Essential IT Services P/L

08/09/2025

Here is a real world example of how often hackers are trying to access just about any account. This is the sign-in log for my microsoft account which shows nearly as many unsuccussfull logins as successfull ones. The unsuccessful ones are hackers trying to gain access by guessing my password. Once in a blue moon my 2 factor authenticator will pop up on my phone asking me to authenticate a login that I know isn't me. This means they've cracked my password and it needs changing. Without 2FA enabled they would have full access in my account and I'd probably have no idea unless I was to check these logs which I usually don't. They would have access to all of my data including my email and documents and could change or delete any of it. If you don't have 2 factor authencation setup on your accounts and you have nothing locking out unsuccsessfull logins attempts you 100% WILL be compomised. It's only a matter of time. Please setup 2FA to save yourself from getting hacked and me from having to help you recover from it. If you don't know how to do this call me and I'll help get you secured. I know it's a pain to do but it's less painful than being compomised and what can occur when that happens.

08/05/2024

Three clients contacted me for PC cleaning after hacking attempts in just one week. With phishing, hacking, scamming, and stealing from people at an all-time high, those over 50 are especially susceptible due to technology struggles and a tendency to trust others. As a result, scammers largely focus on this age group, as they have accumulated funds and assets that can be quickly converted into cash. If you need help or advice on how you can avoid these scammers call me.

12/01/2024

Here’s a lvulnerability that is being exploded using Bluetooth to access MacOS, iOS & Android devices.

A major Bluetooth security flaw, CVE-2023-45866 could allow threat actors to take control of Android, Linux, macOS, and iOS devices.

15/11/2023

!!!! BEWARE !!!! BOOKING.COM SCAM !!!!
Please DO NOT click any links in email full stop but particularly
today any saying it's from Booking.com regarding accepting their updated terms as pictured.
If the link is clicked the hackers will gain access into your Booking.com account and send emails to your guest bookings asking them to update credit card details as ther payment was declined. Because the email they receive is genuinely from Booking.com, looks perfect and they really do have a booking with them they are fairly likely to click the link and supply the hackers with full credit card details.

05/05/2023

Scams and How to Avoid Them: Protecting Yourself from Online Fraud

As a reputable and experienced provider of information, we understand the importance of educating our readers about the potential dangers of scams and equipping them with the knowledge to protect themselves. In today's digital age, online fraud has become increasingly prevalent, making it essential for individuals to be vigilant and well-informed. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of scams, uncover common tactics used by scammers, and provide you with practical tips to steer clear of these fraudulent schemes.

1. Introduction: Understanding Scams
Scams are deceptive schemes designed to trick unsuspecting individuals into providing sensitive information or parting with their hard-earned money. These malicious activities can occur across various platforms, including email, social media, websites, and phone calls. Scammers often employ persuasive techniques, exploiting human emotions and vulnerabilities to achieve their nefarious goals.

2. Recognizing Common Scam Tactics
By familiarizing yourself with the common tactics employed by scammers, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to their schemes. Here are some key tactics to watch out for:

2.1 Phishing Scams
Phishing scams typically involve fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources such as banks, government agencies, or reputable companies. These messages often request personal information, such as passwords, credit card details, or social security numbers. Remember, reputable organizations will never ask for sensitive information via email.

2.2 Impersonation Scams
In impersonation scams, scammers pretend to be someone they're not, often posing as trusted individuals, organizations, or even friends and family members. They may use convincing stories to gain your trust before attempting to deceive or manipulate you into providing money or sensitive data.

2.3 Investment and Financial Scams
These scams typically promise lucrative investment opportunities, quick financial gains, or exclusive insider information. Be wary of unsolicited investment offers, pyramid schemes, or high-pressure sales tactics. Always conduct thorough research and seek advice from qualified financial professionals before making any investment decisions.

2.4 Online Purchase Scams
When shopping online, be cautious of counterfeit products, fake websites, and sellers who demand payment upfront but fail to deliver the goods. Stick to reputable online marketplaces and verify the credibility of sellers before making a purchase.

3. Protecting Yourself: Practical Tips
Now that we've explored common scam tactics, let's dive into some practical tips to safeguard yourself against these fraudulent activities:

3.1 Stay Informed and Educated
Continuously update yourself about the latest scams and fraud techniques. By staying informed, you'll be better equipped to recognize potential threats and avoid falling victim to scams.

3.2 Verify the Legitimacy
Before providing personal information or making any financial transactions, take a moment to verify the legitimacy of the source. Contact the organization directly using their official contact information to confirm the authenticity of any requests.

3.3 Protect Your Personal Information
Safeguard your personal information by using strong, unique passwords for each online account. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, and be cautious about sharing sensitive data online or over the phone.

3.4 Be Wary of Unsolicited Communications
Exercise caution when receiving unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, as they may contain malware or lead to fraudulent websites.

3.5 Use Trusted Platforms and Secure Connections
When making online purchases or accessing sensitive information, ensure you are using secure websites with "https" in the URL. Avoid conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi networks, as they may be vulnerable to interception by hackers.

21/04/2023

I've been receiving a few of these email lately and they are starting to concern me. These are scam emails trying to get you to open the HTML attachment which will compromise your system if you don't have good Malware / Anti-Virus software installed. If you receive any emails like these from someone you don't know, don't open it.

19/04/2023

This is a real problem that should concern everyone now. Watch this if you want to learn about what we as IT professionals are having to deal with constantly now and what you need to do to avoid being hacked.

Every seven minutes a cyber-attack is reported in Australia Millions of Australians have had their data stolen in malicious attacks, costing some businesses ...

01/10/2022

Since the Optus Data Breach is on everyone’s mind at the moment now is a good time to talk security. This is just one of many data breach’s that occur, many of which aren’t reported. Unfortunately this is the world we live in now and it’s only going to get worse unless we all tighten up security on anything that can be accessed via the internet. This includes, routers, camera systems, all cloud based email accounts (Microsoft365 / Google Workspace)
and all cloud based storage like (OneDrive or Google Drive). The best line of defence is achieved by turning on 2 factor authentication on all accounts that have it as an option. This will make logging in to these accounts not only require the password but also prompt you for a either a code you receive via sms or a code generated with an authentication app installed on your phone. The best thing about 2 factor authentication is if anyone happens upon the login details and tries to login you are alerted this is occurring when you receive an notification or sms with a code that they would require to get in.

29/09/2022

For those of you that don't yet know about the Small Business Technology Investment Boost then now's the time to upgrade your computers, website or move your services to the cloud with get to deduct 120% of the cost it in the 22-23 tax return. Have a read and give me a call.