We all know privacy is a thing of the past but when your car is even after your sexual activity, it has gone to far…
https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/articles/its-official-cars-are-the-worst-product-category-we-have-ever-reviewed-for-privacy/
A sophisticated Gmail phishing scam has emerged in April 2025, exploiting Google's own infrastructure to deceive users into revealing their account credentials. This new tactic is particularly alarming because the phishing emails appear to originate from legitimate Google addresses, such as no-reply@google.com, and even pass Google's authentication checks like DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). This gives the emails a high degree of credibility, making them harder to spot.
Here's a breakdown of how this scam works:
* Spoofed Sender Address: The emails are sent from what appears to be an official Google email address, making them look genuine and allowing them to appear in the same conversation thread as legitimate Google security alerts.
* Exploiting Google Subdomains: The phishing links often redirect users to fake login pages hosted on legitimate Google subdomains, such as sites.google.com, instead of the actual accounts.google.com. This further tricks users into believing they are on a genuine Google site.
* Fake Security Alerts: Many of these phishing emails falsely claim that a subpoena has been issued for the user's Google Account data or that there has been suspicious activity. They urge the user to click on a link to respond to the request or secure their account.
* OAuth Abuse: Scammers can create a Google OAuth application with the scam message as the app name. By granting this app access to their own email, it triggers an automatic Google security alert. This alert, containing the scam message, is then forwarded to victims, appearing as a genuine communication from Google.
How to Identify These Phishing Emails:
* Check the URL: Before entering any information, carefully examine the website address in your browser's address bar. If the login page is hosted on sites.google.com instead of accounts.google.com, it is likely a phishing attempt.
* Be wary of urgent requests: Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency, prompting you to act quickly without thinking. Google will not typically send urgent, unsolicited requests for your login credentials or personal information.
* Don't click on links in unsolicited emails: It's always safer to navigate directly to the official Gmail or Google Account login page by typing the address into your browser, rather than clicking on a link in an email.
* Verify security alerts directly: If you receive a security alert that seems suspicious, don't click the link in the email. Instead, go directly to your Google Account security settings (myaccount.google.com/notifications) to check for any genuine notifications.
* Look for inconsistencies: Be aware of emails with unusual formatting, poor grammar, or mismatched sender names and email addresses (though this new scam is designed to look very consistent).
General Advice to Avoid Phishing Scams:
* Never share your password or other sensitive information via email. Google will never ask for your password, one-time passcodes, or other personal details through email.
* Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Gmail account. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to access your account even if they obtain your password.
* Keep your browser and operating system up to date. Security updates often include protection against known phishing tactics and malicious websites.
* Be cautious of unexpected emails or messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted source. If in doubt, verify the communication through an alternative method, such as calling the company directly using a known phone number.
* Report suspicious emails as phishing in Gmail. This helps Google identify and block future phishing attempts.
Google has acknowledged this new wave of attacks and states they are rolling out protections to mitigate this type of abuse. However, vigilance and caution on the part of users remain crucial in staying safe from these sophisticated scams.
Okay, here's an IT tip for today:
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
MFA adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring you to provide two or more verification factors to log in. This could be something you know (like your password), something you have (like your phone), or something you are (like a fingerprint).
Even if a cybercriminal gets hold of your password, they won't be able to access your account without that second factor, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
Take a few minutes today to check your important online accounts (email, banking, social media, work accounts) and enable MFA if you haven't already. It's one of the most effective ways to protect yourself online.
Feeling overwhelmed by a long document, a cluttered webpage, or a massive email thread? Don't waste time scrolling or wandering the wasteland of unsupported apps and misfiled documents. the Marin Tech bring you:
IT Tip of the Day: Conquer the Search Bar!
Use the "Find" function:
* Windows: Press Ctrl + F
* Mac: Press Cmd + F
A small search bar will appear. Simply type the keyword or phrase you're looking for and press Enter. The tool will highlight every instance of your search term, allowing you to jump directly to the information you need.
Pro Tip: Many applications also have advanced search options, allowing you to refine your search by case sensitivity, whole words, or even specific formatting. Explore these options to become a true search master!
This simple shortcut can save you valuable time and frustration every day!
So easy…So Simple….
But wait there’s MORE
IT Tip of the Day PART II: Mastering the iPhone Search Bar or ( Your Home Screen doesn’t have to look like a game of Tetris I have 1 page of shortcuts on my phone and half of that is a widget. Free yourself from the clutter.
Quickly find anything on your iPhone with the powerful search bar! Here's how:
1. Accessing the Search Bar from the Home Screen:
* Swipe Down: From the middle of any Home Screen page, swipe downwards. This will reveal the search bar at the top of the screen.
2. Using the Search Bar:
* Type Your Query: Tap in the search bar and start typing what you're looking for. This could be:
* Apps: Quickly launch any app installed on your phone.
* Contacts: Find phone numbers, email addresses, and other contact information.
* Messages: Search through your text message conversations.
* Emails: Locate specific emails in your Mail app.
* Calendar Events: Find past or upcoming appointments.
* Notes: Search the content of your saved notes.
* Settings: Quickly jump to specific settings within the Settings app.
* Web Results: If what you're searching for isn't on your phone, it will offer web search suggestions.
3. In-App Search:
* Many apps have their own dedicated search bars, usually located at the top of the screen (often with a magnifying glass icon). Tap on this bar to search within the content of that specific app (e.g., searching for a specific song in Apple Music or a file in the Files app).
Pro Tip: The more specific your search terms, the faster and more accurate your results will be!
Using the iPhone search bar effectively can significantly speed up your daily tasks and help you find what you need in seconds.
Crisp and Clean and brain melt free!
Okay, here's your IT tip of the day for Monday, March 24, 2025, from San Rafael, California:
Tip of the Day: Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Navigation
Instead of constantly reaching for your mouse, learn a few essential keyboard shortcuts for your operating system and frequently used applications. This can significantly speed up your workflow and reduce strain on your wrist.
Examples:
* General (Windows/macOS):
* Ctrl + C (Windows) / Cmd + C (macOS): Copy
* Ctrl + V (Windows) / Cmd + V (macOS): Paste
* Ctrl + X (Windows) / Cmd + X (macOS): Cut
* Ctrl + Z (Windows) / Cmd + Z (macOS): Undo
* Ctrl + A (Windows) / Cmd + A (macOS): Select All
* Ctrl + S (Windows) / Cmd + S (macOS): Save
* Alt + Tab (Windows) / Cmd + Tab (macOS): Switch between open applications
* Windows Key + L (Windows) / Ctrl + Cmd + Q (macOS): Lock your screen
* Web Browsers:
* Ctrl + T (Windows/macOS): Open a new tab
* Ctrl + W (Windows/macOS): Close the current tab
* Ctrl + R (Windows) / Cmd + R (macOS): Refresh the page
* Ctrl + F (Windows) / Cmd + F (macOS): Find on page
Why is this helpful?
* Saves time: Moving your hand to the mouse and back takes time. Keyboard shortcuts keep your hands on the keyboard.
* Increases efficiency: You can perform actions much faster.
* Reduces strain: Less mouse usage can help prevent repetitive strain injuries.
Actionable Tip:
Today, try to consciously use just one or two new keyboard shortcuts in an application you use frequently. You'll be surprised how quickly they become second nature!
Okay, here's another IT tip for the day:
Keep your software updated!
Why it's important:
* Security: Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Running outdated software makes you more susceptible to malware, viruses, and data breaches.
* Performance: Updates can improve software performance, fix bugs, and introduce new features that enhance your experience.
* Compatibility: Keeping your operating system and applications updated ensures they work smoothly with each other and with new hardware.
How to do it:
* Enable Automatic Updates: Most operating systems (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) and many applications have options for automatic updates. It's generally a good idea to turn these on.
* Check for Updates Regularly: If you prefer manual updates, make it a habit to check for updates for your operating system and important applications (web browsers, antivirus software, etc.) at least once a week.
* Be Cautious with Updates: While updates are generally good, sometimes they can introduce new issues. Before installing a major update, consider backing up your system and reading reviews or forums to see if others are experiencing problems.
Bonus Tip:
* Update your browser: Your web browser is a primary gateway to the internet, so keeping it updated is crucial for security.
* Update your antivirus software: Make sure your antivirus software is always up-to-date with the latest virus definitions to protect against new threats.
In short: Don't ignore those update notifications! They're there for a reason.
Have a great rest of your Saturday!
Marin Tech Tip of the Day:
No on has lamented having TOO many backups…EVER.
Here's a quick IT tip of the day:
Regularly back up your important data!
Whether it's personal photos, work documents, or anything in between, data loss can be devastating. Implement a backup strategy that includes:
* Multiple locations: Don't rely on just one backup. Use a combination of local backups (external hard drive) and cloud backups (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.).
* Automation: Schedule backups to run automatically, so you don't have to remember to do it manually.
* Testing: Occasionally test your backups to ensure they are working correctly and that you can restore your data.
* Version control: If possible, use backup solutions that keep multiple versions of your files. That way, if you accidentally overwrite something, you can restore an earlier version.
This simple habit can save you a lot of stress and heartache in the long run. I have never had one client complain about being TOO backed up.
Given the ever-evolving landscape of technology, a consistently relevant IT tip revolves around cybersecurity. Here's a focused tip for today:
Today's IT Tip: Practice Phishing Awareness
* Be Extra Vigilant:
* Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Pay close attention to emails, text messages, and even phone calls that request personal information.
* Look for subtle signs like misspellings, unusual sender addresses, and urgent or threatening language.
* Verify Before Clicking:
* Never click on links or open attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
* If you receive an email from a seemingly legitimate organization, such as your bank, contact them directly through their official website or phone number to verify the request.
* Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
* Where possible, enable 2FA on all your important accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for hackers to gain access even if they have your password.
* Keep Software Updated:
* Ensure your operating systems and applications are updated. Software updates frequently include security patches that address known vulnerabilities.
Why this is important:
* Phishing attacks are a primary method used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive data, including passwords, financial information, and personal details.
* By staying informed and practicing vigilance, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of these attacks.
In short, a healthy dose of skepticism when online is a very good tool to have.
415.747.5804
www.themarintech.com
Marin Tech Tip of the day:
Given the ever-evolving landscape of technology, a consistently relevant IT tip revolves around cybersecurity. Here's a focused tip for today:
Today's IT Tip: Practice Phishing Awareness
* Be Extra Vigilant:
* Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Pay close attention to emails, text messages, and even phone calls that request personal information.
* Look for subtle signs like misspellings, unusual sender addresses, and urgent or threatening language.
* Verify Before Clicking:
* Never click on links or open attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
* If you receive an email from a seemingly legitimate organization, such as your bank, contact them directly through their official website or phone number to verify the request.
* Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
* Where possible, enable 2FA on all your important accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for hackers to gain access even if they have your password.
* Keep Software Updated:
* Ensure your operating systems and applications are updated. Software updates frequently include security patches that address known vulnerabilities.
Why this is important:
* Phishing attacks are a primary method used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive data, including passwords, financial information, and personal details.
* By staying informed and practicing vigilance, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of these attacks.
In short, a healthy dose of skepticism when online is a very good tool to have.
415.747.5804
www.themarintech.com
