Has your Facebook account been hacked?

Quite frequently I see a Facebook post from a friend that says "I've been hacked.  Don't accept any friend requests from me," or something similar.  Then there is a comment about changing their password.  In reality, that probably won't take care of the problem.

More than likely, their Facebook account has been cloned, not hacked, so changing the password will probably not make any difference.  What's the difference between hacking and cloning?

If an account is truly hacked it means the password has been compromised and someone is actually using your FB account, and yes, your password should be changed.

BUT, if you are already friends with someone on Facebook you will not get a second request from them to be their friend.  When that request occurs it is coming from a cloned Facebook page.  A cloned FB account is one that someone has created using the information that is publicly available from your "real" FB account, things like personal information, your profile picture, friends list, etc.  Then "Friend Requests" are sent out from this new FB account, not your "real" one.

What should you do if that happens?  People who get the Friend Requests can report it to FB or you yourself can report it.  Begin by clicking here:  https://www.facebook.com/hacked

How can you better protect your "real" Facebook account from both hacking and cloning?  Read through the 4 tips below.
1)  Make sure your password is secure and change it every 6 months.
2)  Make your Friends list Private.
3)  At the very least, choose to make your posts visible to just Friends, NOT Public.
4) Set up 2-Factor Authentication so that if your account is logged into on a different computer, you will be notified.

Next week, I'll share some additional information (how-to videos) about securing your Facebook account and answer the question - "Why does someone want to clone my Facebook account and send out friend requests?"  But, in the meantime, here is a really good article if you'd like to read more today:  https://www.ricksdailytips.com/beware-duplicate-friend-requests/

Hope you have a terrific Tech Tip "Thursday."  Looks like we have another cloudy day here, but one with warmer temps.  52 days until Spring.  :-)

Wordle

Have you played Wordle?  It is found here:   https://www.powerlanguage.co.uk/wordle/   I'm not a gamer so maybe that is why I didn't know anything about Wordle until last week; I may have just ignored any reference to it.  Once I heard about it I became hooked, along with millions of others it seems.  I am not a person who enjoys playing games on the computer or phone, but I am enjoying the challenge of Wordle.  Part of its appeal is that it is short, challenging, and there is only 1 puzzle per day.  The goal is to figure out one five-letter word each day.  Sound easy?  It isn't.  I'm getting better, I think, but I'm not finding it easy.

Below is what my screen looked like on yesterday's puzzle when I completed it.  Each day you begin with a 5 x 6 grid of empty squares.  You then enter words trying to guess the 5-letter word for the day.  With each try, squares turn green if you have the correct letter in the correct place.  Squares turn yellow if you have a correct letter but it isn't in the correct place in the word.  Squares turn gray if the letters you entered are not found in the word.  You only get 6 tries to enter the correct word; if not successful, you are done and must come back the next day for a new puzzle.  There is not a time limit and you are only in competition with yourself.

Some cautions:

1. Wordle is only available on the web at this address: https://www.powerlanguage.co.uk/wordle/  Unfortunately in the Google Play store and the Apple Apps store there are fake Wordle apps; DO NOT download any of these. Wordle can only be played using a web browser.
2. There is an option to share your success on social media.  As tempted as you might be to do this, I would encourage you to refrain from doing so. 

Give the game a try. Take your time; there is no rush.  You can even leave the webpage open while you think about possible solutions.  Enjoy expanding your vocabulary!

Don't hang up!

Has your smartphone ever called someone without you purposely placing the call? Smartphones and watches sometimes seem to have minds of their own, don’t they? Most of us quickly disconnect when we discover we’re unexpectedly calling someone, BUT if you accidentally initiate a call to 911 on your phone or watch, please stay on the line and talk with the dispatcher to let them know you are okay. 

What happens if we hang up before they answer? It will mean extra time and work for emergency services because they have to follow up on ALL calls from mobile phones with a call and text.  Even if you quickly disconnect, Emergency Services have already received the call and are then tasked with making contact with you. Staying on the line and assuring them you are okay will allow the dispatcher to be more efficient and continue to serve others who may be in need. 

Happy 2022! Did you receive any new technology as holiday gifts? With most pieces of new technology there is a learning curve so take some time to explore and learn about any new gadgets so you can really use and enjoy them!

Jeline

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