Weekly Tech Tips and News for May 19, 2017

Alien Casemod by Marco Gomes on Flickr.com

It's another one of those weeks where the tech news is dominated by another wide spread malware attack. In fact, this one was world-wide. We all need to be on the lookout for danger that is just a link or missed update away from within our computers. The sad fact is there are those who make their living taking advantage of others who may not be technically knowledgeable or are careless. Just like you lock your car to protect it, and make sure it gets regular oil changes and tune ups to keep it running well, you need to take the same approach with your computing devices. Sure, it's easier to not hassle with unlocking your car when you return to it...but would you? Our computers, tablets and phones contain much more personal data than our cars, so we really should be at least as careful and secure with them as we are with our cars. Read on to find out how you can keep your devices as safe as possible from ransomware and other malware. There are also a few tips for student writing, video quizzes and a new Gmail feature as well. Stay safe, my friends.

• Ransomware Stakes Keep Getting Higher
• G Suite Updates:  Smart Reply in Gmail for Android and iOS
• How to Easily Asses Student Writing in Google Docs
• How to Grade Vizia Quizzes on Google Sheets

Ransomware Stakes Keep Getting Higher

The events surrounding the WannaCry (or WannaCrypt) ransomware this past week, coupled with the Google phishing event two weeks ago, reinforce the message that we all need to step up our security vigilance online and protect the information on our devices. These widespread attacks are quickly becoming the new normal. Unfamiliar with the term ransomware? Hopefully you won't learn about it the hard way. Ransomware is when hackers download a program that locks all the files on your computer and demands payment by a deadline to release your files. If you don't pay on time, the files are destroyed. The hackers usually gain access to your computer either when you click on links or attachments in a phishing email, by rerouting links that come up in an internet search, or by hacking legitimate websites. In other words, you may click on a link that looks legitimate, but isn't. In the case of WannaCry, it appears the hackers started out infecting computers with a link, then when it reached a computer on on a network, it then also scanned the network looking for other computers that were vulnerable or hadn't been patched with security updates. If you think you don't have to worry because you don't have any important information anyone would be interested in, you are mistaken. Think about the photos, videos, music and files you have stored on your computer. How important are they to you? It's not your information the "black hat" hackers are looking for, it's your money - or your employer's money -  to get the files back. It's one thing for an individual to lose access to his or her computer, it's a quite another when it happens to businesses, hospitals and the government. Last Friday, hospitals in the UK had to cancel surgeries and procedures because their computers were unavailable due to ransomware. You do not want to be the weak link that infects your co-workers' computers as well.

What can you do?

• Hesitate before clicking any link. Hover your mouse over the link and the URL address will appear in the lower left corner of your screen. Make sure the main domain of the link is legit. (For example, tracking a FedEx package? The domain should be fedex.com, not some variation like fedexe.com or fedexusa.com.)
• Run all updates on your devices - they include security patches. Make this a priority. Every month when Windows wants to run updates, let them run. Shut down your computer regularly so the updates will install. Mac users should also run updates whenever prompted. Malware has been found on Mac computers too. 
• Use an up to date anti-virus/anti-malware program. Make sure it is running its own updates and scanning your computer at least weekly.
• Back up your data. Whether you use a cloud based back up service, or you purchase an external hard drive, back up your data at least once a month, if not more often. If you accidentally encounter ransomware, you can avoid paying the ransom by wiping your computer, reinstalling your programs, and restoring your files from your back up. It's a pain, but it's better than paying hundreds or thousands of dollars in bitcoin - and encouraging - ransomware hackers. You can also use Windows or invest in inexpensive imaging software that will allow you to create an "image" of your computer to later use to install everything for you. 

Fortunately here at ASA, have evaded these last two widespread attempts. Pat yourself on the back if you received a phishing link and didn't click on it! Unfortunately, this seems to be the latest trend and there will be more, so we must remain informed and on guard. Next time we might not be so lucky.

G Suite Updates:  Smart Reply in Gmail for Android and iOS

Smart Reply has been available in Inbox for awhile now, and is finally making it's way to Gmail for Android and iOS (iPhones). Smart Reply saves you time answering emails because it suggests three replies to your emails. These replies are frighteningly close to how you would actually respond. I'm not sure whether to be creeped out or impressed. You can either choose one of the suggestions and reply, choose one of the suggestions and modify it, or ignore them altogether. Here's the post from Google's update alerts for the full explanation and images.

How to Easily Assess Student Writing in Google Docs

How to Easily Asses Student Writing in Google Docs, from Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell
The WriQ add on for Google Docs will help you analyze student writings. An introductory video is included in the post.

How to Grade Vizia Quizzes on Google Sheets

How to Grade Vizia Quizzes on Google Sheets, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
Vizia is a free program that allows you to make YouTube videos interactive. You can insert questions and polls into the videos. The answers flow into a Google Sheet, which you can then grade using Flubaroo.