The government has announced a rapid response unit of specialists to identify false, misleading and misinformed posts regarding the Covid-19 coronavirus.
Made up of experts from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and from the technology sector, they’re working to combat fake news and fraudulent activity on social media platforms.
Fake News
The government is worried that the amount of fake news or ‘false narratives’ circulating around the Covid-19 outbreak, is dangerous and could obscure the actual factual advice given by the NHS.
The unit has already been tackling upto 70 serious incidents a week with purported experts making dangerous claims that could mislead people into thinking a dangerous activity was safe to do, or that the level of severity has been overestimated.
Fraudsters
Along with the fake news are the fraudsters, ready to take advantage of the ongoing epidemic. We’ve listed some of the frauds we’ve seen or heard about on our other blog post here: Coronavirus Scams. We’ll keep that post updated with relevant information.
The public can help stop the spread of potentially dangerous or false stories circulating online by following official government guidance – the ‘SHARE’ checklist. This includes basic but essential advice such as checking the source of a story and analysing the facts before sharing.
There are a number of online resources that will help you spot fake news and frauds, but the best resource you have is you, follow the governments SHARE initiative and think before you click.
Source – make sure information comes from a trusted source
Headline – always read beyond the headline
Analyse – check the facts
Retouched – does the image or video look as though it has been doctored?
Error – look out for bad grammar and spelling
Some websites that help fact check articles and debunk the fakes and frauds:
If you’ve got a home broadband service, you probably already have WiFi access around your home, but there may be things slowing your WiFi down, we look at the most common causes for a slow internet connection.
If you’ve not got home broadband, there are a few things you can try to get online at home during the lockdown.
Optimising your WiFi
With so many people working from home during the lockdown, the residential broadband infrastructure is being put under extra stress. This can lead to a slower internet connection when you need it most.
There’s not a lot you can do in the immediate future to change what’s happening to your broadband, even changing provider is going to take a while to get sorted, so we look at the options available to you inside your home.
Staying Connected
Ofcom have released some good advice for keeping connected running during the coronavirus lockdown
Move your router
Move your router so it’s a free from other devices as possible. Try to keep it on a table, shelf or windowsill, and away from any other electrical devices, especially lamps, TV’s, Stereos, Speakers, Baby monitors, and anything with a lot of metal in it.
Go Wired
If you’re trying to work from home, try using an Ethernet cable from the router to your laptop or PC. While many routers boast Ethernet-busting speeds, the wireless connection is likely to be less reliable and those extra fast speeds are usually only in busts of data, not a continuous stream.
Router to Phone Socket
Try to keep the distance between the main (first) phone socket in the house and the router to a minimum, plugging into an extension in another room could greatly reduce the incoming signal if you get your broadband over the telephone line.
Cable users are less affected as long as the extension comes from the cable junction box outside your house and not an internal one.
Other tips
Turn it off and back on again!
Yes really! us IT bods don’t make this stuff up!
With many home routers, there’s limited diagnostic and management options available to you, so if your router has got itself stuck or is not working optimally, turning it off (unplug it from the mains so the power is completely removed from the device) leave it a few minutes so the internal memory is cleared, then plug it back in and power it up again.
Try moving it (again)
You might think that your router is in an optimal spot in your home, but hidden steel work in the walls and solid brickwork, especially in old houses, can cause the WiFi signal to drop off dramatically.
If you have a tool on your phone or laptop to measure the WiFi signal, using it in each corner of every room will help you identify black spots, test each spot several times throughout the day to get an average reading, and remember leave your measuring device alone while it works so you don’t block or bounce the signals off your body!
If you don’t have an app to measure the WiFi, but you know the signal is particularly poor in one room, or you identify a WiFi black spot that you can’t overcome, use a booster or an extender/repeater device to enhance the signal in that area.
Using different channels and frequencies
Most home routers will be set to auto configure the channel to use, and will likely broadcast over both WiFi frequencies (2.4gHz and 5gHz) but you can configure these settings yourself to try to boost the range and speed you get.
If you do make any changes to your router, always make a note of what the settings were before you change them, that way you can always undo anything that doesn’t work!
Th 5gHz frequency has more channels available to it, meaning there’s less chance of congestion and interference from neighbors WiFi devices, it offers faster speeds but over a shorted distance.
The 2.4gHz frequency has fewer channels, slower top speeds but a longer range.
QoS
If you’re using WiFi calling, video calling or any other ‘live’ streaming service, switching on Quality Of Service could help to make sure that data is prioritised over other data.
Not got home broadband?
If you don’t have broadband available to you while you’re in lockdown, there are a few things you can try.
First of all, ask your neighbours if they would be willing to share their broadband. Most modern routers have the ability to offer a guest WiFi meaning there’s no danger to you or them as devices on the Guest network can’t access devices on the main network (and vice versa)
If you’re using a BT, Vodafone, Sky, Virgin or some other large mobile phone provider, you can already get free broadband access via any of their home WiFi devices over the guest network.
What that means is, if you have a BT mobile phone contract, and your neighbour has BT home broadband, using the BT app on your phone, you can freely connect to your neighbours broadband guest WiFi without them having to do anything.
Using your mobile
If you’ve got a fairly hefty data allowance on your mobile, you can set it up as a WiFi hotspot for your other devices to connect to.
Make sure you monitor your data usage so you don’t go over your limit.
Contact your provider
If you can’t get any other service, try contacting your provider and explaining the situation. They may have special offers available to help users during the Covid-19 lockdown.
#WeCanHelp
If you need any help configuring your broadband router and WiFi to optimize it, or would like help getting your guest network up and running for your vulnerable neighbours, give us a call.
Using Skype to keep in touch with relatives and other loved ones while being socially isolated is going to require some planning. It’s great to be able to use the phone and text messages to keep in contact, but it’s a lot more reassuring and rewarding to be able to see your family and friends, and Skype is the way to do it.
Skype
There are a number of video calling platforms available, we review some of them here, but none are as universally well known, and supported, as Microsoft’s Skype.
Unlike Apple’s FaceTime, Skype can be used on any phone, Android or Apple, it can be used on tablets, laptops, computers, games consoles, direct from the web and even on smart TV’s
It’s a reliable platform to use, it’s free and it allows you to video call upto 50 users at once.
If you’ve not already got a skype account, you’ll need to create one. The easiest way to do this is through the app, so follow the links below to find the app that works best for you. Skype can be installed on several devices at the same time, so you don’t need to pick just one.
Windows 10
If you’ve got a Windows 10 online account (you can log in with an email address – go to On the website
This is the easiest way to get Skype on Windows 10 machines.
The app installes from the app store and runs as a native Windows 10 WUA app (a bit like apps on your phone)
You can get to all the features of Skype from this app, including managing your account, but some links will open up in your web browser so may require you to sign in again.
Running the Skype for desktop app is pretty much the standard way of getting Skype on non Windows 10 computers, although you can still install the program on Windows 10, the app version above is a much better alternative.
Getting the Skype app on your mobile is going to be one of the most useful ways of using Skype
Keep in touch with your friends and family even when you’re out making an essential trip. Found a shop with toilet roll in it? get in touch with your grandma to see if she wants any dropping off at her house. Wanting to talk to your friends from the garden? the mobile is the easiest device to take out with you.
Like the Skype for Mobile, Skype for tablets gives you that bit more freedom to move around your home and into the garden, but with a larger screen to be able to see your loved ones.
If you’ve got an Amazon Echo Show or spot, you can receive and make Skype video calls through them. If you’ve got any other Amazon Echo device, you can receive and make audio calls via Skype through them.
Just say “Alexa, Skype Ben“
To setup Skype on your Alexa, you need the Alexa app on your smartphone, and you need to have already created a Skype account.
The Skype app is very well integrated into XBox, designed for gamers to be able to chat with their online gaming buddies, it also means you can catch up with your granny while sniping zombie soldiers or stealing a helicopter. Multitasking 21C style.
#WeCanHelp
Once you’ve got your app installed and your account setup, you can start using Skype to video call and voice call other Skype users.
there’s a great help page from Microsoft about managing Skype and using the different features, you can find that here.
If you or your loved ones need help getting Skype installed and setup, we can help. We can remotely assist to get your family talking virtually face to face.
Contact us today for more help in getting your family and friends connected during this time.
As libraries and community hubs have been closed as part of the government’s attempts to manage the Covid-19 virus pandemic, some users who relied on their free internet access may have found themselves cut off from the internet.
If you have elderly neighbours or neighbours who don’t have access to internet services, you could help them during the period of self isolation or social distancing, by sharing your guest access internet connection with them.
Using the guest network segregates their devices from your own WiFi meaning there’s not chance of computer viruses crossing over from one side to the other.
Guest WiFi
Most internet routers have the ability to run a guest WiFi, this broadcasts a different WiFi name (SSID) with a different password, and allows guest users to connect to your internet but without being able to get onto your home WiFi or any of your home devices.
This protects your home computers from getting accidentally infected from a guest device, and means you don’t have to worry about adding additional security measures on your network.
Each brand and model of router is different and will have a different way of enabling a guest network, but typically it will be listed in the router settings as Guest WiFi (sometimes as SSID2 or WiFI2) and should allow you to set the SSID name, which is the network name that gets broadcast.
Make the name easy to spot, so perhaps call it something like “Bob’s Free Internet” and set a password, then let your neighbours know that they can use your WiFi for free, saving them the cost of mobile internet prices.
#WeCanHelp
If you need help getting your Guest WiFi setup, head over to our Free IT Support page on Facebook or leave a message below, tell us your router make and model and we’ll try to get the instructions you need.
It’s inevitable that unscrupulous people are already taking advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to scam people, and several scams have already been seen, so please take care and remember that not everyone is out to help you!
Infected People List
One of the first scams we’ve heard about is an email or social media posting claiming to have secret government lists of infected people
The scammers claim they can sell you a list of people near you confirmed as infected with the Covid-19 virus.
As there is no routine testing for the virus, and people with symptoms are being asked to self-isolate and only contact a doctor if their symptoms don’t clear up or get worse, there is simply no way a list could be made of infected people.
If you do receive a list of random names, they are literally just that, random names.
Special sprays or soap to kill the virus
As well as some people profetearing from the panic buying, there are a number of scammers selling “specially made” soaps, sprays or other products that can kill the virus.
The Covid-19 virus is not special, it can be killed by routinely used products. the government advice to wash your hands with soap and water regularly is sufficient for most people.
There is some news about a vaccine being tested, but again for most people it’s unlikely this will be required.
Other Scams
There are likely to be many more scams in the coming weeks, be vigilant and think before you click. The scammers will use any tricks they can to convince you they know something you dont.
A new scam text that claims to be from the government
Please be aware there are more scam text messages going around purporting to be from UKGOV the pictures are examples of the messages being sent if you receive one please DO NOT open them or click on any links.
‘You have been out of your house 3 times today, you are in breach of Government Guidelines, your £30 fine will be automatically added to your bill‘.
‘We would like to inform you that you have been recorded as leaving your home on 3 occasions yesterday. A fine of £35 has been added to your gov.uk account. For further information please visit gov.uk/coronavirus-penalty-payment-tracking. Protect the NHS. Save lives.’
As you can see from the attached image the scam text is sitting in the same thread as the genuine UKGOV text so many people may get caught out by this.
The link goes to a fake website.
Another message with similar text states a much higher fine and gives an 0800 number, again do not click the link to that number as the message is fake.
There are likely to be many more of these over the coming weeks so please be vigilant.
Please can you share this with friends and family and stay safe from these awful scams.
“Recently the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) reported a new trend in fraud related to Coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Updated figures show there have been 105 reports to Action Fraud since 1 February 2020, with total losses reaching nearly £970,000.
The first report relating to Coronavirus, or COVID-19, was received on 9 February. There were 20 more reports that month. Since then, there have been 46 reports between the 1 March and 13 March, and 38 reports in just four days (14 March – 18 March).“
“In light of the current concern facing the UK there has been reports of individuals taking advantage of the situation knocking doors pretending to be Police officers and health officials with the intention of gaining entry and burgling the home.
Tactics include the criminals offering fake Coronavirus testing kits and fake services to assist those unable to leave their homes. Things like offering to collect essential goods and prescription medicines.
Please be mindful of answering the door to unknown people, even if they appear to be officials and always ask to see their ID which a genuine Police employee or health official would have and be happy to show you.
If you have any concerns for your safety call 101, visit WMP online or of course if an emergency call 999.”
Coronavirus scam costs victims over £800k in one month.
Since February 2020, the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has identified 21 reports of fraud where Coronavirus was mentioned, with victim losses totaling over £800k.
Of the 21 reports, ten were made by victims that attempted to purchase protective face masks from fraudulent sellers. One victim reported losing over £15k when they purchased face masks that were never delivered.
It’s an unprecedented time, with people all around the world becoming isolated in their homes, we look at some of the best video communication platforms to make your isolation or social distancing a little less solitary.
WhatsApp is probably the most popular messaging app in use. Supporting voice and video calls, group chats and file sharing it protects your communications with end-to-end encryption and is available on all platforms and the web.
Accounts on WhatsApp are free and tied to your mobile number, so no need to sign up with an email account. But this does mean you need a smartphone before you can cign up for it.
Group chats can include up to 256 people, enough for even the largest family, but video calls are limited to 4 people
Probably one of the better known, and longest running video platforms, Skype is a goto app for many.
It’s a multi-platform service, meaning that no matter what type of phone, tablet or PC you have, you can get skype on it.
You can talk to upto 25 users at a time on the free version of Skype, ideal for setting up a family group, and you can use other features, such as remote screen sharing, messaging, Microsoft Teams (a business tool for managing meetings) and calling non-skype users via landline and mobile networks.
To access skype, the basic version is free but you’ll need a Microsoft account. If you’re on Windows 10 you can use the same account that you log into Windows with (assuming you’re not using a local only account)
Skype has been criticised in the past for it’s security, it’s been suggested that Microsoft have allowed government agencies access to ‘secure’ messages on skype. This might be something to be aware of if you’re using Skype for business, but for family communications, it’s really not an issue.
Apple’s facetime is one of the most used video messaging apps, which is great if all your family are embedded into the Apple ecosystem, but no use to anyone not investing into Apple.
The app is limited to only video and voice calling between other Apple facetime devices, and it’s limited to 32 users in a video conversation.
There’s no additional accounts or setup required to use Facetime, and other than needing an Apple account and Apple hardware, there’s no other fees or requirements.
Like FaceTime, Google’s Duo app is built around video calling only. But unlike Facetime, it’s not limited to just one platform.
Duo is accessible from Android, Apple, smart devices and from PC’s via the web, and allows conversations with upto 8 users at once.
Features like Knock Knock allow you to see the video of calling before you answer, video messenger allows you to send video clips or leave video clips if the call is not answered.
Security is achieved by end-to-end encryption. and extra features include AI overlays, meaning you can do funny things like draw a hat on your head that stays there as you move your head around, a bit like the well known overlays used on snapchat.
You can contact us on Duo here: https://duo.google.com/ or open your Duo app dial 07825650122
Google Due Update
Due now supports up to 12 users in a call
“We are grateful that Duo is helping users see their loved ones all around the world. We recognize group calling is particularly critical right now. We have increased group calling from 8 participants to 12 effective today. More to come. #AllInThisTogether #COVID19”
Not a well known service, but Jitsi is making itself known in areas where security is essential. The video and audio calling software is encrypted end-to-end and the same security can be used to encrypt messages on the platform.
There’s no limit on the number of participants in a group conversation, other than what your internet/hardware can cope with.
There’s no need to sign up for an account, simply head over to jitsi, start a conversation and then send the link out to others for them to join.
There are apps available for Windows and MacOS, but the focus appears to be around the web browser client, that means that accessing the service from a mobile device could be slightly tricky.
Zoom came from the minds behind Cisco, so as you’d expect it’s robust and reliable, and has security built into the platform from the start. Used extensively in business pre Microsoft Teams, it became the video conferencing platform of choice for celebs in 2019.
During the Covid-19 outbreak, Zoom has seen it’s user base increase significantly, not only for education and business, but also in a friends and family use.
The basic free account will allow you to chat to upto 100 users for 40 minutes, for more users or a longer chat, you’ll need a paid subscription (£11.99/month/user for the Pro)
You can contact us on Zoom, start a new meeting and click invite, then send the invite to it@tinsleynet.co.uk
A less known client here, Spike is more business orientated. It brings together email, messaging, video calls and documents sharing.
Available on all platforms, the personal accounts are free as long as you’re using a recognised free email account (yahoo, gmail, hotmail etc). The limit on the free account is 10 group chats.
Facebook offer two platforms here, Messenger and Portal (the one that’s being advertised on TV a lot)
The problem with Portal is that you need to invest entirely in the portal system, that is you and the people you’re talking to need the portal hardware. And Facebook don’t have a great reputation for seeing a project through, so there’s no guarantee that in a years time Portal is still around, then the hardware you bought will be redundant.
The ‘free’ alternative is Messenger, built into the Facebook platform and then spawned as a seperate app, it can be accessed via the web or via dedicated apps on Apple and Android.
You can have upto 50 users in a video call, but they all need to have Facebook profiles.
Facebook does not have the best reputation for data security, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Hangouts has been around since the early days of video and messaging apps. It is a solid app built for mobile and website but lacked the advertising needed to push it forwards.
Google moved it towards a more business based app when Due and Allo were released, but it’s still available on a wide range of platforms, including Apple, Android, Chrome, Microsoft and Linux.
Hangouts supports video and voice calling, and text messaging. Group calling can include up to 10 users, and users can share their desktop screens so you can do remote support.
You can contact us on Hangouts, open your hangouts app and dial +447825650122
The Chinese based chat app is widely used in China and is making it’s way into other countries via the much younger generations.
Video message groups can support upto 9 users. It’s popularity is based around the added features, including AI add ons, games and other in-app purchases.
The security of messages on Wechat has been questioned several times, with no clear response from the developers.
Others
There are plenty of other messaging apps that can keep you and your family in contact, feel free to add your own suggestions below.
#WeCanHelp
If you need help on choosing a messaging app, you can contact us below or head over to our FREE IT SUPPORT facebook group to get advice from other users, click the link below.
It might be because of snow in March, it might be because of health advice about infectious diseases, or it might be for any number of reasons, but you find yourself thinking that working from home might be a good idea.
While you can get by for a while with the files you have on your laptop, what do you do if you find you’re missing a vital client list? get a colleague to email it to you? you might be in breach of the GDPR if you’re not putting sufficient protection around the files.
… and then you need another file, and some paperwork scanned in, and access to a restricted file on the server, and the ability to send an email from your work account…
A better, more secure and reliable solution would be a VPN.
What about the subscriber VPN services I see advertised?
If you’re only a subscriber to a VPN service, there are some issues that you need to consider;
How reliable is the service? is it always going to be there or will it let you down when you come to use it, and what level of support do you get with that?
Do you need to leave your computer in the office switched on to use it, potentially leaving it accessible to attack?
Is it GDPR compliant, what guarantees do you get on data security for your information that’s being routed through a potentially unknown third party server? and are they keeping logs of your activity?
How flexible is the service? can you configure it to meet your business needs?
Private VPN
A private VPN running from your company network can establish a secure link from your device at home to your business, allowing you or your staff to access all the files just as if you were sat in your office.
And it’s not just restricted to home. With the right security settings you can get mobile access to your business network, which means you can continue to work wherever you’re working from
#WeCanHelp
Contact us today to find out how a remote office connection can help keep you and your business running even when your staff are working from home.
