Several free tech-related courses will be offered this month via the Mid-Continent Public Library.
Let’s Go Live: Twitch
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
2:00pm—2:30pm
Thinking about streaming live on Twitch? Join us as we explore how to set up live streams on Twitch! Registration is required. To enjoy this virtual program, go to our MCPL360 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcpl360 at the scheduled day and time. If you don’t see this program the first time or want to watch it again, visit the MCPL YouTube channel at youtube.com/MCPLMO.

Up your Facebook game for your business
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
6:00pm—7:30pm
Learn how to put Facebook to work marketing your business! Join Mid-Continent Public Library's Business Specialist, Hanna Taylor, for an in-depth, 90-minute workshop where you can learn the best practices for creating and maintaining an engaging Facebook page, as well as learn the secrets of the Facebook algorithm that determine who sees and interacts with your posts.
Participant Take-aways:
• Identify target audiences and discuss branding on Facebook
• Recognize engaging content and understand why the algorithms favor it
• Assess various tools and techniques to help in the Facebook marketing journey
To view this class, visit the Square One Facebook Account at https://www.facebook.com/mcplsquareone/ This program is funded by a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Getting Creative with Canva
Thursday, July 15, 2021
12:00pm—12:45pm
Canva is the graphic design platform you never knew you needed! We know that not all business owners are also graphic designers, so we want to help you get started using this amazing tool. In this series, Hanna will walk you through the basics of creating various designs on Canva and showing you the tips and tricks for designing social media-worthy content. Sign up for a free Canva account today and discover your inner graphic designer!
To view this class, visit the Square One Facebook Account at https://www.facebook.com/mcplsquareone/. This program is funded by a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Google Docs Basics: Set Tab Stops 
Friday, July 16, 2021
1:00pm—1:15pm
In the third video of our series based on Formatting Paragraphs, let's learn how to set and use tabs effectively. This correlates with Word's Paragraph group. Registration is required. To enjoy this virtual program, go to our MCPL360 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcpl360 at the scheduled day and time. If you don’t see this program the first time or want to watch it again, visit the MCPL YouTube channel at youtube.com/MCPLMO.

Smart Devices: iRobot Roomba
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
2:00pm—2:30pm
Join Brityni and her iRobot Roomba, Winifred Holmes, as they both learn more about robot smart devices. Registration is required. To enjoy this virtual program, go to our MCPL360 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcpl360 at the scheduled day and time. If you don’t see this program the first time or want to watch it again, visit the MCPL YouTube channel at youtube.com/MCPLMO.
​
Google Docs: Even More Paragraph Settings
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
2:00pm—2:30pm
In the last of our Format Paragraphs series, let's explore some detailed settings that assist in making your document as readable and impressive as possible. These settings are similar to settings found in Word's Paragraph Dialog Box. Registration is required. To enjoy this virtual program, go to our MCPL360 Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcpl360 at the scheduled day and time. If you don’t see this program the first time or want to watch it again, visit the MCPL YouTube channel at youtube.com/MCPLMO.
 

     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. 
 

     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. 
 
 

     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. 
 

     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.
 

     Let's face it, 2020 was tough. A fresh start is what many of you are looking for in 2021, so when you resolve to make positive changes to your personal life, take a moment to make some resolutions for your digital life as well. 
     Just like good personal habits help you live a longer and fuller life, good tech habits help your technology last longer and prevents you from falling victim to many of the scams out there that threaten your tech devices and your personal data.  There are so many habits you should pick up when it comes to using your technology.  Here are the 6 important ones you need to use in the coming year.

1. Configure Your Devices to Automatically Backup to a Cloud Storage Service. 
     You can easily replace your computers, smartphones, and tablets. Your data such as baby's first photos, wedding pictures, holiday videos, can't be replaced when lost.  Even if there was a chance to reclaim those old files can cost thousands if you let us at Integral attempt to retrieve them from you.
     External hard drives can be used for backup, but most of you won't remember to plug them in your devices to have them backup. Resolve this year to have your devices automatically backup that information to the cloud.  Unfortunately, there are no free services that allow you to do this, but most backup services average around $70 a year which is a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing your files are safe and secure.  Not sure what to use?  

Windows and Macintosh Computers:  Carbonite (www.carbonite.com) Will automatically backup your items to the cloud and keep older files for up to 30 days.

iPhones and iPad:  iCloud. (www.icloud.com) Apple starts you off with a small amount of storage for your tech devices, but for a small monthly fee, you can increase that storage to backup all of your important files on your iPhone, iPad, and even your iMac and Macbook.

Android Phones and Tablets: Google Drive. (www.google.com) Google follows the same model as Apple by giving you a free amount of storage space, but for a small monthly fee you can have all of your Android devices and your Windows and Apple computers backed up to the cloud.

2.  Use a Password Manager to Store Those Passwords.
     Hopefully, you're using different passwords for all of your online accounts. If you're not, you're risking identity theft and having your personal online accounts compromised. Cybercriminals are using a method called Credential Stuffing to get access to your information.
     With all of the data breaches that have occurred over the years, the is a good chance your user information is sitting on the dark web.  Once your information is obtained, a criminal just needs to use your credentials to log in.  Making sure you have a different password for each of your online accounts is a great deterrent. 
     Keeping track of all of those passwords is the challenge, which is why a password manager is a good tool for you to use.  Not the most secure method, but storing those passwords in your favorite browser is better than using the same passwords for your accounts. 
     Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera all offer an option to store your passwords.  If you want a little more security, use LastPass (www.lastpass.com) or DashLane (www.dashlane) to store those passwords.

3. Have a Good Balance between Screen Time and Real Life.
     Technology has been a great tool during the pandemic allowing us to stay in contact with family and friends, but if you've seen "The Social Dilemma" on Netflix, you know technology is designed to keep you addicted and plugged. It's even worse for younger members of your family with social media creating a host of mental and physical ailments.  
     iPhone users can take advantage of Apple's Screen Time to track and control your smartphone use. Android users can use Digital Wellbeing to set limits on the time you spend on your devices.  It helps if you block or unfriend negative people on your social media accounts. Also, set certain areas in your home as 'no tech' zones to help curb the amount of time you spend staring at your devices.

4. Get Rid of those old Tech Devices. 
     Doesn't matter if you give them to family members, charity, or recycle them, make 2021 the year you get rid of those old technology toys. I'm talking old gaming systems, computers, laptops, phones, headphones, and cords.  Someone can use that old tech. 
     Before you give away those devices, wipe them clean. The easiest way to wipe these devices clean is to do a full reset. Before you do, make sure you back up all your information like documents, pictures, and videos to an external hard drive or to a cloud storage service.

5. Add a Little 'Green' to Your Tech. 
    One of the great things about technology is all of the environmentally friendly tech that is available. Focusing on 'green' tech can help your home and office finances. The first thing you should do is to replace your standard light bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs can save you up to $6 a year.  A small amount when you think of one bulb, but think about how many bulbs you have in your home or office. 
     If you haven't already, you should also invest in a smart thermostat to help with your energy savings.  Some utility companies will provide them to you, but once you have one in your home or office, you can program a schedule to make sure there is no waste when it comes to your utilities.  You can also take it a step further by setting up a smart home with your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices.  

6. Reevaluate Your Tech  
     Subscriptions.  Many products are going to a subscription service.
 The upside is these products keep you up to date with the latest versions of your software products. The downside is these subscriptions are designed to keep taking money out of your pocket as most companies sign you up for ongoing subscriptions rather than monthly or yearly subscriptions.
     Check your banking and credit card statements to make sure you aren't being charged for products you are no longer using.  While you're at it, contact your cable and Internet providers to make sure you're getting the best package that offers faster internet services. Sometimes companies will modify their TV or Internet package for a lower rate and not inform their current customers.

     Yes, 2020 was not an easy year and we all could use a clean slate. Think of 2021 as a reset for yourself and your tech devices.  In this digital age we live in, take the time to reevaluate your relationship with your gadgets, and make technology a healthier component of your life.

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.
 

     The holiday shopping season is in full swing. If you're like me, your moving away from shopping for your favorite computers and electronic devices in brick and mortar stores and doing your Christmas shopping at online stores. 
     Why wouldn't you? It's convenient and it's quick, with online stores delivering your gadgets in a matter of days. With more and more people buying high ticket electronics online, there has been a rise of packages being stolen by porch pirates. They're riding in your neighborhoods, snatching your packages up, trying to take them so you need to do something to protect those packages.
     Want to make sure your gadgets make it under the tree this year? Here's what you can do to stop porch pirates from running off with your stuff and what to do if they are hijacked by a porch pirate.
 
     1. Have Your Packages Delivered to Your Work Place, a P.O. Box, or Use Ship To Store.
     Probably one of the best ways to stop porch pirates in their tracks is to avoid shipping to your home. Even if you work from home or you are at home the majority of the time, porch pirates can still get your stuff.
     These crafty individuals will follow FedEx and UPS trucks so they can pounce immediately after your package has been delivered. Having your packages shipped to a location other than your porch is a smart move, especially during the holiday season.
 
     2. Install a Smart Doorbell or Home Camera Security System.
     Yes, I know there are a ton of videos of people caught on camera stealing packages even in the presence of a smart door bell such as a Ring (www.ring.com), but they really do work as a way keeping people off your property.
     If installed and used properly, smart home monitoring systems like Ring, Nest (www.nest.com), or Belkin (www.belkin) can keep your alerted when someone is near your door and allow you to capture on video any activity that occurs. With video, you have a means to retrieve your stolen gadgets.
 
     3. Sign up for delivery alerts and have Your Neighbors Help.
     Most online retailers offer alerts to let you know when your electronics leave the shipping center and more importantly when they arrive at your door. Alerts can help you take action to make sure your get your gadgets. If you're not able to be home for package delivery, ask a trusted neighbor to get it for you. Also, If possible, require a signature for all deliveries.
 
     4. Help Out Your Neighbors.
     If you work from home, or are home during the day, make a post on Nextdoor (www.nextdoor.com) or in your neighborhood Facebook group (www.facebook.com) and offer to allow your neighbors to ship their packages and electronics to your house.
     Also, keep an eye out for suspicious things in your neighborhood. If you notice something that doesn't seem right, check with your neighbors or contact the authorities for help.
 
     5. Use free secure delivery lockers offered by Amazon. Amazon offers self service lockers that allow you to ship your gadgets to a locker. You have 3 days to get your items out of the locker. For more details, check out Amazon's website (www.amazon.com).
 
If you have been a victim of a porch pirate do the following things:
1. File a Police Report
2. Contact the shipper.
     If your gadgets were delivered via US Postal Service, fill out a Missing Mail Search Request.
     If it was delivered by UPS, you need to contact the shipper.
     If it was delivered by FedEx, you can go to their web site and fill out their online form for missing packages.
 
     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.