Larry Patterson
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itpatt.bsky.social
Larry Patterson
@itpatt.bsky.social
Mature IT professional, that keeps up on the latest tech issues. Personal hobbies, keeping the Koi alive in the seasonal pond, enjoying minor house improvements - landscaping and daily dog walks.
Not a scam, just a warranty extension. Here's a real life tale in which @knowbe4.bsky.social seasoned security guru Roger Grimes asks the question as to why vendors send messaging that makes it appear to be a scam? blog.knowbe4.com/is-it-or-is-...
November 12, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Proving that we're all at risk, is the screenshot recently received example of a Google Meet phishing scam. See technology.berkeley.edu/news/prevent... for further details and remember, if you're not sure, don't click the link or call the number on the invite or message.
October 31, 2025 at 2:58 PM
www.pcworld.com/article/2922... is a great article to emphasize that whatever the message, "assume it's a scam" & "when in doubt, manually visit the website - don't click on the link", as the baddies find ways to make a message seem authenticate.
October 5, 2025 at 10:34 PM
If a baddie decides you'll be the victim of a prompt bombing campaign (multiple notifications for a site you're not currently using) YOUR SUCCESS is to ignore the notifications, than when you have a moment, check the site's security profile for any issues. lifehacker.com/tech/spot-ma...
September 21, 2025 at 11:10 AM
A new take on an old scam. Fake casinos promising big payouts, but only if you pay. Like the proverbial gold at the end of the rainbow, it'll end up taking your money and you'll have nothing to show in return. krebsonsecurity.com/2025/08/affi...
September 7, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Yes Google's customer database was hacked, yes it may include your name and email address and it's unlikely that the baddies have your Google password. And NO GOOGLE WILL NOT CALL YOU!!!! Check myaccount.google.com/intro/securi... instead.
September 1, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Watch for "unsolicited packages containing a QR code that prompts the recipient to provide personal and financial information or unwittingly download malicious software that steals data from their phone." www.tomsguide.com/computing/on...
August 25, 2025 at 12:28 PM
SIMPLE Secure Input Modeled on Phrases that are Long and Effortless and keep you in the green / impractically worth hacking into. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
August 25, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Understanding that if the baddies get a hold of your encrypted password through a data breach, any password can be broken, though keeping your passwords in the green area make you a less likely target. www.insidehalton.com/news/hive-sy...
August 17, 2025 at 11:12 PM
IF IT'S FREE AND SHADY, YOU ARE LIKELY THE VICTIM .- Estelle Ruellan, Flare Though this is about AI and capturing the baddies, this one statement is all that needs to be said to protect yourself from becoming another infostealer victim. www.pcmag.com/news/caught-...
August 10, 2025 at 5:54 PM
AI IMPACT Prompt Strategy; increasing the likelihood of obtaining the right answer the first time, using thoughtful methods. See how I setup my prompts in Google Gemini to have Excel calculate the week of the month that a transaction takes place. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
August 3, 2025 at 10:35 PM
The Hilarious Horror of Bank Statements, Store Names and How AI Saved My Sanity (Mostly)
sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
July 28, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Finding the correct Risk Assessment technique can be overwhelming, recognizing this I came across a fairly comprehensive list, with examples on why and how. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
July 21, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Microsoft Excel one of many gems that I happened to come across is the Unpivot. Take your multi-column cable and turn it into 3 columns PivotTable ready for further analysis. sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/....
July 21, 2025 at 11:25 PM
"Fraudsters impersonating businesses going bankrupt: BBB", is another reason to be weary on what to click, especially if it appears to be, another, too good of a deal to pass up. www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
July 21, 2025 at 11:24 PM
IMPACT - for better AI prompting, T is for Timing, in making sure your prompt's context includes dates or deadlines that it needs to consider when answering your prompt. If you have to start working on a Halloween costume in July, best include that detail to avoid a scary answer.
July 13, 2025 at 11:47 PM
IMPACT - for better AI prompting. C is for Clarity, as in taking the time to be clear, concise and compact. Don't beat around the bush in not stating important details that allows the AI to better interpret the question, and instead be direct on the answers you're looking for.
July 6, 2025 at 11:28 PM
www.makeuseof.com/delete-this-... Thank you Ben for providing examples and good advice on how to avoid being a victim. Please take the necessary time to read messages carefully and don't assume they can be trusted.
July 6, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Watch out for unexpected high ranking official authored messages, demands to use an alternative communications platform, asking for personal info and inconsistencies in the voice, video or text, as it could be AI mimicking a government official. antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/news-nouvell...
July 2, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Where's the Humanity in Algorithms, AI and LLM and how does fermented fish sauce become part of a cake recipe? sites.google.com/pics-ov.com/...
July 1, 2025 at 11:46 PM
IMPACT - for better AI prompting. A is for Action, as in what is your end goal of your question or request? You wouldn't go to your favourite hamburger joint and miss out on the main ingredient. So do your AI a favour, and give it some meat to chew on.
June 22, 2025 at 11:46 PM
When you get a call in late / early hours and you hear what sounds like family member, desperately, asking for help, a Family Code Word will make all the difference in you knowing if it's a scam or not.
June 15, 2025 at 5:05 PM
With Multi-Factor authentication a necessity in today's world, the baddies are flooding your social media accounts with unexpected fake alerts. If you didn't trigger / login to the site, assume it's a fake and ignore. See more from. blog.knowbe4.com/fake-mfa-res...
June 15, 2025 at 5:03 PM
IMPACT - for better AI prompting. P is for Purpose; as in why are you asking the question? Yes, you wouldn't be interacting with the AI without the Why, but did you state the purpose clearly so the prompt isn't ambiguous?
June 15, 2025 at 4:57 PM
IMPACT - for better AI prompting. M is for Message & Metric. Here's where you want to focus on clarity, understanding and being concise & action-oriented. Provide a historical content, along with facts within your prompt to provide the AI context of why the request is being made.
June 9, 2025 at 10:42 AM