Mendon Computer Outlet, Inc.

03/26/2026

Hi friends, we would like to offer free bubble wrap while it lasts to anyone interested in it.
Call or stop by the store.

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06/15/2025

04/14/2025

While 2FA adds a crucial layer of security, it's not foolproof. Hackers can bypass it through various methods, like social engineering, SIM swapping, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in the recovery process. They might also use phishing to trick users into revealing their 2FA codes or intercept them through malware.

Here's a more detailed explanation:
Social Engineering:

Hackers can impersonate legitimate sources and use persuasive tactics to trick users into revealing their 2FA codes or clicking malicious links.

SIM Swapping:
Hackers can trick mobile carriers into transferring a victim's phone number to their own device, allowing them to intercept SMS-based 2FA codes.

Phishing:
Hackers can create fake websites or emails that look legitimate to trick users into entering their 2FA codes on the fake login page.
Account Recovery:

Some account recovery processes can be exploited, allowing hackers to reset passwords and bypass 2FA requirements.
SMS Interception:

Malware can intercept or redirect text messages, including those containing 2FA codes.
Physical Tokens:

Hackers can steal or clone physical security tokens, gaining access to accounts.

In short, while 2FA is a good security measure, it's not a silver bullet. Users need to be aware of potential threats and take precautions to protect their accounts, such as using strong, unique passwords, enabling 2FA with reliable methods like authenticator apps, and being wary of phishing attempts.

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04/08/2025

With tax season around the corner we have seen the first scammers flexing their social engineering muscles. Be prepared.

03/24/2025

Amazon disables privacy option, will send your Echo voice recordings to the cloud

Posted: March 18, 2025 by Pieter Arntz
Amazon has announced its Echo devices will no longer have the option to store and process requests on the device itself, meaning your voice recordings will now be sent to the cloud for processing.

In an email sent to customers, Amazon explained that the feature “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” will no longer be available beginning March 28, 2025.

The reason for this change? AI.

“As we continue to expand Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI features that rely on the processing power of Amazon’s secure cloud, we have decided to no longer support this feature.”
Basically, the processing requests that rely on AI features can’t be done within the limited processing power of the Echo device itself. This means that voice recordings will be sent to and processed in the cloud.

Amazon promises the recordings will be deleted after Alexa processes your requests if you enable the “Don’t Save Recordings” setting (we recommend you do this). But is that promise enough? And what happens to the data before it’s deleted? After all, it wasn’t that long ago that Amazon’s Ring camera feeds were available for all staff and contractors to view.

This change confirms existing fears about user privacy with the implementation of the generative AI version of Alexa. Due to financial losses that came with Alexa’s operation, Amazon introduced the AI-powered Alexa+ which has far more capabilities and should generate more cash-flow. Alexa+ is based on several major language models such as the in-house development Nova, and Claude from Anthropic.

In a statement Amazon told TechCrunch:

“The Alexa experience is designed to protect our customers’ privacy and keep their data secure, and that’s not changing. We’re focusing on the privacy tools and controls that our customers use most and work well with generative AI experiences that rely on the processing power of Amazon’s secure cloud.”
This sounds reassuring, but something that doesn’t leave the device can’t get lost along the way. So, the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” sounds a lot safer to me.

Reportedly, the change specifically affects the fourth generation Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15 devices, for customers in the US with devices set to English.

When devices are too smart

I love gadgets as much as the next person, but with some devices I wonder whether it’s really necessary to make them “smart.”

The only way to protect your privacy and security at home is to avoid using devices that connect to the internet, including your phone. Obviously, in today’s world, that’s an impossible task for most. Therefore, the second-best option is to consider which devices are absolutely necessary for work, pleasure, and convenience, and slim down the list of smart-enabled devices.

For example, for an energy-conscious person, the use of a smart thermostat makes sense. However, we’ve seen plenty of devices that were only smart because it benefited the vendor. Data brokers will pay a pretty penny to those vendors if you install their app which gathers data about you and your device.

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11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving to you all and those whom are special to you and your life. Have a super special day.

06/25/2024

Hello to all are friends at Mendon Computer Outlet. I thought it would be appropriate to share we will not be open the first week of July. We will re-open July 8th.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

05/08/2024

We wish to inform our customers that we will be closed May 13 through 19, 2024. We will be open May 20th at our regular hours.

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11/23/2023

A Happy Thanksgiving to all our Facebook friends and family. May this day be filled with gratefulness, love, laughter and peace. May God pour his mercy upon you and your family.

07/06/2023

Should You Leave Your Laptop Plugged in All the Time?
Story by Andy Betts • Yesterday 2:45 PM

Should You Keep Your Laptop Plugged In?
Does leaving your laptop plugged in ruin the battery? Yes, it does. But then so does charging it every day.

Microsoft clearly states that it's not okay to keep a laptop plugged in when it's fully charged, because "keeping the battery charged to 100% all the time can cause it to deteriorate faster." Apple's advice is no longer on its website, but you can still read it on the Internet Archive. The company recommended against leaving a laptop plugged in all the time, suggesting:

"An ideal user would be a commuter who uses her notebook on the train, then plugs it in at the office to charge. This keeps the battery juices flowing..."

Increasingly, though, you don't need to worry about it. macOS now comes with an Optimized Battery Charging setting that charges your MacBook to 80% when you keep it plugged in and only tops up the rest when it thinks you need it.

Windows 11 also has a Smart Charging feature that works in a similar way, although it's up to each laptop manufacturer as to whether and how they implement it. But if you see that your laptop is only charging to 80% when you use it, this is not a bug. It will help extend the lifespan of your battery.