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By Ben Cybersecurity 0 Comments

Learn How to Spot Fake LinkedIn Sales Bots

LinkedIn has become an invaluable platform for professionals. People use it to connect, network, and explore business opportunities. But with its growing popularity have come some red flags. There has been an increase in the presence of fake LinkedIn sales bots.

These bots impersonate real users and attempt to scam unsuspecting individuals. This is one of the many scams on LinkedIn. According to the FBI, fraud on LinkedIn poses a “significant threat” to platform users.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of fake LinkedIn sales bots. We’ll explore their tactics and provide you with valuable tips. You’ll learn how to spot and protect yourself from these scams. By staying informed and vigilant, you can foster a safer LinkedIn experience.

Identifying Fake LinkedIn Sales Connections

Social media scams often play on emotions. Who doesn’t want to be thought of as special or interesting? Scammers will reach out to connect. That connection request alone can make someone feel wanted. People often accept before researching the person’s profile.

Put a business proposition on top of that, and it’s easy to fool people. People that are looking for a job or business opportunity may have their guard down. There is also an inherent trust people give other business professionals. Many often trust LinkedIn connections more than Facebook requests.

How can you tell the real requests from the fake ones? Here are some tips on spotting the scammers and bots.

Incomplete Profiles and Generic Photos

Fake LinkedIn sales bots often have incomplete profiles. They’ll have very limited or generic information. They may lack a comprehensive work history or educational background. Additionally, these bots tend to use generic profile pictures. Such as stock photos or images of models.

If a profile looks too perfect or lacks specific details, it could be a red flag. Genuine LinkedIn users usually provide comprehensive information. They do this to establish credibility and foster trust among their connections.

Impersonal and Generic Messages

One of the key characteristics of fake sales bots is their messaging approach. It’s often impersonal and generic. These bots often send mass messages that lack personalization. They may be no specific references to your profile or industry. They often use generic templates or scripts to engage with potential targets.

Legitimate LinkedIn users, typically tailor their messages to specific individuals. They might mention shared connections, recent posts, or industry-specific topics. Exercise caution If you receive a message that feels overly generic. Or one that lacks personalization. Be sure to scrutinize the sender’s profile before proceeding further.

Excessive Promotional Content and Unrealistic Claims

Fake LinkedIn sales bots are notorious for bombarding users. You’ll often get DMs with excessive promotional content and making unrealistic claims. These bots often promote products or services aggressively. Usually without offering much information or value.

They may promise overnight success, incredible profits, or instant solutions to complex problems. Genuine professionals on LinkedIn focus on building relationships. They try to provide valuable insights and engage in meaningful discussions. Instead of resorting to constant self-promotion.

Be wary of connections that focus solely on selling. And that don’t offer any meaningful content or engagement.

Inconsistent or Poor Grammar and Spelling

When communicating on LinkedIn, pay attention to the grammar and spelling of messages. You may dismiss an error from an international-sounding connection, but it could be a bot.

Fake LinkedIn sales bots often display inconsistent or poor grammar and spelling mistakes. These errors can serve as a clear sign that the sender is not genuine. Legitimate LinkedIn users typically take pride in their communication skills. They try to maintain a high standard of professionalism.

If you encounter messages with several grammatical errors or spelling mistakes, exercise caution. Investigate further before engaging with the sender.

Unusual Connection Requests and Unfamiliar Profiles

Fake LinkedIn sales bots often send connection requests to individuals indiscriminately. They may target users with little regard for relevance or shared professional interests.

Be cautious when accepting connection requests from unfamiliar profiles. Especially if the connection seems unrelated to your industry or expertise.

Take the time to review the requesting profile. Check their mutual connections, and assess the relevance of their content. Legitimate LinkedIn users are more likely to have a connection. They typically send connection requests to others with shared interests or professional networks.

Need Training in Online Security?

Spotting fake LinkedIn sales bots is crucial for maintaining a safe online experience. By being vigilant, you can protect yourself from potential scams.

AI is causing an increase in the sophistication of scams. You may need some help navigating what’s real and fake. Employees can also benefit by learning social media security.

Need help with personal or team cybersecurity training? We have a team of friendly experts that can improve your scam detection skills.

Give us a call today to schedule a chat.

—
Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

5 Tips to Strengthen Your Business’ Cybersecurity
By admin Data Security • 0 Comments

5 Tips to Strengthen Your Business’ Cybersecurity

Data management cybersecurity is vital. Company data involves sensitive and confidential records for the organisation, clients and potential customers. A breach of this information has consequences, including financial losses, reputational damage, and the risk of upholding customers’ trust.  

 

Hackers are just around the corner 

In a nutshell, cybersecurity, or IT security, plays an important role in every business. It protects the organisation and employees from cyber threats such as hacking, malicious software, and ransomware attacks. These days, hackers have also changed their approach, increasingly targeting staff & exploiting human error. Make sure to protect your people so they won’t be the next target of cyber scam victims.  

 

Cybersecurity training for businesses 

Allowing your employees to identify common cyber threats by conducting regular cybersecurity awareness training will help not just the people in the organization but the business in the long run.  

 

Update your anti-virus protection 

Make sure your business gadgets are regularly checked and that you have a reliable anti-virus program installed. Consider partnering with an experienced IT team that provides cybersecurity solutions in the digital realm. 

 

Implement strong Password management 

Encourage your employees to have strong and unique passwords to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, financial information, or personal details associated with other accounts. Passwords should be changed regularly and be two-factor enabled.  

 

Data backups & cloud storage solutions 

Backing up business data on a regular basis is a must, especially if your information is confidential. A secure cloud storage service can be of great assistance in ensuring that your data isn’t going anywhere in case of loss due to cyberattacks or natural incidents.  

 

IT security professionals 

At Geelong Technology, we build IT systems that suit your application by sourcing high-quality components from these reputable manufacturers:  

Take the first step to protect your business—Contact Geelong’s cybersecurity experts 

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. Stay informed about emerging threats and evolving best practices to continuously improve your defences. Consider working with trusted IT experts in Geelong that can offer you a complete security awareness solution to test, train, measure, and reduce human risk. Contact Geelong Technology Group on 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484) to make sure your business is secure. 

macbook pro on white couch
By Ben Microsoft 0 Comments

Have You Tried Out Microsoft Designer Yet? (Get the Scoop Here)

As technology continues to advance, so does the landscape of design tools. Microsoft has been a company at the forefront of business apps. Microsoft 365 began with about seven apps. It now offers new users access to over 20.

One of the newest ones added is Microsoft Designer. This quick-and-easy design tool has caught the attention of designers and professionals alike. You can use it whether you’re a graphic pro, marketer, or small business owner. Or someone that simply wants to make a funny meme.

Microsoft Designer offers a range of features to streamline your design process. If you haven’t used it yet, you may want to check it out. With AI features and an easy interface, it can elevate your design game. Not to mention saving time and money creating business graphics.

Let’s explore the key features.

Intuitive and User-Friendly Interface

Microsoft Designer boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface. This makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced designers. The tool provides a clean and organized workspace. It allows you to focus on your design without distractions.

Its user-friendly features include things like:

  • Drag-and-drop functionality
  • Contextual menus
  • Easy navigation
  • Text prompts to start your design

The first prompt it asks is “Describe the design you’d like to create.” This makes it simple for someone with no design experience to use it. Based on your prompt, the system can leverage AI to generate graphics. You can also upload your own.

Have You Tried Out Microsoft Designer Yet? (Get the Scoop Here)
Microsoft Designer Interface

Comprehensive Design Templates and Assets

Microsoft Designer has several stand-out features. One of them is its extensive collection of templates and assets. It has a wide range of professionally crafted templates. These enable you to kickstart your design projects quickly.

Whether you need a business card, flyer, or social media post, this app has you covered. Additionally, the tool offers a vast library of assets. These include:

  • High-quality images
  • Icons
  • Fonts
  • Color palettes

You can use these to create visually stunning designs. Ones that align with your brand identity. The abundance of design assets gives you creative freedom and flexibility. You can have fun bringing your vision to life.

Smart Layout Suggestions and Design Recommendations

Microsoft Designer goes beyond being a mere design tool. It’s a knowledgeable design assistant. The tool employs artificial intelligence. It can analyze your design and provide smart layout suggestions and recommendations. So even if making images isn’t “your thing,” you can make something decent.

The AI help is useful for those who may be new to design or seeking inspiration. Your “design assistant” can offer optimal font pairings, appropriate image placements, and more.

Microsoft Designer helps you make informed design choices. This elevates the visual impact of your creations. It also keeps you from spending hours on one design.

Seamless Collaboration and Integration

Collaboration is essential in today’s digital workspace. Microsoft Designer understands this need. The tool offers seamless collaboration capabilities. It allows several users to work on the same design project simultaneously.

You can easily share your designs with team members or clients. As well as get real-time feedback and edits. Furthermore, Microsoft Designer integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications. Such as PowerPoint and Word. This creates a cohesive workflow across different design and documentation tasks. The ability to collaborate ensures efficient teamwork. The integration with other tools enhances productivity.

Accessibility and Cross-Platform Support

Microsoft Designer recognizes the importance of accessibility and cross-platform compatibility. The tool is available both as a web application and as a desktop application. You can use it on Windows and Mac.

Use it working on your desktop computer or from a mobile device. The tool also adheres to accessibility standards. This means it’s inclusive and usable for individuals with diverse needs.

What Does It Autogenerate?

Just for fun, let’s see what we get with the AI-generated option. We’ll describe our design as, “a sales ad for orange juice with palm trees.”

In just a few seconds, this is what Microsoft Designer generated as options.

Have You Tried Out Microsoft Designer Yet? (Get the Scoop Here)

While some images might not be relevant, it gives many options that are. If you’re not getting what you want the first time, rephrase your prompt.

If you’re seeking a user-friendly design tool, Microsoft Designer is worth exploring. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a beginner, it can save you time and money.

Learn More About Our Microsoft 365 Support

Microsoft 365 is a vast universe of apps. Ones that can lower costs and boost your productivity. From the Office suite to Intune for endpoint management, it’s a valuable asset.

Need help with M365 questions? Looking for setup and security support? We can help. Give us a call today to schedule a chat about our Microsoft support services.

—
Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

Things you need to know before getting a custom-built PC
By admin computers • • 0 Comments

Things you need to know before getting a custom-built PC

Every gamer would agree that a custom-built PC is considered a haven. This allows you to optimise your device and get high-performance components that are tailored to your specific gaming desires. 

But before leveling up your gaming experience, remember that the level of expertise required for building a PC may vary. You might want to check out these measures that you need to know before getting a custom-built PC. 

Customise Based on Your Purpose 

As a gamer, there are several factors to consider while building your own PC. It is best to know what you are aiming for before making a purchase. Whether it be better graphics, greater FPS, or just overall performance for your gaming needs, By doing this, it’ll be easier for you to narrow down your options without throwing your money down the drain. 

To prepare you for the next step, you should be familiar with these important components of building your own gaming PC.  

  • CPU – The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is referred to as the “brain” of a computer. It controls how your device is supposed to work and how fast the processor can be. Getting a more powerful processor allows your computer to think and work faster. 
  • ‌RAM – The Random Access Memory (RAM) allows the user to simultaneously experience high-performance play while running other apps as well. In gaming, insufficient RAM may lead to a slow crawl of the game or lagging. 
  • ‌GPU (graphics card) – The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) plays a major role in gaming graphics, performance, and the overall gaming experience. A powerful GPU improves competitive gaming criteria as it provides a smooth graphics display. 
  • ‌Storage – Your device’s Storage plays a vital role in how your system responds to game installations, downloading data, and updating the games on your device. 

 

Keep in mind to pay attention to these components as they will have a heavy impact on your gaming performance. These will also save you from paying bigger costs later on.    

 

Set your Budget. 

It’s a general rule that if you have to create a budget, you should know how to allocate it properly. This stage allows you to prioritize your expenses and utilize your gaming funds for the components that are most important.
You should also plan for future upgrades or enhancements when building a custom-built PC. This step will allow room for future improvements as gaming technology is constantly evolving. 

 

Go anywhere or go straight to gaming experts! 

Because everything is now available on the Internet. The first thing that you might do is search “what is the best setup for a gaming PC” or simply “how to customize a gaming PC.” There is nothing wrong with looking for suggestions online. But remember, everyone has their own preferences based on what they need and what they like—sometimes on what they promote!  

If you’re just getting started, it’s best to hear it from an experienced gamer. So you can seek advice and help build the best hardware solution for your next gaming or high-performance machine.  

Gaming experts at Geelong Technology will make sure you get unique and high-quality components that suit your setup and style. 

Start your powerful gaming journey with Geelong! 

Whether you’re a pro or a startup gamer, building your own rig can be both a challenging and exciting journey. But it’s also such a rewarding feeling when you finally meet your gaming needs and aspirations. Elevate your gaming experience with Geelong Technology Group and discover the best gaming system setup for you! 

Call us today for the best gaming system setups in Geelong and surrounding areas, including Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Torquay, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Colac, and Warrnambool.  

📞 03 5244-3030
✉️ support@geelongtechnology.com.au 

166 Francis St, Belmont, VIC 3216
Mon – Fri 9.00 – 17.30
Sat – 9.00 – 17.00 

5 Steps to Strengthen Cyber Security
By admin Computer Security • Data Security • • • • 0 Comments

5 Steps to Strengthen Cyber Security

Cyber security in data management becomes more vital as it involves every record of the whole organization that may be sensitive or confidential. A breach of this information has consequences, including financial losses, reputational damage, and the risk of upholding customers’ trust.  

 

Hackers are just around the corner!

In a nutshell, cyber security, or IT security, plays an important role in every business. It protects the organization and employees from cyber threats such as hacking, malicious software, and ransomware attacks. These days, hackers have also changed their approach, increasingly targeting staff & exploiting human error. Make sure to protect your people so they won’t be the next target as cyber scam victims.  

 

It only takes ONE wrong click. 

Allowing your employees to identify common cyber threats by conducting regular cybersecurity awareness training will help not just the people in the organization but the business in the long run.  

 

Update your anti-virus protection. 

A common lag in your business computer might be a warning sign of weak anti-virus protection, putting your information at risk. Make sure your gadgets are regularly checked and that you have a reliable anti-virus program installed. Consider partnering with an experienced IT team that works with a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions in the digital realm. 

 

Implement strong Password management. 

Having a strong and unique password prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data, financial information, or personal details associated with other accounts. Always keep in mind that passwords must be changed regularly, treated like your own, and be two-factor enabled.  

 

Backup your data 

Backing up business data on a regular basis is a must, especially if your information is confidential. A secure cloud storage service can be of great assistance in ensuring that your data isn’t going anywhere in case of loss due to cyberattacks or natural incidents.  

 

At Geelong Technology, we build IT systems that suit your application by sourcing high-quality components from these reputable manufacturers:  

Take the first step to protect your business —Contact Geelong’s data security experts. 

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. Stay informed about emerging threats and evolving best practices to continuously improve your defenses. Consider working with trusted IT experts in Geelong that can offer you a complete security awareness solution to test, train, measure, and reduce human risk.  

 

📞 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484) 

📧 mailto:support@geelongtechnology.com.au 

📍 166 Francis St, Belmont. 

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By Ben Cybersecurity 0 Comments

6 Reasons Access Management Has Become a Critical Part of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has become paramount for businesses and individuals alike. Cyber threats abound, and data breaches and malware attacks are costly. Attacks come from all sectors, including the cloud tools you use every day.

The average employee uses 36 cloud-based services daily. Managing access to sensitive data and resources has become crucial. It’s a vital piece to maintaining robust security. One breached account in a business app can lead to significant consequences.

Login credentials are lucrative for hackers. Various online accounts can be a goldmine on the dark web. For example, an email administrator login can fetch between $500 to $140,000.

You need to ensure you’re addressing access management in your cybersecurity strategy. Otherwise, you could suffer serious financial consequences. Not to mention the loss of reputation that comes with a data breach.

We’ll look at six reasons access management has become essential to good data security. It plays a pivotal role in safeguarding valuable assets and ensuring data integrity.

Why Identity & Access Management (IAM) Should Be a High Priority

 

Mitigating Insider Threats

Insider threats can result from malicious actions or unintentional errors. They can come from employees within an organization or their breached accounts. IAM solutions enable businesses to install granular access controls and permissions. This ensures that employees have access only to the data necessary for their roles.

By minimizing excessive privileges organizations can reduce insider threats. Access management also provides visibility into user activities. It enables businesses to detect and respond to suspicious behavior in real-time.

Strengthening Data Protection

Data breaches can have severe consequences for businesses. They can lead to things like:

  • Reputational damage
  • Financial losses
  • Regulatory penalties
  • Permanent closure for those that can’t recover

Effective access management helps strengthen data protection. It does this by limiting access to sensitive information. As well as enforcing strong authentication measures.

Multi-factor authentication, encryption, and user authentication limit who can access what in a system. Access management solutions also enable organizations to track and control data transfers. This helps ensure that data remains secure throughout its lifecycle.

By implementing robust access controls, businesses can mitigate the risks. They reduce the chance of unauthorized data access. As well as protect their most valuable assets.

Enhancing Regulatory Compliance

Compliance with data privacy laws is a top priority for many organizations. IAM solutions play a vital role in ensuring regulatory compliance. They provide necessary controls and audit trails.

IAM tools also help companies adopt best practices, such as:

  • Role-based access control (RBAC)
  • Least privilege principles
  • Contextual multi-factor authentication

Using access management, businesses can show compliance with regulatory requirements. IAM solutions also help with regular access reviews. They enable organizations to maintain an accurate record of user access and permissions. This is essential for regulatory audits and assessments.

Streamlining User Provisioning and Deprovisioning

Managing user accounts and access privileges manually can be a time-consuming process. It’s also prone to human error. Just one miskeyed entry can increase the risk of an account breach.

Access management solutions automate user provisioning and de-provisioning. This ensures that employees have appropriate access rights throughout their employment lifecycle.

When an employee joins an organization, access management simplifies the onboarding process. It quickly provisions the necessary user accounts and permissions based on their role.

When an employee leaves the organization, IAM tools ensure prompt de-provisioning of accounts. As well as the revoking of access rights. This reduces the risks of dormant or unauthorized accounts.

Remember the big data breach at Colonial Pipeline a few years back? The breach originated from an old unused business VPN account. One that had never been de-provisioned properly.

Streamlining user provisioning and de-provisioning enhances security and improves operational efficiency.

Enabling Secure Remote Access

Two things have largely changed the look of the traditional “office” in the last decade. These are the rise of remote work and the increasing reliance on cloud services. This change makes secure remote access vital for organizations.

IAM solutions provide secure authentication and authorization mechanisms for remote users. This enables them to access corporate resources and data securely. IAM is there whether employees are working from home, traveling, or accessing data via mobile. Access management ensures that they can do so without compromising security.

It includes features like:

  • Virtual private networks (VPNs)
  • Single sign-on (SSO)
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

These help secure remote access. While also maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of corporate data.

Improving Productivity

Using an identity and access management system can boost productivity. Imagine how much time your HR or IT team spends provisioning user accounts. It can take a significant amount of time to add all those login credentials. Not to mention deciding on user access permissions in each tool.

IAM systems automate this entire process. Using role-based access protocols, they can immediately assign the right level of access. If an employee leaves, the system can also immediately revoke access. This saves your administrative team considerable time and effort.

Get Help Putting a Strong IAM Solution in Place

Access management has evolved into a critical component of cybersecurity. It helps mitigate insider threats, strengthen data protection, enhance regulatory compliance, and more. We can help you put in place an IAM system that works for you.

Give us a call today to schedule a chat about beefing up your access security.

 

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Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

3 Top Tips To Avoid Online Scams: Stay Alert and Secure!
By admin Computer Security • • 0 Comments

3 Top Tips To Avoid Online Scams: Stay Alert and Secure!

Sharing your information online to shop, sign up to various subscriptions to access apps etc. has become an integral part of our lives. However, along with its numerous benefits, there are also risks. Online scams have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting individuals.  

Over 20,693 instances of online shopping scams were reported in Australia in 2021. Geelong Technology Group is here to raise awareness and empower you with knowledge about common scams, enabling you to navigate the digital landscape safely.  

  

1. Phishing Scams 

One of the most prevalent online scams is phishing. Cybercriminals pose as legitimate organisations through deceptive emails, messages, or websites, attempting to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or social security numbers. To protect yourself, always double-check the sender’s email address, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never provide personal information.

  

2. Online Shopping Fraud 

Fake online stores and sellers lure shoppers with enticing deals, only to disappear after receiving payment. To avoid falling victim, shop from reputable websites, read customer reviews, and use secure payment methods. Look for the padlock symbol in the browser address bar, indicating a secure connection (HTTPS) for your transactions. 

  

3 Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams typically involve fraudsters posing as technical support representatives. They contact unsuspecting individuals through phone calls or pop-up messages, claiming their device is infected with malware or facing technical issues. After this, they can request remote access to your computer or ask for payment for nonexistent services. Remember, legitimate companies will never contact you unsolicited. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact the company directly using verified contact details. 

 

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the tactics used by online scammers continues. Staying informed and vigilant is essential in protecting yourself from potential threats. By familiarising yourself with common scams like phishing, online shopping fraud, and tech support scams, you can confidently navigate the internet and enjoy a secure online experience. Trust your instincts, use strong passwords including a password vault and keep your software and antivirus programs up to date. 

  

At Geelong Technology Group, we prioritise your safety online. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay secure! If you need assistance, please call 1300 GETGTG or pop into our shop 166 Francis St, Belmont between Monday – Friday 9.00am – 17.30pm.  

 

How to Silence Your Phone's Virtual Assistant and Preserve Your Privacy
By admin Data Security 0 Comments

How to Silence Your Phone’s Virtual Assistant and Preserve Your Privacy

Hands up if you have a Google Home, Apple Home, Amazon Echo or similar? It’s so handy when you’re in the middle of cooking with messy hands to yell out “Hey Google, play Hill Top Hoods” or “Hey Alexa, set timer for 30min!”. I think we can all agree that virtual assistants have become an integral part of our home pods and smartphones offering convenience and ease of use.  

However, concerns about privacy and data security have also emerged. Many users are now seeking ways to tell their phone’s virtual assistant to stop listening and respect their privacy.  

In this blog post, our Geelong Technology Group team will cover some effective methods to silence your phone’s virtual assistant, empowering you to regain control over your privacy while maintaining a seamless user experience. 

  

Adjusting voice activation settings 

Most virtual assistants, such as Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa, are designed to respond to voice commands. By customising your device’s voice activation settings, you can limit when the assistant actively listens. Head to your device’s settings, find the virtual assistant option, and disable the “always listening” mode. This will ensure that the assistant won’t activate until you manually summon it. 

  

Muting microphone access 

To prevent your virtual assistant from constantly monitoring your surroundings, consider muting the microphone. Many smartphones have a physical mute switch or button specifically designed for this purpose. By toggling it, you can easily turn off the microphone when you don’t require voice commands. 

  

Utilising app permissions 

Reviewing and managing app permissions is crucial for maintaining privacy. Navigate to your phone’s settings and locate the permissions section. Here, you can revoke microphone access for specific apps, including the virtual assistant. Be cautious not to disable critical functions that rely on the microphone, such as voice calls or audio recording apps. 

  

Customise voice feedback 

Virtual assistants often provide audio feedback to confirm they are actively listening. While this can be useful, it may also intrude on your privacy. Adjust the settings to customise the voice feedback or switch it to a silent mode. This way, your virtual assistant will still respond visually without audibly alerting others to its presence. 

  

Limit data collection 

Virtual assistants gather data to improve their performance, but you have control over what information is shared. Visit your virtual assistant’s settings and explore the data collection options. Disable any features that you find intrusive or unnecessary. By being mindful of the data you share, you can protect your privacy and minimise the information stored by the virtual assistant. 

  

Maintain your control over you virtual assistant 

Achieving a balance between the convenience of virtual assistants and preserving our privacy is essential. By following these steps, you can effectively establish control over when it listens and collects data. Remember to regularly review your device’s settings and app permissions to ensure your privacy remains intact. Taking these proactive measures empowers you to enjoy a seamless user experience while maintaining control over your personal data.  

 

On-site & remote IT support in Geelong 

At Geelong Technology Group, we prioritise your safety online. If you need assistance with shutting off your virtual assistant or other tech contact our friendly team on 1300 GET GTG for assistance. If you are in Geelong feel free to pop into our shop 166 Francis St, Belmont between Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.  

 

stop cyberattacks
By admin Computer Security • 0 Comments

Protect your business from cyberattacks with cybersecurity training

Data holds immense value in our digital world. Whether it’s customer addresses, emails, banking details or even employee information, every piece of data collected by a business should be protected. Consequently, every business, regardless of its size, has a crucial need for cybersecurity. And subsequently, training for their employees to mitigate the potential risks of cyberattacks. 

What are the signs of cyberattacks?

In an increasingly online world, the threat of data breaches, cybersecurity incidents, and cyberattacks loom over businesses like never before. Cyberattacks can come in various forms, from phishing emails to your employees, unsecured software or lack of cybersecurity. Here are some signs of a cyberattack: 

  • Unusual account activity  
  • Suspicious call or email from someone wanting to access information   
  • An employee opened a phishing email   
  • You cannot access your files  
  • Your devices are not behaving normally (e.g. running slow or lots of pop-ups suddenly)  

In the event of a cyberattack or data breach, it is crucial to take immediate and decisive action.  

Response steps for cyberattacks or a data breach  

First and foremost, containment is critical. Immediately contact your I.T. department or I.T. service provider if you believe there has been a breach or cyberattack (or you clicked on that phishing link). If you don’t have an I.T. department, reach out to trusted I.T. professionals at Geelong Technology Group for immediate assistance.  

Next, assess the extent of the data stolen. Was it sensitive data like banking or credit card details? Or just email addresses? (Though it’s important to note any data breach is bad). Document everything so you have a comprehensive record for future reference and potential investigations. Make sure you visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) website to determine what you are obligated to do under the current Australian Privacy Act.   

 Consider what you need to do now to protect your data in the future – upgrade systems, change passwords, or replace hardware if needed. Don’t forget to educate your employees on cybersecurity, as 90% of data breaches are due to human error.  

 Engage cyber security experts like Geelong Technology Group  

Safeguard your business from cyberattacks with a comprehensive approach to cyber-secure I.T. systems and well-informed employees. Get a cyber-resilient culture with GTG’s complete security awareness training solutions for small businesses. Our cybersecurity program includes the following:  

  • Ready-to-edit cyber policy templates  
  • Actionable checklists to ensure your security is top-notch  
  • engaging (and relevant!) security awareness training videos
  • Extensive library of security awareness material  
  • Industry-leading phishing simulator that sends regular phishing campaigns to monitor your company’s performance  
  • Detailed reports about the individual risk each employee, department or country poses to your company.   

Take proactive steps to keep your data and business secure with cybersecurity training from Geelong Technology. Visit our website or call 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484) to see a demo of our program. 

iPhone repairs geelong
By admin IT Support • 0 Comments

iPhone repairs made easy: quick solutions for common issues

Is your iPhone acting up? Don’t worry! We’ve got some quick solutions to get your device up and running again. Whether your iPhone won’t turn on, is frozen, or won’t respond to your touch, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know for iPhone repairs. Plus, we’ll also shed light on the importance of addressing a cracked screen and where you can go to get it fixed. 

Restart your iPhone

If your iPhone is experiencing any issues, a force restart can often get it working in a tick. The steps differ depending on your iPhone model, so follow these restart guidelines from Apple: 

  • iPhone 8 or later and iPhone SE (2nd generation): Press and quickly release the volume up button, then the volume down button. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. 
  • iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch (7th generation): Press and hold both the side (or top) button and the volume down button until the Apple logo appears. 
  • iPhone 6s or earlier, iPhone SE (1st generation), and iPod touch (6th generation) or earlier: Press and hold both the side (or top) button and the Home button until the Apple logo appears. 

If the forced restart doesn’t work, then it might be time to take it to an Apple store or bring it into us at Geelong Technology Group, as we are your local Authorised Apple Service Provider for all iPhone repairs.  

Troubleshooting slow charging battery 

Battery life is a common complaint of people who come into GTG for an iPhone battery repair. To maximise your battery performance, try the following steps: 

  • Make sure you are using the latest iOS version. (Settings > General > Software Update) 
  • Check your battery usage information. (Settings > Battery). It will show you the App Background Activity, which apps are using Location Services and even which apps send you notifications that wake up your display. You can change the settings for the Background App Activity, Location Services and Notifications in Settings. 
  • Enable Low Power Mode. (Settings > Battery) 
  • Optimise your screen brightness by turning on Auto-Brightness to help extend your battery life. (Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Turn on Auto-Brightness) 
  • Use a secure Wi-Fi connection versus mobile data when you can.  

If your slow charging battery issue persists, consider visiting an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider like GTG for professional assistance. 

Fixing a cracked phone screen

Fortunately, repairing a broken screen is a common service we can assist with. Cracked screens may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can lead to more significant problems. Dust and moisture can enter your phone through the cracks, potentially damaging internal components. Don’t delay in addressing a cracked screen, especially if your iPhone isn’t functioning properly! 

iPhone repairs in Geelong

Whether you’re dealing with an unresponsive iPhone, low battery or a cracked phone screen, contact Geelong Technology Group for your iPhone repairs. 

As an authorized Apple service provider, our technicians have taken strict Apple training to repair all Apple devices. Our skilled technicians are trained by Apple to fix any issue, whether it’s an unresponsive device, low battery, or cracked screen. You can trust us to use genuine Apple parts, ensuring your repair stays under warranty. 

Contact the knowledgeable GTG techs to get your iPhone functioning as optimally as possible.