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What is a DDOS Attack?

Posted on March 28th, by Cathy Olsen in Information Security News, Technology Explained. No Comments

The news has been full of stories of attacks on American banks.  Wells Fargo, Bank of America among them.  The attack also slammed other sercvices including Netflix, Google earth.  These attacks have been claimed by a group called “Izz ad-Din Al-Qassam Cyber Fighters” in response to an online video clip that denigrates Islam.  There are many complex issues surrounding the politics and the means of the attacks.  This was one of the largest DDOS attacks seen.  I'll break it down for you so you can understand.

What is a DDOS attack?

DDOS stands for “Distributed Denial of Service” attack.

Ok .. I'll explain even further

What is a DOS attack?

A denial of service attack occurs when a hacker sends large amounts of data to the victim website making it impossible or difficult for legitimate users to use the website.  Old School example: Remember the … Read More »


Apple mobile guided access

Posted on March 15th, by Cathy Olsen in Mobile Security. 2 comments

Do you entertain your kids with a iPhone or iPad ?
[list style="check"]

at the doctors?
at the store?
at a restaurant?

[/list]
While they have your phone or iPad, do your kids ever …
[list style="check"]

click on advertisements?
click on the 'home' button and are upset that there game is 'gone?'
try to purchase 'coins' or 'points' with real money?
post their highest score on YOUR facebook page?

[/list]

Don't get frustrated ..

Turn on Guided Access on your Apple device!

I just figured it out today and I love it !!

Here is the link to the Apple Article covering guided access.

What is Guided Access?

Guided access allows you to restrict the native mobile functions – 'home' button, power button, landscape mode.

Guided access can restrict areas of the screen to be disabled. 

See below to how I have restricted the top ad banner and the share button on the 'Klidescope' app.  See how I have touched … Read More »



Snap Chat Mobile App

Posted on March 8th, by Cathy Olsen in Popular, Social Media, Tutorial. No Comments

 

Snap Chat Mobile App – What is it?

SnapChat is a mobile app available on Apple and droid devices. that allows users to connect and take a picture and write a short message and share it with other Snapchat users that are listed as friends.  You can set the time allowed to view the picture.  Once the timer is up, the picture is no longer available on either the sender or receiver's phone.

SnapChat – Why Should I Worry?
1.  SnapChat & Sexting

SnapChat was built seemingly to conquer the ill's of sexting and taking inappropriate pictures.  Just look at the marketing picture provided by SnapChat.  It's difficult to tell if those girls are clothed or not.  Our kids should understand the consequences of taking and sending inappropriate pictures.  This application may offer a false sense of privacy to young users.

 

2.  SnapChat friends

You can … Read More »



Social Media Scams

Posted on February 26th, by Cathy Olsen in Social Media. No Comments

Typical Social Media Scams
1. Free Stuff!

We have all wanted free Starbucks, Costco Gift cards, and Amazon gift cards.  However, you will not be able to get any of these if you simply click on a link.

There are legitimate “Social Media Contests.”  These are used as a marketing tool for businesses that would like to get more social media interaction than a paid Facebook ad.  These would come from an official business Facebook page.  Typically you will need to 'like' the business Facebook page, share the post about the competition and write a short sentence of why you deserve it.  You will not need to provide any personal information to win.  Again, you should not be required to enter personal information to enter legitimate social media contests.

2.  Facebook Hacks

Have you seen the “'Find out who's been looking at your profile!” application?  … Read More »



Social Media for Kids

Posted on February 15th, by Cathy Olsen in Social Media. No Comments

 

 

 

Social Media - any online application that has a interactive element:  Facebook, YouTube, Blogspot, etc.

How Things have Changed!

It's amazing how quickly Technology trends change!  It was only about a year ago that I was trying to convince parents to get on Facebook to help keep track of their kids.  Facebook Privacy Posts, Social Networking posts.

Social Media Facebook Exodus

Once all of the parents and friends' parents have made it to Facebook I have seen a drastic decline of Facebook usage from kids and teenagers.  Possibly they unfriended me, but my instinct tells me that most kids have entered into different social applications.  They may still have an account and occasionally get tagged in a photo, but the majority of their online interaction must be through a different social media application.

Popular Alternatives to Facebook

Instagram, Twitter, SnapChat, Pinterest, dating sites .. and the list goes on and … Read More »







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