Summer is here, and with it, comes summer day trips and extended vacations. If you're like me, your gadgets are a part of your everyday life, which means if you travel, you're bound to take devices like smartphones,  laptops, digital cameras, tablets, and e-readers with you. 
     Every year, thousands of devices are stolen, lost, or damaged while people are vacationing. Want to keep your devices safe during those summer vacation months? Here are some quick and easy tips you can use to protect your electronics and tech.

1. Back Up Your Devices.
     You should have automatic backups of all of your devices, but in case you're one of those people who doesn't, set it up for your mobile devices now. You know anything can happen to your devices, what you don't want to experience is losing all of those precious pictures, documents, and videos.  Both Apple and Google devices have the ability to backup your important data to the cloud. If you have a Wi-Fi enabled camera, configure it to save that information to the cloud as well. If you have a Windows or Apple laptop, your best bet is to use cloud backup services like Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) or cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive or DropBox (www.dropbox.com) to store your data in the cloud.

2. Password Protect Your Mobile Devices. 
     Did you know that about a third of people around the world don't use passwords to protect their tech? Well, passwords are the first line of defense to protect your information if your devices are lost or stolen. If your devices have the ability, use biometric identification like face ID or a fingerprint to keep your device more secure.
    When you take steps to protect your data, you reduce the risks of ID theft and other cyber threats and increases your chances of recovering your device because most criminals will discard it once they realize they can't get access to the device. 
     If you're traveling with a laptop, take the extra step to encrypt your devices. Encryption is the act of scrambling the data of your devices so the only way to access them is the person trying to access the device a key. Smartphones and tablets encrypt themselves when you put a password on them. Computers do not. If you have a Windows 10 computer, you can encrypt your computer with Bitlocker, which is included with computers running Windows 10 Professional. If you're a Macintosh user, you have access to File Vault, which is included on all Macintosh computers.


3. Protect Your Devices in the Summer Heat.
     Heat is the enemy of all tech devices.  Don’t leave any devices in direct sunlight as direct sunlight can ruin the screen and cause your device to overheat and ruin it. Be careful not to let your smartphone and other devices get too hot during the summer because it can damage the battery life. If you are at the pool, make sure your phone is stored somewhere cool, or at least out of direct sunlight. If your device does happen to overheat, simply store it somewhere with lower temperatures and let your device cool down before using it again. Don't force it to get cool by holding it in front of a fan or air conditioning; let it cool naturally. Never leave tech your gadgets in vehicles. If you absolutely have to leave your technology in the car, be sure to park in the shade and crack the car windows.

4. Track Your Tech Devices.
     You should never leave your device unattended, but accidents and negligence happen.  Most modern, computers, smartphones, and tablets have the ability to be tracked built into the devices. Tech theft is big business domestically and internationally and tourists are a big target. You might be tempted to use a device like a Tile, but you need to use the built-in tracking software on your device as it uses GPS rather than Tile which uses Bluetooth which has a limited range.

5. Get a Case For Your Devices. 
    Do you know anyone who hasn't dropped their phone?  When you're near home, you can easily replace your devices. When you're traveling, it's extremely difficult. Keep those devices safe by getting protective cases for everything you plan to take on the road with you.
     I hope you have fun this summer in your travels with family and friends. You know you will take some form of technology with you when you go.  Make sure you follow the above tips to keep all of your devices safe and to make sure they all come home with you.

Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone.

Need computer or technology help? If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have.  Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
 

​     I’m sure you have read about the ransomware attacks that occurred against the Colonial Pipeline that caused them to shut down production.
     Ransomware attacks have been on the rise for years now and it is not showing any signs of slowing down. If you want to keep your personal or business devices safe from ransomware attacks, check out these quick and easy tips that will help you keep safe.
     Every time I talk about cybercrime, I always have to state this statistic. 99% of cybercrime requires user interaction. This means as long as you're not clicking on links in emails or visiting questionable websites, all of your devices are protected from most cyber threats.
     Prevention is better than protection when it comes to ransomware. These attacks were originally designed to prevent access to your files, but now criminals are stealing your data as well as ensuring you pay the ransom. Here's how you can keep safe:
     1. Update your tech. It doesn’t matter what type of device you use, make sure it’s up to date. Many of you think you’re immune from these types of attacks because you’re not using a Windows device. Even though this attack was designed to infect Windows computers, it does not mean you’re immune. Verify automatic updates are enabled on your device. Also, make sure you’re running the latest operating system for your device. Cybercriminals will target older technology because they know the manufacturer no longer provides security updates for these devices.
     2. Start using an automatic cloud backup service, today! The most dangerous aspect of ransomware is its ability to infect computers and devices connected to a network. You may backup your information to an external hard drive, or to a cloud service like DropBox or OneDrive, but guess what? Ransomware can infect those files as well. 
     How does a cloud backup service help you? Most cloud services like Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) keep multiple copies of your files across many services across the globe. If your backup gets infected with ransomware, your cloud backup provider can simply restore your files before the infection happened.
     3. Use common sense when it comes to email. Hackers aren’t concerned about getting into your computers or network anymore. They get your information by phishing scams that are socially engineered to make you react to what is being said in an email. These emails come in the form of mail from your friends or from companies you have grown to trust.
     Always verify the email by looking at the email address. If you get an odd email from a friend, pick up the phone and ask if they meant to send you the letter in question. If you aren’t sure, just simply delete the email. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
     4. Use Anti-Virus software on your devices. Anti-Virus software isn’t full proof and for the most part, one isn’t better than the other. It’s something you need to have on your device (meaning Windows, Macintosh, Smartphone, or Tablet). The anti-virus that is actively scanning your device decreases the chances you will fall victim to a ransomware scam.
     5. Never Pay The Ransom. Yes paying the ransom, might get your files back and prevent criminals from sharing your personal information, but it's never a guarantee.
    So what happens if you get infected with ransomware? Unplug your desktop computer and take the battery out of your laptop. Disconnect your computer from your wired or wireless network and unplug it from the wall. Ransomware users can remotely power up computers. Give us a call here at Integral. We may not be able to retrieve those lost files, but we can make sure you don’t fall victim to a ransomware scam.
     Ransomware isn't going anywhere. Make sure you're taking steps to stop these attacks before they happen. No one wants to be in a position where they lose access to their important documents, photos, and videos.

     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. 
 

     The COVID-19 pandemic has created chaos in the production of many products we use in our day-to-day life, including semiconductors.  How does this affect you? 
     Well, semiconductors are one of the important components in the electronics you use at home and work. 
     Smartphones, computers, cars, and tablets are just a few of the items that rely on computer semiconductors and chips. Production slowed down some tech items, reducing supply. 
     During the pandemic, demand suddenly increased on tech-related gadgets which created a shortage.  When shortages occur, there's always the possibility that prices may skyrocket. Wondering what tech devices are affected? Check out this list of items that could be affected by the chip shortage and what you can do to save some money.
     There is very little produced in this smart and highly connected digital age that doesn’t need some embedded computer parts. Some people have wondered if the chip shortage is real.  It is, but every company is affected differently.
     Many companies order computer chips far in advance to keep up with supply and demand. Other companies order only when the need occurs which causes problems because chip manufacturers have to keep the promises to their long-standing customers while casual customers have to wait their turn in line. You're probably thinking, ‘Why don't they just open a new factory to keep up with supply and demand?’ Easier said than done. Opening new production lines take months to build and costs billions of dollars. Here is a list of products that could be affected.

     1. Household electronics. You probably didn't realize everyday items like microwaves, vacuum cleaners, TVs, smart home devices, and even appliances in your home or office have semiconductors or chips inside of them. 
     Unfortunately, the life of most home appliances is 5 years or less. If you're in the market for home or office appliances, now might be a good time to make a purchase.

     2. Desktop and Laptop Computers. Your Windows and Macintosh computers are made up of chips and semiconductors. Before you rush out and purchase a new computer, make sure you can't upgrade your current system. Upgrades such as solid-state hard drives (SSD), or more RAM can increase the speed of your slower, older computer. With that in mind, these items will be affected by the chip shortage, so act now.

     3. Smartphones & Tablets. Your smartphone and tablet are essentially mini-computers and these devices are affected too. You could see a price increase for Android devices which are normally less expensive than Apple devices.

    4. Gaming consoles. Fortunately, the Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X saw releases last fall, and there are no new game systems on the horizon. If the chip shortage continues, you could see this affect the availability of these products as the holiday season approaches.  If you're looking to purchase one of the latest gaming consoles as a holiday gift, you might want to get ahead of the holiday rush..
 
     This is probably a good time to practice some preventive maintenance on your electronic devices to help them last a little longer.  Some tips to use are as follows:

     Purchase good surge protection.  A power surge can fry a TV, computer, or any other electronic device that is plugged in for power. Make sure those items are plugged into a surge protector or consider a whole home surge protector that you can purchase from your energy provider.

     Take care of your devices.  This seems obvious, but it makes a big difference. This means get a case for that phone or tablet.  Remove those dead batteries from your devices to keep them from leaking and ruining your devices.  Also, take care of the cords used to power your devices. 
     Only purchase manufacturer approved cords.  Third-party cords can ruin your devices. Appliance care should be followed as well, especially if you have smart appliances.

     Clean your devices. Dust out your computers and devices on a regular basis to prevent them from overheating.  Also, clean out the files on your devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers to keep them running well.

     The bottom line for this current chip shortage is if you need something, buy it now while you can get it at an affordable price. Currently, there's no solution, and chip and semiconductor supplies may run out. The good news is many brick-and-mortar and online stores usually keep stock to last a while for electronic items but that doesn't mean that prices won't rise for these items.. Also, it helps to make sure you're taking care of your devices to help them last for a long time.
 
     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. 
    Reach out to us at www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 
 

     It's common knowledge that big tech companies like Facebook, Google, or Twitter are tracking you through the apps you're using on your smartphones and tablets to target you with ads. When these companies know your personal habits, such as where you live, where you shop, and what you do for entertainment, it helps them personalize ads that are directly targeted to you.
     Fortunately, companies like Android and Apple are stepping up to the plate to help keep your information and lifestyle private. If you're looking to keep your information out of the hands of big tech, follow these steps to put an end to tracking for your Android and iPhone devices.
     Both Android and Apple devices use an IDFA or special "ad ID" for tracking smartphones. Companies who want to gather information can use your IDFA to track you across different apps and websites which allows them to gather your app usage habits. You have always had the ability to turn off app tracking on your smart gadgets, but the release of Apple's iOS 14.5 made major headlines last month as not only did it make apps unable to track you unless you give them permission, but it also alerts you what apps are using your IDFA to scan your other apps to get information about you.
     There are good reasons why some apps need to track your location. For example, your navigation apps won't work well if they aren't able to know your location. It's one thing to have one app using your IDFA, but it becomes scary when they begin using other apps to look for more information about you. 
     You might be surprised which apps are gathering information about you. Here's a list.
     Social media: You knew this already, right?
    Streaming: Your favorite streaming service knows what you're watching, where you're watching it, and which family member is watching.
    Deals and coupons: Yes, you can find some great deals with these apps, but they are also checking out your shopping habits to target you with ads for more stuff.
     News and weather: These apps have the ability to know your location ... because you want to know the local forecast, right?
     Car insurance: Are you a good driver? I hope so, as that car insurance app knows your location as well as knowing how fast you drive.
     Want your apps to stop tracking you? Here is how you do it!
     How to prevent App tracking on an Android phone.
     At the time of this writing, Android devices don't have the robust features that iOS 14.5 has as far as letting you know which apps are spying on your other apps. If you want to stop app tracking, you have to turn off location tracking entirely.
     On a Google Pixel 4, go to Settings > Location and toggle Use location off.
     On a Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, go to Settings > Location and toggle it off.
     This turns off all location tracking, so no apps will be able to access your location, but it also means that you can’t locate your phone with 'Find My Device' if it goes missing. You also won't be able to use Google Maps or any other app that relies on on-location services.
 
     How to prevent App tracking on iPhone.
     Apple is helping you stay ahead of those apps tracking you with the release of iOS14.5 Anytime an app wants to use your IDFA, you will get a prompt asking if you want the app in question to track your activity across other apps and websites.
     You can confirm or deny the action. These default settings allow you to get a good idea of which apps are tracking your information across all of your devices. If you don't want to deal with a prompt every time an app tries to read the IDFA and stop tracking altogether, you can do the following:
Go into Settings.
2. Select Privacy.
3. Select Tracking.
4. Switch the toggle to OFF for 'Allow Apps to Request to Track'
     I'm sure you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that changing some settings on your phones can help boost your privacy and prevent big tech companies from following you across the internet. Let's hope more companies step up and do more to protect our personal data.
     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. 
Reach out to us at www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 
 
 

     It's been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic forced all of us to rely on our computers and associated devices for work and school. Most modern tech devices don't need a 'tune up', but as we head into spring, it's a good time for cleaning.
     So when you start to do a deep cleaning on your living space, take a few minutes to follow these steps to spring clean all items associated with your digital lifestyle.
     Avoid computer and app cleaning products.
     It's tempting to purchase do it all products that promise to clean your computers and smartphones. Avoid these products like the plague. Most of these products do more harm than good. Your devices are designed to take care of themselves, so avoid all of the extra junk.
     Remove your 3rd Party Anti-Virus (AV) software.
     Fifteen years ago, computer manufacturers didn't include AV software; now they do. Macintosh users have xProtect and Windows Users have Windows Defender. Smartphone and tablet users just need to avoid downloading unknown apps from the Google Play Store and the App Store. Most 3rd party AV software causes more problems than good.  
     Change Your Passwords For All of Your Online Accounts.
     It’s always a good idea to change your passwords every so often, so why not do it this spring?  There are too many data breaches occurring where your personal information is leaked into the hands of cyber-criminals. You wouldn't believe the number of calls we get at the office from people who have had their personal information stolen because they hadn't changed their passwords for years. 
     If you make it a habit to change your passwords on a regular basis, you can avoid your personal information falling into the wrong hands. Using a passphrase instead of a password helps you create passwords you can easily remember. 
     Need help with creating a passphrase? Visit www.useapassphrase.com. Passphrases are more secure than your standard password and are so much easier to remember.
     Creating passphrases along with using password management software such as LastPass (www.lastpass.com) or the password management system built into web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Opera, and Firefox will keep your personal information safe.
     Back-Up Your Files.
     I hate paper and keep everything stored digitally. Instruction manuals, pictures, documents, the list goes on and on. In this digital age, I know many of you are storing items digitally as well. 
     Cloud backup is your best option with services like Carbonite (www.carbonite.com), Google Backup and Sync (www.google.com), and iCloud drive (www.icloud.com) vying to save your important information.
     Remember there is a difference between cloud storage and cloud backup. Cloud storage is meant just to store one copy of your files, where cloud backup keeps multiple copies of your files. Make sure your backup your files in multiple places, not just on the cloud, but also on an external hard drive as well.
     Donate, Trade, or Sell Your Old Tech Devices.
     We have several laptops, desktops, tablets, and phones sitting around the house.  I know you do too.  Why are we keeping these devices?  There's no good reason to keep them. Make it a point to stop hoarding your tech devices and get rid of them. 
     If you have information on them that you want to ease, just reset your items to factory defaults and the information will disappear. There are many recycling places near you, just do a Google search to find one and get rid of that digital clutter. If you have a device that still works, donate it to a needy non-profit. 
Have something newer that you want to sell? Sell it on Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist, or trade it in on Amazon.
     Declutter Those Devices.
     Don't believe the myth that too much stuff on your devices will slow them down. It is a good idea to remove old files, smart device apps, and computer programs for the sake of having a more streamlined device. Take a moment to organize those files, pictures, and videos. 
     Don't forget about those emails. 
     Most of us tend to use our email as a filing cabinet which is why our email gets so cluttered. Unless you're using Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or Windows Mail, too much mail won't slow your device down. If you are, you need to clean out that email quarterly. Don't forget to empty your recycle bin and your trash can as well.
     Take care of all of those cords.  You probably use wireless devices when you can, but with technology, there are going to be some cords that need to be connected to our devices. If you can, hide those wires to your computers, printers, and even TVs with cord covers or check out some other solutions that will allow you to hide cords in your walls. 
     For your smartphone and tablet, switch to wireless chargers to eliminate cords. You can also consider purchasing power centers in a central location of your home where the family has a convenient place to charge all of their devices.
     Clean Out those Crumbs. 
     During all of the hours you spend in front of a screen, there's a good chance you're going to snack on something. After a while, your device is going to get pretty gross. For desktop and laptop keyboards, turn them upside down to shake out the dirt and crumbs. I recommend getting a can of compressed air to effectively get all of the debris out.  
      Clean Your Screen. 
     The average smartphone and Tablet have more germs than a public restroom. Take the time to disinfect your handheld devices. To properly clean and disinfect them, use a solution of 50% Water and 50% of isopropyl alcohol. Only use a microfiber cloth to wipe down your devices.
     Your home and office are not the only things that should be getting cleaned this spring. Don’t neglect your technology or it will not last as long as it should.
     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. 
Reach out to us at www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 
 

    Cyber attacks are at an all-time high and hackers are always looking for new ways to get access to your devices.  Criminals know there's important data stored on your gadgets. 
     Think of all of the passwords you store on your tech devices, as well as the sensitive sites like your bank you use your devices to connect to on a daily basis. It makes sense that you want to keep that information out of prying eyes, if you don't, you risk cyber crooks stealing your personal and financial information.  
     Big tech has stepped in recent years to keep your computers and smart devices are safe from most of the cyber attacks out there. 99% percent of all cybercrime requires user interaction. which means if your device ends up getting hacked, it means you fell for a hacker's clever trick to get you to click on a phishing link or tech support scam that gave them access to your devices. 
     The firewall and anti-virus protection in modern operating systems can stop most attackers. Even though it's rare for someone to just force their way into your device, there are some vulnerabilities that allow them to get directly into your gadgets that you need to be aware of.

     1. Tech Companies Won't Call Out Of The Blue To Alert You To a Problem With Your Device.  It's important to understand big tech doesn't care what happens to your devices.  Sure you will get the occasional reminder for device maintenance or updates, but you will never get phones from Microsoft, Apple, or your Internet provider informing you of problems with your devices.  I know there are some of you reading thinking "No one falls for these scams", but in reality a good percentage of the population does.
     My company Integral is constantly bombarded with calls from people who have fallen victim to the "Tech Support" scam. 
     If a tech company calls you out of the blue, simply hang up the phone.  If you're surfing the web and alerts appear telling you there is a problem with your devices, simply turn off your device and turn it back on to disable these fake alerts.

     2. Keep Your Devices Up to Date.  Cybercrime is always evolving which is why you need to make sure you update your computers, smartphones, and tablets.  Updates are a pain in the "you know what", but downloading them helps keep your devices safe from the latest operating system vulnerabilities from viruses and ransomware. 
     Your mobile devices and computers are designed to automatically download updates.  When you're asked to install them, resist the urge to prevent them from installing. When you use devices that don't have the latest updates, you open your gadgets up to hackers gaining control of them.

     3. Watch Out When Installing Programs.  Don’t just download any old apps to your devices. Apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and the Microsoft Store are normally checked before they are uploaded to the store. Sometimes a malicious app can slip through.  If these apps get on your gadgets, they can create havoc.

     4. Not all Websites are Safe. Criminals are aware you spend a lot of your time surfing the web and have set up bogus websites that are designed to trick you into thinking there is a problem with your devices and ones that are designed to hack into your gadgets.  Watch the spelling of your favorites as a misspelling can get you into trouble. 
     Pay attention to those ads and popups as well. Criminals actually spend money to take out ads to get you to click on them in order to trick you out of your money or gain access to your computer and related devices.

    5. Use Strong Passwords. I know you hate passwords, but it's best you create strong passwords to keep your devices as well as your online accounts safe. If you struggle at creating passwords, use the password creators built into most password keeper software such as LastPass or the one built into your web browser. 
     Change your passwords at least twice a year.  Also, practice the art of cyber lying and don't give truthful answers to those security questions you're asked when setting up online accounts.

     6. Keep Your Mobile Number Secret.  Just like you didn't give out your landline phone number to anyone who asked, use that same practice with your mobile number. The more people and apps that have access to your mobile number puts your devices more at risk to SMS text scams that can give criminals access to your mobile devices.

    The above steps can help you safeguard your personal and sensitive data from criminals. When you have protective measures in place, it makes it less likely that thieves will be able to steal your identity, delve into your personal life, steal your money, control your computers and devices, and make your digital life miserable.
 
     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. 

     Need computer or technology help? If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Reach out to us at www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 
 

     When you think of cybercriminals, I'm sure the image that pops up in your head is a couple of geeks or nerds in the basement wrecking havoc by clicking a series of keys and hacking into you or your business's computers and network. 
     Cybercrime has evolved over the years from geeks having fun to criminal organizations taking advantage of the reach of the Internet.  During this pandemic, there is a new breed of criminals that have emerged - drug dealers. They are using the power of social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram to target anyone who wants illegal drugs, especially the 13 - 29 age group. 
     How can you keep your family safe?  Check out these tips.

     With kids forced to do distanced or hybrid learning during the pandemic and with seven out of ten people on social media, you can see why dealers have turned to social media. Dealers like selling drugs on the Internet because it offers a convenient and fast way to sell drugs. Also, online illegal drug deals help them avoid law enforcement.
     There are policies that prohibit the sale of illegal drugs on social media sites, but this doesn't stop drug dealers from finding ways to find buyers and continue their illegal distribution. Part of finding buyers includes the use of the algorithms built into social media platforms.
     With the use of emojis, code words, and hashtags, they can direct people to specific drugs, such as Molly (MDMA),  Percocet, or Prescription Pain Killers.  Even if the sale is made via social media, the delivery of the substances can easily take place at any public place or be delivered to your home.

     To help you stay informed, here are some of the most popular emojis teens and adults (and dealers) use for drugs:

Cocaine: snowflake, skier, snowman, blowing nose, and 8 ball;
Crystal Meth/Methamphetamine: diamond;
General drug emojis: flowers;
Heroin:  syringe, arrow-in-target;
Marijuana: The maple leaf is the universal symbol for marijuana. However, any green leaf or tree can be used to represent marijuana;
MDMA/Ecstasy/Acid:  drooling face, angry guy, pill, candy;
Vaping or getting high:  puff of smoke/wind.

     The pandemic has forced many kids to retreat to an online existence. Education on this topic is an important step to help stop the spread of this practice.
     1. Stay Up-To-Date. Keeping up with technology is hard, but the Internet has a wealth of resources to help you keep up with the latest slang, hashtags, and emojis that are used to keep the sale, purchase, and use of drugs under the rear.
     It's good to talk with people you know such as parents, teachers, and drug and alcohol treatment providers to stay informed on the latest trends. A good resource is the American Addiction Centers at (https://americanaddictioncenters.org/)
     2. Monitor Money Exchanging Apps.  Follow your kids on money exchanging apps like Facebook Messenger, Venmo, Apple, or Android Pay. These apps come in handy for online purchases and purchases between friends.  Look out for payments that don't make sense to you.  
     3. Get Access To Your Teen’s Gadgets and Apps. You need to have the password to your tweens and teen’s devices and the apps they use. Do a random check for any new apps and communication activity you don’t recognize.
     4. Follow Your Kids Social Media Accounts. It's a good practice to follow your kids on their social media accounts.  It shows you're interested in them and it also helps you get familiar with the social media platforms and technology they are using. 
     Yes, they can create new accounts, which is why it's important that you take a look at their devices from time to time.
     5. Talk To Your Teen. Talking and communicating with your tweens and teens is never a bad idea. Kids sometimes don't see the ends to the means, but a good conversation could be the spark that let them know you care about their well being and help them see the dangers of purchasing illegal drugs online and in person.
​
     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@burtonkelso.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. 

     Need computer or technology help? If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Reach out to us at www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 
 

     During most of 2020, robocalls came to a screeching halt, but now these scam calls have come back with a vengeance. It doesn't matter if you receive calls about your car's warranty, your late payments to the IRS, or the fact that your computer has been infected with a deadly virus, they only have one goal and that is to trick you out of your hard-earned money.
     The reason these calls continue is that they are pretty successful.  Research company Statista reported that Americans lost up to $20 billion dollars to scam phone calls in 2020. 
     I'm sure you think there isn't anything you can do to stop these annoying calls, but there are some very easy steps you can take to give you a break from scammers.

1. Be very cautious with whom you share your number with.
     To cut down on the number of scam calls, guard your phone number. When you hand out your landline or mobile number, you never know who your number will be shared with. Your number can wind up in the wrong hands if you share it with a business you trust and they share it with marketing firms. 
     Your phone number can also be obtained in a company data breach which is then dumped on the dark web for any scammer to get. Criminals can also get your phone number if you share it on a company website and even your social media accounts. If you want to have a 'public' number, set up a Google Voice account (www.google.com/voice). 
     This service allows you to create a virtual number (and voicemail) which you can share with others without the risk of having your main number fall into the hands of scammers.

2. Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry list. 
     Although it's not foolproof and won't stop calls from scammers, you should take a minute to make sure you're on the Do Not Call Registry list by visiting www.donotcall.gov. 
     You can choose to add your landline or your mobile phone. When you sign up, it can take up to 30 days for it to take effect, so be patient. Doing this will stop telemarketing companies from calling you.  
     Even after you sign up, you may still get calls from charities and businesses that you've worked with within the past. If this happens, you will have to verbally ask them to be removed from their list.

3. Block those unwanted calls.
     If you own an Android or an iPhone, you can check out awesome features that will halt those annoying calls.  

     Android users, just follow these steps:
Go to Settings.
Then, tap on Block numbers.
Toggle the Block unknown callers button to enable the feature.
Now, you won’t have to worry about frustrating notifications clogging up your phone screen.

     iPhone users: Take advantage of the 'Silence Unknown Callers' tool.  Your phone has to have iOS 13 or 14. This feature will block numbers that aren’t in your contacts list. to turn it on, do the following:
Go to Settings.
Then, tap on Phone.
Scroll down and select Silence Unknown Callers.

4. Use the tools available from your mobile carrier.
     If you own a smartphone, the best way to stop robocalls is to see what options your mobile phone provider can offer.  Here is what each one offers:

AT&T. If you use AT&T, you can download the free 'AT&T Call Protect app'. 

Verizon. If you’re a Verizon user, check out the 'Call Filter app'. They also offer paid solutions if the app doesn't take care of those annoying calls.

T-Mobile & Sprint. Check out the ScamShield app for your devices.

5.  Download an app. 
     If none of the above tricks work, there are some apps you can download. One of the best products to use is Robokiller (www.robokiller.com). 
     Promising to block 99% of spam calls, you get the added bonus of having actor/rapper Ice T answer your calls as well as other answer bots that make it entertaining to see a scammer get frustrated when they call you.

     There is no foolproof way to eliminate scams and robocalls because criminals are constantly changing their tactics to reach out and touch you and your wallet. If you use the steps listed above you, they are a great way to eliminate those unnecessary calls which will keep you safe from falling for the latest phone hoax.

Looking for More Useful Tech Tips?
     Our Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, we live stream new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People'  every Wednesday at 6:00pm CST on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Technology product reviews are posted every Thursday. You can view previous episodes on our YouTube channel.  

     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have.  Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 
 

     Making sure your home and office wireless network is secure is important, especially if do sensitive work online. The last thing you want in this day and age is a stranger connected to your wireless router snooping on any sensitive information you may be working on. 
     Also, it's important to maintain your router as it acts as a firewall, protecting you from the many threats that are lurking online. It's hard to cover all of the settings for every brand of router in a short article, but I can share the basic settings you need to change to improve your home network's security using router settings.

1. Change the Router Login Credentials.
     Most routers have administrative credentials that allow you to log into your router to change settings that work best for your environment.  This includes turning on or off the firewall, monitoring who's connected to your wireless network, and updating the firmware (software) for your router. 
     For most brands of routers, you can Google the default username and password.  When you don't change the administrative settings for your router, it allows anyone connected to your wireless network to go in and change settings. You can log into the settings of your router to change these settings.  It's okay to leave your username as admin, but you really need to change the password.

     2. Change the Network Name and Password. 
     Most brands of routers come with a default wireless network or SSID and password. Sometimes this information is printed on a sticker attached to the router. Default router settings can easily be looked up on the Internet allowing someone to access your home or office wireless network. This is especially important if you lease your router from your Internet service provider.
     Look up the default password for your model to connect without your knowledge. Changing these settings differs by the router, but often you'll often find it under Wireless Settings, Wireless Security, or something similar.  Once you make changes to your wireless network name and password, you'll have to reconnect all of your wireless devices.

3. Use Strong Network Encryption.
     There are several encryption methods to protect your network. Most routers already have encryption methods setup out of the box, but it's always a good idea to log into your router settings to make sure yours is properly secured.  Looking at wireless security settings, you will see the options such as:
     None. This setting means you want your home or office network to be setup like your local coffee shop.  You don't want this if you're exchanging sensitive information.  
     WEP. This stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. This is outdated technology and provides little security, so you shouldn't use it.
     WPA, or Wi-Fi Protected Access. This is the current security method used to protect routers. It comes in three flavors. WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 which became available in  2018, but isn't available on all devices.

4. Disable Your Wireless Network Name from Displaying.
​     If you want to keep your wireless network secure from prying eyes, it's best to just disable the broadcasting of your Wi-Fi network name or the SSID.  If you've changed your default wireless name and make it invisible to your neighbors and other people in the area of your business, you've created the ultimate protection from hackers to your home or office Wi-Fi network. To make this happen, just go into the settings and choose the option to turn off SSID.

5. Keep Your Router Firmware Updated. 
     Firmware is the software that controls your router and just like your computer, smartphone, and tablets, your router needs to be updated from time to time.  Security holes are discovered from time to time by router manufacturers and they release updates to fix these issues.
     Your router should have a Firmware Update option in the main menu or you might have to visit a separate page to download the latest version and manually upload it.

6. Setup a Guest Network.
     If you have frequent guests in your home or office and you want them to use the Wi-Fi, it's not a bad idea to set up a guest network that will allow them the luxury of having access to the internet and at the same time keeping your network safe and secure. Guest networks setup a separate network for people to use which keeps nosey visitors from seeing what's going on your personal network. 
     Not all routers have the option to setup a guest network, but to set one up on your router, you just need to go into settings and select the option to setup a guest network.

     Hopefully, these tips will help you have a more secure router and reduce risks on your home and office network. There's no way that your network will be 100% bulletproof, but these common-sense methods will protect you against the most common methods used by cybercriminals to get into your network.

Looking for More Useful Tech Tips?
Our Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, we LIVE STREAM new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People'  every Wednesday at 6:00 pm CST on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.   Technology product reviews are posted every Thursday. You can view previous episodes on our YouTube channel.  

Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have.  Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. 

​     As we evolve into more of a digital world, every year cybercrime becomes more of a problem. With many of you and your businesses moving to a remote workforce because of the COVID19 pandemic, it has made criminals increase their focus on attacking both home and business users.
     99% of crime requires user interaction which means if you take the time to educate yourself about the different cyber threats on the Internet, you can keep yourself and your business safe.  Read on to see what threats you might encounter this year and how to protect yourself from them.

1. Accidental Sharing.
     This occurs when you or a friend accidentally shares sensitive information such as hitting 'reply all' to an email or when you use Carbon Copy (CC) to send out an email to a lot of connections rather than clicking on Blind Carbon Copy (BCC). Cybercriminals love when you send out emails with email accounts exposed. 
     This gives them a list of new people they can trick with the latest scams.  With many of you working from home, you can easily make the mistake of sending out a sensitive email to your friends and social media connection rather than your co-workers.

     How to Stay Safe: Don't be in such a rush when sending out emails and other information. When you fail to take the time to watch what information you're sharing, you're risking exposing sensitive information such as passwords to home and work accounts, company sensitive emails, and more.  

2. PDF Scams.
     If you aren't familiar with what a PDF is, it stands for "Portable Document Format" and was developed by Adobe. These scams are on the rise because even though you will probably avoid clicking on a link on an email or downloading most attachments, you probably will attempt to open up a PDF file. Why?  Well, if you see a PDF file as a file attachment, you will assume it's an important document and open it up.

     How to Stay Safe: Beware of generic emails that show up in your inbox that come from unknown sources and have generic greetings. Also, if you get a PDF file unexpectantly if possible call the sender of the email to verify they were the ones who sent it.

3. Credential Stuffing.
     The act of credential stuffing means using the same user name and password information to log into online accounts. This form of cybercrime relies on people not changing their login credentials on a regular basis. Cybercriminals get on the dark web to look for user name and password data dumps. 
     Once they get this information, they use bots to automatically your information to attempt to log into common social media and email sites to get the personal data stored in these accounts. Once they get more information about you and where you visit on the internet, they will use this information to log into your financial accounts and even work accounts.

     How to Stay Safe: It's important that you keep an eye on large-scale data breaches to verify your information hasn't been leaked as well as making sure you don't use the same user names and passwords for your online accounts. Check to see if your information has been leaked at www.fightingidentitycrimes.com and at www.haveibeenpwned.com.  Keep track of all of your pesky passwords by storing them in your favorite web browser or use a password management software program like LastPass (www.lastpass.com)

4. Vishing and SMShing.
     Vishing or voice call phishing has been around for a while (think tech support scam phone calls), but SMShing or SMS Text phishing has risen during the pandemic because people respond to text messages easier making it more likely that you'll fall for a scam. 
     Both use a technic called "social engineering' which is designed to get you to react to a phone call or email rather than taking the time to think if it's a legit call or not.  Samples of these types of attacks usually involve there is a problem with a personal or work account, problems with your computers and technology, or a subtle sales pitch to get you to purchase something you don't need.

     How to Stay Safe: The best defense against voice phishing and SMS  phishing is to ignore the message if you don't recognize who's calling or leaving a message.  If you're a small business or home user, limit who you share your home or mobile phone number with. 
     If you have to share a number with the public, create a 'free' phone number with Whatsapp (www.whatsapp.com) or Google Voice (www.google.com). If you have a lot of incoming spam calls coming in, sign up for the Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov. Check to see if your mobile carrier offers spam call and text protection.  You should also consider download and using the RoboKiller app (www.robokiller.com).

5. Ransomware.
     Ransomware is probably one of the most devastating cyber threats on the web today.  If your home or office computer is infected with ransomware, it could mean the files on your devices are lost forever. 
     Ransomware encrypts or locks up the pictures and documents on your devices. Ransomware is so lethal, it will infect multiple devices that are connected together on your home or office network, including cloud storage services and external hard drives used for backup. You are only able to gain access to them if you pay the ransom criminals will put up.  

     How To Stay Safe:  Ransomware normally shows up in the form of a phishing email, so think before you click on any link or attachment that shows up in your inbox.  Set up an automatic backup system for all of your home and office devices. 
     Services like Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) can keep your Windows and Macintosh safe in the cloud with automatic backup.  For your smartphones and tablets, it's worth it to pay Apple and Google the extra money for storage to allow you to backup your information to their cloud services.

     In a world where the internet connects all your devices and allows you to work from home and communicate with your loved ones, staying on top of cyber threats has never been more important. If you need additional help, don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Looking for More Useful Tech Tips?

     Our Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, we live stream new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People'  every Wednesday at 6:00 pm CST on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Technology product reviews are posted every Thursday. You can view previous episodes on our YouTube channel.  

     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone.

     Need computer or technology help? If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have.  Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.