More new stuff coming soon!

Working on a few articles at the same time, I should have them posted in the next day or two. Until then,

Sevenowl

2 Factor Authentication

2FA or 2 Factor Authentication or Multi-Factor Authentication I'm sure a lot of people have heard of or been offered to use on certain websites etc.  But what is it? Well, simply put, it is a second security feature or a second password.

Quite a few websites online now are using 2FA, adding that extra level of protection. What it is, is either it can text you a random code, or email you a random code or even use an app called an authenticator.  Some places even have their own 'authenticators'.

Once you sign in to a website with your password, a secondary screen will come up asking for the code. Most of these are time-sensitive as well, with most codes only lasting 10-30 seconds before changing. 2FA has turned out to be quite useful in the security area of online shopping and gaming. As it gives you that 'extra' secure feeling.

If there are sites you visit, that you value, I'd suggest signing up for 2FA if they offer it. That way if your password is compromised, at least they can't log in with it as easily. In the ever-growing area of technology there are many ways that 2FA is evolving as well.  Including facial recognition, thumbprint recognition, and I'm sure retinal recognition will soon be available for everyone as well!

Any questions or concerns please email me.

Sevenowl

New patch for Windows 10

Hey everyone!  Microsoft has just released another patch that is addressing a flaw uncovered by the NSA. It should just be a matter of going to control panel and checking for updates and it should patch itself in a few simple steps. 

Here is some more info on it courtesy of TheHackerNews.  Windows 10 patch.

Here is another link that may be helpful if you need a hand checking for updates.

Windows 10 Patch.

It's easy to keep updated, It can be a real pain if you get compromised.

Stay safe all.


Sevenowl

Windows 7 EOL Part II

 

Well, it's here! January 14th, the official day that the support for Windows 7 ends.  What does this mean? Well, as in my previous article, this means that Microsoft will no longer be publishing any updates or patching any security features of the OS itself.  For the home user, this means your computer will run just fine, although over time as security flaws and other exploits are found, the less safe it will become, leaving your data on that system at risk.

For small business' that are using Windows 7, you are encouraged to upgrade immediately, as said above, once more and more security flaws and other exploits appear, there will be attacks on your systems. (Mainly because everyone is after personal information) No matter how big or how small your business is, it can become a target.

Below is a link to The Hacker News article regarding the EOL of Windows 7 and some other info that you may be after.

Windows 7 EOL by TheHackerNews.

Also, here is the official report on Windows 7 EOL by Mircosoft.

Windows 7 EOL by Microsoft.

Sevenowl.

The Dark Web & Deep Web

I'm sure most of you have heard of it by now, The Dark Web & Deep Web, where anything goes, you can buy and sell anything. You can find just about anything, even the things you don't want to find.

The Dark Web has been around as long as the internet has. The Dark Web is a small piece of the Deep Web, with the two getting mixed up for each other all the time.  The Dark Web is not indexed by regular search engines, not much is tracked in the dark web and a lot of people use it because of the anonymity of it. Although you need special browsers to view the dark web and it's contents, there are a few that are readily available and a quick youtube search on how to use them will usually get you going in no time.  The Tor browser and the Onion network is the most common one a lot of people use to dabble in the dark web.

There are quite a few things to be found on the dark web. Drugs, Guns, Pornography, Hacking tools, the list goes on and on.  Just about anyone can purchase these things out there as well if they can get a hold of Bitcoin.  This is the currency of choice on the dark & deep webs, as all transactions with it are not traceable what so ever and it is completely anonymous. Although I still like doing my shopping at Walmart.

The thing with the Dark Web and Deep web, is you may come across something you don't want to see. If you're not careful you can get yourself caught up in some serious stuff. It's best for the common internet user to stay away from the Dark & Deep webs.

The Deep Web is much larger than the Dark Web and they say many, many times larger than the regular internet. In the Deep Web, same as the Dark Web, anything goes. You can find anything, and for the right price, buy anything. You can also get yourself in a lot of trouble poking around the Deep Web. I tend to just stay away from it all.

Again, just some basic tips as to what the Web is all about, there is way more out there than the average person knows. So remember to keep safe! Steer clear of anything you do not understand or is asking for information that you don't feel is right.

*Please keep in mind, these articles are aimed towads the basic user for information purposes only. If you see discrepencies in some of my posts, please email and let me know.

Data

Data.  When people hear this word, most usually think of rows of computers storing stuff, hard drives full of information, file folders full of papers containing all sorts of writing and mathematical equations.

Well, to be honest, that is what Data is. Collection and storage of information. Although nowadays, Data that is being collected is not just research material and experiments, etc.  A large majority of what you hear about Data and Data collection is all about us. Yes, us, our personal information. Not just some of it, but almost all of it is trying to be harvested from everything we do. Every website, every App, every game, everything is trying to collect information about you. Many of us don't realize it or recognize it.  But all those webpages we go to place cookies on our browsers either saving information for us or keeping track of where we go. Our browsers ask to save our passwords, address, and all other types of stuff we don't like typing in every time we browse somewhere new. This along with ads, and other things we allow our browsers to do while we surf, is all sending that data somewhere and storing it. Which in turn, leads to those pesky privacy issues, and all that spam email you end up getting.

What most people don't realize is that "Data" has become a huge commodity amongst the internet, both for illegal and legal use. It is becoming a huge business. Hackers want your information in order to steal your identity, get fake credit cards, and all that fun stuff.  Businesses want your information, in order to gear their advertising towards the products you like and look at on the web.

You hear about hacked, compromised and breached websites on a daily basis now. Tons of information being stolen, stored and sold on the deep web. (Deep Web, another upcoming topic soon, feel free to check the link to familiarize yourself with what it is.) The average person doesn't pay attention and sluffs it off as everyday happenings.  That is until they get a phone call or letter from their bank regarding unusual or high price purchases, even large cash withdrawals from outside of the country, that they will suddenly pay attention.

Medical information, bank information, financial information, name, address, social security & social insurance numbers, driver's license, etc.  All this information about you has become gold. If you don't protect it, it will be stolen and used.  All it takes is a few simple steps to protect yourself and your information.

Although Data breaches are beyond our control, you can control what data you put out there. For example, Never store your credit card information on a site, never do online banking on public wifi, try to avoid giving personal information to sites that it doesn't seem relevant to.

Here is a link to another blog that has some awesome tips and ways to keep yourself and your data safe!

101 Data protection tips by Digital Guardian.


Don't forget, Google is your friend as well!  Just search for "how to keep my data safe online" or "how to stay safe online" and you will get some good reads!


Sevenowl.

Windows 7 Expiration and Windows 10 upgrade!

Windows 7 end of life - January 14, 2020

It's been a good run Windows 7! Here is the low down on what is actually happening.

To clarify the Windows 7 expiry, which actually means Microsoft will no longer support the OS or publish any more updates or patches for the OS.  It doesn't mean your computer will turn off on January 14th. Also, Microsoft nor anyone else will phone you and tell you that your computer is at risk and will cease to function on Jan 14th. There are quite a few of these scams going around.  If anyone calls you about your computer, hang up! I covered some of this in a previous article (Here)

It is highly recommended to upgrade to Windows 10 now! You can purchase a license key from Microsoft or purchase a home copy from various outlets. Be wary of purchasing a license key from an unknown site or dealer, a lot of times you are giving away your money for a key that is no good!

You can also still upgrade to Windows 10 for free, here is a CNET article regarding how to do so:
 https://www.cnet.com/how-to/upgrade-to-windows-10-free-heres-how/

The main reason to upgrade, is now that it will not be supported or patched, as more security vulnerabilities are found, the more at risk your system becomes. Hopefully, this helps you out!  Feel free to email me if you need more information on this.


Sevenowl

Security Cameras, Doorbell Cameras, and other Cameras

Cameras and surveillance devices are becoming more and more common every day, with tons of people buying them and setting them up. The Doorbell camera is the most popular and the easiest to hack into. Especially a few brands that released without updated and proper firmware, thus leaving customers information sitting out in the open.

Upon installing the doorbell cameras, it usually instructs you to “connect” to the devices wifi, then open an app or webpage to input your information to allow the camera to connect to your home network. Some of these devices did not secure the “information” that you were putting in to connect to your home network, basically storing it on the device itself. With a simple search for WiFi networks, one could easily find the “doorbell” device, connect to it, and use some scripts to gather that info. A lot of these “scripts” are readily available on several different “hacker” forums.

A quick youtube search can also show you how to use these scripts.

Don’t get me wrong, these devices are extremely useful in many situations. Most people simply get them so they can see who is at the door, without having to open or unlock the door. Another great use is for deliveries. It is perfect for seeing when the mailman or delivery company drops off that long-awaited package! Some even use it for small surveillance of their front step or driveway.

The last one, can and is causing some problems in places with people trying to use the images to find the identity of car rummagers, mail thefts, etc. Most of the time, these are successful in finding out who stole your coffee change from your car, or who egged your house. Although that is about as far as you can take it. Most of these images or clips cannot be used or submitted into a court of law, because of a thing called Chain of Custody. Now I will be doing a separate article on Chain of Custody, but I added the link so you can get the basic rundown of what it is.

You can also purchase wireless cameras that can be mounted inside or outside, and are mostly used for “security” purposes. These cameras also connect to your home network via WiFi but are a little more secure than the doorbell camera. But, once again, if you have poor home network security, and easily guessed passwords or even an open (shudder) network, These cameras can also be subject to being accessed and hacked. Not too long ago, the biggest target was Nanny cams or baby camera monitors, especially the ones that connected to your home network. Although hacking the baby monitor was relatively easy if you had the right monitor yourself. There were a lot of horror stories circulating after these were hacked. Here is a great article on baby monitors/cameras and the process behind getting into them, definitely worth a read! Baby Monitors by Groovypost.

As I’ve mentioned before, a little research goes a long way. Check out different cameras, different companies, read the reviews before deciding which is right for you. There are even security companies out there now that are offering doorbell and indoor/outdoor cameras. Again, do your research. Security companies offer these cameras as a “lifestyle” or “specialty”device and not a security feature. Which means they are not supported as security or surveillance systems. And are not monitored by the security company either. Although there are companies out there that do monitor camera systems, although not cheap. Be careful of what you are signing up for.

Also, feel free to check out my upcoming article on Chain of Custody or check out the link above to understand what it is, if you plan on using your video surveillance for legal purposes.

Video clips and Stills are a great deterrent and extremely helpful in aiding law enforcement, but now the market is getting flooded with all types of cameras. If you are serious about getting one, I’d recommend staying away from the $12 cheap cameras that are popping up all over. If it is peace of mind you want, spend the extra few dollars to get that decent camera setup.

If you need a laugh,

 

Sevenowl