So in the computer repair industry, many of our customers don’t really want Windows 10. They give several reasons for this. But could they be onto something? Is Windows 10 sending and keeping our data?
So according to a new report from a Reddit user, Windows 10 could be collecting and sending and keeping our data. This is really concerning because Microsoft gave Windows 10 a Privacy Dashboard. This includes secure data security and privacy settings. The Reddit user himself said he still got Activity History data. That means he found out Windows 10 sends his history to Microsoft servers, even though he doesn’t want them to. However, he turned off this app on his machine. Yet, he’s still getting this. Windows 10 need Activity History for their timeline.
People use this app, on all their devices, to see their history of web surfing. But Microsoft keeps that data in a log so it can be ready to reveal your history. In order for this to happen, Windows 10, has to send your history to Microsoft. That raises eyebrows, like it did this Reddit user who brought it up. However, according to How to Geek, you can remedy this. Just set your Windows 10 data collection from Basic to Full. Because in Basic mode, your activity can reach Microsoft servers. But in full mode, it can’t.
This may of be of little concern to a lot of people. But privacy and security are critical issues in IT service these days. For instance, what if a hacker, or somebody with a grudge, breaks into these Windows servers? Then, what is they get this information, and use it to ruin your life? It happens. Or worse, what if a terrorist or foreign enemy, or domestic terrorist here at home, uses this to cause havoc? I’ve thought about that. Is Windows 10 sending and keeping our data?
So let’s face it. Facial recognition is a controversial subject in the IT service? and IT support community. Some say it helps keep us safe and protects us from terrorists and hackers. But others say it’s another step towards privacy invasion. Microsoft addresses it all. Microsoft and facial recognition: What does it mean?
So in July 2018, Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote a blog. This blog talked about all things facial recognition, the good and the bad. He also said the company worked on a set of rules to control this new technology. But now, let’s fast forward six months to today. Yes, Smith wrote another blog post addressing facial recognition.
However, in this one, he laid out six principles that will guide Microsoft’s ambitions. They include things like fairness, consent, and accountability. They also include a term, ‘lawful surveillance’. But to Micorsoft’s credit, they are asking everybody’s opinion about this. This includes everyone, from employees, customers, lawyers, law officials, even some political leaders. They talked about other concerns too. Racial profiling is a huge one. It also seems like they want to ensure ‘human control’ of this before this controls them. Microsoft will spend much of early 2019 asking for people’s say about this.
It seems Microsoft is saying and doing all the right things. I applaud them for it. I hope they keep this up. Plus, I hope they don’t do what Amazon did. They sold their facial recognition programs to the law. Some may say this is a good idea, but I don’t. I think this gives both Amazon and law enforcement too much powers. I’m not the only one. At least with this case, Microsoft is asking for people’s input, and people from all walks of life. Of all the tech companies who control facial recognition technology, Microsoft is being the most democratic about it. Microsoft and facial recognition: What does this mean? Did you know the Real ID coming out will involve facial recognition technology?
So two major concerns are security and online privacy. This is true in the computer repair industry. Furthermore, you know this is true in the government. But yet, they can spy on the President. Do we have any hope?
So according to some tech insiders, President Trump has 3 iPhones. Well, let’s give him credit for even doing that. Because before 2016, he had a Samsung, which had Android IT support service. Over the years, we all know Android is more venerable to hackers and attacks than Apple. But if you have an iPhone, know that you’re at risk too. I digress. But even in the White House, which should be the most secure place in America, Signaling System No. 7 (SS7).
This system makes it easy for hackers to spy on phone calls and text messages. In fact, experts say SS7 is so messed up that hackers even use the verify codes, break into them, and drain bank accounts and get other info. Guess what system the White house uses right now? You guessed it, the SS7. Do you see what a huge problem this could be? However, even this is a step up from what President Obama got during his second term. The phone they gave him didn’t even have a camera, and the Presidential Records Act didn’t even let him text.
So these three iPhones is a step up. But they need to do more. Keep in mind Russia and China can easily intercept the system and get all kinds of information from SS7. This include enough info to crash the economy, shut down electricity/tech infrastructure, even start wars. They could even learn nuclear capabilities. I know that sounds scary, but that’s what a mediocre security system can lead to, especially in the White House. They can spy on the President. Do we have any hope?
So a few days ago, Facebook faced yet another crisis. In fact, this is even bigger than the Cambridge Analytica scandal they dealt with for months. Let’s talk about Facebook’s massive security breach.
So late last week, Facebook’s massive security breach happened. This breach impacted over 50 million Facebook users. That has to be a record. But wait…there’s more. This attack lets hackers take any piece of information they wanted. This means everything you posted. This also means your profile. Keep in mind what’s in your profile: names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, even info of family and your past. The one good thing is they don’t think this breach can get to your private messages.
However, there is more good news. Facebook leaders said they fixed the bugs that let this security breach happened. But in order to do that, they had to log out of over 90 million user accounts. But wait…I thought this breached impacted only 50 million users (I can’t believe I say only 50 million users). However, it turns out that 40 million more users may have been affected. You do the math. The FBI is now taking action. Although there are some suspects from Taiwan, but there’s not enough evidence yet. In fact, both Facebook and the Feds say they may never know who is behind Facebook’s massive security breach.
Here is the scary thing. I’m watching news shows address this. Even IT support experts say, “There’s nothing you can do”. Isn’t that something? We usually say stuff like ‘change your password’ or set up a verification system. But in this case, they can’t even say that. Because these hackers didn’t see, and didn’t even need to see your password. In all my 13 years in computer repair, this is the first time I ever heard an expert say, “There’s nothing you can do”! Wow! Could this be the future of the very systems we depend on for mere survival?
So let’s say someone is in an abusive relationship. Let’s also say the abused person wants out and gets out. Then the abuser can use the latest IT service technology to create havoc on his/her ex. This is smart home abuse: The latest technology threat.
But this is just one example. Abusers can use smart home technology to change locks and lock the victim out of their own home. They can also, behind their smartphone, plunge the thermostat to either baking heat or bone chilling cold. They can turn lights on and off, and other electronics as well. The abuser can play music or shows he/she knows the victim hates. An abuser can even manipulate a stove or other appliance to start a fire and walk away scott free. Sounds like something out of Fatal Attraction doesn’t it? Well, it’s a real situation.
But what can we do about it? Cyber security experts say be aware of every smart gadget in your home, so you won’t be caught by surprise. Find out how they work. Perhaps most importantly, get a different password for each user and each device. Therefore, if an abuser tries to mess with you, you have your own password to combat his/her menacing tactics. It may not be the ultimate fix, but at least it’s a start. Some experts even say it’s better to limit smart home technology use that can give way to smart home abuse.
That definitely sounds like common sense to me. And no, I don’t want to give abusers or bullies new ideas. I just write this to warn that these dangers are out there. I also write this to encourage others to do something about this. And I’m not the only ones. The New York Times, one of the most trusted news sources in US history, broke this story. I just wish manor smart home technology makers address this. Smart home abuse is real and what do we do about it?
We at Computer Geeks, America’s favorite computer repair firm, like to wish everyone a happy Independence Day. Stay safe and careful out there!
So for almost a month, cyber security company Cisco warned about the VPNFilter malware. If it gets on your router, then it can stop it from working, maybe even permanently. The IT service term is ‘bricking’. The FBI urges people to restart routers to fight malware.
So here is what we know. The VPNFilter came from Russia. The original target was Ukraine, in response to the conflict between those two nations. But Ukraine isn’t the only victim. In fact, over 500,000 routers in over 50 countries are affected. This includes the United States. This malware also has the power to spy on you, even during your most private moments. Then it can steal your sensitive information too. No routing maker is immune: Netgear, Asus, D-Link, Linksys, Mikrotik. Here is a list of specific routers that are in danger.
So what do we do about it? This is why the FBI urges people to restart routers. All you have to do is unplug your router. Leave it for 10 seconds, maybe even a few seconds longer. Then plug it back in. If your router is on the list, then do this immediately! Cyber experts also suggest you update your router’s firmware and change your router’s passwords. Remember, the harder they are, the harder hackers can break into them.
But now, I’d like to ask some questions? How does a malware they use to fight a national conflict spread all around the world? How did it cause a potential crisis? Why would they send it worldwide, if they meant it to be a fighting tool between two nations? These are questions I can’t answer. Some say they used the VPNFilter in the 2016 election to influence the results. But let’s not open up that can of worms again. But if you need help with routers issues, our pc repairs team can help. What questions do you have about this?
