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consider not messing with people's computers without their permission. there's legitimate uses for browser notifications. messaging apps like slack and discor

consider not messing with people's computers without their permission. there's legitimate uses for browser notifications. messaging apps like slack and discord, calendars, email clients, etc. some browser games. some buy/sell platforms. notifications serve a purpose. if you understand the consequences and want to turn them off on your computer, then go ahead. but in my experience well-meaning young folks turning things off on other people's computers is a big part of why some people don't trust their computers, or think they're bad at computers. they're talking to a friend and find out that their friend's computer gives them a little notification every time they get an email, and they don't understand why their computer doesn't do that. and the first conclusion they come it is that they just don't know how to use the computer properly. meanwhile they know how to use their computer perfectly fine, but some grandson has gone through the settings and turned off half the things their computer does.

angry_octet 4y ago
I've done some victim support for people who have lost their life's savings to a phishing scam. If only they had someone helping them disable these things, install ad blockers, explain caller ID spoofing etc. I wish you could completely block URLs and phone numbers from SMS -- it's by far the most dangerous vector. People get a text from their bank, the tax agency, their medical fund, fedex. It warns them of a problem on their accounts and they leap into action like Pavlov's dog, clicking the link, calling the number. The nice man on the other end listens and says "we need to secure your accounts, but before we continue I need to do a full ID check. Can we start with the current balance of your account? Very good. And your full name and DOB? Okay, just waiting for the system, a bit slow today ha ha. Now we will be sending you a security prompt by SMS to verify you. We take security very seriously here...".

angry_octet 4y ago

I've done some victim support for people who have lost their life's savings to a phishing scam. If only they had someone helping them disable these things, install ad blockers, explain caller ID spoofing etc. I wish you could completely block URLs and phone numbers from SMS -- it's by far the most dangerous vector. People get a text from their bank, the tax agency, their medical fund, fedex. It warns them of a problem on their accounts and they leap into action like Pavlov's dog, clicking the link, calling the number. The nice man on the other end listens and says "we need to secure your accounts, but before we continue I need to do a full ID check. Can we start with the current balance of your account? Very good. And your full name and DOB? Okay, just waiting for the system, a bit slow today ha ha. Now we will be sending you a security prompt by SMS to verify you. We take security very seriously here...".