November 21, 2012

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Discounts 2012

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Discounts 2012

Like most companies around this time of year, we’re offering some fantastic savings on our product. This year, our Black Friday/Cyber Monday special is 50% off of any new StopSign Internet security membership.

This offer is only good from 11/21/12 to 11/27/12, so be sure to become a StopSign member or sign up a loved one to keep their Windows computer safe and secure in 2013!

Have a question about our Black Friday/Cyber Monday software special, or just to call our Sales team instead of signing up online? Give us a call at 800-786-7744.

If you're looking for great anti-virus software that won't break the bank, try StopSign. You don't pay extra for tech support for difficult malware, and our web protection software just works. Download & install StopSign to find out why our members choose us over the other options.

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November 15, 2012

Senior Citizen Guide To Avoiding Internet Scams

Senior Citizen Guide To Avoiding Internet Scams

Senior citizens are a vital community in modern society, but unfortunately they’re often targeted by Internet scam artists looking to make a quick buck. In fact, the Attorney General of Washington state did some research on senior fraud and discovered the following statistic from AARP:

Consumers lose billions of dollars each year to fraud. People over age 50 are especially vulnerable and account for over half of all victims…

That’s a staggering number, and a clarion call for seniors to be proactive in their own defense against fraudsters who would scam them out of their hard earned money.

With a few simple precautions, computing seniors can defend themselves against scams and fraud. And while there’s no end to how many different ways there are to try to bilk someone out of their hard-earned money, these tips can help knock out some of the most common scams.

  • Be Sure To Be Secure Senior citizens are an ever-growing segment of online shoppers, and with many Internet retailers offering discounted or free shipping, it’s no wonder. But fake websites and non-secure shopping can put a damper on anyone’s day. Learn how to tell if you’re shopping on a legitimate website to avoid trouble online. It’s not just shoddy workmanship we have to watch out for when we buy things sight-unseen online, it’s convincing websites that look like the real deal but are secretly swiping your credit card numbers and personal information.
  • Learn How To Avoid Credit Card Scams Keeping a low balance on your credit cards is a great idea, but it’s also a dream come true for fraudsters. Be wise with how you use them and use these tips on avoiding credit card scams. Check your balances monthly, question purchases that you don’t remember, and always be sure to only shop on sites you can trust, like Amazon.com.
  • Your Password Is Your Armor A strong password is your first line of defense against anyone looking to hack into your accounts. And while no password is 100% fool-proof, it’s better to err on the side of caution and use a password that’s much harder to break than using the old standbys like “password”, “iloveyou”, or “asdf1234”. (If you use any of those, change them now) Passwords don’t have to be a big pain in the rear. In fact, with only a few modifications you can make a better, stronger password in minutes.
  • If it sounds too good to be true… We’ve all heard this since we were little, but it’s easy to forget. And somehow, online scammers seem to know how to word things just right to make their scheme seem legitimate. If you do think a good deal has dropped into your lap, do a little research on the company first and make sure that there aren’t any complaints from the BBB, your state Attorney General’s office, or on review sites like Yelp and Consumer Reports.

We could go on and on about fraud prevention and online security, but the tips noted above are a great start for any senior citizen looking to protect themselves from Internet scams. Do you have any additional tips that we may have missed? Leave us a comment below and share your thoughts with the rest of us.

Additional resources for seniors:

Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/knightfoundation/6242015486/

If you're looking for great anti-virus software that won't break the bank, try StopSign. You don't pay extra for tech support for difficult malware, and our web protection software just works. Download & install StopSign to find out why our members choose us over the other options.

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October 16, 2012

StopSign Reviews: Internet Usage Contracts For Kids, Teens & Parents

StopSign Reviews: Internet Usage Contracts For Kids, Teens & Parents

In the first post of our StopSign Reviews series, we’ll be taking a look at preemptive Internet safety tactics through the use of Internet Usage Contracts for parents and their children.

A growing trend among modern families is the signing of a contract between parents and children for a variety of topics. We know of parents successfully using contracts with their kids for guiding appropriate behavior, regulating television &/or electronic device use, and of course for tech-related topics such as cellphone usage and dealing with cyber-bullying. But the broader topic of Internet usage potentially has more snags in it due to the unknown, unsavory elements of the web, which are often combined with phones and bullies.

In general, we find that the use of a contract between parent and child is a good starting point, so long as all parties involved are committed to following through with the terms of the contract. Potential lapses in moderation by a parent or inappropriate use by a child are a concern, but if the family is serious about Internet safety then these lapses should be rare if not completely absent.

There are many different options when it comes to a usage contract, and there’s no one right solution. Your best bet is to do a search for Internet usage contracts and find something that works for your family. We’ve found a handful online to help get you started, but if you don’t find one you like you can always mix-and-match sections and create your own version. I’ve even found combination contracts that discuss phone and electronic equipment use, but the ones below focus solely on the Internet.

Each of the contracts have their own focus, but most have sections discussing how inappropriate Internet usage will be handled, acknowledging terms and conditions of Internet access (by signature or by writing down specifics), clear emphasis on keeping personally identifiable information private (name, school, address, pictures, etc.), and setting clear expectations on the part of the parent(s) and child(ren).

Any of the internet usage contracts should work for you and your kids to get the ball rolling. The most important thing is to open the dialog with your children, set expectations, discuss the reality of the not-so-nice side of the Internet, and be sure that your kids know who to turn to if/when they encounter a problem. Communication is a must when talking about promoting the appropriate use of the web whether your children are playing or studying online.

Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/emerycophoto/6196550031

If you're looking for great anti-virus software that won't break the bank, try StopSign. You don't pay extra for tech support for difficult malware, and our web protection software just works. Download & install StopSign to find out why our members choose us over the other options.

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October 5, 2012

Online Safety Tips For Parents Of School-Age Children

Online Safety Tips For Parents Of School-Age Children

When I was a kid, I could ride my bike all over our neighborhood and play outside all day long without seeing or talking to my parents. These days, most parents keep a much closer eye on their kids due to the rise of unsavory characters harming kids. The same thing goes for the Internet; in 1993 most people were still discovering what the “web” was and there wasn’t much cause for concern. But today, the topic of online safety is everywhere and the evening news stories about online predators have most parents keeping a tight rein on what their kids do and see online.

And no wonder. According to the FBI, 1 in 3 kids has been exposed to unwanted sexual material, 1 in 7 have received unwanted sexual solicitations, and 1 in 11 children have been bullied online. (Source) With those kinds of numbers, it’s imperative that we help protect our children at every possible level. A daunting task, to be sure, but one which is just as important as seat belts in cars and wearing bike helmets.

I’d be lying if I said that we, as parents, could protect our children from every conceivable manner of predatory interaction. But the more we know, the more we can do, and action is the key to preventing our kids from being exposed to the wrong kind of people and pages on the Internet. To help you out, we’ve rounded up a handful of ideas that will keep your kids safety and security at the forefront of any visit they make to the web.

  • Don’t give out personal information — It’s very easy to take a few pieces of information and determine where someone lives, works, or goes to learn. Remind your children that any personally identifiable information like their last name, address, email, phone number, or school name are things they should keep to themselves. Putting any of that information online puts them at risk for predators.
  • Sending pictures and videos are by permission only — Stress to your kids that sending pictures or videos of themselves to anyone online, even friends and family, should only be done with your permission. It’s not just online predators who are a problem. Cyber-bullies often pose as a friend at first to gain their victims trust, then use what they find against them.
  • Let your kids know it’s OK to come to you — If your child feels uncomfortable with something he or she finds online, let them know it’s OK for them to talk to you about it. Pictures, video, text… there are all sorts of things that could make your kids feel uneasy.
  • Nix any meetup plans — One of the biggest worries we have as parents is an abducted child. Talk openly and honestly to your children about the dangers of meeting a “friend” they met on the Internet in the real world.
  • It’s OK to not chat back — If your child receives an email, a text, and instant message, or any other communication from someone they don’t know, make sure he or she understands that they do not have to answer back. It’s not rude; it’s a safety issue. This should also extend to immediately stopping a conversation as soon as they feel uncomfortable.

This blog post isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list of things you can do to help keep your kids safe on the Internet. Rather, it’s a starting point for action and discussion. The best things you can teach your child about staying safe online is to be aware of the dangers, keep sensitive data secure, and provide a safe haven for them to talk you about what they find online.

Many great websites and articles are posted online regarding Internet safety for parents, kids, teachers, and beyond. Here are some additional resources to help you keep your kids protected:

We’d love to hear more from you on how you help keep your kids safe online. What tips do you have for kids and parents who are looking to stay safe? Leave your comments below to share your thoughts.

Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/56155476@N08/6660141777/

If you're looking for great anti-virus software that won't break the bank, try StopSign. You don't pay extra for tech support for difficult malware, and our web protection software just works. Download & install StopSign to find out why our members choose us over the other options.

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June 26, 2012

Home Safety And Social Media

Home Safety And Social Media

I like to think of myself as pretty savvy when it comes to online safety and security, but this post is all about how even the most “wired” people can slip up and expose themselves to the dark side of social media.

When a family member passed away, I used my various social media accounts as an outlet to relieve some of the tension that surrounds an event like this. Facebook, in particular, was a great platform for me to let it all out, and in turn, to hear from friends and family and share stories. I keep my Facebook locked down pretty tight, only letting in actual real-life friends, family members, etc. I’m always checking my privacy settings and tweaking things as necessary, too, so I wasn’t really worried about letting too much information out there since I wouldn’t “Friend” anyone on Facebook if I didn’t know and/or trust them. I do the same thing on my other social media accounts, too, but it’s really only on Facebook where I delve into more personal things with any regularity.

The funny thing about online safety and security, especially regarding social media, is that it’s often the setup of your account that can get you in trouble, not necessarily the details of the message you’re sending out.

On the day of the funeral I posted that I was going, and I even listed what time it was. It seemed pretty innocuous when I posted it, but minutes later a friend messaged me, suggesting that I have someone we trust watch where we live while we’re gone, because there are groups of people who target funeral goers and rob their homes while they’re away for a few hours. She even knows of people who this actually happened to, so her message hits a little closer to home.

That didn’t even occur to me! Here I think I’m Mr. Safety, and someone else points out a security issue to me. In the immortal words of Homer Simpson… D’oh! Granted, I had a lot on my mind, but still… It just helps reinforce that no matter how prepared you are, there’s always a new tip or trick to learn that will help keep things safe and secure, and can come from anywhere and from anyone.

Well I quickly scrambled to find a trusted person to keep an eye on the place, and I’m happy to say that we came back to an unsullied home.

I’ve put together a list of events and activities that could possibly be exploited if you make your plans public. I figured a good bakers dozen would be a fine start, but this is definitely not an exhaustive list.

  • Vacations
  • Weddings
  • Births
  • Funerals
  • Graduations
  • Birthdays
  • Grocery stores
  • Shopping
  • Family visits
  • After-work events
  • Movies
  • Theater performances
  • Concerts

The long and the short of it is that you’d be a lot safer holding off on any pre-event social media messages. Wait until it’s over and then make a post if you want. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

If you have any similar stories, or if you can think of a few events or activities that people might want to watch out for when posting, please let us know in the comments below.

Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/that_chrysler_guy/7351043440/

If you're looking for great anti-virus software that won't break the bank, try StopSign. You don't pay extra for tech support for difficult malware, and our web protection software just works. Download & install StopSign to find out why our members choose us over the other options.

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January 3, 2012

Tech-Related Resolutions For 2012

Tech-Related Resolutions For 2012

A new year brings new opportunity for us all to change our old habits for new ones. Take me, for example. I’ve set up a few resolutions for myself that include getting healthier, spending more time with my family, and learning a new programming language. Maybe you want to dedicate more time to a hobby, or finish up that project car that’s been sitting in your driveway since 1998. 🙂

New Year resolutions are kind of a laugh to most people, because we all know that as humans, we’re loathe to change on our own. We all get used to doing things a certain way unless life kicks us in the behind to do something about it. But this year, you and I can make a positive change before something bad happens.

I’ve got 3 super simple things you can do to make the technology-related side of your life better. Each of these will either save your life (seriously), save you from embarrassment &/or identity theft, and save you from the wrath of a loved one for losing important files… like wedding photos, etc. Read on:

  1. Resolve to be safe with technology

    Some of you probably laughed when I said a tech-related resolution could save your life, but this really could: Use your tech and gadgets only when appropriate. I’m looking right at you, car texters. But it goes beyond texting while driving. Stop messing with your GPS devices, using your cell phone without a hands-free device, and even fiddling with your stereo settings while driving. A click here or there to change a station or re-route your GPS is one thing, but I’ve seen a lot of people concentrating more on the gadgets than the road. Don’t be the one who becomes a statistic!

  2. Resolve to change your passwords

    This will be, by far, the easiest and best thing your can accomplish in this resolution list. For every service you use, whether a bank, Facebook, or Amazon.com, change the password. You and I both know that it’s been a while. Maybe not for every login you have, but if you’re like most people then many (or even most) of the services you use haven’t seen a password update since you first signed up.

  3. Resolve to back up your important files

    With services like Dropbox, making backups of important files like your digital photos is easier than ever. And if you’re worried about putting sensitive data in the cloud then do what I did: Buy yourself an external USB hard drive and back them up there. Even if all you did was a straight copy and paste from your desktop or laptop to your external drive, you’d have the peace of mind that your files are safe. I have a friend who lost all of his wedding photos because of a hard disk crash, and let’s just say it wasn’t pretty to hear about the wrath of his lovely wife.

I sincerely hope you take those 3 simple changes to heart. You’ll find that they aren’t tough to do, and you’ll be a lot safer in the long run by doing them. Here’s hoping you and your loved ones enjoy a happy, safe, and technology filled 2012!

Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/creative_stock/6603724951/

If you're looking for great anti-virus software that won't break the bank, try StopSign. You don't pay extra for tech support for difficult malware, and our web protection software just works. Download & install StopSign to find out why our members choose us over the other options.

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