SOBX Tech

By

6 Essential Tips to Keep Your Facebook Account Secure

6 tips for keeping your Facebook account from getting hacked

6 Essential Tips to Keep Your Facebook Account Secure

If you’ve seen it once, you’ve seen it a hundred times – friends telling you their Facebook account has been hacked. Facebook has become an integral part of our lives, enabling us to stay in touch with friends and family, share our experiences, and engage with the online community. However, the convenience of these platforms also comes with potential risks, such as the threat of hacking. Protecting your Facebook account from unauthorized access is crucial to safeguarding your personal information and maintaining your online presence. In this article, we’ll share six essential tips to help you keep your Facebook account secure and your digital life intact.

1: Use Strong Passwords

The foundation of online security starts with a robust password. Opt for a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or names. Instead, consider creating a passphrase that is both memorable and strong. A strong password serves as the first line of defense against hackers attempting to gain unauthorized access to your account.

2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security beyond your password. When enabled, 2FA requires a second verification step, usually a code sent to your phone, to access your account. This means even if someone manages to obtain your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second factor. Enabling 2FA significantly enhances the security of your Facebook account.

3: Beware of Phishing Attempts

Phishing attacks remain a prevalent threat in the online world. Hackers often use deceptive emails, messages, or links that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as Facebook. Exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any messages or links before clicking on them. Check the URL and ensure it matches the official Facebook domain. Avoid sharing personal information through suspicious links to prevent falling victim to phishing scams.

4: Keep Software Updated

Regularly updating your device’s operating system, web browsers, and security software is essential to maintaining a secure online environment. Outdated software can contain vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to gain unauthorized access to your accounts. By keeping your software up to date, you close potential avenues that hackers might use to compromise your Facebook account.

5: Review App Permissions and Privacy Settings

Over time, you might have granted various apps access to your Facebook account. Periodically review these permissions and revoke access for apps you no longer use or trust. Additionally, adjust your privacy settings to control who can view your posts, friends list, and personal information. Minimizing the information available to the public makes it more challenging for hackers to gather details about you.

6: Be Cautious with Personal Information

While sharing moments of your life is one of the joys of social media, exercise caution when revealing personal information on Facebook. The more information hackers have about you, the easier it becomes for them to target you with tailored attacks. In public posts, avoid sharing sensitive information like your full address, phone number, or financial details.

Stay Secure, Stay Connected

As you navigate the digital landscape, ensuring the security of our online accounts is essential. Following these six essential tips can significantly reduce the risk of your Facebook account falling victim to hacking attempts. By using strong passwords, enabling 2FA, staying vigilant against phishing, keeping your software updated, reviewing app permissions, and being cautious with personal information, you can enjoy the benefits of social media while maintaining your privacy and security. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when protecting your digital identity. Stay secure, stay connected!

Enjoyed this tip? Read the rest of my Tech Tips, and be sure to follow along with me on Facebook for more. What tip would you add to this article? Let me know in the comments.

By

What is Computer Hacking?

learn how to protect yourself against computer hacking

What is Computer Hacking?

Computer hacking refers to the unauthorized access, manipulation, or exploitation of computer systems or networks. It involves individuals, often referred to as hackers, who possess advanced technical skills and knowledge of computer systems, software, and networks. While hacking itself is a neutral term that can encompass both ethical and malicious activities, it is commonly associated with illegal and malicious activities.

Hacking can take various forms, including:

  1. Unauthorized Access: Hackers gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks, bypassing security measures and controls. This can involve exploiting vulnerabilities in software, weak passwords, or social engineering techniques to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information.
  2. Malware Attacks: Hackers may create or deploy malicious software, commonly known as malware, to gain unauthorized access, steal information, or disrupt computer systems. Examples of malware include viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.
  3. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: Hackers overload targeted systems or networks with an overwhelming amount of traffic or requests, rendering them unavailable to legitimate users. This disrupts the normal functioning of the system or network.
  4. Network Eavesdropping: Hackers intercept and capture network communications, including sensitive data transmitted over the network. This can occur through techniques such as packet sniffing or man-in-the-middle attacks.
  5. Data Breaches: Hackers gain unauthorized access to databases or systems containing sensitive information, such as personal data, financial records, or intellectual property. The stolen data may be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or sold on the dark web.

It’s important to note that not all hacking is malicious or illegal. Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white hat hacking, involves authorized individuals testing the security of computer systems with the owner’s permission. Ethical hackers identify vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for improving security, helping organizations protect their systems against malicious attacks.

ALSO READ: Understanding Internet Security

In most jurisdictions, hacking is considered a criminal offense when it involves unauthorized access, data theft, disruption of services, or other illegal activities. Governments, organizations, and individuals invest significant resources in cybersecurity measures to defend against hacking attempts and protect sensitive information.

Ultimately, computer hacking highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity practices, such as strong passwords, regular software updates, network security measures, and user awareness training to mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized access and malicious activities.

Did you learn something new from this article? Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments below.

SOBX Tech is Crystal Coast’s leader in computer services, installations, and upgrades. Contact us if we can be of service to you!

By

Cybersecurity: Protecting Yourself in the Digital Age

Learn more about cyber security

Cybersecurity: Protecting Yourself in the Digital Age

As our lives become increasingly digitized, the need for cybersecurity has never been more important. Cyber attacks are on the rise, and they can result in stolen data, financial loss, and damage to your reputation. In this blog post, I’ll discuss some key cybersecurity tips to help you stay safe online.

Featured Blog Post showing a hacker

1. Use strong passwords

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself online is to use strong passwords.  Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, and change your passwords regularly.

2. Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of identification.

3. Keep your software up to date

Keeping your software up to date is critical for staying secure online. Software updates often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Make sure to regularly update your operating system, web browser, and other software.

4. Be careful with email

Email is a common attack vector for cybercriminals, who use phishing scams and other tactics to trick users into giving up sensitive information.

5. Use antivirus software

Antivirus software can help protect your computer against malware and other malicious software. Make sure to use reputable antivirus software and keep it up to date.

6. Use encryption

Encryption can help protect sensitive data, such as bank information or personal information.

7. Be cautious on public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks can be a security risk, as they are often unencrypted and can be easily intercepted by hackers.

Cybersecurity has become essential to our daily lives as we navigate the digital age. Protecting ourselves and our information online requires vigilance, knowledge, and proactive measures. You can enhance your cybersecurity posture by following best practices such as using strong and unique passwords, being cautious of phishing attempts, keeping software and devices updated, and educating yourself about potential threats. Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Each of us plays a crucial role in safeguarding our digital lives and contributing to a safer online environment. Stay informed and vigilant, and empower yourself with the tools and knowledge necessary to protect yourself in the dynamic and ever-evolving digital landscape. Stay safe, secure, and connected!

Contact me if you’d like more information on how to protect your business or personal computer.

By

Remote Services Now Available

remote access, remote service

Since the beginning of 2020 and  COVID-19, we are now offering remote services. Our remote services can cover most software issues that need to be taken care of without needing to leave your house.  While still following CDC and the state of NC safety protocols, you can receive remote support through us by clicking here. Remote support can also be for one-on-one training through Zoom. If you aren’t familiar with remote support and what it is, you can click here to read more here.

Fill out the contact form below and we will get back to you within 24 hours.  You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram all @sobxtech to make appointments.

By

Understanding Internet Security

Featured Blog Post showing code on a computer screen

Understanding Internet Security

The internet has become an integral part of our lives in today’s interconnected world. It has transformed how we communicate, work, shop, and access information. However, with the countless benefits the internet brings, there are also potential risks and threats to our online security. Understanding internet security is essential for safeguarding our digital world and protecting ourselves from cybercrime. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the key aspects of internet security, empowering you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the online landscape confidently.

Understanding Internet security can be easy for some and hard for others. Internet security is a branch of computer security encompassing Internet browser, website, and network security as it applies to other applications or operating systems.

When it comes to understanding internet security, it doesn’t matter what it is; websites, personal computers, or online accounts can all be vulnerable if your internet security isn’t secure. Even some of the largest companies in the world fall to hackers. So what can we do?

An in depth article on Understanding Internet Security

Recognizing Online Threats:

The first step in understanding internet security is being aware of the various threats that exist. These threats include malware, phishing attacks, identity theft, data breaches, ransomware, and more. By familiarizing ourselves with these risks, we can better protect ourselves from falling victim to them.

Implementing Strong Passwords: Passwords are the gatekeepers to our online accounts, so it’s crucial to create strong and unique passwords for each account. A strong password consists of a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, utilizing password managers can help generate and securely store complex passwords for easy access.

Practicing Secure Browsing:

Secure browsing habits can significantly enhance your internet security. Ensure that websites you visit have a valid SSL certificate (HTTPS), which encrypts data exchanged between your browser and the website. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources, as they may contain malware or lead to phishing attempts.

Keeping Software and Devices Updated:

Regularly updating your software, operating systems, and devices is crucial for maintaining strong security. Updates often include patches and fixes that address vulnerabilities discovered by developers. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you have the latest security enhancements.

Utilizing Antivirus and Firewall Protection:

Install reputable antivirus software and enable firewalls on your devices. Antivirus software scans for and removes malware, while firewalls act as a barrier between your device and potential threats, filtering incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Exercising Caution with Email and Social Media:

Email and social media platforms are common avenues for cyberattacks. Be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on suspicious links, as they may contain malicious content. Avoid sharing sensitive information on public platforms and be mindful of the information you disclose, even to friends and connections.

Educating Yourself and Others:

Continual education about internet security is essential. Stay informed about the latest security threats, trends, and best practices through reliable sources. Share your knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues, promoting a culture of cybersecurity awareness.

Understanding internet security is paramount in protecting ourselves and our digital lives from evolving online threats. By implementing secure browsing practices, using strong passwords, keeping software updated, utilizing antivirus protection, and practicing caution with email and social media, we can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime. Remember, internet security is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and adaptability. Stay informed, adopt proactive measures, and embrace a secure and confident online presence. Together, we can create a safer digital world for everyone.

Understanding Internet Security

What is Computer Hacking

Computer hacking refers to the unauthorized access, manipulation, or exploitation of computer systems or networks. It involves individuals, often referred to as hackers, who possess advanced technical skills and knowledge of computer systems, software, and networks. While hacking itself is a neutral term that can encompass both ethical and malicious activities, it is commonly associated with illegal and malicious activities.

ALSO READ: What is Computer Hacking?

Internet Crime Complaint Center

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). It serves as a central hub for receiving, analyzing, and referring complaints related to internet crimes. The IC3’s primary goal is to provide a platform for the public to report internet-related criminal activity and to support law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes.

The IC3 accepts complaints regarding various types of internet crimes, including:

  1. Cyber Fraud: This includes online scams, fraudulent schemes, identity theft, credit card fraud, and investment fraud conducted through the internet.
  2. Data Breaches: Complaints related to unauthorized access and theft of personal or sensitive information from computer systems or networks.
  3. Online Extortion: Complaints involving cases where individuals are coerced or threatened online to provide money, sensitive information, or engage in illegal activities.
  4. Business Email Compromise (BEC): Complaints related to scams targeting businesses, where criminals impersonate company executives or vendors to trick employees into making fraudulent payments or sharing sensitive information.
  5. Cyberstalking and Harassment: Complaints regarding online harassment, stalking, or other forms of malicious online behavior.

When individuals file a complaint with the IC3, the center reviews the information provided and determines the appropriate law enforcement agency or regulatory authority to handle the case. The IC3 also analyzes the data from complaints to identify trends, patterns, and emerging cyber threats, which helps law enforcement agencies combat cybercrime more effectively.

It’s important to note that while the IC3 plays a crucial role in collecting and referring complaints, it does not directly investigate or prosecute cases. Instead, it collaborates with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies to facilitate investigations and provide support in cybercrime cases.

The IC3 website (www.ic3.gov) offers a simple and secure online reporting form for individuals to submit complaints. The information provided is treated confidentially, and individuals are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible to assist in the investigative process.

The IC3 aims to empower individuals, businesses, and organizations to combat cybercrime and contribute to a safer online environment by providing a centralized reporting platform. It is a valuable resource for the public and law enforcement agencies in the ongoing battle against internet-related crimes.

SOBX Tech is Crystal Coast’s leader in computer services, installations, and upgrades. Contact us if we can be of service to you!

By

Senior Citizen and Military Discounts Available

military and senior discount, discounts for military, tech discounts for senior citizens

We’re so pleased to be a part of this community. We’re offering 10% discounts for senior citizens and military service members, so if you’ve been on the fence about getting some work done on your computer or updating the network in your office, there couldn’t be a better time. Give us a call.

Discount

Want one of our postcards to keep on-hand? Just drop us an email with your info and we’ll mail one out to you!

By

Save Time with These Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts

Save Time with These Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Looking to shave hours off your workday and save time? Try these Mac keyboard shortcuts and make your life that much easier. You can do things that normally need a mouse, trackpad, or other input devices by pressing certain key combinations.

To use a keyboard shortcut, press and hold one or more modifier keys and then press the last key of the shortcut. For example, to use Command-C (copy), press and hold the Command key, then the C key, then release both keys. Mac menus and keyboards often use symbols for certain keys, including modifier keys:

  • Command (or Cmd) ⌘
  • Shift ⇧
  • Option (or Alt) ⌥
  • Control (or Ctrl) ⌃
  • Caps Lock ⇪
  • Fn

Some keys on some Apple keyboards have special symbols and functions, such as display brightness, keyboard brightness, Mission Control, and more. If these functions aren’t available on your keyboard, you might be able to reproduce some of them by creating your own keyboard shortcuts. To use these keys as F1, F2, F3, or other standard function keys, combine them with the Fn key.

Helpful Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

ALSO READ: Mac Shortcuts for Google Sites

 

Cut, copy, paste, and other common shortcuts –

  • Command-X: Cut the selected item and copy it to the Clipboard.
  • Command-C: Copy the selected item to the Clipboard. This also works for files in the Finder.
  • Command-V: Paste the contents of the Clipboard into the current document or app. This also works for files in the Finder.
  • Command-Z: Undo the previous command. You can then press Shift-Command-Z to Redo, reversing the undo command. In some apps, you can undo and redo multiple commands.
  • Command-A: Select All items.
  • Command-F: Find items in a document or open a Find window.
  • Command-G: Find Again: Find the next occurrence of the item previously found. To find the previous occurrence, press Shift-Command-G.
  • Command-H: Hide the windows of the front app. To view the front app but hide all other apps, press Option-Command-H.
  • Command-M: Minimize the front window to the Dock. To minimize all windows of the front app, press Option-Command-M.
  • Command-O: Open the selected item, or open a dialog to select a file to open.

keyboard shortcuts for your mac

  • Command-P: Print the current document.
  • Command-S: Save the current document.
  • Command-T: Open a new tab.
  • Command-W: Close the front window. To close all windows of the app, press Option-Command-W.
  • Option-Command-Esc: Force quit an app.
  • Command–Space bar: Show or hide the Spotlight search field. To perform a Spotlight search from a Finder window, press Command–Option–Space bar. (If you use multiple input sources to type in different languages, these shortcuts change input sources instead of showing Spotlight. Learn how to change a conflicting keyboard shortcut.)
  • Control–Command–Space bar: Show the Character Viewer, from which you can choose emoji and other symbols.
  • Control-Command-F: Use the app in full screen, if supported by the app.
  • Space bar: Use Quick Look to preview the selected item.
  • Command-Tab: Switch to the next most recently used app among your open apps.
  • Shift-Command-5: In macOS Mojave or later, take a screenshot or make a screen recording. Or use Shift-Command-3 or Shift-Command-4 for screenshots.
  • Shift-Command-N: Create a new folder in the Finder.
  • Command-Comma (,): Open preferences for the front app.

What did I miss? Are you a Mac user? Let me know in the comments!

Enjoyed this article? See all my articles relating to Apple.  For more shortcuts, click this link: Apple and Mac Shortcuts

By

Minecraft – Not Just For Kids

 

Inspired by my son and daughter, I thought this post would be appropriate. They are the biggest Minecraft fans that I know and inspired me to not only write this but start playing too. It’s obvious that I am not as good as they are, but it’s great learning for children and adults alike.

Minecraft

The creative and building aspects of Minecraft enable players to build constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D generated world. Other activities in the game include exploration, resource gathering, crafting, and combat. Survival is where the player must acquire resources to build the world and maintain health. The creative mode where players have unlimited resources to build with and the ability to fly. Adventure mode where players can play custom maps created by other players, and a spectator mode where players can fly around and clip through blocks, but cannot place or destroy any.

Survival Mode

They have both tried to get me to play in this mode, but I just haven’t got the hang out it yet.  In this mode, players gather natural resources (such as wood and stone) found in the environment in order to craft certain blocks and items.

Creative Mode

In creative mode, players have access to all of the resources and items in the game through the inventory menu and can place or remove them instantly. Players, who are able to fly freely around the game world.

Creative

Buildings created by Nate Forant

Besides the main version, Minecraft Classic and Minecraft 4k for the PC are also available.

Minecraft: Education Edition

The Education Edition gives teachers the tools they need to use on an everyday basis.

There are a few differences between Minecraft and MinecraftEDU. The main concept is the same, an open sandbox world. and MinecraftEDU will be able to retain characteristics.  Finally, the last large difference is that students can take in-game photos. These online notebooks will be sharable with other students.

My favorite mode is creative so stay tuned as I am sure there will be more great construction coming soon.

By

Streaming Call of Duty: Warzone for the Ultimate Experience

An Ultimate Guide to Streaming Call of Duty: Warzone for the Ultimate Experience

In recent years, live streaming has taken the gaming world by storm, allowing gamers to share their thrilling experiences with a global audience. And when it comes to intense, action-packed gameplay, few titles can rival the adrenaline-fueled warfare of Call of Duty: Warzone. If you’re passionate about streaming and want to captivate viewers with your Warzone skills, this guide is here to help you create an unforgettable streaming experience. Youtube live is probably one of the more popular platforms to stream on with Twitch.tv not far behind.

1. Equipment and Setup:

To start streaming Warzone, you’ll need some essential equipment:

a) Powerful Gaming PC or Console: Ensure your system meets the recommended requirements to run Warzone smoothly while streaming.
b) Capture Card: If you’re using a console, a capture card will allow you to stream gameplay to your PC.
c) Microphone: Invest in a quality microphone to deliver clear commentary and engage with your audience.
d) Webcam: While optional, a webcam adds a personal touch and helps viewers connect with you on a deeper level.
e) Stable Internet Connection: A reliable and fast internet connection is crucial for maintaining a smooth stream.

2. Selecting Streaming Platforms:

Choose a streaming platform that aligns with your goals and target audience. Popular options include Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming. Each platform offers unique features, communities, and discoverability options. Do some research and experiment with different platforms to find the best fit for your streaming style.

3. Stream Overlay and Graphics:

Create a visually appealing and branded stream overlay that complements your Warzone content. It should include elements like a webcam frame, chat box, donation/subscriber alerts, and stream labels. You can use various tools and software like Streamlabs OBS or OBS Studio to customize your overlay and graphics.

 

4. Engage with Your Viewers:

Streaming is not just about showcasing your gameplay

; it’s also about building a community. Engage with your viewers by responding to chat messages, asking for their opinions, and creating interactive elements during your stream. Encourage viewers to follow or subscribe to your channel, and consider incorporating channel point rewards to increase viewer engagement.

5. Enhance Your Stream with Overlays and Alerts:

To make your stream more engaging, consider adding overlays and alerts. Stream overlays can display information such as your latest follower or subscriber, current game stats, or a live stream chat. Alerts, on the other hand, notify you and your viewers about events like new subscribers, donations, or incoming followers. These elements add excitement and interactivity to your stream.

6. Collaborate and Network:

Team up with other Warzone streamers for collaborative streams or friendly competitions. Collaborations expose your stream to new audiences and provide fresh and entertaining content. Additionally, joining streaming communities, participating in forums, and networking with other streamers can help you grow your channel and gain valuable insights.

7. Consistency and Schedule:

Establishing a consistent streaming schedule is vital for building an audience. Determine the days and times you’ll go live and stick to it. Regularity helps viewers anticipate your streams, increases your discoverability, and shows your dedication to your streaming community.

8. Stream Moderation:

Maintain a positive and welcoming environment in your chat by implementing moderation tools. Assign trusted moderators to monitor chat, enforce rules, and handle any inappropriate behavior. This ensures a friendly atmosphere where viewers feel comfortable and respected.

Conclusion:

Streaming Call of Duty: Warzone is an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills and connect with a passionate gaming community. By following these guidelines, you can create a captivating streaming experience that keeps viewers coming back for more. Remember to be authentic, engage with your audience, and continuously refine your content to create a stream that stands out in the competitive landscape of Warzone streaming. Good luck, and may your streams be action-packed and entertaining!

 

By

Beware of Zoom-Bombing

zoomraiding, zoombombing, zoom call security

Zoom-bombing. It’s real. Here’s what you need to know to prevent Zoom-bombing and keep yourself and your fellow Zoom attendees safe.

What is Zoom–bombing

If you’re not familiar with Zoom, they’re one of the leaders in modern video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars.

Zoom-bombing is the term for when individuals “gate-crash” Zoom meetings. These uninvited guests share their screens to bombard real attendees with disturbing or distracting content.

With just about everyone using Zoom since COVID-19 changed our day-to-day routines, you need to know how to protect yourself from uninvited guests showing up in the middle of your Zoom calls.

Cybersecurity expert and author, @Scott Schober, was interviewed by @ShirleyChan from PIX11 News. Below is the video from the interview. This is an excellent interview and in these times that we are going through, it is very much needed.

Do you have questions and need assistance with your Zoom settings? Comment below, contact us, or reach out to us on social media. We are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.