Security – Page 2 – Orcas Security

Keep it secret, keep it safe…

w pstaff March 11, 2023

Passwords are the ever-present, love/hate accessory of the modern world. We need them for all of our data, everything from bank accounts to ordering a souvenir postcard. Perhaps the worst part about them, short of having to remember them, is how you end up having to use them everywhere!

It can be so tempting to save passwords when you first make them. Your browser or device will keep it safe from prying eyes, and be only too happy to supply it when you need it, but is that all there is to the story? Not quite. The more you spread your password around, the more likely it is to fall into the wrong hands. Sometimes a public or work computer left unattended is the source of the breach, but quite frankly anyone with access, legitimate or otherwise, to your browser or device can retrieve your password if they so desire.

There are some paid security services that are happy to offer you a safe way to keep your passwords locked up.∞∞∞ >>> Read the rest

Bad Bad Email – Don’t Click These Links

Rick Boucher February 28, 2023

Just a note to our readers. I have gotten quite a few emails of this type lately. It is a simple email. No graphics, just text. (Although I would not use a graphic to make me think it is legit.) It says it comes from “USPS” with the implication that the email is from the United States Post Office. Yet there is no link to the real USPS website. In fact the link is to something completely arcane. I did not click the link, don’t need the headache.

Please. Please. Please. If you get an unsolicited email don’t click the link.

Here is what I saw in the email I received. Notice the email is from amitotic@….whatever. It is not the USPS!!

ARGH! Was just told the business has an acquaintance that clicked the link. Chased down the issue and PAID money to have the item delivered. WHAT!! There was no package, was a complete scam.∞∞∞ >>> Read the rest

A Word About Passwords

Gerry Baker February 25, 2023

Part of everyday life, it seems–your passwords are now gatekeeper to your correspondence, financial details, banking information and everything else on the list of details and information that make up all the external components of your life. You need a code at the bank, a code on your phone, tablet and computer, authentication for your medical records and the list goes on.

Experts will all tell you how compromised you are if you use the same password on all the things, or just a weak one, and someone with nefarious plans gets ahold of it.

How-to Geek has some great suggestions for how to create strong passwords or a pass-phrase that can help you keep your details to yourself (as much as possible when they live on the internet, anyway…)

One of the best pieces of advice: Don’t tell anyone what your password is!

How to Create a Strong Password (and Remember It) (howtogeek.com∞∞∞ >>> Read the rest

Avoid The Tax Scam Blues

Cory Foote February 25, 2023

Tax season is the time of year when scammers are out in full force, trying to take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers. It’s important to be aware of the dangers associated with tax season scams and know how to spot them so that you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Tax season scammers use a variety of tactics, such as sending fake emails or filing fraudulent tax returns in your name. They may also try to get you to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, which they can then use for identity theft or other malicious activities. Knowing how to recognize these scams and taking steps to protect yourself is essential if you want to stay safe during tax season.
The IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.Jan 20, 2023 https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing∞∞∞ >>> Read the rest

The world is ending…

Keith Light February 10, 2023

If you were to ask someone what it’s like to be scammed, this is a likely response you would get, at least if they didn’t know it was a scam:

Some guy called me out of the blue and told me that the world was ending, but that if I paid him 1.2 Bitcoin I would have a guaranteed spot on the UFO taking the worlds’ elites to the backup planet. I was skeptical at first, but after I let him into my computer remotely he showed me that this really was the case. Of course I paid him his modest fee, and I’m grateful that he somehow found my phone number just in time and was willing to share this private lifeline with me. Isn’t life grand…∞∞∞ >>> Read the rest

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