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.
Now that you have a few ways to beef up cybersecurity let’s not stop there. Keep reading for Android and iPhone settings to check ASAP to give your device a fighting chance against security threats.
Google Play Protect for Android
While official app stores are more secure than third-party options, they are not infallible. Bad apps occasionally slip through the vetting process of the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
One of the best ways for Android users to ensure they don’t download malicious apps is to utilize Google Play Protect. It is enabled by default, but only if you have a Play Protect-certified device. Here’s how to check:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- At the top right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap Settings.
- Under About, check if your device is Play Protect certified.
Google explains the setting “runs a safety check on apps from the Google Play Store before you download them” and checks for potentially harmful apps from other sources, which could contain malware.
When Google finds a harmful app on your phone, it warns you and allows you to remove or deactivate its functionality. Of course, you can turn the setting off, but that isn’t a wise move.
If Google Play Protect somehow got turned off, here’s how to turn it back on:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- At the top right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap Play Protect > Settings.
- Turn Scan apps with Play Protect on.
Mail privacy protection for Apple iPhone
If you get an email with this phone number, don't call! It's a money-stealing scam
Thieves are out in full force during the holidays looking to rip off people shopping for gifts. Some have even gone so far as to devise elaborate schemes to trick you out of personal information and steal your money. Tap or click here for details on holiday scams making the rounds and how to outsmart them.
Check your phone! More bad apps caught hiding in the Google Play Store
The official Google Play Store is the only place you should download applications for your Android devices. Third-party stores don’t have a robust vetting process and often harbor dangerous malware. But what happens when the official app store is also a source for spreading malware?
Apple patches bug that can cause your iPhone to crash over and over
(Updated Jan. 12, 2022 – Apple has released a patch to take care of the annoying bug detailed in the following article. Update your iPhone to iOS 15.2.1 and iPad to iPadOS 15.2.1 now to fix the problem. Step-by-step instructions on updating your device can be found at the end of this article.)
Protect your wallet: There's a new twist on ATM and wire transfer scams
The holiday season is fast approaching, which means scammers and cybercriminals will be out in full force once again. Tap or click here for details on a holiday decoration scam already circulating. Every year around this time, the number of security threats skyrocket.
Clever new text scam going after Verizon customers
Scams can come in many forms, and we need to watch out for all of them. Phishing emails and malicious links found in online search results are just a couple of examples. Now we need to add deceitful text messages to the list. Tap or click here to see six dangerous texting scams making the rounds.
Android warning! Are you about to lose access to Google apps?
Updated Sept. 26, 2021 – The time to upgrade is now. Monday, Sept. 27, is the official day older versions of Android will lose access to their Google accounts. Read on for complete details.
Google’s Android operating system has been the preferred mobile platform for billions of users for a long time. The system has been around since 2008 and will be moving into its 12th version this year. Tap or click here for everything you need to know about Android 12.
Use an iPhone, iPad or Mac? You need to update NOW
A few months ago, we learned cybercriminals got their hands on military-grade hacking software called Pegasus, which the Israeli company NSO Group designed. While researching a potential hack of a Saudi activist’s phone, Citizen Lab blew the whistle on this scary security flaw. Allegedly, NSO clients used Pegasus to spy on and hack into the phones of at least 37 journalists.
Update your iPhone! New update patches 3 vulnerabilities
Apple has started rolling out several security patches for its devices. If you have an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, you should install the latest updates as soon as possible to avoid serious security threats. Tap or click here to find out how to remove a virus from your iPhone or iPad.
Windows 10 flaw: Opening a large image allows hackers to take over
Microsoft’s slew of update-related bugs may be annoying, but we have to give the company credit for quickly issuing fixes for major issues like security flaws — which are far more dangerous and urgent.
Usually, when a bug is discovered by independent researchers, a report is sent to Microsoft for the company to analyze. Then, they release a patch that can be easily downloaded. This usually happens in a matter of days or weeks at most, which helps prevent the issues from being exploited. Tap or click here to see why the NSA urged people to update Windows.
Update now! Facebook Messenger flaw lets hackers into your PC
When it comes to malware, infection threats are everywhere. Malicious email links, attachments and downloads are still the most common vectors of attack, which means we all need to actively play a role in blocking security threats.
Warning: This program is sharing your Windows credentials every time you click
If the coronavirus has you going stir-crazy, you’re not alone. Many of us are right there with you.
One way to feel those much-needed connections is to use a video conferencing app to speak with family and friends. Tap or click here to find out how to host a virtual get-together.
This convincing extortion scam uses coronavirus fears to trick you
The coronavirus pandemic already has many of us on edge. The last thing we need to add to the mix is a bunch of criminals trying to take advantage of this dire situation.
Unfortunately, crooks have no shame and we’ve seen plenty of coronavirus-related scams making the rounds. Tap or click here for 8 tips to avoid them.
Watch out: This fake coronavirus tracking app is a malware trap
Finding ways to cope with the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t have to be as difficult as some people make it seem. Following guidelines put forth by federal, state and local governments, as well as official health organizations, are key.
Bing's live coronavirus map tracks cases, deaths and recoveries - try it
We’re definitely living in strange times. The coronavirus pandemic has most everyone in a panic, leading to empty grocery store shelves and a shortage on toilet paper. Not only that, but some stores are even running out of bags to pack and carry out the products and groceries you actually do find to buy.