What if This Email Link Leads Me to a Virus?

What if This Email Link Leads Me to a Virus?

by | Apr 13, 2017 | Back Up Services, Managed Services, Phishing

Email Is the Most Common Vehicle for Malware

So, before you go clicking on any unknown links and have to call ITonDemand to resolve any virus or malware issues, use these tips best safety practices to protect your computer and system.

Hover, don’t click

You open an email and embedded in the text is a link to an unknown website. At this point, our instinct should be to ignore the link and move on. But, what if that link is sent from someone you know, a friend or family member who unknowingly forwards a link to the funniest joke ever, an outrageous news story or a link promising “real weight loss results.”

On some occasions, it’s almost tempting to click the link – maybe it’s a joke that promises to be the funniest one you’ve ever heard. Is clicking the link worth the risk of infecting your computer with a virus or compromising your personal data? One way is to hover over the link with your cursor – don’t click— and see if the full URL appears in the bottom left corner of a browser page. If the link appears to take you to some site you don’t want to go, don’t click on it.

Use a link scanner

In addition to the hover method, there are web-based tools and add-ons that can be used as well. One tool type you might want to use is a link scanner, a plug-in that allows you to enter the URL of a questionable link and check to see if it’s safe to click.

In a review of link scanners, PC World recommends URLVoid, a free service. However, PC World noted that a service like URLVoid cannot “properly handle” shortened URLs from web services like Bitly or TinyURL. For those shortened URLs, PC Mag recommended the service Sucuri Site Check, which automatically expands shortlinks and determines if they are safe to click. While Sucuri can be used to check the longer URLs, PC World said a service like URLVoid checks more sources, so it is more effective. For Android-based mobile phones and tablets a security app like Web of Trust (WoT). The app provides warnings against viruses, spyware and malware attacks.

Another option

Or… You could make an even better decision of going with ITonDemand’s Core service offering and let us worry about your Anti-virus protection. Not only does that include access to the expertise of the technicians on the helpdesk, but you are getting the security of knowing you have a team of professionals standing by, waiting to catch the next virus spotted in your system and eradicate it on the spot. Just think of the hassle you avoided by going with the Core service and getting security solutions set on all end points.

And of course, if you are unsure about a link, or just have a question for our team regarding a suspicious email, we’re here to help you. We’re your partner in this and we would rather you ask, than risk it.

Getting The Most Out Of Your IT Call

Getting The Most Out Of Your IT Call

by | Apr 4, 2017 | IT Security, Managed Services, Network Services, Storage Services, Upgrades & Support

We’ve all been there. Your computer or smart device, cable box, or what have you, isn’t functioning properly and you have to make that call, sometimes the dreaded call, to tech support. You know that when you make the call you’re likely to have to go through an automated system before you get to talk to a live person.

One key point to remember: You may be frustrated and that is understandable, but getting emotional does not help the situation. It will not resolve a problem any quicker and can actually slow the process down. Remember to remain calm and do your best to remain polite, and find peace in the thought that this will always be the returning response from the technician.

This can be a stressful time, especially if your startup or small business is dependent on the malfunctioning device. It’s also stressful if it’s your personal device, but dollars may not be on the line, just hair-pulling.

Before making the call you’ve agonized over what you’re going to say, even if you don’t know exactly what the problem is. Having as much data as possible to tell a tech support representative is the key to making the call (or online chat) as painless an experience as possible. Lifewire laid out some key points that are handy to have:

Details of the problem – is there an error message? What does it say?

When did the problem begin?

Have you taken any troubleshooting measures, such as turning your device off then back on?

But, in addition to those points, here at ITonDemand, we think there are a few other things to keep in mind when calling IT support.

Verify if there have been any changes to the device environment – a recent installation of hardware or software or if there has been an update.

Have device specifics handy. In other words, what is the make and model of the problem device? Knowing a serial number can also come in handy.

Did you reboot? (That’s usually a first stop in IT questions, but it’s good to know if you have already tried.)

Another thing to know is whether or not you have Internet access. Wi-Fi can go down. And sometimes it can happen while you’re in the middle of a project and you don’t realize it. Try to open a Web browser and see if an error appears.

If you do have Internet access, don’t be afraid to Google the problem while you’re on the line with tech support. You may come across something that helps the situation.

Repeat yourself. Did we say that already? At ITonDemand, we recommend providing information to tech support in the same manner you would leave a telephone number on an answering service – with pauses and slow, deliberate intonations.

Go into the conversation with the tech support rep armed with as much information as possible. That will make things go smoothly and, hopefully, quickly. And don’t be afraid to repeat the details. Be clear and concise when talking with tech support. The better the lines of communication, the quicker the service should be.