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How can I prevent companies like Facebook, Google, and my ISP from spying on me?

April 3, 2017/in Computer Security /by The Tech Zen

You may soon have little control over your browsing history and how it is shared. If that statement makes you a little nervous, it should. However, there may be some ways you can prevent certain companies from spying on you. So, what exactly is all this talk about your browsing data and […]

Do I need Antivirus / Anti-malware on my Mac?

May 25, 2016/in Uncategorized /by The Tech Zen

One of the major benefits to using a Mac was that it was pretty much immune to virus infection, this is due to the rock-solid UNIX foundation that the operating system is built on. However, now that the number of Mac users have increased over the years, there have been more attempts to infect Mac […]

How can I prevent companies like Facebook, Google, and my ISP from spying on me?

April 3, 2017/in Computer Security /by The Tech Zen

Do I need Antivirus / Anti-malware on my Mac?

May 25, 2016/in Uncategorized /by The Tech Zen

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How can I prevent companies like Facebook, Google, and my ISP from spying on me?

April 3, 2017/in Computer Security /by The Tech Zen

So, what exactly is all this talk about your browsing data and information becoming available to the highest bidder? Here’s a little back story…

In the final days of the Obama administration, the FCC approved privacy protections that would’ve required internet service providers to get your permission before collecting and sharing your web browsing history, geo-location, and app usage.

This past Tuesday, before these rules even had the chance to go into effect, the House of Representatives voted to repeal them. In a world where more and more devices are being connected to the internet, this would’ve been a safeguard against companies making money from your searches.

Today, sites like Google and Facebook use cookies to target ads based on your recent web searches. The cookies track what you’ve been searching and then advertise those things on other websites you visit. Cookies aren’t necessarily a bad thing and you can block them. Keep in mind, blocking them may cause some sites from displaying the data correctly.

While there are some companies such as, Privacy Badger, that will prevent advertisers form tracking your web search activity, but they do not stop your internet provider from doing so. Other tools like browsing using the “incognito” mode or in “private” mode will prevent the browser from storing your information, but once again, your internet service provider still has this information.

So, what options do you have?

Well, you can use a VPN, Virtual Private Network. A VPN will protect your activity, even from your internet provider. As with anything, ensure you do your research. Some VPNs claim to protect your information but their privacy policies allow them to track and sell your data to advertisers. This is especially true with free VPNs.

With all this talk in the news about internet security, it makes it even easier for free VPNs to prey on innocent consumers. It’s crucial to do your due diligence and read privacy agreements carefully. If you have a professional you use for your internet and computer needs, it may be a good idea to speak to them about options that may be right for you.

The Tech Zen performs IT services for residential and small business clients through-out South Florida. If you feel you may have been compromised or want to see that you are protected with proper antivirus software and backup solution contact us for a free phone consultation.

Do I need Antivirus / Anti-malware on my Mac?

May 25, 2016/in Uncategorized /by The Tech Zen

While Microsoft Windows users complain about receiving automatic updates, this actually helps prevent security issues. Mac users have to go to the app store and initiate the next update. A lot of users tend to not do this right away, leaving them vulnerable to various exploits, such as browser hijacks, ransomware, and performance issues.

Macs will not typically get a virus or malware infection without a user initiating a file, such as one found through a torrent site while downloading movies, music, or software. Other examples include opening an e-mail attachment from someone that you do not know or by installing software that you think is helping you optimize your Mac. In reality you are leaving it open to track your searches and display ads or pop-ups trying to get you to purchase something to remove these pop-ups.

The benefit of Antivirus / Anti-malware software is that it prevents some of these downloads from happening. Some of these programs will install an add-on for your browser that displays when a search result appears to be a website, thus resulting in an infection. At an average price of about $39 – $49 per year, which typically covers multiple computers, it doesn’t hurt you to have that added level of protection.

Top Tips to Prevent an infection:

Always check for updates (both Apple system updates and the App Store).
Have multiple backup solutions (Cloud based and local backup)
We highly recommend Carbonite as a cloud backup solution, plans start at $59 per year.
Keep your browsers up to date (if you use Chrome or Firefox make sure you update them as well.)
Get an antivirus / antimalware software such as Webroot which will add an extension to your browser and alert you when you come across a search result that could be a risk to your mac.

If you haven’t had your computer checked out in a while and unsure about doing all the updates yourself, we can assist. We offer onsite solutions for your home or business as well as a free phone consultation.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

How can I prevent companies like Facebook, Google, and my ISP from spying on me?

Do I need Antivirus / Anti-malware on my Mac?

How can I prevent companies like Facebook, Google, and my ISP from spying on me?

Do I need Antivirus / Anti-malware on my Mac?

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How can I prevent companies like Facebook, Google, and my ISP from spying on me?

Do I need Antivirus / Anti-malware on my Mac?

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