All posts by Eric Peterson

Are you the technical resource in your family and fielder of all mobile device, desktop/laptop, and smart TV questions? If so, we feel for you. Here are some coping tips.

• Set Boundaries:
  • Establish clear boundaries about when and how you can assist with technical questions.
  • Let them know your availability and preferred communication channels.
• Educate and Empower:
  • Encourage them to learn and solve problems independently.
  • Share resources like tutorials, websites, or books where they can find answers.
• Prioritize and Schedule:
  • Prioritize their questions based on urgency and importance.
  • Schedule specific times for tech support to avoid interruptions.
• Offer Remote Assistance:
  • Use remote desktop tools or screen-sharing apps to troubleshoot issues remotely when possible.
• Document Solutions:
  • Keep a record of common problems and solutions.
  • Share this documentation for them to refer to in the future.
• Recommend Online Communities:
  • Suggest online forums or communities where they can seek help from a broader audience of experts.
• Teach Problem-Solving:
  • Guide them through the process of problem-solving, emphasizing critical thinking and research skills.
• Be Patient and Understanding:
  • Understand that not everyone has the same level of technical knowledge.
  • Be patient, empathetic, and non-judgmental in your responses.
• Encourage Self-Help Resources:
  • Point them to self-help resources within the software or device they’re using.
  • Explain how to access help documentation or customer support for specific products.
• Delegate to Experts:
  • If a question is outside your expertise, seek help from specialized professionals.
• Consider Tech-Free Zones:
  • Establish tech-free zones or times during family gatherings to enjoy quality time without technical distractions.
• Suggest Classes or Workshops:
  • Recommend local classes or workshops that can help them improve their technical skills.
• Regular Check-Ins:
  • Schedule periodic check-ins to address multiple questions at once rather than responding to every query immediately.
• Use Humor and Appreciation:
  • Light-hearted humor can ease tension when setting boundaries.
  • Express appreciation for their trust in your technical knowledge.

Remember that while helping family and friends with technical issues can be rewarding, it’s essential to balance assisting them and maintaining your own well-being and personal time.

This article provides additional insights into achieving work-life balance. You may also be thinking, ‘hey, with all the technical support requests, maybe there’s a cybersecurity job for me.’ see our article with 25 ways to pivot into cyber.

What are the top ways you’re attacked or hacked online? Here is a short list (10 ways). Many of these attack vectors can be mitigated by being proactive and maintaining a healthy skepticism about unexpected or unfamiliar online requests. Regular education and cybersecurity awareness training can help you stay ahead of any new hacking methods.

• Phishing Attacks
  • Description: Attackers send fraudulent emails or messages that look legitimate to trick users into giving away personal information or login credentials.
  • Prevention: Be skeptical of unsolicited messages. Don’t click on suspicious links or download files from unknown sources. Check the sender’s email for authenticity.
• Weak or Reused Passwords
  • Description: Using easily guessable passwords or the same password across multiple sites.
  • Prevention: Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager to help keep track.
• Unpatched Software
  • Description: Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
  • Prevention: Regularly update all software, including operating systems and applications. Enable auto-updates when possible.
• Malware and Spyware
  • Description: Harmful software designed to infiltrate or damage computer systems without the user’s knowledge.
  • Prevention: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware tools. Don’t download files from dubious sources.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks
  • Description: Attackers intercept communication between two parties to steal data.
  • Prevention: Use HTTPS sites. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks or use a VPN when on public networks.
• Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
  • Description: Using public Wi-Fi can expose your data to attackers.
  • Prevention: Always use secure, password-protected networks. If necessary, use a VPN on public Wi-Fi.
• Social Engineering
  • Description: Manipulating people into giving away confidential information.
  • Prevention: Always verify the identity of individuals requesting sensitive data. Educate yourself and others about common scams.
• Brute Force Attacks
  • Description: Attackers use trial-and-error methods to guess login information.
  • Prevention: Use complex passwords and enable account lockout policies. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) when possible.
• Drive-by Downloads
  • Description: Unintentional download of malicious software when visiting a compromised website.
  • Prevention: Update browsers regularly. Use security plugins or settings that block suspicious websites.
• Physical Theft or Loss
  • Description: Losing a device or having it stolen can give access to all its data to malicious parties.
  • Prevention: Use strong device passwords. Activate tracking features like “Find My Device.” Encrypt your storage, and always lock devices when not in use.

Need more tips? Read this article with 20 ways to shield your identity online. You may also be interested in how to detect malware on your machine; see this post.