6 ways to stop digital stalkers from harassing you
The more time you spend online, your risk of online harassment grows. Being proactive can stop digital stalkers before they track your every move, change your passwords and shatter your sense of security. I’ve heard from people who have been fending off hackers for years — and they describe scary situations.
Last May, Rhonda from Boston, Massachusetts, said a hacker had been tormenting her for seven years. They disabled her home security system, broke into her car and changed her passwords. Jill from Phoenix, Arizona, recently said she’s been dealing with similar invasive issues for two years.
If you’ve ever struggled with persistent digital tormentors, follow this checklist.
Always keep an eye out for cybersecurity threats
Finding red flags ahead of time thwarts hackers who want to invade your privacy. Is your smartphone or computer suddenly hot or slow? Is the battery draining faster than usual? If so, you may have malware on your device.
Check your apps to see if there are any programs you didn’t download. Delete them immediately and install antivirus on your devices.
I recommend TotalAV, my sponsor. For only $19, you can get a year of protection when you sign up through ProtectWithKim.com. That’s over 85% off the regular price.
You should be especially wary if you have a smart home. Here’s why:
- It’s disturbingly easy for hackers to break into your smart home security cameras and spy on you.
- Cybercriminals can access free tools like Shodan, which lets anyone watch footage from unsecured devices.
- Want to stop creeps from spying on you? Ditch your security system’s default password. Pick a strong, original and hard-to-crack password.
- Also, look for these five signs to tell if your security camera was hacked.
Sadly, you can take precautions and still be hacked. Security breaches are an everyday occurrence in today’s digitized world. Here’s what to do when a hacker invades your digital life.
Use these tricks to stop digital stalkers
Don’t let hackers torment you. At the first sign of trouble, take these steps:
5 Android phone settings that drastically improve your privacy
Privacy is everything. In a world where data breaches have become commonplace, we must protect our information and privacy in every way possible.
Your Android phone doesn’t come with perfect privacy. No product does. You have to tweak your settings and adjust how your information is shared.
7 important iPhone security settings to change right now
The iPhone is Apple’s most popular product, and the Cupertino company does everything it can to keep up with the latest tech developments while adding its own. You may have had an iPhone for years and not know everything it’s capable of. Tap or click here for seven hidden iPhone features you may not know.
New password rules to secure your accounts
Strong, unique passwords are your first defense against unauthorized access to your devices and personal information. The better the password, the more secure your computer or device will be from threat actors.
The thing is that a good password is not enough. It must be paired with other security practices for optimum protection. Just a few extra steps can go a long way in preventing disaster.
5 signs your security camera was hacked and steps to prevent it
When setting up a home security system, you must password-protect your Wi-Fi and set up two-factor authentication (2FA). Hackers could take over your home network if you don’t take these precautions.
Safeguards like these can help stop a digital home invasion. Hackers are increasingly breaking into home security cameras, taunting and extorting people. A security oversight on your part could open the floodgates for a criminal to launch a reign of terror on you and your family.
Scary signs that someone hacked your Amazon account
Returning items to Amazon is easy, but there are always exceptions. Here are four things the retail giant will not take back.
Then again, there’s likely some stuff around your house that Amazon, Target and Walmart are interested in. Trade in your old tech devices for credit.
Bank apps — How they know you are YOU
Strong, unique passwords are the least you can do to protect online accounts. Here’s a primer to get you started. While two-factor authentication (2FA) is becoming a common security step for apps and services, some industries have yet to adopt it.
Enable passkeys for your Google account and say goodbye to passwords
Strong passwords aren’t enough to secure your most sensitive accounts. You want two-factor authentication (2FA), which is becoming standard across many industries and services. Here’s everything you need to know about 2FA.
3 Google changes you need to know about
It’s getting warmer, and you’re probably itching to hit the road. With gas prices still high, who doesn’t want to save money? And while you’re at it, getting to your destination faster would be nice, wouldn’t it? Here are seven ways to save time and money with Google Maps.
Get Temu, the popular shopping app, off your phone now
Seemingly overnight, everyone’s talking about Temu, an online shopping app full of deals that seem too good to be true. You’ll find $17 wireless earbuds, $1 “gold” necklaces and $23 wedding dresses.
No wonder Temu is the most popular shopping app in the U.S., behind only Amazon. But most of us know little about the app’s origins. Like these apps, it’s tied to China.
The safe way to save your tax files from years past (do this now!)
We’re down to the eleventh hour: Tax Day is coming up on April 18. If you’re one of the millions of Americans filing electronically, watch out! A popular e-file tax site was caught spreading malware for weeks. Here’s what you need to know.
Get this Chinese app out of your smartphone right now
It’s no secret: TikTok gathers a ton of data on its users and sends the information straight back to the Chinese government. The app is a threat to your privacy and security even if you don’t have it installed. Here’s how to avoid TikTok’s clutches.
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 fall for this Google scam about a compromised account
Cybercriminals use every trick in their malicious arsenal to steal personal details. That means they often impersonate actual companies through text messages and emails, claiming something is wrong with your account. Tap or click here for Text scams 101: How to spot a fake Google message.
Scammers' latest trick: Getting you to open a OneNote document
Cybercriminals have been spreading malware through phishing emails for quite a while. But a new twist is making the rounds catching victims off guard. Instead of using malicious Word docs to spread malware, they have turned their attention to OneNote documents.
Use an iPhone or Mac? Don't fall for this iCloud email promising free storage
Getting people to hand over sensitive information is one way cybercriminals rip people off. Sometimes they do this through phishing attacks, and a new campaign targets iPhone and Apple Mac computer users.
Read on to learn how this phishing scheme works and what you can do about it.
About time! FCC passes new rules to block (some) spam texts
SMS scams come in many forms, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is finally cracking down on perpetrators with a new piece of legislation. This action focuses on the service provider’s role in protecting its customers.
Being stalked through your devices? Take these steps now
I’ve been answering tech and digital-lifestyle questions on my national radio show and podcast for many years. At this point, I’ve heard it all. I also notice trends. Sometimes, everyone wants to know about app privacy. Use these steps to stop companies and people from tracking your every move.
Warning: Don't fall for these tax scams making the rounds
The deadline for filing 2023 taxes falls on Tuesday, April 18. Is your paperwork in order?
Scammers are ramping up their efforts as we get closer to the big day. Here are some tax scams to watch out for.
Ignore this Facebook scam trying to get you to buy a 'cheap phone'
When an offer seems too good to be true, it most likely is. A Facebook scam making the rounds is capitalizing on people looking for a cheap phone upgrade. We’re not talking about generic burner phones, either.
Read on for details and to learn how to protect yourself.