Barrie Nerds
411 Huronia Road L4N 9B3 Barrie, ON, Canada

No target too small I know many people think cyber criminals have bigger fish to fry, and that they don't need to worry about it. Please read this and consider. I helped with one just the other day that proves that cyber-criminals have the time and resources to strategically and patiently target anyone - even a resident of a small town. ... The client was just about to take off on a flight to Europe when he suspected that his Rogers email account had been compromised. (coincidence?) He had to wait 8 long hours before he could land and confirm this was the case - he had Rogers change his password right away and then called us in when he returned to Canada. We investigated and found that the criminals had setup a 'reply-to' address that looked like his address but had a 0 instead of an O. Anyone replying to one of our Client's emails was now going straight to the criminals. They also created a filter that automatically moved any new messages to the trash so that he wouldn't notice them. Effectively hijacking his email identity even though they were now locked out of the account. The client had already moved to a new gmail address and said that he was going to get rid of his rogers email altogether - we told him he would be best to hang onto the account so that he owns the new keys and helped him create a much stronger password. Letting the address go means that it could be registered by anyone else including the criminals - not good given the breach. Lots more to consider in this case - all of the emails/files the criminals had access to and most likely copied while they had access - and what sort of damage could they could do with that information now or in the future. Truly unthinkable damage when you consider all the information contained in email threads over many many years. We must let ALL of of our clients know they ARE at risk and take steps to protect them - collecting and telling more stories like this certainly helps us be collectively aware - a critical first step! Questions? You know who to call! [email protected]

It is with mixed feelings that I bid adieu to my clients and friends in the Barrie area. Many of you know of the health challenges I have faced over the past year, and continue into the coming year. My wife and I are moving to the London area to be closer to my daughters (I have three daughters and all of them are in London) for the increased family support that they can offer us. My contact information will remain the same, I will continue to support my clients through remote service and for those times that you need a warm body in your office or home to resolve your technical issues, Contact me I know a guy. :) Wishing everybody the best.

Security threats that you may not know about? https://www.nerdsonsite.com//types-of-security-threats-t/

I have long promoted the idea of formatting a new computer and putting a fresh copy of Windows on the computer to avoid all the 'bonus' software that is often included. Finally there is proof to support the benefits. https://www.forbes.com//microsoft-windows-10-problem/amp/

If you use iTunes, you may have already heard that iTunes is being retired. As of September of this year, you need to move to either Apple Music or a third party application.