Be Cautious Of This Windows Scam Involving A Phone Call From ‘Windows’ Regarding An Invalid Computer License Or Computer Virus

I just received a call from a customer was almost the victim of a current Windows scam.  She called, and was a little upset that her computer had a virus. Despite being protected with Anti-Virus, firewall and NAT router, and administrative restrictions, she still believed she was infected. Now I say believed, because with the controls tucu put in place, she will be extremely hard pressed to ever get infected with any malicious software ever again.   But tucu can’t protect against social engineering.

From Wikipedia:  Social engineering is commonly understood to mean the art of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information.^[1] While it is similar to a confidence trick or simple fraud, the term typically applies to trickery or deception for the purpose of information gathering, fraud, or computer system access; in most cases the attacker never comes face-to-face with the victims.

“Social engineering” as an act of psychological manipulation was popularized by hacker-turned-consultant Kevin Mitnick.

What had happened was that someone from ‘Windows’ had called her and told her that her license was out of date.  This, in itself, is a red flag right away.   Windows is to Microsoft what Taurus is to Ford. Windows is the name of a product, not a company.  So no one would call you from Windows.  It’s akin to saying I am calling from Taurus, not from Ford, the manufacturer of Taurus.  My supposition is that in order to avoid being charged with fraud, the ‘attacker’ won’t identify himself as being from Microsoft, but rather inserted himself into her trust by being something on the edge of familiarity and just vague enough for you to possibly believe it.  We all know what Windows is.  It’s just believable enough.

The ‘attacker’ then proceeded to claim that the users Windows license was no longer valid and had the person walk through a few steps on the phone to reinforce her perception as being authoritative with respect to his knowledge of the issue.

Regrettably, I have seen this a few times with new customers that did not take adequate precautions to protect themselves, and the end result was that their computers were infected with a virus that they had installed themselves by following the instructions of the person on the phone. They were then defrauded financially.  tucu was able to help protect their computers and networks from future attacks, but the financial and other damage is far more daunting to repair.  Prevention is key.

Fortunately, in this case, with our long standing client, tucu had put sufficient restrictions in place, such that when the attacker began their manipulation, he was not able to get the virus installed and eventually gave up. The customer then called me to ask why she could not do what ‘Windows’ wanted her to and “what is wrong with my computer?” After explaining to her that she was the victim of a con-man and that he most likely would have wiped out her bank account, she was very glad for the controls that tucu put in place, which prevented her ‘attackers’ success.

Please remember; Microsoft is the company that makes Windows.  Microsoft will never contact you via telephone without you first initiating contact with them.

If you want to ensure your computer and network is secure, tucu will be glad to offer you a free quote.

On Site Computer Repair, Toronto, Durham Region - On Site Computer Repair & Executive IT Support Services

Your business runs on information technology.  Let’s have a look at some of the major components your IT system is built on.

Workstations: Each workstation is a productivity unit. Your team members need reliable machines to service your customers and contribute to profit margins. Each workstation is also an entry point to your network. Keep your data & client files safe with sound with computer & network security.

Networks: Know trouble is brewing before it rises to the surface. Managed network services let us know in advance when your network has trouble on the horizon. We can repair or correct issues remotely or with an on site visit before your team or business is ever disrupted. Up time=productivity. Managed networks=more productivity.

Servers: They empower you to do everything from housing and sharing data with ease, to serving email, syncing smartphones and data and more. We design, install, configure and maintain servers and networks both small and large, and work with all Microsoft Servers, Exchange Servers, Linux Servers, Virtual Servers, VoIP and PBX telephone servers, BlackBerry Servers…

Business Telephones: Clients call and you must answer.  Do you want auto-attendant, dial by extension, custom recorded greetings and messages, to save on your long distance charges and monthly phone bills?  Do you want to have an extension follow you from the office to the car and all around town? Let’s explore your options with VoIP PBX telephone systems for your office.

Mobile Phones, Laptops, Home Users & More: More access. More security. More Connections.  From VPN access to BlackBerry Exchange Servers, on site computer support in the office, or remote computer support when your team members work from home, Tucu can help you create a support plan to keep everyone connected and productive.

Software & Critical Applications: From the ubiquitous to the highly specialized, every business uses a unique set of software to meet their needs and client demands. Often, the applications are purchased at various intervals of business growth, and don’t always integrate well. Many businesses suffer from data leaks and work flow cracks, making it difficult or impossible to use their data effectively. Tucu can help you review your current software and consider changes that would improve data and work flow in your business.

Don’t Know What You Need? No problem. We’ll come out to your office, help you create a “Need To Have” and “Nice To Have” list for your business, and explain your options in simple, easy to understand terms. Tucu makes IT pain free.

Book your free consult today.  Call us. Toronto: 416.292.3300 | Durham: 905.233.4858.

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On Site Computer Repair, Toronto, Durham Region - On Site Computer Repair & Executive IT Support Services

Most of us, at one time or another, have, or will, drop a beloved and heavily relied upon electronic gadget into a pool of water.  We’ll experience a racing heart beat, slight dizziness and surge of hormones as we panic and have a little freak out about losing all our data, contacts, and electronic crutch!  Enter the BHEESTIE.

BHEESTIE is a bag of super thirsty stuff which will suck the moisture right out of your device.  For $20 a bag, you can have your device back fast ( and dry).

No claims are made about how this will affect any warranty you have remaining on your device, but if you just want your toy back, BHEESTIE will happily help you out.  Learn more about BHEESTIE.

Until next time,

Team Tucu

On Site Computer Repair, Toronto, Durham Region - On Site Computer Repair & Executive IT Support Services

Here are 3 basic computer troubleshooting tips that anyone can use to correct a computer issue.  They are useful tips for common computer issues.

This basic guide is split into 2 sections types; Know and Act.  Know sections explain computer issues and possible causes.  Act sections provide troubleshooting tips.  

TIP 1

Know : Computer issues can be caused by hardware, software or even network related sources.

Act: Pay attention to any error message you receive on your monitor.  It may help you hone in on what is really causing the computer issue.

It’s surprising how many people  shut those error messages down without reading them!  Those error messages are the first thing a professional IT technician would look for to gain insight in to what the computer problem really is.  Read the error messages for clues on what you can do to fix the problem, or copy the text of the error messages to share with your professional IT technician, if or when you call them in for help.

Also, try using your search engine to search for the error code.  Chances are, someone else has had the same problem, and you may be able to find a do it yourself solution online.

TIP 2

Know:  A sudden black computer screen usually indicates a memory failure in your computer.  It is usually caused by having too many computer programs in use at once, or trying to process too much data at once.

Act: If you are multi-tasking and experience a sudden black computer screen issue, memory failure may be the cause.    Simply shut down and restart the computer.  A shut down stops all processes that your computer circuits are trying to perform, and allows them to start over.  If sudden black screen issues happen to you often, you may need to upgrade your hardware.

Any call centre or IT technician you call will ask you to do this as the very first step in the troubleshooting process.  Save time; skip the call, shut down and restart, and see if you can solve this computer issue yourself.

TIP 3

Know: Many people are unaware that they are unnecessarily running multiple versions of the same type of software.  This is especially true with antivirus.  Running multiple programs may significantly slow down your computer, and cause performance to freeze.

Act: Check your list of installed programs.  Uninstall unnecessary programs, and choose a single antivirus for everyday use.

Computers are complex, however these basic tips can help you correct common minor issues on your own.  If you can’t sort out the issue, or if you begin to get frustrated, take a deep breath and call Tucu.  We make IT Pain Free.  Toronto: 416.292.3300  |  Durham Region: 905.233.4858

On Site Computer Repair, Toronto, Durham Region - On Site Computer Repair & Executive IT Support Services

PBX Phone System Features

Learn about what a PBX phone system is and the rich features a PBX system can provide.  Learn tips and tricks to help you optimize your  PBX business phone setup.  15_Tips_To_Get_More_From_Your_PBX_Phone_System

We install VoIP PBX and Asterisk Telephone Systems.  In fact, our business runs on one.
Call for a free Meet & Greet and detailed estimate.  Toronto: 416.292.3300  Durham: 905.233.4858

On Site Computer Repair, Toronto, Durham Region - On Site Computer Repair & Executive IT Support Services

Questions Before Getting A VoIP Business Telephone System

If you are considering a VoIP phone system for your business, learn about how to plan your investment and costs, how to size your phone system for your business needs, VoIP phone system features and more in this short and succinct white paper. How_To_Buy_A_Voip_Phone System

We install VoIP PBX and Asterisk Telephone Systems.  In fact, our business runs on one. Hosted VoIP adds unnecessary monthly fees.  We can set you up in house, so you only pay $3.00 per line and pennies per minute.  Call for a free Meet & Greet and detailed estimate.  Toronto: 416.292.3300  Durham: 905.233.4858

On Site Computer Repair, Toronto, Durham Region - On Site Computer Repair & Executive IT Support Services

VoIP and Asterisk

Many businesses are adopting IP telephony because of the attractive cost savings, flexibility and innovations IP telephony offers.  But how reliable is VoIP telephone lines?  How easy will VoIP telephone systems be to use?  The answer is very!  In order to start enjoying the benefits of IP or VoIP telephone system for your business, your network must be able to handle the load. Learn more about network requirements for voIP phone systems in this helpful white paper. Is_Your_Network_Ready_For_IP_Telephony

We install VoIP PBX and Asterisk Telephone Systems.  In fact, our business runs on one.
Call for a free Meet & Greet and detailed estimate.  Toronto: 416.292.3300  Durham: 905.233.4858

On Site Computer Repair, Toronto, Durham Region - On Site Computer Repair & Executive IT Support Services

Using Virtual Computers and Servers In Your Business

How does virtualization measure up in terms of cost effective technology?  Exactly what is virtualization?  Is it cloud computing? Learn about virtualization techniques and how they can be applied to your IT infrastructure, from workstations to networks, storage and servers.  This white paper is complete with great visual aids to demonstrate the nature and functionality of virtual infrastructures. Virtualization_Overview

We install Virtual Servers.  In fact, our business uses two of them.
Call for a free Meet & Greet and detailed estimate.  Toronto: 416.292.3300  Durham: 905.233.4858

On Site Computer Repair, Toronto, Durham Region - On Site Computer Repair & Executive IT Support Services

Beyond Antivirus; Threat Management

Take a look at the changing nature of modern threats when compared with the simple unfocused prank hacker of yesteryear.  Learn why antivirus alone isn’t enough to protect your data and critical business information.  Threat management and network security tips and practices are reviewed in this useful white paper.  Top five strategies for combating modern threats. Is anti-virus dead?

Need IT help?  Call for a free Meet & Greet and detailed estimate.  Toronto: 416.292.3300  Durham: 905.233.4858

On Site Computer Repair, Toronto, Durham Region - On Site Computer Repair & Executive IT Support Services

Email Archiving Best Practices

Email archiving best practices are covered in this white paper.  Whether a requirement for your industry, or simply a strategic move to reduce potential “discovery costs”, learn more about email archiving and electronic records management in this useful white paper.  Email Archiving For The Small & Mid Sized Enterprise

Need IT Support? Call for a free Meet & Greet and detailed estimate.  Toronto: 416.292.3300  Durham: 905.233.4858

On Site Computer Repair, Toronto, Durham Region - On Site Computer Repair & Executive IT Support Services