Fixed it

07/05/2020

Seems to be a bit of an upsurge in miner viruses getting into people’s computers lately.
A crypto coin miner virus finds its way onto your computer (PC, Mac, or Andriod devices), quite often via a web browser accessing an infected website. It then uses your computer (without your knowledge) to “mine” crypto coins. For a good explanation of crypto coins and “mining” check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocurrency
Some of these viruses are exceptionally good at getting into your system – some will turn off your anti-virus software, or even trick the system into thinking that the anti-virus software is still working. The virus quite often “pretends” to be a legitimate file – often using Microsoft file names.
Generally, the only way that the user will be aware of the virus is that their device runs more slowly or seems to be highly active on the broadband connection even when the user is doing nothing. In worst cases they can overheat the CPU or GPU and damage your system. If you have a limited or “capped” broadband connection – you may find that you are unusually running out of bandwidth every month.
There are many different viruses around and each can need different ways of removal. If you are “tech savvy” ensure that your anti-virus is running correctly and has been recently updated. You can check in Task Manager in Windows – right click in the bottom task bar, and in the menu click on Task Manager. This will display a list of all programs etc currently running on your PC. Click on the CPU column heading which will sort the highest using program to the top. If you do not recognise the program and its CPU usage is high – it could be a miner virus. You could then Google this file or program.
You will then need to use a reputable malware removal program, such as Malwarebytes, or Spyhunter 5
As always – if you have any concerns or questions – please let me know

A cryptocurrency (or crypto currency) is a digital asset that is used as a medium of exchange wherein individual digital token coin ownership records are stored in a digital ledger or computerized database using strong cryptography to secure financial transaction record entries, to control the creat...

29/04/2020

Tax Refund Time !
Its getting to the time that the New Zealand IRD starts to send out Tax Refund Notices. Due to this we will start to see a big increase in email or phone based scams trying to get hold of your money in relation to this activity.

All of the standard precautions need to be in place, watch out for scam emails telling you that you have a refund but you need to supply details etc, etc, txts and phone calls have also been used in the past

The IRD will only contact you via post or through your myIR account on the IRD website - to register for this which I highly recommend that you do - go to https://www.ird.govt.nz/ and click on Register.

DO NOT give any details of your bank accounts or credit cards over the phone or email. Contact IRD either through their call centre or through myIR.
Also contact the IRD if you believe that there has been an attempt to scam you.

One important thing also (from the IRD web site https://media.ird.govt.nz/articles/inland-revenue-warns-of-scams-during-tax-refund-process) the IRD will never put a dollar amount in any correspondence that they have with you.
If you do receive a communication with a dollar amount - it is probably a scam attempt

If you have any concerns regarding a phone call, txt, or email, please contact the IRD immediately on 0800 775 247

Remember the old saying - If it seems to good to be true - It probably isn't !

Any questions - please drop me an email from my page

Stay safe

Kia ora haere mai, welcome to the New Zealand Inland Revenue website. We collect most of the revenue that the New Zealand government needs to fund its programmes. We also administer a number of social support programmes including Child Support, Working For Families Tax Credits, and Best Start.

29/04/2020

Regularly running a "cleaner" on your PC or Mac can make a real difference to how it runs. A cleaner will run a check on your device and delete unnecessary files such as temporary files that are no longer required, and deleted files still in your recycle bin.
Good cleaners will also remove unnecessary browser histories and associated files,tracking cookies, clean up various system files, and check that all programs / apps are up to date.

My personal favorite is CCleaner from Piriform Ltd for PC's running windows, and for your Mac devices CleanMyMac X from macpaw.com is a clear winner among Mac experts.

If you have any questions about how to do this - please drop me an email

(This is all non-sponsored content, and is based on my many years in the IT / computer world)

21/04/2020

To help manage your health and to stay in contact with your GP, check that your GP uses ManageMyHealth (https://www.managemyhealth.co.nz)
By signing up and using the app on your phone you have a full record of your GP consultations, medications, lab results etc at your fingertips. With the app you can book appointments, order repeat prescriptions, even have a video consult with a GP or nurse.

(this is not a paid review)

ManageMyHealth™ is a secure patient portal offers you the ability to have an online Personal Health Record which is accessible any time, anywhere.

20/04/2020

Mobile phone security tip - make sure you setup a pin number, swipe gesture, or thumb/face recognition to unlock your phone. This is the easiest way to prevent others from using your device.

18/04/2020

Take a look at NetSafes tips on Online safety during the lock-down, especially as school children learn from home.

https://www.netsafe.org.nz/the-best-online-safety-tips-for-lockdown/

As people spend more time at home during lockdown, devices and the internet will play a big role in connecting us. Here's 10 online safety tips to help you.

17/04/2020

17/04/2020

Attackers using COVID-19 themed scams - updated alert (www.cert.govt.nz)

"Scammers and attackers are using the public interest in COVID-19 to create opportunistic online scams and attacks"

CERT NZ advises the following:

Be sceptical of advice that doesn’t come from official sources, particularly if it’s been sent to you unexpectedly.

If you’re unsure if an email, text or any other communication is genuinely from a legitimate source, don’t click on the link or open the attachment. Contact the organisation via their official contact channels and ask.

Protect your passwords and login credentials, don’t enter these into any websites relating to the COVID-19 virus.

Keep your devices up-to-date.

Keep your anti-virus up to date and run regular checks.

Report suspected malware or phishing attempts to CERT NZ.

CERT NZ is your first port of call when you need to report a cyber security problem. We support businesses, organisations and individuals affected by cyber security incidents, and provide trusted and...

17/04/2020

This scam has started doing the email rounds again in New Zealand - excerpt from www.netsafe.org.nz

Fake sextortion email scams

This a version of an email phishing scam that has been huge in 2018. It’s an email where the scammer claims to have hacked into their device and recorded intimate recordings of people using pornographic websites. They threaten to release the video unless you pay money or bitcoin. Some versions may include a current or old password (likely gained from a data leak somewhere) and some even “spoof” the email address so it appears to have been sent from your own email account with the scammer claiming they have access to it.

If you receive an email that is similar to the above - DON'T Worry - it is a fake.

Just delete it

17/04/2020

Hi all. Finally launched Fixed IT on this app. I am here to help with any IT problems that you may have during this lock-down period. I can help you with many issues over the phone (or fence) - just message me

17/04/2020