Holiday Gift Guide, Cybersecurity, Comcast Eliminating Free Norton

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Hard to believe that the holidays and New Year are right around the corner.
As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to thank you for being part of our lives. We hope that your holidays are filled with love, peace, and happiness. 

In this issue:
1. Holiday Gift Ideas 
2. Cybersecurity Tips
3. Technology Notes
Holiday Gift Ideas
Here are a few tech gift ideas to consider.

1. Microsoft Surface Go 2 tablet 
For those considering a tablet and want an alternative to an iPad, the Surface Go 2 from Microsoft is worth a look. It can run Microsoft Store apps including Word, Excel, etc. Starting at $399.99 from Microsoft

2. Lavone Self-Sanitizing Water Bottle.
This bottle uses UV light to kill germs.$48.99 at Amazon

3. Apple Watch SE  
With almost all of the features of the more expensive Apple Watches, Apple has released a more affordable Apple Watch-the SE. From $279 at Apple

4. Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
For the hot beverage drinker in your life, this mug comes with a battery to keep their coffee or tea warm for up to 1.5 hours, or all day if left on the warming stand. From $99.95 at Amazon

5. Bose Sunglass Frames
These sunglasses include Bose speakers and a microphone, allowing you to stream music or use your cellphone. Streaming time is listed at 3.5 hours. There are several styles, lens colors, and lens options. Starting at $169.00 at Amazon  

6. Mirror Workout Device.
This fascinating device hangs on the wall and helps you do your workouts using video.$1,495.00 at mirror.co

7. Meural Canvas II Wall-Mounted Picture Frame
This wall-mounted electronic picture frame not only displays your photos but can also (with a separate subscription) display 30,000 works of art. Starting at $349.00 at Amazon  

8. Mbot Robot Kit For Kids Or Beginner Programmers
This robot can be used to teach entry-level programming skills to children. $69.99 at Amazon 

9. Anker PowerCore Portable Charger
Many of our devices don’t have enough battery life. Using a compact high-speed charger while on the go can be a great solution. Anker makes a popular line of chargers with different capacities. Here’s a popular model for $21.99 at Amazon.
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10. Sony Noise-Canceling Headphones.
Want some peace and quiet in a noisy environment? Consider a noise-canceling headset. This one includes a microphone, so you can make phone calls. Sony WH-1000xm4 $348.00 at Amazon

Resources: 
Esquire Magazine Gift Guide  
USA Today Gift Guide

Cybersecurity Tips
The Holiday Season is a prime time for criminals to try to slip phishing emails past busy people. Common phishing emails include:
1. fake package tracking links that install viruses 
2. fake account locked out emails to steal your login credentials
3. fake emails from “stranded friends” asking for gift cards or Western Union cash transfers.

Don’t be a victim. Verify the email through other means, such as phone calls or typing a website address directly.

Here’s a 5-minute Personal Identity Security Quiz to help you find areas where you could improve the safety of your personal information.

Here’s a 2-minute video on the dangers of using public wi-fi

Here’s an article about spam, and phishing emails. 

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself against viruses and hackers is to be super-careful about what you click. Malicious links that are clicked are the number-one source of successful attacks.  Technology Notes

Comcast/Xfinity is no longer including Norton Anti-Virus software as a free customer benefit.
As of Jan 1, 2021, Comcast customers who want to continue the Norton protection will have to pay for it.  Comcast will include protection on their Xfi modem gateways.

According to Comcast “…In the beginning of this year, we made xFi Advanced Security available to our 20 million customers with xFi Gateways for free. xFi Advanced Security provides cybersecurity protection at the gateway level, protecting not only the devices that have screens, but all the connected devices in your home…”

Here are some points to consider
1. If you have a Windows computer, Microsoft includes a free anti-virus called Windows Defender, which isn’t bad.
2. The security that Comcast is including at their router/gateways will stop many threats.
3. If you do choose to purchase anti-virus software, we like Norton, Webroot, and Bit Defender.
  Microsoft 365 for Mac users must upgrade to OS 10.14 to receive updates.
As of the Microsoft 365 for Mac November 2020 update, macOS 10.14 Mojave or later is required to receive updates to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote. If you continue with an older version of macOS, your Office apps will continue to work but you will no longer receive any updates including security updates.

Existing Microsoft 365 for Mac users on macOS 10.13 will not be offered any further updates. Upgrading the operating system to macOS 10.14 or later will allow app updates to proceed.
Additionally, new installs of Microsoft 365 for Mac will also require macOS 10.14 or later.

Stay Safe and Be Well,
Betina, Ryan, and Edward