Ordering Items from Tik Tok ad's!

 

 

 Good day to all, thought I would pop up a quick blurb here regarding the ad's that are more and more popping up on Tik Tok. 

I'm sure if you use the media platform Tik Tok. I'm sure you come across quite a few "amazing" products via the ad system there.  Now, once again I must warn you,  the majority of these ad's are turning out to be completely bogus.  I've heard of people buying the product advertised, only to get something completely off the wall different, or if anything at all!

I tested the theory myself on a small item of sorts (around $20 or so). I quickly got an email saying ordered received and being processed.  A couple hours later, I received and email stating the item had shipped, and also got a tracking link.  Here's was the fun part, the tracking link led to nothing and empty page, a 404 page. I click on the order to reply regarding the shipping link, and voila! The store and all links do not exist anymore.

Well, there went $20. (I've wasted $20 in worse places, lol) So, there was lesson learned, if it sounded to good to be true, guess what? it was. 

Now, these Scammers will usually use products that will attract the most attention, and a price that does the same! With some sneaky advertising tricks, they usually have your ready to order by the time the video is done! 

Now don't forget, you've just given out your name, email address, mailing address, and more that likely Credit Card information as well. (I used a Visa gift card, so as no other orders can be placed on it).

It doesn't take much for someone to set up a fake little site promoting a product, with all the looks of a real online store that'll grab peoples attention!  From here I say, remember the old adage "If it sounds to good to be true, It probably is!" Also remember folks, Christmas season is coming and there will be a huge influx of these types of scams!!

I will be adding more to this article soon, so keep checking back!

Vince.

Cable Mapper Pro!

 

I got the opportunity to try out the (CM-100) Cable Mapper Pro, from Jonard tools. I have used several different types of cable testers in the past, mostly all cheap ones but they usually did the trick.  Then along came the Cable Mapper Pro, well, I must say, this tester is awesome! It helped me on a recent job to identify some lost ports, and even test those lines. It couldn't have been easier. The Cable Mapper Pro, is very lightweight, compact, and extremely easy to use.

It comes with a simple instruction booklet for those that need a quick how-to, but once you get it working, it's great! I highly recommend this Cable Mapper Pro to any technician that deals with Coax & Network cabling.

I will definitely be using this all the time!  Check it out at Jonard Tools, along with many, many other excellent tools of the trade!

#JonardTools #Jonard #MadeForLife #JonardCrew

Cable Mapper Pro, by Jonard tools!

 I have just received the new Cable Mapper Pro (CM-100), from Jonard tools, and am preparing to give it a run. So stay tuned for an awesome review of what I believe is an awesome tool!

#JonardTools #Jonard #MadeForLife #JonardCrew

Some Father's day gift ideas from Jonard!

 

Have a electrician, technician, or installer in the family?  Below is a link for Jonard Tools excellent gift ideas for Fathers day!  Get Dad those awesome side cutters, long nose pliers, cable pullies, or just about any other tool you can think of from Jonard tools!

They have an excellent selection of tools of all kinds, for every technician out there!

Feel free to check out my reviews on some of the products they offer, (Tools of the trade)  I myself have used the Ferret pro camera - which is excellent for checking out those tight spots or unknown areas for fishing wire!

I've also used the cable comb, which goes well when fishing cables, and you want to easily keep them separated for specific bundles. 

I'm awaiting the chance to use the cable pullies I received, and will add a review here once I try them out, but I already know they are an excellent addition to any installers toolbox!

 

Cable Pulley (CP-475)

 

Cable Comb (CCB-25)

 

Ferret Pro (CFWF50A2)

Click the link below to check out their awesome deals for Father's Day!

Also, take advantage of the Amazon links I've provided if your looking to purchase those I have featured!

Father's day specials!

#JonardTools #Jonard #MadeForLife #JonardCrew

PIN codes & Password phishing

 

Everyone believes they use a "safe" PIN code for there numerous bank cards and credit cards.  Well the reality of that is, hardly anyone uses a complete random 4 digit code.  Most of the masses will choose combinations that consist of Birthdays, Phone numbers, SIN numbers, Kids birthdays, your address, or numerous other means of creating a code that we will remember.  We do this because it is a lot easier for us to recollect a number if it associated with something we know or use daily.

 I'm bringing this up, as there have been a few "frauds" out there, where cards were stolen and the PIN numbers were guessed rather easily with other information that was taken at the same time, or even "creeped" off of social media accounts. This is a common form of a "Social Engineering" type of attack/hack, or what ever you would like to call it.

I'm sure we have all seen these numerous photos, meme's and quizzes all over different social media apps:

 

  

Yes, these are all social engineering attempts. There actually may be a minute amount of actual quizzes out there, but it has become impossible to tell the difference.  The best way to avoid giving out ANY information about yourself, do NOT participate with those types of posts. 

 Now, some more information on those PIN codes. The unfortunate thing with 4 digit PIN's is that it really is limited to certain number of combinations.  For the numbers 0-9, there are 10 000 possible 4 number combinations. So in reality, many of us are using the same PIN codes as many other people out there! With this low number of combinations and weak security, it makes it rather easy for almost anyone to find you on social media, read some of your answers to posts, read your info, etc. and start matching up numbers!  Below is also the most common 4 digit combinations used, and are usually the first ones a scammer or hacker will try.

 

Many banks and financial institutions are starting to not reimburse fraudulent purchases on cards that were used with a PIN that is considered extremely common, or your birthday.  Here is an article from Global News explaining it in a little more detail. Banks on Reimbursement. I guess we should start reading those terms and conditions now!

By now, you must be asking yourself, that how am I supposed to avoid all those common PIN's?  Well, we can start by changing to a 6 digit code if it is available to you. Also change the code every couple of months or so, and NEVER write it down and carry it with you in your wallet! Keep anything associated with any passwords or PIN codes out of your purse or wallet. 

It doesn't take much these days for scammers to get a hold of your information, then target you. It IS happening everyday, don't become part of the statistics! It only takes a few extra minutes or steps to keep your stuff secure. Go with it!

Stay safe!

Vince.

 

Tools of the trade, physical tools! Part I *Updated*

April 27, 2022

 I was given the pleasure of receiving a Cable Comb (CCE-25), from Jonard Tools and I must say, it comes in very handy.  I do a lot of camera system installs for various places and I always disliked the wonderful job of sorting out and untangling the cables in order to terminate them.  Well along came the cable comb!  It has definitely been a time saver! 

As you can see, it keeps all your cables separate and tangle free! The center blue disc slides right out to let you remove your cables with ease, or add cables in at any time without having to find ends and thread them through.  It is very sturdy and extremely easy to use. I would definitely recommend this if you do a lot of cable runs, it can handle Cat5, Cat5E, Cat6, alarm cables, and even coax! (not RG6 Quad)

As i use this more, I will add more pictures of the different cable types I use with the comb. Follow the link in the pic below to find out more on the cable comb and how to order!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 *Below is a previous post from July 2021, and will be updated soon*

As someone being in the security industry, we use all types of tools, be them physical, digital, or social. This article is going to cover the physical tool area.

As a security professional we use numerous tools of all types. Strippers, crimpers, screwdrivers, side cutters, linesman pliers, wrenches, Allen key sets, and many other hand tools of all sizes.  Also electrical testers, line testers, camera testers, network testers, pretty much all kinds of tools used by electricians, we also use as security technicians.  

Now these tools are expensive, some very! It is always nice to see when some good choices come along. Jonard Tools!

Here I will be testing and trying some tools of the trade sent to me by Jonard Tools.  I will be using them for a couple weeks, then I will post a review on which tools I used and what I thought of them! So stay tuned!

If you want to check out Jonard Tools, and the many items they have, and they have an excellent selection, click their link below.

 

Received the Ferret Pro Camera, with accessories. Didn't get a chance to do an unboxing Video, but will add screen-shots and usage video soon!  The App is extremely easy to download and install, and with the built in WiFi spot, you connect to the camera directly, open the app, and away you go! It's all that easy! I've gotten to use this device only once so far, but I must say, this device is an amazing time saver! With the extension rod, and the bending elbow adapters, this camera can pretty much go anywhere! Even has built in LED lights, along with a focus slide option that helps make the picture & video perfect! It also has 720p and 360p settings for video, and can save .jpg or .png snapshots! Stay tuned, I will be adding more very soon!

 

 

#JonardTools #Jonard #MadeForLife #JonardCrew

Update to - "is it time to upgrade your equipment"

 

 Just posting a small update to help explain the many different types of Category cables that are out there.

Posted below is a simple description that hopefully will help some out when picking what cable to run in your house, and the uses for them.

 

With data speeds going up all the time, and with fiber to the home becoming more common, some people should take a look at adding some higher end cabling to their homes.  As of now, Cat6a & Cat7 are being recommended for home wiring if you plan to have a lot of "smart" devices. Even though a lot of smart devices run on wifi, it is recommended to have these devices on their own LAN network and a separate router. 

Gamers, who have fiber to the home, and expensive routers will also benefit from some of the newer cables helping with latency. 

People adding security cameras also should take a look at having at least Cat6a for wired cameras in order to provide the best upload/download speeds.  Security cameras rely way more on the upload speed for streaming to smart devices like your phone.

Cat 8 Ethernet cable is ideal for switch to switch communications in data centers and server rooms, where 25GBase‑T and 40GBase‑T networks are common. Which I don't think the average home user will have in their basement. Although Cat8 will work with your existing routers and are backwards compatible, they are a heavier gauge and a little harder to terminate.

For the majority of home users, I recommend using Cat6 or Cat6a for all your internet needs. 

In my next article I will preview some routers, and help you select the best ones for your everyday needs.  Until then, Stay safe.

Vince.