IT Security Tip #13: DON’T use public WiFi until you read this

We’re all guilty of it: connecting to free public WiFi. Whether it’s at the coffee shop, hotel or airport, the temptation to check e-mail and surf the web is just too strong to resist. So BEFORE you connect to any free, public WiFi, make sure the connection is legitimate.

It’s not uncommon for hackers to set up fake clones of public WiFi access points to try and get you to connect to THEIR WiFi over the legitimate, safe public one being made available to you. Before connecting, check with an employee of the store or location to verify the name of the WiFi they are providing. Next, NEVER access financial, medical or other sensitive data while on public WiFi. Also, don’t shop online and enter your credit card information unless you’re absolutely certain the connection point you’re on is safe and secure.

Give Your Word Doc a Makeover with Just One Click

Words aren’t everything. A unified font and color scheme makes your document visually appealing and easy to digest.

Themes let you switch from one scheme to another. Just one click updates the look of your whole document.

To apply a theme, go to the Design tab and select Themes. Notice the previews in your document as you mouse over the choices, and choose a theme you like.

Shortcut of the Week

Did you know that you can run a web page or website from within Windows? All versions since Windows XP have this capability.

For Windows 10, click Start or press the Windows Key on the keyboard, then type the url of the website including https:// (like https://www.computer-center.com/) and press Enter.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President
The Computer Center
One Parker Pl, Ste. #655
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 755-1524

IT Security Tip #12: The DANGERS of Dropbox and other file sync apps

If you’re using Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive or other consumer-grade file sync and sharing cloud applications, listen up! These applications pose a huge threat to your company because company data can be spread far and wide without central oversight of what information is being shared with whom. Further, over 7 MILLION Dropbox accounts have been hacked, giving cybercriminals a path into the company’s network.

This is even MORE important if your company has access to and/or stores financial, medical or other sensitive data. Using file-sharing applications like these are a clear and direct violation of data breach and compliance laws. Bottom line, DON’T USE THEM FOR COMPANY DATA and use only company-approved, business-grade file-sharing applications.

Word: Formatting Made Easy with Styles

Styles like Heading 1 let you reformat on the fly, navigate long documents, and instantly get an updatable table of contents.

For each of the main headings in your document, click anywhere in the paragraph (don’t select anything). Then go to the Home tab and select Heading 1.

Now you can apply themes, make a table of contents, and use the Navigation Pane to jump to different parts of your document.

Shortcut of the Week

When you start your computer, you have instant access to your desktop. However, when you start opening files and/or programs, your desktop gets hidden.

By pressing the Windows key and D together, you can make the desktop re-appear. Press the same keys again to restore the hidden windows.

Or try and press Windows key + M to minimize all open programs. Press the same keys again to maximize your windows again.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President
The Computer Center
One Parker Pl, Ste. #655
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 755-1524

IT Security Tip #11: What to do BEFORE you go to Starbucks

So you’re in the car on the way home from Starbucks, basking in the glow of consuming your triple-shot, low-foam, extra-hot pumpkin-spice latte when you suddenly realize your laptop has gone missing. You drive back like the caffeinated lunatic you are, only to discover no one has turned it in. What do you do? That depends on what precautions you have (or haven’t!) taken.

First, if you’ve properly encrypted your data, password-protected the access to your device and shut down and logged off all key applications, you’ve got a bit more time to respond. But the first thing to do, whether or not you’ve taken those precautionary measures, is to notify your IT department (us) that you’ve lost your device. That will allow us to change passwords and lock access to applications and data a thief may gain access to via your unprotected laptop. We can also remotely wipe your device to make sure no one will be able to gain access to the data stored on your computer. (Which is also why it’s CRITICAL to back up your data on a daily basis!)

Next, change ALL the passwords to every website you log in to, starting with any sites that contain financial data (your bank account) or company data. If your laptop contained medical records, financial information or other sensitive data (like social security numbers, birthdays, etc.), then you need to contact a qualified attorney to understand what you may be required to do by law to notify individuals who may be affected.

Quite simply, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; so make sure you’re engaging us to encrypt and back up your data, as well as put remote monitoring software on all mobile devices. Put a pin-code lock or password requirement to access a device after 10 minutes of inactivity, and get into the habit of logging out of websites when you’re done using them.

Write, Create and Share Directly with Word Online

To quickly start a document that your colleagues can contribute to, go to word.office.com, which opens Word Online, the browser version of Word.

Choose a blank page, or select a template with starter content.

To invite others, click the big blue Share button at the top of the window. You’ll see the changes they’re making when they’re editing with you.

Everyone you share with can open the document in Word Online, or in their Word app, whichever they prefer.

Shortcut of the Week

Improve system performance and boot time by choosing to do a Selective Startup in msconfig.

1. Click Start, Run and type: msconfig and press enter.
2. In the System Configuration Utility click the Startup tab.
3. Uncheck programs you do not want to load each time your computer starts. Once done, click ok and restart the computer.
4. After the computer boots back up, you will receive a window prompt, click ok to the update and you will see a difference the next time your computer loads up.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President
The Computer Center
One Parker Pl, Ste. #655
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 755-1524

IT Security Tip #10: Remove That Unwanted Freeware

Like it or not, PC manufacturers LOVE to stuff your brand-new PC full of “free” applications (they get paid to do it, so you’ve got a slim chance of getting one without a side of spamware). But clutter is the enemy of a speedy PC, and if you’re not using a particular software on a regular basis, it’s best to REMOVE it completely. That way you don’t have it sucking up processing speed AND leaving the door open to hackers and malware.

Word: Stop Waiting Your Turn – Edit Together

Get faster results and improve collaboration by working with your colleagues in the same document at the same time. Exchange ideas, chat and comment with your colleagues right inside the document.

To make collaboration features available, save your document in OneDrive. Then click Share, and send the document link to your colleagues. When they start working in the doc, you’ll see their edits in real time.

Shortcut of the Week

You can move around a browser by pressing and holding the Alt key along with the left (go back a page) or right (move forward) arrow keys.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President
The Computer Center
One Parker Pl, Ste. #655
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 755-1524

IT Security Tip #9: If You Installed It, You Must Update It!

There are thousands of hackers who get up every morning with ONE goal in mind: to find a new vulnerability in a commonly installed software (like Adobe, Flash or QuickTime) to access your computer. That’s why these companies frequently issue patches and updates for KNOWN security bugs; and once a KNOWN vulnerability is announced via a patch, hackers get to work like crazy trying to figure out how to use the vulnerability and access those users who are lazy about installing updates. That’s why it’s important to update installed software programs as soon as possible.

Of course, if you’re a client of ours, we’re monitoring your network for these updates and handling them for you; but your home computers, smartphone and other devices that may NOT be under our protections probably need a little attention.

Outlook: Break the Language Barrier

Translate words, phrases or sentences to another language with Microsoft Translator. You can do this from the Review tab in the ribbon.

Shortcut of the Week

Increase and decrease web page front size by holding down the ctrl key on the keyboard and scrolling up or down with the wheel on a mouse OR use Ctrl + to increase the size and Ctrl – to decrease the size.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President
The Computer Center
One Parker Pl, Ste. #655
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 755-1524

IT Security Tip #8: Bookmark the LEGITIMATE Websites You Frequently Visit

Here’s a sneaky trick used by many hackers: they purchase and set up a fraudulent website that is a close misspelling of a legitimate one.

Example: www.faceboook.com (one extra accidental “o”) instead of www.facebook.com, all you have to do is accidentally fat-finger ONE letter in the URL and up pops a very legitimate-looking fake copy of the site you were trying to get to – and the login and links are full of key-logger malware and virus landmines waiting for you to click on them. This is particularly important for any social networks you belong to.

PowerPoint: Get Their Attention with @mentions

Need someone’s help with a document or slide? Insert a comment, @mention them, and they’ll get an email containing your request.

Shortcut of the Week

Open all your favorite daily visited web pages quickly by following these easy steps:

1. Open your bookmarks and create a folder of web pages you frequently visit.
2. Once created, just right-click the folder and click “Open in Tabs”.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President
The Computer Center
One Parker Pl, Ste. #655
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 755-1524

IT Security Tip #7: Never Use PERSONAL Devices to Connect to COMPANY Data

You’re a hardworking team player who likes to check e-mail and get a few things done after hours – all good! But here’s something you might not know: you should never access company data, file servers or applications through personal devices and home PCs that are not properly monitored by us. Why?

If you and your kids are using a home PC to play games, access Facebook and surf the web AND you’re not diligently updating and monitoring the antivirus software, firewall and security patches on the machine (and who does, honestly?), then there’s a high probability you’re infected with spyware or malware. Since most malware is designed to operate in total stealth mode undetected, you won’t know that some hacker is watching you log in to your company’s file server or key cloud application containing critical, sensitive data and capturing your login with a key logger. Bottom line, ONLY use company-approved devices that are properly protected and monitored to access company data; and if you just can’t help but take work home, let us know so we can set you up with a SECURE way to work remote or from home.

PowerPoint: Hyperlinks in Living Color

Hyperlinks aren’t just blue anymore. Change the color to match your mood or design. Just select the link and click Home > Font Color. Choose any color you like. What’s your favorite color?

Shortcut of the Week

You can set your browser to full screen mode, hiding the toolbars and address bar, by pressing the F11 key. To change the browser window back, press F11 again.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President
The Computer Center
One Parker Pl, Ste. #655
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 755-1524

IT Security Tip #6: How to Spot a Phishing E-mail

A phishing e-mail is a bogus e-mail that is carefully designed to look like a legitimate request (or attached file) from a site you trust in an effort to get you to willingly give up your login information to a particular website or to click and download a virus.

Often these e-mails look 100% legitimate and show up in the form of a PDF (scanned document) or a UPS or FedEx tracking number, bank letter, Facebook alert, bank notification, etc. That’s what makes these so dangerous – they LOOK exactly like a legitimate e-mail. So how can you tell a phishing e-mail from a legitimate one? Here are a few telltale signs…

First, hover over the URL in the e-mail (but DON’T CLICK!) to see the ACTUAL website you’ll be directed to. If there’s a mismatched or suspicious URL, delete the e-mail immediately. In fact, it’s a good practice to just go to the site direct (typing it into your browser) rather than clicking on the link to get to a particular site. Another telltale sign is poor grammar and spelling errors. Another warning sign is that the e-mail is asking you to “verify” or “validate” your login or asking for personal information. Why would your bank need you to verify your account number? They should already have that information. And finally, if the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

PowerPoint: Convert Ink to Text, Shapes

Turn what you draw with a mouse or finger into text or shapes. Scribble your thoughts then select Draw > Ink to Shape or Draw > Ink to Text to give your marks a professional finish.

Shortcut of the Week

By default, file extensions are not displayed in Windows 10. To view file extensions, open a new file explorer window by pressing Win + E (hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and press E). Select the View tab and then check the box labeled File name extensions.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President
The Computer Center
One Parker Pl, Ste. #655
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 755-1524