New tech security resource

Also, a $99 “PC Stick” (That comes with Windows 10)

Sharp-eyed readers will have noticed that I, for the first time in ages, have added a new referral link to my ‘blogroll’; CNet’s recently announced Security and Antivirus Center. I recommend taking a look-see.

* The best security apps and expert advice

“Today we’re thrilled to launch our new Security and Antivirus Center. Our goal: to give you the tools and tactics you need to protect your privacy, your data, and your devices. You’ll find guides, reviews, and how-tos, including tips on banishing bloatware from your PC, tweaking your browser settings for better security, and building better passwords. We’re especially pleased to present our Best recommendations: we’ve tested security software and services and have declared a winner for best VPN, best password manager, and best cloud backup. Come check it out and let us know what else you’d like to see.” Read more..

Other Items (of possible interest):
* The best tool for protecting your kids (or employees) from malware and porn

“One of the industry’s best security tools gives a hand to frazzled parents.” Read more..

[Note: worth reading even if you are not a parent, IMHO.]

* Archos $99 PC Stick is latest Windows computer that fits in your pocket

“The French device maker joins Lenovo and Intel in offering a miniature system that connects to your HDTV via HDMI, but its version is cheaper and will ship with Windows 10 pre-installed.” Read more..

Today’s quote: “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” ~ Yogi Berra

Copyright 2007-2015 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

Everlong

Rather strange.. but it fits my mood. (And I think I read it is David Letterman’s fave song..)

Hope everyone is having a pleasant enough day.

Update: Your MasterCard Suspended for Fraud? It’s a Scam.

“Scammers are calling unsuspecting consumers on the telephone to steal credit card numbers. If you get such a call, just hang up. Do not engage.” Read more..

Where’s the tech, Paul? A decent resource for online reputation management tips and advice can be found here.

Today’s quote: “Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins.” ~ Jim Rohn

Copyright 2007-2014 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.
And please, never forget – one person can make a difference.
Find a way to make someone’s day today.
(Best advice I ever heard? Don’t sweat the small stuff.)

A New Widget

If It’s Thursday, There Must Be A New Widget

Click me

Spammers. Identity thieves. Spyware. Viruses. Online bullies; stalkers; pedophiles; and con artists of all stripes and flavors. Just to name a few… and the numbers are shocking.

Since I first started my public postings, I have been dedicated to helping people be more informed about the risks, and providing answers and How To’s for protecting yourself (and your computer) (because no one is going to do it for you). In fact, my very first article was The first Tech Paul Post: secure your web connection.

Today I would like to draw your attention to my much-ignored Bonus Section here on Tech – for Everyone, the two columns of additional resources on the right-hand side. You know, those links and buttons webmasters call “widgets”?
Please look to the right side of your screen.
(See the “Keep this website ad free” button? I think it’s invisible…)

I have added a “widget” today. A button/link to an online resource for those who either would like to learn more about cybercrime (and how to avoid being a victim), or have been a victim of cyber crime – McAfee’s Cybersafety Resource Portal. I hope you will “check it out” (as the kids say).

Today’s quote: “Before we work on artificial intelligence why don’t we do something about natural stupidity?” ~ Steve Polyak

Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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A Parents Guide For Video Games

I came across a resource for parents that I think you should know about.. if your kids like to play video games, that is.

Fellow tech blogger Jason, at 404techsupport.com, wrote an interesting review – which is how I came to learn of it (thanks, Jason!).

“If you’re a parent concerned about the video games that your kids are playing and would like some help making sure they’re playing appropriate games, be sure to check out the What They Play website.

What They Play is a site with the intent to make parents a little less clueless about the video games their kids are playing or are begging to play. Utilizing but going well beyond the ESRB ratings that you may already be familiar with, What They Play is a great resource for parents that explains without demeaning them.”

I not only agree with his statement, I think you will enjoy his whole article, so I am providing the direct link: What They Play – A Site Explaining Video Games to Parents.

I encourage parents to read it. And then click the link he provides and visit this website.I give them both two thumbs up!

Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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A Terrific Resource – from Microsoft

Folks, are you, or someone you know and care about, using a computer to go “online” and “surf” the Internet? (Duh. How else are you reading this!)

If so, you and they should know about Microsoft Online Safety. (I am adding it to Blogroll so readers will have a quick link.. but I suggest you are going to want to bookmark this site.)

	PROTECT YOUR FAMILY Minimize the risk of cyberbullying, help kids use social networking sites more safely, and use parental controls in Microsoft products to help keep your family safer online. Tools & How Tos Child safety Products Social networking
	PROTECT YOURSELF Create strong passwords, handle suspicious e-mail messages, download files more safely, and use anti-phishing technologies to keep yourself safer online. Tools & How Tos How to prevent fraud How to protect your data
	PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER Get information about security updates, products, and technologies to help protect your computer. Learn the 4 steps to computer security and more. Tools & How Tos Protect your PC Get the latest security updates Learn about Microsoft Security Essentials
	COMMUNITY Read top questions asked, participate in our forum, or learn what key bloggers are saying in our community.
	Security terms Ever have questions like “What is a firewall?” or “What are cookies?” Find answers to these questions and many more on our computer security terms page.

I hope you will click some links.. and maybe, forward this info on to your friends and family.

Today’s free link: Is magicJack’s VoIP for you?

“Recently while browsing in the local RadioShack, I could not help overhearing a man and woman asking the salesperson a lot of questions about the magicJack…“

Have a great weekend Folks.

Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.

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CastleCops Takedown – Bad Guys Win (Again)

The odds are good that you never heard of CastleCops. Unless, of course, you were infected by a cybercriminal’s piece of malware* and turned to the Web for help.

CastleCops.com was one of those “good guys” sites, dedicated to combating the cybercrime that is threatening to render the Internet too unsafe to surf. (Many consider it that way already, btw.) It was, amongst other things, one of the places you could post your HiJack This! logs, and a volunteer team of antimalwareologists¹ would walk you through the steps to removing difficult infections.

There are “good guys” (aka “whitehats”) out there, and there are bad guys. CastleCops was definitely on the side of justice and good. Education and collaborative information sharing were among CastleCops highest priorities. They had been achieved by training the volunteer staff in their anti-malware academies and through additional services including CastleCops forums, news, reviews, and continuing education.

Which made them a target.

I guess I really shouldn’t have been surprised when I dropped in and saw this..
You have arrived at the CastleCops website, which is currently offline. It has been our pleasure to investigate online crime and volunteer with our virtual family to assist with your computer needs and make the Internet a safer place. Unfortunately, all things come to an end. Keep up the good fight folks, for the spirit of this community lies within each of us. We are empowered to improve the safety and security of the Internet in our own way. Let us feel blessed for the impact we made and the relationships created. (click here to read the rest..)
PST 23 Dec 2008

This can only be construed as one more victory for the blackhats (whether or not CastleCops fell victim to direct attack.. such as DoS, as I’ve good cause to suspect). Some days, I get to feeling.. we’re not only losing the battles.. we’ve lost the war.

* virus, worm, trojan, “rogue antivirus”, (See Is that anti-spyware program really spyware?) etc.
¹ A word I made up to describe a person who studies the art of malware infection removal.. like, me. Not yet in Webster’s.

[note: though I am late, I would like to thank those folks who volunteered their time and talents at CastleCops. A big tip of my geek hat to you all.]

[update: I have been informed that many of the wonderful antimalwareologist are now performing their generous deeds on SpywareHammer. Please see the Comments section for more.]

Copyright 2007-9 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix

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