HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF “PHISHING”?
Have you responded to e-mails or text messages requesting personal information such as passwords, bank account information, credit cards, or social security numbers? Has your e-mail account been compromised or is your computer now infected with one or more viruses. If so, you have been victimized by one of the biggest Internet scams called “Phishing.”
Wikipedia defines phishing as “an attempt to acquire information (and sometimes, indirectly, money) such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Communications purporting to be from banks, popular social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors, etc. Phishing is typically carried out by e-mail spoofing or instant messaging and it often directs users to enter details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.”
Here are some tips on how to avoid phishing.
– Do not respond to any email with urgent requests for personal financial information.
– Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information.
– Do not click on any links in an email, instant message, or chat that leads to a web page if you if you do not know the sender.
– Log in to your online accounts (banks, Ebay, Amazon, retailers) regularly and check for suspicious activity.
If you think you have been a victim of phishing, be sure to:
– Notify your bank if you have given out any credit card information. Cancel your account and open up a new one.
– Report the theft to the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Corporation, and request that they place a fraud alert and a victim’s statement in your file. Request a free copy of your credit report to determine whether any new accounts were opened without your consent.
– Change your passwords to your online accounts including your e-mail account.
– Make sure your anti-virus program is up-to-date and run a scan of your computer.
If you feel you have been a victim of phishing or your computer appears to be infected with a virus, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my NEW white paper, “TIPS ON BECOMING A TRUE MOBILE WARRIOR”
LOOKING TO BUY A NEW COMPUTER? YOU MIGHT WANT TO WAIT
There are plenty of reasons for buying a new computer, especially if your current one is older, slow and in constant need of maintenance.
However, if your only reason is to get the “latest and greatest,” you might want to consider waiting. In his column in the Wall Street Journal this week, http://on.wsj.com/IBxfzr, Walter Mossberg presents his argument for waiting, unless it is absolutely necessary to replace your existing equipment.
Both Microsoft and Apple will be introducing new operating systems within the next few months, and while there might be some excellent deals available now, the preliminary news on the changes indicate that it might be worth waiting.
So, if your incentive to buy is because your existing computer has slowed down, your equipment might just need a maintenance checkup.
If you need advice on whether you should be scheduling a checkup, or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
WHAT TOOLS DO YOU NEED TO COMPETE IN THE DIGITAL AGE?
This century will clearly be remembered as The Age of Technology. Wireless technology permits us to communicate with friends, family and business associates instantaneously, regardless of location. Information is no more than a key stroke away, whether from your computer or mobile device. Skills acquired in the past century alone put you on the wrong side of the Great Digital Divide. Today’s younger generation, having grown up in the digital world, is well positioned to push baby boomers and seniors aside as they enter the job market.
How are your basic computer skills? Whether you use technology for strictly personal use or for professional purposes, you will need the right tools to take advantage of the many changes that have occurred in the worlds of communication and information gathering.
The following are some basic questions you should be asking yourself.
– Whether you use your home based computer for personal or professional purposes, are you comfortable with the software applications you are using?
– Are you able to write, format and properly file documents?
– How about sending and receiving attachments?
– Do you know what updates are important?
– Do you have an active anti-virus program?
– Do you have a backup program?
– Is your wireless network secure?
– Do you have the right cell phone provider for your location?
– Have you upgraded to a smartphone? (iPhone, Android, or blackberry)
– Are you using any cloud based services?
We are living in a mobile world. Within the next 2-3 years, over 50% of Internet access will be done through a mobile device. Are you ready?
If you or someone you know needs help crossing the “Great Digital Divide,” or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
WHY YOU NEED TO EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal http://on.wsj.com/Aqb8dW envisions “The Coming Tech-led Boom.” If the past century produced the Industrial Revolution, this century clearly will be the age of Technology.
Why? Information is no more than a click away and virtually free. Wireless technology permits us to communicate with someone anywhere in the world instantaneously. Technology has already impacted manufacturing through the introduction of automated systems.
The job market has changed radically. Companies are looking to hire innovators who are able to utilize their knowledge of technology to develop new products and services which will increase productivity. Without basic computer skills, people in career transition, either because of corporate downsizing, looking to start their own business, or re-entering the job market, will find it extremely difficult to be competitive. Skills acquired in the past century alone puts you on the wrong side of the Great Digital Divide. Today’s younger generation, having grown up in the digital world, is well positioned to push baby boomers and seniors aside as they enter the job market.
Does your technology support your efforts, either on a personal or professional level? How good are your basic computer skills? Do you know how to determine what you need to be an effective Road Warrior?
If you or someone you know needs help crossing the “Great Digital Divide,” or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
PLANNING A NEW CAREER IN THE NEW YEAR?
How long have you been thinking about a career change? Is 2012 the year you will finally act and follow your gut? Whether you are stuck in an unrewarding job or just burned out, you are not alone.
Below is a link to an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal containing portraits of several people who found a “second act” rewarding.
Do you need to brush up on your basic computer skills, require help choosing the right computer or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
HOW GOOD ARE YOUR TECHNOLOGY SKILLS?
Looking to start a new business? Are you in the job market?
Chances are that if you previously worked for a company and had an assistant, many tasks were delegated and support was just a phone call away. Whether you are starting a new venture or looking for employment, your success will depend on your basic computer skills and having a technology plan that supports your efforts.
The majority of Baby Boomers did not start their professional careers in the digital world. The way we communicate and acquire information has changed dramatically. Social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are now part of our personal and business lives. Cell phones have made us more mobile and reachable everywhere. Everyone uses Google to find people, places and things.
Set some time aside and take an inventory of your basic technology skills. Are you able to retrieve and save e-mail attachments, search through past e-mails? Are you able to type and format documents? Are you able to locate your documents? Are you able to make educated decisions about your equipment? Do you know how to use a smartphone? The list is endless.
Individuals and companies that have not embraced technology will find it very difficult to compete in today’s global and wired world.
If you feel you need to brush up on your basic computer skills or want to understand more about the world of technology, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. If you are in career transition, feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
7 KEY PASSWORD RULES
How often do you change your passwords?
More than likely, you are using a number of different passwords to access your e-mail account, bank accounts, financial institutions as well as sites like Amazon, ebay, etc. The security of your sites is predicated on the strength of your passwords as well as your ability to keep them private. Here are some simple rules to follow:
1. All passwords should be changed at least every 6 months
2. Never use names of family members, birthdays, anniversaries, or any other easily “guessed” passwords.
3. Do not use the same password for all your sites
4. While it is critical not to divulge any personal information requested in an e-mail (including your bank), it is especially important not to give out password information and respond to requests to change passwords.
5. When creating a password, it is best to use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols. Again, do not use the same password for all your accounts.
6. Do not list your passwords on a document that is stored in your computer or smartphone. Your files in your computer can easily be accessed by anyone using your computer, particularly if it is part of a network.
7. And finally, be careful whom you share password information with.
If you have any questions about passwords or any other technology issue, you can contact me at 917 921-4518 or by email at jblue@bluetutor.com.
SUMMER’S OVER, TIME TO REASSESS YOUR TECHNOLOGY NEEDS
The world of technology changes constantly. Quite a bit has happened during the past few months, and now that the summer is over, here are some important things to consider to make sure your technology supports your needs:
1. When’s the last time your computer had a checkup? Is it running slowly? Is your anti-virus program up to date?
2. Are you considering an upgrade? Are you undecided on what type of computer to purchase – Windows or MAC? Should you be considering a tablet (iPad, etc.)?
3. Is your cell phone eligible for an upgrade? Do you have a smartphone (blackberry, iphone, android) for the road? Are you sure you are using the best provider (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.) for your needs?
If you have any questions about these or any other technology issues, you can contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
If you have not already done so, you may download a copy of my FREE white paper on technology tips for setting up a home office and operating in the mobile world by clicking HERE or by going to my website at www.bluetutor.com
10 REASONS TO LOVE NETFLIX!
Do You like Movies?
1. One monthly fee ($7.99) lets you watch as many movies as you want.
2. Movies on Demand – You can watch a movie anytime you want either on your TV, computer, or smartphone (iphone, android, etc.)
3. No need to leave home.
4. No late fees
5. Large selection of movies in multiple categories Including classics that you may have missed or want to see again
6. A large library of past TV shows. You can watch multiple episodes of a series in a row
7. Cheaper than subscribing to all the premium movie channels from your cable provider
8. Can’t sleep, watch a movie.
9. You can search for a movie or TV show by category, title, or actor/actress.
10. No Commercials
If you have any questions about how to set up a Netflix account, do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (917) 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
In addition, click HERE to join my mailing list and receive my FREE whitepaper on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.