What does the LinkedIn password hack mean for you?

Last week, millions of encrypted passwords were posted on the hacker website LifePro, according to reports. On June 6, the professional networking site LinkedIn and online dating site eHarmony acknowledged in blog posts that some of the hacked passwords were for their accounts. The full ramifications of this security breach are still unknown, but spyware removal experts across the country are bracing themselves for a hit.

Several tech publications warn that, although there was no username information posted with the passwords, the hackers no doubt had those details. There is also speculation that the passwords listed were just the ones the cybercriminals needed help with, so there may be more that they've already cracked.

So, if hackers have access to your LinkedIn or eHarmony account, what will they actually do with that information? After consulting with Chester Wisniewski, the senior security adviser at Sophos, a data security firm, Will Oremus posted a few ideas on the online publication Slate.

Once hackers have access to your LinkedIn account, they can use your information to prey on your colleagues. They can use a tactic called "spear phishing," which involves tricking users into downloading malware by sending them malicious links or files from contacts they trust.

Finally, the publication warns that this incident has laid the foundation for one more strategy. In light of all the attention on password security, hackers may send users emails, seemingly from the two targeted websites, encouraging them to follow a link and change their passwords. To avoid this, Oremus advises account-holders to go to the websites directly to make adjustments.

Even if your accounts haven't been hacked, you may still be exposed to viruses and spyware through your online contacts. But, you can take comfort in the fact that companies like Geeks On-site can provide fast and effective Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. spyware removal services when you need them.


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Finding the best antivirus software for your device

You probably already knew that you should invest in antivirus protection for your desktop computer. And now, after the the recent string of virus attacks and password crackings, it seems like the pressure to protect your computer is greater than ever. But, how do you go about choosing the right antivirus software, especially when there are so many different versions available?

The experts at PCMag have made it easy for you by publishing their top picks for the best antivirus suites of 2012. Hopefully installing one of these options will keep you from calling a Virginia, Washington, D.C. or Maryland virus removal company anytime soon.

Not surprisingly, antivirus heavyweight Norton is ranked among the best, with its Norton 360 Version 6.0 earning 4.5 stars by the source's evaluation. Compared to the Norton Internet Security 2012 suite, this variant is much more intuitive and user-friendly, with a design geared toward everyday individuals who just want to protect their devices.

The Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete suite also made the list, and reportedly got a 100 percent score for blocking malware. So, if this program really does live up to the media outlet's claim, users may never require spyware removal services again.

Bitdefender Total Security 2012 and ZoneAlarm Extreme Security also made a favorable impression on tech reporters, the first program for its ability to fend off phishing scams and the second for the strength of its firewall.

At around $80 across the board, none of these security programs come cheap, but if you've got a lot of sensitive information on your computer, you may want to consider making the investment.

In the meantime, if your laptop or desktop computer becomes yet another victim to a cyberscam, know that you have an efficient and reliable service to turn to for Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. spyware removal: Geeks On-site.


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New Apple update causes booting issues

Although, in recent years it seemed like Apple couldn't put a foot wrong, a new update released by the company has users across the country scratching their heads and seeking out local Mac Repair services.

According to the technology blog TidBits, Apple's new Thunderbolt 1.2 update has been causing problems for multiple Mac owners. The update itself isn't essential to most users – it just prepares your computer to use a Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter, which lets you plug an ethernet cord into a Thunderbolt port and currently only works for Macbook Air and the new Macbook Pro.

Apple's online support forum has been flooded with user complaints that, after installing the new updates, their devices are freezing at the gray booting screen. The problem is reportedly only affecting devices loaded with Lion OS X, Apple's newest Mac operating system.

The easiest way to reactivate a frozen device is to reinstall the operating system. To do that, users can put their laptops into recovery mode by holding "Command-R" and pressing the power button. It will take a while to reload everything, but all existing files should be safe. After Lion has been loaded, the media outlet recommends using Apple's Software Update feature to make sure the device is "up to date," but urges everyone not to download the Thunderbolt update again until Apple has issued a new version.

But if you're having trouble getting your Mac to reboot in the first place, you can always consult an experienced Mac repair technician for help. Apple's official helpline is bound to be flooded with calls regarding this new bug, so if you need help fast, call a local computer repair company. Geeks On-site is a great option for anyone in need of quick Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Mac repair, and one of our experts can be on your doorstep today.

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A quick trick to fix weak passwords

At this point, you've already been warned about the overall weakness of online account passwords, told just how many accounts have been hacked on LinkedIn and eHarmony and even taught what hackers can do once they have their hands on your codes. Ok, but what can you actually do to improve your passwords and protect your computer from virus and spyware attacks?

Slate, an online magazine, has come through with the answer. According to tech columnist Farhad Manjoo, there is a fast and easy way to make your passwords so impenetrable that you won't be scurrying around to find local virus or spyware removal company anytime soon.

Years ago, Manjoo was reading over one of countless tech forums, when he stumbled upon a simple method of creating virtually un-crackable passwords. And, it happens to be a pretty old fashioned trick. Start by creating a sentence, and keep in mind that wackier ones are easier to remember. For extra security, you can also throw in numbers and mix up capital and lower-case letters.

Once you've come up with something, use the first character of each word to create your password. "Never let your 6 dalmatians eat Dominos pizza," for example, becomes "Nly6deDp." And there you have it! A memorable password that cybercriminals would struggle with.

But, according to Manjoo, there is another option that is even more secure, and probably the last thing you would think of: just write out an actual sentence. While hackers are great at detecting single words, they have yet to master phrases and sentences, he explains. The media outlet goes as far as to say that a phrase like "hackers be gone" is even more secure than "Nly6deDp."

However, if your computer does get infected, Geeks On-site can provide the fast Maryland, Washington, D.C or Virginia virus removal you need.

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Sleep mode means you spend less

Ever since computers were first used by mainstream consumers, there have been a lot of random facts floating around about general best practices. Most Mac or PC owners have probably heard all sorts of conflicting information about how to protect their devices from viruses and what they should use – be it a cloud computing service or external hard drive – to back up their files.

Now, at least one small subject of contention has been cleared up by the Rick Broida, the PC Tip expert at PCWorld.

If you're on and off your computer constantly, you may sometimes wonder about how much energy you're using (and the money you may be wasting).

You've probably heard at some point that leaving your computer running at night is more energy-efficient than shutting it down. Some experts say that the rebooting process even contributes to wear and tear than can send you to a local computer repair service prematurely. You may have been skeptical of this advice because it doesn't seem that logical, but the source confirms that this technology myth is true.

Drawing from a study from Iolo Labs – a part of software company Iolo dedicated to PC performance research – Brioda explains that there are two benefits to choosing sleep mode over turning your device on and off. According to Iolo's calculations, putting your computer in sleep mode overnight can save you $2 a month in electricity costs. And, it can actually save you roughly 25 minutes in time because you won't have to sit through the whole shut down/start up process.

But, even if you do opt for this more energy-efficient option, you'll probably still need to have your device checked out at some point. And, if you're searching for a quick and local resource for your technology needs, look no further than Geeks On-site for Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. computer repair.

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