Computer Support Blog

SYRACUSE, N.Y., October 8, 2010 – Stuxnet, the most sophisticated piece of malware ever, highlights the dangers of malware.  Stuxnet’s method of infection and the likelihood of imitation put everyone’s Internet security at risk. RESCUECOM’s computer support experts explain what you need to know about Stuxnet, Internet security, and protecting yourself.

Most malware targets an individual’s Internet security, but Stuxnet worked on a much larger scale.  Stuxnet targeted industrial computers, intent on compromising their Internet security and taking control of them.  “It’s larger and more sophisticated than most other pieces of malware,” says RESCUECOM CEO David Milman.  Read more »

Users of Apple’s iTunes store have been victimized yet again, but not because of Apple.

A series of ongoing phishing scams have tricked users of Apple’s online service into revealing login information.  In turn, this has allowed hackers to bypass the Internet security of those users with ease.

Once logged into the account, hackers have rung up hundreds or even thousands of dollars in charges.

Most of the attacks have happened with accounts linked to PayPal.  In many cases, hackers have used the stolen funds to purchase iTunes gift codes – online gift cards – which they can then resell on the Internet for a profit.

Unlike many Internet security attacks which originate with a security breach on the part of the vendor, this attack seems to be largely caused by trusting users being victimized by phishing emails.

These sorts of fraudulent emails are sent to users, often requesting that they verify login information.  Because the emails appear to be legitimate, many users click on the links within them or enter their private account information.

Once hackers posses that info, they simply log in.  The account, and everything linked to it, is easy pickings.

To protect yourself and your iTunes and PayPal accounts, follow these simple Internet security tips:

• Never provide your login information via email
• iTunes and other legitimate businesses will not request such information through email
• If you suspect an email is a phishing attack, report it to the merchant, your ISP, and/or your email provider
• Verify the legitimacy of an email by contacting the supposed sender at the email address or website you know is real

For more information on protecting yourself, read Rescuecom’s 5 Tips to Detect Phishing.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

SYRACUSE, N.Y., August 19, 2010 – Any computer malfunction is a nerve wracking experience.  Whether it’s a situation that requires significant computer repair, or only minimal computer support, every computer crisis can seem like a catastrophe.  Rescuecom’s computer support specialists offer theses 5 tips for handling your next technology crisis.  Read more »

Do you know what every update, installation, and change does to your computer?  Computer repair and computer support issues can be caused by obvious things, like physical damage.  But they can also be the result of even simple changes to your computer.

Being aware of these changes, and their potential for causing trouble, is a key step in avoiding a costly computer repair or computer support problem. Read more »

Most of us are not as tech savvy as the computer support specialists we entrust with our computer repair problems.  We all know the main parts of a computer such as the CPU, hardware, software, and memory, but we’d probably be at a loss to explain what a BIOS is or how the Windows Registry works.  To help make things a little clearer, RESCUECOM’s computer support specialists offer these simple definitions of complex computer parts. Read more »

Many of us rely on professional computer support and computer repair specialists to keep us up and running.  But how many of us have ever wondered what we might be able to do to help them?

Computer support and computer repair specialists like to help.  They have to – it’s part of the job.  But, just like you, they also like it when things go as smoothly as possible.  While you may not be able to fix complicated computer repair problems, there are some things you can do to make the experience go as smoothly as possible, for both you and the technician. Read more »

Summertime brings unique computer repair problems. Overheating is the obvious computer repair culprit, but RESCUECOM’s computer support specialists caution that power surges and blackouts can also lead to computer repair.

The top heat related threats and how to combat them: Read more »

Even though upgrades are a part of the technological life cycle, RESCUECOM’s computer support specialists suggest that making the move too soon can lead to breakdowns and high computer repair bills.

Modern technology often feels like a race.  Whether it’s a new piece of hardware or a brand new OS, we want to change now, so we don’t feel left behind.

However, being an early adopter can be more trouble than it’s worth.  Early adopters frequently require more computer support to handle issues caused by upgrades, which are some of the leading causes of computer repair.  Read more »

Protecting your family’s Internet security is a major concern.  RESCUECOM offers some summertime tips for protecting against online dangers and computer repair.

Summer vacation means more time spent online, and more chances for kids to fall victim to scams or predators, jeopardizing your Internet security.

Imagine your child on Facebook, staring at a video link from a “friend”.  Which do you think wins out – your child’s concerns about Internet security, or curiosity over seeing the “hot” new video?

Online scammers thrive on that curiosity.  That Facebook video link might hide a damaging virus.  Every click your child makes risks your Internet security.

So what can you do? Read more »

RESCUECOM offers suggestions to speed up a slow computer.

Computing is not all about speed, but it is important.   A slow computer can be frustrating.  Even worse, it might signal the need for computer repair.  There are ways to speed up a slow computer, hopefully without the need for expensive computer repair. Read more »