it’s common that once the appointment is booked, you’ll receive an email or text with a link to the video chat. On the day of your appointment simply click the link at your appointment time and you’ll be connected with the doctor.
During the consultation, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They may also order some tests, like blood work or X-rays, which can be done at a local lab at a later date. The doctor will then make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan. If you have any questions, you can ask them during the consultation.
What are the benefits of virtual doctor visits?
There are a few benefits of virtual doctor visits that are worth mentioning:
*They’re convenient:* As we mentioned before, you can consult with a doctor from the comfort of your own home. No need to drive across town and spend time in a waiting room.
*They’re affordable:* Virtual doctor visits are often cheaper than in-person visits since you’re not paying for the doctor’s office overhead.
*You can see a specialist:* /If you live in a rural area, you may not have access to certain specialists. With a virtual doctor visit, you can consult with any specialist, no matter where they’re located.
The benefits generally outweigh the negatives, but there are a few potential downsides to consider as well
What are the drawbacks of virtual doctor visits?
There are a few potential drawbacks of virtual doctor visits that are worth mentioning:
They’re not suitable for emergency care: if you’re having a heart attack or another medical emergency, you’ll still need to go to the hospital immediately.
You may not have access to certain tests: if the doctor needs to order a CT scan or MRI, you’ll need to go to a local imaging center.
The doctor may not be able to prescribe certain medications: if the doctor needs to prescribe a controlled substance, like narcotic pain medication, they may not be able to do so.
Are virtual doctor visits covered by insurance?
This is a tricky question since insurance coverage varies so much. In general, however, most insurance companies will cover at least part of the cost of a virtual doctor visit. Check with your insurance company to find out if they cover virtual doctor visits and, if so, how much they’ll cover.
How do I find a doctor for a virtual visit?
If you’re interested in scheduling a virtual doctor visit, the best place to start is by asking your regular doctor if they offer virtual visits. Many primary care physicians and specialists offer virtual visits these days. You can also search for doctors that offer virtual visits in your area.
Virtual doctor visits are a convenient and affordable way to consult with a doctor from the comfort of your own home. However, they’re not suitable for emergency care and you may not have access to certain tests or medications.
If you have any other questions or need help figuring out how to stay connected with your virtual physician don’t hesitate to contact us!
Read the details of the update to determine if it’s a security or feature update – or both.
Install security updates right away.
It’s best to wait to install feature updates for at least a few weeks after release.
We’ve all been there before. You’re in the middle of working on something important when a notification pops up letting you know there’s an update available for your phone or computer.
Should you stop what you’re doing and install it right away? Or can it wait?
It can be tempting to just ignore the notification and continue on with your work, but it’s important to remember that updates usually contain important security patches or new features that can improve your experience. So how do you decide when to install an update?
Here’s a quick guide to help you make the decision.
Why Updates are Important
There are two main reasons why it’s important to keep your devices updated: security and new features.
Security updates usually address specific vulnerabilities that have been found in the software. By installing these updates, you can help protect your device from being hacked or compromised.
New features, on the other hand, can improve your experience using the device. For example, a new operating system update might include a better interface, more efficient battery usage, or support for new applications
How to Decide When to Install an Update
So now that you know why updates are important, how do you decide when to install them?
If the update is a security patch, it’s generally a good idea to install it as soon as possible. These types of updates are usually critical and can help protect your device from any external threats.
If the update is a new feature, it depends on how important the new feature is to you. If it’s something that you really need or would improve your experience using the device, then it’s probably worth installing the update right away. However, if it’s something that you can live without, you may want to wait until you have some downtime to install it.
Why You Might Want to Wait to Install an Update
There are a few reasons why you might want to wait to install an update:
The update is a major release: Major releases often contain a lot of new features and can take up a lot of space on your device. If you don’t have enough storage or you’re in the middle of something important, you may want to wait until you have some free time to install the update.
You’re worried about losing data: If you’re worried about losing data or having problems with the update, you may want to wait until you have a backup or some free time to troubleshoot any potential issues.
You’re not ready for the new features: If you’re not ready for the new features in the update, you may want to wait until you’re more familiar with the device or you have some free time to explore the new features.
How to Set Your Update Preferences
Most devices will allow you to choose when you want to install updates. For example, you can usually set your device to automatically install updates or to prompt you before installing an update.
If you’re not sure how to set your update preferences, you can usually find the option in the settings menu on your device. Once you’ve set your preferences, your device will usually handle the rest.
Always Keep Your Devices Up-To-Date?
There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. It really depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re someone who values security and always wants to have the latest features, then you’ll probably want to keep your devices up-to-date.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who values stability and doesn’t mind missing out on the latest features, you may want to wait until there’s a major release or you have some free time before installing an update.
Choose what’s right for you
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide when to install an update. Just remember to keep security and new features in mind when making your decision. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with your device’s update preferences so you can choose when and how you want to install updates.
If you have any other questions or need help setting up your updates don’t hesitate to contact us!
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