(Included: in this posting, the last
article, is an APCUG Virtual Technology Conference Recording)
This big 31.5-inch Acer monitor fits any home
office at just $150
Staples is selling the Acer EB321HQ, a 31.5-inch
1080p display, for just $150.
https://www.techconnect.com/article/3605099/this-big-315-inch-acer-monitor-fits-any-home-office-at-just-150.html
Hacked road sign talks back after driver complains
to council
“Do you want to speak to a manager Karen?”
https://grahamcluley.com/hacked-road-sign-talks-back-after-driver-complains-to-council/
Robinhood hit with class action lawsuit after it
restricts GameStop stock
Members of Congress have also questioned the
company's actions.
https://www.engadget.com/robinhood-class-action-lawsuit-gamestop-191704848.html
Reddit frenzy pumps up Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency
started as a joke
- Dogecoin, a digital coin originally
founded as a joke, soared over 800% after a Reddit board talked
about making it the cryptocurrency equivalent of GameStop.
- Dogecoin was created in 2013 based on the
popular “doge” meme at the time which involved a Shiba Inu dog.
- Doge’s resurgence in the last few days has
been due to enthusiasm from a Reddit group called
SatoshiStreetBets.
- Elon Musk tweeted out a picture of a
magazine cover of “Dogue” — a play on popular fashion title
“Vogue.” The post showed a picture of a dog, which some Reddit
users took as the billionaire supporting the rally.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/29/dogecoin-cryptocurrency-rises-over-400percent-after-reddit-group-talks-it-up.html
Microsoft Excel is getting a whole load of new
updates and upgrades
Excel for the web is set for a host of upgrades
https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-excel-is-getting-a-whole-load-of-new-updates-and-upgrades
Find the difference between two lists or text
documents using Compare Two Lists
https://www.ghacks.net/2021/01/27/find-the-difference-between-two-lists-or-text-documents-using-compare-two-lists/
Check your Zoom background to remove sensitive
personal-identifying items (or go virtual)
Opening up a window into your home workspace may be
riskier than you think as hackers target employees to infiltrate
corporate networks.
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/check-your-zoom-background-to-remove-sensitive-personal-identifying-items-or-go-virtual/
The Journey to My New Computer: The First Thing I
Do
How I resolved a classic chicken-and-egg dilemma: I
have to turn the machine on to back it up, but I want to back it
up prior to turning it on.
https://askleo.com/the-journey-to-my-new-computer-the-first-thing-i-do/
How to Use Microsoft Office on Chromebook for Free
https://www.maketecheasier.com/use-microsoft-office-chromebook-free/
How to Show Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell on
Win+X menu in Windows 10
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/22882-show-command-prompt-windows-powershell-win-x-menu-windows-10-a.html
Is it time to install Microsoft’s January updates?
(Yes.)
Though there were a few rarified hiccups in last
month's batch of patches from Microsoft, most users are good to go
to install them.
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3605357/is-it-time-to-install-microsofts-january-updates-yes.html
Law Enforcement Aims to Take Down Netwalker
Ransomware
The Department of Justice has so far charged one
Canadian national and seized nearly $500,000 in relation to
Netwalker ransomware.
https://www.darkreading.com/endpoint/law-enforcement-aims-to-take-down-netwalker-ransomware/d/d-id/1340009
WhatsApp Is Now Using Its Version of Stories to
Convince Users It’s Committed to Their Privacy
https://gizmodo.com/whatsapp-is-now-using-its-version-of-stories-to-convinc-1846168097
How to disable Google Maps' Timeline history so it
stops tracking where you've gone
https://www.yahoo.com/news/disable-google-maps-timeline-history-145011124.html
How Video Calls Are Affecting the Environment
Make sure your boss reads this
https://www.lifewire.com/how-video-calls-are-affecting-the-environment-5101006
Go read this story about how bad software helped
slow coronavirus vaccine distribution
MIT Technology Review found the CDC paid for a
website that doesn’t work
https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/30/22257950/go-read-this-software-coronavirus-vaccine-cdc
Russian Hack Brings Changes, Uncertainty to US
Court System
https://www.securityweek.com/russian-hack-brings-changes-uncertainty-us-court-system
Tips and Apps to Reduce Eye Strain on All Your
Apple Devices
Eye strain and fatigue is often the result of
bright colors and blue light. But Apple offers built-in tools to
avoid it.
https://www.makeuseof.com/tips-apps-reduce-eye-strain-apple-devices/
What Is HDR (High Dynamic Range)?
Move over 4K. HDR is another important television
feature that can vastly improve what you watch. Here's what you
need to know about HDR, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-is-hdr-high-dynamic-range
Google, how do I make a bomb?
https://www.komando.com/episode/google-how-do-i-make-a-bomb/776416/
How do most cloud security breaches happen? Orca’s
“State of Public Cloud Security” report reveals all
Orca Security research finds public cloud
environments rife with neglected workloads, authentication issues,
and lateral movement risk.
https://grahamcluley.com/sponsor-orca-security-3/
GameStop stock market squeeze attracts attention
from Congress
The House and the Senate have promised hearings;
the SEC may also get involved.
https://www.engadget.com/reddit-gamestop-squeeze-congress-hearings-002519817.html
Elon Musk’s tweets are moving markets — and some
investors are worried
Bitcoin’s value jumped more than 20% to $38,566 on
Friday after Elon Musk changed his personal Twitter bio to
#bitcoin.
His tweets have caused other assets to shift
recently including shares in GameStop and Etsy.
Some investors are now calling on regulators to get
involved.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/29/elon-musks-tweets-are-moving-markets.html
VPN abuse needs to be stamped out
Any technology can be used in ways its creators did
not intend
https://www.techradar.com/news/vpn-abuse-needs-to-be-stamped-out
Microsoft set to reverse Feature Update releases in
2021
https://www.ghacks.net/2021/01/27/microsoft-set-to-reverse-feature-update-releases-in-2021/
Is Oracle Linux a valid replacement for CentOS?
Jack Wallen took on the task of kicking the tires
of Oracle Linux to see if it's a worthy replacement for CentOS.
The end result might surprise you.
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/is-oracle-linux-a-valid-replacement-for-centos/
The Journey to My New Computer: Choices
I've reviewed my needs, so now it's time to
translate those into specific decisions about what to purchase.
https://askleo.com/the-journey-to-my-new-computer-choices/
How to Use Virtual Desk in Chrome OS
https://www.maketecheasier.com/use-virtual-desk-chrome-os/
How to Add SFC SCANNOW Context Menu in Windows 10
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/152128-how-add-sfc-scannow-context-menu-windows-10-a.html
How to handle Windows 10 updates
Step 1: Understand that there are updates, and then
there are updates.
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3014600/how-to-handle-windows-10-updates.html
Breach Data Highlights a Pivot to Orgs Over
Individuals
In 2020, breaches were down by 19%, while the
impact of those compromises -- measured in people affected -- fell
by nearly two-thirds.
https://www.darkreading.com/attacks-breaches/breach-data-highlights-a-pivot-to-orgs-over-individuals/d/d-id/1340005
Google Suspended Federated Chat App Element for
Allegedly Hosting Abusive Content
https://gizmodo.com/google-suspended-federated-chat-app-element-for-alleged-1846167702
Cable companies are once again capping data on home
internet service — here’s what it costs if you go over
https://finance.yahoo.com/m/7b8d0ecd-d8c9-3db4-afd5-cd73f90f692a/cable-companies-are-once.html
The 9 Best Wi-Fi Extenders of 2021
Increase the Wi-Fi range in your home or office
with these extenders
https://www.lifewire.com/best-wifi-extenders-4043312
Chromebooks just had their best year ever
Four times as many Chromebooks were sold in 2020
than in 2019
https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/30/22256873/chromebook-best-year-ever-double-yearly-sales
UScellular Breach Allowed Hackers to Port Customer
Phone Numbers
Chicago-based wireless carrier UScellular started
informing customers last week that their personal information may
have been accessed and their phone numbers ported as a result of a
cybersecurity breach.
https://www.securityweek.com/uscellular-breach-allowed-hackers-port-customer-phone-numbers
How to Quit Social Media for Good
If you want to quit social media but don't know
how, these tips will help you remove it from your life once and
for all.
https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-quit-social-media/
Facebook to iPhone Users: When You Accept Data
Tracking, a Small Business Gets Its Wings
As Apple rolls out alerts inside iOS 14 that
require people to opt in to app-based data tracking, Facebook
preps its own alerts, which extol the benefits of personalized
ads.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/facebook-to-iphone-users-when-you-accept-data-tracking-a-small-business
You should start clearing cookies from your phone –
Here’s how
https://www.komando.com/smartphones-gadgets/clearing-cookies-from-your-phone/774992/
Poor password security at the British branch of
Mensa?
https://grahamcluley.com/poor-password-security-mensa/
This 2004 iPod can stream music from Spotify
Say hello to the sPot.
https://www.engadget.com/ipod-classic-hack-spotify-225108414.html
Facebook is working on tools to keep ads in News
Feed away from topics such as crime and politics
- Facebook is building tools to help
advertisers keep their ad placements away from certain topics in
its News Feed.
- The company said it will begin testing “topic
exclusion” controls with a small group of advertisers.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/29/facebook-is-working-on-advertising-topic-controls.html
A Telegram bot is flogging the phone numbers of
Facebook users
Data from a 2019 Facebook breach found to be for
sale
https://www.techradar.com/news/a-telegram-bot-is-flogging-the-phone-numbers-of-facebook-users
Thunderbird 78.7.0 is a security and bug fix update
(for the most part)
https://www.ghacks.net/2021/01/27/thunderbird-78-7-0-is-a-security-and-bug-fix-update-for-the-most-part/
Despite gains, Dropbox is laying off 11% of its
staff: The change to remote work may be to blame
Dropbox added over a million new customers then cut
staff. Companies may be re-evaluating their office management
strategy.
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/despite-gains-dropbox-is-laying-off-11-of-its-staff-the-change-to-remote-work-may-be-to-blame/
The Journey to My New Computer: Just What Do I Do
All Day?
The most important information you need when
selecting a new computer is understanding exactly what you plan to
do with it. I'll review my needs.
https://askleo.com/the-journey-to-my-new-computer-just-what-do-i-do-all-day/
How to Enable Linux App Mode on Chromebook (if you
want other browsers other than Chrome, this is the way to go)
https://www.maketecheasier.com/enable-linux-app-mode-chromebook/
How to Enable or Disable Windows Defender Exploit
Guard Network Protection in Windows 10
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/98100-enable-windows-defender-exploit-guard-network-protection-windows-10-a.html
Microsoft releases Application Guard for Office to
M365 customers
Application Guard for Office, a defensive
technology that quarantines untrusted Office documents, had been
available in public preview for five months.
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3605034/microsoft-releases-application-guard-for-office-to-m365-customers.html
Digital Identity Is the New Security Control Plane
Simplifying the management of security systems
helps provide consistent protection for the new normal.
https://www.darkreading.com/endpoint/authentication/digital-identity-is-the-new-security-control-plane/a/d-id/1339913
This Rare, Working Apple-1 Computer Can Be Yours if
You Have $1.5 Million Lying Around
https://gizmodo.com/this-rare-working-apple-1-computer-can-be-yours-if-you-1846167457
A beginner's guide to graphics cards and how they
help power your computer's images
https://www.yahoo.com/news/beginners-guide-graphics-cards-help-234531420.html
How Your Gadgets Can Affect Medical Devices
Just get along
https://www.lifewire.com/how-your-gadgets-can-affect-medical-devices-5097650
Ford says ‘millions’ of its vehicles will run on
Google’s Android starting in 2023
Google bags its latest automotive partner
https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/1/22260176/ford-google-android-infotainment-os-2023
Deep Analysis of More than 60,000 Breach Reports
Over Three Years
https://www.securityweek.com/deep-analysis-more-60000-breach-reports-over-three-years
Who Can Track Your Data When Using a VPN?
VPNs protect your privacy, but who can still access
your data? And what information can they actually see?
https://www.makeuseof.com/who-tracks-your-data-using-vpn/
Tablets and Chromebooks Sold Record Amounts in 2020
Total global PC shipments rose 17 percent to 458.2
million units last year thanks to the pandemic.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/tablets-and-chromebooks-sold-record-amounts-in-2020
Find out who’s calling you from an unknown or
blocked number
https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/find-out-whos-calling-you/704580/
FTC warns of scam website that promises refund for
victims of online scams
https://grahamcluley.com/ftc-warns-of-scam-website-that-promises-refund-for-victims-of-online-scams/
Tim Cook takes aim at Facebook's practices during
privacy conference
Apple's CEO didn't mention the company by name, but
he didn't need to.
https://www.engadget.com/tim-cook-privacy-cpdp-2021-slams-facebook-184333398.html
Apple CEO links Facebook’s business model to
real-world violence
- Apple CEO Tim Cook linked Facebook’s
business model, which uses data to serve targeted ads, with
real-world consequences like violence or reducing public trust in
vaccines.
- Cook’s speech at a data privacy conference
in Brussels did not mention by name Facebook, but the social media
company was clearly a target of the Apple CEO’s warning.
- The speech came as the battle between the
Silicon Valley rivals heats up, particularly about a new iPhone
feature called App Tracking Transparency.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/28/apple-ceo-tim-cook-says-f.html
Microsoft Edge will soon make it easier to switch
between profiles
New Microsoft Edge feature is available now through
Dev and Canary channels
https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-edge-will-soon-make-it-easier-to-switch-between-profiles
AHKShortcutLikeMac is an open source tool that adds
many useful keyboard shortcuts to Windows
https://www.ghacks.net/2021/01/26/ahkshortcutlikemac-adds-many-useful-keyboard-shortcuts-to-windows/
Privacy budgets soared in 2020, doubling to an
average of $2.4 million
93% of organizations turned to privacy teams to
help navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Cisco report finds.
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/privacy-budgets-soared-in-2020-doubling-to-an-average-of-2-4-million/
Do I Need to Update My BIOS Regularly?
Your system BIOS is software, but updating it
regularly may not be appropriate. Updating it to fix a bug, of
course, would be.
https://askleo.com/do-i-need-to-update-my-bios-regularly/
How to Run Ubuntu Container in Chrome OS
https://www.maketecheasier.com/run-ubuntu-container-chrome-os/
How to Enable running Microsoft Edge (Edge HTML)
and Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) side-by-side in Windows 10
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/144061-enable-microsoft-edge-side-side-browser-experience-windows-10-a.html
What's in the latest Edge update? Password monitor
and vertical tabs
Microsoft's Edge 88 delivers major improvements to
its password manager and new tab features, including vertical
tabs.
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3586259/whats-in-the-latest-edge-update-rollbacks-and-new-browser-telemetry-policies.html
Building Your Personal Privacy Risk Tolerance
Profile
Even today, on Data Privacy Day, privacy
professionals give you permission to admit you actually love
targeted ads.
https://www.darkreading.com/edge/theedge/building-your-personal-privacy-risk-tolerance-profile/b/d-id/1339998
Let's Reminisce About Last Year's Most Memorable
Data Breaches
https://gizmodo.com/lets-reminisce-about-last-years-most-memorable-data-bre-1846154428
Does ignoring robocalls make them stop? Here's what
we learned from getting 1.5 million calls on 66,000 phone lines
https://www.yahoo.com/news/does-ignoring-robocalls-them-stop-114409203.html
The Benefits of Easily Repairable Smartphones
https://www.lifewire.com/the-benefits-of-easily-repairable-smartphones-5097270
Huawei’s HarmonyOS appears to just be a forked
version of Android
Go read Ars Technica’s deep dive into Huawei’s
‘new’ operating system
https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/2/22262527/harmonyos-huawei-us-ban-android-google-ars-technica
Huawei’s HarmonyOS: “Fake it till you make it”
meets OS development
No discernible difference between Huawei's
"all-new" OS and Android.
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/02/harmonyos-hands-on-huaweis-android-killer-is-just-android/
Attacks on Individuals Fall as Cybercrime Shifts
Tactics
https://www.securityweek.com/attacks-individuals-fall-cybercrime-shifts-tactics
Don't Buy an Ereader Yet: 6 Upcoming Color Epaper
Technologies
Thinking of buying a color ebook reader? These
incoming epaper technologies will revolutionize the E
Ink-dominated color ebook market.
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/dont-buy-e-reader-upcoming-technologies-kill-kindle/
WhatsApp Uses Status Stories to Combat Privacy
Concerns
The messaging app is using its Stories-like Status
feature to appeal to those concerned by an upcoming WhatsApp
privacy policy update.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/whatsapp-uses-status-stories-to-combat-privacy-concerns
Your car is watching: Here’s what your vehicle
knows about you
https://www.komando.com/security-privacy/what-your-vehicle-knows-about-you/771471/
Update your iPhone now to protect against
vulnerabilities that hackers may have actively exploited
https://grahamcluley.com/update-your-iphone-now-to-protect-against-vulnerabilities-that-hackers-may-have-actively-exploited/
4 Clues to Spot a Bot Network
Protect against misinformation and disinformation
campaigns by learning how to identify the bot networks spreading
falsehoods.
https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities---threats/4-clues-to-spot-a-bot-network/a/d-id/1339937
Why Do Pictures in Email Sometimes Show as
Attachments, and Sometimes in the Message?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCvaFUAVLLA&feature=youtu.be&t=0s
Saving Your Life With Wearable Technology, Ron
Brown - APCUG VTC 11-2-19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ-sZBkW4ec&t=0s
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