Technology
Tech security check: Am I doing enough to keep my computer safe?
![Tech security check: Am I doing enough to keep my computer safe?](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/2-Am-I-doing-enough-to-keep-my-computer-safe-cybersecurity.jpg)
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of steps you can take to keep yourself and your computer safe and running smoothly. With the increasing number of cybercriminals, it can feel like you are fighting a losing battle. While it is impossible to be 100% effective all the time, creating some routines in your computer’s maintenance can help you feel more secure and at ease.
That’s why I want to highlight Joe from Hainesport, New Jersey, who has a question about routine steps he could take to stay safe and sane: “I don’t like feeling there is ‘clutter’ or malware lurking on my computer simply because I don’t have the knowledge to keep it orderly. I pay for antivirus software and have … free VPN but still am not confident I am doing all that makes for [good] maintenance. Any comments about that statement?”
Joe, I understand your concerns. It’s important to keep your computer clean and secure. We’re glad to hear that you are using an antivirus program and VPN. I’m on a mission to help you be resilient against today’s privacy and security threats. Below are some additional tips to help you enhance your computer’s security and maintain its function.
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A woman frustrated by her computer (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to enhance your computer’s security
Here are five steps to help you enhance your computer’s security:
1) Update your antivirus software regularly
It’s great to install antivirus software on your computer, but it is equally important to update it regularly because it ensures that the software can protect your computer against the latest threats. Antivirus updates contain the latest files needed to combat new viruses and protect your computer. These updates often include the latest list and behavior of known viruses, improvements to the scan engine, and patches for security vulnerabilities in operating systems. Without these updates, your computer would be at risk from new viruses that the outdated antivirus software wouldn’t recognize or be able to defend against. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
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2) Scan your computer for malware regularly
There is no use in installing your antivirus if it isn’t actively scanning your computer regularly. Some antivirus software programs can be set up to automatically run on a schedule. If you can’t remember to scan regularly, definitely set up a schedule if your program has that option. If any threats are found when scanning, quarantine or remove them.
![Tech security check: Am I doing enough to keep my computer safe?](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/2-Am-I-doing-enough-to-keep-my-computer-safe-cybersecurity.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Illustration focusing on security on your devices (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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3) Update your operating system and applications
If you keep your operating system’s software as well as the applications you regularly use updated, you are less likely to be exposed to certain vulnerabilities. Even if you have set your devices to automatically update, it’s worth forcing a manual update when a security flaw has been patched.
4) Remove unnecessary applications
Older, unused applications take up space on your drive and can pose security threats, especially ones that can no longer be updated to ward against new vulnerabilities. Remove applications from your phone or tablet you haven’t used in a while.
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5) Use a high quality VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) enhances your digital security by encrypting your internet connection and concealing your IP address. This makes it significantly more challenging for unauthorized parties to intercept your data or track your online activities. However, it’s important to be mindful of the limitations of free VPN services. Here are six reasons why you might want to avoid using a free VPN:
Limited data and speed: Free VPNs often have data caps and slower speeds, hindering your browsing experience.
Security risks: Some free VPNs may not use strong encryption, leaving your data vulnerable.
Privacy concerns: Free VPNs may collect and sell your browsing data to third parties.
Ad intrusions: To support their service, free VPNs might show intrusive ads, which can be annoying and potentially dangerous.
Limited server options: You may have fewer servers to choose from, which can affect your connection’s reliability and speed.
Customer support: Free VPNs typically offer limited customer support, if any.
While no system can guarantee complete invulnerability, these practices can substantially reduce the risk of cyberthreats. Always exercise caution when handling sensitive information on the internet. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
![Tech security check: Am I doing enough to keep my computer safe?](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/3-Am-I-doing-enough-to-keep-my-computer-safe-woman-laptop-vpn.jpeg?ve=1&tl=1)
A woman using a VPN on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to ‘declutter’ your computer
Here are four steps to help you declutter your computer and enhance its operation.
1) Remove old apps
Free up space on your drive and help you find the apps you use most frequently by searching for and removing old apps that you no longer use.
2) Delete unnecessary system files
Deleting unnecessary system files on your PC and Mac is important for several reasons:
- Free up disk space: Unnecessary files take up valuable storage space that could be used for other applications or data.
- Improve system performance: Too many unused files can slow down your computer’s performance, as they consume resources and make file searches more time-consuming.
- Enhance system security: Some of these files could potentially be exploited by malicious software. Removing them reduces this risk.
- Maintain system hygiene: Regularly cleaning out unnecessary files helps keep your system organized and makes it easier to manage.
More:
3) Organize your files
Keeping your files and folders organized can make it easier to find what you need and make your computer feel less cluttered. You can also group files within folders by type, which might help you sort through what you need to keep or delete.
4) Regularly clean your inbox
A cluttered inbox can make it harder to find important emails. Regularly delete or archive emails you no longer need. Create filters or flag specific individuals or companies as a priority so that they don’t get lost in the shuffle, deleted accidentally or redirected to your spam or junk folder.
![Tech security check: Am I doing enough to keep my computer safe?](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/4-Am-I-doing-enough-to-keep-my-computer-safe-updatebutton.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Update antivirus software regularly (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Have strong antivirus software
Make sure you have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices to safeguard your private information. With strong antivirus protection, you can prevent malware from sneaking in through malicious links, keeping your personal data secure. Additionally, it will alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your digital life secure. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Regularly employing the security and decluttering strategies listed above doesn’t just keep your computer more secure but also keeps your computer running more smoothly and efficiently. While no process is foolproof, utilizing these strategies on a regular basis can give you greater peace of mind and ease of use. If you’re unsure about how to implement any of the strategies, you can look into the more in-depth articles or seek professional help. There is a reason why these professionals exist, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Do you feel like you’re doing enough to keep your computer safe and running well? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
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Technology
Redbox’s owner files for bankruptcy after repeatedly missing payments and payroll
![Redbox’s owner files for bankruptcy after repeatedly missing payments and payroll](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LQGeV-pwOy1c2RlGDRLcXYzzPtQ=/0x0:4000x2667/1200x628/filters:focal(1994x1043:1995x1044)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25511453/477345708.jpg)
Redbox’s owner, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, filed for bankruptcy protection overnight. This comes at the tail end of a month in which the DVD rental company defaulted on loans, saw an order for its cars to be repossessed, and missed payroll for employees.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment informed employees of the filing late Friday, writing in an email seen by The Verge that it had filed for a debtor-in-possession loan — a way for companies that are reorganizing after filing for bankruptcy to secure additional working capital to meet payroll.
It’s a pressing matter for the company, as employees have been waiting for paychecks since June 21st. The company also promised to reinstate health insurance for his employees, which had lapsed in May.
However, it’s not certain that the company will be able to secure such a loan. Chicken Soup’s bankruptcy filing shows that the company owes money to a number of retailers including Walmart and Walgreens, as well as major Hollywood studios like Universal, Sony, Lionsgate and Warner Bros.
Other creditors include smaller studios, streaming platforms, and smart TV manufacturers, with the list of names including the BBC, Vizio, and Plex; Redbox and Chicken Soup-owned Crackle have been operating their own free, ad-supported streaming services on a variety of platforms. The company also owes money to its landlords, the vendor it rents its car fleet from, and others.
Chicken Soup took on $325 million in debt when it acquired Redbox in 2022 and has since been sued over a dozen times over unpaid bills. The company recently settled one of those lawsuits with NBCUniversal but promptly missed the first agreed-upon payment, leading to a court order to pay the entire $16.7 million balance. Altogether, Chicken Soup has $970 million in debt, according to the bankruptcy filing.
Technology
Heartless scammers are preying on people's lost pet anguish
![Heartless scammers are preying on people's lost pet anguish](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/2-Heartless-scammers-are-preying-on-peoples-lost-pet-anguish-Dont-fall-for-it.jpg)
Scammers prey on society’s most vulnerable members, stopping at nothing to exploit their victims’ emotions for financial gain. In a despicable new scheme, these con artists are stooping to a new low by taking advantage of distraught pet owners desperately searching for their lost companions.
The “lost pet” scam cunningly manipulates the anguish and attachment felt by loving owners to extract money through deception.
This insidious tactic tugs at heartstrings, making it imperative for pet owners to be informed and vigilant against falling prey to such callous exploitation during their time of distress. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t fall victim to this scam and can focus on finding your beloved pet.
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A man on the street with his dog. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What is the ‘lost pet’ scam?
The “lost pet” scam is a scam that specifically targets owners of lost pets. Imagine your dog runs away or your cat gets out the window. You post “lost pet” signs all over your neighborhood and also share a post on social media with the hopes of spreading the news far and wide in case someone finds your pet. You may even offer a reward (but this won’t matter to scammers who have other tactics to get money up their sleeves already).
The scammers explicitly look out for or search online for these postings (which is not hard to do) and call the number on the sign or post. Then, the owner on the other end of the line — who is already probably anxious to receive this call — is suddenly caught off guard by the scammer’s tactics. One tactic is to claim that they’ve found your pet but had to take it to the vet, and they need the money to pay the vet bill.
Another is to tell the victim they’ve found the pet, but they are asking for an exorbitant amount of money. When the owner realizes this may be more of an extortion (thinking that the scammer still very much has their pet in their possession), the scammer may start to threaten to hurt the animal until the victim hands over the money. They will even go as far as to threaten to kill the pet if the victim turns the tables and threatens to call the police.
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![lost cat sign](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/2-Heartless-scammers-are-preying-on-peoples-lost-pet-anguish-Dont-fall-for-it.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
“Lost cat” post on tree. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to avoid falling victim to ‘lost pet’ scammers
The first thing to understand is that a scammer is not your friend. Most people who find a lost pet are going to help get it back to the owner. Chances are, if a scammer is calling you, they don’t actually have your pet. And, if they do (perhaps they have even stolen your pet), then you’ll want to call the police regardless.
1. Ask the person to describe your pet. To avoid them reading your “lost pet” posters, try to leave some information on the posters that only someone with your physical pet would know.
2. Tell them you want to “hear” your pet. Most pet owners can recognize their dog’s bark.
3. Ask them to tell you how and when they found your pet.
4. If your pet has a microchip, ask them to scan it.
5. Ask for video proof or a photo of your pet. Remember, AI is helping scammers to get away with this more easily, so if it looks fake, it probably is. If they do, in fact, have your pet, agree to give them the money in person when they hand over your pet.
6. If they claim to have to pay a vet bill, tell them you have insurance on the pet and that you’ll need to talk to the vet’s office where they took it. If you can find out the scammer’s location or get an idea of where they are calling from, then you can search for veterinary offices in that area to see if anyone has seen the pet.
Of course, aside from all of this, do your very best to keep your pet safe. Make sure you have proper fencing and an appropriate harness/leash for walks. In addition to these scammers taking advantage of people with lost pets, there are those who actually steal pets and extort the owners, too — something that’s sadly becoming more common these days. Some pet owners, for instance, will put a GPS tracker on their pet to help in these situations, but hackers can get access to that as well and use it to track down your pet (and, by default, you).
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How to use the internet to actually help find your lost pet
Too many of us know the pain of having a pet run away from home. The good news is that microchips and social media can give pet owners hope that they may actually see their pets again. But it’s important to use the internet safely so that you don’t fall victim to one of these scams while ensuring you’re focused on connecting with people who actually have your and your pet’s interests at heart.
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Research the local animal shelters and pounds in your area. They may have your pet, and by going online, you can often find the best and quickest way to get in touch with them. And, it also helps to give them a heads-up in case that pet comes in through their doors.
Look for local neighborhoods and community groups, as well as “lost/found pet” groups in your area. It’s safer to join groups that require members to be invited or answer questions to get in to limit the number of strangers who don’t belong in these groups. There, you can first browse “found pets” to see if anyone has come across yours. If you don’t see anything, then post about your pet and include a photo, but see if you can leave out one or two less important identifying details that only a person physically with the pet could see.
![woman with dog](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/3-Heartless-scammers-are-preying-on-peoples-lost-pet-anguish-Dont-fall-for-it.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
A woman with her pet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Look, I get it — losing a pet is an incredibly stressful and emotional experience. Your furry friend is part of the family, so, of course, you’ll do anything to get them back safe and sound. But please, be on high alert for these heartless scammers trying to take advantage of your vulnerability. They have no shame and will stoop to new lows to line their own pockets.
At the end of the day, use common sense. If something seems fishy about someone claiming to have your pet, trust your gut. Don’t let desperation cloud your judgment. Stay vigilant, but also try to keep a level head. Your pet is counting on you to outsmart the scammers. With some street smarts and the right precautions, you can focus on what really matters — getting your beloved companion back home where they belong, safe and sound in your arms once again.
Have you ever encountered a scam during a vulnerable time? We’d love to hear your story and any wisdom you can share to help others navigate these challenges. Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels:
Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Microsoft’s AI boss thinks it’s perfectly OK to steal content if it’s on the open web
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I think that with respect to content that’s already on the open web, the social contract of that content since the ‘90s has been that it is fair use. Anyone can copy it, recreate with it, reproduce with it. That has been “freeware,” if you like, that’s been the understanding.
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