This week at Computer Doctor, we’ve noticed yet another uptick in scams to our customers. As usual, these scams are very deceptive and it’s difficult to determine whether it’s real or a scam until it’s far too late. Despite the hundreds of times we’ve resolved these kinds of infections, we continue to see new variations every time. The new go-to tactic for scammers seems to be fraud (ironically). Several folks last week had received calls or emails that there was an unauthorized transaction on their credit card or Amazon account and before long, they’re remotely connected to Timbuktu watching their passwords, banking info and personal info dart around the screen. The scariest detail yet is that hackers are now able to modify the HTML content of your online banking and change the names of transactions. This means that an innocent $20 withdrawal you’ve long since forgotten about now appears to be a $750 purchase from Amazon that gets your attention fast.
While this all sounds scary- there are a few very methods of protection you can incorporate today.
Antivirus
All of our antivirus options include HIPS (Host intrusion prevention systems) that detect suspicious and unusual activity- even from humans- and notify you immediately. Of course no anti virus is perfect, but these are the best in the industry.
Secure Your Accounts
After a hack, your accounts are practically wide open. Your computer stores dozens, even hundreds of online account passwords. After a hack, those passwords are most likely stolen and floating around the web. The chances of an individual hacker wanting your account passwords are slim, but they will sell them to the highest bidder in no time. Before long, your password can appear in data leaks universally. After thoroughly cleaning your computer, Computer Doctor will provide you with a paper copy of all of the passwords involved in the hack, so you can change them to new and secure passwords at home.
Be Safe Online
This last one goes beyond the cold call scams and is a tip to protect you from background hacking you may not even know has occurred. One of the most overlooked points of a data leak is the data you put out yourself. How often have you seen the seemingly innocent posts that say things like “who still remembers their first car?”, “Who remembers the street they grew up on?” “Who still remembers the name of their childhood best friend?”. Though these seem innocent, some readers may now have noticed that these are the answers to some of the most common security questions. With these answers, hackers can reset your password and access anything in your online accounts. Steer clear of these posts to be safe online.
If you have been the victim of a scam recently, or even in the past- threats may still be lingering. Call us today to set up a thorough cleaning and virus protection installation.
Although Macs are fairly good at defending against viruses that may try to make your way on your computer, they can’t protect you from everything. Below is an older post from the Computer Doctor of Maine, talking about Mac Defender, a program that claimed to help rid your Mac of viruses. However, instead, it would not defend your Mac at all. It would ask for your credit card info, and just take your money while causing further problems to your computer. Many people would download this program from a pop-up ad, telling them that their computer had a virus and that they should install Mac Defender immediately.
While viruses for Macs have been around for a long time, they are generally few and very far between. I have said on countless occasions one of the best ways to prevent virus infection on your computer is to use a Mac. While I still stand by this, for now, the tide may be turning. Mac Defender is a rogue antivirus program that has been running rampant as of late. These programs have been infecting PCs for years and work by trying to get you to purchase a fake product and enter your credit card info. Your information is compromised, the program is now embedded in your system and can cause a host of issues, from performance issues to hard drive corruption and data loss.
– Computer Doctor of Maine, 2011/06/02
Although Mac Defender is much less common now, there are still many programs like it, such as MacKeeper. MacKeeper can get all through your Mac, making it difficult to remove it. If you have installed it, you can bring your Mac to the Computer Doctor of Maine in Bangor, and we can remove all traces of it, keeping your computer safe. In addition to this, we can help you install real anti-virus software, to protect against any threats.
Like a persistent cough or muscle strain that won’t go away, many IT issues prove ongoing. Every time they come back you think about getting an expert’s opinion. Then, the cough fades, you can walk freely again, or your computers are back up and running. You keep on going. Until the next time. If you’re sick of ongoing issues with your IT, look to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for help.
There are many IT ailments that can negatively impact your ability to do work. Let’s consider some of the particularly common ones, and why an MSP is the right prescription.
#1 Network and Internet issues.
Business is done online these days. Not being able to connect to the network and slow connections are frustrating. Without the Internet, how can you do your job? You can’t even check and send emails! Let alone access team documents or enter data into cloud-based accounting software. A lagging network also slows down application and data loading time. It may only be a few moments of thumb-twiddling. But add that up over several times a day and multiple by employees. You’re looking at a decrease in productivity that adds up.
An MSP has the know-how to survey the IT environment for what’s causing these frustrations. When there’s a problem, they’re at the ready to resolve it and help improve reliability.
#2 Repeated malware infections.
This can mean a couple of things. First, you don’t have an effective system and application protections in place. These attacks shouldn’t be able to make it through the door in the first place. With the right firewalls, anti-spam, and protections, you should be able to keep your system on lockdown. You don’t have to do this yourself. Your internal IT team has a lot to manage and monitor. Gain expert backup with an MSP reviewing your security protocols to keep the bad guys at bay.
Secondly, educate employees about the dangers of social engineering. Don’t let them keep falling for the pretexts and downloading malicious files. Also, ensure passwords are strong enough to avoid adding another point of entry.
#3 Printing problems.
Many businesses are printing less today, but we’re not done with hard copies entirely. So, when a printer starts whirring, spinning endlessly, or can’t connect, efficiency halts. Know that printers sold at big box stores are consumer-grade quality. Avoid printer frustrations with solid business-class printers (which your MSP can identify).
#4 Application overload.
Maybe some of your employees prefer Dropbox. Others rely on their free Gmail accounts. This hodgepodge of options can cause chaos. Staff have difficulty remembering the passwords to all of the accounts they need. So, they simplify, and that makes their accounts more hackable.
Upgrading to business-grade versions of important applications is easier with an MSP. They’ll help identify the software that best addresses your business needs.
#5 Aging technology.
You’ve had your current computers for ages. They are slower than you’d like, but you don’t have the time to look for something else. Plus, you can’t imagine having to learn something new. You’re too busy. But aging tech is more likely to fail, which could prove catastrophic if you don’t have the right systems backup.
MSPs know IT. Based on your individual business needs, they can suggest a plan of attack to update the IT and keep it secure. They can also provide backup strategies to prepare for the worst and recover quickly.
Basically, a managed service provider has your back when it comes to IT. Work with experts who focus on technology day in and day out. You’ll typically save money and gain time to spend innovating in your field.
Gain a competitive advantage with the support of an MSP. Give us a call at 207-862-7019 today!
We have confirmed that a serious virulent ransomware threat known as WannaCrypt0r/WannaCry has affected Windows computers on shared networks in at least 74 countries worldwide, with 57,000 reported individual cases being affected. And according to the analysis team at Kaspersky Lab, that number is growing fast. Here in Hampden Maine, we have identified two cases over the last week.
Once one computer on a network is affected, the malware infection easily spreads to other Windows computers on the same network, shutting down entire government agencies and national infrastructure companies. Hospitals across the UK were being forced to divert patients and ambulance routes as of Friday afternoon, and several utility companies across Europe reported infection across their computer networks according to BBC News.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a kind of malicious script or software that installs itself on your computer without your knowledge. Once it’s installed and running, it will lock down your system and won’t allow you to access any files or programs on that computer. Usually, as in this current WannaCry exploit, it will alert you to the lockdown with an impossible-to-ignore pop-up screen which informs you that your computer is being held for ransom. To unlock your system and regain access to the computer being held hostage, the lock screen informs you that you must purchase an unlock tool or decryption key from the hacker.
Where Did This Threat Originate?
In this case, Microsoft has been aware of the vulnerability since March 2017, when it published a Security Bulletin covering the potential risk. According to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, early indicators seem to point to the attack originating in China, but more information is needed.
How Can You Tell If Your Computer Is Infected?
The most obvious way to tell if your computer has been affected is if you are seeing a ransomware pop-up screen when you start up your computer. But because we don’t know how long the malware sits on your computer or network, not seeing this pop-up isn’t necessarily an indication that you haven’t been infected. The bottom line: if your Windows computer has connected to a shared network, such as those found in schools, public places, cafes and businesses, and you don’t have complete control over every computer on that network and haven’t been keeping Windows up-to-date, your computer may be infected.
How to Protect Yourself From the Vulnerability
According to Microsoft a fix for this vulnerability was released on March 14th for all affected versions of Windows. If you are running Windows and have automatic updates enabled you should be okay. If you don’t and haven’t updated recently you should update to the most recently released version immediately. It is important to note that unsupported versions of Windows, like XP, did not receive this security update. Those systems should either be isolated or shut down.
Please pass this along to your friends and family. Those that are less technical may not have updates auto-enabled, and may need a helping hand updating their operating system.
Computer Doctor offers complete management programs, providing system monitoring and a multi layered security and updating package to help keep your business and home systems safe. Please call 862-7019 to find out more.
Phishing scams are among the most prevalent forms of cybercrime, especially in the US. Although phishing is widespread, it is beatable. Apart from ensuring you install security software, the best way to combat scams is to learn what phishing looks like.
What is Phishing?
Phishing (pronounced “fishing”) is a kind of identity theft which is growing in popularity amongst hackers. By using fraudulent websites and false emails, perpetrators attempt to steal your personal data – most commonly passwords and credit card information.
Criminals gain this information by sending you links to sites that look like sites you trust, such as your online banking provider or social networks, and are able to steal your data as you enter it. Some of the sites spoofed most regularly include PayPal, eBay, Yahoo! and MSN, as well as financial institutions – so don’t think that an email is guaranteed to be safe when it’s not from a bank.
How to protect yourself against phishing
Be wary of emails asking for confidential information – especially information of a financial nature. Legitimate organisations will never request sensitive information via email, and most banks in the UK will tell you that they won’t ask for your information unless you’re the one contacting them.
Don’t get pressured into providing sensitive information. Phishers like to use scare tactics, and may threaten to disable an account or delay services until you update certain information. Be sure to contact the merchant directly to confirm the authenticity of their request.
Make sure you familiarize yourself with a website’s privacy policy. The majority of commercial websites have a privacy policy, which is usually accessible at the foot of the page. The most useful thing to look for is the website’s policy on whether it will or will not sell its mailing list.Most of the spam you receive on a daily basis – as well as potentially dangerous phishing emails – is coming to you because a site you have signed up to has sold your email address to another company. If you’re not ok with this happening, it might be worth reconsidering whether you want to sign up to the site.
Watch out for generic-looking requests for information. Fraudulent emails are often not personalised, while authentic emails from your bank often reference an account you have with them. Many phishing emails begin with “Dear Sir/Madam”, and some come from a bank with which you don’t even have an account.
5. Never submit confidential information via formsembedded within email messages. Senders are often able to track all information entered.
6. Never use links in an email to connect to a website unless you are absolutely sure they are authentic. Instead, open a new browser window and type the URL directly into the address bar. Often a phishing website will look identical to the original – look at the address bar to make sure that this is the case.
7. Make sure you maintain effective software to combat phishing.
Viruses are known to plague millions of computers each year. They can cause a lot of frustration and annoyance because your computer is not acting the way it should be; it is the difference that you notice that can prevent any further damage done to your computer. It is important to keep a look out for any indication that your computer is infected, so here are 10 simple signs to help you notice a computer virus:
Your computer is really slow. Like really, really, REALLY slow.
Nothing responds when you click on an icon and/or your software applications do not work correctly anymore.
The system reboots, freezes up, or crashes for no reason.
Your antivirus security program and/or firewall is suddenly disabled.
You can’t access your disk drives or hard drive.
You are suddenly unable to print
You start seeing strange pop-up windows stating that you have a virus or that your computer is infected. (Usually the name of the virus program/scanner is something you have never heard of and you can’t seem to close the annoying window).
You start seeing pop-up advertisement windows at unexpected (random) times.
You have major problems trying to install or download software, especially an antivirus software.
You seem to have suddenly lost the icons on the desktop and/or all other program files in our folders.
If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms on your computer, the best solution is to bring it in to Computer Doctor. We have seen the nastiest of viruses out there, and we are confident that we can nurse your computer back to health. If you have any concerns about your computer at all, please give us a call at 862-7019, we would love to take care of any computer issues you may have! You can take 15% off a Virus Removal and Tune Up service by mentioning this article before November 18, 2016!
Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system. This type of malware forces its victims to pay the ransom through certain online payment methods, usually BitCoin, in order to grant access to their systems or to get their data back. Some ransomware (called CryptoLocker) encrypts files and will not decrypt them until the ransom is paid. All businesses are vulnerable, especially small businesses without the right protection and prevention strategies; however, the average consumer is also at a great risk. We have customers come to Computer Doctor frequently with ransomware virus attacks, both residences and businesses. Almost no one is exempt from these threats, but you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself from the ransomware’s damage.
This week we have worked with two companies that were compromised due to targeted attacks using dropbox. One received an email from a subcontractor offering to share a file. Once this was clicked on, the customer’s email account was sabotaged and the phishing email was sent out to all his business contacts.
The other company had a ransomeware infection that spread via the company shared dropbox. The infected computer was encrypted and subsequently spread the virus to every machine in the company.
These 2 events happened to small, local businesses in the Bangor area. We assessed the events and initiated a plan of action to remediate the issue. Virus threats are everywhere and they are not only targeting large corporations; we need to make sure your important information is secured and there is an effective strategy in the event of a data ransom because it can happen to anyone.
Computer Doctor is proud to offer customized managed services to everyone in the Bangor area. There are fully managed, proactive, and essentials packages depending on your security need. These packages include superb security, monitoring, and data backup services to help prevent or reduce ransomware virus attacks. These devastating outbreaks can cost you hundreds of dollars and a lifetime of photos and files. You can finally have peace of mind knowing you are taking the steps to protect your valuable information with Computer Doctor’s managed services.
If you are interested in protecting your family’s, business, or personal data from destructive viruses, please stop by our office at 50 Main Road N in Hampden or call us at 862-7019. If you mention this article, you can receive 10% off a virus removal with tune up!
Is your personal information and data worth the best protection and security services available? Of course it is! Computer Doctor is proud to now offer remote support, asset reporting, and system monitoring for residences in the Greater Bangor area. These services encompass more than just anti-virus— it is full system protection!
Computer Doctor’s managed security services program is comprised of intrusion prevention, proactive detection, and behavioral analysis. Deployment and updating of software is centralized to ensure coverage and consistency. Additionally we can offer web filtering and both onsite and cloud based fully managed backup. A wide range of detailed reports can be provided so you can feel confident in our efforts to support you.
But, what is the real difference between stand-alone anti-virus software and Computer Doctor’s residential managed services?
Stand-alone anti-virus software simply focuses on anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware; all of which are important to your PC’s security but your computer actually needs more security than what is traditionally offered. Computer Doctor’s Managed Anti-Virus Services has everything your PC needs; it includes what standard anti-virus software offers, plus much more! You can receive a monthly status and threat report based off the issues our network operations center has detected. Your computer also will run scheduled virus scans, and we offer both Windows and third party software patch management. We take the guesswork out of what to click and get rid of the nagging reminders for constant updates.
A major advantage to Computer Doctor’s Managed Services is the extra support you would receive by enrolling in this program. You have the option of unlimited remote support sessions for any unlikely issues your computer might encounter— from the comfort of your own home! Many computer issues can be repaired quickly and easily through a remote support session with the Computer Doctor.
What is the cherry on top of Computer Doctor’s Managed Services? Device health monitoring. The health of your computer is monitored and reported for any potential issues and if there is a problem, both you and the Computer Doctor are alerted. Problems like hard drive failure, viruses, and anti-virus expiration, printing, windows services, and blue screen issues can all be addressed quickly and efficiently. Your computer repair will be our top priority with a fast turn-around time.
Computer Doctor’s Managed Services provides you with complete PC peace of mind. Security, software, and hardware issues will be monitored and reported to both you and to the Computer Doctor. With that knowledge, you can bring your computer in to the shop to receive a quick and cost effective repair. We offer a plan that includes unlimited support and repair; if your situation qualifies for this beneficial program, Computer Doctor becomes your personal IT department! Monitoring occurs 24/7, and you can have peace of mind knowing that our systems are on the job.
This is a brand new service that only Computer Doctor can provide in the Bangor area. You will not find this convenience at any other shop around, and we are proud to offer it to residential users. Do you know of a small or home based office that could benefit from these services? As part of our initial launch of these comprehensive services we are offering 25 discounted custom packages. We can design the perfect amount of support for your family or small business in a very cost effective package. If you have any questions or would like to enroll in this innovative program, please give us a call at 862-7019 or stop in the shop at 50 Main Road North in Hampden!
What if while purchasing a new car, appliance, or piece of office equipment you were told that the item you’re about to purchase comes with on-going maintenance and improvements at no additional charge? The sales person tells you that his company will let you know when there are any improvements or when you need maintenance, and you won’t be required to visit a repair shop or have a repair person visit your office or home. Would you elect to take advantage of that offer? Maintenance plus improvements without the headaches of a service visit and zero expense on your part. Who wouldn’t say yes to an offer like that?
Unfortunately in most cases that is just a fantasy; however it is reality when it comes to your Windows operating system. Microsoft continues to make improvements and repairs to their operating systems available for several years after purchase, yet many people do not take advantage of this benefit. Well if something so sensible isn’t motivation enough, here are some more reasons why updating your desktop and server operating systems is not only prudent, it is critical.
Stories about hackers and threats to computers and networks are in the news almost every day, and many of these stories include tips on how to prevent or minimize this from happening to you. Across the board, consistently, one of the recommended tips is to keep your operating system updated! The reason is because a majority of the updates Microsoft releases are security updates. Never seen before threats are developed by crafty hackers all the time and Microsoft is constantly refining its operating systems to counter these new threats; but in order to take advantage of these improvements, and protect your devices and network, you need to keep your operating systems up-to-date.
Operating systems are also updated to address bugs and shortcomings. Prior to making software available to the public Microsoft will release a beta version of the product for people, primarily IT geeks, to try, experiment, and play with. Then, Microsoft takes the feedback and improves the product, eventually releasing it to the public. However, now that it is in the hands of the public you have dramatically increased the number of people using it and the ways it is being used. Not surprisingly, more issues come to light and, one way or another, come to the attention of Microsoft. Microsoft then uses this feedback to make improvements to the software, also known as patches, and eventually makes these new improvements available. The end result is an operating system that is not good as new, it is better!
Patching desktops and laptops is fairly easy because you can set updates to automatically download and install.
For Windows 7 users, type and click “Windows Updates” in the search box. In the left pane, click “Change Settings,” then under Recommended Updates, select either the “Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates” or “Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates” check box and click OK.
For Windows 8 and 10 users, choose “Change PC Settings” in your Settings, then click “Update and recovery.” Click on “Choose how updates get installed,” and under recommended updates, select the “Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates” checkbox and apply those settings.
If you follow those steps, all of the Windows Updates that are offered will be automatically installed without you being bothered and annoyed by the frequent notifications.
Because operating system updates help your computer to be more secure and perform better, we suggest installing these updates as often as possible. However, occasionally there may be problems caused by the updates. Sometimes the updates aren’t configured properly or the installation doesn’t complete and can cause your computer to revert the updates automatically (if you’re lucky), or even create some serious system issues. That is why we recommend backing up your important files, such as documents and pictures, onto an external hard drive in the event of a disaster.
Fortunately, at the Computer Doctor, we deal with all sorts of software configuration issues— including those caused by Windows updates. If you are concerned with updating your computer on your own, we are happy to install the updates here at the shop in Hampden while simultaneously tuning up your computer; we can guarantee it will be running much faster and better than it was before! Better yet, ask about our new service package that we will now be offering to our residential and home based business customers. Our business clients experience the full benefits of our managed services program. We take care of their Windows updates on a planned schedule to avoid Microsofts patch problems, we also have an automated service program that manages third party updates, continually monitors your computer hardware for potential failures and performance issues and includes a fully managed antivirus suite of monitoring and mitigation programs and so much more! We have packages to meet every need and budget.
If you are interested in a complete system tune up, or any of our other computer services, please give us a call at 862-7019 or stop by to see us at 50 Main Road North in Hampden! And if you mention this article, you will receive 10% off a tune up!
With a new year comes new ways for hackers to attempt to gain access to your personal information and data, and 2016 is no different. Actually, 2016 is foreseen to have the most frequent cases of the most malicious viruses ever: ransomware. Security Magazine predicts ransomware attacks to grow this year because “greater numbers of inexperienced cybercriminals will leverage ransomware-as-a-service offerings which could further accelerate the growth of ransomware.”
Ransomware is a virus that stops you from using your PC, and holds your PC or files for ransom. Some versions are called “FBI Moneypak” or the “FBI virus” because they use the FBI’s logos to trick people into sending the hacker money. The virus will often claim you have done something illegal with your PC and you will be fined by your local or federal government agency. Obviously the claims are false, but if you pay the fine to the supposed agency, then there is no guarantee that paying the fine will give you access to your PC or files again. Here is an example of a page that may pop up to convince you that you are paying the government for your illegal actions:
The virus can prevent you from accessing Windows, encrypt your files so you can’t access or use them, and stop certain apps, such as your web browser, from running. The hacker will demand you to do something to regain access to your PC or files; it is usually to send them money in the form of BitCoins over the internet or a MoneyPak. Ransomware has been known to charge over $1500 to give your data back, but of course that is not always the result of this expensive transaction.
A family of these ransomware viruses is called FakeBsod. FakeBsod uses a malicious piece of JavaScript code to lock your web browser and show a fake warning message when you visit a compromised webpage. The message says to “contact Microsoft technicians” because of an “Error 333 Registry Failure of operating system” on a blue screen. If you call the number shown on the blue screen, you will be asked to pay money to “fix” the issue. This is an example of the fake warning message:
After the ransom note has been displayed, the virus begins encrypting files. When a file is encrypted, the ransomware generates a key for each file that only the hacker knows. This means that the hacker holds your files hostage paying the ransom is no easy feat and there is a good chance that after you empty your wallet, your files may still be irretrievable.
Unfortunately there is no easy or guaranteed solution to restore a PC or its files after they have been infected with a ransomware virus. However, there are some steps you can take to protect your data from it:
Back up your data regularly. Simply putting your most important files on a $10 thumb drive from Staples could save you hundreds of dollars in the event of a ransomware infection.
Verify email sources. Many virus infections come from emails, so make sure you check the sender’s email address before opening any link or downloading anything from your email. Even if it seems enticing, don’t do it!
Bookmark websites. Bookmarking your frequently visited and trusted websites can prevent you from visiting a malicious website by accidentally typing the wrong web address.
Update your security software. Update any antivirus or security software you may have to provide an extra layer of protection for the latest ransomware viruses.
Use specialized software to block encryption viruses. Computer Doctor can install specialized software to help protect you from this specific attack.
Hopefully you will be lucky enough to avoid these harmful and cruel viruses and you take the necessary precautions to protect your valuable data. In the horrible event that you believe your computer is infected with ransomware, please call the Computer Doctor at 862-7019 as soon as possible! The sooner you catch the infection, the more likely it is that your information can be retrieved. The Computer Doctor has dealt with ransomware countless times and is the best resource in the area to return your PC and files back to you— without encryption and at a much better price! He has a customized and tiered approach to ransomware. For your own specialized software to prevent a horrific infection, look at our Crypto Innoculation page!
Come see us at 50 Main Road North in Hampden, in the same building at River Town Family Eye Care. You can call us at 862-7019 if you have any questions! We also do Remote Support Sessions as well as House Calls. If you bring in your computer for a virus removal, mention this article until February 15 and receive 10% off!
As a technology tech, I receive many inquires about every conceivable gadget from folks with all levels of technical expertise. I am an iPad owner and a Mac user,...
