ALERT: TikTok Content Trojan (V. Distressing)

Some time in recent weeks a tragic event unfolded in one place that happens in many private locations around the world. A young person took their own life in violent and tragic way. Aside from the incredible grief and devastating hole that this leaves behind in so many peoples lives, there was a nasty side story … the event was live streamed.

This content has now been downloaded by some people who are sharing it across other social media platforms. To make it even more outrageous, the motivated person is embedding this horrific content in a video that has bookended cute kittens and puppies. The event havs also been widely reported on in the press (ABC News is a free news service)

The social media companies like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Google, Twitter and others are all racing to remove all instances of this, however this will take time. Until then, it is our strong recommendation that you disable social media on your children’s devices, or at the very least reduce it and have the time supervised for the next week or so.

You should also have a conversation about distressing content and how to react to it:

• Talk to a trusted adult (teacher, parent, counsellor)
• Report the content (in the platform, report the link to law enforcement)

And please always remember – if you or someone is distressed, then please call any of these services (Australia):

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• ReachOut at au.reachout.com
• Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774

Stay up to date

The #1 tip to keep your computers at home safe from attack is to keep your computer operating system up to date.

There are numerous attacks daily on design weaknesses in computers and it is a constant challenge for hackers to find them, and companies to correct them.

Here are some links for you and your operating system.

• Microsoft WindowsWindows XP – upgrade NOW
• • Windows 7
• • Windows 10
• Apple Mac
• Linux based systems

Merry Christmas from miFamily to yours

Have a look at our quick tips if you are giving technology presents this festive season. Low technology bedrooms, aim to get to 2-hours a day of screen time for New presents and check out the parental controls as well.

Manage Facebook Privacy settings

Facebook changed it’s privacy settings recently, and some things are really bad. read on for more information about what has changed and how you need to set up both your childrens site, and yours to avoid any tricky situations with accidental sharing of your personal information.

Manage geolocation on iOS devices

We have previously written about the dangers of geolocation services, and the importance of turning off geolocation services on your devices.

Normally, this is great feature, and very useful, however this feature is is becoming more of an issue as more apps seek to find out where you live, and places you frequent.

Parents Christmas gift technology guide

If last year is any indication to this year, 85% of presents given to children were technology. Since then there have been many changes in privacy, and all the tools have received some big changes. Here are some of the changes, and some tips to help you set up your devices.

Warnings about holidays and “check-ins”

Risks of geo-tagging

Did you know that your smart phone could unknowingly be putting you in danger? A number of applications and social networking sites “Geotag” your location when you post or take pictures. Your privacy settings might also allow others to tag you at these locations!

This is a useful feature in certain circumstances. However, it does allow others to watch your every move. For example, Facebook allows you to do a simple “check in”.

SCAM Alert: PC Support World Windows Event viewer

Hi everyone, this was just too important to ignore.

Last night we were targeted by a scammer… yup – dumb huh… WRONG people!

What was the scam?

15 minute steps to improve your home technology environment

We promised earlier this month a series on setting up you home for safe technology usage, after the technology gifting that most likely happened in your home over the festive season.

The topics we will cover are:

1. Centralise device charging
2. Know what you have

Dear Apple – your computers can also be affected by Malware

Dear Apple,

Your computers are vulnerable to malware, and I wish to draw your attention to the practices employed at a number of retail outlets I have visited recently.