Be on the look out for “Password Set to Expire” phishing emails.

Be on the look out for “Password Set to Expire” phishing emails.

Be on the look out for “Password Set to Expire” phishing emails.

Are password reset emails trustworthy? Microsoft365 / Office365 customers, beware of this recent email phishing attack.

The email states your Microsoft365 email password is set to expire. At first glance, it appears to be a typical Microsoft simple text email. Examining the “from” address, however,  we can see it is from a non-Microsoft web “spoofed” email address. Further examination into the header reveals a fake address.

Email “spoofing” is a term where one identifies as another by falsifying the email address posing as a legitimate company, but not the actual company.

Phishing is a type of social engineering where an attacker sends a fraudulent (e.g., spoofed, fake, or otherwise deceptive) message designed to trick a person into revealing sensitive information to the attacker or to deploy malicious software on the victim’s infrastructure like ransomware.

The purpose of such phishing attacks can be twofold.

  • Firstly,  is to retrieve your password. A bot on the other end will then immediately attempt to access the targeted Microsoft365 account where the attacker freely downloads all your M365 information. In some cases, the password is changed so you no longer have access.
  • Secondly, it would be to execute a virus or ransomware on your computer.

Always review the “from” the address before opening any email, selecting any link or opening attachments. Also, if you have a third-party antivirus program like eset, right-click on the attachment and “SCAN” with your antivirus to be sure it is free of malicious content.

A good rule of thumb is, even if you think it might be a legitimate request, do NOT click the link, instead go directly to the account in question through a web browser. If there is truly such a request, typically there will be a notification upon login to the account.

Also, if the account password requires a reset, the website will require a reset upon access.

Mawarebytes Phishing
Malware Malbytes stop phishing attacks.
What is a Gmail 8-digit backup code? Why should I retrieve this 8 digit security code?

What is a Gmail 8-digit backup code? Why should I retrieve this 8 digit security code?

If you or someone you know has a Google GMAIL account you may want to give this a quick read. “How do I get my Google gmail 8 Digit Backup Code?”

Recently, I’ve had a few people contact me who have had their mobile device/phone lost or stolen.

The finder or perpetrator accesses the device due to a weak or no password. This now bad actor has access to the device and begins changing the rightful owner’s Gmail account password, so the rightful account holder no longer has Gmail access. They then begin fraudulently charging on credit cards or withdrawing funds from the owner’s bank accounts.From this point, the rightful owner is not able to gain access to their device or sensitive accounts from even another device or PC.

Even with “Two Factor” authentication, which should always be enabled when possible, the perpetrator was able to access sensitive important accounts, as the “Two Factor” authenticator app is on the phone itself, thus sending the “keys” to unlock the door to the “Multi-Factor” authentication accounts.

To make things even more troublesome, some users had screenshots of photos and/or lists of passwords, bank accounts, credit cards, driver’s license and other important information on the phone itself unprotected by further security methods.This is not uncommon, as most of the people I’ve surveyed do not have these codes or even know they exist.

So, What is a Gmail 8-digit backup code? Why should I retrieve this Google eight-digit code immediately?

A Gmail  8-digit backup code is a unique string of numbers to recover a g-mail account.

You should retrieve the Google eight-digit code immediately before your account is compromised, you lose your mobile device or password.

*These steps are subject to change as cloud providers often change the User Interface Portal frequently.

Android – Create & find a set of backup codes

Create & find a set of backup codes

To store your backup codes somewhere safe, you can print a copy of your backup codes.

On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app.

  • Tap Google and then Manage your Google Account.
  • At the top, tap Security.
  • Under “Signing in to Google,” tap 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
  • Under “Backup codes,” tap Continue .

From here, you can:

  • Get backup codes: To add backup codes, tap Get backup codes.
  • Create a new set of backup codes and inactivate old ones: To create new codes, tap Refresh .
  • Delete your backup codes: To delete and automatically inactivate your backup codes, tap Delete Delete.
  • Download your backup codes: Tap Download Codes .
  • Print your backup codes: Tap Print .

Tips:    If you think your backup codes were stolen or you run out of codes, create a new set. To create a new set of codes, tap Refresh .

When you create new codes, your old set automatically becomes inactive.

Obviously DO NOT STORE THEM ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE as an image or other file.
If you use the cloud to store files be sure it has two-factor authentication and a Vault / Private key
From <https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+get+gmail+8+digit+backup+code&oq=get+gmail+8+digit+code&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i22i30j0i390l3j69i64.16506j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8>

Computer – Create & find a set of backup codes

Create & find a set of backup codes

To store your backup codes somewhere safe, you can print a copy of your backup codes.

  • Go to your Google Account.
  • On the left, click Security.
  • Under “Signing in to Google,” click 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
  • Under “Backup codes,” click Continue,

From here you can:

  • Get backup codes: To add backup codes, click Get backup codes.
  • Create a new set of backup codes and inactivate old ones: To create new codes, click Refresh.
  • Delete your backup codes: To delete and automatically inactivate your backup codes, click Delete .
  • Download your backup codes: Click Download Codes.
  • Print your backup codes: Click Print.

Tips:

If you think your backup codes were stolen or you run out of codes, create a new set. To create a new set of codes, click Refresh.

When you create new codes, your old set automatically becomes inactive.
Find your lost backup code.

Search your computer for: “backup-codes-username.txt with your username. For example, if your username is google123, search for: Backup-codes-google123.txt. You’ll need the codes downloaded to your computer for this to work.

Sign in with a backup code

    • Find your backup codes.
    • Sign in to your Google Account.
    • Click Try another way.
    • Click Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes.
    • Enter one of your unused backup codes.

Tip: As each code can be used only once, you might want to mark the code as used.

From <https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&oco=0>

iPhone & iPad – Create & find a set of backup codes

Create & find a set of backup codes

To store your backup codes somewhere safe, you can print a copy of your backup codes.

On your iPhone or iPad, open the Gmail app -> Tap Menu

Settings -> your account name

Manage your Google Account. If you don’t use Gmail, go to myaccount.google.com.

    • At the top, tap Security.
    • Under “Signing in to Google,” tap 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
    • Under “Backup codes,” tap Continue.

From here you can:

    • Get backup codes: To add backup codes, tap Get backup codes.

Create a new set of backup codes and inactivate old ones: To create new codes, tap Refresh.

  • Delete your backup codes: To delete and automatically inactivate your backup codes, tap Delete
  • Download your backup codes: Tap Download Codes.
  • Print your backup codes: Tap Print

 

Tips:

If you think your backup codes were stolen or you run out of codes, create a new set. To create a new set of codes, tap Refresh.
When you create new codes, your old set automatically becomes inactive.
Find your lost backup code

Search your iOS device for: Backup-codes-username.txt with your username. For example, if your username is google123, search for: Backup-codes-google123.txt. You’ll need the codes downloaded to the device for this to work.

Sign in with a backup code

    • Find your backup codes.

    • Sign in to your Google Account.
    • Tap Try another way.
    • Tap Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes.
    • Enter one of your unused backup codes.

Tip: As each code can be used only once, you might want to mark the code as used.

From <https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1187538?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&oco=0>

I hope you find this What is a Gmail 8-digit backup code article helpful? Why should I retrieve this Google eight digit code immediately?

If  you need computer, website or technology support contact us at 424-532-1633 to get support.

Meet Surface Duo

Do one better. There’s a new way to get things done.

The new Surface Duo offers dual screens to view two apps at once, drag and drop across screens and enjoy the view of dual-screen enhanced apps.

SHOP NOW>

Open two screens and open new possibilities,

Mobile productivity,powered by two screens | Flexibility to do more with multiple modes | The best of Microsoft 365,together with Android™ apps | Original design,created by Surface
Surface innovation comes to a dual-screen mobile device, featuring the best of Microsoft 365, every Android app in the Google Play store, phone calls, and more.

The magic of a 360° hinge and two screens

Introducing revolutionary new ways to use a mobile device thanks to an innovative 360° hinge, two screens, and apps that seamlessly work together. Do one better.

  • Open two apps side-by-side, so you can now plan your hike andpull up directions at the same time.

  • Pair any two apps and launch simultaneously, each on a full screen,for a completely custom experience.

  • Easily compose an email by typing on the bottom screen keyboard,while viewing your draft on the top display.

  • Drag ingredients from a new recipe from one screen directly to your To Do list on the other for an instant shopping list.

  • Scroll through your photo library on one screen, while viewing your selection on the other.

  • All-day batterylife

    Lasting power throughout your day. And, when you do need a boost, go from low to full with Fast Charging.3

  • More pixels in your pocket

    Dual, high-resolution PixelSense™ Fusion Displays open to 8.1″ for more space toget things done.

  • See and do more with widescreens

    When opened, Surface signature 3:2 aspect ratio is perfect for reading, streaming,and staying productive.

  • Write and sketch on screen

    Take notes and draw across apps on Surface Duo with thin,light Surface Slim Pen.**

    • Mobile typing,reimagined

      Stay productive with the adaptive keyboard, optimized for every mode.

    • Secured,one-step sign-in

      Surface Duo features a built-in fingerprint reader for fast,secured access.

    • Your PC loves Surface Duo, too

      With the Your Phone app and your Windows 10 PC, you get instant access to everything you love on your phone, right on your computer.4

    • Never miss a beat

      Complete your Surface Duo experience and fuel your productivity with Surface Earbuds.**

Purchase Microsoft Direct

Windows Virtual Desktop – Keep Remote Employees Under Your Umbrella

Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service running in the cloud. It’s the only virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that delivers simplified management, multi-session Windows 10, optimizations for Office 365 ProPlus, and support for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environments.

Always On / Always Available

Provide your employees with multi-session Windows 10 desktop virtualized in the cloud that’s highly scalable, always up to date, and available on any device. Enterprise class IT services previously out of reach for Solopreneurs, entrepreneurs and small businesses at an affordable price. Desktop PC’s independent of hardware device, network and location. Accessible on their Windows, Mac or Linux PC independent of your remote network.

WVD is a Windows Desk Top that runs in the cloud without having to manage the back-end infrastructure , delivering a seamless Windows experience to your users with out having to install company apps on their computer.

If you are an employee, contractor or freelancer create your own secure virtual desktop to keep your employer off your computer and keep them in the cloud.

Secure Proprietary and Competitive Information

Provide your employees and contractors with a work environment which helps protect your valuable intellectual property eg. methods, processes, documents, creative and customer information under a secure remote worker cloud network you have control.

Keep your company computing environment separate from their computer by giving them a portal to your company network. Control who has access when, where and the level of accessibility, edit-ability, file saving to local devices or shadow IT locations like DropBox, etc.

The last thing you want are employees, freelancers and contractors copying and saving your valuable assets to share with others or reverse engineer to become a competitor.

Monitor who is using your system, how long they are on it and what they are doing to help you manage data security, workers accountability and business costs.

Once the duration of the working engagement is over simply “turn-off” the virtual desktop disabling access. Nothing is installed on their computer, no hardware to manage or software licenses to control.

windows virtual desktop 1

Get Your Windows Virtual Desktop Setup by a Pro Today


 

Smart TV Security Warnings

Well it is official.

Our past warnings and concerns over being monitored (spyed) upon through SmartTV’s  is real. In addition to the now typical advertiser tracking, the provider themselves are tracking and serving content based upon your viewing habits. This is kept in a database just for you. Perhaps most importantly is the accessibility to microphones and cameras on smart devices, in particular Smart Tv’s. We have recommended covering laptop cameras and disconnecting desktop cameras when not in use.

These devices have now become known as “edge” devices as part of your “IoT” network, known as the “Internet of Things”. We affectionately refer to “IoT” as the “internet of Insecure Things.”

The FBI has now released a stark warning to users to cover smart TV cameras with tape as well.

We recommend having a managed secondary firewall to help monitor, maintain and protect your IoT network.

Welcome to the New World Order.

Keep an eye out for our recommendations on how to secure your “Iot”. Yes your refrigerator will be spying on you.