Why Do Fake Buttons Appear on Legitimate Websites?

You’re probably wondering, “Why would a trustworthy website have fake download buttons?” The answer lies in online advertising. Many publishers rely on ads to make money. Unfortunately, they often have little to no control over the content of these ads. Advertisers may sneak in fake banners disguised as download buttons to mislead visitors. This practice can make even a reputable website feel unsafe.

Why Are Fake Download Buttons Dangerous?

Clicking a fake download button can lead to serious consequences. Instead of getting the application you need, you might end up downloading malware, which can:

• Steal your personal information.
• Slow down your computer.
• Open the door for even more harmful software.

It’s not just about annoyance; it’s about protecting your privacy and security.

READ MORE:   Why Pirated Software Isn’t Worth the Risk

How to Spot Fake Download Buttons

Thankfully, there are a few telltale signs that can help you distinguish real download links from fake ones.

Look for an “Advertisement” Header

Many fake buttons are part of advertisements. Check for an “Advertisement” header near the button or a small “X” to close the ad. This is a strong indicator that what you’re seeing isn’t a genuine download link.

Hover Over the Button

Before clicking, hover your mouse over the button. In most browsers, you’ll see the destination URL in the status bar at the bottom of the window. If the link doesn’t match the site you’re trying to download from, don’t click it.

Avoid Giant Buttons

Legitimate websites rarely use oversized, flashy buttons to prompt downloads. Instead, they often provide a plain-text link that might say something like “Download now” or “Download [Program Name].” If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

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Use an Ad Blocker

Many fake download buttons are embedded in ads, which can be blocked with a browser-based ad blocker. These tools can significantly reduce website clutter and make finding the actual download link easier. If you’re not sure how to install an ad blocker, we’d be happy to help.

What to Do If You’ve Downloaded Malware

If you think you’ve accidentally clicked a fake download button and your computer is acting strange, don’t panic. Give Hopedale Technologies a call at 508-478-6010. We can help you remove any unwanted programs and get your computer back to running smoothly. And if you need assistance setting up an ad blocker, we’re here for that too.

1. Polymorphic Malware
   Polymorphic malware is a type of malware that changes its code every time it replicates. This makes it hard for antivirus software to detect because it looks different each time. Polymorphic malware uses an encryption key to change its shape and signature. It combines a mutation engine with self-propagating code to change its appearance continuously and rapidly morph its code.

This malware consists of two main parts: an encrypted virus body and a virus decryption routine. The virus body changes its shape, while the decryption routine remains the same and decrypts and encrypts the other part. This makes it easier to detect polymorphic malware compared to metamorphic malware, but it can still quickly evolve into a new version before anti malware detects it.

• Criminals use obfuscation techniques to create polymorphic malware. These include:
• dead-code insertion
• subroutine reordering
• register reassignment
• instruction substitution
• code transposition
• code integration

These techniques make it harder for antivirus programs to detect the malware. Polymorphic malware has been used in several notable attacks, where it spread rapidly and evaded detection by changing its form frequently. This type of malware is particularly challenging because it requires advanced detection methods beyond traditional signature-based scanning.

2. Fileless Malware
   Fileless malware is malicious software that works without planting an actual file on the device. Over 70% of malware attacks do not involve any files. It is written directly into the short-term memory (RAM) of the computer. This type of malware exploits the device’s resources to execute malicious activities without leaving a conventional trace on the hard drive.

Fileless malware typically starts with a phishing email or other phishing attack. The email contains a malicious link or attachment that appears legitimate but is designed to trick the user into interacting with it. Once the user clicks on the link or opens the attachment, the malware is activated and runs directly in RAM. It often exploits vulnerabilities in software like document readers or browser plugins to get into the device.

READ MORE: 5 Red Flags of Phishing Emails: Think Before You Click!

After entering the device, fileless malware uses trusted operating system administration tools like PowerShell or Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to connect to a remote command and control center. From there, it downloads and executes additional malicious scripts, allowing attackers to perform further harmful activities directly within the device’s memory. Fileless malware can exfiltrate data, sending stolen information to attackers and potentially spreading across the network to access and compromise other devices or servers. This type of malware is particularly dangerous because it can operate without leaving any files behind, making it difficult to detect using traditional methods.

3. Advanced Ransomware
   Ransomware is a sophisticated form of malware designed to hold your data hostage by encrypting it. Advanced ransomware now targets not just individual computers but entire networks. It uses strong encryption methods and often steals sensitive data before encrypting it. This adds extra pressure on victims to pay the ransom because their data could be leaked publicly if they don’t comply.

Ransomware attacks typically start with the installation of a ransomware agent on the victim’s computer. This agent encrypts critical files on the computer and any attached file shares. After encryption, the ransomware displays a message explaining what happened and how to pay the attackers. If the victims pay, they are promised a code to unlock their data.

Advanced ransomware attacks have become more common, with threats targeting various sectors, including healthcare and critical infrastructure. These attacks can cause significant financial losses and disrupt essential services.

4. Social Engineering Malware
   Social engineering malware tricks people into installing it by pretending to be something safe. It often comes in emails or messages that look real but are actually fake. This type of malware relies on people making mistakes rather than exploiting technical weaknesses.

Social engineering attacks follow a four-step process: information gathering, establishing trust, exploitation, and execution. Cybercriminals gather information about their victims, pose as legitimate individuals to build trust, exploit that trust to collect sensitive information, and finally achieve their goal, such as gaining access to online accounts.

5. Rootkit Malware
   Rootkit malware is a program or collection of malicious software tools that give attackers remote access to and control over a computer or other system. Although rootkits have some legitimate uses, most are used to open a backdoor on victims’ systems to introduce malicious software or use the system for further network attacks.

READ MORE: New Gmail Threats Targeting Users in 2025 (and How to Stay Safe)

Rootkits often attempt to prevent detection by deactivating endpoint antimalware and antivirus software. They can be installed during phishing attacks or through social engineering tactics, giving remote cybercriminals administrator access to the system. Once installed, a rootkit can install viruses, ransomware, keyloggers, or other types of malware, and even change system configurations to maintain stealth.

6. Spyware
   Spyware is malicious software designed to enter your computer device, gather data about you, and forward it to a third-party without your consent. Spyware can monitor your activities, steal your passwords, and even watch what you type. It often affects network and device performance, slowing down daily user activities. Spyware infiltrates devices via app install packages, malicious websites, or file attachments. It captures data through keystrokes, screen captures, and other tracking codes, then sends the stolen data to the spyware author. The information gathered can include login credentials, credit card numbers, and browsing habits.
7. Trojan Malware
   Trojan malware is a sneaky type of malware that infiltrates devices by camouflaging as a harmless program. Trojans are hard to detect, even if you’re extra careful. They don’t self-replicate, so most Trojan attacks start with tricking the user into downloading, installing, and executing the malware. Trojans can delete files, install additional malware, modify data, copy data, disrupt device performance, steal personal information, and send messages from your email or phone number. They often spread through phishing scams, where scammers send emails from seemingly legitimate business email addresses.

Protect Yourself from Malware
Protecting yourself from malware requires using the right technology and being aware of the risks. By staying informed and proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of malware infections.

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.

READ MORE: Gamers Beware! Hackers are Targeting 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 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.

READ MORE: Did You Just Receive a Text from Yourself?

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, Hopedale Technologies is just a call away. Call 508-478-6010 to reach us.

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.

As a business owner, you want to inform your audience about new products, services, employees, and events. The problem is some details shared on social media can give cybercriminals insights into your operations and expose vulnerabilities to exploit. A few thoughtless posts could cost you much more down the line.

Be Careful What You Share About Your Systems

If you experience an outage of critical systems such as point-of-sale or online payment processing, it’s best not to disclose this publicly. While you want to keep customers informed, such announcements could unintentionally invite fraudulent activity during the downtime.

For example, when credit card processing goes offline, many small businesses take payments manually and submit the transactions later once the issue is resolved. However, opportunistic criminals may see this as a chance to take advantage.

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They could attempt to make purchases with stolen or cancelled cards, knowing the funds won’t be verified until after they’ve walked away with unpaid-for merchandise. The fraudster is long gone when a business owner discovers the faulty payment.

Similarly, sharing specifics about your software and technologies reveals valuable information to potential attackers. They can start researching known issues, exploit vulnerabilities, and craft customized attacks against your exposed systems. Play it safe by avoiding disclosing sensitive system details on public channels.

New Hires May Be Targets for Social Engineering

Introducing a new team member on social media could unwittingly paint a target on their back. New employees have yet to build up experience dealing with cyberthreats, and social engineering ploys may trick them more easily.

READ MORE:  6 Ways to Combat Social Phishing Attacks

Criminals could try grooming the new hire through fake support calls or impersonating colleagues they don’t know well to gain a foothold in your network. Consider holding off publicly announcing personnel changes until staff have undergone security awareness training.

Background Details Can Leak Valuable Information

Casual photos shared to promote your business may contain unintended clues in the background. Passwords jotted on post-it notes or prototypes of upcoming products are all things better kept private. Cybercriminals are highly skilled at extracting information from visual clues, so inspect photos closely before posting, and be mindful of what incidental details may be revealed.

Stay Engaged but Remain Cyber-Aware 

Used strategically, social media is a powerful marketing tool for small businesses. But oversharing sensitive information could open doors for cybercriminals down the line. Maintain an active online presence while exercising caution about what you publish. With extra thought about potential risks, you can continue leveraging social platforms safely to engage customers and drive your business forward. 
Reach out today to find out how we can evaluate your digital footprint and identify any overexposed information or unintended security weaknesses. 

Quick Response (QR) codes have been around for over 20 years, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that they truly broke into the mainstream. As businesses needed safe, contactless solutions, QR codes provided an easy way for customers to access menus, place orders, log into Wi-Fi and more – all without touching shared surfaces. 

Their growing adoption has undoubtedly brought many convenient new features to our daily lives. But as with any new technology, QR codes also introduce some cybersecurity risks people should know. In this article, we’ll explore common QR code threats and tips for staying safe.

How Hackers Can ‘Qish’ QR Codes

By their nature, QR codes aren’t human-readable – they’re just patterns that direct your device to a website or app. This is what also makes them vulnerable to exploitation. Hackers have figured out simple ways to replace legitimate QR codes with fraudulent ones.

You may have noticed how many restaurants now offer digital menus through codes posted on tables. But what if an attacker replaced that code to route you to a clone website instead?

You may not realize you’ve been redirected from the actual restaurant site without closer inspection. And if you enter payment details on the fake page, hackers now have your sensitive financial information.

The same risk applies to QR codes in public spaces promising things like free Wi-Fi or rewards. An imposter code could install malware on your device or phish your login credentials once you connect.

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The security industry calls this type of QR code fraud “Qishing” – the QR equivalent of phishing scams.

How to use QR Codes Safely

To mitigate risks, follow these basic precautions when scanning any QR codes:

• Inspect codes for signs they may have been tampered with, like extra stickers or font/format mismatches from the business’s usual branding.
• Verify the destination URL and ensure it matches what you expect from the legitimate organization.
• Think twice before entering passwords or payments via public codes.
• When in doubt, type the business URL directly or visit their official website first before interacting with any embedded QR links.

With a bit of mindfulness about QR code sources and where they lead, customers can continue enjoying stress-free conveniences while minimizing the chances of running into fraudulent scams and clones.

READ MORE:  Beware of the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam

Hopedale Technologies is here to help! We offer Vipre Managed Antivirus protection, virus removal, and computer cleaning as just a few of our services. We also sell computers! 

From online bullying to inappropriate content, the internet poses unique risks to children that didn’t exist just a decade ago. While basic safety measures such as avoiding suspicious links and keeping personal details private are still necessary, today’s kids face a more complex threat landscape that demands continuous vigilance from parents. 

 Let’s take a closer look at some of the top concerns and what proactive steps you can take to shield your family.

In-Game Purchases and Loot Boxes 

Many popular games and apps entice kids with in-game currencies and randomized “loot boxes” that can function similarly to gambling. Children can unwittingly spend real money with just a few intuitive taps without understanding the value. While some platforms have added parental controls, enforcement remains inconsistent.

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The safest approach to avoid unexpected in-game spending is to avoid entering payment details altogether and use only gift cards with set balances for your kids’ accounts. 

Filtering Across All Devices

With smartphones and tablets in the hands of even the youngest children, they now have constant internet access well beyond the home computer. It’s critical to employ consistent, comprehensive content filters across all devices your family uses, from desktops to mobiles. 

Depending on your child’s age and maturity, options range from white-listing only approved websites to selectively blocking categories such as adult content, violence, or social media. While some devices have built-in parental controls, third-party solutions often provide more customization and coverage for multiple connected products in one place.

Monitoring Screen Time, Activity and Mental Well-Being

Both mobile and desktop operating systems offer parental controls to view activity reports and limit when and for how long children can use technology.

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You can restrict specific apps, games and websites, helping guide them toward age-appropriate content and healthy screen habits. Regularly reviewing activity logs ensures tools are properly configured to reflect your family’s needs and values. It also allows the prompt addressing of any concerning online behavior before it negatively impacts their well-being or development. 

Educating Children About Internet Safety 

Alongside tools, open communication helps kids navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Discuss appropriate ways to interact with others online and how to handle seeing upsetting content or bullying. Explain the potential dangers of oversharing personal details. 

Prioritizing Safety Shouldn’t Mean Sacrificing Learning

While online threats have grown more complex, so too have the educational benefits of technology for curious young minds. With the right balance of education and protection, families can experience all the internet has to offer while ensuring children’s well-being remains the top priority. 

The Deceptive Email

The Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam involves a fake invoice for antivirus renewal. Norton, a well-known antivirus brand, is being used as a disguise to trick users into believing they need to renew their subscription immediately. The scammers prey on the trust associated with the Norton brand to deceive their victims.

READ MORE: Don’t Set Yourself Up to Fail: Tips for Safer Home Security Setups

Recognizing the Scam

Several red flags can help you identify the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam. First, the price mentioned in the email is often exorbitant, and a sense of urgency is created by stating that the invoice must be paid within 24 hours. The email may also instruct you to call their billing department to cancel the subscription or request a refund for the amount that hasn’t actually been charged.

The Scam Unfolds

Once you call the provided number, the scam begins to unfold. The scammer on the other end of the line may request remote access to your computer, claiming they need to resolve the issue or process the refund. This is a major red flag, as legitimate companies such as Norton would never ask for remote access to your computer over the phone.

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The scammer might then ask you to log into your bank account and note the current balance. They will then manipulate the code on the Web page to make it appear that they have refunded a larger amount of money than they were supposed to. They will demand that you repay the excess amount back to them, insisting that it was a mistake. Unfortunately, the initial refund never occurred, and by paying the difference back to the scammer, you have fallen victim to their scheme.

Protect Yourself

To protect yourself from falling victim to the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam, it’s important to remember a few key points:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited emails: If you receive an unexpected email regarding Norton subscription renewal or any other service, take the time to verify its authenticity before taking any action.
• Verify with trusted sources: If you are a Norton customer, contact Norton directly, either through their official website or customer support hotline, to confirm the legitimacy of the email and the renewal request.
• Never give remote access to your computer to a stranger: Hopedale Technologies sometimes uses remote access to fix issues. However, these are issues you report, or we see with our monitoring software (Vipre Managed Antivirus or Hopedale Technologies Protect). If a stranger requests access to your computer over the phone, it’s a clear indication of a scam.

Reach Out for Help

If you have fallen victim to the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam or need cybersecurity assistance, we are here to help. Scammers may have planted malware on your computer when they had access. Call us today at 508-478-6010.

Remember, staying informed and cautious is the best defense against scams. Stay vigilant, question suspicious emails or phone calls, and seek professional assistance when needed. We are here to help you create a safer digital environment.

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.