Google Phishing - A Lesson in Thinking Before We Click

I am very doubtful that you have not heard of the massive Google Phishing Scam that happened on May 3rd, 2017. In the scam, someone that has previously had correspondence via email with you before sends you a Google Doc invitation. This, in and of itself, seems relatively harmless. We routinely share Google Docs back and forth. The unique part of the scam is that it seems genuine and is designed to get you to click.

Once you click, you are prompted to sign in on an elaborately coded and designed page to mimic that Google Sign On page. This is where the scam is. If you are logged into your Gmail account, Google would never ask you to sign in again to access that document! It was shared with your email. Google knows who you are.

The Phishing Email: Please notice the "hhhhhhhhhhhhh" email address. It also does not provide the link.

A true Google Docs share request. Notice the branding, the emails, and the link in the email.

Regardless, this scam got many people. Many people that work with Google Tools on a regular basis. The point is, we have done this many times. Please pay attention to the smaller details when using the internet to ensure that you are not being taken advantage of.

If you clicked, or know someone who did, this is a helpful guide to assist you in removing the permissions that were granted in the phishing email.

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Chromebook Shortcut of the Week - 10/14/2016

This weeks shortcut of the week is to help you project your Chromebook. Due to resolutions, your Chromebook will likely default to the “Extended Screen” mode. If they happens, you will see your desktop background on the screen upon plugging in your Chromebook (your Chromebook needs an HDMI connection, if you need a cable, I can get you one!). In order to change this, you will use the “Ctrl + Full Screen” button. This will quickly switch between the two modes, allowing you to switch back and forth. A quick word to the wise, the extended screen is usually to the right!

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App Highlight - Grasshopper

Grasshopper is a relatively new app from Google's Area 120. It is available on both the Android and iOS operating systems. In this app, you complete challenges through writing bits of JavaScript. I like to compare it to Duolingo, the popular language learning app. It is free and allows you to work on the puzzles at your own pace. This is a step up from the Blockly coding that has been popularized by Hour of Code and Code.org. The best part is, you get nearly instant feedback and multiple tries to master the material. While this will not get you a Silicon Valley coding job by itself, it will definitely start you down a path that allows you to start growing your coding skills. It is really worth checking out. Learn more at here .

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