Hello, and welcome…
Rick’s Daily Tech Tips Update for Monday, January 29, 2024
Topics covered in this issue…
• Warning: Don’t share login codes from text messages with anyone
• Q&A: Why are my Internet download speeds so slow?
• Warning: Be careful about what you share with your Facebook friends
• Video: Flying over Japan
• January’s Tech Tips Giveaway – Win this ViewSonic VX3276-4K-MHD 32 Inch 4K UHD Monitor
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Monthly Tech Giveaway….
We have a winner for December…
Congratulations to Evelyn G. from Brockton, Massachusetts for winning the Acer Aspire 3 A314-23P-R3QA Slim Laptop in December’s Tech Tips Giveaway.
January’s winner will receive a fantastic ViewSonic VX3276-4K-MHD 32 Inch 4K UHD Monitor. Click here for details.
The prizes featured in my Monthly Tech Giveaways include a combination of the best items I have received for testing and review and brand new items provided directly by partner companies.
All winners are selected at random. All Standard subscribers have an equal chance to win. All Premium subscribers have double the chance to win (their email addresses are added to the pot twice).
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Today’s featured tech tip….
Warning: Don’t share login codes from text messages with anyone
Lots of folks are now receiving messages from online “friends” asking them to send them a code they received in a text message.
They always have some excuse for needing the code, but regardless of what they tell you do not send them that code.
What they’re doing is trying to break into one of your online accounts that’s protected by Two-Factor Authentication.
The actual scams are numerous and vary greatly, but here’s how one of the most common variations works:
First, the scammer tricks you into handing over the password to your Facebook account (or enough personal information for them to guess the password). This is often done via a phishing email.
If the scammer has your mobile phone number (which they probably got off your Facebook profile’s “About” page) they simply try to log into your account with your password.
They then send you a message asking you to send them the Two-Factor Authentication code that was just sent to your phone as a result of their login attempt.
If you comply and send them the code they’ll be able to use it to complete the login process.
Once they’re logged into your account they can do anything with the account that you can do yourself. And if they so desire, they can even lock you out of it.
The thing is, this same type of scam is helping hackers gain access to many other types of accounts, including bank accounts and other types of financial accounts.
Bottom line: If a “friend” sends you a message asking for a code you received via SMS text message, do not send it. That person isn’t really a friend. They’re a scammer.
And now, a quick recommendation…
If your phone number is currently displayed on your Facebook account’s Profile page, take it off ASAP. Just sayin’.
The latest from Rick’s Daily Tips Tech Blog…
• Q&A: Why are my Internet download speeds so slow?
This post discusses the most common reason why Internet speeds test results are often way off the mark (and how to fix it).
• Warning: Be careful about what you share with your Facebook friends
The less info you share online the better. This post explains why.
• Click here to see today’s ‘Picture of the Day’.
Every morning I post a new photo that I find inspiring, intriguing, or just plain beautiful to look at. Jumpstart your day by checking it out.
Rick’s Daily Pick…
APPS2Car Solid Cup Holder Phone Mount
Looking to hands-free but still keep your phone handy and at arm’s length while you’re driving? This little gem is all you need.
Today’s post from ‘My Daily Smile’…
Amazing scenery!
Tech news that caught my eye…
• Apple thinks iOS 18 might be the ‘biggest’ iOS update ever
• The differences between Wifi boosters, extenders, and mesh setworks
• Kansas City public transportation authority hit by ransomware
• FDA greenlights first AI-powered device to detect all 3 common skin cancers
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Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.
Your tech buddy,
Rick Rouse
https://www.RicksDailyTips.com