Watch out for smishing texts with fake iCloud links. Apple users are being warned to be alert to smishing texts – the name given to phishing attacks carried out by sending SMS messages – trying to capture login credentials for Apple IDs.

FYI - Smishing is a mashup of SMS and phishing. Just like the name sounds, smishing is a phishing attack carried out by short message service (SMS) more commonly known as text.

The links direct to a fake iCloud page. There are a several pretty clear red flags for those in the know, but less tech-savvy users could still be fooled.

As always, our advice is to treat all links arriving via email or text as suspect. The safest approach is to only ever login to services using your own bookmarks, or by typing a known URL yourself.

Apple shares how to protect your Apple ID, avoid phishing, social engineering, and other scams. Scams like phishing and social engineering are continuing to grow with some specifically targeting Apple users. We’ve seen a few different scams recently aimed at Apple users with a “smishing” iCloud link attack being the latest.

As it happens, Apple has shared a new support document on how to protect your account, avoid phishing, social engineering, scam calls, and more. Here's their advice on protecting your Apple account:

• Never share personal data or security information like passwords or security codes, and never agree to enter them into a webpage that someone directs you to.
• Protect your Apple ID. Use two-factor authentication, always keep your contact information secure and up to date, and never share your Apple ID password or verification codes with anyone. Apple never asks for this information to provide support.
• Never use Apple Gift Cards to make payments to other people. 
• Learn how to identify legitimate Apple emails about your App Store or iTunes Store purchases. If you send or receive money with Apple Cash (U.S. only), treat it like any other private transaction.
• Learn how to keep your Apple devices and data secure.
• Download software only from sources you can trust.
• Don’t follow links or open or save attachments in suspicious or unsolicited messages.
• Don’t answer suspicious phone calls or messages claiming to be from Apple. Instead, contact Apple directly through our official support channels.

More info from Apple on handling suspicious emails, messages, and calls.

Thanx to 9to 5Mac.

FSL SeniorNet at Family Service League, Olsten Family Center

790 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743 1-631-470-6757

SPOTLIGHT ON >

Mac Photos: Organizing Your Pictures

Your photos are one of your most precious possessions. We will explore the app and how it can help you work with all your photos in the most efficient way. You will need to bring your charged, Mac laptop, and a mouse (if you use one) to class. iPads and iPhones CANNOT be used for this class.

Refer to the webpage for additional class dates and times.

Mac Photos: Organizing Your Pictures (2) Starts July 17

Microsoft Power Point: Quick Start (2) Starts July 18

Smartphone Photography (3) Starts July 22

PC Computing Basics 1 (4) Starts July 23

iPhone: Getting Started (2) Starts July 31

Google Docs & Sheets for Word & Excel Users (3) Starts Aug 1

iPhone: What's Next (2) Starts Aug 14

PC Computing Basics 2 (4) Starts Sept 3

Where are My Photos? (3) Starts Sept 11

Internet Security (1) on Sept 12

Available for Solve Your Technical Problem

FSL SeniorNet at Family Service League, South Shore Iovino Family Center

1444 Fifth Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706 1-631-647-3100

Available for Solve Your Technical Problem

Town of Brookhaven, FSL SeniorNet @ Henrietta Acampora Cottage

39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY 11715 1-631-470-6922

Available for Solve Your Technical Problem

Webinars are held over Zoom,

Seminars are at local libraries.

• Preventing Fraud & Identity Theft on Jul 16
• Google: More than a Search Engine on Aug 13
• Windows 10: Survey of Settings & Desktop on Sept 11
• iPhone: The Camera on Sept 16

ALL CLASSES:

Registration is open until 10 AM sharp one day before the start of a class.

To participate in our classes, register and pay online with a credit or debit card. If you prefer to pay by check or cash, contact the office at 631-470-6757, or register in person at Open House/ Registration Day in Huntington, Bay Shore, & Blue Point. Reminder emails are sent by fslseniornet@fsl-li.org ftwo days before the first class in a series.

ONLINE CLASSES:

To participate in our online courses, you need to download Zoom on your computing device*. The Zoom link will be included in the confirmation sent by ezregister.com. The teacher will also send the Zoom link and manual before the class.

WEBINARS ARE ONLINE:

Registration is open until one hour prior to the webinar's start time.

The Zoom link will be included in the confirmation sent by ezregister.com. Reminder emails are sent by fslseniornet@fsl-li.org five days before the webinar. Additionally, the teacher will also send the Zoom link and handout the day before the webinar. 

SEMINARS ARE IN-PERSON & LIBRARY HOSTED:

Registration is managed by our host library. Their registration link will be provided on their website, our email blasts, and our webpage.

SOLD OUT:

Please call 631-470-6757 or send an email to fslseniornet@fsl-li.org

to receive an email with information as to when the course (webinar, seminar, class or workshop) is offered again. Please include the name of the course you are interested in.

COMPUTING DEVICES:

Computing devices include Windows and Mac Desktops & Laptops,

iPads, and Android Tablets. It is NOT recommended to Zoom using your smartphone due to the smaller screen size.

ZOOM HELP IS AVAILABLE:

 If you need instructions on downloading and using Zoom, click here:

HOW TO JOIN A ZOOM CHAT.