603-924-9867Resources
Sextortion Phishing Emails: Why They Scare People And What To Do
Sextortion phishing emails use fear, shame, and urgency to trick people into paying scammers. These messages often claim the sender hacked your computer, watched you on adult websites, and recorded you through your camera. In most cases, the scammer has no video and no access. They may only have your email address, or possibly an old password from a past data breach. This article explains how these scams work, why they scare people, and what steps you should take if you receive one.
Virtualmin Fail2Ban WordPress/404/XMLRPC Setup Checklist
🧾 Fail2Ban Virtualmin With WordPress Setup Checklist This is a followup to my SmarterMail Fail2Ban installation (see https://charlesworks.com/hardening-your-smartermail-server-the-bouncer-defense/). I'm not an expert at Fail2Ban, but installing these filters reduced...
Hardening Your SmarterMail Server: The “Bouncer” Defense
Using FirewallD and Fail2Ban on Debian 13 Let's talk about hardening your Smartermail in Linux. When you put a powerful mail server like SmarterMail on a dedicated Debian box, it’s like opening a high-end storefront. Within minutes, "window shoppers" (automated bots)...
Avoid being Scammed this Tax Season
Here is more info about how to avoid being scammed this tax season. I feel like I've written dozens of these. Unfortunately, scamming is a huge industry at this point. There doesn't seem to be any end in sight. So I will keep putting out the messages like this one and...
Quick Response (QR) Codes Made Simple
QR Codes Made Simple I use Quick Response codes because they remove typing errors. Instead, someone scans a square and lands on a page fast. Also, they work great on flyers, business cards, and signs. What a QR Code Really Is A Quick Response code stores data in tiny...
How to Use nslookup at a Windows or Linux Prompt
Ever wonder how the Internet really finds a website or delivers email? In this practical guide, I explain how to use the nslookup command on Windows and Linux to uncover DNS answers, troubleshoot problems, and understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
About Your Website Form Output: Spam and Security Concerns
Spam form submissions can be annoying, but they’re also a common part of running a website. I explain why they happen, what they mean, and how you can handle them without hurting your site’s security or email reputation.
New PHP 7.4 Notices in WordPress
WordPress began alerting users in July 2025 that PHP 7.4 is outdated and lacks security support. While not an emergency, this is a serious reminder that your website may be vulnerable and running on unsupported software. At CharlesWorks, we can test your site for PHP 8.3 compatibility in just 8–10 minutes — often for under $17. If your plugins or themes don’t work with the new version, we’ll revert it and review options with you. Staying on PHP 7.4 risks future compatibility, performance issues, and security vulnerabilities. Let us help you transition safely and affordably.
Accessing Your Email Made Easy: Desktop Webmail Shortcuts for PC and Mac
Need quick access to your email? At CharlesWorks, I make it simple to open your webmail right from your desktop—whether you’re using Roundcube or Microsoft Office 365. This guide shows you how to create shortcuts on both Windows PCs and Macs so you can log into your email with a single click. It also includes the correct IMAP and SMTP settings for setting up your email in programs like Outlook or Apple Mail. If you’re tired of typing in URLs or searching bookmarks, this article is for you. Spend less time clicking—and more time communicating.
Using the Microsoft Outlook App for IMAP Email on Your Phone
Email on Your Phone Many of our clients at CharlesWorks reach out about checking their email on mobile devices. Recently, a client asked me if there was an app or shortcut to use for his email system on his phone. I initially thought he had Hosted Exchange email, so I...
