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Are identity theft protection services worth the price?

12/6/2017

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Online searches for identity theft programs have skyrocketed since the recent Experian data breach. As identity theft protection services are poised to become a multi-million dollar business, the big question we should be asking ourselves is, “Are they worth the money?” The answer might surprise you. Probably not!

Ironically, the data you must divulge to these companies makes you more vulnerable to exposure in the event of a data breach. Another factor is while these services may benefit folks who already are the victims of a data breach, they don’t offer much in the way of preventive measures. What they offer is akin to insurance that may help you if your identity is compromised or stolen. However, you may already have this kind of insurance through your credit cards, by way of Visa and MasterCard “zero liability rules.”

A much better way to keep your identity (and your credit) safe is by placing a credit freeze on your accounts. Please click here to read our earlier blog post about using a free credit freeze for protection.

The bottom line: As tempting as identity theft programs may seem, there are better ways to stay safe.

Click on this link to learn more about why identity theft prevention services may not be worth the money.

Unsure about how to protect yourself and your computer from hackers? Make an appointment with Jensen to review your options.

take these steps to protect your identity and email password

11/11/2017

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Is anybody safe these days from credit card fraud and identity theft? The recent Equifax credit data breach seems to imply that even the big players are not secure from hackers and thieves.

Don’t panic. While nothing is foolproof any more, there are some strong steps you can take to protect your credit from hucksters and thieves. One of the best is the credit freeze.

Wikipedia tells us that each year about 15% of identity theft cases involve new accounts. Criminals open credit in someone else’s name. Since banks and lenders require a credit report before opening an account, locking this information out with a credit freeze is an effective way to prevent anyone from opening a card in your name. Keep in mind, however, it will also keep you from opening new accounts unless you remove the credit freeze.

Click here to learn more about using a credit freeze to protect yourself from identity theft.

Protect your email password

Your email account is your key to the digital kingdom. Keep it secret; keep it safe!

When choosing an email password, go for something unique and impossible to guess. Never use your birthday or something people know about you. For example, if you drive a Rav4, don’t make your password Rav4. Also, given the number of data breaches, assume that any information held by the government such as your social security number and date of birth are out there in the criminal undergrond.

Choose a password that is not easy to guess. It must not not contain any personal information (social security number, phone number, street number, etc.) that could be gleaned from a credit report or information you've given to the government. Your password could be a nonsensical sentence. For example, Chickens4love2run!

If thinking up obscure passwords and organizing them becomes too much of a chore, Asheville Digital Lifestyle can help you setup a password management system such as Dashlane or 1Password.

Apple updates: should I switch to the new operating systems?

10/25/2017

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If you own an Apple device you have already seen a notice to upgrade to the new OS and iOS .The new systems have been out for a few weeks now with no signs of major problems, but those who wish to be cautious may want to wait a bit longer, just to be on the safe side.

Why update?
The latest versions of MacOS and iOS have bug fixes for the built-in programs, and you must be running a recent system to receive important security updates. Plus, your get nifty new features, such as Multitasking and a new App Dock on the iPad that can make your older device feel new again.

Important considerations:

High Sierra includes a new file system for newer Macs, which means that during your Mac’s upgrade, there is a lot going on in the background to convert to the new system. Be sure to back up your computer before running the High Sierra update, and be sure not to do it in the middle of foul weather. Many an update has gone awry from a power outage happening at just the wrong time. On the plus side, Macs that can take advantage of the new file system (Macs running speedy “SSD” Solid State hard drives) benefit from the new file system which is more resistant to developing problems if your computer unexpectedly turns off, and is speedier for many common tasks such as copying files.
Prior to any major Mac operating system update, you will want to double check compatibility of any non-Apple programs that are installed on your hard drive. One example of a program that won’t work on High Sierra is older versions of Microsoft Office, including Office 2011. Upgrading may mean that you have to purchase newer software that is compatible with the latest Mac operating system.

For the iPhone
iOS 11 has generally been a smooth upgrade for folks. However, it’s important to know that apps which have been abandoned by their developers will not work in the new system. These old abandoned apps are known as 32-bit apps. To double check whether you have any 32-bit apps on your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings -> General -> About -> Applications.

Need help?
Need help updating your devices and making sure your apps are compatible? Make an appointment with Asheville Digital Lifestyle, and Jensen will come to your office or home to get all your devices running smoothly.

crashplan for home will be gone; here's our replacement advice

9/3/2017

CrashPlan for Home is being discontinued. We’ve been recommending and installing it for years, and recently we’ve been getting calls and emails from clients wondering what to do next. Here’s our best advice.

First, don’t panic! If you are subscribed to CrashPlan to backup your computer, your existing subscription will continue to work through October 2018, and you get an extra 60 days subscription to give you plenty of time to decide your next step.

CrashPlan will continue offering a backup service for small business, but it will cost double the $60 price of the Home Service. For many people it’s just not the right solution.

CrashPlan is guiding its customers towards Carbonite, the most well-known cloud backup service. However, Internet consensus is that in CrashPlan’s wake, the best cloud backup system may well be BackBlaze.

BackBlaze is an excellent replacement for CrashPlan and a solid online backup system designed for everyday people. Some benefits include:

1-click automatic backup of all of your personal files, including 30 history of changes you make to files and external hard drives
If your hard drive fails, they can mail you a hard drive filled with your backed up files, and will even refund you if you return it.
In their 10-year history they have developed a reputation for excellent security and service

Need help setting up your backup system? Contact Asheville Digital Lifestyle today and make an appointment for Jensen to hook you up.

ADL's White Glove New Computer Service makes replacement easy!

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ADL’s White Glove New Computer Service helps you upgrade easily to a new Mac or PC, no sweat! White glove service includes…

The discussions needed to identify the right computer for you based on your needs and existing usage
Purchasing and receiving the computer on your behalf, and all of the behind the scenes setup to get it humming, secure, and up-to-date.
A comprehensive on-site session at your location to transfer data from your old computer to your new computer, install any necessary programs, and give you a tutorial to get you comfortable with the new machine

Do you need a new computer, and want the purchase and setup to be virtually effortless? Contact Jensen and get a quote today! Click the button below to arrange an appointment.

hate those annoying robocalls? Don't knock 'em, block 'em!

8/7/2017

Have you noticed a recent epidemic of robocalls and scam calls? You’re not alone! Lately people have been complaining about an explosion of junk calls. What’s up with that?

Internet technology makes it cheaper than ever to use a computer to make thousands of calls for pennies. Consumers are the ones who lose, and the government has yet to come up with effective technology to stop it. Of course you can put your name on the Do Not Call registry, but many scammers just don’t care, and law enforcement is doing little to help.

Why is this happening? Our phone system currently has no security to verify that you are who you say you are, or even that you own the phone number you are “calling from.” Bright minds are working on this, but with landlines and cell phones intertwined, it is difficult to create a more secure system without locking out older technology.

Luckily, there is an easy way you can take this problem into your own hands and protect yourself. Just as you (hopefully) have an antivirus for your computer, you can also have an anti-robocall app for your phone. Two of the top apps are Avast Call Blocker and NoMoRobo.

Avast Call Blocker ($10/yr) is available for both iPhone and Android.

NoMoRobo ($24/year) is available now for iPhone and coming soon for Android.

These apps won’t eliminate robocalls entirely, but they make quick work of known robocallers, ensuring that your phone doesn’t ring and those callers get sent straight to voicemail. We know there’s another place you’d like to send them, but the technology for that hasn’t been invented yet.

Need help setting up a call blocker in your mobile device? Call Jensen at Asheville Digital Lifestyle today.

Warning: Email Service Providers might be leaking private user data

6/24/2017

Listen up! Not all email services are created equal. Let that sink in a moment.

What do we mean by that? Put simply, we mean that email service should not be a “crapshoot.” Choosing an email service needs to be more than a question of convenience. You need to balance ease of use with security and reliability. Some of the most popular email services just don't cut it.

At the bottom of the barrel is Yahoo Mail, which has suffered countless security breaches. One of the worst breaches, dubbed Yahoo Bleed, was left unpatched for more than two years while sensitive user data was being “bled” out of server memory.

In fact, according to The Daily Scam, Yahoo Mail is the “worst email service on the planet.” They cite the incidence of hacked user accounts, along with the number of email scams that are launched by users with Yahoo email addresses. What’s inside these scam emails? “We have found that the vast majority of scam or hacked emails from Yahoo contain the same type of thing over and over…a single, malicious link that can cause a computer infection if clicked,” according to The Daily Scam.

Running a close second for the worst service is AOL, which has morphed into an advertising company. The user interface buries the email inbox in a sea of “news” and ads. They run a close second in the sheer amount of hacked email accounts, followed by Hotmail (now called Outlook.com) in third place. You may recall that Yahoo and AOL were purchased by Verizon, and will soon come under one umbrella known as Oath. This is not expected to change the user accounts, but the company is asking users to change passwords since hacker attacks compromised more than 500 million accounts.

What about email accounts provided by your Internet Service Provider (Charter, ATT, etc.)? These accounts tend to lock you into service with that provider, and the reliability of the email server is questionable.

Here are the best personal email providers:

Gmail, the top free email service, takes quality and security seriously. It’s hard to go wrong with a Gmail account.

iCloud works great with Apple devices, and provides both security and reliability.

Then there are paid services, such Fastmail.com and Runbox. They value your privacy, and they never sort through your email in order to send you advertising. They’re also ad-free and offer 24/7 support.

For businesses reliant on Microsoft Outlook for email, Office 365 powered by Exchange is also a top pick.

Do you need help setting up the best email service for your needs? Call Asheville Digital Lifestyle today.

Identity theft & ransomware: learn to protect yourself

5/17/2017

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You’re tech savvy and you practice safe computing. Virus, malware, and spyware protections: locked and loaded. You’re so cool you even have your own firewall! So why did your credit card data get hacked? Did you forget something? Not necessarily.

Your identity and personal financial information can be stolen through a security breach somewhere beyond your control. Hackers have breached big box stores, banks, hospitals, and other institutions. This means you can take all reasonable precautions on your own computer and devices, but still fall victim to identity theft.

Nobody is immune. Celebrities and politicians such as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Hillary Clinton, and Eric Holder fell victim to data breaches at AnnualCreditReport.com. This is a major player in the online credit reporting world, set up by the Big Three credit reporting agencies to expedite the free annual credit reports required by federal law. While most of us are “small change” compared to celebrities and public figures, our sensitive data is nevertheless vulnerable to corporate breaches.

Hackers in possession of your personal information may try to open a new credit card under your name and social security number. However, before they can do this, the card issuer will need access to your credit report. One way to prevent this is by obtaining a credit freeze. While not foolproof, a credit freeze makes it far more difficult for crooks and scammers to obtain credit in your name.

One thing a credit freeze can’t do is protect accounts you already have open. That’s why it’s important to continually monitor your credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts for suspicious activity. Be sure to balance your account regularly, and check all charges carefully to be sure they are yours.

If you’ve been a victim of credit card fraud, you can also obtain an extended fraud alert. Click here to read about Fraud Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission.

Ransomware is now epiDemic!

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In the past week, Ransomware has locked up thousands of computers around the world. The scammers are demanding $300 from victims to restore their files. Paying the money is not a guaranteed fix. There are no codes of honor here. We’re talking about the worst kind of thieves!

This latest wave has struck mostly in Europe and Asia, but there have been reports of affected computers here in the USA. Read more about this latest wave of ransomware.

Rather than focusing on what to do if you become a victim, let’s take steps to see that you remain safe from ransomware. Here are three important steps to take.

Ensure that your operating system is up-to-date. Be sure to restart your computer at least once a week to properly receive and install updates.
Double-check that your antivirus is functioning by opening it up and checking for any warnings. Do it right after you restart your computer for updates. New threats are coming in daily, and your antivirus is the first line of defense.
Keep an off-site backup system, such as Crashplan or Carbonite, to ensure that even if the worst happens, a copy of your files is available for quick restoration.

Not sure if your antivirus software is working properly, or need help figuring out which one to get and install? Give ADL a call today. You know the old saying about an ounce of prevention. Your peace of mind is priceless.

Need help setting up some basic identity protection, such as credit freeze? It might be time to assess your online protection tools, too. Call Jensen at ADL, and make an appointment to explore your options for protection. Click the box below to make your appointment.

How long will tech devices last?

4/16/2017

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How long can you expect your tech devices to last? That depends on each device and how well you maintain it.

If you own a Mac computer (or thinking about getting one), you can typically expect 5-7 years of stable life, with Apple ensuring that your computer is up-to-date. Apple offers new operating systems free to users. This means you can keep updating your Operating System until the hardware becomes obsolete and no longer supports the next new operating system.

There are reports of older Macs that still work, but if they can’t load recent operating systems, they are no long secure, and often have trouble performing simple tasks like web browsing or email. If you have one of these “dinosaurs,” either give it a place of honor on a shelf, or let it go for recycling.

Tech tip: buy AppleCare with your Mac Computer. It covers you against defects for three years from the purchase date and saves you from expensive repairs (as computers miniaturize, repairs cost more than ever). It will not cover damage, so please keep liquids away from your computer.

PCs typically last up to five years, depending upon whether your manufacturer supports Microsoft’s latest system. Many times a computer manufacturer will only support the system the computer shipped with. For example, computers that came with Windows 7 may not support the upgrade to Windows 10.

Windows computers vary so widely in quality that some last far less than five years, while some last longer, mostly dependent upon the price you paid for the system. For example, Dell’s XPS and Business systems have a good reputation for high quality parts, but cost more up front.

What about smartphones?

Android phones last about two years before they slow down or are no longer supported by security upgrades.

iPhones may last up to four years, but they may slow down or suffer from wear and tear after about two years. If you are the type who drops phones, invest in a sturdy case to extend your phone’s life.

Time to buy a new desktop computer, laptop, or smart phone? Call ADL today and let us find and set up the system that will best fit your needs. Click the link below to contact us.

A unique login & password keeps your iCloud safe from hackers

3/31/2017

A purported "Turkish crime family" is demanding a 6-figure ransom from Apple. According to Motherboard, if the ransom is not paid by April 7, the group will remotely wipe as many as 200 million Apple devices.

Apple is downplaying the threat, asserting that their system has not been hacked. The leak, they say, comes from the 2012 LinkedIn breach.

So why is this a problem? Despite warnings from us and experts worldwide, too many tech users are logging in on multiple systems with the same password. So if your iCloud login and password are the same as your LinkedIn credentials, you may be in for a rude awakening on April 7.

The easiest fix? Make sure your iCloud password is unique for that purpose only. In fact, if it's been a long time since you changed your iCloud password, do it before April 7. Make it strong, with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

For example: 7WarriorMonk$56&Y0 would be a very strong password. But PLEASE, don't use this one. Everybody reading this knows it now!

Click here to learn how to change your iCloud password.

Another suggestion is two-factor authentication (2FA). It can only be done on recent Apple devices. The good news is that even if someone gets your password, they can't do anything with it unless they have access to one of your other devices (also enrolled in 2FA). The bad news is it can really slow you down if you need to login to one of your devices.

To read more about 2FA, click here.

Online safety and security are a mixture of best practices and common sense. Do you need a review of your security across your network of devices? Call Asheville Digital Lifestyle today to set up an appointment.

ANNOUNCING THE 20th Annual Kiwanis Biltmore 15K/5K Races

2/22/2017

Kiwanis Club of Asheville is seeking sponsors and runners for the 20th Annual Biltmore/Kiwanis 15K/5K Classic Races. Both events take place Sunday, May 21th, 2017 at the beautiful Biltmore Estate.

When runners participate in the race, they are not only participating in a picture-perfect run on the Biltmore Estate, but also are helping to fund Kiwanis Children's Charities which supports Asheville’s children. Kiwanis is active in our schools with Key Clubs providing leadership and scholarship opportunities in Enka and Erwin high schools; the Terrific Kids awards programs are operating in 3 elementary schools, and many books have recently been donated through the Scholastic Book Program – the club has many other projects and works hard to stay connected with the community.

The 15K begins at the Winery, climbs to the Deerpark Restaurant then descends and climbs along the main road to Biltmore House where runners will loop in front of the massive main entrance doors of the house. Runners next enter the Walled Garden, pass by the Azalea Garden and lagoon along the French Broad River, and then finish by returning to the Winery. The first half of the course has two challenging hills, while the second half is down hill to flat terrain. Here’s a video preview of the 15K course.

The 5K course will be a flat, out and back course starting at the Winery and paralleling the French Broad River.

This year marks the first time ADL owner Jensen Gelfond will run in the 5K race, rather than being a volunteer at the event. Also new this year, 15K finishers will receive a special 'finisher' medal upon crossing the finish line.

Jensen at last year's event with Kiwanis past president Dawn Morton. This year he will run the 5K, and invites you to join in.

If you or your company would like to become a Sponsor of the event, please download the Sponsor Form from the Kiwanis of Asheville website by clicking here.

To register as a runner, please click here. To learn more about race, visit http://BiltmoreKiwanisClassicRace.com

What is a smart home? News from the Consumer Electronics Show

Nest Learning Thermostat

In January Asheville Digital Lifestyle visited the Consumer Electronics Show, the largest consumer electronics show in the United States, to get perspective about what's going on in the technology industry.

One of the biggest buzzword terms at the show was "Smart Home." The term has been around for over a decade now, but what is a smart home and how can it help you? There's a lot of noise to sift through.

A smart home can be defined as a home that takes care of things for you, or at least makes it easy for you to manage your home no matter where you are, through the power of the internet. A great example of this is your thermostat. A "non-smart" thermostat might be a programmable thermostat that requires punching buttons on the unit and reading through a lengthy manual to ensure it's scheduled the way you need it.

A "smart" thermostat is one like the Nest Learning Thermostat. Because it's connected to your WiFi network, you can use an app on your phone to program it. But that's just the beginning. You can also change the thermostat's settings anytime from your phone, even if you're not home. Even better, you can use the GPS on your phone so that when you leave your home, your thermostat automatically changes to conserve energy when you're not there.

If you want to go even one step further, you can integrate the Nest thermostat with other devices in your home to optimize your environment. For example, if you have a WiFi air quality monitor in your home, you can integrate it with your thermostat so that if levels of dust or chemicals get too high, your home's fan activates to filter the air. So the more devices you have in your home that can talk to each other via your wifi, the "smarter" your home becomes.

Do you need help setting up your smart home devices? Asheville Digital Lifestyle can help! Click to button below to contact us for an appointment.