Ransomware is a type of malware that limits a user from accessing their computer or prevents them for accessing their personal data. Furthermore, this type of malware forces a user to pay a ransom through a specific online payment method in order to regain access to their computer or data. While ransomware can certainly be frightening, taking a diligent approach to prevention, such as educating yourself on how to detect suspicious websites and emails, can help avoid nasty and potentially expensive headaches caused by an infection.
I See You Windows Hello
Windows Hello provides simple and convenient user authentication without sacrificing the security and privacy of the user. Furthermore, biometric technology is definitely a better option than a short, weak, and often repeated password. This makes Windows Hello more convenient than typing a password because it provides a faster and more secure way to log in.
HOW TO: Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication
I recently wrote a post about the value of two-factor authentication. Two-step authentication helps protect you by making it more difficult for someone else to sign in to your online accounts. Even if a hacker successfully phishes for your credentials (username and password), they still won't be able to access your account without access to your smartphone and/or other second factor item (e.g. security key). Now that you have been convinced that you want to use two-factor authentication to help keep your online accounts safe, how do you set it up.
Protecting Your Data on the Microsoft Surface
If you know me, you know that I love the Microsoft Surface. It's one of the best devices available to run Windows. I love the Surface so much that I have three of them. I use a Surface Pro 3 as my primary computer at work and I personally own a Surface Pro 2 and Surface 3. I pretty much carry a Surface with me all the time. I am also mindful of where it is at all times, but what if my Surface was lost or stolen. Who would gain access to my data? BitLocker Drive Encryption using the Trusted Platform Module technology allows Surface users to lock data until specific hardware or software conditions are met.
Two-Factor Authentication
My last post discussed the need for a using unique and strong passwords for your online accounts. Unfortunately, even having a strong password may not completely protect your online accounts because passwords aren't as secure as they used to be. Not to mention the growing number of data breaches that are occurring nowadays. If someone gets your password, they have the potential to access your accounts. Two-factor authentication helps solves this problem.
Grande Iced Green Tea Lemonade and proXPN
There are days when you just have to get out of the office. You just have to get away to refocus and re-energize yourself. Recently, Starbucks has been that getaway, my office away from the office, for me (and fortunately for me my office sits between two of them). Public Wi-Fi is essential when you want to get away but also have to stay connected to the office while you are away. Always being connected also means that I have to make sure that I have a secure connection whenever possible.