You have probably heard about the most recent technology security problem. The personal data of 6 million Verizon customers were leaked online. Verizon said that the problem was the result of a misconfigured security setting on a cloud server. The error made available online the names, phone numbers and PIN codes of customers. Unless you … Continue reading
The Blue Whale Challenge – Is Your Teen Doing It?
[NOTE: Since researching this game, several websites (snopes.com, netfamilynews.org, and webwise.ie) are suggesting that this game may be the result of fake news. Fake or not, the more teens that read about it, some may actually start doing it. I do know one thing for sure. The daughter of a friend started playing this game a … Continue reading
WANNACRY DECRYPTOR WILL MAKE YOU CRY
WHAT IS WANNACRY It is a version of malicious software (malware) called ransomware. Typical ransomware locks your computer and does not unlock your computer until you pay the amount of money\ransom that the hacker wants. I first wrote about ransomware in 2012. I said that the use of ransomware would increase. It is very … Continue reading
YELLOW IS GETTING HOT
There is an app called Yellow that is increasing in popularity. There are many that call Yellow “Tinder for kids.” For those that don’t know what Tinder is, it is a dating app that adults use to primarily locate hook-ups. WHAT IS YELLOW Yellow helps you find and make new friends on Snapchat and … Continue reading
Fake Social Media?
This week, 13-year-old Malachi Hemphill lost his life. He was videotaping himself on Instagram Live while he was handling a gun. The gun accidentally went off. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. His mother said that 10 to 15 kids showed up at her house after the accident … Continue reading
COMPUTER = LOVE = PROTECT
I know, the title of this blog post is a bit strange. Let me explain. A few days ago I was in BestBuy looking for a new PC for my daughter. Her current laptop (a 3-year old Asus) leaves a lot to be desired. The store did not have the specific Lenovo model I wanted. … Continue reading
APP AWARE
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT I don’t have to tell you that smartphones are very, very popular. Apps are the engine that drives the popularity of smartphones. There is seemingly an app for anything you want to do. The majority of apps are free, as in do not cost you money. However, is there anything … Continue reading
PIZZA HACK
Have you eaten at Cici’s Pizza lately? Did you pay with a credit or debit card? WHAT HAPPENED On Tuesday, Cici’s Pizza admitted that 135 of its stores were hacked. Customer’s credit card data may have been stolen. WHEN DID IT HAPPEN According to the pizza chain, the majority of the hacks started in March … Continue reading
BASIC CYBER SECURITY TIPS FOR THE EVERYDAY HOME USER
Even in 2016 there are many people that still believe that hackers only go after businesses and organizations. Technology bad guys are just like any other type of crook. They go after the easiest target that will bring them the most reward. The reward could be money, notoriety, belief in a cause or simply just … Continue reading
RANSOMWARE & TECHNOLOGY MOBSTERS
I am sure you have heard of businesses paying money to organized crime thugs to ensure that their businesses don’t get burned down or that no one meets with any untimely physical misfortune. Will you or someone you know end up paying “rent” ($20-$100 a month) to digital mobsters in the near future? You … Continue reading
