Traveling for the holidays? Between booking flights, finding hotels, and visiting family, it’s easy to forget that your devices need protection too. Cybercriminals know people travel with phones, tablets, and laptops, and they’re ready to take advantage of unsecured connections and rushed clicks.

Here’s how to keep your tech safe wherever you go:

• Make sure your devices are updated and secured with a PIN, password, or biometric lock. Turn on “Find My Device” in case something gets lost, and back up important files before you hit the road.

 

• Airport or hotel Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it’s rarely secure. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your connection, making it much harder for hackers to intercept your data while you browse, check email, or shop online.

 

• Those free charging stations in airports and malls can hide a threat called “juice jacking,” where hackers steal data through USB ports. Instead, use your own charging brick and plug directly into an outlet, or carry a portable power bank.

 

• Hotel Wi-Fi networks are often shared by hundreds of guests, which makes them an easy target. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (like banking) and always confirm the correct network name with the front desk before connecting.

Have fun and be safe!

Malvertising, short for malicious advertising, happens when hackers hide harmful code inside online ads.
These ads may appear on legitimate websites because attackers buy ad space just like real advertisers do. You don’t even have to visit shady websites, sometimes all it takes is one bad ad on a popular page.

Once the ad loads, it can:

• Trick you into clicking a fake download link
• Redirect you to a phishing site that steals your information
• Automatically install malware through browser vulnerabilities

If you notice any of these after clicking an ad, it might be more than just a slow connection:

• Pop-ups start appearing even when your browser is closed
• Your homepage or search engine suddenly changes
• You see fake “Your computer is infected!” warnings
• New toolbars or programs appear without your permission
• Your computer feels unusually sluggish or crashes frequently

If that sounds familiar, run a malware scan or contact us today!

Have you ever downloaded a free app to “make life easier,” uploaded files to the cloud, or installed a new browser extension for deals? You’re not alone, but those little shortcuts can open the door to big security risks.

This is called Shadow IT – when people use apps, programs, or devices that aren’t officially approved or properly secured. You might be doing it without even realizing it.

Shadow IT includes things like:

• Using free cloud sites for family photos or tax documents
• Installing “clean-up” apps or unknown browser extensions
• Setting up smart devices with default passwords

These tools often seem harmless but can leak personal data or passwords, slow down your devices, and give hackers an easy way in.

Stay safe with a few quick habits:

• Only download from trusted app stores or known developers
• Avoid “free” tools that sound too good to be true
• Regularly delete unused or unfamiliar apps
• Update and secure your smart devices
• When in doubt, ask a tech pro before you install

Even small changes can keep your devices and data secure. Stay safe and call us if you need us!

QR codes make life easier. You can scan a code to pay for parking, view a restaurant menu, or get info fast. But lately, scammers have found ways to turn those little squares into traps for your personal information.

Scammers print fake QR codes and stick them on top of real ones. They could be on parking meters, flyers, or tables at restaurants. When you scan the fake code, it can:

• Send you to a phishing website that looks real but steals your login info.
• Install malicious apps or software on your phone.
• Collect your payment details if you try to “pay” through the fake link.

They look harmless, but one quick scan can cause big problems.

Stay safe!

• Check before you scan. If a QR code looks like a sticker or seems out of place, skip it.
• Preview the link. Make sure the website looks legitimate and starts with “https.”
• Don’t enter personal info. Go to the company’s real website instead.

AI has made life easier in a lot of ways, but it has also given scammers new tricks. These days, they can use artificial intelligence to copy someone’s voice, face, or even texting style to fool you into sending money or sharing personal info.

This is done by using:

• Fake voices: Scammers only need a few seconds of someone talking (like a voicemail or video clip) to make an AI voice that sounds just like them. They might pretend to be your boss, your child, or a family member in trouble.
• Deepfake videos: AI can now create realistic videos that make it look like someone is talking live, even if they never said a word.
• Chatbot scams: Some fake “support” chatbots sound so real you’d swear you’re talking to a person. They can trick you into giving up passwords or downloading malware.

Aways slow down, verify requests through known contacts, and think twice before sharing information or sending money.

Welcome to 2026! I’m so thankful to have made it to another year and excited to keep helping you with all your computer support needs. Set your goals high this year, and I hope you crush every single one!

 

Happy New Year!

If you’re reading this, WE MADE IT! Another year has come to a close, and we’re grateful for the growth we’ve experienced in 2025. We’re excited for what’s to come in 2026 and thankful to have you along for the ride. Your support means more to us than you’ll ever know!

So kick back, relax, and enjoy your favorite holiday movies with a cup of eggnog. As for me, you’ll find me watching my all-time favorite, Home Alone lol!

From our family to yours, have a Merry Christmas!

It’s that special time of year when we gather with our loved ones to enjoy good company, great food, and, of course, some football (Go Cowboys!). It’s also a moment to reflect on the things we’re most thankful for.

At Crowned Computer Services, we’re deeply grateful for another year of business. Serving you has been a true pleasure, and we don’t take that privilege lightly. From our family to yours, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

The end of the year is approaching, and as we reflect on the content we’ve shared over the past year, we’d love your feedback on how we can improve to better serve your needs.

• What topics would you like to see us explore in future posts?
• Do you enjoy the quick tips reels on our social media pages?
• Are the security tips useful?
• Do our throwback tech posts bring back some nostalgic memories?
• Send us a DM on Facebook or Instagram and let us know how we can do things differently!

With my favorite holiday just around the corner, you know what that means…it’s shopping time! However, I’m not thrilled about being packed into stores with hundreds of other shoppers. That’s why I do most of my shopping online. But when it comes to online shopping, it’s important to stay safe. Here are a few tips to help:

• Always shop from reputable retailers.
• Only enter payment information on secure sites. Check for a padlock icon in the address bar and make sure the URL starts with “https://”.
• Double-check the URL to ensure you’re on the website you intended to visit.
• Avoid clicking on pop-ups with messages like “Click here to claim your free gift card.”
• Only connect to secure Wi-Fi. Shopping on public networks can put your information at risk.
• Install a browser guard to alert you if you visit a potentially harmful website.
• Read reviews about the website before making a purchase.

Happy shopping!