This past weekend I gave a rare seminar on online security issues for home. Typically I’m only speaking to businesses but this time it was your average retired person. I thought that perhaps you’d also find some of the links useful.
One statistic stands out above all others when it comes to security. Phishing emails are the source of 93% of all malware and scams. Phone calls are included in this phishing statistic. So let’s keep those calls off of our phones.
- HTTPS://www.NOMOROBO.COM This service will prevent scam phone calls to your landlines for free. There is a charge to include your cellphone. It really does work.
- http://donotcall.gov This is the government list of phone numbers that cannot be included in lists that marketers use. Contrary to popular belief the registrations never expire.
The least secure items you own fall under the category of IOT (Internet of things). These are the Ring doorbells, Alexa, Google Home, PS4, XBox, security cameras, Nest, etc that are in and around your home. It is anything that connects to the internet using wireless (generally) and even includes your wireless router. There’s only one device that I know of that specializes in protecting them and will alert you to update them, let you know if the password hasn’t been changed from the factory default and more. It also includes anti-malware protection for your phones, will find any device and does parental controls too. It’s called the BitDefender Box. I can’t say enough good things about it. https://www.bitdefender.com/media/html/box2018-opt/?cid=ppc%7cbox%7cGoogle%7cProduct
Passwords are the least secure method of securing accounts. They can now be broken in a matter of minutes.
- Use a password tool. Everywhere that requires a password needs a unique and very complex password. Roboform will remember your passwords for you. Now you only have to remember 1 password and let Roboform do the rest. Free for home use. http://www.roboform.com
- Take advantage of 2-factor authentication where ever it is offer to you. This the option of having a security code sent to you phone. It is a pain but it is the only way to protect your accounts well today.
– Amy, president
About Harbor Computer Services
Harbor Computer Services is an IT firm servicing Southeastern Michigan. We work exclusively under contract with our clients to provide technology direction and either become the IT department or provide assistance to the internal IT they already have. We have won many awards for our work over the years, including the worldwide Microsoft Partner of the Year in 2010. We’re the smallest firm to have ever won this most prestigious award. Most recently we were recognized as one of the top 20 visionaries in small business IT by ChannelPro Magazine (2015). And in 2016 as the top Michigan IT firm for Manufacturing. There are a few simple things that make Harbor Computer Services the best choice for your business. •We are Professionals •We are Responsible •We are Concerned About The Success of Your Business
