Last time I wrote about Facebook and social media, but I also led with predictions and commentary regarding Apple's then unannounced iPad 2.1 was right about a few things. Only a few weeks after I wrote my article, Apple released its newest touch-table, and it did feature a built-in camera--two of them even (yes, it has front as well as rear-facing cameras). But where I had hoped and others predicted that support for Adobe Flash would accompany the debut, sadly we all were disappointed.
No, I haven't broken down and purchased the newer version--there just were not enough new features or benefits to warrant buying one. But don't get me wrong: I still love my iPad--I'll just wait on Apple to include better cameras and hopefully support of Adobe's Flash before buying another model.
In this article, I focus on how to avoid the pitfalls of being connected on the Web, of using e-mail, and of conducting business via the Internet. Hopefully I can help inform and equip you with information and resources so you are safe and smart in today's swiftly changing technology landscape.
Software Solutions?
But, before I get started, I share this information out of the University of Washington. A press release dated April 7 describes two research teams and projects that have developed software solutions for people with disabilities: "Free software makes computer mouse easier for people with disabilities."
As the population ages, more people are having trouble with motor control, but the University of Washington team has invented two mouse cursors that make clicking targets a whole lot easier. And neither requires additional computer hardware--just some free, downloadable software. The researchers hope that in exchange for the software, users [will] offer feedback.
Now, who doesn't like something that is free? PAT readers would likely be interested in one of these projects, the Angle Mouse, software that helps slow down cursor movements when it nears an intended target and can help people with motor impairments achieve more accuracy and fewer corrective movements. Describing the solution here doesn't really do it justice, so don't miss the video (URL provided below) by Jacob O. Wobbrock, an assistant professor in the Information School and who leads the AIM Research Group. For more information:
Watch the video about Angle Mouse: http://depts.washington.edu/aimgroup/proj/angle/anglemouse.mov.
For more information about Angle Mouse, visit http://depts.washington.edu/aimgroup/proj/angle.
Check out UW's AIM Research Group at http://depts.washington.edu/aimgroup.
Avoiding the Bad Guys
So, did my title "Lions, Tigers,& Bears ... "attract your attention? Hopefully it did. My article is really about spam, phishing, and computer viruses. All are equally bad guys you want to avoid.
Spam (1) is the use of electronic messaging systems (including most broadcast media, digital delivery systems) to send unsolicited bulk messages indiscriminately-While the most widely recognized form is e-mail spam, the term is applied to similar abuses in other media.
Flushing (2) is a way of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as user names, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
A computer virus (3) is a program that can copy itself and infect a computer. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability.
The inspiration for this article came from a forwarded e-mail 1 received from a relative. Why is it that my family (and a few other friends) find it so easy to forward all those chain e-mails, jokes, prayers, funny videos, and inspiring slide shows? And just so you know, I dispose of 90% of them without even reading them--so don't even try!
The e-mail sent to me contained a link to a video of a bartender doing some fancy maneuvers mixing drinks. The title must have attracted my attention; it was that 10% of the time I read a forwarded e-mail.
Well, I clicked on the video link, immediately noted the bartender was Russian, looked at the URL and saw it was an Adobe Flash video hosted on a server in Russia (.ru), and quickly closed my browser and got out of there. Why, you ask? No, I am not a bigot who targets Russians; I am just well informed that Russia has earned its reputation as a spam-source country (see Spam Sources by Country (4).) Additionally, I know that clever hackers and others with malicious intent have exploited Adobe Flash in the past; I just didn't want to take a chance.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Living with a disability doesn't make us immune to spam, phishing, or computer viruses. Facts indicate that people have tried to exploit disability communities via attempts at phishing. In a blog post, Anna documents that "In a new twist on nasty behavior, scammers are actively trying to trick the disabled and other supporters of the disabled community (5)"
7 Tips for Combating Spam, Phishing, and Viruses
* Don't be afraid to ignore e-mails. It's not rude to throw them right into the trash. Tell your friends and family you don't read forwarded e-mails that do not include a personalized message to you.
* Credit-card companies, banks, and online services like PayPal do not send messages addressed to "Account Holder." E-mails from institutions that don't use your proper name are probably attempts at phishing. Think about it: Why would you get e-mail from Chase Bank if you've never had an account there? If you do get an e-mail from your banking institution, make sure it has your name and account information before clicking on the link. If you receive phishing e-mail and have time, report it. The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) (www.us-cert.gov/nav/rcport_phishing.html) is collecting phishing e-mail messages and website locations to help people avoid becoming victims of phishing scams.
* Turn on and adjust your spam filter. Most e-mail programs today, even webmail ones, feature spam filtering. Be sure yours is turned on and you follow the instructions on how to adjust it to keep your inbox free of unwanted clutter.
* Be sure to run a virus check frequently and keep your software up-to-date. Virus-check software is essential when you're connecting to the Internet or receiving e-mail. Ask your computer specialist what would work best for you--most computers today come outfitted with free software.
* Keep all your software up-to-date. Many software updates you are notified about--e.g., from Microsoft, Apple, Mozilla, Adobe, etc.--are initiated because software vulnerabilities have been identified and fixed. Do not delay updating your software on a regular basis, as this, too, will keep you safer.
* Check and ensure it's a secure site. When shopping online, banking, or conducting any transaction that requires security, be sure it's a secure site. The quickest way to tell is by looking for the "S" in the URL; secure sites all start out "https."
* Have password strategies. Using the same password everywhere can get you into trouble if there's a breach on the site where you're registered. A recent news story was about Sony and its gaming platform having been shut down because hackers broke in and accessed user accounts and information. Having unique passwords for websites will protect you; changing them often protects you further.
Summary
As I shared in my last articles summary, the bottom line is to be smart. Educate yourself about phishing, computer viruses, and spam. And again, be careful about what you post, write in e-mail, the websites you visit, and links you click.
Using a computer is fun and productive, but being careless can lead to headaches and heartaches.
Next Time
I've never written about holiday gift ideas, so next time I will. And as always, send your insights, suggestions, or questions for Tech Talk by e-mailing me at Dr.Larsen@buyvet.com.
REFERENCES
(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam_%28electronic%29
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing
(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus
(4) www.m86security.com/labs/spam_statistics.asp
(5) www.thespeciallife.com/disabled-targeted-in-email-scams.html
KURT LARSEN, EdD
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