LAPC Networking Inc.

10/24/2023

If there was an award for "most overlooked really important thing in computing", backups would win. Every year.

So let's put that right and spend a minute or two thinking about backups. Backups are great! Having backups is like having a do-over for your mistakes, and who hasn't wished for that? And they can keep you safe too. Good computer security means creating layers of protection that overlap and cover each others' backs. The final layer is your backups. They're a "get out of jail free" card you can play if any of your files are destroyed, deleted, or corrupted by malware.

To get you off on the right foot we've got three tips: A beginner tip, an intermediate tip, and an advanced tip.

1. Make backups

Yes, our first tip really is "make backups". Why? Because backups are the dental floss of cybersecurity—the thing that everyone knows they should do, that everyone intends to do, that nobody actually does.

You need to floss your computer, every day. We don't care how you do it: You can use the cloud, put your files on a USB stick, plug in an external hard drive, burn your data to a disk (ask your parents), copy them to an FTP site (ask your grandparents), or print them out and bind them in a book for all we care. All we ask is that you make a copy of your data, and then make making copies of your data a habit.

The only backup you'll ever regret is the one you didn't make.

2. Make them automatic

Once you decide that you're going to make regular copies of your data you are, in all likelihood, going to get bored of doing it and slip up on your rigorous, well-intentioned schedule. Humans just aren't good at doing the same thing, the same way, every day. But you know what is? A computer.

So, our intermediate tip is to let the computer take the strain of remembering what you want to backup and when. They love that stuff.

Windows and macOS both come with backup software included, each of which is perfectly on-brand for your platform of choice. The Windows backup solution has a boring and sensible name. It's called Backup and Restore. On Mac you'll be using a Time Machine, because Apple lets its marketing department in the room when things are being named. As you'd expect, if you're a Linux user there are a bewildering number of options to choose from. If you're blinded by overchoice, check out Amanda.

3. Make sure they work

If you've followed tip two and automated your backups then you can sit back and relax right? Sure, you can. But if you want to know for sure that your backup solution will be there for when you need it most, you need to test it. After all, a backup is only as useful as the data you can actually restore from it.

Anyone who works with computers knows that assumption is the mother of all f*** ups, so don't assume your backups work, prove they do. Pick a file you really care about and go get a copy of it from your backups. Better yet, if you have a directory where you keep lots of important files, restore that. Not only will that prove to you that your backups can dig you out of trouble if they ever need to, you'll get a feel for how slow that process can be if you're backing up over Wi-Fi. Understanding that restoring a lot of files from a backup can be a lengthy process will help you set your expectations and manage your stress levels if you ever need to.

Pat yourself on the back

Whether you made it all the way to rolling out tip three, or you stopped at one, we applaud you. Your digital life is now more resilient than it was, which means you'll be better able to weather hardware failures, accidental deletions, and malware outbreaks.

10/19/2023

Upgrading your Android device? Read this first

Last month, we wrote an article about what to do when upgrading your iPhone. Since then, we've received several requests to do a similar post about Android devices.

Providing uniform and easy to follow instructions is a bit harder to do for Android, because there are many differences between makes, models, language settings, and Operating System (OS) versions. Nonetheless, we will try to provide some guidance for when you are ready to move on to the next model.

We will provide you with some options, but it’s important to realize the difference between transferring your settings and transferring your data. After migrating data (files) only you will need to reinstall all the apps.

1. Back up your data

You can back up content, data, and settings from your phone to your Google Account. You can even set up your device to automatically back up your files.

Open your device's Settings app.
Select Google And then Backup.
Tip: If this is your first time, turn on Backup by Google One and follow the on-screen instructions.

Tap Back up now.
Please keep in mind that your Google One backup can take up to 24 hours. When your data is saved, “On” will be showing below the data types you selected.

2. Transfer your data

Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive can be used to transfer data between two Android smartphones. You need to upload the files to the cloud storage service from one device and then download them on to the other device.

Alternatively, f you'd rather use a method that doesn't require an internet connection and your model supports it, you can try using a microSD card. Insert an extra card into your phone and then copy your files to the card with the My Files app.

Some manufacturers provide special methods to transfer data between their models. For example, Samsung allows you to use Smart Switch to transfer contacts, photos, messages, and other types of files, and Xiaomi has introduced the Mi Mover App to transfer data from any phone to a Xiaomi model.

Or you can transfer using short range connections. There are a few different methods to do this, but they are usually limited to data and will not transfer settings between phones of different manufacturers.

You can use Bluetooth to transfer data between two Android smartphones. To do this, enable Bluetooth on both smartphones, pair them, and then select the files you want to transfer.
If both smartphones support NFC (Near Field Communication), you can transfer data by holding them close to each other. This method is faster than Bluetooth, but both devices need to be very close to each other.
Wi-Fi Direct also allows you to transfer data between two Android smartphones without the need for an internet connection. You need to enable Wi-Fi Direct on both smartphones and then select the files you want to transfer.
3. Check your new phone is up-to-date

Install all updates on your new device and check if everything still works. There may be differences in how your new make and model phone works because of a difference in OS and the level of customization by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). First make sure you have the latest updates installed. For most phones it works like this: Under About phone or About device you can tap on Software updates to check if there are new updates available for your device.

Then use your new phone for a day or so. This way you should find any flaws that came with the migration and you may be able to correct them with your old phone still functional.

4. Erase your device

Once you are satisfied everything is working as it should, it's time to safely retire your old phone.

To remove all data from your Android device, you can reset your device to factory settings. Factory resets are also called formatting or hard resets. As the name implies, this will restore the device back to the state it was in when it left the factory. The process is easy enough, but it can't be reversed. So, make sure you have everything important backed up first. On most phones, you can reset your phone through the settings app. If you can't find the option in your phone's settings app, you can try factory resetting your phone using its power and volume buttons. We recommend checking your manufacturer's support site for device-specific instructions.

Once you have created a backup and removed all the data from your device, it is now safe to hand it down, sell it on, or have it recycled. There are plenty of nonprofit organizations and local communities that offer options to help you recycle old electronics.

If you don’t feel like giving them away for free, Amazon offers gift cards for just about any kind of electronics device. And many other companies will give you store credit for your old devices, no matter where you bought them.

Remember we are just one call away!!
(818)478-2222 www.lapc.me

10/12/2023

https://try.malwarebytes.com/everyone-is-

Dive into the new Malwarebytes report for insights on protecting yourself online.

10/03/2023

TikTok flooded with fake celebrity n**e photo Temu referrals

Sites and apps frequently gamify their products and experiences to grow their user base. It’s a relatively easy way to have their customers become more involved thanks to whatever incentives may be on offer. A game here, a rewards program there, and everyone is happy.

Well, almost everyone. If scammers insert themselves into the process then it may not all be plain sailing. Unfortunately, Bleeping Computer is reporting a wave of dubious Temu referral scams pretending to offer up salacious leaks of private celebrity photos.

These scams are being posted to video platform TikTok, where high visibility and the desire for good deals runs the risk of making these fake ads go viral.

Temu, in operation since 2022, is known for offering a wide selection of goods at cheap prices. The site makes use of a rewards system, where users can generate referral numbers and send them to friends and family. The referral links are frequently shared in places like Facebook groups, which offer a combination of discounts. Mobile games tied to the referral process can often increase the discounts still further. This feedback loop of gaming and rewards is quite the successful combination in most instances.

So far, so good. Where this goes horribly wrong is a nasty wave of spam cluttering TikTok with the promise of fake celebrity n**es taking up space on the social network. Using the tagline “If you search it up, be prepared” along with common hashtags like “ , , ”, a variety of photos of celebrities are overlaid with text saying things like “I thought she was innocent”. It’s all very sleazy, tricking the viewer to install the Temu app and enter the referral number to see the supposedly leaked images.

But these images don’t exist, it’s just the main bait for the scam. As we’ve seen in the past, leaked photographs and celebrity deepfakes are a potent mix and guaranteed to drive clicks, traffic, or installations. Bleeping Computer cites Jenna Ortega, Brooke Monk, Hailie Deegan, and Olivia Rodrigo as just some of the celebrities used for this scam campaign.

The only good thing we can really say here is that the links don’t lead to phishing or malware. So far, it’s “just” scammers racking up store credit. However this is still a big problem for many reasons, not least of which for Temu which is faced with the possibility of people gaming its system.

Bogus celebrity n**e promos posted to TikTok aren't good for the platform or the users, and both services will have to try and take these fraudsters to task. Meanwhile, users can also do their bit and report any such videos they spot on their feeds. Nobody is posting genuinely leaked imagery to TikTok, and most definitely not for the purposes of store credit.

The promise of fake stolen imagery is one of the oldest tactics in the book, and yet remains a very effective resource in the scammer’s toolkit. Whether you hear about such a thing by email or social media, our advice is to steer clear. Apart from it being incredibly distasteful and quite possibly illegal depending on where you reside, you run a major risk of falling victim to a more serious form of scam.

Is a quick clickthrough for store credit or some other reward really worth putting your system at risk? We’d suggest that the answer is most definitely a resounding no.

09/26/2023

INVOLVED IN A DATA BREACH?

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you've received a message from a company saying your data has been caught up in a breach, you might be unsure what to do next. We've put together some tips which should help you when the (more or less) inevitable happens.

1. Check the company’s advice

Every breach is different, so check the company's official channels to find out what's happened and what data has been breached. Organizations often put out a rolling statement on their website, blog, or X (Twitter). Follow any specific advice they offer first, and keep an eye out for any further communications.

2. Change your password

If your password has been caught up in a breach, you should immediately change it. If you've used the same password on another site or service then you also need to change that. Cybercriminals will often try one password on multiple sites because they know people reuse them, so make sure you use a different password for every single site you have an account on. If you don't already use one, it's worth considering a password manager, which will generate and store passwords for you so you don't have to remember them all in your head.

3. Enable multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security when logging in to your online accounts, and stops anyone from logging in with just your password. One of the most common ways of adding MFA to your online accounts is with an app—such as Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator—which generates a code that you enter into the site you're logging into. You can also use SMS MFA, where you are sent a code via text that you then enter into the website, or a hardware key such as a YubiKey which you plug into your computer.

It's worth bearing in mind that a code can be phished as easily as a password so code-based MFA can't protect you from phishing, but it's still much better to have it turned on than not use it at all. Remember to never give an MFA code to anyone else, even if they pressure you into revealing it.

4. Freeze your credit report

If you're in the US, a credit freeze stops new creditors and potential thieves from accessing your credit report. Credit freezes must be set (and removed) at each of the three bureaus.

5. Set up credit monitoring

Credit monitoring tracks your credit report and borrowing behavior and alerts you if anything changes. A breached company may offer this as a service to you, but you can also get different levels of monitoring solutions, depending on your individual need.

6. Watch out for scammers

Scammers often try to take advantage of data breaches. They know that the breached company is likely to be contacting victims, and that the victims will be looking out for emails from the company. It's easy to spoof an email to make it look like it comes from somewhere else, and then send someone malware or a link to a phishing site.

We suggest you monitor the company's website for information about the breach and be very sceptical of messages that appear to come from that company. All the usual advice applies: Look for inconsistencies, odd email addresses, and strange links, and watch out for the two major red flags: urgency and a request for money or personal information.

09/20/2023

UPGRATING YOUR IPHONE? READ THIS FIRST

Apple's Wonderlust event on Tuesday saw the launch of the company's top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max with a titanium chassis and an improved telephoto camera, as well as other iPhone 15 models and new Apple Watches.

Also this week, Apple was reportedly banned from selling the iPhone 12 in France because the device's Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is above the legal limit. France's National Frequency Agency (ANFR) stated the model emits more than the permitted electromagnetic waves, and the company must stop selling the device, starting immediately.

All this news may have caused people to entertain the thought of trading in their old devices for a new iPhone. If you are one of them, we have a few tips for you.

What to do while you still have the old one:

1. Transfer your data

You can use Quick Start to transfer information from your old device to your new device. But if you don’t have the new device yet, you can use iCloud to store your data.

Go to Settings > General.
Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset [Device].
Under Prepare for New [Device], tap Get Started.
If you see iCloud Backup is Turned Off, tap Turn On Backup to Transfer.
If you don't have enough iCloud storage, you'll see a message that says you're eligible to get free extra iCloud storage. Tap Continue.
Wait for the backup to complete. You have 21 days to restore your temporary backup to your new iPhone or iPad before your temporary iCloud storage expires and your backup is permanently deleted. Do not erase your current iPhone or iPad until you restore your temporary backup to your new device.
Once you have your new iPhone:

Turn on your new iPhone and follow the onscreen steps to begin setup.
On the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup.
Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and password.
Choose your most recent iCloud backup.
Wait for the restore to complete.
2. Unpair your linked devices

Make sure you unpair devices like Apple Watch and headphones.

3. Transfer your MFA apps

A step which is easily forgotten but very very important is making sure you transfer your account verification apps, like Okta, Google Authenticator, Microsoft 2FA, Authy, etc.) These instructions can differ per app and are almost never transferred to your new device without requiring additional actions.

4. Sign out of important apps

Sign out of iCloud and the App Store on your old device.

As Thomas Reed, Director of Core Technology at Malwarebytes and renowned Apple security expert puts it:

“I recommend users take a few minutes to disconnect from services like iCloud/Apple ID and transfer 2FA. It is much easier to remove a device from your account while you still have it in your possession.”
Should you forget to do this before wiping or giving away your device, that is no reason for panic. You can use the “Find My” app to remotely erase the device and then remove it from your account.

5. Remove the phone as a trusted device

“Once you've added your new phone (and maybe once you’ve added another backup option such as personal email or home phone), make sure to remove your old phone as a trusted device. Go to Settings and click on your name. If you click on each device listed, there is a small disclaimer at the bottom of the screen that says “This device is trusted and can receive Apple ID verification code.” Simply tap Remove from Account for your old item.”
6. Wipe the old phone

When you’re ready to finally say goodbye to your old iPhone, go to Settings and tap General > Transfer or Reset [device] > Erase All Content and Settings. When asked for your device passcode or Restrictions passcode, enter it. Then tap Erase [device]. If you're doing an in-store trade-in at Apple, they will help you with this.

If you're not trading in but are ready to get rid of your phone, it's worth reading our guide on how to dispose of your old devices safely.

7. Protect your new iPhone

Malwarebytes for iOS helps protect you from scams: It flags and/or blocks robocalls, and detects fake texts, phishy links, malicious sites, and ad trackers. It also now includes a full-featured VPN to help keep your connections private, no matter where you are. Try downloading Malwarebytes for iOS today.

09/07/2023