Staying Safe Online (Take #2)
In May 2023, I used this same title for the monthly newsletter, but from the increasing number of FLS support calls we’ve had recently from our members about fraud, it’s time to revisit this topic. Staying safe online is not an easy task because the bad actors are devising new ways every day to skirt the safeguards built into our computing devices. Increasing our diligence and being able to recognize a fake email or phone call is our best defense against getting into trouble while online. In 2022, the online fraud industry was over $20 BILLION! And most of this was from individuals, just like you and me. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while online.
At the end of the day, staying safe online is all about common sense. I say this because regardless of what you do to prevent bad things from happening, what ultimately gets us in trouble is a bad decision…even if in our heart of hearts…we know it’s a bad decision, we often do it anyway. So, if you take away anything from this newsletter, I hope it’s a little visual sign in your mind’s eye that flashes and says, “Should I really do this?”. If you’ll ask yourself this a few times before making a questionable online decision, you’ll be fine, because your smarter self won’t let you make that bad decision.
The #1 bad decision that gets folks into trouble is allowing someone on the other end of the phone to take control of your computer. Above anything else…do not ever, EVER let anyone take control of your computer unless you know who it is. A friend, a relative, one of us in First Level Support at the computer club – that’s fine. If you use a Mac, then someone from Apple Care (as long as you know you’re actually speaking to an Apple employee), but if you use Windows, understand there is NO ONE at Microsoft who will EVER remotely take control of your computer to help you. So, if someone is on that phone and telling you they’re from Microsoft…just hang up!
The #2 reason folks get into trouble is believing what’s in that pop-up window you may someday see on Windows display. This is typically in the form of “Your computer has been infected by a virus (or malware)…call Microsoft support at the following number. Do not turn off your computer.” DO NOT call the number, and by all means, DO turn off your computer! This is called a Browser Hijack and it’s 1000% bogus. If you see something like this on your display, after you’ve turned off your computer, call our First Level Support team at (865) 408-8223. They can usually fix this over the phone or in just a few minutes with an on-site visit.
I know you’re thinking “Hmm…I’d never do that” but we assist several members every month who’ve inadvertently gotten into trouble by letting someone take control of their computer. So don’t say this won’t happen to you…just promise yourself you’ll do everything possible to stay diligent and not make a bad online decision.
The most common way we get into these situations is while searching for help. Help with a software app, help with your computer, help with your TV, help with anything. You bring up Google Search and start looking for support for something, and out of the search results that populate your screen…I’ll bet over 80% of them are bogus. The first indication they’re bogus is they offer a toll-free number. That’s just not going to happen. The second indication is that someone is actually offering to help you…for free. That’s rare today, even with legitimate support. Companies go to great lengths to make it nearly impossible to contact them by phone. You have to figure out how to separate the wheat from the chaff, because when you dial that number for free support, and you hear someone with a strange accent promising to help with your problem…that’s when you need to visualize that mental sign. “Should I really do this?” And the answer is NO!
Here are some other simple pieces of advice regarding online safety.
Keep your internet browser updated.
The latest versions have a lot of built-in protection against fake websites and web-based viruses.
Get a Password Manager.
If you use a Windows PC, I recommend Bitwarden or RoboForm. If you use a Mac, I recommend 1Password or Bitwarden. Create a memorable passphrase to open your password manager. An example of a passphrase is several words separated by special characters, including capital letters and numbers – such as: Sporty-Crown-Tarmac-Imaginary7 (this example passphrase would take approximately 87 years to crack). Whatever you use for your passphrase, it must be memorable to you.
Shred all your sensitive paper documents.
Bad actors can use information on paper statements to steal someone’s identity. Yes, there are lots of people sifting through landfills looking for valuable information.
Learn to spot fake emails and websites.
Criminals use these to con people into giving away passwords and bank details – the technical word is ‘phishing’.
One last reminder to help you stay safe online – whenever your sixth sense presents you with a question mark regarding something you’re about to do online – remember that little sign in your mind’s eye…”Should I really do this?”
Larry McJunkin, President
Tellico Village Computer Users Club