Google likes to archive EVERYTHING. But if you'd rather not have an archive online for your whole life, this is a creative way to save your email offline every 30 days. #sonylessons

Lifehacker:

Keep your Gmail contents secret and safe from prying eyes:

How to Automatically Back Up and Purge Your Gmail Every 30 Days
lifehacker.com
If the Sony hack has taught us anything, it's that keeping incriminating emails in your inbox is a terrible idea. Even if you aren't doing anything particularly bad, if someone gets into you email, everything you've ever said could be out in the open. Here's how to make sure that doesn't happen by a…

Most people buy a router, install it, and never touch it again. But they run software like any computer and that software can have bugs and vulnerabilities. Upgrading a router is usually a trivial matter and most manufacturer websites have detailed instructions for doing so. Always make sure you follow the direction to identify your model and hardware version to select the right download. Then login to your router and follow the instructions for upgrading (often under an 'Admin' or 'Tools' tab). Be sure to backup your router settings before updating as some routers can 'reset' your settings after an upgrade. Just load the configuration back in.

Not sure how to handle it? We can help! http://itxpress.biz/

12 million home and business routers vulnerable to critical hijacking hack
arstechnica.com
Bug exposes user data, as well as computers, Web cams, and other connected devices.

I'm SO glad Microsoft is doing this. We have clients come in all the time saying 'Microsoft called me' and lured them into a $300 support contract for, what turns out to be a bogus support service. Microsoft will never call you to tell you your computer is broken. Ever. Google or Yahoo will not either (they only call related to business listings and advertising). There are legitimate support services out there – we offer one and many other companies do. But always beware of any cold call where they claim to be a company like Microsoft AND know details of what's on your computer and what it's doing. This scam is very successful and happens a lot. Have you fallen victim to this and are worried what they put onto your computer? We can clean it off for you!

Microsoft sues tech support scammers for trademark violation, false advertising
feeds.arstechnica.com
Claims 390,000 residents lost $179 million in California alone.

Many people wonder about the different WiFi security/encryption protocols. This is an excellent overview. If you aren't using WPA2, you should be. Not sure if you are? We can help!

The Difference Between Wi-Fi Security Protocols: WPA2-AES vs WPA2-TKIP
lifehacker.com
Setting up encryption on your wireless router is one of the most important things you can do for your network security, but your router probably offers various different options–WPA2-PSK (TKIP), WPA2-PSK (AES), and WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES) among the alphabet soup. How-To Geek explains which one to choos…

As 2014 draws to a close, are you looking for things you can change to improve your small business in 2015? How about your credit card processing? We've helped many clients switch to Square after they realize that 1.7% rate is bait and switch. Many find they are paying 4-5% in transaction fees and wait days for deposits. With Square you pay 2.75%, regardless of the card (including AMEX!), and deposits usually arrive the next business day! Square can be setup on most Android phones, GPS enabled tablets, and iPhones/iPads. For a more professional setup, you can get the Square Stand and even the optional cash drawer and receipt printer. Square has tons of features – online sales, store carts, detailed reporting/reconciliation, cash management, and more. Let IT Xpress help you with a Square migration today! Call 336-525-5005 or email help@itxpress.biz.

More and more people are asking us about Chromeboxes and are they a good choice. Our answer is always 'it depends' on how you plan to use it. This is a great overview of the tradeoffs and what to expect (though they don't mention enough security is MUCH better). Also, if you find that you have tons of tabs open, you definitely should upgrade to 4 or 8GB (which is cheap and easy). We use both the Asus and HP boxes at IT Xpress and have been very happy with them.

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Chromebox
www.omgchrome.com
If you're thinking of buying a Chromebox this holiday season, whether as a gift for yourself or a treat for a loved one, let me say that I am not surprised.

This is one of the easiest steps you can take to improve your online security. Plus, when a data breach is announced – you can have LastPass generate new passwords for affected sites automatically…

The trick is – make sure your master password is a a great one – with spaces!

5 minute fix – How to use a password manager
nakedsecurity.sophos.com
This 5 minute fix will show you how to choose and use a password manager.

This is not surprising given Yahoo's recent inclusion as the default search engine for Firefox. Clients often ask us which browser they should use, and we still recommend Chrome. The main reason being it includes (and silently updates) two of the three most compromised plugins – Flash and Adobe Reader. Plus, if you use GMail or other Google services, using Chrome is a no brainer given the many extensions and applications available for it. But using Firefox is also a solid choice for browsing your favorite websites.

TechCrunch:

Yahoo Starts Prompting Chrome Users To “Upgrade” To Firefox

Yahoo Starts Prompting Chrome Users To “Upgrade” To Firefox
tcrn.ch
If you're visiting any Yahoo property today, chances are you'll see an "Upgrade to the new Firefox" link in the top-right corner of your browser window. The..

We get asked often how malware is spread, and our answer is always 'every way you can imagine'. One common vector is the use of ad networks to serve malware via clickable website advertisements. This is one reason we frequently recommend the Adblock Plus extension for Firefox and Chrome. When you install it, you're prompted with three main settings. Be sure to turn on the malware filter. Those wanting more privacy online can disable the social buttons and ad tracking cookies with the remaining two switches. Adblock Plus is not perfect – it can occasionally slow down web browsing and can sometimes make a website not function because a part of it is mistakenly blocked as an ad. But you simply click on the stop sign icon to disable it for that specific website, and all is well. Looking for more tips to stay safe online? Stop by our shop and we'll be happy to check your computer and give you more tips!

TechCrunch:

Mobile Ad Firms Spotted Serving Up Malware Posing As Google Play Apps

Mobile Ad Firms Spotted Serving Up Malware Posing As Google Play Apps
tcrn.ch
Malware creators have historically found creative ways to distribute their malicious wares across PC networks, and now they've turned their attention to..

Banking trojans are some of the most dangerous infections because they can intercept online banking information, giving hackers direct access to your bank accounts. Once they have that, they can wire the money overseas, and if not caught within 24 hours, the money is GONE. The banks won't cover it like credit card fraud. Our My ITXpert Pro and above clients get access to an ultra secure browser called SafePay that can thwart many banking infections and keyloggers to further protect your financial information. Visit http://myitxpert.biz/ for more information!

Upatre Downloader Spreading Dyreza Banking Trojan
threatpost.com
Microsoft reports it has seen wire transfer spam carrying attachments containing the Upatre downloader which then infects machines with the Dyreza banking Trojan.

Lenovo laptop users should check to see if their power supply is covered by this recall…

Lenovo Recalls Computer Power Cords Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
www.cpsc.gov
The AC power cord sold with IdeaPad and Lenovo brand can overheat.

Chromecasts are neat devices for 'throwing' content onto your TV from your phone (including Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Pictures, YouTube, and more). Now your guests can do it if you like…

TechCrunch:

Chromecast Now Lets Your Guests Take Over Your TV Without Needing Your WiFi Password

Chromecast Now Lets Your Guests Take Over Your TV Without Needing Your WiFi Password
tcrn.ch
Back in June, Google announced a rather nifty new feature coming to Chromecast: your friends and house guests would soon be able to connect to your Chromecast..

This is one of the greatest features of a Chromebook. If family/friends have a Google account, they can login and use your system easily. They can't infect it, crash it, or see anything of yours as accounts are heavily secured and partitioned. When they're done, you can remove them with a click. If they don't have a Google account, they can login as a guest. Unlike Windows, guest logins are not a huge security risk on a Chromebook. Plus? They boot in < 10 seconds.

Google Chrome:

With aunts, uncles, cousins
and grandparents on their way,
holidays are the time when
the whole family comes to stay.

Multiple log-ins on Chromebooks
make it easy to share your device,
so your stuff is safe from the naughty
(and even the nice).

Learn more about logging into your #Chromebook: goo.gl/aXFNMl

Chromebooks have been limited mainly to tiny 11" laptops. With 'normal' sized Chromebooks hitting the market, and ChromeOS getting more enterprise features with every release, this is a huge threat to Windows dominance. Here at IT Xpress we use Chromeboxes as our main desktops and have never looked back. #noviruses #silentupdates #builtinbackup Wondering if a Chromebox or Chromebook is right for you? Stop by and we'll help you decide!

OMG! Chrome!:

Acer is set to launch the world's first 15.6" Chromebook in March.

According to our sources, the Acer C910 Chromebook will come in variants featuring a paltry 1366×768 or roomier 1920×1080 resolution and with options for Broadwell-based Celeron or Core i3 processors.

Acer Will Launch World’s First 15.6 Inch Chromebook In March
www.omgchrome.com
If you find the 13.3-inch ASUS C300 Chromebook too small, and think HP's 14-inch whopper isn't roomy enough, here's some news that should please.

The more devices and services we use, the less secure our information becomes. Worried about your security online? IT Xpress can help make sense of it all!

Sophos:

More devices, more problems?

See the full infographic: http://soph.so/FGSzo