Social Engineering Scam

Social Engineering

If you get an email or phone call claiming to be from your bank or credit card provider, a government department, a membership organisation, a website you buy from or the police – and it’s asking for confidential information – chances are it’s social engineering and is not legitimate.

If you get an unexpected phone call from a computer company or engineer telling you that you have a problem on your PC and offering to fix it, chances are that’s social engineering too.

Social engineering is the name we give to confidence trickery, because the criminals who perpetrate it have very clever and convincing ways to deceive you.

To find out how to spot social engineering and how to deal with it, have a look at the videos on this page. They describe three common types of social engineering, but there are many more.

Then click here to get some great free, practical advice at Get Safe Online.

Phishing Scam

You wouldn’t get certain types of emails from your bank, card provider or the police. So STOP & THINK!

Vishing Scam

You wouldn’t get certain types of phone calls from your bank, card provider or the police. So STOP & THINK!

Computer Support Scam

If a computer company calls to tell you that there’s a problem with your machine, it could be a scam.So STOP & THINK!

Home and Business Wireless Solutions – For Luxury Homes & Large Office Buildings

Optima Computers are now offering high end wireless solutions for large luxury homes, complicated, RF interference affected structures and office buildings.

Wireless Network Planning and Design

Optima Computers are leading Wi-Fi experts in Wi-Fi network Planning, Design, Installation, Support, Survey, Analysis, Optimisation and Troubleshooting.

Not many other companies can offer what we do - Authority, Expertise, Competence, Delivery.

Wi-Fi network Planning and Design probably are the two most crucial phases of any Wi-Fi network deployment - yet in most cases this is done badly, or not at all!

Wi-Fi Network Engineering

Optima are unique in delivering Optimised, Guaranteed Wi-Fi network Solutions.

Many organisations use Optima to Plan and Design their Wi-Fi networks - because we survey and build validated designs that guarantee Wi-Fi Coverage, Capacity, Performance and Reliability.

How can we Guarantee all of this?

Essentially, Optima build Wi-Fi networks using state-of-the-art tools and methodologies that few, if any, other companies have.

Expert Wi-Fi network engineering is essential - if your Wi-Fi network is to deliver the Coverage, Capacity, Performance and Reliability that is required.

Why do some Wi-Fi Networks Fail to Deliver?

Wi-Fi network deployments often fail to deliver Reliability, Capacity and Performance - because of:

• Poor Planning
• Poor Wi-Fi RF network Design
• Incompetent RF Site Survey
• Poor Wi-Fi network implementation.

We're here to help you avoid the pitfalls and enjoy the benefits that expertly-design Wi-Fi networks can deliver.

Mobile Phone Safety

Mobile phones are a big target for thieves and - given how much we rely on them - a missing smartphone can cost you more than just money. Read on for some top tips on mobile phone security.

1. Hide your mobile phone out of site

Don't leave your phone in an unattended car - 50% of all mobile thefts are from vehicles. If on public transport keep your phone in your bag and out of site.

2. Be aware of Wi-Fi security

Don't connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks, for example in a coffee shop or train station, unless you really have to look something up that doesn't require you to enter personal details or passwords. You can purchase a mobile broadband dongle if required and get easy, secure internet access on the move.

3. Use the keypad/screen lock

It seems almost nonsensical in this day and age to not have a basic password on your lock screen, even if it is a basic one. One of the first things we'd suggest is to navigate into your device's security settings and enable a pass lock.

4. Register your mobile phone 

Registering your device at immobilise.com- This enables police to return stolen property as they find it. And if your mobile phone is stolen, report it to the police and to your network as soon as possible.

Your network can block your phone so that even if the Sim card is changed, it will no longer work in the UK.

5. Record the IMEI number

Keep a note of your mobile phone's unique 15-digit IMEI number. This is usually printed under the phone battery, or can be accessed by keying *#06# into most phones. If a mobile phone is stolen, the IMEI number helps your mobile service provider block the phone.

6. Mobile phone insurance

Decide whether to pay for mobile phone insurance. Depending on the type of handset you have it may be cheaper to replace it in the event of theft or damage, rather than paying insurance premiums.

If you do pay for mobile handset insurance and your phone is stolen, make sure you report it within 24 hours as most insurers insist on this as part of the policy terms and conditions.

7. Mobile phone viruses and worms

The good news for mobile phone security is that mobile phone viruses and malware haven't become widespread...yet. Still on Android devices please be careful what you download. iPhones aren’t so widespread to have viruses yet.

To stay safe, if in doubt, don't click on links in SMS or emails on your mobile. If you've got an iPhone, or other smartphone with full mobile internet access, be especially aware of the risks of opening attachments or clicking on links to potentially malicious websites. 

8. Restrict your Bluetooth usage

Turn off Bluetooth when not using it. Blue-jacking, where people nearby send anonymous messages to other phone users who've left Bluetooth switched on, is essentially harmless, but is an invasion of your privacy. Plus, Bluetooth can drain mobile battery power.

10. Keep your mobile phone updated

Make sure your mobile phone's firmware (operating system/OS) is updated to the latest version and patched with any security upgrades. Check out your handset manufacturer's website for updates and downloads that could increase your phone's security.

Anti-Virus & Computer Security

Securing your computer is as important as securing your home. You spend a lot of time on your computer and lots of this time is spent on the internet. The internet is a great tool but can also bring with it viruses and malware which can cause you big problems.

How can I protect myself?

1. Set strong passwords that include uppercase, lowercase and numbers.

2. Don’t use the same password for all accounts.

3. Keep passwords safe and out of site.

4. When using the internet for anything like banking or emails ensure that the website is HTTPS.

5. Do not open email attachments unless you are expecting them or know the attachment is safe. Many viruses come via email attachments. 

6. Use a paid for anti-virus software package. Ask us for recommendations. 

7. Only do software updates whilst at home or on a secure connection, and again only do an update if you know the software is genuine. If in doubt give us a call!

8. If you have not asked for tech support then it is unlikely a company knows you are having problems with your computer. So do not allow anyone access to your computer. Microsoft Tech Support will not call you, so be weary of bogus calls. 

If in any doubt or if you have any question about your computer security then please give us a call on 020 8445 6700