 If you recently signed into your Google, Microsoft, or Amazon account, you may have seen a message asking you to setup a passkey. In theory passkeys are simple, using something like your phone's fingerprint or face ID sensor in place of a password. However, the trick is in the details. If you set up a passkey on your phone, it may be difficult to use that passkey when signing into an account using your computer. Or, perhaps you use multiple password managers (a common faux pas that we can help with), which leads to problems accessing passkeys. You can read more about the saga of passkeys by clicking here.
Right now, our advice is to pass on passkeys. If you want better security, turn on 2-factor authentication for important websites so that they send you a text message to confirm it's you when you log in for the first time on a new device. For the strongest security, instead of receiving a code via text message, you can have your password manager automatically generate these codes (known as one-time passwords). Our favorite password manager, 1Password, can do this with ease. Click here for instructions for 1Password.  The IRS is directly offering free tax filing software for the 2024 tax year via IRS Direct File.
The IRS also has partnerships with other companies provide free tax filing, called IRS Free File. This Citizen-Times article has more info on your tax filing options.   Now that the calendar has turned to 2025, two more widely used software systems have been discontinued.
Apple has discontinued security update support for MacOS Monterey, meaning that over time, users on Monterey will become more vulnerable to security issues and glitches. Some new software may not work at all on Monterey. For people still on Monterey, it is highly recommended to discontinue use of the Safari web browser, and switch to a browser that still receives security updates on Monterey, such as Firefox or Chrome. Microsoft has discontinued updates for Office 2019 for Mac. It is no longer getting security improvements, and may stop working properly over time. Upgrade options include Office 2024 and the Microsoft 365 subscription.  Thank you WNC for 12 great years! It has been a privilege to support the community since 2012. Here's to the next chapter of our journey together! 🎉
Jensen Gelfond Founder Asheville Digital Lifestyle  People have started using artificial intelligence, but there are reasons to be cautious, starting with your personal information. Artificial intelligence startup WotNot, which helps companies create chatbots for their websites & apps, left data typed into their customers' chatbots out in the open, ripe for being heisted. Exposed information included passport info, medical histories, employment records, and more. Click here to check out the sordid details.
The exposed info could be used by hackers to stage more believable scams, or for identity theft. It makes us wonder how well other companies are shepherding the data that AI is siphoning up. Even well-resourced companies like Microsoft are creating systems that leave customer data vulnerable while implementing AI that records everything that happens on your screen. Just in case your personal data is leaked, one of the most meaningful steps you can take to prevent identity theft is to freeze your credit. Click here to check out our post with instructions on how to check and freeze your credit. Bonus tip as we approach tax season: you can lock down your social security number to prevent it from being used to file a fraudulent tax return by creating an Identity Protection PIN. Click here for instructions from the IRS.  With autumn comes a plethora of software updates.
Apple has released MacOS Sequoia and iOS 18 / iPadOS 18. We recommend that most folks wait until January to upgrade so that Apple has time to iron out as many glitches as possible. Apple ended support for MacOS Monterey, and folks using the internet on that system should consider upgrading their Mac for maximum security. 3rd party web browsers like Chrome and Firefox continue to receive updates, so at a minimum folks who choose to stay on Monterey should use one of those web browsers instead of Safari. Microsoft has released Office 2024, the buy-once version of Word/Excel/Powerpoint that is an alternative to the subscription Office 365 service.  Reliable info about where to pickup drinking water at no charge is available directly from the city of Asheville's website. Click the button below and then click on "Relief Assistance and Resources." If you are seeking resources and live in a different location or have a different question, you are welcome to send us an email. Now that the storm has passed and recovery is underway, there is a lot of information out there, and not all of it is reliable. Here are some sources that have been steadfast.
Helene Response & Rebuild: - WNC Resource Guide Buncombe Resource List Buncombe Updates from City Council & NC Legislature (click on the highlighted "PDF daily newsletter")  We have reconnected with the Asheville Poverty Initiative and 12 Baskets Cafe since the storm, and are back to offering tech support and teaching on Tuesdays from 11am-1pm, at 12 Baskets, at 610 Haywood Road. Join us in this currency free cafe for tech support & teaching provided by Jensen Gelfond, a delicious hot meal, and a box of groceries if you need one.
12 Baskets offers no-cost diner lunches and groceries from 11am-1pm every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Click here to donate and support the mission of 12 Baskets Cafe and the Asheville Poverty Initiative.  In this time of acute water need, mother nature has come to the rescue of many people looking for water, especially for flushing toilets. Our own backyard stream on the West Asheville Hill has provided ample water for many uses during this municipal water outage.
Plus, with the aid of an advanced water filter that removes bacteria, viruses and impurities, it's been easier and safer to wash dishes, and has even provided a potable drinking water option in a pinch. It's best to consume the highest quality drinking water you have access to, which is bottled water for most WNC residents right now, but our little stream has done quite the job at providing water during this tough time. With easy access just a few feet away, it's one of the factors that has allowed us to return to the business of supporting you with your technology. Is there a stream near you that could support your need for water? It's a question worth asking. |
AuthorJensen Gelfond is the Founder of Asheville Digital Lifestyle. He helps people use their technology more effectively and joyfully. Categories
All
|
RSS Feed