Amstar Information Services

08/28/2021

Folks, I cannot stress this enough: If someone CALLS YOU and tells you your computer is infected... HANG UP. It is a SCAM --> EVERY TIME and they are looking to access your computer, and get your credit card number.

Here's how it works: Someone calls you. Maybe they say they are Microsoft or some sort of Security Company. They say they found someone has HACKED INTO YOUR COMPUTER. They make it sound as URGENT AS POSSIBLE and the only people that can help you is THEM!!!
They give you an address to go to or give you a link to download. This gives them access to YOUR COMPUTER. They access some folders on your computer that you never new existed. They show you files on your computer and tell you this is evidence of hackers accessing your computer, when, in fact, they are normal log files that appear on any computer.
They constantly tell you you need to follow their instructions NOW and you cannot wait! No time to call anyone else. They will help you for a sum of money and you need to give them your credit card right now!!!!!
It is all a lie. A lie to get access to your computer, to get you to spend several hundred dollars uselessly and perhaps have fraudulent charges on your credit card.

ANY TIME SOMEONE CALLS YOU OUT OF THE BLUE ABOUT YOUR COMPUTER - IT IS A SCAM! Never let such a person have access to your computer.

If this happens to you, you should disconnect your computer from the Internet, remove any programs they had you install and CALL YOUR PAYMENT CARD BANK to cancel the charge the scammer put on and perhaps cancel the card.

03/27/2021

A quick advisory - Apple has released a security update for all iPhones, iPads and Apple Watch. Please FORCE the update and don't wait for automatic download. There is a security vulnerability that needs to be corrected.
To force the update, use the Settings (Gear icon), --> General --> Software Update. Then CHECK FOR UPDATES. When it shows it, go ahead and download. It will take a few minutes and the device will reboot. Better safe than sorry!

08/09/2020

FACEBOOK MESSENGER “HACK”.

My sister recently received a message from a friend on Facebook Messenger. It appeared to be a forwarded video clip. Once you hit ‘play’, it asked for your Facebook Messenger password “for security reasons”. Once she put in her password, the sender (not actually her friend) had access to her Facebook account and sent the same virulent message to my sister’s friends. There is nothing to be done after you enter that password – the damage is done. All you can (and MUST) do is change your passwords.

Please, PLEASE keep in mind the following:

1. If you are in Facebook messenger, there is no reason to put in your password again.
2. Any time you are asked for a password if you are already in Facebook or FB messenger, you are giving that entity FULL ACCESS to your Facebook account. They can post as you; they can send messages as you; they can access ALL your friends AS YOU.
3. They are NOT “Hacking” your page, you are GIVING THEM YOUR PASSWORD! Think of it this way: Hacking is like a burglar that breaks into your house by picking a lock or breaking a window to gain access. It involves work on their part. Instead, you are GIVING THEM THE KEY to the front door!
4. Almost as bad are games, quizzes, videos or ANYTHING ELSE that ask for “special permission” in order for you to access content. Many times, people just allow whatever the app/ site asks for in order to see “a Really Crazy Video” or to “See Which Cat Represents You” or “What Country Should You Live In”. When you allow these accesses, you give the company that provided content access to friends, pictures, and posts, usually to target advertising.

So, please, if you get an uncharacteristic message from a friend (usually a FORWARDED message) or ANY messages from an unknown, then do not interact with it and just delete it. You will save yourself a lot of trouble.

12/29/2017

So... Looking for some New Year's resolutions? Here are a few things you can resolve to do to be techno-safe!

1. Get Virus protection on your computers. Keep it up to date!

2. BACK UP that information that you keep saying you will back up someday.

3. DON'T click on those email links from someone you don't know or are not expecting. If you do, you may WISH you had
paid more attention to resolution #2.

4. Device tracking software. If your phone/ tablet/ laptop does not come with tracking software, it is easy to find on line. I use prey project (www.preyproject.com). It is free for up to three devices (I am not paid by anyone I recommend).

5. Learn a new language. It will help open you up to new cultures and ideas (hey... it can't ALL be about tech!)

08/28/2017

It seems my only posts are related to computer security and this post will be no exception. Here is the short version…

DON’T GIVE ANYONE REMOTE ACCESS TO YOUR COMPUTER/ PHONE/ TABLET. EVER.

If you are unable or unwilling to read the rest of this post, just re-read the above sentence and you may be on your way.

Now… for the long version.

I have received more than a few calls from people being contacted by “Apple”, “Microsoft”, “Google”, etc., etc., etc… informing them that “your computer has been compromised” or “Someone has accessed your iCloud/ Google Drive/ Drop Box/ Netflix/ Hulu” or “Hackers are trying to get into your device/ account”. They then offer to scan your computer for free. They direct you to a website to get remote access. They have control of your computer and they show you files on your computer that contain IP addresses that are TRYING TO GET INTO YOUR COMPUTER!!! They may direct you to connect your phone or tablet to make sure they are not compromised. They will convince you to do something without thinking first. They do their best to scare you into immediate action.

I hope by now you know to just hang up, because if you DO give them that access, these criminals (as that is what they are) can do anything they want to your computer. Anything – including installing software to get into your computer when you leave it on, or use it as a “bot” to attack other networks, or install logging software to collect your account numbers, passwords and sensitive information. If you connect your phone for them to “check”, they will download all your contacts. THAT’S how they got YOUR number.

These people are lazy. They are not hackers. They don’t need to be. They only need to convince you that they are the GOOD guys. They have company names like Tech Service Associates or Fast Tech Support. They may have accents, or they may sound like they were born in the city where you live. They talk urgently and convince you that you need to let them help you now.

Please be assured. Microsoft will not call you about your specific computer. Nor will Apple, Google or any other legitimate company. Whoever calls you is just trying to get your information and/ or money.

What should you do if you do give access?

• Disconnect your computer from the Internet as quickly as possible. This means disconnecting the network “Ethernet” cable
or disabling the Wi-Fi connection.

• If you are running a Windows computer, run Windows System Restore. This gives you the ability to put the computer software/ settings back to a time before the access.

• Run a full anti-virus AND anti-malware scan. If you don’t have a current anti-virus program by now, I am not sure I can help you. Anti-malware is a bit different from anti-virus. The go-to for anti-malware is Malwarebytes. You can download for free at www.malwarebytes.com.

• If you still have concerns, call a professional, trusted, and preferably LOCAL tech.

Remember, if THEY call YOU to get access to your computer for an issue that you didn’t know about, the call is garbage. Hang up.

If YOU call a trusted tech support number and they direct you to give them access for a PROBLEM THAT YOU CALLED THEM FOR, then yes. Give them access so they can investigate your issue.

Think of your computer like your house. You wouldn’t give access to someone who knocks on your door, saying they are there to fix a problem with your plumbing that you didn’t know about. Don’t give them the keys to the front door of your computer.

07/25/2016

***ATTENTION ALL WINDOWS 7 and 8/ 8.1 USERS***
Friday, July 29th is the LAST DAY you will be able to upgrade your software to Windows 10 without cost.

Windows 10 is a stable, user friendly version of Windows similar to Windows 7. It is MUCH better than Windows 8/ 8.1. It has increased security features and function. I recommend an upgrade if you are a Windows user.

If you prefer Windows 7, that is fine. The "end of support" date for it is January 14, 2020. End of support for Windows 8/ 8.1 is January 10, 2023.

There may or may not be a Windows 11. Microsoft may just continue to issue upgrades to Windows 10.

So, if you plan up upgrading WITHOUT COST, do it soon or you will miss out!

07/13/2016

Yeah, that "Pokémon GO" is really fun. I get it. BUT, did you know it has FULL ACCESS you your Google account? Without notifying you? You might want to read this article:

http://www.howtogeek.com/262402/pokemon-go-is-painfully-insecure-revoke-its-access-to-your-google-account/

To say Pokémon GO is wildly popular would be a vast understatement. To say the app’s use of your Google Account is wildly insecure would also be a vast understatement. You should revoke its access to your account now. (But don’t worry, there’s a way to keep playing.)

07/12/2016

Losing Your Phone

Personal technology-wise, there is little else that can cause heart palpitations like misplacing your phone/ tablet/ laptop. So here are a few things you can do to help you get that tech back and another few things you need to do if you FIND someone else’s tech. For the sake of simplicity, I am going to use the word “phone” to mean ANY tech device, whether it be phone, tablet or other portable device with a screen.

1. Do this NOW…

First, I certainly hope you activated your phone’s initial security. Your phone should require a pass code (pin number, password, fingerprint or face-picture, etc) to access your device so that if you DO misplace it, it isn’t worth anything to someone with less than honorable intentions. Also, record your device UUID (serial number) and IMEI or MEID (electronic device IDs). These can help you identify your phone after recovery. These numbers are usually in the battery compartment – under the battery, or available in the SETTINGS on your phone.

2. Your info on the lock screen

But, of course, how will anyone that FINDS the device be able to tell it’s yours? This is rather simple and I wish that more people did it. Put some contact info ON THE LOCK SCREEN. This is a simple thing to do and will assure that anyone that finds your phone will not be searching through your personal pics, documents and contacts to try to find who you are. The lock screen on my phone has a line with my name and email address. Simple. Now, if I mislay my phone, the good Samaritan has only to look at the lock screen and send me an email. Ask your carrier (or local geek) if you don’t know how to add this information and cannot find it online.

3. Tracking software

So, how do you locate your phone if no one sends you that email. Tracking software is very common now. iPhones and related devices have “Find My iPhone”. As long as you set up your iCloud account, you should be able to track the phone, lock it so no one can use it and even erase it if you’re worried that it has fallen into the wrong hands. It can always be restored through iCloud.

If you have an Android device, you will need a third-party application. I use the Prey app from www.preyproject.com. You can use this on three devices for FREE (my favorite price – and WELL worth it in peace of mind). This app is also available the Microsoft app store for some Windows devices (but not phones). I have Prey installed on my Android Galaxy S7, my Android Note 10 tablet and my Windows 10 laptop. This app will show you a map of where the device is, assuming it works on a cellular system or is connected to the ‘net via Wi-Fi. You can also activate a tone so you can locate if it has fallen between the couch cushions. You can also lock the device. Some apps allow you to take pics remotely to see if someone has picked it up!

If you DO have a Windows phone, make sure you activate “FIND MY PHONE” in settings. Works similar to the iPhone, but I have heard it has mixed results. There are third party apps you can use here, too.

4. When YOU find a phone.

If you should find a phone left behind, there are some standards you should follow.

First, don’t jump on it TOO quickly. Owner may be at counter ordering their half-caff, white mocha with extra shot and light whip.

IF THE PHONE IS FOUND INSIDE A BUSINESS – and you are certain it has been left behind, check out the lock screen. Is their info on it? If so, use it to contact them. If not, just had the phone over to a store associate. They will probably throw it in lost and found without a second thought. Hopefully, the owner will remember and recover.

If the phone is found outside, and away from an obvious business, then go ahead and take the phone with you. If not locked, check ONLY through their contacts to see if there is someone you can notify. Be nice and DON’T start going through their personal pics and items. You wouldn’t want someone else to do that to you, would you?

Also, the owner may call. If so, I should think it would be ok to answer the phone once. Even if the caller is not the owner, they may be able to contact the owner to let them know.

Lastly, if you can determine the carrier (Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc), then take it to the store and let THEM contact the owner.

Hopefully, you will NEVER lose your phone, but if you do, a little pre-planning can make all the difference.

06/09/2016

Hey, folks. I know you like to be social and all, but do you have your phone number publicly showing on Facebook? If you do, ANYONE that has your phone number can search it on Facebook and see your page. And if your PAGE is public, then anyone can see EVERYTHING.

I may be the 'broken record', but PLEASE be careful of what you reveal on social websites. Things like your vacation plans or even just pics of where you are at currently, can show someone you are not at home and that might be an invitation to opportunistic thieves. Keep your phone number PRIVATE and please consider locking down access to your page to friends only.

And while you are at it, it wouldn't hurt to change your password once in a while.

And call your mother.

04/17/2016

Did you know...?
A cell phone that is NOT active on any cell carrier can STILL CALL 911 for emergencies.
So, put that old charged cell phone in the car glove box for backup in an emergency, OR...
Donate that old cellphone with charger to a women's center. It will be given to women that cannot afford cell service but may need to call for assistance!

04/17/2016

Buying a Used Cell Phone

New models of cell phones are coming out all the time. Manufacturers and cell companies are always thinking of ways to get you to buy the latest and greatest features.

But if you don't want to pay several hundred dollars and lock yourself into a 2-year contract with the carriers, what can you do? You can buy a used cell phone.

I am not going to tell you which type/ model/ operating system to buy. I want to go a bit more basic. There are a few things you need to know in buying a pre-owned phone.

All cell phones have an Electronic Serial Number or ESN (for simplicity, I use “ESN” even though the actual ESN format is out of date). The number will go by the initials IMEI, MEID, or ESN (for older phones) but they are all the same: a unique number to identify the phone, like a personal address. It is unique to the physical phone, NOT the SIM card and will not change if you put in a different SIM.

If the phone is stolen and the rightful owner reports it, the ESN and related phone is "Blacklisted" and cannot be activated on any carrier, rendering the phone useless. The phone can also be blacklisted for non-payment of a bill. So you want to MAKE SURE the ESN is NOT BLACKLISTED!

So when buying a phone, you need to:
1. Make sure that it was PREVIOUSLY working on the carrier of your choice. Yes, there are phones that had worked on one carrier that WILL work on another, but why take that chance?

2. Make sure the ESN is “clean” and able to be activated. Ask the seller for the ESN/ MEID/ IMEI. It can be found in the battery compartment OR via the settings of the phone. If the owner does not want to give you the ESN, pass on the phone.

3. Before you hand over the money, check the ESN to make sure phone is clean. There are several sites that can do this for you. One of them is https://swappa.com/esn

So while you may not have the LATEST phone out there, you CAN save several hundred dollars by getting one or two generations back. You may not have the absolute latest features, but you will also not break your bank account. Just make sure you get a phone you can use!