Memorable Passwords, Phishing, and Troubleshooting
When Troubleshooting, Don’t Overthink It
If your computer is acting erratically, try basic troubleshooting first. This could include powering the machine down, then back up, closing windows and quitting programs. Also, don’t forget about external devices, as sometimes disconnecting these can resolve the issue. Try disconnecting the keyboard, mouse, track pad, etc. to see if the issue persists. Often, these devices get dirty or sticky because of food or drink being consumed around the electronics, which can cause problems.
Ransomware, Phishing and Links
93% or more of phishing attacks are now ransomware attacks. Phishing is when you receive an email that looks legitimate, so you unwittingly click a link and give over your personal information. Ransomware is when hackers hold your data hostage for a monetary ransom. Remember: the best way to avoid being attacked is to not click any suspicious links in your email. Hackers can create links in an email that appear to be authentic, but when you hover your mouse over the link, you can see that the actual link is illegitimate. Use this hover tip instead of clicking and you may save yourself from infecting your computer.
Creating Safe, Memorable Passwords
If you’ve been using the same password for a decade, it’s time to switch it up. Using the same password across all sites and for a long period of time drastically increases your chances of being hacked. When it comes to strong passwords, the magic number for length is 15+ characters, and 12 characters is the minimum. One good way to keep your passwords complex and easy to remember is to turn catchy phrases or series of words into passwords. Also, it’s good to remember to add punctuation and different numbers and symbols in place of letters to make truly strong passwords. And try using special characters by surrounding your word in them like ^this^ or like #this#. The more numbers and special characters, the better!
If you have any questions about these tips, or anything else related to your technology, please don’t hesitate to call us at 970.373.5428 or contact us today.
September 2017 Edition