🛡️ Microsoft offers built-in ransomware protection for Windows PCs: The catch? You must use OneDrive to back up your data. Keep in mind it’s not 100% foolproof, either. If you want to try it, open the Windows Security app > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection, and turn on Controlled folder access. It’s free for now, but I’ll bet they’ll start charging for this soon.
4 tips to maximize browsing speed and improve performance
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to browse the internet and having to wait (and wait and wait) for pages to load. Sometimes, it’s a momentary glitch, but more often than not, a sluggish browsing experience can be attributed to something amiss behind the scenes.
It might be apps running in the background that eat up a ton of your device’s resources and slow the whole system down. Let’s take a look at the usual suspects.
Software updates: All your tech has software that needs updating. Depending on your settings, you can manually update it, or it will automatically update for you. Either way, your system is likely constantly scanning for the latest update.
🛠️ The fix: Open your settings of the app. Schedule your automatic updates to occur overnight or during other times when you are less likely to be active. I prefer this over turning off auto updates altogether since they really are important.
Synching with the cloud: Constantly transferring files (especially large ones) can suck up a lot of resources behind the scenes and, yes, slow down your internet speed.
🛠️ The fix: Customize your cloud settings to prioritize what kinds of documents are worth backing up and which aren’t. You might be surprised what you’re automatically syncing. You can also set your backups to happen overnight.
CPU and RAM hogs: Sometimes, your system runs background apps that can tax your device’s CPU and RAM. That, in turn, can affect the internet and browsing speed. We’re talking video editing software, virtual machines and other resource-sucking applications.
🛠️ The fix: If you’re on a Mac, check the Activity Monitor and turn off any CPU-sucking apps. On a PC, check Task Manager.
Streaming issues: Ah, the ol’ stop, start, stop, start. Streaming taxes your system’s bandwidth like almost nothing else.
🛠️ The fix: Make sure you aren’t streaming in more than one window. Reduce the video settings to lower resolution to free up some bandwidth. Still choppy? Consider downloading your movie or show instead.
I wish you speedy browsing! (P.S. While looking into your bandwidth issues, make sure you also know all the signs your phone or computer is infected with a virus or keylogger.)
Tech help scam uses a name you know: the Geek Squad
Is your computer running at a snail’s pace? Before you drop a chunk of cash on a new one, clear out some space from the hard drive. Tap or click here to remove the clutter that’s slowing you down.
Sometimes, the problem runs deeper than that. Your computer might not even turn on, or it’s performing erratically. That’s when you may need to reach out for help.
What’s the term for a computer virus that replicates itself and uses up a computer’s processing space? Is it … A.) Worm, B.) Trojan, C.) Spyware or D.) Adware?
Signs your phone or computer is infected with a virus or keylogger
No matter your device, a hacker with enough gumption and know-how can break in.
Here are surefire ways to know if your system has been hacked and what you can do to fix or prevent it, brought to you by sponsor TotalAV. Your best defense against viruses, keyloggers and other malware? A solid security suite.
Hackers are after Google and Facebook accounts - Give yours this quick check now
There’s a new hack or scam around every corner. The sad thing is, you likely won’t realize someone has wormed their way into your digital life until it’s too late.
If a virus is to blame, there are red flags. Tap or click for eight signs your computer has been hacked, starting with a big giveaway: It’s running hot.
🚨 Book ‘em, Danno! The FBI caught a cyber kingpin who scammed millions of Americans. He’s behind notorious schemes like “scareware ads” — fake virus warnings that trick you into downloading software. He and his crew extorted around $400,000 a month from 2012 to 2014. Now they face decades in prison.
🤖 ChatGPT warning: When you get info on ChatGPT, the results often include citation links. Click one and it might take you to scam central. Some links, like “County Local News,” are riddled with dodgy pop-ups pretending to be Adobe Flash updates or fake McAfee virus scans. Watch out!
In 2000, the fastest-moving and most widespread virus in history hit 3 million PCs in just six hours. Can you guess the subject line of the infected email? Was it … A.) “URGENT,” B.) “ILOVEYOU,” C.) “MONEY4YOU” or D.) “HOT PICS”?
Security tip: 5 mistakes to avoid when downloading files
I’ve noticed many questions in my inbox lately about whether or not the downloads I recommend are safe. The answer is yes. Before recommending anything to Komando.com readers, we test them rigorously.
But other sites may not, so you need to be careful. It’s easy to be careless when downloading files and free programs from the web since all it takes is a few clicks, but those clicks may lead you to something you are not expecting. Tap or click here for questions to ask yourself before clicking any links.
New ransomware could lock down your smartphone
There is plenty of malware out there, all with devastating consequences. But arguably, the worst type of malware is ransomware. That’s when hackers infect your mobile phone or computer with a virus that locks down your information. Only after you pay the ransom is your device unlocked.
Here’s what it looks like when a virus takes over your computer
A slow computer can turn you into a detective. You start investigating the clues, trying to find out what happened. You might even Google “How to tell if you have a virus” or “Warning signs your computer is infected.”
6 common tech myths and misbeliefs debunked
We once believed that Macs would never get a virus, closing apps would save battery life, and private mode was really private.
For the record, switching to incognito in your browser probably doesn’t do what you think. Tap or click for six practical reasons to use it, from keeping your search autofill clean to shopping without spoiling the surprise.
Scary new malware tracks where you go and records your audio
It’s spring, which means there’s a lot of pollen swirling around in the air. Focus on your smartphone and you’ll find even more floating junk — like a nasty strain of new Android malware.
This fraudulent app is more dangerous than most. It can record audio and even see where you’ve been. Tap or click here for eight hidden maps and trackers you need to switch off.
8 signs that your computer has been hacked
If your device is connected to the internet, it’s vulnerable to hacks. It’s as simple as that. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new tricks to get into your gadgets and you should be aware of that.
Fortunately, there are usually signs that your device has been compromised. When it comes to smartphones, this can include spikes in data usage, battery drainage and changes to your home screen, among other indicators. Tap or click here for information on diagnosing and solving phone hacks.
Devious new malware steals your money, then wipes your phone
Malware has been around for years. While variants come in different levels of severity, they are extremely dangerous when targeting your smartphone.
Unlike Apple’s closed ecosystem, anybody can make an app for Android with few checks and balances. Unfortunately, it also leaves Android users vulnerable to malware, as hackers can easily bury malicious code in an application.
Biggest mistakes you’re making with apps on your phone
A stealthy hacker can snatch all of your private information without leaving a trace. Like an investigator, they can root out your last name, address, job and even your Social Security number. Then, they milk you like a cash cow, selling that information to private buyers online.
Tech 101: What to do when your computer freezes
Pop quiz: How often do you need to restart your computer for best performance?
Here’s a hint. If you only do it when your machine crashes or needs to update, that’s not enough. Tap or click for my recommendation for keeping your computer happy.
Another phony IRS email is making the rounds - DO NOT click it
It’s a shame that thieves are taking advantage of the pandemic. Countless scams related to vaccines, vaccination cards, economic relief, employment and the COVID virus itself have surfaced.
One scam making the rounds involves a text message informing recipients that their unemployment benefits are expiring. The message includes a link to a fake state workforce agency site that requests personal information. Tap or click here for details on this scheme.
Check your phone! 24 apps that contain the dangerous Joker malware
Earlier last month, nasty malware was making the rounds, giving hackers access to all kinds of personal information. Called Joker, it was embedded into several Android apps and overwrote the operating system’s notifications.