Computer Repair in Barrie ON: Avoiding Computer Fraud

Computer repair in Barrie has always been a variety of challenges. Fast Solution has done everything from virus removal to setting up business networks, and everything in between. But lately, we have had an alarming amount of fraud calls. These are the calls where our customers tell us about how they clicked on a message sent to them in an email, took a phone call from someone saying they are a technician from “Microsoft” or clicked on an enticing blinking message at the top of a website because they were the 1000000th visitor! All of these instances can do some serious damage to your computer, and your wallet.  We get at least a call a week from someone who had to go to their bank and close everything because the hackers or over the phone scammers used their information to open credit cards etc, and now they have to answer for the debt.
The problem as well is that you may understand not to click on these tantalizing prompts, but have you told your parents or children? It only takes one click to send your computer in a tailspin. If you aren’t properly protected your computer might have the ability to record your banking passwords, and/or infect or disable your system.  Parental controls will help you curb where your children go on the Internet, but unfortunately they don’t work quite as well with your parents!  Unfortunately, when it comes to the email scams, seniors are the major recipients, so spreading the word to them is the most crucial.
And if you don’t think it will ever happen to you consider this. In 2003, the total dollar amount estimated in the U.S alone was $47.6 billion. So if it is that lucrative, you have to believe that it is not going away any time soon, so you need to be protected.  That however, is the biggest challenge we have when we talk to “not yet” infected customers, because they do not know the feeling of this type of invasion, they are not usually quick to prevent it.

The other thing you can do is make sure that the professionals you see are protected as well. Anyone who visits a doctor, a lawyer, or an accountant for example, most likely just assumes that they would have their networks protected on your behalf, but it is your right to ask if security is in place. Hackers are targeting businesses like these because they hold an inordinate amount of names and personal information.

If you ever have a question for me, feel free to email or call.  We are always here to help.

  May 24, 2012     Uncategorized     3 Comment(s)