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Today we’re going to talk about everyone’s favorite topic: cyber security! Ok, we know, we know; it’s not necessarily the most thrilling topic (and probably not even within your top 100 favorite topics, if that) but it’s important, especially since most of us use a computer, email, the internet, and smartphones daily. And if you don’t use any of those, well… this isn’t the blog you’re looking for. 

Psst! Password isn’t a Secure Password (And Even if it Was, You Shouldn’t Use It Everywhere)

Why shouldn’t you use “Beef Stew” as a password? It’s not stroganoff!

We jest, but it’s true: passwords really should be more secure than your favorite meal or your dog’s name. “Fido” might be easy to remember—but there’s a good chance that it could be easily guessed as one of your passwords if someone were to scroll through your social media and discover your ever-loving devotion to your pup (he is SUPER cute though!). Also, “123456” “111111” “qwerty” and good ol’ “password” just won’t cut it. 

What’s considered a secure password? For starters, using more characters is always better. The more characters there are, the harder it is to guess. Most cyber security experts recommend using a minimum of 10 characters. Think for a second about how many letters, numbers, and special characters are on your keyboard. Now think about how many potential combinations there are using 10 characters. We didn’t do the math, but we did do a quick Google search to give you an example. Using keys 0-9 alone to create a 4-digit code, there are 10,000 possible combinations. So it’s safe to say that there’s a mind-boggling amount of combos between letters, numbers, and special characters. 

Ok, so you’re going to make a password that has at least 10 characters… now what? They say variety is the spice of life, and that applies to passwords, too—in more ways than one. When you create a password, it’s best to use a combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. In addition, every password you make should be unique—using the same password across multiple accounts may be convenient, but it’s a major cyber security no-no. If someone figures out one of your passwords, they can access your other accounts. And that’s lousy, so just remember: keep passwords strong and unique! 

Two-Factor Authentication: Your Account Guard Dog

So, you’ve created incredibly strong, unique passwords. You’re good to go, right? Not so fast. There’s actually another thing you can do to make your accounts even more secure: enable two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication uses two methods to determine if you’re the account holder. It does this by combing some you know (your password) with some you have access to (like your phone or computer). When you sign in using your password, you’ll also need to confirm that you’re the one accessing your account using a special one-time code on your device. 

If you’re a Star Trek fan, you probably love a good analogy. Think of two-factor authentication as your account guard dog. Even if the keys to your house get stolen and someone breaks in, you’ve got your digital Fido there to stop the thief in their tracks. Two-factor authentication can be enabled on any of your devices and many different types of accounts, including email, social media, Amazon, and financial institutions. We have some good news, too: credit cards are much more likely to be stolen in person that online! However, it’s still best to keep your online accounts secure. 

Free Public Wi-Fi? Drop it Like It’s Hot (Spot)

There are few things more tempting than free public Wi-Fi, amirite? Especially when you’re in an area where getting a mobile signal is about as scarce as a hen’s teeth. Yeah, about that… When you connect to free public Wi-Fi, it’s generally unencrypted. No, we’re not talking about an excavated pyramid; unencrypted means anyone can see what you’re doing on the network, including the websites you’re visiting and what you type into them. It’s kind of like having a big, open window and everyone on the street can look right in. 

You might be thinking, “hold up—what if I’m visiting secure, encrypted websites? Well, that’s definitely more secure. People can still see which sites you’re visiting, but they can’t tell what you’re doing on there. But hackers are tenacious, and they can still find ways to get access to your information. It’s even possible for them to set up their own hotspot and call it “public Wi-Fi”. 

Ok, enough of the doom and gloom—how can you protect yourself? One of the easiest things to do is to turn off your Wi-Fi when you’re out and about or limit your browsing to sites that don’t have any sort of personal information or passwords. We know; that’s no fun, and in some cases, it could be downright inconvenient if you need to do something like access your bank account. 

Well, here come VPNs to save the day! A VPN (virtual private network) routes all your data through another server to help increase your online security and privacy. It also encrypts your data, so if a hacker somehow managed to get ahold of it, they’d have to take the time to decode it. The good news is that although hackers are tenacious, they also tend to be lazy. Decoding data takes time (and you need to be good at it), and what they’re really looking for are easy targets. As far as they’re concerned, if something is too much work, there are always other phish in the sea. VPNs make it easier to browse the internet anonymously and are considered a safe way to access sensitive data while you’re connected to a public network. Even though people can see you’re using a VPN, they won’t be able to see what you’re doing. 

Bluetooth is similar to using public Wi-Fi—it’s vulnerable to hacking or even just old-fashioned spying, so if you don’t need to use it, switch that baby off. 

Hello, Friend, You’ve Won a Prize! Just Click This Suspicious Link to Claim it

Greetings from Nigeria, this is the prince speaking, and I’d like to give you a large portion of my amassed wealth, simply for being you! All I need to make the transfer complete is to have you confirm your details here: imphishingyou.com. 

Yes, the Nigerian prince and similar email scams are still around, and they’re still on the hunt for people who might fall for clicking on their malicious links or sending them personal information. Simply put, don’t click on links from suspicious people or websites, no matter what they try to incentivize you with—giant stacks of money, a trip to Disneyland, a pony. You know what they say about things that look too good to be true… Malicious links can be a phishing attempt, or they could contain malware, ransomware, remote access Trojans, or viruses. And sometimes, they can look like they’re coming from a valid address. 

If you receive a suspicious email, the first thing to do is to check the authenticity of the email and the website itself. Start by checking the sender’s email address. It may be spoofed, so keep an eye out for anything weird, like support@amazon1.com or account@netfix.com. A lot of the time, a quick peek at their email address is all you need to send the message straight to the trash. If the email address doesn’t match the sender’s display name, that’s another red flag. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t click it! 

It’s Time to Stop Snubbing Your Updates

You’re busy working away on your computer, and that dang update pop-up pops up. Again. So, you click it away for the 100^th time and curse your operating system under your breath. But here’s why you should be happy to see an update: whether for a computer or a phone, updates are critical for keeping your operating system and software working as they should. Even better, they make your devices and activities more secure. 

Updates can fix security flaws, repair bugs, and add newly identified malicious software. Plus, you often get other bonuses, like new features, increased stability, or improved performance. What’s not to love? So, if you see your OS, antivirus software, or browser needs an update, don’t give it the cold shoulder! Click accept and enjoy that added security. 

Nobody Likes an Over-Sharer (Except Hackers) 

Shared computers at libraries, hotel lobbies, internet cafés, and schools are sort of like free public Wi-Fi—incredibly convenient when you need them. And just like Wi-Fi, they can present some pesky security issues. Don’t think that means you need to forsake using them, though; all you need is a bit of caution. It’s literally as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Use private browsing mode to keep your browsing history, passwords, form data, and web cookies away from prying eyes
2. Use two-step authentication when signing into personal accounts
3. Sign out of your accounts and close the browser when you’re done

Voila! Now you can rest easy whenever you use a shared computer in a public place. 

Sorry, Cyber Attacker, You’re Not on The Guest List

Every club worth getting into has a bouncer at the door, so why should your computer be any different? It may not be the happening spot in town, but it does contain valuable information that might be of interest to hackers. Firewalls work much the same way as a nightclub bouncer who decides who gets to go in and who stays out. They protect against cyber attackers by shielding your computer or network from malicious or unnecessary network traffic and can prevent malicious software from accessing the computer or network via the internet. There are different types of firewalls, but that’s a topic for another time. The bottom line is, if you’re using the internet, a firewall is a must. 

From Firewalls to Virus Removal, We Do It All

Cyber security can feel like an overwhelming topic, but hopefully, we’ve broken things down and helped you understand why it’s so important. Being proactive is always better than being reactive when it comes to securing your personal information. That said, stuff happens! If your computer has been affected by a virus, we can help. From removing viruses to data recovery, we have ways to make it seem like it was never there in the first place. Even with ransomware! Don’t panic; call Tech Shack. We also offer in-home consultations to help you secure your network, from setting up firewalls to installing anti-virus software. We’ve got your back! Call us today at (864) 722-5155 or feel free to schedule an appointment online.

We hope everyone had a happy easter, and a heart warming Earth Day!

Do you (or a loved one) ever feel overwhelmed by the idea of smart devices? If so, you’re not alone! With the speed technology has evolved over the past 30 years, it’s understandable that new technology can seem overwhelming, confusing, or even a little scary at times. The good news is, these devices are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly—all you need to do is dive in! Read on as we pull back the curtain on smart technology.

What Makes a Device Smart?

First, you may be wondering what makes a device a “smart device”. Do you remember Rosey the Robot from The Jetsons? She was programmed to perform a specific set of tasks and was always learning how to do them better. Smart devices work the same way. They’re programmed with software that allows them to “learn” in order to make your life more convenient. For example, a smart thermostat can be programmed to learn your temperature preferences and establish a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures while you’re sleeping or at work. 

The software is really what makes a device smart. The computer in each device is pre-programmed, much in the same way an ice maker is programmed to produce crushed ice versus cubed ice, depending on the button you push. 

Another feature of smart devices is that they can use the internet to communicate with each other—just like we do! Appliances, cars, thermostats, and other smart devices can use a specialized internet called the Internet of Things (or IoT for short) to receive and exchange information. This is what allows different devices to work together, even if they have different purposes or manufacturers. For instance, you could have a single button in your home that you push to turn everything (like lights, electronics, or other devices) off in a single room. 

Although all smart devices work in the same way, they can seem very different from each other, especially when you’re trying to set one up. This is because devices are pretty much the same as automobiles. Under the hood, a Toyota will look different than a Ford. However, even if the engine or other parts look different, they work similarly.    

Smart devices can save you time, make you more comfortable, and can even help you save money on utility bills. However, choosing the right devices for you is key, especially since there are now more devices than ever to choose from. We understand this can feel overwhelming, but remember—Tech Shack is always happy to help you figure out which devices will best suit your needs. 

The Importance of Correct Setup and Updates

Smart devices are amazing tools that help improve comfort and convenience in everyday life. However, if you want the software to work as it should, the device needs to be set up correctly and the software needs to be speaking the same language as your device. This is why both proper setup and keeping your devices updated are crucial. 

If you receive a pop-up notification that says there’s an update available for your device, your first thought might be, “do I really need the update”? The answer is yes, even if your device seems to be working fine. Updates can have many different purposes. For example, they can:

• Fix security issues 
• Help protect your data (and potentially the data of others)
• Repair bugs or other issues that can cause the device to crash or not work properly
• Add new features to your device
• Improve existing features
• Remove outdated features

So as you can see, there are many benefits to keeping your device up to date! It’s truly one of the best ways to optimize how your device functions and performs. It’s also extremely important for cyber security. Since smart devices can access the internet, using an unpatched device is a bit like living in a home with no doors or windows—you may be unknowingly inviting unwanted intruders. 

Updates are easy to keep up with; for most devices, all you need to do is accept the update when the notification pops up. The update will be installed over the current software installation, so you don’t have to worry about uninstalling or re-installing anything. You simply let the update do its thing!

Is Every Device a Smart Device Now?

For the most part, yes! Technological advances have made smart technology even smarter over the years and its popularity has grown. The demand for high-end products is also so high that few companies see the value in producing devices that don’t include some form of artificial intelligence (AI). As time goes on, it will be increasingly difficult to find devices that aren’t smart—but the good news is that many companies, like Apple, are making an effort to make everything user-friendly and easy to use. 

Have Questions About or Issues with a Smart Device? Tech Shack is Here to Help!

Whether you’re considering a smart device purchase, are having issues with an existing smart device, or would like to understand them better, Tech Shack is here to help! We stay current with the latest devices and can assist you with:

• Setting up your devices at home—all that’s left for you to do is enjoy them!
• Updating your devices
• Troubleshooting device issues
• Linking smart devices
• Smart home automation

Have you been thinking about smart automation in your home, but aren’t sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve been wondering if what you’d like to automate is even possible? Have you recently purchased a smart device but aren’t really sure what its capabilities are? Or maybe you’d like a recommendation for the best smart device for your needs. We also offer consulting! 

Regardless of what you need or your smart device goals, our team is here to support you and help you feel confident when working with them. They offer so many ways to enhance our lives, and we feel everyone deserves to enjoy them to the fullest, without fear, confusion, or feeling overwhelmed. Schedule an appointment today, and we’ll help you get started!

The past couple of years have been big for cryptocurrency, and if 2021 was any indication, that’s a trend that will undoubtedly continue in 2022. Despite the recent turn to a bear market, cryptocurrency is rapidly becoming more mainstream by the day. The cryptocurrency market has surged so much that its total value is now nearly $2.5 trillion—rivaling even the most valuable company in the world, Apple. From increasing interest from retail traders to El Salvador officially recognizing Bitcoin as legal tender, crypto isn’t going away anytime soon; it’s simply become too big to ignore. 

Understandably, as interest in the crypto market grows, so does the interest in crypto mining. To help you get a grasp on this complex topic, here’s a look at what crypto mining is, how it’s changed, and some of the most important things you should know when it comes to mining rigs. 

What Is Crypto Mining?

What do you think of when you hear the term “crypto mining?” If you’re like most people, you probably think it’s just a way to mint new coins and introduce them to the market. Although this is the end result, crypto mining also involves the process of validating cryptocurrency transactions on the blockchain network and adding them to a digital ledger. This ensures digital currencies are accounted for and aren’t being double-spent on the network. Just like with physical currencies, the digital ledger must be updated every time a coin is minted or spent. 

To do this, miners use a computer or several computers to “solve” cryptographic equations and record that data to a blockchain. Although commonly referred to as “solving”, it’s essentially a matter of guesswork as the computer attempts to find a 64-digit hexadecimal number (called a hash) that’s less than or equal to the target hash. This process (known as Proof of Work or PoW) is intensive and requires a fast, high-end system. 

To incentivize miners to help secure the network, the first miner to crack the equation receives newly generated coins and transaction fees from all the transactions included in the block. The more computing power a miner’s computer has, the more competitive they can be at mining. To mine successfully, computers need to have a high hash rate, which is measured in terms of gigahashes per second (GH/s) and terahashes per second (TH/s). 

Crypto Mining Through the Years: CPU, GPU, and ASIC Miners 

The profitability of crypto mining is based on how quickly a computer can guess the right answer before another miner’s system, which has everything to do with how quickly a computer can produce hashes.

In January 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto (the author of Bitcoin’s whitepaper) mined the first Bitcoin block. At the time, Nakamoto didn’t need specialized equipment; all he needed was an average PC with a central processing unit (CPU).

In the early days, the computational energy required to create new blocks and earn mining rewards was minimal. However, as the algorithms became increasingly complex, CPU mining began to take longer to discover transactions on the cryptocurrency’s network.  By 2015, some experts say the difficulty level of crypto algorithms had become so complex that it would take CPUs an average of “several thousand years” to find a valid block. In addition, CPU mining comes with high electrical and cooling costs. 

As an alternative, miners turned to graphics cards, also known as graphics processing units (GPUs), which can mine crypto faster and more efficiently than CPUs. GPUs are specifically designed to render 3D graphics and shapes; to do this, GPUs compute a large number of complex mathematical calculations at once. For example, if you’re playing an open-world video game like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the GPU has to render the entire game world (including shading, lighting, and shadows) as well as the character models, weapons, and game physics—all at the same time.  

Since GPUs excel at handling a massive number of calculations, they’re an ideal choice for crypto mining, where they can quickly brute force the complex equations needed to calculate mining hashes. Another benefit is that GPUs offer a much higher processing power than CPUs—in some cases, as much as 800x more. In addition, they use less energy, have lower maintenance requirements, and unlike CPUs (which can overheat and crash once the system starts to work harder) GPUs allow you to continue mining seamlessly. Although a GPU system is a larger investment, it comes with a higher hash rate, which is ideal for mining Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, Cardano, and other types of coins. 

Another type of crypto mining system is called an ASIC miner. These are custom-designed, dedicated mining systems equipped with specialized chips that allow for faster and more efficient mining. Generally, each ASCI miner is designed to mine a specific type of currency. In recent years, many cryptocurrency enthusiasts have also come to rely on “mining pools”. This involves a group of people pooling their mining resources together in order to enhance their processing power and improve their mining output.

A typical mining rig will contain the following components: 

• Motherboard
• Graphics card (GPU) 
• Power supply
• Cooling system
• CPU
• Frame

And if you’ve been considering a mining rig, Tech Shack can help you build one to your exact specifications! Be as hands-on—or hands-off—as you want. Whether you’d like to choose each part yourself or let us handle the design, we make it easy to have the system you’ve been dreaming of. 

Why it’s Important to Maintain Your Mining Rig

When it comes to crypto mining, most people’s focus is on the potential profits. One of the best ways to keep your mining as profitable as possible is to keep your mining rig in good condition. 

We know—once you start mining, it can be difficult to turn your rig off! But there are a few reasons why you should from time to time, and dust removal is one of them. When dust collects on the components, it creates a layer of insulation that makes it harder for heat to escape. Over time, this can cause the operating temperatures of critical components, like the GPU, to increase, which can lead to overheating or permanent damage. Dust can also block the rig’s airflow, which again, traps heat that can damage the system. Likewise, having working fans is essential to keep air flowing properly and to prevent overheating. 

Other things that can cause system failure during intensive computing include mismanaged overclocking and outdated drivers. In general, it’s a good idea to do a quick inspection of your rig every month or two. Check whether you have any software updates, examine your CPU and GPU for dust or damage, and ensure your fans are functioning properly. 

Wondering what type of maintenance your rig needs? Schedule a free consultation to discuss what you can do to keep your system well-maintained and performing its best!

Parts Shortages and Price Increases

For many, the problem with mining cryptocurrency is the cost. Although it can be done relatively inexpensively, the competitive nature of mining means that the more computing power you have, the more lucrative your efforts will be.  Specifically, you’ll need a GPU or an ASIC for your rig, which brings us to the next issue: parts shortages.

Although the industry has been battling with GPU shortages for years, the problem became more apparent in 2020, as the pandemic brought about supply chain issues and labor shortages. To make matters worse, the pandemic led to more people working from home—and increasing the demand for personal electronic devices that rely on GPUs. As the new set of GPUs hit the market, scalpers used bots to purchase high-demand graphics cards, which they then sold at inflated prices. Although chipmakers and retailers have taken steps to prevent scalpers and miners from buying up the supply, Nvidia execs have said they expect the shortage to continue to be an issue for at least the first half of 2022. 

Along with shortages, GPUs have also seen a price hike over the past couple of years. While some of this is related to demand, it’s also partially caused by the 25% tariff added to graphics cards imported from China. The extra costs, which were enacted in 2021, have essentially been passed along to U.S. consumers to offset the higher price of exports. There’s also the matter that next-gen cards use advanced materials and designs, which makes them higher quality and more expensive to manufacture than cards from previous generations.  

What does this mean for you? If you’d like to build a custom mining rig, or would like to replace your current GPU, there’s a good chance that you may have to wait for parts to be in stock longer than you would have in the past. Additionally, many cards now feature LHR (Lite Hash Rate) to limit mining speeds and make the cards less desirable to crypto miners. With the current demand and tariffs on China, you can also expect to see higher prices for GPUs. 

Start Your Cryptocurrency Mining Adventure with Tech Shack

As an industry, cryptocurrency is relatively new and rapidly developing, which can make it difficult to stay current on the latest trends and technology. Whether you’d ready to dive into the world of crypto with your own mining rig or you’re already a seasoned miner, Tech Shack is here to help with maintenance, repairs, hardware and software upgrades, and custom builds!Visit us in-store or schedule us for an onsite visit! Call Tech Shack at (864) 722-5155 or book an appointment through our convenient online scheduling system. Be sure to mention this blog post for a free consultation (a $35 value) on a mining rig that you’d like to have maintained or upgraded! Offer expires 3/1/2022.