New Year = Same Stuff

   It's a new year, but the same kind of online problems we've seen over the past few years are still here and are more prevalent than ever.

   Here's a great video about this issue by Media Pro:
Don't Let Malware Spoil the Fun from MediaPro on Vimeo. (I can't embed the video here, but do click on the link to view it.)

   The video reminds us that malware can, unfortunately, be found in many places including:

• insecure websites
• email attachments
• browser add-ons
• USB sticks
• PDF files

   In additional to slowing down your system and causing it to not operate correctly, many kinds of malware try to grab your personal or work information.

   As we discussed here recently, your home computer defense toolkit should include:

• anti-malware software
• automatic updates

   But software tools are not enough.  You need to take action to protect your data and your computer:  Remember:

1. You didn't win!...If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't true.
2. Be careful with attachments, unknown programs, or files from USB sticks.
3. Keep your software up to date.

   Let's do what we can to keep ourselves, our data (and our patients', customers' and clients' data) and our computers safe in 2016!

Heartbleedbreaker

   Well, I had no intention of talking about this topic!  But there is so much confusion and misinformation out there.  And the mainstream media is really having a field day.

   So I'm jumping in with some facts, a few opinions, and some action steps that you be taking now.

   First we'll look at the consumer/user side of things.  Then the organization side.  Finally, I'll talk a bit more about what this is and what this isn't.

   If you use the Internet and enter any personal or financial information on any website, then you might be effected by this issue. To find out, follow these steps: