RFID..Radio Frequency IDentification

RFID chip

All new credit cards are coming with a new chip..  have you seen it?

This little chips in your credit cards work together with terminals for secure payments.  Just look for the symbol on the card to see if your card is RFID enabled..

RFID symbol

What you may not know is that high-tech thieves can steal your identity by scanning credit cards and passports..  Yes,  look at your passport.. it has one too!  All they have to do is walk in a close proximity to you and your unprotected card to pull the information.

These RFID tags contain your personal information and credit card information.  So protect yourself and look in to the many options for protecting your card's information.  I personally just use a easy sleeve for my credit cards.  They can be purchased online or at a travel store.   They are not cheap, but isn't your information worth protecting?


There are the packs of 2 for about $5.00 ( plus tax of course).  I use a Sharpie to label the outside with what card is protected on the inside, so I can easily grab it to pay for my purchases.

RFID Credit Card Protector

Keep your information and identify safe, and the economy moving forward.

Passwords and Security Questons

As we get closer to the Holidays and gift giving.  Let's think about that computer, tablet, or smart device that you're going to give to yourself or a family member.  We get a new device and want to set up email and other accounts.  What do we do with our login and security questions?  Do you write them down some place? or just figure you'll remember them?

As we set up accounts for ourselves and maybe our parents, for  social media and email accounts, Apple and other accounts.    Make sure you write down the security question AND answer in a secure place.  Also any pin numbers associated with that account or what have you.  In a year or two will you remember  the answer to your multiple security questions?  "Who is your favorite author?"...  Hemmingway.. or did I type in hemmingway?  if you do not enter the answer exactly , it will not be validated. 

As you create or update all these  accounts, be sure to document the questions and answers to what they are asking.  Secure the document, perhaps by keeping it on a  thumb drive (or USB flash drive). This way if your device is compromised you're security information is not.   DO NOT  save it to a file on your hard drive.

I have a client that  is over 65 and was locked out of their email account.  They now have some health issues and do not know the responses t the security questions.  The "Help Desk"  or "Support" personal will NOT unlock your account if you cannot validate yourself as the owner of that account.  SO remember your PIN number or whatever you enter as your authentication method for your accounts.  My client has to go to the company office with 2 forms of ID to unlock the account. 

Take the time when you set up accounts to securely  document the responses  so you're not frustrated later when you're locked out.

Lot of the accounts will now let you authenticate by sending a code to your smart phone.  These are easy , fast and secure.  Take the time to set those up if you haven't already. 

Enjoy your new devices, safely.

Sincerely,

Personal Technology Mentor

What is a Hashtag?

What is a Hash tag: 

A HASHTAG is a short link preceded by the pound sign #, used in social media.  They have become an integral to on-line communications.  It is important to know how to use them for your business and marketing yourself and/ or your brand and business.

On Twitter, the # (pound sign) turns any word or group of connected words that directly follow it, into a searchable link.  This allows for organization of content and the ability to track discussion topics bases on the keywords.  For example  you want to post about what's going on on The Voice,  you would include #TheVoice in your tweet to join the conversation.  You can also search on a # on Twitter.  In the Search box at the top  type in #theVoice to see all the posts that mention the subject in real time.

 #myMuddyPaws

Been a while..

Still here in KS and have been working on increasing my services to you.  MuddyPaws Creations

I'm working on increasing my services to you so my latest is Web Analysis.  Why is this important to you?  How is your web site's ranking? do you want it better? Do you CARE and WANT to capture statics from your web site traffic?  OK you care, but you don't have the time or don't know how?  Well I do!.

What do information do you want to capture ? and what is the goal of your website?  Answer those for me and we'll get started!

Today's article to read:

http://money.cnn.com/2014/08/11/technology/social/facebook-color-change/index.html

No you cannot change the color of your FaceBook, it's a SCAM!...

Really who has the time to play with the colors on your smart phone?  I just go with the basics and if I want to play with colors I'll take out my watercolor set and a nice cocktail.

LinkedIn Profile Makeover...

the above is a link to an article from USATODAY.com  with 5 tips for your to makeover your LinkedIN profile.

There is also a video with some more good information.

As I've been saying from the beginning..  LinkedIN is your PROFESSIONAL profile and should reflect your resume and you!.

I guess I need to now go over and do as I say and polish up my LinkedIN profile...

Old Business Cards?

Have a stack of old business cards?

Use the blank backs of them to record your accounts and passwords..  Then once stacked again, they appear to be, just business cards.
For example: on the back would be;
Twitter
(log in name) twitter account
(password) password  (date changed)

Avoid Phone Scams.(<--- link)


Phone SCAM  ...  caller 'claiming' to be from Microsoft.  
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Support Department, stating that you have errors and they can help you clean them up.  Just say you're not interested!  Microsoft would never call you like this..  ask where they got the phone number from?  This scam went around Australia last year and have heard of an instance of some one I know, that got this call.  Be cautious and do not give them access to your computer, or any private information.




Read the above link for the Microsoft article for full details.

 -----  Taken from the Microsoft web site ----

Do not trust unsolicited calls. Do not provide any personal information.
Here are some of the organizations that cybercriminals claim to be from:

• Windows Helpdesk
• Windows Service Center
• Microsoft Tech Support
• Microsoft Support
• Windows Technical Department Support Group
• Microsoft Research and Development Team (Microsoft R & D Team)

Report phone scams

Learn about how to report phone fraud in the United States. Outside of the US, contact your local authorities.

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If you receive calls like this and don't trust them... Tell them you have a MAC and are no longer running Windows..  see what they say then.. (LOL).. or just hang up.

  ---  The following taken from  MS Australia web page ---

22 March 2011, Sydney, Australia

(thought this was good information to share with you.)



Warning signs

• You receive a scam call out of the blue claiming to be from a large computer company or brand or legitimate technical service provider or support service claiming there is a problem with your computer.
• They will request remote access to your computer and if you say yes will run a ‘scan’ that shows up a fake virus.
• The scammer will pressure you into buying unnecessary software or a service to ‘fix’ the computer.
• The scammer may be very persistent and use abusive or inappropriate language.
• The scammers may sound professional and knowledgeable.
• If you fall victim to the scam you may receive a follow up call falsely claiming to be from an overseas government or law enforcement body pretending they can recover the money you initially lost to the scam – Beware this is another scam!

Protect yourself

• If you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer system’s security status and requesting remote access - hang up – even if they mention a well-known company or product.
• NEVER give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer.
• If you have given remote access to your computer, or you fear that your computer has been hacked, seek out help or advice from a qualified and reputable computer technician.
• Do not give out your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
• Make sure your computer is protected with regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall - but research first and only purchase the software from a source that you know and trust.
• If you have fallen victim to a scam or you receive a lot of unsolicited emails and phone calls consider changing your email address and phone numbers.
• If you are considering providing your details to a company, read their privacy policy/terms and conditions first. If you do not agree with how they will use your details, do not provide them.
• If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.

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Lastly... a funny YouTube video where they have the "MS Support Department " on the phone....   

Always, always, always be wary of any unsolicited calls where people want personal information or to gain access to your computer.