The Tech Paramedic
Computer Repair

1.  NEVER open a suspicious email attachment, even from someone you know. Infected computers can send malicious attachments without the knowledge of the owner. If in doubt contact the person first and confirm they sent it to you.

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2.  No large company (Microsoft, Google, Apple, etc.) will ever contact you over the phone unless you contact them first. If anyone calls you claiming to be from a well known tech company offering you help with your "infected" computer/device, it's a scam.

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3.  Backup your files! Without proper/regular backups of important files, at some point data loss is inevitable. Follow the 3-2-1 rule of backups:

• Have at least three copies of your data

• Store the copies on two different media (i.e.,  hard drive and USB thumb drive)

• Keep one backup copy offsite (i.e. a cloud service; Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive)

iPhone/iPad users should make sure iCloud is enable and functioning. Android users should install the Google Photos app for easy photo/video backups.​

• See the page on ransomware for protecting files from being encrypted

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4.  Keep your OS and apps up to date! Updates often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities in software, this is a critical step in preventing data theft.

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5.  Use a surge protector for electronics. It's cheap protection that can save money and avoid a big hassle. Keep in mind: A power strip is not the same as a surge protector! Unless it has protection built into it, a power strip provides NO PROTECTION against electrical surges.

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6.  Use an ad-blocker. Many sites depend on some form of advertising for revenue, unfortunately "malvertising" (the use of online advertising to spread malware) is increasingly problematic. Installing an ad-blocker dramatically reduces your chances of being infected.

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