Volume: 18 Issue: 02 February. 2019

Contacts. Port Macquarie Seniors Computer Group Inc.

P.O. Box 2135 Port Macquarie, NSW 2444. Email portseniors.pc@gmail.com

Web Address: www.portseniorspc.org.au

Committee.

Peggy McC. President & Web Administrator

Barry D. Secretary. Graham C. Treasurer. Lorraine F. Membership Officer. Anne C. Committee Member. Sel C. Newsletter Editor.

Disclaimer: This Newsletter is provided “As is.” without warranty of any kind. Each Reader assumes complete risks as to the accuracy and subsequent use of its contents.

President Peggy’s Comments.

Welcome to our last Newsletter prior to our

AGM

At the time of writing this column, there have been no applications for either President or Vice President. This is very disappointing—it is time members thought about moving forward. A Vice President would be a great help, putting in place a future forward for the Group. There are still plenty of Seniors who wish to learn computers. This has been proven with the bookings for our early lessons this year. If you are interested please give me a call on my phone, or send an email, I will ring you. Once again I feel there is a need to stress the importance of being very careful when using your digital devices in Public Areas, such as Libraries, Airports, Restaurants, in fact any public place where there is free Wifi. Make sure you have taken the proper precautions to protect your files and folders, personal details, passwords, etc.. Below are some instructions on how to turn off network discovery.

We must also be very careful on Social Media. Be very careful what you are placing in these sites. Do not tell anyone when you are going to be away from home, that is an invitation for Hackers of sites, to get information when no one will be at the premises. Be very careful about the personal information and images you display online. Images can be used by trolls for purposes never intended by yourself. Think before placing anything on Social Media. Regards Peggy

Using the scroll wheel to increase the size of text or an image. A basic tip for beginners to computers. Often when opening a page of text either in an email, online, or even a document, the text appears too small for easy reading. There is a very simple way to deal with this. Hold down the Ctrl button on the keyboard, whilst at the same time using the scroll wheel on the mouse. To reduce the size of text just reverse the scroll on the mouse. We can do the same thing with images. To just scroll thru pages of “stuff” simply use the scroll wheel without the Ctrl Button. This is so much easier and quicker than using the scroll bar on the side of the screen. Regards Peggy

The First Monthly Meeting of the year was well attended and lots of Prizes were won, the winners were (in Alphabetical order):

Glynnis K. - Joy F. - Kevin S. - Lilyann J. - Neville W. - Patricia W. - Roy G. - Sel C.

Wheel

What if I've been scammed?

If you've lost money or given personal information to a scammer, there are steps you can take straight away to limit the damage and protect yourself from further loss: If you've sent money or shared your banking or credit card details, contact your bank immediately. They may be able to stop or reverse a transaction or close your account. If you realise you’ve accidently given your personal information to a scammer, visit IDCARE, Australia’s not-for-profit national identity and cyber support service. IDCARE can support you through the process and develop a specific response plan to your situation. As scammers are often based overseas, it is extremely difficult to track them down or act against them. So, take the time to warn your friends and family about these scams.

Wine is constant proof that God Loves us and wants us to be Happy ~Ben Franklin

Don’t take Life too seriously, you’ll never get out of it alive.

~Elbert Hubbard.

It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance ~Thomas Sowell

Being Safe Safer Online.

Using the same password for everything. If a hacker gets that single password you use for every login, they will have no trouble accessing your online accounts. Think of a strong, unique password every time you create a new account, especially for banking or shopping sites. One of the best ways to create (and remember) your passwords is to use passphrases. You can use the words of a song that you like, or come up with an original phrase and then shorten it, using special symbols and numbers, for example: “I love Australian red wine” could be used as “1luvoZZir3dvin0” Get a reliable password manager as an alternative, to help you remember all your unique passwords

Writing down or Texting passwords. Don’t write down your passwords – just remember them or use a password manager to help you with this task. Never send your passwords or any other sensitive information via Email, Texting or messages, There can always be someone snooping on your communications.

Ignoring Security updates. Keeping antivirus/antimalware programs up-to-date is essential to make sure your device stays protected from threats. If you don’t feel like checking for updates regularly, just enable your applications to do it automatically.

Having too many browser extensions. The more Extensions and Plugins you have in your browser, the riskier it gets. You may download an extension that aims at collecting your data or even worse – infecting your device with malware. Choose your extensions wisely – get only those that can help you with daily tasks and protect your privacy.

Not using two-step authentication. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account and is available on many account-based services, Whilst 2FA makes it extremely difficult for hackers to get into your private files and emails, many people still don’t use this security feature.

No computer password. Don’t make it easy for someone to install spyware or steal your private information. Put a Password or PIN on your Computer and lock it when you leave—even for a few minutes.

Clicking on links in strange Emails. Hacking and Malware is successful because people open Emails they receive from strangers. This is known as Phishing. The purpose of phishing Emails is to lure users into visiting fake websites. There, hackers can install malware on their victim’s device, steal passwords, credit card details, and other information.

If you don’t know or trust the source, don’t click on anything in the Email you’ve received. Using HTTP sites. HTTP in the prefix of the web address indicates that your connection is not secure, snoopers can see the data you share with that website. This is dangerous for online payments and cases when you need to provide personal information. To stay on the safe side, only browse sites that use an SSL-encrypted connection, indicated by HTTPS.

Checking your Bank account on public WiFi. Public wireless networks usually lack proper protection, leaving their users open to man-in-the-middle attacks and other ways for hackers and snoopers to get your information. When on public WiFi, such as Libraries, Airports, Hotel/Motels, Restaurants etc. Don’t check any sensitive information, especially if it’s work- or money-related

Clicking on virus warning pop-ups. When visiting certain websites, you may face pop-ups claiming to have found malware or viruses on your computer. Don’t click on them, as they will try installing malware or adware on your device.

Downloading files from sketchy sites. Downloading free pirated movies, games, and programs is one of the easiest ways to get yourself malware. Be very careful on sites you don’t trust.

No lock screen protection. With so much sensitive information residing on your phone, securing your mobile traffic should be the first thing you do. Unless you take your phone everywhere you go, without leaving it unattended, even for a tiny second, You should start by managing your security settings, Adding Lock screen protection: Either a Pattern, PIN code, or Password. If you don’t lock your screen, anyone can install malware or spyware on your phone without you noticing. Editor.

Class Venue.

Classes will be held at: Port Macquarie Library Tech

Room.

Class Information.

Visit our website at: www.portseniorspc.org.au

Click on “Classes” select a class of interest, then click on “Contact Us”

if you wish to enroll.

Class Fees.

Individual Classes: $5.00. Payable in Advance!

Refreshments.

Tea/Coffee & Biscuit

included in Class Fees.

Remember!

Wear your current Name Tag to all Classes & Monthly Meetings.

If using a Library Computer or a Group Laptop bring a USB Flash

Drive to Class.

Meeting Agenda. 9.30am - Registration & Class Bookings. 10.00am - Meeting Starts & Club Business. 11.00am - Morning Tea & Class Bookings. Presentation by Peggy on Up-coming Lessons 12.00pm - Meeting Ends.

Entry Fees. Members: $2.00. - Visitors: $5.00. Tea/Coffee & Biscuit provided free. Seats MUST be booked to attend.

Next Monthly Meeting at Port Macquarie Library Meeting Room on 25th. March. 2019.

March. 2019 Computer Classes. 7/3 Thur. 9.30am - 12.00pm Win10 Security System. Peggy 14/3 Thur. 9.30am - 12.00pm Computer Maintenance. Peggy 21/3 Thur. 9.30am - 12.00pm Computer Basics, USB’s, Zip Folders, and more ………….Lesson 1. Peggy 28/3 Thur. 9.30am - 12.00pm M/S Photo Program ………...Lesson 1. Peggy

April.2019 Computer Classes. 4/4 Thur. 9.30am - 12.00pm M/S Photo Program ………...Lesson 2. Peggy 11/4 Thur. 9.30am - 12.00pm Win 10 Security System. Peggy

Dating and romance scams.

How the scam works. Dating and romance scammers create fake profiles on legitimate dating websites, mobile apps or social media platforms, like Facebook, using photos and identities often stolen from other people. They use these profiles to try to enter into a relationship with you that can run for months or even years, just so they can get a hold of your money. The scammer will ask for money to help with illness, injury, travel costs or a family crisis. They are heartless and will lie to you to take advantage of your better nature. Scammers will usually be overseas and have an excuse for why they are there, such as being on military service, working as an engineer or caring for a friend or relative. They are never who they say they are, and some cunning scammers may even send small gifts. This is only part of their grand plan to get even more money out of you later. Protect yourself.

Never send money or give your personal details to someone you have only met online. Watch out if an online admirer asks to communicate outside the dating website or social media platform after only a few ‘contacts’ or conversations—it could be a scammer. Do an image search of your admirer to help determine if they really are who they say they are. You can use image search services such as Google or TinEye. Be cautious when sharing intimate pictures or videos online. Printed with permission from: http://www.accc.gov.au