Quick privacy upgrade: Turn your phone to safe mode
All I want for Christmas is to help keep your data safe. The bad news is there are a ton of cybercriminals out there doing their best to stop me.
Apple recently shared the results of a study from MIT on the growing threat of cyberattacks around the globe. A mindblowing 2.6 billion personal records were breached in 2021 and 2022. I’d say it’s time to act if you haven’t already.
Your phone is one gateway criminals can use to strike. Be smart and get this done now while you’re thinking about it. I’ll show you how to turn on built-in protections for your Apple or Android phone.
Apple makes it easy
End-to-end encryption has long been the default for Apple iMessage, iCloud Keychain and Health data. We like this.
But you’re missing out if you aren’t using Apple’s Advanced Data Protection. It encrypts your messages in iCloud, iPhone iCloud backup, iCloud Drive, Notes, photos, reminders, Safari bookmarks, Siri shortcuts, voice memos and Wallet Passes.
Here are the steps to enable Apple’s ADP:
- First, make sure you’re running iOS 16.2 or later. Update your Mac, iPad, HomePods, etc. before proceeding.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap your name at the top.
- Choose iCloud, scroll to the bottom, and tap Advanced Data Protection.
- Tap Turn On Advanced Data Protection.
- NOTE: If you don’t have a recovery contact or key set up, you’ll be prompted to do that first.
- Once a recovery contact/key is set up, return to Settings > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection and tap Turn On Advanced Data Protection.
- Follow the prompts.
- NOTE: You may be asked to update other devices signed into your iCloud account before enabling end-to-end encryption (E2E).
- You can also remove devices on old software to continue the process.
- For security reasons, Apple might make you wait to enable the feature if you’ve recently gotten a new device. If so, that timeframe will show on your screen during setup.
Use an Android? Try this
Apple does the best job at safeguarding data, but Android’s protections are pretty solid.
Through Google Play Protect, all apps are analyzed before they’re available for download. It also performs daily scans to help disable malware and harmful apps on your phone. New apps that pose a security risk will not be allowed to be installed.
Android backups are uploaded to Google servers and encrypted with your Google Account password. Sometimes, your phone’s screen lock PIN, pattern or password is also used to encrypt your data.
Smartphone warning: Check these settings NOW on your iPhone or Android
Criminals can hack almost any device connected to the internet. Given the massive amounts of photos, videos and personal information stored on your smartphone, they are significant targets.
That’s why you must take preventative steps to protect them as best you can. Tap or click here for three steps to protect your phone from hackers.
Check your phone! Bad app alert
Is your Android phone running sluggishly? It could be any number of causes, from bloatware to spyware. Here are eight ways to get your phone back up to speed.
Have you seen charges for things you don’t remember subscribing to? Either your kids got their hands on your credit card, or you may be the victim of a thieving app. The apps boast abilities to make you look slimmer, remove imperfections and add filters. Don’t let vanity be your downfall!
8 quick and easy ways to clean up your Android
Your smartphone can get bogged down with software, viruses and too many files like a computer. It can run slowly when that happens, which is less than ideal.
If you own an Android phone and want to keep it running like new, there are some steps you’ll need to take. Here are eight maintenance tips to keep your Android as good as new.
These Chinese-owned apps are dangerous — Get them off your phone
TikTok has been facing significant backlash worldwide for collecting data on its users. It’s already been banned from government and military devices in the U.S., and there’s been a push for its Chinese owners to sell their shares in the company. Here’s what’s happening so far.
Don't use these shady health tracker apps with 10 mil downloads
We’re in the first month of a new year, and you know what that means. Tons of people are focusing on fitness and living a healthier lifestyle. Many turn to health-tracking apps for guidance. Unfortunately, some popular health trackers have been caught spreading adware.
Delete this productivity app NOW
Like millions of other Americans, you probably made a few resolutions entering the new year. If you want to start 2023 right, include better cybersecurity on your to-do list.
Start by deleting these five redundant apps from your smartphone. That’s just the beginning. A productivity app that made its way to an official app store was recently caught hiding malware. It’s designed to steal banking credentials to rip you off. If you have it on your device, remove it ASAP!
This app that promises you money for watching videos is a scam
As the holidays inch closer, many people are looking for ways to make some extra cash. Legitimate side hustles can help put extra money in your pocket. Tap or click here for 15 suggestions.
But one trendy way to easily earn money isn’t what it claims to be. An app that promises you’ll get paid just for watching videos is actually hiding malware.
These YouTube and WhatsApp copycat apps are hiding malware
Your smartphone has many handy tools already built in when you open the box. But adding apps makes these pocket-sized computers even more impressive.
You can find apps to help with almost anything you can think of, from banking to translating languages to ways to stay organized. Tap or click here for nine apps everyone over 50 should download.
App warning! 52 dangerous downloads spotted - Check your phone
While the safest place to download apps is from an official store, this is not always foolproof. Hackers and scammers can slip in malicious apps and cause severe damage before they’re caught.
Getting an app onto the Google Play Store is easier when compared to Apple’s App Store. Apple has higher standards for entry plus iOS is a closed ecosystem, while Android is open source. Tap or click here for eight dangerous malware apps you need to remove right now.
This dangerous malware can steal 2FA codes to break into your accounts
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most robust security measures you can utilize. Essentially, it creates an added layer of protection where you must verify your identity a second way, along with your credentials.
7 essential Android security settings: 2FA, spot shady apps, stop location tracking
According to a Pew Research report, 28% of smartphone owners don’t use screen locks or other security features to keep people out of their phones. Does this figure represent your Android security practice?
The same report further indicates 54% of internet users access the web via public Wi-Fi networks to perform sensitive activities, such as online shopping (21%) and banking (21%). Never access public Wi-Fi without a virtual private network. Tap or click to see how you can protect your data with a VPN.
Another malicious app that could rip you off found in the Google Play Store
When downloading apps to your smartphone or tablet, we would always recommend using the official app stores like Google Play, or the Apple App Store. But, even though these official stores have screenings and fail-safes to try and weed out the malicious apps, sometimes one slips through. That exactly what happened recently. Here is what to look out for.
How to properly secure your Android to keep snoops out
Just think of all the personal data that’s kept on your phone and tablet. Photos, videos, files, contacts, emails and text messages are some examples. Now, imagine what would happen if someone could spy on everything you were doing. If you don’t take these steps to secure your Android right now, it’s a likely possibility.