⚠️ Don’t trust every Play Store app: Harmful ones sometimes sneak past Google’s checks, and one wrong download can infect your phone. Protect yourself: Open the Play Store app, tap your Profile, go to Play Protect > Settings > General, and toggle on Scan apps with Play Protect. It’ll inspect your apps and warn you about risks.
📶 Don’t trust public Wi-Fi: Scammers can set up “evil twin” networks that look like your coffee shop’s or airport’s Wi-Fi. Once you connect, they can intercept everything you type, from social media logins to credit card info. Always ask staff for the exact network name, and use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic. My pick is ExpressVPN.
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📱 Check for keyloggers on your phone: These apps can record keystrokes and messages, then send them to hackers. Common ones to watch out for? Hoverwatch and mSpy. Make it a habit to check your installed apps list regularly. If you spot something new or weird, Google the name to see what it is.
📱 Speaking of phones: If you’re buying a used one, don’t get scammed. Check its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. Here’s how: Dial #06# on the phone to display its IMEI. Then enter it into the Stolen Phone Checker to see if it’s been reported lost, stolen or blocked by a carrier.
💻 Share your Chromebook safely: If someone needs to borrow your Chromebook, turn on Guest Mode, so they can’t access your personal data. Sign out, then on the login screen, select Browse as Guest at the bottom, and hit Accept and continue. FYI: Remind them that downloads and bookmarks won’t be saved.
See where your Google account’s signed in: Google shows a list of devices you’ve used in the last 28 days, along with their locations. Notice something suspicious? Sign it out and change your password ASAP. Remember, you might see multiple sessions from the same device, so don’t panic too fast.
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📱 Check if your device is still supported: Not sure if your phone, tablet or e-reader is past its prime? Go to endoflife.date. Search for your gadget to see if it’s been discontinued or if the manufacturer has ended support. That usually means no more security updates, and it might be time to stop using it.
🔐 Weak passwords are so last decade: Every single one of your accounts needs its own unique password. No repeats! I know, it’s a pain. But it’s also the best way to keep hackers from turning one slipup into a full-blown disaster. Make your passwords 16+ characters, and mix in uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols. Or save yourself the headache and use the password manager I trust to keep everything locked down and organized. One click, and you’re safer online.
🛒 Clear your Amazon search history: Great for hiding gift ideas or clearing out those very awkward clicks. On desktop, hover over Account & Lists under Hello, [Your Name] at the top. Click Browsing History, find the item you want to hide and select Remove from view. Because “I was hacked” only works once.
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🛑 Block pop-ups in Chrome: Sick of annoying pop-ups or pages redirecting you without asking? Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Pop-ups and redirects and choose Don’t allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects. It’s not an ad blocker, but it helps keep sketchy sites in check.
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Spot a Facebook Marketplace scammer? Do the right thing and report them. Click the listing, then go to Seller details > Report > Scam. While you’re there, select Block [name] profile and Hide all from [name] to stop their posts from showing up again.
AT&T’s new Account Lock feature: Finally, a way to stop SIM-swapping attacks. That’s when hackers transfer your number to their own SIM to steal 2FA codes. To turn it on, open the myAT&T app and go to Services > Mobile Security > Wireless Account Lock.
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☁️ Back it up, or risk losing it: Keep your family photos and important tax documents safe in the cloud, safe from fire, theft, floods and thieves. Total Drive has your back, and so do I. Just $18 for 10 TB is a no-brainer.