Digital Handyman, Inc

06/07/2018

https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/current-activity/2018/06/07/Adobe-Releases-Security-Updates-Flash-Player

Adobe has released security updates to address vulnerabilities in Flash Player. A remote attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities to take control of an affected system.NCCIC encourages users and administrators to review Adobe Security Bulletin APSB18-19 and apply the necessary updates.

04/11/2018

Newsweek reported today that Apple's latest iOS update 11.3 is bricking iPhones that have the screen replaced by a third party repair shop. If you have had your screen replaced by anyone other than Apple, do not install 11.3 until the issue is further clarified.

01/06/2018

Are your devices vulnerable to “Meltdown” and “Spectre” chip flaws?

Yes, they are.

Here’s what you can do protect your data.
Meltdown and Spectre, two chip vulnerabilities announced earlier this week, impact virtually every processor chip currently in use. In a nutshell the two bugs could allow a malicious program to access data (i.e. passwords, documents, pictures) stored in memory by other running programs. Thankfully there are currently no known exploits. The Meltdown flaw impacts every Intel processor made since 1995. If we don our rose-colored glasses, there are a couple of things working in our favor: 1) It took researchers (folks at Cyberus Technologies, Google and Graz University) 23 years to discover this flaw without a single malcontent figuring it out first – that’s a good thing. 2) The bugs were discovered about a month before the news got out so developers at Microsoft, Apple, Google etc. have had time to work on patches.
This week Microsoft released emergency updates to address Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities in Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 operating systems (Windows 7 updates will be released next Tuesday). However, Microsoft reports that the updates are not compatible with some antivirus programs and as a result, the updates may not install automatically. You can check your update history by typing “windows update” (no quotes) in the search bar in the lower left corner and clicking “View your update history”. Look for any of the following updates: KB4056888, KB4056890, KB4056891, KB4056892, and KB405689. Updates will vary depending on your OS version and processor type. If you don't see the referenced updates, click update now.
Apple reports that all iOS and Mac systems are vulnerable to Meltdown and Spectre, and that it has already released “mitigations” in iOS 11.2, macOS 10.13.2, and tvOS 11.2 to help defend against Meltdown. The Apple Watch is not affected.
Google has already released patches for devices running its Android operating system.

11/27/2017

Mesh networks are a great way to ensure seamless WiFi coverage throughout your house. Here is an awesome Cyber Monday deal on the Netgear Orbi:

FAST WHOLE HOME SYSTEM Bring fast, secure, and reliable internet to your entire family with the NETGEAR Orbi Home WiFi System. No more WiFi boosters or extenders necessary. The Orbi WiFi Router and Satellite Wall Plug In extend high performance WiFi to your property from the basement to the backy...

11/21/2017

If you or someone you know lost money from a scam which required you to transfer funds via Western Union, you may be eligible for compensation as a result of a $586 million dollar settlement program set up by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Individuals who paid scammers via Western Union’s money transfer system between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017 can now file a claim to get their money back by going to FTC.gov/WU before February 12, 2018.

Submit a claim now

11/08/2017

I am getting calls from people with verizon.net email addresses that are unable to send email via email clients such as Outlook. The issue stems from the further integration of Verizon and AOL mail services (Verizon bought AOL). If you are suddenly unable to send mail, change the outgoing mail server from smtp.verizon.net to smtp.aol.com in you mail client. This send issue is only impacting some users - if you are still able to send email, do not change the outgoing mail server.

10/12/2017

Microsoft has released updates to address at least 62 vulnerabilities in Windows, Office and other Microsoft software. 28 of the vulnerabilities are “critical” which means malware or hackers can exploit the weakness to remotely access the computer without any assistance from the user. Make sure to click “install updates and shutdown” when shutting down your computer tonight.

09/12/2017

Buying a new iPhone soon? Here is how you securely erase all your data from your old device:

Go to the Settings menu and sign out of your Apple accounts (scroll down to the bottom of the Apple ID page). Then, go to General > Reset and tap “Erase All Content And Settings” to bring it back to factory new.

08/29/2017

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued an alert Monday urging consumers to be on the lookout for a potential surge in charity scams. The FTC warns consumers not to assume that a charity message posted on social media is a legitimate, and urges folks to research the organization before donating by visiting charity evaluation sites such as Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. The agency also reminds people who wish to donate via text message to confirm the number with the source before you donate.

08/14/2017

Disney apps allegedly tracking children's location and web habits:

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2017/08/09/disney-apps-spying-on-children-lawsuit-claims.html

The Walt Disney Company has been slapped with a lawsuit claiming that more than 40 of its smartphone apps are illegally spying on children.