Deanna D. Ramsey, Technical Training Specialist

The FBI warned that text messages between iPhones and Androids are not automatically encrypted and could be intercepted by scammers. The FBI's warning came after a series of cyberattacks on U.S. telecom networks, reportedly by a Chinese government-sponsored group of hackers.

What the FBI is warning about
Insecure SMS messages: SMS messages between iPhones and Androids are not encrypted and could be intercepted by scammers.

Security hole in RCS: The core RCS technology lacks end-to-end encryption, which means messages sent between different apps or devices may not be encrypted.

Risk of data theft: Hackers could read and steal information from your messages.

What You Can Do -

* Use end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls

* Use apps like Signal or WhatsApp to encrypt your messages

* Use a fully secure platform for your daily messaging

Why the FBI is Warning -

The FBI says that the adversaries they face are tenacious and sophisticated.
The FBI says that working together is the best way to ensure protection.

Thank you for your due diligence!

https://www.birls.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0bvGoaAXZa4XCoivJ2Qd6_CvOmTQh6403eryYKgE5Lge3Z5ZH1pB_Vlmc_aem_XOzOuCXaXf1q6AhRkdIBiw

Search the BIRLS Database - over 18 million records about deceased US veterans, from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, now online and FREE from Reclaim The Records Search the BIRLS Database - over 18 million records about deceased US veterans, from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, now online and FREE from Reclaim The Records

Family Tree Maker Users

PLEASE IMMEDIATELY HALT ALL SYNCING EFFORTS

THERE SHOULD SOON BE A RED WEATHER ALERT REGARDING ALL ANCESTRY SYNCING, UPLOADING, AND DOWNLOADING.

LIVE CHAT HAS JUST INFORMED US:

We do apologize for the inconvenience you faced. Yes, there are some sync issues at the moment and our engineers are investigating the issue. We're so sorry for the inconvenience users are experiencing.

PLEASE BE PATIENT!

•Any questions, comments, or issues on this topic should be added here.

•DO NOT create new posts on this topic for they will be either closed or removed.

•As soon as we get updates, they will be added below.

UPDATES:
THIS IS A DYNAMIC ISSUE SO STAY-TUNED ....

1. You may still see a Sync Weather of green, but we still caution you about syncing right now. IF you plan to attempt a sync, ALWAYS do a manual backup first (Guide 2.32) because you can "restore" it (Guide 2.33) if necessary,

HINTS:

•For those of you who don't know .... the image at the top of this group has a yellow 'banner' that advises you to always check FEATURED posts. This ALERT has been added to the FEATURED section and is pinned in the first position because we 'just' learned about this issue and wanted to share it with you. Please always get in the habit of quickly perusing the FEATURED posts when you encounter an issue ... it's the quickest and best way we have to advise you of problems your peers are likely also experiencing.

Apple Users Take Note-
Every device except one is getting updated to 18.2. Here are some tips on how to get your devices ready for the update -

1. Make a iCloud backup in case anything goes wrong
2. Check to see if there are a few gigabytes of free space available on the device. (If not you may have to delete some files. Pics would free up space faster - first confirm they have been backed up)
3. Make sure that all your apps are updated.

Before you begin the update:
1. Have devices fully charged
2. Make sure they are connected to Wi-Fi
3. Place the device on the charger while the update is happening.
To start the update, tap Settings > General > Software Update, and tap to begin the update.

iPhone Users:
iOS 18.1.1
Update Your Phone ...
This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.

Many of my students have shared that creating and keeping track of their passwords can be tricky. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Below are some tips to help you create strong, secure passwords.

Plus, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be offering a class in the spring dedicated to assisting you in getting your passwords cleaned up, standardized and secure. Stay tuned!

How to Create Stronger Passwords:

1. Create Longer Passwords
Your password should be at least 20 characters and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid including birthdays, names, or common words.

2. Never Reuse Passwords
Don't use the same password for multiple sites or accounts. If one service is hit by a compromise or data breach, any other services that you use with the same password can be at risk.

3. Review Your Passwords
Regularly review the makeup of your passwords. Look for any that are old, weak, or reused, and make them more complex.

4. Use a Password Manager
Since creating and recalling lengthy passwords with complex characters may feel impossible on your own, consider a Password Manager. These devise, store, and apply passwords to your online accounts.

5. Start using Passkeys
Designed to replace conventional passwords Passkeys are still in limited use but are gaining traction, especially among major companies and websites. Much stronger and safer than passwords, passkeys can automatically sign you into websites and apps using facial or fingerprint recognition or a physical security key.

Want to feel more confident with your Android phone? Join me for hands-on help on 11/15, 11/20, and 11/22 from 9:30 to 11:30 am! Whether you’re a beginner or just want to learn some new tricks, I’ll guide you step-by-step to make your phone work for you. Don’t miss out on this chance to get comfortable and discover all the things your Android can do.

According to Wakulla County Public Library Facebook statistics – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 6 months in a row. 🎉

In REALITY I’ve been a fan since April 2006 when I began teaching technology and genealogy classes at the library. I love this community and the people in it! The library staff works above and beyond to bring programming for ALL ages and is an integral part of Wakulla County! Proud to be part of this amazing community!

Exciting things are happening at JCPL! Recently, our Outreach Coordinator, Terez Washington, and I took a stroll through town to introduce me to local businesses and it was such a pleasure meeting everyone! It was an incredible opportunity to share information about the classes being offered at the library, while also hearing firsthand from each business about the types of courses they’d like to see and how JCPL can meet their needs.

Jefferson County is known for its friendly, welcoming spirit, and the support we received was overwhelming! From computer literacy to advanced tech skills, everyone was enthusiastic about the possibilities. The library is dedicated to enriching our community’s technology needs, and we’re excited to help local residents and businesses thrive in today’s fast-paced digital world.

We’re eager to tailor our offerings to fit your business and personal needs! Share your feedback below or call the library at (850) 342-0205 and let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll work on getting your request on the schedule.

Stay tuned — something special is on the way!

Don't Update Yet!

Microsoft has officially released its major 2024 update for Windows 11. Known as Windows 11 24H2.

WAIT! Before you dive into the 2024 update, you may want to reconsider. That's because the new version comes with an array of bugs.

Though no one bug is a show-stopper on its own, collectively, they present a good reason for holding off on this latest update until Microsoft can fix them.

We had a fantastic iOS 18 class today! Everyone was fully engaged and excited about the new features. You’re invited to join us next Tuesday, October 22 at 9:30 a.m. Hope to see you there!

At the Havana Public Library, participants in the Microsoft Windows and Word classes are enhancing their skills in document creation and folder organization, to assist them in tracking and maintaining files. We would love to have you join them on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm throughout October and November.

Netflix is ending support for devices running iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, requiring users to upgrade to iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 to receive app updates, security patches, and bug fixes. While Netflix will still work on older software for now, it will eventually stop functioning on devices that can’t update. Affected devices include the iPhone X, iPhone 8/8 Plus, 5th-generation iPad, and 1st-generation iPad Pro. Older devices like the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4 have already lost support. Users with outdated devices may need to upgrade soon for continued Netflix use.

Genealogist- If you are researching your Native American Cherokee family see below:

“THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST Anonymous HAS UNCOVERED REGARDING ORGANIZATIONS POSING AS INDIGENOUS TRIBES THAT ARE NOT FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED (FROM THE CHEROKEE NATION PAGE) . THIS LIST IS NOT SPONSORED BY OR CONNECTED TO THE CHEROKEE NATION IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM. THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY.

Fraudulent "Cherokee" Organizations:

AL The Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama

AL Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama

AL Chickmaka Band of the South Cumberland Plateau

AL Chero-Creek Intra Tribal Indians (Dothah, AL)

AL United Cherokee Ani-Yun-Wiya Nation

AL Cherokee of Southeast Alabama

AL The Langley Band of Chickamogee of Cherokee Indians

AL Eagle Bear Band of Free Cherokees

AL Cherokee River Indian Community

AL Cherokee of NE Alabama (formerly Cherokee of Jackson Co.)

AL Chickamauga Cherokee of Alabama

AL Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama Wolf Clan

AL Phoenician Cherokee II Eagle Tribe of Sequoyah

AL Principal Creek Indian Nation East of the Mississippi

AL Cherokee Nation of Alabama

AL United Cherokees of Alabama

AR Confederated Western Cherokees of Arkansas

AR Arkansas Cherokee Nation

AR Central Tribal Council

AR Cherokee Nation West of Missouri and Arkansas (formerly Cherokee Nation West -

Southern Band of the Eastern Cherokee Indians of AR and MO)

AR Lost Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri (Two factions 1. Conway 1. Dover)

AR Arkansas Band of Western Cherokee INC

(formerly Western Arkansas Cherokee Tribe) Sulphur Springs, AR

AR Arkansas White River Cherokee (Lady Lake, FL)

AR Cherokee-Choctaw Nation of St.Fransis and Black River (Paragould, AR)

AR Northern Cherokee Nation of the Old Louisiana Territory

AR Northern Cherokee Tribe of Indians of Missouri and Arkansas

AR Amonsoquath Tribe of Cherokee (Mammoth Spring, AR)

AR Ozark Mountain Cherokee Tribe of Arkansas and Missouri

(Melbourne, AR and Alton, MO)

AR Old Settler Cherokee Nation of Arkansas (Timbo, AR)

AR The Arkansas Cherokee

AR Sac River and White River Bands of the Chickamauga and

Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri (Springfield, MO) formerly known as No.

Chickamaga Cherokee Nation of AR and MO)

AR Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas & Missouri (Paragould, AR)

AR Western Cherokee of Arkansas and Louisiana Territories

AR Neches Tribe - Cherokee Nation (Hot Springs, AR) Defunct

AR Chickamauga Cherokee Nation White River Band

AZ The United Cherokee Nation (UCN) Western National Office

CA Tuolumne Band of Cherokee Indians (Twain Harte, CA)

CA Ani Yvwi Yuchi (Cherokee)

CA Amonsoquath Tribe of Cherokee CA

CA The Cherokees of California (Marysville, CA)

CA Cherokee Nation Heritage Organization of California

FL The Hunter Tsalagi-Choctaw Tribe (Marianna, FL)

FL Chickamauga Cherokee Indian Creek Band (Deltona, FL)

FL Choctaws of Florida (AKA Hunter Tsalagi Choctaw Tribe)

BIA info about them

FL Tuscola United Cherokee Tribe of Florida, Inc.

(formerly Tuscola United Cherkees of Florida and Alabama, Inc.)

FL Wolf Creek Cherokee Tribe, Inc. of Florida

GA Cherokee Indians of Georgia, Inc.

GA American Cherokee Confederacy

GA Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee (1st)

GA Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee (2nd) Dahlonega,GA

GA Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee (3rd) (William Dover and Charles Thurmond

GA United Cherokee Nation (Arizona and Georgia)

GA Cane Break Band of East Cherokees (rejoined Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee, Inc.)

GA Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy, Inc.

(American Cherokee Confederacy and Southeastern Cherokee Council) Albany, GA

GA Broad River Band of Cherokee

GA The United Cherokee Nation (UCN) Eastern National Office

GA Uganawvkalvgv Kituwah Ayeli

GA Chickamauga Cherokee Band of Northwest Georgia

GA SouthEastern Indian Nation

GA Southeast Cherokee Confederacy

IN Lone Wolf Band of Cherokee Indians

IN Northern Cherokee Tribe of Indiana

KS Red Nation of the Cherokee (also operates in AR)

KS Kanasas (Awi Akta) District of NCNOLT

KS Kaweah Indian Nation (Chief Thunderbird Webber)

KY Black Wolf Clan of SE Cherokee Council, Inc.

KY Cherokee Tribe of Kentucky

KY Kentucky Cherokee Heritage Group (Henderson, Co. KY)

KY Southern Cherokee Nation of Kentucky (Henderson, KY)

MI Southeastern Cherokee Council, Inc.

MO Ahi Ni Yv Wiya, Inc.

MO Western Cherokee (Salem, MO)

MO The Northern Cherokee Nation of the Old Louisiana Territory (Columbia, MO)

MO Amonsoquath Band of Cherokee

MO Chickamauga Cherokee Nation

MO Cherokee Nation West (Seneca, Mo)

MO Dogwood Band of Free Cherokees

MO Northern Cherokee Tribe of Indians of Missouri and Arkansas (Clinton, MO)

MO The Wilderness Tribe of Missouri

MX Cherokee Nation Mexico

NC Cherokees of Hoke City or Co. (Lumber Bridge, NC)

NC Cherokee Indian Tribe of Robeson and Adjoining Counties (Red Springs, NC)

NC Cherokee Powhattan Indian Association (Roxboro, NC)

NC Cherokees of Robison and Adjoining Counties

NC Creek-Cherokee Indians , Pine Tree Clan

NC Free Cherokee (Chapel Hill, NC)

NC Ridge Band of Cherkees (Ridgecrest, NC)

NC Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy, Silver Cloud Clan, (Cedar Grove, NC)

NC Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy (Haw River, NC)

NC Tsalagi Nation Early Emigrants 1817

NJ Cherokee Nation of New Jersey

NJ Osprey Band of Free Cherokees

NJ Sandhill Lenape Cherokee Tribe.

NM Alburquerque Township Cherokee Nation

NY North-Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

NY Deer Council of Free Cherokees

NY CherokeeBlackfeet

NY Nuy Keetoowah, Inc.

NY Ohatchee Cherokee Tribe of New York and Alabama

OH Cherokee Delaware Indian Center (Coshocton, Ohio)

OH Cherokee United Intertribal Indian Council

OH Chickamauga Keetoowah Unami Band of Cherokee

OH Eastern Cherokee Nation, Overhill Band (Columbus, OH)

OH Etowah Cherokee Nation (Portsmouth, OH)

OH Tallige Cherokee Nation, Fire Clan (Lucasville,Ohio)

OH Free Cherokee, Four Direction Coucil (Toledo, Ohio)

OH Free Cherokee, Hokshichanklya Band (Creola, Ohio)

OK OK (Ani Tsi Na) District of the NCNOLT

OK Canadian River Band of the Southern Cherokee Nation

OK Northern Cherokee Tribe of Indians (Weatherford, OK)

OK Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy, Horse Clan

OK Southern Cherokee Nation (Webbers Falls, OK)

OK Northern Chickamaunga Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri (Miami,OK)

OK United Band of the Western Cherokee Nation

OR Northwest Cherokee Deer Clan

OR Northwest Cherokee Wolf and Paint Clan (Salem,OR)

OR The Cherokee Delaware Tribe of the Northwest

OR Northwest Cherokee Wolf Band of the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy (Talent, OR)

PA Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy of Pennsylvania

PA Tsalagi Elohi Cherokee Earth

PA Free Cherokee-Chickamauga (Chesne,PA)

PA United Cherokee Tribe of West Virginia, (Sewicky, S. Carolina)

PA White Path Society

SC Cherokees of South Carolina (Columbia, SC)

SC Broad River Band of Cherokee

SC Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois & United Tribes of South Carolina, Inc

SC Free Cherokee-Chickamauga

TN Chikamaka Cherokee Band of the South Cumberland Plateau Region, Inc.

TN Tennessee River Band of Chickamauge Cherokee

TN Cherokee Wolf Clan (Yuma, TN)

TN Chota Nation (Sweetwater, TN)

TN Turkey Town Association of the Cherokee (Nashville, TN)

TN Cherokee of Lawrence Co. (Sugar Creek Band of the SECCI

AKA Central Band of Cherokee (Leoma, TN)

TN Buffalo Ridge Cherokees

TN Chickamauga Circle Free Cherokee (Chattanooga, TN)

TN Cumberland Creek Indian Confederation (Tracy City, TN)

TN Eastern Cherokee Nation (Chattanooga, TN)

TN East Tennessee Overhill Cherokee Descendants

TN Elk Valley Band-Council of Chickamauga Cherokee (Estill,TN)

TN Free Cherokee Tennessee River Band Chickamauga (Jasper, TN)

TN Free Cherokee (Grandview, TN)

TN Free Cherokees Chickamaugan Circle (Ooltewah, TN)

TN Free Cherokee Good Medicine Society (Grandview, TN)

TN Red Clay Band of Southeast Cherokee Confederacy (Ooltewah, TN )

TN Red Stick Confederacy (Franklin, TN)

TN Free Cherokee of Tennessee (Evensvillie, TN)

TN Elk Valley Council Band of Free Cherokee (Pigeon Forge, TN)

TN Etowah Cherokee Nation (Cleveland, TN)

TN Etowah Cherokee Nation (Pigeon Forge, TN)

TN Tennessee Band of the Cherokee (Strawberry Plains, TN)

TN Aniywiyai Native People (Cleveland, TN)

TN Appalachian Confederated Tribes (Lee Vest, Kingsport)AKA Upper Cumberland Cherokee

TN Aniyunweya Nation (Lyles, TN)

TN Over-Hill Indian Nation - Cherokee (Englewood - Tellico Plains)

TN Deer Clan of East Tennessee (Lenoir, TN)_

TN Faraway Cherokee Association (Memphis, TN)

TN Tanasi Council of the Far Away Cherokee (Memphis, TN)

TN Tanasi Native American Group (Knoxville, TN)

TN Tennessee Band Cherokee, Inc. Earth Clan (Nashville, TN)

TN Tennessee Band of Eastern Cherokee (Knoxville, TN)

TN TeeHahNahMah Nation (Rockwood, TN)

TN Tohcahe Band White Wolf Guardian Spirit

TN Tsalagi Intertribal Warrior Society

TN United Eastern Lenape Nation Middle Division Inc.

(formerly known as Cherokee of the Upper Cumberland, Knoxville)

TN United South and Eastern Tribes (Nashville, TN)

TN Central Band of Cherokee AKA Cherokees of Lawrence Co. TN

BIA decision concerning them

TN Western Cherokee, TN (Break away from Ar and MO, Atoka, TN

TX American Cherokee Tribe of Texas (Lumberton, TX)

TX Cherokee Nation of Texas Limited

TX Free Cherokee, Hummingbird Clan, (Dallas, TX)

TX Cherokee Nation of Texas Tsalagi Nvdagi Troup

TX Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy, Hawk Clan (Mineral Wells, TX)

TX Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy, Sequoyah Clan (El Paso, TX)

TX Southeastern Cherokee Tribe and Associated Bands (Porter, TX)

TX Texas Gulf Coast Cherokee and Associated Bands New Caney, TX

TX Texas Buffalo Bayou Band of Chickamaugan Cherokee, Southern Cherokee Nation

TX Court of the Golden Eagle, The Oukah

TX Sovereign Cherokee Nation (Tejas, Mesquite, Dallas)

UT Cherokee Indian Descendents Organization of the Ani-Yun-Wiya

UT Colorado River Band of the Southern Cherokee Nation

UT Rocky Mountain Band of Cherokee Descendents - Magna

VT Free Cherokee, Tribal Council, Springfield, VT

VT Green Mountain Band of Cherokee (Bristol, VT)

VT Sunray Meditation Society (Bristol, VT)

VA Appalachian Cherokee Nation

VA Buffalo Ridge Cherokees

VA Cherokee of Virginia Birdtown

VA Free Cherokees Spider Clan (Richmond, VA)

VA Inagel Tsalagi, Cherokee of Virginia (Rapidan, VA)

VA Northern Tsalagi Indian Nation

VA Southern Cherokee Confederacy, Pine Log Clan, (Fairfax, VA)

VA Turtle Band of Cherokee (Evington, VA)

VA United Cherokee Tribe of Virginia (Madison Heights)

VA Wolf Creek Cherokee Indian Tribe of Virginia

WV United Cherokee Tribe of West Virginia

WA Free Cherokees, Four Directions Council, Toledo

WA Anisahani Blue Clan, Woodland

WS Southern Cherokee Confederacy, Wisconsin”

Turn off Bluetooth when you're not using it. Leaving it on all the time can make your device less secure and drain your battery.

On an iPhone:
> Go to Settings
> Bluetooth and Turn it Off.

On an Android:
> Go to Settings
> Connected Devices
> Connection Preferences
> Bluetooth and Turn it Off.

(Note: Steps may vary depending on your phone model.)

Google made significant announcements at its event, including the launch of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL on Aug. 22 and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold on Sept. 4. The company also presented two new AI apps, Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio, designed to enhance user experience.

iOS and iPadOS devices cannot be infected with Viruses, Malware, or Spyware unless you have intentionally downloaded fake software or unauthorized apps directly from the Internet and installed them on your device or/and have a Jailbroken device.

The primary reason for this is Sandboxing. All third-party apps are “sandboxed”, so they are restricted from accessing files stored by other apps or from making changes to the device. Sandboxing is designed to prevent apps from gathering or modifying information stored by other apps.

The sandbox on an iPhone is a security feature that creates a restricted environment for each app to run in isolation from other apps and the operating system. It is a core component of iOS's security architecture and plays a crucial role in making iPhones more secure.

In layman's terms:

The sandbox works by enforcing strict controls and limitations on app behavior, ensuring that each app has access only to the resources it needs to function properly. Here are some key aspects of the sandbox that contribute to iPhone security:

* Isolation
* Restricted Resource Access
* Limited File System Access
* Code Ex*****on Controls
* App Review Process

The combination of these sandboxing mechanisms helps create a secure environment on iPhones, protecting user data, maintaining system integrity, and preventing unauthorized access or interference between apps.