Stay Safe Online

What caused the recent IT outage which crashed computers all over the world?
The IT outage only affected businesses with an anti-virus program called CrowdStrike.

CrowdStrike did an update to their program – and didn’t test it properly – which caused all computers still on Windows 10 to crash.  It didn’t affect computers on Windows 11 because there is more built-in protection.  It didn’t affect personal users with Windows 10 – only businesses with the business anti-virus program installed.

Do you need to update to Windows 11?
In October 2025 – yes – because Windows 10 will not be supported by security updates which means your computer will be more vulnerable to attack.

Is Windows 11 much different? Is it going to cause me problems?
Some of the hot keys have changed – keys which are basically short-cuts used to perform certain tasks – and some icons are in a slightly different place – which is inconvenient until you get used to it – but, generally, updating to windows 11 shouldn’t cause you any problems.  If there’s something you can’t solve – just give us a call.

LATEST SCAMS

WhatsApp group chats hacked
Watch out for fraudsters pretending to be a member of a WhatsApp group – they can use a false profile picture and then, via an audio call, they say they are sending a one-time passcode allowing you to join a group video call.  The fraudster then asks you to share the passcode with them in order to register for the video call.  The criminal will use the code to register the WhatsApp account to a new device so they can take over the account.  They then enable two step verification which makes it impossible to you to regain access to your account.  Other members of the group will then be messaged asking them to transfer money urgently….

All personal messages sent on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption but it is a good idea to set up two-strep verification for added security.

Scam Emails
We are still getting emails saying “Our driver was unable to deliver your parcel today as you were not present at the time of delivery. Please reschedule your parcel via the Evri portal below.”  Clicking on the link will not take you to Evri.  The email address is a clue – it’s from which is obviously not from Evri.

Report scams using this Which? Scam Sharer tool: You can report any kind of scam – online, email, text, phone, etc. here: Scam Sharer – free Which? tool

If you have been affected by a scam – help is out there – Victim Support has a free confidential helpline 0808 168 9111 and so does Mind 0300 123 3393.

Sign up for Which? Scam alerts: https://campaigns.which.co.uk/scam-alert-service/

Find details of recent scams here: www.actionfraud.police.uk and on our Facebook page: Rainford-it-stay safe online

Published in the SEPTEMBER edition of The Whitchurch Gossip

And the SEPTEMBER edition of Oswestry Life

 

#staysafeonline #WhatsApp #WeFixMacs #EvriScams #IToutage #Windows11