Web/Tech Feed

Just another warning about being careful in your use of technology

A year or two ago someone tried to get into my Amazon account & because I had 2 factor authentication, I got the request to verify my intent to sign in [which I had not] so of course I changed my password and all has been fine.  2Factor has saved me there and elsewhere.
 
Then, it happened again:  Yesterday within the span of 15 min. I received 3 2-Factor pins = one PIN from a phone #, then the same PIN a minute or so later from a different phone # and the 3rd about 10 min later with a different pin - since I had not been on the internet going into a 2-factor site I knew that those attempts were not me = but now what?  I was going to ignore it but thought I might try to figure out if any of those phone # were at all legit ==I did a quick google search on all 3 phone# and ended up not clicking on any of the alleged links to find out whose number it is - first because if it was Amazon or some recognized vendor it would be clear and second, all the URLs of the various links were really weird and themselves something not to become involved with.
 
The upshot is, someone was trying to get into one of my 2Factor’d accounts and as I go along I probably should just change passwords and maybe also user ID/email for the account — and be glad I had 2Factor set up… I encourage you to set up 2-Factor authentication on your most important accounts, at least, AND get a password manager [1Password, LastPass or another quality manager]
 
[Image from trip to Grand Teton 2+ yrs ago]

IMG_5812 - Version 2 web


Taking back your life....a good way to end the year, each year.

This is something I have done each January but now I'm starting in December and hoping there will be positive results in the new year.

Basically, I go through all the emails I receive as they come in [and then work back through those which have piled up] and if they are from non-personal/friend&family sources, decide which I want to still receive in the new year.  I then unsubscribe to as many as possible.  After all, if I miss the newsletter I can always sign up again.

I have an app which is part of Mail [MailButler] which does much of the unsubscribing for me, but I also have used Unroll.me - a website that will do much the same thing.  There are no doubt other ways of handling unsubscriptions, but this is what I do at the end of the year.

As for snail mail, that's a different thing to tackle, and a separate post.  In the meantime, a little hint of spring to keep people smiling.


IMG_2790Web


Turn on Two-Factor Authentication ASAP!

Sitting here quietly and my iPhone beeped and a text message came in - "841138 is your Amazon security code" --BUT I have not been on the Amazon site for any purpose today or over the past several days.  I immediately went there and changed my password then called Amazon customer service.  As the lady explained, someone may have obtained my email and password in some fashion [how I don't know and I had an excellent password, I thought] and tried to buy something or get into the account for some purpose.  Thus, since I had 2-factor authentication set up, they couldn't enter because the text came to me with the code, not to them.  I know I harp constantly about passwords, password managers and security, but this is additional proof of the need to prevent easy access to one's accounts.  


Articles on Macs & iPhones & iPads in the ABA's GPSolo Magazine, for 2015

To Your Health [Health resources for Mac and iOS users] Download GPSolo MarApril2015 - This article might be interest particularly to those looking for Mac applications to help with their healthy lifestyle, and includes websites and helpful apps.

Mac User:  The Apple Watch  Download MAC USER: The Apple Watch | Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division - This article may be of interest to those considering getting or using an Apple Watch   [Nov/Dec. 2015] 


Articles on Macs & iPhones & iPads in the ABA's GPSolo Magazine [2013-14]

In 2013 & 2014, the MacUser articles in the GPSolo Magazines for the American Bar Association dealt with practical aspects of owning Apple's Mac computers, iPads and iPhones: [click to download]

Are Macs Really Cheaper over the Long Haul_Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division - Jan/Feb 2013

Planning for the (Digital and Physical) End - July 2013

Accessibility Options for iOS and Mac _March/April 2014

Mac:iOS Resources for Litigators-Sep:Oct2014

 


Additional Articles at GPSolo about Macs, OS X & iPhone to Dec. 2012

Since the 2006 end date in the above referenced page of past items, I've written articles for the American Bar Association's GPSolo Magazine in June and December of each year, to date.  The topics generally are about the use of Mac computers [and now iPhones and iPads] in a law office:

Closing a Practice in a Post-PC World. [July/August 2012]

Time to Upgrade?  [December 2011]

The iPad in Trial & Litigation [June 2011]

My Working iVacation [Dec 2010]

Note-Taking Applications for Apple Users [June 2010]

Macs in Trial [December 2009]

Ditch the Laptop, Bring the iPhone 3G [December 2008]

iPhone, You Phone, We All Phone [June 2008]

Time to Switch [December 2007]  

Windows to the World [June 2007].