July 2020 Newsletter - Sharing our knowledge with you

Backup Your Apple Computer

There are many moments in life when we would like to travel through time. One common instance is when an important document disappears from our computer screen. Making things worse, we forgot to save it! That is hours of work lost. Fortunately, Apple users have Time Machine’s built-in backup feature for added protection.

This software automatically backs up apps, music, photos, email, documents, and system files. You can backup to

· external storage devices;

· another Mac set up as a backup destination;

· network-attached storage (NAS).

It is simple. Connect your Mac to an external drive, then Open Time Machine to select your backup destination. You can select when backups happen and what gets backed up, and you will also have the option of encrypting your backup, which is a good idea.

Time Machine keeps hourly backups for 24 hours, daily backups for a month, and weekly backups for previous months until full. The oldest backups get deleted when space is needed.

All you need to do to restore your original files is turn on and connect the Time Machine backup disk. Then, you can use the timeline on the Time Machine screen to find the items to restore.

We recommend all Mac users set up Time Machine to backup to at least an external drive, and Apple makes it easy to setup this minimum level of backup. With the local device, you will have a first line of defense close at hand if you need to recover or restore your computer.

However, this basic backup does limit your options. To amplify your protection, consider these alternatives.

Gaining More Control of Your Backup

Third-party software offers additional layers of protection. You gain detailed control of what is backed up and when, and what happens afterwards (perhaps you will want the software to eject the external device or shut down). You can also find software that backups operating systems and settings too. This could prove useful if your Mac gets stolen or damaged. You will be able to move to another device and quickly get all your data and applications configured as they were.

Another alternative for enhanced backup is the cloud. Time Machine and third-party software solutions require a local device to hold the backup. But if your computer is stolen, the thief is likely to have taken your backup too. Or, if your laptop is damaged in a flood or fire, the backup is probably also destroyed.

You are also at risk of ransomware with Time Machine and third-party software. If malicious software compromises a device (yes, Macs are vulnerable too), it is going to spread to connected or networked devices. So, the USB backup drive or NAS is as susceptible to encryption as the main Mac device.

Cloud backup provides a solution that helps avoid all these issues. Your backup data is stored in a data center that the thief, fire, flood, or ransomware cannot touch. Most cloud backup providers boast rigorous security protocols.

Eventually, all hard drives will fail. Backing up important data to one device leaves you at risk of a single point of failure. Cloud backup removes the fear that the one backup drive is not going to be working when you need it.

Need help setting up Time Machine, a third-party backup, or configuring your cloud backup? Let our computer experts help! We do not want anyone to go without the safety and security of a reliable backup.

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Your Webcam Could Be Spying On You

In the midst of a global lockdown, many of us have been relying on webcams to stay connected. These cameras let us join virtual meetings for work and online hangouts with friends. But bad actors can also use a webcam to spy.

Someone watching through a small laptop or personal computer camera may sound farfetched. And if you do not make a hat out of tinfoil, aliens will take over your brain, right?

Except, it is true that webcams can be used for spying.

Seeing someone with a piece of tape over their webcam is not that unusual. Even Facebook’s founder does it. At conferences now, you might even receive a branded sliding webcam cover as swag.

How Webcam Spying Works

The software allows the remote user to take control of your computer. They could view your online activity, read messages, or capture screens and keystrokes, and they will be able to turn your webcam on to spy on you – without you knowing it.

The webcam light located near the lens will indicate whether camera is currently recording. However, it is easy to miss and many people do not understand what the light means.

What To Do About Webcam Spying

Well, there is that piece of tape, or you might use a Post-It note to cover the camera, but that does not address the bigger issue. Since we are talking about malware here, the usual rules apply.

Do not trust attachments, even from people you know.
Hover over external links to see where they will take you before clicking.
Question the credibility of any freeware you might download onto your computer.
Install a good antivirus system, especially one that checks emails.
Put a good firewall in place to prevent attackers from accessing your computer.
Install patches for your operating system, browser, and software to keep security current.

While we are talking about webcams, keep in mind your smartphone camera and any surveillance cameras need protection too. On your phone, keep your passcode private and make sure antivirus and security patching is up to date.

With a surveillance system, always change the default password – you would be amazed how many people do not bother to do so – as that is just making the hackers job easy for them!

Want to be sure you are not being spied on? Our IT experts can make sure you have a strong firewall in place to monitor network traffic and block suspicious activity. We can also ensure your antivirus and malware security is top notch.

Do not find yourself on camera when you are not ready for your closeup! Give us a call at 940-282-0290.

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Brian W. Norby

(Owner of both BWN Computer

AND That Computer Man)

1-940-282-0290

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