Category: cybercrime

The Risks Of Sharenting: When Parents Post Too Much About Their Kids Online (And How To Share Safely)

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There’s been a lot of talk lately about “sharenting,” or parents oversharing information about their children on the Internet. Some parents believe they should be able to share their parenting experience as they see fit. But many children, as they grow older and realize the plethora of information that their parents have posted about them, … Continue reading The Risks Of Sharenting: When Parents Post Too Much About Their Kids Online (And How To Share Safely)

How To Create Strong Passwords (2019 Edition)

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It's more important than ever to make sure you're using strong, unique passwords. Passwords are one of your main defenses against computer viruses, account hijacking, and other Internet threats. No doubt you've heard the many news stories of tech companies who have lost customer data. Some of these incidents were caused by hackers, others may … Continue reading How To Create Strong Passwords (2019 Edition)

Why You Need To Delete Your Old Accounts

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Most people let old accounts languish. But abandoned accounts are filled with information that can be used to send spam, spread malvertising, and commit cybercrimes. For example, I frequently get email messages from people I know, but haven’t talked to in a while. Invariably the email subject is blank or says nothing but, “Re:”. Sometimes the … Continue reading Why You Need To Delete Your Old Accounts

Ransomware: A Dangerous Threat To Your Computer

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Ransomware is a particularly nasty form of computer virus that encrypts your data, then demands an electronic ransom for the encryption key. Why is ransomware so hazardous, and how can you remove it? Ransomware is vicious because it doesn’t just render your computer unusable. It encrypts all of your files, including those on networked computers, … Continue reading Ransomware: A Dangerous Threat To Your Computer

Cryptolocker: Why Modern Computer Viruses Are More Dangerous Than Ever

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Today's computer viruses go beyond mere annoyance. How does holding your data for ransom sound? What about spying on you through your webcam, tracking your physical location, recording every keystroke you make? Welcome to the modern generation of computer threats, where infection means real-world consequences. The latest virus making the rounds is Cryptolocker, a textbook … Continue reading Cryptolocker: Why Modern Computer Viruses Are More Dangerous Than Ever

How To Protect Your Privacy On Social Media Sites Like Facebook And Twitter

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When was the last time you checked the privacy settings on your social media accounts? Once? Twice? Never? If you don't check periodically, you run the risk of having your account hijacked by hackers. Related article: Strong passwords key to social media privacy by Triona Guidry (The Northwest Herald) What do you mean by "social … Continue reading How To Protect Your Privacy On Social Media Sites Like Facebook And Twitter

A Parent’s Guide To Protecting Your Kids Online

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It's hard to protect kids online, because parents and educators often have a hard time finding resources that can help them understand the latest risks and recommendations. I've gathered a variety of information in one place so you can learn about antivirus, parental controls, and protecting your kids while using mobile devices and video games. … Continue reading A Parent’s Guide To Protecting Your Kids Online

How To Create Secure Passwords (Revised Edition)

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Many people say to me, “I don’t need a secure password. I don’t have anything sensitive on my computer, so I don’t care if a hacker gets in.” You, my friends, are a hacker’s dream. Because it’s not necessarily your personal information they want, although they’ll happily steal your credit card info if they can. … Continue reading How To Create Secure Passwords (Revised Edition)

Apple & Amazon Customer Service Hacked: Can The Cloud Be Trusted?

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Once your data is in the cloud you lose all control of it. A journalist's online persona was recently hijacked through hackers' clever and scary manipulation of Apple and Amazon's tech support. This could happen to any of us, at any time. A description of the incident from the journalist, Mat Honan, who works for … Continue reading Apple & Amazon Customer Service Hacked: Can The Cloud Be Trusted?