I’ve tried so many password managers over the years: I did a deep dive to find the best option on the market right now. My thoroughly tested recommendation and pick, NordPass, uses military-grade encryption. Store all your logins in one safe spot and access them on any device. Hit my special link for 52% off.
What really happens when you delete a text?
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We’ve all had those texts we want to delete — from bad jokes and typos, to (gulp) sending something sensitive to the wrong contact. Can you really ever remove a text from your life? Is a deleted text really deleted for good? It’s complicated.
🍎 Team Apple
Press and hold on a text in a conversation, then tap More and the trash can to delete it. But you’re not done yet. It sits in your Recently Deleted folder for 30 days. Clear it from there, too.
If you use iCloud Messages, deleting the text from Recently Deleted removes it from all your Apple devices and iCloud.
Anyone you sent the text to will still have it on their iPhone unless you do one thing within two minutes of sending it. Tap and hold and then choose Undo Send.
🤖 Team Android
In Google Messages, tap and hold a text, then tap the trash can. It’s gone for you, but not for the recipient. There is no undo like on an iPhone.
In Samsung Messages, do the same, but don’t forget to clear it from the Trash folder. And once it’s sent, it’s out there.
If your messages are backed up to Google Drive or Samsung Cloud, deleting them from your phone doesn’t remove them from the cloud. You’ll need to delete the backup separately to fully erase them.
📱 Other apps
WhatsApp users: Press and hold a message, tap the trash can, and choose Delete for me to erase your copy or Delete for everyone to remove it for all. That super-useful second option is only available for an hour after you’ve sent the message.
Facebook Messenger: Deleting is called unsending. Tap and hold a message, then select More > Unsend. Choose Unsend for you to remove it from your chat or Unsend for everyone to erase it for all. No time limit!
Think your browser’s password manager is safe? Think again.
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It’s so easy to click and save your passwords right to Chrome, Edge, Safari or any other browser. Have you ever stopped to think about just how bad an idea it is to do this? Anyone with access to your browser can jump right into any one of your accounts. Yup, even your banking and investment accounts are up for grabs.
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I’ve tried so many password managers: I did a deep dive to find the best option on the market right now. My thoroughly tested recommendation and pick, NordPass, uses military-grade encryption. Hit my special link for 52% off.
Set up your Wi-Fi for easy sharing with guests
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You’ve got a turkey in the oven, presents need to be wrapped, and your cousin’s kid screams (again), “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” You’re juggling a hundred things at once, and the last thing you want to do is to spell out your password.
How to stay safe on public Wi-Fi
You don’t leave your front door unlocked. So why would you use public Wi-Fi networks without protection? Defend your private data from cybercriminals in public places with these five tips.
If you listen to The Kim Komando Show and Kim’s podcasts, you know about digital dangers. Accessing the internet via public Wi-Fi networks can heighten these risks even more.
Under the radar: A flaw in Microsoft’s Windows BitLocker encryption system could expose your sensitive data, including passwords in unencrypted form. BitLocker is meant to protect your data if your laptop or PC is stolen by encrypting your hard drive. The fix? Update to the latest version of Windows. PSA: I only work with brands I trust to keep you secure. Hit this page to see the five must-have tools I recommend.
A note in my inbox this week: “Are password managers safe to use? What if someone gets in?” You’re smart to ask, and it’s the reason you need to be picky about what you trust. My pick, NordPass, has military-grade encryption, so no one is getting in when they shouldn’t be.
A note in my inbox this week: “Are password managers safe to use? What if someone gets in?” You’re smart to ask, and it’s the reason you need to be very picky about what you trust. My pick, NordPass, has military-grade encryption so no one is getting in when they shouldn’t be.
3 reasons you shouldn't go another day without antivirus software
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If you don’t have antivirus software, you’re putting every internet-connected gadget you own at risk. Something as simple as an unchanged router password can be an entry point for an invader to shut down your phone or even taunt your children through a security camera or smart speaker.
Use this home security camera buying guide to be safer at home
Here’s a conundrum: Your security camera could expose you to data breaches. Last year, a security researcher found that Eufy cameras uploaded private images to the cloud.
Anker recently admitted to storing images and video feeds in the cloud without users’ knowledge. This popular security cam manufacturer recently didn’t even encrypt the private content. That means anyone could have seen your personal images through your Anker devices.
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Plus, why MacBooks are being sold for scrap, use physical security keys to protect your Apple accounts, end-to-end encryption in Facebook Messenger and cool ways to use your router’s USB ports.
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$1K health headphones, top holiday scams, safer group chats
Would you let Amazon track your search history if it paid you $2 per month? Plus, Google Messages rolls out fully encrypted group chats, how to enable full encryption for iCloud backups, next iOS update boosts AirDrop security, air-purifying headphones for almost $1K and holiday scams to watch out for.
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Does a VPN slow down your connection? Answers to 6 common VPN questions
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Let’s face it, the internet can be a scary and unpredictable place when it comes to maintaining your privacy and security. You never know who may be keeping virtual tabs on you.
Whether it’s a hacker or scammer out to get your personal info, a government agency or even your creepy neighbor, you need to secure your web browsing.
Space travel coming soon, thin speakers, unsend texts
Have a printer at home? Follow these five critical security steps to keep hackers out. Plus, new smart screws detect when they’re loose, MIT researchers build ultra-thin speakers, 3 gotchas about unsending text messages, encryption 101 and all you need to know about Spaceship Neptune, a space travel capsule that costs $125,000 per ticket.
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Netflix ads, creepiest tech, encryption 101
Not sure what encryption is? Here’s a quick explanation, plus how to tell if your texts are encrypted. In this episode, you’ll get the scoop on new Netflix ads, the creepiest tech to watch out for and how to hide your phone number when making a call.
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Encryption 101
Not sure what encryption is? Here’s all you need to know, in 60 seconds.
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Robin Hood ransomware, 'Top Gun' AI, Facebook downgrade
A new kind of ransomware is on the loose, and victims can’t pay to get the encryption key to their files — they must complete three acts of charity. Plus, Val Kilmer is back in “Top Gun: Maverick,” thanks to the help of AI and deepfake technology. And Facebook is losing one of its best security features. We’ll tell you what to do instead to keep your account safe.
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Windows and Mac security settings to check now
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It’s never good to go too long without checking your security settings. Now and then, you should brush up on your protections. Whether you use a Mac or a PC, all devices are vulnerable to attacks.
On the bright side, there are tons of built-in features you can take advantage of for your safety. For example, Windows Defender can help protect your PC from lurking threats. However, many native protections might be a bit hard to find on your own.