Antivirus isn't just for your computer - Here's why you should protect your smartphone, too

You probably know that antivirus software is essential for your computer. Without it, you’re browsing without protection, exposing yourself to ransomware, viruses, Trojans, spyware and countless other threats. But your computer isn’t the only gadget that needs antivirus protection.

Your phone and tablet could also be gateways for criminals to use to steal your money.

Think about it: Our phones and tablets go with us everywhere, so they have way more personal data than laptops. If your credit card is attached to any apps on your smartphone, it’s time to download antivirus software for your mobile device. We’ve got all the tips you need in this helpful guide provided by our sponsor, TotalAV.

Why your Android needs antivirus protection

Security breaches are so common nowadays that hardly anyone can scrape by without being scratched. That’s terrible news since data breaches can open you to identity theft.

Almost all of us have been involved in a data leak in one way or another. Don’t believe us? Enter your email addresses into HaveIBeenPwned, an online database with all the latest news of data breaches.

If you download TotalAV onto your Android, you can save yourself a step by using its built-in Data Breach Check. Like HaveIBeenPwned, this tool lets you search to see if their email address has been included in any known breaches. You even get educational guides telling you what to do if a breach has hurt you. It will even tell you how to stop unauthorized account access or identity theft.

There are a few more specific protections you can take advantage of

Do you want to protect yourself against rogue apps and games before installing them? If you’re sick of constantly being vigilant and looking out for yourself, TotalAV lets you finally relax. Thanks to its 24/7 security and Real-Time Protection feature, you can stay safe since dangerous websites are automatically blocked.

Here are more details on the features that benefit you the most:

  • Real-time protection: You’re constantly being protected against malware and viruses. TotalAV is watching out in real-time.
  • App lock/PIN functionality: This privacy feature is perfect for family devices. You can add a passcode or PIN lock to any app on a device through TotalAV. This means you can let your kids play a game on your phone — without worrying that they’re secretly looking through your online banking app. That’s just one example; there are many other ways it can protect sensitive apps when you’re concerned about privacy and security.

Continue reading

Shocker: The real price of Amazon Prime

Do you have any idea how much you’re paying for Amazon Prime? If you said, “Probably around $100 a year,” try again. You might be spending over $300 annually and not even realize it. Let me explain.

Come with me back to Feb. 2, 2005. That’s when Amazon announced that for $79 a year, you could get free two-day shipping on most items with no minimum purchase. The price of Prime remained $79 annually until 2014, when it jumped to $99 a year.

Continue reading

Nifty shifty: Ctrl + Shift + T reopens the last closed tab in your web browser in Windows. Incredibly useful if you accidentally close a tab. On a Mac, use Cmd + Shift + T.

Fake doggy DNA tests, Google's Bard mistake & deepfake art clues

Open/download audio

Plus, Martinus Evans is on a mission to get everyone running. I talk to him about the Slow AF Run Club, his community of over 25,000 slow runners and walkers. Blue light might speed up puberty — here’s the scoop. Also, streetlights are going purple and a web browser designed for people with ADD.

You forgot your password again

Before you hit “Forgot password,” check if the password is hidden on your computer. Your best bet is your web browser’s list of saved passwords.

On Google Chrome:

  • Click the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner, then Settings.
  • Click Autofill and passwords from the left-hand panel, followed by Google Password Manager.
  • Scroll through your list of saved accounts until you find the one you’re looking for. Click the eye icon to make the password visible. You’ll need to enter your system credentials to verify it’s you.

On Apple Safari:

  • Click Safari from the menu bar at the top of the screen, then Preferences > Passwords.
  • Enter your system password if needed, then scroll the list till you find it. Click the three-dot icon to make it visible.

How to install antivirus and scan your computer

If you’re online, you’re at risk, plain and simple. There’s more out there after your info and wallet than you realize, from phishing scams to ransomware and malicious apps to malware.

That’s why it’s critical to protect your personal and business devices correctly. When it comes to your computer, tablet and phone, you need a robust security suite.

Continue reading

Don’t look like a dunce: The right way to say tricky tech words

Tech has its own language and, with that, its own pronunciations for company names, products — you name it. I want you to look and sound smart, so read through the list below to make sure you aren’t making any big pronunciation mistakes.

Continue reading

Don't lose your old digital files to time

Physical media like VHS tapes aren’t the only tech with an expiration date. Your digital files can get outdated, too. If you don’t want your precious photos, videos and documents to go the way of the dodo, look out for them before it’s too late.

Continue reading

Put it on the tab(s): Windows File Explorer can use tabs, just like your web browser. Click the + (plus) on the toolbar at the top to create a new tab. You can also right-click on folders and pick Open in new tab. Nice.

3 quick and easy ways to speed up your browser

Gotta be honest. I don’t have a lot of patience for spinning wheels and loading progress bars. I’m busy! I know you are, too, so let’s fix your slow browser.

Whether you’re a Chrome lover or a Firefox fan, you’ve got options. These tips are fast and easy, too. You can thank me later — and use all your saved time to do something else … like forwarding this email to a friend! 

Continue reading

The dumbest passwords you can use to secure your accounts

How bad are we at creating safer passwords? The latest data shows a whopping 75% of people worldwide don’t follow password best practices. We should know better … and yet, 84% of us reuse our passwords.

Why do I harp on this so often? You can blame over 80% of data breaches on weak or repeated passwords. Maybe you’ve never experienced the horror of identity theft, but let me tell you, it’s bad.

Continue reading

Tech pro tip: How to prioritize devices on your Wi-Fi

We’ve all blamed our internet speed for YouTube buffering. But guess what? The main culprit is often the army of gadgets hogging your Wi-Fi. 

It might be your spouse streaming three sports games at the same time, your kid downloading a new video game or your roommate binge-watching their favorite show.

Continue reading

Erase these private details Google knows about you

Ever think about how much Google knows about you? You don’t have to wonder. Sign in to your Google account and check this page to see exactly what the search giant thinks you’re interested in.

It’s not just search. Your Gmail inbox, Google Drive files, Maps history, YouTube views and much more are added to the dossier of info on you. Here’s a buried Google Maps setting you should change right now.

Continue reading

How to import all your photos and videos from Facebook

The more social media accounts you have, the more data companies collect on you. There’s an easy way to clean up your old posts from Twitter, Facebook, Imgur and more. Tap or click here for a tool that can automatically remove posts from over 20 sites and apps.

Continue reading

How to change the default browser and search engine on Windows

Many factors, including speed, appearance, ease of use, privacy and customization options can determine your choice of search engine. Some people stick to the default search engine included with their browsers. But it would be best if you took the time to choose a search engine that works best for you.

Continue reading

Sluggish browser? 5 ways to speed it up

Is your browser running slowly? We will use the four major market contenders for this quick optimization guide: Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari. Tap or click here for details on browsers focused on privacy.

Read on for five ways to optimize your browser and prevent sluggish performance.

Continue reading

Are your online accounts safe? 2023's most hacked passwords

Passwords keep your online accounts safe from hackers, but not if they’re easy to guess. Today’s cybercriminals study the latest trends and know what it takes to crack your code. 

Curious as to how your passwords measure up? Read on to see if yours made the naughty list and learn how to protect yourself from hackers.

Continue reading

4 tools to easily create and share memes

Memes and emojis express our thoughts and emotions in a way words just can’t. The perfect meme can elevate your mood or put a laugh on someone’s face when needed.

Millions of memes circulate on the internet, and you can grab quite a few good ones from social media. But you can’t always find the perfect one, even with so many choices.

Continue reading

5 best browsers not named Chrome to use with your Android phone

It’s hard to imagine a world without Google. But every time you use Google or Chrome, your information and habits are stored and used to serve targeted ads. Tap or click here for a big reason to stop using Google Chrome on your smartphone.

Continue reading

That's embarrassing: It's time to wipe out your search history

If you feel comfortable with someone else looking through your search history, raise your hand. Yeah, I didn’t think so.

Sometimes it’s as innocent as shopping for a gift and not wanting to give away the secret. Pro tip: Use Incognito mode so you don’t get many ads showing precisely what you ordered.

Continue reading