Some problems are simple; others may need more attention. Here’s what could be going on and what to do next.

Start at the Wall: Check for Power at the Outlet and Surge Suppressor

The first thing to check is whether the outlet you’re using actually has power.

Some homes have a house-wide surge protector or safety switch at the electrical panel, designed to protect your electronics from voltage spikes when the power goes out or comes back on. If it kicks in, it might cut power to a whole section of the house.

Before assuming the computer is the problem, try plugging something else into the same outlet, such as a lamp or phone charger. If that doesn’t work either, try another outlet in a different room or check the electrical panel for any tripped breakers.

READ MORE: Windows 10: The Final Countdown – It’s Time to Upgrade Your PC

Next test the surge suppressor power strip using the steps above. They do wear out with use and may need replacing, especially after a power surge.

A Damaged Power Supply Inside the Computer

If the wall socket has power and your other devices are functioning, the next step is to check the power supply inside the computer.

Sudden power cuts or surges can damage the power supply. It’s the first component electricity flows through before it reaches the rest of the computer, so it often takes the hit. If it’s been damaged, your computer won’t show any signs of life at all.

Replacing the power supply usually solves the problem, but it’s important to test it properly first. That’s something we can take care of in our workshop.

Internal Hardware Could Be Affected Too

Unfortunately, a surge doesn’t always stop at the power supply. Sometimes it keeps going and damages other components such as the motherboard, the hard drive or SSD, the RAM, or even the graphics card.

The problem is that this type of damage isn’t always obvious. You might not see any smoke or smell anything burning, and the computer may appear to be fine, but it might fail to start or behave erratically.

READ MORE: Can My Data Be Removed from the Dark Web?

In these cases, we perform proper diagnostics to determine exactly which part has failed. That way, you won’t be spending money replacing good parts unnecessarily.

It Could Be a Software Problem, Not Hardware

If the computer turns on but displays strange error messages or gets stuck on startup, the problem might not be hardware-related at all. It could be a software issue caused by the power outage.

When a computer loses power suddenly, it may be in the middle of an important task, such as writing system files or installing updates. That unexpected shutdown can corrupt those files, leaving the computer confused when it tries to boot up again.

You might see a blue screen, a spinning circle that never ends, or a message saying it can’t find the operating system. In many cases, this is repairable without losing your files.

What You Can Do Next

Here are a few quick things to try:

• Make sure the outlet has power by testing it with another device.
• Unplug and re-plug the computer’s power cable.
• Try a different power strip or socket.
• Check if any safety switches or breakers have tripped.

If none of that helps, it’s probably time to bring it in.

How We Can Help

We’ve helped plenty of people in this exact situation. Whether it’s replacing a blown power supply, testing for hardware faults, or recovering a corrupted operating system, we’re happy to take the hassle off your hands.

If you’re unsure what’s wrong, bring it in. We’ll check it over and explain what’s happening in plain language. There’s no guesswork or unnecessary repairs, just honest help to get your computer working again.

Power outages can cause more trouble than they seem to at first, but most of the time, they leave a clear trail of clues we can work through and fix. If your computer isn’t turning on after such an outage, we’re here to help.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. It’s surprisingly easy to press the wrong key or click the wrong thing without realizing it. The good news is that most display issues are harmless and can be fixed in just a few steps. In this article, we will walk you through some of the most common screen mishaps and how to put things back to normal.

Or if you’d rather someone else take care of it, that’s exactly what we’re here for.

The Font on Websites is Too Big or Too Small

You open your browser and suddenly everything is zoomed in as if you were reading from across the room, or it is so tiny that you are squinting at the screen. What happened?

This usually occurs when you accidentally hold down the CTRL key on your keyboard and scroll your mouse wheel up or down. This shortcut changes the zoom level of your Web browser.How to Fix It:

1. Hold down the CTRL key again.
2. While holding CTRL, move the mouse scroll wheel up to zoom in or down to zoom out.
3. Keep adjusting until things look the way you remember them.

Most browsers will display a small percentage, such as 100 percent. That’s the default. If you prefer things a little larger or smaller, feel free to leave it where it’s comfortable.

READ MORE:  How Do Websites Use My Data?

If adjusting the zoom does not help, or the entire screen, including icons and taskbars, appears too large or too small, it may be a screen resolution issue instead. That’s something we can help with, especially if things aren’t fitting properly anymore.

The Windows Taskbar is in a Strange Place or Looks Wrong

This one applies specifically to Windows computers. The taskbar is that strip along the bottom of the screen that shows the time and your open programs. But sometimes, it’s not at the bottom anymore. It might be up the side, across the top, or even stretched into a tall, awkward shape.

This usually happens because it has been accidentally clicked and dragged. You might not have even noticed it happening at the time.

How to Fix It:

1. First, try clicking and holding on a blank part of the taskbar.
2. Then drag it back to where you want it (e.g. the bottom of the screen).
3. If it has become unusually tall or wide, move your mouse to the edge of the taskbar until the cursor changes shape. Then, drag the edge to resize it back to normal.

If the taskbar keeps moving or resizing on its own, you can lock it in place. Right-click on the taskbar and choose “Lock the taskbar” from the menu. This stops it from moving again until you unlock it.

Still not quite right? Sometimes the settings can be a little tricky, or you might be dealing with multiple screens. If you’re unsure, let us take care of it for you.

Desktop Icons Are All Over the Place

You log in and your desktop icons are not where you left them. Maybe they’ve all moved to the left side, or they’re arranged in a completely different pattern.

This can happen after a resolution change, using a second screen, or simply from a right-click menu setting. Here’s how to deal with it, depending on the type of computer you’re using.

How to Fix It:

1. Right-click on a blank part of your desktop.
2. Hover over “View” and make sure “Auto arrange icons” is turned off if you want to place icons freely.
3. Then hover over “Sort by” or “Arrange by” to see the different sorting options.

Unfortunately, if they were placed manually and now appear jumbled, there’s no easy “undo” button to return them to that custom order. You’ll need to drag them back to where you want them.

READ MORE:  Can My Data Be Removed from the Dark Web?

We can help you set up a cleaner desktop layout or troubleshoot if the icons keep moving on their own.

When It’s Easier to Let Someone Else Handle It

Some screen problems are quick fixes: a nudge of the mouse wheel here, a right-click there, and things are back to normal. But other times, it’s hard to know what changed, what caused it, or how to undo it. That’s where we come in.

Whether your taskbar is floating in the wrong spot, your desktop icons keep jumping around, or something just feels off, we can take the guesswork out of it. We help people every day with problems such as these, and sometimes the fix is faster than you think.

If your computer doesn’t look or feel the way it used to, or you’re simply tired of fiddling with it, give Hopedale Technologies a call at 508-478-6010. We’ll get everything looking right again so you can get back to using your computer without frustration.

If you’re looking to buy a new laptop, you’ve probably noticed that prices range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. So how much should you spend? There’s a balance between getting a good deal and buying something that will last. Spend too little, and you’ll end up frustrated with a slow, flimsy laptop that won’t hold up. Spend too much, and you might be paying for power and features you’ll never use.

READ MORE: Desktop vs. Laptop: Which is Right for You?

Let’s look at the sweet spot where price and quality meet, helping you get the best value for your money.

Tempted by a Cheap Laptop? Here’s Why It’s So Cheap

Seeing a laptop for just a few hundred dollars might seem like an incredible deal, but there are reasons why these laptops are priced so low. Manufacturers cut costs in ways that aren’t always obvious at first but can make a big difference in everyday use.

1. Lower specifications. Many budget laptops come with just 8GB of RAM. These days, we recommend at least 16GB for smooth performance. They also tend to have low-power processors, which are fine for basic tasks such as email and browsing but struggle with anything more demanding.
2. Cheaper build quality. Low-cost laptops often use plastic that flexes under pressure, and the hinges may start breaking after a couple of years.
3. Keyboard and touchpad issues. If you type a lot, you’ll notice the difference between a cheap, mushy-membrane keyboard and a well-built keyboard with proper key travel. Even the touchpad on a cheaper laptop might feel imprecise and frustrating to use.
   These issues might not be obvious at first glance, but they can become daily annoyances that make using your laptop a chore. A slightly higher investment upfront can mean a laptop that lasts years longer.

READ MORE: Why is My Brand-New Laptop So Slow?

Spending Too Much? Watch Out for Diminishing Returns

While it’s easy to see the downsides of buying too cheap, spending too much can also be a mistake. There’s a point where extra money doesn’t give you much in return.

1. Think about what you actually need. If you’re just using your laptop for browsing, email, Office apps, and streaming, you don’t need a high-end machine; a mid-range laptop will handle those tasks just fine.
2. Do you really need the latest model? New laptops often come at a price premium simply because they’re the newest, but the performance jump from one generation to the next is usually only around 10%. Buying last year’s model can save you a significant amount while still getting great performance.
3. High-powered machines for demanding users. If you’re into video editing, graphic design, or gaming, then you do need a more powerful machine. But even then, you don’t necessarily need the absolute top-of-the-line model.

Want a High-Quality Laptop Without Overspending? Consider Business-Grade

One of our favorite recommendations for people who want a durable, well-built laptop without paying a fortune is to go for a business-grade laptop. These are designed for corporate environments, meaning:

1. Better build quality. Business laptops are built to last and use higher-quality materials than consumer models.
2. Easier to repair. Parts are easier to replace, and support is generally better.

Need Help Choosing the Right Laptop? Hopedale Technologies Can Help

Buying a laptop can be tricky, especially with so many options out there. If you want to get the best value for your money, we can help you find the right fit. Whether it’s identifying the best deals or supplying a high-quality business-grade laptop, we’re here to make sure you get a machine that lasts without overspending.

Get in touch with Hopedale Technologies before you buy; a quick chat could save you frustration down the road! We stock Windows 11 laptops and desktops and offer expert services like data transfers and full setup to ensure your upgrade is smooth and stress-free. Call us today at 508-478-6010.

Tackle the inbox

Whether you shop online or in stores, you’re asked to provide your email address when you buy, which multiplies the number of mailing lists you’re on. Don’t start the new year deluged by unwanted newsletters and advertising emails. The extra messages in your inbox distract you from the messages that matter. Instead of deleting every new unread message, click on one and unsubscribe. Usually, there’s a link that lets you do this at the bottom of the email.

Organize your files

Take some time to tidy up your files by grouping them into folders like documents, pictures, and videos. A clear folder structure makes it easier to find what you need. Don’t forget to regularly delete files you no longer need to free up space!

Sort through downloads

We also download a lot of stuff in a year. Sometimes, because we’re impatient or don’t realize we’ve already hit download, we get multiple copies of the same file! A full download folder takes up storage space on your computer and can slow your computer down.

Empty trash/recycling bins

tems you put in the trash or recycling bins at home take up space until you take those bins to the curb or the dump, and the same is true of your computer trash or recycling. Empty these bins by selecting “empty trash” on your Mac Finder menu, or “empty recycle bin” after clicking on the bin icon in Windows.

Tidy your desktop

A clutter-free desktop isn’t just easier on the eyes—it helps your computer run better, too. Sort your icons into folders and remove shortcuts you don’t use. A clean desktop makes for a more efficient workspace.

Run disk cleanup & optimize storage

Clear out temporary and system files by running a disk cleanup to free up space and boost your computer’s speed. You can also move large files to an external drive or cloud storage to keep things running smoothly.

Keep your system updated

Make sure your operating system and apps are up to date. Updates often include important security fixes and performance improvements. Enable automatic updates so you don’t have to worry about missing them.

Streamline startup programs

Check what programs are starting up when you start up your computer. Too many startup apps can slow things down. Disable the ones you don’t need for a quicker boot and better performance.

Remove unused programs/apps

If you’re not using a program or app, don’t give it computer space. In Windows open the Start menu, click on Settings, then System, then Apps and Features from the left pane to select what you want to uninstall. Click the uninstall button, and you’ve decluttered your computer that little bit more for the new year.

If you need help with any of these streamlining measures, let us know. Hopedale Technologies can help! Our PC Tune-Up includes a PC Clean (removal of dust inside the computer), malware scan, virus scan, performance tuning and Windows updates. Prices start at $159 for this service. Call us at 508-478-6010 or email us to set up your appointment.

“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.

READ MORE: Do You Think You’d Fall for a Deep Fake Scam

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.

READ MORE: How to Prevent Password Spraying

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 Hopedale Technologies. 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.

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.

Entering Online Promotions and Contests

As annoying as it is, there are a few common ways that marketers legitimately come into possession of our contact info. One is when we enter online promotions and contests, those tempting offers we’ve all seen for things such as cars, vacations, and gift cards. On the surface, they seem like a fun chance to win a prize, but before you enter, it pays to read the fine print. You’ll usually find terms stating the company reserves the right to share or trade your email address with affiliates and other third parties. So, by hoping for that dream vacation, you’ve given permission for your info to be sold to the highest bidder.

Publicly Displaying Your Email Address

Another invitation for spammers is posting your email publicly on social media profiles, personal blogs, forums, comments sections, and more. Savvy bot programs are constantly prowling the internet, collecting any unprotected contact info they find displayed online. Worse still, some people foolishly use their primary personal email as their public username on major sites such as Facebook or Twitter. This tells spammers exactly who you are and provides them with an all-access pass straight to your inbox.

READ MORE:  Everything You Need to Know About Facebook Privacy

The Impact of Data Breaches

No company or individual is immune from the threat of data breaches either. When a huge repository of private user records is stolen, such as in the infamous breaches of LinkedIn, Yahoo, and Marriott, cybercriminals are offered a massive, gift-wrapped list of potential spam targets all in one place. Check HaveIBeenPwned.com regularly to see if any of your online accounts were unintentionally caught up in one of these digital heists.

Engaging With Spam Messages

Astoundingly, even avoiding and deleting suspicious messages isn’t always enough to escape notice. Advanced tracking allows spammers to monitor whether an email address actively opens or engages with a particular promotional email in any way. Unfortunately, clicking unsubscribe links achieves the opposite goal by verifying the account is live and operational. Interacting at all, even to get rid of the spam, teaches marketers your inbox is ripe for more bombardment.

READ MORE:  Protect Yourself from Phishing

Prevention and Protection

Once out, that contact info genie doesn’t want to get back in the bottle so easily. The best prevention tactics involve limiting what information you display online. You can also track the sources of the leaks by adding a plus symbol and then the website name (i.e. [yourname]+website@domain .com) when providing your email to different sites and services. This helps identify the source of any future compromises. Top-tier spam filters and security programs are also crucial defense layers against the onslaught.

When All Else Fails

If you’ve exhausted other options and spam continues plaguing your inbox, let Hopedale Technologies handle it from here. We can install robust commercial antispam software tailored to your specific email usage. As a last resort, we offer hassle-free migration to a fresh, clean email domain untouched by data brokers. A fresh start removes any spam history holding you back. You’ll keep full access to your existing inbox too. Reach out today and, finally, browse in peace. 

Whether you’re giving or receiving new devices, hosting family gatherings, or simply wanting to ensure the security of your digital and physical assets, these technology tips will help you make the most of your tech during the holiday period.

Preparing New Devices

If you’re planning to give someone a new phone, tablet, or gaming console, it’s essential to set it up properly before wrapping it. Most devices require initial updates to ensure optimal performance and security. By turning on and updating the device beforehand, you can avoid the frustration of slow updates on Christmas morning when everyone is eager to start using their new gadgets.

Securing Devices Digitally and Physically

During the holidays, especially with young children, it’s crucial to digitally and physically secure your devices. Implementing digital security measures, such as setting up passwords or PIN codes, can prevent accidental deletion of important documents or unauthorized access to personal information.

Additionally, be mindful of the physical safety of your devices. With the excitement and chaos of holiday gatherings, accidents can happen. Keep devices out of reach of young children or consider using childproof cases to protect them from accidental drops or spills. Also, be careful with charging cables and ensure they’re placed in safe locations where they won’t be tripped over, potentially causing the device to fall.

Guest Wi-Fi Network

If you’re hosting family and friends during the holiday season, it’s a good idea to set up a guest Wi-Fi network if your router supports it. A guest network provides a separate Wi-Fi connection for your guests, while keeping your main network secure. This separation prevents guests from accessing shared folders or other resources on your network, protecting your sensitive information from any potentially infected devices brought by your guests.

Even if you completely trust your guests, their devices might unknowingly be infected with malware that could spread to your own devices. Setting up a guest network creates an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

Need Tech Help? We’re Here for You!

While these tips can help you navigate the holiday season smoothly, we understand that technology can sometimes be challenging. If you encounter any issues or need assistance with your tech, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Hopedale Technologies is here to help you with any tech-related concerns and ensure you can fully enjoy the holiday season without technological hiccups. Call us today at 508-478-6010.

Remember, the holidays should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, and with a little bit of preparation and caution, you can make the most of your technology while keeping it secure. Wishing you a joyful and tech-savvy holiday season!

Discord is a popular communication platform connecting communities of people online. It’s particularly popular with gamers. But kids use it for real-time voice and video calls, screen sharing, and group or private chats.

Ultimately, Discord is a versatile and powerful platform. That means it’s important to guide young users in using it responsibly.

Keeping Kids Safe on Discord
Discord requires its users to be at least 13 years old, which is not enforced. Protecting your kids requires communication and an understanding of the platform’s safety features.

Discord users can share text messages, images, GIFs, videos, and links in their channels. That means your child may encounter inappropriate content.

READ MORE:  3 Internet Habits to Keep Kids Smart & Safe

Reduce the probability by setting up Family Center to connect your account with your child’s:

1. Open Discord.
2. Tap on Family Center.
3. In user Settings, toggle the Enable Family Center tab.
4. Scan the QR code under your child’s Connect with Your Parent option in their Family Center tab.

Once you’re connected, you’ll be able to see friend requests, who they make calls to, and who they have messaged, although you won’t be able to see the content of those calls and messages. You can also track which servers (think of it like a text thread) they take part in. You can also receive weekly recaps via email.

It’s also a good idea to:

• Encourage your child to accept friend requests only from people they know in real life;
• Review their friend list to ensure no unfamiliar users are added;
• Set up Safe Direct Messaging, which prevents direct messages from users not on the friend list;
• Review and adjust privacy settings to enable content filters and to control who can send friend requests, see their online status, and more.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on the account for added security.

Online Safety for Kids
Controls can help, but you may want to pair online safety with giving autonomy.

Communicate with your child about online safety. Teach them about not sharing personal information and reporting any uncomfortable situations. Remind them that someone may not be who they say they are. Warn them of the risks of meeting up with someone they meet online.

READ MORE:  The Trouble with Trusting Your Online Friends

Setting screen time limits can also help curtail your child’s online activity. This encourages them to set boundaries and continue to develop other interests.

Lead by example by limiting your own online time and treating others with kindness. Encouraging critical thinking can also help your child’s digital literacy. Ask them to think about a cyberbully’s motives or discuss why taking responsibility for online activity is important.

Finally, let them know they can approach you with concerns or uncomfortable situations. Online safety is an ongoing process. Stay involved in and updated about your child’s online activities.

Need help understanding new technologies your child is using? Hopedale Technologies can help create a safer online environment for your entire family.

To start, migrate your email to one of the big-name providers. Google Suite and Microsoft 365 work hard to filter out spam before it even gets to your mailbox. Google says its AI-enhanced spam blocks nearly 10 million spam emails every minute. Local internet service providers are unlikely to have that level of anti-spam sophistication.

READ MORE:  6 Reasons to Replace Your ISP Email

If you own your domain name, set up catchall email addresses to help filter messages. You might own joesmegashop.com. Instead of having everything go straight to joe@joesmegashop.com, you assign addresses for specific sites. For Facebook communications, you would set up facebook@joesmegashop.com as the address. You’ll still get the emails, but you’d know it’s from Facebook. Or you’d know Facebook sold your email address to someone else. You can still block any email you don’t want at facebook@joesmegashop.com.

Even if you don’t own your domain, you may still be able to use the catchall-address approach. Gmail is a popular service that allows you to put a plus after your email name. So, you could protect your joe@gmail.com address by using joe+facebook@gmail.com. Gmail ignores everything after the plus, so it’ll still go to joe@gmail.com. But now you’ll know who leaked your Joe+facebook address. You can block any emails going there if it becomes a problem.

READ MORE:  Hopedale Technologies Web Services

Blocking E-mails
To block a sender in Gmail, open the message and click on More in the top right. Click on “Block [sender]” in the dropdown. To do the same on Microsoft 365, right-click on the sender’s message and click “Junk” and “Block Sender.”

If you change your mind about any of your blocked senders in the future, you can unblock them on either platform.

More Ways to Limit Spam
Don’t list your email as plain text on your business website. You could use a contact form to avoid exposing your email address to anyone online. If you don’t want to add a hurdle for legitimate contacts, show your email address as an image instead of text. This stops website-scraping bots from reading and adding your email address to spam databases.

When you get a spam email, block that address and report the email as spam to your provider. This helps them to boost their filtering.

READ MORE:  Protect Yourself from Phishing

It’s also worth the few seconds it takes to unsubscribe from unwanted mailing lists. Look at the top and bottom of the email you’ve received for an “Unsubscribe” link. You should be a simple click away from one less mailing in your already crowded inbox.

If you do get a suspicious email, delete it. Don’t reply to an email asking you for personal or financial information, and don’t click on links in that message.

Need help corralling your inbox and strengthening your security? Hopedale Technologies can help protect your business from spam and malicious cyberattacks. We offer Hosted Email Exchange and Security and Office 365 for home and business.