What is password protection secure?

Your at the coffee shop, some one calls your name, you turn and spill coffee on your lap.   As your rush up to get some napkins to clean your pants, a person grabs your computer and takes off with it.

Luckily you password locked it and you have a back up.  The question is what could that person do with the data that is on that laptop, because you have client records, financial information, personal documents, and other confidential information on it.

Most people believe that password protection means that their Windows computer is secure and people can not get access to your files and information, this is not necessarly true.  The reality is that easy access to your files and information is disrupted, but there are many, many different ways that people can access your information.  

On many occasions I have unlocked password protected computers, and while it takes a little while to get done, it is fairly straight forward (I always verify ownership prior to unlocking).   The only true way that you can secure your computer is through disk encryption.  

Disk encryption is defined as, 

"Disk encryption is a technology which protects information by converting it into unreadable code that cannot be deciphered easily by unauthorized people. Disk encryption uses disk encryption software or hardware to encrypt every bit of data that goes on a disk or disk volume. Disk encryption prevents unauthorized access to data storage."

Wikipedia

There are multiple ways and software packages that allow you to encrypt your disk, the key is to ensure that you are using it.

Again many people believe that their data is protected, but are not aware of the full risk.  If your unsure of your level of protection I am more than happy to provide a free 15 min assessment of your security and possible risks.    

Did you get a new computer or device?

Just a reminder, if you received a new computer or device, or have an old one that needs some help.  We still have come great deals on set ups and tune ups,

In Shop Tune Up

System Tune Up, we do a basic tune of you computer removing components that reduce performance, optimizing system settings, and install if necessary programs to ensure that your device remains at top performance. We then spend 15 minutes with you to review how you can optimize your computer in future and how you prevent a reduction in performance in future. 1 hour of time.

In Shop New System Set Up / Transfer

New System Set Up / Transfer, Got that new device and all of your information is on your old device, we can help. We can set up your new device transferring files, installing applications, and configuring settings to ensure a smooth transfer. We then spend 15 minutes reviewing your new device to point out options, configuration choices and tips to optimize your experience. 1.5 hours of time

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The first step in a long battle...

FTC cracks down on telephone tech support scam, read this first,

Regulators smash global phone tech support scam operation

So in the last 15 service calls that I have processed, 2 have been this scam. With the golbalization of customer support and the ease of remote access to your computer this scam is easy quick and profitable.  

I have seen a even worse situation where the initial target is contacted a second time to let them know that a second virus is on their computer and again the target pays money.  

Signs of the scam, 

- Unsolicited phone call

- Demand to access you computer remotely

- Will to negotiate on the repair price

- Will not provide a call back number

When in doubt, hang up, and as always if you have any security, virus, or malware questions, please feel free to contact me.

Important Internet Explorer issue

Heads up!   Unfortunately there is a pretty significant Internet Explorer security issue.  Using a security flaw exploit in Internet Explorer a hacker can gain remote access and control of your computer.  Due to the nature of the issue, anti-virus and anti-malware programs typically can not resolve the issue.  A download from Microsoft addresses the issue, here is the link, 

Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit v3.0

For more information on the issue here is a fairly concise article on the issue.  

Microsoft urges customers to install security tool

If you have questions, feel free to contact me. 

Back it up!

Did you know there was a World Back Up Day, check out these stats,

I know that I back up every day, do you?