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Also, be aware of fake CrowdStrike fixes that are showing up:
How to identify CrowdStrike update fix scams
by Tomas Meskauskas on July 26, 2024 – PCrisk com“… It is also known that scammers are exploiting CrowdStrike’s error in the update to promote various scams. – – In other scams, they impersonate companies offering compensation for affected users to trick them into disclosing sensitive information, paying for fake services, or even providing them access to computers, which can lead to issues like computer infections, financial losses, data encryption, and negative consequences. It is important to note that Microsoft has released a legitimate fix for the error in CrowdStrike’s update.”
New Recovery Tool to help with CrowdStrike issue impacting Windows endpoints
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/intune-customer-success/new-recovery-tool-to-help-with-crowdstrike-issue-impacting/ba-p/4196959Analyzing Malicious CrowdStrike Domains: Who Is Affected and What Could Come Next
Akamai Enterprise Security Group SecOps – July 26, 2024
https://www.akamai.com/blog/security-research/2024-july-crowdstrike-bsod-domains-what-could-come-nextCrowdStrike Remediation and Guidance Hub:
https://www.crowdstrike.com/falcon-content-update-remediation-and-guidance-hub/2 users thanked author for this post.
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Fake CrowdStrike fixes target companies with malware, data wipers
By Ionut Ilascu – July 21, 2024 – Bleeping Computer“Threat actors are exploiting the massive business disruption from CrowdStrike’s glitchy update on Friday to target companies with data wipers and remote access tools. As businesses are looking for assistance to fix affected Windows hosts, researchers and government agencies have spotted an increase in phishing emails trying to take advantage of the situation.”
Hackers are already targeting users with fake CrowdStrike fixes
— here’s what we’ve seen so far
By Sead Fadilpašić – July 22, 2024 – TechRadar“Companies suffering from the CrowdStrike patching fiasco should be careful with their emails , as cybercriminals are taking advantage of the situation to push malware, experts have warned. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning concerning an ongoing phishing campaign, telling users to “avoid clicking on phishing emails or suspicious links.” CISA says it has already observed multiple campaigns in which crooks either impersonated CrowdStrike, or presented themselves as IT pros capable of quickly fixing the problem.”
1 user thanked author for this post.
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cyberSAR please do not leave AskWoody because your input is greatly appreciated.
4 users thanked author for this post.
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Found another Linux Quiz. This one is a very short 6 multiple choice questions, so that means that there is absolutely No Excuse for not taking this fun quiz.
The Mint Side of Linux: Quiz
By Ankush Das – 01 July 2024“Linux Mint has an interesting history. Take this quiz to find out a little more about it. Linux Mint is one of the most loved Ubuntu-based Linux distributions. Have you used it? What do you know about it? Take this quiz to find out: The Mint Side of Linux – Are you a Linux Mint fan? Test your knowledge about it with questions that cover its history, features, and some playful trivia.”
Only 6 questions in this very short quiz. I missed one concerning history. I consider these quizzes to be an easy and fun learning experience. How about you?
https://itsfoss.com/quiz/mint-linux-quiz/1 user thanked author for this post.
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It’s all downhill since 2013.
PCWorld Exits Print, and the Era of Computer Magazines Ends
The last of the big general-interest PC magazines is no longer a magazine.
– By Harry McCracken – July 11, 2013
Optional additional sub-title to consider:
PC World Digital is now a full fledged advertisement dispenser (?)“After slightly more than thirty years in print, PCWorld magazine is ceasing publication, effective with the current issue, to focus on its website and digital editions. … The web has been awfully hard on magazines, and no category has suffered more than computer publications. Both readers and advertisers have largely moved online. Many of them did so years ago — especially the sort of tech-savvy people who once read PC magazines. At the end, PCWorld was about a quarter the size it once was in terms of pages and had lost two-thirds of its readership. I don’t even want to think about what had happened to its profits.”
Follow the money, it looks like advertisements keep them going.
PCWorld Digital Magazine FAQs3 users thanked author for this post.
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Just sharing some Amazon Sign in Help information for reference:
Amazon sign in assistance phone numbers:
USA = 1-800-388-5512
International (charges may apply) = 1-206-577-1364Picture below may be helpful, and here are links:
Amazon Account & Login Issues – What can we help you with?
Amazon Why Can’t I Log into My Account?
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As for Edge, even if you don’t normally use it (at least not intentionally), it’s still worth going through and reviewing all the settings, to turn off things that aren’t needed.
Yes, excellent advice, and one easy way to control Edge is with the free O&O ShutUp10++ program, along with a lot of other Windows items that can be controlled also. But definitely take the time needed to thoroughly go through all the Edge Settings just so you know what is involved with using the Microsoft Edge browser, and we should spend the time necessary to check all our other browsers settings also.
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Firefox is my Default Browser, and instead of using Edge, I use the Brave browser that is Chromium based with some extra privacy shields. Both use Disconnect, Privacy Badger, and uBlock Origin without any complications that I notice.
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After you are up and running I would consider using:
O&O Shutup10++
a useful tweaking tool for both Windows 10 and 11.There is an informative 6:30 minute YouTube video dated April 24, 2024 that reviews, shows, explains, and offers good “how to use” instructions for making system changes to things such as: Privacy, Edge, Windows Settings, Copilot, File Explorer, Lock Screen, Taskbar, Security, Windows Update, Microsoft Defender and more.
Less than 7 minutes and very good info.Tweak and Debloat Your Windows 10 or 11 Computer Settings for Free with O&O ShutUp10++
Follow AskWoody O&O Shutup 10 Updated Topic here:
https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/oo-shutup-10-updated/1 user thanked author for this post.
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Note that others have posted about this also, thank you Alex 5723.
I am just adding here for Linux, because I posted above info.Public Service Announcement concerning Kaspersky company:
Biden administration to ban Russian company’s antivirus software
By Gaby Del Valle – June 20, 2024 – The Verge“The Biden administration is announcing plans to ban the sale of Kaspersky Lab’s antivirus software in the United States due to national security concerns, Reuters reports. Sources told Reuters that Kaspersky’s close ties to the Russian government pose a national security risk, potentially letting the company — and the Russian government — steal sensitive information from, install malware on, or withhold updates from Americans’ computers.”
Concerning those of us that use Linux, and especially Linux Mint,
here are some resource links to allay our fears of viruses on Linux:The Easy Linux Tips Project has an article updated June 1st, 2024:
Security in Linux Mint and Ubuntu: an Explanation and Some Tips
“Don’t install antivirus (yes, really!). Antivirus Software and Rootkit Removers: Both Unnecessary and Harmful”Linux Mint Forums have a discussion on Anti Virus
where most of the consensus is that Linux antivirus in not needed.
The first link there has worthwhile links to review to help decide.
Do I need to run an antivirus application on Linux Mint?Our ZD Net author Jack Wallen has this to say about Linux AV:
Do you need antivirus on Linux?
Answer: No. – Feb. 19, 20243 users thanked author for this post.
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The Kent State University Libraries website has a decent list of alternatives for Adobe products. – Last Updated: March 7, 2024
Free Apps & Software: Adobe Alternatives
“Here is a list of free alternatives to Adobe software for Windows and Mac. Use these and save a bundle!”
Photoshop alternative: GIMP
Photoshop alternative: Paint.NET
Flash alternative: Synfig Studio
Illustrator alternative: Inkscape
InDesign alternative: Scribus
After Effects alternative: Jahshaka
Encore DVD alternative: DVDStyler
Soundbooth alternative: Audacity
Premiere Pro alternative: OpenShot Video Editor
The website has links for information and downloads.2 users thanked author for this post.
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May 19, 2024 – – EarthSky.org asks:
Will solar flares destroy modern civilization?“David Wallace has been a longtime member of the PES Transformers Committee, whose job is to develop and update standards and guidelines for electrical transformers and associated components used within electric power systems around the world. He’s currently a professor of electrical engineering – and manager of the High Voltage Laboratory – at Mississippi State University. Dr. Wallace talks with EarthSky’s founder Deborah Byrd about the many studies done – and steps taken – to protect Earth’s power grids in the event of large solar flares and accompanying geomagnetic storms. Will these storms destroy modern civilization?”
Engaging and informative interview discussion and includes a 12:29 minute YouTube video titled – Will Solar Flares DESTROY Civilization? – Kathy Stevens to keep us informed. Thank you Kathy for keeping us updated.
3 users thanked author for this post.
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