Blog

Individuals at Risk
Identity Theft
SocialSecurity Admin backtracks on txt msg requirement for e-acct: The U.S. Social Security Administration says it is reversing a newly enacted policy that required a cell phone number from all Americans who wished to manage their retirement benefits at ssa.

In this podcast, Jake delivers a tech round-up of two very popular recent technology advances:  Amazon's Alexa and Pokemon Go!  Jake reviews the Amazon Echo that was purchased on Prime Day and his experience with Alexa, Amazon's digital assistant. He also discusses the Pokemon Go craze and how it gets kids outside to play and can bring parents closer to their children.

Important Security Updates
AVG Free Edition: AVG has released version 2016.101.7752 of its 64 and 32 bit Free Edition. Updates are available on AVG’s website.

Evernote: Evernote has released version 6.2.3.3244. Updates are available on Evernote’s website.

Individuals at Risk
Cyber Update
Got Microsoft? Time to Patch Your Windows: Microsoft churned out a bunch of software updates today fix some serious security problems with Windows and other Microsoft products like Internet Explorer (IE), Edge and Office.

Important Security Updates
Apple iOS: Apple has released version 9.3.4 of its iOS to fix one vulnerability. Updates are available through the device or through Apple’s website.

Dropbox: Dropbox has released version 7.4.30 for its file hosting program.

Individuals at Risk
Identity Theft
Banner Health Breach Affects 3.7 Million: Arizona-based Banner Health, which operates 29 hospitals, says it’s notifying 3.7 million individuals that their data was exposed in a “sophisticated cyberattack.” The organization has hired a forensics firm to investigate the attack after taking steps to block the attackers and contacting law enforcement officials.

Do dogs help in the work environment?  According to some studies, yes, they do!  Many small businesses allow dogs but even some corporations also allow the practice because of perceived benefits.   Amazon, Ben and Jerry’s and Printing for Less are just a few well-known companies that have dog-friendly policies.

Windows 10 is a really secure operating system and one reason is because Microsoft forces security updates on their schedule.  Security updates are critically important for a safe computing experience but there may be some scenarios which require you to have more customized control of the Windows update process.

Important Security Updates
Avast: Avast! Free Antivirus has released version 12.2.2276. Updates are available on Avast’s website.

Avira Free Antivirus:  Avira has released version 15.0.18.354 of its free Antivirus. Updates are available from Avira’s website.

Individuals at Risk
Cyber Fraud
Dark Patterns are designed to trick you (and they’re all over the Web): It happens to the best of us. After looking closely at a bank statement or cable bill, suddenly a small, unrecognizable charge appears. Fine print sleuthing soon provides the answer—somehow, you accidentally signed up for a service.