Updated 16/12/2022: Fixed WikiHow link re LinkedIn
Passkeys – Passwordless Sign-In
At our last meeting in November, we discussed Passkeys, the passwordless sign-in feature developed by the FIDO Alliance and being implemented by Apple, Google and Microsoft. You can read more about that in the blog at:-
https://computerclub100.blogspot.com/2022/11/
Version 16 of Apple’s mobile OS brought this feature to iPhones and iPads. But organisations need to build Passkeys sign-in options into their authentication systems. 1Password, a password manager provider and also a member of the FIDO Alliance, has produced this web site which lists sites where you can use Passkeys authentication:-
https://passkeys.directory/
The latest version of the Chrome browser (version 108) now facilitates the use of Passkeys, currently only on Windows 11, MacOS and Android. You can read more about this in this Google blog:-
https://blog.chromium.org/2022/12/introducing-passkeys-in-chrome.html
John mentioned that good security is based on using three things:-
- Something you know
- Something you have, and
- Something you are
In the case of Passkeys, you have to have your smartphone and you either use a PIN (something you know) or biometrics (something you are). So, this would appear to use two of the three factors. Since the meeting, I found this article which explains the three factors:-
https://www.pearsonitcertification.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1718488
No one likes passwords, so I think we will see things develop rapidly next year and this will be a frequent topic at our meetings in 2023.
Product End of Life Dates
Most software products have a limited life, beyond which they cease to get updates. For Operating Systems (e.g. Windows, Android, iOS, etc), it is vital that they receive security updates to maximise your online safety. This web site brings together the end-of-life details of dozens of products including Windows, Android, iOS and Mac:-
https://endoflife.date/
Reporting Scams – Reminder
We have covered this a number of times, but it is perhaps worth mentioning again how to report potential internet scams and fraud.
The National Cyber Security Centre wants to know about potential scams. You can report to them as follows:-
Scam text messages – forward the message to 7726.
Scam emails – forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk
Scam web sites – complete this form:-
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website
Also, if you receive a phone call claiming to be from your bank, hang up and call 159 where you can then choose which bank you want to be connected to from a menu. As Dave suggested, if you have just received a potentially scam phone call, particularly on a landline, it might be wise to put the phone down and dial know number (e.g. a relative), just to check the the line is fully disconnected from the scammer before you try to call your bank (or 159).
If you want to report a (potential) fraud, you can contact the Police at:-
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
or call 0300 123 2040 (in England, Wales and NI. In Scotland call 101).
You can read more about reporting phishing scams etc at:-
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams
To receive Scam Alerts from Which? for free, you can sign up here:-
https://act.which.co.uk/page/103781/data/1
LastPass Data Breach
LastPass has suffered a second data breach. Although customers’ password vaults are safe, as they are encrypted and LastPass does not have the users’ master passwords, it is possible that email addresses and other data has been compromised. See this article for more:-
https://www.pcmag.com/news/lastpass-suffers-another-breach-and-this-time-customer-data-is-affected
LinkedIn
Linda asked about LinkedIn at the last meeting and John kindly gave a brief PowerPoint overview of this popular service. It is a social networking site to facilitate job hunting and making professional connections. It was founded in 2002 and was acquired by Microsoft in 2016. The basic service is free to use and there is a paid service which provides additional services including training through an educational webinar programme. It is primarily for those seeking to actively promote and develop their careers.
See this WikiHow site on How to Use LinkedIn for more details:-
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-LinkedIn
Open AI - Chat-GPT
OpenAI is a non-profit research organisation based in San Francisco. It was founded in 2015 by Elon Musk and others and has received funding from Microsoft. OpenAI’s aim is to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) benefits all of humanity.
Recently, they have released a chatbot called Chat-GPT (GPT is an AI language technique, Generative Pretrained Transformer). A number of technical sources announced its publication such as this article from ArsTechnica:-
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/12/openai-invites-everyone-to-test-new-ai-powered-chatbot-with-amusing-results/
If you want to experience its linguistic skills, you can go to:-
https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/
You will need to create a free OpenAI account when you first visit. This must be a very expensive service to run, so I am not sure how long this will remain free, so try it while you can.
Chatbots are not new, but they have progressed a lot over the years. Try asking ChatGPT a few questions and see what you think. We tried a few examples during the meeting, but here is another one:-
I asked it:-
How can technology benefit older people?
And this was its reply:-
Technology can benefit older people in many ways. For example, it can help them to stay connected with friends and family, even if they are unable to leave their home. This can improve their mental health and reduce feelings of isolation.
Technology can also provide access to a wealth of information and entertainment. Older people can use the internet to research topics that interest them, learn new skills, or watch movies and TV shows.
Additionally, technology can assist with everyday tasks. For example, there are many devices and apps available that can help with things like managing medication, keeping track of appointments, and even monitoring health and fitness.
Overall, technology has the potential to improve the quality of life for older people, by providing them with new opportunities for learning, socializing, and staying healthy and independent.
I couldn't have said it better myself!
Who knows where this technology will lead. It's interesting to try it, and it could be very helpful for any student trying to do their homework!
Android Notifications
Brian asked about controlling notifications on Android. These pop up on the top of the screen and then you can pull down and tap the notification to launch the relevant app, e.g. it will launch the Gmail app to open an email. To stop notifications, go to Settings, Notifications, App Settings. You can then scroll down the list and turn notifications off (or on) for a particular app.
iPhone Issue
Linda had an issue where her iPhone pops up a message asking her to sign in to iCloud (almost) every time she turns the phone on. We did not have an answer to this, but I have since found this article which may provide an answer:-
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250766764
Battery Usage
Following on from the above, Linda thought some apps might be using a lot of battery. On an iPhone, go to Settings, Battery and you can see the battery usage by app for either the last 24 hours or the last 10 days.
The procedure is similar on an Android device - tap Settings, Battery, Battery usage.
Next Session
Wed 11th January 2023 at 2pm by Zoom.
