News & Articles
Newsletter for March 2025
Scareware Blocker Defined
According to Microsoft, “Scareware is a type of malicious software designed to trick users into thinking their computer has a security threat, like a virus or malware. It often presents alarming messages or pop-up ads claiming that the user's system is infected, urging them to purchase or download unnecessary, potentially harmful software. The goal is to scare users into taking actions that benefit the scammers, either by stealing money or installing more malicious software.” This goes for that 800 number they want you to call. DON’T CALL IT.
It's always a good idea to use trusted antivirus software and stay cautious of unsolicited alerts or pop-ups. If you ever encounter scareware, don't panic, we recommend calling us if you suspect the message is suspicious.
Are You on Edge?
Are you concerned that your current web browser isn’t as secure as it should be? Are you getting pop-ups that you know, or suspect, are scams? Do you dislike the thought that your Internet surfing is being recorded and tracked, and that information is being sold? Very good questions with one simple answer, you have the wrong browser.
Google Chrome is currently the dominant web US browser with 2/3 of the marketplace. Chrome tracks ALL your moves on the Internet. Chrome does not stop, or even attempt to stop, web scams. They sell your browsing history as well. The reason why you get so many fake offers or phishing* scams is because Chrome encourages it by selling their list to anyone with cash. Even nefarious companies and hackers.
It takes AI Defenses to Fight AI Attacks.
Microsoft Edge protects you against many cons, it has better security due, in part, to their new scam blocker. Microsoft’s Edge recently introduced what they call a Scareware Blocker with an AI brain exclusively for the Edge Internet browser. Edge’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) is constantly looking for browser attacks then automatically updating, remembering this type of attack and defeating these pop-ups and phishing* issues. Best of all, the blocker is built into Edge, which means no additional apps or programs to install. Call us for setup (for a nominal fee) or DYI it by going to Microsoft Copilot and input this, “how to install scareware blocker.”
*Phishing means bad people are sending you some scary message that says your computer is locked or you owe a bill that isn’t real. Then they want you to call tech support with a phone number outside the US. This is BAD.
Your Computer – In Dog Years
How old is your computer and should you try and keep it? If you purchased your computer, tablet or laptop before 2017 it’s time for a new one. Sad but true, they age faster than dog-years. (Examples, Dog-years: 1 human year = 7 dog-years. Computer-years: 1 human year = 14 Computer-years.)
Support for Windows 10 ends October 2025. Windows 11 requires a CPU that is an Intel 8th Generation or higher, or if you have a CPU that is an AMD Ryzen 3 3100 or higher. In order to stay current with the latest technology in security and advanced features it’s time to upgrade and migrate your data to your new device (computer, etc.).
