Volume: 18 Issue: 06 June. 2019

Contacts. Port Macquarie Seniors Computer Group Inc.

P.O. Box 2135 Port Macquarie, NSW 2444. Email portseniors.pc@gmail.com

Web Address: www.portseniorspc.org.au

Committee.

Peggy McC. President & Web Administrator

Barry D. Secretary. Graham C. Treasurer. Lorraine F. Membership Officer. Anne C. Committee Member. Sel C. Newsletter Editor.

Disclaimer: This Newsletter is provided “As is.” without warranty of any kind. Each Reader assumes complete risks as to the accuracy and subsequent use of its contents.

President Peggy’s Comments.

WELCOME to our Mid Winter Newsletter. The first half of our year has been very successful with most classes filling. Many thanks to our hard working Helpers and of course Committee Members. Today I want to talk briefly with regard to Copyright and how it affects our Group directly. There are many hundreds of interpretations, the only part I am going to address is our Lesson Notes and Website. “Where a person who is a volunteer, receives NO remuneration of any kind, supplies her/his own tools (i.e. computer and soft-ware programs) prepares and writes Student Notes for use in lessons, as a teaching aid, is considered to have Copyright over those Notes” In our case, this is exactly what happens. The paper and ink for the words to be placed upon belongs to the Group. BUT THE WORDS THEMSELVES ARE COPYRIGHTED. Our Website comes under much the same rules. Please remember this! I seem to have problems from time to time with members giving away notes, which are not being paid for. Whilst all the monies goes to the Group, things should still be treated in the correct context. Word lessons. These are now open for booking. There are 3 lessons. Yes they are a repeat of the earlier lessons we held this year. Sometimes going over something again, is a good thing. I have always found the more you go over something on the computer the more it just becomes automatic. That’s it from me. Stay warm. Regards Peggy.

Social Secretary’s Report. The Lucky Door Prize of a free Lesson was won by: Elaine B.

Regards, Anne C.

Monthly average losses to NBN scams almost triple in 2019 Australians are losing more money to NBN scams, with reported losses in 2019 already higher than the total of last year’s losses. Consumers lost an average of more than $110,000 each month between January and May this year, compared with around $38,500 in monthly average losses throughout 2018 – an increase of nearly 300 per cent. “People aged over 65 are particularly vulnerable, making the most reports and losing more than $330,000 this year. That’s more than 60 per cent of the current losses,” ACCC Acting Chair Delia Rickard said. “Scammers are increasingly using trusted brands like ‘NBN’ to trick unsuspecting consumers into parting with their money or personal information.” Common types of NBN scams include: • Someone pretending to be from NBN Co or an internet provider calls a victim and claims there is a problem with their phone or internet connection, which requires remote access to fix. The scammer can then install malware or steal valuable personal information, including banking details. • Scammers pretending to be the NBN attempting to sell NBN services, often at a discount, or equipment

to you over the phone. • Scammers may also call or visit people at their homes to sign them up to the NBN, get them a better deal

or test the speed of their connection. They may ask people to provide personal details such as their name, address, date of birth, and Medicare number or ask for payment through gift cards.

• Scammers calling you during a blackout offering you the ability to stay connected during a blackout for an extra fee.

It is important to remember NBN Co is a wholesale-only company and does not sell services directly to consumers.

“We will never make unsolicited calls or door knock to sell broadband services to the public. People need to contact their preferred phone and internet service provider to make the switch,” NBN Co Chief Security Officer Darren Kane said. “We will never request remote access to a resident’s computer and we will never make unsolicited requests for payment or financial information.” “If someone claiming to work ‘for the NBN’ tries to sell you an internet or phone service and you are unsure, ask for their details, hang up, and call your service provider to check if they’re legitimate. Do a Google search or check the phone book to get your service provider’s number, don’t use contact details provided by the sales person,” Ms Rickard said. “Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer, and never give out your personal, credit card or online account details to anyone you don’t know – in person or over the phone – unless you made the contact.” “It’s also important to know that NBN does not make automated calls to tell you that you will be disconnected. If you get a call like this just hang up.” “If you think a scammer has gained access to your personal information, such as bank account details, contact your financial institution immediately.” More information about NBN scams is available online at: nbnco.com.au/scamadvice Printed with permission from: scamwatch.gov.au

Being Safe /Safer Online. Using the same Password for everything. If a Hacker manages to get that single Password you use for every login, they will have no trouble accessing your online accounts. Use a strong, unique password every time you create a new account, especially for Banking or Shopping sites. One of the best ways to create (and remember) your passwords is to use passphrases. You can use the words of a song that you like, or come up with an original phrase and then shorten it, using special symbols and numbers, for example: “I love Australian red wine” could be used as “1luvoZZir3dvin0” As an alternative, get a reliable Password Manager to help you remember all your unique passwords Writing down or Texting passwords. Don’t write down your passwords-remember them or use a password manager to help you with this task. Never send your passwords or any other sensitive information via Email, Texting or Messages, there can always be someone snooping on your communications. Ignoring Security updates. Keeping Antivirus/Antimalware programs up to date is essential to keep your device protected from malicious threats. If you don’t feel like checking for updates regularly, enable your applications to do it automatically. Having too many browser extensions. The more extensions and plugins you have in your browser, the riskier it gets. You may easily download an extension that is aimed at collecting your data or even worse – infecting your device with Malware. Choose your extensions wisely – get only those that can help you with daily tasks and protect your privacy. Not using two-step authentication. Two-factor authentication adds security to your account and is available on many account-based services, Whilst 2FA makes it very hard for hackers to get into your files and Emails, many people still don’t use this security feature. No Computer/Phone password. Put a Password or PIN on your Computer/Phone and lock it when you leave—even for a few minutes. Clicking on links in strange emails. Hacking and Malware is successful because people click on links in Emails they receive from strangers. This is known as Phishing. The purpose is to lure users into visiting fake websites where hackers can install malware on their victim’s device, steal their Passwords, Credit Card details, and other information. If you don’t know or trust the sender, don’t click on anything in the Email you’ve received. Using HTTP sites. HTTP in the prefix of the web address means that your connection is not secure, snoopers can see the data on that website. This is especially dangerous for Online payments and cases when you need to provide Personal information. To stay on the safe side, only browse sites that use an SSL-encrypted connection, indicated by HTTPS. Checking your bank account on public WiFi. Public Wireless networks lack proper protection, leaving users open to Hackers and Snoopers. When on public WiFi, such as Libraries, Airports, Hotel/Motels, Restaurants etc. Don’t check any sensitive information, especially if it’s Work- or Money-related Clicking on virus warning pop-ups. When visiting websites, you may face pop-ups claiming to have found Malware or Viruses on your Computer. Don’t click on them, they will try installing Malware or Adware on your device. Downloading files from sketchy sites. Downloading free Pirated Movies, Games, and Programs is one of the easiest ways to get Malware. Be very careful on sites you don’t trust. No lock screen protection. With so much sensitive information residing on your device, securing it should be the first thing you do. Unless you take your device everywhere, without leaving it unattended, even for a tiny second, You should start by managing your Security Settings, Add Lock Screen Protection: Either a Pattern, PIN code, or Password. If you don’t lock your screen, anyone can install Malware or Spyware on your phone without you noticing.

Meeting Agenda. 9.30.am. Registration and Class Bookings. 10.00.am. Meeting Starts and Club Business. 10.45.am. Morning Tea and Class Bookings. 11.00.am. Presentation./ Public Trustees Office 12.00.pm. Meeting Ends.

Entry and Fees. Members: $2.00

Visitors: $5.00

Tea/Coffee and Biscuit Provided Free.

Seats MUST be booked prior to

attendance.

Next Monthly Meeting at Port Macquarie Library Meeting Room on : 29th.July. 2019

July. 2019.Computer Classes.

04/7 Thur.9.30am—12.00pm. P/Point Creating a “Flip Book” with Action Buttons Lesson 4. Peggy 11/7 Thur.9.30am—12.00pm. Learning about Win10. new & old features. Peggy 18/7 Thur.9.30am—12.00pm. Downloading from M/S store & other revisions. Peggy

August.2019. Computer Classes.

15/8 Thur.9.30am—12.00pm. M/S Word Repeat. Lesson 1. Peggy 22/8 Thur.9.30am—12.00pm. M/S Word Repeat. Lesson 2. Peggy 29/8 Thur.9.30am—12.00pm. M/S Word Repeat. Lesson 3. Peggy

Folders disappearing …... If you find some folders you have used previously are no longer showing then go to View on the toolbar and turn on Hidden folders. One in particular that disappears is AppData in the User section of the C Drive. Feel like a few minutes of just playing around on the computer?? Here is the perfect site — www.weavesilk.com Just move the mouse and create beautiful images. A warning—this program is addictive.

Regards Peggy.

Class Venue. Classes will be held at : Port Macquarie Library

Tech. Room.

Class Information. Visit our Website at :

www.portseniorspc.org.au Click on “Classes”

Select a class of interest, then click on “Contact Us”

If you wish to enrol.

Class Fees. Individual Classes : $5.00.

Payable in Advance!

Refreshments. Tea/Coffee and Biscuit included in Class Fees.

REMEMBER! Wear your Current name tags

to all Classes and Monthly Meetings.

If you’re using a Group Laptop

or a Library Computer bring a USB. drive to class.