By John W. Simek bio
1. You are the product: default settings to “steal” your privacy data
It amazes me that nobody seems to read the terms of service or the permission settings when installing software or configuring devices. In this day of instant gratification it seems as though the normal actions are click, click, click on the “I accept” button.
That seems to be what Apple is counting on too. The latest version of Mac OS X Yosemite defaults to send your location information and search query to Apple whenever you use Spotlight. You can turn it off, but the disturbing fact is that it is enabled by default. This is from a company that is encrypting the iPhone 6 with iOS 8 by default to prevent law enforcement or anybody else from accessing the data on your phone.
Keep your data private and change the default setting!
I would recommend turning off location services on ANY device. Turn it on only when you need to use an application that needs GPS data. That goes for all you Android, Windows and BlackBerry users too. The device/application vendors are making money off of you as the product by capturing your usage and location data.
Law Office Manager is pleased to welcome Sharon Nelson and John Simek of Sensei Enterprises, Inc. as presenters of our December 10 webinar, How to Protect Your Law Practice Against Costly & Destructive Cyber Attack. Register today. (If you’re a premium member, your registration is free.)
2. Current news about ebola aids cybercriminals
Ebola is a nasty thing. Cybercriminals riding on the fear of disasters is also a nasty thing. It could be finding the missing Malaysian airliner or some other current event that gets people to click on something they shouldn’t click on. The latest target for the cybercriminals is exploiting the fear surrounding the Ebola virus.
Recent infections include the installation of a keystroke logger, capturing webcam activity and other activities to access personal information. The key is education. Teach your employees to be wary of suspicious attachments and links in e-mail messages. Just because something appears to relay important information about a current event doesn’t mean you should click on the story or link.
Law Office Manager is pleased to welcome Sharon Nelson and John Simek of Sensei Enterprises, Inc. as presenters of our December 10 webinar, How to Protect Your Law Practice Against Costly & Destructive Cyber Attack. Register today. (If you’re a premium member, your registration is free.)