Updated Blog Jan 2018

A belated Happy new year to all of you, let’s hope it’s a happy & healthy one.

Security

As you know just from watching the news, listening to the radio or reading a paper security is paramount to being safe online. If you are running anything less than Windows 10 now is the time to upgrade. All the security is being placed into Windows 10 and I now remove less problems than ever due to Windows 10 and everything that works within it. I maybe able to upgrade your older computer to Windows 10, if in doubt please call me.

It is also important that your device is running the latest update. If it is failing to update to the latest version it may need looking at to achieve this.

Ensure you have a green tick in Windows defender, and should you be running any other protection make sure it is up to date as it will be useless is it’s not.

The phone calls

Should you be unlucky enough to have a phone call from anyone portraying to be from Microsoft, Apple, BT, Talk Talk, Plus net, Sky or ANY other provider saying they.

·        Owe you money due to a bad service

·        You have issues with your computer

·        Your email service is ending

·        Your bank card has been cloned

·        You have a virus

Or ANY other discussion, it will be a SCAM. No matter how real these people sound it is a SCAM, please do not give them any information in any way.
Don’t feel you are being rude by hanging up on them.

Backing up

The phrase ‘backing up’ can bring dread and fear in to people minds, but it shouldn’t, and it should be part of the routine of computer ownership if you value your information. I now offer backing up as an individual call out complete with a back up device to get you started and hopefully for you to continue.

Your backing up is important due to potential problems below and many more

 

·        A power cut can destroy your data

·        A power surge can destroy your data

·        A split cut of coffee or alike can destroy your data

·        A dropped laptop can destroy your data

·        A failed hard drive can destroy your data

·        A virus can destroy your data

For those of you lucky enough to have a SSD in your computer you will no doubt be enjoying the amazing speed these deliver. However, backing up is even more important than a standard drive as with a SSD it will either work or it won’t, there is no time for retrieval.

What happens to my data within your office

Unless told otherwise I assume that you have no data backup. Your data is double backed up into two different systems here in my office. In case of any failure I can always get to one. Your data is then shredded 9 times and free space placed where it was. So, if you want a back up done when I have your computer it’s the best time to ask me.

My availability and Office details.

I have two available numbers, both of which lead to the same destination so please only leave one message on one number and please remember to leave your name and contact number even if I dealt with you before.

I am usually out seeing clients during the day and when I am with them my phone is off or on silent. I will attempt to reply in between calls or when I return to my office.

A txt or an email is always a good way to get hold of me as well but please note, I do not diagnose computer problems via email or txt messages, but you can book appointments this way.

My office is being updated with even more security for everyone’s benefit. It is soon to have a complete new camera system complete with Audio and High Def cameras, all with motion sensors. It means all my work will be recorded even more in depth than before. This offers a new level of protection for everyone.

 

I have no set office hours and try to work around you. Late nights and obscure times are of no problem, but these must be arranged with myself first.

I run an appointment system which can be as close as 9 people collecting or dropping off within a few hours, if you are late it does affect everyone that day and if you arrive and someone is already in my office can I please ask you to wait outside until I have finished, I will know you have arrived.

 

Parking outside can be an issue, where possible I will be parked out of the way and you can park direct outside. However this is not always possible so please be mindful where you park with regards to other driveways etc.

 

Look forward to seeing you and I hope you enjoy what the world of computers has to offer, it really is amazing……

Neil

 

 

 

Mobile Banking

Mobile banking – using banking apps or mobile websites on smartphones and tablets – is growing rapidly in popularity as people realise the benefits of the convenience of checking accounts, transferring money and making payments from the comfort of their armchair or whilst out and about.
The major banks invest heavily in security to make your mobile banking experience safe and secure. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are using mobile banking responsibly to protect yourself and your finances.

The Risks

• Unauthorised people – including criminals – gaining access to and using your bank accounts by finding or guessing your login details.
• Your confidential details and transactions being intercepted if the Wi-Fi you are using is not secured.
• ‘Shoulder surfing’ - people viewing what you are doing online, over your shoulder or via CCTV.
• Loss or theft of your mobile device, which could contain or provide easy access to bank accounts and confidential details.
• Being duped into visiting bogus banking websites, or downloading fake banking apps.
• Being persuaded to reveal confidential details to callers claiming to be from your bank or the police, telling you there is a problem on your account.

Safe mobile banking

• Make sure your smartphone or tablet is always protected with a PIN which is difficult to guess. Do not reveal your PIN to anybody, nor write it or store it where it can be found.
• Like online banking from a computer, choose, use and protect passwords and memorable words with great care.
• Take care not to leave your device unattended, or left or stored in an insecure place. Download a tracking app which allows you to erase your data remotely, or enable this feature if already on your device.
• Keep the banking and other apps on your device regularly updated.
• Always log out of your banking app or mobile website when you have finished using it. Closing the app or web page or turning off your device may not be sufficient.
• Do not use unsecured Wi-Fi networks for banking, purchases or checking your emails. In public places, it is very difficult to tell if a hotspot is secure or not, so it is always best not so use it. It is better to use a 3G or 4G internet connection, even if it is slower to do so.
• Take care when downloading apps: make sure that they are from an authorised store and check reviews and recommendations. There are thousands of malicious banking apps circulating, especially for Android devices, even downloadable from official app stores.
• Download, use and keep updated one of the many reputable internet security apps for your device.
• Check your device’s security settings to ensure maximum protection.
• Check that your bank's mobile app has been validated for its security. Look on their website for their own published statement on how they have done this. Alternatively, check other app users’ views by searching online.
• Read your bank's terms and conditions for mobile banking. Be sure you know what your responsibilities are, and those of your bank.
• On the app, find and use the option for a text message to be sent every time a transaction occurs on your account. This will notify you of fraudulent transactions as soon as they happen.
• Beware of emails, texts or phone calls claiming to be from your bank or the police claiming there is a problem with your account and requesting your login or other confidential details. Your bank or other authentic organisation would never request these details.

If you are the victim of an actual or attempted fraud

• Contact your bank immediately
• Report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre by calling 0300 123 20 40 or by visiting  www.actionfraud.police.uk

 All above txt is from getsafeonline.org

Regards

Neil Bevis

Wireless networks & Hotspots

Wireless networks have revolutionised the way we can use computers and mobile devices, both in the home and office – and when we are out and about. Home and office wireless networks make it easier to use the internet and send and receive email in any room in the building and even outside... and enable visitors to do likewise. ‘Public’ wireless networks or hotspots mean that we can do the same in places like cafés, hotels and pubs. And plug-in mobile broadband devices, or 'dongles,' provide even more flexibility, allowing you to work online where there is cellular 3G or 4G coverage.

Home/office/mobile and public Wifi (as wireless connections are commonly known), use the same technology (802.11). There are some common potential issues, whilst each has its own particular risks. You can protect yourself easily with a few simple precautions.
Home/Office Wireless Networks
The Risks
If your wireless hub/router/dongle is not secured, other people can easily gain access to it if they are within range. This can result in unauthorised people doing the following:

Taking up your bandwidth – affecting the online speed of your own computers and other devices.

Using your download allowance, for which you have paid your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Downloading inappropriate material, which would be traced to your address and not their computer.

Accessing sensitive information that you may be sending or receiving online.

Safe Wireless Networking

All of the above risks can be avoided simply by ensuring that the wireless hub/router/dongle that you wish to connect to, is secured. To check that this is the case, simply search for available wireless networks, and those that are secured will be indicated with a padlock symbol.
When you first connect a computer, smartphone, tablet, printer or any other wireless-enabled device to any wireless hub/router/dongle, you will be prompted to enter a password/key, provided the network is in secure mode. This will enable the device to connect on this occasion and normally, for future use. The password/key will be supplied with the hub/router/dongle, but you may be given the opportunity to change it to one of your own choice.
If you are setting up a new hub/router/dongle, it will probably have been supplied with security turned on as the default. There are three main encryption levels available (WEP, WPA and WPA2), WPA2 being the highest. Most hubs/routers give you the option of selecting a higher level, but remember that some older devices may not be compatible with higher levels.
If for any reason a home/office/mobile wireless hub/router/dongle you wish to connect to is not secured, consult the user manual.
Ensure you have effective and updated antivirus/antispyware software and firewall running before you connect to a wireless network.
Keep Wi-Fi codes safe so that others cannot access or use them.
Remember that the access code is usually printed on the hub/router, so take care to either remove it, or make the hub/router itself inaccessible in the event of an intrusion or people you do not know on your property.

Public WiFi
The Risks
The security risk associated with using public WiFi is that unauthorised people can intercept anything you are doing online. This could include capturing your passwords and reading private emails. This can happen if the connection between your device and the WiFi is not encrypted, or if someone creates a spoof hotspot which fools you into thinking that it is the legitimate one.
With an encrypted connection, you will be required to enter a ‘key’, which may look something like: 1A648C9FE2.
Alternatively, you may simply be prompted to log in to enable internet access. This will tell the operator that you are online in their café, hotel or pub. There is almost certainly no security through encryption.
Safe Public WiFi

• Unless you are using a secure web page, do not send or receive private information when using public WiFi.
• Wherever possible, use well-known, commercial hotspot providers such as BT OpenZone or T-Mobile.
• Businesspeople wishing to access their corporate network should use a secure, encrypted Virtual Private Network (VPN).
• Ensure you have effective and updated antivirus/antispyware software and firewall running before you use public WiFi. 

Other Advice

• Don’t leave your computer, smartphone or tablet unattended.
• Be aware of who is around you and may be watching what you are doing online.

All above txt is from getsafeonline.org

Regards

Neil Bevis

Stay safe online...

Over the next few weeks I will posting information daily helping you to stay safe online. Some of the information is from myself and others from websites ( credit will be given where due )

You use your computer or mobile device for many everyday private or confidential tasks, which is why it is essential to take precautions to protect it from viruses and spyware. One type of spyware becoming increasingly common is known as a RAT (Remote Access Trojan ), which criminals can use to access your computer or mobile device to take control of it to obtain your private information or spy on you. This is known as ratting.

RATs are usually downloaded invisibly with a program requested by you – for example a game – or sent to you as an email attachment. They can perform actions similar to legitimate software. RATs can be difficult to detect because neither do they usually show up in lists of the programs or tasks you are using, nor can you generally notice that they are affecting your device’s performance.
RATs being used to take control of webcams is becoming increasingly common, with the objective of the resulting video or images being used for blackmail or other inappropriate purposes.

The Risks

• Being spied on (including being recorded) via your own webcam. In some cases, they are designed to do so without activating the indicator light, so you are unaware that you are being watched.
• Having your online behaviour monitored (including which websites you are visiting, who you are emailing, what you are typing.
• Having your confidential information accessed – including bank account and social security details.
• Being used as part of a botnet to distribute viruses and other malware.
• Having your computer drives formatted.
• Having your files and file systems deleted, downloaded or altered.

How to Avoid Ratting

• Ensure you have effective and updated antivirus/antispyware and firewall running whenever your computer or mobile device is switched on.
• Do not be tempted to download programs or apps that are not from a trusted source, as they could contain RATs and other malware
• Download updates to your programs and apps when prompted to do so … they often include security fixes.
• Take great care about which links you click on in emails – they may be phishing.
• Take great care about opening attachments in emails, even if they seem to be from people you know.
• Avoid suspicious website and torrent downloading. Many such downloads are not only against the law but also a major gateway for this type of cyber-attack.
• Cover your webcam when not in use, whether it is a built-in or clip-on device.

All above txt is from getsafeonline.org

Regards

Neil Bevis

Feedback...

I always think that feedback from customers speaks a thousand words. So without the risk of blowing my own trumpet.......

 

 

Windows 10 Anniversary update. ( 8th August update )

UPDATE:

• Some confusion over the update and the service which I offer regarding this. The UPDATE from Microsoft if FREE, its available for you to do yourself with instructions below.

• Should you wish me to perform the upgrade for you and resolve any issues then my normal charge of time will apply.

For all of you lucky enough to have enjoyed the free upgrade to Windows 10 and to all those that have had a new pc built with Windows 10 you will have already seen the benefits that Windows 10 brings.

On a personal note I have less than half the critical virus's to deal with when a customer is using Windows 10, that in itself was a perfect reason to upgrade.

A new Anniversary update has been launched and its even easier to install and enjoy.

Simply go to:

• Settings
• Update & Security
• Click on learn more
• A new web page will open
• Click on ' Get Anniversary update ' and click RUN and then follow instructions

Pictured below

• Please ensure you have nothing else running while you do this update.
• It will take anywhere from 30 mins to 6 hours depending upon broadband speed and Pc speed.
• Note that the screen will be black for some time - do not switch off your pc.
• You should back up before you attempt this update.
• It will change various things with your start menu (a traditional one can be added)
• It includes the new Windows Defender security package.
• If you are worried about it changing things then I can offer the update as part of a standard service within my office.
• The update is available for a reason as Windows 10 was.

Regards
Neil Bevis

Debit / Credit card payments update

As of May 1st 2016 card payments can only be taken in person via Chip 'n' Pin.
I have made the decision to no longer accept payments over the phone due to a
surge in fraud. This new measure first of all protects you the customer and also protects
me.

Payments accepted are.

Cash
Bacs
Cheque
Chip 'n' Pin machine


Thank you in advance for your understanding.


Neil