Good quality hardware can be a rare find in a saturated market, and with computers still averaging a high price range a computer that lasts a long time can be very valuable to its owner.  Yet the sad fact of technology’s rapid advancement doesn’t just mean an over-abundance of flashy new computer models, it also means that computers and mobile devices become increasingly dangerous to use as they age.

Active software support by the manufacturer is a reliable sign that your device is not likely to be vulnerable to most of the common cyber threats out there.  Unfortunately it’s not uncommon for manufacturers to end support of a particular model before the one you own starts to fail.  When this occurs, it can be very tempting to just shrug your shoulders and continue using your older device as long as you can.  It’s easier, cheaper, and quite frankly that new stuff looks a lot weirder than your current setup.∞∞∞ >>> Read the rest

There are several reasons why you might decide to use a VPN:

The first reason you might use a VPN is to access content exclusive to a particular geographic location. If you buy Nexflix in the USA you can see the content Nexflix has negotiated to share. In other countries they may have different agreements, and you may like the agreements in Mexico far better than those of the USA. With a VPN you can appear as though you are in Mexico, and thus access this content.

The second reason is that you are concerned about targeted ads, intelligent airfare pricing, and other IP based tracking. This is another viable reason to use a VPN, especially if you are regularly running into issues of IP blacklisting, etc.

The last, and most cynical by far, is that a techie friend admonished you for your lack of security concern citing the dire risks of privacy invasion, identity theft, data mining, and spyware.∞∞∞ >>> Read the rest

If you feel a bit like prey when you’re online–pay attention! It may seem like what you do on your computer in the privacy of your own home stays within your four walls, but the truth is: it does not. Every keystroke, online activity (social media, email, favorite websites) comes with a greater risk than you might expect.

Your medical data, personal details, banking information and even opinions are subject to potential exposure because they are available to you on the internet. Be aware that your choices can make that information more secure!

Here are some helpful articles:

From PC Magazine: 12 Simple Things You Can Do to Be More Secure Online
From Forbes: Online Banking Security: How to Protect Your Online Banking Information
From Norton: 8 Ways to protect your private information online
From Politicrossing: Top Five Online Scams to Avoid∞∞∞ >>> Read the rest

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