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To: taxcontrol; hiredhand

I’ll add to or repeat some of your suggestions .....

Use different and complicated passwords on different websites and don’t write them down anywhere in sight.

Enable 2-step verification where ever possible (G-Mail, Facebook etc.).

You can view active sessions in different services to see if anyone else is connected and terminate their access.

On Windows, check your processes from task manager to see if anything unknown or suspicious is running in the background.

Do not give away information that could help anyone guess your password.

Password-protect your private information and store them on external hard drives even if it’s just a backup.

Do not allow auto-run from unknown sources (like USB drives) (this can be done by holding down the Shift button on Windows platform when you connect a USB flash drive)

Disable WPS on your wireless router from its configuration IP at 192.168.1.1.

Choose WPA2/TKIP and pick a long, complicated and unguessable password. (You can also use white list to keep anyone else from connecting to your WiFi.) Also, change your router’s name into a different brand (if it’s TP-Link for example, change it to D-Link or another brand) to lose script kiddies from guessing information on your router.

Do not visit obviously infected websites, the ones your browser advises you against.

Setting up a firewall could help keep script kiddies out of your system. Having an antivirus software will not guarantee you 100% protection, but will clean common malware from your computer when infected and clean flash and external hard drives.

Cover your laptop’s camera with a piece of tape. Although your microphone will still be available to the hacker but at least your picture cannot be seen.

Do not click on popups and dancing kitties to win a prize.

Turn off your wireless router or laptop when you’re not using it.

Check and scan your incoming files. Always.

Try to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fis (such as hotels) and free Internet (such as Starbucks).

When attending places you know might be crowded with hackers, switch your phone to Airplane mode.

Password-protect your phone and computer wherever possible and pick long and complicated passwords that YOU WOULD NOT FORGET.

Password-protect the files you upload. And pick strong passwords. ALWAYS.

Do not download files from untrusted websites. However, portals such as Softpedia - Free Downloads Encyclopedia| FileHippo.com - Download Free Software | FileHorse.com / Free Software Download for Windows | MajorGeeks.Com - MajorGeeks | VideoHelp - Forum and Software downloads are reliable. But official websites are always preferred.

Do not download software or video games from warez websites. Keygens are almost always infected.

Do not browse the deep web.

If you decided to install anti-malware software, keep it updated.

Try to install the latest security updates on your software. Especially Microsoft Windows patches or anti-malware software.

Basic tricks like this never protect you from elite hackers, but will possibly keep you safe from script kiddies and newbies and those who don’t have the time nor the mood to put the effort to hack you.

If your using a Mac, turn on two part authentication, remove adobe flash and java subsystems and leave the security setting to never allow unsigned apps....

Just what I do for my PC’s and Mac’s ..... some might consider a old but working OS called “KNOS secure desktop” which I think is using the BSD kernel on PC’s like Mac’s OS does . Its almost like Tails OS running off RAM memory versus the SSD or HD.

STAY SAFE


36 posted on 06/27/2017 10:13:17 AM PDT by Squantos (Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet ...)
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To: Squantos

Typing in Morse helps.

Di-dah-di-dit Dah-dah-dah Di-dah-di-dit


45 posted on 06/27/2017 11:09:53 AM PDT by antidisestablishment ( We few, we happy few, we basket of deplorables)
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To: Squantos
Try to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fis (such as hotels)

Depends on whether it is encrypted. If encryption is turned on, then you are somewhat safe from eavesdropping. If not, then everyone can see everything except HTTPS, VPN, etc. In short, only use wifi where you type a password to access it.

The other parts of your advice are fine, but I wouldn't waste a lot of time on "long and complicated" passwords. There is a problem with cracking short passwords from stolen hashes. But if your provider has hashes stolen then everything else can be stolen as well, so your long and complicated password is safe but your SSN in their database is not so you lose.

Password-protect the files you upload. And pick strong passwords. ALWAYS.

Well if the encryption is weak, then a strong password won't matter. If the encryption is strong then a strong password is no better than a "weak" password beyond a dictionary word. A short made-up word will be adequate.

52 posted on 06/27/2017 11:56:03 AM PDT by palmer (turn into nonpaper w no identifying heading and send nonsecure)
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To: Squantos

Cover the mic, too.


89 posted on 06/28/2017 11:06:36 AM PDT by SaveFerris (Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for ... some have unwittingly entertained angels)
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