Always always always check to make sure the lock is green and the domain says 'google.com' at the top of your browser…

There's A New Scam To Steal Your Gmail Info, And It's Hard To Catch
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Warning: If you receive an email with the subject "Documents," and it directs you to a webpage that looks like a Google Drive sign-in page, do not enter your information. It's likely a new phishing scam, in which a thief creates a fake p…

Due to icy road conditions, IT Xpress will be opening at noon today.

In case you were wondering why you can't chat with your friends and co-workers…

Google Hangouts And Gmail Chat Go Down | TechCrunch
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Google's real-time chat services, including Hangouts in Google+, Gmail, went down today, in an outage that appears to be fairly widespread. Messages in..

Keyboard shortcuts can be a huge boost to your productivity. Check out the cheat sheet at the end of the article for 20 many people use all the time.

Back to Basics: Learn to Use Keyboard Shortcuts Like a Ninja
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Keyboard shortcuts are the easiest way to do things faster, but with the wide variety of software we all use it's hard to remember all the different shortcuts. In turn, even though we all know shortcuts are useful, few of us bother using them. Here's how to learn to make use of shortcuts, ranging fr…

Adobe and Microsoft have fixed a number of vulnerabilities – make sure you update when prompted. My ITXpert clients will see these updates installed automatically (http://myitxpert.biz/)

Adobe, Microsoft Push Security Updates — Krebs on Security
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Adobe and Microsoft today each released software updates to fix serious security flaws in their products. Adobe pushed an update that plugs a pair of holes in its Flash Player software. Microsoft issued five updates, including one that addresses a zero-day vulnerability in Internet Explorer that …

A lot of people are upset because their power is back, but their Internet is down. Time Warner and Centurylink often cannot begin their repairs to a specific pole/street until the high power supply lines are fixed (and cleared) by Duke Power. If a pole needs to be replaced? Duke Power will install it, repair the electrical space, and then the communication companies can do their thing. We've had calls from a number of clients because Time Warner is still down in many areas (and in some CenturyLink too). Give them time. With power restored to most of Mebane only last night, Internet providers are just getting going. One reason it seems like more CenturyLink customers got Internet back with power? A lot of phone lines, used for DSL, were buried underground decades ago by Mebtel and avoided storm damage. Most TWC lines are aerial on poles and being lower on the pole exposed them to more tree damage than the higher power lines. If you…

http://click-to-read-mo.re/p/60fi

Like most, we're without power so the shop is closed. If you need IT assistance, call or text us at 336-525-5005 and we'll get back to you as quickly as we can.

We will be open on Monday with generator power and hopefully internet service. If you need to get online, charge laptops/phones, and drink some coffee… Come on by!

Another virus (Cryptorbit) is making the rounds that encrypts all of your files (Office files, Pictures, PDFs, Videos, etc) and holds them ransom for $600-$1000. Once encrypted it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to recover the files unless you have a backup. Are you backing up your important data? IT Xpress can help with services that keep your computer updated and secure as well as secure offsite backup solutions for $10-$25 a month!

Due to icy roads, IT Xpress will be opening at 12 o'clock today. Drive safe!

Router attacks continue – is your home router safe? IT Xpress can upgrade your router's software, ensure it is properly configured, and check to see if hackers have already made any changes. $45 if your bring your router to the shop. $59 if we do it remotely.

Hackers hijack 300,000-plus wireless routers, make malicious changes
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Devices made by D-Link, Micronet, Tenda, and TP-Link hijacked in ongoing attack.

Here's a sneak peek at the new service we're putting together at IT Xpress. More details soon!

We're working on an exciting new service for our My ITXpert clients! More info soon! Sign up at http://myitxpert.biz/

If you get prompted to update Flash, do it quickly, especially if you are on Windows XP. Chrome includes Flash, but updates automatically (if your Chrome menu turns green – it needs you to restart to apply the new version). Keeping your PC updated is the #1 way to avoid virus and malware infections.

Adobe pushes out critical Flash update – the second zero-day hole of the month
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Adobe has just updated its Flash product for the second time this month, pushing out an emergency patch for an attack that has been seen in the wild.

A number of our clients still use Windows XP and worry what will happen in April 2014 when Microsoft stops 'supporting' it with security updates. This article gives a good overview of what to expect. In short, unless hackers find a MASSIVE security hole in Windows XP, it can be securely used for some time. Some tips that can help keep you safe:

1) Stop using IE (since it too won't be updated) – switch to Chrome or Firefox.
2) Stop using MS Security Essentials antivirus – which also will not be updated after July 2015. Try avast for free protection or get a paid Anti-Virus (we recommend and sell BitDefender).
3) Switch to a 'Limited' account, which can limit the impact of any virus infection. But some software does not work well in limited mode. So experiment.
4) Keep your software updated – this is where most hackers gain access. Bugs in software, not Windows. (Our My ITXpert service is ideal for this http://myitxpert.biz/)

These…

http://click-to-read-mo.re/p/5Bzu

When Windows XP support ends, here's how to keep your PC secure | Expert Reviews
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