Articles by "Internet safety"
Showing posts with label Internet safety. Show all posts

at December 11, 2020

 


 Windows Restore Point

 

Note: La version française sera disponible ultérieurement. Merci pour votre patience! En attendant vous pouvez utiliser la fonction traducteur de Google en haut à droite de votre page.


Windows 10 and previous versions (such as Windows 8, etc.) include a useful feature called Restore point. This feature is often ignored; however, it can help when unexpected issues happen. You will save time and money in many situations:

  • Your computer become infected after visiting a malicious website or plugging in an infected USB drive
  • Your computer stops working after a Windows update or after a software upgrade
  • You have problems after installing a software 


To access the System Restore feature(Windows 10 users):

  • Type the Windows button from your keyboard and type Control Panel.
  • Click on System and Security
  • Click on System
  • Click on System protection on the left pane (type your admin password if requested).




 ***************

 

Do You Want to Enable System Restore?


Follow the following easy steps:


1) Select the drive that require System Restore

2) Click on the button Configure





   3) Enable Turn on System protection

On the same window, you can also adjust the Disk Space Usage



 

4) Click on Apply button (if you stay in the same window) or click on OK button.

 


And you are done!

 ***************

 

 

To Restore a Saved Restore Point 

(For example, after a problem with your computer)


o To Perform a Restore Point

• If you have an issue and need to restore your Windows system at an earlier restore point. Click on the System Restore button (as per the image below), then follow the instructions. I invite you to go to my blog more details: http://www.digiconcern.blogspot.com.


Warnings:

  • Make sure you are using your Windows Administrator account when before starting a restore process.
  • Please ensure you back up your important data and setting before proceeding.

You may need to disable the firewall of your Antivirus.



Click on the System Restore button





 Click Next


 

Select the required Restore point on the list

You can scan for affected programs (button below the image) if necessary.





 Click Next to start the Restore Point process.

 

 

 ***************



How to create a Restore Point

From the Restore Point of System Properties Window, click on :

1) Create

2) Type a description for your Restore point

3) Click on Create



 

 You will receive a positive feedback if the operation was successful.

 


Need to know more on how to protect your digital devices?

I invite you to look at my author page.


Thank you,


Mark


 

 

 

 

 

 

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at December 09, 2020



Should You Take Care of Your Personal Digital Ecosystem?

Nowadays, your home digital ecosystem should matter because you are always connected to the Internet through different platforms that synchronize your data.


What items should you consider in your digital ecosystem?

⦁ Your Internet or digital network

⦁ Your software (local, web, cloud applications)

⦁ Your devices or hardware (mobile, desktop, Internet of Things or IoT and network devices)

⦁ Your information or data




Obviously, we sometimes ignore or underestimate digital risks!

Current context

⦁ Rise of online transactions

⦁ Increased use of the Internet

⦁ Current situation and life challenges


Transitional context

⦁ Lockdowns

⦁ Study at home

⦁ Work at home 


 


Digital components vs Exposures and risks

The level of risk related to your digital assets relies on how you expose them on Internet, including how many devices you own. A lot of devices and software can increase the level of exposure:

⦁ Your work devices exposure

⦁ Your personal devices exposure

⦁ Your software exposure

⦁ Your hardware exposure

⦁ Your network exposure


Your digital risks

⦁ Access risks (User names, passwords, accounts, secrets answers, etc.)

⦁ Data risks (Finance, privacy, identity, data corruption, etc.)

⦁ Network risks (Device, links, intrusion, etc.)

⦁ Cloud risks (Social Media, streaming, Cloud storage and access, etc.)

⦁ Visibility risks (Social networks, data exposure, etc.) 

⦁ Software risks (Vulnerabilities, Malware, Corruption, etc. )

⦁ Firmware risks (integrated software, functionalities, etc.)

⦁ Other digital risks.


 



Which elements requires protection in your digital ecosystem?

Guess what? There are many!


⦁ The digital technologies you use (Internet of Things or IoT, cloud computing, etc.)

⦁ Your digital and network devices (wearable devices, smart connected objects, mobile devices, etc.); also called hardware

⦁ Your network links (WI-FI, NFC, Bluetooth, mobile, wired link, etc.)

⦁ Your data (Accesses, cloud, local, etc.) represents a digital gold for some companies.


⦁ Your software, which includes:

⦁ Your regular tools (Desktop or mobile tools, system tools, etc.)

⦁ Your online transaction tools (such as payment gateway)

⦁ Your digital communication and collaboration tools (social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, cloud tools like Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.)

⦁ Your devices’ firmware (Printer, camera, etc.)






Your Network Addresses (IP)

Your network includes your telecommunications devices that connect physical or digital devices.


⦁ Your Internet Provider assigns a public IP address to your network modem (Ex: 234.25.26.30)

⦁ Your IP address can be compared to your Phone Number

⦁ The IP address of your Internet modem is visible to the world!

⦁ Each connected device has a public or private IP Address


Best practices

⦁ Use a private VPN(Virtual Private Network)

⦁ Update your router firmware regularly

I P means Internet Protocol



Your Network Assets

⦁ Your network includes your telecommunication devices that connect physical or digital devices:

⦁ Your router

⦁ Your cable

⦁ Your links (Wi-Fi, Wired, Phone links, etc.)

⦁ Your connected devices (Mobile, PC, Tablets, Smartphones, etc.)

⦁ Your Wi-fi extenders, if available

 

Your Data

⦁ Intrusions usually start within your network and affect after your applications; your data is the most targeted part. 

⦁ Your data included your Metadata (critical information) and other operational data(pictures, social media posts, preferences, etc.)

⦁ Your data can also be used by providers to get statistics and create marketing models to improve their sale strategies.

 



Your Credentials (accesses, passwords, user IDS)

⦁ Intruders usually needs your IP addresses, your credentials in order to access your software and data.

⦁ With possible software security breaches, your credentials may be more exposed (such as passwords stolen etc.) 

⦁ 2nd factor authentication is a strong way to face several issues you may have.



 Your software (or Applications)

⦁ Your OS (Operating System)

⦁ Your software tools (Office, Communication, Collaboration, etc.)

⦁ Require regular monitoring and updates.


Your devices’ firmware (usually ignored or forgotten)

⦁ Firmware are integrated software installed on devices. They also need to be updated.

⦁ Which devices may contain firmware?

⦁ Your printer, your router, your smartphone, your digital camera, your smart TV, your TV receiver, your connected devices, your smartwatch, your computer (BIOS).


Keep in mind!

⦁ Intrusions usually start within your network and affect after your applications; your data is the most targeted part. 

⦁ Your data included your Metadata (critical information) and other operational data(pictures, social media posts, preferences, etc.)

⦁ Your data is also used by providers to get statistics and create marketing models to improve their sale strategies.

⦁ Data needs to be protected and backed up on a regular basis

⦁ Your accesses also require monitoring and protection

⦁ Software and firmware need to be timely and conveniently updated 

⦁ Digital devices need to be updated on a regular basis

⦁ You are responsible of protecting your digital ecosystem from legal, privacy and security perspectives.



Take action!

Deepen your Internet security knowledge and be proactive!



Mark is the author of the following titles: 

“Top Secret Methods for Getting Internet Security and Privacy”

“Secrets Revealed to Study Online Successfully”

“Online Shopping: Secrets Revealed to Buy Successfully”

“The Quickest & Easiest Way to Shop Online”

“Secrets révélés pour étudier en ligne avec succès(French version)”



Stay connected

Author page: https://tiny.one/markauthor 

Blog: http://digiconcern.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/digiconcern

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/digi2watch



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at April 16, 2020
COURAGE EVERYONE





We are living one of the most difficult times in the world and especially for each of us in different aspects.

I want to express my sincere sympathy to the ones who lost their relatives, colleagues, best friends and much more.




 A BIG THANKS to :

- the health care professionals who scarified their life to take care of the patients


- those who work in different services points


- those who work in the transportation



- to those who assure the security 


- to the reporters who share the news every day and night


- to the different carriers and private deliverers


- to the leaders who do what they can to face this pandemic


- to the searchers who are working hard to find a vaccine and a treatment to fight this virus

- to everyone who serves their country, their communities in different ways





 To everyone, please :

- Stay Safe by applying health Best Practices recommendations 

- Stay Patient, this situation won't last forever

- Keep hope and protect your mental health

- Stay Strong and positive to face this situation


Also stay safe online to protect the security and privacy of yourself or your family.



One day, we will see the light at the end of the tunel.
Blessings,
Mark
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at October 11, 2019

Proven Ways to Protect Your Data and Your Software



Your data represents your valuable information and your software includes all tools you use on a day to day basis to access your data. Depending on the value of your data, intruders may need to access them.

Your data may be the information stored in your computer (like documents); it also includes the information stored online like your credit cards, private information, etc.

 Thus, there is  potential risk of loss, destruction of your digital assets. In this article, I will share with you proven tips to prevent some unexpected issues.



 Personal Prevention
 Read more about technology security to protect your devices.
  • Monitor your credit card statements regularly and report any suspicious transactions.
  • Report any fraud, theft, or crime to the authorities in your area, like your banks, credit card companies, and government services.
  • Avoid downloading unsecure files from unknown websites.
  • Avoid downloading unsecure files from File-sharing websites, like P2P. Your computer will be at risk of intrusion with spyware, malware, virus. You may also share easily your personal information with the attackers.
  • Avoid downloading email attachments from any web source (like unknown or unsecure websites, unsecure forums, …).
  • Avoid using a fake antivirus offered by some websites. Some of them can popup a window to clean your computer; just ignore and close these messages.
  • Don’t click on links received by email from an unknown sender or from another unknown website (like a forum, unsafe blogs), but go directly to your vendors’ websites to make an online transaction.
  
 Technical Prevention
  • Manage your admin access. Create a standard account for your daily access and avoid using an admin account (useful when you have kids or teen!). You can go to the control panel to create a new user. Since the steps vary between the OS versions, I suggest checking an online tutorial (YouTube or blog) to learn how to set up a new account; it’s easy. Keep your admin password account in a safe place; otherwise, you won’t be able to install any software later! You may have to reinstall Windows or set up your device.
   
  • Encrypt your data files. If you have good knowledge of computer technology, you can use a partition tool to split your hard drive into more than one partition. This way, you can encrypt your data partitions.

  • Use a private vpn software to protect your Internet connection. You can do a search by typing private vpn software. Here are some good vpn tools : Bitdefender VPN, Kaspersky Secure Connection, Norton Secure VPN, NordVPN, etc.

  • Use the privacy mode of your Antivirus tool, this feature usually disable addons that can track your Internet connection.



Mark is the author or the book :


Efficient Ways to Use the Internet Securely




Are you looking for more tips and security advice regarding Internet security, Internet privacy, Shopping protection and much more?

 Please check my resources on this article:


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at October 10, 2019
 Best Practices to Detect a Phishing Website


A phishing website (also called fake or malicious) is like a real Internet site; with phishing, the attackers use smart methods to reach you, to steal your private and confidential information (like your name, mailing address, social security, credit card numbers, bank accounts, usernames, and passwords), your financial information, and much more. 

 This type of website appears the same as the original one but with different features. It may contain attachments that will install malicious software (also called malware) on your computer or mobile device. It can also install a keylogger (keyboard keystroke recorder) to screen your online activities and record everything you type on your computer!
 
For example, you can receive a phishing link:
  • by email
  • in an online forum or a blog
  • in social media posts
  • in a survey link from an unknown sender.
  • anywhere, when you click on a malicious link; for example, from a fake organization (that looks like a bank, a government, a charity organization)

Example of a phishing website

 
Example of phishing websites
Malicious Site
Real Name of the Website
www.goggle.com (Here, the second o in Google is missing, and there is a second letter “g”)

 		www.google.com
www.amaxon.com (Here, there is a mismatch letter: x instead of z)

 		www.amazon.com
www.ebbay.com (Here, there is an additional letter)
www.ebay.com

 What should you do?

 One of the best ways to check if it is a phishing website is to check its spelling.

 If you notice that you have received a malicious email message, just hover your mouse cursor over the link (do not click on it!) to check the spelling at the bottom of your browser window. To validate it, you can also do an online search.

 Do not share your financial or private information on any website or after clicking on a suspicious link. It’s better to share your information when you open a website by yourself, not when you open it through a link you receive.






Mark is the author or the book :


Efficient Ways to Use the Internet Securely




Are you looking for more tips and security advice regarding Internet security, Internet privacy, Shopping protection and much more?

 Please check my resources on this article:








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at October 08, 2019




How to browse the Internet safely

  
Digital security usually depends on the level of protection of:
  • Your seller’s website
  • Your Internet connection
  • Your computer
  • Your network device



In this article, I will emphasize especially on browser security features.
As a vigilant buyer, it’s crucial to watch your behavior and your digital knowledge. 
Don’t worry; you just must improve your education continuously for efficient use of the Internet.

Here is an essential checklist you must consider using your browser safely:
Does Your Seller’s Website Offer an Adequate Security Level?

The famous HTTPS

When you need to find and get access to a web page, you use a web browser. There are many useful browsers, like Google chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari, Opera. Each of them offers security features and design. You can install them and test them to see which one will fit your needs. Also, you can install two or more browsers in your computer.
All browsers come with a large horizontal field (usually white and located at the top of your page), where you can type the name (also called URL) of the website you visit. Typically, a site always has the prefix HTTP://.
The secured sites, with an “HTTPS://” prefix, are encrypted.
The encryption is a method used in computer technology to convert a standard character to a particular symbol. This way, a “man in the middle” cannot read the information you are sending through the Internet.
It’s not necessary to have the “s” suffix all the time. However, you need it, for example, while:
  • You purchase online.
  • You pay with your credit card.
  • You use your private or financial information.
  • You fill out an online form of a government or a bank.
  • You use any other confidential information.
 
If you are in the process of making an online transaction or entering your personal information in your browser, make sure you have this “S” following the HTTP of your website address, like in the example below: 


https://www.digiconcern.com

Here is how it usually works:





Your browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Edge) uses the HTTPS protocol to establish an encrypted connection (like a virtual tunnel) between your device and the web server of your online store.  


The web server validates the request of your browser (the page you want to display) to respond to your computer.

After the validation steps, your browser starts displaying the page content transmitted by the store website.



HTTPS, how it works
To know more about the HTTPS protocol, you can type “how HTTP works” or “HTTP and HTTPS” in your search engine.













The lock signs

A lock symbol is located before the name of the website, like in the example below:













This lock sign helps identify if a website is secure. It’s usually green or white, depending on the browser you use. However, if a website is not safe, you will see a different sign (the symbol may vary), showing the site is unsecured. Your antivirus tool can also give you an alert about a website’s security level.



The “S” Suffix









The “s” suffix indicates the information you enter into a website is encrypted, for example, when you are filling out a form to buy an item, when you enter your username and password, or when you pay with a credit card.



Mark is the author or the book :


Are you looking for more tips and security advice regarding Internet security, Internet privacy, Shopping protection and much more?
 

 Please check my resources on this article:

https://digiconcern.blogspot.com/2018/09/digital-concerns-resources.html






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