Technology Tips: Best of Edition

#Tips

Skyward IT Services

by Skyward IT Services

Skyward IT Services Network Infrastructure and Security Specialists

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Is your tech true love or due for a trade-up?

Hate to be the bearer of bad news this summer of love, but some tech breakups are waiting to happen. We can’t decide for you, but here are a few ways you might deserve better.

Passwords: Post-its or Password managers?

Keeping your passwords close requires a secure strategy, and writing down passwords on post-it notes is not a great strategy. Instead, upgrade to a reputable password manager and rest easy knowing it’s got your back—and a stock of complex passwords you’ll never have to think about.

Smart homes vs. offline appliances?

Does anyone really NEED a coffeemaker or dishwasher that’s Wi-Fi capable? We’ll let you decide, but consider: anything connected to your network could provide an access point for a bad actor. You’re worth protecting. And no one needs a smart toothbrush.

Patch managers vs. update avoidance

It’s easy to click “ask later” as a user who doesn’t understand the importance of updates. Maybe this is the year you treat yourself and your network to a new patch manager strategy. No more begging avoidant users to update machines, software, or settings!

Phishing drills vs. phishing scares

This one has got to be a no-brainer. You deserve better than the same old malicious email runaround! Get your training program updated and send out a few phishing drills from time to time—the data you catch will be eye-opening.

Block vs. unsubscribe

You receive a marketing email from a company you don’t remember subscribing to. To make sure you aren’t bothered by this company again, you go to click “unsubscribe.” It seems harmless, right? Well, you might want to think again—you could potentially be clicking on a link infected with malware.

Hackers know their persistent emails can be annoying, which is why some may hide malware in the part of the email where you’d click to unsubscribe. To avoid this potential problem, only click unsubscribe on email messaging from 1) major brands and retailers, and 2) email lists you remember subscribing to. When in doubt, elect to block the sender instead. On most email platforms, you can typically block senders by right clicking, then selecting “block sender” or “block.”

Gift guide–Christmas in July

Long live summer with these STEAM-themed purchases for inquisitive kids of all ages in your life.

Grow and See Vegetable Garden—$24.95
Pique kids’ interest in gardening with this transparent vegetable garden! It’s small in size to fit in any space or home. Watch root vegetables and vibrant greens grow in a gift that will teach kids about agriculture!

Make your own folk instrument—$18+
Young musicians can create their own tambourine or ukulele with these DIY kits. Your home will be filled with endless tunes of Somewhere Over the Rainbow before you know it!

Survival multitool credit card—$9.99
This 11-in-1 survival multitool is tiny in size and big in functionality. It serves as a wrench, bottle opener, screwdriver, can opener, and knife while being the size of a credit card.

Kiwi Co box—prices vary
STEM projects and toys delivered directly to the kiddo in your life, whether they are 0 to 100 years old! Perfect for young artists, engineers, and scientists looking to practice fun skills and build something new. Discover the science of ice cream making, a veterinarian starter kit, light up wire art, and more.

Wireless Bluetooth meat thermometer—$99.95
Perfect for the grilling dad who prefers to relax on the deck, these wireless meat thermometers work with iOS and Android applications to track the target temp and the current temp of your entree.

Malware of the month

A Malwarebytes report reveals a 50% month-over-month increase in a specific credit card skimming campaign called Kritec. It provides very convincing templates designed to mimic website payment screens—even down to language localization. At the same time, Malwarebytes has noted a 42% increase in malicious ads.

THINK before you click, especially on sponsored ads!
Type in the retailer’s URL instead. Be suspicious of payment screens.
Look for outdated or wonky logos, old copyright boilerplate, and inconsistent design and fonts.
No deal is worth compromising your personal information! Use password managers and multifactor authentication. This step is designed to slow you and the tech down and ensure the right credentials aren’t picked up by the wrong organizations.
Keep an eye on your accounts and do not be fooled by false urgency in unusual delivery methods, such as text messages.

For fun:

Grab a coworker and fill in the blanks of this hack-themed Mad Lib!

Hi ________(your name), This is _______ (CEO/CFO/handsome prince) and I need you to send me five ______(hundred, thousand, million) dollars in the form of ______ (gift cards/cash/money wire) as I have an emergency. Please send it to ______(my home address/email/venmo) and I’ll send you _____ (more PTO/a free car/cash/Taylor Swift concert tickets) as a token of my gratitude. With _____(appreciation/sincerity/love), ______ (CEO/CFO/handsome prince)

Skyward IT Services Network Infrastructure and Security Specialists