New Year, Don't Click!

   Well, it's a new year and, as we've discussed in the past, the more things change the more they stay the same.

   My advice for 2017... Don't Click!

   Of course, that's easier said than done.  We've discussed phishing and malicious email here, here and here.

   But on a more practical note, and because I like things that come in 3's, here's some info from the way-back machine... it's advice from Brian Krebs from 2011.  It is his 3 basic rules for online safety.  They are every bit as relevant now as when this was first published.  And it was relevant for years before that.

   The 3 rules are:

1. If you didn’t go looking for it, don’t install it - this means when you get a pop-up asking you to install some software... don't click!  Only install software that you look for and intend to use.  And, wherever possible, install from reputable websites.  Do your research.
2. If you installed it, update it - After you install the software you want, you need to keep it up to date.  This is not trivial, but I like using Secunia PSI (Personal Software Inspector) on my home systems for keeping software up to date.
3. If you no longer need it, remove it - software will have vulnerabilities.  The less software you have, the fewer opportunities there are for vulnerabilities and malware.  This is especially true on your smartphone and tablet, where excess software really slows the performance of the device.

   Here's to a safe and secure 2017!

Online Self-Defense - Don't Phall for Phishing!

   It's Cyber Security Month!  And the more things change, the more they stay the same.  The key advice for online self-defense I've given in the past is just as true now.  So to help us all celebrate, I'm "re-featuring" a few articles I've run in the past.

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   I said in part 1 that this would be a 3 part series, because everything comes in 3's.  Well... it's still Cyber Security Month and I would be remiss if I didn't write about phishing.  So we'll just call this part 4 of 3!  Here are parts 1, 2 and 3.

   As you probably know, phishing refers to an attempt to fraudulently get your personal information by masquerading as a trusted source. Examples include: a fake email that looks like it came from your bank; a fake fraud warning message that looks like it came from your credit card company, or; a distress message that looks like it came from a "friend" asking for money.

Online Self Defense - Don't Click!

   This week I'm presenting at the Cyber Security Summit in Minneapolis.  I hope to see you there!

   It's Cyber Security Month!  And the more things change, the more they stay the same.  The key advice for online self-defense I've given in the past is just as true now.  So to help us all celebrate, I'm "re-featuring" a few articles I've run in the past.

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   This is the third post in my series on Online Self-Defense.  We've covered malware and passwords, two key issues effecting your online privacy and security.  If you've tried the simple tips I gave on those two subjects then you are now safer than most web surfers.

   Now, to keep you and your computer safe... don't click on that link!

Online Self-Defense - Part 4 of 3 - Don't Phall for Phishing!

   I said in part 1 that this would be a 3 part series, because everything comes in 3's.  Well... it's still Cyber Security Month and I would be remiss if I didn't write about phishing.  So we'll just call this part 4 of 3!  Here are parts 1, 2 and 3.

   As you probably know, phishing refers to an attempt to fraudulently get your personal information by masquerading as a trusted source. Examples include: a fake email that looks like it came from your bank; a fake fraud warning message that looks like it came from your credit card company, or; a distress message that looks like it came from a "friend" asking for money.

Online Self Defense - Part 3 - Don't Click!

   This is the third post in my series on Online Self-Defense.  We've covered malware and passwords, two key issues effecting your online privacy and security.  If you've tried the simple tips I gave on those two subjects then you are now safer than most web surfers.

   Now, to keep you and your computer safe... don't click on that link!