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Health Security Updates

Trojans and Privacy

Weekly Tech News from Helpful Dave!

Hello, once again its time for Weekly Tech News from Helpful Dave!

This week is going to be brief. I know this is impacting our local community as much as myself so I still wanted to get an update out there! If you’re working from home I have tips in here for you as well so read on!

Our Tech Terms for this week are:

Trojan: This is a piece of software/app that is disguised as something useful but is actually Malware that will either damage your electronics or steal your information!

—Now onto the news—

The Trojans are coming!

Firstly a warning about Corona virus app based scams. I know many of us are scared and want to have more access to information and the bad guys know that as well! I’ve seen reports of apps that disguise themselves as Corona virus trackers. These apps will tell you that they provide real time GPS updates as people in your area become infected so you know what areas of your local neighborhoods to avoid.

Please remember that local officials normally do not release names or locations of people who become infected for everyone’s safety. So if an app is promising you information that nobody else seems to have, its probably a Trojan!

—Private Messages are not always private!—

It’s only natural for water cooler talk and general socializing to continue as people shift to work from home. If your company or school set you up with software so you can communicate directly with your co-workers please remember that those conversations do not come with any promise of privacy!

In general unless you are texting someone directly over the phone you should always assume someone can read what you are saying. Especially if someone else is providing the software you communicate on since you are there employee!

—Working from Home? Learning from Home? We can help remotely as well!—

We have the capability to connect into your PC remotely as long as you can still get on the internet. Feel free to shoot us a message or provide a phone call and we will do our best to assist you!

Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or comments or want more information.

Thanks and have a good week!

-Helpful Dave

Categories
Health

Sanitizing your Electronics

Weekly Tech News from Helpful Dave!

Hello, once again it’s time for Weekly Tech News from Helpful Dave!

This week we’ll be discussing something everyone should know: How to sanitize their cellphones and other electronics!

Our Tech Terms for this week are:

Oleophobic Coating: This is a kind of coating that is on most modern cellphones that repels fingerprints and smudges.

Now onto the news

First we have to understand how to properly sanitize our electronics. Let’s talk about the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. I’ll quote the CDC directly:

“Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.”

Why is this important? Because you really need to do both cleaning and disinfecting to kill the germs on your device.

Let’s talk about cleaning your cellphone first.

1. Take your case off: (NOTE: You should check with your case manufacturer for proper cleaning methods, but the following steps are normally fine) The cases should be removed and cleaned separately for two reasons. First it helps you avoid damage to your cellphone and second because dirt and debris can get stuck inside the case under your phone.

The easiest way to clean your case is just to use some warm soapy water. Give it a dunk and use a sponge but not a scrub with anything harsh. Give it a good rinse to get all the soap water off and then let it all the water dry out.

2. Clean your phone: Do not use just any product to clean your cellphone. Most modern cellphones have an oleophobic coating on the front that keeps it from showing finger prints and oils that would come from your hand. This coating makes it easier to see your screen when you want to use it. If you use a harsh chemical you will erode and eventually destroy that coating making your cellphone harder to use.

There are two methods to safely clean your cellphone. Personally, I like to use Microfiber cloths and some cleaning solution. You spray the cleaning solution onto the cloth and then wipe down your phone. However, if you want an all in one solution you can find pre-moistened wipes for your phone that you throw away after each use.

3. Disinfect your phone: This one is a lot trickier because there isn’t really a reliable way to disinfect your phone because most disinfectants rely on harsh chemicals. Those harsh chemicals are the only thing to my knowledge that can kill the coronavirus.

Apple recently made a statement that some chemical cleaners that a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipe is safe. I’ll link their full statement at the end of the article. Android phone manufacturers have not made any comments on what they consider to be a safe chemical cleaning method.

The only other alternative in this area is UV Light which kills many germs. Once again though this method has not been tested specifically against the Coronavirus so there are no guarantees this will work. Some UV cleaners come in a wand that you wave over your devices and there are some that are like cases. Personally, I prefer the case because you enclose your phone inside of it ensuring good coverage of the UV light.

After you’ve followed all these steps double check to make sure your case is dry put it back on and you are all set!

Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or comments or want more information.

Thanks for reading this everyone. I hope you all have a safe and healthy week! My sources and some links to products are below.

-Helpful Dave

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/cleaning.htm

How to clean your Apple Products: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172?mod=article_inline

Please note these store links are affiliate links and we will generate revenue if you purchase the items.

Microfiber cloths: https://amzn.to/3b4eJmo

Cleaning Solution: https://amzn.to/2xM8MfH

Cellphone Wipes: https://amzn.to/2Ql1QML

UV Cleaner: https://amzn.to/38R4Ffa