Tag Archives: passwords

News

Tech Tip – Making Your Browser Remember Your Passwords

Your browser may have a Password Manager but sometimes an issue (e.g., conflicting extensions) may cause the browser not to save or remember your passwords. Here’s how to fix the issue for popular browsers Chrome and Edge:

For Google Chrome:

– Open the Chrome menu (the three dots top right) and select ‘Settings’.

– Select ‘Autofill’ on the sidebar.

– Choose the option labelled ‘Passwords’ (left side of the Settings screen).

– Turn on the ‘Offer to save passwords’ switch.

For Microsoft Edge:

– Open the Edge menu (the three dots top right) and select ‘Settings’.

– Select ‘Passwords’.

– Turn on the ‘Offer to save passwords’ switch.

News

Tech News : Get Notified By Google If Your Passwords Are Compromised

As part of Google’s latest security updates to Chrome and Android, users will not only be alerted if any of the passwords in their Password manager are compromised but will also be given the opportunity to make a quick fix.

Quick Fix – Change Password

In the ongoing competitive battle between Google’s Chrome browser (and its Android OS) and Apple’s equivalent, Google has released new security updates. Part of the updates to the Password Manager that’s built-in to Chrome and Android is the new quick-fix feature which will enable the Google Assistant to navigate to the compromised accounts and change passwords within seconds. 

Benefits

Firstly, the fact that users are alerted when a password has been compromised is valuable because if users are made aware of a problem, they can quickly take action before more damage is done, rather than simply finding out after the event (e.g. stolen data or money) and/or the password being used by other attackers after being passed on/sold on.

Secondly, having a fast-track route to a quick fix through being offered a one-click ‘Change Password’ button means that users can minimise the amount of time that they are exposed to risk, and can quickly and conveniently change a password without having to go back to the site where it has been compromised, click on the forgot password/change password link, and go through a longer process that way.

Setting Up The Feature

The feature, which is powered by Google’s AI technology (since 2018) ‘Duplex’, is available to users who have turned “Safe Browsing” on and who are signed-in and syncing to Chrome.

On Android, for example, to receive alerts if any passwords have been compromised (e.g. in a data leak on a third-party website or app) navigating to the ‘Settings’ in Chrome and selecting ‘Privacy and security’ > ‘Safe browsing’ and tapping on ‘Standard protection’ gives users the option to switch “Warn you if passwords are exposed in a data breach” to on or off.

Users can also choose to check saved passwords themselves to see if any have been exposed in a data breach. Again, this can be done via ‘Settings’ in the Chrome app, by tapping ‘Passwords’ > ‘Check Passwords’.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

This is one of several new security features announced in answer to Apple’s recent iOS 14.5.1, and macOS 11.3.1 security updates, and specifically, is an answer to Apple introducing compromised password alerts with iOS 14. Clearly, being alerted and being able to check password compromises, and being able to change a password quickly and easily is likely to be very beneficial to users.  Google also recently announced that it will soon be automatically enrolling its users in Two-Step Verification ‘2SV’ to improve the security of its services, but the future of authentication and verification is most likely to be ‘passwordless’ and based on biometrics. For example, last year, Google announced that users could verify their identity by using their fingerprint or screen lock instead of a password when visiting certain Google services (e.g. Pixel devices and all Android 7+ devices) due to Google’s collaboration with many other organisations within the FIDO Alliance and the W3C that led to the development of the FIDO2 standards, W3C WebAuthn and FIDO CTAP that allows fingerprint verification.  Both Apple and Google may, therefore, be highlighting features based around more traditional security ideas now, but the direction of travel is away from passwords altogether.

News

Six top tips to increase computer security

Technology is a huge part of most peoples lives, as many of us use computers, smartphones and tablets regularly. However, as technology advances, so does the complexity of viruses, scams and hackers. Below we have highlighted six simple steps to help you increase your computer security and keep your computer safe.

  1. Keep your computer up to date

    One of the best things you can do for your computer is to keep it updated. This includes your security software. Having the latest version of the software installed means you’re in the best position to protect your device.

 

  1. Make secure passwords

    You often hear of people making their password, ‘password’. But it makes it incredibly easy for people to hack into your accounts. When choosing a password, make sure its long and complex without the need to write it down. We suggest it has a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Don’t forget to change them every few months and never reuse the same password. For our top ten tips for a secure password, read our World Password Day blog.

 

  1. Be wary of suspicious emails

    One way that hackers target computers is by sending an email with a link which contains a virus once it is opened or trick you into divulging your password. If you receive an email which you’re not expecting, and it seems out of the ordinary, be wary not to click on any links or download any files as they may contain something that will harm your computer. The emails might come from a name you don’t recognise or people and organisations you know well. If in doubt, take a look at the email address it came from. Does the wording and layout look right? Hover over the link, does it look like a reputable www website? If you’re not sure, get in contact with us.

 

  1. Install security software

    Installing an anti-virus programme usually includes several other features to protect your device from security breaches will make keeping your computer safe and secure a lot easier. Investing in a good-quality programme will help keep your computer safe and alert you if it finds a problem on your computer. We can offer advice on the best programme for your computer.

 

  1. Don’t leave your computer/laptop unlocked when unattended

    If you are stepping away from your desk, or taking a break from some work, it’s always safer to lock your device before you leave it. That way, nobody can access your files, change your background or alter your homepage. To lock your computer, press the Windows Key + L.

 

  1. Back up your data.

    In the rare case that your computer gets a virus and needs to be reloaded, it’s a safe bet to keep all your files safely stored away. This means you not only have peace of mind, but you’ll have all of your files in one place. To find out more about the importance of backing your data up, read our blog here.

Increasing computer security can be daunting for even the most experienced computer-user. If you ever need any advice on increasing your computer security, feel free to get in contact with us.