Read and learn more about information security in our articles written by our experts at Shred Cube.
Have you ever had to reset PRAM or NVRAM? It can be a tricky process regardless of what type you’re dealing with. Computer memory is nothing to fool around with. Most memory storage has important information that needs to be handled carefully. But, resetting the memory every so often is necessary for your computer’s health. …
We’ve all been there before. Your computer starts to go haywire, and you’ve tried everything. You’re at your wit’s end and don’t know what else to do. You feel like your only choice left is to scrap this computer and go buy another one. But, before you do that, there’s one last thing you should …
If you use your computer for graphics-intensive purposes like gaming or video editing, you need to keep an eye on your GPU temperature. Otherwise, you could cause a handful of issues in the future. Wondering “what temp should my GPU be?” we’ve put together a quick guide that outlines all of the key information that …
Fixing Your GPU: What Temp Should My Computer’s GPU Be? Read More »
When working on your computer, managing file corruption can be a challenging experience. This is particularly true if you find that important data has become corrupted. We’ve put together a detailed guide that goes over how to handle a corrupted file and the best course of action to take under most circumstances. So, What Is …
What Is A Corrupted File? & What Can I Do About Them? Read More »
Let’s talk about webcam security. Most people have webcams all over their homes and businesses. You probably have a webcam attached to your phone, laptop, tablets, and desktop computers, as well as security systems, video baby monitors, and other WiFi-enabled cameras. These devices have become part of modern living and communicating, but they are also …
High-bandwidth activities like streaming, conferencing, and gaming depend on excellent internet speeds and low latency. This combination gives you the best performance, and you’ll avoid having to experience a lag in data transfer. Ping rate is another term to know – and something you never want to be too high. Ping rate measures latency, or …
Scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal information from victims, and smishing lets them target users of mobile phones. Smishing scams are not new — they’ve been around for close to a decade, but the rise in home deliveries has reinvigorated interest in this scam. The word smishing is an amalgamation of “phishing” and …
Understanding the Differences Between a VPN Vs. Proxy Consumers and organizations around the globe are becoming more and more careful about what they share online and how. Data privacy is a top concern, since hackers are continuously updating their strategies and getting better at finding workarounds to security tactics. Marketers are also finding new ways …
Cybercriminals use all kinds of tactics to gain access to victims’ computers, and IP spoofing is one of the hardest to detect and the most difficult to track. IP spoofing is also called internet address spoofing, and it is a type of cyberattack that involves a criminal tricking a victim’s computer or network into thinking …
One of the most devastating cyberattacks in history happened sometime around 2010, perpetrated by the most unlikely actor: the U.S. government, using a worm to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program. The apparent sophistication of the attack itself was newsworthy, but many people were also left scratching their heads at the use of the word “worm” instead …
Virus Vs. Worm: How to Know What Attacked Your Computer Read More »
Cyber crime is becoming a threat that grows ever more serious as our personal and work lives become more digitized. Hackers are more determined than ever and are coming up with increasingly sophisticated malware to infect computers and hurt users. One of the most damaging techniques cyber criminals use to meet this dishonorable goal is …
Everything You Need to Know About Whaling Attacks Read More »
The computers have taken over. Desktop and mobile computers have changed the way people live their lives across virtually every milieu, whether at work or home. This is not some bleak, post-apocalyptic reality like you see in the movies, however. It’s an empowering situation in which the push of a button can do a lot …
Hackers and malicious actors are always coming up with new ways to infiltrate systems and gain access to sensitive data. Their goal is often to commit identity theft or access funds. These hacks happen more frequently on Wi-Fi networks that are public or unsecured since they are more at risk of actions like decryption or …
Spam text messages are annoying. They clutter up your phone, interrupt you when you’re busy, and make your alerts go off at inopportune times. They are about as welcome as robocalls or spam emails. Most spam text messages don’t even come from other phones. They typically come from a computer and are delivered to your …
Today’s audiences are more and more mobile, and there is a greater dependence on digital tools like cloud storage, whether for work or personal use. The majority of Americans now have a cellphone (97%) and 85% have a smartphone of some kind. In addition, more people are working from remote locations than ever before, with …
Apple is notorious for manufacturing some of the most secure devices out there, including the iPhone. The company’s security practices stay ahead of the game so that users rarely have to deal with viruses or other issues that could cause serious problems, like putting your data at risk. Apple’s operating system (iOS) functions as a …
Wireless networks give you the convenience of connecting devices without wires, but the lack of wires poses a security risk. People cannot access a wired network without a physical connection, but they can easily get onto a wireless network if it’s not secured correctly. Leaving a network open makes every user on it vulnerable to …
WPA vs. WPA2: Which Security Measure Is Right for Your Network? Read More »
Online security should always be a top priority, whether you’re using the internet chiefly for personal or professional reasons. Your data and that of your loved ones should never be vulnerable to hackers. You need to protect the devices you use to access web pages and ensure your personal information is never put at risk. …
What to Do About a “Your Connection Is Not Private” Message Read More »
You probably have more than one device from which you have to save files, whether those are messages, photos, videos, memos, or other items. The shift to cloud storage means you can save these files to the cloud, often automatically, backing up your data as you go. There are some setbacks to this approach, however. …
5 Steps to Take When Your iCloud Storage Is Full Read More »
All electronics are at risk of overheating, but laptops are especially vulnerable because their components are packed tightly without a lot of room for airflow. Overheating can prevent your laptop from working correctly, and in a worst-case scenario it can cause a complete breakdown. This guide is designed to give you the knowledge you need …
One of the most frustrating issues with modern life is technology trouble. We depend on digital tools, computers, and Wi-Fi to perform tasks and communicate with each other. Computer problems are never fun to deal with, especially when the process is drawn out or becomes expensive. Your PC power supply is what gives your computer …
That old computer was cutting edge when you bought it, but now it’s slow, laggy, and can’t handle the latest software. Getting rid of old computers isn’t like disposing of most other items, though. You have saved countless pieces of information on this device, and it may hold everything from your diary to your bank …
Understanding the Differences Between a Proxy vs. VPN? What are the primary differences between a proxy vs. VPN? Consumers and organizations around the globe are becoming more and more careful about what they share online and how. Data privacy is a top concern, since hackers are continuously updating their strategies and getting better at finding …
Proxy vs. VPN: Here’s How to Tell Which One You Need Read More »
Your Mac can sometimes act strangely, even if you restart your computer or free up disk space on your device. It may be a good time to reset your Mac’s system management controller (SMC) if all else fails. The SMC is the lifeblood of your Mac, but there may be times when you need to …
It can be baffling when your computer’s performance suddenly drops. Help is available, though, in the form of some powerful diagnostic tools you can use if your Mac stops performing at peak levels. They enable you to conduct a thorough analysis of your system and can often identify the root cause of any issues. There …
Top 5 Mac Diagnostic Tools to Get Your Computer Up to Speed Read More »
Cryptocurrency has never been more popular, and with it comes the inevitable criminal attempts surrounding it. Those who invest in cryptocurrency should understand the dangers of cryptojacking, which is one possible risk they face. They can then guard against this form of cybercrime before it’s too late. Cryptojacking refers to either the illegal use of …
You’ve probably heard of phishing, where scammers try to get private personal information via email or text. Cyber thieves also use “vishing,” a combination of “voice” and “phishing” that is conducted not only through incoming phone calls but through a button or link you can click on your computer. It’s becoming increasingly common, representing 30% …
A Guide to Vishing and How You Can Protect Yourself Read More »
Cybercriminals constantly develop and launch new types of malicious software and modify existing versions. There are still many types that remain undetected as well. Malware is a blanket term used to describe malicious software. It is categorized based on how the software spreads or the actions following installation. Every type of malware falls into a …
Exploring the Different Types of Malware and How to Protect Yourself Read More »
The varieties of malware infesting cyberspace these days seem innumerable, and their attacks unavoidable. Computers have little choice but to inform themselves about what they’re up against and what they can do to minimize damage. One common piece of malware is called Sality, which cyber criminals deploy to attack Microsoft Windows users. The malware was …
Heard of a search engine called DuckDuckGo? There is a lot in the news about online privacy these days, partly because most search engines collect personal information so marketers can better profile and identify you and gather other statistics. People conduct 15 billion searches each month, and these search engines know the search terms, the …
Privacy and Search Engines – Exploring Whether DuckDuckGo Is a Safe Alternative Read More »
Virtual machines (VMs) are similar to physical computers in that they have many of the same features and capabilities, but with some interesting benefits. They have a central processing unit (CPU), memory, network interface, and storage, for example, but have no physical hardware. That gives their users some powerful capabilities. There is ultimately a lot …
Passwords are meant to keep your valuable data secure and away from prying eyes and cyberthieves. Everything happens online today – bank accounts, social media, personal information, and work-related info – and all of it requires passwords that must be stored so they aren’t vulnerable to hackers. You might wonder who would possibly want your …
Don’t Get Hacked: Learn the Best Ways to Store Passwords and Stay Safe Read More »
A solid-state drive (SSD) provides your business with massive storage capacity. You may use your SSD to store lots of files, but if you find you want to delete some of them periodically, that can get complicated. Solid-state drives don’t store files in the same way as a hard disk drive (HDD), though, so you …
An In-Depth Look at How to Delete Files on an SSD Read More »
End-of-life (EOL) is a term used to describe a software or hardware product that has reached the end of its lifecycle. Software EOL involves operating systems and software applications. Hardware EOL often applies to smartphones, laptops, and other devices. You must track product EOL or risk using outdated software or hardware that will no longer …
What Is EOL? Everything You Need to Know About Business Systems Reaching End-of-Life Read More »
Is your Mac running slower than usual? If so, it may be long overdue to get rid of unnecessary hidden junk files and apps to get it running like it used to. Fortunately, there are many apps available that can help you clean your Mac in a matter of minutes. In this guide, we’ll discuss …
The Complete Guide to CleanMyMac X (Plus a Safer Alternative) Read More »
If you’re looking to sell, give away, or otherwise recycle your computer, you’ll need to know how to completely wipe a PC. Handing it over as-is can give the new user access to your private information — even on files you thought you deleted — as well as all the software you purchased and installed. …
It’s hard to stay on top of digital threats like the Chromium virus. Thanks to inventive hackers and thieves, there’s always something new out there, and many of these threats require a different approach to protect your system. It’s important to understand these dangers and how to prevent them — or how to remove them. …
Everything is going digital these days, including your banking. It’s definitely handy to have access to your finances on your phone, but it leaves a lot of people wondering whether online banks are safe and about the protections in place to keep your data — and hard-earned money — secure. Online banking first became available …
Nothing is more frustrating than creating new passwords. You want a strong one, but trying to string together 12 or more characters, numbers, or letters that can be remembered becomes challenging. A strong password generator may be the answer. Although coming up with strong passwords can be annoying, it’s essential for cyber safety. A 2020 …
It’s estimated that the number of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks will reach 16 million per year by 2022 — double the total that occurred in 2018. Much of the growth comes from cybercriminals expanding the number and types of attacks they execute. Hackers have moved beyond the financial services sector, for example, and …
More people and organizations are moving to cloud-based storage, with recent studies showing 81% of all enterprises use or plan to use a multi-cloud strategy. Individuals also use cloud storage, accessing, on average, 36 cloud-based services per day. A recent worldwide study found that 70% of companies with stored data in the cloud have experienced …
Your Guide to the 4 Safest Cloud Storage Solutions Read More »
A secure router is an important component of a safer network setup. Security is a growing concern as people and businesses want to make sure their personal information and data are safe. As hackers may infect your computer with viruses and malware, perpetrate identity theft, and steal your personal data. Your router and all aspects …
Anyone who is concerned about online privacy may be wondering if incognito or private mode is a solution. People have both legitimate and not-so-legitimate reasons for wanting to keep their browser history private. You may simply want to keep certain web searches secret, for example, as well as reduce companies’ ability to track you online …
Does Incognito Mode Work (and How Private Is It)? Read More »
Your antivirus or anti-malware software pops up a big alert message that reads, “Heuristic Virus Found.” You get that sinking feeling that comes with knowing you have a piece of malicious code on your machine, but you may have no idea what a heuristic virus is. Is it some kind of super virus that requires …
What is a Heuristic Virus and How Do I Remove It? Read More »
Has your company ever experienced a data spill, or would it even know if it had experienced one? With so many operating online and the world’s increasing connectivity, data security is more important than ever. Breaches can occur in any industry, making it crucial to ensure your company is taking all the precautions necessary to …
Browsing the internet is an inherently risky activity. Nefarious threat actors hide behind malicious URLs, seemingly innocent email attachments hide malware, and every computer program and app has the very real potential to install malevolent code. But what if the real threat was right in front of you? What if threat actors were able to …
Are you wondering how to wipe a USB drive? Believe it or not, 68% of those sold on the secondhand market still contain data from the previous owner. That’s a problem, because: Cybersecurity threats are growing at a staggering rate. A hacker attacks every 39 seconds. One in five Americans have directly dealt with ransomware. …
Have you heard about delivery optimization files? In the age of technology, most of us use computers on a daily basis for work, banking, paying bills, storing photos and music, communicating, and playing games. Using these devices for so many different things also means they have a whole lot of files on them, some of …
What are Delivery Optimization Files, and Can I Delete Them? Read More »
As humans, navigating the internet helps us connect, engage, and create. In fact, the average person spends a massive 24 hours a week online. The digital world is filled with cybersecurity threats and cyber crime, however. Hackers attack every 39 seconds, and more than 158 accounts are hacked per second. Visiting the wrong website, opening …
We all want to make sure we have the most up-to-date electronics as technology evolves, but what do you do with obsolete machines? For many of us, our old devices hang around our house and get hidden away or periodically moved until we figure out what to do with them. It is so easy to …
With new hard drive technology like solid state drivers (SSDs) and serial advanced technology attachments (SATA) quickly overtaking the hard drive market, almost all of us have old, out-of-date hard drives sitting around on dusty shelves. If you’re thinking about selling those hard drives, you better wait until you delete your data. Here are a …
The 2020 Guide to Getting Data Off an Old Hard Drive Read More »
Trying to find an amazing birthday or Christmas gift for computer geeks can be a huge challenge — especially for the gift-givers who are less tech-savvy. Maybe they would love to own a piece of the latest and greatest technology, or perhaps they could use something to spruce up their office (or home office). Finding …
Buying Gifts for Computer Geeks? Heres 9 Perfect Gifts Read More »
Believe it or not, computer viruses have been around since the early 1970s — and unfortunately aren’t going away anytime soon. More than 24 million people dealt with a serious virus in 2009, and that number has climbed year-over-year: There has been a “five-fold increase” in cyberattacks in 2020 compared to 2019, according to the …
You’re in the middle of a critical work assignment. Your eyes are glued to the clock. Then, suddenly, in the middle of that oh-so-important draft, your computer freezes. You move the mouse, desperately hoping that your cursor scurries across the screen, but nothing happens. Your computer went from a multitasking hero to a frozen-in-time zero. …
9 Things to Do When Your Computer Keeps Freezing Read More »
Is your Mac slow? Are you suffering from freezes, crashes, reboots, or lag? Your random access memory (RAM) may be to blame. Most Mac computers ship with around 8 GB of RAM. Old files and cluttered caches can eat away at it over time, causing your computer to slow down significantly. Unlike Windows 10 computers, …
You click on a digital file you need, but your computer refuses to open it. The message you get is that it can’t because it is encrypted. That leaves you wondering one very important question: How do you open encrypted files? There are several ways files can be encrypted. First of all, you or a …
It seems like you were pulling your new computer out of the box yesterday, but the slow speeds and increasing wait times tell another story. If you’ve been looking into ways to boost your computer’s operations, you may have come across the term “disk defrag.” A disk defrag is one of the best ways to …
Is your inbox packed with emails from a bunch of people or organizations you don’t know? If yes, you’re one of the many victims of spam emails. Statistics show that approximately 90% of all sent emails are spam. Unfortunately, these unsolicited messages clutter your inbox, making it hard for you to identify your relevant emails. …
If you’re interested in reselling your personal MacBook, it’s a good idea to wipe it beforehand. Wiping your computer helps you remove personal data and keep sensitive information private. Here we will discuss how to wipe a MacBook in order to protect your information before selling it. Selling your old MacBook is a good way …
Quick Guide: How to Wipe a MacBook Before You Sell It Read More »
When the wrong people have access to your sensitive information, it can wreak havoc on your personal life as well as your business’s operations. Confidential files containing financial, personnel, personal, business information and more could be devastating in bad actors’ hands. Lavasoft File Shredder The problem is that it can be tricky to permanently delete …
Lavasoft File Shredder Alternative [+9 Reasons to Get The Shred Cube] Read More »
The debate about building the strongest password has been going on for decades now. Is it better to use gibberish with numbers and symbols, or uncommon words? Should we use transformed words, more than one word, strings of words? How easy is it for hackers to crack each method? This has eventually boiled down to …
Passphrases vs Passwords: Here is What you Need to Know Read More »
Your computer’s storage often contains thousands of junk files, which generally leads to slower performance. Surprisingly, most people don’t even realize that their laptops or computers have junk files, where they came from, or even how to remove them. This article explains everything you need to know about junk files. Here’s the ultimate guide to …
Junk Files: What They Are and How To Remove Them From Your Computer Read More »
The internet is a valuable resource. For that reason, it is quite hard to imagine a world without online services at the moment. Unfortunately, the internet has become a space where malicious links, viruses, and Trojans hide. As a result, data breaches are now more frequent than ever due to the increased vulnerability of unsuspecting …
5 Computer Security Tips You Can Start Using Right Now Read More »
Many people assume that their files are already safely destroyed when they put them into the “trash” icon on a computer desktop. Even more people feel that they are adequately deleted when they empty the trash and can no longer locate those files themselves. And some people even go one step further to utilize a free …
Have you ever needed to recover deleted files? Deleting files on a computer is a tricky business. After all, the designers of your computer software know that you have two opposing goals. First, you don’t want to be able to accidentally delete a file and never get it back, so deleting a file permanently shouldn’t …
There are many valid reasons and advantages to move away from the traditional office model and staff your company with a remote workforce. If you’re considering sending your employees home to work, there are things to consider. You can’t just lock the doors tomorrow morning and hold the afternoon meeting over Zoom. In 2020, more …
It’s an exciting time when you find out you get to move from working at the office to working from home. You have visions of days spent working in your pajamas dancing through your head. You’ve already set aside a specific work area and read all the articles about staying productive while you work from …
How To Work From Home Securely (10 Insider Tips) Read More »
With many employees taking on the newfound responsibility of working from home, they are accompanied by virtual private networks, or VPNs. Because the information that you will be utilizing from home is sensitive and is protected under specific network security at the office, it must have that same protection for remote access and those working …
In the days before the Digital Age, file destruction was as simple as feeding files into the paper shredder. Since the dawn of Big Data, however, confidential, personal, and sensitive information is no longer stored in a plain manila folder and sitting in a massive, gun-metal-grey file cabinet, waiting to be shredded. Electronic files need …
How to Completely and Safely Dispose of Sensitive Information from Your Computer Read More »
To permanently delete files is to totally erase its existence. When you’ve hit the ‘delete’ button on a file, you want to make sure that it’s gone from your computer forever. However, computers are designed to keep a copy just in case you’ve made a mistake. To ensure that you have deleted files permanently, there …
How to Permanently Delete Files From Your Computer Forever Read More »
