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ALERT: “Shipping Problem”

December 3, 2014 by The T By D Team Leave a Comment

Package could not be delivered

Alert:  “Shipping Problem”

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are done and over with
(anyone else breathing a sigh of relief?).  

Online retailers have taken the lead in sales:  WalMart in the U.S. said Thanksgiving was its 2nd biggest day ever for online sales, and U.S.Target’s online buying was up 40% over last year.

This is the time of the year that people all over the world buy, buy, buy because they are able to find amazing deals, and they’re dying to get their hands on their new purchases.

However, just because U.S. Thanksgiving is over, doesn’t mean you’re safe from online scams.  
Criminal hackers keep track on the holidays just like us, a “scam calendar” if you will.  

Their calendar focuses on events just like this.  They are prepared, and have scam campaigns planned and ready to roll starting TODAY, for the rest of the month.

These malware campaigns are not discriminatory – they target home and office computers with equal enthusiasm.  
Roughly a billion of these criminal emails are sent EACH DAY.  

Cyber-Scammers are preying on people that have just made a lot of online purchases on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  

Following are just a few of the scam campaigns being sent right now:
1.  “Shipping Problem” emails supposedly from FedEx, UPS, US Mail, or Canada Post:  

The email claims they tried to deliver a package from (for example “Apple Computer”) but could not deliver due to an incomplete address.  They ask you to “Please click on the link to correct the address, and you will get your package.”  If you click on the link, your computer will get infected with malware.  Warn everyone in the company, family members, and especially teenagers.

2.  Alerts via a TEXT to your smartphone that asks you to “confirm delivery” from FedEx, UPS, U.S. Mail, or Canada Post.  

They then ask you for personal information.  Don’t enter any information.

3.  Email supposedly from a major retailer stating that a mistake was made and they owe you a refund.  

It claims that there was a “wrong transaction”.  They then ask you to “click for refund”.  Your device will be infected with malware.  (We sent out an ALERT about this scam a few weeks ago.)

 

Malware or Virus Problems?  

1-204-800-3166

Ask Us How Our “Core Security Package” Could Save Your Company!

 

We Make I.T. Work!

Filed Under: ALERTS, Featured

Common Monitor Troubles

December 2, 2014 by The T By D Team Leave a Comment

Black Hole

 

 

Following are some of the more common monitor troubles encountered:

 

 

 

My monitor screen is blank.
  1. Make sure the monitor is turned on – you should see a power light (usually green or orange) on the front of the monitor.  If there’s no light, try pressing the power button.
  2. If you stepped away from your computer for a few minutes, and your screen was blank when you came back, the monitor may have gone to “sleep” (a power-saving mode when the monitor is not in use).  Try moving or clicking your mouse, or pressing any key (“where’s the any key?”) such as the space bar.
  3. Make sure that the monitor cord to/from the monitor to the computer tower is firmly connected on both ends.
The image on my screen is “wonky” – distored or skewed.
  1. If the cable to/from the monitor to the computer tower is loose or defective, you may get a distorted image.  Disconnect the cable at the computer tower, and make sure none of the “pins” in the end of the cable are bent, broken, or missing.
  2. If the refresh rate is not properly set, the image may look “wavy”, or have lines going across the monitor (either slow or quickly), or may flicker.
  3. A distorted image may also be caused by magnetic or other types of interference.  Make sure there are no speakers, fans, or other magnetic devices close to the monitor
My monitor shows a “no signal input” message on the screen.
  1. Make sure that the cable to/from the monitor to the computer tower is firmly connected on both ends.
  2. Make sure that a cable any where else is not loose.  Disconnect all cables that can be disconnected in the back of the monitor (usually the data cable cannot be disconnected).
  3. Disconnect the data cable connected to the back of the computer, and reconnect it.  When connecting the cable in the back of the computer, make sure the cable connection is tight.  Most computers will have screws on either side of the cable that must be screwed into the computer tower to hold the connector firmly in place.
There are black borders on my screen.
  1. First, check if the resolution has been changed.  If it was recently changed, the monitor may not auto-adjust to the correct size.  You can change the resolution back to the original setting, or you can manually readjust the monitor.  Usually a black border can be fixed by manually adjusting the horizontal or vertical width.  Because each monitor is different, please consult your monitor user manual on how to do this.
Email your question for the Geek to:  geek@tbyd.ca.

 

For all your computer and network needs, including hardware and software,call

Technology by Design at 1-204-800-3166 or email helpdesk@tbyd.ca.

 

We Make I.T. Work!

Filed Under: FAQ, Featured

Computer Turn Off’s

November 24, 2014 by The T By D Team Leave a Comment

Shut DownDear Geek,

When I’m done with my computer, I usually just hit the power button. A friend told me that I should click “shut down” instead. Who’s right?

Signed,
Turned Off

Dear Turned Off,
Bring out your wallet, because you’ve lost this bet.

When you’re done surfing the web, hitting the power might seem like you’re saving time. However, Microsoft has included the shut down feature because it enables the computer to safely shut down all programs, including “background programs” that you don’t realize are running, and to go through all the necessary steps that are required before powering off. Many versions of Microsoft Windows will actually check the computer for any problems, if it hasn’t been shut down properly.

You should always click “shut down”, unless there is an issue. Even then, you should be hitting “Control-Alt-Delete”, where you can also go through the shut down process.

Do you have a question for our Resident Geek?  Email your questions to geek@tbyd.ca.

 

Have computer or network issues?  

Call Technology by Design at 204-800-3166.  

We’ll get you up & running.

 

We Make I.T. Work!

www.wemakeitwork.ca

Filed Under: FAQ, Featured

ALERT: CyberCriminals’ Black Friday/Cyber Monday

November 19, 2014 by The T By D Team Leave a Comment

Black Friday Cyber Monday

 

ALERT:  CyberCriminals’ Black Friday/Cyber Monday

 

It’s almost that time of year again.  That time when saving-savvy shoppers get up at 2 am to get the must-have toy of the season at 90% off!  
…Yep, Black Friday.  
…And don’t forget the Black Friday of the couch surfing set – Cyber Monday.

As the title says, CyberCriminals are having their own Black Friday.  But not the way you might think…They go into scam-overdrive mode.  Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the busiest on-line shopping days, and CyberCriminals are out to cash in, and get rich…with your money.

What to look for in Black Friday/Cyber Monday scams:
1.  Too-good-to-be-true coupons that offer free phones or tablets.  

These coupons are all over the internet.  Don’t fall for it.  Make sure the offers are from a legitimate company.

2.  Watch out for alerts via email or text that you just received a package.  

It could be from FedEx, UPS, US Mail, or Canada Post.  Scam emails then ask for some personal information.  Don’t enter anything – it’s a scam.

3.  Fake refund from reporting to be from Amazon, a hotel, or a retail chain.  

It will claim there was a “wrong transaction”, and will ask you to “click for refund”.  Instead of a refund, your device will be infected with malware.

Especially now, the price of freedom is constant alertness and willingness to fight back.  

Remember to only use credit cards online, never debit cards.  

Be super-wary of bulk email with crazy-good BUY NOW offers, and anything that looks slightly “off”.

If you think you’ve been scammed, stay calm, and call your credit card company.  Cancel that credit card, and get a new one.

Happy Holiday, and Safe Shopping!

Infected?

Call 1-204-800-3166

We’ll help make your Black Friday/Cyber Monday bug-free!

We Make I.T. Work!

Filed Under: ALERTS, Featured

Mouse Has a Mind of Its Own

November 18, 2014 by The T By D Team Leave a Comment

Computer Mouse

If your mouse is acting erratically, there are a few simple checks you can do to try to fix it.

1.  If you are using an optical mechanical mouse (it will have a little red light from the bottom), likely the mouse is dirty.  Use a soft, clean cloth to clean the underside of it.  If you are still using a mouse with a roller ball on the bottom – take the ball out.  Use a soft, clean cloth to clean it, and place the ball back in the mouse.

2.  If you are using a wired mouse, check the connection to the computer tower.  If you are using a wireless mouse, try changing the batteries.

3.  If you are using a wireless mouse, check that the mouse is turned on – there should be a little “off-on” switch on the bottom of the mouse.

4.  If you are using a laptop, check that the “dongle” (the little piece that plugs into the laptop) is firmly connected to the laptop.

5.  If you are using a wired mouse (or a “dongle” mouse with a laptop), try connecting the mouse to another computer or laptop.

If all of these checks are done, and your mouse is still behaving erratically – it’s time to call the exterminator (sorry, had to slip that in) and get a new mouse.

If you have a question for the Resident Geek, email geek@tbyd.ca.  
For computer or network assistance,

call 204-800-3166

or email helpdesk@tbyd.ca.

 

 

 

Filed Under: FAQ, Featured

ALERT: Pizza Delivery Delivers More Than You Paid For!

November 13, 2014 by The T By D Team Leave a Comment

ALERT:  Pizza Deliver Delivers More Than You Paid For!

free scam

Everybody loves getting something for FREE!  
…Unfortunately, cybercriminals are giving you more than you paid for!

New spam emails are currently being delivered, claiming to be a campaign from “Pizza Hut”, which asks recipients to “click and claim” their delicious reward.

The link in the email looks similar to this:

Free Pizza Spam

“Of course, if you click on the link, you do not get a coupon for free pizza – you get a zip file containing a Windows executable which will make you part of a malicious botnet called Asprox or Kuluoz”, warns researchers at Cloudmark.

We recommend alerting your friends and family about this spam campaign, include a link to this ALERT, so they can see just how “official” the link request looks.

If you have already clicked on this link, or suspect your computer and/or network is infected, call us at 204-800-3166, or email helpdesk@tbyd.ca.  

 

Got Cyber-Bugs?

Call 1-204-800-3166

For Cyber-Extermination!

We Make I.T. Work!

 

Filed Under: ALERTS, Featured

Computer Crashes

November 10, 2014 by The T By D Team Leave a Comment

Computer CrashA FAQ that we get asked here at Technology by Design is:

“What do I do when my computer crashes?”  

By crashing, we mean that the computer stops responding to keyboard or mouse directions, or “freezes”.

 

There are many reasons a computer might crash.  Some of the more common ones are new hardware (e.g. someone plugs in a USB key), malware, bad power supply, bad RAM, just to name a few.  Computer programs have become so complex that occasionally users will experience problems even when performing common tasks.

When your computer no longer responds to keyboard or mouse commands, your best bet is to re-boot your computer.  If you forgot the most important rule in the computer world (Save…Save…Save…OFTEN!), you might have to re-do some of the work you’ve just spent an hour (or more) on.

If your computer doesn’t respond to the re-boot, or keeps crashing often – call your friendly neighborhood IT Guy or Girl – you need their expertise.

If you are experiencing this, or any other computer issue, give Technology by Design a call at

204-800-3166,

or email helpdesk@tbyd.ca.  

We Make IT Work!

Filed Under: FAQ, Featured

ALERT: Top 5 Facebook Scams

November 5, 2014 by The T By D Team Leave a Comment

Fake Facebook links

Top 5 Facebook Scams

Facebook now has over a billion users, that’s a mind-boggling thousand million people who check their page regularly.  Of course, bad guys are going to be irresistibly attracted to a population that large.  Here are the top 5 Facebook scams they are trying to pull off:

1.  Who Viewed Your Facebook Profile:  

Fb view profileThis lures you with messages from friends, or sometimes malicious ads on your wall, to check who has looked at your profile.  But when you click, your profile will be exposed to the scammer, and worse things happen afterward.

2.  The Facebook Colour Changer App:

Fb Colour ChangerThis tries to trick you to personalize your Facebook page.  However, it also leads you to phishing sites, deceives you to share the app with your friends, and infects your mobile devices with malware.  Stay away from this app!

3.  Fake Naked Videos:  

FB Fake Jennifer LawrenceThere are tons of fake naked videos being posted all the time, using names of celebrities like Rihanna or Taylor Swift, that sometimes make it through Facebook moderators.  These scams are in the form of an ad or a post, and have a link to bogus YouTube videos.  That site then claims your Adobe Flash player is broken, and says you need to update it – but malware is installed instead!

4.  Facebook Videos With Come-On Titles:  

Fb not safe for workComputer bad guys often try enticing titles like “Not Safe For Work” or “Scandalous” to lure you into clicking on these videos.  You then get automatically redirected to phishing sites that steal your personal information.

5.  Check My Status Update To Get Free Facebook T-shirt:  

Fb free tshirtThis sends you fake messages from your Facebook friends to go to their page, and get a free Facebook t-shirt.  It’s a scam.  Remove any access immediately to rogue applications if you have already clicked on something like this.

 

Facebook is Facebook.  

There is simply no way to change the colors of your profile, or change the theme.  Stay away from messages or links promising you otherwise, unless you want your PC or mobile device infected with malware.

Ask Us About Our ‘Core Security’ Package!

 

Got Cyber-Bugs?

Call 1-204-800-3166

For Cyber-Extermination!

We Make I.T. Work!

 

Filed Under: ALERTS, Featured

ALERT: Ebola Scam

November 4, 2014 by The T By D Team Leave a Comment

Danger Ebola

ALERT:  Ebola Scam

CyberCriminals cannot resist exploiting any disaster, or human suffering.  

Ebola is in the news, and everyone is afraid.  CyberCriminals prey on that fear.

Do not click on anything to do with Ebola.  

Ebola app

CyberCriminals are currently offering free toolbars that way they will warn you when Ebola pops up in your town/city.  

DO NOT CLICK!  You will be installing malware instead.

 

Got Cyber-Bugs?

Call 1-204-800-3166

For Cyber-Extermination!

We Make I.T. Work!

Filed Under: ALERTS, Featured

Computer Won’t Turn On

November 4, 2014 by The T By D Team Leave a Comment

Sick computer

One of the most frequent questions we get asked is:

“My computer won’t turn on, what do I do?”  

There are several checks that you can do on your own, before you call your “IT Guy/Girl”.

1.  First, check the computer’s power cord.  Make sure it is completely plugged into the wall socket (or power bar).  Also make sure the power cord is completely plugged into the back of the computer tower/laptop.  This is the most frequent cause.

2.  If you are using a power bar/surge protector, make sure the cord is completely plugged into the wall socket.  Also make sure the power switch on the power bar is turned on.  Some power bars also have a built-in circuit breaker.  This usually looks like a black or red button near the power switch.  Press the button to reset it.

These are the most common causes of computers not powering up.  If you complete these checks, and the computer turns on, great!  If not, you can be sure that these are the first 2 questions that your IT Guy/Girl ask when you call them, you can reassure them that these checks were done, and they can skip to their next question.  If they don’t ask these questions before scheduling an on-site visit, get yourself a new IT Guy/Girl – these guys are obviously just looking to charge you for an on-site visit.

Email your question for our Resident Computer Geek to:  geek@tbyd.ca.
If you have computer problems that our FAQs don’t answer, please call us at

204-800-3166

or email helpdesk@tbyd.ca.

 

We Make I.T. Work!

Filed Under: FAQ, Featured

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