ASA Tech Tips and News for January 27, 2023

I was recently planning a cruise with the entire family, and in the process it will be to our advantage to connect to the cruise line's onboard, free, WiFi, so we can easily connect with each other and see the daily schedules and announcements. I normally don't connect to public or hotel WiFi networks. Why? Because they are notoriously not secure or safe for your devices or online accounts. You shouldn't either...unless you have a VPN activated on your laptop, tablet and phone - any device you are most likely to connect to a public WiFi, such as at Starbuck's, a hotel or airport. The cruise planning process has me wondering how many of you connect to public WiFi without a second thought, and without a VPN? Please rethink that practice! There's a very helpful article below explaining what a VPN is, why you should use one, and it even includes VPN recommendations. They are very easy to set up, you do not need to be a "techy person" to install and use them. Stay safe, my friends, it's an online jungle out there!

• What is a VPN Used For? 9 VPN Uses in 2023
• Malware is Sneaking Into Google Search Ads
• 200 Malicious Android and iOS Apps Draining Bank Accounts - Check Your Phone Now
• Hackers Often Us This Clever Trick to Take You to Phishing Sites - Can You Spot it? 
• All 15+ Google Workspace Apps Explained in Under 7 Minutes
• Lesson Plan - How to Spot Fake Screenshots
• 10 Ways to Improve Students' Long Term Learning

What is a VPN Used For? 9 VPN Uses in 2023

What is a VPN Used For? 9 VPN Uses in 2023, from Forbes Advisor by Maile McCann, Rob Watts

This article does a good job of explaining what a VPN is, why you should use one, AND recommends several reputable VPN services. 

Malware is Sneaking Into Google Search Ads

Malware is Sneaking Into Google Search Ads, from How-To Geek by Arol Wright

Beware of ads in a Google search result.

200 Malicious Android and iOS Apps Draining Bank Accounts - Check Your Phone Now

200 Malicious Android and iOS Apps Draining Bank Accounts - Check Your Phone Now, from Tom's Guide by Anthony Spadafora

There seems to be a lot of bank hacking going on lately. My bank now has a permanent banner running across the website, as well as reminders in every app screen and text notification. 

Hackers Often Us This Clever Trick to Take You to Phishing Sites - Can You Spot it? 

Hackers Often Us This Clever Trick to Take You to Phishing Sites - Can You Spot it?, from Tom"s Guide by Anthony Spadafora

Oh those hackers can be so sneaky!

All 15+ Google Workspace Apps Explained in Under 7 Minutes

Lesson Plan - How to Spot Fake Screenshots

Lesson Plan - How to Spot Fake Screenshots, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne

Be sure to watch the PBS video linked in the article. Great info for anyone who uses social media. 

10 Ways to Improve Students' Long Term Learning

10 Ways to Improve Students' Long Term Learning, from Ditch That Textbook

10 ideas with variations and templates.