Author: Summer Powell

If you tend to use Internet Explorer frequently as your preferred web browser, there is a high probability that you have unintentionally acquired a toolbar or browser add-on while engaging in online activities. These additional features may have been picked up through actions like downloading files or visiting specific websites that could install them without seeking your direct approval. While toolbars and browser addons aren’t as bad as viruses and other malware, they can still be an annoyance, invade your privacy, and be a total pain to remove if you’re not sure how. What I’m about to show you is…

The image displayed below showcases an advertisement discovered on the popular online marketplace eBay. The advertisement focuses on promoting eBay’s toolbar products. For those who wish to see the image in detail, feel free to click on the link that has been provided. So you’re going about your business, happily browsing eBay in search of fine Victorian polished brass door knockers or assorted 1800th century cast-iron crockery when you notice near the bottom of the screen an icon alerting you to a new message. That could be important. Quick, better click it! Or maybe you shouldn’t. Just looking at the…

There are individuals who consciously opt to encrypt the emails they send for a variety of reasons. By employing encryption methods, they aim to significantly enhance the security and confidentiality of their email communications. This deliberate choice to encrypt emails serves as a proactive measure to safeguard sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access to their messages. Maybe they don’t trust their internet service provider or email host with their private data. Maybe they want to be more sure their messages won’t fall into the wrong hands while being sent over the net. Or maybe they just don’t want to make…

It is that magical time of year again – the holiday season has arrived, bringing with it the opportunity to create and plan thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. After taking the time to think about their likes and hobbies, the next step is to browse various brick-and-mortar shops and online stores in search of the ideal present. If you’re looking to manage your spending, it’s a good idea to watch for promotions and markdowns to make sure you’re getting the most value for your money. Although this task can feel daunting and may take up a lot of time,…

Malware spreading through email via malicious attachments has been a common occurrence that cybersecurity experts frequently encounter. This method has been prevalent since the early days of the internet. Even with the evolution of technology, new strains of malware continue to leverage this technique due to its proven effectiveness. In a recent incident, a malicious email attachment disguised as an IRS scam was identified. The attachment contained harmful code that could compromise the recipient’s computer system if opened. It is crucial for users to remain vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with email attachments to protect themselves from falling victim…

Uninstalling a program from your computer is widely regarded as a fundamental skill in computing, essential for maintaining system performance and freeing up storage space. However, for those who are not well-versed in the procedure, it can sometimes feel overwhelming and challenging to navigate through the process. Here’s a short guide, complete with pictures, to help get you uninstall any program you don’t want anymore. First, click the start button at the bottom left of your screen, if you have one. From the menu that pops up, click on “Control Panel”. If you’re using Windows 8, move your mouse all…

The FBI MoneyPak virus, known as “RansomWare,” has been circulating online for a considerable amount of time. This malicious software demands a payment to remove the warning message it displays. Despite making the payment as requested, the bug persists and continues to impact your system. After contracting the virus you will notice that you will be unable to control your system and your screen is replaced with a very scary looking message which you can see an example of below. It is the official FBI logo with a  message that may even accuse you of committing a crime, such…

It is widely acknowledged by experts in the field of online security that exercising caution when inputting credit card information on the internet is of utmost importance. It is crucial to ensure that the webpage is secure before proceeding with any transactions. This advice has been consistently emphasized by security professionals for the past decade, making it common knowledge even among individuals such as the elderly, like my Grandma. Before making any online purchases, such as buying Christmas sweaters from retailers like Amazon.com or Ebay, my Grandma always takes the necessary steps to confirm the security of the website. She…

Indeed, that YouTube video is brimming with a wide array of fantastic features that truly make it stand out from the rest. It is truly incredible to witness the remarkable level of innovation and creativity that was incorporated into producing such an outstanding piece of content. The video captivates viewers with its unique qualities and showcases a multitude of impressive elements that set it apart. In the early days of YouTube, before it was assumed that everyone in the world has a broadband internet connection, it was possible to simply pause a YouTube video and let it continue loading while…

If you are similar to a lot of computer users, myself included, you might have encountered situations where you unknowingly installed software on your computer. This software could have taken the form of a browser toolbar or another program that requested your permission for installation, even if the process was not transparent or easy to understand. It is not unusual for users to experience such situations from a technical perspective. I’m not a big fan of technically legitimate programs (sometimes known as PUPs or Potentially Unwanted Programs). I know a lot of you aren’t either. Unfortunately, these programs are notoriously…