Protect Yourself from the HeartBleed Bug

The big internet news is the HeartBleed bug that isn't on your computer but a security risk found on some websites that use a certain type of encryption called OpenSSL. As I suggested last week, you might want to change your passwords on the websites you use, especially if you use the same password for many of your sites (that is a NO-NO!). But which sites are still affected? Are your passwords still at risk? Hopefully, I can help you with some of these issues to give you a little peace of mind.

So, how do you know if the website you are visiting used the OpenSSL or has updated their security? Browser helpers called extensions are now popping up to alert you to websites that have not updated. For the Chrome browser you can ChromeBleed extension and with the FireFox browser, you can get the HeartBleed Checker or the FoxBleed Add-on. As of this writing, Internet Explorer and Safari have yet to have an add-on, so I encourage you to consider using a browser with the extension for a little while.

Of course, changing your password on a site that hasn't updated their security means your information is still vulnerable. There may be situations where you just wish to remove your information. That may not be as easy as you think. Sometimes you may have to search and search a website trying to find out how to remove your information. Just Delete Me is a directory that gives you removal information on a wide range of websites just in case you cannot find out where to delete your account. At the very least, change the password to something unique to that website only so your sign in information on other websites is not at risk.

The last thing is something I have already blogged about in the past. Many people have the browser save their passwords but there are some issues related to this. If your computer dies or the hard drive fails, you are out of luck and all your passwords are gone, as in totally GONE! Then there is the security issue. If someone has access to your computer, they have access to ALL your passwords in a couple of clicks. You can also choose to write down your passwords (which isn't a bad thing if you can lock it up to protect it from theft) but if there is a fire, your book may not be available when you need it most. Also, weeding through hundreds of passwords can be time consuming in a book. I recommend using a software program like Last Pass, Password Genie, SplashID or many of the other password management options that are available these days. With hundreds of websites and all of them with different passwords, a manager is a must. It also encrypts and saves your information so it can be accessed with ONE, hopefully very strong, master password from any computer. If you are concerned about the security of a password manager, the companies can't open your password data.☺

Google: Now you know!

Google has released clear information on how to perform better in search engines. Provide useful, legitimate content! This update is called the " Helpful Content Update " and it is clear that original, informative information is king. A new sitewide ranking system is being added which awards people with good quality content. Now, this isn't really new, but it clarifies that your ranking can be impacted and if you are a subject matter expert in your field or business, make it shine! Utilize your website as informational, not just a short brochure or a business card. Show your knowledge and experience and make it work for your organically.

Typing Exercises

You took typing but need to increase your typing speed? Job interview or just because? Typing has become critical in this computer based world, not only from the workplace but also resumes and communication now rely on the keyboard instead of pen and paper. I took typing in high school before corrective ribbons were on the electronic typewriters. I was lucky to get to 15 WPM, and that was on a very good day. My typing teacher was awesome. It really wasn't her fault that I just was not that coordinated and often made mistakes reducing my numbers to single digits. Fast forward to today, I teach Microsoft Office and often encourage my students to start or refresh their typing skills by increasing their speed. The website I use for "learning to type" is typingclub.com where you can easily learn the basics to more advanced techniques. Yes there are advertisements although you can pay for an ad-free premium. I don't benefit from this suggestion, but found the 684 lessons

Washable Computer Keyboards

There is almost always a cup of coffee on my desk. Yes, ALWAYS. But there is a risk. Once a keyboard is wet, it is a gonner.. toast, terminated. When my daughter was much younger, in elementary school, she was home after school and wanted to help clean house so she took my proprietary keyboard from my Amstrad 8086 Dual Floppy computer (now a museum piece). and washed it. As in, put it in a sink of soapy dish water and washed it. It was very expensive to replace the micro-controller for that keyboard let me tell you! Well, it isn't really new but there are some washable keyboards on the market now. Logitech has a the scrubbable, submersible, spill-proof, K310 Keyboard that has pretty good reviews. Kensington K64407US Pro also has a washable keyboard with anti-microbial protection for a little bit less money. There are also washable mice but those are usually covered in silicone which I personally would prefer to not hold onto throughout the day. I did find the Seal Sh

The Mouse Click (Formerly Daily Mouse Clicks)

Search This Blog