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We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through your Facebook feed, and an ad pops up promising to supercharge your business with some revolutionary AI-powered software. It’s a tempting offer, isn’t it? But here’s the catch…

These too-good-to-be-true ads can be a trap set by cyber criminals. They lure you in with promises of increased productivity and revenue, but what they’re really doing is tricking you into installing malware on your computer.

The moment you click on their ad and install their ‘software’, you’re handing over access to your Facebook data, including your ad budget.

You might think, ‘I wouldn’t fall for such a thing’. But let’s face it, as a business owner, you’re juggling a million things at once. It’s all too easy to fall for these sophisticated scams, especially when they’re disguised as legitimate offers.

So, how do you protect yourself, your team and your business?

Be sceptical of offers that seem too good to be true. If it sounds a dream, it probably is.

Verify ads by researching the advertiser before clicking on them.

Secure your Facebook account. Use two-factor authentication – it adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to verify your identity using a second device.

And remember, while these cyber criminals are smart, they’re not infallible. For instance, the researchers who uncovered this scheme found several Vietnamese keywords hidden within the malicious script.

Running a business is tough. It’s a constant juggling act, and adding another ball to the mix might feel overwhelming. But would you rather spend a little time now securing your account or a lot of time later dealing with the fallout of a breach?

As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’. Don’t let cyber criminals take away what you’ve built.

#Facebook #CyberSecurity #AdScams

Bugs. They’re the bane of our digital lives, right? They slow things down, cause crashes, and generally wreak havoc. But what if I told you there’s a bug out there that’s actually doing us a favour? No, I’m not pulling your leg.

Windows 11 users have stumbled upon a strange bug in File Explorer that, against all odds, makes it faster.

Yes, FASTER.

Anyone who’s used Windows 11’s File Explorer knows that speed is not its strong suit. It’s more of a leisurely stroll than a sprint. But an X (Twitter) user has shared a neat trick that puts some pep in its step.

Here’s the secret: Press F11 to switch File Explorer to full-screen mode, then press F11 again to exit. Behold! The folder contents load instantly, thumbnail previews pop up like magic, and even the search function gets a boost.

This phenomenon has been confirmed by numerous posts on Reddit, and it seems to benefit all versions of Windows 11, from the Canary test versions for Windows Insiders to various final versions.

So, what’s behind this sudden burst of speed from our otherwise sluggish File Explorer? I can only speculate. Perhaps Windows 11 switches off some indexing options when in full-screen mode, leading to lightning-fast content display.

One thing is certain: this bug is a rare breed. A bug that speeds things up instead of slowing them down? That’s something to celebrate.

#Windows11 #FileExplorer #TechBug

Working from home could be the secret ingredient to a healthier, happier you. But don’t take my word for it. Deloitte’s 2023 Connected Consumer Survey says so too.

According to their findings, a huge 45% of people reported improved relationships with their family, and 40% experienced better emotional wellbeing while working remotely.

Four out of five noticed improvements in either family or workplace relationships, emotional wellbeing, or resilience.

But there’s more. Burnout and stress among remote workers dropped by four percentage points this year compared to last.

So, the question is… why are we rushing back to the office?

Despite the push from tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon to return to the office, 56% of workers crave virtual options for future work, up from 50% last year. The desire for a completely or mostly in-person work environment is dwindling (37%, down from 44% in 2022). On the flip side, the preference for a blend of remote and in-person work is on the rise (28%, up from 21% in 2022).

Yet, many companies are dropping the ball when it comes to equipping employees with the tools and resources needed for effective remote work. Almost a quarter (23%) say their work systems aren’t up to scratch, a significant jump from 16% in 2022.

It’s clear that the future of hybrid and remote working is still up for debate. But one thing is certain: working from home is not just good for business; it’s good for us too.

What’s your business’s stance on remote and hybrid working?

#WFHBenefits #DeloitteSurvey #FutureOfWork

Did you know the original QWERTY keyboard was missing the numbers 0 and 1?

Back in the 1860s, Christopher Latham Sholes, a newspaper editor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, decided to revolutionise the way we type.

He experimented with various keyboard designs, even one with only two rows of keys. Can you imagine typing on that today? By April 1870, he finally settled on a layout that closely resembles the QWERTY keyboard we all know and love.

But the 0 and 1 were missing. They were deemed redundant. Yep, you read that right. Sholes believed that the O and I could double up as 0 and 1. Talk about cutting corners.

This not only simplified the keyboard layout but also saved on manufacturing and maintenance costs. Clever, huh?

However, Sholes didn’t stop there. In the following years, he continued to tinker with his design. Although the patented version of 1878 still lacked the numbers 0 and 1, Sholes had found better spots for the full stop and ampersand.

So next time you’re tapping away on your keyboard, spare a thought for Sholes and his cost-cutting ingenuity.

#QWERTY #KeyboardHistory #FunFacts

Halloween may still be a while off, but Google Chrome is already giving us quite the scare. Many people have reported seeing a rather ominous notification that Chrome will start showing ads based on their browsing history data. Spooky, right?

Now, you might be thinking, ‘What’s the big deal?’ Well, this means that our private online browsing activity, from that late-night pizza order to the search for ‘how to get cat sick off the sofa’, will be used to show us specific ads. The horror.

But it gets worse. Chrome isn’t exactly clear about how often it will access your history. Not cool.

Internet privacy experts agree, calling this move a massive violation of privacy. Imagine you’re at a party, and someone you barely know starts talking about your most recent Internet searches. Creepy, isn’t it?

To add salt to the wound, opting out of this data collection process isn’t as easy as saying ‘boo!’ The buttons presented don’t clearly indicate how to prevent Google from treating your data like an all-you-can-eat buffet.

If you’re looking to opt-out of this haunting experience, here are some steps to follow:

1. Click on the three dots at the top of your Chrome window and choose Settings
2. Go to Privacy and security in the left-hand side menu
3. Select Ad privacy
4. In the next menu, select Ad topics
5. Toggle the top Ad privacy setting off (if it’s on). This should stop Chrome from showing you recommended ads

This whole ordeal might even make you consider switching browsers. But beware, many other browsers aren’t exactly ghost-free zones either.

There’s a fine line between useful personalisation and downright creepiness. We need to strike a balance that respects user privacy while still delivering relevant ads.

Would this make you switch browser?

#GoogleChrome #privacy #BrowsingHistory

Did you know that curiosity for early access to the beta versions of your favourite apps might just be leading you to cyber criminals?

The FBI has sounded the alarm on a new threat.

Hackers are injecting malicious code into fake beta apps, potentially turning your mobile into their personal gold mine.

Unlike official app store apps that go through stringent security checks, these beta apps aren’t checked.

The cyber criminals are masters of disguise – mimicking names, icons, and descriptions of legitimate apps to gain trust. They distribute these via fake emails sent to you, and even dating apps.

Once inside your phone, they create havoc, accessing financial apps and personal data. Some even pose as cryptocurrency exchanges, stealing digital currency right under your nose.

So, what can you do? Simple. Avoid beta apps and wait for official app store releases. Use antivirus software and scrutinise new app installations. Watch for red flags like a rapidly draining battery, poor performance, persistent pop-up ads, and unnecessary permission requests.

Think before you tap ‘download’. Ask: is this app worth risking your security? Remember, caution is the best policy.

Do you use beta versions of apps?

#CyberCrime #FBIWarning #BetaApps

Today, we’re celebrating a special anniversary that will make you 😄 – the birth of the smilicon! Can you believe it’s been 41 years since Professor Scott Fahlman of Carnegie Mellon gifted us with the first ever emoticon?

Back on the 19th of September 1982, in a digital world without emojis, GIFs, or Bitmojis, Professor Fahlman made history by posting this little gem to a university bulletin board:

:‌-)

He even gave us its grumpy cousin:

:‌-(

Look at them sideways, and voila, instant emotion!

For years, these cheeky characters spread across the web like a hilarious joke, but their origin story remained as elusive as the punchline to a dad joke. It wasn’t until the 10th of September 2002, twenty years later, when the original message was unearthed from backup tape. Like a digital time capsule, it brought us back to the dawn of the smiley.

Professor Fahlman saved us countless awkward moments of misunderstanding on the internet by marking what’s funny and what’s not. We owe our LOLs, ROFLs, and 😂 to him.

Let’s celebrate this day with a 😄, a 😂, or even a 🥳. And remember, it’s always more economical to mark things that are NOT jokes. So if you’re not feeling the humour today, feel free to use a :‌-( After all, a smilicon is worth a thousand words.

#SmiliconDay #EmojiHistory #DigitalMilestones

For years, Microsoft’s classic troubleshooting tools have been playing fairy godmother and fixing your PC for you. But all good things must come to an end, and Microsoft is slowly saying goodbye to them. Their final curtain call will be in 2025.

These trusty tools were there for all of us when we needed them most, solving common issues from printing problems to internet interruptions. They were the heroes we didn’t know we needed. But now it’s time for them to retire and make way for the new generation.

Microsoft is ushering in a new era with the Get Help troubleshooting platform. Starting this year, some of our old troubleshooting friends will redirect us to this new platform.

The Get Help app will be the new one-stop-shop for all your troubleshooting. It’s like a digital concierge, ready to assist with common issues and even taking search queries. However, not all troubleshooters are making the transition. Some will be retired without replacement from future versions of Windows 11.

Remember, these tools are here to help, but they’re not miracle workers. In fact, I recommend they’re NOT set up to fix issues automatically. Because even our tech heroes need a little supervision sometimes.

Will you miss troubleshooting tools, or are you ready for the change?

#Microsoft #TroubleshootingTool #GetHelp