If you’ve been on the web, you’ve probably seen pop-ups warning you that you’re computer is infected with a virus.
It’s a scam too many users fall victim to and for Onsite Computer Services Owner Lawrence Hickman it’s something he sees all to often.
Hickman tells us that scammers and “quasi-” businesses are just waiting to pick people’s pockets, holding your data hostige unless you pay the price. Google searches are a place where we get it wrong according to Lawrence. The top results from Google are paid ads that, all too often, are businesses that will help you for inflated fees and then call you a month later saying they’d seen more problems.
You should NEVER give anyone access to your computer directly unless you’ve checked them out. For many, this is the single biggest reason to shop local when it comes to your computer maintenance.
Macs and PCs both need protection, even if it’s to just to ensure the safety of your precious photos, but for business disaster recovery needs to part of your plan.
Virus protection will help keep hackers at bay, and backing up your computer on a regular basis is one of the best ways protect your important files, whether it’s online or to an external hard drive. Hickman recommends using brand-name anti-virus software as the freeware available usually is just another way to separate you from your money.
For many people though, doing maintenance on your computer can be complicated, to say the least, but Lawrence warns that sometimes, even adding something as simple as a printer can open the door to online pirates if you’re not paying attention.
Hickman says NEVER click on a link from a pop-up window, nor should you call that number for “Microsoft” support.
One customer reported paying for anti-virus protection for ten years, only to find out that they needed to update it regularly – something they thought the provider did for them.
Hickman is passionate on the topic of scammers. It keeps him up at night that so many users, particularly seniors, are exploited because of their lack of experience.
If you’re looking for advice, or help with your computer, check out the Onsite Computer Services site at Onsite Computer Services & Sales (gttr.ca) or give Lawrence a call at (905) 372-1577.
Written by Joseph Goden
