ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT
AVOID GETTING HACKED I got hacked while on vacation — got virus … malware …who knows what else! When I returned home, my computer geek friend had to restore both my PC and smartphone to factory settings and I had to change all my passwords plus get a new credit card. I lost a lot of photos and other files too. What can I do to avoid this in the future? Mark, SCG (love our community!) Dear Mark, You did not mention if you were away from your devices for any length of time, misplaced or left them alone, or if you used free wi-fi in airports, hotels, or other establishments—but for your future trips and vacations here are some valuable suggestions.
cafe has a password to access their free network, that password is given out to everyone, so it’s not much safer than having no password at all.
Each time you connect to free hotspots (coffee shops, cafes, airports, hotels, etc.), you risk getting hacked and having your personal information n Avoid using public compromised because data computers in hotels, business centers, corporate from your devices sent over a public network is not lounges, libraries, etc. encrypted. Anyone on that because there is always a possibility that cyber crooks network—with just a few simple software tools—could and hackers could have easily spy on your data. They secretly installed software could capture your username to capture whatever you and password or take over typed, such as passwords, an open session (called pin numbers, etc. If you “session hijacking”) that you do choose to utilize these have with an online service facilities for just browsing the Internet, remember to like email or social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). log out of the browser as Hackers can steal browser well as the computer and cookies, pretend to be you restart it before leaving. on these sites, and then find Using public printers for your login and password sensitive information is also a no-no because these information stored inside the cookie. It could get even devices could also be worse if you reuse the same compromised by hackers. password for multiple sites. n Avoid connecting your n If you use a device in a own device to public Wipublic area, make sure your Fi, especially at hotels and device 1) is not set up to airports. You may think automatically connect you are joining the airport to WiFi networks other or hotel network, but in than your home or work fact it could be a fake or 2) is set to the option network (referred to as a to ask before connecting “honeypot”) set up by cyber automatically. Better to use crooks nearby trying to your smartphone’s cellular access your personal data. connection by creating a These honeypots are easy personal hotspot for your to set up without much laptop but be advised the special equipment—it time usage does count could be done just using towards your mobile phone a laptop or phone. Also, just because the hotel or minutes and possible
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Connect only to websites with HTTPS connections even if you are using a VPN (virtual private network) because they are then secure on both ends. For further safety, use twofactor authentication for websites and apps when offered, which requires both a password and a secondary code that changes regularly. Disable file sharing so that access to files or your laptop cannot be seen on public or guest networks. For PC or Android, go to Control Panel> Sharing Center to turn off file and printer sharing and network discovery. Then save changes. On a Mac, go to Systems Preferences>Advanced Settings and uncheck File Sharing. Lock your smart phone and computer when not in use or when the device is away from you (hotel room, locker, B & B). To access your devices, create a pin (4 to 6 digits), password, code, pattern, or biometric logon (facial scan or fingerprint). Then, if you leave your device unattended, no one can easily get in and access your information. Before you misplace or lose any of your digital items, set up and utilize the “Find My Phone/Tablet/iPad”
View the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www.grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view. Special thanks to Jack & Rhonda Heinricher for sharing this photo of Sami Teri, age 12. In 2009, Rhonda and her sister were looking for their grandfather’s grave and came upon a very tiny starving kitten. They looked for its litter and then for a nokill shelter, with no luck … or perhaps WITH luck because Rhonda decided to bring the kitten home to Arizona. Jack and Rhonda are still in love with this adorable tortoise kitty named “Sami Teri” because it sounds a bit like where she found her!
service on your device. This not only locates your device but can wipe all of your data— hopefully you back up your data regularly. In addition, purchase some trackers (Tiles, Air Tags, Smart Things, etc.) to help locate missing items in addition to your PC or phone-like keys, wallet, luggage, purses, thumb drives, etc). These simple tips will help to keep you safe and your data more secure.
Grand Lifestyles | September 2021 | suncitygrand.com
