Personal Information Is Like Money

Value it and Protect it.

Your mobile devices which include smartphones, laptops and tablets are always within reach everywhere that you go, whether for work, travel or entertainment. These devices make it easy to connect to the world around you, but they can also pack a ton of information about you and work. It’s important to use your mobile devices safely, consider the following security tips for all your mobile devices.

Secure your devices Use strong passwords, passcodes or touch ID features to lock your devices. These security measures can help protect your information if your devices are lost or stolen and keep those prying eyes out.

Think before you app Information about you, such as the games you like to play, your contact list, where you shop and your location has value. Be thoughtful about who gets the information and how it is collected through apps.

Now you see me, now you don’t Some stores and other locations look for devices with WiFi or Bluetooth turned on to track your movements while your in range. Disable WiFi and Bluetooth when not in use.

Get savvy about WiFi hotspots Public wireless networks and hotspots are not secure, which means that anyone could potentially see what you are doing on your mobile device while you are connected. Limit what you do on public WiFi and avoid logging in to key accounts like email and financial services on these networks. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) or a personal secure connection on the go.

Keep your device up to date Your mobile devices are just as vulnerable as your PC. Having the most up-to-date security software, web browser, operating system and apps is the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats.

Delete when done Many of us download apps for specific purposes and then they are no longer useful or interesting to us. It’s a good practice to delete all apps you no longer use.

Remember personal information is like money. Value it. Protect it.

This IT Security Tip is brought to you by BlackBox Connections.

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Tips to avoid Ransomware

Here is the run down on Ransomware and what you need to know to stay safe from it.

Ransomware will encrypt your hard disk, lock you out and demand a fee to be paid in exchange for the decryption key. Ransomware is working and growing as cyber criminals are being paid out more and more.

On February 5th a Los Angels medical center was held ransom for 40 bitcoins (~$17,000 USD). Days past as IT professionals tried and failed to unlock the medical records. The administrators determined the best way to get their data back was to pay the ransom. Read the Letter from the President here.

As with other attacks, you can work to avoid Ransomware. Experts advise taking these steps to avoid attacks or protect yourself after an attack:

Back up often. the ability to restore quickly undermines the attack.

Reputable antivirus software and firewall. Business class firewalls and security software minimize exposure.

Block popups. Popups are a prime tactic used by the bad guys, so simply avoid even accidentally clicking on an infected popup.

Exercise caution. Don’t click on links inside emails, and avoid suspicious websites. If your PC does come under attack, use another computer to research details about the type of attack. But be aware that the bad guys are devious enough to create fake sites, perhaps touting their own fake antivirus software or their de-encryption program.

Disconnect from the Internet. If you receive a Ransomware note, disconnect from the Internet so your personal data isn’t transmitted back to the criminals.

Alert authorities. Ransomware is a serious form of extortion.

“Locky” Ransomware is the newest Ransomware variation. This virus comes in as a MS Word attachment in an e-mail that claims to be delivering an invoice (with a subject line that includes an apparently random invoice number starting with the letter J). If Macro’s are on virus installs if Macros are off you will see a warning. For more details about this virus you check out this article:

This IT Security Tech Tip brought to you by BlackBox Connections.

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Fraud and Phishing Scams During Tax Season

With tax season upon us there is an increase in fraud and phishing scams. The CRA has issued a warning that email, text and phone scams are making the rounds.

Knowing how to recognize a fraud and phishing scam is important to protect yourself. Everyday there seems to be newly invented types to get your money or personal information. The CRA has some detailed samples of fraud and phishing scams posted on their website. They have posted samples of the most popular ones and provide guidelines on protecting yourself.

The samples of the email scams all look very real and the one sample in particular that we have found to be popular this month is sample #15 below:

Sample #15

From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2012 5:23 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: INTERAC e-Transfer from Canada Revenue Agency System

Dear customer,

Canada Revenue Agency has sent you an INTERAC e-Transfer\

(previously INTERAC Email Money Transfer).

Amount: $120.00 (CAD)

Sender’s Message: A message was not provided

Expiry Date: 25 June 2012

Action Required:
To deposit your money, click here:
(web link)

Trouble with the link? Type it into your web browser address bar.

Need help?
(web link)
——————————————————————————-
What is an INTERAC e-Transfer? (previously INTERAC Email Money Transfer). If you use online or mobile banking at a participating financial institution, you can send and receive money quickly and easily.

Email or text messages carry the notice while the financial institutions securely transfer the money using existing payment networks. If your financial institution does not yet offer INTERAC e-Transfer, you can still deposit transfers to any bank account in Canada.
Click (web link) for details.
——————————————————————————-
Pour voir les détails du virement en français, cliquez sur le lien ci-dessous :
(web link)

‘Rule of Thumb’ – when something looks suspicious, never to click on the link or open the attachment provided. Delete the email immediately.

This IT Security Tip is brought to you by BlackBox Connections.

Keep safe out there!

Windows 10 Spying?

Despite what you may have read, Windows 10 is not spying on everything you do. However, Windows 10 could potentially collect a ton of data about you and figure out your computer patterns. That’s due largely to Cortana, Win10’s built-in personal digital assistant, which collects such information to better serve you. But Windows 10 also collects information to make other aspects of your computing experience more personal. The good news is if this data collection has you worried you can due diligently go through your privacy settings and turn them off. A good way to determine whether a specific privacy setting needs to be turned off is to ask yourself is there a risk in having this setting on or ask (Us!).

This IT Security Tip brought to you by BlackBox Connections.

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