SCAM-bustsers or “Digital Identity Management” Service
Feeling overwhelmed with keeping your online accounts and personal info safe & secure?
Stressed about being vulnerable to a cyber attack?
Fed up and frustrated with forgotten passwords, losing access to accounts, & password resets?
Concerned that your loved ones will not have access to important records, financials, photos, or other data locked behind online credentials in the event of an emergency?
Computer Solutions will address these concerns and more in our new 1.5 hour, in person Scam-busters Service!
Ready to learn more? Read on!
What is SCAM-busters about?
During this preparatory service we will sit with you, one-on-one, to bolster your computer confidence, consolidate and secure your login credentials, and address your cyber security concerns.
This service aims to make you a less attractive target for hackers/scammers, and give you confidence in your current login credentials, security and records.
If you are ready to schedule your Scam-busters Service, you can contact us HERE or give us a call at 860.239.0708.
Our goals are threefold –
1. To make it easy for you to use secure passwords, 2FA, a password manager and other modern Cyber Security tools
2. To create an accurate and secure record of all passwords, accessible by you and (in an emergency) your loved ones
3. Answer any questions you have about common scams, how to identify hackers, and overall to make you a less attractive target for scammers or hackers
There is no need to wait for an emergency to pick up the pieces of your online accounts & profiles. By staying proactive with updated log in information and current scams you are better prepared to identify and subvert scammers and hackers!
Not sure you need to worry about password security, account recovery, or learning about common scams? Don’t take our work for it! Check out the Federal Trade Commission‘s webpage regarding Cyber Security and scams HERE.
Much of what we do in the SCAM-busters service can be done on your own if you are comfortable doing so. Read on to learn more about some components in our Scam-Busters service. FTC.GOV is also a great resource from the USA government to get you started. There are a series of links at the end of this page for various FTC resources we hope you find helpful. [Go to End of page]
If you would like an IT professional’s assistance, give us a call at 860.239.0708 or email us at info@connecticutCS.com today!
Password Management Made Easy!
Have you been searching for a quick fix for weak or forgotten passwords? Looking for a straightforward solution used by tech experts themselves? C.S. has the answer…Bitwarden! Bitwarden is a password management app that makes using secure passwords fast & easy whether you are at home or in the office.
During our Scam-busters Service we can set Bitwarden up with you, help you input existing accounts, change your passwords to more secure options, and answer any questions you may have about password managers!
You may be familiar with password managers through your browser (like Chrome). However, according to TechAdvisor, “Browser password managers aren’t necessarily the safest option. They’re not as secure as dedicated password managers“1. Computer Solutions has tried several different dedicated password managers, and we found the most user friendly is Bitwarden.
Bitwarden is a highly respected & secure password manager, which was even mentioned in Forbes! Check out Forbes’ article on why Bitwarden is “the best reason to ditch your browser’s password manager” HERE.
Interested in what news outlets like TechAdvisor, PCWorld, or Wired have to say about password managers in general & Bitwarden in particular? Check out their article HERE!
Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor Authentication requires users (like you) to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a program like an online account or app. A hacker or scammer does not have access to all of these devices. This makes your accounts less susceptible to common scams, like password cracking.
During our Scam-Busters service we can help you decide what type of MFA is best for you, help set MFA up on your devices, and answer any questions you may have.
Read on to learn more about MFA!
Things you know (knowledge), such as a password or PIN
Things you have (possession), such as a badge or smartphone
Things you are (inherence), such as a biometric like fingerprints or voice recognition
One time passwords are a common example of MFA, and you have probably used them already! They are usually 4-8 digit numbers you receive by text or email which you must enter into the site you are trying to access. These passwords come to you by email, phone, or text.
2FA is another example of Multifactor Authentication. Microsoft defines 2 Factor Authentication, or 2FA, as “an identity and access management security method that requires two forms of identification to access resources and data. 2FA gives [users] the ability to monitor and help safeguard their most vulnerable information and networks2“.
This is a simpler version of MFA which only requires two points of confirmation, as seen in the graphic above.
Computer Solutions can help you set up MFA of any kind on your devices, and enhance your security!
FAQ
Can you help me after I have been hacked?
Yes!
We are your neighborhood resource for hack/scam remediation. We can clean out your computer and neutralize any residual programs or issues from a hack/scam. We also will confirm you have an active anti-virus (or get you one), offer tips & tricks for spotting scammers, & more. Give us a call at 860.239.0708 or stop by our office at 128 Garden St. Farmington if you need help. If you want to learn more, click HERE.
Why should I use a password manager?
A password manager is a tool which lets you forget all your complicated passwords and log in info for websites, the manager does it for you!
Password managers also help generate complex passwords to help keep you safe, while you only have to remember one master password. You can even sort your accounts credentials into folders, share folders with trusted people, and more. Talk about convenience!
What is the point of having a different password for every account or application I use?
Let us assume you have the same password for (as an example) your banking applications, Amazon account, favorite news outlet, and favorite recipe site. If your password is discovered, and is the same for all four of our example websites, the hacker can access ANY of those accounts!
In many cases the email used to sign up for these services is the same, and your unique password is what keeps you safe!
Why should I bother with a strong password?
Those with malicious intent have a variety of tools at their disposal, including programs to discover your passwords through brute force. A strong password makes these programs significantly less effective.
A strong password is one which has at least 12 characters, is new & not recycled, and utilizes lower & upper case characters, numbers, & symbols. Cryptography is based on length of the password, so the longer it is the more protected you are.
To learn more about Password Best Practices, check out our webpage HERE or take a peak at the FTC.gov website HERE.
How often should I change my password?
We recommend you change your password if you have reason to believe your password has been stolen. Make sure you change it on all of your accounts where you use the same or a similar password.
According to the FTC, “If you shared your password with a friend, change it. If you saw someone looking over your shoulder as you were typing your password, change it. If you think you might have just given your password to a phishing website, change it. If your current password is weak, change it. If it will make you feel better or if you just feel like it’s time for a change, then by all means go ahead and change your password3“. Make sure when you change a password that it is unique, and strong!
More FAQ to come! Have a question not listed above? Send us a message HERE.
Links to Learn More
If you would like to learn more about what you can do yourself to protect yourself online, or about other services Computer Solutions offers, please peruse the below links.
FTC Links:
FTC Password Security Checklist – CLICK HERE
FTR Fraud & Scam Reporting Site – CLICK HERE
FTC Identity Theft & Online Security – CLICK HERE
FTC Avoiding & Reporting Scams – CLICK HERE
Computer Solutions Links:
Cyber Security Best Practices – Outsmarting Hackers And Scammers – CLICK HERE
I Got Hacked! I Got Scammed! Now What? – CLICK HERE
Password Best Practices – CLICK HERE
Remote Maintenance – CLICK HERE
Residential Support – CLICK HERE
Remote Assistance – CLICK HERE
Training/Tutoring – CLICK HERE
Service Contracts – CLICK HERE
Virus Removal – CLICK HERE
Data Backup – CLICK HERE
If you are ready to schedule your Scam-busters Service, you can contact us HERE or give us a call at 860.239.0708.
