How to protect your PayPal account with two-step verification (2SV)

By -- 2016-05-9 in Blog


We have previously featured two-step verification for your Google and Yahoo! accounts. In this new article we are providing step-by-step instructions on how to apply this security feature to your PayPal account as well.

This, more so than the other two, might be even more important as it usually directly links to your credit card and bank account information.

While there are many, many risks to your email accounts (and especially Google as there are some pay functions that Google links to), nothing is more risky than allowing hackers to easily get their hands on your banking information.

So follow the steps provided and ensure that your PayPal accounts are safe from outside attacks! Still confused or need extra help? Contact our experts directly at info@optfinity.com and we’ll gladly assist in any way we can!

Vulnerability allows real-time tracking of 50 million Waze navigation app users

By -- 2016-05-3 in Blog


A vulnerability recently discovered could allow hackers to track your real time movements while using the navigation app known as Waze. It is a community-based traffic and navigation app that is available on most smart phones.

While the plus side is it allows drivers to share traffic and road information with one another, the downside is your current location can be tracked.

With some reverse engineering of the app’s communication protocols once the hacker has intercepted the communication between a user’s phone and Waze’s servers, they can issue commands directly to Waze’s servers. They then can create fake traffic jams to reroute users or monitor their every move.

Good news is you’re only vulnerable while you’re in your vehicle and actively running the app on your phone. As a precaution, you may want to consider setting your app to invisible mode so your phone is not broadcasting its information to the app.

This will need to be done every time you turn on your phone. It’s recommended that you disable location-sharing on all mobile devices to prevent these types of hacks.

How to protect your Yahoo! account with two-step verification (2SV)

By -- 2016-04-27 in Blog


You’re all familiar with sites that require you to log in with a username and password, then require you to enter a separate code that they send to a registered cell or email address. Did you know that you can set that up yourself to protect your Yahoo! Account? We previously taught you how to protect your Google accounts such as YouTube, Gmail, and Google Docs. It’s easy, just follow the steps in this article and never worry about someone hacking your Google accounts.

Confused or not sure you’ve done it right? Contact our engineers at Optfinity and we can ensure you and you’re devices are always kept safe and secure. Already a client? Then you’re already taken care of!

How to avoid sharing your location on Facebook and Twitter

By -- 2016-04-22 in Blog

Did you know that Facebook and Twitter have geolocators which can tell people where you are, when you’re there, and where you’ve been? For many, this is an amazing feature and makes tagging your recent vacation photos a breeze. But for some unlucky few, its makes them targets for mischief and sometimes even crime.

By leaving your geotagging on, it can be akin to a big sign on your home advertising to criminals that no one is home, inviting them to break-in.

There are ways to disable this feature for Facebook and Twitter, both for all posts, or just specifically on a post-by-post case.

Also, while we as adults may find this to be just another scare tactic, this might be very dangerous for your child as every post may tell a criminal just where your child is at all times. Read the article for details on how to maintain peace of mind in the event that these problems pose a risk to your well-being.

And if you have more questions or concerns or are still not 100% sure you’ve got yourself covered, contact the experts here at Optfinity and we’ll be glad to assist you with your devices and tweets.

PC Troubleshooting Tips: Why is My PC Crashing?

By -- 2016-04-4 in OptfinITy News

So you’re working hard throughout the day when all of a sudden your computer screen goes blank, turns blue, or just shuts down altogether. If this problem is becoming more frequent than you’d like, consider these 5 tips from this article before going out and buying a new computer.

1) Corrupted System Registry Files: The best way to rule this possibility in or out is by running a Windows registry cleaning program. Such programs scan your Windows registry for problems then automatically make repairs.

2) Disorganized Files: By running a defragmentation once every few months, you may be able to keep those pesky computer crashes at bay.

3) Malicious Software: Download and run malware or adware programs which regularly scan your computer for the presence of these problems and also guard against them. There are many free versions, so consider these before paying for one.

4) Too Little Available Memory: If it appears that your available memory is low, you can use a PC cleanup program to remove unnecessary files; such programs remove things like temporary Internet files and other file debris that can suck away much-needed memory.

5) Overheating: Sometimes, the fan on your computer wears down and doesn’t work as efficiently; other times, it’s just not able to handle the work that your computer has to do. In either case, buying a bigger, better fan isn’t very expensive.

If you’ve gone through all these tips and your computer is still crashing, it may be time for a new computer. Don’t forget that, just like your car, regular care and maintenance from the beginning will help prolong the health and life of your tech gadgets. So don’t wait till there’s a problem before you do many of these tips. Contact us here at Optfinity if you need more advice, are still experiencing problems, want help on buying new gadgets, or just want a free assessment.

P.s. Don’t forget to periodically save your work throughout the day so that you don’t lose all your work in the event of a crash.

Malware Steals Credit Card Info and Targets Certain Banking Apps

By -- 2016-03-23 in Blog

Most of us have our banking institution’s app downloaded onto our mobile phones, tablets, and other devices in order to simplify our banking experience and lesson our time in the branch or at an ATM. But did you know that these apps might be the cause of someone stealing your personal information?

Our friends at the Dell SonicWall Threats Research Team have discovered a malware attached to some banking apps that gets downloaded to your device along with the banking app. Once infected, this malicious app can steal your credit card and banking account information.

Read the full article for examples, pictures, screenshots, and more details on what to look out for and how to protect yourself.

Thankfully, only certain banking institutions are affected for the moment, and the Research Team has listed them in their article; however, this does not mean to sit on your laurels if your bank is not on the list. Keep a wary eye out anytime you’re downloading apps and be sure you know what you’re saying “yes” to.

If you or your company have found yourselves to be victims of these attacks or you would like to protect your work-related equipment, contact us right away. All of our clients are safe and protected with our services and experts at the ready.

The Ten Dumbest Things People Do to Mess Up Their Computer

By -- 2016-03-18 in Blog

Many of us think we are experts when it comes to the wellbeing and care of our most important electronic device, your computer or laptop. Most of us don’t just get a pet, have a child, or take care of another living being without getting some advice or reading up to ensure we’re doing everything we can to ensure their safety. Why should your laptop or computer be treated any differently?

Click here for the full article and to read more about these ten deadly sins for your tech gadgets:

1. Plug into the Wall without Surge Protection

2. Surf the Internet without a Hardware Firewall and a Software Firewall

3. Turn off the Antivirus Because It Slows Down Your System

4. Install and Uninstall Lots of Programs, Especially Freeware

5. Keep Your Hard Drive Full and Fragmented

6. Open All Email Attachments

7. Click on Everything

8. Believe that Macs Don’t Get Viruses

9. Use Easy, Quick passwords

10. Don’t Bother with Backups

Test Yourself

For fun, take the true or false test below and then read the article and see how many you have right.

“True” or “False” – Test Yourself

a. You should never open any attachment that ends in “exe” or “cmd” or “dll.”

b. Attachments ending in “doc” or “xls” or “ppt” don’t contain any executable code (see #1 above), so they are safe to open.

c. Attachments ending with “txt,” “gif,” ”jpg,” or “bmp” are safe to open.

d. You should open attachments only when they’re from someone you know.

e. You should open an attachment only when it’s from someone you know and you are expecting it.

f. You can’t open any attachment without taking some risk.

If your issue is not listed or you have other questions, give our specialists a call at (703)-790-0400 or send us an email at sales@optfinity.com.

Android Helps to Block Telemarketers

By -- 2016-02-1 in Blog

Avoiding telemarketers can be done as easily as not answering the phone but now there is an easier way. Recent models of Android smart phones come equipped with a feature to blacklist phone numbers. Older devices won’t be equipped with this feature but most of the newer models will have a similar way of blocking phone numbers. Here are three ways to block phone numbers:

Block All Incoming Calls
These steps will vary based on which device you are using but in general you will want to go open the Phone application. Then tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select Settings and choose Call. There will be the option Call Rejection, select it.

There you will be able to reject all incoming calls by selecting Auto Reject Mode. This feature is useful if you want to stop all incoming calls but there are also ways to block specific numbers too.

Block Specific Numbers
A list of numbers that your phone blocks can be found under Auto Reject Mode by selecting the + sign in the top-right corner.

An option is also available to block any unknown caller but that can stop you from getting some potentially important calls. This method is similar to a spam filter for your emails since it just helps you avoid it all together.

Blocked-Call Messages
If you’ve blocked someone’s phone number you can have your device send them a text message with whatever text you want. So when you’re too busy to answer the phone you can easily say “Sorry, I’m busy but I’ll call you back soon!” To create these messages go to Rejection Messages under the Auto Reject List