You may have heard of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These are household appliances that connect to the internet via WiFi, with the idea that doing so allows for more functionality.![]()
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You can turn your lightbulbs on and off with a voice command to your phone. You can set your heat pump to turn on depending on live weather updates. But to do this the device has to connect to various servers and it’s these connections that can lead to insecurities.![]()
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We’ve put together some tips to help you keep your IoT devices safe while they do their thing: www.cert.govt.nz/individuals/guides/smart-devices-the-internet-of-things-iot/
Always think about what you are sharing. Consider if that personal information you are sharing is worth the return you are getting, now and forever.![]()
With thanks to the NZ Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT NZ)You may have heard of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These are household appliances that connect to the internet via WiFi, with the idea that doing so allows for more functionality.![]()
![]()
You can turn your lightbulbs on and off with a voice command to your phone. You can set your heat pump to turn on depending on live weather updates. But to do this the device has to connect to various servers and it’s these connections that can lead to insecurities.![]()
![]()
We’ve put together some tips to help you keep your IoT devices safe while they do their thing: www.cert.govt.nz/individuals/guides/smart-devices-the-internet-of-things-iot/
A quick notice to let you all know that Kings Computers will be closed from 24/12 - 10/1![]()
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www.facebook.com/KingsComputersNZ![]()
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kingscomputers.co.nz
Computer Repair Te Aroha - Kings Computers
kingscomputers.co.nz
Taking care of all your computer & PC repair needs. Computer and PC Fix & Repair Te Aroha, Matamata, Morrinsville, Paeroa.
Starting tomorrow (3/12) Kings Computers will be covered by the Traffic Light system. At the Orange setting this will have little effect on us here at Kings Computers. We don't perform close contact work so have no need to view or scan customers vaccine passport. I have my own vaccine passport which you are welcome to see. I will continue to wear a mask in peoples homes and businesses, and you are welcome to wear one as well, although that is your choice.
Some items are very difficult to repair. Difficult to dismantle, difficult to find parts, and sometimes extremely difficult to reassemble with all functions working. This petition by itself could be described as insignificant, but it is part of a worldwide movement that is causing change. Please sign.
Sign the Right to Repair petition
www.consumer.org.nz
It’s frustrating when appliances and devices fail too soon and can’t be repaired. It happens too often, don’t you think?
Parcel Delivery SMS Infecting Android Phones | CERT NZ
www.cert.govt.nz
A malicious app is spreading via links in text messages relating to parcel deliveries.
Today Kings Computers celebrates 8 years of existence. And, closing in on 6 years in Te Aroha. May the good times continue.
Recently I've had the privilege of talking to the General Manager of Ngāti Tumutumu trust. I've been learning a lot about Te Aroha's history that I wasn't fully aware of before and I'm very thankful for the GM for being so willing to answer all my questions.
Apple iMessage vulnerability targeted by attackers | CERT NZ
www.cert.govt.nz
Apple has released a software update for iOS, macOS and watchOS. This update fixes a significant weakness in the system that could allow an attacker access a person’s device without authorisation.
iPhones at risk: Apple releases emergency patch for iMessage vulnerabilty
iPhones at risk: Apple releases emergency patch for iMessage vulnerabilty - NZ Herald
www.nzherald.co.nz
Exploit attributed to hacker-for-hire firm.
Great news for Brother printer owners. For a limited time Brother are offering a free warranty upgrade of up to a year on any Brother printer bought in the last 5 years.![]()
Just pop over to www.brother.co.nz/latest-promotions/warranty-upgrade fill in your contact information, your printer model and your printer serial number.![]()
This offer closes on 31 December 2021.
Warranty Upgrade Promotion | Brother NZ
www.brother.co.nz
For a limited time only we are extending our comprehensive 4-year onsite printer warranty to a 5-year onsite printer warranty. Simply complete the form below to register for the upgrade.
As we head to Level 2 at midnight Tues, Kings Computers will be required to follow the special "Delta" Level 2 rules. ![]()
If you come to me, please use the contact tracking sign in information and keep 2 metres apart.![]()
If I come to you, I will be wearing a face mask and will try to abide by the 2 metre rule, while knowing that isn't always possible.![]()
Stay healthy everyone.
It's scam savvy week at BNZ.![]()
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www.getscamsavvy.co.nz/
www.getscamsavvy.co.nz
See how good you are at spotting and avoiding scams. Take a quick quiz to see if you can outsmart Sam the Scammer.
I'm sure everyone south of Auckland will be looking forward to changing to Level 3. I'm looking forward to my electrician finally being able to come in and fix a light switch (Appropriate protections and separations of course).![]()
However, Kings Computers will remain closed in order to maintain safety levels for us and all our customers.
With the move to Level 4 Covid control, Kings Computers will be closed until next week. We will be available to support essential services, but will not be available for others. Stay well, stay healthy.
Two-factor authentication provides extra security. However, Kings Computers fully understands that not everyone is capable of using this system for various reasons.
Use two-factor authentication to protect your accounts | CERT NZ
www.cert.govt.nz
When you log in to your accounts online, you mostly use a simple 'username and password' combination to do so. Adding two-factor authentication (2FA) to your login process is a simple way of...
Digital technology is an important part of how we connect. From buying groceries to organising get togethers – being online is a big part of how we live. Its impact has been profoundly positive, helping us overcome physical distance and allowing us to share worldwide, but there are risks too. ![]()
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The ‘Staying Safe Online Guide’ is an all-in-one guide to help you have a more positive experience. ![]()
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Netsafe have collaborated with Netflix, Twitter, Google, Facebook, Trade Me and CERT NZ to deliver their top tips and tricks on how to use their platforms safely. ![]()
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If you know anyone who is new to these platforms or is navigating their children's use, please share this guide with them and let them know that Netsafe is available seven days a week to help with any online safety hurdles they may face. ![]()
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Download the guide and read more here ➡️ www.netsafe.org.nz/staying-safe-online/![]()
#netsafetywk21
Timeline PhotosFor many parents, as they were growing up, it would have been impossible to imagine what the internet would look like, what it was capable of, and the ways it could help us. It goes without saying then that understanding the challenges that exist online for young people is not something that most parents can draw from using their own experiences.![]()
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Netsafe's CEO, Martin Cocker, will talk about the challenges tamariki face and share his best tips to help you with digital parenting in this special Netsafety Week free webinar. Register at ow.ly/lS1450FEe6l and the event link will be sent to you.
Some time ago there was talk that Windows 10 would be the last version.How ever, Microsoft have changed their mind are are now getting Windows 11 ready to be released. The biggest change seems to be about what hardware you will need to run Win 11. Many people will need to buy a new computer, which will be available later.![]()
Thankfully Windows 10 will be fully supported until 2025.
I'm sure you're all aware that laptop computers have batteries. Either inside, or clipped onto the outside. What you may not know is that they often have another small battery. Desktop computers also have this small battery in order to remember things like date and time. These batteries last for several years, if not decades.![]()
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The most common battery used is a CR2032 button cell 3V disposable battery. It isn't officially rechargeable, nor is it designed to be. The ML2032, VL2032 or LIR2032 are rechargeable. Yes, you can recharge a CR2032, but I'd suggest it isn't an economic or 100% safe process.![]()
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As a result, computers don't need to be connected to the power all the time. When not is use one can switch them off at the wall, or even unplug them. This also protects the computer during electrical storms which can damage power supplies.
I hate being sick. OK, it's just a cold, but it's lasted 3 days now and I can't go out and visit people, and I can't concentrate on work in the workshop. Just writing this message was rather tough. But things are improving, so I should be back on deck fixing peoples computers very soon.
I've been getting many emails lately asking me to renew my license to Norton. I don't use Norton so it's easy for me to identify these as scam emails. Those that do use Norton should be very careful. Check your software to see when it does expire, and renew via the software or pop down to your nearest store to renew.
I just received an email from Spark offering me $100. Except it wasn't from Spark. It was just another scam. Be careful out there.
Vulnerabilities in Apple devices reportedly being actively exploited | CERT NZ
www.cert.govt.nz
Apple has released updates for iOS, macOS, ipadOS, and watchOS. These versions offer fixes for vulnerabilities that are reportedly being actively exploited.
See below from Netsafe in NZ.Our data tells us that this upcoming weekend is the most dangerous long weekend for the community in terms of scam activity when compared to the rest of the year.![]()
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As we know scammers are working hard, we're asking you to be aware of the increased criminal activity and extra alert to unprompted emails or when giving out personal info including financial details. And to let people you care about know too in case scammers come their way.![]()
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Visit netsafe.org.nz/holidayscams to get out tips on how you can avoid them.