iPads, Student

Loading PDFs from Schoology to Notability

​Anytime one browser has trouble with downloads or just acts flaky when getting a file from Schoology to Notability on your iPad, here are some things to do:

1) Quit out of all your running apps except the one you need. Too many students have 25 or 30 apps running in the background, which can make things difficult.

2) Quit out of ALL running apps and THEN restart the device. [aka the “iPad Reboot Dance”The “iPad Reboot Dance”]

3) Use a different web browser. You have Safari, Chrome, Notability, AND Edge on your iPad.

Quite often one web browser will work where another one has flaked out. If you’d like to know why, bone up on Nuclear Physics, then come ask.

Once downloaded, the file probably can be found in the FILES app – click on the “recents” category and you should see it.

Click-and-hold to see what options you have [including renaming the file].

In Notability, click and hold the +NEW button. You should see an option to import a file from the Files app. Select that option, and you should be presented with a list of files you can import into Notability.

Security, Websites

Is this Legit?

Scam attack flow / Source: BleepingComputer

Take a look at the image above. Does it look like a friendly notification from PayPal, or does it set off your spidey-sense?

If you said phishy, you’re on the right track!

Cyber crooks are at it again — this time exploiting PayPal’s “add address” feature. They’re sending out emails that look suspiciously real, informing you that a new address has been added to your account. Who wouldn’t panic a little at that?

The email even mentions specific details, like a MacBook M4 Max purchase, to really crank up the anxiety and cause a sense of urgency to react. It’s a classic case of playing on our fears to get us to click that “review” button or call the “support” number.

This can lead to a fake login page or remote session where your precious credentials are ready to be taken.


How the scam works

The real kicker? This scam is particularly effective because it leverages a legitimate PayPal feature, making it seem authentic. 

So, if you get an email about a new address, resist the urge to click! Instead, log into your PayPal account through your browser or app — not from the email link! — and check for suspicious activity.

Please remember: If an email makes you feel that little twinge of “something’s off,” trust your gut. It’s probably right.

This material reposted from the CyberSecurity Insider newsletter from TehRepublic.com

CLICK HERE if you are interested in more from Cybersecurity InSider.

Essentials, Make Tech Easier, More

How Long Will It Take to Crack Your Password?

Short answer: it depends on how complex your password is. Weak passwords can be cracked in seconds, while strong ones can take years.

The below information is taken from https://www.techrepublic.com/article/time-to-crack-your-password-guide/

In their 2024 Hive Systems Password Table report, Hive found that a complex, eight-character password that contains numbers, symbols, and both upper and lowercase letters will take seven years to crack — if an attacker were to use a top-of-the-line 12 x RTX 4090 graphics card.

In comparison, a five-character password with only upper and lowercase letters can be cracked in two minutes. Further, Hive says that a four-character password with only lowercase letters can be hacked instantly, while a five-character password with both upper and lowercase letters can be hacked in three seconds.

Looking into words versus numbers, Hive’s data shows that passphrases win over more traditional passwords. An 18-character password with only numbers would require 11,000 years to crack, but one with the same number of characters using lowercase letters would take 350 billion years to crack. This piece of data shows why passphrases, which use a long string of real but random words, can be more secure than a complex but short password.

Hive’s report shows that passphrases with a mix of 18 uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols are the most difficult to brute force.

How to protect yourself and your organization from password cracking

Due to the progress in graphics and AI technology, most types of passwords require less time to crack than they did only two years ago. For example, a seven-character password with letters, numbers, and symbols would take seven minutes to crack in 2020 but only four seconds in 2023. Given these technological advances, how can you and your organization better secure your password-protected accounts and data? Here are a few tips.

Try using a passphrase instead of a password

A passphrase is a long string of often random words. Passphrases are often more secure than passwords and are usually easier to remember. Examples of this would be something like “Sunset-cola-Mouse!” or “GatePen2BoxerRose”.

If you go the passphrase route, there are a few things to remember:

  • Make sure it’s at least 10-15 characters or more.
  • Avoid using common phrases or song lyrics.
  • Choose a passphrase that’s memorable to you.
  • Add in some numbers and symbols to your phrases.

For a more in-depth tutorial, check out our What is a Passphrase? guide here.

Use a mix of numbers, symbols, uppercase, and lowercase letters at the same time

One of the main takeaways from the Hive Systems report is the significant influence complexity has on overall password strength. By complexity, I’m referring to the presence of letters (upper and lowercase), symbols, and numbers within passwords.

While having one character type makes your password more secure, having a mix of all of them will reap you the most benefits and security.

Notes, Tips, Hints, & Answers