Tag: Online Safety

Shop Online the Safe Way | Prescott, AZ

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Online shopping is great; it has become the premier way for busy parents, professionals, and anyone with a computer to quickly and conveniently get what they need. However, it has also become a gateway for information and financial theft as faulty payment systems fall victim to hackers and scam artists attempt the manipulate the system. Of course, issues can occur at any time, but the holidays are especially rife with cyber criminals seeking an easy dollar. Here are some ways you can better protect yourself from cyber crime while you shop.

Use credit, not debit. Generally, when you use a credit card to purchase items online, it is easier to refute any mischarge that may occur. Debit cards function like cash and thus are more prone to hacking.

Usage alerts. Any major bank is going to offer some degree of protection for you to manage your finances, and its best to utilize these services. Note that you may have to opt-in to these features, so double check with your bank that you’re receiving as much information about your financial activity as possible.

Choose apps. Financial applications that can be downloaded to your phone have been certified by your application store as legitimate. When they are from a trusted source and you set permissions, you are taking that extra step to ensure your information is secure.

Don’t believe everything you see. Super low prices and suspect means of attaining credit card information should be a cause for concern, despite how good the deal may seem. You will save yourself a lot of strife by buying from a legitimate retailer for more money, rather than trying to reverse damage caused by an online scam.

Stay current. One way to keep your cyber information safe is to consistently update your software. As technology advances, and criminals try to keep up, it becomes increasingly important to stay on the cutting edge of cyber security.

For more information about how you may integrate or update your security functions, call the professionals at 951.737.8558 or visit us online at www.urcs.net today.

6 Reasons Your Company Needs Data Backup and Recovery | Corona, CA

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In this day and age, companies rely so heavily on online usage, it is important to have a data backup and recovery plan for their most critical data. Why? Because humans make errors, computers crash, and accidents happen at the worst times.

Data loss can happen in many different ways and we shouldn’t live by the idea that we can wing it. The most common causes are an accidental error, employee or competitor theft, or physical failure to computers, but they can range into the even wilder, like natural disasters or a spilled cup of coffee. Here are six reasons why you must have data recovery for your company:

Technology fails. Just in the last year, we’ve seen massive changes in the technology that we use. Many businesses are now virtually paper-free and need to be stored electronically.

People are fallible. Let’s face it, we’re only human. Backing up your information is crucial in order to remedy any accidental mishaps.

Natural disasters. From tornados to wildfires, mother nature has wreaked havoc on company technology systems. It will be an issue if you don’t have a data backup and recovery plan in place after a natural disaster.

Competitive advantage. Businesses around the world have suffered huge losses and reputation damage after losing data.

Theft. Sadly, corporate theft is on the rise. If employees were fired or laid off, 20% said they would be more likely to take data due to the anger they’re experiencing and pass it off to a competitor.

The future is now. An online backup service allows you to and your employees to access your data whenever you like, from wherever you are to work remotely, collaborate, and ensure the integrity of that information.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

Online Shopping in a COVID-19 World | Corona, CA

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Online Security Protection Internet Safety

Let’s face it – 2020 has been a wild year and on that has us relying on the internet to take care of our families. Whether we are working from home or ordering groceries, being online is a way of life. And this is why it is more important than ever for us to protect ourselves from online hackers and identity theft. Make sure that you have all your security measures in place. The holiday season is a time where cybercriminals are still very much at large, so let’s start this new year safer than ever. The following tips are recommended while you’re doing your shopping online:

An amazing deal. One common tactic that cybercriminals like to use is using very low prices on popular items to lure potential victims in.

Credit over debit. Use your credit card instead of your debit card because if your credit is used for something that you didn’t purchase, it’s easier to resolve issues with your credit card company than with your bank.

Stay alert. Take advantage of your credit card alert features. These instant alerts can alert you when there’s abnormal activity so you can get issues resolved immediately.

Safe apps. For safe online shopping through apps, you must make sure they are downloaded from a trusted source, like the Apple store or Android market. Be sure to read through the various permissions the app is asking you to grant.

Update security features. Keep your cyber information safe by ensuring that all of your security software is updated. Once an update is available, cybercriminals have all the information they need to attack your device.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

Keep Your Hard Drive Safe | Corona, CA

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The world is full of online security products, because you can never be too safe. It seems there is always another virus or hacker trying to steal someone’s identity or private information. So, we have all of these ways to back up our information. The cloud is secure but can be hacked. It is important that you have a physical hard drive that can keep everything together, in case something happens to your information or internet storage.

Your hard drive is where all of the information on your computer is stored. But like everything, it will begin to develop natural wear and tear, and over time they will start fail. A failure could happen at any time, and without warning. Because of this making sure your hard drive is backed up is also very important.

As your hard drive begins to age, it will begin to show these common signs. If you keep them in mind, you won’t be surprised if it happens to die on you at a moment’s notice.

  • If Windows is always telling you that it needs to check the consistency of your hard drive, it could be trying to tell you your hard drive is about ready to fail.
  • If your computer begins to make strange sounds you don’t typically recognize.
  • Files you use are beginning to suddenly have unexplained errors.
  • A computer begins to slow down doing regular tasks will eventually lead to a complete freeze or crash.

If your computer begins to give you trouble, there’s no need to panic. Make sure that you have everything backed up as much as possible and you won’t become overwhelmed by computer issues.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

Shop Online the Safe Way | Corona, CA

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Thanks to technology people can now shop from the convenience of their homes to coffee shops just by using a smart phone, tablet or other mobile device. Not only can online shopping save you time, but it can also save you from encountering crowds of people fighting over sale items or during busy shopping seasons. If you choose to do your shopping online, make sure that you have all your security measures in place. The holiday season is a time where cyber criminals are still very much at large, but these rules of thumb can be used year-round. Take care of yourself out there with these simple tips:

Too good? Probably is. One common tactic a cybercriminal will use is to use very low prices on popular items to lure potential victims in. Don’t fall victim over an extraordinary deal.

Credit over debit. When checking out, use your credit card instead of your debit card. It’s easier to clear up any issues regarding purchases you didn’t make.

Get alerted. Take advantage of your credit card alert features. These sorts of alerts can alarm you when there’s abnormal activity and is very useful to instantly find out about fraudulent activity.

Use safe apps. For safe online shopping through apps you must make sure there are downloaded from a trusted source, such as the Apple Store or Android Market. Be sure to read through the various permissions the app is asking you to grant and note weather they make sense.

Stay current. Keep your cyber information safe by ensuring that all of your security software is updated. Once an update is available, cyber criminals have all the information they need to attack your device.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Prescott Valley and all surrounding areas.

Are You Cyber Secure? | Prescott, AZ

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Data Breach

Everywhere we look, we can find a different way that the internet has affected our lives. Not only do we use it on a daily basis, but it is used to just make our day-to-day lives run smoothly. It’s in our purchases, our healthcare, our relationships, everything. But with the ease of life comes a backlash. We are now also vulnerable for theft, abuse and other issues relying on this electronic lifestyle. This has caused the National Cyber Security Division within the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Alliance to sponsor National Cyber Security Awareness Month, every October since 2004 to encourage individuals to be cautious and to use protection while accessing the internet.

As technology keeps evolving, our lives are becoming easier and more connected than ever. But don’t fall victim to any issues because you weren’t careful. Thankfully we are here for you. There are some steps you can take to keep yourself, your assets and personal information safe online. Here are a few tips all internet users can take advantages of, not only this month but also throughout the year:

  • Create strong passwords and do not share them with anyone
  • Keep operating system, browser and other critical software’s up to date by installing updates
  • Raise awareness by talking openly with your family, friends and community about Internet safety
  • Limit the amount of personal information you share online and use privacy setting to avoid sharing information widely
  • Be very cautious about what you receive or read online – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Prescott Valley and all surrounding areas.

Is It Malware or a Virus? | Corona, CA

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headache over computer problems

In a world where it seems everything is getting hacked, it is easy to panic when something goes wrong with your computer equipment. The slightest glitch or stall and we are thinking the worst. And when we think of the worst thing that can happen to this equipment, we will generally think about computer viruses. Yes, the evil computer virus is the original enemy of the typical computer user, and in this day and age, it is impossible to not use some type of computer in our daily lives.

Then you hear about malware and a whole new set of questions and concerns come to mind. Let’s break it down – a virus is just one kind of malware, but the actual term is largely used by the public and the only way to protect yourself is to have some type of an anti-virus. The following are various types of malware designed to infect your computer or mobile device:

Adware. Adware is the least dangerous and most profitable malware. It displays ads on your computer.

Spyware. This software spies on you by tracking your internet activity in order to send adware back to your machine.

Worms. A worm replicates itself and destroys data and files on your computer until the drive is completely empty.

Trojan horse. One of the most dangerous malwares, Trojans are designed to discover your financial information and take over your computer’s system resources.

Ransomware. If you see a screen that warns you that you have been locked out of your computer until you pay for your “cybercrimes”, you have ransomware.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with malware protection at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serve Corona and all surrounding areas.

Safer Internet Day: 5 Tips to Stay Safe on the Internet

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In our digitally connected world, what can you do to keep yourself and your family safe online? Well today is Safer Internet Day and we here at Up and Running computer Solution would like to help educate and inspire you to better protect yourself and your family online. This years the slogan for Safe Internet Day is “Play your part for a better internet”, so we’ve round up a few tips on how you can play your part in creating a better internet:

  • Update your applications regularly- By keeping the applications and other critical software on your computer updated it enables your system with the latest security fixes, while also protecting it from viruses and other malicious software.
  • Be cautious where you click- I’m sure you’ve seen an interesting topic or video that’s captured you’re attention while browsing a webpage, making you instantly curious to know more about it. Well with one click, this tricky little link could direct you to malicious site where you could share your personal and financial information. Some cyber hackers even hack into emails and send malicious emails to the contacts of the hacked account. Make sure to never open on an attachment from an unknown or “fishy email”.
  • Don’t use the same password- A cybercriminal can figure out a pattern if you’re using the same or a slightly different password for different types of accounts. Most websites suggest that you use a password with a punctuation mark, an upper case letter, a lower case letter, and a number because it makes it much hard for a cybercriminal to hack.
  • Protect your personal info- You should be extremely cautious who you give your personal information to. Don’t give out your social security number or any other sensitive information unless you’re positive who’s receiving it.
  • Keep your children safe online- Start by educating your children about the internet and mold rules around each child’s age. You must also make sure to monitor and pay attention to what your children are doing online.

The tips that have been listed above may seem like common sense, but many times they are over looked, leaving your doors wide open for cybercriminals. Keep yourself and your family safe by exercising caution when browsing the World Wide Web.

Make sure to have a productive Safer Internet Day, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 to get your computer protected today. Visit our website at www.urcs.net for information regarding the services we offer.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin and all surrounding areas.

5 Tips for Shopping Safely Online This Holiday Season

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Thanks to technology people can now shop from the convenience of their homes to local coffee shops using smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices. And with the holiday season already in full swing, many of us are doing so. Not only can online shopping save you time but it can also save you from encountering crowds of people that can suck your energy and holiday spirit dry. If you choose to do online holiday shopping, make sure that you have all your security measures in place. The holiday season is a time where cyber criminals are still very much at large. The following tips are recommended if you’re doing online holiday shopping this year:

Too Good To Be True- One common tactic cyber criminals use is using very low prices on popular items to lure potential victims in.

Use a Credit Instead of Debit– Use your credit card instead of your debit card because if your credit is used for something that you didn’t purchase, it’s easier to resolve issues with your credit card company than with your bank.

Credit Card Alert Features– Take advantage of your credit card alert features. These sort of alerts can alarm you when there’s abnormal activity and is very useful during the busy holiday season!

Safe Apps– For safe online shopping through apps you must make sure there are downloaded from a trusted source, such as the Apple Store or Android Market. Be sure to read through the various permissions the app is asking you to grant and note weather they make sense.

Stay Current– Keep your cyber information safe by ensuring that all of your security software is updated. Once an update is available, cyber criminals have all the information they need to attack your device.

Keep your personal information safe this holiday season by exercising caution when making online purchases. If your computer has contracted a virus while shopping online, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558. For information regarding the services we offer visit our website at www.urcs.net.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and all surrounding areas.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month | Online Security

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Online Security Protection Internet Safety

The National Cyber Security Division within the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Alliance has sponsored National Cyber Security Awareness Month, every October since 2004. National Cyber Security Awareness Month is focused on encouraging individuals to be cautious and to use protection while accessing the internet. Weather we realize it or not the internet impacts our lives on a daily basis. We use the internet to connect with family and friends, to handle business and banking online and rely on it for many other services, like electricity and even transportation, which are supported by online systems. Technology has prompted advancements in business, healthcare, music, government and many other industries.

As technology keeps evolving, our lives are becoming easier and more connected than ever. Yet the more our lives become more connected through the internet, the more we become vulnerable for increased risks of theft, fraud and abuse. No one is immune to cyber risks at this point. As individuals, cybersecurity risks can threaten our identities, finances and privacy. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep yourself, your assets and personal information safe online. The following includes a few tips all internet users can take advantages of the month of National Cyber Security Month and throughout the year:

  • Create Strong passwords and do not share them with anyone.
  • Keep operating system, browser and other critical software’s up to date by installing updates.
  • Raise awareness by talking openly with your family, friends and community about Internet safety.
  • Limit the amount of personal information you share online and use privacy setting to avoid sharing information widely
  • Be very cautious about what you receive or read online – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more information regarding online safety and what you can do to stay protected from cybersecurity risks, contact Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA at 951-737-8558 or visit our website at www.urcs.net to discover what services we offer.

Proudly serving Corona, Riverside, Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Beach, Tustin, and all surrounding areas.