What Is The Google Voice Verification Scam?

The Google voice verification scam is an attempt by fraudsters to gain access to a person’s Google account. The scammer will contact the potential victim via phone, email, or text and claim to be from Google. They will then try to convince the victim to provide them with their Google Voice verification code. Once the scammer has the code, they will access the victim’s account and potentially steal personal information or hijack it. It is important to be aware of this scam and to never provide your verification code to anyone unless you are sure that it is a legitimate request from Google.

Be wary of unsolicited requests for your code, and never click on any links they provide. If you are ever unsure, contact Google directly to verify the request. Even if you never created a Google Voice account, this scam is going around to help hackers gain access to your Google Account, ultimately setting up your Google Voice account. It has a simple link that looks like a Google short-link, but it gives hackers access to your account.

Many people have mentioned that they’ve received a google verification code on their mobile phone, even though they haven’t done so. Many users will see the message “Google is trying to add this device to your list of devices and needs you to confirm your number.” It is followed by a random sim link that verifies whatever device you connect.

What Does This Mean If I Receive This Message?

If you receive a message referring to your Google Voice account that is unsolicited, like in the picture above, you may be under attack and should proceed cautiously.

This means one of a multitude of things.

1. Someone, somewhere, is trying to use your phone number to issue themselves a Google Voice number – making your phone number the forwarding number.
2. You (or someone else) are trying to log in from a device that Google has not authorized. If you’re sitting doing things as usual, and you and nobody else doing this that you know – this means that someone out there is doing so without your permission.
3. Someone is trying to steal your identity and log into your Google Gmail email.
4. Someone may be trying to connect their Craigslist account using your phone number, which would make you responsible for illegal things that they do.
5. Someone is trying to steal your identity to use your phone number – ultimately signing up for something so they can pretend to be you.

If you click this link, the victim can provide instant access to the hacker to log in to their email, Google Voice, and all other Google apps. While it’s been happening for a long time, NortonLifeLock recently noticed and has documented the trend as a legitimate scam/cyberattack technique.

Why Is This So Dangerous?

Clicking on unrequested notification links is extremely risky. If you were to click on one of these fake Google Voice notifications, you have just invited a hacker into your network, and they have free reign.

Many people with a mobile phone wouldn’t think twice when receiving a confirmation message from Google. During the data breach, this scam is the equivalent of someone trying to dress up as someone important to you. When questioned by an authority figure, many people wouldn’t think twice and would go ahead and give that police officer their information. Worse, using this scam is a way to exploit Google’s recovery system.

What Should I Do?

Below are some simple steps to secure your Google and Google Voice accounts before it’s too late.

First, you should register and add your phone number and a recovery email address that isn’t well known to the public. This will help you maintain your information even if someone tries to steal your account.

Secondly, do NOT (we cannot repeat this enough) text your security code or even click on the authorization link if there’s one in the text message. They will end up pretending to be Google and asking for your code, and then they’ll try to text you asking for the code.

If you’ve texted back to the number the security code, or even if you have clicked on the authorization link, then you need to act fast. Quickly change the password to your Gmail and Google account before the attacker can lock you out of it.

If you haven’t created a Google Voice number, you need to create a Google Voice number by clicking the link and getting one. When asked for a forwarding number, make sure you enter a number (not the number that the scammer stole), such as a family member’s or spouse’s number, to have it as a forwarding number. You can permanently remove this number later if needed.

If you receive an email requesting access to your Google account or Google Voice account and you did not request it, a hacker may be trying to breach your device.

You may enter this code when you receive the Google Verification request that YOU approved and requested. DO NOT do this for confirmation requests other than the one you have made.

Go to https://voice.google.com/settings and click the blue circle. You can now enter your scammed phone number as the forwarding number you wish to add. If you try to reclaim this number that hasn’t been used in the past, more than likely, you’ll get a message that states that your number is in use on another account and you need to reclaim it. Take your number back, and your phone number will be removed from your account.

The Final Conclusion

While it’s easy to have this happen to anyone, having the right cybersecurity on your work and home devices is essential to protect your business. Suppose you ever receive ANY text message claiming to be from Google, Microsoft, or a government office that you didn’t try to link your phone to. In that case, you need to treat this information as completely confidential – and realize that you are acting as a firewall for your device by ignoring these unrequested messages.

Failure to do so could result in your identity being stolen, and your phone number’s security code should be treated as you would an SSN or other pertinent information. And always change your password if you think your google has been broken into.

Are You Keeping Up to Par with Your Cybersecurity?

While many companies think that they are, the truth is (and we mean no disrespect to anyone by this) you’re probably not. When it comes to cybersecurity, you never stop learning. This is huge because as technology emerges and constantly evolves, so do the dangers of cyber attackers. They’re always learning new methods (and even old methods, such as software exploits) to develop new ways to get into business systems and steal information, data, and of course, the worst thing they can steal – money.

Some cyber attackers even go one step further to get their money from you by hijacking emails and conversations on the phone and even installing crypto-mining software on your computers at work. Do you know how you can stop this from happening? Two words, security training.

So, How Can I Be Sure I’m Up to Par?

First off, there are many things you can do to ensure that you’re keeping up to speed with your cybersecurity. Train your employees in cybersecurity methods (if you don’t know where to begin, we’ve got a post all about it as well). Once you train your employees, you can ensure that your systems are all set up with the top defense to thwart attackers.

Network Security

Endpoint security does many things, but what it does well is catapult your network security solutions to a whole new level.

You must have the right network security. With the proper equipment and network security protocols, like advanced firewalls, you can ensure that you are taking the first step to increasing your company’s protection. This also goes with having state-of-the-art networking that your managed IT team can install for you.

Device Security

Ensure all your devices are secure to keep your data safe from hackers.

Don’t think that you’re safe just yet. Every single device needs to be able to be secured so that you can guarantee your company’s safety. This includes email protection and even antivirus software to protect your computers and stop hackers before they can connect to your systems. Securing your devices can ensure that you are protected even when your employees use them.

Employee Security Training and Monitoring

Sometimes you can’t just think that every employee will know they’re not doing anything that may cause a security breach. They may not mean to, but having security monitoring to see their every move can help trace cyberattacks to where and when they started if they happen so you can get it cleared up quickly.

Data Backup Services

No matter your business, you’ll need a data backup solution and disaster recovery plan. Because even with the best employee security training, nothing is 100%.

A local service to provide complete data backups for your company is essential to your business security. You don’t want to keep all of your customer and company info-account data, confidential information, and even payroll info. You want to ensure that your company can get the full service of data backups regularly. And by them being locally owned and operated means that if there’s ever a problem, they can retrieve anything you’re looking for if you can’t find it rather than calling some helpdesk overseas.

Voice over Internet Protocol Phone Systems

With an Infinity DataTel managed phone system running 3CX software, VoIP exploits will be kicked to the curb, and your employee security training will be given a jolt.

The systems you choose are critical when it comes to security. Not only are VoIP systems extremely secure with the proper devices and cybersecurity practices, but you can also guarantee that you’ll save a lot more money. Having VoIP rather than using landlines and fiber is a win-win situation. It also helps in this current world where remote work is becoming a more viable option for employees.

Using the Right Managed Services Provider

With Infinity Solutions/DataTel as your managed service provider, you’ll sleep well knowing the best MSP in Arizona is handling your network and employee security training.

When you look at everything you need, you’ll want an all-in-one technology solution rather than having to pay for every service separately. That’s where the right managed service provider comes into play. They’re very much different than IT departments and IT support technicians – they’re masters at being able to give you every one of these services – and often have packages to provide them to you so you can save at the same time.

Final Security Training Thoughts

If your systems are outdated, or you are still running old software and network systems in your business, then make sure you get up to speed. Employee security training is not just a one-off event. Employee security training should be done continuously throughout the year. For more info about our employee security training methods and to get the right cybersecurity solutions that your company needs, send us a message or give us a call.

Windows 10 Phone App

One of the coolest things you can do is use the Windows phone app that comes with the new Windows 10 version (it’s been around since v1809), but it is very picky. Some phones aren’t supported (some older smartphones aren’t compatible with the app), but if you have a newer one, you can synchronize your phone with Windows to operate on your Desktop, send and receive text messages, and even make phone calls.

This is an excellent tool for remote working! If you don’t have a Bluetooth headset (but have a PC headset or even a gaming headset), then you can use the Windows phone app to make phone calls from your PC using VoIP and your cellular service. As stated earlier, this is not entirely new technology, but you couldn’t do this on Windows without installing a third-party software program in the past.

You can pair your phone with Windows 10, whether it’s an iPhone or an Android. You can even pair your iPad!

Are There Any Third Party Programs That Do This Too?

There are numerous third-party apps out there that can help you share files, documents, and more to your PCs. Of course, these are often a little trickier because you usually have to have your PC and your phone connected by a USB cord, have USB debugging turned on, and in some cases, have to completely root and unlock your phone. One popular app that does many of these things without having to completely root your phone, though, is Airdroid, but it’s primarily for Android, and you do have to do some trickery to control your phone with your computer. However, you can do complete phone mirroring with it, which is pretty cool (though a bit laggy).

What Third-Party Apps Can’t Do

Most third-party software apps for phones are specific to the type of phone you have (Android, iOS, Windows 10 Mobile). And not only that, you can’t synchronize your phone with all of the numerous mobile apps with third-party software. Sure, you can share files, share connections, and more, but what about using things like Microsoft Office products? Sure, you can use the apps and share the files, but not sync them together!

Complete Windows Synchronization

In the past, you were able to only synchronize windows phones with Microsoft products. Still, now, if you have Microsoft 365, or a Microsoft account with OneDrive, you can easily do just about anything on a mobile device. Microsoft Office is available entirely for free on Android and iOS. You can save your documents in the cloud, then come back to your computer later. Not to mention Skype. With Skype, you can even use it to chat with clients and even make some video-conferencing and audio calls.

So How Do You Pair Your Phone With Windows 10?

First things first, to pair your phone with Windows 10, you should have an active working phone number that you can link to. Below we have demonstrated how to pair your device if it’s an Android. The steps to pair an iOS device are similar and shouldn’t cause you too much hassle.

Please follow the steps below to pair your phone with Windows 10:

1. On your Windows 10 PC, not your phone, click on the sprocket-looking icon, which will take you to your Settings.
2. Then click on the picture of the Phone.
3. Here comes the tricky part don’t be scared. You’ve got this. To pair your phone with Windows 10, you need to click where it says Add a phone. Also, make sure your PC and phone are connected to the internet. That wasn’t so bad, was it?
4. When the new window appears, you need to choose your country code and input your phone number. Then you need to click the Send button to receive a text message on your phone.
5. Lastly, you need to download the Android app called “Microsoft Apps” by clicking the SMS link that you just received. This step is crucial if you want to pair your phone with Windows 10. After you’ve done all these steps, you should be good to go, and you can celebrate! All you need to do now is to sign-into the Microsoft Launcher or Edge, and your device will magically appear in the Windows 10 Phone section on your PC.

The Downside

There is one downside to all of these fantastic features, though. It’s not a huge deal, but it is one worth mentioning. That’s simply the fact that it’s all done within Microsoft. Many people don’t like that Microsoft records a lot of data that its users submit, especially over the Cloud. Not only that, but if you want to make sure your Cloud is completely secure, then you’ll probably want to hire a managed service provider for extra security. But if you’re going to pair your phone with Windows 10, this what you need to do. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment or send us a message.

One of the big changes that Microsoft went through after Satya Nadella took over was striving to move where customers were. Microsoft realized that their legacy businesses, like Windows and Office, were no longer going to cut it. Instead, Microsoft quietly switched to becoming a services and experience company. Their goal is to now be where their customers are, even if they are only powering competitors’ products.

Changes Have We Seen

The Windows phone wasn’t bad-looking at all; it just wasn’t as good as other phones.

Microsoft has been making a rather stealthy change in the mobile ecosystem with this philosophy as well. First, Microsoft focused on releasing core apps like Office on mobile platforms. They even went so far as to release these applications on iOS before Windows Phone when Windows Phone still existed.

Then Microsoft launched numerous garage products intending to create better mobile apps. Those products included things like new Android launchers, new Android lock screens, new mobile-only productivity apps, etc.…

The Samsung Windows phone could have been a game-changer for Microsoft.

While Microsoft continued to create more mobile applications and mobile experiences, they made partnerships with smartphone OEMs. One of the more notable partnerships was with Samsung. It’s widely believed that Samsung struck a deal with older Galaxy models to include Microsoft products instead of paying patent fees to Microsoft for smartphone technologies. It was a partnership that became mutually beneficial to both companies. Samsung has slowly been trying to disconnect itself from Google and Android Branding while Microsoft has been attempting to get their mobile applications in front of users.

New Developments

The Windows phone was supposed to be using Skype as their SMS service.

Microsoft has continued to develop these apps and create new partnerships. Though Microsoft has allowed Skype to handle text messaging on Android phones in the past, it recently released a new SMS application. That SMS application acts as a full text messaging organization suite. The new SMS app will delete or archive threads that haven’t been used in a while, group texts together, etc.…

That SMS app compliments some of the other basic applications that Microsoft has already released. These apps include things like a phone dialer and an Android camera app. Slowly, Microsoft has been creating applications that act as replacements for normal apps included with any phone. Microsoft has slowly been re-making a new smartphone without people realizing it.

If Microsoft decided to re-enter the smartphone market, that is how they will achieve this. Making their suite of apps on Android is a smart move. Android gives Microsoft the ability to make a new smartphone OS without having to develop a new OS.

If they choose it, they also have a built-in app ecosystem with Google Play or attempt to create another app storefront. Convincing developers to port their apps to a new Android-based app store might not be as difficult as convincing them to build Windows Phone apps. Developers would need to make very few changes to their existing apps if they needed to make any at all. Microsoft’s new app store could also be installed on existing Android-powered devices.

 New Windows Phone or Maybe a Collaboration?

This type of strategy makes sense for Microsoft. We may finally get that Surface Phone that we have all been waiting for. Since Microsoft already has a line of Surface PCs and tablets, it would make sense to round out the ecosystem with a mobile device.

This time, though, Microsoft wouldn’t have to fight to create a platform from the ground up. Microsoft could easily build a version of Android on top of AOSP, the open-source version of Android, much like Amazon has done for the Kindle. It’s viable to have manufacturers like Samsung produce these devices, too, since smartphone OEMs are no longer restricted from making AOSP devices if they have licenses for Android from Google.

To add more flames to the fire, Satya Nadella appeared at Samsung’s latest launch event for seemingly no reason. That stunt could have been nothing more than publicity to show that both Samsung and Microsoft have cozied up together.

With partnerships like that and Microsoft being able to offer a full line of smartphone applications on top of Android, it may be very feasible to get to so a new Microsoft smartphone within the next year or two. Microsoft already has dialers, SMS apps, calendars, cameras, a full office, email suite, launchers, lock screens, etc.…  They have everything they need to make Microsoft branded Android-powered phones except for an app store. They may not be too far away either.

For more WIndows phone and smartphone news and to find out how to keep your mobile phones secure, send us a message.

VoIP phone systems have been around for more than 15 years. Like most technologies, it had a few wrinkles to smooth out in the early years. Consumers took full advantage of VoIP systems through companies like Vonage, but only businesses that preferred cutting-edge technology switched to VoIP systems early on. VoIP technologies have become so good that they are the de facto standard for phone system deployments.

In the early days, Many VoIP phone systems were not HIPAA compliant. That’s not the case nowadays.

But why is that? What makes a VoIP system so good that businesses would rip their old phone system out and implement an entirely new thing? Let’s find out.

VoIP Phone Systems Streamlined Costs

Due to how VoIP works, it is much cheaper to operate than a traditional phone system. The hardware required to make a VoIP system work is affordable. It tends to be a single router that handles voice calls. That router is then plugged into the existing network within a business.

Who doesn’t like to save money? With a VoIP phone system, you’ll be able to save buckets of cash to reinvest in your business!

VoIP phone systems don’t require new cabling to be run or re-configuring an existing PBX system. Likewise, they don’t need a lot of documentation.

Because of this, both the implementation and operating costs of a VoIP phone system are far cheaper than other phone solutions. Typically, most businesses can save as much as 70% on their phone solutions using a VoIP option. The exact savings depend on each business’s current implementation or network solution.

Unlike traditional phone systems, VoIP systems tend to retain fixed costs. Because call information is routed through the internet, many VoIP providers can offer static prices for long-distance and global calls. In a day where many businesses operate worldwide, this could be a godsend for financial departments.

This isn’t to say that there may not be hidden costs associated with using a VoIP solution. Phone call clarity wholly depends on how robust the network is. While this may sound frightening, this is a very manageable problem. Businesses only need to ensure that good quality of service rules are in place and that there is a significant enough pipeline (IE., Internet connection) going out of the company. Most businesses should already have a beefy enough internet connection to handle VoIP calls, and quality of service rules are accessible for any network administrator to implement.

Better Call Clarity

With HD-quality phones, you’ll think you’re in the same room as the person you’re talking to.

It was mentioned that call clarity for a VoIP system depends much on the quality of a network. That’s not to say that VoIP solutions can’t offer fantastic call quality. A VoIP system can provide call clarity at parity with a traditional phone system, even with poor connections. In an optimized environment, the call clarity of a VoIP system can’t be beaten. Phone calls can sound so good that it seems like the person is speaking right next to you in person.

Quicker and Cheaper VoIP Phone Systems Implementation

With 3CX software, HD call quality, and the ability to talk to customers anywhere in the world, your VoIP phone system is limitless.

VoIP systems are straightforward to configure and move. Moving an employee from one office to another could be a significant headache with traditional phone systems. VoIP systems are far more manageable, though. Employees only need to move their phones like their computers, and the rest of their desk stuff. Employees don’t have to worry about downtime or losing their business phone number.

That’s because of the way VoIP works. VoIP systems are completely network-based systems. Once a phone is configured to work on the VoIP system, it’ll work anywhere within the network. It’s genuinely a plug-and-play setup.

You might think there might be a catch here, but there isn’t. VoIP phones are straightforward to configure. Most systems include a management dashboard where phones can be added or removed on the fly. These typically require very little information, such as the phone’s MAC address. Once the phone is configured within the management dashboard, it will do the rest of the work.

You can find the MAC address on the underside of your Yealink handset.

If an employee leaves and that phone needs to be transferred to a new employee, that’s not an issue. Updating a phone’s information is as easy as editing the data in that management dashboard. Within minutes the phone number assigned to that phone could be updated for the new employee’s name, and their voicemail box could be reset.

As technology advances, many solutions exist to establish the best communication system other than Landline Phone Services. Still, many businesses are in the dilemma of switching between a landline and a VoIP phone system.

Striking a balance between low-price services and the most compatible for your team is very tricky. Infinity DataTel’s Business Phone System does more than make and receive calls. Our system integrates diverse workforce points like messaging, conferencing, and much more. When choosing the right phone system or Business VoIP Service Provider for your business, there will be many factors to consider.

Smart business owners are choosing phone systems that unify their entire communication system. Sure, they want to make and receive calls, but they also want features like CRM integration and video chat.

Choosing a VoIP provider and system that fits your needs is no simple task. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right phone system for your business:

Phone Connection

The foremost step in choosing the best phone system starts with deciding to go with a traditional landline or a VoIP connection. The landline systems generally work with a telephone company’s copper wiring, and the VoIP system depends on the internet. An increasing number of organizations are switching to a VoIP Phone System because it has more features, is modern, and is cheaper to maintain and install. You can be connected anywhere in the world.

Virtual Systems

This VoIP phone system has 3CX WebMeeting installed that lets you video-conference anywhere you have an internet connection.

Businesses generally consider virtual systems without an office or ones that have many remote employees. The virtual system contains call forwarding solutions that can transfer the calls from the main business number to an employee’s mobile or home place. It includes many valuable tools and automated attendants like call screening, online faxing, and voicemail. The 3CX mobile app, which is included, is brilliant. It downloads to your smartphone, and you can make and receive calls anywhere you have an internet connection. I once received a call on the subway in Taipei, and the reception was clear and crisp.

Costs and Features

Monthly costs are based on your business’s number of users and extensions, not per minute. Gone are the days of the surprise $1000+ phone bill. With Infinity DataTel, your rate is fixed unless your number of extensions changes.

Regarding features, our phone systems provide a wide array of calling options for your small to large business. We offer dozens of features, including auto-attendants, voice mail, voice-to-email, instant messaging, video conferencing, HD calling, the 3CX phone app, and many more.

Scalability

This call center uses 3CX software to route all their calls in an easy-to-use interface. Adding or subtracting extensions with a 3CX VoIP phone system is easy.

Whether your business is growing or downsizing, our 3CX phone systems are entirely scalable. We can add and subtract phones and extensions without any interruptions. Having this type of flexibility at your disposal is just one fantastic benefit we offer.

This makes VoIP phone systems far more straightforward to implement and manage for the end user.

To upgrade your phone system or learn how a 3CX-powered VoIP phone system can benefit your business, send us a message or call 480-493-5999.

OLED Foldable Screens

TV manufacturers are now using bendable OLED screen technology to make foldable smartphones.

OLED displays are LED displays that are way more pleasing to the eye. But how is an OLED display so crisp and clear? An OLED display has an anode made of an organic compound that is situated between two electrodes. When the electrons move and recombine, light is emitted through the organic layer. The light is already visible, so there’s no need for a charge of targeted energy to create the backlight. OLED generally displays deeper black levels that help with image contrast, all while being produced thinner and more flexible than traditional OLED devices. That’s how LG can make a 65 inch TV that weighs 20 pounds.

Bendable Displays

So, to make these foldable smartphones, they also need to be bendable. To make the phones bendable, Scientists took organic compounds in the OLED anode and had to figure out how to manipulate it. They did this by finding a substrate layer that can flex while keeping its integrity. This is why glass can’t be used in flexible screens. Instead of glass, OLEDs contain a flexible plastic substrate that provides both strength and flex required to be a foldable device. Fascinating and surprising new tech that these scientists are inventing.

Major Players

Samsung, Huawei, Motorola, Apple, and even Nokia have been rumored to be making foldable smartphones.

As far as foldable phones go, Motorola and Apple have been rumored to be releasing their foldable phones shortly. If you’re not looking to wait forever, the Samsung Galaxy Fold is coming out in two weeks, and the Huawei Mate X will be released in June!

Samsung Galaxy Fold

Foldable Smartphone Screen

SHANGHAI, CHINA – SEPTEMBER 14: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G foldable smartphone is seen at Samsung flagship store on September 14, 2020, in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Wang Gang/VCG via Getty Images)

April 26th is the big day for the Samsung Fold release. It will be the first foldable smartphone to reach the US smartphone market. The Fold has an antenna that can get 5G speeds and a foldable screen, of course. The unfolded screen measures 7.3 inches with a dynamic AMOLED display. Folded up, it measures 4.6 inches with a super AMOLED display on the front of the phone.

There is no word on how the software will integrate with the two displays, but the Galaxy Fold will feature a 64-bit, octa-core processor and 12 GB of RAM. With 512 GB of internal storage and a battery that clocks in at 4,380 mAh. The Galaxy Fold is going to be lightning-fast, and it’ll have a ton of storage and power. It will be an excellent addition to the Smartphone market.

Huawei Mate X

The Huawei Mate X foldable smartphone has impressive specs and is a little more budget-friendly.

Chinese manufacturer Huawei will be releasing their foldable smartphone on June 20th. The foldable display is a little different from Samsung’s. It isn’t protected; instead, it’s used. The screen measures 8 inches, but when it’s closed, the display is wrapped around the device—providing extra functionality, particularly when taking pictures. There is a viewfinder that can help you take pictures, which eliminates the need for a front-faced lens.

The specs for this device include a Kirin 980 octa-core processor with 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of onboard storage, as well as a 4,500 mAh battery with a 55W fast charging standard. Huawei doesn’t have all the specs that the Fold has, but it’s still a beast, and it’ll charge from 0 to 85% in 30 minutes! Now that’s what I call fast charging!

What are your thoughts on these foldable phones and OLED displays? Let us know in the comments. As always, thanks for reading, and if you need any IT or VoIP assistance, click here.