Share tabs across iPhone and iPad: On both devices, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Turn Safari on. Now you can tap the Tabs button (overlapping squares) > iCloud Tabs. Tap to see what’s open on your other devices.
Creepy data grab and how to make it stop
This is the kind of thing that makes you wish flip phones were still a thing. The world has moved from marketing to digital profiling. We are being tracked like never before.
Advertising giant Publicis Groupe just released a video bragging that its CoreAI platform tracks a staggering 91% of all adult internet users. Yes, that probably includes you, me and everyone we know.
In the clip, they introduce “Lola.” CoreAI knows:
- What she watches and when
- Everything she purchases
- How inflation affects her shopping choices
- Where she shops in person and online
- What ads she’s seen
- Who she follows on social media
- When she’s vulnerable to switching to a cheaper brand
- Her medical issues
They’re not guessing. This is based on real-world tracking across phones, smart TVs, loyalty cards, public records, app data, cookies and more.
🕵️♀️ You agreed to this
Companies like Publicis, Acxiom and Epsilon aren’t names you see on your apps. They’re behind the curtain, collecting everything they can from:
- Apps you install (especially free ones)
- Websites you visit
- Smart devices in your home
- Retail purchases and loyalty programs
- Location data from your phone
- Even your connected car’s infotainment system
🔐 What you can do about it
Start kicking creeps out of your data trail. PSA: It’s work.
- Review and clear your Google activity history. Google logs every search, site visit, voice command and more.
- Turn off ad personalization on Google, Facebook, Amazon and Instagram. These platforms track you to build ad profiles. Check these settings monthly, they often reset.
- Don’t link your accounts. Logging in with Google or Facebook sounds convenient, but it gives companies more data than you realize.
- Check app permissions. You’d be surprised how many apps have access to your location, contacts, microphone or SMS history.
- Limit location tracking. Disable “precise location” for apps that don’t need it, especially shopping apps, weather apps and games.
🛑 Publicis isn’t just buying data
Flying or cruising? They’re watching you.
You might not realize it, but airlines and cruise lines collect a lot of data, from your seat choice to the websites you browse on their Wi-Fi.
When you book a flight or cruise, they collect the usual stuff, including your name, email, phone number, passport info and payment details. But it doesn’t stop there. They also track:
Copilot is back: A recent Windows 11 update removed the app from some devices. Microsoft rolled out an emergency update that should reinstall it on your system. Haven’t seen it yet? You can manually install it from the Microsoft Store.
25GB
Data a new car can produce per hour. Compare that to 3GB hourly for your smartphone. Crazy, right? The biggest data hogs are the sensors that gather biometrics like fingerprints and face scans, along with all the devices we hook up to our vehicles.
There are over 1 billion malware programs: Antivirus software scans your system for viruses, ransomware and other threats and removes them before they cause damage. Protect five devices for only $19.
Get everything Amazon collects and tracks about you
I was doing some research about Amazon and ran across a golden nugget I couldn’t wait to share with you. We all know Amazon tracks everything including what you browse, buy, watch and even ask Alexa.
But here’s the surprise: You can download all of it. I’ll show you how.
Wait, are public phone chargers dangerous?
© Rattanachai Mokngam | Dreamstime.com
Those charging kiosks in airports, hotels and malls are so tempting when you’re out and about with a dying phone. Their owners promise they’re safe. The government disagrees, and so do I. Groan, I know.
Welcome to the newest phase of juice jacking. The phenomenon has been around for more than 10 years. Hackers use public phone-charging stations to upload malware to your devices. Then, they ransom your device or steal your passwords. Super-duper.
Update your iPhone and iPad ASAP! Apple found a serious security bug that could let hackers bypass protections if you load malicious web content. Affected devices include the iPhone XS and later, iPad Air 3rd gen and later, multiple iPad Pros, plus plenty of others. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
🚨 A billion devices at risk, thanks to one chip: A popular Chinese Wi-Fi + Bluetooth chip known as “ESP32” lets cybercriminals hijack smart gadgets and target computers on the same network. Most attacks need physical access, but with no fix yet, it’s a major risk. PSA: Put your IoT devices on a guest network.
⚠️ One of the biggest DDoS attacks: Yep, it’s happening right now. A massive botnet appeared overnight, with hackers hijacking thousands of video recorders. The impact? Multiple online services are getting flooded with so much traffic that they’re crashing. Folks, this is why you should keep your devices updated with the latest firmware and use strong passwords.
🚫 Kick moochers off your Netflix: Changing the password is one thing, but you can also log everyone out so they’ll have to sign in again. Just click your Profile icon (top right) > Account > Manage access and devices > Sign Out of All Devices. Want to be more selective? You can also remove specific devices!
Add a mouse to your iPad: All you need is a Bluetooth mouse. (This one rules.) On your iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your mouse under Other Devices, and tap to Pair. Once connected, a circular cursor should appear. FYI: You’ll need iPadOS 13.4 or later for this to work.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🚨 Word of the day: Info-stealer. Malware that sneaks in and grabs your personal data, especially credit and debit card details. Over 26 million devices were hit, with 2 million bank cards stolen and for sale on the Dark Web. Watch for small charges on your statements because that’s how hackers test if your card is still good.
⌛ Screen timer: Let the timer be the bad guy and set screen time limits for the kids. On Apple devices, go to Settings > Screen Time. For Amazon Fire tablets, go to the Amazon Kids parental controls. Time limits are under Set Daily Goals & Time Limits. Done and done.
2.7 billion records leaked: A Communist China company that sells smart hydroponics and grow lights proved what I’ve been saying for years. Security in Internet of Things (IoT) devices is a joke. You already know about the massive breach if you’re on my Current Alerts list. Read the full story for the best steps to protect your home network.
I did the work for you: Protecting yourself online doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve handpicked the five best tools to safeguard your devices, data and identity.
Hot and cold: Ever played that game? The Find My Fitbit app is just like that. Open the app and pick your lost Fitbit from the Seen Devices screen. Hold your phone in front of you and walk slowly. The app will show Cold, Warmer and Hot (three to five feet away) on the screen. Hit the I Found My Fitbit button when you spot it. Use an Apple Watch? Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then tap My Watch > All Watches > Find My Apple Watch.
There are over 1 billion malware programs: Antivirus software scans your system for viruses, ransomware and other threats and removes them before they cause damage. Protect five devices for only $19.
I did the work for you: Protecting yourself online doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve handpicked the five best tools to safeguard your devices, data and identity.