​     Telephone spoofing, also known as caller ID spoofing is the act of making a phone call appear as if it is coming from a different number when it shows up on your caller ID.
     Cyber criminals use this practice as a way to carry out their various voice and text phishing scams. If you see a local phone number show up on your caller ID, crooks know you're probably going to answer.  Unfortunately,  it is pretty easy to program a phone to show a fake caller ID, but there are ways to protect your smartphone number.
     Check out these quick and easy tips that will prevent crooks from getting your smartphone number.
     The reality is it is not much you can do if you find that a criminal is spoofing your number and it turns out that spoofing a number is not illegal, sort of.  The FCC's website and Truth in Caller ID Act, states "FCC rules prohibit any person or entity from transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongly obtain anything of value.” The trick is the part of 'no intent to do harm". 
     If you're a small or solo business, you might choose to have another phone number show up when you call customers.  You might want to have an 888 number or another local number to protect your office number ... or your smartphone if you run your business from your mobile device.  When criminals spoof, they are obviously trying to cause harm, but these crooks can skirt the law as many of these call centers are outside of the United States. 
      Also, numbers are chosen at random from leaked numbers on the dark web.  I know you're also wondering if your phone provider can help, but unfortunately, they can't ... unless you decide to change your number.

How To Stop Spoofing
     One of the best ways to stop spoofing is to stop giving out your smartphone number.  I'm very selective with whom I share my number.  One of the reasons I don't share it is because most people want it to get some free computer advice, but the main reason is to prevent the spoofing of my smartphone number.
     In this day and age where criminals a targeting smartphones, another good tip is to use a free calling app.  Calling apps allow you to do your own spoofing which will keep your smartphone number private.  Apps like Google Voice, TextFree, and WhatsApp allow you to make calls through the app which will display the number you choose with the free calling app as opposed to your smartphone number. 
     If you have a business that uses VOIP, check with your provider to see if there is an app you can use to make business calls without revealing your number.  For example, we use Vonage Business for our office phones.  We can make calls from the app which means our team members can keep their smartphones private.
     If you find your number has been spoofed, you can record a voicemail letting people know that your number has been spoofed.  People understand spoofing is widespread and having a voicemail that alerts people to the fact that you've been spoofed, can calm the nerves of people who have been harassed by criminals.

What to Do If You Are Getting Spoofed Calls
     Before you call that number back angrily to confront a scammer, take the following steps:,
     Try to avoid answering unfamiliar numbers, even if they are from your area.
     If you do answer a call and it is obviously a spam call (they are often offers to reduce credit card payments or offer prizes), do not respond to them and hang up. Do not answer any questions, especially yes or no questions.
     Do not give out any personal information such as addresses or Social Security numbers. No legitimate business or government agency will contact you to collect personal information.
     Immediately hang up if someone claims they represent a government agency or company. They will usually attempt to contact you via the mail rather than call you. Call an organization directly to inquire if they did attempt to call you.

     I hope this article helps you fight back against spoofing. If your phone is being taken over by a telemarketing spoof, take action to protect your number. Most people are sympathetic if your number has been spoofed. I'm curious to know if you've had your number spoofed and what you did to reclaim your number.

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.

​     If you're spending 8 to 10 hours a day in front of the screens of your computers and smart devices, you could be experiencing an overload of something called "blue light" If you're exposed to too much of this light, it can cause things like disrupting your sleep patterns, retinal cell damage, and digital eyestrain.
     What's worse, is that younger eyes are more at risk. Your tech devices play a big role in your life, so it's unrealistic to give the advice that you stop using them. There are a number of things you can do to reduce the amount of blue light you're exposed to. Check out these quick and easy tech tips to help you cut down how much blue light your devices emit.

     1. Enable Blue Light Protection On Your Devices. Hardware and software manufacturers are aware blue light can cause issues, so most of your smart devices already have a means for you to enable protection.

     iPad or iPhone: On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Display & Brightness. Tap the Night Shift setting, which will change the screen temperature of your Apple device to a warmer color, which will filter out the blue light. This won't permanently change your devices to filter blue light. It's designed to filter out blue light to help your body adjust to sleep, so you will have to enable it every time you use your device.

     Android Smartphone or Tablet: Most Android devices have built-in blue light filters, but not all. If your mode supports this, go to Settings > Display. Look for an option for Night Light or Blue Light filter and turn it on. Like Apple devices, this doesn't enable blue light permanently, you have to turn it on every time you use your device.

     Windows 10: I'm sure most of you think Windows devices are behind the curve, but they have blue light settings that can be turned on from Settings > System > Display. Toggle the Night light switch to turn on the feature. Like other devices, you have to enable this every time you use your Windows computer.
 
     Apple Computer: If you have an Apple computer 2012 or newer, you can turn on the blue light blocking feature. To do so, follow these steps: Choose Apple menu> System Preferences> Click Displays >Night Shift tab. Again, this will only allow you to set a schedule to turn this feature on. It does not enable it permanently.

     2. Download an App. If you own an Android device that doesn't have a blue light filter, consider the following apps>
sfilter. This app will allow you to turn it on and off at specific times. You can change the color and brightness of the filter, and even create a shortcut icon or widget, so you don't have to open the app to enable the filter.

     Blue Light Filter. This app will allow you to adjust the color temperature by choosing from among several options as well as tweaking the intensity and the brightness of the filter.

     Twilight: This app will allow you to always enable the filter to run from sunrise to sunset, or turn on and off at specific times.

     3.Get a screen protector. No matter what device you spend hours staring at, you can get a screen protector to help block blue light. Check out products from www.ocushield.com. You can get screen protectors for Apple, Samsung and a variety of monitors to help reduce the strain to your eyes.
 
     4. Try Protection Glasses. new monitors and screen protectors aren't an option, try these blue-light-blocking glasses. Wear them while you're on your devices before bed to get better sleep at night. These glasses come with a protective case so you can take them to work, school or just keep them safe at home. Wherever you choose to wear them, it's nice to know you can protect your eyes any time, anywhere.

     5. Rest Your Eyes. The simplest way to help prevent overexposure to digital blue light is by managing the time spent using them. Be sure to take regular breaks away from the screen. One easy method is to employ the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a break from your computer to look at something 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. This technique can help you avoid eye strain, and serves as a regular reminder to be conscious of blue light exposure.
 
     As you can see, there are many ways to protect your eyes from Blue Light. In our digital world, there is a need for laptops, television, and smartphone eye protection. Hopefully, the above advice will help you protect your eyes from a mobile screen or computer.


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. 
 
 

​     If you're reading this, you probably bank online. It's so darned convenient to be able to sit on a computer or pull out your smartphone to check your balance, transfer funds, and deposit checks.
     While online banking has made life easier for you to stay on top of your finances, it also makes it easier for thieves to see what's going on with your money, and even help themselves to your hard-earned cash.
     Banks do their job to make sure your accounts are safe, but you need to make sure you're doing your part as well. Here are some quick and easy tips to help you keep your online accounts safe and secure from cybercriminals.
 
1. Choose a financial institution that uses industry-standard security.
     If you're like most people you want to use credit unions or banks that can offer you minimum fees and great interest rates. You also need to add robust security to your wish list.
     Industry-standard security with financial institutions includes multifactor authentication which includes, your user name and password as well, another means of proof that you're the account holder such as sending a passcode or text message to your smartphone. 
     Another practice they employ is to automatically log you out of your account after periods of inactivity. Most of the larger banks and financial institutions employ these methods for all of their account holders.
     If your bank doesn't offer multifactor authentication, you need to move to another bank.
 
2. Don't trust links to visit your bank or financial institution.
     Criminals love to send out phishing emails and with all of the information they can gather about you from the dark web, it's easy for them to impersonate a representative from your bank. Most phishing emails claim there is a problem with an account with a link to make it convenient to log into your account to fix the problem. Behind the link, thieves are waiting to steal your banking credentials.
     To avoid this, always open your favorite web browser and enter the URL to your bank. This will help you avoid one of the favorite tricks crooks use to get access to your data.
 
3. Connecting to Public Wi-Fi to Access Your Bank Is a No-No.
     Not all public WiFi is bad, but why should you take a risk? Using your computer and devices on public Wi-Fi puts you at risk to have criminals steal your information. If you're out and about and you need to log into one of your financial accounts, use your smartphone or tablet connected only to your cell phone network.
     Your cellular connection is a secure connection and will allow you to check on your finances without risking leaking your information.
 
4. Monitor your accounts on a regular basis.
     One of the best ways to keep your accounts safe is to check your transactions regularly. I know most of you probably log into your financial accounts to see if there is money in your accounts, but you also need to make sure there aren't any irregular transactions occurring
     The only way to make absolutely sure is to check your account balances and transaction history regularly and make sure your money isn't going anywhere it isn't supposed to. If you see strange suspicious activity, change your account password, and contact your bank immediately.
 
5. Change Your Passwords Like your Underwear.
     Most banks and financial institutions require you to create strong passwords, but you need to change them every few months. Doing so will protect you if your bank gets breached and your login information is leaked to the dark web. 
     Criminals will sit on passwords for months before attempting to use them to log into accounts. If you get into the habit of changing yours every few months, you will stay ahead of cyber thieves.
 
6. Enable text alerts.
     If your financial institutions allow you to enable text alerts for your accounts to notify you of low balances and large transactions, do it immediately. These alerts allow you to contact the bank immediately if you see strange activity on your account.
 
7. Keep your devices updated.
     Hackers love outdated smartphones, tablets, and computers. It makes it easier for them or their software to get access to your devices. Updating doesn't mean you have to go out and purchase new technology every 18 months, but it does mean downloading the latest operating systems and updates to keep your gadgets secure from cyber threats.  
     Whenever a new update comes out for your device, download it immediately.
I know most of the tips I've shared are common sense, but it is always a good idea to stay on top of your financial accounts. If your money disappears, it's gone forever. If for some reason you are a victim of fraudulent activity on your accounts, you can dispute unauthorized charges for 60 days after the date of your bank statement.
 
Looking for More Useful Tech Tips?
    Our Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, we livestream 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
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. 
 

     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.