Tag: Clearing | SpinSafe

Leave Less Tracks Online By Clearing Your Browsing History

November 22, 2023/in Internet Security

Our online activities leave a trail of data known as browsing history, containing records of the websites we visit, the searches we conduct, and the pages we interact with. It’s crucial to understand why clearing your browsing history is essential for safeguarding your privacy and online security, and exactly how to do it. Keep on reading for all the info.

Why you need to clear your browsing history

Here are three of the reasons why you need to regularly clear your browsing history:

To protect your sensitive info

Your browsing history contains a wealth of sensitive information. From login credentials to personal details entered on websites, this data would be immensely valuable to identity thieves, were it to fall into their hands. Clearing your browsing history regularly helps mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to your private information.

To take back control from advertisers

As you navigate the internet, your browsing history builds a profile of your interests. Advertisers and third parties may use this data to tailor ads and content specifically to you. By regularly clearing your browsing history, you stop them from being able to access information about your browsing preferences, allowing for a less intrusive online experience.

To enhance your online security

Stored cookies, which are bits of data that websites leave on your device, can potentially be exploited by cybercriminals. Clearing your browsing history eliminates these cookies, reducing the risk of unauthorized tracking and potential security vulnerabilities.

How to clear your browsing history

Below you will find instructions on how to clear your browsing history on desktop and mobile.

Chrome (desktop)

Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top-right corner.
Select “History” > “History.”
Click on “Clear browsing data” on the left sidebar.
A pop-up window will appear. Choose the time range and select the types of information you want to delete.
Click “Clear data.”

Edge (desktop)

Open Edge and click on the three dots in the top-right corner.
Select “History.”
In the History pane that opens, click on the trash can icon.
A pop-up window will appear….

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HCS starts clearing devices for use following ransomware attack

December 11, 2020/in Internet Security

Posted: Dec 11, 2020 / 06:33 PM CST / Updated: Dec 11, 2020 / 06:33 PM CST

HUNTSVILLE, Ala – Two weeks after a ransomware attack, Huntsville City Schools says grades K-8 can start using their Chromebooks; however the district says students cannot use the HCS network.

To end the week, HCS started collecting Windows devices from high school students as part of the ongoing ransomware investigation.

“It’s often times that Windows devices can be vulnerable to these types of issues,” said Craig Williams, a spokesman for HCS.

High school students will get replacement devices after winter break while teachers are starting to get theirs now. HCS says the replacement devices were not purchased as a result of the ransomware attack.

“That’s not just something we’ve had in storage just for months. We ordered those recently for COVID,” said Williams.

The exact cost the district has incurred from the cyberattack is not yet known. It’s not clear if the district will make that available at this time.

Traditional pen and paper was printed and distributed to cover the district for what HCS says could be a significant amount of time. However, HCS says they’ve cleared most of their online learning platforms.

“Clever, Schools POP, Zoom, things of that nature will help them access online learning tools. However, one thing that is very important to understand, those tools cannot yet be accessed on the HCS school network,” said Williams.

Some rumors have surfaced online that the district is being held ransom by cyber criminals demanding several million dollars.

“It’s an ongoing investigation. I’m not sure where that number came from. That’s certainly not something I’ve heard,” said Williams.

Previously HCS has urged the community to refrain from sharing unconfirmed rumors. As far as how long this cyber threat could last, the answers remains unknown. HCS has repeatedly said this is a marathon not a sprint.