Have you ever seen a video of a celebrity endorsing a new investment or giving away free tickets that seemed too good to be true? You might be witnessing a deepfake AI scam. These scams are becoming more and more convincing, leveraging advanced technology to deceive unsuspecting people.

In this article, we’re going to look at how these scams work, what deepfakes are, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself.

Celebrities endorsing shady products? It could be a scam

Hackers have been creating videos featuring famous celebrities promoting shady products or giveaways. Maybe it’s an actor offering “exclusive cryptocurrency opportunities” or a pop star announcing “free concert tickets” if you click a link. These scenarios can look and sound incredibly real, but they are often scams designed to trick you.

Hackers are banking on the fact that you trust your favorite celebrities. They use that trust to get you to act against your best interest, such as like entering personal details or making payments. It’s incredibly easy to fall for it, but with a little awareness, you can stay one step ahead.

What are deepfakes?

You might be wondering, “What exactly is a deepfake?” A deepfake is a video or audio clip where artificial intelligence (AI) is used to convincingly replicate a person . In the context of scams, this often means creating a realistic version of a celebrity’s face or voice to deceive viewers.

Why are deepfakes so convincing?

The key reason deepfakes of celebrities are so convincing is the sheer amount of source material available. Celebrities are everywhere – movies, talk shows, podcasts, social media – and all of that is fuel for deepfake AI. The AI studies their facial expressions, voice tone, and movements, and then recreates them nearly perfectly. This level of accuracy makes it extremely difficult to determine whether a video is real or fake just by watching it.

How to spot a deepfake scam

Spotting a deepfake isn’t always easy, but there are signs you can look for to protect yourself.

• Check the account. Does the account posting the video look legitimate? Often, scammers will use usernames that are very close to the real celebrity’s name but with subtle variations, such as an extra letter or number.
• Verify on official channels. Head over to the celebrity’s known real social media accounts. Are they promoting this product or giveaway on their official platforms? If a deepfake video claims that Taylor Swift is endorsing a new product, yet there’s no mention on her verified pages, it’s a red flag, and it’s worth taking a moment to check.
• Look closely at the video. Deepfake technology is very advanced, but it’s not perfect. You might notice odd glitches, such as like unnatural blinking, awkward body movements, hands that seem to disappear, or slightly off voice patterns. These can be tell-tale signs that the video is fake.
• Does it fit the celebrity’s usual behavior? Ask yourself if the promotion makes sense for that celebrity. Would this person usually promote something such as a cryptocurrency or a random giveaway? If it feels off-brand, it probably is.

Deepfakes are getting better, so stay vigilant

The truth is that deepfakes are getting more convincing by the day. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between what’s real and what’s fake. That’s why it’s essential not to trust videos of celebrities blindly, even if they appear authentic. Scammers thrive on impulse reactions, so if something seems too good to be true, take a step back and think it through.

Awareness is your biggest weapon against these scams, so please share this information with friends and family who might need to be made aware of how far this technology has come.

Think you might have been scammed?

If you think you might have fallen victim to a deepfake scam, especially if you’ve been asked to install software or allow access to your computer, don’t panic. Give us a call.

We’re here to help assess the situation and take steps to keep you secure. Scams such as these are becoming more common, but with the right support, you can minimize the impact and avoid falling victim again.

Conclusion

Deepfake AI celebrity scams are a modern threat, using the faces and voices we know and trust to pull us into traps. But remember, staying alert and questioning anything that feels out of place can go a long way to keeping you safe. And if you need any help, we’re just a call away. Dial 507-320-5921 to reach us.

Have you ever received a terrifying email claiming someone has hacked your computer, watched you through your webcam, and gathered your personal files? If so, you’re not alone. These types of scam emails are becoming more common and are designed to frighten you into paying up. Let’s take a closer look at how this scam works and why you shouldn’t worry.

“Your computer has been hacked!” – what the email says

The first thing you need to know is that this email is designed to scare you. It will often claim that your computer has been hacked, and that someone has gained access to all your files, messages, and even emails. To make things even more chilling, it might say that they’ve been watching you through your webcam.

This message is all about creating panic. The scammers want you to feel vulnerable and out of control, which makes you more likely to meet their demands. But before you react, remember that this is all just a tactic, a very common trick to prey on fear.

The cryptocurrency demand

These scam emails often end with a demand for cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, in exchange for not releasing your so-called “private” information. They’ll give you a short deadline to pay up, making it sound urgent and dire. They know that if they can pressure you into acting quickly, you might not have time to think logically or seek advice.

The scary part: mentioning your real password

One thing that makes these emails particularly unsettling is that they sometimes mention a password you recognize, perhaps even a password you still use! This can make the threat seem very real, but here’s what’s really going on.

Your email address and passwords may have been part of a public data leak at some point. Large-scale data breaches have affected platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and many others. When these breaches happen, hackers often get hold of millions of usernames and passwords. They then use this information to craft convincing emails to make their scam look legitimate.

It’s a good reminder of why using a unique password for every account is so important. Using a password manager can help with that, and adding two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of security.

The good news: it’s just a scam

The good news is that this email is just a scam. No one has access to your computer, files, or webcam. These scammers are relying on scare tactics to pressure you into paying. The best thing you can do is not respond and delete the email.

The scammer has no control over your computer. They just hope you’ll be frightened enough to believe them and send money. By ignoring them, you take away all their power.

We’re here to help

We understand how stressful it can be to receive an email like this, especially when it mentions something as personal as your password. If you ever feel unsure or need help figuring out what’s real and what’s not, feel free to reach out to us. The only real concern here is that your password may have been leaked, and anything using that password should be changed.

We can help you set up a password manager and two-factor authentication to keep your accounts safe. Don’t be afraid to give us a call; we’re here to help you feel safer and more confident with your computer.

Call us today at 507-320-5921

Everybody loves a bargain, right? Especially when it comes to tech, prices can sometimes feel out of reach. These days, budget laptops are more affordable than ever. But (and it’s a big “but”) not all cheap laptops are created equal. While the price may be tempting, you don’t want to end up with a laptop that’s painfully slow, frustrating to use, and can’t do the job.

A quote from John Ruskin, a nineteenth-century poet, still rings true today:

“It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money — that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.”

Now, let’s break down how to avoid that very situation and what to look for in a budget laptop so you can get a great deal and a laptop that works.

The Absolute Minimum Specs You Should Go For

Processor (CPU)

Your laptop’s processor is like the brain of the whole operation. It’s responsible for running programs and handling multitasking. Many budget laptops come with lower-end processors such as the Intel Celeron or AMD A-series, but these might leave you waiting and watching the dreaded spinning wheel.

Our recommendation: Look for at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor. They offer a decent balance between performance and price, meaning you can get through your daily tasks without too much lag.

RAM (Memory)

If the processor is the brain, RAM is the short-term memory. It’s where your laptop stores data temporarily while running multiple applications. If there is not enough RAM, your laptop will feel stuck in slow motion whenever you try to do more than one thing at a time.

Our recommendation: Go for at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB might seem sufficient on paper, you’ll quickly hit its limits when you have a few browser tabs open or are running programs in the background.

Storage (SSD vs. HDD)

Here’s where things get interesting. Many budget laptops come with traditional hard drives (HDDs), which can hold a lot of data but are painfully slow compared to solid-state drives (SSDs). An SSD makes everything faster, from booting up to opening applications.

Our recommendation: Even if it means sacrificing some storage space, go for an SSD. A 256 GB SSD is a great starting point and will make your laptop feel snappy and responsive.

Screen Size and Resolution

This is more about comfort and how you plan to use the laptop. A smaller 11-inch or 13-inch screen can save you some money, but if you’re going to be using it for long periods, you might want a larger 15-inch display.

Our recommendation: Aim for at least a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 (Full HD). It’ll give you clearer text and sharper images without straining your eyes.

Don’t Forget About Battery Life

What good is a laptop if it can’t stay powered long enough to get through a movie or a work session? Budget laptops sometimes skimp on battery capacity to cut costs, meaning you could find yourself chained to a power outlet more often than you’d like.

Our recommendation: Look for a laptop with at least 8–10 hours of battery life. This should get you through a full day of light use without reaching for the charger.

The Pitfall of the Cheapest Option

It’s tempting to go for the absolute lowest price you can find, but as John Ruskin wisely pointed out, sometimes paying too little can cost you more in the long run. You might end up with a laptop that can’t handle the basics, forcing you to either buy another one or pay for upgrades sooner than you’d like. That’s where our advice comes in handy: it’s all about finding that sweet spot between affordability and usability.

Need Help Setting It Up?

Once you’ve found the perfect budget laptop, the next step is setting it up properly. If you’re unsure where to start with setting up your new laptop, transferring files, or ensuring it’s secure and ready to go, we’re here to help.

Our team can assist you with setup, software installation, and even ongoing support to make sure your laptop runs smoothly for years to come.

Feel free to reach out anytime. Call us at 507-320-5921.

We’ve all been there: You’re about to shut down your computer, and the dreaded “Windows is updating” screen pops up. Sometimes, it feels like it takes forever. But what happens if you interrupt that update, whether by turning off the computer or losing power? Let’s dive into what happens when a Windows update gets interrupted and how to avoid any headaches.

Why Windows updates are important

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s helpful to understand that Windows updates are there to keep your computer running smoothly. They fix bugs, patch security issues, and occasionally introduce new features. But because updates often involve system files, interrupting them can cause a whole host of problems.

What happens if you interrupt the update?

Interrupting a Windows update can lead to a few different outcomes, ranging from minor issues to full-on data loss. Here’s a breakdown of the most common scenarios:

1. The update resumes normally. In some cases, Windows is smart enough to resume the update from where it left off. If you get lucky, your computer might continue the update process the next time you turn it on. This usually happens with more minor updates.
2. Your computer enters a “boot loop”. This is when your computer keeps restarting over and over without actually booting up. This can happen if an essential file isn’t fully updated before the interruption. Essentially, Windows is stuck trying to figure out what went wrong and keeps trying to fix itself by restarting.
3. You see the “blue screen of death” (BSOD). Yes, the infamous blue screen of death could make an appearance. This happens when the interrupted update causes a serious error, such as corrupting system files. The computer can’t operate normally, and you’re left staring at a blue screen with an error message.
4. Data loss or corrupted files. If you’re unlucky, interrupting an update might lead to file corruption. This can happen if Windows is interrupted while critical data is being written in the system files. In some cases, your personal files might even be affected, although this is less common.

Can you fix it yourself?

Sometimes, you can resolve the issue by restarting the computer or running Windows in Safe Mode. However, if the problem is more serious (such as a boot loop or blue screen), fixing it on your own can become complicated.

You might find guides online suggesting all sorts of solutions, such as using recovery tools, booting from a USB, or even reinstalling Windows. While these are valid options, they often require a decent amount of technical know-how and, if done incorrectly, can make things worse.

When to call in the experts

If you’ve interrupted a Windows update and are now facing any of the issues mentioned above, it’s best to get professional help. As a computer repair business, we deal with unfinished Windows updates all the time. We can help recover your data, get rid of the boot loop, and restore your system back to normal without you having to worry about losing anything important.

How we can help you

• Data recovery. If your files are at risk, we can take the necessary steps to back up and recover your important documents and photos before proceeding with any repairs.
• System recovery. We have the tools to repair or reinstall Windows without losing your data, so you can get back to using your computer as soon as possible.
• Prevent future issues. Once we fix the current problem, we can also help ensure your computer is set up to handle future updates more smoothly.

Final thoughts

Interrupting a Windows update might seem harmless at first, but it can lead to serious issues that could leave your computer unusable.

If you’re dealing with an unfinished update and don’t know what to do next, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!

Call us at 507-320-5921.

We all know the saying, “If you aren’t paying for something, you’re the product.” It’s been floating around for a while and for a good reason. Like many other free platforms, Facebook makes money by using your data.

But what does that mean for you? It’s not just about seeing ads for the shoes you browsed last week; it’s about your personal information being used, tracked, and shared in ways you might not even be aware of.

The scary part? It’s not just the hackers or people you don’t want to reconnect with who are interested in your data; Facebook itself has a stake in it. And as the platform evolves, so do the privacy risks.

The Dangers of Oversharing: It’s Worse Than You Think

Oversharing online isn’t a new concern, but the reasons for limiting what you share have become much more serious. It’s no longer just about that undesirable person from high school liking your vacation photos in your swimsuit. The very platform you’re using, Facebook, could be abusing your information in ways that feel increasingly invasive.

Facebook has been in the spotlight for how it handles user data. Beyond the awkward social scenarios, your privacy settings could allow Facebook and its partners to learn more about you than you’d ever willingly share.

It’s time to take action and regain control over your personal information before it’s too late.

Stop Facebook from Targeting Ads Based on Your Online Activities

You might have noticed that Facebook seems to know a little too much about what you’re interested in. Ever wonder why? It’s because Facebook collects data not just from your activity on their platform but also from the other websites you visit, the apps you use, and even the products you buy in the real world.

This data is then used to target ads that are eerily specific to your tastes and habits.

To stop this from happening, here’s what you need to do.

1. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings & Privacy.
3. Select Settings.
4. Navigate to Accounts Center.
5. Under Ad Preferences, go to the Manage Info tab.
6. Click on Activity information from ad partners and Review Setting.

By turning off this setting, you’re cutting off one of the main ways Facebook and its partners can track and target you with ads. It’s a small step, but it goes a long way towards protecting your privacy.

Old Photos, New Risks: Facebook’s Changing Privacy Defaults

If you’ve been on Facebook for over a decade, you probably have a treasure trove of memories in your profile. But here’s the catch: Facebook has a habit of changing its default settings, which means that some of those photos you once set to private might now be public.

To make sure your private photos stay that way, take a moment to go through your settings.

• Go to Settings & Privacy.
• Click on Privacy Checkup.
• Select Who can see what you share.
• Scroll down and review the items. Make sure everything you want to keep private is set to Friends or Only Me.

This step is especially important if you’ve been using Facebook for years. The platform’s evolving policies and settings can easily make once-private content available to the public without you realizing it.

Location Tracking: Do You Really Want Facebook to Know Where You Are?

Did you know that Facebook can track your location? This might seem harmless at first, but after all, it’s kind of nice when Facebook automatically tags your location in a post. But think about it: do you really want Facebook and its partners to know where you are at all times?

If that makes you uneasy, here’s how to turn off location tracking.

1. Go to Settings & Privacy.
2. Select Settings.
3. Scroll down to Location.
4. Under Location History, turn that off.

Disabling this feature prevents Facebook from logging your location data, adding another layer of privacy to your account.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Privacy Before It’s Too Late

Facebook can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it’s important to remember that the platform’s primary goal is to make money, and it does that by using your data. Whether it’s targeted ads, public photos, or location tracking, there are plenty of ways your information could be exposed.

Now is the time to review and update your Facebook privacy settings. Taking just a few minutes to adjust these settings can help you avoid having your personal information abused by Facebook and its partners. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your privacy now.

We’ve all been there—ready to use your computer, only to find it won’t turn on. It can be frustrating, but before you panic, you can check a few simple things that might get it up and running again. Let’s walk through some steps to see if we can get your computer back on track.

Check the Basics: Is It Plugged In?

It might seem obvious, but the first thing to do is check whether your computer is actually plugged in. Sometimes, a loose connection can be the culprit. Make sure the power cable is securely plugged into both the wall socket and your computer. It’s worth unplugging it and plugging it back in, just to be sure the connection is solid.

Double-Check the Computer’s Power Connection

On a desktop computer, the power cable usually looks like a three-pin “kettle cable.” For laptops, the power cable can come in various shapes and sizes. Again, make sure it’s plugged in properly at both ends. It might seem redundant, but the simplest checks can sometimes solve the problem.

Is the Powerboard to Blame?

If your computer’s power cable is connected to a powerboard, check the powerboard itself. Some powerboards have a small button for an internal circuit breaker—press it to make sure it hasn’t tripped. This could be the reason your computer isn’t getting any power.

Test the Power Socket

If other devices like a lamp or phone charger are plugged into the same power socket, check to see if they work. This can help you determine whether the issue is with your computer or the power source itself. If nothing is working, the problem might be with the socket, not your computer.

Try a Different Power Cable

Do you have a spare power cable lying around? If you do, now’s the time to put it to use. Swap out the current cable and see if that makes a difference. This simple step can help determine if the original cable is faulty.

Desktop Users: Check the Power Switch on the Back

If you’re using a desktop computer, there’s usually a large power switch on the back of the tower, near where the power cable plugs in. Make sure it’s switched on. It’s easy to overlook, but this switch can sometimes get turned off accidentally.

Laptops: Is It Really Off or Just Asleep?

Laptops can be tricky because sometimes they aren’t fully off—they’re just in a suspended state, where they’re more “asleep” than off. In rare cases, your laptop might not come out of suspension properly. Hold the power button for about 8 seconds to force a reboot, then try turning it on again.

Still No Luck? Give Us a Call

If you’ve gone through all these steps and your computer still won’t turn on, it might be time to call the experts. We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to give us a call at

507-320-5921. We’ll diagnose the issue and get your computer back up and running quickly.

As a business owner, you probably understand the importance of data backups. They are your safety net, keeping your business safe from unexpected events like hardware failures, cyberattacks, or even natural disasters. But here’s a critical question: Do you know exactly what’s being backed up on your computer?

The Assumption Trap: Are You Backing Up Everything?

Many business owners assume that their entire computer is being backed up. However, this is often not the case.

Typically, the backup system focuses on specific directories, such as your network drive or other shared locations that your IT team deems essential.

But what about the files saved on your desktop or the “Downloads” directory? These areas are often overlooked. For example, the “Downloads” folder is usually considered a temporary holding area for files, and may not be included in regular backups. This could be a risky oversight if you have important documents sitting there.

The Problem with Shadow IT

Shadow IT is another potential pitfall. This occurs when employees download and use software without the knowledge or approval of your IT department. These unauthorized applications can generate important data that isn’t covered by your backup policies simply because your IT team or Managed Service Provider (MSP) is unaware of their existence.

Consequently, any data generated or stored by these shadow IT applications might be at risk.

What About Your Business Applications?

Consider the applications your business relies on daily. Do you know how and where their data is backed up? If you use cloud-based applications, backups might be handled by the service provider, but for in-house hosted applications, the responsibility falls on you or your IT team. Make sure that the data from these applications is stored in a central, backed-up location to avoid any potential data loss.

Take Control of Your Backup Strategy

To make sure you have a comprehensive backup strategy, it’s important to:

• Identify All Critical Data: Know what data is essential for your operations and make sure it is included in your backups.
• Review Your Backup Policies: Regularly check and update your backup settings. Make sure new files and applications are accounted for.
• Test Your Backups: Don’t wait for a disaster to find out if your backups are working. Perform regular tests to make sure that data can be restored effectively.
• Address Shadow IT: Work with your employees to understand what software they are using. Make sure that any new applications are integrated into your backup strategy.

Reach Out to an MSP

If managing backups sounds overwhelming, consider reaching out to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) like us. MSPs specialize in creating and maintaining comprehensive backup solutions tailored to your business needs. We can help you make sure that all critical data, including that from shadow IT applications, is securely backed up and easily recoverable.

Conclusion

Data backups are not just about peace of mind; they are about ensuring business continuity. As a business owner, understanding exactly what is being backed up on your computer is critical to your business.

By being proactive and working with an MSP, you can safeguard your business against data loss.

Feel free to contact us for a consultation on your current backup strategy. We’re here to help you create a robust, comprehensive backup solution that keeps your business data safe and secure.

If you’ve been using ChatGPT in your business, you’ve probably noticed how helpful it can be. Whether writing the odd email, analyzing a spreadsheet, or generating ideas, this AI tool can save you time and effort. But, like any powerful tool, it comes with its own risks. One big concern is how ChatGPT learns from the data it’s given. Let’s dive into why this is important and what you need to watch out for.

The Benefits of Using ChatGPT

First, let’s talk about the good stuff. ChatGPT can:

• Write emails: Need to send out a quick thank-you note or a follow-up email? ChatGPT can draft it in seconds.
• Analyze data: Got a spreadsheet that needs sorting or analyzing? ChatGPT can help make sense of your numbers.
• Generate ideas: Stuck in a brainstorming session? ChatGPT can offer fresh ideas and perspectives.

These are just a few ways ChatGPT can make your day-to-day tasks easier. It’s like having an extra pair of hands in the office.

The Big Risk: Data Sensitivity

Now, here’s the catch. ChatGPT learns from the data it processes. This means pasting sensitive information into it is risky. Imagine typing in your company’s secret algorithm, customer medical data, or other confidential information. This data can potentially be used to train the AI, which could have serious implications.

What Does “Training” Mean?

When we say ChatGPT “trains” on data, we mean it learns from the input it receives to improve its responses. The more data it gets, the better it gets at generating relevant and accurate answers. However, this also means that any sensitive information provided can be part of this learning process.

Think Before You Paste

Before you paste that critical bit of information into ChatGPT, ask yourself:

• Is this data confidential? If yes, think twice.
• Could this information harm my business if it were leaked? If yes, it’s best not to share it.
• Would you be comfortable with this information being out in the public domain? If not, keep it out of ChatGPT.

Practical Tips to Stay Safe

Here are some simple tips to help you use ChatGPT safely.

• Avoid sensitive data. Do not input sensitive personal, medical, financial, or proprietary business information.
• Use anonymized data. If you need to use real data, make sure it’s anonymized. Remove names, addresses, and any other identifying details.
• Review privacy policies. Understand the privacy policies of any AI tool you use. Know what data is stored and how it is handled.
• Train your team. Make sure your staff is aware of the risks and understand what types of information should not be shared with AI tools.

Conclusion: Use Wisely, Stay Secure

ChatGPT can be a fantastic assistant, but remember: with great power comes great responsibility. By being mindful of what data you share and taking steps to protect sensitive information, you can enjoy the benefits of ChatGPT while keeping your business secure.

Scams are becoming more sophisticated every day, and one of the latest trends is the “mystery box” scam. These scams target average homeowners and business owners alike, often through enticing emails or flashy ads on social media. Let’s break down this scam and how to protect yourself.

What is the “mystery box” scam?

The “mystery box” scam revolves around an exciting promise: you can win a box filled with high-value gadgets and smart devices just by completing a survey and paying a small delivery fee. It sounds too good to be true, right? Unfortunately, that’s because it is. Here’s how the scam typically unfolds.

1. Enticing email or ad. You receive an email or see a social media ad promoting a chance to win a “mystery box” packed with expensive items.
2. Survey completion. You’re asked to fill out a survey, which seems harmless enough.
3. Delivery fee. At the end of the survey, you’re prompted to pay a small delivery fee to receive your prize.

How the scam works

Scammers use various tactics to exploit your trust and excitement. Here are the most common methods.

Collecting your information

In some cases, the main goal is to gather your personal information. The survey might ask for details such as your name, address, phone number, and even sensitive information such as your date of birth. This data can then be used for identity theft or sold to other scammers.

Stealing your money

Another variation involves the so-called delivery fee. You’re asked to provide your credit card details to cover a nominal shipping cost. Once they have your payment information, scammers can charge your card for much more than the small fee or make unauthorized transactions.

Delivery of low-quality items

Sometimes, you may receive a package, but the contents are far from what was promised. Instead of high-end gadgets, you get cheap, low-quality items worth a fraction of what you paid.

Examples you might encounter

To help you recognize these scams, here are a few examples of what you might see.

• Email subject. “Congratulations! You’ve Won a Mystery Box Filled with Top Gadgets!”
• Social media ad. A flashy banner showing high-end smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches with the tagline “Get this Mystery Box for just $5!”
• Survey prompt. After completing the survey, a pop-up says, “You’re almost there! Just pay $4.99 for shipping, and your mystery box will be on its way!”

How to protect yourself

Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to the “mystery box” scam.

1. Be skeptical of unsolicited offers. If you receive an unexpected email or see an ad offering expensive items for free, be cautious. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Avoid sharing personal information. Never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited emails or ads.
3. Research the offer. Look up the company or the offer online. Check for reviews or reports of scams.
4. Use secure payment methods: If you decide to make a purchase online, use payment methods that offer fraud protection, such as credit cards or PayPal.

Final Thoughts

The “mystery box” scam preys on our excitement and desire for a good deal, but you can protect yourself against such fraudulent schemes by staying informed and cautious. Always verify the legitimacy of offers and be wary of sharing your personal information online.

Stay safe and informed, and you’ll be better equipped to avoid these scams.

Many internet users are increasingly concerned about privacy, and your browser’s Private Browsing Mode, or Incognito Mode, offers a simple way to keep your online activities hidden from others who share your computer.

This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of Private Browsing Mode, helping you understand what it does and doesn’t protect you against.

Advantages of Private Browsing Mode

Keeps your browsing history private

One of the main benefits of Private Browsing Mode is that it prevents your browsing history from being saved. This means anyone who shares your computer won’t be able to see which websites you’ve visited. It’s particularly useful if you’re planning a surprise or researching sensitive topics and don’t want others to know.

Useful for multiple accounts

If you have multiple accounts on a single website, you can use Private Browsing Mode to log into both accounts simultaneously without having to log out and log back in repeatedly. For instance, you can be logged into both your personal and work email accounts at the same time, making it easier to manage different aspects of your online life.

Avoids tracking cookies

Cookies are text files with small pieces of data that get stored on your computer when you visit a website.

When you browse in Private Browsing Mode, your browser doesn’t store cookies from your session. This means that websites won’t be able to track your activities across different sites using cookies. This can help reduce the targeted ads you see based on your browsing history.

Temporary files are not saved

Files such as cached images or form data aren’t stored on your device when you use Private Browsing Mode. This can be useful for keeping your information private on shared or public computers, as no one can retrieve your data once you close the private browsing window.

Disadvantages of Private Browsing Mode

Doesn’t hide your activity from your ISP

Private Browsing Mode doesn’t prevent your internet service provider (ISP) from seeing your online activity. Your ISP can still monitor the websites you visit and the data you transmit. If you want to hide your activity from your ISP, you need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location.

No protection against malware

This mode does not protect you against malware, viruses, or phishing attacks. While Private Browsing Mode keeps your browsing history and cookies private, it doesn’t prevent malicious websites from infecting your computer. You still need to have good security practices, such as avoiding suspicious links, and software such as antivirus programs to protect your device.

Websites can still track you

Websites can still track your activity through other means such as your IP address; Private Browsing Mode doesn’t make you anonymous on the internet. To achieve better anonymity, you should use tools such as VPNs or Tor, which help obscure your online presence more effectively.

Downloads are still saved

While browsing history and temporary files aren’t saved, any files you download will still be saved on your device. This means anyone with access to your device can see what you’ve downloaded, potentially compromising your privacy.

Private Browsing Mode offers a helpful way to keep your local browsing activities private. However, it’s not a foolproof solution. Understanding its limitations helps you use it more effectively while knowing that you need additional measures for complete protection.