Tech Tips

November 21, 2024

Among our most sensitive information is our health data and among that, our genetic information may be the most sensitive still. This data not only ties us to family – both known and unknown – it can be predictive of future health concerns and even be grounds for a decision to forgo having children. So, when 23andMe loses the genetic data of 7 million people, tremendous damage can be done.

The ancestry research firm, 23andMe, announced in October 2023 that, beginning several months earlier, hackers had begun downloading customer data. Before the breach was discovered, over half their customers’ data had been stolen. Now a class action suit has been filed resulting in settlements of between $100 and $10,000 per affected customer. Those who can prove they suffered hardship (such as identity fraud) due to the breach are likely to receive higher compensation.

In addition to the cash settlements, 23andMe is offering impacted customers three years of security monitoring including web and dark web monitoring. As always, in addition to relying on monitoring, customers should check their credit regularly but also contact family members whose data might have been compromised as a result of their genetic connections to them. Just as the branches of a family tree spread and split, the total reach of this breach is likely to continue to grow for a long time to come.

November 14, 2024

Black Friday is just around the corner and the REAL holidays not long after that. And we know what that means: shopping, shopping, travel, shopping, over-the-top meals, and more shopping. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a few extra bucks to work with this year? It’s possible, and without even leaving your house.

Here are a few terrific ways to turn a quick profit as a side hustle or, if things go well, to supplant your 9-to-5er:

1. Start a blog. If you find yourself writing long emails or social media posts, why not organize them into an official blog? Find a niche that can be supported by advertising or affiliate marketing, and one post can turn into plenty of residual income. It may take some time to ramp up, but off-shoot profits are almost unlimited.

2. Sell stuff on eBay. We all have STUFF. Check the garage, the attic, your parents’ basement for antiques, collectibles, or memorabilia and sell it on eBay. Your trash is someone else’s treasure!

3. Share your space. If you have a spare room or room in your car, you may be sitting on a goldmine. Consider Airbnb – especially during the holidays – or even Uber – if you have time in your schedule for some quick drop-offs and pick-ups. If you don’t mind sharing your space with a pup or a cat, check out www.rover.com to do some petsitting over the holidays.

4. Tutor. As we come up on SAT and college application season, consider sharing your education and experience with a youngster. Sites like www.tutor.com already have clients lined up and it’s just up to you to pick a subject and set a schedule.

5. Make something nice and sell it. ‘Tis the season to bake, make, crochet, paint, and design, so while you certainly can give these homemade gifts away, sites like www.etsy.com provide a ready-made storefront that allows you to sell to strangers around the world, as well as neighbors around the corner.

As with anything on the web, be careful and make sure to research your opportunity thoroughly before going all in. Most importantly, find a reliable payment processor (check https://top-merchantservices.com/online-payments-processing/ for recommendations) and check your accounts often to make sure you’re raking it in in time for your holiday shopping!

October 31, 2024

Hackers use convincing bait to try to get you hooked. Don’t fall for it! Learn how to recognize a phish and what to do with it. #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth #SecureOurWorld

Download the graphic below as a PDF by clicking HERE.

October 30, 2024

Gizmo: The Internet Guard Dog!

 

To help children stay safe online this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Hardy Telecommunications presents “Gizmo: The Internet Guard Dog!” This fun and engaging coloring book, from NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, helps kids learn the basics of staying safe online. Join Gizmo, the lovable cyber-savvy pooch, as he shares helpful tips and important lessons to make the Internet a safer place. With easy-to-understand guidance, this coloring book is perfect for young explorers who want to have fun while learning about cybersecurity. Items covered include:

• Guard Your Personal Info
• Strong Passwords are Superpowers
• Ask Before You Click
• Be Kind Online
• Keep Your Location Private
• Beware of Strangers Online
• Report When Something Feels Wrong
• Not Everything Online is True

You can print or download the coloring book by clicking HERE.

 

October 24, 2024

October 22, 2024

October 10, 2024

Phishing attempt? Reported. Software? Updated. Multifactor authentication? Turned on. Passwords? Strong and in a vault. We’re ready for #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth! #SecureOurWorld Read our Cybercrime Reporting Infographic! See the graphics below or download as a PDF by clicking HERE.

October 3, 2024

September 26, 2024

If available, clicking “Update Now” may be the smartest thing you do today. Doing so protects you from hackers, locks down security threats, and enhances overall speed and performance.

September 24, 2024

Of all our most closely held data – birthday, mother’s maiden name, bank details – the one we desire to keep most secure is our social security numbers. With it, other personal information, including tax data and other personally identifiable information (PII) is easier to extract. And now, even THAT has come under attack.

National Public Data, a company that performs background checks, confirmed nearly 3 billion records (including names, addresses, contact information, AND SSNs) were stolen. This data breach affects millions of Americans, all of whom were notified by NPD that their data was likely stolen during a December 2023 hack by the cybercriminal group USDoD.

A class action suit has been filed by Schubert, Jonckheer & Kobe for those who have been affected, and another security firm, Pentester, has developed a tool to determine if you are one of the unlucky victims of this crime. According to USA Today, you can visit https://npd.pentester.com and enter non-sensitive information to see if you’ve been targeted. Please note that Pentester requires a paid subscription for more comprehensive services. Hardy Telecommunications does not recommend any particular service and simply is passing on this information.

If you are on this list, security experts recommend freezing credit reports since SSNs are used to secure loans or to apply for credit cards. If you’ve suffered financial loss from this breach, you may want to reach out to an attorney or join the class action suit.

If you are not on the list, it’s still good practice to regularly monitor your credit and to use the opportunity to delete cookies on your computer and reset all your passwords.

September 19, 2024

If you read this column often enough, you know that whenever we talk about hackers and the safety of your data, we always end up talking about “cybersecurity specialists” and what they do behind the scenes to keep companies’ and individuals’ data safe. But who ARE these faceless heroes? And how did they ever get from “computer nerd” to the unsung geniuses they are today? 

What they do

In a nutshell, cybersecurity specialists assess security risks and develop strategies to mitigate that risk. Their daily tasks can vary depending on their specialties; some will focus on hardware and software solutions while others focus more on network security than on data protection.

How they can help

Cybersecurity specialists essentially have two sets of clients: their own company and its employees AND the customers their company serves. They ensure the cyberspace their colleagues work in is secure and impervious to hacks which could slow (or halt) their business, but they also ensure the data with which their customers entrust them is locked down.

What tools they can use

Of course a big brain helps in this career field. Creative problem-solving and collaboration are critical “soft skills,” but most cyber specialists also excel at testing, endpoint management, and navigating network data, logs, etc. Specialists will have (and gain) knowledge of cybersecurity systems and infrastructure, antivirus and malware software, security controls, and firewalls.

How they got there

Most cybersecurity specialists have at least a Bachelor’s degree in a field like computer science or other STEM field, but on-the-job experience or a professional certificate could get you in the door. A recent LinkedIn discussion asked experts how online learning can accelerate cybersecurity careers and talent, and their input should encourage anyone seeking to enter this field.

Where you can start

Udemy and Coursera and other online educators are replete with certification courses that will set you on the path to a career in cybersecurity. Highly coveted certifications include Security +, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Systems Security Certified Practitioner.

In most cases, a certification costs between $250 and $1,000 but can lead a candidate into a job making well over $100,000. A sound investment to prepare you for a life of doing good!

August 30, 2024

Ahhh, the dog days of summer. Cool drinks on the back patio, sun and fun on the beach, and not a care in the world. No early races to the school bus, no homework, no cardboard pizza in the lunchroom. Well, friend, those days are over.

But the back-to-school blitz doesn’t have to be all bad. Stocking up on the right supplies, tools, and gadgets will make all the difference. We give these an A+!

• Hydro Flask ($27)– This 24-ounce bottle keeps water cold all day and (unlike the Stanley) is leak-proof so perfect to toss into a backpack.
• HP Chromebook 11 G9 Celeron– Ideal for parents (or college students) on a budget, this laptop boasts 8GB of RAM, USB-C compatibility, and durability (surviving drops up to 48 inches!) all for under $350.
• All the Apple Stuff– Right now at Apple.com, there are amazing deals on MacBook Airs for under $900, iPads for $550, and 3rd generation AirPods (perfect for study hall) for under $175. They’re offering financing on everything, 20% off AppleCare, and live chat to help you pick out and set up the perfect tech for you.
• Tile Mate– Buy one! Buy 1,000! These little Bluetooth chip trackers will be worth your weight in phones/laptops/backpacks/keys when you clip them on to anything you never want to lose.
• Lexar External Hard Drive– For $100, the Lexar SL600 solid state drive gives you 1TB of storage and reads/writes with speeds of up to 2000 MB/seconds. This much storage is perfect for creative professionals like photographers and content creators but is also a terrific option for college students who don’t want the cost or hassle of paying a monthly cloud storage fee.
• Sunrise Alarm Clock– Nothing is worse than being blasted awake by an overzealous alarm clock. Instead, ease your toddlers and teens out of bed with the Sunrise Alarm Clock. This clock uses seven natural sounds (including crickets) in combination with a progressively brighter “sunrise” to coax kids out of bed. Better still, you can use the unit as a nightlight, reading light, and even a radio. Old school, baby, old school.

This is our year, parents! The year we start and end the school year with the same backpack (zippers intact), where we breeze on by the Lost and Found without looking back, and when a little bit of tech goes a long way toward straight A’s and happy days!

August 23, 2024

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): It feels like an extra step to slow you down, but this additional verification may be what stands between you and a hacker. Take a moment to enable 2FA on bank accounts, credit cards, and even email to amp up your online security.

August 16, 2024

It’s back to school, and teachers are breaking the ice with the age-old question to new students: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Doctor? Lawyer? Chef? Astronaut? These jobs are soooooo 2023.

Let’s shine the spotlight on a new and exciting career: The Data Scientist.

What they do

Helps organizations and businesses make sense of the growing amount of data they collect. They analyze and organize all this information and present it in clever, easily understood ways. They and their team can also use this data to find patterns and predict future behaviors – including purchasing.

How they can help

Advises their team what they should be asking customers/clients/employees and how to format questions and develops algorithms that will tease out critical data and preferences.

What tools they can use

More senior than a data analyst, teams will rely on them to be the subject matter expert, staying on top of innovations and tools to make the job easier and their results more robust. This may include machine learning, programming, and modeling as well as data visualization tools like PoweBI and Tableau.

How they got there

Courses of study that prepared them for a job include data science, computer science, programming, and statistics, but many online learning resources are also offering certificates.

Where you can start

Professional development sites like Udemy and Coursera host courses that will help you get certified in data science. Google is offering a data analyst professional certificate, while IBM is offering a certificate for data scientists, each of which can be completed in 6 months (budgeting 10 hours a week, to be completed at your own pace).

Next time someone asks what you want to be when you grow up, you’ll have your answer!

August 9, 2024

They say you can get almost anything from Neiman Marcus. Unfortunately, that long list now includes getting hacked!

Last month, the luxury retailer began informing customers that during the months of April and May this year, a database containing customer information was breached. Hackers managed to obtain names, dates of birth, and gift card numbers of some 64,000 customers of both Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

The hacker in question, Sp1d3r, reportedly demanded a ransom which the store refused to pay. Sp1d3r then sold the database for $150,000. It’s unclear what additional information might have been included in the database, but Sp1d3r claims it includes millions of transactions, customer emails, shopping records, and some employee data.

Neiman Marcus has assured its customers it has launched an investigation into vulnerabilities and shut down the database in question. As always, following a breach, if you are a current or former Neiman Marcus customer, make sure to cancel all credit cards and request new gift cards, and stay on top of both bank transactions and credit reports.

July 18, 2024

With summer at its peak, we’re using our phones for EVERYTHING. GPS for finding our way to the beach, camera for snapping family photos, and apps for everything from checking the weather to finding apple pie recipes. With so much riding on our phones, it’s extra important to keep our batteries up and at ‘em (even as the heat tries to suck them dry).

A few simple ways to extend your battery life:

1. Close unused apps.Apps running in the background can deplete your battery quickly (especially those that constantly seek WiFi connection) so turn off anything you aren’t using.
2. Reduce animations.Animation makes apps more fun and dynamic, but it also uses a ton of battery.
3. Swap live wallpaper for a photo.Again, animation = fun = dead battery.
4. Turn off data roaming and location services. Unless you’re actively using GPS apps to get somewhere, turn off geolocators. (Double-check sneaky settings like those used in Facebook.)
5. Optimize your Settings. Go to Settings and make a few tweaks that will save your battery:
   1. Reduce your screen brightness.
   2. Update your theme and wallpaper to a darker theme/image.
   3. Cut the time before your screen goes to sleep.
   4. Turn on power-saving mode.
   5. Turn off keyboard sounds and vibrations.
   6. Restrict apps that require a lot of power.

And as always, stay cool! Try to keep your phone out of direct sunlight (or even in a parked car) as it doesn’t take long for your phone to be unusable in the heat. If you’re at the beach or ballfield, try putting your phone in a waterproof bag or even Tupperware container and keep it in your cooler. That way it will be fresh, cool, and ready when you are!

July 11, 2024

Now they’ve done it. Hackers are not content to just steal our personal information. They’ve now gone after our… internet! Last October, an as-yet-unidentified hacking group launched a cyberattack on a U.S. telecommunications company, disabling the internet services for hundreds of thousands of customers.

The telecom company (likely Arkansas-based Windstream) never alerted the public, and the hack was only made public this spring by security experts at Lumen Technologies’ Black Lotus Lab, who discovered the massive attack. Though a full accounting has not been assessed, the experts estimate some 600,000 internet routers throughout the Midwest were offline during the event, which lasted at least two days. The majority of customers had their service restored within a few days – however, security experts say the malware the hackers introduced was still circulating around the internet months later (potentially doing further damage).

Of course, two days without the internet seems like an eternity (especially for the home shopper and the Netflix binger), but because this event mostly affected rural and underserved users, it’s also possible that emergency services were compromised, people lost access to telehealth, and even farmers may have lost critical data about their crops captured with remote monitoring.

The best we can do in the face of these new and unpredictable hacks is to make sure to maintain strong passwords and keep all equipment updated with the latest security patches. Try to be the squeaky wheel that hackers will just pass by.

June 20, 2024

Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, confirmed that last month there was an attack on their database exposing personal details for more than 560 million customers.

According to Live Nation, the hacking group ShineyHunters claimed responsibility and demanded a half-million dollar ransom be paid or they would release data to other (nefarious) parties. A spokesperson for Live Nation says they don’t anticipate any “material impact on their overall business operations or financial condition” but had less to say about how this breach will affect its hundreds of millions of customers. Optimistic researchers suggest that data stolen may not be overly sensitive (that is, no health records or complete financial records were released); however, others note that this hack is part of a larger, ongoing hack involving a cloud service provider called Snowflake, which provides services to Ticketmaster as well as other large global firms. That is to say, the ultimate impact of this breach might not be known for months.

As the company conducts its risk assessments and remediations – and law enforcement worldwide continues its investigations – customers should continue to do their own mitigation. If you’ve used Ticketmaster in the past, continue to monitor your credit report and bank statements. Going forward, consider using one credit card for online purchases, use multi-factor authentication when placing orders, and log out of sites as soon as your purchase is complete.

May 14, 2024

Another massive data breach has occurred in the U.S., this time impacting the nation’s largest health insurance provider and their millions of customers. UnitedHealth Group, which serves 52 million people worldwide (90% of whom reside in the U.S.) was the victim of a cyberattack by hacker group Black Cat putting millions of patients’ private data at risk.

According to UnitedHealth Chief Executive Andrew Witty, the company paid the requested ransom to mitigate the risk to their customers as well as to get payments to doctors and healthcare facilities—halted by the hack—back on track. About half of all claims processed in the U.S. filter through the company’s Change Healthcare unit so this hack has a major impact on how bills are paid and patients reimbursed.

More critical, however, is the likelihood that customers’ personal data has been stolen and released to the dark web. Unlike the breach of a phone company or even bank, this type of hack can have devastating consequences as the data released may include personal, financial, medical, and even genetic information.

As UnitedHealth estimates that up to 1/3 of all Americans may be affected by this breach, your data may be at risk. Just as with a financial breach, it’s important to keep an eye on your credit report (to ensure you aren’t being billed fraudulently), but consider the following mitigation efforts as well:

Contact the insurer directly. HIPAA requires that any medical agency that has been attacked contact patients’ whose records have been compromised, but this can often take time. Reach out yourself if you’re concerned.

Review Explanation of Benefits letters. We often just toss these notices, but go over them with a fine-toothed comb and call your insurer if unexplained charges or services appear.

Verify personal data at every doctor visit. If the personal information (address, coverage, date of birth, etc.) is incorrect, let your doctor know you may be a victim of medical identity theft, and call your insurer immediately. If your billing is auto-debited from a card or bank, sever that tie immediately.

Double–check diagnoses, prescriptions, and potential surgeries. Medical data theft could result in changes being made to your medical records and history. It’s crucial that your prescriptions and treatments remain consistent, so check in with your doctor regularly and make sure they are aware that your records may have been compromised.

As always, the best thing you can do in this connected world is to stay vigilant. Check your credit, review statements, and contact your financial and healthcare institutions if you think you may have been hacked. Stay safe and healthy!

May 2, 2024

Happy World Password Day. On this day, across the country, people change Password to Pa$$word and think their job is done. They upgrade from MapleStreet1 to MapleStreet2 and think the hackers have been appeased. But no! There’s so much more to be done!

As always, keep the following in mind when you update your passwords (plural, since you should never use the same password for every site/app):

• Use a combination of 12-14 upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid words that can be found in dictionaries or that are fictional places and people.
• Choose a password very different from your last (not a small variation).
• Never use names or birthdates of yourself or your family members.

Another great (and fun) tip is to create passwords by combining things that are personal to you but impossible for a stranger to guess. Think:

Something from your bedroom + something from your car = 3NewPillowsBrokenAC!

OR

A summer activity + a favorite place = #WaterSkeez_BahstonHahbuh*

The key is keeping it random. Hackers (and their robot friends) have lots of tools and tricks at their disposal to crack your passwords. Choosing clever, complex, and ever-changing passwords is the key to stopping hackers in their tracks.

If you need help creating random passwords or just plain remembering them, you can also download a password manager program like Password Genie. These programs are invaluable for frequent internet users and even keep your passwords secure with high level encryption!

April 3, 2024

Another big tech firm falls to hackers. This time, telecommunications giant, AT&T, just reported that data from more than 73 million of its customers (current and former) were stolen and sold on the dark web. Most of those affected (65.4 million) were customers from 2019 or earlier, but all those impacted were notified that personal data including Social Security Numbers had been stolen.

In addition to the personal information, AT&T has let customers know that passcodes may also have been compromised and recommends that all customers update their passcodes immediately. As noted in previous Data Breach features, changing passwords is great practice after a hack (even if your data wasn’t specifically targeted) AND on a regular basis. The cyber team that investigated this hack noted that some leaked data included encrypted passwords that were “very easy to decipher.” As a refresher:

• Update passwords often (and always after an attack).
• Choose tough-to-guess passwords that include upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid passwords with patterns (1,2,3 or Q,W,E,R,T).
• Use two-factor verification whenever possible.

Although no financial information was stolen during this particular hack, it’s always smart to check with your bank following such an attack. Check for unusual charges, ensure you’re set up with your bank’s fraud detection department, and update your online banking password for good measure.

March 29, 2024

Busted basketball brackets notwithstanding, it’s an absolutely beautiful time of year. In the South, the azaleas are a riot of pinks and reds. In the West, wildflower superblooms cover meadows for miles. And in the Midwest, well, there’s still snow, but all of these landscapes are photo-ready. Are you?

While you may feel nostalgic about a good old-fashioned SLR camera, the camera you hold in your hand as you text and surf is powerful, comes with its own editing features, and stores way more photos than a roll of film ever could. Here are a few tips to use your smartphone to capture people, places, and things like a pro:

• Take exposure and focus into your own hands. Tap the screen to activate manual focus and brighten and darken to get the effect you want.
• Embrace HDR. If your phone has the High Dynamic Range feature, turn it on, and see the details from shadows and over-exposed parts of your photo really pop.
• Try burst mode. Instead of snapping one shot, burst mode takes multiple pictures. This way, photos with awkward movements (like eyes closing or photobombing) can be discarded while perfect shots can be saved. Just don’t forget to delete the throwaways or they will eat up your storage.
• Cut, color, repeat. Don’t accept every shot as “final.” Use your phone’s built-in editing features (or download a killer app like Snapseed or VSCO) to cut what you hate, add filters, adjust color and focus, and even let AI do some work (if you download Adobe Photoshop Express).
• Upgrade your storage. With all these stellar pics, you’re going to need more storage. Consider upgrading to cloud storage or invest in an external backup.

Most importantly, have fun. Enjoy every moment – AND capture them beautifully.

March 15, 2024

A recent security breach is proof positive that however diligent you are (as an individual or a company) as you engage in the global marketplace, YOUR security is at the mercy of every vendor and partner you work with. So it went for American Express when one of their third-party service providers experienced “unauthorized access to its system.”

Following the breach, American Express confirmed that none of their systems had been compromised, but some card members’ account information had been stolen. While the company did not disclose the number of customers affected, they did note that names, account numbers, and card expiration information had been a part of the breach. They also reached out to individual customers explaining the incident and assuring them that if unauthorized purchases were made using their card details, they would not be responsible for the charges.

Because of the two-steps-away nature of this hack, there was not a lot American Express card members could have done to prevent this attack from happening, but if you think you were one of these unlucky customers, there are a few steps you can take now. First, if you even suspect your information was stolen, request a new card. It’s a pain (especially if your card is tied to direct debits or bill pay) but worth it if criminals have your existing card number. Second, sign up for fraud alerts with AmEx and for credit alerts with FreeCreditReport.com. Finally, go over your monthly statements with a fine-toothed comb to make sure no shady transactions appear.

Stay safe out there—and don’t be afraid to pay cash!

March 7, 2024

Technology is an amazing thing. Sometimes it leaps and bounds forward with spectacular breakthroughs, and sometimes it advances with seemingly simple steps that change our daily lives forever. This International Women’s Day, let’s meet four women whose accomplishments left an indelible mark on science, technology, and our day-to-day work, play, and Wordle!

Annie Easley was one of just four black employees when she first started at NASA (and one of only a small cohort of women), but her work as both a computer scientist and a proponent for gender and racial diversity in STEM shone a light on her immediately. Her work on the Centaur rocket program laid the groundwork for the space shuttle program that is still alive today.

Before John Glenn set off on his mission to orbit the earth, he requested that the countless calculations necessary were made (and rechecked) by hand. When the young mathematician, Katherine Johnson, completed her work, Glenn said, “If she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go.” She spent 33 years at NASA including working on the space shuttle program, and developing a “one-star observation system” that helped the doomed Apollo 13 mission make it home safely.

When you hear Hedy Lamarr, you most likely think of the brunette bombshell actress from the 1940s, but did you know she is also considered the inventor of WiFi? During WWII, she co-designed a frequency-hopping system that would interfere with torpedoes’ guidance systems. The patent for this tech would go on to inspire development of Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth decades later.

Don’t tell Al Gore! Programmer and engineer Radia Perlman developed the algorithm that served as the foundation to today’s internet, impacting how networks self-organize and how Internet traffic flows. Many refer to her as the Mother of the Internet!

February 15, 2024

January 26, 2024

Less fun than Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day (1/11) but definitely more important than National Bobblehead Day (1/7), Data Privacy Day is January 28th and a great opportunity to tighten up your online practices. Social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, and X are among hackers’ favorite targets – as they use credentials that are leaked or stolen using phishing emails – so let these be your priority today. Reset your passwords, clean out your spam folders, and never, ever click the “click here” link from an unknown address.

It wouldn’t be a new year without there being a new effort to steal customer data. Back in October, the network hardware provider Citrix disclosed a high-severity vulnerability to its corporate users, but Comcast/Xfinity waited over a week to implement a patch to address the vulnerability. As a result, hackers stole more than 35 million usernames and passwords as well as personally identifying information (PII) like the last 4 digits of Social Security Numbers from Xfinity clients.

“Citrix Bleed,” as the hack has been dubbed, has been described as “one of the year’s most severe and widely exploited,” with a severity level of 9.4 out of 10. Other high-profile companies from Boeing and Toyota to Bank of China and law firm Allen & Overy have also been affected.

If you have been a part of this (or another data breach), there are some steps you can take to mitigate any damage done:

1. Monitor your credit. Set up an account at freecreditreport.com to check for any suspicious activity and check in periodically. If you get an alert that your credit has dropped substantially, multiple accounts have been opened in your name, or other activities you didn’t approve, contact the credit agencies immediately.
2. Clear your cache. Saving usernames and passwords is convenient, but once compromised, you should delete all these cookies and history.
3. Change your passwords. All of them. Of course, Comcast is asking all its Xfinity clients to change their passwords (and use multi-factor authentication when possible) but once there’s a breach in one place, it’s good practice to update all your passwords (especially if you’ve been using the same password on multiple sites—which you should avoid).

Even if you haven’t been affected by this specific hack, the new year is a great time to step up your online security practices.

1. Build a wall. Consider installing a software firewall on your computer or using a hardware firewall to bolster the protection that comes with your broadband router.
2. Patch, patch, patch. If you get a pop-up that any software or operating systems needs to be updated or patched, don’t wait. Stop what you’re doing and start the update.
3. Back up and restart. Back up your system regularly and save your work and shut your computer down nightly. An “on” machine is a vulnerable machine.
4. Beef up your passwords. “Password123” is soooo 2023. Choose complex passwords that use letters, numbers, and symbols, and set reminders on your calendar to change passwords regularly.
5. Use two-factor authentication. Yes, it’s a pain, but even with the best passwords, hackers have a good shot at cracking the code. Requiring a quick text or email adds another layer of defense.

Hackers are getting more and more resourceful with each passing year, and they’re ready and able to take advantage of any vulnerability that pops up. Any company – banks, cell phone providers, and even the larger cable providers – are vulnerable to the same breaches, and when successful, these hacks can have devastating and far-reaching consequences. While you can’t control how they fight cyberattacks, you can do your part by beefing up your own security.

December 15, 2023

Some monumental changes in the technology landscape happened in 2023 and – just like the change to your waistline when your new diet kicks in – big changes are on the horizon for 2024. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has only begun to show us what it can do, so we can expect to see more technologies, companies, service providers, and even individuals who embrace AI to do everything from assist their call centers to automate the most tedious tasks to even begin taking on more creative endeavors. What else is in store for the new year?

1. Multi-networking. Experts predict that rather than using a single cloud service for ALL one’s personal or business needs, consumers will begin finding the best service for each individual need based on the provider’s niche expertise.
2. Improved cybersecurity. With more ransomware attacks occurring in the first nine months of 2023 than in all of 2022, “hardening” of our defenses is a must for 2024. Cybersecurity firms are increasing their offerings, and the public should make it a resolution to bolster their defenses with all available tools.
3. Expansion of rural broadband. The FCC has awarded billions of dollars to rural broadband companies to begin building, expanding, and improving connectivity to rural areas. This project will bring education, jobs, and innovation to previously disconnected neighborhoods and allow these regions to flourish.
4. New VR and XR technologies. From Apple to Meta, Samsung to Nintendo, a bevy of firms are taking another crack at virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) goggles and experiences. Although the evolution of this technology has been slow (and their interfaces too expensive for most users), experts predict that the manifold business/innovation applications for this tech may be the driving force that keeps developers working to perfect their products.

The pace of technological advances seems to be picking up speed every year, and often it feels tough to keep up. Industry experts appeal to consumers to “lean in” to advances like AI. But if it ever feels like too much, we’re all for unplugging for a while and leaning into that wonderful pile of good old-fashioned paper books you got for Christmas. Happy New Year!

November 17, 2023

Gone are those Christmas days when you could buy your kids a board game or your spouse a vacuum (honestly, those days were never a thing!). Today, it’s all about the tech. But where do you start? As Black Friday approaches, here are a few tips for getting the best gadgets of the year without breaking the bank (or standing in line all Friday!) …

Talk to your robots. Ask Alexa or Siri if they have any recommendations of hot items or big sales. Don’t be surprised when Alexa directs you to Amazon.

Sign up EVERYWHERE. Most companies offer 10-20% off your first purchase when you provide your email and/or phone. Sign up now, get your offers, buy, and then unsubscribe by texting STOP.

Consult your cheat sheet. Go to www.blackfriday.com to check out the ad scans for all the big box stores. If you’re not sure what’s hip and cool, check these pages to get an idea (and maybe even find a good deal).

Download apps. Most people do their online shopping on their phones, and websites just aren’t optimized for that. Download apps for your favorite stores and you’ll save time entering payment details, have access to deals, and get a more customized, curated experience.

Do some in-person recon. Store salespeople and managers probably hate this, but if you just want to get your hands on a laptop, tablet, or other gadget to make sure it’s right for you, visit your local Best Buy well before Black Friday and try it out. You can check the price online and maybe even make a local shop’s day by skipping the app altogether and buying in-store!

As always, it’s the thought that counts when it comes to great gift giving. Your kids, parents, and partner will appreciate whatever tech you find for them this year – just make sure to keep the receipts in case they wanted socks all along…

October 31, 2023

Cybercrime isn’t limited to online. Mobile devices, such as smart phones and laptops, are frequently stolen when left unattended. Sometimes, the most direct action a cybercriminal can take is surprisingly low-tech. Click HERE to watch a video about physical security for your devices. #CyberAware #CyberSecurityMonth 

October 30, 2023

It’s important to have a strong password to protect yourself from cybercriminals. It’s a good practice to use phrases as passwords, and to mix in different symbols and numbers as well. Ensure your passwords are strong and avoid using the same password for all of your online accounts. Click HERE to watch a video about safe password practices. #CyberAware #CyberSecurityMonth

October 27, 2023

Once upon a midnight dreary, a connected consumer grew nervous and weary. He mailed in his hair (and not for free!), to the family tree company, 23andMe. No specter took over, no ghouls attacked. But still, just as scary, that firm was bloody hacked!

That’s right. Earlier this month, a hacker stole data from the genetic testing company, 23andMe, and has now leaked millions of user records. Extremely personal data – including health, genetic, and family information – from customers in the U.K. and U.S. was released to the cybercrime forum BreachForums.

23andMe was made aware of the first of two hacks in early October and determined that the information was stolen using a technique called credential stuffing, essentially trial and error attempts using combinations of usernames and passwords used elsewhere on the internet. In many cases, these credentials were hacked during other data breaches and released into the dark corners of the internet, only to be taken up by Golem, the perpetrator of this hack.

The damage was double bloody in this case because of an opt-in feature on the site called DNA Relatives (which essentially opened the door between possible relatives’ accounts). If the hacker was able to break into one account, he suddenly had ready access to potentially dozens more.

23andMe has proven a valuable resource for thousands of people, bringing families together and helping identify potential hereditary health concerns, but this hack has uncovered a potential monster in the closet. Experts recommend that if you use this site – or have family members who do – update your username and password immediately and opt-in to the multi-factor authentication to protect yourself against future hacks.

October 26, 2023

Don’t get held hostage. Ransomware is one of the fastest growing methods of #cyberattack. Ransomware will cost its victims around $265 billion annually by 2031, Cybersecurity Ventures predicts, with a new attack every 2 seconds as ransomware perpetrators progressively refine their malware payloads and related extortion activities. Everyone is at risk. Click HERE to watch a video about the dangers of ransomware. #CyberAware #CyberSecurityMonth

October 24, 2023

Mobile device security is just as important as physical or computer security. Just as we lock the doors on our homes and the screens on our computers, you should ensure your phone is locked with a passcode or encryption to help prevent #cybercrime. Click HERE to watch a video about safe mobile security practices.

#CyberAware #CyberSecurityMonth

October 20, 2023

Don’t get hooked! Phishing emails are like sneaky bait trying to reel you in. Learn how to spot them and report those fishy attempts to keep your inbox clean and your personal information safe.

Phishing is when criminals use fake emails, social media posts or direct messages with the goal of luring you to click on a bad link or download a malicious attachment. If you click on a phishing link or file, you can hand over your personal information to the cybercriminals. A phishing scheme can also install malware onto your device. 

No need to fear your inbox, though. Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid a scam email, but only once you know what to look for. With some knowledge, you can outsmart the phishers every day. 

Learn more: https://staysafeonline.org/theft-fraud-cybercrime/phishing/ #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth

October 13, 2023

One lock, two locks, three locks… who needs a keychain? With multi-factor authentication, you’re like an expert online locksmith! Multi-factor authentication is sometimes called two-factor authentication or two-step verification, and it is often abbreviated to MFA. No matter what you call it, multi-factor authentication is a cybersecurity measure for an account that requires anyone logging in to prove their identity multiple ways. Typically, you will enter your username, password, and then prove your identity some other way, like with a fingerprint or by responding to a text message. Don’t give hackers an easy way in. Protect your accounts and sleep like a baby! Learn more by clicking HERE. #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth

Email is a favorite tool of hackers seeking to steal sensitive personal information or install malware or ransomware on your devices. Be wary of suspicious emails. Click HERE to watch a video about safe email practices.

October 6, 2023

Technology is evolving faster than ever, it seems, and with it comes a whole new language for describing those things, actions, products, and – yes – robots, that didn’t exist just a few years ago. But, just as we learned to swap out “chimney sweeps” for “HVAC repairmen,” we can evolve and start embracing the next generation of tech terms.

A few basics to help you shine at your next cocktail party or connect with your kids:

• Algorithm– Basically, a set of instructions for a program, but also the complex set of calculations that seems to magically tailor what you see in searches, on ads, and on your social media feeds.
• Application(app, for short) – Software designed to complete a specific task, often available on your phone.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Machines simulating (usually very quickly) human actions. AI is being embraced in nearly every industry to streamline repeatable jobs, expedite tasks, learn preferences, and even answer more and more complex questions.
• Bug– An error in the code that manifests in strange functioning or errors on a website.
• Cloud computing– Rather than storing your data on your hard drive, data is stored on a remote server.
• Front end vs. back end– The front end of an app is what you, the user, see and interact with, while the back end is the server side that provides functionality.
• Database– Think of this as the world’s biggest closet for information, accessible by computers, and constantly growing.
• Data mining– Essentially, all companies do this today. They take data they collect from surveys, feedback, and buying practices and tailor their marketing tactics based on that data.
• Pixels per inch (PPI)– This measurement defies how clear a digital image is. The higher the number (on a monitor or phone screen), the sharper the image.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)– These networks allow you to use a public internet connection as if it were private (providing you more security and less chance of being hacked).

There! You’re now ready for an internship at Google or at least a conversation with your neighbor the programmer. And if this new jargon is still feeling foreign, don’t worry. There’s always new tech – and the language to describe it! – just on the horizon.

October 5, 2023

Phishing attacks are one of the most common ways that hackers attempt to lure victims. Be #CyberAware when handling suspicious emails or social media messages. Click HERE to watch a video and learn more about the dangers of phishing attacks.

October 4, 2023

September 29, 2023

Tips to Boost Productivity with Simple Excel Shortcuts

 

Excel! That intimidating green icon on your Program ribbon that you only visit before tax season or to create that invite list for this year’s Halloween bash. And, while Excel certainly provides a lot of advanced formulas and functions, learning a handful of shortcuts will make you more efficient than you ever thought possible.

 

Most importantly, all of your go-to Windows shortcuts work in Excel. Ctrl + N to open a new book, Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste, Ctrl + Y to repeat the last function, and – a fan favorite – Ctrl + Z to undo the last action. (On Macs, use the command key instead of CTRL.)

Specific to Excel, though, are these keyboard gems which will have your forsaking your mouse forever:

Possibly the best shortcut when you’re stuck and don’t know where to turn next is Alt + Q which jumps you to the “Tell me what you want to do” search box, where you can ask for the help you need. With these shortcuts and a little practice, Excel can be your go-to tool for creating and organizing lists, doing calculations, tracking progress (for example, a fitness program weights and measures), and even doing your taxes.

Once you’ve mastered the basic functions, check out a course at Udemy to learn more advanced capabilities or visit SimpliLearn to learn some basic formulas. When you’ve got your head around all this, you MAY be able to tackle your 6th grader’s math homework!

August 11, 2023

Our phones are our lifelines, our libraries, our maps, and, of course, our entertainment these days. So when we start to see the battery life slowly slipping away, panic can set in. But don’t rush out and buy a new battery yet; there are plenty of ways to conserve your battery life so you can play/call/text on!

Charge properly. When and how you charge is critical to maintaining a strong battery life. First, use the charger that came with the phone. (Wireless chargers may be quicker daily, but they end up killing your battery over time.) Next, try not to let the charge drop below 20%. Finally, turn your phone completely off once a week (and unplug your laptop periodically to let it discharge as well).

Update your settings. Lots of settings suck your battery life without giving you much in return. Go to Settings and dim your display. Turn off any “always on” displays and change your wallpaper if it contains any movement. You can also put your phone in “battery saving” or “low power” mode. You’ll lose some functionality or graphic quality, but not much.

Mind your apps. When your battery first starts to falter, swipe until you’ve closed all the apps running in the background. You may be surprised to see how many unused apps are on the loose! You may also consider the “lite” version of common apps like Google Maps that provide similar services but remove some of the flashier functions that drain your battery.

Disconnect. When possible, turn off GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth connections and change email settings to “sync less often.”

Keep it cool. Not only is extreme heat bad for your phone’s functions, it kills your battery. Keep your phone out of direct heat, don’t leave it in a hot car, and keep it in a pocket or cool purse while outside.

The average lifespan for a phone battery is one to five years, with the disparity attributed almost exclusively to good charging habits. If you’re smart about your charging and mindful of everything running on your phone – especially what’s running in the background – you can extend the life of your battery and enjoy that final episode of THE LINCOLN LAWYER while everyone else has to read the book…

July 28, 2023

“I don’t have time for that operating system (OS) update, I’m in the middle of something. I don’t need any new features. There’s no risk in NOT updating, right?” Wrong! OS updates provide an essential connection between your computer and support, ensuring that bugs are fixed and risks are mitigated. And – of course – hackers are taking advantage of people who aren’t keeping their updates and patches current.

Perhaps the biggest risk in not using the most current OS is security. Consider that as attacker technologies have evolved, your security deterrents and alerts have not. Older systems may not have offered two-factor authentication upon log-in or have been able to run regular scans to detect weaknesses and stand-up barriers to attack. Hackers know these weaknesses and have begun to make it a practice to seek out users with older operating systems because they know they are softer targets.

Businesses are certainly suffering from such attacks – saving money on OS updates that result in thousands or millions in downtime and theft of data – but the consequences are real for individual users as well. If attacked, your computer could be off-line for days or weeks, your personal and financial data could be at risk, and, even if you aren’t attacked, you’re likely to be moving at a slower pace than an up-to-date OS can facilitate, and you may not be able to use all the cool and emerging tools that are compatible with current Operating Systems.

In 2016, the Mirai botnet was used to attack hugely popular sites like Twitter and Netflix, denying service to millions of their users simply because those billion-dollar companies hadn’t updated their firmware or OS. Just imagine what such a weapon could do to regular people!

If you aren’t sure what operating system you’re running, follow these simple steps:

1. For PCs, click the Windows button/Settings/System/About. Scroll to Windows specificationsand note the edition and version. To see the newest version and learn how to update your Microsoft OS, visit Microsoft Support.
2. For Macs, click the Apple button in the upper left corner and select About This Mac. The version number appears after macOS. To see the newest version and learn how to update your Apple OS, visit Apple Support.

Remember that as software and operating systems evolve, so too must your hardware. New Operating Systems certainly can work on older computers – but not forever. Whenever upgrading to a new OS, double-check that your machine meets the minimum system requirements. If not, it may be time to start shopping for a new computer! (Don’t worry, they’re cheaper, lighter, and faster than when you did this last!)

July 14, 2023

Hiking, biking, swimming, and grilling… all wonderful ways to enjoy your summer. But sometimes, the only way to beat the heat is to head into the AC and binge great TV until you pass out. With so many streaming options, are you using your services efficiently? Are you being double-billed for bundled services? Could you save money by making some adjustments? Many services that used to stand alone (ESPN, Disney, and Hulu, for example) are now bundled into a single service. So, if you’re still paying for them individually, don’t! Here’s how to make the most of your streaming – and watch some killer shows for less:

1. Start cutting.Either cancel services or put them on hold (most allow a three-month hold) and add service back in one at a time. If you find you’re not missing anything, cancel the held services.
2. Order, binge, cancel.How many times have you ordered a service for one show, watched it all in a weekend, and forgot to cancel? Because most services allow you to cancel any time, when a show comes up you’re interested in, clear your schedule and make use of the seven-day free trials to binge and then cancel.
3. Enjoy the snack breaks.Many services offer a basic subscription that includes commercials. While one of the joys of streaming is no ads, if you’re looking to save a few bucks, choose a non-premium service and use those bearable breaks to make a snack (or do some jumping jacks!).
4. Browse free services.There are dozens of free TV and movie streaming services that have a surprising supply of not only older movies but some current hits. Good advice is to start a Watch List or Favorites when you have time to browse, so you aren’t sifting through hundreds of titles every time you sit down to watch.
5. Get a library card.Hoopla is a great app that pairs with your local library card to provide not only streaming but also download options so you can watch even without WiFi (family road trip, here we come).
6. Turn on the tunes instead.If you’re TVed out or just love music, you’re in luck. Streaming music is cheap (usually around $10/month) and selections are almost endless. According to CNET.com, cost and connectivity are providers’ main differentiators, but some boutique services are also competing with ultra-high quality Dolby Atmos audio and features like karaoke and audio book libraries. For head-to-head comparisons and additional information, check out: Best Music Streaming Services

As a big haul at this year’s Emmy nominations indicates, there is terrific television offered through streaming services today. With a little research – and some monitoring of your bank balances – you can enjoy a summer’s worth of exceptional entertainment without emptying your wallet.

June 9, 2023

Now, more than ever, we must be diligent about protecting our data because – as you’re about to learn – even the best laid plans may not save the day.

Managed Care of North America, a dental benefits provider, reported that it was a target of a massive data breach affecting almost 9 million people. A forensic analysis determined that the company’s network had been compromised and infected with malware, resulting in a number of files being copied or removed. The ransomware group, LockBit, demanded $10 million or they would publish the data. MCNA did not pay the ransom, and the pieces of data (including SSNs, personally identifiable information, and health records) were released.

Beneficiaries of 112 insurance plans (including Medicaid) were notified and offered 12 months of credit monitoring, but victims of health data breaches have additional concerns beyond their credit. Sometimes they have the insurance cancelled, reimbursements are denied, or they have to reapply for coverage (resulting in lapses and potentially uncovered claims).

Here are a few steps you can take to get your healthcare back on track after a breach:

1. File an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission (https://identitytheft.com).
2. If you use Medicare or Medicaid, call 800-HHS-TIPS to report the theft.
3. Monitor your credit carefully and contact the three credit bureaus if an unpaid charge or attempt to collect appears.
4. Contact all your medical providers and get a complete record of all services, including those for your partner and children. This is important to ensure no services you or your family did not receive were paid, but also to ensure all information (like blood type, implanted devices, and allergies to medications) is current and correct.

Being the victim of theft is mentally, emotionally, and financially exhausting, but having your personal medical data taken is so much more invasive. With so much of our medical data now housed online, a breach is (unfortunately) always possible. What happens after is up to you.

June 3, 2023

It’s that time again! Time to sweep out the cobwebs and the empty pizza boxes that got us through the cold winter and breathe some fresh air into our homes and workplaces. And, when you’re finished alphabetizing the contents of your pantry, your technology (physical and digital) could use some feather-dusting as well. Here’s how:

Your Desk

• Feather-dust. Literally. Clean up your workspace by wiping down your computer and screens with a soft microfiber cloth and using compressed air to get into your keyboard.
• Untangle. Unplug that tangle of cords under your desk, remove any peripherals you don’t need, bundle cables together using zip ties, and plug the new bundles into a surge protector. Organized, clean, and easy to know what you’re plugging and unplugging in the future!

Your Hardware

• Recycle. Big box stores like Best Buy have drop boxes where you can leave old tech they will either refurbish, strip for parts, or dispose of responsibly. Make sure to wipe your hard drive before dropping.
• Trade in. Check with your provider for trade-in options. This could knock a few bucks off your next phone or tablet.
• If you don’t really need the money (or the upgrade), reach out to a local school or library. They can always use computers and tablets, however old, for teaching, training, and reading e-books.

Your Digital World

• From the Start menu on PCs, go to Uninstall a Program and see where most of your memory is being used. If there are programs you never use, delete. (Use the Launchpad on Macs.)
• Delete or back up. Go through photos, documents, and folders where temporary files tend to accumulate and delete anything you don’t love or isn’t saved elsewhere. Back up what you dowant to keep with FileHopper, Google Drive, or iCloud.
• Freshen up your browser. A lot of digital detritus can accumulate in a year, so use your internet settings to clear your cache, clear browsing history, and remove unused bookmarks. (Remember that this will delete any saved passwords, but it’s probably time to refresh those anyway!)

 All done? Now go outside and enjoy some fresh air. Your computer (and all your work) will be there when you get back!

May 19, 2023

Have you ever tossed out an empty package of something you bought on Amazon and LOVED but couldn’t remember what it was called? (And then spent a day scrolling through products trying to find “the one”?) Never again! Here are a couple powerful tools on the Your Orders screen that will make shopping, returns, and more shopping a breeze!

Beside your name at the top right, click Orders and Returns. The Your Orders screen appears. From here, you can complete these simple (but useful) tasks:

1. See your orders. Seems obvious, but this screen shows everything you’ve ordered in the last 5 years with Amazon. You can filter by date range, search by keyword, and see when an item was delivered.
2. Write a review. Part of Amazon’s appeal is the inclusion of reviews from real users like you. Love a product? Hate a product? Click the Write a product review box to leave your comments and shape other shoppers’ purchases based on your experience.
3. Buy your favorites again. By clicking the blue Buy Again link on the order menu, you can pull up all the items you’ve bought that are still available to purchase again. If you really love it – and it’s something you run out of frequently – consider setting up a subscription when you purchase the item. You’ll save a few bucks and you’ll never run out again.
4. Set up a return. Not every purchase is a winner, but one of Amazon’s claims to fame is its painless return process. Simply scroll through your history until you find the item you don’t want to keep, and click Return or replace item. You’re asked to provide a reason for the return and how you’d like to proceed (for example, replace with a different size or refund for Amazon credit or to your card). Then you’ll be directed to locations where you can drop the item, and at many drop sites, you don’t need to repackage it or even apply a return label! Try to get returns processed quickly, however, because most items cannot be returned after 30 days.

Amazon has become a daily tool for many of us, and oftentimes it seems overwhelming with SOOO many options. Using Your Orders is a great way to cut out some of the noise and repurchase things we already know we love. Shop on!

May 4, 2023

As we celebrate World Password Day today, please tell us that LAST World Password Day was not the last time you changed your password… We all know that as we continue to get more connected online – shopping, banking, networking, gaming, and even dating – it’s more critical than ever that we choose strong passwords and update them frequently.

Some of these tips should be old hat by now, but they’re still the best way to ensure your data is protected and your identity remains your own:

1. Choose unique and complex passwords. Passwords that point to your favorite <insert team/child/place> are a gift to hackers so settle on a unique, impossible to guess password with a good mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Don’t let your fingers do the walking. A complex password is no good if you use keys that are consecutive on a keyboard (e.g., QWERTY) or form a pattern on your number pad (e.g., 741852).
3. Use different passwords for each account. It’s so tempting to stick with one password for every account, but remember: if a hacker cracks one password, he has access to ALL your accounts.
4. Double your protection. For your very sensitive accounts (think banking or anything with personal data), set up two-factor authentication. This way, even if someone manages to guess your password, there’s one more line of defense.
5. Change passwords regularly. Set a reminder on your phone to change your passwords every few months to stay one step ahead of the hackers.

As always, if you’re struggling to stay on top of your passwords (or think of tough-to-beat ones), you can always use a password manager like Password Genie for help. They not only help you generate passwords but also manage your access and make two-step authentication easy!

April 21, 2023

THE FOLLOWING IS USED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE BLOG.BROADBAND.TIPS SITE: https://blog.broadband.tips/the-human-way-to-make-chat-gpt-work-for-you/?spid=20732. HARDYNET DOES NOT TAKE ANY POSITION ON THE USE OF CHATGPT.

The robots are coming! The robots are coming! The robots are coming and they’re… really quite helpful? Artificial intelligence (AI) is already a huge part of our days. It helps Amazon make good suggestions, it keeps our homes safe and connected, it even helps us find the fastest way to work – and the nearest coffee shop to your traffic jam. As this technology becomes more sophisticated, though, there are even more ways it can make our lives easier. The robot du jour is ChatGPT.

In a slightly creepy horror movie opening monologue, ChatGPT describes itself this way: “I am a language model developed by OpenAI. I was trained on a diverse range of Internet text, including websites, books, and more. This allows me to generate human-like text responses.” As if it anticipated our thoughts of a robot takeover, it continues, “I am still a machine. I do not have thoughts, feelings, or consciousness.” What a relief.

So how can ChatGPT help you?  You can start by opening a free account at chat.OpenAi.com. Access the main interface and then, well, interface with it! Ask it anything. You can treat it like Alexa, asking it to provide information. While you should double-check its answers, this is a great way to kick off a research paper. But don’t stop there.

1. Update your resume.ChatGPT can help format and create a custom resume and cover letter for each job you apply for. It can even ask questions your interviewer is likely to ask, based on industry information it finds in seconds.
2. Help do your fifth grader’s homework. They can do math (so just ask for help!).
3. Speak another language.Especially helpful in business when you may want to just add a few words to make a foreign colleague feel welcome, ChatGPT can provide translation skills. (It’s not recommended that you do any formal deals using this service yet.)
4. Draft long-form content.You’ve no doubt received spam messages obviously written by machine as they just feel a bit off. AI is always making progress, though, so you might use ChatGPT to get you started on a letter or essay – using parameters you provide – and then use your time to polish and humanize the content it produces. Even if the first draft isn’t perfect, you’ve saved yourself some time in development.
5. Have a nice chat.While ChatGPT reminds you it’s not a sentient being, it can learn how to react to your inputs, so if you have an issue you just need to bounce off its walls, go for it! It may have some interesting solutions you hadn’t thought of.

The interface is always learning and, because so many people are interested, answers come slowly, so be patient, fact-check its answers before sharing with others, and take any advice it offers on what you should do with your life with a grain of salt.

April 14, 2023

National Lineman Appreciation Day

 

Imagine being out in the freezing rain while everyone else is inside. Imagine it’s dark all around you. Now imagine you’re 150 feet in the air with an uninsulated wire in your hands, working to bring power back to a community. Or splicing hair-thin fiber-optic cables together to restore broadband Internet service. Being a lineman is one of the toughest, most taxing jobs in the country and one we absolutely can’t live without. So, this April 18th, we celebrate Linemen Appreciation Day. If you’re warm inside, lights on, music playing, appliances whirring…you have a lineman to thank!

March 24, 2023

There was a time when traffic was going to be what traffic was going to be. When we knew our flight was cancelled when we rolled up to the gate to find a flight attendant shaking her head and directing us to the nearest Cinnabon. But times have changed, and technology is here to make travel a breeze.

On the Road

Google Maps has proven to be an invaluable resource for lost drivers and hardcore planners alike. You already know it provides near foolproof directions (driving, cycling, or walking!), but it has lots of additional features just waiting to be adopted into your summer travel plans:

• Beat the traffic. When you enter your start and endpoints, you can also enter your leave time and Google will tell you how traffic will look at that point. Or enter the time you want to arrive, and Google will tell you when to leave.
• Avoid speed traps. After entering the destination, blue megaphone icons appear on the map indicating speed traps. (PSA: Don’t speed, but if you’re a mile or two over, just slow down a bit when you come to these spots.)
• Set and get notifications. One new feature is perfect for travelers meeting others at a destination, a café, for example. Users can set the location notification so they can see in real time when their friends have arrived at the designated spot. By clicking “Share trip progress,” they can also let friends (or mom and dad) know where they are.
• Keep your hands on the wheel. With all the touchscreens, it’s tempting to scroll and press Google Maps while driving, but both Apple and Android allow you to talk to Google (“Hey Siri” or “Hey Google”) hands-free. You can ask about restaurants or gas stations nearby, what road to take to avoid a toll, or for step-by-step directions.

In the Air

Never miss a flight again – or get to the airport for a cancelled flight – and find some great deals with these amazing travel apps.

• Bargain hunt for tickets. You can log into Google Flights and choose a destination and set your travel times to “Any dates” and set an alert. When the flight price drops significantly, you’ll get an email instructing you how to buy your cheap tickets.
• Track planes in-flight. Use the FlightAware app to track any plane (commercial, charter, and even private) with only about a 30-second delay from live coverage. You can even set the GPS to see what plane is flying over you right now.

There’s plenty of time to unplug from technology and enjoy the great outdoors, a beautiful museum, or a bustling city abroad – but BEFORE you go, let these tools be your guide. You’ll get where you’re going faster, with fewer headaches, and with a few spare bucks in your pocket to spend on refrigerator magnets from all over the Google map!

February 23, 2023

This spring has been the season of the late/cancelled flight leaving passengers stranded for hours (and sometimes days) at airports across the nation. Adding insult to injury, passengers often feel like they can’t step away from their gates for even a moment or they’ll miss an update about their flights. iPhone to the rescue!

If you have iMessage on your phone, you already have the tools you need to track your flight in real time without having to download the airline’s app. Before you travel, you’ll need to complete a few set-up steps:

1. Enable iMessage (this app doesn’t work on SMS/MMS).
2. Make sure your flight number appears in a text (incoming or outgoing) in the following format: [Airline] [Flight number], for example, Delta 2112.

When your flight becomes trackable, that number will appear in your text messages underlined and clickable. Once you click the link, a menu appears asking if you wish to Copy Flight Code so you can send these details to someone else or Preview Flight. If you click this option, you’ll have access to flight status, terminal and gate of departure and arrival, time of departure and arrival, flight duration, and the likely number of the baggage claim carousel.

If you’re a true worrywart, you can also check out the details of your return flight by swiping left on the bottom half of the flight tracker.

Flights will still be cancelled, and gates will still be changed until the end of time, but using this simple tool has the power to set your mind at ease, plan ahead, grab a bite to eat without worrying your flight will leave without you, and save your friends a drive to the airport in Paris while you’re stuck at a Cinnabon in Cincinnati!

January 19, 2023

With record cold temperatures (and higher fuel prices) sweeping the nation, now might be a great time to consider installing a smart thermostat in your home. The good news is that these little efficiency boxes have gotten easier to install even as the technology has gotten more advanced. There are lots of YouTube guides available, as well as instructions included with your unit, but the basic steps are as follows:

1. Turn off your HVAC at the breaker panel.
2. Remove the faceplate. If it doesn’t pop right off, check for a tiny screw holding it in place.
3. Snap a photo. Use your phone to take a picture of the wiring so you’ll know what wire connects to what.
4. Remove the backplate from the wall.
5. (Optional) Add a C-wire to power the thermostat. (Again, if wiring isn’t your thing, call an electrician.)
6. Using the new backplate as a template, mark the wall with a pencil and drill holes to mark where the screws will go.
7. Pull the thermostat wires through the backplate beforescrewing it into the wall.
8. Connect the thermostat wires to the appropriate terminals (check the photo you took).
9. Snap the new faceplate into place. If it doesn’t affix cleanly, check for loose wires, tuck them away, and try again.
10. Switch your breaker back on.
11. Once booted up, use the prompts to connect to the WiFi. Some smart thermostats come with a companion app for your phone which you’ll need to set up separately.

The smart thermostats available vary in price and features, so review and compare options at Consumer Reports here: https://www.consumerreports.org/products/thermostats-34572/smart-thermostats-200124/view2/

A few words of caution from Consumer Reports tester John Galeotafiore, though:

1. Don’t try to replace your thermostat on a freezing cold (or super-hot) day or before guests are set to arrive – just in case you screw it up.
2. If you don’t feel confident, or you hit an unexpected roadblock, call an electrician. Better to pay a little service fee than to damage your HVAC by accident!

December 8, 2022

We’ve all done it. Hit “Reply All” when we meant to hit “Only reply to that one person so I can talk about everyone else.” Or sent a message noting the incredibly important document attached – and then forgot to attach the document.

So, what can you do (besides panic/sweat/cry) while you wait for the recipients to receive and open your sinister message? If you’re sending your message from your Gmail account, a few quick updates to your settings and you can ensure you’ll be able to undo the damage BEFORE it’s done. Update your settings as follows:

• Click the Settings (the cog wheel) icon at the top of the screen. The Settings screen appears.
• In the Undo Send section, update the default delay (5 second) to 30 seconds.
• Click Save Changes to lock in the new setting.

You’re set! The next time you send an email in error – to the wrong recipient, with typos, or without an attachment – follow one of these steps to recall the message:

• When the option dialog appears in the lower left corner, select Undo, OR
• Enter CTRL+Z immediately. (This keyboard shortcut undoes the last action so the email delivery will be halted, and the message appears in your workspace to be edited.)

If you decide not to send the email, even after editing, the message will be saved in your Drafts folder.

Email is one of our most powerful tools for communicating in our personal and business lives, but the immediacy with which messages can be sent can lead to embarrassing moments. Thank goodness someone at Google knows how human we humans can be!

December 2, 2022

World Computer Literacy Day

 

Started in 2001 by the Indian company N.I.I.T while celebrating its 20th anniversary, World Computer Literacy Day now encourages tech companies and schools to take more of an interest in providing computer literacy to women, children, and those less inclined to embrace new technologies. What can YOU do today? Take a class! Teach a class! Give to a charity that supports digital literacy and inclusion. Help your grandparents set up their WiFi – or let your 9-year-old teach you about blockchain.