If you have FaceTime enabled you can be evesdropped on without your consent.  A user simply calls you with FaceTime and before you answer they add themselves as a caller.  They can instantly hear your phone without you knowing or having the option to stop it.  If you attempt to it may transmit video. Simple solution though is to just go to Settings / FaceTime and disable it until the patch comes out later this week. Read about it here: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/28/apple-facetime-bug-lets-you-listen-even-if-someone-doesnt-answer.html Or basically anyplace on the net right now.    

FCC chairman mocks REAL concerns shared by millions. Pushes through damaging policies that remove protections established to ensure  unobstructed access to internet resources and fair competition in the market.  Making it even easier for local monopolistic internet providers to restrict/charge or cripple the competition.  Yes, it’s that serious.  

Watchdog’s clown, er, chairman debases policymaking in the United States

Source: FCC douses America’s net neutrality in gas, tosses over a lit match

An outage at Level 3 Communications today caused many to lose their voice (communications). This effected many VoIP and other carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, etc.) because they use the network to transmit data.  Read More below: NetworkWorld – Level 3 Outage

New to Terminal?  Here are some useful shortcuts courtesy of TechRepublic. These days, more and more developers are moving to OS X. Here are 20 shortcuts to help you get work done in Terminal on your Mac. Source: 20 Terminal shortcuts developers need to know

Another flaw in the infamously buggy Internet Explorer (IE for short).  This one may let a hacker steal your credentials and more. This is no trivial thing and Microsoft is working hard to resolve it. It currently effects IE 11 on Windows 7 and 8.1 even with patches applied.  Use an alternate Browser until this is resolved (FireFox, Crome, Safari). Read More Below on ZDNet.

Universal XSS flaw in fully patched Microsoft Internet Explorer exposed | ZDNet.

This has some inaccuracies I think.  You can use Siri hands free whenever plugged in.  Just say “Hey Siri”.  It’s one of my favorite features.  It also has the slide to delete notifications.  Dictation now does show the words as you speak as well.  I would definitely like more options or widgets. What do you think? iPhone vs. Android: Which is better? – CNNMoney.

Preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse or just the next natural disaster, Lifehacker has tips on some cool apps for your smartphone that might help you survive to repopulate the earth.  LOL  Or just give you something to play with when you’re bored.

 

How to Use Your Smartphone As an Essential Part of Your Disaster Kit.

There’s an app for that.   May sound like a joke or a marketing scheme.  But, there seems to be no shortage of cool and unique apps for just about every niche. Heart problems?  Here is an app that could help Doctors screen you for atrial fibrillation.

App detects heart problems Science Alert.

 

Google Class;  A little too see thru.   Read about the poison pill found in this shiny new device.  This is before it hits the main stream.  Read More below.

Google Glass susceptible to poison-pill QR code – Network World.

As IT Professionals we see a lot of malware and phishing schemes.  Something that many people still don’t realize is that bad guys still use the phone.

I am writing this today because a good client and a very sweet lady called me.  She said that someone just called her indicating they were from Microsoft.  Said  she was riddled with viruses, walked her through downloading and installing some remote access software, then tried to get $49 from her to remove the virus!  She got suspicious, stopped just in time and called us.  We verified she had no virus.

The SCAM: Windows Computer Service Center

The caller claims to be from  California yet the calls may originate from 212-654-3212 which is a New York area code.  When asked the man with an Indian accent didn’t know the street the office is on.  Not the number, but the actual street name after a second request they hung up.

When we get calls like this (as techs) we like to take our time.  😉  How did you get my number?  Never answered.  Which computer?  They don’t know.  What version of Windows?  No clue.  How can I identify which computer?   They may tell you your CLSID is 888dca60-fc0a-11cf-8f0f-00c04fd7d062 which is NOT your computer ID it’s for a component that should be on all PCs.

A quick Google Search finds dozens of hits for this scam and it’s only one of thousands like it. This gentleman recorded a video of the scam.

This site has some more details on it: SecureList.com

Some good rules for safety and security:

• NEVER accept a support from someone you didn’t personally contact. (on the phone or in person)
• DO NOT give out private or secure information or access to your computer to ANYONE you don’t trust.
• ALWAYS call them back at their listed number.  Not a number the caller gives you.
• Google Search them or go direct to their website if you know it (Like www.idez.com) Call them back at that number.
• DO NOT assume that because you see a number on your caller ID it is a valid one.  With todays phone system you can put in any number you want for your own caller ID. So, ask to call them back! If they refuse, call someone else (Like us:  315-424-0707)

Whenever in doubt call your IT professionals.